Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant Published by St. Martin's Press on October 26, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.
Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.
Testifying against a mob boss has put a woman’s life in danger and the only place she is safe is in the distant Montana mountains on a ranch with a former law-man. Donna Grant blends country charm with tension-wrought romantic suspense so well that I didn’t hesitate to grab up this latest set during the holidays.
Home For a Cowboy Christmas standalone and offers a bonus holiday novella, as well, both set in ranch country during the holiday season.
Emmy is sick with terror, but she trusts Dalton, the US Marshal who interrupted an assassin from killing her, to keep the mob off her trail long enough to find a place to hide her for the weeks until the trial. Dalton brings her to Dwight’s remote Montana ranch and for the first time in days she feels a measure of safety. Dwight is trained military and law enforcement, but left it behind to come home. He knows what he’s doing and he understands her PTSD like no one else can. His dog is intuitive about her need for comfort, too. Her days might be numbered, but Emmy is determined to enjoy this last holiday season with Dwight on his beautiful family ranch.
Dwight left behind all that life and death stuff, but one look at Emmy and he is prepared to go back in protector mode. No mob assassin will get past him and he wants a lifetime and not just a few weeks.
The suspense is palpable through the whole story and the reader can feel Emmy’s terror and struggles to hold it together. And, then there are the brief scenes with the mob boss and his associates that keep the danger ever present in the mind.
But, there is also a heartwarming glimpse at a wonderful working ranch in a gorgeous Montana mountain setting, a ruggedly handsome cowboy ex-lawman, a scene-stealing herding dog, and a tender, rapid romance to offset the suspense.
There is a superb climax scene and denouement to wrap up the story. It all read easily and quickly. I was well-satisfied with this holiday romantic suspense and hope that some of the others, especially Dalton, might eventually get their stories.
The extra novella was a snowed in city-girl country-boy situation that was a sexy and fun follow-up story worth the read, as well.
All in all, another great reading experience with a favorite cowboy romantic suspense author. The holidays were well-repped and the romance was more spicy than sweet. Those who want a cowboy romance paired with some suspense should definitely give this one or any of her other contemporaries a go.
About Donna Grant
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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I can’t wait to read this. Glad to see you enjoyed it.
Oh good. Glad it is already on your list. Good stuff, Nadene!
I’ve enjoyed some of her books. I’m sure I read another cowboy Christmas story which started a series of hers too.
Do you mean The Christmas Cowboy Hero? Loved that one. 🙂
Yes! I really enjoyed it.
I like Donna Grant’s books. 🙂
Me, too, and I haven’t read even a fraction of them. 🙂
I’m adding this one to my list. I really like the sound of it. Great review!
Woohoo! I think you really will like it.
I wish I had more time to read some of these great Christmas books I’m seeing reviewed. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, exactly! I see the posts for the HoHoHoRAT and realize I could never get to each one that grabs my interest.
Sounds like Emma found herself a great refuge with a sexy, protective cowboy on a Montana ranch! Montana is so beautiful! I like the sound of this one!
That she did. You would know. 🙂 I’ve been a few times, but never when it is green there. 😉
I have not read anything by Donna Grant, but I’ve heard she’s very good. I love cowboys, so I think I would enjoy this one. Lovely review Sophia!
Oh yes, you most certainly need to try her stuff then. This was a great one for that since it is a standalone, but I must give a shout out for both her hero cowboy romantic suspense series. 🙂
I love this series! Thanks for sharing your review Sophia!
Her cowboy romantic suspenses are fab. Thanks, Elizabeth!
What a great review you have of this one here Sophia! I just love how Donna Grant has written her contemporaries. You definitely have me excited to read this one. I just love the combination of elements of a cowboy suspense novel here and having it around Christmastime is only a bonus.
Oh yes, definitely snatch this one up when you get the chance, Renee. 🙂