Holly Jolly Cowboy

by Aubrey Kent

A cowboy single dad who wants to do right by his daughter. A curvy ranch guest who bonds instantly with both of them. A second chance wrapped in Christmas ranch love.

Tessa Sutton
Rule #1 of going to a family avoid gossip.
Rule #2 stay away from gorgeous cowboys

I am focused. I have a promotion to land, a family reunion to survive, and absolutely zero plans to get distracted by cowboys—especially not Wade Davis, who has no right to be that good-looking.

I’m only in town for the holidays. Right?

Wade Davis
I have spent years being responsible, practical, and completely off the market. I’m knee-deep in ranch work and single parenthood. I’m not looking for anything, least of all the girl I just saw at the Stockyards and didn't get a chance to get her name. Now I'm working at my aunt's ranch, with a strict no fraternization rule.

And the fact that my daughter has already decided Tessa is her new favorite person is not helping me keep my distance.

Some things are just meant to be… even if it takes bending the rules, a family reunion, and one very meddlesome six-year-old to prove it.

🌵 swoony cowboy
🌵 curvy heroine
🌵 interfering cousins
🌵 one who got away
🌵 dude ranch fun
🌵 instalove

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2026

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy is such a cute little matchmaker!

Tessa and Wade have an instant chemistry, but it is Tessa's instant bond with Lucy that makes this book. Lucy has a huge personality that you cannot help but like, and seeing her push Wade and Tessa together will bring a smile to your face.
Tessa may be unsure about her next steps, but I love that Wade doesn't let her doubts stop him from opening his heart and offering it to her. A lovely read on Kindle+.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's just something irresistible about a handsome single-dad cowboy, especially when he comes with an adorable little girl determined to play matchmaker! Holly Jolly Cowboy by Aubrey Kent is a sweet, heartwarming holiday romance filled with family, unexpected love, and just the right amount of Christmas magic.

Tessa Sutton has her priorities straight: survive the family reunion, focus on her career, and absolutely do not get distracted by handsome cowboys! Unfortunately, Wade Davis has other plans for her heart, even if he doesn't quite realize it yet.

Wade is a hardworking rancher and devoted single dad who has spent years putting his responsibilities first. I loved his dedication to his daughter, Lucy, and the way Tessa unexpectedly makes him reconsider keeping his heart closed off. But honestly, little Lucy completely stole the show! Her big personality, instant connection with Tessa, and adorable matchmaking efforts made this story even sweeter.

The chemistry between Wade and Tessa is delightful, but it's the growing bond between all three that makes their romance so special. Watching Wade open his heart while Tessa discovers that sometimes the best things in life aren't part of the plan made this such an enjoyable holiday read.

If you love single-dad cowboys, adorable matchmaking children, instant attraction, family-centered romances, and sweet holiday happily ever afters, this is a wonderful little Christmas escape!

Tessa came to town with a plan for her future, but sometimes the most beautiful surprises arrive wearing cowboy boots and holding a little girl's hand.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, revisits some Indigo Hills TX characters. The MMC is a single dad cowboy that works away from his daughter at the Ft Worth Stockyards and his aunt’s ranch. He wants to find a job closer to her. She wants him to find someone to love. The FMC is on a family reunion vacation at a guest ranch. They spot each other a couple of times at the stockyards but don’t expect to see each other again. But her family is staying at his aunt’s ranch and he’s working there while he has his daughter for the week. There’s attraction and his daughter helping them spend time together. They aren’t sure that they can make long distance work. The spice is good and they work their way to a great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wade is a single dad who is doing his best to raise Lucy right. Lucy is an energetic child with a huge personality. She is my favorite character in this book and the best little matchmaker. Tessa is a visitor at the ranch that forms an immediate bond with Lucy. The chemistry between Wade and Tessa is off the charts. The bond that the three of them slowly form to become a family is precious. This is a really great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Wade is a cowboy needing to move closer to his daughter for visitation who sees Tessa at a stockyard event. Tessa and her family go to a reunion at Wade's aunts' ranch and sees him again with his daughter. Their HEA is highly entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Vacation

Having a close family includes group trips. Meeting the cowboy and his adorable daughter make this vacation life changing. Loved the storyline, the clever people and banter and the sweet happy ending.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how the attraction between Tessa and Wade becomes love aided by a little matchmaker, his daughter Lucy.