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Cowboy Cocktail #3
Cowboy Player
This cowboy and cowgirl sell the steak and the sizzle.
Cowboy Cocktail, Book 3
For eight years, Melody Santos played the game of love and lost—big time. Now she’s back in her tiny hometown looking after her younger sister, making ends meet with an assortment of odd jobs. When her childhood best friend hires her to help him sell his family’s grass-fed beef, the last thing she anticipates is falling in lust with the legendary, brown-eyed player.
To put his family’s cattle ranch back in the black, Clark MacKinnon has his sights set on big contracts—gourmet chefs and restaurateurs. If that means long hours traveling from farmer’s market to farmer’s market, Clark doesn’t mind. Particularly since his new assistant is his childhood crush, all grown up and sexy as hell.
One night in bed leaves them breathless and hungry for more. But when his love-’em-and-leave-’em reputation collides with her trust issues, Clark and Melody must face the truth about what they’ve become: not friends, not lovers, but players in a game that’s impossible to win.
Warning: Contains filthy banter, raunchy sex, excessive Johnny Cash references, and hundreds of pounds of raw beef.
Cowboy Cocktail, Book 3
For eight years, Melody Santos played the game of love and lost—big time. Now she’s back in her tiny hometown looking after her younger sister, making ends meet with an assortment of odd jobs. When her childhood best friend hires her to help him sell his family’s grass-fed beef, the last thing she anticipates is falling in lust with the legendary, brown-eyed player.
To put his family’s cattle ranch back in the black, Clark MacKinnon has his sights set on big contracts—gourmet chefs and restaurateurs. If that means long hours traveling from farmer’s market to farmer’s market, Clark doesn’t mind. Particularly since his new assistant is his childhood crush, all grown up and sexy as hell.
One night in bed leaves them breathless and hungry for more. But when his love-’em-and-leave-’em reputation collides with her trust issues, Clark and Melody must face the truth about what they’ve become: not friends, not lovers, but players in a game that’s impossible to win.
Warning: Contains filthy banter, raunchy sex, excessive Johnny Cash references, and hundreds of pounds of raw beef.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
5 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hopkins
33 books564 followersMia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. Her award-winning books have been featured by many publications including The Washington Post, USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
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July 22, 2016
RATING 4.5 STARS
Cowboy Player is book three in the Cowboy Cocktail series by Mia Hopkins.
In this book we meet Clark MacKinnon of the sexy MacKinnon brothers. In addition to helping his brothers run the ranch since his father is ill, Clark is in charge of trying to find a market for their grass fed, hormone free beef.
Melody Santos and her younger sister, Harmony, have been best friends with the MacKinnons since they were little. After her father died, Mr. MacKinnon made a promise to look after the girls and their mother. Melody spent her entire childhood running around with the MacKinnons but it was Clark that she was best friends with. They were co-conspirators, both in play, and academically in school. When they went to different colleges, Clark thought he lost her. But when Melody’s mother died, she came back to Oleander to help her little sister. Their friendship took right up where it left off.
But then one night, all of that changed when Clark and Melody gave in to a night of steamy passion. Melody has been hurt, though, before by her previous now ex-boyfriend. She has serious trust issues. She vows this can never happen again. But of course, once they’ve had a sample of how good it is with each other, they have to have more.
You know I’ve loved this series from the start and this one was no exception. This was a friends to lovers story. With Clark, though, he has always loved Melody. He just never let her know. Can they take the solid base of their friendship and build it into something more? Or are they destined to remain friends? One thing for sure is that the passion they discovered between them is off the charts! How can either of them walk away from that?
I’ve definitely found an author I enjoy in Mia Hopkins and look forward to more books by her. Her characters are so easy to love and the sexy times are steamy and perfect. You know I can’t resist a sexy cowboy story and this one was just right!
Cowboy Player is book three in the Cowboy Cocktail series by Mia Hopkins.
In this book we meet Clark MacKinnon of the sexy MacKinnon brothers. In addition to helping his brothers run the ranch since his father is ill, Clark is in charge of trying to find a market for their grass fed, hormone free beef.
Melody Santos and her younger sister, Harmony, have been best friends with the MacKinnons since they were little. After her father died, Mr. MacKinnon made a promise to look after the girls and their mother. Melody spent her entire childhood running around with the MacKinnons but it was Clark that she was best friends with. They were co-conspirators, both in play, and academically in school. When they went to different colleges, Clark thought he lost her. But when Melody’s mother died, she came back to Oleander to help her little sister. Their friendship took right up where it left off.
But then one night, all of that changed when Clark and Melody gave in to a night of steamy passion. Melody has been hurt, though, before by her previous now ex-boyfriend. She has serious trust issues. She vows this can never happen again. But of course, once they’ve had a sample of how good it is with each other, they have to have more.
You know I’ve loved this series from the start and this one was no exception. This was a friends to lovers story. With Clark, though, he has always loved Melody. He just never let her know. Can they take the solid base of their friendship and build it into something more? Or are they destined to remain friends? One thing for sure is that the passion they discovered between them is off the charts! How can either of them walk away from that?
I’ve definitely found an author I enjoy in Mia Hopkins and look forward to more books by her. Her characters are so easy to love and the sexy times are steamy and perfect. You know I can’t resist a sexy cowboy story and this one was just right!
June 18, 2016
4 - "One night's not forever..." Stars!
The third novella; Cowboy Player, in Mia Hopkins Cowboy Cocktail series was as enjoyable as its predecessors. I really liked Clark and Melody’s, best-friends-to-lovers romance, it was a sweet and sexy read.
Melody Santos has returned to Oleander, after spending ten years in the city. Grieving the loss of her mother, her eight year relationship, and trying to keep her younger sister on the straight and narrow are the main constants in her life at the moment, that and work. Work to pay bills, her sister’s tuition expenses and pretty much everything else.
"We’re friends… I don’t want to throw that away."
Clark MacKinnon, her best friend throughout her child-hood has helped with the work part, but Mel is struggling to deal with the long buried feelings she had for him the more time they spend together on the road. What she doesn’t initially realize is that Clark feels the same way.
"I think about you day and night. I can’t stop."
Both shy of commitment, for different reasons, this was a sweet coming together for me. Although a quick read the author didn’t skimp on the chemistry between them and the sexy-times were original and well placed. I did find myself wishing this one was a little longer though.
"I want you so bad it hurts."
That-said all of the novellas in this series, have been really entertaining reads, perfect to slot into a few hours of free time, or if you are looking for a quick and sexy break from your longer books.
"I think it’s the cowboy hat."
I will certainly be keeping a look-out for more books from the author in future.
ARC generously provided from Barclay Publicity via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third novella; Cowboy Player, in Mia Hopkins Cowboy Cocktail series was as enjoyable as its predecessors. I really liked Clark and Melody’s, best-friends-to-lovers romance, it was a sweet and sexy read.
Melody Santos has returned to Oleander, after spending ten years in the city. Grieving the loss of her mother, her eight year relationship, and trying to keep her younger sister on the straight and narrow are the main constants in her life at the moment, that and work. Work to pay bills, her sister’s tuition expenses and pretty much everything else.
"We’re friends… I don’t want to throw that away."
Clark MacKinnon, her best friend throughout her child-hood has helped with the work part, but Mel is struggling to deal with the long buried feelings she had for him the more time they spend together on the road. What she doesn’t initially realize is that Clark feels the same way.
"I think about you day and night. I can’t stop."
Both shy of commitment, for different reasons, this was a sweet coming together for me. Although a quick read the author didn’t skimp on the chemistry between them and the sexy-times were original and well placed. I did find myself wishing this one was a little longer though.
"I want you so bad it hurts."
That-said all of the novellas in this series, have been really entertaining reads, perfect to slot into a few hours of free time, or if you are looking for a quick and sexy break from your longer books.
"I think it’s the cowboy hat."
I will certainly be keeping a look-out for more books from the author in future.
ARC generously provided from Barclay Publicity via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 24, 2016
Cowboy Player is the third book in the Cowboy Cocktail series by Mia Hopkins. Each book features a different couple and can be read fine as a standalone without needing to read the others in the series. Each of the relationships are off the charts steamy featuring a sexy cowboy.
Cowboy Player introduces us to Melody Santos who has a horrible history when it comes to romance. She's come back to her tiny hometown with her sister taking up working with Clark MacKinnon on his family's cattle ranch. Melody and Clark have known each other forever and Melody never considered Clark as anything other than a player but when the two find themselves attracted to each other the sparks fly but the question is can they remain friends?
Cowboy Player ended up being my favorite book in this series when finished reading. The fact that these are short reads always makes the relationships seem a bit rushed into but with the history between Clark and Melody I didn't feel like there was a rush from the pair since they had been friends forever.
The chemistry was off the charts between this couple and the story line behind whether they could save their friendships after the hot and steamy night was a nice one to follow. I would definitely recommend this particular sexy cowboy romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Cowboy Player introduces us to Melody Santos who has a horrible history when it comes to romance. She's come back to her tiny hometown with her sister taking up working with Clark MacKinnon on his family's cattle ranch. Melody and Clark have known each other forever and Melody never considered Clark as anything other than a player but when the two find themselves attracted to each other the sparks fly but the question is can they remain friends?
Cowboy Player ended up being my favorite book in this series when finished reading. The fact that these are short reads always makes the relationships seem a bit rushed into but with the history between Clark and Melody I didn't feel like there was a rush from the pair since they had been friends forever.
The chemistry was off the charts between this couple and the story line behind whether they could save their friendships after the hot and steamy night was a nice one to follow. I would definitely recommend this particular sexy cowboy romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
May 9, 2016
Melody Santos works with her lifelong friend, Clark Mackinnon, at local farmer's markets selling his family's grass-fed beef. Clark's a real player but he and Melody have been friends since they were kids. After a series of events one night, the two end up in bed. Once is not enough! But Clark is known for his many quickie relationships and Melody's been burned before. Can they go back to just being friends?
Usually I have a hard time rating novellas. The story just seems to happen too fast. Not so with Cowboy Player. The author does a great job at filling the reader in on Melody and Clark's pasts so when things start to happen (and boy do they happen!), it doesn't seem rushed. What a sweet and steamy read! This was my first Mia Hopkins story. I am intrigued by those Mackinnon brothers and am anxious to read each of their stories. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
Usually I have a hard time rating novellas. The story just seems to happen too fast. Not so with Cowboy Player. The author does a great job at filling the reader in on Melody and Clark's pasts so when things start to happen (and boy do they happen!), it doesn't seem rushed. What a sweet and steamy read! This was my first Mia Hopkins story. I am intrigued by those Mackinnon brothers and am anxious to read each of their stories. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
May 12, 2021
Scorching!
Make sure it’s cool where you’re reading this book because this friends-to-lovers novella is HOT! 🔥🔥🔥
I’m enjoying going through Mia’s backlist as I can see her growth as a writer. This one has a special place on my bookshelf being one of a few romance books with a Filipina lead character.
Make sure it’s cool where you’re reading this book because this friends-to-lovers novella is HOT! 🔥🔥🔥
I’m enjoying going through Mia’s backlist as I can see her growth as a writer. This one has a special place on my bookshelf being one of a few romance books with a Filipina lead character.
June 30, 2016
Title: Cowboy Player
Author:Mia Hopkins
Series:Cowboy Cocktail #3
Publisher:Samhain Publishing Ltd
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-28-16
Genre(s):Cowboy Romance
Page Count:76
Heat Level: 3flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Cowboy Player by Mia Hopkins was a great 5 star read.
Melody is working hard to put her sister through college and move forward from a heartbreak. Clark is working hard to get a contract for his family farm that will make a huge difference for them.
Clark and Melody have been best friends for years and one night of passion leaves them both struggling with feelings they have had for years. Where will they go from here?
“Just to be clear, Melody,” he whispered, “I’m asking to take you to bed.”
I really enjoyed this quick read. Clark is a dirty talking dominate cowboy, SO SEXY. The scenes between these two were freakin hot. Mia Hopkins really draws you in with her writing and you won’t put it down until your done. Cowboy Player is book #3 in the “Cowboy Cocktail” series and can be read as a standalone. We do get to see a HEA and I loved how it ended, perfect.
Could we possibly see more from these two later on in the series, I would love it.
Thank you Mia for a great read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Author:Mia Hopkins
Series:Cowboy Cocktail #3
Publisher:Samhain Publishing Ltd
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-28-16
Genre(s):Cowboy Romance
Page Count:76
Heat Level: 3flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
This cowboy and cowgirl sell the steak and the sizzle.
Cowboy Cocktail, Book 3
For eight years, Melody Santos played the game of love and lost—big time. Now she’s back in her tiny hometown looking after her younger sister, making ends meet with an assortment of odd jobs. When her childhood best friend hires her to help him sell his family’s grass-fed beef, the last thing she anticipates is falling in lust with the legendary, brown-eyed player.
To put his family’s cattle ranch back in the black, Clark MacKinnon has his sights set on big contracts—gourmet chefs and restaurateurs. If that means long hours traveling from farmer’s market to farmer’s market, Clark doesn’t mind. Particularly since his new assistant is his childhood crush, all grown up and sexy as hell.
One night in bed leaves them breathless and hungry for more. But when his love-’em-and-leave-’em reputation collides with her trust issues, Clark and Melody must face the truth about what they’ve become: not friends, not lovers, but players in a game that’s impossible to win.
Warning: Contains filthy banter, raunchy sex, excessive Johnny Cash references, and hundreds of pounds of raw beef.
Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Cowboy Player by Mia Hopkins was a great 5 star read.
Melody is working hard to put her sister through college and move forward from a heartbreak. Clark is working hard to get a contract for his family farm that will make a huge difference for them.
Clark and Melody have been best friends for years and one night of passion leaves them both struggling with feelings they have had for years. Where will they go from here?
“Just to be clear, Melody,” he whispered, “I’m asking to take you to bed.”
I really enjoyed this quick read. Clark is a dirty talking dominate cowboy, SO SEXY. The scenes between these two were freakin hot. Mia Hopkins really draws you in with her writing and you won’t put it down until your done. Cowboy Player is book #3 in the “Cowboy Cocktail” series and can be read as a standalone. We do get to see a HEA and I loved how it ended, perfect.
Could we possibly see more from these two later on in the series, I would love it.
Thank you Mia for a great read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
December 13, 2017
*3.5 stars*
May 8, 2016
This is a whole new author to me. But no more. Loved this book. If your looking for a fun fast read thus book is for you. Melody needs to really learn to live for her self. Then her bestfriend Clark has always loved life. Can't wait to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2016
Great read. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I found the characters easy to fall in love with and the pace didn't lag at all.
Going back to read the first two.
**BOC Reviewer**
Going back to read the first two.
**BOC Reviewer**
June 28, 2016
This was another wonderful and sweet read! This series has been so great and I enjoy the cowboys so much. Melody Santos has returned to Oleander to grieve the death of her mother and keep her younger sister in line. She is busy working to pay bills and her sister's tuition. She doesn't realy have time for anything else except she seems to be having a really hard time dealing with her feelings for her child-hood best friend Clark MacKinnon.
What Melody doesn't know is that those feelings she has aren't all one sided. They both have commitment issues that they have to deal with. As I said this was a wonderful story and a quick read. It is one of those that you can read while waiting to see the doctor and just be in a better mood. The chemistry between Melody and Clark is hot and anytime they come together it burns up the pages.
What Melody doesn't know is that those feelings she has aren't all one sided. They both have commitment issues that they have to deal with. As I said this was a wonderful story and a quick read. It is one of those that you can read while waiting to see the doctor and just be in a better mood. The chemistry between Melody and Clark is hot and anytime they come together it burns up the pages.
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/cowboy-playe....
A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
May 10, 2016
This is a quick, hot read. Melody has trust issues courtesy of an eight-year relationship gone wrong. Clark has never had a real relationship, just the friendship with Melody. One night, they cross that line, and there is no turning back. He needs to show her that she can trust him, that he will treat her with respect. Their connection to each other is strong, based in friendship, and becomes a stronger love. The end of the story brought tears to my eyes. I highly recommend this story. I plan to read more of Mia Hopkins.
July 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
This is my favorite book of the series so far. It's a nice fast paced hot read. The chemistry between Clark and Melody is fan yourself hot. What I really liked is that Melody and Clark grew up together and are the best of friends. They have the history and connection right from the start. With Melody returning home Clark plans to finally make a move, but can they put their friendship on the line? Melody is gun shy especially with a player like Clark, but the attraction is too hard of a temptation to resist. Can they find forever or will the friendship be on jeopardy?
This is my favorite book of the series so far. It's a nice fast paced hot read. The chemistry between Clark and Melody is fan yourself hot. What I really liked is that Melody and Clark grew up together and are the best of friends. They have the history and connection right from the start. With Melody returning home Clark plans to finally make a move, but can they put their friendship on the line? Melody is gun shy especially with a player like Clark, but the attraction is too hard of a temptation to resist. Can they find forever or will the friendship be on jeopardy?
May 8, 2016
This is a whole new author to me. But no more. Loved this book. If your looking for a fun fast read then this book is for you. Melody need to really learn to live for herself. Then her best friend Clark has alway loved life. Very hottttt book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
May 8, 2016
Review to follow
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October 15, 2023 disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This book has:
childhood friends-to-lovers
immense longing, tension, angst, pining
learning to trust again after heartbreak
In this book, we get to know Clark MacKinnon, who is trying to find a market for their family's hormone-free, grass-fed beef. His new assistant is his childhood best friend, Melody Santos, a Filipina American, who he has pined after forever! After her and her younger sister Harmony's father passed away, Clark's father Mr. MacKinnon promised to look after them and their mother, which led to Melody & Clark being partners-in-everything! Melody spent a decade in the city, and recently broke up with her eight-year-long boyfriend, and is nursing major trust issues.
So when Clark initiates a steamy night that goes beyond friendship, Melody is apprehensive but admits she wants it too, and thus they begin their journey in figuring out what their new relationship means. Clark has also always been a "player" so that really does not help her already looming trust issues.
I used to hate friends-to-lovers but I truly am so keen towards it now, especially with stories like this. This has been my favorite couple of this novella series so far! Clark has it soooo bad for Melody, and I just love to see Filipina women being loved up and worshipped like this lmao (That's my bias, I'm Filipina hehehe).
steam rating: 4/5
cw: grief, loss of parent, toxic relationship, breakup of 8-year-long-relationship
This book has:
childhood friends-to-lovers
immense longing, tension, angst, pining
learning to trust again after heartbreak
In this book, we get to know Clark MacKinnon, who is trying to find a market for their family's hormone-free, grass-fed beef. His new assistant is his childhood best friend, Melody Santos, a Filipina American, who he has pined after forever! After her and her younger sister Harmony's father passed away, Clark's father Mr. MacKinnon promised to look after them and their mother, which led to Melody & Clark being partners-in-everything! Melody spent a decade in the city, and recently broke up with her eight-year-long boyfriend, and is nursing major trust issues.
So when Clark initiates a steamy night that goes beyond friendship, Melody is apprehensive but admits she wants it too, and thus they begin their journey in figuring out what their new relationship means. Clark has also always been a "player" so that really does not help her already looming trust issues.
I used to hate friends-to-lovers but I truly am so keen towards it now, especially with stories like this. This has been my favorite couple of this novella series so far! Clark has it soooo bad for Melody, and I just love to see Filipina women being loved up and worshipped like this lmao (That's my bias, I'm Filipina hehehe).
steam rating: 4/5
cw: grief, loss of parent, toxic relationship, breakup of 8-year-long-relationship
March 21, 2021
Another quick novella and my first Mia Hopkins, which I picked up because it was rec'd in an IG post by @tiffanyreadsitall on books that celebrate Asian joy.
Melody is Filipina and has been best friends with Clark, who's been secretly pining for her forever. These two dummies finally hook up after promising it's one time only but of course it isn't because they can't stop thinking about each other. I was a bit annoyed with them because there's no good reason for them not to be together - Melody's issue was that she was still getting over the breakup of her 8yo relationship and grieving her mother's death, but Clark? I don't know what his problem was but he got his act together after talking to his grumpy older brother and mother and proposed on live TV, which I also wasn't keen on since Melody didn't strike me as someone who would be OK with such a public grand gesture but OK.
Reading Challenges
Mar/21: Dude Ranch square of Spring Break Romance Bingo
Mar/21: Clinch Cover square of #SpringIntoLove Bingo
Melody is Filipina and has been best friends with Clark, who's been secretly pining for her forever. These two dummies finally hook up after promising it's one time only but of course it isn't because they can't stop thinking about each other. I was a bit annoyed with them because there's no good reason for them not to be together - Melody's issue was that she was still getting over the breakup of her 8yo relationship and grieving her mother's death, but Clark? I don't know what his problem was but he got his act together after talking to his grumpy older brother and mother and proposed on live TV, which I also wasn't keen on since Melody didn't strike me as someone who would be OK with such a public grand gesture but OK.
Reading Challenges
Mar/21: Dude Ranch square of Spring Break Romance Bingo
Mar/21: Clinch Cover square of #SpringIntoLove Bingo
January 2, 2021
The heat is on….
Melody and Clark’s courtship had all the steam! This was a short novella yet packed in a lot of sizzle and relationship drama as the childhood friends strayed into lover territory…
Melody was taking of her younger sister and that involved being the designated driver when needed as well as helping financially. One of her many jobs had her in close proximity to Clark, a cowboy player if ever there was one. Clark was a bona-fide cowboy, trying to move his family’s ranch into the black. They liked each other until a single decision changed it all… And it was hot…
If you are in the mood for a friends to lovers story with all the sizzle you can handle, this is the book for you!
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
Melody and Clark’s courtship had all the steam! This was a short novella yet packed in a lot of sizzle and relationship drama as the childhood friends strayed into lover territory…
Melody was taking of her younger sister and that involved being the designated driver when needed as well as helping financially. One of her many jobs had her in close proximity to Clark, a cowboy player if ever there was one. Clark was a bona-fide cowboy, trying to move his family’s ranch into the black. They liked each other until a single decision changed it all… And it was hot…
If you are in the mood for a friends to lovers story with all the sizzle you can handle, this is the book for you!
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
November 20, 2019
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is a friends-to-lovers story that I liked, but I feel like I didn't know anything about their relationship. Maybe it was the short length, but it felt like I was getting crumbs when I wanted fork-fulls. This was my first read in this series, so maybe there was more in the first two?
It was enjoyable, just not as much content or context about their relationship as I usually like when this trope is used.
This is a friends-to-lovers story that I liked, but I feel like I didn't know anything about their relationship. Maybe it was the short length, but it felt like I was getting crumbs when I wanted fork-fulls. This was my first read in this series, so maybe there was more in the first two?
It was enjoyable, just not as much content or context about their relationship as I usually like when this trope is used.
August 19, 2020
I didn't love this one as much as the first two, solely because of the hero. I loved his personality, but had a hard time melding his love for Melody to his playboy side. The opening scene has him picking up women in front of the woman he's supposedly been in love with his whole life and regrets letting get away. This book could probably have benefited more as a full length novel and not a novella.
October 17, 2021
Loved it! Love with a lot of steam! Plus the heroine was Filipina so, yeah, big big plus! Melody and Clark grew up together in the McKinnon ranch and it took one night of eye-balling for Melody to open her blinders. Clark had the hats for her since they were kids so it’s only Melody who I am waiting for to develop her character. It was a bumpy ride with some misunderstanding but their love for each other triumphed.
November 16, 2025
Rating: 4/5
This is short and sweet, and I loved seeing a Filipina farm girl in California find a cowboy to take care of her! Do I entirely buy this final grand gesture? Not *entirely,* but I'm also a grump about public grand gestures generally, and I always want a bit more time for a rake to really evidence his reformation on page. That said, this was so hot and fun, and I can't wait to read Harmony and Lucky's story next!
This is short and sweet, and I loved seeing a Filipina farm girl in California find a cowboy to take care of her! Do I entirely buy this final grand gesture? Not *entirely,* but I'm also a grump about public grand gestures generally, and I always want a bit more time for a rake to really evidence his reformation on page. That said, this was so hot and fun, and I can't wait to read Harmony and Lucky's story next!
January 15, 2018
Not a regular reader of erotic romance so probably not the best reviewer of this book. But I like my books to have a good plot and this is lacking in this short (118 pgs) story. Sex was decent however.
November 7, 2019
This story needs a slower burn. (Can't believe I actually typed that.)
Live tweet thread: https://twitter.com/BookThingo/status... #CowboyPlayer
Live tweet thread: https://twitter.com/BookThingo/status... #CowboyPlayer
June 27, 2025
I unapologetically love this.
June 29, 2016
I love this book so, so, so much.
Cowboy Player is book #3 in Mia Hopkins's Cowboy Cocktail series, but it can be read as a standalone. This was my first time reading anything by Mia Hopkins--I haven't read books #1 and #2, but I had no trouble following the story. However, I plan on going back and reading the others because Cowboy Player is one of my new favorite books. I love everything about it.
Melody Santos is back in her small hometown of Oleander, CA. She spent the past eight years of her life with her ex-boyfriend, who ultimately broke her heart. In addition, she's grieving the death of her mother while also helping to support her younger sister.
Melody's best friend growing up, Clark MacKinnon, is a local cattle rancher. His family's ranch specializes in grass-fed beef and Clark is hoping to acquire some lucrative contracts. When Melody comes back to town, she helps Clark promote the ranch at farmers markets.
Growing up, Clark always had a crush on Melody, but he never pursued it because they're best friends and he didn't want to ruin that relationship. Additionally, Clark has quite a reputation for being a player--a real ladies' man. In fact, he's never had a serious girlfriend before. But when Melody comes back into his life, suddenly Clark entertains the possibility that he could become a one-woman kind of man.
Since she's still reeling from heartbreak, Melody is not so easily convinced. She loves her best friend, but she knows he's still a player. She's also intensely attracted to him. One night, the chemistry is too strong and massive sparks fly between them. They spend the night together for the first time and it changes everything. They agree that what they have together can't last because of Melody's trust issues and Clark's inexperience with commitment. Their arrangement is temporary, so they're determined to enjoy it in the meantime. Because best friends can't stay lovers permanently...can they?
I adored both characters. I think Melody is probably the first Filipino heroine I've read in a romance novel and I wanted to make jazz hands every time a Filipino reference was made. I'm talking about Tagalog phrases and adobo dinners. Not to go on too much of a crazy tangent--oh hey, why not--but this is exactly why we need diverse books: in many ways, this heroine reminded me of myself and that's something I rarely, if ever, get to say.
Aside from this, Melody is just plain sweet. She looks out for her younger sister, constantly making sure that she's on the right track and has everything she needs, like a car and rent money. In the wake of losing their mother, Melody steps in as a type of maternal figure for her sister and it's very touching. Melody is someone who deserves real love.
I know that Clark has a reputation for being a ladies' man, but I found him very appealing simply because of the way that he treats Melody: with respect and consideration. As her best friend, he cares about her well being and wants her to be happy. After they become involved sexually, he only has eyes for her and stops sleeping around immediately. It's not long before Clark realizes that he's falling in love for the first time...with his best friend. But can Melody admit that she's doing the same?
The book is novella length, but it's fast-paced and has a rich depth of emotion within the story. Because Melody and Clark have so much history between them, I found the transition from friends to lovers believable.
Cowboy Player has humor, heart, and it's a combination that's hard to pull off: sweet and filthy at the same time, just the way I like it. This book made me so happy and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Cowboy Player is book #3 in Mia Hopkins's Cowboy Cocktail series, but it can be read as a standalone. This was my first time reading anything by Mia Hopkins--I haven't read books #1 and #2, but I had no trouble following the story. However, I plan on going back and reading the others because Cowboy Player is one of my new favorite books. I love everything about it.
Melody Santos is back in her small hometown of Oleander, CA. She spent the past eight years of her life with her ex-boyfriend, who ultimately broke her heart. In addition, she's grieving the death of her mother while also helping to support her younger sister.
Melody's best friend growing up, Clark MacKinnon, is a local cattle rancher. His family's ranch specializes in grass-fed beef and Clark is hoping to acquire some lucrative contracts. When Melody comes back to town, she helps Clark promote the ranch at farmers markets.
Growing up, Clark always had a crush on Melody, but he never pursued it because they're best friends and he didn't want to ruin that relationship. Additionally, Clark has quite a reputation for being a player--a real ladies' man. In fact, he's never had a serious girlfriend before. But when Melody comes back into his life, suddenly Clark entertains the possibility that he could become a one-woman kind of man.
Since she's still reeling from heartbreak, Melody is not so easily convinced. She loves her best friend, but she knows he's still a player. She's also intensely attracted to him. One night, the chemistry is too strong and massive sparks fly between them. They spend the night together for the first time and it changes everything. They agree that what they have together can't last because of Melody's trust issues and Clark's inexperience with commitment. Their arrangement is temporary, so they're determined to enjoy it in the meantime. Because best friends can't stay lovers permanently...can they?
I adored both characters. I think Melody is probably the first Filipino heroine I've read in a romance novel and I wanted to make jazz hands every time a Filipino reference was made. I'm talking about Tagalog phrases and adobo dinners. Not to go on too much of a crazy tangent--oh hey, why not--but this is exactly why we need diverse books: in many ways, this heroine reminded me of myself and that's something I rarely, if ever, get to say.
Aside from this, Melody is just plain sweet. She looks out for her younger sister, constantly making sure that she's on the right track and has everything she needs, like a car and rent money. In the wake of losing their mother, Melody steps in as a type of maternal figure for her sister and it's very touching. Melody is someone who deserves real love.
I know that Clark has a reputation for being a ladies' man, but I found him very appealing simply because of the way that he treats Melody: with respect and consideration. As her best friend, he cares about her well being and wants her to be happy. After they become involved sexually, he only has eyes for her and stops sleeping around immediately. It's not long before Clark realizes that he's falling in love for the first time...with his best friend. But can Melody admit that she's doing the same?
The book is novella length, but it's fast-paced and has a rich depth of emotion within the story. Because Melody and Clark have so much history between them, I found the transition from friends to lovers believable.
Cowboy Player has humor, heart, and it's a combination that's hard to pull off: sweet and filthy at the same time, just the way I like it. This book made me so happy and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
July 6, 2016
The MacKinnon family farm has always seemed like home to Melody and Harmony Santos. You see their father was the foreman there. But when he passed away the family was taken under the wing of the MacKinnon’s. They were there for every holiday or event. Melody and Clark were the closest in age of the three MacKinnon boys. So the two of them did everything together. Melody could give as good as she got. Even in her Sunday best.
Clark always had a soft spot for her though he never told anyone. So whenever one of their pranks backfired he made sure to take the heat for their actions. Both Clark and Melody were smart as whips and would challenge each other to be better. He always knew his heart was hers. Yet, his brothers were both heartbreakers and he had a rep to uphold like them being he was told he was handsome just like them. So around his junior high years he came into his own so their friendship wasn’t as close as it once had been.
Melody had her own way of getting back him back on even ground and letting him know his head was getting to big for his own good. She would do things like sign him up for the academic decathlon and things like that to keep him grounded. He decided that for college he would stick to a local one. Where for Melody she decided she would be going to San Diego to get herself a teaching degree. The thing that bummed him out was that he still hadn’t told her how he felt about her. With her going away he just figured he would wait that he would just tell her when she came back.
The thing is Melody didn’t come back. She ended up staying in San Diego for eight years once she met a guy and moved in with him. Until her mother passed away from pneumonia. That is when her douche bag ex says he’s breaking up with her and oh yeah by the way I’m in love with someone else and we are getting married. This is the same guy who had told her for eight years that he didn’t believe in marriage.
So she ends up back home working three jobs, to help pay off her mom’s medical bills, her sister’s loans, and a place for her sister to live until she is on her feet as a nurse. You see her sister just graduated from the nursing program and got a new job. But until she is up and running and gets her first check Melody feels she needs to help out like her mom would have done. One of the jobs she is working is on helping Clark selling meat at farmer’s market. The thing that is a little unsettling is that there is some mild flirting going on with Clark which is a whole lot of weird.
I totally enjoyed this book. The chemistry between these two characters is hot and off the charts. The way they banter and the sexual frustration, growl! But the love scenes were tasteful and just that love scenes. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Clark always had a soft spot for her though he never told anyone. So whenever one of their pranks backfired he made sure to take the heat for their actions. Both Clark and Melody were smart as whips and would challenge each other to be better. He always knew his heart was hers. Yet, his brothers were both heartbreakers and he had a rep to uphold like them being he was told he was handsome just like them. So around his junior high years he came into his own so their friendship wasn’t as close as it once had been.
Melody had her own way of getting back him back on even ground and letting him know his head was getting to big for his own good. She would do things like sign him up for the academic decathlon and things like that to keep him grounded. He decided that for college he would stick to a local one. Where for Melody she decided she would be going to San Diego to get herself a teaching degree. The thing that bummed him out was that he still hadn’t told her how he felt about her. With her going away he just figured he would wait that he would just tell her when she came back.
The thing is Melody didn’t come back. She ended up staying in San Diego for eight years once she met a guy and moved in with him. Until her mother passed away from pneumonia. That is when her douche bag ex says he’s breaking up with her and oh yeah by the way I’m in love with someone else and we are getting married. This is the same guy who had told her for eight years that he didn’t believe in marriage.
So she ends up back home working three jobs, to help pay off her mom’s medical bills, her sister’s loans, and a place for her sister to live until she is on her feet as a nurse. You see her sister just graduated from the nursing program and got a new job. But until she is up and running and gets her first check Melody feels she needs to help out like her mom would have done. One of the jobs she is working is on helping Clark selling meat at farmer’s market. The thing that is a little unsettling is that there is some mild flirting going on with Clark which is a whole lot of weird.
I totally enjoyed this book. The chemistry between these two characters is hot and off the charts. The way they banter and the sexual frustration, growl! But the love scenes were tasteful and just that love scenes. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
June 26, 2016
I haven't read the previous books in the Cowboy Cocktail series but that's something I'll be doing ASAP!!! Cowboy Player was a fun, sexy, flirty friends-to-lovers read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Melody Santos is a hardworking sassy but sweet twenty-something who has moved home to take care of her younger sister, Harmony. To do this she is working a few jobs, one of which is with her best friend from childhood, Clark (aka Superman!). Clark MacKinnon is hardworking, fun and smokin' HOT!! He's dedicated to keeping his family's farm business stay afloat and he seems like a really good guy but he definitely comes across as a player - he flirts with most females and is never short of admirers who are all too willing to fall for his charms - only Melody seems to be the exception and immune to his flirting.... or is she?
Clark didn't seem too interested in his bestie until she started flirting with a buddy of his, then things changed... Unknown to Melody, 'Superman' has always had a thing for her so he's more than keen to take things further and explore the possibilities of being more than just friends.
The relationship between this pair was comfortable and easy, even after Melody being away from home for 8 years. When things change, we find that together they are scorching hot. They work really well and would make a great couple (in and out of the bedroom) but due to trust issues and past problems with her ex, we aren't sure that Melody can overcome her fears and doubts and take a chance on something more with Clark.
I really wanted things to work for these two - they were fun and I liked both characters a lot. Harmony, Mel's little sister was a bit of a pain but not too much that it took away from my enjoyment of the book. Clark's brothers also feature in the story and they seem to be as charming and attractive as him... (just another reason to go back and check out the earlier books ;) )
This was a quick afternoon read. Mia Hopkins gave us likeable, relatable characters, an interesting story with a touch of 'will they, won't they', a bit of sweet and a whole lot of hot & sexy!!!
A solid 4* read in my opinion and one I'd definitely recommend!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Melody Santos is a hardworking sassy but sweet twenty-something who has moved home to take care of her younger sister, Harmony. To do this she is working a few jobs, one of which is with her best friend from childhood, Clark (aka Superman!). Clark MacKinnon is hardworking, fun and smokin' HOT!! He's dedicated to keeping his family's farm business stay afloat and he seems like a really good guy but he definitely comes across as a player - he flirts with most females and is never short of admirers who are all too willing to fall for his charms - only Melody seems to be the exception and immune to his flirting.... or is she?
Clark didn't seem too interested in his bestie until she started flirting with a buddy of his, then things changed... Unknown to Melody, 'Superman' has always had a thing for her so he's more than keen to take things further and explore the possibilities of being more than just friends.
The relationship between this pair was comfortable and easy, even after Melody being away from home for 8 years. When things change, we find that together they are scorching hot. They work really well and would make a great couple (in and out of the bedroom) but due to trust issues and past problems with her ex, we aren't sure that Melody can overcome her fears and doubts and take a chance on something more with Clark.
I really wanted things to work for these two - they were fun and I liked both characters a lot. Harmony, Mel's little sister was a bit of a pain but not too much that it took away from my enjoyment of the book. Clark's brothers also feature in the story and they seem to be as charming and attractive as him... (just another reason to go back and check out the earlier books ;) )
This was a quick afternoon read. Mia Hopkins gave us likeable, relatable characters, an interesting story with a touch of 'will they, won't they', a bit of sweet and a whole lot of hot & sexy!!!
A solid 4* read in my opinion and one I'd definitely recommend!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 30, 2016
Cowboy Player is the third book in the Cowboy Cocktail series of erotic novellas which features the MacKinnon brothers. This is Clark MacKinnon and Melody’s story. Each can be read as a standalone.
This was a short and extremely sexy story of best friends becoming lovers, one of my favourite tropes in romance.
Melody has returned back to her home town of Oleander after eight years away. She is now firmly back in the community and establishing her friendship with Clark by working for him. However the close proximity is bringing forward different emotions of how she is feeling about her best friend but then on a night out she discovers he is feeling the same way too.
The pair quickly agree to let these new feelings of passion for each other to be unleashed and oh my how hot it got between them. As in all good romances though there is always that bit of hesitation, a bit of angst to hinder the ride to a sweet HEA and in this case it is Melody’s trust issues due to her past relationship and Clark’s reputation with the ladies.
This book is my favourite in the series and I loved how this author really builds up the passionate intensity and chemistry between the two lovers. She capitalises on all the senses by describing in detail of the feelings, the touch, the smells but most of all the sounds of sex. A lot of authors miss out this key sense of sound as this is one of the most alluring parts of a great hot sex scene. It was sensationally steamy!
If you are looking for a quick, hot sexy but romantic read of best friends becoming lovers and more then this is one I would recommend. Four and a half stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the publishers Samhain Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short and extremely sexy story of best friends becoming lovers, one of my favourite tropes in romance.
Melody has returned back to her home town of Oleander after eight years away. She is now firmly back in the community and establishing her friendship with Clark by working for him. However the close proximity is bringing forward different emotions of how she is feeling about her best friend but then on a night out she discovers he is feeling the same way too.
The pair quickly agree to let these new feelings of passion for each other to be unleashed and oh my how hot it got between them. As in all good romances though there is always that bit of hesitation, a bit of angst to hinder the ride to a sweet HEA and in this case it is Melody’s trust issues due to her past relationship and Clark’s reputation with the ladies.
This book is my favourite in the series and I loved how this author really builds up the passionate intensity and chemistry between the two lovers. She capitalises on all the senses by describing in detail of the feelings, the touch, the smells but most of all the sounds of sex. A lot of authors miss out this key sense of sound as this is one of the most alluring parts of a great hot sex scene. It was sensationally steamy!
If you are looking for a quick, hot sexy but romantic read of best friends becoming lovers and more then this is one I would recommend. Four and a half stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the publishers Samhain Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2016
Melody Santos has to move back home to take care of her younger sister after both of her parents have passed. Now home after eight years and thinking she would have a guy who would want her for her she finds herself alone and working for the MacKinnon’s. The same family that hired her father so many years ago. Working along with Clark who is working at starting to branch out the natural grass fed beef line to restaurants. They first must travel to the central coast to sell the beef at the local framers markets. Clark and Melody have always been friends growing up together on the ranch, but when a friend who is a chief takes a flirting interest in Melody, Clark now is wanting Melody for himself. How does he convince her is the question? Fate works in his favor when Melody needs help with getting her sister home from the local bar after too much to drink celebrating her graduation of becoming a nurse, RN. Talking he comes up with a plan for the rest of the night for just the two of them and for her it is perfect. The problem of course the night of intense hot sex is over the top for both of them and when he gets a phone call in the morning to leave because his father is on chemo and sick he does not want to wake her and instead leaves a message with Harmony. Two weeks go by and his brothers are ready to kill him because he is a bigger pain than normal. When he finally is able to talk to her she is equally scared but agrees to go with him to a meeting for a contract to become a supplier for some major restaurants. Will they be able to work through this or will their friendship be ruin. Read this hot and steamy book for the details. A very good story. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 30, 2016
After her mother passes away Melody Santos returns home to help support her sister Harmony and take care of her mother's affairs; but instead of supporting her, her long term boyfriend Scott uses it as an excuse to break up. But now Melody is working as many odd jobs as she can to help put her sister through college. One of those jobs just so happens to be working for the player extraordinaire! Clark MacKinnon; the man was the ultimate chick magnet. But that didn't stop Melody from craving him, common sense did.
Clark MacKinnon had know Melody since they were kids, when her father worked on his parents ranch, and now she is back in his life, well working for him and despite of his player behavior, this cowboy knew that his feeling for Melody went deeper than that.
But after one night together Melody freaks out and quits! And Clark jumps through hoops to keep her in his life! But will Melody believe that this Cowboy Player is willing to hang up his spurs for her.
The plot of Cowboy Player is light and flirty, but it does deeper side when Clark shares his feeling with Melody. I have to admit that even though I thoroughly enjoyed Clark and Melody's characters, Harmony and Lucky's characters truly stole the book for me and I truly hope they will get their own book.
Mia Hopkins is a completely new author to me and quite honestly I enjoyed her writing style and I would be eager to read the next book in this series.
I give Cowboy Player 4 stars!
Clark MacKinnon had know Melody since they were kids, when her father worked on his parents ranch, and now she is back in his life, well working for him and despite of his player behavior, this cowboy knew that his feeling for Melody went deeper than that.
But after one night together Melody freaks out and quits! And Clark jumps through hoops to keep her in his life! But will Melody believe that this Cowboy Player is willing to hang up his spurs for her.
The plot of Cowboy Player is light and flirty, but it does deeper side when Clark shares his feeling with Melody. I have to admit that even though I thoroughly enjoyed Clark and Melody's characters, Harmony and Lucky's characters truly stole the book for me and I truly hope they will get their own book.
Mia Hopkins is a completely new author to me and quite honestly I enjoyed her writing style and I would be eager to read the next book in this series.
I give Cowboy Player 4 stars!
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