Christmas in Shotgun Ridge

Bachelors Of Shotgun Ridge #8

by Mindy Neff

Women and babies. Shotgun Ridge, Montana. As soon as possible!

A wounded woman and the cowboy determined to save her are about to make the perfect targets for the matchmakers of Shotgun Ridge, Montana.

Bah, humbug!

Wounded, widowed, and wary, Cherry Peyton didn’t believe in Christmas miracles. She was going to keep her head down, lights off, and ignore Christmas—again! But when her neighbor Clay Callahan found her injured by her bull, he had the perfect excuse to take over….

Suddenly her quiet life was awash with Clay’s family and friends bringing over kittens to foster, trees to decorate, ornaments to hang. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Clay was staying in her house while she healed! How could any woman concentrate on getting out of bed when a sexy, strong, tender cowboy kept urging her to stay there?

The town’s matchmakers were all aglee to see the millionaire rancher tending to Cherry. But she couldn’t forget the pain from her marriage, and couldn’t trust in love again. As the snow came, and the holidays neared, would Shotgun Ridge get another miracle?

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Contemporary Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2019

About the author

Mindy Neff is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty novels and novellas. Her contemporary romances touch the heart, tug at the reader’s emotions, and always, without fail, have a happy ending.

Mindy is the recipient of the National Reader’s Choice Award, the Orange Rose Award of Excellence, the Romantic Times Career Achievement award and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, as well as W.I.S.H. awards for outstanding heroes, and two prestigious RITA nominations.

Originally from Louisiana, Mindy moved to Southern California where she met and married a very romantic guy many, many years ago. They blended their families, his three kids and her two, and have been living happily (if a little insanely) ever after.
Mindy loves to hear from readers.
You can email her at mindy@mindyneff.com

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced tale drops the reader right into the action, at the moment when the bull takes Cherry down with Clay watching from the next pasture.

Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, when I first got this book I was a bit sketchy about it but OMG it turned out to be OH SOOOOOO GOOD! This is a romance that fills the heart with warmth and glee. Its sweet, sexy, and will sweep a reader off their feet and have them begging for their own sexy ranch hero to come along and save them. This made my heart really happy and I really liked this author's writing. The characters are rich and amazing and the story just glides on perfectly.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Mindy Neff; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cherry and Clay, their story. I mistakenly thought this was a sweet romance. It is not. Again, when an author has to repeat things it makes me wonder if they just don’t have enough story to tell.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this well written book with great characters and a smoothly written storyline. The chemistry between the characters is strong from start to finish making for smooth flowing storyline.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next!!

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

Merged review:

This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next!!

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handsome cowboy, Clay, has had his eye on the beautiful widow next door for quite some time. When she is injured by her prize bull, he takes his chance to insert himself in her life when he steps into to care for her and her ranch. Cherry is loathe to accept help or charity in any form. The abuse and isolation she suffered at the hands of her late husband has made her very wary of men, and has led to a overwhelming need to be in control of every aspect of her life. With her injuries, she now has to surrender some control due to her physically being unable to care for her animals, the land and herself. Her neighbours also rally around her to help while she is laid up with her injuries, making her feel ungrateful and too vulnerable. The town’s matchmakers are more than willing to help Clay in his quest to win Cherry’s heart, and help to create situations that allow Cherry to really see him in a new light. Clay has some inkling of what her marriage had been like, and cautions himself to take it slow with Cherry. He begins to make some headway with her, showing her his caring and gentle side, though his bossiness and take charge attitude set her nerves on edge. His flashes of anger, even those directed at her ex, serve to put Cherry in retreat mode. Their desire for each other soon reaches a breaking point and they begin to spend their nights in each other’s arms. Just as Clay begin’s to hope all his Christmas wishes for his future with Cherry will come true, she stages a retreat and pushes him away. The demons from her past have reared their heads, and Cherry believes that Clay will never be happy in a life with her, at least not for long. Will Clay be able to convince Cherry to give him and his love for her a chance? Will the town’s matchmakers have to admit defeat?

This is a sweet, sometimes poignant romance that warms the heart of any lover of romance. All the characters have depth and are relatable, especially Cherry and Clay who you can’t help but love and admire. They both have flaws, both have suffered great hurts in their pasts, and both have the strength and grit to move forward, though Cherry lacks faith in her choices in relationships with others.

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

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Romance, Christmas in Shotgun Ridge. This is number eight in the series Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge. I really enjoyed this book my only fault is there is a couple of sex scenes.

They are not something I like to read about. Otherwise I really liked the book. It is well written and Mindy handled the past abuse issue in good taste.

Clay Callahan road out in the direction of his neighbor'a ranch and found her at the feet of her prized bull. She had been stepped on by her pet bull. Clay got the doctor on his way and held her till help came. He had been in love with this woman for years. He didn't care if she wanted help or not she was going to have it. He would take care of everything.

Cherry Peyton was putting out a salt block when something startled her bull. She didn't get out of the way in time. She ended up with a bad cut and possible fracture on her leg and several broken ribs. The doctor came but she refused to go to the clinic. She didn't have money for that. Chance and Clay took her to her home and treated her wounds. Much to her horror Clay stayed to help her with her chores since the doctor refused to allow her to put weight on her leg. She was ashamed to have Clay and his family see her shabby ranch. His family and the whole town showed up to help her. Why? She had isolated herself since she had moved here with her abusive husband. She didn't want anyone to know her shame. She soon found out every one knew and wanted to help her but her pride kept getting in the way. How was she suppose to handle the sexy cowboy that moved in and took over her life?

An awesome journey of trying to heal not only physically but emotionally.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read of second chance love for Cherry at what better time than Christmas. Cherry grew up in Texas in a happy family and was popular in high school. Being a barrel racer, she spent a great deal of time on the rodeo circuit. That is where she met her husband, Wendell. Within a few years Wendell suffered an injury that resulted in his inability to compete in rodeos any longer. As a wedding present Cherry's Unc!e and Aunt gave her a ranch in Shotgun Ridge, and her parents have her a prize bull. The longer they was there the more Wendell got depressed, controlling, and drank more. Eventually, he was killed in an accident, and one of the neighbor 's had been worrying about her from afar for sometime as he knew what Wendell was like from growing up with him. One day Clay Callahan found Cherry out in the middle of her pasture by that prize bull out cold hurt badly. He got her help, but she refused to go to the clinic even for X-Ray mainly as she could not afford them. She had the doctor patch her up at the house and that was it. She had a high bruise on her side and a major cut on her leg making impossible for her to walk. Clay moved into her house take care of her and do the chores on her ranch while she healed. Will Clay be able during this time to prove too Cherry that his love is pure not controlling. He only wants to help her not take over her life. A new look at what life can throw your way. Highly recommend this book. Never give up on miracles.

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

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author and therefore the series were knew to me, and though I would have benefited in having read the previous stories, it was a stand alone novel.
The story centers around Cherry Peyton and Clay Callahan. She’s a widow that was abused almost fifteen years by her deceased husband, and because of him , is not only struggling to keep her ranch, but also has isolated herself from the community and her neighbors.
Clay has been in love with her for a very long time, and when he witnesses Cherry being injured by her bull, he’s determine to take care of her, and her ranch. He wants to show her what a partnership and loving someone really is. Though adamant to accept help, Cherry slowing starts living and becoming part of the community.
But will her past stop her from finding happiness and a good man?
This story had an engaging plot and likable characters. Though at times you might get frustrated with Cherry , you also understand her reactions.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry keeps to herself, running her ranch alone. Widowed, she has no family in Montana, except for her Uncle Ozzie, a member of the geriatric matchmakers. When she's badly injured by her bull, her neighbor Clay jumps right in to help out, as do many of his friends and neighbors. She has trouble accepting their help, and feels like she's giving up control of her life, thanks to her drunk and abusive husband. But Clay persists, and eventually her walls start to crumble. But will she trust him enough to let him in for good? This is a wonderful book. Clay's been longing for Cherry for a long time, but she's convinced that she can't offer him everything he needs in his life. Their journey to a happy ending is a beautiful story, one that I read in one sitting. And as always, I'm a sucker for a hot cowboy, and Clay is one of the hottest! This is my first read from this author, and I'm looking forward to more.

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

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE INCREDIBLY WILD RIDE!!!
Dazzling! Mindy seizes the shenanigans and stirs one chaotic mix that's as inviting as it captivating with all the mishaps and mayhem blasting this baby to life flawlessly. Mastering the ups and downs, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, draws you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, mettling busy bodies, humor and suspense spirals, thrusting this baby into a tailspin with striking results. Amazing well rounded scenario's that punch dead center with such intensity and glittering precision, blowing this baby wide open. The attraction and chemistry is intense, sizzling and palpable. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that have just enough flaws for diversity. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Mindy, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love revisiting Shotgun Ridge. This book can be read as a standalone, but it really made me want to go back to the first book and re-read them all.

Christmas in Shotgun Ridge had a nice steady pace and an interesting storyline that pulled me in from the beginning. Cherry was understandable prickly when it came to getting close to people. It was obvious without even knowing her entire story. Clay had the patience of a saint. It made me think there are probably many people that would want, could use, and need a Clay in their life.

I really enjoy reading about the sense of community, the friendship, sense of family, love, loyalty, and romance in this town. When I finish a Shotgun Ridge book, I can't help feeling a sense of well being. That last page usually ends with me having a smile on my face. This was a good holiday romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars *****. Can you have a fulfilling life after years of abuse and PTSD because of it? Clay is going to convince Cherry that she can. After Cherry is significantly injured after an altercation with her prize bull, Clay moves in to take care of her and her ranch during her recovery. When he gets annoyed with here, she flinches and backs up away from him. He has loved her from afar for many years and now that her abusive husband is gone, Clay is determined to be part of her life. She had distanced herself from her family, neighbors and community because she felt ashamed. So, she is not only living in fear everyday, she is alone. She has some pretty high defense walls to keep her heart safe. It was admirable that once he knew what he was dealing with he was persistent and didn’t back down. Small communities are a funny thing when there is someone in need. Nicely written and addressed some touchy issues.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Clay was riding to a party his heart almost stopped Cherry was laying on the ground an the bill she treats like a pet was standing by her.He jumped off his horse shooed the bill away an checked to see if she was alive.Clay has been in love with the beautiful red head for years but at the time she was married an now a widow.Clay had a feeling that shes been abused by her jackass husband but she always made excuses for the bruises.Will Clay prove he;s the !an for her?Will Cherry ever be able to risk her heart again?There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.

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

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas In Shotgun Ridge is a fantastic holiday romance by Mindy Neff. This book is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Ms. Neff has provided readers with a well-written book loaded with phenomenal characters. Cherry is struggling to keep her ranch going on her own. Clay is Cherry's neighbor and has had a thing for her for a while. When Clay finds Cherry knocked out in the field with her bull Clay flies into action. Clay and Cherry's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle and secrets. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Mindy Neff in the future. Christmas In Shotgun Ridge is book 8 of the Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay Callahan has had had his eye and heart set on the widow, Cherry Peyton, next door for far too long. The only problem with his heart longing for her, is that she refuses to depend on anyone or anything, after suffering abuse at the hands of her late ex-husband for a decade and a half. She was able to push Clay, as well as, her other neighbors away until one of her pulls injures her. She is then forced to accept help since she has been physically incapacitated. Now in the position that she needs the help of others, she must learn how to accept help and trust again. I loved the characters, the story was thought out & well written, and it has a wonderful HEA.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally get why Cherry chose to be closed off from everyone after her marriage then death of her husband but boy that girl is full on stubborn, fortunately for everyone including her even though she got hurt she has an accident that allows Clay to step in and help her along with remind her what it is like to have friends and be a part of the community again. There is some great meddling from the old townsfolk as well as neighbors that will have you laugh, admissions of feelings that will make your heart crack a bit and a love story that unfold and is made even more special with the Christmas back drop!

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

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really angsty cowboy romance. 💞💓💞

Clay has been in love with Cherry since he first met her but he's had to bide his time as she's been through an abusive marriage and is now a widow. But when he finds her injured in her field which borders his, he can't ignore his feelings anymore. Now he just has to convince Cherry that its okay for her to find love and that she deserves it too. 💗🔥💕

I really felt for Cherry because of everything she'd gone through and I found myself crying for her, more than once, throughout this book. 😥💖

This is the eighth book in the Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge series and can easily be read as a standalone. 😉❣️

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

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A REALLY LOVELY STORY!!!!😁

What a beautiful story this was. It was perfection. I adored Clay and his kindness and patience with Cherry... What a wonderful and loving man. This whole series has been a delight to read. I enjoy the closeness of all the families and how they support each other through thick and thin. I like very much how much love and affection Clay and Cherry gave to the animals also... Hope and Joy were so cute.... The whole book was very satisfying and uplifting to read.... Especially the epilogue. I can't wait to read the next book to see who Uncle Ozzie will put his matchmaking attention on next..😁😀😊

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in this series that tugs at the heartstrings

Cherry is fairly sure she is safe from the match makers of Shotgun Ridge after all she is a widow. After the physical and mental abuse she had from her husband she as no intention of ever trying love again. Clay Callahan her wealthy horse breading neighbour has always been half in love with her but he knows she is hiding secrets and keeping everyone away When a chance encounter with a bull leaves her injured Clay sees it as his chance to work his way into her life. Can he break down her walls and do they have a future together You will have to read to see

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Shotgun Ridge is a wonderful, heartwarming, Christmas read. Cherry wants to ignore Christmas altogether but after getting injured by her bull that seems like an impossible option. Clay willingly steps in to help. What follows is community spirit, friendship, letting go of the past, romance and a true celebration of the Christmas season.
I loved this book. All the Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge books are fabulous. If you haven't met the Matchmaking Geezers yet then you are in for a treat. This book can also be read as a perfect stand-alone. I think this is the most Christmasy book I have read in a long time and it would make a wonderful Hallmark film. I definitely recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this story. It's a story of heartache, hurt and shame. Cherry has a a rough time. Was married to man who couldn't get over himself. He treated her very bad and her self esteem suffered. Clay has loved her for a long time, but Cherry has trust issues after what she has been through. But when her bull hurts her by accident, Clay steps in to help. Through trial and error on his part, he trys to win her heart, trust, and love. Sad but an excellent Christmas miracle. HEA

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Shotgun Ridge (Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge Book 8) by Mindy Neff. Oh goodness! You don’t come across a lady grinch too often but when you do- look out; she does not want to be messed with or tended to especially by a hot cowboy. Well Cherry- we don’t always get what we want (most often we get what we need). This is a fast-paced holiday romance with charming characters, drama, passion, and a must deserved HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay and Cherry are so sweet and the burn is so slow that I sat on pins and needles waiting. I love the setting. The small town with all the homey townsfolk is an absolute happy feeling in my chest. I haven't read any of the others in this series but I feel like I still understood and enjoyed the book just as much as I would have if I had read the others. Very enjoyable. Interesting with chemistry, sweet and sexy all around.

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book with Clay and his next door neighbor Cherry who has been hurt by her bull and he steps in to take care of her. Cherry lived fifteen years with her abusive husband before he died and now Clay is showing her what a real man should be. Wonderful book with great characters and enjoyed reading how their relationship developed.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Shotgun Ridge: Small Town Holiday Romance is book 8 in the Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge series. This is the first book I have read from this series and I loved it. Cherry and Clay are wonderful characters, well developed, likable, and relatable. The storyline is well written and flows nicely, with issues from the past, an accident with a bull, a helping hand, and a heartwarming holiday romance.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This in the 1st book in the series that I’ve read and loved the story! Clay is Cherry’s neighbor and has always been half in love with her. Cherry isn’t giving anyone the time of day and holds all the scars and feelings inside. But Clays not having it and wants to take care of her. Cherry is going to make him work for her love but it could be the best thing to happen in a long time.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book eight in the Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge series a well written story that for me was an emotional story. Cherry Peyton had so much to overcome from deceased husband. I am so glad she had to except help from Clay Callahan when she was hurt thus showing her what a caring, gentle, honest man he was. A story I would recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me laugh, cry, and smile with how sweet Clay was with broken Cherry and how the people in Shotgun Ridge rallied around her when she got hurt even though she had shut them out. I loved that she took in stray animals. The dogs Hope and Joy and the orphaned kittens were just too cute. It was great to follow up with other characters in this series, the birth of children, and other things going on in their lives. This was a sexy romance with many sweet moments.