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Top Dog Dude Ranch #2
The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat
His love life has gone to the dogs—in the best of ways in USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann's latest book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series!
After they’ve opened gifts
Maybe he’ll unwrap her heart.
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his “honeymoon.” But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights—everything is conspiring against their “just friends” resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
After they’ve opened gifts
Maybe he’ll unwrap her heart.
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his “honeymoon.” But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights—everything is conspiring against their “just friends” resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
About the author
Catherine Mann
599 books1,133 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann and RITA Award winner, Catherine writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule. With over 75 books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. After years moving around the country bringing up four children, Catherine has settled in her home state of South Carolina with her real-life hero husband. The nest didn’t stay empty long though as Catherine is active in animal rescue, and also volunteers with area service dog and pet therapy organizations. Catherine enjoys hearing from her readers and can be found online frequently through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. http://catherinemann.com
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November 7, 2021
Four years ago, while she was giving birth to their child, her scumbag of a husband was cheating on her. But what hurt Lucy Snyder the most, it's seeing her son's sadness as not being able to spend Christmas with his two parents.
Her best friend since 9th grade, Riley Stewart hasn't been lucky in love either. He was supposed to be a married man at Christmas but his fiancé called off the wedding a few weeks before to go with another man.
Since the trip was already paid for his honeymoon at the Top Dog Dude Ranch, Riley ask Lucy, little Georges and their dog Pickles, to go with him to the winter wonderland fest. Lucy is happy to help a friend and for the happy memories it'll give her son. But what if true love had been hiding right under their nose all this time ?
"She made morning look good."
This second book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch confirm my delight at having found a new series to read. And I can't get over how much I love this cover! What I like best about Catherine Mann's books is that she takes daily living moments and capture the raw emotions of it so well.
Her best friend since 9th grade, Riley Stewart hasn't been lucky in love either. He was supposed to be a married man at Christmas but his fiancé called off the wedding a few weeks before to go with another man.
Since the trip was already paid for his honeymoon at the Top Dog Dude Ranch, Riley ask Lucy, little Georges and their dog Pickles, to go with him to the winter wonderland fest. Lucy is happy to help a friend and for the happy memories it'll give her son. But what if true love had been hiding right under their nose all this time ?
"She made morning look good."
This second book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch confirm my delight at having found a new series to read. And I can't get over how much I love this cover! What I like best about Catherine Mann's books is that she takes daily living moments and capture the raw emotions of it so well.
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October 2, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction
Miniseries
Top Dog Dude Ranch (Book #2)
Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction
Miniseries
Top Dog Dude Ranch (Book #2)
November 2, 2021
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Lucy Snyder is a divorcee, a single parent to George, her son from her first marriage, and a fur-mommy to Pickles. Her failed marriage made her question her judgment to jump into any relationship besides friendship. The only thing that makes her have any relationship is her friendship with Riley, who has been her rock and supporter since they were both in middle grade.
Riley Stewart wants to settle down. He's been traveling on the rodeo circuit and has been wanting to "settle" soon. He's already started to look for properties for a potential business and is planning to move from city to country-side soon. He is recently engaged and is excited about all the settling prospects in the works. His only hesitation is leaving his childhood best friend, Lucy, to pursue "again" his dreams. (Hint: there's a heavy yet beautiful backstory on this.)
The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat is a first-person, from both Riley's and Lucy's POV. It is written well and is true to the Harlequin Romance of sweet, undeniable love with a bit of complication to add spice to the storyline.
Pros:
- Warm and cozy book tone. Plus, the fact that most of the scenes are in a retreat adds to its calmness of the mood. It gives me the "Silent Night" feels of an animal nativity scene peppered with a Jingle Bells Rock of line dancing moments.
- A great Christmas read to place readers through the holiday feels with the many festive activities partaken by the characters.
- I love second chance/redemption books that this book has in full blast, especially when both main characters are finally "on the same life stage" to be there for each other. Both are finally single, though not yet ready to be in a relationship at the start.
- I appreciated the story not being an "insta-love" approach. Instead, Lucy's and Riley's long-term friendship becomes the foundation that brought genuine healing and authenticity.
Cons:
- The story's build-up was slower than expected due to so many internal conflicts for both main characters. Although Lucy and Riley mentioned many repetitive details on taking their relationship beyond friendship, the author reminds readers that these characters' flaws still need to be "worked on." It was realistic with the slow-burning pace.
- I had trouble connecting or caring for the characters. Initially, I got excited about how flawed Lucy and Riley were. They made me want to unravel them and understand them, BUT I found their unresolved and traumatic troubled pasts came up too often that it felt repetitive. Granted that these issues were "not resolved," I would have appreciated if the author mentioned that either character sought external help or anyone mentioned this since many "red flags" signaled this need.
- Cheated partners get mentioned often and cause doubt and frustration. Note: Some readers might not see this coming into the scenes. BUT, there surely wouldn't be a story without these characters who hurt the main characters. I have an issue with an ex-partner's reactions, which didn't seem realistic to me. Granted that his particular partner was "in the wrongs," but after what one of the main characters said...the reaction was too calm and "controlled." There were no rebuffs or drama when the main character confessed the truth to the ex-partner, and then, this ex-partner, of two years, left quietly.
Overall, The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat is a light and easy-going read with minimal conflicts. This book came at a perfect time - just when I wanted an escapism book. The pace in some parts was slower than I was used to, and the "push-pull" moments were not to my liking, BUT I understood the author's purpose for this. The heavier pace moments balance the internal conflict between Lucy and Riley. These conflicts became barriers in having Lucy and Riley progressing and helping each other until the last few chapter or two. I think I've been out of the sweet romance genre for too long. This book is something I would recommend to a reader who loves second chances, single-parent tropes, pet-lovers, and Harlequin romance reader fans.
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Lucy Snyder is a divorcee, a single parent to George, her son from her first marriage, and a fur-mommy to Pickles. Her failed marriage made her question her judgment to jump into any relationship besides friendship. The only thing that makes her have any relationship is her friendship with Riley, who has been her rock and supporter since they were both in middle grade.
Riley Stewart wants to settle down. He's been traveling on the rodeo circuit and has been wanting to "settle" soon. He's already started to look for properties for a potential business and is planning to move from city to country-side soon. He is recently engaged and is excited about all the settling prospects in the works. His only hesitation is leaving his childhood best friend, Lucy, to pursue "again" his dreams. (Hint: there's a heavy yet beautiful backstory on this.)
The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat is a first-person, from both Riley's and Lucy's POV. It is written well and is true to the Harlequin Romance of sweet, undeniable love with a bit of complication to add spice to the storyline.
Pros:
- Warm and cozy book tone. Plus, the fact that most of the scenes are in a retreat adds to its calmness of the mood. It gives me the "Silent Night" feels of an animal nativity scene peppered with a Jingle Bells Rock of line dancing moments.
- A great Christmas read to place readers through the holiday feels with the many festive activities partaken by the characters.
- I love second chance/redemption books that this book has in full blast, especially when both main characters are finally "on the same life stage" to be there for each other. Both are finally single, though not yet ready to be in a relationship at the start.
- I appreciated the story not being an "insta-love" approach. Instead, Lucy's and Riley's long-term friendship becomes the foundation that brought genuine healing and authenticity.
Cons:
- The story's build-up was slower than expected due to so many internal conflicts for both main characters. Although Lucy and Riley mentioned many repetitive details on taking their relationship beyond friendship, the author reminds readers that these characters' flaws still need to be "worked on." It was realistic with the slow-burning pace.
- I had trouble connecting or caring for the characters. Initially, I got excited about how flawed Lucy and Riley were. They made me want to unravel them and understand them, BUT I found their unresolved and traumatic troubled pasts came up too often that it felt repetitive. Granted that these issues were "not resolved," I would have appreciated if the author mentioned that either character sought external help or anyone mentioned this since many "red flags" signaled this need.
- Cheated partners get mentioned often and cause doubt and frustration. Note: Some readers might not see this coming into the scenes. BUT, there surely wouldn't be a story without these characters who hurt the main characters. I have an issue with an ex-partner's reactions, which didn't seem realistic to me. Granted that his particular partner was "in the wrongs," but after what one of the main characters said...the reaction was too calm and "controlled." There were no rebuffs or drama when the main character confessed the truth to the ex-partner, and then, this ex-partner, of two years, left quietly.
Overall, The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat is a light and easy-going read with minimal conflicts. This book came at a perfect time - just when I wanted an escapism book. The pace in some parts was slower than I was used to, and the "push-pull" moments were not to my liking, BUT I understood the author's purpose for this. The heavier pace moments balance the internal conflict between Lucy and Riley. These conflicts became barriers in having Lucy and Riley progressing and helping each other until the last few chapter or two. I think I've been out of the sweet romance genre for too long. This book is something I would recommend to a reader who loves second chances, single-parent tropes, pet-lovers, and Harlequin romance reader fans.
October 28, 2021
Riley and Lucy have been friends forever, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. A kiss in high school hinted at the possibility of something more but the timing wasn’t right. Now, for the first time, they are in the same place and single at the same time. While they may tell everyone that there is nothing romantic between them, some long buried feelings are starting to surface. And spending time together at a romantic getaway, even with a small chaperone, is only making things more complicated.
Neither Riley nor Lucy has had the greatest history, and trusting in their emotions is hard, so taking a chance on losing a friendship that means so much to both of them is scary. But I felt like Mann does a good job of having them work through their feelings, understanding the seriousness of risking what they have for something more, and making sure that their attraction is real.
Blending together tender moments, holiday charm, and just a smidge of spice to heat things up a bit, Mann’s latest is the perfect read for those looking for a feel-good story to curl up with and while away a few hours. A delightful mix of friends-to-lovers and Christmas enchantment, it’ll leave you happy and satisfied, maybe even wanting a little more of the magic the Top Dog Dude Ranch can bring.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Neither Riley nor Lucy has had the greatest history, and trusting in their emotions is hard, so taking a chance on losing a friendship that means so much to both of them is scary. But I felt like Mann does a good job of having them work through their feelings, understanding the seriousness of risking what they have for something more, and making sure that their attraction is real.
Blending together tender moments, holiday charm, and just a smidge of spice to heat things up a bit, Mann’s latest is the perfect read for those looking for a feel-good story to curl up with and while away a few hours. A delightful mix of friends-to-lovers and Christmas enchantment, it’ll leave you happy and satisfied, maybe even wanting a little more of the magic the Top Dog Dude Ranch can bring.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
October 15, 2022
This is book two in The Top Dog Dude Ranch Series and it is Riley and Lucy's story. When Riley is jilted he decided to get away to the place where he booked the honeymoon so that he could be away from everything and regroup so that he could decide what to do next and he asked his best friend Lucy her son and there dog to go along with him for moral support and a shoulder when he needed it. While they were away Riley and Lucy connected in a different way that neither one was expecting but always seemed to be there simmering under the surface of there friendship but they both had baggage, trust issue's and two like they are not really ready to move forward into a relationship as they both wonder if it just the situation that caused this complication between them but love works in mysterious ways and sometimes you have to go with the flow as you have no way in it when true love strikes. I absolutely loved Riley and Lucy as they were so perfect for each other and made a great family but they will have to let there walls down and trust that they are making the right decision to get the happy ending and future that they deserved. The characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention and I couldn't put this book down as it was a real page turner and totally addictive and I can't wait to read more book's in the future.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
October 13, 2022
His love life has gone to the dogs--in the best of ways in USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann's latest book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series!
After they've opened gifts
Maybe he'll unwrap her heart.
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his "honeymoon." But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights--everything is conspiring against their "just friends" resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
This was a sweet second chance romance book, sprinkled with Christmas moments. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
I think I shall have to go and binge the rest of the series now.
Thank you to #booksprout for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
After they've opened gifts
Maybe he'll unwrap her heart.
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his "honeymoon." But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights--everything is conspiring against their "just friends" resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
This was a sweet second chance romance book, sprinkled with Christmas moments. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
I think I shall have to go and binge the rest of the series now.
Thank you to #booksprout for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
October 24, 2021
The Cowboy’s Christmas Retreat - Catherine Mann
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his “honeymoon.” But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights—everything is conspiring against their “just friends” resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
This is the second book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series but I have read it as a stand alone. This is a cosy read, perfect to read curled up under a blanket on a cold day. It is a feel-good romance full of emotion, set in a beautiful location.
If you enjoy friends to lovers and Christmas romances then this is the book for you.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Instead of his winter wonderland wedding, Riley Stewart has been jilted. This rodeo champ needs an understanding shoulder, so Riley invites his best friend, Lucy Snyder, her son and their scruffy pooch on his “honeymoon.” But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lights—everything is conspiring against their “just friends” resolve. Will this fake honeymoon ignite the real spark Riley and Lucy have denied for so long?
This is the second book in the Top Dog Dude Ranch series but I have read it as a stand alone. This is a cosy read, perfect to read curled up under a blanket on a cold day. It is a feel-good romance full of emotion, set in a beautiful location.
If you enjoy friends to lovers and Christmas romances then this is the book for you.
Rating: 4/5
December 30, 2022
Lucy and Riley have been friends, best friends for over fifteen years. They have always supported each other, even when they had doubts or it seemed the other was making a mistake or seemed to be leaving the other behind. Through his rodeo career that often took him away from her, through her marriage to her cheating ex and the both of her son, they stayed friends and offered each other support. Now, Riley’s engagement has ended and he has invited Lucy to go on what was to be his honeymoon and she accepted. Both have always had to push down their attraction and desire for each other, to hide it behind guards so as to not ruin their friendship. On this trip, they have finally decided to take their relationship beyond friendship. Will they let their past experiences and doubts cloud their thoughts and feelings or will they take the leap and focus on building a future together?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the “Top Dog Dude Ranch Series”. This is an entertaining small-town romance. Riley who is a rodeo cowboy and Lucy have been best friends since for some time. The two shared a kiss in high school but it was nothing series for the two of them so they thought. They have been there for each other thru life’s happy and unhappy times. The two went their separate ways with Lucy marrying and now she’s single. Lucy has a son with an adorable dog. Riley was all set to marry but ends up jilted and guess who is there for him; none other than Lucy. Riley invites Lucy and her son and their dog on his holiday Christmas honeymoon. Things take a turn for the better. The two get more than they bargained for.
Will this holiday honeymoon result in a real honeymoon, can these best two best friends go from being friends to have an HEA that they both desire?
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Will this holiday honeymoon result in a real honeymoon, can these best two best friends go from being friends to have an HEA that they both desire?
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 29, 2021
A holiday getaway like no other! With the second book in her Top Dog Dude Ranch series Catherine Mann brings the heart of a friendship to life when two best friends who have been burned by love get taken in by the magic of a winter wonderland and start wondering "what if?" in THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS RETREAT. The holiday ambiance is magical and the characters are a joy to get to know.
Riley is a sweetheart. I loved his outlook on life and his devotion to Lucy.
Lucy revolves her entire world around making her son the most well-adjusted kid as possible and it shows with what a little doll he is.
I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a small town romance filled with friendship, love and happily ever afters with a whole lot of adorableness mixed in.
Riley is a sweetheart. I loved his outlook on life and his devotion to Lucy.
Lucy revolves her entire world around making her son the most well-adjusted kid as possible and it shows with what a little doll he is.
I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a small town romance filled with friendship, love and happily ever afters with a whole lot of adorableness mixed in.
January 1, 2023
Forever friends Riley and Lucy have always been there fore each other and for the first time they are single together with Lucy now divorced and Riley breaking up with his fiancé. Riley had already paid for a two week trip to Top Dude Ranch so Lucy and her son George go with him which leads the feelings they have for each other finally coming to the surface as well as working through emotions that are holding them back. I loved seeing some friendly faces again and the joy and support that Top Dude Ranch provides as well as two friends finally realise there is more between them and the highs and lows that go with them finally getting a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2021
Best friends Riley Stewart and Lucy Snyder have always been there for each other - through Lucy's divorce, and now, when Riley's fiancee jilts him right before the wedding, leaving Riley with a two week vacation at the Top Dog Dude Ranch instead of a honeymoon. So he asks Lucy and her son, George, to go with him for the two weeks. But on arriving, they find that the whole focus of the ranch is on relationships - improving, mending. But Lucy and Riley don't have that kind of relationship, do they?
Nice story in the series, and Nina and her husband and kids from the first book make brief appearances.
Nice story in the series, and Nina and her husband and kids from the first book make brief appearances.
December 29, 2022
This is a "friends to lovers" romance with single mom Lucy and her best friend Riley. Things just never work out for them to go beyond the surprise kiss they shared at senior prom but now she is single and his engagement just broke off. Riley ask her and George to go on the honeymoon he planned to Top Dog Dude Ranch and it is everything they hoped. When Emily comes back to try and get Riley back he tells her he is really in love with Lucy something she never expected him to say. After all those years as friends will Lucy and Riley finally find their HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2023
They have been best friends for years; he was there for her during her marriage the birth of her son and her divorce now it's her turn to be there for him. He was supposed to get married on Christmas eve but now it isn't going to happen and this will be her first Christmas without her son, so he invites them to share his honeymoon trip. They go to a ranch that is geared towards couples, families, pets and healing. They have a ton of fun until the ex comes to get his son, then things begin to change hopefully for the better. This is a cute, sweet romance. I like books with kids and dogs in them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
Read if you like:
Friends to lovers
Close proximity
Christmas romance
Grab your cup of hot chocolate and your favorite cozy blanket! Be sure to add this book to your holiday reading list! It’s a feel good romance with a lot of emotion packed in. Picture a snowy Christmas cabin in the woods and all the cute holiday activities to go along with it! Christmas magic, heartfelt moments, and some sexiness too!
Friends to lovers
Close proximity
Christmas romance
Grab your cup of hot chocolate and your favorite cozy blanket! Be sure to add this book to your holiday reading list! It’s a feel good romance with a lot of emotion packed in. Picture a snowy Christmas cabin in the woods and all the cute holiday activities to go along with it! Christmas magic, heartfelt moments, and some sexiness too!
October 25, 2022
I didn't really care for the book and couldn't get into it. I would have just withdrawn rather than leave a low review, but Booksprout punishes me for doing withdrawals.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2022
A charming look at heartache. Catherine Mann finds humor in moments of vulnerability. Riley and Lucy bring hope and heart in the most endearing of ways. From heartache to heartwarming, The Cowboys Christmas Retreat is a delightfully honest snapshot of love.
January 9, 2023
what a great read - jilted and trying to forgive and forget - maybe just a little help from a friend will make everything way better than he ever thought! Catherine has written another great book in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2023
Cowboy's Christmas Retreat was a treat of a read. Christmas time, an adorable pup and a lovely couple, all elements of a great book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2021
My review of The Cowboy's Christmas Retreat is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 15, 2021
Friends to lovers story of two best friends is sweet and endearing.
December 6, 2022
This is the 1st book I read by Catherine Mann. I liked this book's storyline. I liked Lucy's character. I liked Riley's character. I loved ❤️ George. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews