Book Review: A Snow Country Christmas

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I know, Christmas is over but it's still snowy where I am. A Snow Country Christmas is the last book in a series by Linda Lael Miller. The authors call them a "companion" issue. My daughter and I had read the first 3 novels so we wanted to read this one. The Carsons of Mustang Creek is the series name. There are 3 Carson brothers so each of the three books in the series are their love stories. Yes, these are contemporary romance. Contemporary romance are sweet romances without all the sizzle. ~~~ [/i]Raine McCall would take snow-covered mountains over a star-studded premiere any day. But when hotshot movie executive Mick Branson arranges dinner on Christmas Eve to discuss a work opportunity, she's intrigued by the offer - and the man. She's a no make-up, no-frills single mom who is happy with her quiet life. Sharing chili cheeseburgers and sizzling kisses with Mick is sure heating up her holiday, but country girl and power player don't mix...[i] [/i]It's not just work that's brought Mick back to Mustang Creek. Since he first visited to oversee a documentary, free-spirited graphic designer Raine has been in his head. Her approach to life is as unconventional as her quirky holiday ornaments. Their attraction is undeniable - and so are their differences. Putting down roots in the Wild West wasn't in the script. But there are some Christmas gifts you can't walk away from, even when they turn your whole world upside down...[i] ~~~ We have seen these two characters before as the father of Raine's daughter is one of the Carson brothers, Slater. And Mick Branson came to town to oversee a documentary Slater was producing. So that's where the first 3 books in the series would come in handy, but they aren't necessary. This book can stand alone, but not if you want to read the other books. Read them first because... spoilers. I have to say I was disappointed with this book. Most of the story took place over 3 or 4 days. There was no tension, no conflict, no lead-in to the relationship. It was just in your face, right there, right from the beginning. The only conflict is their different lifestyles but when you read the story that quickly becomes a non-issue. The story is 220 pages so it is not a novella, but it reads like one the way things happen so quickly in such a short amount of time. I am not normally a reader of contemporary romance, especially since the authors that write them DO write them in a series and if you want to read one you'll want to read the other... and the other, and the other, and the other. And I'm not going out and buying all those books when I have enough on my shelf to read. I like a good romance once in awhile but I also like other genres. Thrillers are very popular right now. I gave this book 3 stars.