Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Bachelor Cowboy by Jessica Clare Series: Wyoming Cowboy #6
Published by Berkley on January 26, 2021
Genres: Western Romance
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Jack Watson doesn't want anything to do with the dating scene in Painted Barrel, Wyoming, but when his sister-in-law guilt him into joining a bachelor auction, Jack can't say no to a charity event. He's not totally heartless. And if all the winner wants is an extra ranch hand for a few days, he can do that. Of course, Jack changes his mind as soon as he meets the winner, shy Layla.
As the local accountant, Layla isn't used to being noticed by men. She's sure not the type to bid on a bachelor. But when she tells her mom she's bidding on someone she has a crush on--and her mom shows up to check--she has no choice but to offer for the gruff cowboy. It's for a good cause after all...
Neither one of them thought the auction would be a success. But Layla finds it hard to keep her hands off the cowboy, and Jack falls for her sweet smile and wild sense of humor. True love should run smoothly, right? Except Layla's got a secret, and Jack's right in the line of fire. Does she risk everything for her Valentine cowboy or does she betray those closest to her?
I like the small town characters in the Wyoming Cowboy series. We didn’t get too many updates on characters / couples from other books. We did see the Jack’s brothers and their women briefly. Thankfully, we did not see Greg, unless he was the unnamed realtor. I read these books mostly out of order and I think any of them could be read as standalone.
Jack was not at all like I expected. He is the last of the three brothers from Alaska to be single. Since they are all staying in Wyoming, he has decided he will also. He has plans to buy his own land and make his own ranch someday. What happens when he starts looking for land is completely predictable.
Layla is a great character; I could really connect to her. She has insecurity over a few extra pounds and an accounting degree. I love her sense of humor though, and she is quite brave in many ways. It’s just rough to see her letting her mother drag her down. Cora was a nice supporting role to give her more friends.
The romance is a little fast. Jack has always kind of liked her and falls really fast. Layla is naturally skeptical of a really hot guy being interested in her. He does work hard to make it clear he wants to date her. When they hit their big “problem,” I was quite impressed with how they both handled it. They were honest with each other and the solution they made was a great one.
About Jessica Clare
This is a pen name for Jill Myles.
Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the ‘naughty parts’ of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own – stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Winter
This sounds like a pretty solid installment in the series. I especially like the sound of Layla. Also good to know that these work as standalones. 😉
Layla is a great character who I really like. Jack was a better guy than I expected. I’ve enjoyed the series.
Sounds like my kind of western romance series! Great review, Anne?
Thanks. It’s been a good read for me, not too demanding.
Oh yay! Sounds like a solid read here. I have found such joy in seeing a couple be truly transparent with each other and dealing with the conflict.
yes, honesty is very attractive when it is not malicious or unkind.
Thank goodness Greg was absent! I had enough of that guy. I hated Layla’s mom! I sympathized with Layla and her insecurities. I feel them as well, as I think most women do at times. Cora was a hoot! Wonderful review, Anne. 🙂
Thanks Rachel. It is hard to believe some of these horrid parents when you have had good ones and I did. They had their weird moments but nothing like some of the ones in books. And I don’t ever need to see Greg again unless he is in jail or dead.
This sounds good! I don’t think that I have read this author before but this sounds like one that I would enjoy. Great review!
Thanks, Carole! I’ve enjoyed the books in this series and didn’t read them in order so you could do that. There are some connections, so I always prefer in order but you could pick and choose a bit.