I love the Christmas and Cowboys! So I really loved this book! It had everything I love in one book! Authors shoild write more of these.

This is a cowboy christmas romance, and it is the 2nd book in the blue sky cowboys series. I really enjoyed reading this book, but some of the characters I did not love. It was a fun read, and there was a lot of drama happening in the book that keep you wanting to read the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca) or author (Joanne Kennedy) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

This is a cowboy christmas romance, and it is the 2nd book in the blue sky cowboys series. I really enjoyed reading this book, but some of the characters I did not love. It was a fun read, and there was a lot of drama happening in the book that keep you wanting to read the book.

I usually really enjoy Joanne Kennedy and her stories. Unfortunately, this story didn’t bring me as much joy as her previous stories.

I enjoyed reading about Griff and understood why he was like he was. His character, though, was a bit confusing. Unfortunately, Riley was a bit overbearing for me. I understood her past, but I just couldn’t get on board with her constant back and forth with Griff. I also had some problems with the timelines and dialogue between them. I did enjoy the premise of the story but felt the characters lacked that little something that grabbed me and held me.

Ms. Kennedy’s character building, like usual, was wonderful. Like I said, I understood both Griff and Riley but I couldn’t feel the chemistry. She also surrounded them with characters that were interesting and kept me wanting more of them in the story. In fact, I would really like to see where she would take Matt. If you are a fan of Christmas romances and good-will, this story will definitely be a good addition to your bookshelf.

This was a sweet, slow burn romance. Perfect for those readers who love a romance with a back story. I loved the development of Griff and Riley as characters and the development of their relationship. Both of these characters are flawed but loveable. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I loved how this was a slow burn and how both Griff and Riley have self doubts about themselves and their futures along with where they have been and what they have been through to get to where they are. You get plenty of highs and lows as well as heartbreak, doubt but also hope, laughs, attraction and the hope of a happy ever after for two people who deserve it. The story and characters are written in such a way that you are drawn in and hooked from the get go and feel that you are right along there with them which I just loved!

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is the second story in the Blue Sky Cowboys series and brings us Griff and Riley’s story which is an emotional journey for both the characters and the reader. I have purchased the first story, Cowboy Summer, but I have not read it yet. I wish I had made the time to do that before diving into Griff and Riley’s story. I had forgotten that I purchased it intending to read it before this review was due. But time gets away from me, and even now it seems like there just isn’t enough of it to get everything done. I’d say you “could” read this one as a stand-alone, but you’ll understand more background, more nuances if you start at the beginning.

Griff intended to re-signup to the military but instead got sent home to do some healing and dealing with the trauma of combat, in particular, a severe case of PTSD that he just cannot seem to get a handle on and that fact is only making his recovery harder and longer. Griff wants it done with today, but the reality is his PTSD may never fully go away… and that’s not something he knows how to live with.

Riley has her own demons in her past. She’s overcome them, no longer addicted, completely turned around and clean. Yet. She doesn’t see herself as worthy. Oh, she puts on a pretty good false face but at her core, she feels the townsfolk look down on her for past deeds, and that she doesn’t deserve the good things in life including a good man at her side.

She and Griff spent time together before he left on assignment. Since he’s been deployed they text occasionally and are comfortable, for the most part, with each other. Griff may want more, Riley seems intent on pushing him away. They’ve come to a crossroads of sorts but now is the time to reach for the dream for them both or they will have lost everything that was once possible.

I enjoyed Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas. If there were moments when I wanted to shake both Riley and Griff or at the very least sit them down for a kind, stern talking to… well, they deserved that for the way they acted toward each other. It was plain to see that they worked together, they counter-balanced each other’s pasts and future so well if only they could see that. With some chuckle out loud moments, some awkward moments, and some steam-filled moments as well, this couple captured my heart as I waited for them to catch up and see just how right they were for each other.

Oh. P.S. Please put a blurb on this book, a real story blurb. You are asking readers to buy the book even more sight unseen than usual without any kind of story related cover description to show them the interesting and emotional story within the pages.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

4.5stars
Griff comes to his family ranch to hide from painful memories. What he doesn't expect is to find the only person who made his darkest day in the military bright- Riley who is all grow up. Griffen is broken and doesn't know how to cope with the darkness that is in him and scares Riley. Riley doesn't have an easy life and when Ed -who she considered as her dad -receives a visit from his sister her life becomes even more difficult. How will Griff overcome his anger and will Riley see that she too deserves love? The answers you will find when you will pick this book and read it. You will not regret it. It is a very pleasant enjoyable read with great likable characters. A story about accepting yourself, family, and love.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is a thoughtful and reverent story of the homecoming of a local boy who has seen horrible things while fighting for our country in the Middle East. Griff Bailey, son of the Diamond Jack ranch, has returned home to Wynott, Wyoming from two tours of duty in the Middle East. At the end of his last tour unimaginable things happened and he is haunted by them. His hometown sees him as a hero. He sees himself as a fraud.

Riley James is a young woman that never felt she belonged anywhere until she made the acquaintance of Ed and Ruth Boone. She had a miserable home life and a myriad of stepfathers and ‘uncles’ before becoming a ward of the system. Led to a seedy life and drugs, it was through her own efforts that she was able to overcome her background and addiction before she met the Boone’s. Ruth was in the final stages of MS when Riley came to her aid, and then she adopted them as her own. Now, Riley is a certified contractor as well as a major help to Ed in his hardware store and a trusted friend, although Ed sees her as the daughter he never had. When his witchy sisters and disappointing great nephew come to spend the holidays with Ed it displaces Riley, but that’s okay since she can stay at the Diamond Jack while the residents are away and she is doing a major remodel. Although Ed sees Riley as his natural heir, the sisters are intent on giving the grand nephew Trevor the rights to the property.

As the story evolves it is discovered that Riley and Griff had a connection right before he left for the military and Riley was consistent in her messages during his deployment. And when Griff arrives home and finds the only one that was there to greet him is Riley, things evolve.

This is a heartwarming story of finding connection and making the most of an opportunity that comes your way. In a lovely small town setting and with flawed but lovable characters, this novel is a holiday hit. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

This is the second book in the Blue Sky Cowboy series. I think a reader would be fine to read this as a stand alone though. Very enjoyable story. Griff and Riley are endearing characters and I was really rooting for them. Great Christmas read!

Action packed, sexy, fun and heartwarming holiday adventure filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. A highly entertaining and emotionally thrilling journey.

I am a big fan of Joanne Kennedy and her books so I was so glad when I was able to read this new story. Great read for a weekend or on vacation, getting ready for the holiday season.

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Joanne Kennedy was very enjoyable. It is the second book in the Blue Sky Cowboy series. I enjoy this author’s writing style and love reading her stories. This was a well written book with enjoyable characters in Griff and Riley. Riley is a troubled girl trying to overcome her past. Griff is a military vet who comes home to find himself after his bad experiences while in the military. These two have known each other and so Griff’s return rekindles their feelings for each other again. They both had to overcome their issues but do come together in the end. I loved this story and look forward to reading more from this amazing author.
I received my advanced copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

Cowboys and Christmas sound like a great combination. This is my first book from Joanne Kennedy and even though this was the second book in the Blue Sky series I didn’t feel like I needed to have read the first book to understand this book. Unfortunately there were many issues I had with the book, the characters were flat and with all the back and forth Riley had gave me whiplash. I did a lot of skimming as it felt like the same argument over and over again with no real growth and the ending felt rushed with no real excitement. Some readers may enjoy the book but this one was just not for me.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoy this author! I was happy to be given the second book to this series! It was an emotional ride for not only me but the main characters Griff & Riley as they both had things to over come! Riley is our heroine who is trying to be a better person and make up for her past. She has a hard time believing she deserves better. Griff is our sexy hero who was in the military but comes home to the ranch to find Riley there & his family out! Griff has held onto memories from Riley through hard time. These two go through quite a bit to find themselves and falling in love! They had amazing chemistry together! They def needed their HEA!! I really loved reading this story & all the characters in between!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While enjoyed the overall story and the budding romance between Griff and Riley, there were so many times that I just wanted to smack them as they both needed a wake up call.

When Griff kept going along with Fawn, he just seemed so wishy washy, and not able to stand up to her and tell her "NO!." But Riley was pretty much the same when Ed's sisters came to town and took all their abuse. I really was glad that Ed finally grew a back bone and stood up for Riley.

I really did like that both Griff and Riley had their own issues to overcome and they were able to figure out how to get past their issues and lead a fulfilling life - with each other! Not sure that I would have been so forgiving as Riley to the sisters as they were just "mean girl" nasty to her.

Great wrap up and nice HEA!

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is the second book in the Blue Sky Cowboys series. It is a heartwarming story with endearing characters. Griff and Riley are two damaged people who are pulled together by circumstances. In each other they find love and a home. This is a wonderful holiday romance.

Griff and Riley have each been suffering on their own, but yet together and sometimes each just has to take that leap of faith to bring them to their final HEA -

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Joanne Kennedy is a cowboy Christmas tale with lots of twists and turns and subplots. Griff Bailey has returned home to Wynott after 4 years overseas and months in a VA hospital. It is his plan to continue his recovery and enlist. He arrives at his father's ranch to see the front of the house in complete ruins. When he enters, he discovers his father and stepmother are traveling in their RV and local legend, Riley James as remodeling for them while they were gone: the porch and adding some bathrooms, a lot of bathrooms. She is surprised when he enters the house. Neither she nor the family had any idea he was coming and she had been staying there. Doesn't take too much to see where this is going, but it takes a long while to get there. There are lots of bouts with self-doubt, low self esteem, and plain old lack of communication. It is a fun journey.

Riley had grown up in horrible circumstances and had been a drug addict but had been clean for years, mostly due to Ruth and Ed who had taken her in as a teen. She had worked for them and lived with them, and nursed Ruth when her MS had become too much. She was their daughter. That is until Ed's two sisters and useless great nephew had arrived. They all but booted Riley out. The sad thing was, she thought she deserved it. Riley is a great character. She is the epitome of what we all want homeless children to become: fearless, loyal, and loving. Griff is still in the throes of PTSD but is making inroads. The worst thing is, people seem to think they know what he needs. Riley is the only one who lets him be. This is a powerful book containing all kinds of lessons to be learned. It is romantic, but not syrupy, full of recovery of all kinds, but not preachy. It is well worth the read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

While I love Cowboys and Christmas this book just didn't do it for me. The characters were flat and there didn't really seem to be any chemistry between Riley and Griff.