Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside by Maisey Yates

A small-town slow burn with chemistry, caretaking, and just enough Christmas warmth.

The cover of Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside is absolutely gorgeous and was the first thing that drew me in. I didn’t realize this was the twelfth book in Maisey Yates’s Four Corners Ranch series when I picked it up, and while it took a minute to get my bearings, Yates does a great job weaving in just enough background to help new readers catch up. Now I’m planning to go back and read the rest, because this world is full of layered family dynamics and characters I want to know more about.

Two caretakers learning to put themselves first

Sheena and Denver are both caretakers at heart—two people who stepped into adult responsibilities far too young and have been carrying the weight ever since. She’s finally ready to do something for herself, and Denver owes her a favor he can’t turn down. From the start, their banter and chemistry are fantastic. They push each other’s buttons in all the best ways, but there’s also a deep understanding between them that comes from shared experience. Watching them learn to let their guards down and accept love for themselves was so satisfying.

There’s a microtrope I adore—he takes care of her when she’s sick—and it’s such a small, tender moment that says everything about who these two are. Denver has plenty of swoony moments, and one big bonehead move, but Sheena doesn’t let him off easy, which made me love her even more.

The Christmas side of the story doesn’t really come into play until the end, but the small-town charm, found family, and sense of community make it feel cozy all the same. Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside is about forgiveness, second chances, and finding the courage to put yourself first. A heartfelt, emotional romance with just the right amount of heat and holiday warmth.