Griff is all cowboy, recently back from military service. He has some issues that plague him while he tackles the hero's welcome he doesn't feel he deserves. Riley graduated from the school of hard knocks and dreams of a Christmas where she is finally included, not standing on the outside peering in enviously. I liked the chemistry between Riley and Griff, with the added distraction of the dog and Fawn, the simpering competitor for Griff. It's a great story set in the west, snow, and two lone,y people who just need to quit being afraid and take the leap of love.

I had not read the first book in the series (Cowboy Summer) so I quickly read it before I dove into Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas. Although Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas can be read as a stand alone, I was glad I read Cowboy Summer first so I would have a little background on the town's citizens.

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is the story of Griff, the rancher's son who has been overseas in the military fighting terrorists, and Riley, the beloved town's "fix it up" girl and regular employee at the town's only hardware store. Riley is staying at the Diamond Jack ranch while the rest of the family is out - Heck & Molly have taken a much needed vacation in the RV while Jess & Cade have gone on their honeymoon. Since the ranch is empty, it is the perfect time for Riley to stay at the ranch and begin the renovations necessary for everyone to create the "dude ranch" concept for the next phase of the ranch. Griff has reached the end of his commitment to the army and the army isn't sure he is "well enough" to enlist again so they have sent him home to get the help he needs and he can't enlist again until he is medically cleared. Griff comes home to the ranch unannounced not knowing his family is away - nor does he know that Riley has taken up residence there. The same Riley that has stolen his dreams the entire time he has been gone - her sweet memories have carried him through the tough times - and her frequent text messages also - when no one else back home seemed to even try to keep in touch with him.

Both Griff & Riley are broken people and are haunted by their own personal demons. Griff has the battle scars of war and the traumas he has seen while Riley's battle scars are her past addictions. Neither Griff nor Riley can seem to forgive themselves - Griff feels responsible for not saving more lives overseas and Riley feels everyone will always judge her by her past - even though it has been years and she has more than proven herself as a model citizen. Both feel they are undeserving of true love.

Can Griff & Riley help each other heal? Or will they continue to fight their inner demons without each other?

I really enjoyed this book - I felt a serious connection to all the characters and the chemistry between Griff & Riley was truly present. I liked this book more than the first book (although I liked it also). This was one of those books that made me a little sad when it was over because I knew my time with Griff & Riley had come to an end. Those are the best type of books to read.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

I had a tough time liking this one, mainly because of Griff, the H's behavior and the way he treated Riley. Riley wasn't easy either and I have to say there were a couple of lines in this book that I said to myself aloud, "no you did not just say (write) that" and there was a "oh hell no" in there as well.
It just wasn't for me.


arc from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review

Riley has no family of her own except the owner of the hardware store were she works. He feels she is the daughter he never had but still she feels like and outsider, like she doesn’t have the privilege to fit in. Griff has returned home from Afghanistan with PTSD he is working to heal. Riley sent him gossip form home while he was gone and he finds he’s fallen in love with her now that he is home and that love is healing him. Will Riley allow someone to really truly love her?
This is a beautiful Western Christmas tale set in a picturesque little western town. It is easy to fall in love with Riley and Griff but the secondary characters are well sketched and lovable too.
I would recommend this book to my patrons.

Griff returns home from the military and finds Riley in his parent’s home. Wrapped in a towel. A good story of issues to overcome and romance to heat up. Didn’t see the need for Fawn, as she was annoying. Overall a quick and easy read. Would recommend.