Saddle up and get ready to be swept off your feet by the rugged charm of cowboy romance novels! At Pillow Talk Books, we’ve rounded up the best cowboy romance books that will make your heart race faster than a wild stallion. These captivating tales of love on the range have been stealing readers’ hearts for generations, and it’s easy to see why.
From sun-kissed ranches to thrilling rodeos, romance novels about cowboys offer the perfect escape into a world of passion, adventure, and wide-open spaces. Whether you prefer contemporary cowboys or historical heartthrobs, there’s a storey waiting to lasso your heart.
Our handpicked cowboy romance books have swoon-worthy heroes, strong-willed heroines, and sizzling encounters that will leave you breathless. So grab your hat and boots, and get ready to discover why these denim-clad heroes continue to dominate the romance genre.
Cowboy Romance Books
Swift and Saddled
She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway.
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again…except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. Too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.
Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?
A Cowboy to Remember
An Oprah Magazine Best Romance Novel of 2020
In this brand-new series from award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon, a charming cowboy and his sleeping beauty find their modern-day happily ever after . . .
With a headline spot on a hit morning show and truly mouth-watering culinary skills, chef Evie Buchanan is perched on the edge of stardom. But at an industry party, a fall lands Evie in the hospital—with no memory of who she is. Scrambling to help, Evie’s assistant contacts the only “family” Evie has left, close friends who run the luxury dude ranch in California where Evie grew up. Evie has no recollection of them—until former rodeo champion Zach Pleasant walks into her hospital room, and she realizes his handsome face has been haunting her dreams . . .
Zach hasn’t seen Evie in years—not since their families conducted a campaign to make sure their childhood friendship never turned into anything more. When the young cowboy refused to admit the feelings between them were real, Evie left California, making it clear she never wanted to see Zach again. Now he refuses to make the same mistake twice. Starting fresh is a risk when they have a history she can’t recall, but Zach can’t bear to let go of her now. Can he awaken the sleeping beauty inside her who might still love him?
A Texas Kind of Cowboy
They’re in for the ride of their lives
When single mom Lorelei Parkman discovers the biological father of her adopted daughter could be Dax Buchanan—the Dax Buchanan—she’s shocked. Of all the men in Last Ride, Texas, the bull-riding bad boy doesn’t quite fit the bill of…parent. But as Lorelei learns more about Stellie’s mysterious birth mother, she realizes she’ll have to trust the reckless rodeo star…or risk losing her baby forever.
Dax is normally up for any kind of challenge. Daddy duty, however, is best left to the pros. Still, being with the little girl, and the gorgeous Lorelei, unlocks something inside—a completeness he’s been chasing his whole life. And now that he has it, he’s sure as hell not about to let it go.
Bonus novella! While doing research for the Last Ride Society, Alana Parkman runs into cowboy Gray Russell, and while she’s still attracted to her former flame, ghosts from the past might interfere with their steamy reunion…
He's My Cowboy
Three celebrated New York Times bestselling authors combine their talents to celebrate Americana, the appeal of the iconic cowboy hero tinged with a hint of danger and romantic suspense. Filled with sizzling tension and well-drawn characters, this anthology is sure to resonate with readers looking to saddle up and find love!
Strong and steady, tough and tender—no wonder cowboys are so irresistible, especially in this trio of novellas from three bestselling authors . . .
THE HAWK’S SHADOW * Diana Palmer
Gil needs to prove himself in his new role as sheriff’s investigator. That means working alongside a hotshot expert from the state crime lab who’s come to Colorado to help untangle a long-ago mystery. But if they stop butting heads, they might discover a surprising connection . . .
RESCUE: RANCHER STYLE * Rebecca Zanetti
Leaving the Marines and returning to Redemption as heir to the family ranch—and guardian to three wayward teenagers—Greg is in way over his head. But he’s learned some deadly lessons since leaving his first love behind. And when she’s in danger, nothing will stop him from saving her.
A COWBOY KIND OF ROMANCE * Delores Fossen
After eight years in the Air Force, Brenna’s hanging up her uniform and returning home to Loveland, Texas. News of her parents’ separation has shaken her faith in love, even if the whole town is eager to matchmake between Brenna and her high-school flame. But never underestimate a cowboy’s powers of persuasion . .
The Cowboy Whisperer
When a champion equestrian butts heads with a sexy, brooding cowboy, the heat between them sizzles.
After her last disastrous competition went viral, Olympic hopeful Veronica del Valle spent three years healing – and hiding. Finally ready for another shot, Veronica agrees to train at an under-the-radar, family-run ranch in tiny Esperanza, California. The living accommodations? Sparse. High-end equestrian equipment? Zero. What Rancho Lindo does have is stable manager Tómas Ortega, a brooding, handsome cowboy who offers Veronica unsolicited advice during her training sessions. Advice that, infuriatingly, turns out to be right every time.
The only thing Tómas cares about are his horses and saving his family’s ranch—and not their new boarder, who makes it clear she’s not happy with his stables. So he’s shocked Veronica offers to pretend to be his girlfriend when Tomas’s ex comes back to town. All she wants in return is some after-hours training. He soon realizes Veronica is nothing like he imagined, and the harder he falls, the more he worries, because Veronica’s Olympic dreams will eventually take her away from Rancho Lindo – and from him.
Done and Dusted
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules.
Discover the sizzling, small-town brother’s best friend romance that went viral on TikTok—now a special edition with an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the series and a Q&A with the author!
“A sweet slow burn . . . sunshine in written form.”—USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.
Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?
Powerless
Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be.
To Jasper Gervais’s fans, he’s the handsome, talented hockey heartthrob on TV. But to Sloane, he’ll always be the lost boy with the sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man she’s loved in secret all her life.
So when her life falls apart on the day she’s supposed to marry someone else, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save her. And when his world comes crashing down around him, she’s there to return the favor.
But the more time they spend alone, the more Jasper isn’t looking at her like a friend anymore. He isn’t touching her like one, either. And after all these years, he’s still everything she’s ever wanted, everything she thought she could never have.
Their feelings aren’t straightforward, though. They twist and turn around the pain of Jasper’s past and the reality of Sloane’s present.
Jasper Gervais might act like he wants her.
But after years of turning her away, he’s going to need to prove it.
Hopeless
Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past.
I’m the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
He’s thirty-five and all man, and I’m twenty-two and all . . . virgin.
He’s also my fiancé. Correction: my fake fiancé.
We start out as a bet. He doesn’t believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers me his to prove a point.
It’s win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family’s prying, and I get a chance to shed my family’s reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.
He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can’t keep my hands off of him in public.
But it’s what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.
It’s what transpires behind closed doors that doesn’t feel like pretending at all.
This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.
He once told me he’d never fall in love.
And yet here I am, head over heels for my fake fiancé.
Lost and Lassoed
She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.
From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small-town romance in which enemies turn to lovers when they’re forced to work together during one hot summer
“Another deliciously addictive romance . . . as sizzling as it is emotional and vulnerable.”—Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception
Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go-with-the-flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time.
Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy is used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.
Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s harder: taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help.
His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy’s the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs.
Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether they should act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?
Crossroads
A sweeping small-town romance about love, loss, and a Montana legacy from USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.
I met West Haven when I was eight years old. He taught me to play poker when I was nine, and we made paper airplanes together when I was eleven. He kissed me when I was sixteen. He was the best part about my family’s summer vacations to Montana. He was the boy who stole my heart. I was twenty-three when life ripped us apart.
Years later, I’m breaking my vow and returning to the ranch, not as a guest but its new owner. West might want me gone, but even he has to admit the only way to save his family’s legacy is with my help.
It’s not easy working side by side and facing those old memories. But this situation is only temporary. We’re at a crossroads. And as long as I don’t let myself fall in love with West Haven again, maybe this is our chance to put those ghosts to rest. Maybe this time we’ll finally be able to say goodbye.
Wild Eyes
A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles. But on day one I ran full tilt into the world’s hottest single dad and now all my plans are ruined.
As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press it’s hard to find any peace. But I find it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal my heart just as thoroughly as their dad.
Weston Belmont.
The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that’s downright distracting. And in bed? He’s addictive.
Everything with him is wild and impulsive and I’m desperate to regain some control.
But no one has supported me like West does. And no one has ever made me feel as loved as he does either.
So, while my brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible… my heart says I’m right where I belong.
Still, my life as a celebrity haunts me. It has the power to pull us apart.
I can see in his eyes that wants me to stay. And I want that too.
But I know better than anyone that we don’t always get what we want.
Wild Love
She’s been driving him wild for years.
The good kind of wild. The bad kind of wild.
But mostly, the kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend’s little sister and knowing you can’t have her.
Forbes may have labeled Ford Grant the World’s Hottest Billionaire, but all he cares about is escaping the press and opening a recording studio in gorgeous small town Rose Hill. Something that comes to a screeching halt when he ends up face-to-face with a young girl who claims he’s her biological father. Now, he spends his days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old, all while trying desperately to keep his hands the hell off his best friend’s sister, Rosie Belmont.
After living in the city, Rosie came blasting back into town like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic. And one wide-eyed, desperate plea for a job is all it takes for Ford to hire her. He vows to keep her at arm’s length. Tries to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her, verbal sparring is a type of foreplay―friction that soon turns to blistering heat.
Ford knows damn well he shouldn’t cross this line. But shouldn’t and can’t are two very different things.
And the only thing he truly can’t do is resist her.
Holding the Reins
In this steamy cowboy romance, a woman returns to her family’s ranch after a broken engagement and finds herself falling for her brother’s best friend—the first novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.
Take a deep breath and let go of the reins.
Cecilia “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, local business owner, and notorious bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fourth sibling in the Ashby clan. It’s been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers Wade and Cole. 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, not without animosity left over from his childish teasing back in the day. Despite their initial reluctance, the fire between them ignites and it isn’t long before they jump into the flames.
Dust Storm
—Christian—
Rule Number 1: You ride in my truck; you let me open the door.
Another problem was the last thing I needed. Unfortunately, Cassandra Parker was mine.
But the biggest problem of all?
It wasn’t the beautiful stranger sticking her nose in my operations.
It wasn’t the bulldozer she was driving over my way of life.
And it definitely wasn’t the fact that she was living in my house.
My biggest problem? The engagement ring on her finger.
—Cassandra—
Rule Number 1: If you’re going to kill someone, make it look like an accident, cry at the funeral, admit to nothing, and deny everything.
To be clear, I didn’t want to be Christian Griffith’s problem. But there I was: exiled from New York, stranded on a cattle ranch, and desperate to salvage what was left of my career.
Living with a single dad and his children was a downgrade from my high-rise office and city comforts, but I agreed to it for one simple reason: to save my job.
A hot cowboy wasn’t going to lasso me into staying a second longer than necessary.
Conclusion
As we ride out at sunset, it is undeniable that cowboy romance books stays us hooked with an unmistakable combination of the brooding roughness and gentle passion.
These stories are an appropriate escapade, where for a while, one lands up in a world that teaches us love conquers over everything in the stunning topography and ranch life. Whether you have had them all your life or new to the genre, then there is always that special one waiting to sweep your heart away.
So saddle up, get your favorite cowboy romance novel, and let yourself be swept away by the timeless allure of these denim-clad heroes and the strong women who win their hearts. Happy reading, partners!
FAQs About Cowboy Romance Books
What is a cowboy romance?
A cowboy romance book is one of the popular sub-genres of romance novels– rugged heroes, often sulky ones, that live the American West spirit. Many of the storeys go hand-in-hand with combinations of the Western fiction stories and passionate love stories, Frequently, such storeys talk about the themes of finding redemption, family, as well as finding love unexpectedly.
Who writes cowboy romance books?
Cowboy romance books are written by many popular authors, including:
- Elsie Silver
- Maisey Yates
- Carolyn Brown
- Diana Palmer
- Linda Lael Miller
- Lorelei James
- Jodi Thomas
- Catherine Anderson
- Lori Wilde
- Jennifer Ryan
These authors are known for writing interesting storeys involving rugged cowboys, ranchers, and Western settings that come together with passionate romance plots.