THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY HERO is a wonderful new adventure! An amazing new series by Donna Grant, it departs a bit from her usual writings but is every bit as good! I read this last week and it still with me. It’s such a beautiful, heartwarming story.

The characters are just fantastic. You can feel the chemistry between all the characters, not only with Abby and Clayton but ALL of them. I love how they’re all so connected.

If you are looking for a fantastically written, feel good to your core, romantic Christmas story…. look no further. It will not disappoint.

In life good intentions sometimes go wrong. Second chances are a blessing. Bad things can lead to some good things. Some people come into your life for a reason. Just a few lessons learned. This was well written and had a lot going on. There is also a mystery or two to figure out.

A holiday mood inspiring story that will capture your heart and send it soaring as this unsuspecting couple finds romance over the Christmas holidays.

Clayton and Abby are well written characters that definitely tug at heartstrings as both are tormented by a past that drives their present lives. This story brings family together and builds a future that looks bright and full for characters that wasn’t so sure what the future would bring which has the relationship being a bit turbulent throughout but interspaced with lots of good feeling romance as the couple overcome the obstacles in their path to happiness.

This well paced story mostly focuses on romance and family, it also has a bit of suspense as bad guys threaten to take away the happiness before it really gets going. Part of the suspense is what actually brings this couple together, so it adds that bit of “good things can begin from something dark” and the mystery of finding out who their enemies really are adds thrills balancing out the romance and emotional aspect of the story making it a well-rounded story that I just had to finish before I could put it down.

Overall you have a wonderful happily ever after holiday romance that has a touch of suspense. Donna Grant always gives reader fantastic stories that I just love to read. They make you feel good and her characters always come to life and make it easy for readers get caught up in their story and as always, when it comes to this author I can’t wait for the next Heart of Texas novel.

3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this light and very sweet story. The hero was a former Navy Seal who had separated from the Navy but didn't return to his family ranch like his parents expected. He's still haunted by his brother's death and his time in the military and feels the things he's seen and done have changed him to much to be the son his parent's expect. When his father has a stroke and their cattle and bull are stolen along with the funds from the ranch's accounts he returns home to make sure his family doesn't lose their ranch. The police caught one young teen from the group who stole the cattle but he refuses to tell the police or Clayton who else was involved. Clayton decides to give the young teen, Brice, a second chance by having him work at the ranch. He hopes to earn his trust so that he will tell them who was involved and also realizes that Brice is a good kid with a tough home life who made a bad decision. Clayton also meets Abby, Brice's older sister and legal guardian. She has been raising her two brothers since she was 18 and her mom ran off. She works hard but is struggling to pay the bills, work, finish her degree and raise her two brothers.

Clayton is fiercely attracted to Abby and he begins to try to help the entire family. Abby makes him feel good again and suddenly he isn't sure he wants to fix the ranch's problems and leave. Abby makes him realize he just might be home for good. Abby is stubborn and smart and she doesn't trust easily but she sees how much good Clayton is doing for her brother and she can't help but like having someone to lean on and help her with her brothers. Clayton's parents practically adopt the Abby and her brothers and she loves feeling a part of a family.

The romance happens a bit fast - especially on Clayton's side and it's very sweet (think Hallmark Christmas movie). However, there is also a nice plot along side the romance. In the backdrop of the romance Clayton is busy trying to find out who stole the cattle, find the accountant that embezzled his money and keep Abby and her brother's safe. Although Christmas is in the title and the book is set around the Christmas time frame it isn't a heavy part of the story. This is primarily a story about family. Abby and her brothers and Clayton and his parents and how the two begin to intertwine.

If you're looking for a sweet, low angst and family focused feel good story then I recommend The Christmas Cowboy Hero.

I really liked this read. Clayton is a former Navy SEAL who comes who to help when his father becomes sick. He learns about the farms financial issues and that someone has stolen a large number of cattle. Abby is trying to make it through college and take care of her younger brothers. She is heartbroken when she learns her brother Brice has stolen cattle. Clayton gives Brice the opportunity to work for him instead of pressing charges so he can get closer to Abby. Will it work? Plenty of drama and suspense. I loved watching Clayton and Abby’s relationship grow. A very entertaining read.

Driven by guilt, grief, and a different dream, Clayton East left his family ranch to join the Navy as soon as he was old enough. Years later, only his mother's desperate call brings the former Navy SEAL home to a father in medical distress and a ranch on the verge of bankruptcy thanks to cattle rustlers and an embezzling accountant. Clayton is ready to have the book thrown at the only rustler who was caught but meeting the boy's sister and guardian, Abby Harper, then the sixteen-year-old himself has him taking a different path, accepting Brice's offer to work off his debt at the ranch after school and weekends. His hope is to convince Brice to tell him the identities of the rustlers while at the same time giving him the chance to atone for his part in the thefts. The more time Clayton spends with the Harper family, the more entwined he becomes with all of them. Especially Abby.

Abby would do anything for her brothers, including putting her dreams on hold since their mother abandoned them when she was only eighteen. Since then, Abby has devoted herself to them, doing her best to keep them clothed, fed, loved, and on the right path. When Brice's actions bring them to the East's ranch, Abby is grateful for her brother's second chance but has no idea of the impact it will have on her entire family. She is not prepared for the kindness shown them by Clayton and his parents, the heartfelt welcome into their family Christmas celebrations, nor for the spark between Clayton and herself that threatens to ignite into an inferno. As she and Clayton grow closer, the possibility of a forever love and a loving family for all of them looms on the horizon, but only if they can uncover the identities of the cattle rustlers and catch them before someone gets hurt...or worse.

Donna Grant brings readers a feel-good story about family, love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. I fell in love with these characters and wholeheartedly embraced their journey. The story is well-paced, with plenty of action, a bit of suspense, heartwarming romance, a strong family dynamic, and a well-deserved happy ending. The mystery of the cattle rustlers is solved but there's a significant loose thread pertaining to the embezzlement of the ranch's funds which makes me wonder if this book will be part of a series. If it is, I'll happily return for any future stories.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero is the first in a new contemporary series by Donna Grant and it is full of family, healing and romance. Clayton East is called home to Texas when he finds his father is ill and the ranch has financial difficulties. A teenager was caught rustling his cattle and decides to give him a chance to work off his debt at the ranch. Abby Harper is relieved that her brother isn’t charged and hopes that this chance can do more for him than just stay out of trouble. No one would realize how this one incident would be life changing for a great deal of people.
Abby has been raising her brothers since she was 18 and barely makes ends meet. Abandoned by their mother shortly after their father’s death, it has been her and her teenage brothers struggling to survive. Now Brice is in trouble and fortunate that the East won’t make it worse. Going to the ranch gives her opportunities to not only see if her brother is ok, but to see Clayton and figure out why she’s attracted to him. Going to be at the ranch a lot also lets her and her brothers get a look at what a real couple acts when they see Clayton’s parents interact and want that for her one day. Some parents are loving and stay.

Clayton is ex-Navy Seal and saw too much war and tragedy to come home to the ranch. Even the ranch holds bad memories for him since the death of his older brother and feels differently about the place. Now he’s back and he’s determined to find the cattle that were stolen, and the accountant that embezzled the ranch money. The one person who knows something isn’t talking. He knows not to push Brice for the information and wants him to come to that decision on his own. What he wasn’t counting on was his attraction to his big sister. Clayton’s attraction to Abby helps him in so many ways to ease the pain the ranch brings and the perils of what he’s seen in war. What was growing between them was genuine and something special in order for both of them to confide in one another.

Clayton and Abby are two characters that put their family first and I find that very admirable. Abby has been both mother and sister for her brothers and wants them on the right track in life. Abby didn’t see the big picture of how well she has done with raising her brothers until it took another pair of eyes to show her that her love for them is coming through loud and clear and she should be proud. Who knew that Brice’s brush with the law would intertwine these two families together and give everyone a new spark in life? The Easts got their son back and the Harpers brought back fond memories of what family life was like in their home.

Overall the story was a nice blend of suspense, danger, and family, mixed within this contemporary romance. I love her style, her character development, the emotion she evokes and the happy ending that reminds me why I love romance stories so much. It is always a total pleasure to read a story by Donna Grant.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is one of those that makes you think in terms that they are real. In the back of my mind the pessimist kept saying, 'It's too good to be true Abby! Don't believe it." but then I kept reminding myself, "It's a romance of course it's too good to be true because it isn't true, it's fiction. Shut up and let them have their HEA!" So it is a little unbelievable but it's such a good story and Abby and her brothers deserve that HEA.

Clayton East left home as soon as he could, he joined the NAVY and went on to become a SEAL, now he's working in Africa protecting animals against poachers. That is until he gets a call from telling him his father has had a mild stroke and the ranch is in trouble. So the prodigal son returns.

Abby Harper has been taking care of her two younger brother since she was eighteen and their mother walked out on them signing guardianship over to Abby. Their father had died some years before that and so Abby devoted her life to making sure the boys get by. She has taken some courses but it's taking longer than normal to get her CPA certification in the meantime she's working as a grunt in someone else's firm. It hasn't been easy and it's about to get worse when Abby gets a call from the sheriff says her brother Brice has been arrested for cattle rustling. Clay is taken with Abby, she's beautiful and willing to do whatever it takes to take care of her brothers even if it means paying off the amount the cattle was worth. Clay is also sympathetic to the Harper family and suggest an alternative that her brother works of his debt by working on his ranch.

Clay pretty much falls in love with Abby at first sight and as much as he never wanted to stay at the ranch he missed it and Abby and her brothers fit in perfectly, even his parents love them. Abby is trying not to get her hopes up but Clay makes it impossible to say no to. It's not all going to be easy because the man behind the cattle rustling is willing to do anything to get rid of the powerful East Ranch empire.

Overall, This is one of my favorite Christmas Romance book this year so far. Donna Grant is a fantastic author and she really knows how to pull you in. This is the first of a new series so I will definitely catch the next one, especially if it features the sexy Deputy Danny.

This first book in a series is also my first from the author. I admit the Christmas and Cowboy in the title drew my interest.

So this story is pretty cute and sweet, with a little cheese. It had the holiday spirit but not too much on that. It also includes a story of second chances, the ranch life and the problems it faces. Here it was on stolen cattle and money issues. I love horses so reading them here was a treat too. The mystery of the missing cattle kept the story going along with the love story.

Abby resilient and pretty self less when it comes to family. She and her brothers had it tough. It's a the reason they get involved with the Easts. Clayton ex SEAL, wounded hero from war came home with his own issues. But the Harper clan helped him in ways he didn't think especially Abby.

Abby has her reservations on the budding feelings with Clayton cause of her past. They both need to deal with their own demons. Getting to know each other slowly and surely with the steamy and sweet times. The setting and getting to know each life waa perfect backdrop for it. The mystery heats up along with the suspense.

I enjoyed this different set up and even if there was little Christmas mentioned it still worked. Abby and Clayton fit well and the brothers in ranch life. It still had the hopeful and feel of the season. I look forward to the next books in the series.

There is something so solid about Clayton that you can’t help but admire the man he’s become, and is turning into, in spite of his own personal demons. He’s a man who will put family first, knows the value of a second chance and has a deep abiding love for his family and their ranch. He wasn’t the son who was supposed to take over the ranch. No that was his brother’s role, but at his death everything changed. Now the family ranch is in deep trouble. A thieving accountant, stolen cattle and his father’s illness has brought Clayton home to take control and straighten this mystery out.

Abby’s life changed in a heartbeat. Her father’s death devastated both her and her brothers. When her mother decided that she couldn’t handle life and slipped away in the middle of the night abandoning her family it was Abby who stepped in as sister and mother figure. It was Abby who found a way to survive paycheck to paycheck and give her brothers the best she possibly could. When one brother gets himself in serious trouble life is about to change for Abby once again. One rancher who believes in second chances, and might just be the man she can turn to for life has changed everything. Now comes the biggest risk of all – trusting her heart and her family to Clayton’s capable hands.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero is the type of story that will always touch my heart. Wounded, not perfect people are realistic people, the kind that I can identify with and accept when their flaws and issues come into play. Both Abby and Clayton are wounded souls, but neither is going down without a fight. I liked them individually and together as a couple. This story brings a strong sense of family, and a new blended family as well. Life isn’t easy, and this story doesn’t pretend that it is – but it does show that with patience, love, and trust a whole lot can be accomplished.

I enjoyed this story, and it’s a series that I plan to follow. I’d definitely recommend this one for any Romance reader who enjoys strong family ties, second chances and very human, flawed, and realistic characters.

*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 a heartwarming story of love overcoming tragedy, emotional healing and true family values, together with a suspense filled mystery with danger and drama - a great read!

Ex-Navy SEAL, Clayton East has recently returned home after receiving a call for help from his Mum. The ranch is in financial difficulties because someone they trusted has stolen from all their investments and accounts. Now he's endeavouring to ensure his family doesn't lose everything. Cattle rustlers stealing his prize bull and hundreds of pregnant heifers is definitely not what he was expecting but nor was being so attracted to the guardian of the only rustler caught!

When she was eighteen years old, Abby Harper took responsibility for raising her two younger brothers after their mother abandoned them. She's done her best to raise them well and is devastated when one is caught stealing cattle. She's a feisty, self reliant and headstrong young lady but this is just too much. She's so relieved when her brother is given the chance to work off his crime on East ranch, the one he was stealing from, by Clayton. However she didn't expect to be so attracted to the wealthy, hard-working hero and his family - maybe life will take a turn for the better, if only they can abandon their abandonment issues and trust love to find a way!

What a lovely festive romance this proved to be! The main characters all face their own turmoil and dilemmas which influence their interactions. It is great to see how the ranch and working their has such a positive impact on the attitudes and behaviour of the two brothers and that Abby is also key in solving who is behind the rustling and in recovering the stolen fortune. This is an action packed festive romance with strong families coming together to become an even stronger unit. Love will find a way whatever the season!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

This is the first boo I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. Clayton returns home after he leaves the Seals to run the ranch. However, once he is at home he discovers that someone has rustled cattle from the ranch. This brings him to Abby and sparks start to fly.

Clayton East is a former Navy SEAL with PTSD. He didn’t go home after his service because he was concerned how the man he had become would affect his family. When he is called home due to his father’s illness, he goes out of his sense of duty to his family but has reservations. When he gets home, he discovers the farm that has been in his family for hundreds of years is facing severe financial issues. Their prize bull and a 100 head of cattle have been stolen and their CPA has embezzled most of their funds, leaving bills unpaid and past due.

Abby Harper is dedicated to raising her two brothers. When she turned 18, her mother left guardianship of her brothers to her and left. Now 26, she is struggling to make ends meet. She works 60 hour weeks as a CPA assistant, taking college classes as she can afford to, working on her CPA. The last thing she needs is her oldest brother, Brice, getting arrested for cattle rustling.

When Abby arrives at the jail to find out what she can do, she discovers Clayton there as well, pressing charges against Brice. Abby leaves disheartened. After meeting Abby, Clayton is intrigued by her. After hearing her history from a deputy, he decides to let Brice come to the ranch to work off his debt instead of pressing charges - with hopes of getting to know Abby better as well.

Clayton hides his PTSD from his family, as well as his pain and self blaming over the death of his brother. As he continues to fight for the family ranch to recover and interact with Abby and her brothers, we see what a kind, big hearted, persistent, protective guy he is.

Abby always presents a tough front because her brothers look to her for support and guidance. She’s never dealt with her abandonment issues. When the East family pulls Abby and her brothers into their fold, she keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Not too much angst. A little feet dragging and wariness by Abby. I didn’t really get too much Christmas from this story. Mostly discussions about decorations and trees. Overall a quick, light, easy read that flows well.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Ex Navy Seal Clayton East has been summoned home, his father has been ill and can hardly keep the ranch from going bankrupt. His family could loose everything. So many memories have kept him away for so long.
With so many cattle being stolen it’s a wonder that the ranch is still running.
Unfortunately the younger brother of Abby Harper is apprehended for the theft. One look at Abby and Clay was hooked and decided she’s the woman for him, that she would be his no matter what.

He proposes a deal with the young boy to work for him at the ranch to pay off the dept - this way he can find out who’s the mastermind behind the cattle thefts and most importantly he gets to pursue Abby.
Abby has been alone for so long being the sole guardian for her brothers she knows that life is full of disappointments and trusting doesn’t come easy for her. She can feel that Clayton is a remarkable man just by the way he makes her feel, every time they’re together he gets even deeper in her heart.

I truly enjoyed reading this story it played out like a Hallmark Christmas movie!
The chemistry between Abby and Clay was amazing you could actually feel the emotions leap through the pages. Donna Grant once again doesn’t disappoint, I recommend this looking for a good Christmas read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

So when I started prepping my  review of this latest release from Donna Grant, I kept thinking it was a novella. Then I looked and realized this book is over 300 pages in length. So one of the big things I can say about this story is that it moves quickly and it's definitely a story that sucks the reader in. When I started it, I felt like I was halfway through in no time at all. For me, I love stories that flow this well. 

Our story starts out with Clayton East avoiding calls from his mother, back in Texas. Clayton is an ex-Navy SEAL and is working in South Africa, protecting animals from poachers. (Yeah, I was swooning in the first chapter). Then he finally takes the call from his mother, where he learns the East Ranch is in major trouble. 

We then meet Abby Harper, where she's running to the police station because her brother, Brice, has been arrested. The crime? Stealing cattle from the East Ranch. Abby is devastated since she's been raising her brothers since she was 18. With a mother who ran out on them, Abby and her brothers only have each other. Clayton and Abby immediately have an attraction to each other. Clayton decides to extend a second-chance to Brice, by allowing him to work off his major debt to the ranch, instead of pressing charges against him. 

While this is happening, Clayton and his family are also dealing with the realization that their CPA embezzled a significant amount of money from them. Abby works for a different CPA in town as an assistant and starts helping Clayton look through the financial records for the ranch. 

"No, Abby Harper, I'm going to pay you what you should've been earning all this time. You're worth it." 

This quote really stuck with me while reading. Several times in the story, Clayton lets Abby know that she's worth it, and someone else's loss is his gain. Abby's brothers realize the sacrifices she's made for them, even though Abby never mentions it, never complains. So to see Clayton see these things in her, and make her feel valued and appreciated, it was like Abby was able to blossom when she was around the East family. This was especially heartwarming to see because as the reader goes along, you realize how much Abby really has done for her family. 

This story might be one of my favorite Christmas stories. You get all of the Christmas activity, but then we see forgiveness, fresh starts, love, and even suspense. This is a Christmas novel that any reader could enjoy because there is a little bit of something for everyone.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is a coming home story. Many people leave home when they become adults, so this is the time a year many return for a visit. However, in this case, Clayton East is needed for more than a visit. This is not a prodigal son returning home, especially since Clayton had been a Navy SEAL serving his country, not a selfish sibling who took half of the inheritance and run off to waste it. Clayton is an upstanding, tough but kind individual which makes this a wonderful hero story.

There is mystery, romance and family drama all packed into the story of Clayton and Abby. The pacing is quick in that something is always happening never a dull moment. Part of this is because it is a two-family story, Clayton’s and Abby’s, which I enjoyed. While the characters do their best neither is perfect, which also made it easy to identify with their lot in life.

I think of paranormal romance when I see the name of Donna Grant. However, she has written an excellent contemporary romance with some suspense added in The Christmas Cowboy Hero. An intriguing romantic read, not just at Christmas but could be enjoyed anytime.

This is my favorite scenario for a book. A military hero, whose a bit surly, and who goes back home to help his family with the ranch. Add a sweet heroine and I'm a goner.

The story was entertaining and sweet with enough suspense to keep the reader interested.

I received a copy for a honest review

The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is the first book in the Heart of Texas Series.

Meet Clayton East. He left the military and comes home to his family's ranch because of his father's health problems. But there are more problems awaiting him,much more.

Abby Harper is the guardian for her two teenage brothers and works hard to make ends meet. And then her brother Brice finds trouble, big big trouble. And this trouble put Abby in Clayton's path.

Both have this strong pull to each other.
The Christmas Cowboy Hero is a sweet love story, a beautiful romance novel with just the right amount of danger, drama and violence.
I love the story, I love the characters and I love their beautiful HEA.
I give 4,5 sweet stars and say thank you, Donna Grant.

This was my first book by Donna Grant. I received the copy via Netgalley for my honest opinion. I liked this book. It's not often you see a Navy Seal/cowboy. That caught my attention first. Clayton left the Seals to go home to run the family ranch because of his father's illness and the fact that someone had just rustled a significant number of cattle. Then there's the matter of the missing money. His digging into the problems leads him to Abby and her brother, who they all think knows something about the missing cattle. Clayton offers the boy the chance to work at the ranch instead of going to jail. Abby and her brother are also invited to the ranch, and all sort of relationships develop.
The sparks between Abby and Clayton were instantaneous! Bonus! This book had hot sexy times, lots of family, danger, intrigue, Christmas, horses and cowboys and honest-to-goodness love. What more could you ask for? I also loved the cover!!! It wasn't too heavy on the Christmas, so a good read for any time.