4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Second Chance Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch #1)
Tough Luck Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch #2)

This is Violet and Walker’s story. Walker is trying to keep his head above water. He knows his past makes people not have faith in him, but he is trying. When he meets Violet, he is smitten after all she kissed him without ever knowing him. She needs his help and he is willing to step up and help. But when he keeps stepping up, she wonders why? As they start to fall, they both wonder if it’s a good fit. They both have plans for the future, but do they fit into each other’s future? He is keeping secrets but are they in the end worth losing her over? The both fell hard but is the reveal of the secrets a time for them to lean on each other or walk away? Can they find a balance for the future or is this the end?

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

I recommend this book.

I really loved Hard Loving Cowboy. The story of the youngest in the Everett Family trying to fight his way to existence among not only with himself but trying to prove himself to his family and the woman who all of a sudden is taking up everything in his life.

I loved Walker vulnerability with his addiction to alcohol and how it has played such a huge role in his life. He may not have been that open with those around him but seeing him work through the demons of his past in order to find his future with Violet was gutwrenching at times.

This was the first book in the series that I read and I definitely will be going back to read the rest of the books in the series. The Everett Boys got me right where it counts, in the heart.

I haven’t read the previous books in this series but I don’t think that it had an impact on my ability to enjoy it. It definitely convinced me that I need to go back and read the other books though!!

I’ve read A.J. Pine before but none of her “cowboy” books because I haven’t been a fan of that genre until recently. This might just be my new go-to genre for a while

.I think that A.J. Pine tackled a serious and difficult topic in a really great way. She was able to make me feel all of Walker’s vulnerability, shame, regret, anger and the sadness he still struggles with from his past while, somehow, also making me feel a sense of hope and love for him and Violet.

This felt like a very well-rounded story with developed characters and perfect pacing. I can’t wait to go back and read about the other Everett brothers...and Sheriff Cash!!

***ARC Provided by NetGalley***

I wanted to like this, I really, really did. But, unfortunately, it just wasn't a title that connected with me. This title focuses on the youngest brother, Walker and, I haven't liked him all that much in the other 2 books, so I was not sure how this was going to work for me.

Unfortunately, it didn't work for me at all. I didn't like him, and I thought the "meet cute" was obnoxious and didn't make me want to know what was going to happen next.

DNF at 14%

This is book 3 in the Crossroads Ranch series and it features the black sheep of the Everett family, Walker Everett and the new sommelier at Crossroads Ranch, Violet Chastain. These two had smokin’ chemistry from the start. I absolutely LOVED how they remained friends with small amounts of benefits along the way. I felt so bad for Walker, always feeling like he wasn’t good enough. His family loved him so much! I guess it’s hard to see all that love when you’re fighting your own demons.

This story line was fantastic and had great flow. The characters were all people I’d love to be friends with. This is a perfect end to an amazing series!

4 stars

Hard Loving Cowboy by A.J Pine is an engaging book that kept me turning pages late into the night and I enjoyed watching Walker and Violet come together.

I've enjoyed all the books in the Crossroads Ranch series and highly recommend them.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

HARD LOVING COWBOY is the final story in the Crossroads Ranch series and I’m sad to see these characters go… but have hopes to see them again in cameos in another series (according to the author). If you’ve read the entire series then you know of Walker’s battle with alcoholism, even before he acknowledged that problem and, of course, the brothers’ father was mentally and physically abusive toward them before they were removed from his influence by a family member. I hope that you aren’t starting the series here because you’ll miss some amazing stories and information about this family’s background — but if you are, then be aware that there are possible triggers of former child abuse and alcoholism in Walker’s and Violet’s story.

I found HARD LOVING COWBOY to be a combination of light romance and darker moments. I completely enjoyed this story and was thrilled to see Walker’s recovery and happy future, but to get there he and Violet have to go through some rough waters. I believe to get the full impact of this story you need to experience it firsthand. While I may have some questions, it’s not fair to voice them before other readers get the chance to form their own opinions.

So, simply said, this is a deeply emotional romance with a hero who is facing his sobriety on his own in so many ways, and a heroine who is dealing with not only her own heartache but a family medical situation that she is trying to help resolve. They both have secrets that they aren’t sharing but their chemistry easily moves them from the fake relationship to facing what they each feel for the other. I liked them as a couple and have high hopes for their future. The rest you should read for yourself.

I would not hesitate to recommend any of the stories in the Crossroads Ranch series to readers who like to go a bit deeper into the emotional side, enjoy a good solid romance and loves engaging secondary characters with the hopes that they will get their own story one day.

*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.*

Hard Living Cowboy is the 3rd book in this series. It focuses around Walker, the youngest Evertt brother and Violet, a strong willed world wind.
The book deals with real life issues in a touching, heartbreaking and sweet momens.
My heart ached for these two and the issues that they faced.
Their love story seem a bit slow at times but I think it helped lead them to a stable future focusing on healing and redemption. While these issues were sad I didn't didnt feel sadness throughout the book.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review.

Walker is an alcoholic a few months sober and his life is already complicated enough without Violets getting into the picture. Violet is looking for jobs to take on to raise money to take care of her mother. Things get a bit complicated when Violet convinces Walker to play the part of her boyfriend but he seems to be good at it and they already have a connection and feelings start to get into the mix.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting how Walker was taking being sober seeing how he tests himself and seeing the support he has from those around him, he really was loved and supported. Then there was Violet who would drop everything for those shes loves and she is loving and loyal. I loved seeing that connection between the two there was a obvious attraction between the two from the very beginning and I enjoyed seeing them pursue their relationship in the book. Violet is the new person in the picture and she doesn't know Walker was a alcoholic he liked that she didn't and time will come that she would have to know and it was interesting how things where handled.

Crossroads Ranch #3, The last of the Everett brother's finally meets his match. This was such an enjoyable series to read.

Walker Everett after being a drunk for the last ten years finally hits rock bottom. His brother, Jack, finally convinces him to go into rehab and now two months later he's back working the ranch and fixing up the tasting room in preparations of the vineyard opening up and Jack and Ava's wedding. He's determined to stay sober but everyone keeps treating him like he's going to fall back on old habits he needs some time away from his family and from the town who has seen him at his worst but he has to make it to the wedding first.

Violet Chastain really needs a job, she dropped out of college to help her mother when she was diagnosed with MS, she also helps her father in his restaurant as needed. She's a sommelier by trade she's gone to the Crossroads Vineyard to help set up the tasting room and help with the wedding what she finds is a sexy cowboy she knows she shouldn't want.

Walker and Violet's story is emotional and heartfelt. Walker is struggling to find the new him, the new sober him and Violet dealing with her mother's failing health and having given up so much for her parents. Together they form a friendship, when he's with Violet Walker isn't constantly reminded of what a failure he's been. For Violet, Walker is someone she can talk to and together even though they are pretending for her parents to be boyfriend/girlfriend they form a deep connection and along the way it become real but Walker still hasn't confided to her that he's an alcoholic afraid that she'll look at him differently.

Overall, this was a great ending for the Everett brothers. I hope A.J. Pine does something with Sam and Ben Callahan. I enjoyed the story very much the narration, the flow, the diverse cast of characters it was all wonderful.

There’s not a dang thing wrong with a little slow burn. Regardless of their instant fake relationship, Walker and Violet’s story comes to life slowly. He’s struggling to keep his hands off the bottle and Violet. She’s not going to fall for another boss or at least that’s what she tells herself. There’s a perfect buildup of dysfunction and sexual tension. It’s a crazy combo, right?! This was a great story and I highly recommend giving it a read. Enjoy!

My goodness, I’ve so enjoyed this fantastic Crossroads Ranch series! And while I absolutely loved Jack and Luke’s stories, I was really looking forward to Hard Loving Cowboy and Walker’s story.

And what a story it is! In this final book, we finally see the true connection and “family” between these wonderful men and the women that love them.

And we finally see just what Walker’s made of—the grit and gumption. What really makes him tick. And I couldn’t help but root for him to finally realize who he is and where he is and how much his family wants to be a part of his life.

And Violet. She’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s smart, fun, sexy and is quickly falling for Walker’s charms. And he’s falling fast too.

I loved the romance and friendship that bloomed between Walker and Violet—they’re truly perfect for each other.

And I absolutely loved my time spent on the Crossroads ranch. I loved the story of this family and am so excited to see what’s next in the new series!

I've been excited for Walker's story since the first book in this series and I wasn't disappointed!!

From their first meeting, I felt the insane chemistry between Walker and Violet. The friendship that grew between them kept me glued to story. I felt every second of their headache and hardships.

Addiction can be a hard storyline to get right and paired with the struggles of dealing with a sick parent, I was amazed at how both were handled with dignity and respect. I love this series and I never want it to end!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

The third book in the series and is about Walker Everett. He is dealing with or not dealing with past issues so he has been drinking for the last ten years. Now when he ends up through a window and with a broken nose. He really does not remember much. Waking up the next day in jail he is given the option of treatment or jail time. He takes the first. Home after two months away he is at times hanging on by a thread. This is where I was hoping he would have gotten into some type of program AA or anything, just for support. Being sober for over 25 years AA has helped and still does every day. Anyway, this is when you meet Violate. She is a fire ball and someone who is totally opposite of Walker. The two of them are drawn to each other constantly even though they say they are just friends. He finds himself going to her parents’ house on Sundays because he is tired of everyone judging him, or he thinks they are. Of course, everything comes to a head when she tries to help him when he is sick, by putting a little whiskey in the tea. Now acting like the fool he is and scaring her he still has told him the reason. But when he finds out a few weeks later that she is going out on a date he is acting uncharacteristic and trying to see if she is going to get a good night kiss as she gave him. Will he get caught? Will he finally tell her everything if he is confronted by her? Does he really want to be with her? All of these will be answered. A good book and I liked Violet and her parent's characters really added to the story.

4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I loved Walker and Violet. There were just too adorable! It's tough reading the prologue with Walker. My heart broke for him, but I love that he gets a second chance at life. Violet is so good for him. It made my heart happy watching those two together. There were moments that had me chuckling. My favorite part of the book is Walker's journey. It's real heart warming to me. I'm sad to see this series end. It has such great books! I highly recommend them!

This is the last book of this series and we got to know the youngest brother in this book. Walker starts out in a bar being thrown out of a window or fell out. He is so drunk he feels nothing and needs to go to the hospital. His family and the sheriff, who is a friend, tell him he has to go to rehab. Now that he is out, he also can not be in a relationship for 6 months. Then he meets Violet. Now Walker has never been a settle down type of guy. More of a one night stand type of guy. But Violet throws him for a loop. She is hired to work on his families winery and she becomes friends with his family. There is also the wedding coming up of Jake that is from the first book of this series.
Violet has Walker stand in as a boyfriend with her parents. But he has not told her he is an alcoholic and about his past. Will things stay between them once she finds out?
I received this from NetGalley and Forever for review.

After moving to live with his aunt when Walker was still young, he embraced the legacy handed to him by his father, who turned to alcohol to cope with the loss of his wife. But, when Walker gets in one altercation too many his brothers have had enough....and manage to get a promise from Walker that he'll go into rehab...and take it seriously.

Violet is looking for extra income to pay for her moms medical bills - but walking up to one of her potential new bosses and laying a hot and heavy kiss on him is not her best decision, and she's certain he'll send her on her way. But instead of sending her off, he offers to give her a ride home and the job she desperately needs.

As Violet and Walker grow closer he struggles with the secret he's been keeping from her, but he doesn't want Violet to see his flaws. But they may not be able to survive the fallout when the truth comes out about his addiction.

Hard Loving Cowboy was a fantastic read. We watched Walker self destruct through the two previous books in the series, and he's finally ready to make decisions that will bring him out of the downward spiral he's been on for years. Violet is drawn to the gruff cowboy, and sees straight through the tough exterior he shows the world right to the gooey center. Their love story is about learning how to let someone be the support they need, and giving the same trust and love in return.

And if all of that hot cowboy awesomeness doesn't bring you in, read it for the psychic chicken. Because - psychic chicken!

HARD LOVING COWBOY is the third instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is twenty-five year olds, rancher and wood worker Walker Everett, and sommelier Violet Chastain’s story line. HARD LOVING COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed when necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Violet and Walker) HARD LOVING COWBOY follows the building relationship between twenty-five year olds, rancher and wood worker Walker Everett, and sommelier Violet Chastain. Violet is the new sommelier at Crossroads Ranch new Crossroads Winery, a position that brings her face to face with brooding and secretive Walker Everett, a man struggling with demons from his past.But a case of mistaken belief forces our couple into a fake relationship, a relationship that will turn into something more.What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Violet and Walker, and the fall-out as Walker’s past continues to haunt and control his present.

Violet Chastain is on a mission to make enough money to help her mother. With a potential end date to her time at Crossroads Winery getting involved with Walker Everett is all kinds of wrongs. Walker Everett doesn’t do relationships, in fact he struggles with the family he loves and adores but Everett’s history is dark and damaging, and in this, our hero continues to battle memories of the past.

The relationship between Walker and Violet begins as employee and employer but both Walker and Violet’s time at Crossroads Ranch comes with an expiry date, a date neither one has revealed to the other. Walker tries to keep his distance from the woman with whom he will fall in love but one night of fear and anger threatens everything Walker has struggled to overcome. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting characters including Walker’s siblings Jack and Ava (Second Chance Cowboy #1), Cash and Olivia (Saved by the Cowboy 1.5), Luke and Lily (Tough Luck Cowboy #2), and Walker’s Aunt Jenna. We are introduced to Violet’s parents Gabriel and Camille Chastain.

The world building continues to focus on the Everett family dynamics; the siblings struggle to move on from the past, a past tainted by abuse, neglect, addiction and loss.

HARD LOVING COWBOY is a story of family, struggle, hope and dreams. The premise is captivating and entertaining: the characters are energetic and charismatic; the romance is seductive. HARD LOVING COWBOY is an emotional and heart breaking story of one man’s struggle to move on from the past, and one woman’s battle to prove said man is worthy of love.

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Hard Loving Cowboy
By: A.J. Pine

Everett finds forever?

In the fourth and final book in the series Everett finds his forever with Violet. What starts off as Everett being her fake boyfriend we get to see his fall to love. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Authors Blurb:Walker Everett spends his days at the Crossroads Ranch wrangling cattle-and steering clear of anything that would complicate his already too-complicated life. Until Violet Chastain, the ranch's newest employee, asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for her parents' anniversary party. She's the most beautiful woman he's ever met and needs his help. How can he refuse?

Violet isn't about to fall for a brooding bad-boy cowboy, no matter how sizzling their chemistry. But she also never expected Walker to go along with the charade. Before long, he's charming her parents at their weekly dinners and kissing her way more than necessary. Spending so much time together tests the limits of their "just friends" relationship, but what happens when their game of pretend becomes all too real?

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

I enjoyed this book more than Second Chance Cowboy, and I gave that a five-star review. I don't know what it was about Walker, but I just adored him. Violet was just perfect for him. This can be read as a stand-alone. I did read 2nd Chance Cowboy before but nothing else in the series, but it seems like I missed a couple of books in between. I didn't feel like I was missing any major parts of Walker's story. I'll have to go back and find what I missed out on, because I've enjoyed this author's writing a lot in the two books that I have read