Her Christmas Cowboy

Starred review from August 31, 2020
Clare’s sweet, sexy third Wyoming Cowboys contemporary romance (after The Cowboy Meets His Match) returns to Painted Barrell, Wyo., where shy rancher Caleb Watson works up the nerve to woo elementary school teacher Amy McKinney. Caleb has crushed on Amy since the moment he laid eyes on her, but he’s always been tongue-tied around people, especially women. Still, when he hears Amy needs a Santa Claus for the school’s Christmas carnival, Caleb comes up with enough words to land the part. Recently divorced from her controlling ex-husband, Amy is struggling financially but enjoying her newfound freedom. She’s determined to remain independent—but sweet, silent Caleb manages to turn her head. And when Caleb learns Amy is receiving romantic Secret Santa gifts from another admirer, he steps up his efforts to show her he cares. Readers will be captivated by these wonderfully complex characters; Caleb, who never says much but manages to convey a great deal in a single grunt or glance, is especially charming. Clare’s latest is equal parts naughty and nice, and ought to be on every romance fan’s list. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.

September 1, 2020
Cowboy Caleb Watson is tongue-tied around women, especially the gorgeous and kind kindergarten teacher, Amy Mckinney. When someone needs to play Santa alongside Amy as Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Carnival, he volunteers. Amy moved to Painted Barrel, Wyoming, to escape her controlling ex-husband. However, because money is tight, she can only afford a shabby rental whose landlord is more interested in dating her than fixing the place. Caleb attempts to show his affection through Secret Santa gifts, repairing the house and her car, and caring for the stray, blind dog Amy found and named Donner after the reindeer. It's not until he's able to use his voice, with the help of darkness and writing notes, that Caleb is able to truly start wooing the woman he loves. Santa gets steamy in this sexy, funny, and charming small-town romance filled with Christmas cheer.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from October 1, 2020

Kindergarten teacher Amy Mckinney moved to the small town of Painted Barrel, WY, to get away from her controlling ex-husband. When rugged, shy cowboy Caleb Watson sets eyes on his niece's beautiful teacher, he's instantly smitten. But how to get her to notice him when he's completely tongue-tied? Caleb hatches a plan to use his handyman skills to fix Amy's broken-down car and apartment while getting to know her. Amy is surprised and touched by Caleb's generosity, especially when he agrees to play Santa to her Mrs. Claus at the school's Christmas Carnival. When Amy starts receiving Secret Santa gifts from more than one admirer, Caleb realizes he'll need to step up his game in order to beat the competition. But having grown up in the wilds of Alaska, he's completely inexperienced with women. VERDICT Those who love their heroes quietly strong and more than capable will melt like warm marshmallows for cowboy Caleb. Series fans will be eager for the next installment (The Bachelor Cowboy, due out in Jan. 2021), which gives the story of mischievous younger brother, Jake Watson.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

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