An entertaining read. A cowboy romance: a change for me. Having said that, always interesting to read a book set elsewhere in the world that reflects the fact that friendships and romance are basically the same the world over. A good storyline.

This book has both cursing including a few f-bombs (and teenagers using more mild curse words) and some on-screen sex. If those things would cause you to leave a bad review, you should probably skip this story.

I really enjoyed the mix of romance, mystery, and drama in this story – they were all balanced really well and nothing was too far over the top. There was on-screen sex in this one, yes, but it was not a major focal point of the story or anything kinky for shock value, it was just another facet of Abby and Clayton's relationship.

Although Abby and Clayton were great together and I was 100% rooting for them from the start, my favorite thing about this book was the relationship between Abby and her brothers. I absolutely loved the way that the boys wanted to take care of her and watching them grow up.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet story about family and the holidays and/or a book featuring sexy, good guy, cowboy hero, a heroine who needs a little rescuing but who is also determined to do everything that she can to stay independent, and two kids who have been through a tough time but who are really sweet at heart.

I requested and was generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to write this review.

With over forty novels to her credit, Donna Grant has created a new series for her readers to enjoy. The first book in her Heart of Texas is “The Cowboy Christmas Hero.” Abby Harper was forced to grow up fast when her father died and her mother abandoned Abby and her two younger brothers. Abby worked hard and she thought she was doing a good job until she is notified that her brother was involved in stealing cattle from a local well-known ranch. Clayton East was summoned home by his mother due to an illness that had befallen his father and the theft of a prize bull and several heads of cattle and when he discovers Abby at the Police station to pick up her brother, he sees a woman with too much on her plate and decides to give her brother a second chance. The chemistry between Abby and Clayton is electric and together they work to get her brothers back on track and to find the missing cattle while trying to keep Abby out of harm’s way. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Full review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 10/11/17 at http://bit.ly/2x1SjB1

Clayton East is the ideal “perfect guy”. He’s a retired Navy SEAL, he’s got mad skills that aid in protecting those he loves; he’s intelligent; he’s gorgeous – Oh! And he’s a cowboy that fills out a pair of Wranglers very nicely. *le sigh* He’s been running from tragedy in childhood and refusing to deal with the loss. Instead, he joins the Navy and then takes on an assignment in Africa. When suspicious activity threatens the livelihood of his family ranch, he is called home to get to the bottom of things. He wasn’t bargaining for the beauty he encounters who has the exact skill set he requires. It isn’t difficult to figure out a way to keep her near, but convincing her to let her guard down will be another thing altogether.

Abby Harper thinks of herself last in all aspects. She’s been taking care of her brothers since their mother ran out on them and her life consists of working and providing for them. She doesn’t have time for anything social – and she doesn’t want it. Love isn’t a great thing. It isn’t unconditional; it doesn’t pay the bills; and it frequently breaks your heart, leaving years of wreckage in its wake. When her brother finds himself in hot water and at the mercy of Clayton East, she assumes the worst. But Clayton is all about second chances – especially if it involves keeping Abby around. As they untangle the web of deceit surrounding the ranch, she comes to care for Clayton a little more each day. But forever isn’t forever and taking a chance on love isn’t worth the risk.

Nothing like getting into the Christmas season early than with some really fun, entertaining reads! I very much enjoyed my time spent with Clayton and Abby. Books in which a character has to grow in order to realize that their only chance might be sitting right in front of them are right up my alley. Clayton accepts his feelings relatively soon, but Abby resists for a while. There is a slight amount of suspense within the book, but not surrounding their relationship. Everything happening around Christmas is a benefit because she and her brothers have never experienced one like this before. I can see where I would have been awe-struck in such a situation myself. It is very easy to like the characters within the book. The secondary characters add a lot to the story and draw you in even more with their own growth. This book is a great reminder of how tragedy shapes us and ultimately how it can lead us to where we are meant to be. I don’t want it to sound too heavy with the tragedy, because it isn’t like that – after all, we are looking for a Christmas-themed HEA. Probably my only complaint is that the word “atop” was used so many times that it became annoying. It is probably mostly personal preference, but I feel like “atop” is more of an older word and that I would read it in a Historical novel versus this contemporary novel.

Overall, this book will get you in the holiday spirit and have you rooting for the main characters in no time. There is some sexual content that is pretty explicit; no dirty explicit, erotic explicit. I’m sure this read will satisfy readers even if they aren’t looking specifically for a holiday read. Ms. Grant did a wonderful job of creating lovable, endearing characters that readers will enjoy getting to know. Get your warm, fuzzy, holiday groove started right with this sexy, sweet read.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.

'The Christmas Cowboy Hero' has it all - wonderful characters, incredible suspense, opportunities for redemption - all wrapped up in the Christmas season. From the very first page of the book I was captured with the story and as it unfolded I was not disappointed. The sense of love with which the East family enveloped the Harper family was truly touching. I skipped over all the graphic sex and was left with a lovely story.

Another great story by Donna. It just goes to show love comes at anytime and some things are not just to good to be true.

Like a hot sexy ex-Navy Seal that was a cowboy and now back to be a cowboy again wasn't enough- Donna Grant gives us an amazing young woman who has assumed care of her 2 younger brothers with whom she has formed an enviable bond. Clayton East is summoned home after hiding in South Africa after a tumultuous time serving his country. Problems on the ranch both with the finances, the livestock and his father's help require Clayton to take matters into his own hands. The problem that creates for Abby Harper is that he brother Brice is in the midst of the drama and also drags her and her youngest brother into the middle.

This story has a cast of great characters in both the East and Harper family. What seems like punishment and a way to pay back the East Ranch for Brice ends up being the catalyst for bringing together two families that were yearning for the other and giving them both a new sense of home and family.

I loved the suspense and drama surrounding the thievery at the East Ranch as well the danger and destruction to the Harper family. It's easy to see why Brice was coerced to keep his mouth shut.

Clayton and Abby were a great book couple and their falling in love was adorable and sweet yet hot and sexy.

They sympathy you feel for the Easts in having lost a young son makes it heartwarming when the entire gang gather around the dinner table. Yeap- you definitely are cheering for a happy ending in this one for sure!

Did not review. Clicked on title by accident from publisher's invitation.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is an awesome Christmas read. Ms Grant has delivered a well-written book. Donna Grant gets an A+ for her characters and dialog in this book. I love these characters! Abby and Clayton's story is like a Christmas stocking overflowing with drama, suspense, action, humor, sizzle and holiday spirit. All the goodies wrapped up in one book. This book hooked me at the first page and held me captive until the end. I totally loved The Christmas Cowboy Hero and can't wait for my next book by Donna Grant. The Christmas Cowboy Hero is book 1 of the Heart Of Texas Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

This was a cheesy, ridiculous delight. Exactly what I wanted after reading the title!

The Christmas Cowboy Hero is the first sweet romance in the Heart of Texas series written by author Donna Grant. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy. Love the characters.