A supercouple for Christmas.Rock ‘n’ roll cowboy Tucker McKay’s muse has left the building. Returning to his roots at his Colorado ranch might be the inspiration he needs, and he’s done everything he can to ensure his reputation shines for his eventual return to the public eye, should his muse show up again. Ready to leave town, he’s not prepared for the paparazzi frenzy after a starlet falls … after a starlet falls face down on his lap at L.A.’s trendiest new night club.
America’s Sweetheart, Mackenzie Bennett’s career is on the rocks after a few lackluster movies damaged her studio appeal. She needs something to change, and fast. What she does not need is the firestorm that ensues after an ill-fated spill is caught on camera. Spending Christmas in Colorado with the man she publicly embarrassed is her only option to turn around the bad press.
While a fake relationship might drum up the publicity needed to save both of their careers, a small-town family Christmas may be just what they both need to figure out what truly matters…
Buy Rock Hard Cowboy for a steamy, laugh-out-loud Christmas romance!
**Note: Rock Hard Cowboy was originally published as part of the Christmas with a Colorado Cowboy boxed set.
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This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, contemporary romantic comedy novella. The characters are likable and endearing, the chemistry sizzles, Tucker’s family is warm, caring and funny, and the romance is heart-warming. It is a real page turner with a happily ever after ending. This is a prequel to Ms. Hovland’s outstanding “Mile High Matched” series, which can be enjoyed when read in any order.
What a cute story! I read this for a reading challenge I’m participating in and the month of May calls for a Cowboy Romance. I’m very happy I chose this one.
Kenzie is an actress, Tucker is a country singer who’s ready to retire. They are both dealing with some things and could use some help from each other.
Does her career & his public image need a little boost? Definitely. Do they agree to a fake relationship? Yep. Do their true feelings come out? Sure do. But not before Kenzie gets called out for something and feelings get hurt.
Not only was this holiday novella enjoyable and charming, it was also sweet and sexy and it made me want to add the rest of the books in the series to my TBR.
And I have to mention how much I loved Tucker’s parents! They added a lot of cuteness and humor to this story.
This was my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work!
I received this arc from the author’s site for an honest review.
The story opens in a club in Los Angeles where Tucker McKay is sitting in the VIP area. He is retiring to his ranch in Colorado. He has not been able to write a song since his muse his girlfriend broke up with him, so he feels it is time to retire.
Actress Mackenzie Bennet, whose last few movies have not been doing so well at the box office especially after Tucker said he did not like the one he was at. arriving at the club she decides to go introduce herself to Tucker and discuss his view on her movie when she trips, or is push and stumbles landing face-first into his lap. Of course, now is the time that people are able to get pictures of that and so the next day after the photos appear there is a meeting between two sides. The agreement is settled on them being a fake couple which works out for him since he was going home for Christmas and she decides to go with him in order to not spend it with her mother.
Once they make it to his ranch and meet his family which she likes both. Here at the ranch and the two of them being together they find that they actually like each other and he begins to write again. She finds herself cooking which was something she always enjoyed doing before the movie career. The day of Christmas is awkward especially the gift exchange when you can see she put effort into a personal gift and he did the guy thing a scarf, actually, he didn’t but his person did.
It is after this that everything blows up but it really didn’t have to, he just would not listen then took off not returning until two hours later. To see what happens you must read this quick and very good story which has a lot of emotions happy, funny, a little sad, and yet hope all in a short story. A well-done book with excellent characters. I gave this book 5 stars. Follow us at
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Rock Hard Cowboy is a short Christmas novella in the Mile High Matched Series. I loved this Series! Tucker and Mackenzie’s story is sweet, funny, sexy and emotional. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns. Stella Hunter and Connor Crais did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it! I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Great Story & Narration 4.5 Captivating & Delightful Stars
Rock Hard Cowboy
A Sizzling, Romantic Comedy Holiday Novella! (Mile High Matched, Book 0)
By: Christina Hovland
Narrated by: Stella Hunter, Connor Crais
Christina Hovland’s “Mile High Matched” series is one of my favorite series and Audible listens, I was happy to see added another book to the series. This book brings us two new characters, Tucker McKay and MacKenzie Bennett. These characters are not set in the same circle as the rest of the series, but there is a connection, Tucker is friends with Brek, a main character from the first book “Going Down on One Knee”. Brek makes an appearance in this book and it was great to see him again. I adored Tucker, his family was awesome too. MacKenzie grew on me as the book went on she is so much more than she first appeared to be. Tucker lost his muse and his band broke so he is quitting rock ’n’ roll and his heading back to his Colorado ranch. He out in a popular night club when a whirlwind lands in his lap, that whirlwind was MacKenzie Bennett, a Hollywood actress with the paparazzi on her tail. Her career is in jeopardy because her latest movies tanked in the box office sales. Falling into Tucker’s lap in the nightclub did not help matters but her PR team comes up with a plan, that will help both her and Tucker’s image, his PR rep agrees. That plan is a fake relationship, so they need to become the next “it” couple, get the press on their side and make their fans happy. They agree to do it and while she has an ulterior motive for doing it not everything goes as planned. I loved how everything played out in this book, the author fit an impressive amount of story into her novella sized book, there is plenty of drama, humor, heartfelt & emotional moments and some hot romance. Christina Hovland, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stella Hunter and Connor Crais were perfectly casted to bring these characters and their story to life. Their portrayal of the characters is spot on, sounding just as I picture them to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture all of the characters emotions which is reflected in their performance. Both are entertaining storytellers and versatile voice artists. Thank you for another great listen it is always a pleasure to listen to your work.
Rock Hard Cowboy
A Sizzling, Romantic Comedy Holiday Novella! (Mile High Matched, Book 0)
By: Christina Hovland
Narrated by: Stella Hunter, Connor Crais
Leave it to Christina Hovland to make me laugh and fall in love! This novella has all the feels and its swoon worthy hero impossible not to fall for. Meet Kenzie, a movie star trying to pull her career up. Falling into the lap of Tucker, a rock and roll cowboy may be the ticket for her. He has always kept his reputation in tact and he could be the answer to her prayers. These two pretend to be together as a media ploy, but what happens is unexpected. Going to Colorado to celebrate Christams with Tucker’s family proves to be the best medicine for them both. Hovland uses humor and pure family love and fun to bring this story to life. Not only are Kenzie and Tucker fantastic, but the family makes the holiday a wonderful celebration.
Narrated by Stella Hunter and Connor Crais, the story flows. Casting is so important and these two fit their characters and brought all the warmth to the story. Their comedic timing is spot on. Hunter nails Kenzie. She emotes her personality letting us feel her love, and her back pedaling guilt. Crais has a charismatic sound and gives Tucker a warmth that is so appealing. Loved their performance.
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This was my first book by this author. I picked up this novella because it was free and it was a holiday story. Tucker and Kenzie are a power couple thrown together because of publicity needs for both of their careers. They both recognize the magnetic attraction they feel for each other and both are a little frightened by it, knowing it puts their hearts at risk.
This novella was well-written, well-edited and sucked me in more than a novella length book usually would. The characters were developed and their story pulled me in. This was an excellent introduction to this author and I immediately read the rest of the series, which I lived.
A short, sweet, funny romantic read. This can be read quickly in one evening, but you might want to slow down and savor it.
Tucker and Kenzie had great chemistry. I think Tucker’s family was the high point of the book, especially his parents.
Kenzie found something in Tucker and his family she never had, while Tucker found something in Kenzie he thought he had lost.
A touch of romance, a bit of heat, and a lot of love.
This story is short but packs a big punch! I would love there to be more but it really doesn’t need it. Tucker and Kenzie are both in their own separate crossroads in their careers. They really need this fake relationship stunt to work. Oh my, it works so well! This is their sorta second chance since they stalled out before they ever really got started the first time.
I love these two and the cast of characters around them!
It’s as delicious as french toast on Christmas morning!
I had a great time with Tucker and Mackenzie..These two had met before and had some good chemistry or that is what Mackenzie thought until Tucker came out in an interview and was not very flattering so she decides she is going to confront him when she sees him when she least expects it, unfortunately for her it was not the place or time and now to save their image they have to get into a fake relationship which we all know never stay fake..Tucker’s family was funny and just the needed humor we needed. I loved having Brek again even if it was a short while.Grab a copy and Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author.(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Fun, flirty read with heart. Perfect for a quick escape. The Mile High Matched books featured great characters, lots of laughs and fantastic romance.
I love the Mile High Matched books and this was a great addition to the series!
Tucker and Mackenzie are both at difficult times in their careers when they see each other in a club. After an awkward moment caught on camera they pretend to date. As they spend more time together, though, their mutual attraction may become so much more.
There is a lot of humor, romance, and even an appearance by a character you will recognize from Going Down on One Knee.
If you are looking for a fun, romantic read, I definitely recommend this book
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
A sweet treat of a novella from Christina Hovland. I loved the characters, and the premise of the story—which reminded me of The Gift at the end.
Perfectly paced, with thoroughly developed characters, this novella was a delight to read. The angst is minimal, and you can clearly see the HEA while living through it. The plot is to the the point; the story layout doesn’t meander into unnecessary territory. It all comes together to highlight Christina Hovland’s writing talent.
4.5 Steamy Holiday Stars. This novella is a cute, sweet story about Tucker a recently retired rockstar that is headed back to his ranch and Kenzie, a movie star since she was a child. Circumstance and their manager threw them together for publicity where chemistry and finding your true love took over. A Christmas vacation to the ranch changes their lives forever. A very delightful romance that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. The only thing that would have improved this book for me is if a had been a full length novel with more time to fall in love with these two exceptional characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy provided by the talented Christina Hovland.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a great afternoon read. Christina Hovland never disappoints me! Her characters are believable and imperfect. I will continue to be a faithful reader.
4 Breaking Through the Barriers
* * * * Spoiler Free
You know when you find a pair of shoes and they fit just right…It’s like nirvana and then you search out every other shoe made by that manufacturer…Well, finding an author who you just connect with and receive all the happy feels you want when you read them…that is a Score.
Christina Hovland does that for me. I discovered her recently and she has not let me down. After finishing this novella, I had a huge grin on my face.
Mackenzie Bennett is in a very bad place. She has been America’s Sweetheart since she was little. Her Mom-Manager saw the sparkle she had and ran with it. Mackenzie had been on a roll, hitting all the targets…having a show, growing up on the screen, then doing movies with everyone loving her.
She learned to play the part.
She learned not to trust.
And she learned when a couple of films don’t go as expected…You need to dig yourself out.
Which placed her in this new nightclub, pretending she was into it and flashing smiles. She signed the contract to be there and was counting the minutes till she could leave. Kenzie looked around and her eyes fell on the rock ‘n’ roll cowboy, Tucker McKay. Yes, the one who had records, awards, and looks which melt panties. As much as Kenzie wanted to stay far far away from this man, especially after what he said in an interview about her…she couldn’t let it go. They had met during an industry thing and she felt there had been a real connection. It had been brief but strong so to have him throw her under the bus in that interview, it hurt. Seeing the opportunity to confront Tucker and hope he will explain, she approaches him.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Cute and fun
Christina Hovland is one of my go-to authors.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Mile High Matched
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
Cute novella about a Hollywood starlet whose luster is starting to fade and a rock star whose muse has left him. They are pushed into a fake relationship to help their careers, and of course, it becomes more. Fun easy read.