Solid Romance. I came into this when I saw that Lane had another new book publishing, not realizing that it was book 3 in a series... and not caring that it was romance, rather than the historical fiction work I had previously known her from. Having come from her historical fiction work, I can tell you that she is equally adept in either world, with the overall writing equally superb while remaining within the "lines" of the various genres. Having read quite a few romances from other authors over the years, I can tell you that I'd easily stack this one up with any of them - if you like the romance genre generally, you're probably going to enjoy this one. And having come into it without having read the prior two books, I can tell you that this is one of those series that is only loosely-ish coupled, following several siblings as they find love. Because of that, it can indeed work as an entry point in the series - and you're most likely going to be drawn in enough to want to read them. Very much recommended. ( )

A second-chance romance at Christmas time set on a Texas ranch. A steely businessman and a hardworking single mom cross paths many years later. Hot and cold, steamy and sometimes rushed, but loveable characters that you'll want to know all about. A decent addition to a lighthearted series, but the story does shy away from heavier themes mentioned in the book. Developing these subplots (like PTSD) would have made the book more realistic, but if you want a quick and easy read that's not too complicated, it's still enjoyable. Net Galley Feedback ( )

Cody and Lexi were high school sweethearts, until Cody's mother dies and he doesn't know how to handle it and leaves. Now his father is dying and he comes home for Christmas to find Lexi taking care of his ill father. Lexi and Cody get a second chance to make it work. I love reading series, you get to revisit characters from previous books. I can't wait to read Angelina's story!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own. ( )

Once Upon A Cowboy Christmas by Soraya Lane
River Ranch #3

Second chances don’t come to all but in this novel high school sweethearts Cody and Lexie get their second chance when Cody returns for the holidays and finds Lexie the caregiver her for his father who has terminal cancer. The two do not hit it off well and have a great deal of tension between them throughout the book. They may still care for one another but what they had 15 years ago id definitely different in the present.

I had mixed feelings about the story. I found Cody a bit aloof, cold and cut off from his family and even himself. His focus was success and money and he seemed to have lost sight of those around him and the warmth relationships with family and friends might provide. I actually had trouble seeing why Lexie would want to have anything to do with him even though there were times I could see what she might have seen in Cody when he was a teenager...though that lighter-hearted more carefree person peeked out from time to time. I think the show-stealer of the story might have been Lexie’s son, Harry. He was such an open loving well-behaved child that he would be hard not to love.

Did I enjoy the story? I think so
Would I read more in this series? Probably

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )

Title: Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas
Author: Soroya Lane
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Once Upon a Cowboy" by Soraya Lane

My Rationalization:

This was quite an interesting story that involved 'a millionaire, cowboy, second chance at romance, and during the Christmas holiday.' We find a son [Cody] who is returning for Christmas to the family ranch in Texas. Why had he not been coming home very often after the death of his mother? And what will happen after he returns home and finds his old flame Lexi who is a nurse is caring for Cody's father Walter? What other problems will come up from this holiday visit that will bring problems to Lexi's life as she has becomes involved with her ex-sweetheart? I will say that all of the characters from this story were very interesting with my favorite being the father and Lexi's son Harry.

I will say that for about 3/4 of the read I really didn't care for the hero but by the end of this story with Cody realizing that he needs some help, [therapy] I did change my mind about him. I think that part was so very important to this story. After all, is said and done I found this story a good read that will keep you turning the pages to see if there will be a rekindling of a romance that will end in an HEA for these two.

Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )