Bullfighter Tucker comes home after his mother has a heart attack and then takes on the Christmas pageant for her. Kenna has been living a year with her boys after she and her husband divorced and she wants to do something special for them. What she did not expect to happen was to see her high school sweetheart or still have feelings for him. This was a really good Christmas story and worth the read.

Acceptable, but not exceptional. Writing is less than stellar; characters are only okay; and much about story is implausible in this reviewer's opinion. Mainly, heroine being "over" husband's betrayal and their divorce, and ready to date again after only a year.

Not sure if I'll read more of this author in the future or not, but suspect I'll lean away from her and toward other stories.

This was a sweet novella set at Christmas time in the same town as the Rocky Mountain Riders series.
Tucker is a bullrider and while visiting his mom, she has a minor hear attack. He is fighting the demons of Christmas past when his dad walked out them years ago. Since then he has not celebrated Christmas or visited his mom during the season. Since his mom is in charge of the Christmas Pageant she has asked him to help outwith a mom of 2 boys.
A year after her husband's scandalous betrayal and their divorce, Kenna is doing her best to move forward and give her two boys a magical Christmas.
Tucker was a high school crush she had and now being thrown into the pageant together it stirs up some emotions. She has decided they should just have fun. Since she was hurt and doesn't want to be hurt again and he is pretty much a playboy she knows he isn't looking for anything either.
As these 2 spend more time together are they right for each other and can they change?
I thought it was a great story and even thought it is a quick novella you do learn enough about their pasts and why they feel the way they do.
I received this from NetGalley and Forever for review.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Like the story of how Tucker begins to change and fall in love even as he fights it and tries to deny the love. I love how he is with the kids and how Kenna picks herself up even after all her husband has done. I especially love how Tucker doesn’t care about Kenna’s past but who she is on the inside, how she is with his mom and the children.

Tucker’s mom is precious and mischievous. Christmas time you can see brings out the best in her and it is hard to see her lose a little sparkle. Although she is always in the back of your mind in the story she doesn’t take full control. It is Tucker for me that was the focus. How he changed and found his way back. How he went from being a little reclusive to wanting to celebrate Christmas with his mother and change things for himself and for Kenna and her children. How he works on the play and finds someone who he falls for and who understands him. Someone that supports him as he does her. Even as they both fight the attraction you can see them falling.

The story is sweet, sexy and entertaining. Kenna and Tucker just have you smile as they get to know one another and don’t let each other’s past influence their thoughts of each other. they both battle their own demons and as you watch them come out of their shells (especially Kenna at the end) you see that they find their way not only to shed the past and back to life but to each other as well. A wonderful story that has you feel warm and happy inside in the end and root for the kids, and Kenna and Tucker throughout.

4 star

The story has laughs, twists & turns, and heartbreak.

This is Kenna and Tucker’s story. Tucker came home to help out his mom after she suffers a minor heart attack. Now he is trying to help her out by taking her place with the towns annual Christmas pageant. Sadly, he does not know how to deal with the kids or the local music teacher. Kenna is trying hard to move on from the past and give her two boys a great Christmas. Kenna and Tucker knew each other since high school but he has always been running and no strings attached. Can he have changed? If so, would they be willing to try to have a future? Sure, the chemistry is there but is that all it is or do the feeling run a lot deeper then just on the surface?

I loved these characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

First of all, I normally dislike novellas. I just feel they are too short to waste time on. With that said I loved this novella! Yes I wished the story was a bit longer, but this story kept my attention. I could not put this down. I had not read any prior books by Sara Richardson, but will be checking out her other offerings soon. I am a sucker for holiday romances and this one hit all the marks with cute kids, the town's holiday spirit and giving!


I received an advance copy from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review.

Amazing...Christmas Magic! Sara Richardson gives up a book of love and hope for the holidays.
Kenna has demons for her past because of her ex - husband and Tucker because of when his father left when he was younger. When Kenna and her sons Jake and Benny it frightens Tucker to the point of wanting to run. The beauty of forgiving and love will make everyone have a Merry Christmas

Sweet, holiday romance…

This author’s Rocky Mountain Cowboys, and their partners, are what make small town romances so enticing. Warm, full of friendship and love, their stories have family at the center. Tucker and Kenna’s romance has all that and more…

Tucker has avoided celebrating the holidays for years. Bad memories meant he did everything he could to avoid the festivities, including being with his mother at Christmas. This year was going to be different. A scare meant he wanted to do better for his small family and he was going to do it. With Kenna by his side… Kenna was rebuilding her and her sons’ lives in a town that had been hurt by her ex-husband. Emotionally, she was on the road to recovery but that didn’t mean it was all smooth sailing. When Tucker needed help, she was there for him. And soon, he was there for her too.

This was another story that was stamped ‘feel good’ from the very start. Tucker and Kenna were relatable characters that had emotional baggage to navigate. And navigate them they did, with help from a wonderfully interfering mom and a couple of sweet little boys.

I wish it would have been longer but otherwise it was a perfect read for the holidays!

Ho, hum…

Another holiday novella, another story with faux holiday charm that reads like a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie.

Kenna is a newly divorced mom of two boys, struggling to make the holidays bright and cheery after her husband’s recent scandalous incarceration. She gets involved with her small town’s annual Christmas Pageant, hoping that will get her small family back on the road to a happy, normal life. When the pageant director gets ill and ends up in the hospital, her son Tucker is coerced into stepping in to help. As Kenna and Tucker spend (a VERY short amount of) time together, they fall in love - despite their mutual reluctance to get involved for their own separate reasons.

The cheese was strong in this one...from the cute kids, to the complete about face after a single night together, there wasn’t much very realistic about this one. Throw in some “character development” with Tucker and his long-lost father, and this is another book that dragged me further to the side of bah humbug this holiday season. The only decent thing about this book is that at least when the hero and heroine were doing the typical “they don’t love me the way I love them” baloney, the heroine actually went and talked to someone about her feelings instead of keeping them all to herself.

Having read this author a couple other times, I think she’s gonna hafta go onto my “done with this author” list. She seems to write the type of cheesy, cliched stories that don’t appeal to me. I need/want more grit and substance in the stories I spend my time on, and I just don’t think I’m ever going to get that from Ms. Richardson.

* thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Tuckers mother usually runs a pagent but since shes in the hospital after a minor heart attack he and Kenna are there to pick up where his mother left off. Things haven't been going well for Kenna and her boys but she is determined to pick up the pieces her ex left and still live her life. Both never intended for anything to happen between each other and it seems things have a way of happening.

I liked this book it was short and heartwarming. It was hopeful of getting past hardships and trying to get back up again after troubles. Its a small town and its hard getting past issues of the past when Kenna was constantly being reminded of it, no one really lets the past go and Kenna really needed peoples support. Then there was the spark that was between Kenna and Tucker and the heat between the two was undeniable and it was pretty enjoyable to seeing what was happening between the two. But then there was the hang up that Tucker had and daddy issues and it was interesting getting to see what was going on with that situation. As much as this book is short its perfect to read during the holiday, there was plenty going on in the short amount of pages to keep things entertaining and I enjoyed it.

I have been totally stressing out about Christmas, trying to finish buying and wrapping presents, and running errands. I decided to take a break and read for a few minutes. I wish I had done so earlier; this story was a good reminder of the important things that truly make up Christmas.

Tucker's father walked out on him when he was 17, and he hasn't forgiven his dad. Kenna is a single mother with two adorable boys. Her husband was a swindler who took money from lots of people in town. Neither was looking for a relationship, but then they met each other... What follows is a sexy, sweet and uplifting story perfect for the season. Themes such as forgiveness, hope, memories and opening one's heart are powerfully woven together without being maudlin or preachy. You'll root for these two lovely people. Try reading without any tears or smiles. Bet you can't!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

4 1/2 STARS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS STORY!! A Sweet Perfect Christmas novella. Tucker and Kenna's story was so amazing for this time of year. I loved everything about this story, Sara Richardson has done a beautiful job with this book.

A couple of notes before I get to my actual review. I didn’t realize until I started reading this story that it was part of the wonderful Rocky Mountain Riders series. It’s not (yet) listed as such on Goodreads, but it’s obvious that it comes after the 4th book, True-Blue Cowboy, that I haven’t yet read. That being said, you do not have to read the other books in this series to enjoy this short story. And it’s definitely worth the read.

All. The. Feels. That is how I describe this story. I had butterflies going pretty much through this entire book. Tucker and Kenna are just so perfect for each other. Not to mention, Tucker and Kenna’s boys. It is all just beyond cute. But not in a sickly overdone way. Just in a perfectly written, tug at your heartstrings way.

It’s not always easy to write a short story like this without things seeming rushed or like things are being left out. I have been greatly enjoying the full length novels in this series. Sara Richardson really proves she has excellent writing chops that she found such a perfect balance of short, sweet, and sexy in this story.

I really enjoyed this book over all. I loved being able to catch up with the other characters from this series as well. I really enjoy when and author can take a child and have there personality shine through on the pages and the author did that with not just one child but three it added hugely to a fun story. This is a short read but packed with a lot fun and emotions you will find your self laughing and crying. Over all this book shows what Christmas, Family and forgiveness is all about. You will not be disappointed with this fun read. I think the only thing I did not like about this book is that it was too short. There is adult situations in this book.

We are taken back to the world of the Rocky Mountain Riders series with a quick, delightful Christmas novella for a returning son and a heart weary divorced mom.

Tucker has always managed to avoid returning home for Christmas, even though it breaks his mom’s heart a little more each year. He has his reasons – are they good ones? Only Tucker can answer that and this Christmas he’s going to have to come up with something because the Ghost of Christmas Past is right at his doorstep. After his mother had a minor heart attack right before Christmas Tucker came home to watch over her and to fulfill the promise to take over her spot on the annual Christmas pageant. Even if he had no clue whatsoever as to what he was doing.

The last person Kenna expected to run into while volunteering for the annual Christmas pageant was her old high school crush, Tucker. It’s been a rough year for Kenna yet she’s determined to give her kids the best Christmas experience possible. And if that means dealing with Tucker then so be it. Kenna never thought that Tucker could be the answer to not only her happiness but her boys as well.

One tough cowboy is about to get his heart handed to him wrapped up in the sweet present of Kenna and her sons. Now he just has to figure out how to not mess this up for them.

Both Tucker and Kenna have to let go of the past, and the actions of others in that past in order to move on… together. Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas gives us a fun, touching and emotional Christmas novella all about loving who we are now, and letting the past go to make room for the future. I enjoyed myself very much, loved being back in this world once again. And would not hesitate to recommend this novella to any reader of Modern Western Romance, Christmas Romance or who has followed the Rocky Mountain Riders series. You’ll enjoy yourself this Christmas.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

After a year of dealing with her husbands crazy betrayal Kenna is determined to do her best and make this a memorable Christmas for her boys. She volunteers to help out with the local Christmas pageant. What she didn't expect was running the pageant with none other than Tucker McGrath the hot rugged cowboy she has had a crush on since high school. Kenna was helping his mother with the pageant when she suffered a minor heart attack. As Kenna spends time with Tucker she realizes there is a magical connection between the two.

Tucker McGrath has been MIA for Christmas for the past 15 years. He has never enjoyed this time of year since his dad left their family when he was in his teens. When his mom suffers a minor heart attack he decides to redeem himself and tries to make it up to his mom for all those years by making this Christmas a magical one. He starts by taking on the pageant with Kenna Hart. He finds himself feeling things for Kenna he has never felt for a woman before, but he fears he is like his dad and will not be able to commit to a relationship. Kenna can see that Tucker has changed his ways from his wild childhood.

Will she be able to make him see that he has changed? Can the magic of Christmas bring these two a new found happily ever after?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review, ***

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Synopsis
After his mother suffers a heart attack, Tucker McGrath finds himself taking her place as director of their town's annual Christmas pageant. Tucker, a tough-guy bullfighter, has let his mother down for Christmas for years and all he wants to do is make up for lost time. But he is a rough-and-tumble, no-strings-attached cowboy with ZERO experience with kids. Lucky for him, Kenna Hart, the town music teacher has volunteered to help him...

Kenna Hart is a single mom with a cheating ex-husband who embarrassed her with a scandal. She has two kids to support on her own and more than anything she wants to give them a wonderful Christmas. So why not help her former high school crush run the Christmas pageant? Christmas love is in the air...

My Thoughts
Sara Richardson is a new to me author and I'm looking forward to reading more from her. Her writing is strong and she created an adorable town and a fun cast of characters. I definitely enjoyed this story and I really loved Kenna. The trouble for me was that I wasn't the biggest fan of Tucker. I didn't buy his reasons for blowing off his mother for Christmas year after year.  And sometimes he was kind of a butt to Kenna...I guess he seemed emotionally immature to me. Of course, he comes around though. This is Romance! Again, I'll definitely be reading more from Sara Richardson.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas releases tomorrow! It's a quick and enjoyable holiday novella. Check it out! Thank you Netgalley and Forever for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

This is a sweet, feel-good holiday romance and a quick read. I can totally picture this as one of those Hallmark or Netflix holiday romance movies I love so much, and I had a great time curled up with this story.

Kenna Hart is a single mother who's tired of being pitied and treated with kid gloves after her ex-husband was arrested for fraud a year ago. Her two young sons are in her small town's Christmas pageant, which Kenna, as the town's music teacher, is helping organize. While working on the pageant, she runs into Tucker McGrath, a former classmate whose mom leads the pageant every year. Tucker's dad left when he was younger (when Tucker's mom was diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, the asshole!), so Tucker is wary of getting involved with anyone and disappointing them like his father did him. 

I love how much Tucker respects Kenna's abilities; unlike many of the townspeople, he doesn't coddle her. He's also very mindful about not raising unrealistic expectations in her kids, who fall in love with him almost immediately. I also love how awesome a character Kenna is, how she challenges herself to do things even though deep down, she's also afraid of how much she has to deal with on her own. 

Despite touching on some heavy topics -- illness, abandonment, incarceration -- the story overall is told with a light touch. It's just an absolutely pleasure to read, a touching reminder of love and family and the spirit of Christmas, and a sweet little treat for the holidays.

+

Thank you to Forever Romance for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

The latest Rocky Mountain Riders installment, Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson is the perfect Christmas escape. Her latest novella brings the Christmas spirit in a short, bite size package. I loved Tucker and Kenna. Their story was the perfect blend of Christmas magic and the true spirit of Christmas forgiveness. It is no secret that I will read anything that Richardson writes, but this is definitely one of my favorites.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella.

Novellas are usually my favorite way to find new authors, so I was excited to see a cute cowboy Christmas novella by a new-to-me author just in time for the holidays. A single mom of two boys, and a confirmed bachelor falling in love while directing a holiday pageant, I am all in.

I thought this book did a great job of getting the reader to emotionally invest in the characters quickly. Kenna had been through so much in her previous relationship, but she was still strong and a great mom. I adored her, and her boys were adorable. I also enjoyed that there was a little bit of steam between Kenna and Tucker. It spiced up this little holiday novella.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with the hero. Tucker was cute at the beginning and I adored how he took care of his mom, but when it came to his relationship with Kenna, he annoyed me. He was a little self-centered and was a bit of an emotional mess the whole time.

Overall, this was a cute little novella, I just wished the hero was a little stronger. Fortunately, I really enjoyed Sara Richardson’s writing style. I will absolutely be picking up one of her books in the future.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**