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When it comes to romance books, everyone has their favorite tropes. From enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers to childhood sweethearts reuniting and second-chance romance, there’s no shortage of love stories to get lost in. But one type of romance I just can’t get enough of? Cowboy romance books. Whether you’ve ever even stepped foot on a ranch or you’re a rodeo regular, we can all appreciate the signature swagger that comes with boots and a hat. After binge-watching Yellowstone and playing Cowboy Carter on repeat, my Western obsession has officially made its way to my bookshelf. I mean, who doesn’t love a grumpy cowboy working the land (and the muscles that come with it)? Bonus points if he really knows how to ride a horse—especially when the shirts come off and things start to get a little steamy.
If you’re ready to ride off into the sunset (aka enter your cowboy era) and crack open a book full of grit, fall for a rugged love interest, and get lost in a gorgeous Western setting, I have rounded up the perfect reads for you. Keep reading for the 14 best cowboy romance books to add to your “want to read” list. You know what they say: Save a horse, ride a cowboy.
Elsie Silver Wild Eyes
As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press, it’s hard for Skylar Stone to find any peace. But she finds it in Rose Hill with Weston Belmont and his two children. While Skylar’s brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible…her heart says she’s right where she belongs. Still, her life as a celebrity haunts her. She wants to stay. But she knows better than anyone that you don’t always get what you want. Wild Eyes is the second book set in the Rose Hill world, but they can be read in any order.
Lyla Sage Lost and Lassoed
Teddy Andersen has never had a plan, and it’s never been a problem until now. She starts wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore. Gus Ryder doesn’t know what’s harder: taking care of his family’s ranch or parenting his six-year-old daughter. He needs help. His little sister’s best friend, who he hates, is not who he had in mind. But Teddy’s the only option he’s got. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. The Rebel Blue Ranch series can be read in any order.
Sarah Gailey Upright Women Wanted
Esther has hidden herself away in the Librarian’s book wagon in an attempt to escape the marriage her father has arranged for her—a marriage to the man who was previously engaged to her best friend. Her best friend who she was in love with. Her best friend who was just executed for possession of resistance propaganda. ‘Upright Women Wanted’ is set in a dystopian future where the American Southwest is full of bandits, fascists, and queer librarian spies on horseback trying to do the right thing.
Elliott Rose Chasing the Wild
Layla Birch has always done what was expected of her. Only, she didn’t count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice her age. He’s her dream man. One who takes care of her, gives her a job, and makes her pulse thud harder every time he comes near. Her ex-boyfriend’s father. The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between them, they’re both inching closer to a line they shouldn’t cross. Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at her with longing in his eyes.
Paisley Hope Holding the Reins
CeCe Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life. She’s returning to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, and to her family’s equestrian ranch, unsure of what the future holds. Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars, is Laurel Creek’s hometown hero. It’s been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers. So, when CeCe needs a job, he feels drawn to help her. Nash can’t seem to take his eyes off of his best friend’s sister, and it seems she’s been staring right back.
Rebekah Weatherspoon A Thorn in the Saddle
After Ranch owner Jesse Pleasant’s temper gets the best of him one time too many, he thinks he’s cursed to be alone. But when the Senate selection committee looks for a man of his public standing, he knows this might be his chance to prove to his family that he can keep his cool. The only problem? His people skills are lacking. Former tech consultant Lily-Grace Leroux has had it up to her hat with hot-tempered men who think they know what’s best. But after Lily-Grace learns of Jesse’s softer side, one thing becomes clear: while Jesse Pleasant isn’t ready for public office, he might be ready for love.
Jessica Peterson Cash
Mollie and her dad have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, she inherits his massive cattle ranch when he dies. However, she’s required to live on the ranch and actively manage it for a year before she can access her inheritance. As a city girl, she never imagined moving back to cowboy country. She also has to put up with the ranch’s foreman, grumpy cowboy Cash Rivers. They’re enemies from the get-go. But turns out, Cash has strong hands, an intelligent mind, and let’s just say everything really is bigger in Texas.
Bailey Hannah Alive and Wells
City girl Cecily Kennedy never expected to step foot on a cattle ranch, but when her strained marriage takes a violent turn, a kind friend offers her a job and refuge at Wells Ranch. Ranch life is hard enough without her new boss, Austin Wells, sending mixed signals about whether he wants her or hates her. But when Cecily’s troubled past threatens her safe haven, Austin realizes that somewhere between their trail rides and late night talks, she’s branded herself on his heart.
Roxie Noir Ride
Photographing the World Rodeo Championships is the chance of a lifetime. There are only a couple of rules: don’t get in the way, don’t get trampled, and don’t get frisky with the cowboys. As if Mae needs to be told. She’s here to make a name for herself. She doesn’t care how charming Jackson Cody, two-time World Rodeo Champion, might be. Even if it turns out he does remember their brief encounter all those years ago when she was dumb and drunk. And especially not if he wants to re-start right where they left off.
Beverly Jenkins Wild Rain
Spring Lee is proud of working her ranch alone and she isn’t going to share it with a stranger. Garrett escaped slavery years ago and is now a reporter in Washington. He’s traveled west to interview Dr. Colton Lee for an article, yet it’s Lee’s sister, Spring, who captures his interest. Clad in denim and buckskins instead of dresses, she’s the most fascinating woman he’s ever met. And he’s certain she also feels the connection that sizzles between them. But when a shadow from Spring’s past returns, her ranch, her safety, and their love are on the line.
Maggie Gates Dust Storm
To be clear, Cassandra didn’t want to be Christian Griffith’s problem. But there she was: exiled from New York, stranded on a cattle ranch, and desperate to salvage what was left of her career. Living with a single dad and his daughters was a downgrade from her high-rise office and city comforts, but she agreed to it for one simple reason: to save her job. A hot cowboy wasn’t going to lasso her into staying a second longer than necessary.
Kayla Grosse Rein Me In
Blake never thought she’d return to her hometown after her brother Reed died in a tragic accident. But when her mom gets injured, she comes home to help out on her family’s ranch. When Blake reluctantly agrees to attend a charity “date auction” at the local bar, she figures supporting the family of her late brother’s best friend is the right thing to do. Only Gavin is no longer the sweet young boy she remembers, and when he challenges her to ride the mechanical bull in front of the whole town, what choice does she have but to saddle up. There’s no way in hell she’s letting that cowboy hold the reins.
Lauren Landish Buck Wild
Bull rider James Bennett lives for those eight seconds of exhilaration. A rodeo cowboy in his prime, all he wants out of life is something to straddle. That’s why James is feeling a little restless, spending his summer off working his family’s ranch. That is, until a spirited and gorgeous veterinarian-in-training shows up and puts the cocky wild boy–and his ego–in place. Though she’s a feisty one, James is always up for a challenge.
Ellen O’Connell Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold
Anne Wells has embarrassed her rigidly proper family since she was a child. They blame her unladylike lapses on the fact that she is a spinster at 28 (a big deal in 1885). Cord Bennett is more than an embarrassment to his well-to-do family of ranchers and lawyers. When Anne and Cord are found alone together, her father’s fury leads to violence. Cord’s family is more than willing to believe that the fault is his. Can Anne and Cord use the freedom of being condemned for sins they didn’t commit to make a life together?
Lorraine Heath Texas Destiny
Anxious to meet her soon-to-be husband, Dallas Leigh, for the first time, mail-order bride Amelia Carson is en route to Fort Worth, Texas. Dallas’s brother Houston has been sent to accompany her on the three-week journey to the ranch where she’ll begin her new life. Denying his intense attraction to Amelia, he is determined to deliver her untouched, as promised. But during their long dangerous trip, he can’t help but admire her inner strength and fearlessness. Houston must choose to remain loyal to his brother—or find the courage to fight for the woman he’s convinced is his destiny.
Amy Barry Kit McBride Gets a Wife
Kit McBride knows that Buck’s Creek, Montana, is no place to find a wife. But unbeknownst to Kit, his sister is sick to death of caring for her big brothers, so she places an ad in The Matrimonial News to get them hitched. After Maddy Mooney emigrated from Ireland, she found employment with an eccentric but poor widow. When her mistress decides to answer an ad for a mail-order bride, Maddy is dragged along for the ride to Montana. But on the way, Maddy is suddenly abandoned and left to assume the widow’s name, position, and matrimonial prospects.
Ava Hunter Tame the Heart
Keeping her heart guarded has never been an issue for Ruby Bloom. Until Charlie Montgomery saves her in a bar fight. Calloused hands, stubborn heart, the definition of a true cowboy. He dislikes her from the second they meet. She tries to keep her distance, but in a small town that distance doesn’t last long. Because she owes him a favor: Work for him for three months and help him save his home. But their close confines means she see what’s under all that strong. Beneath his mile-wide chest beats a tender heart. One that slowly starts to beat for her.
