SNOWBOUND IN STARLIGHT BEND is a novella set in the world of Jennifer Ashley's Riding Hard contemporary romance series. The hero in this story is related to the Campbell family in the Riding Hard series, but SNOWBOUND IN STARLIGHT BEND is a standalone story. This is a perfect book for readers who enjoy stories with a "snowed in" theme, as well as Christmas-centered tales and cowboys. I love all of the above, and I'm a Jennifer Ashley fan so reading this story was a no-brainer for me. When city gal Haley McKee's car skids off the road and dives into a snow bank, she is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers -- specifically one hot cowboy.

Maddox Campbell is a tough cowboy with a soft side, who has known the pain of rejection. Maddox's hidden depths are slowly revealed over the course of SNOWBOUND IN STARLIGHT BEND through his Aunt Jane's confiding in Haley, and by having part of the story told from his point-of-view. True to form, Jennifer Ashley doesn't write stereotypes. Although Maddox makes a few initial assumptions about Haley, her desire to get out of his small town has more to do with wanting to be there for her dad than any disdain for country folk and their ways.

While this isn't an "enemies-to-lovers" story, Maddox and Haley are a little prickly with each other at first. This early friction is mostly to do with sexual frustration over what they feel is an inconvenient attraction and feelings of uncertainty about any possible future relationship they could have. Sparks fly without having things turn ugly. A child in need help bring Maddox and Haley together and see each other differently.

SNOWBOUND IN STARLIGHT BEND strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sexy, and gives readers visions of hot cowboys for Christmas. This hero and heroine are both flawed yet sympathetic and complex characters. Jennifer Ashley provides a satisfying epilogue to tie up loose ends for readers. I look forward to Jennifer Ashley's next installment in her Riding Hard series.