LOVED this book so much! Sweet, protective, ex-navy SEAL hero and a woman who is raising her two brothers - this was the perfect romance! I loved everything about this book! A little touch of suspense and a couple steamy scenes, this book was absolute perfection! Highly recommend!

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

There was something about this book that just draws you in and wouldn't let me go until it was "the end".  This was very well written with characters that are very believable.  Abby is someone I could see in real life.  She is struggling with keeping a roof over her and her brothers heads.  Their mother left them once Abby graduated from high school.  I know I was thinking how could a mother do that, but eventually it went to how strong Abby has been all these years.  Clayton is a retired SEAL, who is sexy as hell. 

I can not wait to read more from Ms Donna Grant.  I love her writing!

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

Happy Reading!
Melissa

There was chaos all around him, but she was the center of the storm. Calm, serene, exquisite.

Guys, it might be Halloween, but Christmas has come early in the form of Donna Grant’s The Christmas Cowboy Hero. Oh, come all ye (who love) faithful (romance), and meet one of the swooniest, sexiest, most heroic cowboys I’ve ever encountered—and I have encountered a lot in my reading-life.

Clayton East is . . . *sigh* just perfect. He has that brooding thing going on, but the way he loves and recognizes that feeling within himself—not to mention the way Abby and Clayton support and care for each other and Abby's brothers—is just so refreshing and delightful, I wanted this book to keep going and going and going forever.

Sadly, it had to end, but not before showering me with good feels in the form of loving family, strong men, smart women, and that easy way cowboy romances have. The relationships in this book were the centerpiece of a story that mixed mystery and suspense with life lessons and, of course, love, and they were just the thing this cowboy-lovin' reviewer needed.

And thankfully, The Christmas Cowboy Hero appears to be just the beginning—especially good since I was left with a few unanswered questions and a strong desire to head back to the East Ranch again. Perhaps that’s what I’ll ask Santa for this year—another swoony, sexy cowboy in another book by new-to-me author Donna Grant.

He refused to let her back down, pushing her in new, frightening directions. He saw her fears and worries and made some of them his own. He recognized her need and woke her desires.
And he appeared to have no intention of stopping anytime soon.

~ 4.5 Diamond STARS ~

Struggling to make ends meet is the least of Abby Harper’s concern right now. Not when her young brother has been arrested for stealing cattle. And not just any cattle either, but East Ranch cattle!

After her mother up and left them when she was just eighteen, Abby has worked herself raw to clothe, feed and properly raise her two younger brothers. Seeing her brother behind bars nearly breaks her and drives home the feelings of failure she has been harboring since waking up that fateful morning and finding herself thrust into the role of both sister and mother to two young boys.

Clayton East is home to help his parents unravel their own financial issues. Having the family CPA run off with all their money is bad enough, but when he received word that almost a hundred head of cattle have been stolen right under his trusting parents’ noses and it feels like the last straw.

But one look at Abby and a heartfelt interview with a misguided young man and Clay finds himself offering his own deal. Have Brice work off his debt at the East Ranch in the hopes of earning his trust and finding out where the cattle are being held in exchange for dropping the charges. His deal is two-fold. One being that he hopes to make a positive change in Brice and two, he’ll have an excuse to get to know Abby more. The electric charge he feels upon seeing her for the first time is too tempting to pass up.

With Christmas right around the corner and a new second chance for both Abby and Clay’s families, will a budding romance withstand some dangerous criminals bent on causing havoc?

What I loved:
Donna Grant writes amazing family orientated characters and the Harper/East families were above and beyond amazing. I loved reading about Abby and her brothers. Their love for each other was inspiring and frankly, a beautiful representation of family you don’t see all that often. The way they supported each other, gave so selflessly and loved unconditionally would have gotten five stars, alone, from me.

The East family was just as enjoyable to read and get to know. They were strong and united, in the good and the bad time,(even if Clay struggled on his own for a while) they cared deeply for each other and DG doesn’t just tell you this. You feel the emotion through the writing, letting you experience the family ties first hand.

Then there is the romance aspect of this story. I loved Abby and Clay! The progression of their romance from friends to lovers was so in sync with their characterizations. Their instant connection shot off sparks of electricity and heat that was undeniably yummy to read. When I started TCCH I was expecting a short novella type read but what I ended up getting was a nice meaty full blown novel that delivered everything it promised.

Christmas Romance ✔️
Sexy Cowboy ✔️
A great Hero ✔️
A strong and likable/lovable heroine ✔️
Great supporting Characters ✔️
Feel good vibes ✔️
HEA ✔️

Favorite Lines:
He didn’t know how, but he had to make her his, to ensure their hearts and souls were bound forever. No matter how long it took, no matter what he had to do, he would win her.

"Living a full life isn’t about keeping yourself safe and tucked away so nothing and no one can hurt you. You’ll end up alone and lonely. Life is about putting yourself out there to see what’s coming. You might get knocked down, but then you pick your a$$ back up and lift your chin, waiting for whatever’s next."

Memorable Moments:
Clay certainly has a way with words because he all but melts me into a puddle of gooey sappiness a few delicious times but his declaration of love to Abby steals the number one spot.

“I’m going to love you forever, Abby Harper. I’m going to love you so fiercely and so hard that you’ll never doubt us for one instant.”

Would I recommend? If you want a totally safe cowboy Christmas romance then a big fat YES! I loved The Christmas Cowboy Hero !

Donna Grant just gets better and better, I loved this Abby and Clayton have unmistakable chemistry and this was just the thing for a Christmas love story

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own opinion

I really loved and enjoyed The Christmas Cowboy Hero. It was the perfect book for this time of the year. I love reading Christmas time stories. I loved the story line and the characters. I thought they were perfect for each other. Cant wait to read more.

Three and a half
This is a classic prodigal son returns home story but with the added twist of some cattle rustling ! Plus it's all set in the run up to Christmas so expect sweet moments designed to melt the coldest heart.
This story actually had a lot going on with a cowboy/Seal hero returning home to the last place he really wants to be. Yet Clayton isn't the typical wounded hero no, he's simply a man tired of death with demons of his own . He's come home to help save his families ranch but quickly realises that it's going to take patience as he knows exactly who holds the answers he's looking for.
Abby is the soul carer of her two brothers but when one gets involved in cattle rustling she's way out of her depth and has never felt so alone. So when Clayton suggests her brother Brice can work off his debt it's a welcome relief but there's still the matter of who stole the cattle to solve .
Plenty of attraction going on between this couple and yes it's a wee bit cheesy at times but as a feel good Christmas story it worked. I enjoyed reading about the boys simple joy in learning about ranch life and the suspense added greatly but I did question how easy it was for everyone to accept that Brice although admitting to being involved wasn't pushed more for information . Plus I'm not sure if Abby's work colleagues were meant to be a red herring or not as it did seem at one point that things might connect. Whatever the author intended I can't fault the warm Christmas atmosphere and life at the ranch seemed idyllic and lets face it at this joyful time of year what could be better?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

when clayton east is called back home to his family's ranch in the opening pages of the christmas cowboy hero, he's not sure he wants to face what awaits him there. his father has taken ill and the ranch's financials are in the toilet after their accountant embezzled the funds. on top of that, cattle rustlers have stolen a herd of pregnant cows and their sire which endangers the ranch's future.

brice harper might be the key to untangling the mystery, but he's only sixteen and in a whole heap of trouble. his older sister and surrogate mother, abby has been trying to make ends meet and keep her family together, but this trouble is too big for her to handle alone. and she has every expectation that the forbidding cowboy meeting with her to discuss brice's involvement in the whole scheme will end up throwing the book at her brother.

but instead he gives brice a second chance. and that gift keeps on giving as his family welcomes hers into its fold. when what brice knows becomes dangerous from abby and their younger brother, caleb. clayton does everything he can to keep the harpers safe, knowing that these three orphans will make his family whole again.

there's a lot of healing and a lot of holiday spirit in this heartwarming tale of love and second chances. one thing i loved is that the fate of the relationship wasn't held in suspense, instead the mystery of the cattle rustlers and the robbery providing the tension in the story. it was a nice, enjoyable read.

I am a huge fan of Donna Grant. I have read many of her books and I will continue to read her books because I do love her writing.

I don't usually like to read Christmas theme books early on but I read this book as soon as I received the advanced reader copy back in September because I just couldn't wait to read it.

The Christmas Cowboy Hero is book one of Heart of Texas series and I have to say that I do love this book. I love Abby and Clayton together.

If you are looking for a sweet Contemporary Romance book to read I think you will want to pick this one up.

I give this 5 out of 5

A new romance series from paranormal author Ms. Grant. In the spirit of the holidays it's a feel good story with just the right touch of spice and suspense. While food and presents may sometimes be scarce in the Harper household, there's no doubt about the love that keeps the siblings thriving.  It's quite a shock to Abby when her brother Brice is arrested for cattle stealing. Fortunately Clayton East is willing to give Brice a chance to work off the debt even as he hopes to find more details of the cattle rustlers. The instant attraction between Clayton and Abby is just the icing on the cake.
Being a navy seal, Clayton has seen his share of trouble in the hot spots of the world.  He's returned home to a father in the hospital and the family ranch in financial trouble.  When he catches Brice he's on the fence whether he should prosecute or try to turn the young man to find the ring leader. His almost instantaneous attraction to Brice's sister makes the decision easier on him. With Brice working off his debt at the ranch every evening comes Abby to pick him up. Soon she's volunteering to of the books and her younger brother is also working at the ranch.
Clayton's parents have  never recovered from the loss of their teenage son which drove Clayton to join the seals and leave home. Effectively one son's death has stolen both sons from the grieving parents. Now the presence of the Harpers brings hope and laughter back to the ranch. Clayton's mother is in her element baking and cooking to feed two hungry young boys and benevolently watching her son fall in love.
Clayton of course is determined the people who have stolen from his parents to justice. Using his talents and Abby's help he does just that.  When Abby's home is destroyed it gives Clayton an excuse to move her to the ranch and explore the chemistry that exists between them.  This is a straight forward love story with a little bit of danger and mystery to keep things interesting. All in all a great feel good Christmas story just in time for the holidays.

A reluctant but hot rancher and a family that will do anything to keep themselves together make for one extremely heart-warming, feel-good, romance that will stay with you long after you through!

Clayton is a troubled retired Navy SEAL that has returned home for the holidays only to find his family’s ranch in financial trouble. Their accountant has been stealing money from the coffers and someone has rustled the cattle needed to pull them out of the dire straits they are in.

Abby Harper is doing everything she can to keep her family together. Left with the custody of her two younger brothers right after she turned 18, she’s struggling to keep their heads above water. When her brother makes a rash move to help out his sister, it brings Abby and her family’s plight in front of the East family and their ranch.

Immediate attraction between Clayton and Abby spark a meaningful and lasting tale that will bring a smile to your face. is the perfect feel-good holiday story we all crave.

I received this ARC copy of The Christmas Cowboy Hero from St. Martin Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Christmas Cowboy Hero is set for publication October 31, 2017.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Donna Grant
Series: Heart of Texas (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: October 31, 2017
ISBN-10: 1250165423
ISBN-13: 978-1250165428
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/pa/book/the-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cowb...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...

Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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What an awesome read! This was just a delightful story filled with honest to goodness people and love. In this story we find Clayton an ex-SEAL, returning home to take care of some problems that had occurred at his family's ranch. Abby is in charge of her 2 younger brothers, after her mother split leaving her as the sole guardian to her brothers, which she has done the best by, raising them on her own. One of her brothers gets involved with stealing the cattle from the East Ranch and Clayton decides not to press charges and has him work off the debt to the ranch. Abby and Clayton meet and there is an undeniable attraction. I loved the heartfelt commitment that Clayton made to Brice, the deep abiding love that grew for Abby and Caleb and their parents goodness throughout the whole story. I honestly cannot even think of one thing that was even remotely bad. It was that great of a story from beginning to end. Loved It! 5 stars!!!

This book had a bit of everything! Very enjoyable, easy read. Not centered around Christmas, but ends on Christmas! Abby was a sweetheart and did everything she could for her brothers. Clayton was a bit dark at first but lightened up considerably when he met Abby. I'm hoping to get more info in the future books of the series about the others that were even secondarily involved in the cattle rustling.

A sweet contemporary romance…

This is the first book in the Heart of Texas series.

In Africa protecting animals from poachers former Navy SEAL Clayton East couldn’t return home after the things he’d seen and done, he was no longer the man he once was. A telephone call with news of his father having had a mini-stroke and the family ranch in financial difficulties sent him across the globe to Texas and memories that haunt him of a brother long gone. The situation at home was dire: his father’s unable to run the ranch, a prized bull and cattle due to calf soon were stolen, and a trusted accountant embezzled the family funds. The authorities captured one of the livestock thieves, a teenage boy who refuses to name accomplices and appears afraid to do so. Upon meeting the teen’s guardian, an elder sister, Clayton decides to give the boy a chance to work off the debt incurred to his family and to earn the teen’s trust so he can find the missing animals before they are sold off somewhere. The sister is a breath of fresh air, honest, gorgeous, caring, and protective of the brothers she had to raise. She’s a surprising draw to Clayton and he looks forward to seeing more of her.

When her mother up and left her three children, Abby Harper was barely eighteen and she became the guardian for two younger brothers. It hasn’t been easy, money is always tight; she works from paycheck to paycheck with no benefits, and takes night classes when able to earn her college accounting degree. Having her brother arrested for stealing livestock from the East Ranch was out of her depth to handle. Abby’s grateful to Clayton for giving her brother a second chance working at the ranch instead of serving jail time for his transgressions. She also finds herself attracted to Clayton, a good man who did a good deed for her family but like her brothers she has abandonment issues and doesn’t trust relationships. Wanting to help the East’s herself she uses her accounting skills to audit the ranch books and spots discrepancies but it’s her daytime job that leads to a clue of who the real thieves are.

This was a sweet slow burn contemporary romance occurring around the Christmas season, a story of two people meeting and navigating their emotions and desires with a touch of suspense in the form of a mystery to be solved added in to keep things exciting, we do get to see the SEAL in action. The slow pace of the romance was appropriate for a woman with abandonment issues and a man who needed to find himself again after the realities of military service and the loss of a loved one. Their attraction definitely sizzled whenever they were around each other, they were two lonely souls who found not just healing and completion with each other but also redemption and acceptance. There was a strong theme of family and the tale was reminiscent of Cinderella and her prince.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Clayton East is the cowboy for me.... He was protective, broken on so many ends, and a lover. Abby was a driven sister/mom willing to do anything for her brothers. Guilt was their anchor but trust, understanding, and a shared end game is what brought this book together for me. The belief in which they had for each other were certifiable #relationshipgoals. The show you attitude is what made Clayton book boyfriend extraordinaire.

I loved this book! A SEAL and a cowboy, oh heck yeah. Donna Grant is an author I just discovered this year and I am so glad I did. Now I find myself anxiously waiting for her next release. I enjoy her writing style very much and her characters are fantastic as evidenced by Clayton and Abby in this book. This is a definite must read. I highly recommend it.

Clayton East never expected to run the family ranch yet now that it's facing hard times he finds himself returning and doing everything he can to save it. After having a large amount of cattle stolen as well as their accountant embezzling a large amount of money the ranch has never been in a worse financial situation. When the investigation turns up the involvement of a young boy Clayton decides he might ultimately get more information from the kid by giving him a second chance rather than pressing charges. This brings the boys protective older sister Abby into Clayton's life and it proves that he's made the best decision of his life!

This book hit all my buttons, a holiday romance, past tragedy, a Navy Seal Cowboy!!! Whew. I picked it up and didn't put it down. I loved both Clay and Abby and how sweet they were together. Add in the mixture of both families and sigh, it was great story!

The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant is the First book in a new series called "Heart of Texas". This is the story of Clayton East and Abby Harper.
Abby has been taking care of her younger brothers for a long time but had to look after them full time after their mother just up and left them. So while trying to keep up with her brothers she is also trying to put food on the table and finish her college degree.
Clayton feels the lost of his brother very strongly and with that he hasn't wanted to return home to the family ranch. So after leaving the Navy Seals he went about finding other jobs to do..but that has come to an end now. Clayton's father has fallen sick and they need him back at the ranch. There Clayton learns that someone has been taking their cows and that the ranch is in bad shape. Clayton tries to do what is right but he is fighting his feelings each day until he meets Abby.
Abby's brother was caught trying to steal East Ranch cattle and now he is in trouble. Clayton offers to have the boy work of his debit by working at the ranch. Clayton also thinks he can get the boy to talk to find out who is really behind these thefts. Also it will lead him to be closer to Abby who has giving him something to look forward too.
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Who doesn't love an ex-seal cowboy? Clayton has it all, looks, charisma, sexiness. Only problem is he is not where he wants to be. The family ranch is the last place he wanted to go back to. But when his father became ill, he did the right thing. The first book in a brand new series, I think it is going to be a hit.