Rating: Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn't mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He's got plenty else to worry about this holiday season, what with keeping his cattle ranch in the family and out of the hands of hungry real-estate investors looking to make a down-and-dirty deal. That, plus being a parent to his young and motherless daughter, equals a man who will not rest until he achieves his mission. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbor. . .who happens to have grown into a lovely, spirited woman.
For Abby Douglas, the chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer's daughter has tried to deny it, Abby's been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land--and work together toward a common cause—Abby can't refuse. But how can she convince Gray that sometimes life offers a man a second chance for a reason. . .and that their growing trust and mutual passion may be leading to true and lasting love?
Genre: Romance - Contemporary
Why I Picked This Book: I haven't read a Cowboy romance in awhile so a Christmas one by a new to me author was to much to pass up!
My Impression: I love a marriage of convenience plot but it's not a trope that translates well to contemporary romance. I was surprised with just how well it worked out here. Gray's reasons for wanting to marry Abby made a lot of sense and as with all the best marriages of convenience watching the friendship blossom into more was lovely.
Grey is very much the gruff cowboy which made him a little hard to warm up to at times. He's a bit angry and a little loss after the death of his father. Marrying Abby seems like the most logical decision until it's a lot more complicated than that. Abby is insecure and her self esteem has taken a lifetime worth of hits from her mother's cruel comments. Together, once they got through the gruffness and the worrying, they were really cute and brought out the best in each other. They're both nice people who need someone who understands them and it was nice to see them get it.
This wasn't flawless. I did feel like the pacing was a bit slow - it could have had a bit of the build up cut out. As well, while I really liked both Abby and Grey I don't feel like I had the biggest emotional connection with either. This was a nice romance with likable characters. Even though this wasn't my favorite read of the year I do feel like the series has lots of potential and I'm curious to see where it goes.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would. I'm curious to see where the series goes next.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cowboy romances this is a good series to try.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Sorry this one was a bit slow. I am glad you were still able to enjoy it, Katherine.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy a cowboy romance and plus Christmas, plus wounded characters. Does have good things going for it.
ReplyDeleteI too love the marriage of convenience trope and would probably enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteMarriage for convenience doesn't always translate well to modern times, I agree. I am glad this one worked however.
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