I’ve been a fan of Carolyn Brown for a few years now. If I want a solid contemporary western romance, I know I can count on Ms. Brown to deliver one. And while I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas has been my favorite read of hers to this point.

This book follows Kasey, a widow with three young children, and Nash, a former Captain in the military. They’ve both come to Happy, Texas to heal and pretty much get thrown together. Add in the holiday season and the sparks between them and there’s really no hope but for a happily ever after.

Having grown up as a military brat, I have a soft spot for romance books with a hero that is or was in service to our country. In Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas, both Nash and Kasey have a connection to the military and that’s really the basis of the story. They both have issues they have to overcome due to that service and it’s also what brings the two of them together. I think Ms. Brown dealt with the issues of loss and PTSD very well and she totally had me turning the pages as I had to know how the HEA was going to happen.

Ms. Brown toyed with my emotions during Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas as I loved every moment of it. The book was already a solid romance, but adding in the magic of the Christmas season and a couple of adorable kids and I was totally sucked into the story. And now I’m rather curious about Kasey’s brother, Jace’s story, which is told in the third book in the trilogy, Luckiest Cowboy of All, as he stood out among the secondary characters.

Sweet, family-filled cowboy romance…

Military, family, cowboys, romance. This author seems to find the best of all those things when she creates her tantalizing stories. Nash and Kasey, and their families, fill every nook and cranny of this holiday read with warmth, sweetness and the up and down battle that is life. Nash came home with a big secret and it gnaws at him, even as he finds himself falling in love. Kasey is a widow but finds her heart is ready for more....

Adorable kids and interfering family made this story special as the emotional zings kept on coming. A fill your heart full of love and hope, feel good story...

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

This one was very sweet. Nash is back on his family's ranch trying to come to terms with the loss of his army friends and Kasey is living on the ranch next door with her three little kids and a whole bunch of family members.

I loved how close Kasey's family was and how they were all coming in and out throughout the book, although I will say it got very confusing. I couldn't keep track of who was her mom, who was Adam's (her late husband) mom, which brother was which, etc. That said, those three kids were freaking adorable. I literally could have had the entire book just have been them talking to each other about 'sheeps' because they were so cute.

This read had a lot of heart and I definitely felt the connection between Nash and Kasey, even if I was skeptical about him keeping something pretty big from her. There were a ton of super sweet moments, but I feel like there was almost too much going on with all of the different family members and it took away a little bit of my enjoyment of the story. All in all, a festive, but heartfelt holiday read.

What a lovely way to return to Happy, Texas, what a lovely novel to read right before Christmas, and what a sweet, sexy, heartwarming way to do so. Although I wasn't in love with the first novel in this series, I was willing to give this series another chance, and I'm so glad that I did. This second novel in the Happy, Texas series gets 4 stars from this reader/reviewer.

This novel features Kasey Dawson McKay, wife of Army soldier Adam McKay, who was killed during what turned out to be his last deployment, leaving her a widow, left to raise their 3 adorable children, and who has yet to move on with her life. She's been living at the family ranch, Hope Springs, but merely getting through each day--Adam was her first and only love, and she's still grieving his death.

Army Captain Nash Lamont has also shown up in Happy, Texas, and is trying to get his head on straight. He's on leave from the military after being badly concussed during the same op that killed his team member, Adam McKay. In addition to his memory being faulty, he has PTSD and survivor guilt, and he's attempting to raise sheep on one of ranches owned by his family, the Texas Star, which borders Hope Springs. He meets Kasey during one of his flashbacks when he mistakes her oldest son, Rustin, for a child in Afghanistan who wandered into a minefield, and Nash tackles him during a wind, rain and sandstorm to protect him, and eventually realizes his mistake. He's heard all about Adam's love for his wife and children during their military service together, and wishes he had a similar love waiting for him back home. He certainly never expected to meet Kasey or to find her living on the ranch next door.

When he falls from a broken ladder, trying to rescue a cat up in a tree, he's badly concussed again, and now thinks that Kasey is his wife, and that her three children are his. He won't be allowed to drive or be alone until he has his memory back, and since the dog in question belonged to Kasey's children, she volunteers to stay at his ranch with her children, until Nash has recovered, a move no one in her family approves of, but which she'll do regardless of their opinions, at least until after Christmas.

As the two are thrown together by circumstance, proximity leads to a sweet, heartwarming relationship as the widow and the wounded warrior end up helping to heal each other. But Nash is keeping his secrets, and he fears that when Kasey finds out what those secrets are, it will put an end to the relationship he's hoping to build with her and her adorable, charming and funny children.

Since I don't do spoilers, let me just say that while I usually don't read sweet family romances, preferring darker, more serious and steamier reads, Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas, surprised and charmed the heck out of me. It did contain a small amount of heat, more religion that I preferred, and a large measure of charm, and I'm happy to recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Carolyn Brown does it again with a Heartwarming, Sexy read! Nash was in the military and moved to Happy, Texas. He now lives next door to Kasey who lives with her brothers and her children. Her husband was in the same platoon as Nash. Kasey has to take care of Nash when he falls of a ladder and gets a concussion, because of his PTSD, they need to make sure that any hallucinations are cause by the concussion and not the PTSD. Kasey moves into Nashes'  house with her kids until he is released from the doctor. This is where things really start to heat up between Kasey and Nash. He also comes to care greatly for Kasey's kids. They all get ready for Christmas by putting up the tree and lights. I loved this book and the series. Carolyn Brown is truly a gifted author. I give
Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas) 5/5 stars. I recommend this book to everyone!!

Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas) by Carolyn Brown
This is Nash Lamont and Kasey Dawson’s story.

I enjoyed Nash and Kasey’s story. Nash and Kasey are both dealing with loss and heartache. Kasey’s children would a great addition to the story. This was a really sweet and heartwarming romance with great chemistry. It was fun watching Nash and Kasey heal and take a chance on love.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

It’s little sister Kasey’s turn to find love and healing in Happy, Texas. And Santa might just be listening to a little boy’s Christmas wish for a daddy when his puppy finds its way onto Nash Lamont’s Texas Star Ranch. I can’t get enough of this author’s home cooked cowboy romances.
Review

Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas is book two in the series, but it can be read as a standalone though the characters introduced in book one are all still around and part of this book.

Kasey Dawson is a widow with three children. It’s been two years since her husband died on a mission in Afghanistan and at the beginning of the story, she’s convinced that she’s only around to raise her kids and help out on the family ranch. But then Nash enters the picture and makes her come to life again. She’s got guilt, anger, fear, hope, and some smoldering attraction all balled up inside her.

Now Nash, he truly has some guilt weighing him down with survivor’s guilt and envying another man his wife because he was part of Adam’s team and his commanding officer when Kasey’s husband got killed. Between dark moments and figuring out how to come clean with Kasey, he just wants to really enjoy this Christmas season on his new ranch with Kasey, her kids, and her whole boisterous family.

The author can typically be counted on for a lot of laughs in her stories. And there were some, to be sure. But really, this one with its tougher subject matter and one character having recently lost a spouse, was more heartwarming and thoughtful, family and life struggles, the hope and magic of Christmas. It was a nice change up and I felt it was a great Christmas read.

Now, I’m looking forward to the last single Dawson of Happy, Texas to get his story. Who will tame Jace? Because that handsome playful cowboy is ready to settle down. Fans of contemporary western romance would be a great fit for this book.

I love Carolyn Brown books !! I have heard fantastic things about Long Tall Cowboy Christmas ! and I can see why ! loved it !!!

If you’re looking for a sweet, a bit spicy, heart-warming, touching Christmas story this season then Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas is sure to fill your holiday wish.

Nash is a former military man with a boatload of guilt to deal with from his time at war. When a mission goes sideways leaving his military career far behind, Nash heads for the most solitary place he can find to hide and maybe heal, one day. That spot is the small town of Happy, Texas and one ranch that holds his new future.

Kasey is a military widow with three small, boisterous, adorable children. They are pretty much her life now as she isn’t willing to move on to the possibility of another love for her out there. She had her chance, now she’s a mom, got a ranch to run and a lifetime of memories to see her through.

Neither Kasey or Nash ever thought they’d find a special someone. Yet with a kitten rescue, a bit of an accident, the winsome ways of determined children and maybe some intervention from beyond or the North Pole – they may just have found what they each needed. Now comes the question of if Kasey will still feel the same way about Nash when she learns about his past. And can Nash make a ready made family his own completely.

I adored Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas so much. A story that realistically deals with the effects of PTSD, death of a loved one, and moving forward as we eventually need to do. Nash and Kasey were two people who fit, and the kids’ love of Nash simply made everything about them complete. Sure, there are issues to be dealt with, and real love rarely is smooth as silk – but they face the past, deal with the issues and love each other through it all. I liked this couple and their story is everything I love about Christmas Romance.

I would recommend Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas to any reader who enjoys a good love story, real life issues to deal with, and the love that only kids seem to be able to shower a person with, maybe because that love is purely straight from the heart.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher 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.*

This is Book #2 in the Happy, Texas series.  I love going back to Happy, Texas.  I love reading series where you can read about new characters and get visits from old ones.

Kasey is a strong woman.  She lost her husband when he was killed overseas.  Now she has 3 kids to raise alone.  Nash is a retired from the military after a tragic event overseas.  Now he has to learn to live again.  I love how Kasey and Nash each needed to overcome an event that changed their lives.

I hope there is another book about one of Nash's brothers.  I love this series.  A small town with people who help others.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

4.5 Stars from Renee!
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was kept interested. The story has laughs, small town people, and sweet romance.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
Toughest Cowboy in Texas (Happy, Texas #1)

This is Kasey and Nash’s story. Nash is used to being on his own. When he lets Kasey and her three children temporarily move in he is not sure what he is doing or even in for. Before he knows what is happening they are crawling in his heart. But he knows from experience happiness does not last. Can he really believe in this? After losing her husband Kasey thought she would never get over him. But Nash is making her believe they can have something but will he want her and her children after all they are a package deal. With a little help from the town and surrounding people they both might get a chance at a happily ever after.

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.

Nash Lamont has come to Happy Texas to open up his family ranch which has been vacant for years after his uncle took off. Dealing with PTSD and other memories from his time as an officer in the Army he is still having nightmares and guilt over a mission that on paper succeeded, but at the cost of men with families while he had none. Guilt for him is another one of his problems. After being there a while he was expecting to meet Kasey Dawson who is living on the ranch closet to his and with her three children is dealing with her own loss of her husband of two years. After meeting Kasey after one of his flashbacks he begins to realize that she is the wife of one of his solders that was killed that day. He had known her husband before they got married and as much as he wants to distance himself he can’t. After he injures himself with a blow to the head he believes that they are married and that the three children are there’s. Going to the doctor he asks her if she could stay at his place for three weeks even after his memory comes back and she agrees. This leads up to Christmas day which she would need to move back to her families’ ranch. The story is good about two people trying to find their way. Add in three children who never knew their father, her mother who does not like him. She did not like the women who her brother married at first from the first book either. The grandmother does and that is what matters, and most importantly they begin to act on helping each other on healing. He is different than her husband and he was able to give her closer and he was hoping he could stop the nightmares. A very good book with many different characters and the children really add to the story.

This is the second book in this series by this author. You are always guaranteed a fantastic story with this author. This book has a sexy cowboy who meets a feisty women, the chemistry between them is electric. This is a sweet christmas romance to warm your heart this winter. This story is well paced, the perfect transition from friendship to romance to lovers. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended christmas read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

LONG, TALL COWBOY CHRISTMAS touches your heart immediately. We have such vivid images of men returning from war – the age of social media and instant news has its advantages and issues to be sure. So we are well versed in PTSD which along with so many severe physical injuries has left returning vets with a myriad of recovery problems. PTSD isn’t a visible problem which makes it a match in a tinderbox. For many this is something they can’t seem to conquer – but for some fortunate ones they find a bright spot to focus on. At least that’s how Carolyn Brown describes it in LONG, TALL COWBOY CHRISTMAS and at the holiday season – no matter what your tradition – we can all hope for those miracles.

Captain Nash Lamont has returned and seems to be drifting from one family location to another. Definitely searching for – should we as Carolyn Brown says a bright spot. He winds up at the Texas Star ranch in Happy Texas and the locals seem to feel that this newcomer is a hermit just like his Uncle Henry. For sure Nash is doing his very best to stay away from people but he can’t seem to draw that line with his neighbors at the Hope Springs ranch. In particular – at the moment – their dog Hero.

It’s pretty obvious from the start that Kasey McKay a relative newcomer to the Hope Springs ranch and Nash have an immediate connection of sorts. It could be their interest in ranching born out of generations before them. Or their past experience with military life and its demands and unfortunate consequences. Or perhaps nothing more sinister than plain old attraction. Two adults with neither having anyone special in their lives. Kasey’s husband Adam was a casualty of the Iraq war and Nash is one of the walking wounded.

Left with three young children to raise on her own you might say Kasey’s life is pretty full but somehow her conscience and heart can’t turn her back on a military man in need especially Nash. There is an undercurrent of need and loneliness that calls out to her. Kasey does not consider Nash a pity case – no their relationship is developing into friendship – mutually satisfying to each.

But that friendship needs little nudging to become much more. Time will tell and time is what both Kasey and Nash need to get to their new normal. If it involves having the two of them together – so be it.

Life takes unexpected turns, no matter how hard we try those twists are unavoidable – best we can do is adapt. Changing and adapting is acceptable. Starting over is desirable and that’s what Carolyn Brown hopes for in LONG, TALL COWBOY CHRISTMAS. A new beginning for two very deserving people. In LONG, TALL COWBOY CHRISTMAS Carolyn Brown in her inimitable fashion carefully weaves a tale about daring to hope for more. Any time of the year is a good time to cozy up with a Carolyn Brown story. Her tales about Happy Texas always reward the reader with good feelings. Her characters always remain in your heart even after the story is over. Carolyn Brown’s characters speak to you through their dialog which exposes so much about each of them. Dialog is Brown’s favorite vehicle to get her story told. Works for me every time.

I thoroughly enjoyed Carolyn Brown's Toughest Cowboy In Texas when I got to review it back in June, so when the chance came up to review the second in her Happy, Texas series, I jumped at it.

Long, Tall, Cowboy Christmas might just be the fluffiest thing I've ever read. Featuring a former Special Ops soldier with PTSD and a Gold Star widow with three adorable plot moppets, it's full of sweetness, Christmas cheer and happily ever afters all around.

There was even an incident of temporary amnesia when Nash fell off a ladder and got a concussion, waking up convinced that he was already married to Kasey and they had three kids. In the hands of any other writer, this would have seemed like an absolutely unbelievable plot twist, but honestly Carolyn Brown has a way of carrying you along with the story and far from rolling my eyes at the cheesiness of the trope, I found myself giggling along with everyone else when Kasey found herself with no choice but to play along.

If you're looking for a charming, lighthearted Christmas read full of cowboys, cowgirls, adorable plot moppets and happily ever afters, this is absolutely the book for you. I found it utterly delightful. Five stars.

Captain Nash Lamont has just moved to Happy, Texas to try to recover from PTSD after serving in the military. Kasey McKay helps run her family’s ranch in Happy. She’s a widow who moved back there with her three children after her husband died on a mission for the military. While she still struggles over the loss of her husband, the sudden jolt of attraction she feels for Nash is very unexpected.
This was a pretty good book. Everything that Nash and Kasey are going through definitely messes with your emotions. For anyone that has already the first book in this series, we’ve already met Kasey and the rest of the family, whom are very active in this book. My biggest problem with this book was actually Kasey’s mother. I’ve never lived in a small town and have never cared about what others think, so her aversion to Kasey’s actions really irritated me. Then again, she did in the first book. Absolutely loved Kasey’s kids. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend.

Combine a war widow with 3 rambunctious kids, a cowboy with PTSD and secrets, and a small town with everyone in your business and you have Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas!

Kasey and Nash are two people who are just going through the motions of life. Kasey lost her husband to the war and Nash is suffering from PTSD. However, these two are pushed together (because Nash falls out of a tree!) and forced to realize there is more to life than what they have been living with. Kasey's kids are adorable and seeing their interactions with Nash are heartwarming. Plus, you throw in 3 puppies?! Too cute for words!

The chemistry is a bit of a slow burn. There is that instant interest, but these two have a crap ton of baggage to deal with before they can begin to move forward as a couple. It felt authentic and I appreciated that. Kasey and Nash's relationship is complex and realistic. If you enjoy believable romance with sweetness and heart, Long, Tall, Cowboy Christmas is perfect!

The Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas is everything a Christmas story should be made of. Love, friendship, miracles, and lots of laughter and healing. Nash is struggling with PTSD and trying to find his way back to himself. Kasey, no stranger to the consequences of military life is still dealing with the loss of her husband. Now a single mom, raising her kids on a ranch. Nash falls into her life and together these two, and some rowdy kids may be able to save each other whether they mean to or not.

Carolyn delivered a perfect holiday read and one that was easy to enjoy in the heat of summer. I laughed, I swooned, my heart ached for these characters and in the end I was smiling like crazy. Overall a great read and one that I may just need to reread this holiday season.