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The Cocky Kingmans #4.5
Honkers Under the Holly
What happens when a struggling sports agent and a plus-size model fake an engagement to save a rescue goose? Christmas chaos, that’s what.
I didn’t plan to pretend to be in love with the gorgeous plus-size model who rescued a goose from the chopping block at Oktoberfest. But when Sir Honksalot destroys her apartment and my parents sell their shop right before Christmas, a fake engagement seems like the perfect solution to our mutual housing woes.
Now we’re house-sitting a mansion together, but confined to one room…with only one bed. We have to convince everyone we’re the most boring couple in L.A., while dealing with a delinquent waterfowl with a sock-stealing habit and feelings that don’t feel fake at all.
This curvy girl romance features a bad-tempered rescue goose with his own social media following, a sports agent who’s secretly a romantic at heart, and a baddie plus-size model who knows her worth—all set in a prequel to everyone’s favorite football family, the Kingmans.
I didn’t plan to pretend to be in love with the gorgeous plus-size model who rescued a goose from the chopping block at Oktoberfest. But when Sir Honksalot destroys her apartment and my parents sell their shop right before Christmas, a fake engagement seems like the perfect solution to our mutual housing woes.
Now we’re house-sitting a mansion together, but confined to one room…with only one bed. We have to convince everyone we’re the most boring couple in L.A., while dealing with a delinquent waterfowl with a sock-stealing habit and feelings that don’t feel fake at all.
This curvy girl romance features a bad-tempered rescue goose with his own social media following, a sports agent who’s secretly a romantic at heart, and a baddie plus-size model who knows her worth—all set in a prequel to everyone’s favorite football family, the Kingmans.
Audible Audio
First published November 19, 2024
910 people are currently reading
3734 people want to read
About the author
Amy Award
13 books2,890 followersAmy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever Afters. Find her at https://www.authoramyaward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
December 15, 2024
I am a huge Kingman family fan and this collection of three holiday novellas featuring some back stories that take place before the main series were steamy, insta-love perfection. The main romance takes place between a struggling sports agent and an up and coming plus-size model who bond when they rescue a goose at Oktoberfest. Next comes the story of how Bridger (aka papa Kingman) met April (aka mama Kingman) and their snowed in love story and then a really quick short story between cousin Levi and Olive (who has ADHD) - their was admittedly the quickest, most unrealistic insta-love story but overall this was full of fun, spicy, feel-good holiday love with fantastic Fat female MCs! If you haven't read the Cocky Kingman books yet, you are missing out!
December 9, 2024
Ya lo leí y me retracto. Odio darle mala calificación a los libros, pero este lo único que tiene de bonito es la portada. Osea, es pasable, nada memorable.
December 5, 2024
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was such a cute, fluffy, spicy, holiday read!
It took me a little to realize it was actually a prequel to the cocky kingman series, but once I did it all made sense.
Obviously the best character was Sir Honksalot & Amy absolutely kills it with all the animal names, as usual.
The spice was perfect and I loved the ending.
You get:
• Spicy Rom Com
• Prequel
• Meet Cute
• Body Positivity
• Plus Size Model FMC
• Sports Agent MMC
• Fake Engagement
This series is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
This was such a cute, fluffy, spicy, holiday read!
It took me a little to realize it was actually a prequel to the cocky kingman series, but once I did it all made sense.
Obviously the best character was Sir Honksalot & Amy absolutely kills it with all the animal names, as usual.
The spice was perfect and I loved the ending.
You get:
• Spicy Rom Com
• Prequel
• Meet Cute
• Body Positivity
• Plus Size Model FMC
• Sports Agent MMC
• Fake Engagement
This series is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
December 30, 2024
yeah so not great. tell me why i had to read from a goose’s perspective. i think this was actually a book about a goose and the people were the side characters. don’t let me read another one.
December 4, 2024
Honkers under the Holly
-oufff I feel their connection through the screen, from their first meeting I wanted to know more.
-this is making me feel giddy and mushy inside
-omg this man is adorable I want him
-the way he worships her is chefs kiss
-this goose is killing me
-the drama is hot
-this novella is a perfect fluffy holiday novella give me some hot chocolate NOWWW
-the spice is chefs kiss
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-oufff I feel their connection through the screen, from their first meeting I wanted to know more.
-this is making me feel giddy and mushy inside
-omg this man is adorable I want him
-the way he worships her is chefs kiss
-this goose is killing me
-the drama is hot
-this novella is a perfect fluffy holiday novella give me some hot chocolate NOWWW
-the spice is chefs kiss
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 27, 2025
This was so cringe... And if you want a definition of instalove look no further, just check out this novella .
But in short, I loved the goose but I didn't care much for either of the MCs. I felt like we really never got to know Sara Jayne and Mac. That is the problem with novellas. I feel there was enough to make it a longer story, so this left me unsatisfied and wanting more. It was too short and it dragged at the same time. And also it’s honestly hectic for no reason at all. It's just meh.
Allie Shae and Kyle Mason narrate the audiobook. They did a good job. I had to get used to it though because they read at a different pace.
***I received the audiobook for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
But in short, I loved the goose but I didn't care much for either of the MCs. I felt like we really never got to know Sara Jayne and Mac. That is the problem with novellas. I feel there was enough to make it a longer story, so this left me unsatisfied and wanting more. It was too short and it dragged at the same time. And also it’s honestly hectic for no reason at all. It's just meh.
Allie Shae and Kyle Mason narrate the audiobook. They did a good job. I had to get used to it though because they read at a different pace.
***I received the audiobook for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 26, 2024
Okay is it really a surprise that I gave this book 5 stars? I love everything that Amy writes. These Cocky Kingman books are so funny, not like giggling funny but really laughing out loud. I started laughing out loud at page 17, no spoiler but Mac also likes when she's got buns, hun.
And then.. the fact that there was German dirty talk, oh holy Tannenbaum.
And then.. the fact that there was German dirty talk, oh holy Tannenbaum.
November 23, 2024
Holy Honkers!!
Throughout the Kingman tales, I've always been curious about Sara Jayne and Mac. Well now I know their story and I love it!!! They are perfection and so amazingly sweet. I think this is the book that made me cry the most!!! There are twists and turns but they make the story even better. I truly felt all the emotions in this story. And what's a Kingman tale without the main animal who helps the characters grow into who they should be?!?! Sir Honksalot is the true MVP in this world. Think of him as the goose who started it all. Bravo 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾
Throughout the Kingman tales, I've always been curious about Sara Jayne and Mac. Well now I know their story and I love it!!! They are perfection and so amazingly sweet. I think this is the book that made me cry the most!!! There are twists and turns but they make the story even better. I truly felt all the emotions in this story. And what's a Kingman tale without the main animal who helps the characters grow into who they should be?!?! Sir Honksalot is the true MVP in this world. Think of him as the goose who started it all. Bravo 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾
August 11, 2025
There were some really cute parts to this, but the middle of this novella felt strange and weirdly rushed in a way that confused me a little. But the goose was adorable and there were a few super cute moments.
December 17, 2024
I have really enjoyed the Kingsman series and was excited for a holiday themed prequel about how sports agent Mac and model Sara Jayne met and got together (they have been side characters in the series.) I loved how their meet cute involved a goose and Oktoberfest!
This holiday novella was a fun read full of fluff and endearing characters and a sassy rescue goose. It has several laugh out loud moments and a few emotional ones too!
“Just because I’m on the naughty list doesn’t mean you’re not on the very, very good list.”
Mac and Sara Jayne had great chemistry from the start - they end up house sitting which turns into not one but two fake engagements. Their loves are full of holiday shenanigans and a bougie goose.
If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh and doesn’t take itself too seriously, I would give this a read!
✨What to Expect:
🎄Holiday Romance
🛏️One Bed
🧢Fake Dating
🏈Cinnamon Roll MMC
👙Plus Size Model FMC
🪿Matchmaking Goose Named Sir Honksalot
🍻Beer Tent Incident
💖No Third Act Breakup
This holiday novella was a fun read full of fluff and endearing characters and a sassy rescue goose. It has several laugh out loud moments and a few emotional ones too!
“Just because I’m on the naughty list doesn’t mean you’re not on the very, very good list.”
Mac and Sara Jayne had great chemistry from the start - they end up house sitting which turns into not one but two fake engagements. Their loves are full of holiday shenanigans and a bougie goose.
If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh and doesn’t take itself too seriously, I would give this a read!
✨What to Expect:
🎄Holiday Romance
🛏️One Bed
🧢Fake Dating
🏈Cinnamon Roll MMC
👙Plus Size Model FMC
🪿Matchmaking Goose Named Sir Honksalot
🍻Beer Tent Incident
💖No Third Act Breakup
February 23, 2025
**HONEST ALC REVIEW**
This is a cute holiday novella by Amy Award. I’ve had Amy’s The Cocky Kingman’s series in my TBR for months - long enough that I’ve gave my son my book wishlist and his reaction to Amy’s amazing choice in titles and covers was even more motivation to start reading.
Audiobooks are my absolute favorite way of reading so when I saw an opportunity to ALC this novella, I jumped. This is a definitely a fluffy, fast paced rom-com and what a great way to be introduced to her writing. Her author’s note was an adorable introduction to the book followed by her dedication:
Note: Sir Honksalot is the star of the story all the way through the end 💜
I recommend adding this book and Amy Award to anyone’s TBR.
4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this ALC!
Honkers Under the Holly
Author: Amy Award
Prequel to The Cocky Kingmans
Narrated by: Allie Shae, Kyle Mason
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
This is a cute holiday novella by Amy Award. I’ve had Amy’s The Cocky Kingman’s series in my TBR for months - long enough that I’ve gave my son my book wishlist and his reaction to Amy’s amazing choice in titles and covers was even more motivation to start reading.
Audiobooks are my absolute favorite way of reading so when I saw an opportunity to ALC this novella, I jumped. This is a definitely a fluffy, fast paced rom-com and what a great way to be introduced to her writing. Her author’s note was an adorable introduction to the book followed by her dedication:
Note: Sir Honksalot is the star of the story all the way through the end 💜
I recommend adding this book and Amy Award to anyone’s TBR.
4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this ALC!
Honkers Under the Holly
Author: Amy Award
Prequel to The Cocky Kingmans
Narrated by: Allie Shae, Kyle Mason
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
November 28, 2024
A cute,fun,and easy Christmas read! Could’ve gone without all the anthropomorphizing of the goose but he is a cutie! Also could’ve gone without some of the cringe cheesiness but enjoyed it irregardless.
November 28, 2024
DNF @ page 93.
I have nothing against this book, I just couldn't get into it. This one follows Mac, Chris's agent in the main series of Cocky Kingmans, but before any of the main books. And I just found myself not wanting to read it at all, so in order to not go into another reading slump, I decided to put it down.
The concept was messy. Like, I understood it, but for the book (the Kindle version isn't the one listed here because I like this cover better, but the Kindle version is the one I read) being only 146 pages, there were too many moving parts. I could follow it, but it was too much.
The timeline is also a little weird. It was like, the ages didn't seem to match in my head, which could totally be me doing math wrong or reading it wrong, but it was really confusing me.
I have nothing against this book, I just couldn't get into it. This one follows Mac, Chris's agent in the main series of Cocky Kingmans, but before any of the main books. And I just found myself not wanting to read it at all, so in order to not go into another reading slump, I decided to put it down.
The concept was messy. Like, I understood it, but for the book (the Kindle version isn't the one listed here because I like this cover better, but the Kindle version is the one I read) being only 146 pages, there were too many moving parts. I could follow it, but it was too much.
The timeline is also a little weird. It was like, the ages didn't seem to match in my head, which could totally be me doing math wrong or reading it wrong, but it was really confusing me.
November 2, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
A struggling sports agent and a plus‑size model concoct a fake engagement to save a rescue goose just before Christmas. Confined to one room inside a mansion, they must convince everyone they’re “boring” while navigating their growing feelings.
A struggling sports agent and a plus‑size model concoct a fake engagement to save a rescue goose just before Christmas. Confined to one room inside a mansion, they must convince everyone they’re “boring” while navigating their growing feelings.
April 30, 2025
What a fun, feel-good ride! This delightful romance is packed with charm, laugh-out-loud chaos, and surprisingly sweet moments. The premise—a fake engagement sparked by a rescue goose named Sir Honksalot—sounds ridiculous in the best way, and the execution delivers all the heart and holiday hijinks you could want.
The chemistry between the sports agent hero and the confident, plus-size model heroine is electric from the start. Their forced proximity (hello, one bed trope!) leads to a slow, believable build of real feelings behind the fake relationship . I especially loved how body-positive, self-assured, and funny the heroine was—she absolutely owns every scene she’s in.
The goose is a total scene-stealer (sock obsession and all), and the supporting cast, from meddling family members to social media antics, adds even more layers to the festive fun. Perfect for fans of cozy holiday romances, curvy girl heroines, and unconventional pets.
A cozy, chaotic holiday treat—and a fabulous intro to the Kingman football family world!
The chemistry between the sports agent hero and the confident, plus-size model heroine is electric from the start. Their forced proximity (hello, one bed trope!) leads to a slow, believable build of real feelings behind the fake relationship . I especially loved how body-positive, self-assured, and funny the heroine was—she absolutely owns every scene she’s in.
The goose is a total scene-stealer (sock obsession and all), and the supporting cast, from meddling family members to social media antics, adds even more layers to the festive fun. Perfect for fans of cozy holiday romances, curvy girl heroines, and unconventional pets.
A cozy, chaotic holiday treat—and a fabulous intro to the Kingman football family world!
November 19, 2024
I love Amy’s books! Just like she describes them as kick your feet and giggle the whole way through! She has such great characters, and Mac and Sara Jayne were no different! I love the fake dating trope, and Sor Honksalot was just a gem!
My favorite part? The animal POV chapter at the end. They are just freaking fantastic, and I can’t wait for more. Amy, thank you for being such an amazing writer and human for giving us these beautiful stories!
Thank you to Amy and Love Notes PR for the chance to read an ARC early and share the story!
My favorite part? The animal POV chapter at the end. They are just freaking fantastic, and I can’t wait for more. Amy, thank you for being such an amazing writer and human for giving us these beautiful stories!
Thank you to Amy and Love Notes PR for the chance to read an ARC early and share the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
Honk if you love Amy Award!!!
I genuinely have not read a single book by Amy that I didn’t absolutely love!! This novella is no different! I discovered Amy’s hilarious animal-loving stories, (like three weeks ago) and I’ve read almost all of her books already.
Anyway, Sarah Jayne and Mac’s story was so sweet. An unlikely pairing to love bugs undercover. The epilogue at the end with the POV chapter of Sir Honksalot had me cracking up. Sir Honksalot has a big enough personality for his own book. 🤣 Also the German lines were SOO funny to me.
Big tropes for this book:
📚 Fake relationship
📚Plus size positivity
📚One bed
📚HEA
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from the LoveNotesPR team. Thank you Amy for all your hard work on this novella!
I genuinely have not read a single book by Amy that I didn’t absolutely love!! This novella is no different! I discovered Amy’s hilarious animal-loving stories, (like three weeks ago) and I’ve read almost all of her books already.
Anyway, Sarah Jayne and Mac’s story was so sweet. An unlikely pairing to love bugs undercover. The epilogue at the end with the POV chapter of Sir Honksalot had me cracking up. Sir Honksalot has a big enough personality for his own book. 🤣 Also the German lines were SOO funny to me.
Big tropes for this book:
📚 Fake relationship
📚Plus size positivity
📚One bed
📚HEA
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from the LoveNotesPR team. Thank you Amy for all your hard work on this novella!
November 18, 2025
short, fluffy & spicy romcom about a plus size fmc and sports agent mmc who set the fmc on a fake engagement with an athlete, but I feel like everyone was a side character and the goose was the star of the show. One thing for sure: I love the way Amy is creative with the names of the animals and cover titles.
What to expect:
- fluffy, but spicy, romcom
- meet cute
- sports agent (mmc)
- plus size model (fmc)
- body positivity
- fake engagement
- goose that's the star of the show
What to expect:
- fluffy, but spicy, romcom
- meet cute
- sports agent (mmc)
- plus size model (fmc)
- body positivity
- fake engagement
- goose that's the star of the show
February 23, 2025
Cute addition to the series.
March 1, 2025
Very meh
July 10, 2025
Alright this was such a nice rom com. Lets start that I love how the author tells you right away what you wouldn’t find in this book and loved it .
Now to the story. I enjoyed the meet cute. Definitely fun . And how the story develops . I like that both fall fast and hard for each other. Definitely enjoyed the goose that was such a fun add on and the way that damn animal got in the way of everything, definitely fun. Overall I easy fun read.
Now the audio . I would said they did a phenomenal job. Loved each one of the narrators. Easy to follow , very well done.
Now to the story. I enjoyed the meet cute. Definitely fun . And how the story develops . I like that both fall fast and hard for each other. Definitely enjoyed the goose that was such a fun add on and the way that damn animal got in the way of everything, definitely fun. Overall I easy fun read.
Now the audio . I would said they did a phenomenal job. Loved each one of the narrators. Easy to follow , very well done.
August 19, 2025
Super cute, quick novella. Loved that it involved a goose. Porch gooses are the rage right now and it was nice to see this in a book.
November 25, 2025
Amy Award, I love you.
While this one wasn’t my favourite of this series, I love love loved the note from the author at the end.
While this one wasn’t my favourite of this series, I love love loved the note from the author at the end.
February 20, 2026
I loved this little novella. It was nice to see the Kingmans as little kids! :) I also liked how we got to see the people we had heard about in the other books as young people. So cute!
February 7, 2025
3⭐️
Very cute! I loved the goose—it was hilarious and definitely a highlight of the book.
Very cute! I loved the goose—it was hilarious and definitely a highlight of the book.
February 27, 2025
I want a hot man who loves me and will get me geese, anything less is unacceptable (lol)
December 11, 2025
This was such a cute and cozy little romance. I enjoyed the story, and the goose. I wasn't the biggest fan of the narration voices, but it didn't ruin the cute story. 3.5 stars.
December 7, 2024
Cute trip back in time!
November 18, 2024
This was a surprise ARC and I just loved it so much!! Getting to see Mac and Sara Jayne's story was so beautiful and I could not love it any more!! Sara Jayne was amazing and I loved getting to see her confidence grow and blossom! And Mac's devotion and trust in Sara Jayne and his friends was just amazing to see and to watch! Plus getting to see the glimpses of the Kingmans was so much fun! And the cherry on top came in the form of the greatest goose I've ever read in a book!! Overall, this was an amazing novella and I am so glad I got to read it! 5 stars; 3 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Secret Relationship
- Plus Size FMC
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Ultra-Supportive Friends
- Forced Proximity
- Matchmaking Goose
Tropes:
- Secret Relationship
- Plus Size FMC
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Ultra-Supportive Friends
- Forced Proximity
- Matchmaking Goose
August 11, 2025
DNF ch 2, 26 minutes (10%) into the audiobook. This author literally made a "NATIVES REVOLT" JOKE because her roommates are unhappy she brought a goose in to their shared space??????? Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh WHY ARE WHITE PEOPLE.
(She then goes to steal her roommates food??? Which is also shitty but obvs on a much smaller scale.)
Anyway, here is the passage from the book:
“Good morning, Your Honkness,” I said, scooping him up. He nuzzled into my neck, surprisingly affectionate for a bird I’d known less than twenty-four hours. “Let’s get you some brunch before the natives revolt.”
I rummaged through the lackluster fridge contents looking for a meal to prepare for both Sir Honksalots and me. Our choices were salad or salad. Sigh. What did everyone have against carbs? “Kale or cabbage, buddy?”
(She then goes to steal her roommates food??? Which is also shitty but obvs on a much smaller scale.)
Anyway, here is the passage from the book:
“Good morning, Your Honkness,” I said, scooping him up. He nuzzled into my neck, surprisingly affectionate for a bird I’d known less than twenty-four hours. “Let’s get you some brunch before the natives revolt.”
I rummaged through the lackluster fridge contents looking for a meal to prepare for both Sir Honksalots and me. Our choices were salad or salad. Sigh. What did everyone have against carbs? “Kale or cabbage, buddy?”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews