Road to a Cowboy

Windsor, Wyoming #2

by Amy Aislin

Detour
Five years after the death of his spouse, Austin MacIsaac is ready to find love again—and he's got the perfect guy in mind: his sexy cowboy of a best friend, Cal Anderson. If only he can convince Cal to detour out of the friend zone.

Road work ahead
Cal has been in love with Austin for longer than he can remember. The man has been his rock through the ups and downs of messy family drama. But shaking up their friendship for something more could lead them down a bumpy and unsafe road.

Merge
Amid a backdrop of the Wyoming mountains and under a summer sky, can Austin and Cal merge their lives into one and let the road to romance lead to happily ever after?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, M M Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Romance, Found Family, Slow Burn

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Amy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this one had been longer and a bit more in-depth because the relationship felt like a side plot? The setting and the already established cast of side characters are what saved this for me.

Cal's mum, Ben (again!!), Austin's deceased wife and Austin's career just took over the story and we barely got any actual page time for their relationship. Plus they go long distance for the start of their romantic relationship but we don't even get to see how they successfully make that transition from friends to more... It just felt lacking in romance for a romance story?

I feel like these two books were setting up a story for Ben, and the end of this book said it was a trilogy, but there's no third book so I'm a little confused?

[SJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

No lonely cowboy in this ranch romance story. What seemed like a constant stream of relatives and friends interrupted much of the conversation between the MCs. When they went on a tentative first date I was relieved that they were finally going to have a scene without another character. No such luck when the server was a high school friend who begins probing as to why the two MCs are out together. Their evening ended with an awkward walk and nothing else.

In later scenes at least three characters popped up to get a post date analysis. I’m not here for this nonsense.
For two men who are besties since childhood they hold back on sharing their words about what is happening between them-or, with this story, not happening.

I don’t need insta, but there are too many characters and way too much chit chat. The MCs seem to share with everyone but each other. Too many paragraphs are given to each character’s background or bio. Side plots about a wayward brother and a truly horrible mother are given too many pages. There are better ways to flesh out characters than to showcase their problems and take the MCs away from scenes together so they can separately help others.

I’m at Chapter 10 out of 23 and this book is a frustrating and boring slog. DNF
Two stars because the MCs were nice.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

This is a quiet and pretty angst-free friends-to-lovers story set in a small Wyoming ranch town. It’s the second book in the Windsor Wyoming series, but fully enjoyable as a standalone. Austin’s waited a long time to make his feelings for Cal known, pretty much because he’s uncertain if Cal can return his affection. He’s fierce and protective of Cal, particularly from Cal’s emotionally abusive mother, and he wants Cal to see how very special Austin thinks he is. Cal’s a simple man, though, and Austin’s more showy ideas for dating just feel wrong.

Austin and Cal are absolute sweethearts, a little in awe at how long they’ve each loved the other man without giving their attractions away. I liked how we got to see a bit more of Windsor, Wyoming, not only the ranch, as well as some other locales as we followed these guys through their love story.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Although, I liked the first book better. My only complaint was that I wanted to know more in the end. I was glad that Cal finally came to terms with his mother. I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to give anything away. I felt that the teaching in Norway was breezed over too quickly. It’s still a good book. I like Amy Aislin and want to read more of her books.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was such a sweet story, about two best friends who’ve loved each other for so long finding their way to being together. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride but so worth it, these two are unbelievably tenacious when it comes to making it work no matter what. It’s also a story about timing, when things are meant to be and how time is precious, specially with the ones you love and those that love you. it’s also about learning to value yourself, finding yourself and being open to new experiences and most of all it’s about found family.

You may ask how is this book about so many things at once and that’s fair but Amy Aislin as usual lays out the story beautifully in a way making it come together like magic and you’re kind of locked into Cal and Austin and the side characters and you honestly don’t want to put it down. There are so many parts I loved: the banter between the two, the Windsor March Ranch characters, Austin’s parents, how Cal resolves things with his mom (honestly wanted to squeal with joy at that), the Norway vacation do over date and so much more!

I highly recommend giving this a go if you’re looking for an emotional but low angst spicy story with tonnes of humour and great characters.

Expect:
* Best friends to lovers
* Ranch foreman x Night Sky Photographer
* Bit of grief
* Found family
* Banter and humour
* Amazing side characters

Since there are sensitive topics, please be sure to check out the content warnings if you need to.

[Devin]

DNF at 56%. Just bored.. this slump is killing me 😩

[Ellie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!

Cal and Austin completely stole my heart. Their connection is strong and tender, and if you’re like me and love friends to lovers, pining, slow burns and idiots in love, this one checks all the boxes.

It’s romantic, soft, emotional and full of sweet little moments that gave me butterflies. Watching them finally reveal their feelings to each other was pure joy.

This is the kind of romance I love the most.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio for this book and I’m glad I did as I was able to just kind of have it on in the background. There was nothing wrong with the book with nothing that really kept me interested either unfortunately. If you are looking for a friends to lovers, secret pining, cowboy romance then I would recommend checking it out. The characters were nice and I enjoyed the setting.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming story. The story hooked meme from the start and I couldn't put it down again. It's a friends to lovers story. Five years after losing his wife photographer Austin is ready to find love again. He decides that he would like to date his best friend Cal. Ranch worker Cal has been in love with Austin for years and is initially reluctant to take the step but does go for it. They do have an awkward first date because they both tried too hard but they find their feet but when Austin gets offered a temporary teaching job in Norway,they have to make a decision on how to navigate their new relationship. I loved reading this.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐

Road to a Cowboy is the second book in Amy Aislin's Windsor, Wyoming series. It can be read as a complete standalone. Here's what you can expect from Cal and Austin:

🐴 MM contemporary cowboy romance
🐴 Third person dual point of view
🐴 Guaranteed happily ever after
🐴 Best friends to lovers
🐴 Bisexual representation
🐴 Ranch foreman and nightsky photographer
🐴 Love after loss

As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Road to a Cowboy contains the death of a spouse from brain cancer (occurs off-page and in the past but is discussed on-page) and continued emotional abuse by a parent.

I was so excited when I saw Amy was releasing a second book in this incredible series. I loved the first book, Home for a Cowboy, and was so excited to return to Windsor, Wyoming. The setting of this book is absolutely stunning, with the Wyoming mountains and endless skies. We meet Cal and Austin in Home for a Cowboy, and I'm so thrilled that they got their happily ever after. I absolutely adored this book. Friends to lovers can be a challenging trope because sometimes it feels like we lack that character and relationship development, however, I didn't find this was the case with this story. Austin and Cal as partners built upon their strong foundation as friends. Love after loss is another tricky one, but I thought Amy handled it perfectly given the personalities of our main characters. She also really knows how to unite readers with an enemy, because I know Barbara will easily become a fan favourite villain. Between the storyline with her and Cal, and Austin's job offer in Norway, I thought it added the right amount of conflict that the story required. I simply didn't want it to end, and the ending had me grinning!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of this series does just as great a job at really setting the scenes in the beautiful locations. Wyoming sounds stunning, especially with the night sky, where Austin does his photography.
Austin and Cal have been best friends since childhood but Austin fell for Lindsey in college. Unfortunately she passed away within a year of her cancer diagnosis but now, four years on, Austin feels ready and he wants Cal.
It's such a wonderful romance between two men who clearly mean the world to each other and have done for many years. It's not the easiest transition, with over thinking getting in the way, but once past that stumbling block it's as though they've always been together.
What brings the hard moments is any of Cal's dealings with his mother, who was never made to be a parent and clearly doesn't know how. Austin is there for him after every interaction but hopes one day Cal will see how much she's affecting him.
It's great to reconnect with those at Windsor ranch and get to know Austin and Cal better. It's clear that their relationship is strong and will go on forever, whatever may come in their future.
Another fabulous read from Amy Aislin and I am loving this series so far. Can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Windsor, Wyoming to catch up with the two sweetest best friends out there - Austin MacIsaac and Cal Anderson. After reading Home for a Cowboy, I couldn’t wait for these two to get a story of their own!

Austin MacIsaac is a famous night sky photographer based in Windsor, Wyoming - the place he’s called home his entire life. After his wife passed away from cancer, he’s taken a few years to work through his grief and figure out who he is and what he wants…and what he wants is his best friend, Cal Anderson. Cal is the foreman at the Windsor Ranch - he loves the land, the animals, the constant list of things to do and the people he works with. He hasn’t been looking for love - he has Austin close by to do everything together and that’s enough for him.

These two have been best friends for years, sharing everything, including a mistaken love of Twizzlers that was honestly adorable. When it comes to dating each other, they both have their reservations but honestly it works out better than I could have expected and sweeter too - their transition from friends to lovers is an easy one once they get past their hesitations and start being themselves. I really enjoyed how effortless they were together and how mature their conversations were when it came to making big career decisions or cutting out toxic family members.

Loved seeing Las and Marco some more here and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more Windsor, Wyoming stories to come - I love this little ranch town!

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read too many cowboy/western-type romances, but I have to say that this was a great one that I picked up this time around. I’ve really enjoyed this author’s other stories (in particular the hockey romances), so I’m glad to find their storytelling talent continues to extend to other tropes. Here in Road to a Cowboy, we get a wonderful slow-burn best friends to lovers tale that is relatively low angst and is primarily character driven.

Austin and Cal fit together perfectly—once they can get past a bit of a rocky start. They are one of those couples where you use a familiar pairing to describe them…like “they go together like peanut butter and jelly”.

Cal had a less than ideal upbringing with a mother who was cold and detached, which continues to this day and is really the primary source of angst in the story. Austin’s family life was quite the opposite, and something Cal was lucky to share with him in his later teen years.

This story moves at a mostly sedate pace, but I didn’t feel like it was too slow at all. I was glad of the lower angst level, as it allowed the book to concentrate more on the characters and their feelings, and how they dealt with them.

Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me, and is a story I’d recommend to any M/M romance fan. It is written well and has truly likable characters (well, minus Cal’s mother), and I loved Cal and Austin together. While it is the second book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. It is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

[Jules Lovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that I can open an Amy Aislin book and know that I'm going to get exactly what I'm looking for. That's not to say that they're all the same, because they're not... It's just knowing I'm going to love the characters, and it's going to be a low angst, charming read. <3 I loved Austin and Cal, and returning to Windsor. Another lovely story. :)

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

This book was not my like the first one. It moved too slowly. It has stumbling blocks in it. What really pissed me off was the constant bending over that Cal did for Barbara. I would've told her off and tell her to go to hell. And that is what turned me off from this book. But there will be some readers that will say how fantastic the book is and that is BS.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

The first book in this series was just okay for me. This one though, this one I adored! I loved the gentleness of Cal and Austin together. I loved that Austin made the first move, and Cal didn't wallow over his concerns of moving forward with his best friend -- usually when it comes to best friends to lovers story the main conflict is the worry that if everything falls apart, the friendship ends.

I loved the CERTAINTY of the two of them after they decided to forged ahead, and that the "conflict" (if we could even say it as so) was more about on the outside. Like Austin mulling over to take a job so far away when the relationship with Cal (as boyfriends) was very new.

Heck, I adored Austin's parents, and Cal's colleagues (team?) at the ranch. I only hated Cal's mother but I was happy that he made the right move when it came to her.

So yes, this one was so very lovely

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn read of Best Friends to Lovers.
At first you think not much is happening, but as you read along, you realize this is two adults handling a relationship, maturely.
After a disastrous first date, instead of throwing in the towel they talk and decide to try again.
It isn't all smooth sailing, but they work thru their issues, together.
Austin and Cal are perfect for each other as their relationship started as friends and progresses to more. They both want the best for each other, even if it means their own needs/wants may be placed second.
The HEA is not instant, but even the angst of that is low, and that is sometimes welcome in a read.
This is book two in the series, but it can be read alone. It was nice though, to see more of Las and Marco from book one.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 in this series and have been waiting (not so) patiently for Cal and Austin's story. And I wasn't disappointed.
This is a gorgeous friends to lovers story about moving on from grief, grasping life by the horns and taking chances. There's no massive conflict or heavy angst, just two best friends who have been in love forever without ever realising, wondering if taking things to the next level will destroy their friendship.
And it's great to see Las and Marco again.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Best friends to lovers in a sweet and easy story where when they decide to take their relationship beyond friendship they are both all in. The angst in the story comes from outside sources and I really like the communication and give and take!

This was a fairly low angst read and a great summer beach read, but would be great if you want a cowboy read at any time of the year!

[Samantha Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

FR- Alors alors.... alors j'ai énormément aimé ce roman.

J'adore la plume d'Amy Aislin. Et quand il s'agit de cowboy, il ne m'en faut pas beaucoup plus pour sauter sur un roman. J'avais beaucoup aimé le premier tome Home for a Cowboy. Cependant Road to a Cowboy est pour moi un cran au dessus.

La relation entre Austin et Cal est tout simplement parfaite.

J"ai adoré ces personnages. Une fois de plus Amy Aislin nous livre une romance forte et touchante. Ses personnages ont un vrai passé. Ils en ont tiré des blessures qu'ils vont guérir dans ce roman. Ils évoluent, tout en restant eux même. Il s'agit d'un friends-to-lovers et c'est clairement un trope que je préfère au célèbre ennemies-to-lovers.

J'ai aimé la force de l'amitié entre Cal et Austin et la douceur avec laquelle ils vont faire évoluer leur relation. Amy Aislin ne nous livre pas pour autant une histoire lisse. Ils vont devoir se battre contre eux même et leurs peurs pour s'aimer enfin.

L'univers proposé dans ce roman est vraiment génial.

On retrouve l'ambiance petite ville qu'on aime tant. La majorité des personnages sont bienveillants et attachants et j'ai aimé retrouvé les personnages du premier tome. Cal et Austin sont  des personnages très attachants et j'ai aimé qu'ils restent eux même tout en découvrant une nouvelle façon d'être ensemble.




Et puis, soyons honnête, le coté cowboy est toujours aussi sexy.

En résume, une romance douce, touchante et sexy, des personnages très bien développés. Road to a Cowboy est encore un sans faute pour Amy Aislin!!
ENG-So well well well...well I really liked this book.

I love Amy Aislin's writing. And when it comes to cowboys, it doesn't take much for me to jump on a novel. I really liked the first volume Home for a Cowboy. However, Road to a Cowboy is a cut above for me.

The relationship between Austin and Cal is simply perfect.

I loved these characters. Once again Amy Aislin gives us a strong and touching romance. Her characters have a real past. They have drawn wounds from it that they will heal in this novel. They evolve, while remaining themselves same. It's a friends-to-lovers trope and it's definitely a trope that I prefer to the famous enemies-to-lovers.

I liked the strength of the friendship between Cal and Austin and the gentleness with which they will develop their relationship. Amy Aislin does not, however, give us a smooth story. They will have to fight against themselves and their fears to finally love each other.

The universe proposed in this novel is truly brilliant.

We find the small town atmosphere that we love so much. The majority of the characters are caring and endearing and I liked rediscovering the characters from the first volume. Cal and Austin are very endearing characters and I liked that they remained themselves while discovering a new way of being together.

And then, let's be honest, the cowboy side is still just as sexy.




In summary, a sweet, touching and sexy romance, very well developed characters. Road to a cowboy is another hit from Amy Aislin!!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love a good friends to lovers romance. This was certainly a good one! Cal and Austin have grown up together in the same small town. Cal got into ranching and over the years became the Foreman of the well known ranch that's in their town, while Austin became a well known photographer who travels every now and again for various projects. Now he runs summer workshops for aspiring photographers in his hometown and lives across the street from his best friend. He's had feelings for Cal for a long time but never acted on it as a teen, after losing his wife he realized that life is too short not to take chances, And he's going to try to take his chance with Cal.

The one word that comes to mind when thinking of this book is swoony. These two men have such a strong friendship that spans years, and no matter who the other was dating, or where in the world the other was, they remained best friends and maintained their strong friendship. I liked how Amy wrote about the awkwardness between these two men in the beginning when they went on their first date. I liked that things didn't go perfectly because it gave the story, the characters, and their relationship a deeper dynamic. I loved how that was handled and I appreciate that Amy didn't have them falling into bed with each other right away. It wouldn't have fit right if they got together right away after being so apprehensive to admit their feelings due to their fear of ruining their friendship.

Something else I liked was how detailed the scenes were when Austin was taking pictures, or when he was describing the scenery around him. There were so many details that I could picture what he was describing, which I loved! There was also a lot of detail in describing Cal's day to day life working at the ranch as a Foreman. I found the project him and Las started working on very intriguing, even though it wasn't the main focus of the story I still wanted to know more about it.

I despised Cal's mom, she is definitely the villain in the book. She is rude, dismissive, manipulative, and selfish. I wish Cal listened to Austin and cut his ties with her in the beginning, but I understand why things didn't happen that way. As someone who also has toxic family members it's hard to cut them out of your life even when you know they are treating you poorly. I appreciated how Amy wrote about that dynamic and how it isn't easy to just walk away. It's hard, and continues to be difficult, especially around the holidays.

Overall a very lovely story about two best friends finding their footing as a couple.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for ROAD TO A COWBOY on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would say that you don't absolutely need to read book one, but it would give you some more context to the ranch and to the fun that these two men have together as the very best of friends.

Austin and Cal were at school together and both secretly crushed on each other – but family situations and the times they grew up in were not that conducive to admitting their attraction. Now years later, they are both single and probably deeply in love with each other. Yet they daren't admit it to each other because their friendship is too valuable to lose.

I really enjoyed being back in Windsor, and ranch life – and even more enjoyable, learning more about the photographic skills that Austin uses to earn his living. Delighted that they found their way to each other... and that Cal finally sorted out his relationship with his mother.

I am already looking forward to seeing who gets their chance at love and happiness in Wyoming!


Angie – ☆☆☆
This author is apparently not a good fit for me. I read the first book in the series and didn't like it. I had high hopes for this one; you can only go up, right? This book was only marginally better. Austin and Cal were both great, I just didn't connect with them. There was too much distraction from other things and honestly it was slow burn... I mean really, really slow. When Austin and Cal finally got it together, it just didn't have enough oomph for me. It was just meh. I am sure others will enjoy this book and series, but it just wasn't for me.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is just the sweetest BFs to boyfriends book I have read in long time.

Austin and Cal are friendship and couple goals, all rolled up in one sweet package.

I adored how we saw their relationship grow to be more. They have been through highs and lows together, and now, well, you know.

I did like that this wasn't all about action in bed. In fact, it is quite tame on that front, but there are lots of nights out under the stars.

And it has made me want to go lay out in my yard and look at the universe at night (well, not this week as it is flipping cold, but when it warms up!) It also makes me want to go see the Northern Lights even more than I already did.

I adore the secondary characters, and it has made me want, no need, to go back and read the first Windsor, Wyoming book (and maybe also have this Aussie head back to Wyoming one day)

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Windsor, Wyoming series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I am a huge fan of this author's hockey books so it was not a hard sell to get me to veer off into cowboy territory. And am I ever glad that I did. The book is very well written and easy to read. This is the story of Austin MacIsaac and Cal Anderson. Austin and Cal have been friends since childhood. Both living in the same small town. Austin has become an award winning night sky photographer. He goes away for work but he always comes home to Windsor and Cal. Cal is the foreman at the Windsor Ranch. He loves working at the ranch and he willingly accepts the responsibility to be guardian of the land. Austin lost his wife to cancer and had the unwavering support of his family and Cal. It has taken him a few years but he is finally over the strong stages of grief. He will always love and miss his wife but he knows that life is too short to put things off. He knows what he wants and what he wants is Cal. He is sure their friendship is strong enough to survive if things go wrong between them. Cal on the other hand has loved Austin for most of his life. He just wants Austin to be happy. And since his childhood and family relationship is so terrible, he is terrified of doing anything that might cause a break in his friendship with Author. Cal is unwilling to take a chance. Lucky for him, Austin has enough belief for both of them. This is their story. I really enjoyed this book. Both Cal and Austin were wonderful characters. You immediately are cheering for them to have the happiness they deserve. The best thing about dating your best friend is that you already know each other so well. The bad thing about dating your best friend is that there is no room for white lies or hedging your bet. You have to be totally honest because the other person knows you so well. This is a wonderful read. I look forward to the next book by this author.

I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has one of my favorite romance tropes!

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, so is second chance and this story has both. Austin and Cal have been friends since childhood. As they grew into their teens, they both secretly wanted more but they never said it out loud. Austin met and fell in love with Lindsay but she died much too soon. He's finally ready to move on and he wants a chance with Cal.

I love books with older MCs and Austin and Cal are now in their early 30's. Both of them are afraid that if they become more than friends and it doesn't work out then it will ruin their life-long friendship and neither wants to risk that. Things don't go real smoothly once they decide to take a chance. Their first real date was plenty awkward but of course they manage to finally overcome that.

Once again, Amy Aislin's richly descriptive writing made me want to visit all of the places she took us to in this story. I'm not a fan of cold weather but she still made me want to go to all of the places. 😊

While this is book two in the series it does stand completely alone. If you've read the first book, Home for a Cowboy, you'll recognize some characters from that story but you won't feel lost if you haven't read it. It's been over 4 years since Home for a Cowboy came out so I definitely didn't remember everything about it. It's a great book, though so I don't hesitate to recommend it.

Road to a Cowboy doesn't end on any kind of a cliffhanger but I hope we don't have to wait too long for the last book in the trilogy. If Amy's announced who it's going to be about, I missed it but I hope it's about Austin's brother Ben.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, but then I love everything Amy writes. But this one was very special and it touched my heart deeply.
Austin and Cal have been friends since they were kids. Austin is a sky photographer and Cal is the foreman of the Windsor ranch. They know each other better than anyone else and they have also had feelings for one another forever, but none of them has ever said anything to the other. Austin lost his wife five years ago and has decided it's about time he moves on and tells Cal how he feels. That's when their story turns into something beautiful.
I absolutely loved this couple, best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and Amy knows how to do it. Austin and Cal's friendship was very special, it was amazing to see how they could read each other all the time and I knew their romantic relationship would be amazing.
Their first date had my heart hurting but I understood Cal. He didn't want anything to spoil their friendship, he just didn't realise there was not going back to just being friends. Austin was patient, but determined to make it work and once they finally got together it was so much better than I expected.
Austin and Cal were made for each other. Their moments together were very romantic and special, knowing each other so well just made everything so much easier and I enjoyed their dates with a sigh escaping my lips.
I despised Cal's mum very much and I was happy to see Cal putting her in her place once and for all. Austin might be the push he needed, but it was him who finally realised the people who really mattered in his life.
This was another wonderful read from one of my favourite authors. Amy never disappoints, she knows how to create characters that get under the reader's skin, easy to relate to and emotionally moving. I can't wait to read whatever this author publishes next.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Cal's story was a really sweet best friends to lovers romance. I've always had a soft spot for cowboy books, and this one was a winner for me. Their story picked up several years into their friendship when Austin was finally ready to take the leap and pursue something with Cal. I connected with both men right away, and I found it easy to get into each of their heads and understand their perspectives. Austin's loss of his last love had made him bolder in pursuing what he wanted, while Cal was more hesitant and not wanting to mess up a friendship that had gotten him through some tough times. Their foray into dating didn't get off to the smoothest start, but they regrouped and figured out a way to be authentic with each other while also exploring a new facet of their relationship. I really enjoyed the romance storyline, but I also got very invested in Cal's situation with his mom, ranch life in their small town, and Austin's photography career decisions. I love it when romance books have characters who are interesting beyond what they bring to their love connection, and in this book each man had a full life with friends, hobbies, and careers they were passionate about. Cal and Austin's romance felt extra special because of how much history they had as best friends, and even when life seemed like it was pushing them in different directions I had faith that they would be able to make it work. I'm so happy with the way their story wrapped up, and though Austin and Cal had to spend some time apart physically their connection felt stronger and more settled than ever when they finally came back together.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I might have mentioned it before but a friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes. Something about seeing that close and wonderful friendship develop into something more as you get to know the characters is comforting in some way. The sly glances and meaningful looks and that realization moment just do it for me. This second installment of the Windsor Wyoming series is a low angst friends to lovers read with two easy going best friends.

Austin is a nighttime photographer (anyone else love learning about different professions while reading?) who has been coming to terms with his wife’s passing. Their brief but intense marriage has remained with him but he’s finally at a place where he feels like he can date again and his best friend and longtime crush is once again on his mind. Meanwhile Cal has kept his feelings for Austin under wraps and has been a constant support for him. Austin makes it clear that he wants their friendship to take the next step and leaves Cal at a difficult spot.

It’s a little bit of a slow burn story as it takes time for these two MCs to come to terms with their feelings and work through what it all means for their friendship. I feel for Cal’s character and how he wrestles with the unknown. Does he take the plunge and reach for something he’s wanted for such a long time or leave things as is and not risk losing one of the most important people in his whole life if it doesn’t work out.

I enjoyed seeing how things work out for these two MCs and their HEA was well deserved. I’m curious as to where the series will go from here as I think something is brewing between some characters and I wonder how that will play out!

[Angel_2822 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to a Cowboy by Amy Aislin is the second book in the Windsor, Wyoming series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and I haven’t had the feeling that I was missing anything.

First of all, I want to say that Amy Aislin is one of my favourite authors. On the Ice, the first book in the Stick Side series, is one of my comfort reads. I love all her books.

My favourite trope is best friends-to-lovers. Road to a Cowboy is one of the sweetest and most beautiful BF to lovers books I’ve read lately. Austin and Cal are best friends since childhood. They have feelings for each other but they are not aware of the feelings of the other. Their journey from friendship to love is beautifully portrayed. I could feel every moment of their connection.

I love slow burn romances, and the gradual progression of their relationship in this book was chef’s kiss. It wasn’t rushed and I could see how much they truly valued and cared for each other. The story is a sweet slow burn, with Austin finally ready to express his feelings for Cal after years of friendship. Cal’s hesitation and Austin’s determination make their relationship real.

The side characters and the side topics such as the importance of found family and having a strong support system, are elements that make this book even better. Amy knows how to write a story, and this book is so beautifully written that it makes you want to visit all the places she describes in it, and meet all the characters you’ve read about. I couldn’t put it down.

Because I’m a sucker for stargazing, their tender moments under the stars add the cherry to the story. Road to a Cowboy was a delightful, charming and beautiful read from start to finish. I’m definitely going to read Home for a Cowboy, the first book in the series.

I highly recommend it.

Because there are sensitive topics, please check out the content warnings if necessary.

I received an ARC from the author for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation. 

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars 

I loved the tender romance between two close friends who have always pined for each other. This is book two of the Windsor Wyoming series, and I highly recommend reading the first book, but this can hold its own as a standalone.

I admired both of the MCs. They are decent men with great work ethics and are just plain likable. Austin lost his wife so soon after they married and is finally finding himself on solid footing. He treasures his friendship with Cal and realizes he wants more. Life can change in an instant, and now Austin is ready to take a chance on romance again.

Calvin has been in love with Austin for such a long time. He felt no jealousy when Austin married because he would never have taken a chance to risk their friendship. Well, Austin is done walking on eggshells and makes his intentions known to Cal. I loved how the two men gently navigated from friends to dating. This is a low-angst story and they felt like a true couple.

There are also appearances of some of my favorites from the first book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, this is a great novel that I highly recommend. I just wish the epilogue took us a little further out in their lives. Enjoy, and happy reading!

**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.**