A mutually beneficial exchange

A burst pipe has made widow Gwen Bishop and her young triplets Ian Greer’s unexpected houseguests.

The handsome tree farmer asked for just one favor in return: to help give his mother a holiday to remember.

A father figure for the boys, warm memories, a cheerfully decorated home—the arrangement was convenient to them all.

Yet, for a woman who didn’t trust her heart, it was a wake-up call to what Gwen really wanted for Christmas: Ian.

Titles in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series include — Last-Chance Marriage Rescue —♥— The Cowboy’s Christmas Retreat —♥— Last Chance on Moonlight Ridge —♥— The Little Matchmaker —♥— The Cowgirl and the Country M.D. —♥— The Lawman’s Surprise —♥— Their Convenient Christmas Engagement —♥—

*Although I’ve read and enjoyed all the stories in this series, some reviews are on another of my blogs – only the titles reviewed on Happily Ever After Romance are linked here*

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

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Their Convenient Christmas Engagement
Series:  Top Dog Dude Ranch #7
Author:  Catherine Mann
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  October 24, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Special Edition
My Rating:  4.5 stars

I love returning to the Top Dog Dude Ranch world, especially at Christmas time. Their Convenient Christmas Engagement is full of the fun, the romance, and the shenanigans that this ranch is famous for, but especially joyful when Christmas magic is added to the mix.  Gwen and Ian don’t know it yet, but this convenient, fake, limited-time arrangement will lead to a lifelong love for all of them if risks are taken and love is allowed to take root.

Ian’s mother is facing life with one of the diseases that the elderly (and their families) fear.  Alzheimer’s-Dementia.  She’s been wandering into Gwen’s shop almost daily now, Gwen’s triplet boys talk with her, laugh with her, and treat her with the respect she deserves while they wait for Ian to come to collect his mom once again.

When a pipe breaks at Gwen’s cabin making the structure unlivable until repairs can be made, Ian makes an offer that is so very hard to refuse.  Pretend that they are in a relationship, move into his home while the work is being done on her cabin, and give his mother one Christmas wish – her boy settled with the family she already loves for Christmas.  They can figure out how to ease apart later, but right now, it’s a favor for a favor between friends… until they are more than friends.

One might think that adding Alzheimer’s into a romance is a risky thing — but it is not, for aging is very real for so many families around the world.  Ian’s mom is delightful, minus the filter these days of saying exactly what she’s thinking, but so real, still loving, still with some mischief, still deserving of respect and happiness.  I adored this woman.  Gwen’s triplets are (as my own grandmother would say) a hoot!  Well-adjusted, loving, full of mischief, and respectful of those around them.  Sure, they get into shenanigans, but kids their age come by that trait naturally.  There might be a few Santa letters for a new daddy being sent up to the North Pole, but kids believe in Christmas magic, so Ian is the perfect new daddy that they long for.  They just have to get the grownups on board with their wishes…but that’s Santa’s job.

I loved Ian and Gwen together.  Friends, sure, that’s easy, but watching them move into the love that is right for them was pure joy for two people who deserve happiness.  I had a blast with Their Convenient Christmas Engagement; it’s full of everything I love about Romance, especially Christmas Romance.  It’s well-written, emotional, playful, serious, full of the magic that comes at this time of year, and creates a family that it’s hard not to fall in love with.  I’d definitely recommend it to any reader who loves a good love story with lots of mischief tossed in as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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