Just before Christmas, Ben Radcliffe goes to the Last Chance Ranch for a special delivery: Jack Chance commissioned a saddle for his mother's 70th birthday. Ben will pretend to be a horse buyer so the matriarch doesn't suspect a thing; he will stay a few days so if any modifications are required, he will be on the premises. Besides he really has nowhere special to go for Christmas.

Molly Gallagher, a college history professor and Jack's cousin from Arizona, flew in to look into the family's history, she's doing their genealogy. One evening, while everyone is gathered but Molly is working, she hears someone playing the harmonica: she loves the instrument, but she's sure the musician must be some old fuddy duddy. Then she sees him, Ben: he's young, gorgeous; they take to one another instantly, and before long Yuletide magic happens!

A LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS is the latest in the Sons of Chance series, and whether you have read them all or it's your first one, you will be happy to spend Christmas with the Chance family. The characters are the foundation of this book, as well as the whole series: they are so well defined, so complete; we want to be with them and share their lives.

In A LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS, visiting Molly is bubbly and quite endearing, although she tends to put her foot in her mouth. Ben is a good man, but secrets from his past threaten the new couple's budding romance, and I love how the author handled the issues. Even though it was a case of insta-lust, it made perfect sense, given the circumstances; I truly bought it. The chemistry between Molly and Ben is off the charts: their first kiss is one of the best I've ever read, and the sex is blistering and yet respectful, tender and loving.

Vicki Lewis Thompson writes in a beautiful, fluid and laid-back style: it's comfortable, cosy, intimate; I feel I'm included in the Chance's life and that's what keeps me coming back. A LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS will warm your heart and soul; it really feels like coming home for Christmas. And of course, there are a few tantalising tidbits as what to expect in an upcoming book.