Veena’s review of The Christmas Cowboy Hero (Heart of Texas, Book 1) by Donna Grant
Contemporary Romance published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 31 Oct 17

A new romance series from paranormal author Donna 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, Abby comes to pick him up. Soon she’s volunteering to do 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 leave home and join the SEALs. 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 to collect justice from the people who have stolen from his parents. 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 straightforward 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.

Grade: B

Summary:

’Tis the season for ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East to come home for the holidays—even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton, the prodigal son, to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything.

Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers, who she’s helped raise since she was a teenager. Keeping them in line is no small task while she’s also working toward her college degree. And now that one of her brothers has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wits’ end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East. He believes in second chances, and is willing to give one to her brother this Christmas. Letting beautiful Abby—and the inescapable longing in his heart—off the hook, however, is a whole ’nother story. Could it be that the woman of this local hero’s dreams has been back at home all along?

No excerpt available.