A Cowboy for Christmas

by Kelsey Hodge

Austin
It’s been fifteen years since I have been at the ranch. Everything is the same, except Colt. His eyes now hold hatred. I don’t blame him. I never meant to hurt him but I did. Colt has no option but to work with me, even though it’s tough. I need to show him that I care and the only way I can think of is by helping Colt with the Christmas Festival. Slowly barriers are broken, but the doubt is still there. Now, there is one last thing I must do, I just need to prove that I am home. That I belong here with him.

Colt
The moment he left, fifteen years ago, I hated him. He hurt me more than I thought possible and now he is back. I have no option but to work with him. I do everything to keep my distance but then he is helping with the Christmas Festival. Memories return. The walls I built to protect myself start to crumble. I need to risk my heart and hope that he wants to call this ranch home, with me.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2024

Reviews

[Lady Macbeth]

DNF at 30%
So, Colt and Austin are best friends, Colt helps at Austin's grandparents' ranch and they spend all summer together (crushing on each other). On his last day at the ranch, after Colt confesses he like boys, Austin kisses him and then leaves.
For 15 long years, Austin doesn't come back to the ranch, doesn't care about it (he doesn't know about all the new animals nor about the purchase of more land) and completely ghosts his best friend (no phone calls, no texts, no cards).
When he comes back, after a week of drooling over his handsome former friend, he declares that he still likes him and wants to be together...

I know I'm being harsh but Austin is really the worse grandson and friend ever! He hasn't care about any of them for years, he and his parents persuaded two old people to come visit them (out of state) instead of going back to the ranch.
How is it possible that he never asked questions about their business or about Colt?

Another thing that let me bothered... after 15 years of living out of state, Austin returns to the ranch for his grandfather's funeral. His grandmother is not there, she was already dead.
So, he didn't return to his hometown for his granny's funeral? How is that even possible?

I had to DNF this when Austin came up with the excuse that he didn't reach out to Colt because he lost his phone and all his contacts (Colt was basically living with Austin's grandparents by then)...

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Austin & Colt
Rating: 3.5⭐

- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
- Christmas Traditions
- Small Town
- Game Developer/Cowboy
- 15yr Separation

A kiss 15 years earlier solidified Colt's sexuality for him and that Austin also had a mutual interest in him. Unfortunately, Austin had to leave that same day and never came back. Now Austin has returned due to his grandparents passing, with the surprise that they have left the ranch to him and a few stipulations. Those grandparents of his were sneaky about their intentions too!

I liked watching these two find their way back to each other and that their chemistry was strong. I didn't like Austin's excuse for not getting in contact with Colt over the years. I could understand his reasoning when he was still a kid, but when he got older there was no longer any excuses.

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions parental and grandparents deaths (past; off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accident (past; off-page)

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 30 or 31

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first kiss and then fifteen years of silence have left Colt just a little jaded when it comes to Austin. Austin has been called into his grandparents' lawyer's office and informed that the ranch is his only if he works it for a year starting now. Finding out that Colt is the ranch hand is unexpected. Dealing with his animosity is another thing as he still finds he has feelings for him. Austin now must learn to run the ranch and find a way for he and Colt to start over. A sweet second chance story of forced proximity and some measure of interfering grandparents from beyond the grave with a Christmas tradition to pull everything together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off making me feel seriously emotional for these two characters, the way they felt as teenagers and then coming back together 15 years later is a beautiful love story.

I loved the way the grandparents were written and how they loved Colt , giving him the family he never really had but also showing him what his future could be.

An easy read with a lot of heart and a wonderful Christmas journey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town romance! Amazing!
It's the holiday season, and there is nothing like a wonderful Christmas story to enjoy. This story reads as if it's a Hallmark movie. I can picture it all as I read through chapter after chapter. It's a very touching story of two boys who meet at a young age and then years later they have no choice but to work and be around each other. I felt the heartache they went through when circumstances pulled them in two different directions. Time may have gone by, but the feelings they both had for each other are still there. As they work on the ranch together, walls start to come down, and the feelings for one another resurface. Austin has known that he wants Colt from the moment he sees him again. Colt fights his feelings for Austin because of the hurt Austin caused him. Can these two overcome the pain and hurt from years ago? Or will they be able to work through it and admit their love for one another? This is a heartwarming Christmas story you won't want to miss. You'll feel as if you're in the story with Austin and Colt. And just a side note... I want to try the cookies Grams made and the soup. This is another amazing five-star read from Kelsey.

[Sara Irons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin and Colt were the best of friends as teenagers but were separated when Austin's parents moved them away. Not knowing when or if they would ever see each other again.

Austin returns when his grandparents pass and Colt is his ranch hand on the farm his grandparents left to him.

Austin immediately is happy about seeing Colt but Colt is holding onto the past and the anger of Austin leaving him. Will they ever be able to see through the past and towards a future? You'll have to read this cute small town romance to find out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wilmalys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet novella. Austin and Colt were so good together. Colt tried to resist Austin after he came back to the ranch, but their attraction was stronger than his resentment. They were sweet and fun. I really liked the book. Perfect read for this holiday season.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a second chance romance that started out their second chance as enemies. Poor communication and preconceived ideas made it a rocky road to redemption and understanding what transpired in their time apart. Can they get past these hurts and move on to the love buried deep inside?

Will their past chemistry come to the forefront and help the men heal past and present pain to begin their lives together or is it too late??? I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, sweet, joyful, Christmas read that I absolutely and throughly enjoyed. It’s a wonderful story, with all the good Christmas feels. Austin and Colt were a fun couple. Merry Christmas to me!💚❤️💚

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing the title of A Cowboy for Christmas by Kelsey Hodge initially made me cautious—I wasn’t sure the cowboy theme would be represented authentically. However, Kelsey Hodge exceeded all my expectations with this sweet, slow-burn second-chance romance that left me teary-eyed within the first chapter.

The story begins with Austin returning to the ranch after his grandparents’ death. He’s obligated to stay for at least a year before selling it, but what he doesn’t anticipate is facing Colt, his love from fifteen years ago. Colt is still on the ranch and even more captivating than Austin remembers. However, Colt keeps his distance, harboring unresolved feelings and the pain of Austin leaving after a fateful kiss when they were fifteen.

I loved how the second-chance romance had an almost enemies-to-lovers vibe at first, as their strained relationship slowly healed over time. Watching the romance grow step by step—from animosity to friendship, and eventually to love—was both beautiful and heartwarming. The relationship dynamic felt believable and grounded, making their journey all the more satisfying.

The ranch setting was another highlight. The depiction of life on the ranch—early mornings, hard work, and the understanding that animals always come first—added authenticity and depth to the story. I also loved how Austin and Colt worked together to bring their small-town Christmas festival to life, spreading joy to the community.

The forced proximity trope was used perfectly, leading to one of the most romantic scenes in the book. Every part of this story felt rich and fulfilling, making it hard to pick a single favorite aspect.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, realistic, and utterly charming Christmas read, I highly recommend A Cowboy for Christmas.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Christmas story that will put you in the holiday mood. This is the story of Colt and Austin. Both Colt and Austin were teenage best friends. On the day that Colt kisses Austin, Austin leaves and doesn't come back. There is no further communication between them. Until Austin comes back and learns he inherits his grandparents ranch. A ranch where Colt has worked his entire life. The will stipulates that Austin must live and work at the ranch for one year before he can sell the property. Colt would like to have it but he will have to wait. Now the two of them will are forced to work together. This is their story. I had read quite a few books by this author but this book isn't my favourite. While I loved Colt's character, I had a big problem with Austin's character. First his coming back for the first time in 15 years. That means he didn't bother coming back for his grandmother's funeral. Okay, some times life get in the way. But the excuse for not contacting his best friend is that "he lost his phone". I can't imagine a lamer excuse possible. He couldn't figure out how to contact his best friend who worked on his grandparents farm. For me, that was a bridge too far. It took me out of the story. While he worked to make amends to Colt, I was actually hoping that he would fail. But obviously, this is a second chance story so the odds were stacked against me. Overall this is a sweet romance. It just didn't have the depth I was looking for. It could be perfect for you. The book is written well and is easy to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Precociousp · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an ARC reader specializing in MM novels, I've started to notice a trend of mediocrity, which made A Cowboy for Christmas by Kelsey Hodge an interesting read. It was well-written and easy to follow, with a warm, festive atmosphere that captured the essence of Christmas. The twist at the beginning, which led me to believe it was an "enemies to lovers" story before revealing itself as a second-chance romance, was a nice surprise that kept me engaged.

However, while the story flowed smoothly, the character development felt uneven. Colt was a standout, with a grounded and relatable personality that made him easy to root for. On the other hand, Austin’s character didn’t resonate in the same way. His motivations for cutting Colt off 15 years ago felt underdeveloped, and I struggled to understand his emotional journey. I think exploring Austin’s past or providing more context for his actions could have made him a more compelling character.

The book offered an enjoyable read, but I wanted more—particularly in terms of character growth and emotional depth. The romance, while sweet, didn’t have the depth I was hoping for. If the emotional stakes had been higher and the characters’ inner conflicts better explored, this story could have been much more impactful.

Ultimately, A Cowboy for Christmas has the potential to be a great holiday romance, but it left me longing for more complexity in both its characters and the plot.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ramsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to 3,5 stars

Easy to read and all in all entertaining.
But I believe it wasn't the best book by Kelsey I've ever read. Some things just didn't seem to fit that well or made me go 'Huh, really?'.

Like the fact that Austin never came back when his grandmother died.. He only came back to his grandfather's funeral.
Tbh the whole he never came back in 15 years somehow bothered me. Sure, at first when he was a child...but not even when he was an adult? After he said he loved it there and his best friend still lived there? Somehow that did not really make sense in my eyes.
Or the: I couldn't contact you I lost my phone. Colt lived with Austin's grandparents and he had no idea how to contact him? Sorry, but just no.
That may be small things for other readers but for me that was simply a bit off putting.

Aside from that I found the character development a bit uneven and was way more interested & invested in Cole than in Austin. Sometimes I even wondered if Colt didn't deserve 'better'.

Still, it was good watching those two connect again, even finding back together, this time not only as friends but as a couple. There were sweet moments and altogether I was rooting for those two.

The writing style overall was solid and the pacing of the story felt good and flowed smoothly I'd say.

Conclusion: a bit more depth and character development would have been appreciated by me but it was still an entertaining story I'm not mad to have read.

Give it a try yourself, my criticism points may not bother you.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Austin and Colt were 15, they were best friends, spending long days on Austin’s grandparent’s ranch. There were strong feelings between them, Colt had just shared he thought he liked boys, Austin kissed him, then left, not to return for 15 years. Each had thought of the other over the years, but there was no communication between them. It took Colt a long time to get over his broken heart, and now Austin is back to claim the ranch for himself, if he can last a year. Colt believes the ranch should rightly go to him since he had worked there since high school helping Austin’s grandparents keep the ranch as they aged, but if Austin stays, it isn’t to be. As things are tense to begin with, they must work together to keep the ranch functioning, and the old feelings start to resurface. A winter snowstorm and power loss, plus a traditional Winter Festival to be held at the ranch, are the catalyst for things to move forward — or not. Can Colt get past the years of hurt, can Austin find what has been missing in his life, can they get their HEA?

A sweet, mostly low angst second chance romance of friends to lovers, set during the lead up to Christmas. Some steamy scenes interspersed with lots of physical labor at the ranch. The author did a good job of building the world of the ranch and the myriad of tasks necessary to keep it functioning and the animals healthy. Relatable, realistic characters, easy to root for as they find their way back to each other.

I received an advance review copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been fifteen years since Austin has been at the ranch. Everything is the same, except Colt. His eyes now hold hatred. Colt has no option but to work with him. Austin needs to show him that he cares and the only way he can think of is by helping Colt with the Christmas Festival. Slowly barriers are broken, but the doubt is still there. Now, there is one last thing he must do, he just needs to prove that he is home. That he belong here with him. The moment Austin left, fifteen years ago, Colt hated him. He hurt Colt more than he thought possible and now he is back. Colt has no option but to work with him. He does everything to keep his distance but then he is helping with the Christmas Festival. Memories return. The walls Colt built to protect himself start to crumble. He needs to risk his heart and hope that he wants to call this ranch home.This

This was a sweet story of how the two men reconnected after fifteen years and after Austin proves that he was there to stay. A sweet Christmas story with the promise of forever. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Shane Crick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want a cowboy for Christmas?! :)

I enjoyed how Colt and Austin are such different characters, and they never feel like they morph into one another like some characters do in books. You get to see how their teenage experiences shape them into who they are years later. It's pretty fascinating to see how they've drifted apart but eventually find their way back to each other. They have to navigate the ups and downs of life, their ranch, and the Christmas Festival, which adds a lot of tension and drama.

The ending wraps everything up nicely, which I know will leave readers feeling good. This book has a cozy, romantic vibe that makes you root for both characters to get their happy ending, even with all their quirks. It's amazing to think this story could happen in real life. I don't know if I could be strong enough to wait 15 years to figure things out with someone, but the idea that love can conquer all is pretty powerful.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming read, this book is worth the read. :)

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet Christmas story about Colt and Austin who were best friends as teenagers, until one day Austin left without previous warning just after they shared the most epic kiss.
Fifteen years lated, Austin comes back as he inherited the ranch, where Colt is the hand. Austin wants to sell, but he can't as he has to live in the ranch for one year before selling it, if not the ranch will go to a mysterious third party. So Austin and Colt are now working together on the ranch, Austin wants to reconnect while Colt is too hurt and wants to have an only business relationship. But the attraction is still there, and becomes hard to fight.
Both men are very sweet, and the development of their new relationship very cute. I would have like a bit more of explanation and apologies from Austin, but overall I really enjoyed the reading, it's a heartwarming quick read.

I got an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

Another fantastic book by Kelsey Hodge! This was a great second chance story featuring former best friends Austin and Colt. Austin moved away from his grandparents ranch when he was 15, leaving behind his best friend. Colt found more love with Austin's grandparents than his own family. He became a permanent worker on their ranch and essentially like a second grandson. Austin's grandparents left him the ranch under one condition: he has to live and work the ranch for one year or it goes to a third party. Sparks fly when these two are reunited. Colt tries his hardest to get Austin to give up because he can't risk his heart again, or the possibility of losing his home. I liked how Austin refused to give up on learning the ropes, and trying to get Colt to give him a second chance. I love how they came together to work on the Christmas Festival preparations. I also loved how the town came together to help make sure the festival went off without a hitch.

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from Kelsey Hodge. I read in about three hours. This story starts out fifteen years earlier and then picks up after the passing of the grandparents.

Austin and Colt are fifteen when they share their first kiss. Austin then has to leave and he only returns to the ranch after his grandparents pass away. He comes face to face with Colt, the young man that he has never forgotten about. Colt has a wall up against Austin, and Austin has no clue why.

Will they talk about what happened? How they feel? Will they get over the hurt and become the couple the grandparents wanted them to be? Does Austin stay on the ranch? Or will it go to Colt? Let's finish reading to find out!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance. At 15 years old Austin & Colt share their first kiss. Unfortunately it happens just when Austin has to leave his grandparents Rance & move out of state with his parents. 15 years later Austin grandparents die, & Austin learns he knows own the ranch on the stipulation he stays there for one year. He comes back to the ranch & learns that Colt is still there & now the lead ranch hand. There's some tension till they finally realize the feelings from 15 years ago are still there. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin had to come back to the ranch because of the terms of the will or he would lose it all and someone else would get it. Colt kept trying to stay away but had to show Austin how somethings were done since he had been gone for 15 years and broke his heart. Austin decided that he would show Colt that they were still meant to be together and wouldn’t leave again by helping set up the Christmas festival. There was a bad storm but Austin got help from the town so the people could get to the ranch and enjoy the festival and showed Colt everything he said was the truth.

[Steve Poplawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle and Sweet (Lost and Found)

Two boys who acknowledged their love 15 years prior and then lost each other. Coming together again after the loss of Casey's grandparents, they find each other again. Hard feelings at first from Colt for having been abandoned by Casey but Casey's sweet love and adoration win him back.

I wish I could give this a 10! Loved it and wish there was a sequel. Highly recommend to readers 16 and above. The boys are HOT!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a low angst read even though it is a second chance romance.
Even though this story was set over a few weeks, it didn't feel rushed, watching them get closer together whilst Austin learnt what it was like to live on the ranch again, had me smiling. I do like a small town romance usually because of the busy bodies, but this surprisingly did not have many characters and I was still engaged in the story showing that I liked the writing.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely sympathized with Colt in this romance. Austin left, yes, he had his reasons, but he stayed away from the best friend he abandoned for too long! I was completely invested in Colt getting his happily ever after. And for him that really was Austin despite it all, so I was very happy!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the setting and the exceptional well written second chance storyline. I was completely captivated from the beginning to the end!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin is back, but his heart is just where he left it. On his grandparents ranch and with Colt. Can they both get past the hurt of Austin just leaving or is too late?
Great Christmas story that has me wishing for my own cowboy for Christmas!

[jennifer davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a great read. Watching Austin and Colt overcome the past and moving forward made for a good read.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I absolutely adored this read from beginning to end, I could not get enough of this.

[David Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok but just not my read. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did but maybe that’s just me.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely romantic second chance romance. With an adorable couple, a great storyline, romance and steam. This is the first book I have read by this author and I cannot wait to read more