Her Christmas Cowboy

Clare’s sweet, sexy third Wyoming Cowboys contemporary romance (after The Cowboy Meets His Match) returns to Painted Barrell, Wyo., where shy rancher Caleb Watson works up the nerve to woo elementary school teacher Amy McKinney. Caleb has crushed on Amy since the moment he laid eyes on her, but he’s always been tongue-tied around people, especially women. Still, when he hears Amy needs a Santa Claus for the school’s Christmas carnival, Caleb comes up with enough words to land the part. Recently divorced from her controlling ex-husband, Amy is struggling financially but enjoying her newfound freedom. She’s determined to remain independent—but sweet, silent Caleb manages to turn her head. And when Caleb learns Amy is receiving romantic Secret Santa gifts from another admirer, he steps up his efforts to show her he cares. Readers will be captivated by these wonderfully complex characters; Caleb, who never says much but manages to convey a great deal in a single grunt or glance, is especially charming. Clare’s latest is equal parts naughty and nice, and ought to be on every romance fan’s list. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary. (Oct.)