Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Review & Giveaway - - Make Me Yours, Cowboy

Make Me Yours, Cowboy
by Dylann Crush
Cowboys in Paradise - Book 2
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Reviewed by PJ




Knox Shepler is a country superstar in his prime, but each release takes him further away from the classic country of his roots. His agent suggests a compromise: if Knox writes another pop-crossover album, he can cut a single playing the music he’s passionate about. Paparazzi make inspiration hard to find on the road, so Knox heads to Paradise Island, posing as a contractor to hide his true identity.

 
Claudia Alvarez went viral several years ago for all the wrong reasons. Since then, she’s been keeping a low profile by working at A Cowboy in Paradise. The bar’s finances aren’t what they used to be, so in order to save the only place she feels safe, Claudia proposes renovating the bungalows on the property to generate extra income.
 
When Knox and Claudia are forced to work together, he finds inspiration and she discovers it might be time to open her heart. But as the truth surfaces, Claudia must decide if she can face her fears for a chance at the love of a lifetime.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is the second book by Dylann Crush that I've read and I have to say, I am really enjoying this author's voice. She pulls me into her stories, gives me complex characters I can cheer for, long-standing friendships that warm my heart, and an island hideaway I would love to explore. 

I really liked Knox. He's a country superstar with deep, humble roots who is caught in the "pop country" machinery of his bottom-line recording company. He's lost control of his career and, more importantly, of his music. I wanted to hug him. Okay, I wanted to do more than hug him but that's what a good romance hero should make us want to do, right? I understood his need to hide his real identity as well as his reluctance to test a new relationship by coming clean. I don't like secrets but I'm a bit more willing to accept them when the character knows it's wrong and is working toward revealing all. I also loved how protective and supportive he was of Claudia and her dreams, how he put her first...once the fallout over those pesky secrets was handled. 

I was very curious about Claudia's reasons for keeping her identity - and history - a secret but, again, fully understood once it was revealed. Crush did a good job of slowly dropping clues along the way, keeping the full reveal for the appropriate moment without allowing that part of the storyline to become tedious. The emotional baggage carried by both of these characters was significant and relatable. I loved the relationship that bloomed between them, the fun they had exploring the island, and the friendship they formed that grounded the sizzling attraction and emotions that only got stronger the more time they spent together.  

This is book two of Dylann Crush's Cowboys in Paradise series but stands well on its own. However, the four friends - Justin, Emmeline, Knox, and Decker - are introduced in book one, Kiss Me Now, Cowboy (Justin's and Emmeline's friends-to-lovers story) (click to read my review) with their characters and journeys continuing to evolve in book two. For full enjoyment and understanding of their journeys, I recommend reading the books in order. 


Do you have any favorite book series tied together by a group of friends?

Are you a country music fan? Which country music star would you most enjoy hanging out with (romantically or otherwise) on a beautiful island?

Have you read any Dylann Crush books?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 29 will receive a print copy of Make Me Yours, Cowboy.

*U.S. only
*Must be 18



 

11 comments:

  1. I've had my eye on this one for a bit. Thanks for the review PJ! I've enjoyed the books by Dylan Crush that I've read though I haven't started this series yet. I'm honestly not a big country music fan, but if I had the option to spend time on a beautiful island with any of the stars, I'd choose Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood. They seem like nice people and Trisha has a cooking show, so maybe she and I could cook some things. :-)

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  2. I hope your brother's health has continued to improve, PJ.

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  3. First, I hope that your brother is much improved and things are looking up for you and your family. Ms Crush is a new to me author. I have just recently started dipping my toe into cowboy romance. And this series and this author sound like very well done stories. Thanks for the review and the introduction to a new to me author. I am a fan of country music, and I would love to spend time with Lyle Lovett. He seems to be a very nice person and I believe he has a good sense of humor. But, to be honest, there are so many country music stars that I like, you could throw me in room with nearly anyone and I would enjoy just listening. There are both new and not so new artists which give me joy. Thank you for reminding me.....

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  4. This is a new author for me. I do love books connected by friends. I think Jill Shalvis really does this with her books. I do listen to country music. I would like to meet Justin Lynch. His grandfather was once the preacher at my church. Thanks for the great review. Definately gonna check Dylann Crush.

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  5. Patricia Bennett BarberJune 27, 2023 at 3:52 PM

    A book with a cowboy on the cover, I'm going to read...lol

    And I love this author. And yes I love country music and Cain Brown or Luke Bryan or Walker Hayes.
    And book friends, Susan Mallery or Robyn Carr

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  6. I have read and enjoyed her books! Not much on this "new" country music, but I love the oldies!!!

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  7. I'm a huge country music fan. Keith Urban would be my dream guy! I've not yet read any of Dylan's books. For books tied together by friendship, I love The Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas!

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  8. I have not read Dylan’s work. I do enjoy cowboy heroes and rock stars.
    I’m a fan of a few pop country songs by Chase Rice and Old Dominium and Sam Hunt and Garth Brooks
    I really like Luke Coombs version of Fast Car too.

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    Replies
    1. Laurie Gommermann

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    2. Susan Mallery, Jill Dhalvis, Shannon Schroeder, Susan Wiggs, Robyn Carr, Lori Wilde and Sherryl Woods have books featuring a friendship circle.

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  9. So many series are based on friends, giving them each their own story. One series I have enjoyed was Outlaw Mail Order Brides by Linda Broday.
    I do remember your review of her previous book in this series, but have not read her books.
    I like some country music. We moved to Tennessee, so I had to adjust. I do not care for the old twangy style country music preferring more of the crossover style. There are so many good country music singers out there today.. I would like to meet Dolly Parton. She has done so much for this area and I admire her dedication to important causes like the Imagination Library.
    I hope your brother is comfortable and that he and your family are doing well. Take good care of yourself.

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