Awwwe - sweet HEA.
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Second chance romance stories are fun to read for the most part. Especially when so much is changed in the interim. It’s almost like they are strangers but better because they still had those warm feelings and love from when they were young.

The story was a little different because Cody admittedly had issues surrounding his family. That in turn shut Lexi out as well which led to heartbreak.

Written with deep feelings and emotional attachments to family and ill parents, it was a tough read in spots. Especially, if you have a parent who is aging or going through tough medical issues.

I could not hold Cody’s feelings against him. In fact, I think that endeared him to me even more. Eventually Lexi had to agree.

Learning to handle your emotions and dealing with the scary things we don’t want to have to deal with is what the story is about. Family is a huge connector here as well.

The author brings us a touching story that is emotional, so realistic, but yet very loving too. It’s a heartwarming Christmas story with a magical ending.

This is the first story by Lane I have read, but she captured my attention and I cannot wait for more from her!

Cody is a very successful real estate developer in New York now, but he ran away from everyone he loved in Texas when he was 18 because he couldn’t handle his mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Since then, he has built up walls around himself that no one has been able to break down until he returns home one Christmas...

Lexi has been working as the private nurse for the patriarch of a wealthy Texas family for several months. She has grown close to the entire family, even living on the property with her young son. She was initially hesitant to accept the position, as the patriarch’s elder son had been her high school boyfriend. The one who left her behind without a word. Since he lives in New York and seldom returns home, she decided that it wouldn’t be an issue.

When Cody returns to the family ranch for Christmas, he doesn’t even recognize Lexi at first. When he finally realizes who she is, he doesn’t understand why she isn’t happy to see if like every other woman he has ever met has been. Lexi makes it clear that she has no interest in Cody, and wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Can Lexi forgive the man who left her without a word, and as they start to become close, can Cody let the walls that he has surrounded himself fall?

What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: River Ranch
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I had a hard time staying interested in this book.

This book is part of a series. I was weary about reading it as a standalone but I did not get lost. This is a second chance love story. I actually liked it but at times I found myself skimming through some of the pages.

I couldn't stop myself from loving Lucas father Walter and Lexi son Harry.

Lexi is one strong woman, single mom and she has to take care of her mother.

I was able to retrieve this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I like Christmas stories, westerns, and romances, so Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas checked a lot of boxes for me! I enjoyed all the complex relationships in this book, especially those between Cody and Lexi, and Walter with the rest of the family. The happily-ever-after ending was satisfying, but it left me wanting to know more about this family of ranchers in Texas.

This is a good book. It kept me wondering if they was going to end up together in the end. It is so good. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Running away from feelings..so many of us do that. Cody has avoided home rather than face feelings that started with his mother getting sick and dying. He made a new life with big success. But now his dad is sick and he needs to man up. His high school love has never gotten over him. Now they have a second chance if Cody can work through fear and feelings. I liked the story.

Soraya Lane never disappoints. This book is a must buy for Christmas or whenever you want a romantic cowboy read. Could not put it down once I started. Lots of laughs, a few tears and the great storytelling from Soraya Lane, this book a great addition to the River Ranch series stories. Perfect for a cozy afternoon in with so hot chocolate and a cozy throw and get lost in this magic Christmas love story. Happy reading!

'It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all?'

It;s not often that i read a cowboy romance, but so pleased to have read this wonderful story by Soraya Lane. I've read a few of her books and have really enjoyed them. Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas was a book that was an easy read and one that i enjoyed curled up whilst all was quiet around the house. Loved the characters, but there were times when i felt like the two main character's needed their heads banging together to bring them to their senses. Each character had a part to play and little Harry i thought was so adorable. The book at times did pull at my heartstrings.

I am not going to write what the story is about, as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do highly recommend. I would like to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press who invited me to read this ARC, and this is my honest review which i have freely given.

Gifted read by Netgalley. This is my honest opinion. **Some spoilers*
Cody is not a male character I was fond of. He is a scared, immature character when it has to do with anything but business. The entire book he is either running away, talking about running or actually leaving. He is an emotionally stunted character! I'll be honest there was not one redeeming quality to him. He loved his family but he couldn't handle being with them. He loved Lexie but he built walls to keep people out. Lexie was very patient and forgiving IMO! I loved Harry and Walter and the majority of the other characters! However, as I said above Cody ruined this book! The last chapter and I mean THE last chapter he finally sees the light and changes his whole life!?! WTF?!! Really one talk with a shrink and boom you label yourself with ptsd and are ready for family and love? Really?! Way to little way to late in this book. Male character ruined this book!

Very cute read! This is the first book I have read by this author, so I have not read other books in the series. I found it a little difficult to believe the H would not recognize the h at all, but I was willing to overlook it for an otherwise sweet, low-angst story.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am going to go back and read more. Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I am for sure going to go back and read the first two books. This third book is about Cody and Lexi. They were high school sweethearts but their relationship did not end on a good note. Cody left without even saying good bye. Now he is back for Christmas and feelings he had long forgot start to surface. Lexi has no time for romance and she has not forgiven Cody for breaking her heart. She is divorced and has her son to worry about she does not have time for romance. Sometimes the things we do not have time for push their way back into our lives. I found this book to be a very emotional romantic read. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review

Sweet story. All the characters were very nice; no back-stabbing, no troublemakers or liars ruining things for everyone. Just a vulnerable man who needed someone to understand he needed help. It took 14 years but, eventually, he got there. I would love this family, too.

While I realize cancer is a huge part of today's life, thank you for not making the whole story about death and dying.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.

**I received a copy Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions expressed are mine and not solicited in any way.**

Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas by Soraya M. Lane is the second book in her River Ranch series. I've read the first two books and I have to say this one was a bit lukewarm for me but the ending made up for the slow middle. I really loved little Harry and how he snuck out in a snowstorm to make sure his pony wasn't cold.

Lexi Murphy is providing hospice care to the Ford family patriarch, Walter, who has terminal cancer when Cody comes home for Christmas. Lexi holds a grudge for his abrupt leaving 10 years ago so they both wonder if their feelings can be rekindled. Her son Harrison falls for the cowboy life on the ranch but she worries about her mother whose Alzheimer home is closing, how will she find a new one that she can afford? Can Cody and Lexi fall in love again despite their differences?

Cody Ford feels more comfortable in New York but this man be the last Christmas with his father so he decides to come home. When he sees Lexi who's his dad's live in nurse he knows that he's hurt her and wonders if they can rekindle their romance. Add in a father who wants to go for one last ride, a snowstorm and finally Cody admits that he loves Lexi more than New York.

This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. I thought it was a cute, emotional story although a little bit too cliched in the storyline at times and that made the reading very predictable. But overall not bad if you just want to curl up with a Hallmark special and get into the holiday spirit. Three chilli peppers of hotness.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

Cody lives in New York, rarely visits home, it started when his mother got sick and he left for college, he left his girlfriend then too, without goodbye. Now he is back home for Christmas, his father is sick. He meets his father caregiver, she is very beautiful and she hates him.
Lexi is caregiver to Cade's father, she and her son lives on ranch. She is not happy that Cade is back, she'll never forgot that he left her in high school without goodbye, and now he doesn't even recognize her.
With Christmas coming, old feelings wake up. Will they have a future together especially after Lexi learn he wants to destroy something very important to her.
Great storyline, I did enjoy this story a lot.

I just couldn't get into this book. I tried reading it 3 times and gave up. Its well written, it just wasn't for me. Don't let my review stop you from giving this book a try. Thank you St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a second chance book at its finest.....Soraya Lane writing is so compelling, you can feel the emotions her characters are feeling. This book is sweet and will pull at your heart strings.

A New York businessman, Cody, arrives at his family's ranch to visit his ailing father. Surprise, the live-in nurse is his ex-girlfriend, Lexi, the girl he left behind when he ran to college as his mother was dying. Yet now Lexi is trying to juggle a young son and an ill mother of her own. But despite their difficulties and the hurt, it is clear their relationship didn't end with their teenage romance. This was a sweet, romantic read, one that I thoroughly enjoyed...especially as I was reading it, I sit here waiting for Hurricane Dorian to hit Florida. What a perfect time for a Christmas novel!!

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There's nothing better than starting a new series by Josh Lanyon. This author has created some of my most loved stories. Mainly by Moonlight does not disappoint. The main characters, John and Cosmo, are complex, multi layered individuals who capture the readers attention.

There is mystery, intrigue, magic and love to be found in this story. You will be kept on your toes throughout this book. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment. I see trouble ahead for John and Cosmo!