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
