It's never too early to start reading Christmas Romances, especially when there are so many and the holiday season isn't long enough to read all the ones I want. When I read the synopsis for Once Upon A Cowboy, I was excited. Two of my favorites things are Christmas and cowboys. That said, this book had the potential to be a five star rating from me. But unfortunately, the hero was a bit too full of himself for me to love. By the end of the book I did like him, however I didn't love him and that was a bit disappointing.

Cody moved on from the family ranch right after high school and didn't look back unless you count the few and far between times he came to visit. He believed he had good reasons which I will not divulge to you because you should read that on your own. I will say that while I understood his reasons for staying away, I didn't feel they were the huge drama he made them out to be. But that is just my own opinion, and one of the reasons I couldn't fall in love with Cody. Also, I didn't feel the connection between him and Lexi. Lexi, I loved. And on her behalf, I was frustrated with Cody. Look, I don't want to downplay his way of thinking too much just because I couldn't connect with him. But I can say that his situation was one that I know personally; it never would have even occurred to me to leave the way he did or stay away so long.

The synopsis for this book gives you good insight into the premise of this story so I won't need to summarize it. You must be wondering why I gave this book four stars after reading how I didn't like Cody. Well the answer to that is easy. The secondary characters and Lexi are who brought me entertainment and kept me turning pages. I especially adored Cody's dad. He was such a wonderful addition to this story which takes place the week leading up to Christmas.

Cody and Lexi's story is the third book in the River Ranch series. I have not read the previous books yet. Because I truly liked Cody's younger brother and sister, I would like to read their books as well. In addition, there is the oldest sibling, Angelica, still to have her great love story told.

While this was my first book by this author, I would like to read more from her. Even though I wasn't a fan of Cody, I enjoyed the author's talent for storytelling; she kept me engaged in the story and that is all I need.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas is the third story in Soraya Lane’s River Ranch series and tells of the struggle a young man faced with the impending death of a parent and his choice to run from heartache, leaving behind all hope of a happy future.

PTSD, denial, familial chaos, and the lost love of a feisty country girl are just some of the things that are covered in this intensely emotional story. I enjoy the interactions between Cody and Lexi (both good and difficult) and the overall storyline was intriguing pared with a Christmas theme.

I’m looking forward to the next story in this engaging series.

With the Christmas season fast approaching this a wonderful feel good modern day western romance. Our reluctant hero has returned home, for a Christmas visit to his ailing father, and upon arrival he meets his father's beautiful caregiver. He is unable to place her although she seems to be very familiar. He had left home permanently ten years before to avoid watching his mother succumb to cancer. The caregiver, as it turns out, is his girlfriend at that time. She is now divorced with a six year old son. It is soon apparent that this heat between them is still smoldering and will not take much to turn it into a raging inferno. The only question is whether he can overcome his past painful memories and secure a bright future.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

I could NOT find a way to like Cody, and believe me, I tried. His behavior was all over the map, he was snotty and inconsiderate, and expected everyone to just let him do what he wanted, regardless of whether or not it hurt anyone. *SPOILER* Meets one time with a counselor, who promptly decides he has PTSD, so Cody comes back and expects that to explain everything and everyone is just supposed to forgive him. Well, sorry bud. You would have to work damn hard for my forgiveness after the way you treated me and others that loved you. Better get on it before you expect me to fall into your arms and proclaim my undying love. Lexie would do well to think long and hard about being with him, unless she sees proof that he is working hard to improve and mend his ways.

Cody Ford left town at eighteen to escape from the trauma of watching his mother sicken and die. Since then he has rarely been home having made a good living in New York city. Cody also cruelly left behind his girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, without so much as a goodbye. He has returned home for the holidays and to see his father who is now the one ailing.
Lexi has a long standing grudge against Cody so when she seems him again, sparks fly. Lexi has been working as an at home nurse caring for Walter Ford. Seeing Cody brings back all the old hurts and the fact that she has never gotten over Cody despite his heartlessness. As a single mom, Lexi has a lot of responsibilities and not much time for a man who ran away from her and his family.

Now that Cody is back on the ranch, old feelings surface both good and bad and perhaps he is finally ready to deal with his emotions and face his fears. Cody has a lot to answer for and spending with Lexi makes him realizes what and who he lost by leaving. Lexi’s has lots of conflicted emotions about Cody. Christmas miracles are possibility if only they are both willing to accept it.

Obviously Cody was in a bad place emotionally then and now, but I had a challenging time respecting him and his actions. He may be older, but a maturity level seems to be lacking as well as a propensity to swear with the gd word that is jarring for a Christmas story. Lexi is a more sympathetic character and I enjoyed seeing her take some licks out on Cody. He definitely deserved it for the past and some of his present actions. Also I know it’s a minor point, but Boxing Day is not celebrated in Texas or the US. This is book three in the River Ranch series, but can be read as a standalone.

Awwwe - sweet HEA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Second chance romance stories are fun to read for the most part. Especially when so much is changed in the interim. It’s almost like they are strangers but better because they still had those warm feelings and love from when they were young.

The story was a little different because Cody admittedly had issues surrounding his family. That in turn shut Lexi out as well which led to heartbreak.

Written with deep feelings and emotional attachments to family and ill parents, it was a tough read in spots. Especially, if you have a parent who is aging or going through tough medical issues.

I could not hold Cody’s feelings against him. In fact, I think that endeared him to me even more. Eventually Lexi had to agree.

Learning to handle your emotions and dealing with the scary things we don’t want to have to deal with is what the story is about. Family is a huge connector here as well.

The author brings us a touching story that is emotional, so realistic, but yet very loving too. It’s a heartwarming Christmas story with a magical ending.

This is the first story by Lane I have read, but she captured my attention and I cannot wait for more from her!

Cody is a very successful real estate developer in New York now, but he ran away from everyone he loved in Texas when he was 18 because he couldn’t handle his mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Since then, he has built up walls around himself that no one has been able to break down until he returns home one Christmas...

Lexi has been working as the private nurse for the patriarch of a wealthy Texas family for several months. She has grown close to the entire family, even living on the property with her young son. She was initially hesitant to accept the position, as the patriarch’s elder son had been her high school boyfriend. The one who left her behind without a word. Since he lives in New York and seldom returns home, she decided that it wouldn’t be an issue.

When Cody returns to the family ranch for Christmas, he doesn’t even recognize Lexi at first. When he finally realizes who she is, he doesn’t understand why she isn’t happy to see if like every other woman he has ever met has been. Lexi makes it clear that she has no interest in Cody, and wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Can Lexi forgive the man who left her without a word, and as they start to become close, can Cody let the walls that he has surrounded himself fall?

What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: River Ranch
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I had a hard time staying interested in this book.

This book is part of a series. I was weary about reading it as a standalone but I did not get lost. This is a second chance love story. I actually liked it but at times I found myself skimming through some of the pages.

I couldn't stop myself from loving Lucas father Walter and Lexi son Harry.

Lexi is one strong woman, single mom and she has to take care of her mother.

I was able to retrieve this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I like Christmas stories, westerns, and romances, so Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas checked a lot of boxes for me! I enjoyed all the complex relationships in this book, especially those between Cody and Lexi, and Walter with the rest of the family. The happily-ever-after ending was satisfying, but it left me wanting to know more about this family of ranchers in Texas.

This is a good book. It kept me wondering if they was going to end up together in the end. It is so good. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Running away from feelings..so many of us do that. Cody has avoided home rather than face feelings that started with his mother getting sick and dying. He made a new life with big success. But now his dad is sick and he needs to man up. His high school love has never gotten over him. Now they have a second chance if Cody can work through fear and feelings. I liked the story.

Soraya Lane never disappoints. This book is a must buy for Christmas or whenever you want a romantic cowboy read. Could not put it down once I started. Lots of laughs, a few tears and the great storytelling from Soraya Lane, this book a great addition to the River Ranch series stories. Perfect for a cozy afternoon in with so hot chocolate and a cozy throw and get lost in this magic Christmas love story. Happy reading!

'It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all?'

It;s not often that i read a cowboy romance, but so pleased to have read this wonderful story by Soraya Lane. I've read a few of her books and have really enjoyed them. Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas was a book that was an easy read and one that i enjoyed curled up whilst all was quiet around the house. Loved the characters, but there were times when i felt like the two main character's needed their heads banging together to bring them to their senses. Each character had a part to play and little Harry i thought was so adorable. The book at times did pull at my heartstrings.

I am not going to write what the story is about, as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do highly recommend. I would like to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press who invited me to read this ARC, and this is my honest review which i have freely given.

Gifted read by Netgalley. This is my honest opinion. **Some spoilers*
Cody is not a male character I was fond of. He is a scared, immature character when it has to do with anything but business. The entire book he is either running away, talking about running or actually leaving. He is an emotionally stunted character! I'll be honest there was not one redeeming quality to him. He loved his family but he couldn't handle being with them. He loved Lexie but he built walls to keep people out. Lexie was very patient and forgiving IMO! I loved Harry and Walter and the majority of the other characters! However, as I said above Cody ruined this book! The last chapter and I mean THE last chapter he finally sees the light and changes his whole life!?! WTF?!! Really one talk with a shrink and boom you label yourself with ptsd and are ready for family and love? Really?! Way to little way to late in this book. Male character ruined this book!

Very cute read! This is the first book I have read by this author, so I have not read other books in the series. I found it a little difficult to believe the H would not recognize the h at all, but I was willing to overlook it for an otherwise sweet, low-angst story.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am going to go back and read more. Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I am for sure going to go back and read the first two books. This third book is about Cody and Lexi. They were high school sweethearts but their relationship did not end on a good note. Cody left without even saying good bye. Now he is back for Christmas and feelings he had long forgot start to surface. Lexi has no time for romance and she has not forgiven Cody for breaking her heart. She is divorced and has her son to worry about she does not have time for romance. Sometimes the things we do not have time for push their way back into our lives. I found this book to be a very emotional romantic read. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review

Grief can be lived in many ways. Cody and Lexi are the main characters of the 3rd novel in the series “A River Ranch novel”. They used to be boyfriend and girlfriend when they were teens. Family events separated them. They reconnect through new family circumstances and discover that they still have feelings for each other. But the fear of loss can be overwhelming. You follow the ups and downs of their relationship. I felt that this story was quite similar to others, but the difference is the importance of grief in all aspects of life. It brought another light to this romance. A nice read !

Sweet story. All the characters were very nice; no back-stabbing, no troublemakers or liars ruining things for everyone. Just a vulnerable man who needed someone to understand he needed help. It took 14 years but, eventually, he got there. I would love this family, too.

While I realize cancer is a huge part of today's life, thank you for not making the whole story about death and dying.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.

**I received a copy Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions expressed are mine and not solicited in any way.**

Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas by Soraya M. Lane is the second book in her River Ranch series. I've read the first two books and I have to say this one was a bit lukewarm for me but the ending made up for the slow middle. I really loved little Harry and how he snuck out in a snowstorm to make sure his pony wasn't cold.

Lexi Murphy is providing hospice care to the Ford family patriarch, Walter, who has terminal cancer when Cody comes home for Christmas. Lexi holds a grudge for his abrupt leaving 10 years ago so they both wonder if their feelings can be rekindled. Her son Harrison falls for the cowboy life on the ranch but she worries about her mother whose Alzheimer home is closing, how will she find a new one that she can afford? Can Cody and Lexi fall in love again despite their differences?

Cody Ford feels more comfortable in New York but this man be the last Christmas with his father so he decides to come home. When he sees Lexi who's his dad's live in nurse he knows that he's hurt her and wonders if they can rekindle their romance. Add in a father who wants to go for one last ride, a snowstorm and finally Cody admits that he loves Lexi more than New York.