Being a cowboy has anything to do with a hat or dress-up. It’s a spirit and attitude. The Spirit of a cowboy is what made a country independent or made it great. It’s a spirit of sacrifice that has a great work ethic. The life of a cowboy in the 1800s was a full plate of hard work, danger, and monotony, with a heaping helping of dust, snakes, bugs, and beans on the side. But today, their lifestyle is so different and modern. Also, their love story or romance differs from other stories, giving you a cultural view with professional details.
As a passionate lover of literature, I have always been drawn to the enchanting world of romance novels. There is something undeniably captivating about the power of love and the longing for a happily-ever-after. And when it comes to romance novels, few settings evoke as much excitement and intrigue as the Wild West. Cowboy romances, with their rugged heroes, spirited heroines, and sweeping landscapes, have a timeless allure that continues to captivate readers across the globe.
One of the main reasons why cowboy romances have stood the test of time is the irresistible appeal of the Wild West setting. The vast, untamed landscapes of the American frontier provide the perfect backdrop for tales of love, adventure, and self-discovery. From the rolling plains of Texas to the majestic mountains of Montana, these stories transport readers to a bygone era where life was simpler yet filled with danger and excitement.
Within the pages of cowboy romance, we can immerse ourselves in a world where cowboys still roam the open range, fiercely protecting their land and loved ones. The allure of the Wild West lies in its untamed nature, where the rules are different, and the possibilities are endless. It is a place where honor, courage, and resilience are valued above all else and where love can blossom amidst the ruggedness of the frontier.
10 Cowboy Romance Novels
Cowboys are typically portrayed as strong, independent, and honorable characters. Their ruggedness and connection to nature make them appealing romantic heroes. They embody traditional masculine virtues such as courage, loyalty, and protectiveness, which attract many readers.
Cowboy romance is set very well in the Western romance category. There are many movies and books available on the internet for their popularity. To know about historical Western culture, you must read about cowboys. So, it is popular among romance readers and history and culture readers. You will love my top 10 cowboy romance novels recommendation. Let’s start!
| Name | Key Focus | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| Second Chance Cowboy by A.J. Pine | A contemporary romance novel featuring a heartfelt story of love rekindled between a cowboy and his first love, set against the backdrop of a small-town ranch. | Second-chance romance, cowboy hero, small-town setting, first love revisited, ranch life, emotional healing, western romance, overcoming past hurts, rural backdrop, family dynamics, redemption themes. |
| The Cowboy Next Door by R.C. Ryan | A contemporary Western romance novel that revolves around a strong-willed woman and a rugged cowboy, exploring themes of love, trust, and the healing power of community in a small-town setting. | Small-town charm, rugged hero, independent heroine, community bonds, family legacy, western setting, emotional barriers, trust and vulnerability, overcoming personal challenges, picturesque ranch life. |
| Justified by Jay Crownover | A romance novel that intertwines themes of suspense, law enforcement, and second chances, focusing on a complex relationship between a dedicated sheriff and a determined attorney in a small Texas town. | Law enforcement hero, attorney heroine, small-town setting, second-chance romance, suspenseful plot, Texas backdrop, troubled past, courtroom drama, protective instincts, emotional tension, community dynamics. |
| Cowboy Bold by Carolyn Brown | A contemporary Western romance novel that explores the blossoming love between a rugged cowboy and a caring summer camp counselor, set against the backdrop of a ranch and summer camp in Texas. | Summer camp setting, Texas ranch, city girl meets country boy, heartwarming love story, community and family, personal growth, rural charm, summer romance, strong male lead, nurturing female protagonist. |
| Christmas with a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown | A heartwarming holiday romance set on an Oklahoma ranch, where a cowboy and a spirited woman find love and healing amidst festive Christmas traditions. | Christmas setting, holiday spirit, ranch life, small-town charm, unexpected love, festive atmosphere, family reunions, winter romance, heartwarming narrative, healing through love. |
| Big Bad Cowboy by Carly Bloom | A romance novel set in Texas, where a tough cowboy and a determined landscape designer navigate their complicated past, sizzling chemistry, and small-town dynamics. | Small-town setting, second-chance romance, childhood acquaintances, Texas backdrop, strong male lead, independent female protagonist, romantic tension, family dynamics, humor, community involvement. |
| Rocky Mountain Heat by Lori Wilde | A novel set in the scenic Rocky Mountains, where a city woman and a rugged cowboy navigate an unexpected romance filled with passion, challenges, and healing. | Mountain setting, city girl-country boy dynamic, passionate love story, healing journey, scenic backdrop, small-town charm, personal growth, family bonds, emotional healing, nature’s beauty. |
| One Tough Cowboy by Lora Leigh | A steamy contemporary romance novel featuring a strong-willed sheriff and a determined woman uncovering dark secrets in a small town, with themes of justice, passion, and danger. | Law enforcement hero, small-town mystery, tough cowboy, romance and suspense, corruption and crime, strong female lead, protective instincts, steamy encounters, justice pursuit, hidden secrets, danger and intrigue. |
| A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon | A romance that blends amnesia, second chances, and heartfelt emotions, set against the backdrop of a lush California ranch and the world of professional cowboys. | Amnesia plot, Hollywood glamour, second-chance love, ranch setting, memory loss, childhood friends to lovers, California backdrop, emotional healing, celebrity lifestyle, family dynamics. |
| The Cowboy’s Secret Baby by Monica Castle | A love story that explores themes of unexpected parenthood, second chances, and enduring love, set against the backdrop of ranch life. | Secret baby, second-chance love, ranch setting, family secrets, small-town dynamics, unexpected parenthood, emotional reconciliation, love rekindled, personal growth, family bonds. |
1. Second Chance Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch)
This book follows a series of brothers who inherit a ranch from their family, each with different backgrounds. But I like how their ranch operates because they expand things more than a ranch. So it’s well done and well handled.
The first book is about Jack (Cowboy) and Ava and their second chance romance. They knew each other in high school, where they dealt with a lot. They ended up breaking up, dealing with things separately, and then they’ve been reacquainted and are coming back together.
Author: A.J. Pine
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Small Town & Rural Fiction
Number Of Pages: 321
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
2. The Cowboy Next Door (Montana Strong)
This book takes place in Montana, and it is another fun, solid cowboy series in this book right here. The story follows a cowboy, Sam, and Penny. Penny is down on her luck and ends up working for the guy’s family, and Sam returns after a long time. So he notices her, and things escalate from there. It’s a forced proximity situation.
If you want more in-depth details about Western culture, try this one. It takes place in Hollow Creek, but this is the Montana Strong series, and I enjoyed it. So, definitely give this one a try.
Author: R.C. Ryan
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Women’s Sagas
Number Of Pages: 349
Available: Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
3. Justified (Loveless, Texas)
We’re following a family of siblings whose family dynamic is messed up in this one. Their mom dies when they’re very young, and their dad is a corrupt cop. So they’re dealing with Community expectations of their family and their family dynamic. Then, the people fit into this category. Unforgiven is the second novel.
We follow Case (Cowboy) and Aspen. Aspen is on the run and scared for her life, while Case is the one who ends up taking care of her. So, if you’re looking for a good, smutty western cowboy romance, this one is for you.
Author: Jay Crownover
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Southern Fiction
Number Of Pages: 433
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
4. Cowboy Bold (Longhorn Canyon)
This is the first book of the Longhorn Canyon series that interested me in Western romances. The story concerns a handsome cowboy, Cade, and a beautiful Retta. Their family has this summer retreat for kids down on their luck. So Retta is hired to help with that. She and Cade end up in that forced proximity living thing. I love it when cowboy romances do this.
So Retta slowly is indoctrinated into the family while they like a bloom in their relationship. Also, they find ways to pull each other apart, as is common in any romance, but this one is enjoyable.
Author: Carolyn Brown
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Sibling Fiction, Women’s Sagas
Number Of Pages: 237
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5. Christmas with a Cowboy
Our hero is a popular cowboy, and his name is Maverick. He’s an Irish guy who goes home to Ireland to stay with his grandmother. Here, the woman he had a one-night stand with, Ireland, ends up coming and staying with his grandmother. The girl’s grandma and Maverick’s grandma were best friends.
So, these two had no clue that they were still connected. It’s a different take on a single-parent romance. You will like how that one plays out, but all of them are good. The smut factor isn’t super high in these, and it deals with Christmas fun.
Author: Carolyn Brown
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Holiday Fiction
Number Of Pages: 449
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
6. Big Bad Cowboy (Once Upon a Time in Texas)
This one is a down-and-dirty, smutty western romance series. We’re following different family dynamics; this one, we’re following Travis (Cowboy) and Maggie. There’s a weird take on a single-parent romance as well. But I enjoyed the second book in the series better than this one. That one follows a couple that we see here and are hinted at.
But that one’s a second chance romance and not forced living proximity love. You get to see the weird, crazy neighbor next door situation, and it’s handled well. If you like the enemy-to-lover romance with an angsty plot, this book is for you.
Author: Carly Bloom
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Western Romances, Mythology & Folk Tales
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
7. Rocky Mountain Heat (Wedding Veil Wishes)
This book is a very steamy, fated lovers-style romance, and it’s more small-town than cowboy, but it does fit. There are cowboy-related things around it, but we’re dealing with grief and loss of a loved one and moving on from that in this one. So it’s heavier but still well done.
Our heroine’s attorney doesn’t believe in true love. On the other hand, our cowboy hero, Tuck Manning, cares for his dying wife. For their work purpose, they are roommates. At first, the Attorney fights with Tuch for small reasons, but they slowly fall in love with each other.
Author: Lori Wilde
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Humorous Erotica
Number Of Pages: 404
Available: Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
8. One Tough Cowboy (Moving Violations)
This is the beginning of a new series, the Moving Violation series, but it doesn’t have the books that will be coming on. There’s a trigger warning for sexual assault. The story is about a cowboy named Hunter. He was in the army, and he’s sheriff now. There’s some stuff going on, and his uncle was killed, and they made it look like an accident. So he’s trying to figure out what’s going on.
Our heroine, Sam, moves back to town from Detroit, and she’s a cop. She transfers there, and there’s tons of mush and all of this. So you get to see the cop romance with a cowboy.
Author: Lora Leigh
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: American Literature
Number Of Pages: 304
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
9. A Cowboy to Remember (Cowboys of California)
This book starts with our main character, Evie. She is a rising star in the culinary field. So she’s on a TV show and at a party. Then, an accident happens, and she loses a lot of her memory. Because of that, she returns to California, where she grew up, and spends time there to recover.
Some people come up from her past, including Zach, whom she had a huge crush on. The feeling was mutual, but they never acted on it for various reasons. Now, it’s their second chance to fall in love with each other. So that’s the exciting premise of the story, and then it goes from there.
Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Western Romances
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
10. The Cowboy’s Secret Baby
This is about a cowboy romance, a secret baby interracial couple. The main female character is Maggie, an ambitious environmentalist who interned in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She meets an attractive cowboy one night, and they hook up, and his name is Jonathan. He’s the small-town boy with all these ambitious things he wants to do. But all of his family, friends, and townspeople stop him from doing those things.
Maggie inspires him one night. Then, he decides to take that inspiration that Maggie has given him during their one night and goes on an adventure. Then you come back to him coming back into town, and suddenly, they meet on the streets. But he has moved on with his life because of his adventure and has a fiancee he brings back to town. So it’s a quick story about what he will do with his life and how Maggie has been affected.
Author: Monica Castle
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Category: Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Number Of Pages: 146
Available: Paperback | Kindle
5 Steamy Cowboy Romance Novels
“Long Hard Ride” by Lorelei James (Rough Riders Series): This novel introduces the world of professional bull riders and ranchers. The story follows Channing, who goes on a road trip with a group of cowboys and gets more than she bargained for in romance and adventure.
“Corralled” by Lorelei James (Blacktop Cowboys Series): In this book, Lainie Capshaw, a sports therapist, finds herself in a love triangle with two competing rodeo cowboys, Hank and Kyle. The story is famous for its steamy scenes and Lainie’s tough choice.
“Cowboy Heat” by Sable Hunter (Hell Yeah! Series): This series opener follows Libby, who seeks a fresh start in Texas, and Aron, a handsome cowboy with a strong personality. Their relationship quickly turns steamy, showcasing the passionate side of cowboy life.
“All Jacked Up” by Lorelei James (Rough Riders Series): This book features Keely, who needs a favor from Jack, the one man she can’t stand – and the one who stirs up intense passion. Their fiery relationship combines steamy relations with a touch of humor and emotion.
“Branded as Trouble” by Lorelei James (Rough Riders Series): This story revolves around Colt and India, two individuals with troubled pasts. Their intense chemistry and shared struggles make for a steamy, emotionally charged romance.
5 Old Cowboy Romance Novels
“The Outsider” by Penelope Williamson: Set in the late 19th century, this novel tells the story of Rachel Yoder, a young widow in a strict religious community, who finds herself drawn to Johnny Cain, a mysterious gunslinger with a troubled past. Their forbidden love story is set against the backdrop of the Montana frontier.
“Comanche Moon” by Catherine Anderson: This novel follows Loretta Simpson, a woman traumatized by a childhood attack, and Hunter of the Wolf, a Comanche warrior. Their story is one of healing, understanding, and love, blending historical and cultural elements of the American West.
“Texas Destiny” by Lorraine Heath (Texas Trilogy): This book tells the tale of Amelia Carson, a mail-order bride, and Houston Leigh, a scarred Civil War veteran and cowboy. Their journey across the rugged Texas landscape leads to unexpected love and healing.
“The Touch of Fire” by Linda Howard: Set in the Arizona Territory, this story revolves around Annie Parker, a doctor, and Rafe McCay, an outlaw with a bounty on his head. Their adventurous and romantic journey is filled with danger and passion.
“Only His” by Elizabeth Lowell (Only Series): This novel is about Willow Moran, desperate to find her brother in the post-Civil War West, and Caleb Black, a rugged, enigmatic cowboy. Their trek through the Colorado wilderness becomes a journey of survival and love.
5 Modern Cowboy Romance Novels
“The Cowboy and the Princess” by Lori Wilde (Jubilee, Texas Series): This novel tells the story of Brady Talmadge, a rodeo star, and Princess Annabella of Monesta, who find their worlds colliding unexpectedly. It’s a delightful mix of royal romance and Western charm.
“Big Bad Cowboy” by Carly Bloom (Once Upon a Time in Texas Series): Set in modern-day Texas, this story follows Maggie Mackey and Travis Blake, childhood enemies who reunite and spark an undeniable attraction. The novel combines humor, heat, and heart in a small-town setting.
“Lost Rider” by Harper Sloan (Coming Home Series): This book introduces Maverick Austin Davis, a rodeo star returning home to Pine Oak, Texas, and Leighton James, his childhood crush. Their romance rekindles amid the struggles of adjusting to life off the rodeo circuit.
“Cowboy Up” by Harper Sloan (Coming Home Series): The story of Clayton Davis, a cowboy who has always been a loner, and Caroline Michaels, a local bar owner. Their romance develops in a heartwarming tale of healing and finding love.
“Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas” by Sara Richardson (Rocky Mountain Riders Series): This holiday-themed novel is set in the snowy Colorado Rockies and follows single dad and cowboy Steve Springfield. He finds himself drawn to Camille Brandt, a woman who brings an unexpected spark into his life and the lives of his children.
5 Cowboy Romance Novels Series
“Rough Riders” by Lorelei James: This series is popular for its steamy romances and compelling cowboy characters. Set in Wyoming, each book focuses on a member of the McKay family, offering a mix of rugged rodeo action and intense romantic relationships.
“Cold River Ranch” by Caitlin Crews: This series follows the lives and loves of the Everett brothers, who run the Cold River Ranch. The novels explore the challenges and passions of running a ranch and the complexities of family dynamics and love.
“Blacktop Cowboys” by Lorelei James: Another series by Lorelei James revolves around cowboys and cowgirls living and loving in the modern rodeo circuit. The series covers strong, independent characters and hot romance.
“Montana Men” by Jennifer Ryan: Set in the rugged countryside of Montana, this series tells the stories of various men who embody the cowboy spirit and the strong, determined women who come into their lives. Each book offers a mix of suspense, family drama, and romance.
“Wild Cowboy Ways” by Carolyn Brown (Lucky Penny Ranch Series): This series is set on the Lucky Penny Ranch in Texas and follows the adventures and romances of the Dawson family. The novels are filled with humor, heart, and the enduring spirit of cowboy life.
5 Historical Cowboy Romance Novels
“Texas Destiny” by Lorraine Heath (Texas Trilogy): This novel tells the story of Amelia Carson, a mail-order bride, and Houston Leigh, a scarred yet noble cowboy. Their journey across the Texas plains is fraught with challenges but also blossoms into a deep, enduring love.
“Comanche Moon” by Catherine Anderson: Set in the 19th-century American West, this story follows Loretta Simpson, a woman traumatized by past events, and Hunter of the Wolf, a Comanche warrior. Their unlikely romance is a poignant tale of healing and understanding amidst cultural divides.
“Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold” by Ellen O’Connell: This novel is a compelling story of Anne Wells, who defies her family to marry a half-Indian cowboy, Cord Bennett. Set in Colorado in the late 1800s, their story is of prejudice, resilience, and profound love.
“Where the Wind Blows” by Caroline Fyffe (Prairie Hearts Series): Chase Logan crosses paths with Jessie Strong, a young woman struggling to keep her family together in the Wyoming Territory. Their story is a heartwarming blend of adventure, family, and romance in the Old West.
“The Cowboy’s Woman” by Carolyn Davidson: Set in the post-Civil War era, this novel follows the story of Cassie Edwards, a woman fleeing her past, and Will Tucker, a cowboy with a kind heart. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a tender romance in the rugged frontier.
5 Gay Cowboy Romance Novels
“Brokeback Mountain” by Annie Proulx: This novella is a groundbreaking work in gay cowboy romance. It tells the story of Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two sheepherders in Wyoming who develop a complex romantic and sexual relationship starting in the 1960s. This poignant story explores the societal pressures and personal struggles they face.
“The Longest Ride” by Andrew Grey: Set in professional bull riding, this novel follows Jason Scott and Philip Richmond. Jason is a cowboy living out and proud, while Philip is an art student who discovers a new world with Jason. Their romance blossoms amidst challenges both in and out of the rodeo arena.
“Cowboy Seeks Husband” by Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn: This novel is about Roan Carmichael, a cowboy looking to save his ranch, and Ty Mitchell, escaping a past life. They meet on a reality show, where unexpected love blooms in front of the camera, challenging both men to consider what they truly want.
“Snow Falling on Bluegrass” by Molly Harper: Although not exclusively about cowboys, this novel, set in a Kentucky state park, features a romance between two park employees during a snowstorm. One of the central characters, Charlie, embodies the rugged, outdoorsman charm akin to a cowboy.
“Red Dirt Heart” by N.R. Walker: Set in the Australian Outback, this series follows Charlie Sutton, who runs a cattle station, and Travis Craig, an American agronomy student who comes to work and learn. Their story is one of love, self-acceptance, and the beauty of the rugged Australian frontier.
Last Words
Cowboy romance has a timeless allure that continues to captivate readers of all ages. With its rugged landscapes and untamed spirit, the Wild West setting provides the perfect backdrop for tales of love and adventure. The well-established tropes in cowboy romance add depth and familiarity to the stories, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the world of cowboy romance.
Whether it’s the rugged heroes with hearts of gold, the clash of cultures between city girls and cowboys, or the strong and spirited heroines who defy societal norms, these books offer a journey into the Wild West of love that is impossible to resist. So, if you’re looking for a captivating read that will transport you to a world of passion, adventure, and happily-ever-afters, look no further than cowboy romance novels. Explore the timeless allure of the Wild West and let love sweep you off your feet.
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