‘Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

*stand alone title*

Title:  Home for a Cowboy Christmas
Series:  stand-alone title
Author:  Donna Grant
Genre:  Modern Western Romance, Christmas Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published:  October 26, 2021
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Home for a Cowboy Christmas grabbed me by the emotions from the start and never let go in this fast-paced Romantic Suspense set around Christmas-time.  While it is a shorter story, that did not affect how quickly I was drawn into Emmy and Dwight’s story or the intensity of the life or death situation they found themselves in.

Emmy witnessed a mob killing and now there is a price on her head to prevent her from testifying against a mob boss.  Unfortunately, there is a leak within the protection detail she’s been hiding under, and thanks to an unexpected visit from Dalton, the US Marshal who was assigned to protect her, Emmy barely escaped with her life.  Now she’s headed to Montana to a remote ranch where Dalton’s friend who is ex-military, ex-FBI, ex-Homeland now runs the family ranch.  No one but Dalton knows where Emmy is and he’s determined to find the leak that gave away her location.

Dwight may have left his law enforcement careers behind when it came time to take over the ranch – but he hasn’t lost his edge or the knowledge that those careers built within him over the years.  Emmy should be safe with him… but will he be safe from the growing attraction toward the woman who is frightened, has a price on her head, and will eventually leave.

As always, Donna Grant has given me a story to fall into, one that is believable, keeps me on the edge throughout waiting for what comes next, and a couple who fit together so perfectly.  I enjoyed Home for a Cowboy Christmas and now I really want more from this world.  I adored Sam, Dwight’s pup, and the relationship he shares with Emmy and Dwight in their story.  Lots of interesting characters, some vile as possible others on the good guy team.  I was simply swept away to the beauty of Montana as a woman on the run finds her happiness in a loner cowboy and can start building their future.

If you love Romantic Suspense, or Christmas time romances, or just a darned good story then you’ll want to add Home for a Cowboy Christmas to your seasonal reading list… or give yourself a gift, you deserve it.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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