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Tis the Season for a Cowboy
Everyone says wear the hat, ride the cowboy, but no one ever says anything about divorcing him.
When I return to my favorite little cabin in Silverwood, Montana, for Christmas, I refuse to let anything ruin my five days of solitude or my plan to get my life back on track.
What I didn’t plan for was finding myself shacked up and snowed in with a grumpy cowboy.
But that’s exactly what happens when I run into my ex-husband, Hank Blue.
I’ve been dead set on forgetting the man whose heart I broke three years ago. Being stuck together means we’re forced to face the past and what tore our marriage apart in the first place. Even worse, I’m forced to remember everything about the man I loved. That rugged, handsome cowboy with a heart of gold. Those sweet kisses under the mistletoe. The yearning look in his sapphire eyes every time we touch. Soon, the only thing hotter than the fire in the hearth of our old cabin is the heat between us.
I’m falling for my ex-husband. Again.
And as Christmas approaches and my time in Silverwood ends, it’s clear that Hank still wants forever.
But I’m not sure if all the old feelings we stirred up can make up for the heartbreak of our past.
Is he just a cowboy I used to know?
Or is this a second chance wrapped up in a shiny red bow?
When I return to my favorite little cabin in Silverwood, Montana, for Christmas, I refuse to let anything ruin my five days of solitude or my plan to get my life back on track.
What I didn’t plan for was finding myself shacked up and snowed in with a grumpy cowboy.
But that’s exactly what happens when I run into my ex-husband, Hank Blue.
I’ve been dead set on forgetting the man whose heart I broke three years ago. Being stuck together means we’re forced to face the past and what tore our marriage apart in the first place. Even worse, I’m forced to remember everything about the man I loved. That rugged, handsome cowboy with a heart of gold. Those sweet kisses under the mistletoe. The yearning look in his sapphire eyes every time we touch. Soon, the only thing hotter than the fire in the hearth of our old cabin is the heat between us.
I’m falling for my ex-husband. Again.
And as Christmas approaches and my time in Silverwood ends, it’s clear that Hank still wants forever.
But I’m not sure if all the old feelings we stirred up can make up for the heartbreak of our past.
Is he just a cowboy I used to know?
Or is this a second chance wrapped up in a shiny red bow?
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
129 people are currently reading
1768 people want to read
About the author
Ava Hunter
14 books1,543 followersAva Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
November 7, 2025
A short and easy read about a divorced couple who are still madly in love, as they rekindle their old flame and work through the issues that once tore them apart (even though it took the h a while to open up to him 🤦🏻♀️).
______
Safe.
— H (32) / h (30)
— Second chance:
They were married for six years, then been divorced for three. The h had a miscarriage and they both struggled with losing their baby and kind of shut each other out. The H tried to make things right but the h just couldn’t get past the guilt and pushed him away. After a while, she decided to get a divorce and leave him.
— The H is still hung up on her and still wears his wedding ring (he never took it off).
He said he’s been on a few blind dates, but he’s stayed celibate since their divorce three years ago.
“I’ve been on a few miserable blind dates. I’ve gone out, looking for a girl to pick up. But the truth is, I haven’t been with a woman in three damn years.
Sure, I’m horny as hell, but not for just anyone. For Bellamy. My wife. We may have signed papers, but she’s still mine. My wife. My girl. My bluebell.
I love her so damn much.
Never stopped. Never will.”
— The h didn’t get over him either, and she regrets leaving him. She’s been celibate for the past three years too (she mentioned that she’s been on a few dates too, but just like the H, she couldn’t really move on)
— No ow/om/cheating
The h met one of the women the H had gone out with (a couple of years ago) and she got jealous.
— Push away from the h (ngl, she annoyed me so much)
— HEA
______
Safe.
— H (32) / h (30)
— Second chance:
They were married for six years, then been divorced for three. The h had a miscarriage and they both struggled with losing their baby and kind of shut each other out. The H tried to make things right but the h just couldn’t get past the guilt and pushed him away. After a while, she decided to get a divorce and leave him.
— The H is still hung up on her and still wears his wedding ring (he never took it off).
He said he’s been on a few blind dates, but he’s stayed celibate since their divorce three years ago.
“I’ve been on a few miserable blind dates. I’ve gone out, looking for a girl to pick up. But the truth is, I haven’t been with a woman in three damn years.
Sure, I’m horny as hell, but not for just anyone. For Bellamy. My wife. We may have signed papers, but she’s still mine. My wife. My girl. My bluebell.
I love her so damn much.
Never stopped. Never will.”
— The h didn’t get over him either, and she regrets leaving him. She’s been celibate for the past three years too (she mentioned that she’s been on a few dates too, but just like the H, she couldn’t really move on)
— No ow/om/cheating
The h met one of the women the H had gone out with (a couple of years ago) and she got jealous.
— Push away from the h (ngl, she annoyed me so much)
— HEA
December 6, 2025
Яка чудова новела 😍 дуже мені сподобалась, тут мій улюблений троп другий шанс🥰
Мені таки було дивним те що люди мають 30 років але не можуть поговорити, це дуже сумно. Так то це єдиний мінус.
Генк чудовий чоловік, його любов важко не замітити, навіть коли пройшло 3 роки він всеодно вважав Белл своєю дружиною, хоча вони ж розлучились.
Белл знов можна зрозуміти але мені сумно з того що вони стільки втратили. Вони обоє були травмовані ситуацією і через це віддалились один від одного.
Сподобалось дуже як авторка написала, уривки з минулого дуже класно вписались, і добре що обійшлось без екшину чи розривів в кінці.
І незважаючи на те, що це новела в мене склалось враження ніби це повноцінна книга.
Залишаю вам цитати🥰
«Кохання мого життя. Моя Блубелл. Моя дівчинка. Більше немає років між нами, більше немає суму за нею.»
«Життя занадто коротке, щоб прожити його без тебе, цукерко.»
Мені таки було дивним те що люди мають 30 років але не можуть поговорити, це дуже сумно. Так то це єдиний мінус.
Генк чудовий чоловік, його любов важко не замітити, навіть коли пройшло 3 роки він всеодно вважав Белл своєю дружиною, хоча вони ж розлучились.
Белл знов можна зрозуміти але мені сумно з того що вони стільки втратили. Вони обоє були травмовані ситуацією і через це віддалились один від одного.
Сподобалось дуже як авторка написала, уривки з минулого дуже класно вписались, і добре що обійшлось без екшину чи розривів в кінці.
І незважаючи на те, що це новела в мене склалось враження ніби це повноцінна книга.
Залишаю вам цитати🥰
«Кохання мого життя. Моя Блубелл. Моя дівчинка. Більше немає років між нами, більше немає суму за нею.»
«Життя занадто коротке, щоб прожити його без тебе, цукерко.»
November 10, 2025
4.5 stars
If you want second chance angst but add in snowed in at christmas, you have to read this one. The heroine arrives at the cabin she shares with her ex, only to find he's already staying there. A huge snowstorm hits, so they have to stay together. They confront what went wrong and that they never really got over one another, and it was so good!! There was also a fun plot with the hero's farm and they have an adorable dog!
If you want second chance angst but add in snowed in at christmas, you have to read this one. The heroine arrives at the cabin she shares with her ex, only to find he's already staying there. A huge snowstorm hits, so they have to stay together. They confront what went wrong and that they never really got over one another, and it was so good!! There was also a fun plot with the hero's farm and they have an adorable dog!
November 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐
It was a second-chance novella, and although it's short, I feel it still gave some angst, especially those flashbacks. Also, while it's a quick read, I think readers would still somehow get a glimpse of how the MCs were as a couple back then. They had just lost their way and didn't know how to comfort each other when they lost their baby. Both dealt with their grief separately, and when Hank realized they needed to face it together, it was already too late. At that time Bellamy started to blame herself for losing their child, so she pushed him away and filed for divorce.
Three years later, they still have feelings for each other. They thought that being apart was the right choice, but in reality, neither of them really wanted it. She believed he deserved to find someone who could give him the family he always wanted. While he felt he had abandoned her when she needed him the most (he didn't, he was just grieving alone and didn't want her to see him that way).
Anyway, they got stuck together in a cabin because of a blizzard? storm? They spent five days together, but I think it only took them two days to give in to the obvious attraction and love they still feel for each other.
While I did enjoy it, I wish they talked things out first before they proceeded with the physical stuff. Idk, I just didn't like how they both treated their time together as some sort of a situationship that would eventually end because neither one of them wanted to voice out how much they wanted to reconcile. Anyhoo, I moved past that because I know they would eventually have that needed conversation.
Overall, it was okay; despite my issue, it was still a good short read. Also, I enjoyed it because they were celibate during their separation, although they both admit they went on dates that never led to anything.
Book info:
- Novella
- Second chance (3 yrs, both celibate)
- Snowed in
- Miscarriage (past)
- Divorced MCs
- No cheating, OM, separation
- OW?? (Not really; a woman he dated when they got divorced showed up as their waitress when they went out to eat. She didn't cause any issue, but this made Bell jealous and Hank giddy about that. 😶)
- HEA (1 yr later, married, and has a month-old son)
It was a second-chance novella, and although it's short, I feel it still gave some angst, especially those flashbacks. Also, while it's a quick read, I think readers would still somehow get a glimpse of how the MCs were as a couple back then. They had just lost their way and didn't know how to comfort each other when they lost their baby. Both dealt with their grief separately, and when Hank realized they needed to face it together, it was already too late. At that time Bellamy started to blame herself for losing their child, so she pushed him away and filed for divorce.
Three years later, they still have feelings for each other. They thought that being apart was the right choice, but in reality, neither of them really wanted it. She believed he deserved to find someone who could give him the family he always wanted. While he felt he had abandoned her when she needed him the most (he didn't, he was just grieving alone and didn't want her to see him that way).
Anyway, they got stuck together in a cabin because of a blizzard? storm? They spent five days together, but I think it only took them two days to give in to the obvious attraction and love they still feel for each other.
While I did enjoy it, I wish they talked things out first before they proceeded with the physical stuff. Idk, I just didn't like how they both treated their time together as some sort of a situationship that would eventually end because neither one of them wanted to voice out how much they wanted to reconcile. Anyhoo, I moved past that because I know they would eventually have that needed conversation.
Overall, it was okay; despite my issue, it was still a good short read. Also, I enjoyed it because they were celibate during their separation, although they both admit they went on dates that never led to anything.
Book info:
- Novella
- Second chance (3 yrs, both celibate)
- Snowed in
- Miscarriage (past)
- Divorced MCs
- No cheating, OM, separation
- OW?? (Not really; a woman he dated when they got divorced showed up as their waitress when they went out to eat. She didn't cause any issue, but this made Bell jealous and Hank giddy about that. 😶)
- HEA (1 yr later, married, and has a month-old son)
October 24, 2025
3⭐️
A cute holiday novella! I can’t say I loved it, but I did enjoy it. The tricky thing with novellas is that they’re so short that there isn’t enough room to flesh out the characters and their story properly, and that's what I felt was missing here. I didn’t care much about Bellamy and Hank, but it was nice to see them find their way back to each other.
Thank you Ava Hunter for the arc 🫶🏻
A cute holiday novella! I can’t say I loved it, but I did enjoy it. The tricky thing with novellas is that they’re so short that there isn’t enough room to flesh out the characters and their story properly, and that's what I felt was missing here. I didn’t care much about Bellamy and Hank, but it was nice to see them find their way back to each other.
Thank you Ava Hunter for the arc 🫶🏻
December 6, 2025
Сьогодні завершила читання надісланого мені арку цієї новели, і я просто зачарована, і в той же час знищена цією історією ❤️
Ця книга болить. Просто вивертає весь біль за героїв. Я читала і з моїх очей безперервно лився потік сліз. Біль, який переживає пара після спільного болю, напевно, річ, яку важко описати, але Аві не тільки вдалося зобразити це, передати біль як Белламі, так і Генка, а й розповісти історію двох закоханих, які по крок за кроком відбудовували не тільки свої стосунки, свою довіру, відкривали свої серця, а й зцілювати кожен свою душу.
Я вірю, що світі безперевних змін партнерів, емоційної неприв'язаності та байдужості, існують люди, які прагнуть не лише бути коханими, а й дарувати своє кохання іншій людині. Люди, які віддані одне одному, які вірять одне в одного, часом помиляються, але, відкрившись, дозволяються собі бути щасливими і наважуються отримати другий шанс на щастя. Саме такими мені здалися Генк та Белламі, саме такими їх створила Ава.
Я помітила, що часто автори обирають написати різдвяну історію про поїздку додому або повернення важливих людей у життя інших. І, знаєте, це якось характеризує сам час святкування Різдва: прощення, віднайдення сил на нові здобутки та відкриття, єднання з коханими людьми, та переосмислення свого життя, дій, мети. Це зігріває та дарує надію на щось справді хороше.
Я вдячна Аві Хантер за цю історію, за те, що вона та її команда надали мені ARC-копію, оскільки я справді пережила усі миті з героями і отримала заряд щирості, любові та й, загалом, ковток свіжого повітря у власному житті.
____
ENG☃️
I’ve finished reading of this novella, and I’m utterly enchanted and at the same time, completely shattered by this story ❤️
This book hurts. It turns all the characters’ pain inside out. I read it with a nonstop stream of tears. The grief that this couple goes through after shared pain, but Ava not only managed to show it capturing the pain of both Bellamy and Hank but also told the story of two lovers who, step by step, rebuilt not just their relationship and trust, opening their hearts, but also healed their own souls.
I believe that in a world full of constant partner changes, emotional detachment, and indifference, there are still people who want not only to be loved but also to give their love to someone else. People who are devoted to each other, who believe in one another, who sometimes make mistakes, but by opening themselves up, allow themselves to be happy and dare to take a second chance at happiness. That’s exactly how Hank and Bellamy seemed to me, that’s exactly how Ava created them.
I’ve noticed that authors often choose to write a Christmas story about going home or about important people returning to someone’s life. And, you know, that really reflects the spirit of the holiday season: forgiveness, finding the strength for new achievements and discoveries, connecting with loved ones, and rethinking your life, your actions, your purpose. It’s heartwarming and gives hope for something truly good.
I’m so grateful to Ava Hunter for this story, and for her and her team providing me with an ARC copy, because I truly lived through every moment with the characters and felt a surge of sincerity, love, and, overall, a breath of fresh air in my own life.
________
December 31, 2025
З героїнею у мене не склалося великого кохання, та якщо викинути її з рівняння, то це дуже класна різдвяна книжка. Не дивлячись на обсяг, вона відчувається, як повноцінна книга. Шикарна вписані флешбеки, добре прописані персонажі, емоційна складова. А найголовніше — історія відрізняється від традиційних різдвяних веселих історій. Ця більш гірко-солодка, як і життя. А як же гарно пише Ава Хантер, дуже приємно читати.
*Героїня до біса вперта, егоістична, спочатку робить, а потім думає. Прям взагалі не моє. Найбільше мене бісила гра в мовчанку. Це нестерпно, коли ти намагаєшся поговорити з коханою людиною, а у відповідь тиша, ігнор, або ще краще — вона тікає без жодного пояснення. І було трохи враження, ніби вона повернулась лише через те, що у неї не склалось життя популярної художниці у великому місті. А десь там на ранчо чекає ковбой, який без неї розвалюється, героїні ще й вдалося врятувати його ферму та відчути ще більшу значимість, чому б не повернутись.
Але авторка добре попрацювала над нею, прописала її провину та як вона себе картала.
Генк — ще одне моє книжкове кохання ❤️
Ну і надзвичайно мила собаця❤️
*Героїня до біса вперта, егоістична, спочатку робить, а потім думає. Прям взагалі не моє. Найбільше мене бісила гра в мовчанку. Це нестерпно, коли ти намагаєшся поговорити з коханою людиною, а у відповідь тиша, ігнор, або ще краще — вона тікає без жодного пояснення. І було трохи враження, ніби вона повернулась лише через те, що у неї не склалось життя популярної художниці у великому місті. А десь там на ранчо чекає ковбой, який без неї розвалюється, героїні ще й вдалося врятувати його ферму та відчути ще більшу значимість, чому б не повернутись.
Але авторка добре попрацювала над нею, прописала її провину та як вона себе картала.
Генк — ще одне моє книжкове кохання ❤️
Ну і надзвичайно мила собаця❤️
October 25, 2025
Thank you to Ava Hunter and her team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
I am always a bit apprehensive when reading a novella, because I'm always left a little disappointed because it's hard to get to know characters in a hundred pages, but I felt like I really get to know both Bellamy and Hank in this little story and I absolutely love them!!! I actually really hope Avan Hunter will consider writing them a full 400 page book because I'm so not done reading about their story!
I had so much fun with this book!!! It was sooo cute and sweet, but also soo emotional. I actually cried two times reading this... but that epilogue, it just made everything so much better!
Read this if you like:
• holiday romance
• small town
• marriage reconciliation
• snowed in
• cowboy × painter
• forced proximity
• grief
• it's always been you
• second chance
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
I am always a bit apprehensive when reading a novella, because I'm always left a little disappointed because it's hard to get to know characters in a hundred pages, but I felt like I really get to know both Bellamy and Hank in this little story and I absolutely love them!!! I actually really hope Avan Hunter will consider writing them a full 400 page book because I'm so not done reading about their story!
I had so much fun with this book!!! It was sooo cute and sweet, but also soo emotional. I actually cried two times reading this... but that epilogue, it just made everything so much better!
Read this if you like:
• holiday romance
• small town
• marriage reconciliation
• snowed in
• cowboy × painter
• forced proximity
• grief
• it's always been you
• second chance
October 30, 2025
Thank you so much to Ava for allowing me to read and review this ARC for my honest review. First let me start by saying, I am surprised at the amount of emotions that Ava made me feel in less than 200 pages. We get a back story for Bellamy and Hank and what happened in their past and everything they went through. I bawled like a baby. I feel like so many can relate to the issues that they had. When they meet again years later, there is so much tension. I loved the fact that they were snowed in together and made to face their feelings about everything they've been through. This wasn't all sad and emotional, there were fun, sweet, and spicy scenes as well. I truly enjoyed it, and definitely recommend it!
November 11, 2025
Small-town holiday vibes, flirty banter, and a cowboy who knows how to make it swoony 🥰
November 7, 2025
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is a second chance between a divorced couple, small town, snowed in, opposites attract (city girl x country boy), “it’s always been you”, holiday romance novella! This one does have heavier content, so check CW at the bottom.
It’s Bellamy’s 30th birthday and she wants to spend her birthday and Christmas on her own in Montana. Her and her ex-husband Hank had a cabin custody clause in their divorce contract allowing each of them to have the cabin to themselves every other year, and this year it’s all Bellamy’s…or so she thought! Her plans go awry when she realizes Hank is there too and now they have to share the cabin for the week.
This one has some heavier emotions and I really felt like we got so much from these characters in the bite-size novella. You see that the love was never the problem with this divorced couple, it was the hardship and loss and grief they were going through that tore them apart. But now it’s been a few years and they’re forced together. His family owns a ranch and he runs the Christmas tree farm on it which is always so fun. I loved the Montana setting and the emotional beats in this one!
CW: mention of stillbirth, flashback of pregnancy loss, dealing with grief
It’s Bellamy’s 30th birthday and she wants to spend her birthday and Christmas on her own in Montana. Her and her ex-husband Hank had a cabin custody clause in their divorce contract allowing each of them to have the cabin to themselves every other year, and this year it’s all Bellamy’s…or so she thought! Her plans go awry when she realizes Hank is there too and now they have to share the cabin for the week.
This one has some heavier emotions and I really felt like we got so much from these characters in the bite-size novella. You see that the love was never the problem with this divorced couple, it was the hardship and loss and grief they were going through that tore them apart. But now it’s been a few years and they’re forced together. His family owns a ranch and he runs the Christmas tree farm on it which is always so fun. I loved the Montana setting and the emotional beats in this one!
CW: mention of stillbirth, flashback of pregnancy loss, dealing with grief
November 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s
I am absolutely kicking myself for this being the first book I have ever read by this author. I adore the way she writes and the way she is able to weave such a rich and emotional story into a novella. It makes me want to pick up her entire backlist because I cannot even imagine what she can do with a full length novel.
While this is very much a Christmas story, there is so much more happening beneath the surface, so make sure you check your content warnings. This felt like second chance romance perfection to me with all the heartache, healing, and hope you want from the trope.
Honestly, I could see this being a Hallmark movie with spice. The Montana setting, the cozy cabin, the Christmas tree farm, the snow, the warmth, it all fits perfectly. I adored both main characters and the father in law and I genuinely want a story that spans their entire lives. It was that easy to fall in love with them.
I am absolutely kicking myself for this being the first book I have ever read by this author. I adore the way she writes and the way she is able to weave such a rich and emotional story into a novella. It makes me want to pick up her entire backlist because I cannot even imagine what she can do with a full length novel.
While this is very much a Christmas story, there is so much more happening beneath the surface, so make sure you check your content warnings. This felt like second chance romance perfection to me with all the heartache, healing, and hope you want from the trope.
Honestly, I could see this being a Hallmark movie with spice. The Montana setting, the cozy cabin, the Christmas tree farm, the snow, the warmth, it all fits perfectly. I adored both main characters and the father in law and I genuinely want a story that spans their entire lives. It was that easy to fall in love with them.
November 13, 2025
Невеличка за обсягом, але така тепла й щира історія, що огортає, як улюблена ковдра у зимовий вечір. Пані авторка зуміла зробити те, що не вдається багатьом — розкрити героїв і емоції на повну навіть у короткому форматі. Це було затишно, зворушливо й дуже по-справжньому.
Не просто різдвяний ромком, а історія про другий шанс, страх і мужність знову відкрити серце. Бо справді, іноді легше сховатися від болю, ніж ризикнути ще раз відчути. Але саме цей ризик і є єдиним шляхом до щастя.
Не просто різдвяний ромком, а історія про другий шанс, страх і мужність знову відкрити серце. Бо справді, іноді легше сховатися від болю, ніж ризикнути ще раз відчути. Але саме цей ризик і є єдиним шляхом до щастя.
November 6, 2025
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is truly the most perfect novella I've ever read. It's a super quick read that still ensures full satisfaction. It may be short but it packs a mighty punch!
I tend not to read novellas because it always leaves me wanting more due to its length. So I'm all the more impressed by how I did not feel like that not one time whilst reading this book. Ava Hunter cleverly uses second chance to build a poignant backstory between our protagonists Bellamy and Hank. Their past history and present grief had me instantly invested in their love story, in the hope they could heal and come back together. Because while the loss they suffered ultimately parted them physically, their hearts never stopped beating one for another. And a blizzard and a cabin becomes the perfect setting to set those hearts ablaze again! It becomes the opportunity to reopen their hearts, release that vulnerability, reconcile with its grief, and to dare to hope again.
This novella pulled out of me every emotion a full-length angsty, loving romance novel achieves. I'm just so impressed how engaged, captivated, and positively affected I became. What a read!
Thank you kindly to Ava Hunter's street team for this gorgeous eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
I tend not to read novellas because it always leaves me wanting more due to its length. So I'm all the more impressed by how I did not feel like that not one time whilst reading this book. Ava Hunter cleverly uses second chance to build a poignant backstory between our protagonists Bellamy and Hank. Their past history and present grief had me instantly invested in their love story, in the hope they could heal and come back together. Because while the loss they suffered ultimately parted them physically, their hearts never stopped beating one for another. And a blizzard and a cabin becomes the perfect setting to set those hearts ablaze again! It becomes the opportunity to reopen their hearts, release that vulnerability, reconcile with its grief, and to dare to hope again.
This novella pulled out of me every emotion a full-length angsty, loving romance novel achieves. I'm just so impressed how engaged, captivated, and positively affected I became. What a read!
Thank you kindly to Ava Hunter's street team for this gorgeous eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
THE best Christmas novella I’ve ever read. I will always read anything that Ava writes. I loved everything about this! 🥹❤️🎄
December 2, 2025
actually kinda crazy how many times this tiny novella made me crying
December 24, 2025
Тепла різдвяна історія про другий шанс, кохання та сімейні цінності🥰.
Легка, щира й неймовірно затишна — ідеальна для читання під ковдрою з чашкою какао ☕✨
Легка, щира й неймовірно затишна — ідеальна для читання під ковдрою з чашкою какао ☕✨
November 8, 2025
☆ 5 stars
"That’s life. That’s love. Delicate. Tentative. One snap away from breaking. And yet we go on, we live the best we can."
📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 160 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Ava Hunter
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: independently published
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 6 November 2025
What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
— First Person X Dual POV
— Second Chance Romance
— Marriage Reconciliation
— City Girl X Country Boy
— Forced Proximity X Snowed In
— 'It's Always Been You'
— Small Town
— 'My Wife'
— Yearning & Angst
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, grief & loss, pregnancy loss (past/discussed), stillbirth (past), and elements relating to a marriage in crisis.
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is a Contemporary Holiday Romance novella by author Ava Hunter. I'm truly impressed with how much depth and exploration the author has managed to exhibit in such a short space of time, which for me is a true testament at how incredible of a writer Hunter is. It's very clear how much love, respect and care has went into crafting this beautifully heart-wrenching story to its fullest potential whilst also navigating the struggles of grief and loss. The pacing is consistent throughout with the focus of the story surrounding our two main characters as they are forced to confront the past that they have worked hard to supress and ignore. As difficult as the themes of the story can be be swallow... I still somehow found myself finding comfort and strength in their grief as hope for the future begins to shine through the pages. We cannot love in life without experiencing loss. One cannot exist without the other and this story was a harsh reminder that we cannot shelter ourselves from experiencing great love out of our fear over the inevitable end. We cannot predict what life has in store for us, but what truly makes life worth living is the people and the connections that we get to meet throughout our journey. The love story that Tis the Season for a Cowboy reflects is raw, messy and real. This was such an incredible story that I know I will continue to love and appreciate for many years to come.
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
I went into Tis the Season for a Cowboy expecting a fun and light-hearted holiday romance read and instead experienced a truly enriching and devastating story that will sit with me for quite some time. Second chance romance is admittedly not something that I reach for often, but still I nonetheless still continue to love and appreciate the plot line every time in its ability to dig deeper into our two main characters and their relationship. The simple yet significant setting of the story offered an even greater insight into both the good and the bad that has existed between Bellamy and Hank as they are forced to confront the past that haunts them if they have any hope in securing their future. This story is very much a character-driven tale that exposes their deepest hurt and vulnerabilities whilst simultaneously crafting the gentle threads of hope. This is a must-read novella for me, but please make sure to check the trigger warnings and take care of yourself prior to reading.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Bellamy Blue had my heart from the very moment that she was introduced as I was immediately faced with the knowledge that there is much to uncover about her character. Her narration broke my heart on multiple occasions as it became clear early into the story just how much guilt and self-imposed responsibility that Bellamy harbours surrounding past events. I felt an immediate connection to her character and the depth of her pain that she has fought desperately to supress. I adored getting to see the true Bell shine through as she slowly begins to heal and accept the events that led her to her current state of existence, and it felt emotional to witness just how full of love and light that this woman is capable of being. It was beautiful to witness this loving soul find her passion for life again as she rediscovers her fight and inner strength, and the way that she unabashedly seeks to reclaim the love that she had feared to have lost. The greatest aspect of Bellamy's journey was undoubtably the healing and forgiveness that she finally allows herself, and I could not be happier in the way that her journey concludes with in the epilogue.
Hank Blue is also (unsurprisingly) a character that broke my heart repeatedly throughout the story as his narration offers a different perspective to the tragedy that plagues his journey. I always appreciate getting to experience the difficult point-of-view of the male partner when a pregnancy loss occurs and the inner turmoil that they also face. My heart broke for Hank at his apparent devastation in the past whilst also trying his best to be a strong and supportive husband to his wife. His love for his Bluebell is undeniable from the very beginning and it hurt my soul to witness how helpless and undeserving he felt of her love after everything that happened. I felt a deep connection to his character and it was interesting to navigate how differently his grief manifests during the present timeline. I definitely swooned on multiple occasions when Hank fought to make his intentions very clear in the fact that his wife has been, and will only ever be (yay), the woman for him. His devotion and commitments towards anything that matters in his life is unmatched and I loved every moment getting to know this deeply emotional, complex and beautiful man.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The romantic development between Bellamy and Hank is at the core of the storyline as we are granted insight into both their past and the present in order to build towards the future that they both fiercely yearn for. So much hurt and gut-wrenching despair exists between both characters and it felt truly devastating getting to experience their relationship from their individual perspectives which offered better clarity on their emotional state to the reader. It broke my heart to realise that both Bellamy and Hank were shouldering the weight of self-placed blame for the fracture in their relationship alongside their belief of being undeserving of reciprocated love. I don't think I've experienced the sheer depth of their brokenness in such a long time and it took me by complete surprise how passionate and invested I became in their journey towards happiness. It was so clear to me how 'meant to be' this couple are in the way that their connection and chemistry was so undeniable. The love and tenderness that Bellamy and Hank share felt like something very special and worthy of being cherished and fought for. My favourite aspect of their relationship is the fact that their love is clearly built on friendship. They were not only husband and wife but also the best of friends, and I just knew that with right nudge that they could bounce back from their pain stronger than ever. Hank and Bellamy struggle to voice their thoughts in the beginning until their close proximity reminds them of how happy and seamless their life together could be. I adored the way that both characters have yearned for the love and life that they lost in their own way and used that as motivation to fight for the future that they want. The ending of their story brought tears to my eyes and whilst I could have gladly read a full-length novel about Hank and Bellamy's story... I in no way feel like I'm missing anything from their novella and I'm ending their story with a deep sense of content and gratification.
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is such a beautiful and raw love story that delves deep into the complexities of our two main characters in their desperation to try and feel whole amidst their battle with understanding grief and loss. Author Ava Hunter has created such an immersive and emotionally compelling experience in under 200 pages which is no easy feat. I have immensely adored the author's works in the past and I knew that this would be no different. This isn't a light and fluffy Hallmark story. It's real and it's painful... but it's also a story of healing and forgiveness. This is a must read story that I cannot recommend any higher, but as I've said above please make sure to check the trigger warnings for your own wellbeing and safety as the topics explored are difficult.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
"That’s life. That’s love. Delicate. Tentative. One snap away from breaking. And yet we go on, we live the best we can."
📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 160 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Ava Hunter
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: independently published
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 6 November 2025
What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
— First Person X Dual POV
— Second Chance Romance
— Marriage Reconciliation
— City Girl X Country Boy
— Forced Proximity X Snowed In
— 'It's Always Been You'
— Small Town
— 'My Wife'
— Yearning & Angst
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, grief & loss, pregnancy loss (past/discussed), stillbirth (past), and elements relating to a marriage in crisis.
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is a Contemporary Holiday Romance novella by author Ava Hunter. I'm truly impressed with how much depth and exploration the author has managed to exhibit in such a short space of time, which for me is a true testament at how incredible of a writer Hunter is. It's very clear how much love, respect and care has went into crafting this beautifully heart-wrenching story to its fullest potential whilst also navigating the struggles of grief and loss. The pacing is consistent throughout with the focus of the story surrounding our two main characters as they are forced to confront the past that they have worked hard to supress and ignore. As difficult as the themes of the story can be be swallow... I still somehow found myself finding comfort and strength in their grief as hope for the future begins to shine through the pages. We cannot love in life without experiencing loss. One cannot exist without the other and this story was a harsh reminder that we cannot shelter ourselves from experiencing great love out of our fear over the inevitable end. We cannot predict what life has in store for us, but what truly makes life worth living is the people and the connections that we get to meet throughout our journey. The love story that Tis the Season for a Cowboy reflects is raw, messy and real. This was such an incredible story that I know I will continue to love and appreciate for many years to come.
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
I went into Tis the Season for a Cowboy expecting a fun and light-hearted holiday romance read and instead experienced a truly enriching and devastating story that will sit with me for quite some time. Second chance romance is admittedly not something that I reach for often, but still I nonetheless still continue to love and appreciate the plot line every time in its ability to dig deeper into our two main characters and their relationship. The simple yet significant setting of the story offered an even greater insight into both the good and the bad that has existed between Bellamy and Hank as they are forced to confront the past that haunts them if they have any hope in securing their future. This story is very much a character-driven tale that exposes their deepest hurt and vulnerabilities whilst simultaneously crafting the gentle threads of hope. This is a must-read novella for me, but please make sure to check the trigger warnings and take care of yourself prior to reading.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Bellamy Blue had my heart from the very moment that she was introduced as I was immediately faced with the knowledge that there is much to uncover about her character. Her narration broke my heart on multiple occasions as it became clear early into the story just how much guilt and self-imposed responsibility that Bellamy harbours surrounding past events. I felt an immediate connection to her character and the depth of her pain that she has fought desperately to supress. I adored getting to see the true Bell shine through as she slowly begins to heal and accept the events that led her to her current state of existence, and it felt emotional to witness just how full of love and light that this woman is capable of being. It was beautiful to witness this loving soul find her passion for life again as she rediscovers her fight and inner strength, and the way that she unabashedly seeks to reclaim the love that she had feared to have lost. The greatest aspect of Bellamy's journey was undoubtably the healing and forgiveness that she finally allows herself, and I could not be happier in the way that her journey concludes with in the epilogue.
Hank Blue is also (unsurprisingly) a character that broke my heart repeatedly throughout the story as his narration offers a different perspective to the tragedy that plagues his journey. I always appreciate getting to experience the difficult point-of-view of the male partner when a pregnancy loss occurs and the inner turmoil that they also face. My heart broke for Hank at his apparent devastation in the past whilst also trying his best to be a strong and supportive husband to his wife. His love for his Bluebell is undeniable from the very beginning and it hurt my soul to witness how helpless and undeserving he felt of her love after everything that happened. I felt a deep connection to his character and it was interesting to navigate how differently his grief manifests during the present timeline. I definitely swooned on multiple occasions when Hank fought to make his intentions very clear in the fact that his wife has been, and will only ever be (yay), the woman for him. His devotion and commitments towards anything that matters in his life is unmatched and I loved every moment getting to know this deeply emotional, complex and beautiful man.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The romantic development between Bellamy and Hank is at the core of the storyline as we are granted insight into both their past and the present in order to build towards the future that they both fiercely yearn for. So much hurt and gut-wrenching despair exists between both characters and it felt truly devastating getting to experience their relationship from their individual perspectives which offered better clarity on their emotional state to the reader. It broke my heart to realise that both Bellamy and Hank were shouldering the weight of self-placed blame for the fracture in their relationship alongside their belief of being undeserving of reciprocated love. I don't think I've experienced the sheer depth of their brokenness in such a long time and it took me by complete surprise how passionate and invested I became in their journey towards happiness. It was so clear to me how 'meant to be' this couple are in the way that their connection and chemistry was so undeniable. The love and tenderness that Bellamy and Hank share felt like something very special and worthy of being cherished and fought for. My favourite aspect of their relationship is the fact that their love is clearly built on friendship. They were not only husband and wife but also the best of friends, and I just knew that with right nudge that they could bounce back from their pain stronger than ever. Hank and Bellamy struggle to voice their thoughts in the beginning until their close proximity reminds them of how happy and seamless their life together could be. I adored the way that both characters have yearned for the love and life that they lost in their own way and used that as motivation to fight for the future that they want. The ending of their story brought tears to my eyes and whilst I could have gladly read a full-length novel about Hank and Bellamy's story... I in no way feel like I'm missing anything from their novella and I'm ending their story with a deep sense of content and gratification.
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Tis the Season for a Cowboy is such a beautiful and raw love story that delves deep into the complexities of our two main characters in their desperation to try and feel whole amidst their battle with understanding grief and loss. Author Ava Hunter has created such an immersive and emotionally compelling experience in under 200 pages which is no easy feat. I have immensely adored the author's works in the past and I knew that this would be no different. This isn't a light and fluffy Hallmark story. It's real and it's painful... but it's also a story of healing and forgiveness. This is a must read story that I cannot recommend any higher, but as I've said above please make sure to check the trigger warnings for your own wellbeing and safety as the topics explored are difficult.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
October 23, 2025
4.5✨ Thank you Ava for this e-arc... I BINGED THIS IN ONE SITTING! I was tearful all the way through.
This is a little novella surrounding grief and how it affects everyone in different ways. I don't want to spoil much but trigger warnings at the end of this review. I am a sucker for a second chance, especially when the couple were once married.
Bellamy is someone who is dealing with artist's block, her last inspiration soared her career 3 years prior. Ava writes her story with such care that you feel with Bellamy. Hank, this beautiful man, never moved on (they both didn't really). His love for Bellamy never faded.
And there little flashback scenes to give you a background into their life before their divorced - I savored these scenes.
✨second chance
✨snowed in
✨doggo !!
✨divorced couple
✨"it's always been you"
✨"bluebell"🩵
I hope to see these characters again and soon! I need more.
.
.
.
.
SPOILER BELOW -
TW - Talk of miscarriage and effects it has on a couple
This is a little novella surrounding grief and how it affects everyone in different ways. I don't want to spoil much but trigger warnings at the end of this review. I am a sucker for a second chance, especially when the couple were once married.
Bellamy is someone who is dealing with artist's block, her last inspiration soared her career 3 years prior. Ava writes her story with such care that you feel with Bellamy. Hank, this beautiful man, never moved on (they both didn't really). His love for Bellamy never faded.
And there little flashback scenes to give you a background into their life before their divorced - I savored these scenes.
✨second chance
✨snowed in
✨doggo !!
✨divorced couple
✨"it's always been you"
✨"bluebell"🩵
I hope to see these characters again and soon! I need more.
.
.
.
.
SPOILER BELOW -
TW - Talk of miscarriage and effects it has on a couple
November 4, 2025
4.5/5
’Tis the Season for a Cowboy by Ava Hunter is the perfect mix of heart, heat, and holiday magic. ✨ A story of grief, second chances, and love rediscovered, this short novella somehow packs in so much emotion and depth while still being sexy and festive. He’s the grumpy cowboy who never stopped loving her, and she’s the city girl who got away—but fate (and a snowstorm!) give them one more chance. It’s tender, passionate, and beautifully written, exactly the kind of cozy-but spicy holiday read I crave this time of year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⸻
💘 Tropes:
💔 Divorced couple
💫 Second chance
🎄 Holiday romance
❄️ Snowed in
🏡 Small town
🌆 City girl × Country boy
’Tis the Season for a Cowboy by Ava Hunter is the perfect mix of heart, heat, and holiday magic. ✨ A story of grief, second chances, and love rediscovered, this short novella somehow packs in so much emotion and depth while still being sexy and festive. He’s the grumpy cowboy who never stopped loving her, and she’s the city girl who got away—but fate (and a snowstorm!) give them one more chance. It’s tender, passionate, and beautifully written, exactly the kind of cozy-but spicy holiday read I crave this time of year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⸻
💘 Tropes:
💔 Divorced couple
💫 Second chance
🎄 Holiday romance
❄️ Snowed in
🏡 Small town
🌆 City girl × Country boy
November 7, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - marriage reconciliation, divorced couple, snowed in, forced proximity, cowboy, grief, Christmas romance, it's always been you, second chance, holiday magic, small town vibes, tear-jerker, HEA
DO CHECK TRIGGER WARNING
First of all, thank you, Ava, for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This is how novellas are supposed to be. One should be able to feel every emotion the characters experience.
I cried from the start of the book. Hank and Bellamy's story was beautiful, and they didn't deserve the pain they went through. But pain means happiness is on the way, and I was so content to see them pave their way towards it. Watching them work through their feelings together was pure bliss.
This became one of my favourite reads this year; omg, Bellamy and Hank's story was the definition of a beautiful, sweet holiday romance. It was emotional, sexy, cosy, and filled with lots of love and admiration. Grief is tough to deal with, and everyone has their own ways of overcoming it. Reading about these two people, who were so much in love, dealing with it in the only way they knew was painful, but it also highlighted how everyone experiences grief differently.
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars was the only song that was playing in my head while reading this book. AHH, I loved it.
Zelda reminded me so much of my furbaby. I loved her.
I cried myself to sleep after reading the epilogue. This was the ending I was hoping for, Hank and Bellamy—a sweet, happy ending that made me smile like crazy.
Reading a wonderful holiday romance on a chilly day just fills your heart with joy.
Devoured it.
Definitely recommended.
Overall 5/5.
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - marriage reconciliation, divorced couple, snowed in, forced proximity, cowboy, grief, Christmas romance, it's always been you, second chance, holiday magic, small town vibes, tear-jerker, HEA
DO CHECK TRIGGER WARNING
First of all, thank you, Ava, for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This is how novellas are supposed to be. One should be able to feel every emotion the characters experience.
I cried from the start of the book. Hank and Bellamy's story was beautiful, and they didn't deserve the pain they went through. But pain means happiness is on the way, and I was so content to see them pave their way towards it. Watching them work through their feelings together was pure bliss.
This became one of my favourite reads this year; omg, Bellamy and Hank's story was the definition of a beautiful, sweet holiday romance. It was emotional, sexy, cosy, and filled with lots of love and admiration. Grief is tough to deal with, and everyone has their own ways of overcoming it. Reading about these two people, who were so much in love, dealing with it in the only way they knew was painful, but it also highlighted how everyone experiences grief differently.
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars was the only song that was playing in my head while reading this book. AHH, I loved it.
Zelda reminded me so much of my furbaby. I loved her.
I cried myself to sleep after reading the epilogue. This was the ending I was hoping for, Hank and Bellamy—a sweet, happy ending that made me smile like crazy.
Reading a wonderful holiday romance on a chilly day just fills your heart with joy.
Devoured it.
Definitely recommended.
Overall 5/5.
December 3, 2025
the perfect second chance divorcee christmas novella, where they get snowed into a cabin they once shared on the ranch, and things get STEAMYYYY. this had quite a bit of depth, i honestly wish we got a full book. the christmas vibes were unmatched
December 28, 2025
3.5 stars!
November 5, 2025
This was my second holiday book and it was super sweet.
I am very pleasantly surprised about the amount of emotion that Ava was able to pack into these 160 pages! Bellamy and Hank's back story was heart breaking and the situation that they found themselves in, I think people will be able to relate to that, as awful as that is.
I loved how Ava threw these two back together. They share "custody" of their cabin, and of course, get snowed in. It really gave them a chance to heal their hurt and work out a way forward, together. The characters had great chemistry and banter. This book was the absolute epitome of "it's always been you"
A quick, sweet but emotional read. Definitely add to your TBR this season!
Read if you like:
- holiday novella / small town
- marriage reconciliation
- second chance
- "it's always been you"
I am very pleasantly surprised about the amount of emotion that Ava was able to pack into these 160 pages! Bellamy and Hank's back story was heart breaking and the situation that they found themselves in, I think people will be able to relate to that, as awful as that is.
I loved how Ava threw these two back together. They share "custody" of their cabin, and of course, get snowed in. It really gave them a chance to heal their hurt and work out a way forward, together. The characters had great chemistry and banter. This book was the absolute epitome of "it's always been you"
A quick, sweet but emotional read. Definitely add to your TBR this season!
Read if you like:
- holiday novella / small town
- marriage reconciliation
- second chance
- "it's always been you"
January 12, 2026
❝the last thought that goes through my mind before he scoops me up in his arms isn't "i should get the hell out of here"; it's "finally i'm back home with my cowboy".❞
5★
5★
December 23, 2025
I love a Christmas novella, especially one from one of my favorite cowboy romance writers.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Tis the Season for a Cowboy by Ava Hunter
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Standalone
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Holiday romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Second chance, grief journey, snowed in, forced proximity.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Three years after their divorce, a scheduling mixup has Bellamy and Hank stuck in their old cabin during a snowstorm.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Listen, for sure… snowed in Christmas cabin is cliche. But it’s one I’ll take every single time. Especially when it comes in novella form and with Ava Hunter’s expert hands.
Hank and Bellamy’s connection, their pining, and the tension between them was all written perfectly. I don’t know how Ava Hunter worked a complicated and sad history, a rekindling and some theatrics into 160 pages, but I’m not mad about it.
This was a perfectly done, quick holiday romance.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Tis the Season for a Cowboy by Ava Hunter
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Standalone
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Holiday romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Second chance, grief journey, snowed in, forced proximity.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Three years after their divorce, a scheduling mixup has Bellamy and Hank stuck in their old cabin during a snowstorm.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Listen, for sure… snowed in Christmas cabin is cliche. But it’s one I’ll take every single time. Especially when it comes in novella form and with Ava Hunter’s expert hands.
Hank and Bellamy’s connection, their pining, and the tension between them was all written perfectly. I don’t know how Ava Hunter worked a complicated and sad history, a rekindling and some theatrics into 160 pages, but I’m not mad about it.
This was a perfectly done, quick holiday romance.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
December 22, 2025
3⭐️
pretty cute but considering it was only 150 pages it lowkey dragged for me
pretty cute but considering it was only 150 pages it lowkey dragged for me
November 8, 2025
This was a very short and easy read for me. It's always hard for me for a novella to be more than 3 stars since there really isn't a lot of time to develop the characters. With that being said, this was a solid 3 stars. I am a sucker for second chance and am now finding myself a fan of marriage second chance. I really liked the setting- a Christmas tree farm with two people who still held a candle for the other. I thought that Ava did a great job of handling what jumpstarted the end for these two. I would HIGHLY recommend checking the trigger warnings. My heart went out to them and their pain. I liked the chemistry between the two, and I really liked Hank's dad being on his side and pushing him to make a move. I felt like the spice hit fast, but again in a novella it kind of has to. I did also find myself wanting more spice if that makes sense- there was a little build up and then it was over. With all that being said, it was wonderful to watch these two lower their walls and realize that they wanted another chance. They wanted forever again and they weren't going to let that chance slip away this time.
Bellamy has found herself in a big slump. Her work isn't selling. She isn't motivated anymore. Which is how she finds herself at the Christmas tree. Where she doesn't expect to see her ex husband, but there he is in all his glory. And now they are snowed in together. The problem- she never lost her feelings for him. The divorce was her running away. Everything was too painful after what happened. But now that she is in this small space with him and remembering all of the good times, she wonders if he has moved on. Or if he would be open to another chance. Which is how she finds herself falling into his arms again without clearing up what that means. But as her departure date approaches, she realizes she isn't going to walk away this time. She is here for good. She is home.
Hank never stopped loving Bellamy. When tragedy struck, he didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to help. And then she left. But now she is coming back for her birthday and Christmas. And Hank has decided that three years apart is long enough. He is going to make his move on Bellamy. He is going to tell her the truth- that he never stopped loving her and that he wants her back. The problem is there is this animosity between them now. They don't know how to lower their walls, but with time they do. And he sees it- a glimpse that she still cares. And so he jumps in. He takes her body without clarity. He knows not to push but is confident that all of this isn't for nothing. And then it works. He finds his forever once again with his wife two times over.
This was a super quick, cozy holiday read about a broken marriage that didn't die because of love lost. I would recommend it for a quick one! I can't wait to see what Ava comes out with next.
Thank you to Ava for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Bellamy has found herself in a big slump. Her work isn't selling. She isn't motivated anymore. Which is how she finds herself at the Christmas tree. Where she doesn't expect to see her ex husband, but there he is in all his glory. And now they are snowed in together. The problem- she never lost her feelings for him. The divorce was her running away. Everything was too painful after what happened. But now that she is in this small space with him and remembering all of the good times, she wonders if he has moved on. Or if he would be open to another chance. Which is how she finds herself falling into his arms again without clearing up what that means. But as her departure date approaches, she realizes she isn't going to walk away this time. She is here for good. She is home.
Hank never stopped loving Bellamy. When tragedy struck, he didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to help. And then she left. But now she is coming back for her birthday and Christmas. And Hank has decided that three years apart is long enough. He is going to make his move on Bellamy. He is going to tell her the truth- that he never stopped loving her and that he wants her back. The problem is there is this animosity between them now. They don't know how to lower their walls, but with time they do. And he sees it- a glimpse that she still cares. And so he jumps in. He takes her body without clarity. He knows not to push but is confident that all of this isn't for nothing. And then it works. He finds his forever once again with his wife two times over.
This was a super quick, cozy holiday read about a broken marriage that didn't die because of love lost. I would recommend it for a quick one! I can't wait to see what Ava comes out with next.
Thank you to Ava for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 17, 2025
#Review: *Tis the Season for a Cowboy* - Ava Hunter - ARC [16+]
4.9/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Super grateful for being accepted by Ava for this beautiful, Christmas themed book. Thank youu!🤗 It was such an emotional read and I loved the second chance romance of this story.🩵
Bellamy and Hank Blue had a beautiful love story which suddenly ended. Why? Because of some pent up emotions that have gathered in Bellamy's soul after a heartbreaking event. They were still in love with each other, but the pain won and destroyed their marriage.
Three years after their divorce and Bellamy came back in Silverwood, to the Blue Mountain Ranch, where she wanted to celebrate her 30th birthday. But things won't go as planned because she would have to share the house with her ex husband. Their feelings will definitely play against them and will make the situation a bit awkward, but something familiar was still lingering between them. That won't be something easy to ignore, making it impossible to stay away from each other, especially when everything seemed so familiar and feeling like the hurt wasn't that unbearable when they were in each other's proximity again. Will they be able to forgive each other and maybe put those broken pieces back together?
One emotional and reflective read, which melted my heart. I felt the sorrow of Bellamy and Hank, who've been through such a tough moment, one which almost broke them for good. It was so sweet to see how they were still so in love with one another and how things felt so right when they were once again in each other's proximity. The did things wrong the first time but maybe that was an important part of their story, one which could make them realise how life can give you a second chance and still be able to have a somewhat happy ending.
This was a pretty short read, but full of events which kept me entranced by their intensity. I loved the anguish and pain this book exuded. It was a healing journey for the characters, one which definitely stole my heart and made me feel emotional.
✨Tropes
#SecondChanceRomance
#ItsAlwaysBeenYou
#Angst
#TraumaticEvent
#SmallTown
#ChristmasNovella
4.9/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Super grateful for being accepted by Ava for this beautiful, Christmas themed book. Thank youu!🤗 It was such an emotional read and I loved the second chance romance of this story.🩵
Bellamy and Hank Blue had a beautiful love story which suddenly ended. Why? Because of some pent up emotions that have gathered in Bellamy's soul after a heartbreaking event. They were still in love with each other, but the pain won and destroyed their marriage.
Three years after their divorce and Bellamy came back in Silverwood, to the Blue Mountain Ranch, where she wanted to celebrate her 30th birthday. But things won't go as planned because she would have to share the house with her ex husband. Their feelings will definitely play against them and will make the situation a bit awkward, but something familiar was still lingering between them. That won't be something easy to ignore, making it impossible to stay away from each other, especially when everything seemed so familiar and feeling like the hurt wasn't that unbearable when they were in each other's proximity again. Will they be able to forgive each other and maybe put those broken pieces back together?
One emotional and reflective read, which melted my heart. I felt the sorrow of Bellamy and Hank, who've been through such a tough moment, one which almost broke them for good. It was so sweet to see how they were still so in love with one another and how things felt so right when they were once again in each other's proximity. The did things wrong the first time but maybe that was an important part of their story, one which could make them realise how life can give you a second chance and still be able to have a somewhat happy ending.
This was a pretty short read, but full of events which kept me entranced by their intensity. I loved the anguish and pain this book exuded. It was a healing journey for the characters, one which definitely stole my heart and made me feel emotional.
✨Tropes
#SecondChanceRomance
#ItsAlwaysBeenYou
#Angst
#TraumaticEvent
#SmallTown
#ChristmasNovella
November 7, 2025
What a super sweet novella! Its got my all time favorite trope, second chance and it was really beautifully done.
Bellamy is spending a Christmas in her favorite place, the cabin her and her ex husband share. It was agreed that she would have it on her 30th birthday year.
Problem is... her ex is there. Already ready to spend Christmas at the cabin himself. It would be an easy fix, right? He goes back in his house. But mother nature says different.
Now these two are spending time together and facing the issues that broke them apart. I loved how we slowly got to see what they were. We didnt immediately have all the answers to why this sweet couple didn't work out. And I loved how they kinda worked together to save what they loved.
Her nickname from him? LOVED it. Loved the setting, the two of them... And the lite twist? Made me tear up. So if youre in the mood for some second chance for Christmas, click on this one!
Bellamy is spending a Christmas in her favorite place, the cabin her and her ex husband share. It was agreed that she would have it on her 30th birthday year.
Problem is... her ex is there. Already ready to spend Christmas at the cabin himself. It would be an easy fix, right? He goes back in his house. But mother nature says different.
Now these two are spending time together and facing the issues that broke them apart. I loved how we slowly got to see what they were. We didnt immediately have all the answers to why this sweet couple didn't work out. And I loved how they kinda worked together to save what they loved.
Her nickname from him? LOVED it. Loved the setting, the two of them... And the lite twist? Made me tear up. So if youre in the mood for some second chance for Christmas, click on this one!
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