Logan Carswell, ex-professional baseball player, is at the Last Chance Ranch for his friend’s wedding. He really isn’t up for socializing but being back in Chicago is even worse. Suffering from a bum knee, Logan heads to the bar, where he meets the young and sexy bartender, Caro. Logan’s plan is a short term visit to Wyoming but after the sparks begin to fly between him and Caro, he realizes he might have to change his plans altogether.

Caro’s life has been put on hold when her duty to her family demands all her time. She misses having fun and meeting Logan reminds her of that. She knows it will only be a fling but Caro jumps right into an affair with Logan.

I do love me a conventional cowboy love story and Cowboys Like Us does deliver. Logan is not just your typical alpha male. He is vulnerable and in need of rescuing. He has to figure out how to move forward with his life after his baseball career tanked after he injures knee. The progress with Logan is endearing. I think most people can relate to Logan’s struggle to redefine how he perceives his life.

I love Caro because she doesn’t dwell on the hardships of her life. After her grandmother becomes too ill and elderly to be on her own, Caro decides to put her in a facility and sell their home. Caro is young and vibrant and she works hard (almost too hard) to support her grandmother. Though the relationship with Logan is supposed to be temporary, Caro dives right in and demands Logan not back down and wallow in his own self-pity. The connection between them is fire. Caro and Logan learn to heal and live through one another. Caro is such a great character because she understands Logan’s pain but she doesn’t allow him to make excuses and is really supportive of him.

The love scenes are scorching and Logan is a man every woman would want in her bed. He is great with his hands and he takes his time. The interaction between Caro and Logan is executed perfectly.

What is really spectacular about this book is the way it ended. There is a bit of a surprise and some new characters are introduced, whom I hope get their own book (how could they not?). However, there is another story added to this book and I did enjoy it.

NOTORIOUS (Bonus Book - Reissue)

Oh, I do love a reconnecting romance. However, this one has a bit of a twist. The two main characters were never together in the past. Keely Branscom had a crush on Noah Garfield when they were younger. She made a terrible error by posing nude for a magazine. In the ensuing scandal, Keely is disowned by her family and Noah rejects her.

Years later, Keely is a reporter and in Las Vegas, the last place she expects to run into Noah. She is still bitter about his rejection and it doesn’t help he believes she is a stripper. The two make assumptions about each other though they both still harbor feelings for one another. Despite the initial snarky behavior, the two jump into bed for a hot and sweaty fling. Before they both know it, the fling turns into something more serious and the two realize they need to let go of the past.

The story is quick and fun. This is one steamy book for it to have been a bit older. Keely and Noah set the sheets on fire. I loved the banter and the humor in the book. I recommend this book for lovers of contemporary romance.

Rating: 7
Heat Level: 4 (Hot)

~ Samantha