This book was okay, I found it too repetitive which made it a little long. It was full of angst all the way through & I kept wondering when Gray was going to smarten up. I didn't like that there was nothing finished between Abby & her mother like there was between Gray & his 2 brothers. This was my first read by this author & even though I wasn't 100% thrilled with it, I will try another book.

Loved it! It was such a cute romance that had the occasional real life fight. I love a fake relationship that develops into a real one.

I loved this story! It was very well written & the author took it in a direction I was definitely not expecting. I was totally engaged throughout this book & could not put it down, until I finished it. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely be checking out her other books. This book was filled with tension, love & learning to discover the deeper meaning of a relationship. Please note it may be a trigger for some people, as it does include emotional abuse. I love how the author incorporated this in the story, but on the way they overcame their own personal issues to bond as a couple.

Back to back gems from Caitlin Crews! I recently finished Unleashed (out October 1st) and loved it a lot, and I love this one just as much.

[TW: emotional abuse, abusive parents]

So the story opened with our hero Gray's father dying. His father wasn't a nice person (in fact, he was the Absolute Worst), but his death still made Gray rethink a few things about his life as one sometimes does when faced with death, among them being the fact that he was raising his daughter alone. Surely a fifteen-year-old still needed a mother?

Cut to a scene akin to Lifetime movie (no joke, this book played out like a movie in my head and I LOVE it) where Gray came home from the funeral to find Abby, his next-door neighbour fussing about in his house, and suddenly a lightbulb went on in his head and he thought, "heyyyyyy".

I know right?

Men.

*rolls eyes*

Unbeknownst to Gray, his neighbour Abby had been crushing on him for years, though "crush" was a bit juvenile to describe her feelings about Gray. She still thought his marriage proposal was whacked, though.

<<But unlike every one of her fantasies and all of her favorite racy books, now that the proposal she'd always wanted was happening somewhere other than inside her head, Abby didn't want to fling herself into Gray's lean, hard arms, she...kind of wanted to kill him.>>

I love everything that rolled out after the proposal scene. Abby was torn between wanting to make her longtime fantasy a reality, and running far away from what would be a marriage of convenience to basically the only man she's ever loved, albeit from afar. There were multiple discussions with her friends and grandmother on whether fantasy was better than reality and whether it was truly better to have a little than nothing at all. I love her thought process on whether or not to accept Gray's proposal. It wasn't a small decision to make. She would be spending the rest of her life with him, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to get to know the real Gray.

What if he was better in her head?

Legit fears.

I also love that Gray decided to woo her. He was described as a stoic, no-nonsense guy, but he was pretty hard to resist when he made an effort, and he surely made an effort with Abby. He wanted a practical wife who understood the hard ranch life and who had roots to the land and town, yes, but he also decided that he wanted Abby, the woman.

There were also a lot of other issues Gray and Abby needed to deal with in the story. They both had hangups that they brought into the marriage, and it was fun* seeing them adjusting to each other and navigating married life.

*it was angsty af, friend, and I love it.

The development of Gray and Abby's relationship after they married is probably my favourite thing about this book. They fit together in bed and out of it. Gray could be a little my way or no way demanding but every time Abby stood her ground, I cheered. I love how Abby integrated herself seamlessly in Gray's family and life. Abby's relationship with Gray's daughter, Becca, was one of my favourite things in this book too. She was so good with Becca, who was also a bit messed up because of her mother's history, poor girl.

In hindsight, I just realized that this book wasn't as Christmas-y as the other Christmas books I've read but who cares? Need Ty's and Brady's books now! And also Rae's; I wonder if her story will be second chance romance with her ex-husband hmm.

Awesome love story! My heart is full.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I was just a few chapters into this book and I realized it was going to be a winner. I fell in love with Gray’s character and I was all in at that point.

Then as the author wove this beautiful story and we got to know Abby as well, I loved this book even more. What a perfect match up these two were for each other.

The further we get into the story the more you realize the intensity Abby feels for Gray and you also realize that Gray may not have the capacity of deep emotion. There’s humor and tenderness, but not the in-depth feelings you usually get as you build a life together.

At first my heart was breaking but then I began to realize hopefully will get a beautiful ending. And the author did not disappoint. That ending! It is definitely a tearjerker.

This book is so sweet and emotional, but it’s a beautiful read too. Perfect for the upcoming holidays and one that you simply must read. I absolutely love it.

This is my first book by Caitlin Crews, A True Cowboy Christmas. The setting for Everett and Abby’s story is the beautiful Colorado mountains in the fictional town of Cold River.I like the concept of the story, a cowboy looking for a wife with no strings attached and a mother to his teenage daughter, Becca. The opening scene finds Gray and his brothers burying his father in the family plot. Amos Everett, was an emotionally abusive and bitter old man. Amos successfully alienated his own sons from himself and them. What Amos taught them all was distrust and how not to love. Abby Douglas has been in love with Gray her entire life. Unfortunately, Abby grew up and still deals with a mother who is emotionally abusive because she is jealous of the life that Abby has carved out with her Grandmother, Martha. Abby does not believe that she is beautiful or worthy of affection and love from anyone.

I like how Gray notices Abby truly for the first time at his father’s wake and realizes she is the woman to be his new wife. Abby very reluctantly agrees to Gray’s unconventional reasoning for the proposal. Gray slowly begins having feelings for Abby but does not truly understand what he is experiencing. Abby slowly but surely shows Gray how to love. As time passes they settle into a routine that they both enjoy until the moment that Abby confesses her true feelings, she loves him. As Christmas approaches Gray lets it be known that he does not do Christmas. Gray has been comparing Abby to his late wife who cheated on him. On Christmas Eve Abby and Gray engage in a very big argument. The final chapter reminds me of the Charles Dickens classic. As in true Christmas miracle fashion all of Abby’s dreams come true.

I feel this story would have been better told with more direct dialog between characters and not so much from within their own heads. I feel that the characters could have been so much more in depth and Gray especially, a deeper character. Overall, I liked Gray and Abby but believe their to be so much more to their story. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review of 3 stars.

First I've read in the series, and supposedly this is the 4th, but I wasn't lost. This is the story of Gray, who in the beginning is at his father's funeral along with his two brothers and his teenage daughter. When neighbor Abby comes outside to ask him if he is hungry he suddenly realizes how pretty she is. Sadly, Abby has had a crush on Gray for years, but he has never noticed her until now. A week later he comes over to ask her to marry him, and she is thrown since they hardly know each other except in passing. A marriage of convenience, but also what both of them need. Enjoyed this story, although at times I felt a little frustrated by his stubbornness and her lack of self confidence. Still, one I highly recommend.

A new to me author, I grabbed it for the cover.
The beginning was like diving into the deep end and slowly swimming to the top as the story progressed. I questioned why and what for as the author slowly revealed facets of their lives.
I found the writing style probably not for me, overly descriptive and repetitive in many places. I enjoyed the story though, wanted to kick his butt and hoped she'd get her HEA.

I'm not sure who I felt more sorry for, Gray or Abby. They both pull at your heart for different reasons from baggage from their past. Abby has an unrequited crush on Gray, and it’s been going on for decades, literally. So much so, it’s interfered with her own love life, or lack there of. Gray has his own issues with is father and deceased wife. They get together for various reasons, but love isn’t one of them. The story takes a few twists and turns, and is in no shortage of drama, coming from all directions. With the help of family and friends, they muddle their way through to see each other in a new light. Some parts will make you laugh, other parts will make you cry. My review is in exchange for receiving an ARC.

I thought this book was great! I wasn't fond of Abby's friends but loved her so much. I hope there will be future books about Gray's brothers.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Book was too choppy and hero and heroine hardly ever together except to have sex. Was very disappointed.

A True Cowboy Christmas is not your typical romance. It is almost more about finding and loving yourself than romantic love for someone else

The story of Gray and Abby was so well done that I read it in one day. They are characters you feel for when they hurt and want to see them succeed and grow past their difficult upbringings.

Cold River Ranch and the nearby town are characters, too. The author did a wonderful job setting the scene and it is easy to imagine both locations and how isolating they might be at times.

I am looking forward to seeing which secondary characters will be featured in the next book.

A wonderful Western cowboy romance that deals with more than one family issue. While yes, it has a happy ending, it is not so over the top that it is total fairy tale. Recommend to romance readers who want at least one foot on the ground when reading to the happy ending.

A marriage of convenience is great for some people, but one of the couple is already in love with the other it could become trouble. It doesn't help that Gray is as Pig Headed as they come either. The family needs a Christmas miracle. The question is, is Abby up to the task?

I pretty much loved this book. A marriage of convenience story where one of the characters has loved the other from afar for years, Crews does a great job setting up the premise in a believable way and making you understand their reasons for entering into their arrangement. Both characters have some deep seated issues after their upbringings which makes it really hard for them to trust their new relationship. I adored Abby and my heart hurt for her,. I love a taciturn hero and Gray certainly fit the bill. I wanted to throttle him sometimes but he still made me swoon. There were some things I did not like as much, Gray's interactions with his brothers for one, but overall this book hit me in the feels and I loved it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There was so much to love about this story, from Abby’s light, whit, purity of nature, unfiltered innocent belief in the goodness others deserved, a propensity to tell the truth no matter the cost to herself, and her unabashed love for Gray, to the darkness of Gray’s struggles to rid himself and his family of the venom that was his father’s legacy. By the conclusion of the couple’s story, Abby’s light out shown Gray’s darkness.

The emotions this story generated swung like a pendulum resulting in heartfelt laughter, tears, heartbreak, happiness and anger. The author created a story that gives the reader the gift of taking something away from this story...which would be different for each individual.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Reading, and then keeping, holiday books is my favorite part of book hoarding. When I read this story, I was taken aback, at first, because it didn’t start out as a “typical” holiday read. However, as I continued, I loved how the author wove a story about the characters that will not only warm your heart but will make you care about all these characters – you’ll want to “help” them come together, and not just for the holidays.

I’m hoping that there will be more stories about the Everett brothers, however this book is about the oldest brother, Gray. Gray Everett is living in his own past – not opening his eyes to what can be an amazing future. Abby Douglas, someone who has lived next door to Gray (and his family) her entire life, doesn’t believe in herself. She does nothing to change that…until she does. There’s also a tiny matter of her having a life-long crush on Gray but you need to read about that for yourself!

No spoilers from me: Gray has always thought the best of Abby, and after a fashion, it is that “heart” that makes the story. Ms. Crews wrote so much depth in these characters that there was even one I wanted to shake until teeth rattled. Read the book – you’ll find broken heroes and heroines that will make your heart melt. You’ll meet a grandmother that is wise beyond her years. And a teenager that is really an old soul and maybe has a slightly battered heart herself.

Both Gray and Abby had much to overcome personally but when they finally decide to trust in each other, and themselves, to be a united front? Priceless! A True Cowboy Christmas is a wonderful holiday story that will be enjoyed any time of year. I received an early copy of this book through NetGalley and freely offer my opinions.

Abby was in love with Gray her next door neighbor since she was a teenager. She saw him marry and become a father.

It takes the death of Gray’s father and the return of his two younger brothers for him to want to try his hand at marriage again and give his daughter a mother. Also he wants to save the ranch from being sold to developers.

Gray decides Abby will fit his requirements. Abby doesn’t accept his marriage proposal at first but realizes this is what she always dreamed of being with Gray.

I loved how Abby stood by her man and how Gray realized her worth (her loving, kind hearted spirit) and he didn’t want to become like his mean spirited father not knowing love. The ending was amazing.

A Christmas story with a cowboy!, what a cute read for everyone to read at xmas time. I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable to curl up to read.
I love that there is an influx of Christmas stories for all of us to dive into.

3.5 STARS

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love holidays stories and this was my first this year. This author was new to me and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this. I have to admit, the first 10% of the book threw me because of the proposal, but this author took her time peeling the layers of the characters which really made this a thoughtful story.

Gray and Abby are neighbors who suddenly decide to get married. Abby has loved Gray her entire life so the decision to jump in feels right, however, Gray's idea of marriage has nothing to do with love and he sets the expectations early on. Abby has spent her life on the receiving end of insecurities which has set her expectations to accept less than she deserves. As she is living her dream, she discovers that she deserves to have more, including love and wonders if Gray can live up to her fantasy.

This was an enjoyable read, and the banter and dialogue was intelligent and considerate to the characters. The Christmas theme was a perfect way to ascent to a meaningful ending.