Jessica Clare’s The Wyoming Cowboy series is one of my favorite contemporary romances these days and her latest, Her Christmas Cowboy, is a warm, sweet holiday story that was a delight. Amy McKinney is the kindergarten teacher in Painted Barrel and is trying to live her life independently but is having a difficult time making it happen. Newly divorced, Amy is struggling financially to make ends meet and lives in a dump of an apartment and drives an old klunker. Caleb Watson fell in love with Amy at first sight and would do anything to get her to notice him, even if it means to volunteer to be Santa Claus. One problem. He gets seriously tongue-tied around women. With advice from his brother Jack, Caleb pushes himself to help Amy; drive her to work as he fixes her car, become a handyman and fix things in her apartment and secretly give her gifts to get her to notice him. When he finds out that there is another secret Santa admirer, he has to up his efforts and push himself out of his comfort zone.

I love it when the characters develop and overcome obstacles in their lives in order to find happiness and love with another individual. Caleb had his work cut out for him and you could see how hard he tried when the words would come out jumbled or not come out at all. But once he found his voice he said the sweetest things. And did the sweetest things. Amy didn’t want to go into another relationship so soon after being in a totally controlling situation again. She had a lot to learn herself, and hit some stumbling blocks, but she did persevere once she realized that Caleb was nothing like her ex. The characters grew over the course of the story and it was truly a wonderful ending to have it come full circle over the course of a year. Her Christmas Cowboy is a sweet, warm, comfortable romance that you will thoroughly enjoy for the holiday season.

Her Christmas Cowboy (Wyoming Cowboys #5). By Jessica Clare. 2020. Berkley. (ARC eBook).

Caleb Watson, a gruff but kind cowboy, has always been shy around women, but when he sees an opening to talk with his niece's elementary teacher Amy Mckinney, who he has a crush on, he awkwardly takes it. Which leads him to volunteering for the school’s Christmas Carnival. Now if Caleb can keep his mouth from tumbling out nonsensical words he might be able to find a way to spend time with her before the carnival. If only he got her number when she got his...

Amy’s not sure, but she thinks the painfully tongue-tied cowboy has just volunteered to be Santa Claus to her Mrs. Clause for the school’s Christmas Carnival. She’s not sure how well that will go, but she’ll cross that bridge when she gets to it. Right now she has issues to resolve with her crummy ex-husband and a flaky landlord, and a Secret Santa for figure out. 

Her Christmas Cowboy is a perfect holiday read for those looking for plenty of Christmas spirit. Caleb and Amy have good hearts and their story is sweet and funny with the right amount of heat. This is one of my favorites from Clare and I look forward to reading more from this series.

My love affair with cowboy romances seems to be holding strong in 2021. This book won’t change your life, but it was cute and engaging. I’ve already got the next one on hold.

I am a huge fan of Jessica Clare, and have read most of the books in this series. This one unfortunately was a bit of a slow start for me. I was disappointed with the portrayal of Caleb and thought he often crossed over from awkward to creepy. Honestly, many of his antics would have been a red flag for me. I was also a bit incredulous at the fact that Amy had THREE secret admirers at one point. That's a bit overboard. Regardless, I did end up finishing this book. Which is more a testament to Clare's engaging writing. I will definitely read the next book in the series, but unfortunately this one was a miss for me.

Christmas cheer and a sexy cowboy romance??! Yes please! I loved this story. JUst the right amount of love, happy and steam!

Caleb Watson has been crushing on elementary school teacher Amy Mckinney ever since he saw her. She's oblivious to his feelings--probably because he's never said a word to her. But when he learns Amy's going to be Mrs. Claus in the local Christmas celebration, he volunteers to be Santa so he'll finally have the chance to introduce himself. Even more than that, he'll use this opportunity to shower her with presents.

Amy's been receiving all kinds of Secret Santa gifts at work -- and she has no idea who her secret admirer is. She wishes he'd make himself known so they can go on a date, though, because being a newcomer in close-knit Painted Barrel, Wyoming, is pretty lonely. When her flaky landlord claims he's the gift giver...it's not quite the bachelor Amy had in mind. However, she's doubly shocked when gruff newcomer Caleb Watson crashes her date and insists he's really the one leaving her presents.

Amy's not sure what to think. Caleb's never indicated that he likes her, much less wants to date. Can he prove to Amy he's not just the perfect Santa to her Mrs. Claus, but the man of her dreams?

"I’m hoping to turn Jessica Clare’s Christmas cowboy romances into a yearly tradition!"

I just love Jessica Clare's cowboy books and cannot wait to read more of them! For my full review, please follow the link below to FreshFiction.com.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/12/18/her-christmas-cowboy-by-jessica-clare/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I have read this <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/271465-the-wyoming-cowboy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Wyoming Cowboy</strong></em></a> series all out of order. I read 1,3,2,4 and now the 5th installment, <strong>Her Christmas Cowboy</strong>.  There are some plot points related to the holiday but it isn't only a Christmas story.  I generally only read holiday stories after Thanksgiving but I did my series catch up in September so I read the last 3 in the series in the that month.

We got an introduction to the main characters, Caleb and Amy, in the previous book, <strong>The Cowboy Meets His Match. </strong>I'm really enjoying the small town,  the ranching, and the dogs in the setting for these stories.  It's nice catching up with some characters in previous books or those who are part of this community. Except Greg, I don't like him.

Caleb is such a sweetheart; I had to read his story.  Caleb was the first of the three brothers to decide he would be staying in Wyoming rather than return to Alaska, because Amy was here in Wyoming. He has an insta-love for her and he sticks to it, no matter what. I love how hard he works at the relationship even when he is clueless.  Also as Amy is clueless he even likes her.

Amy is really in a rough spot with no family support of any kind after her divorce and her ex being an asshole. Her financial situation is precarious and her rental reflects this issue.  Greg is a horrible landlord in so many ways. Amy is so brave to help Donner. Luckily, Caleb wants to help her in every way. It's tough for her because she wants to be independent after being in a marriage where she was controlled.   Caleb's actions speak louder than words about his care for Amy and she hears them.

A painfully shy cowboy.
A school teacher with a painful past.
A blind dog left in the rain.
At Christmas.

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER?!?! No. No, it does not.

When I saw the premise for Her Christmas Cowboy, I was sold. Christmas + awkwardly adorable cowboy + romance = a recipe for a completely heartwarming novel. And this book definitely lived up to that promise! There were a few moments that didn’t quite work for me but, overall, I loved seeing Caleb and Amy fall in love. Definitely a great holiday read!

This book was just what I needed. This is a sweet holiday romance with just the right balance of small town charm and steam. I really enjoyed this book and will probably go back and read the series, as this one is book 5.

It has felt like forever since I was waiting for Caleb's story. I love the fact that he is so painfully shy, it makes his character so endearing. Everything about Caleb I adored. I have to admit Amy was a hit and a miss for me at times. Amy was a bit too clueless and helpless for my liking. Though once she realized whom Caleb was too her I did like that she shed that part quickly and it was easier for me to like her. I do adore all the Watson boys and I can not wait for Jack's story.

There is something so charming about these Wyoming cowboys and Painted Barrel. This is considered part 5 of a series but can be read as a standalone. If you have read the series then we do get to see some appearances from others in the series.

Can't wait for more from this author and this series.

Loved this starting over, holiday-themed treat!

I didn’t know how much I was in the mood for a Christmas cowboy until I read Caleb and Amy’s story! I started reading and didn’t come up for air until it was all so wonderfully done…

Amy was starting over and, with little resources, was scrambling to make it work. Caleb was an unexpected guardian angel/cowboy and she wasn’t sure what to make of his (beyond) quiet demeanor. What she did know for sure was suddenly she was the recipient of secret Santa gifts that just kept on coming… Caleb’s inner monologue gave me just the insight I needed to reconcile his aloof exterior to the heart of gold that lay beneath. His approach was heartfelt and sincere yet so completely unsure he quickly burrowed his own corner in my heart…

Sweet, unexpected and oh so entertaining, Amy and Caleb’s story was love and compassion and all out holiday fun. Not sure why I never visited this series before but I know I will be catching up on all the Watson brothers I missed as I wait impatiently for Jack’s story!

I know we are all used to the awkward, shy heroine but how refreshing to see the hero be the awkward one!! I’ll say it over and over again, my favorite kind of hero is the one who has a hidden alpha that comes out only in the best of times!!  
⠀
I’m so loving this series!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

I laughed. I sighed. I swooned!
What a terrific read.
A cowboy who knows how to make his lady feel loved.
A woman looking to find her inner strength.
All at Christmas time.
Perfect!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro

The Wyoming Cowboys are back for another Christmas at Painted Barrel! This time around the lucky girl is elementary school teacher, Amy Mckinney, whom readers previously met in The Cowboy Meets His Match. Amy has been struggling with her newly divorced life and independent living for the first time in her life. Her relationship with her husband did not end well and she can barely manage as an elementary school teacher, but everything slowly starts to change when she befriends Becca and her young step-daughter Libby, whose uncles sometimes take turns picking her up from school.

Amy’s living situation isn’t the best either. Her house’s roof is caving in, her faucets don’t work, her heating is terrible and her car decided to leave her stranded in the middle of the road on a cold night. With no one else to help her she calls the only person she can think of, Caleb Watson, Libby’s uncle and her partner for the Christmas’ community celebration. Caleb has been crushing on Miss Amy since he first saw her while picking up Libby from school and he will gladly take any opportunity he has to see Amy and help her. But what Caleb thought as a one time favor turned out to be several handyman repair favors, which he is okay with since that means more time with Amy and a possible relationship with the help and advice of his younger brother Jack. 

With several things to repair, Caleb and Amy spend the days before Christmas getting to know each other better, among helping each other learn new skills and how to get through the holidays in good spirits. Meanwhile, Amy has to discover who her Secret Santa is after receiving flowers, a new coat, several other gifts and jewelry. Competition was not in Caleb’s plans.

This holiday story is the perfect Christmas romance! Caleb has never had a serious relationship or relationship ever before, especially not while living in the middle of nowhere in Alaska, which makes him trying to get over his shyness and embrace braveness as he tries to talk to Amy, really cute and romantic! It’s refreshing to read about a strong cowboy being shy and trying so hard to talk to the girl. It shows that man struggles with relationship skills too. And we also have to praise Caleb’s brothers for being supportive and helping him out with ideas to help his love life. The Watson brothers are something else.

Amy, on the other hand, is trying to be independent and find her way in life for what seems like for the first time in her life. She is also trying to be a good teacher and community member while trying to balance her personal life. We see her struggle with the thought of her ex-husband whenever he is mentioned and learn of his mental and emotional abuse towards her. In Painted Barrel she is finally learning what real friends and a romantic love interest are. Amy learns from Caleb new life and survival skills, while he learns to be less shy. They definitely complement each other’s lives. 

Readers also get mentions of previews characters and what they have been up to, most recently couple Becca and Hank Watson, and one that has become my favorite character in the series, uncle Ennis, the local veterinary, with his funny personality. I can’t wait for the next book in the series with brother Jack Watson. Will this be the final book? We shall see, meanwhile, I recommend you read The Wyoming Cowboys series with a cowboy for every occasion. 

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY is the fifth instalment in Jessica Clare’s contemporary, adult THE WYOMING COWBOY erotic, romance series focusing on the people who live and work in Painted Barrel, Wyoming. This is divorcee and primary school teacher Amy McKinney, and rancher Caleb Watson’s story line. HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines  is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier Caleb, and his brother Jack and Hank moved to Painted Barrel, Wyoming  from Alaska to help their Uncle Ennis during calving season. Inexperienced in the ways of city living, women and real life the brothers find themselves falling in love in Painted Barrel, Wyoming.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amy and Caleb) HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between divorcee and primary school teacher Amy McKinney, and rancher Caleb Watson. Caleb Watson has lusted after Painted Barrel’s new primary school teacher since they met nearly six month earlier but Caleb’s shyness, bordering on social anxiety disorder prevents our hero from approaching or talking to women including the woman that calls to his heart. When Amy struggles to find a Santa for the local Christmas pageant, Caleb volunteers in the hopes of getting closer to our story line heroine.   Amy McKinney moved to Painted Barrel several months after her divorce in an effort to start her life over and assert her independence but things went from bad to worse when  the ceiling in her bedroom collapsed and her car died on the side of the road. With no one to turn to Amy calls Caleb to help her get home. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Amy and Caleb, and the potential fall-out as Amy struggles to keep her independence in the face of everything falling apart.

The relationship between Caleb and Amy is one of immediate attraction but Caleb’s shyness affects his interaction with beautiful women including our story line heroine. In an effort to gain Amy’s attention, Caleb begins a slow seduction but Caleb is not the only man with designs on Amy McKinney. Amy is struggling to make ends meet but a Secret Santa seems to know exactly what our heroine needs but said Secret Santa may not be the man Amy was hoping. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Sage and Jason (A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe #3), Caleb’s brothers Hank  and his wife Becca (The Cowboy Meets His Match #4), and Jack, and their Uncle Ennis; Amy’s ex Blake, and her realtor Greg.

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY is a story of family, friendships, relationships and  independence ; struggles and success; moving forward and falling in love. The premise is captivating and delightful; the romance is tender yet spicy and seductive; the characters are dynamic and charismatic.



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HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY is the fifth book in Jessica Clare’s “Wyoming Cowboys” series. This story is told from alternating perspectives. Caleb Watson is a sweet cowboy who has trouble talking to women. It’s almost a crippling shyness, but part of the reason is because he spent most of his life living in a very isolated environment. He didn’t have any occasion to mix with many women – or many people in general. In HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY, Caleb is awed by elementary school teacher Amy Mckinney. Amy has been burned by her jerk of an ex-husband and is cautious about getting too committed too fast in another romantic relationship. Although nothing about Caleb’s feelings for Amy are casual, he ends up being exactly what Amy needs.

When Caleb sets his sights on Amy, she’s at a low point. Her jerk ex-husband is playing games and not sending her alimony, her jerk landlord is not making urgent repairs to the place she’s renting while also making a play for her, and her car is acting up. One bright spot is that Amy finds an abandoned dog who seems to be in dire circumstances also, and she takes him in and gains some furry companionship. For Caleb to have any chance with Amy, he must show her he’s better than what she’s been lately from the male population. Thankfully, Caleb is up for the challenge because he is a totally sweetie (though a silent one) and has a heart of gold. Amy winds up with three secret Santas, but only one brings her thoughtful gifts and things she can use. I’m glad that it doesn’t take the entire book for Amy to discover that Caleb is the one who is the secret Santa she wants. Although Caleb is unwavering in his affections, he tries to give Amy the space she asks for and respects her wishes. He’s the perfect mix of besotted strong cowboy and sensitive respectful swain. As always, Jessica Clare brings the heat, while tailoring the love scenes to the specific characters. Nothing feels rushed or predictable.

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY has a secret Santa cowboy with a huge heart and lots of love and strength to send this heroine. Caleb is one of my favorite heroes in this series. I love the kind of strong, sensitive, and sexy cowboy hero that Jessica Clare creates in these “Wyoming Cowboy” books. I can’t wait to read Jessica Clare’s next book – whether it’s cute cowboys, sexy billionaires, or paranormal hotties!

You may have noticed that I am not a big reader of cowboy romances. Usually, cowboys just do not do much for me. But when I read the synopsis of Jessica Clare’s recent release, Her Christmas Cowboy, I was intrigued. It features a very shy hero and a recently divorced woman who is trying to stand on her own two feet.

Caleb gets tongue-tied around women. He grew up in the Alaskan wilderness with his brothers and though they now live in a more populated area in Wyoming (though still small town), Caleb is still incredibly shy. But he has a huge crush on new teacher, Amy, and wants to make his intentions known… somehow. He volunteers to be Santa to her Mrs. Claus even though the thought of being Santa has him scared. But he’s going to find his courage.

When Amy starts receiving gifts from a secret admirer, she is at first pleased if mystified but soon she is disturbed by the gifts. When Caleb reveals he is one (yes ONE!) of her secret admirers, Amy is pleased. She didn’t think he even liked her. But as he finally opens up, talks a bit more, Amy finds Caleb to be a quality man.

Honestly, this is just a sweet love story. Amy is trying to learn how to do things on her own after her ex-husband controlled her life. She wants to be able to deal with the big hole in her bedroom ceiling but she knows it is a costly repair. And yeah, she cries when it happens but she bucks up and does her best to keep going forward. Caleb’s entrance into her life helps a lot because he ends up doing quite a few repairs as his way of trying to show her he is interested. Amy has to show Caleb that even though she appreciates what he is doing, she knows she has to find her own footing too. These two walk a fine line as Amy searches for independence.

The Christmas setting is WONDERFUL in this book. Oh my gosh if you like sweet love notes, please pick this book up. Caleb finds ways to show Amy his interest (that do not creep her out) in such a positive and affirming way. I just really enjoyed his presence. Amy and Caleb find their way together, learning to talk (well, mostly him) but also enjoying the silences that come with becoming comfortable and intimate with someone you admire and respect.

Her Christmas Cowboy is just a pleasing story. I haven’t read anything from Jessica Clare lately because she is mostly writing about cowboys but I am so glad I took a chance on this book. It’s going to be a great romance any time of the year.

Her Christmas Cowboy is available now!

4.5 Stars

Her Christmas Cowboy is the latest book in Jessica Clare’s Wyoming Cowboy series which is fast becoming a favorite series of mine. I’ve previously reviewed The Cowboy Meets his match and was excited to find Clare’s work to be both heartfelt and steamy. I may have mentioned this before, but I’m obsessed with Christmas. Like puts up her tree before Thanksgiving kind of obsessed with Christmas. So when I saw Clare had another Christmas story for her Wyoming series (heads up there are two other Christmas titles in this series) I of course jumped at the chance to review it.

This story is about Caleb Watson a rough cowboy who’s developed a crush on the town’s pretty teacher Amy McKinney. For Caleb, it was nearly love at first sight, but he has trouble speaking to Amy and on top of that she was a recent divorce which made him hold back a bit. I love how strong and silent Caleb was so gone for Amy that he was willing to get over some tough issues for himself to show her his feelings. Clare does an excellent job of showing enough to Caleb’s issues to make you feel for him, but not so much that it overwhelms the story.

Amy was a wonderful match for Caleb her grit and determination complement his. She’s decided to divorce her husband because he treats her like a possession. When her parents throw a fit and state they want nothing to do with her because of the divorce, she accepts it and moves on. She doesn’t let anyone pressure her into keeping up with a marriage that makes her miserable and I loved her for that.

These two end up spending time together first because they’ve volunteered to be Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Christmas Carnival. When Amy needs help around her rental she calls on Caleb for help, and of course, he comes to her aid. It was kind of funny to watch these two as he was too shy to admit his feelings and she thought his one-word answers were kind of odd. Little does she know that he’s been acting as her secret Santa as well as volunteering for the Carnival all as a means to get closer to her. When these two finally get through all the shyness and misunderstandings their romance is sweet, but whoo man do they also heat up the bedroom.

This book isn’t just a holiday romance, it’s a story of love and overcoming your fears to get the one thing in life you really want. I think any romance reader is going to have a huge soft spot for Caleb. After all, who doesn’t love a strong silent type that’s secretly pining for his woman? Not this girl! This book was like if Hallmark decided to get a little naughty and had an extra glass of wine with dinner. There’s plenty of steam to keep even this picky reader happy, but it’s not at the loss of a truly sweet and satisfying love story.

~ Lindsey

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY is the fifth book in THE WYOMING COWBOY series. I was immediately brought back to Painted Barrel, Wyoming with characters I’ve met before. This is a heartwarming romance that really brings out romance and the Christmas spirit.

This is Amy and Caleb’s story, and both are loners. Caleb is definitely the strong, silent type. He’s lived in Alaska off the grid most for of his life, only leaving when he and his brothers come to his uncle’s ranch to help out for a year. Amy is a kindergarten teacher and teaches Caleb’s niece. She’s divorced and moved to a small town to get away from the big city and her ex. But it hasn’t worked out as she’s planned. Then Caleb and Amy play Santa and Mrs. Claus at the school carnival, and things heat up.

The story is filled with family and friends, taking place during the winter holiday season. The interactions between Caleb and Amy showcase how damaged yet redeemable they both are, wanting and needing love from each other. The Christmas touches throughout the book bring a holiday spirit to the romance. An excerpt of THE BACHELOR COWBOY, the next book in the series, just whet my appetite for more.

Ms. Clare is an author whose contemporary romances I’ve enjoyed whether with cowboys or billionaires. I have more of her books on my always growing TBR pile.