Pepper Merriweather is a fixture in Dallas society. She is a partner in Celebrations, Inc. -- a successful catering business she started with three of her best friends, and appears on the reality show "Catering to Dallas". Her father has been indicted for embezzlement and there is a huge scandal regarding the collapse of her family's Texas Star energy company. There are rumors that thousands will suffer financial devastation due to the internal corruption and collapse of Texas Star. And even though Pepper has no dealings with the business, she finds herself impacted by the fall-out.

Rob Macintyre is one of the youngest oil barons in Texas. He owns Macintyre Enterprises and the Macintyre Family Foundation. Rob is one of the most sought after bachelors in Dallas society, but is a bit of a recluse, preferring to stay home rather than attend society functions. Rob is a single father to a 5 year old son who was injured in an accident several years ago when Rob's father was driving drunk with the boy in the car. Rob started the Macintyre Family Foundation to raise money for a local children's hospital and dedicates much of his time and energy to that charity.

Rob first comes to Pepper's rescue when she is verbally attacked at the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport when returning home from a vacation in France. A man begins heckling her about her father and the collapse of Texas Star when Rob swoops in and bustles Pepper out of harm's way. They cross paths again, when Pepper finds herself out of a job with the reality show, again due to issues with her father, and Rob offers Pepper a position with his foundation. Pepper soon finds herself working closely with Rob and his sister, and developing a close relationship with Rob's young son. Traveling for business, Pepper and Rob dare to explore the feelings that have been growing between them and passion ignites.

In TEXAS CHRISTMAS Ms. Thompson delivers a sweet, romance with plenty of sizzle and heat. The story line about the collapse of Texas Star is very timely and one that many readers will be able to connect with and Ms. Thompson was able to tie several story lines together without short changing any of them. While this is primarily a romance, I really liked the character development and focus on family as well. Overall, a very enjoyable read!

Book Summary

Busted! When Pepper Merriweather's superwealthy daddy is arrested for fraud—and the family fortune is kaput—just before the holidays, Pepper suddenly finds herself in need of a job. Despite her high-society connections, no one wants to give her a chance—no one except gorgeous billionaire recluse Robert Macintyre.

When he proposes a position that comes with more strings attached than a symphony orchestra, Pepper knows it's an offer she should refuse. But beggars can't be choosers. Besides, Pepper knows she has what it takes to rise to the challenge—but does she have what it takes to keep her hands off her irresistible new boss?