Responsibility is a bummer. Living up to others expectations may be even worse. So, when faced with a choice, Sharlene Waverly decided to join the Army never considering that she would be assigned to not one but two tours in Iraq. Her talent with a gun had her assigned to classified missions. Her appearance easily fooled those around her -- who would suspect a petite, red-headed, sassy girl is actually a highly trained sniper?

Sharlene made it through her two tours but, like so many other vets, didn't come out unscathed. Physically fine, she waged a constant battle with insomnia caused by dreams that haunted her. The chance to own the Honky Tonk gave her the perfect way out of returning home to her small town and a family who would be appalled to know she works as a barmaid. Sharlene was equally sure they would be embarrassed to find out that she used her journalistic skills to write a romance novel. They never got over her military time so why add fuel to the fire -- it was just easier to have them think she was living in Texas pursuing a career.

The Honky Tonk was a hugely successful operation for a small town bar and its success grew with each new owner. Sharlene knew it was time to expand and that's where Holt Jackson fit in. His reputation as a contractor was good, his pricing fair with few doable conditions, and he was good on the eyes. As a bonus, she learned that her nightmares magically disappeared while wrapped in his arms.

Holt came with a ready-made family consisting of a skittish nephew and a wise cracking niece. The more he learned about Sharlene the more impressed he was, and there was no dismissing the amazing chemistry between them. He also loved the relationship that was building between Sharlene and the kids. But there was no denying a simple fact -- a barmaid was not a good role model for his kids. Funny thing is Sharlene totally agreed. They were to both to learn an important lesson -- love doesn't really give a damn.

Once again Carolyn Brown fans will not be disappointed. She gave us a book whose unexpected storyline is fits a title like HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS. Sure the plot's destination was spending the holiday with the regulars at the Honky Tonk but the route there was anything but predictable. The most difficult thing about reading a Brown book is putting it down. If I were to chose a favorite in the Honky Tonk series, this would be it but I think I felt that after reading each one so don't put much credence on that. Make up your own mind. Enjoy.