The Carson Christmas games are getting a little heated. And it’s not just the competition…

Sarah Carson is determined to win her rowdy family’s Christmas games this year. She’s made a bet with her big brother, and if she wins, she gets control over the Carson’s horse breeding business. All she needs is a partner who will ensure her victory…

Enter single dad Thaddeus Murphy. He’s a smoking hot handyman who just moved into town. And he’s perfect for Sarah’s plans—in more ways than one. Trivia, singing, sculpting, kissing… He’s a man of many talents. And Sarah can’t wait to discover them all…

Tad has to admit, that he and Sarah make a great team—even if the Carson clan is a little overwhelming. For some reason, helping the gorgeous Sarah win the games and gain the respect of her family is starting to make him feel things he hasn’t felt in years. He knows he’s getting in over his head. But there’s no way he can turn down Sarah.

Not when she just might be the best thing to ever happen to him…

Titles in the Carson Christmas Games series include — Cowboy’s Christmas Girlfriend —♥— Cowgirl’s Christmas Partner —♥— Cowboy’s Christmas Heart —♥—

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

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Cowgirl’s Christmas Partner
Series:  Carson Christmas Games #2
Author:  Leslie North
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 15, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Cowgirl’s Christmas Partner continues the Carson Christmas Games series with a couple that, in many ways, have the opposite outlook on life.  Sarah knows her own worth, unfortunately, her family still sees her as a younger girl charming but almost an airhead and treats her accordingly to their views.  Tad has had so much ripped away from him and growing up his father made certain that he only depended on himself or his family so that now he and his young son are in a new town starting over Tad has no real clue how to fit in or accept the hand of friendship that is offered for fear there are major strings attached.  And, to be fair, there are strings to Sarah’s offer sort of.  In exchange for Tad’s help during her family’s annual Christmas Games she’ll do everything possible to lead new customers his way for this carpentry business, after all, she knows the entire town.  It seems like a fair deal… until those pesky emotions get involved.

It’s hard to not feel empathy for Sarah.  She’s the best there is for the family horse breeding portion of the ranch, she’s heading it like a professional yet her brother, Will, doesn’t intend on giving her control any time soon.  In his eyes she’s still his baby sister, in her eyes she’s a capable horsewoman and businesswoman so they’re at an impasse.  The prize of the running of the horse program will go to the winner of the annual Games… and neither intends to lose.

I enjoyed returning to this world with Sarah, Tad, and little Wes.  As always the competition with the Carson family is intense and watching one little boy’s eyes widen in wonder and fun was such a delight.  Tad and Sarah work well as a couple but neither is really trusting their true selves and, of course, there will be problems.  Part of my enjoyment of their story was watching them fix what became broken between them – not by force but by looking within themselves and seeing where they went wrong, and how to make a real, lasting change in themselves first and then on to the relationship.  I had fun here again, and am definitely looking forward to returning for the next story.

If you love a well-written, emotional, realistic romance with characters who almost leap off of the page, then Cowgirl’s Christmas Partner is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

Available for the Kindle as this story and series are currently in KU