Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5 Stars)
Title: Hard Loving Cowboy
Author(s): A.J Pine
Character(s):
― Violet Chastain: 25 years old, Brunette, Brown Eyed
― Walker Everett: 25 years old, Blonde, Blue Eyed
Setting: San Luis Obispo County, California
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “I’m an everything man. And you, Violet, have everything.”
―“I’m not the kind of guy who lets himself want things. Probably because there’s not a whole lot I deserve. But I want you, Violet. I want you like fire wants oxygen.”
― “Any other place, at any other time, Teach, and I’d have broken every goddamn rule for you.”
― “That whether it’s Oak Bluff, Santa Barbara, or Paris, you’re home to me.”
Overall Opinion:
A.J Pine "Hard Loving Cowboy" was a wholesome, heartwarming tale about opposites-attract that started off with a kiss. There was just something unique about this series that made it impossible not to finish it in one sitting. The way the author was able to mesh the characters together and not rush their bubbling relationship and pending romance won me over, and it was towards the end when they admitted their feelings for each other. I immediately loved the lead characters Walker and Violet. One hand you have a recovering alcoholic and another, the smart wine expert that dropped everything to help her aiding mother. Overall, a delightful read that left me wanting more.

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It is Walker's story! In the Crossroads Ranch series, the first two Everett brothers have found love. I have been eagerly awaiting Walker's story because of the fact that he has spent his last years in the bottom of a bottle. For a love story for Walker to work he would have to make huge strides. Readers will not be disappointed.

When asked by his family's ranch and vineyard's new employee, Violet Chastain, ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend when around her parents, he finds this to be a great challenge. For starters, his life is barely on track and he has been sober, thanks to rehab, for just two months. He has enough on his plate with that and with keeping his family's businesses going strong. To further complicate things, Walker really, really likes Violet but this is the worst possible time for him to become involved in a relationship.

Violet just ended a relationship, for starters. Furthermore, she is very concerned about her parents, particularly her mother. She has put her life on hold due to her loyalty to them. When she says that she and Walker are dating, she sees their joy and decides to keep up the ruse. What she must now do is to fight the very real attraction she has to Walker. The question proves to be just how long can they deny their undeniable chemistry.

I have read all three stories in this series prior to this one and this one definitely is my favorite. Walker has come a long way. He has not had it easy as he lost his mother while young and had an abusive father. His brothers have been patient with him but he finally was forced to face his problem with drinking. I do like how his sobriety was handled. All the while, Walker deserved love. In spades. Violet was indeed perfect for him, but his baggage was real. The conflict was real.

With the time it took for Walker to deal with his addiction, a very genuine relationship was built with Violet. One other thing I enjoyed about this book was Violet's selfless attitude when it came to her family, and that brought another sensitive issue to the fore.

A.J. Pine has quickly become a favorite author of mine with these books. They are wonderful love stories, but with a strong sense of family. This affecting story will be with me for a while to come.

Hard Loving Cowboy is the last book in the Crossroads Ranch series. The previous stores are Second Chance Cowboy, Saved by the Cowboy and Tough Luck Cowboy. Each story in this series can be read as a standalone.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )