Book Review – Chasing Christmas

Tags

Book Review, Chasing Christmas, Rodeo Romance series, Shanna Hatfield

We saw this book last week and I promised to get a review to you as soon as I could … well, here it is  🙂

*****

Chasing Christmas

Rodeo Romance #5

by Shanna Hatfield

 

He certainly didn’t ask Santa for a bride. . .

Professional bull rider Chase Jarrett has the world on a string. The only blight in his idyllic existence is his nosy cousin’s nonstop nagging about his need for more publicity. Tired of listening to her suggestions, he gives her free rein when she hatches a plan to skyrocket his popularity. All he has to do is show up for a phony wedding in Las Vegas. Then Chase discovers the wedding was real, the surprise bride is beautiful, and his sponsors are demanding he remain married.

Shy and introverted, the last thing Jessie Pierce wants is to find herself in the spotlight. But thanks to a meddling so-called best friend, that’s exactly where she’s at. The promise of an all-expenses paid vacation to Las Vegas lures her on an adventure that ends with her unexpectedly married to a hunky bull rider who would draw her out of her shell if she’d let him.

A business proposal leaves the two of them committed to a year of marriage. How hard could it be to remain wed in name only?

Wrap yourself up in the joy of holidays and falling in love in this sweet, lighthearted romance from USA Today Bestselling author Shanna Hatfield.

So, once I got past the whole accidentally married thing (because really, how is that even possible?) I really enjoyed watching these two dance around each other.  Granted I think a little communication and a little less hiding by either one of them could have fixed things a lot faster but then again where’s the fun in that?!? 🙂

Both Chase and Jessie have a few issues they are still carrying from their childhoods.  Their parents did a good job of ignoring both of them but they somehow managed to make it through pretty well.  Neither seems very confident in people’s staying power and that does make it difficult for them to commit to others.  Which definitely leads to some shenanigans when they suddenly find themselves husband and wife.

We spend basically a year with these two, although a good chunk of it is spent apart.  Hatfield pretty much ignores those times but does a great job of showing the two of them fighting their developing feelings when they are together.  They do such a great job of dancing around their feelings, though, that it might get a little old for some toward the end but the payout is definitely worth it!  Once they finally get to a point that they have to do something or lose each other forever, they manage to step up beautifully.

This is my first time to read one of this author’s books but I really enjoyed the down home, country feel and salt of the earth characters.  With a good dose of humor and fun, she delivered a wonderfully sweet read that will have me keeping an eye out for her other books.

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Spotlight – Chasing Christmas

Tags

Chasing Christmas, Cowboys and Christmas, Rodeo Romance series, Shanna Hatfield

A couple of years ago we helped Shanna celebrate Cowboys and Christmas and I’m so excited to see that she’s still going strong.  And even more so that I got a copy of the book that is part of this year’s celebration!

(I’ll be honest, I royally messed up and somehow missed that I was actually supposed to be doing a review for today’s stop.  BUUUUT, I’m about 2/3 of the way through and once I got over my hesitation on the whole bride for a day promotion I’ve really been enjoying myself.  I can’t wait to see how it ends and to bring you a review on it next week!)

*****

Chasing Christmas

Rodeo Romance #5

by Shanna Hatfield

Genre: Sweet Holiday Western Romance

Release Date: November 9, 2017

Hosted by: Book Partners in Crime Promotions

Blurb:

He certainly didn’t ask Santa for a bride. . .

Professional bull rider Chase Jarrett has the world on a string. The only blight in his idyllic existence is his nosy cousin’s nonstop nagging about his need for more publicity. Tired of listening to her suggestions, he gives her free rein when she hatches a plan to skyrocket his popularity. All he has to do is show up for a phony wedding in Las Vegas. Then Chase discovers the wedding was real, the surprise bride is beautiful, and his sponsors are demanding he remain married.

Shy and introverted, the last thing Jessie Pierce wants is to find herself in the spotlight. But thanks to a meddling so-called best friend, that’s exactly where she’s at. The promise of an all-expenses paid vacation to Las Vegas lures her on an adventure that ends with her unexpectedly married to a hunky bull rider who would draw her out of her shell if she’d let him.

A business proposal leaves the two of them committed to a year of marriage. How hard could it be to remain wed in name only?

Wrap yourself up in the joy of holidays and falling in love in this sweet, lighthearted romance from USA Today Bestselling author Shanna Hatfield.

Add the book to your Goodreads Shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36351313-chasing-christmas

Buy the book:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zB9JnA (Available on Kindle Unlimited)

Buy the Rodeo Romance Series:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2zBXOpp

*****

Excerpt:

Now, as she observed him, she felt a tug at her heart that she’d never see him again. Oh, she’d see him ride at the rodeo, of course, but it wasn’t the same. Not when she stood almost toe-to-toe with him, lost in the bright light of his hazel eyes and the warmth of his smile.

He stared into her face for the length of several heartbeats before he spoke in a husky tone that made her toes tingle. “I had a nice time with you, too, Jessie. Thank you for agreeing to Ashley’s crazy plans and participating in the sham wedding. It was fun to spend the day with you. You’re a great girl and anyone would be lucky to have you as their real bride.”

Jessie blushed and would have backed away, but Chase’s callused palm glided along her cheek before he cupped the back of her neck, drawing her flush against him.

His mouth settled on hers in a soft, gentle kiss that lingered far longer than she anticipated. When she attempted to draw a breath, he deepened the kiss, wrapping both arms around her.

Feeling boneless as he captivated her with passionate kisses, Jessie forgot they were standing next to the curb in front of a posh hotel. She forgot about contests, fake weddings, and ridiculous publicity stunts.  She forgot about being shy or shocked by his unexpected affection.

All she could think about was the man holding her close to his heart, one that pounded in time to her own. His woodsy, leather-tinged scent tantalized her senses as she melted against him, wishing she belonged with him — to him.

Finally, he drew back and shot her a puckish grin. “Thanks again for being my wife for a day, Jessie. If I had to do this, I’m really glad Ashley picked you.”

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Facebook ~ Facebook Friend ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google +

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Email:  shanna@shannahatfield.com

Enjoy reading advanced copies of books? Connecting with like-minded readers? Join Shanna’s Hopeless Romantics Street Team! We share recipes, crafty ideas, enjoy weekly giveaways, read ARC copies, and have fun!

*****

Click below to go to Shanna’s Amazon Page and “Read A Book, Help A Cowboy”

*****

Giveaway:

Shanna will be hosting a giveaway as part of her 4th Annual Cowboys and Christmas Event with a $50 Amazon Gift Card prize.

Enter the Giveaway

*****

Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour

Tags

Capturing Christmas, Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour, Hardman Holidays series, Rodeo Romance series, Shanna Hatfield, The Christmas Vow

Welcome to the 2nd annual

Cowboys and Christmas

Blog Tour!

Raising funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Ring in the Holidays with a Helping Hand

November 1 through Dec. 24, 10 percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total. Don’t forget to add books to your Christmas lists!

Interview with Two Heroines

Have you ever wondered what women from two different centuries would discuss?

Today, Shanna Hatfield brings together two of her popular characters for an interesting interview. Filly Granger is a wife, mother, and involved community member in The Christmas Bargain, a sweet Victorian romance taking place in 1893. Kenzie Morgan is from the contemporary sweet romance The Christmas Cowboy. She works from home as a direct sales corporate program developer, balancing that with her role as a wife and mother.

Welcome to you both. Tell us a little about your home.

Filly: I live in the small but bustling community of Hardman, Oregon in Eastern Oregon. We have several churches, a school, a newspaper office, skating rink and mercantile there. My husband, Luke, and I live in the house where he grew up on the edge of town where we raise cattle and a few horses. He owns and manages the Hardman Bank and is very involved in the community.

Kenzie: Tate, that’s my husband, and I live on the ranch that his grandfather started back in the early 1900s. We’re about thirty miles from Kennewick, Washington. We primarily raise beef cattle, wheat, and hay.

What is your single most favorite modern convenience?

Filly: Indoor plumbing. And my washing machines. I feel quite spoiled to have two but it is such a big help on laundry day.

Kenzie: Since indoor plumbing is something we all take for granted these days, I’d say my cell phone is my favorite convenience. (Smiles and shows Filly her phone, giving her a brief demonstration of how it works.)

Filly: (Wide-eyed, holds the phone in her hand.) This is the most miraculous invention. I dearly wish I could show Luke. He’d be utterly entranced.

What’s your favorite thing about your home?

Kenzie: (Smiles) Tate and our son, Gideon. They make a place home for me.

Filly: You have a son?

Kenzie: We sure do. He’ll be three soon. (Pulls up a photo of the baby on her phone and hands it to Filly.)

Filly: He’s adorable. His curls put me in mind of our own little Maura. She’s nearly a year and a half old. (Filly removes a small photograph from her reticule and gives it to Kenzie.)

Kenzie: What a lovely family. Your husband is very handsome.

Filly: Mr. Morgan appears quite dashing with those dimples and bright blue eyes. Oh, and to answer the question, my favorite thing about home is Luke and Maura. It would just be a house without them there.

Here are three fun questions…

Coffee or tea?

Kenzie: Most of the time coffee, but sometimes I enjoy a good cup of tea. Tate thinks I make special Christmas tea, but I buy it from the store.

Filly: (Grins at Kenzie) I prefer tea, as does Luke, although he hates to admit it to anyone. We also have spicy tea we make at Christmas. It’s so fragrant and delicious.

Skirts or pants?

Filly: Women wear pants?

Kenzie: (Opens a site on her phone with women’s fashions.) All the time. I’m used to wearing skirts when I’m working so I put one on today. Otherwise, I’d be dressed in jeans and boots.

Filly: Jeans? As in denim trousers?

Kenzie: (Nods and shows Filly a photo.) This is me with my horse, Goldie.

Filly: (Studies the photo and grins.) Oh, how I wish I could wear jeans to ride. They look much more comfortable than the split skirts I wear. Your boots are wonderful.

Sweet or savory?

Filly and Kenzie: Sweet!

Filly: I enjoy sweets, especially chocolate.

Kenzie: Me, too!

Tell us one thing you admire about your husband.

Kenzie: It’s hard to choose just one. Tate is one of the most optimistic, positive people I’ve ever met. He always looks for the good in situations and in others. I’d say that’s probably what I admire about him most. He’s also loyal, determined, gentle, and kind. And handsome!

Filly: Luke has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He rescued me when I needed it most. He’s definitely my hero, champion, and best friend. I also think he’s quite charming and handsome.

Thank you both for joining us. Any parting words for our readers?

Kenzie: If you enjoy historical fiction, sweet romances, or good westerns, I hope you’ll consider reading our stories in the Hardman Holidays and Rodeo Romance series.

Filly: Be sure to check out The Christmas Vow and Capturing Christmas, both releasing Nov. 12.

(The two women stand.)

Filly: If you aren’t in a hurry, do you mind if I peruse a few things on that? (Gestures to Kenzie’s cell phone.)

Kenzie: (Hands Filly the phone.) Go right ahead. By the way, do you think you could share that tea recipe…

 

New Releases

To kick off the second annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour and the JCCF campaign, two brand new holiday romances will release Nov. 12!

Capturing Christmas is the third installment in the sweet holiday western Rodeo Romance series.

Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.

Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor. Will Kash and Celia capture the spirit of the season?

Pre-order your copy today! http://amzn.to/1FC8ZQj

Get all three books in the Rodeo Romance series!

The Christmas Vow is the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series.

Columbia River Pilot Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, after the sudden death of his best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago.

Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and adored as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame. When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise Toby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son.

You can pre-order your copy today for only $2.99! http://amzn.to/1KQHhvI

Don’t miss out on the Hardman Holidays series!

 

You’re Invited to PARTY!

You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party, Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more (many of the giveaways will stay open until the following morning)!

Here’s the link to the party: http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty2

The talented guest authors joining in the celebration include:
10 a.m. – Carmen Peone
10:30 – Kayla Dawn Thomas
11 a.m. – Melanie D. Snitker, Author
11:30 – Julie Cerniglia Lence
Noon – Author CJ Samuels
12:30 – Rachel Rossano
1 p.m. – Author Kristin Holt
1:30 – Dani Harper

 

Enter to Win Prizes!

To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, Wrangler Tote Bag, Rock & Roll Cowgirl T-shirt, autographed books, chocolates, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced Nov. 16. http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasprizes2

Where to Find The Books

Start the Rodeo Romance Series with The Christmas Cowboy.

Kindle | Amazon

Travel back to a time of grandeur in the old west

with the Hardman Holidays series.

The Christmas Bargain begins the popular series

and is available free for a very limited time!

Kindle | Amazon

About Shanna Hatfield

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.

When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

This USA Today bestselling author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts.

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Make sure you sign up for her newsletter to get the latest on new releases and exclusive giveaways!

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