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The Cowboy Academy #3
A Cowboy Christmas Carol
Christmas will come…To even the most reluctant cowboy!Rodeo roper Ryan Oakley may hate Christmas, but he still needs a miracle. Unfortunately, the only person who sells top-notch competition horses is Jo Pierce, his former high school nemesis. Now Ryan’s making the single mom a he’ll set her up with his twin brother, her longtime crush. It’s the perfect holiday plan…until the no-nonsense working cowgirl ends up lassoing his heart instead.USA TODAY Bestselling AuthorFrom Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.The Cowboy AcademyBook 1: A Cowboy Worth Waiting ForBook 2: A Cowboy's Fourth of JulyBook 3: A Cowboy Christmas CarolBook 4: A Cowboy for the Twins
368 pages, ebook
Published November 28, 2023
8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Curtis
326 books1,302 followersPrior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 28, 2023
Loved it. Highly recommend.
November 21, 2023
Ryan Oakley and his twin brother were raised in foster care at the Done Roamin’ Ranch after being abandoned by their parents. Now Ryan is a rodeo roper and is looking for top-notched competition horses. He just needs a faster, stronger horses to win. All he wants is for him and his twin brother to become champions and get the money to by their own little ranch. Now all Ryan needs is a miracle. The only place to get the best horses is from his high school nemesis Jo Pierce. Will she sell him any? She still holds grudges. She’s now a single mom of twin boys. She runs her ranch where she breeds and trains competition horses. She’s the best. Can he get her to sell to him? She tells him no at first but she really needs the money for her payment to her father for the ranch. Will she? Will they let the past go? Can they become friends? They spend time together and she starts to find him kind and sweet to her sons and mother. Maybe he’s not so cold hearted as she first believed. Maybe because of his childhood past that he tries not to get close to anyone. They work to find common grounds for both their needs. Will he finally love Christmas? Jo and her family are all about Christmas. Can he find what he truly wants and need from Jo? Sometimes you don’t know what you need until it’s right in front of you. These characters deserve to find true love and happiness, with Ryan getting a championship. Worth the read. Melinda Curtis always brings it. She has you rooting for the couple. I received this book for my honest review and I give it voluntarily
December 3, 2023
Another great book in The Cowboy Academy series. I really liked our heroine Jo and of course her twin sons are so funny and some of the things they said, had me laughing out loud. I also love her mother being technologically challenged with her phone and the video calls and the auto correct massacre. Jo is a divorced mother of twin boys just trying to make a living but her brothers have said she can’t sell her horses to other cowboys/competitors on the circuit they compete in, but Ryan Oakley (her high school nemesis) wants to purchase a horse or two and that is where the trouble starts especially when she had a crush on his twin brother Tate when they were younger. I really felt for Jo who is just trying to do her job and make it in a predominantly man’s world but then with input from her brothers and her not so nice father, isn’t fair to her at all. I loved how she got her friendship back with Ryan and maybe more, but we’ll just act like that part isn’t there right now. I especially liked it when Jo and her mother stood up to Jo’s father, definitely a favorite part of mine in the book. I enjoyed this story and seeing how everything fell into place and I was thrilled for Jo and Ryan with everything that is happening in the epilogue and the update about her brothers and their support was awesome as well. Her comment about it being the ‘best Christmas yet’ perfect ending to this story. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series since we have some single cowboys left in town. I’ll keep an eye out to see what is coming next from this author.
November 8, 2023
The third book in The Cowboy Academy series. I loved it. The laughter so much. Family value and so much more you will fall in love with everyone in this book. I sure did.
The last thing single mother Jo Pierce expects to do this Christmas is spend time with a man that doesn’t like Christmas. He was the one man back in high school known as the not nice Oakley brother. It was just the Oakley’s had a difficult childhood upbringing He had a twin who she had a crush on big time, and that was Tate who didn’t give her a second glance.
Ryan and Tate are a great team with there roping, but They needed a miracle to win the next competition. But that meant getting some new horses. He doesn’t see any other way but to approach Jo Pierce. He finds out Jo also needs help with selling some horses.
Ryan tells Jo he will help her out with something she wants. The only thing is Jo changes are mind.
What will happen between Jo and Ryan? The whole town think there’s something going on between them. There adamant there’s nothing happening.
Highly recommend this book. Plus the ones before it...see below the books before..
My favorite parts are:
When Jo’s boys meet Ryan for the first time. They tell Ryan what he’s doing wrong, and he’s not supposed to ask “Why”...I laughed so hard.
Then when Jo makes a little misstep and lands in Tate’s lap.
Also when Ryan wants her to go into the coffee shop to spy on Tate.
A Cowboys Fourth Of July
A Cowboy Worth Waiting For
The last thing single mother Jo Pierce expects to do this Christmas is spend time with a man that doesn’t like Christmas. He was the one man back in high school known as the not nice Oakley brother. It was just the Oakley’s had a difficult childhood upbringing He had a twin who she had a crush on big time, and that was Tate who didn’t give her a second glance.
Ryan and Tate are a great team with there roping, but They needed a miracle to win the next competition. But that meant getting some new horses. He doesn’t see any other way but to approach Jo Pierce. He finds out Jo also needs help with selling some horses.
Ryan tells Jo he will help her out with something she wants. The only thing is Jo changes are mind.
What will happen between Jo and Ryan? The whole town think there’s something going on between them. There adamant there’s nothing happening.
Highly recommend this book. Plus the ones before it...see below the books before..
My favorite parts are:
When Jo’s boys meet Ryan for the first time. They tell Ryan what he’s doing wrong, and he’s not supposed to ask “Why”...I laughed so hard.
Then when Jo makes a little misstep and lands in Tate’s lap.
Also when Ryan wants her to go into the coffee shop to spy on Tate.
A Cowboys Fourth Of July
A Cowboy Worth Waiting For
October 24, 2023
This is beautifully written modern tale that nods to A Christmas Carol, the story of Scrooge. Most of the time behavior in adults can be traced back to childhood. Some people overprotect themselves to never become their parents, stay in a safe zone to not be hurt and live life inside a fence of their own choosing. That is the case for Ryan (aka Scrooge).
Jo has been through a less than ideal childhood but survived it and even thought she doubts herself at times, is a very loving person open to explore all her life can offer her.
When these two need each other to each achieve their individual goals, more than an agreement to help each other occurs. Sparks fly and they might just find a happily ever after.
Melinda Curtis wrote a very emotional story. The characters went straight to my heart. The plot is wonderful! As I always say, she has a talent for creating children characters and they always melt my heart and make me smile.
I enjoyed this book so much and the only bad thing was when I finished it and the story ended. Hopefully these characters will appear in another book in the future.
Jo has been through a less than ideal childhood but survived it and even thought she doubts herself at times, is a very loving person open to explore all her life can offer her.
When these two need each other to each achieve their individual goals, more than an agreement to help each other occurs. Sparks fly and they might just find a happily ever after.
Melinda Curtis wrote a very emotional story. The characters went straight to my heart. The plot is wonderful! As I always say, she has a talent for creating children characters and they always melt my heart and make me smile.
I enjoyed this book so much and the only bad thing was when I finished it and the story ended. Hopefully these characters will appear in another book in the future.
November 18, 2023
I love Ryan and Jo. Ryan and Jo were not friends in high school. They were always at odds with each other. They spent a lot of time together in detention for their bad attitudes. Now Ryan and his twin, Tate, need horses that Jo trains and she doesn't seem very receptive. In fact, Tate isn't so receptive either. Ryan has always looked out for his brother. Everyone called him the mean brother. Tate was always ready with a smile and so nice to everyone. Ryan was always reluctant to trust anyone and would fight anyone who tried to mess with him or Tate. Jo doesn't know what to do with this grown-up Ryan. As he tries yet again to protect Tate and find the money to buy Jo's horses, he is spending a lot of time with Jo and thinks that maybe he was wrong about her. Jo needs Ryan to buy the horses so she can make a balloon payment on her property. Things are not looking good, and it is almost Christmas. Ryan has a lot of Christmas hangups also. Will they be able to put the past behind them?
December 17, 2023
A Cowboy Christmas Carol
Melinda Curtis
Jo Pierce Horse Trainer
Ryan Oakley Rodeo Rope Rider
Jo was have a hard time figuring out how she going to making her mortgage payment. Then Ryan Oakley wants to buy two horses. Tate wanted to quit the Rodeo Rope rider.
Ryan was looking for horses to compete with on the Rodeo. The only person who sold the horses he was looking for was Jo Pierce. He agree to set her up with her childhood sweetheart Tate Oakley. Ryan help Jo around her ranch and got to ride one of her horses. Her twin boys got along with Ryan. Ryan was not into the Christmas holiday at all. But he was helping her mom decorate the ranch.
Ryan and Tate bought two of her horses.
I loved is book A Cowboy Christmas Carol because the characters where fit for eachother. I didn't get lost in this story it was easy to follow along with.
I recommend this book it was fantastic and fabulously written.
Melinda Curtis
Jo Pierce Horse Trainer
Ryan Oakley Rodeo Rope Rider
Jo was have a hard time figuring out how she going to making her mortgage payment. Then Ryan Oakley wants to buy two horses. Tate wanted to quit the Rodeo Rope rider.
Ryan was looking for horses to compete with on the Rodeo. The only person who sold the horses he was looking for was Jo Pierce. He agree to set her up with her childhood sweetheart Tate Oakley. Ryan help Jo around her ranch and got to ride one of her horses. Her twin boys got along with Ryan. Ryan was not into the Christmas holiday at all. But he was helping her mom decorate the ranch.
Ryan and Tate bought two of her horses.
I loved is book A Cowboy Christmas Carol because the characters where fit for eachother. I didn't get lost in this story it was easy to follow along with.
I recommend this book it was fantastic and fabulously written.
October 30, 2023
A “Scrooge”-like cowboy looking for new horses and a down and out of luck rancher who needs to make her balloon mortgage payment? What could possibly go wrong? Ryan, aka The Cold Oakley, and Taye, the nice Oakley twin, needed a new set of horses to ride and thought that Jo was the answer to their problems. Ryan just needed to convince her to not only sell the horses but to come down in price or make something work in their favor or these rodeo cowboys would never get to have a new set of horses to train and compete on. Jo needs to let go of the past and deal with the present and take care of her twin boys all before she can help Ryan out. Can they come to an agreement? Will this be Love or a love on the rocks type of situation?
I really enjoyed this book’s main characters but the secondary characters were also well written and interesting in their own ways.
I really enjoyed this book’s main characters but the secondary characters were also well written and interesting in their own ways.
December 2, 2023
Another in the Cowboy Academy series, in which Ryan Oakley, a rodeo roper, is intent on getting at least third in the Nationals. But he needs a new horse to do so, along with his roping partner, his twin brother. Too bad that means he's going to have to convince his high school nemesis, horse trainer, Jo Pierce, to sell him a pair of her horses. Will she do it? Can he afford it? Turns out the answer to both starts out to be 'no,' but begins to turn into 'maybe' and then into 'yes.' But getting there isn't easy and requires that Jo come to terms with her crush on Ryan's twin, Tate.
How's that going to work out when Tate is ready to hang up his rope and call his rodeo days quits?
Then there's Jo's 11-year-old twin boys, who really like Ryan, especially when he is intent on getting their heart horse, Tiger, to like him. Endearing holiday tale worth every reader's time.
How's that going to work out when Tate is ready to hang up his rope and call his rodeo days quits?
Then there's Jo's 11-year-old twin boys, who really like Ryan, especially when he is intent on getting their heart horse, Tiger, to like him. Endearing holiday tale worth every reader's time.
November 28, 2024
My daughter, age 4, picked this book up off the adult rack at the library and said: "Mom you need a book. You should read for fun too"
(Disclaimer: the cover on the book I have does NOT have a cowboy on it - rather a cowboy hat with holly)
And it happened to be a Christmas book. I am NOT a Christmas person. But challenge accepted my dear!
So I started and finished my first ever 'Hallmark Christmas' feel book.
The story certainly put me in the Christmas mood WAM-POW (ok the use of those words in the book was ANNOYING). And I think that's saying something as I finished it the day BEFORE Thanksgiving. The story was not overly cheesy like I anticipated. It was actually charming and sweet. Very clean. Impressed with that. And Jo, I also prefer a clean-shaven man ;)
I would also say that the story may be 3rd in the series but certainly makes a good stand alone novel.
(Disclaimer: the cover on the book I have does NOT have a cowboy on it - rather a cowboy hat with holly)
And it happened to be a Christmas book. I am NOT a Christmas person. But challenge accepted my dear!
So I started and finished my first ever 'Hallmark Christmas' feel book.
The story certainly put me in the Christmas mood WAM-POW (ok the use of those words in the book was ANNOYING). And I think that's saying something as I finished it the day BEFORE Thanksgiving. The story was not overly cheesy like I anticipated. It was actually charming and sweet. Very clean. Impressed with that. And Jo, I also prefer a clean-shaven man ;)
I would also say that the story may be 3rd in the series but certainly makes a good stand alone novel.
October 28, 2023
I am loving this series! These cowboys are such fun! Ryan does not like Christmas. Not one bit. He has his reasons. However, he needs a competition horse that only Jo sells and she doesn't particularly like him! But, she likes his twin brother plenty so he makes a bargain with her that he'll set her up on a date with his brother if she'll sell him one of her horses. The only bad this is that her horses are very expensive and getting all that money is proving to be a big challenge!
I loved Jo's boys! They were sweet and rascally! Her mom was great too. Her father, however, was not a nice man and I was continually rooting for Jo and her mom to prevail in their quest to keep the ranch!
I loved Jo's boys! They were sweet and rascally! Her mom was great too. Her father, however, was not a nice man and I was continually rooting for Jo and her mom to prevail in their quest to keep the ranch!
December 10, 2023
Absolutely the sweetest Christmas book 🎄
A story that grabs at your heart strings.
And well brings so much joy.
This book will have you smiling all way through.
I love the story line . Everything about this one is just the best. The Characters are absolutely amazing. The story is this sweetest.
Sometimes you think you're in love with someone, but little do you know your heart ❤️ is in charge. Sometimes people take enough From people in their past. And in and in their heart . Time to stand up for their self. And others. Because well that's just what they need do.
What an amazing story. This is a perfect read. And a fast read..
I truly enjoy this author's work.
Thank you melinda Curtis.
A story that grabs at your heart strings.
And well brings so much joy.
This book will have you smiling all way through.
I love the story line . Everything about this one is just the best. The Characters are absolutely amazing. The story is this sweetest.
Sometimes you think you're in love with someone, but little do you know your heart ❤️ is in charge. Sometimes people take enough From people in their past. And in and in their heart . Time to stand up for their self. And others. Because well that's just what they need do.
What an amazing story. This is a perfect read. And a fast read..
I truly enjoy this author's work.
Thank you melinda Curtis.
November 2, 2023
First off, this is a fun series to read. It revolves around twins, Ryan and Tate Oakley and they both quite different. Jo, has had a not so good earlier life and has worked through the challenges. Jo and Ryan both needs things that they can help each other with and working together on their plans brings them to an unexpected turn of events.
I really enjoyed reading this book and all it had to offer. The author writes a clean romance and the characters are fun to read about. I totally wonder what the next book will be like. I just know that I can hardly wait to read it. You will love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this book and all it had to offer. The author writes a clean romance and the characters are fun to read about. I totally wonder what the next book will be like. I just know that I can hardly wait to read it. You will love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 10, 2023
This was a funny, emotional story about two characters who had a rough start to life which meant their walls are well and truly sealed shut. Jo and Ryan were high school rivals but as they work together to negotiate Ryan buying some roping horses from Jo, they discover that they just might have found their way home. Melinda always writes such beautifully emotional stories full of delightful secondary characters and characters who will pull on your heartstrings. I recommend this one to everyone.
November 28, 2023
Smalltown enemies to lovers at it's best! The characters are intriguing right from the start and watching the sparks fly as their tempers flare is magical. Each side has more going on beneath the surface than anyone knows, making for an emotional journey along the way. I highly enjoyed them!
Ryan was my favorite! He's a sweetheart who has been looking out for his rascally twin his entire life. I really enjoyed watching him come into his own and live for himself for a change.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance filled with warmth and reality.
Ryan was my favorite! He's a sweetheart who has been looking out for his rascally twin his entire life. I really enjoyed watching him come into his own and live for himself for a change.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance filled with warmth and reality.
December 1, 2023
Long time childhood nemesis finds love.
A rodeo cowboy needs the help of his long time rival who sells competitive horses. They end up striking a deal where he’ll play matchmaker with his twin brother whom she has always had a crush on for the holidays.
But things do not go as smoothly when the plan backfires and they will realize that they have feelings for each other. Will they get their own happy ending, or will they end up going separate ways? A feel-good read for the holidays.
A rodeo cowboy needs the help of his long time rival who sells competitive horses. They end up striking a deal where he’ll play matchmaker with his twin brother whom she has always had a crush on for the holidays.
But things do not go as smoothly when the plan backfires and they will realize that they have feelings for each other. Will they get their own happy ending, or will they end up going separate ways? A feel-good read for the holidays.
November 29, 2023
Ryan Oakley needs a better roping horse in order to progress to bigger purses and high-paying endorsement opportunities. Unfortunately the best horses are trained by a woman who dislikes him due to their vendetta in high school. Can he get on a better footing with Jo Pierce and on board with Christmas, a season he hates? Loved the characters, the plot and the Christmas vibe.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2023
A good Christmas Romance from enemies to lovers. Ryan wants to buy horses from Jo but he always pulled pranks on her in school and she always had a crush on his brother Tate so Jo tries to get Ryan to set her up to get a date with Tate but Ryan is starting to have feelings for Jo. Also Jo loves Christmas and Ryan is a Grimch.Another good story by Melinda Curtis.
November 27, 2023
A COWBOY CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Melinda Curtis
Released date November 28 2023
Book 3 in the Cowboy Academy series. But can be read as a stand alone!
Jo Pierce has what Ryan Oakley wants! Will there passed keep her from giving it to him?
Melinda Curtis always writes an uplifting book. And this is no exception!
LOVED IT!
by Melinda Curtis
Released date November 28 2023
Book 3 in the Cowboy Academy series. But can be read as a stand alone!
Jo Pierce has what Ryan Oakley wants! Will there passed keep her from giving it to him?
Melinda Curtis always writes an uplifting book. And this is no exception!
LOVED IT!
November 28, 2023
Loved Ryan and Jo...but they broke my heart! To me, they were both dealt some pretty awful hands in this thing called life and it took them “a few years” to figure it out. Adored Dean and Max, Jo’s twins – they are just adorable! Good love story, lots of side characters that I liked/actively DISliked/made me laugh. Holiday story to enjoy!
Read
November 1, 2023Western Romance, Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
The Cowboy Academy (Book #3)
Miniseries
The Cowboy Academy (Book #3)
July 16, 2024
A bit boring…sometimes cute 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
great series
The characters are get better. I can’t wait to see who get matched up next and see what’s goin on in this small town. With great people and wonderful animals.
The characters are get better. I can’t wait to see who get matched up next and see what’s goin on in this small town. With great people and wonderful animals.
July 9, 2025
little slow to get into but in the end it was good
December 17, 2023
I have to say this is my fav from this series so far , I really enjoyed Ryan and Jo's story. Page turner ,I love both of their personalities , lost souls with big hearts , come together just in time for a Christmas miracle .
November 27, 2023
I absolutley loved this book!!!
This book is about Ryan Oakley (the cold Oakley, of the twins) and Joanna Pierce (Jo). Jo has to make ends meet this Christmas as she's had a few house sales fall through this year, abs to top it off her brothers aren't riding horses she trained in the championship! If she misses this payment she could lose it all! Ryan Oakley is trying to convince his brother Tate (the nice twin) to keep going in rodeo. He decides they need new horses to keep going and keep competing... one problem... he wants, no needs, horses that Jo has trained, but he doesn't have the money to buy one. Can they strike a deal and save each other???
Oh did I mention that Jo has adorable twin boys, and a heart horse? Read the book to find out what a heart horse is! I loved love loved this book. The cowboy academy series is AMAZING!
This book is about Ryan Oakley (the cold Oakley, of the twins) and Joanna Pierce (Jo). Jo has to make ends meet this Christmas as she's had a few house sales fall through this year, abs to top it off her brothers aren't riding horses she trained in the championship! If she misses this payment she could lose it all! Ryan Oakley is trying to convince his brother Tate (the nice twin) to keep going in rodeo. He decides they need new horses to keep going and keep competing... one problem... he wants, no needs, horses that Jo has trained, but he doesn't have the money to buy one. Can they strike a deal and save each other???
Oh did I mention that Jo has adorable twin boys, and a heart horse? Read the book to find out what a heart horse is! I loved love loved this book. The cowboy academy series is AMAZING!
November 28, 2023
A Cowboy Christmas Carol is the third in The Cowboy Academy but can be read as a stand alone, however I suggest reading the prior books for the joy and entertainment of the series. This is a story of what you think you want may not always be what your heart knows you need. Ryan Oakley and his twin grew up in foster care at the Done Roamin' Ranch after being abandoned by their drunken parents. Now he is trying to buy a pair of the best roping horses from the woman who was his nemesis in high school. Jo Pierce was expelled from school after an epic prank on Ryan and now she is a horse breeder and trainer while single-parenting her twin sons. When Ryan approaches her about purchasing a pair of ropers, she is tempted to flat out refuse but with a pending balloon mortgage hanging over her head she reluctantly names a price. As the two continue to negotiate and work to come up with a solution to both their problems, they learn the reasons for their animosity of the past. Their feelings begin to change but they both must let go of the past to find a future. This is a wonderful, sweet romance with delightful characters and a hilarious horse that will have you laughing out loud and unable to put the book down.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews