Christmas with a Cowboy

August 26, 2019
Brown’s dry fifth Longhorn Canyon series (after Cowboy Rebel) lacks passion. When Irishwoman Bridget O’Malley arrives at her temporary job in Texas two weeks before Christmas, she is baffled to learn that her unforgettable one-night stand, Maverick Callahan, is her new employer’s grandson. When Maverick left Ireland the year before, he thought he’d never see Bridget again. Things have changed since they parted: Bridget has adopted her deceased best friend’s young daughter, Laela, and has had to settle down, while Maverick is still unattached and fond of partying into the night. Their attraction remains strong, and Maverick quickly bonds with Laela, becoming a surrogate father. Their impromptu family develops without much thought in a way that feels natural and believable; however, the romantic relationship between Bridget and Maverick is devoid of chemistry and flirtation. They put more effort into the church’s Christmas pageant than into building their connection. Maverick’s grandmother, Iris, steals the show, and the hint of a romance between side characters is more enticing than the protagonists’ dull union. Only series fans are likely to make it all the way through. Agent: Erin Niumata, Folio Literary.

October 1, 2019

When Maverick Callahan and Bridget O'Malley first meet in Ireland, sparks fly. Assuming their time together is destined to be a one-night stand, Maverick returns to ranching life in Texas, while Bridget rushes to join her grandmother at church in Ireland. A year later, the two are shocked to discover each other at the home of Iris, Maverick's grandmother. Bridget is now the guardian of her deceased best friend's young daughter, while Maverick's reputation at the honky-tonks precedes him. The two decide to put the past behind them, as Bridget needs her job keeping house for Iris, and Maverick is sure Bridget will be returning to Ireland with the baby. When Iris takes a fall and ends up in the hospital, she volunteers Bridget and Maverick to care for the ranch, which includes holiday preparations. VERDICT For a relationship that starts with such passion, it fizzles as the pair are suddenly forced to form a family. The inclusion of familiar characters from previous books in the series, however, make this latest from Brown (Cowboy Rebel) a must-read for her fans. Includes a bonus novella by Sara Richardson.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

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