Book picks similar to
How to Handle a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy


romance
western
contemporary-romance
contemporary

Cowboys Don't Cry


Anne McAllister - 1995
    Worse, Maggie MacLeod was a beautiful feisty redhead with flashing eyes and kissable lips — a woman who could tempt a saint. Tanner was far from a saint. He didn’t do permanent, he didn’t do relationships. The smart thing would be to leave. But a man was only as good as his word. Trouble was, the longer he stayed, the more Maggie got under his skin… The Tanner Brother series Book 1: Cowboys Don't Cry Book 2: Cowboys Don't Quit Book 3: Cowboys Don't Stay

Protect Me, Cowboy


Shelli Stevens - 2016
    But with the Copper Mountain Rodeo, his only exception, just around the corner, the last thing he needs is a distraction – especially one in the form of a pretty, yet vaguely familiar country singer. For Claire Miller, it's been almost a year since she fled Las Vegas with only her purse and the clothes on her back, and she's been laying low in Montana with a new image. When she and her country band travel to perform in the small town of Marietta, she doesn't plan on getting stranded there for several days. Or for an innocent offer to stay at a nearby ranch to turn out to be more than she bargained for: she recognizes its owner to be the same sexy cowboy she got hot and heavy with – then stood up – in Vegas. With the passion flaring between them and Wyatt getting closer to putting the pieces together, Claire is ready to run again, not knowing the danger that sent her fleeing in the first place is close on her heels. The Marshall Ranch series Book 1: Protect Me, Cowboy Book 2: Falling for the Hometown Girl

Against the Wind


Kat Martin - 2010
    But when her husband is murdered and his associates come looking for her and her daughter, Sarah has only one place left to go—Wind Canyon, Wyoming. She runs right into Jackson Raines, the man she spurned in high school, who has now become a successful ranch owner. She expects anger from him, but instead she gets mercy. Jackson knows Sarah and her daughter, Holly, are in trouble, and he can’t turn them away. He’s never forgotten the beautiful girl he could never have, and she’s more alluring now than she ever was in high school. So when Sarah’s enemies show up in Wind Canyon, Jackson is determined to protect Sarah and Holly, and prove to them that they’ve finally found their way home.

Wilderness Trail of Love


Dorothy Wiley - 2014
    This memorable novel breaches the walls of time, bringing readers to a young America, where romance and danger are as powerful as the wilderness. Set in 1797, on America's romantic frontier, this gripping journey of danger, heartache, and passion is the story of Stephen Wyllie, and his heroic and breathtaking quest for land-across a thousand perilous miles to the Kentucky wilderness-a new world for the brave. Stephen wants only one thing more than land-to keep his wife Jane and their young daughters safe. But he needs land to make a better future for his family, and the frontier lies open to settlement in the new state of Kentucky. He must make a difficult decision-choose between the comfort and safety of their New Hampshire home and his dream for their future. Can he risk exposing them to the dangers of the wilderness? Then an immediate threat makes the decision clear. A vicious half-Indian killer, Bomazeen, begins to haunt the area, stealing slaves for the Algonquians to replace those lost to smallpox. Having glimpsed her great beauty from afar, the cunning slave trader tantalizes the tribe's virulent Chief, Wanalancet, describing his next target-Jane.Believing the merciless slave trader may soon succeed in kidnapping or murdering Jane, Stephen decides his family must leave for Kentucky with his four brothers. When the harsh demands of the frontier nearly tear apart their great love, Stephen and Jane must find a path through more than the wilderness. His courage is undaunted, her passion is deep, but the wilderness is full of terror. Two lives. One great love. Torn apart by a frightening wilderness. A fresh, unblinkingly gritty, and deft new writer of intelligent heart-pounding romance novels, Dorothy Wiley's new American Wilderness Romance Series captivates readers by balancing the hardships of the frontier with amusing, romantic, and vivid characters. Join her as she robustly blends adventure and action, heartache and humor, with romance and passion.

A Town Called Valentine


Emma Cane - 2012
    . . Emily Murphy never thought she’d return to her mom’s rustic hometown in the Colorado Mountains. But after her marriage in San Francisco falls apart, leaving her penniless and heartsick, she returns to her old family home to find a new direction for her life. On her first night back, though, a steamy encounter with handsome rancher Nate Thalberg is not the fresh start she had in mind . . . Nate has good reason not to trust the determined beauty who just waltzed into town—he’s no stranger to betrayal. Besides, she’s only there to sell her family’s old property and move back out. But as Nate and Emily begin working side-by-side to restore her time-worn building and old family secrets change Emily’s perception of herself, both are about to learn how difficult it is to hide from love in a place known far and wide for romance, family ties, and happily-ever-afters: a town called Valentine.

Rebel Cowboy


Nicole Helm - 2016
    And if that means being in tight quarters with the hot NHL-star-turned-cowboy? Well, she did say she'd do anything for family.After leaving his NHL career behind, Dan never expected to find a home on his rundown Montana ranch, but with Mel guiding the way, he finds that and so much more…

Rocky Mountain Heat


Vivian Arend - 2009
    Responsible oldest of six brothers, Blake Coleman knows his desire for the sweet girl-next-door is wrong. While Jaxi has grown into a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, the responsible thing to do is keep his hands off. Jaxi has other plans for Blake's hands, and his heart. She's more than ready to convince him they’d be perfect together, but he can't seem to see past the big "don't touch" sign that's apparently hanging around her neck. When Jaxi ends up living on the Six Pack ranch right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and up to barn-burning levels. When a couple of Blake’s younger brothers decide Jaxi's brand of trouble is worth getting tangled up with, Blake's going to have to let go the reins and fight for what he really wants—her heart, forever.Warning: Unapologetically sexy, this book contains cowboys seducing and being seduced: in trucks, pool halls, and barns. Drool-worthy country charm, a little double-teaming, and a lot of secrets are revealed as the Coleman family saga begins. Saddle up and ride.Originally published 2011

Her Cowboy Prince


Trish Milburn - 2018
    Formerly CEO of her family's pharmaceutical company, she's now living incognito as a housekeeper at a cozy resort in rural Montana. New career, new apartment, new name. She knows she needs to keep a low profile. The last thing she needs is a romance with the handsome, hardworking owner of the Peak View Hot Springs Resort. When rancher and resort owner Justin McQueen impulsively asks Melody for some ideas to increase bookings for the resort, he’s impressed with her creativity and quick thinking. He persuades the reluctant Melody to jump in as the temporary events coordinator, helping him plan a week of Christmas festivities. As they work together, both of them struggle to fight their growing attraction. Justin is still recovering from a bad break-up and is very aware that as her employer, he needs to tread carefully. He also senses Melody has a secret, which he is determined to uncover. As their event planning comes to fruition, Justin knows he needs to put common sense on hold and take a chance on a love he wants to last forever.

A Cowboy to Remember


Barbara Ankrum - 2014
    But that was before they grew up and went their separate ways. Now, after a disastrous divorce and a career-changing accident, Olivia limps home, minus her mojo, her courage and her faith in love. She retreats to her parents’ ranch, determined to play it safe, but when ex-Army helicopter pilot Jake Lassen arrives to make good on their promise, he reignites passion and hope, two things Olivia had forgotten existed. Olivia resolves to keep Jake at arm’s length, even though the memory of his kisses keeps her up at night. She knows better than to let her heart get involved, but Jake is planning for the future. Their future. Can Jake convince her to risk it all one more time and really make this a fair to remember? *Previously titled A Fair to Remember

Rugged Hearts


Amanda McIntyre - 2013
    Scarred early on by the women he’d once trusted his heart to, his sole responsibility now is the welfare of his brothers and the ranch entrusted to them by his stepdad. Forget about things as foolish as love. But that was before he met Aimee and realized a man should never say never to a determined second grade teacher. Losing her twin sister in a tragic car accident prompts vivacious, resilient Aimee Worth to live out her sister’s dream of teaching in a tiny community in End of the Line, Montana. But she never suspected she’d find her Mr. Right. He just doesn’t know it yet. Determined, her spirit shatters perceptions that have kept him isolated from life, proving that when it comes to love, the greatest risk is not taking one.

The Cowboy Meets His Match


Sarah Mayberry - 2018
    CJ knows she’s going to have to work harder and smarter than everyone else to prove herself in the traditionally all-male saddle bronc competition. That means she shouldn’t look twice at handsome, charming cowboy, Jesse Carmody. She needs to focus on the competition, not one of her competitors. If only he wasn’t so damn hot… Jesse Carmody thinks he’s seen it all–until CJ’s arrival throws him for a loop. She’s tough, sexy, and challenging. Jesse quickly realizes he wants to know a whole lot more about this intriguing woman. When CJ faces ugly opposition from others on the circuit, Jesse is there to offer a friendly hand–and more, if she wants it. Between her trials in the arena and fighting to get the other riders to respect her, CJ knows getting involved with Jesse is the last thing she should do. But she can’t seem to keep away. Which leaves her with a choice–the man of her heart, or the career of her dreams? Or can she have them both?

Cowboy Most Wanted


Stina Lindenblatt - 2018
    Some racy photos. And an accidental hook up—or three—with his best friend’s sister.   There are four things that rule my world: Norse mythology, Marvel comics, horses, and dirty talk. Not necessarily in that order.   When my brother signs me up for a new Bachelorette-style reality show centered around a female star looking for love with a cowboy (without my permission, I might add), I don’t have a choice.   It will be great publicity for the ranch.   Or at least that’s what I’m promised. Never mind that I’m not looking for love—and I’m especially not interested in landing a fiancée.   What I didn’t figure on is the show's photographer being Violet Brooks. Violet is my best friend's little sister. Did I mention he’s the town sheriff?   She’s the same woman who left our small Montana town ten years ago and never looked back. The same woman I lusted after when I shouldn’t have. And still do.   So when the pre-show marketing photo shoot involves channeling my inner underwear model—with Violet as the photographer—I lose my shirt. My pants. And possibly my virtue.   But it’s worth it.   As long as we don’t get caught—because if we are, it’s adios to the ranch.   And as long as my heart doesn’t get toss into the mix. Because what Violet and I have is only temporary while she’s in town.   Sounds easy enough. Right?

Her Fated Cowboy: Cole


Donna Michaels - 2008
    cop, Jordan Masters Ryan has a problem. Her normal method of meeting a crisis head-on and taking it down won’t work. Not this time. Not when fate is her adversary. Having kept her from the man she thought she’d always marry, the same fickle fate took away the man she eventually did. Thrown back into the path of her first love, she finds hers is not the only heart fate has damaged.Widower and software CEO, Cole McCall fills his days with computer codes and his free time working the family’s cattle ranch. Blaming himself for his wife’s death, he’s become hard and bitter. When his visiting former neighbor sets out to delete the firewall around his heart, he discovers there’s no protection against the Jordan virus. Though she understands his pain and reawakens his soul, will it be enough for Cole to overcome his past and embrace their fated hearts?*Previously released as Fated Hearts. Revamped with over 10k words added, new scenes, new ending, scenes deleted. Heat level upped to hot.*

The Cowboy's E-Mail Order Bride


Cora Seton - 2013
    This latest salvo in his ongoing practical joke battle with his best friend, Rob Matheson, has gone too far, and Ethan plans to send his “bride” right back home, then get busy plotting his revenge. One look at Autumn Leeds changes his mind, however. Perhaps he needs a bride, after all. A breathtakingly beautiful city bride. Autumn Leeds needs a story – fast – or she’s going to lose her lucrative contract with CityPretty Magazine, so when she sees the crazy video plea for a modern mail-order bride for a cowboy, it sounds like the story of the century. Making a video of her own, she casts herself as the perfect mail-order bride for a rancher, but when she finally reaches Montana, she’s surprised to find Ethan’s the perfect cowboy husband-to-be. Against her better judgment, her plan to keep her handsome groom at arm’s length disintegrates into a night of passion spent in his arms.Ethan knows he can’t keep playing this game – he has to come clean with Autumn and tell her the truth; about the practical joke and about the state of his ranch. He’s about to lose it all because of the debts his mother racked up before his parents’ deaths. Now his sister, Claire, wants to sell the ranch and collect what little money they can. He’ll be out of a home and a job, and in no shape to support the bride he desperately wants to marry, after all. Autumn’s in bigger trouble than ever. Not only has she fallen in love with the subject of her expose – she might be carrying his child. If she doesn’t write this article and secure her contract for another year, she’ll lose everything – her career, her apartment, and more importantly, her family’s approval. The only alternative is to stay and marry Ethan. But how can she trust a man she’s just met when she knows too well that men always let you down? Can a love based on lies last?

Cowboy Crazy


Em Petrova - 2014
    Each son must marry in order to inherit a piece of the ranch they love so much. Hank Dalton yearns to run his own spread, but more than that, he longs for a woman to call his own. Paradise Valley is far from civilization, though, and that makes finding the perfect match difficult. Not many women like being two hours from a major supermarket or mall. Charlotte Halton is on the run. Poor choices have left her with scars—in and out. After her powerful boyfriend left her drugged and set their apartment on fire, she’s just trying to put the pieces of her life back together. Abandoning all she knows seems like the best decision she’s ever made. At least until her car breaks down in the middle of cattle country. When a pretty little woman is delivered into Hank’s hands, he believes it was fate that kept him from joining his brothers for a “wife hunt” in the city. But she’s leery of men and hiding something dark. Can Hank tap into the attraction they both feel before she drives away?