REVIEW: A Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine

A Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine is the fourth book in The Blackwell Belles series. Each book is written by a different author, but having missed a couple books in the series, I’ll say that they should be read in order. There were things I missed and was left having questions about because they happened in a book that I had not read.

In this book, J.R. Blackwell has put her time as a Blackwell Bell behind her. She doesn’t admit her role in the group to anyone, including her co-worker, former bull rider Hunter Robbins. She’s a woman in a man’s world of bull breeding and feels admitting she was a trick rider would cause people not to take her seriously.

When their boss pits them against each other for a promotion, J.R. knows nothing can happen with Hunter; she wants the job. But when a tree falls on her house, Hunter invites J.R. and her daughter to come stay at his family’s ranch. Seeing him interact with her daughter thaws her towards him, but when her grandmother, great uncle, and her mother show up unexpectedly, J.R.’s past threatens to reveal itself, putting her potential job, and relationship with Hunter, in jeopardy.

J.R. is a strong character, raising her daughter as a single mother, and proving herself in a job that is not usually associated with women. Hunter has no issues with being with a single mother, and I loved his interactions with Tessa, J.R.’s daughter. They were very sweet together.

In the first book in the series, I didn’t like J.R.’s mother, Flora, at all. She does, however, seem to be progressing through the books. While there were still things she did that she shouldn’t have, she seems to be taking other people’s feelings into consideration more.

As with the other books, each of the Blackwell sisters wants something the other has that was tied to their aunt Dandy and the Blackwell Belles before they’ll agree to perform at Flora’s Hall of Fame induction. In this case, J.R. demands something her sister Willow has, which sets up the next book for the final Blackwell sister. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing all the sisters finally reunite.

Out of the other books I’ve read in the series, I liked this one the best. The book is well-written, the chemistry between the characters is great, and the author even had me feeling for Flora, which I never thought would happen. If you enjoy stories about former bull riders, strong women, workplace romances, and finding family when you least expect it, A Cowgirl’s Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine would be a book for you.

Book Info:

Publication: October 22, 2024 | Harlequin Heartwarming | The Blackwell Belles #4

Working in a man’s world of Texas bull breeding, stressed-out single mom J.R. Blackwell can’t help being annoyed by her handsome coworker, Hunter Robbins. So when their boss pits them against each other for a big promotion, J.R. is ready to step up and grab the prize. But Hunter’s offer of a place to stay after a tree crushes her home, and his easy connection with her daughter, melts her reserve. Despite J.R. doing everything she can to ignore the feeling—and Hunter’s baby goat winning her daughter’s heart!—will the charming former bull rider be her true prize this Thanksgiving?