15 Best Cowboy Romance Books to Read After Watching Ransom Canyon

Lost and Lassoed
by Lyla Sage

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?

Check out my book review of Lost and Lassoed.

Cash
by Jessica Peterson

My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies. Something that is a surprise? The stipulation in his will, which requires me to live on the ranch and actively manage it for a year before I can access my inheritance money.

I haven’t stepped foot in Hartsville, Texas, population one thousand, since my parents split when I was six. Now a city girl through and through, I never imagined having to move back to cowboy country. But I need the money to invest in my company, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

There’s just one giant roadblock to my plan: the ranch’s foreman, grumpy cowboy Cash Rivers. I don’t care how good he looks in his Wranglers and chaps. He’s rude, he’s growly, and he wants me gone. I’d fire him in a heartbeat, but I need this cowboy to teach me the ropes of running a ranch.

We’re enemies from the get-go. But turns out, Cash is really good at this ranch thing. He’s got strong hands, an intelligent mind, and let’s just say everything really is bigger in Texas. Working alongside him leads to conversations beneath the stars. Throw in some cheek-to-cheek dancing at the local dive bar, and it all feels so right that I start to fall in love with life on the ranch. And maybe with him, too.

But my stay in Hartsville is only temporary. And you know what they say about cowboys: they may break horses, but they also break hearts. If only Cash hadn’t already lassoed mine…

Wild Eyes
by Elsie Silver

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.

Related: Elsie Silver Books in Order

Holding the Reins
by Paisley Hope

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.

Alive and Wells
by Bailey Hannah

City girl Cecily Kennedy never expected to step foot on a cattle ranch, but when her already 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 Cecily can’t risk getting involved with her grumpy yet alluring employer—she has nowhere else to go, and getting over her ex by getting under Austin isn’t worth the potential fallout.

As far as Austin’s concerned, Cecily won’t be sticking around for long. He’s learned the hard way that nobody ever stays, and the indent on her ring finger makes him certain the sexy city gal is no exception.

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. He desperately wants her to stay, and whether or not she feels the same, he’ll be damned if he lets anyone or anything hurt her under his watch.

Tame the Heart
by Ava Hunter

Charlie Montgomery is one grumpy rancher. Calloused hands, stubborn heart, the definition of a true cowboy.

He dislikes me from the second we meet. Warns me away from his tiny town of Resurrection, Montana. Well, what he doesn’t know is I’m armed with a bucket list and a secret. There’s no way I’m leaving. I’ll just keep my distance.

Only in a small town that distance doesn’t last for long. Because I owe him a favor: Work for him for three months and help him save his home. Runaway Ranch.

But our close confines mean I see what’s under all that strong. I see the real Charlie Montgomery. The man behind the rugged rancher who yells. Beneath his dark beard hides a rare smile. Beneath his mile-wide chest beats a tender heart. One that slowly starts to beat for me.

And instead of running back onto that open road, I run towards Charlie instead. But a hidden danger is lurking. Someone who doesn’t want Charlie to save his ranch. Someone who is out to get us both. And I could lose more than my heart this summer—I could lose my life…

Crossroads
by 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.

Dust Storm
by Maggie Gates

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.

Grumpy Cowboy
by Max Monroe

It was supposed to be a simple favor for my very important boss, Frank Kaminsky of the Salt Lake Slammers professional basketball team—go to his good friend Tex Jameson’s luxury ranch and provide personal medical care for his recently injured teenage son.

I thought it’d be a working vacation of sorts—a chance for my city-girl self to experience something I would never otherwise do—but everything is upside down, and absolutely nothing is as I thought it would be.

For one, this patient is not a teenage boy. Not. Even. Close. He’s a real-life, blue-eyed, tough-as-nails, thirtysomething cowboy who is so darn strong he looks like he could lift a car just for the heck of it.

He’s also stubborn, rude, and we don’t get along…at all. Add in the heart-melting vision of him as a single dad to the cutest little girl on the planet, and I’ve found myself in a whole different dimension of trouble.

Lust. Feelings. A whole lot of enemies-to-lovers-style complication. Please help me. If I’m not careful, this Grumpy Cowboy might just be the death of me.

Saddle Up
by Kim Lorraine

What happens when a gorgeous, curvy network exec from LA shows up on the doorstep of my ranch? A big, fat pay-off to replace what my thieving ex took and enough sexual chemistry to light the Montana Sky on fire.

Her plan? Send a cast of city slickers to the ranch to learn how to saddle up like a real cowboy. I’ve got one condition. She has to come learn the ropes before I’ll agree to let strangers come work my ranch. She thinks it’ll be a piece of cake.

I’m sure she’s not going to last. But it’s going to be fun watching her try. There’s just one problem. I want her to save a horse and ride…me.

Rein Me In
by Kayla Grosse

BLAKE TANNER 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. Now, only five years after her brother’s accident, she can’t hide from the grief, the people, or the guilt that she’s been running from.

GAVIN MONTGOMERY didn’t plan for his life to be this way. He didn’t ask to be stuck with a pile of debt, the responsibility of a failing family business, or a little brother with a drinking problem. But when his dad died nine months ago, Gavin had no choice but to step up and take care of his family, even if that involved hiding the truth from them: that they’re about to lose everything.

When Blake reluctantly agrees to attend a charity “date auction” at the local townie 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.

But getting back in the saddle might be a mistake. Because even if she’s an expert rider, there’s no way in hell she’s letting that cowboy hold the reins.

Will Blake and Gavin find a way to work through their grief and ride off into the sunset?

Or will they be over faster than an eight-second ride?

Cowgirl Up and Ride
by Lorelei James

AJ Foster has loved Cord McKay her entire life. From the moment he’d rescued her after falling off her horse, she’d imagined the tall dark and handsome man as her very own prince charming. But even now that she’s an adult, past pigtails and ponies, her sexy, grumpy neighbor ignores her.

Divorced rancher Cord McKay is committed to two things: his young son and the family ranch. He has no time for women–especially not his little sister’s best friend, who has grown into the definition of female temptation. Besides, the thirteen-year age difference between them means he’s too old for her…right?

But one reckless night, AJ suggests a secret summer fling and Cord can’t resist as long as she abides by one rule: he’s in charge. Nothing could’ve prepared innocent AJ for the dirty-talking, growly cowboy who’s hidden sweetness is as addictive as his expert touch.

As summer ends, stubborn Cord believes he can withstand AJ’s efforts to break through his defenses, but AJ is determined to win the single dad’s heart, no matter what it takes.

Here With Me
by Brooke Montgomery

When we met at the rodeo, I only knew his first name. Sparks ignited between us, and we spent an unforgettable night together. It’s not until the morning after when I recognize his last name do I realize who he is.

So I do what any rational woman would and make the walk of shame while he sleeps. It’s not like I’ll ever see him again or have to explain why I left. But I’m proven wrong when he shows up at my family’s ranch as the new farrier.

We can’t be more than friends—for many reasons. He’s twice my age, workplace relationships are off-limits, and he moved back to rebuild a relationship with his son—the one I used to date. Getting involved would ruin everything.

As we struggle between right and wrong, our connection deepens even though his traumatic past makes him doubt he deserves a second chance.

But it doesn’t matter when everything’s against us, including a rival who’s out to get me and my ex who’s determined to win me back.

After a riding trick goes wrong on his watch, he insists on taking care of me. Even though the odds are stacked against us, we keep the truth to ourselves. But secrets don’t stay hidden for long in a Southern small town.

Chasing the Wild
by Elliot Rose

What happens when you’re snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about? I’ve always done what was expected of me. Layla Birch, the good girl.

Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan. Only, I didn’t count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age.

He’s my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near. My 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 us, we’re both inching closer to a line we shouldn’t cross.

Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes. It’s tempting to forget about being the good girl for once. No one would find out. Would they?

Smoking Gun
by Lainey Lawson

Nothing says welcome home like an irresistibly hot cowboy inviting himself into your shower.

I should have kicked him out the second he barged in. He’s my brother’s best friend and we’re living on a ranch in the same bunkhouse for the next three weeks. Disaster waiting to happen.

He’s hell bent on keeping his walls up. And I’m a ball of stress, fresh out of medical school, determined to focus on my career and taking care of my family.

Despite the long list of reasons why it’s a terrible idea, we jump into the burning ring of fire that is secret friends with benefits. As long as there’s no strings attached, no feelings, and no kissing of course.

Just when I think Gage will be a distant memory once I’m gone for good, my heart starts to run the show. Rules are broken and lines are blurred. Now I wish the only big secret he’s been keeping was me.