Cover Image: The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever

The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever

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Brilliant steamy Christmas read. I spent a lovely evening with this, a blanket and a glass of g and t.
I love an unashamed bonk buster.
Excellent book.

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This is a cowboy romance, and it is the first book in the Garrett Family Saga series. This book is about Angelique and her daughter having a secret that made her leave where she grow up. On her Mother's death bed she told her who her Dad is, so she decided to go to meet him and hopefully stay with him. Of course she fells in love during this book with a very fast moving romance. I have to say the very fast romance did not bother me. My husband and me has a fast romance. We moved in together after dating for one month, and we are still together 17 years later. I like that this book had more then just the romance. It had drama, secrets, family learning to be a family, and of course a new romance. The characters where well developed, and I really enjoyed being with these characters. I really enjoyed this book, and the end of this book made me want to keep reading. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Sourcebooks Casablanca) or author (June Faver) 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.

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For me, the best way to begin a new series like the Garrett Family Saga is with a Christmas Romance just like The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever. It’s a perfect storm, in my opinion.

This is also a series that has a strong connection to the Dark Horse Cowboys series – and I’ve come to know many of the secondary characters mentioned in The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever quite well over the length of that series. So, in many ways, this was a return to a familiar world to me. Does a new reader have to have read the first series before the Garrett Family Saga? No. I, personally, think it would help but I don’t feel it’s absolutely necessary as this new series can and does stand on its own. That is a decision each reader must make for themselves.

Angelique, along with her toddler daughter, Gabriella is on the run for their lives from Gabi’s grandfather who also happens to be the head of a mafia family. Angel’s husband was killed in a fire at the restaurant she and her husband owned. On her deathbed, Angelique’s mother finally told her the name of her real, biological father — and it is that name that has Angelique and Gabriella running across the country in search of family, safety, and acceptance.

Nearing their destination Angelique’s car runs off the road and it is Sheriff Derrick Shelton who will not only come to their rescue but feels an instant attraction and sense of bonding for them both. It won’t be long now before Angelique comes face to face with her father… Big Jim and that is going to add to the drama, and the tensions she’s dealing with right now. The safe haven in that storm is Derrick, a strong man who isn’t afraid to admit to strong feelings very early in a relationship, and a man who can see both sides of the family drama going on between Angelique and the rest of the Garrett family right now.

If you have not read the Dark Horse Cowboys series, I can plainly see why you would have questions on the why and how of some characters’ actions. I really do see why. For me, I’ve come to know these secondary characters quite well so many are acting exactly as I would expect them to… suspicious and/or welcoming depending on the personality. I’m also very familiar with the Garrett family phone tree – so that was not a surprise at all.

I enjoyed Angelique’s and Derrick’s romance so much – and little Gabi is simply an adorable scene-stealer. The tensions from Angelique’s past are intense, the danger real – but the emotions growing between Derrick and his ladies are also very real and quite obvious.

This first story in the new series felt much like returning home again after being away for a while. I sincerely hope new readers will give the Garrett Family Saga series a chance, and perhaps be curious enough to go back to the earlier books. I had a blast, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book due out in January of 2021.

*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.*

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I can't imagine not knowing snow.

Awkward.

Gah, I hate when places turn up the heat so high.

Well that turned into a cryfest.

Good for you, Beau.

Who the hell is Benoit?

Often the most rational people are the craziest.

Get a life, Misty and Colt.

What's wrong with Colt being a good husband?

Aw, he's a good sheriff.

Gracie and Gabi are so cute together.

Butthole doesn't even flush?

Did he set the fire?

Moron.

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Not the best in the "running from the mob and falling for the cowboy" genre, but a good quick read. I recommend Night Thunder instead.

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This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This was a bit different than most romances as Angelique and Derrick fell for each other almost right away and the conflict was not between them but the fact that Angelique was Big Jim's daughter from before his marriage so all his kids were shocked. One son was kind of "ok" but nothing more or less, another was very accepting, and the last was sure that she was a scam artist and not accepting at all.

It was kind of hard to read about a previous couple and see that they were so mean spirited towards Angelique but then in the end, Colt came through for his half-sister.

Lots of action, drama, and a sweet romance along with the previous couples from the series as we learn more about Angelique and her past. I was kind of glad that the past part did not get drawn out too long and was pretty quickly resolved.

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I don't think I have ever read anything by this author before but after reading this book I know I want to read more.

I just adored this book. I loved the story and I was hooked on from the first page.

I recommend.

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This is a cowboy book that I am glad to have read. I love the Garrett family and Derrick as well. So many great characters in this story make me excited for the next book. It has Christmas, family drama, tension, some parts will thrill you, others will make you sad or angry. It is a wonderful book to start the holidays with. If you read this book, you will learn about a great father- daughter relationship, love for their grandchildren, the overprotection of a great family man and so on. I feel that you will not be disappointed or able to put it down. I hope you enjoy the book as well as the characters and great story. Happy reading!

-Rebeca

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while family drama is usually not my thing, (real life you know) I love a good cowboy story and revisiting family and finding their HEA and a Merry Christmas all wrapped into one!

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The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever by June Faver is an exciting cowboy romance. Angelique is on the run from her daughter's grandfather, the head of organized crime in New Orleans, Alphonese Benoit. She had discovered that her father's name was Jim Garrett and he lived in Texas. He mother had shared this information on her deathbed, and Angelique was using it to escape. She hoped she would face a decent welcome. Just out of the last town before the ranch, she ran off the road into a snow bank and was rescued by a good-looking man named Sheriff Derrick Shelton. He helped her get to Big Jim's ranch, where it took moments for her father to recognize his own eyes embedded in not only her face, but in the face of her daughter, Gabrielle. He welcomed her with open arms, as did one of his sons, Tyler, and his wife Leah. The oldest son, Colton, was far less certain and met her with disdain. It was a hard adjustment, but Angelique became used to Big Jim's affection and even more used to the attentions of the Sheriff.

This was an endearing love story, very modern despite the fact I question if someone cold indeed disappear these days. She probably wouldn't have been able to long term. Big Jim was as happy as could be. He remembered her mother with fondness and felt guilty that he had never known she was pregnant, and that Angelique's life was less than perfect. He was the perfect grandfather and this was a nearly perfect romance. It was all about family, small towns, and acceptance. It was a terrific read, perfect for Christmas. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thebestcowboychristmasever

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The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever is the first book in the Garrett Family Saga. Angelique and her daughter are on the run. She is looking for her family but, she finds that and so much more. Derrick is the town Sheriff and he drawn to Angelique and her daughter. Can he protect her from who she is running from? This is another amazing read by this talented author. I can't wait to read the next book.

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Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from Netgalley.
This book was a hard read for me. It felt forced. It felt like I was reading something that didn’t mesh well. I was disappointed after reading the summary that the delivery was not there. I hope to read more from this author with a bit better follow through.

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This was the first book that I have read by June Favor. I enjoy trying new authors and I do love a good cowboy story.

I really had trouble with the storyline. Angelique is on the run with her daughter heading to Texas. She decides to find her father that she has never met and hopes that he will be able to offer safety and maybe even love. Big Jim knew nothing of Angelique's birth but welcomes her and his granddaughter into his life. I love Big Jim but in the back of my mind I kept wondering why he never went after her mom if he was so in love with her. He just seems like the type who would move a herd of Texas Longhorns to get to someone he loved.

For sheriff Derick Shelton as soon as he lays his eyes on Angelique, he is in love with her. The more time he spend with her and her daughter Gabi, the more he knows they are his future. He tries to get to know Angelique on a deeper level, trying to learn about her past, but she always skirts the topic. When Derrick gets some news at the sheriff's office, he knows he has to force Angelique to open up about her past, also knowing he will do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves.

In the end, the story was good but there were just times when I just didn't get why something was happening or was mentioned for a specific reason but then never brought up again as if it never was a part of the story to begin with...almost an continuity issue in my mind.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

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The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever is part of the Garrett Family Saga Series by June Faver. All of Big Jim’s sons have found the perfect woman to love. However, none of them could foresee what was coming in this story especially Big Jim.

I have only read Colt’s and Misty’s book in this series. Thee were not favorite characters of mine. So I wasn’t sure what to expect with Angelique Guillory’s and the town sheriff Derrick Shelton’s story. Well,,, I loved it. From the beginning by the side of the snowy road I was hooked. Then when Angelique meets Big Jim I was unable to put it down. I knew here was more to the story, some reveals along the way. The danger and the suspense it’s all part of her story along with sweet little Gabrielle.

Then I figured how Derrick would fit into it all, sure enough I was right. Of course, Colt is his usual pessimist self. On the whole everyone else was wonderful.

Thanks to The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever I want to read more by June Faver. I am glad that I tried another Garrett book. I am hooked just not with Colt. I especially liked how early on Big Jim gave the inspiration for the title of this book. It certainly was the best cowboy Christmas ever for more than just Big Jim.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Even if I liked the characters the story didn't keep my attention and it fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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For me personally when it comes to loveromancce POV from H and h is enough, this one it has so much it is seriously disturbing to read. So instead of seeing one happy new couple we see a lot of same repetition from different characters, a lot of family drama and hint of romance. No this story was not for me. Sorry.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

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I love trying new authors. How else will you know you like someone without giving them a try? Some times you love them and other times, not as much. For me, this book is somewhere in between like and hate.

This is going to be one of those reviews where it seems like one second I liked the book and the next, I don't. The reason for that is because of it kind of sums up how I felt about the book. I liked most of the characters. Some are a little bit over the top but by the end of the book, I came to like them too.

I liked the idea of a woman finding her father a father who didn't know anything about her but it did bother me a big that he didn't do any testing just to make sure. He has money so the idea of someone acting like he was their long lost father wasn't that far fetched.

So I really liked Angelique and her daughter. They seemed real and I felt for what she was going through. Even though she didn't have the easiest upbringing she turned out to be a good, caring person.

I also really liked Derrick. He seemed like a great guy who would do anything for those who he cared about.

Like I mentioned the idea of the story didn't bother me. I liked it and how the story moves. I guess the biggest issue I had was with the writing. I often felt as I read the story that the words coming out of the character's mouths were forced. It was like the author was working way too hard to make them sound young. I almost felt like it was how the author thought they should talk.

It bothered me a ton but even with that, I wanted to know how the story ended. I'm sure we've all had a book or two like that. So I might not have loved it but I did at times enjoy this book. I do feel it was worth the try and I might try the next in the series to see how I like that. Even with the issues I had, I was able to quickly read the story so that's saying something.

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A pleasant western romance and a beautiful start to the Garrett Family saga. Angelique Guillory flees New Orleans after her mother’s death. She has just learned that Big Jim Garrett is her father and he lives in Texas. With the need to run, Texas is a good place to start. She is welcomed by Big Jim as he wasn’t aware that he had a daughter by his former college sweetheart. Sheriff Derrick Shelton met Angelique when her car slid off the road on the way to her father’s ranch. He is immediately attracted to her and her daughter Gabrielle. Will Angelique’s three half-brothers accept her in to the family? What will happen when Gabrielle’s grandfather from New Orleans continues to track them? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

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The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever is the first book in June Faver’s Garrett Family Saga and was seriously lacking compared with other books by this author. The story overall was disjointed, and the mundane accounts of daily activities was boring and overdone. I also found some characters unlikeable, and the relationships were far-fetched and unbelievable. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next in this series.

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When you read a story so quickly, it can be a good thing or a negative thing. In the case of The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever, it is the first – a good thing.

The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever by June Faver is the first in the Garrett Family Saga series. We meet two new family members: Angelique Guillory and her daughter. Angelique is the daughter of Big Jim and his first college love. She is running from her daughter’s grandfather – a man who haunts Angelique. The two arrive just before Christmas and are saved by Derrick Shelton.

Derrick Shelton is the sheriff of Langston and rescues Angelique and her daughter after spinning out on an icy road. He concocts a plan to see her again at the Garrett ranch and then finds out she is Big Jim’s daughter. He is drawn to Angelique and her daughter and senses they are running from something. He wants to be the something worth staying around for.

Will Derrick and Angelique decide that love, life, and laughter are worth fighting outside forces for? Is Angelique strong enough to trust her heart and her daughter to a man they just met?

**SPOILER will follow**


Even though we see Angelique interact with her brothers, I really didn’t appreciate how hateful Colt and Misty were toward her and her daughter. I know people aren’t perfect, but why emphasize how rude two people whose love story we have already read are capable of being. That is the only negative reaction I had to an otherwise touching story of love, loss, and hope.

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