Cowboys Can't Kiss

Kissing Ridge Cowboys #1

by R.M. Neill

Riley Benton

Cowboys break hearts. It’s a known fact.

But my career as a romance planner has me moving back to my hometown of Kissing Ridge---a town so full of cowboys you can’t enter a room without bumping into a Stetson. And I don’t date cowboys. Not that it matters. I build romance for others… not myself.

There’s no way I’m falling for a steer wrestler with a sinful smile and awkward rambles.

I’ve already had one cowboy break my heart. I don’t intend to make it two.

Jackson Sutherland

Riley Benton is all my daydreams brought to life.

And despite that fact, he doesn’t make me self-conscious when my mouth runs away with me and I blurt out random things. I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m cute, too.

We have a connection, and if he’d just let himself accept it and move past the friend zone, we could be beautiful together. But he’s more stubborn than a steer who hates the wash rack.

I’m used to working hard for what I want, but how do I convince him to risk his heart and kiss another cowboy?

Cowboys Can’t Kiss is book one in the Kissing Ridge Cowboy series. It features a hopelessly romantic, but awkward cowboy and a guarded former escort turned romance planner who thinks the friend zone will keep his heart safe. A friends to lovers story with a unique first “date” and all the found family you wish you had can be found in Kissing Ridge. Pass the hummus and remember to look up when the stars are out.

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

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

About the author

RM is an introverted Canadian author who likes to write about love while freezing in the winter.

Her mission is to always make you swoon and snort laugh, sometimes even in public.

She talks to her cat, Moon, and sometimes people. She married her prince charming, who often inspires her characters, but still can't place dirty clothes in the hamper.

When she's not writing swoony men to fall in love with, she's in her garden providing mosquitoes with an alternative food source. She can also be found inventing new swear words on the golf course.


You can find her on facebook or visit her website rmneillauthor.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboys Can’t Kiss is book one in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series by R.M. Neill. This is my very first book by this author even though I’ve had several on my to read list forever. This is the story of a cowboy who thinks nothing of jumping off the back of his horse and onto a huge steer in the rodeo ring but is awkward and shy when he tries to talk to a man he thinks is attractive. And, an event planner who’s been hurt badly by a cowboy and has vowed never to date one again, even though he lives in a town filled with cowboys.



Riley Benton is somewhere in his upper thirties I believe. He moved back to Kissing Ridge to be near his aunt who he loves with all his heart, and to start his own business, a sort of romance event planning business called Wild Romance. Making client’s romantic dreams come true for whatever they need, a wedding, a date, a proposal, etc. His business is doing great and he loves what he does for everyone else but not himself. Riley was hurt badly by his previous relationship with a cowboy which is why he moved back to Kissing Ridge to start over. And he has vowed to never, ever date another cowboy.



Jackson Sutherland is forty years old and is a steer wrestler in the rodeo circuit. When Jackson is in the rodeo ring, he is completely focused and confident. But out of the ring, especially when he tries to talk to a man who he finds attractive, he is awkward and instead of making normal conversation, he spouts random facts. It’s adorable.



These two have the sweetest meet cute. But it still takes them a bit to actually connect. But, once Riley realizes that Jackson is a cowboy, he puts his walls up, friend zones him. Somehow Jackson feels less anxious around Riley, even though he still manages to spout his fair share of random facts. He wants more than friendship but he will do whatever it takes to be close to Riley and hopefully prove to him that he is nothing like his ex.



Jackson is the kindest, sweetest, most romantic cowboy hero EVER! He was so sweet with Riley. This entire book was like a mountain of sugar. Just the sweetest romance! There is literally no angst. And the secondary characters are all wonderful. I especially liked Riley’s best friend, Gabe. The next book will be called Bull Riders Don’t Swoon and is Jackson’s friend, Griff’s book. There will definitely be more books in my future by this author.

“Hearts lead us astray. But hearts also lead us home.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Ellie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Did I just read the cutest cowboy story ever written? Yes. Yes, I did!!

SWOOOOOON!!

This book was sugar on top of sugar and I mean it in a good way. I LOVED it!

Jack and Riley were adorable right from the beginning. They had instant chemistry, even if Rye tried to keep his distance. But how could he possibly resist Jackson? This man is just perfect, sweet, honest, genuine, attentive, kind, adorable, protective, gentle, cute, romantic and such a gentleman!

Their friendship was a mix of flirty and awkward and it totally worked for them. And when they finally got together, they were so romantic, gentle and loving. I literally melted!! Their story had some really touching moments that gave me all the feels.

I’m definitely going to read more books by this author!

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

I don’t read too many cowboy books but I absolutely loved this one from start to finish. I loved the way the two MCs met, I loved the rodeos, I loved how incredibly sweet the cowboy was and I loved watching these two fall in love! I loved it so much I already preordered a physical copy!!

Jackson was my absolute favourite. I’m a huge fan of ramblers and he had some really great rambles and fun facts! It was super cute and I really liked that both characters realized eventually what the ramblings meant and how they were a part of him and not something to be changed! And what better name for a cowboy is there than Jackson!!

Riley was sweet too and I loved his character growth! Their HEA was great! I highly recommend this story and can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and swoony story! I love RM Neill's cowboy novels, but I found this one extremely beautiful and cozy and very low angst. It was what I love and it exceeded my expectations.
I loved how Riley and Jackson met. I thought it was a sort of meet-cute but also a funny one. Having a conversation with a pair of shoes? Well, it can turn into something amazing!
I understood why Riley was reluctant to start a relationship with a cowboy, but come on, Jackson was the cutest with those random facts that were so interesting. How could he resist the cowboy? I actually learnt quite a lot by reading this book.
This is a slow burn story, with two guys that are perfect for each other. Both have issues to deal with that they carry from their past and they start as friends, because Riley is determined to keep Jackson in the friend zone. I love a friends-to-lovers trope and this book made me sigh many times, the cowboy was a hopeless romantic and their moments together made me swoon hard.
As usual with this author, this was a great read. She knows how to portray real cowboys that have hearts made of gold. Riley and Jackson were wonderful and I enjoyed their love story very much.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

RM Neill can write swoony cowboys, she can also make sure that stereotypes get turned on their heads... I love how the author and the universe kept putting these two men in each other's paths and how they built friendship and understanding while still fanning romantic flames...

I love that this book kicks off a new series, because we not only have swoon-worthy main characters but we also meet some kick-ass secondary characters who deserve to find love too. It doesn't hurt that there's a harken back to another series with a little bit of smexy lingerie either...

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley doesn't like cowboys, dated one and the romance didn't end well and swore never to trust cowboys again, until Jackson, a romantic cowboy with love communication difficulties, hires the services of Riley's company.
But Jackson and Riley had already met in a park and the attraction between them is huge, however as Riley doesn't date cowboys, they decide to go out only as friends.
But the "friendship" doesn't stop the passion between Riley and Jackson, but how will Jackson convince Riley that he's not like Riley’s ex-boyfriend?

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally disagree cowboys can kiss. And our main characters can prove it. This author has the amazing talent of writing such amazing characters. Jackson the cowboy I would say is socially awkward but is the absolute sweetest. This author knows all the most important qualities of a character. He's very likeable very relatable in a Romance read. Riley you know you are going to love. Because he loves his auntie. You can tell a man's quality of how much he loves his person. His auntie. He has a great back story. Former escort turned into the quintessential events planner. He gives his clients romance. And he just never knew he would meet his happy every after in a park on the ground sharing baby carrots and hummus.
As I said this author is fabulous writing her characters to be very likeable flawed people who definitely find their hea.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys Can't Kiss is the first book in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series. This is the story of Riley and Jackson. Riley has been hurt by a cowboy in the past so he wants to just be friends with Jackson who definitely wants more. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. I love the name of the town" Kissing Ridge". I love a good cowboy story and this one was perfect. I loved watching these two figure everything out. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a cute book and they were so cute together, but the writing wasn't the best.

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an incredible sweet story
What happens when you swear off cowboys? You end up meeting a cute guy at the park, he’s nice, you talk, and then you find out guess what, he’s a cowboy.
Cowboys Can’t Kiss is a great story of a romance date maker and a cowboy who wants to find his own great love.
RM Neill has delivered us the start to a new series with a beautiful story and sweet characters.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

carrots

This was a such a sugary sweet book. If you want a good swoon, a melting in the floor sweet words and romantic times this is the book for you. Who else will break your walls down then a sweet cowboy who wants to treat you like you are better than the sweetest treat.

These two were amazing. The writing was great the smexy was ok. I can’t wait to see the next book. Hopefully these friends will figure it out.

For future me.
Dual POV
No cheating no sharing.
Not sure about roles only one smexy scene

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Starfish aren't the only things without brains."

1st person, present tense, dual PoV
Riley Maxwell Benton (mid-30's-ish), escort turned owner/operator of Wild Romance (romantic event planning)
Jackson Sutherland (40), rodeo cowboy (steer wrestling)

I just loved these two so much! I'm struggling to write a review because Jackson is just too sweet for words. He was often a little awkward, but never cringey - I may have ended up highlighting the majority of the random facts he blurted out when nervous. I know next to nothing about rodeo, but that didn't stop me from cheering Jackson on at every event.

This stands alone well, though eagle eyes readers will be thrilled by the passing mention of another character from another series (Roman from Kiss My Axe - there may be more since I haven't read the author's entire backlist, a fact I need to rectify soon) and obviously other secondary characters are going to get their HEAs in future books.

I adored their meet-cutes, and loved the evolution of their relationship. Riley is pretty skittish, especially about cowboys after some past relationship drama, so this is a bit of a slow burn but Jackson is so reliable and steadfast that he eventually wins him over - their little friendship dates were so cute. The attraction simmers slowly in the background until it boils over in an extremely satisfying way.

Riley is still dealing with the aftermath of his ex-, but that storyline wasn't extremely well developed and I kept waiting for/wondering if it would come back to haunt our couple well after it was actually over and done with.

The secondary characters add a rich background tapestry, I loved Riley's relationship with his Aunt Agnes and I'm excited to visit Kissing Ridge again soon to see all of Jackson's cowboy friends get their HEA's.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read, especially all of the random little fun facts Jackson blurted when he was flustered around Riley. Jackson was so honest and caring, a romantic at heart, a perfect fit for Riley once Riley got his head out of his a** about the other “cowboy” that did him wrong. Jackson wore his heart on his sleeve for Riley, was always there, didn’t push or rush him, listened and remembered things Riley mentioned, and accurately anticipated what Riley needed at any given time, a man who would do anything for the man who stole his heart. Riley was definitely hesitant to get anywhere beyond the friend zone to avoid being hurt and betrayed again, and it took him a long time to lower his shields and take a chance. Both characters had supportive friends and/or family to help them figure out their feelings and encourage them to follow their instincts and their hearts.

The book did some educating on things with random obscure facts about animals and plants, some information on hydroponics, and explained more about a couple of different rodeo events. I enjoyed the rodeo background, taking me back to the excitement of rodeos I attended when I was in my teens and twenties.

There were four supporting characters that will feature in the next two books, so we will hopefully continue to learn how Jackson, Riley and Agnes are doing as part of the stories of Griff and Jamieson and also Hunter and maybe Gabe (since he was stunned when he saw Hunter), hope so since Gabe needs a good man in his life, too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a bit angsty from Riley’s point of view, but it just flowed for me, leading me to read in one sitting. Point of view does switch between Jackson and Riley, so we get thoughts and feeling from both sides and reactions to events as they happen. A sweet love story with lots of good feelings throughout.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Theodore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was fine if a little too explicit and fluffy. Would give a 2.5 if it was possible.

The first part of the story, I was scratching my head over why Riley seemed so fixated on not dating cowboys when it was Chase's dishonesty that hurt him. Find it a little weird that his friend Gabe was able to just lay things out so straight when he told Riley that he was just using cowboys as an easy target to stay away from relationships because it was just so candid. Like I expect a conversation like that to come after some very long and hard mental gymnastics had caused some big issue, not during a random one off conversation. Same thing with how Riley was able to tell Jackson about everything that happened with Chase or his Jackson was able to perfectly vocalize his tendency to word vomit when he's nervous. It was too explicit and would've been nice if we'd gotten those in more subtle ways.

Riley not returning Jackson's messages and calls then sleeping in the same bed as Gabe was hella sus and stupid. In honestly surprised that it didn't cause a fight considering I'd've expected anyone to automatically assume cheating. Since it didn't, I didn't understand why that scene even had to happen in the first place.

Actually, I felt that way about a lot of scenes. The scenes involving Jackson and Hunter's contemporaries in rodeos were almost completely unrelated to anything that was happening between Riley and Jackson and didn't even add to Jackson's character, so it just felt out of place. I don't mind set ups for future books, but Griff and Jamieson's happened way too early and was too unconnected.

And what happened to the hydroponics and Chase subplots? They showed up then disappeared after like two scenes each. Developing those two conflicts more would've gone a long way to not making the story feel so fluffy.

TL;DR: People are too explicit, nothing really happens, and the romance is too easy. Still, nothing was particularly bad even if nothing was stand out awesome either.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrangling a Cowboy

When Riley, an ex escort heads back to his hometown after his ex Chase, a lying cheating married cowboy broke his heart, he vowed never to date a Cowboy again. He didn’t reckon on the tenacity of Jackson Sutherland, a Champion Steer wrangling cowboy, who is a dream of a man that anyone else would adore, a very romantic soul. I loved how he blurted out random weird facts to Riley when he was nervous. 😂

————————-
Example, “I remember.” I whisper as I rest my head on his shoulder. “You told me dolphins play with puffer fish on purpose to get high on their toxins and that’s how it feels when you’re with me. Like you’re high, but in the best possible way.”
————————-
Riley knows all about romance, after giving up his escort life, he now offers Wedding Planning services and Dream Dates Parties, the most romantic events anyone would ask for. But he doesn’t want any of that for himself apparently.

His first meeting with Jackson, was a view of his legs as the stranger under his seat in the park. From there on Jackson has to do all the work to try and get out of Riley’s friend zone. I loved seeing how this relatively slow growing relation developed, thanks to Jackson. Riley’s aunt and his best friend, lawyer Gabe, had to kick his ass to make him see sense and what he was missing.

Jackson’s Rodeo partner Hunter, plus other Wranglers, Griff and Jamieson are important side characters who are all looking for their personal too and not having a great time either.

Glad to see that both of these couples get their own book, which already wait on my TBR as I enjoyed the pacing and relatively angst free style of ‘Cowboys Can’t Kiss’, the cover of which attracted me first and I’m thinking this represents Jackson. I already have a shirt like his, now I just need a hat so I can go practice my line dancing.🥰

I do like my cowboy read so much.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys can and should kiss, especially if their name is Jackson Sutherland. R.M. Neill gives us another outstanding start to a series full of rugged men and the men who love them. This story gives us so many book boyfriends, and I cannot wait to read all about their HEAs, but today is for Jackson and Riley.

Riley has sworn off cowboys after being burned and left forgotten by a con man with pretty words. And while he has crossed paths with many a cowboy, he has never met one quite like Jackson Sutherland. Jackson is a romantic by heart and a bull wrestler by trade. Jackson is kind, caring, and a hunk of a man who is confident in the rodeo ring, but in front of a new attractive guy, he'll hit you with the most random and often odd fun fact. When he "meets" Riley, he is struck by the kind man with a sad heart. When life gets in the way of them getting to know each other, another happenstance puts them in each other's path and Jackson refuses to let go even if that means a platonic date for the rest of forever as long as it is with Riley. But Riley's walls are crumbling at a speed he has never seen before. Jackson is the perfect man for him, but can he get over his hurt to be loved as he deserves?

Jackson knows what he wants, and it is Riley Benton. They can have it all, and he is putting in the work to make all of their dreams come true. One night out after a great night in the rodeo ring brings Riley into Jackson's orbit, not as his friend but as a possibility of something more. Jackson shows up, he is ready to jump in, and he wants to give all of his love to one special man who deserves all that love.

Jackson and Riley set a high bar when it comes to romance and fiery passion, but I know the stories that will follow can rise to the occasion.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything from this author but let me tell you....you need to dust off those cowboy boots and get your Stetson on.

This book is incredibly sweet, patient, endearing, full of longing and pure romance.

We have an older Steer wrestler working the rodeo circuits with his friends and on the other side we have a love jaded romance coordinator with a bad cowboy aftertaste.

Which means you know the chase is on. A chance encounter sparks their first meeting and the chance to develop a friendship.

While Jackson is all for chasing after Riley, Riley makes it clear he is only interested in friendship. That changes through different trials Jackson passes easily with how sweet, romantic and patient he is. While he never pushes Riley, he makes his attraction and feelings known through the story.

Different events and truths come into play that sets these two men who are longing for love and forever and makes them face the make it or break it moment.

While this book isn't spicy per se, the pure sweet romantic essence that is this story really keeps you hooked and cheering for these men.

I'm very excited for book two and I'm honestly not really one for rodeo/ cowboy romances really. (I blame coming from a rodeo town myself lol). But I cannot wait for the other two friends of Jackson to finally have their sparking moment.

If you are looking for a sugary sweet cowboy sweeping you off your feet with random food and animal facts when nervous... this book is totally for you. It's a great pick me up that hits you in the feels, but keeps you lighthearted and hopeful.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY OPINION: Riley was hurt by a cowboy and refused to fall for another one of them, but honestly, he didn’t think he would fall for anybody again because it was way too painful when it fell apart. Instead, he ran a business dedicated to romance, where he would plan romantic moments for other couples, and he loved it. Then, he wouldn’t have to face his own loss. Even though his best friend felt the excuses were just avoidance and that he should be brave.

Jackson was a cowboy, a real one. He was a steer wrestler at the top of his sport, and it was the only place he didn’t feel like that weird, awkward kid. When he saw Riley, everything changed for him because this guy was special; he just knew it.

I really liked this book a lot. It was a slow burn because Riley had his reasons, but Jackson was perfect, almost too perfect, but it was so charming. I laughed out loud quite a few times, genuinely enjoying Jackson’s weird flavor of awkwardness when he was nervous. Riley had to learn to trust Jackson, who was patient. Together, they navigated through a lovely story about life, where there is fear, friends, family, and love. There wasn’t a whole lot of rodeo, and the book focused primarily on them figuring out how to be together. There were some spicy moments, but it was never about that.

RM Neil is new to me, and I very much enjoyed this book. I will go back and read some other books by them because this was so good. If you want a good cowboy love story, you’ll want to read this.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up this has the best opening line that I have read in a book, and yes I had to read it twice, to make sure that I had read it correct, it was a good job that I was not drinking my coffee as my kindle would have been wearing it.
Riley had been burnt by a cowboy, not wanting to get hurt again he has sworn off love. His job as a romance consultant lets him live through others happy ever afters. Jackson/Jack doesn't want the casual hook-ups and whilst he confident in the rodeo arena when it comes to talking to a good looking man he gets tongue tied.
Jackson with his caring understanding nature was such an adorable character. His quirky ramblings had me constantly smiling when another trivial fact would pop out of his mouth every time he was nervous and I was constantly thinking "oooh I didn't know that". Even when Riley had clearly friend-zoned him he never pushed and just enjoyed time with Riley. With Riley you could really see he was scared of loving someone, but that did not stop him doing an amazing job. Some of his ideas was genius. But the longer Riley spends with Jackson, you can see his walls starting to crumble.
As someone who has not got a clue about the Rodeo scene, the descriptive writing when Jackson was in the arena was exciting.
The story flowed smoothly and I was fully invested in Riley and Jackson's relationship. The secondary characters set the scenes for further stories, whilst also having some laugh out loud moments and I cannot wait to return to Kissing Ridge.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and Captivating. A Story of Love, Trust, and Friendship

From the first page, I was hooked by Jackson, the gentleman with a heart of gold. His gentle, charming nature had me swooning, and his ability to make you laugh made him instantly lovable. Riley, on the other hand, captured my heart differently. With deep-rooted trust issues, his journey to open up and learn to trust again was relatable and incredibly moving. The saying time heals everything rings true in this story, as time and patience slowly help build the trust they need to make their relationship work.

The emotional depth of this book had me rooting for Riley and Jackson every step of the way. As they face their trials and tribulations, you can’t help but cheer for them, hoping they’ll overcome their struggles. Riley’s aunt brings so much joy and warmth to the story, and Jackson’s rodeo friends add an extra layer of camaraderie that I truly enjoyed.

Once the walls started to fall between Riley and Jackson, I couldn’t help but smile. The connections between love, trust, friendship, and family are beautifully explored in this heartfelt read. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series—highly recommended for anyone looking for a deeply emotional and uplifting romance.

I received this ARC from NRR and have left my review.

Monica

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you’ve been burned, it’s hard to take that step back into dating again. Riley took his fear and his talents into creating romance for others. 

Riley lost his heart to a fake cowboy. A totally dirty rotten scoundrel, so he totally wrote off all cowboys until….Jackson. Jackson is a good guy that’s unable to flirt. He wants to flirt and then gets so nervous he starts babbling off random facts. Jackson and Riley have the best meet cute. In this small town where everyone knows everyone, will these two get it together or will Jackson’s cowboy status get in the way?

As a devoted R. M. Neill reader, I was not ready to leave our cowboys at Broken Ranch. I was absolutely thrilled to see the cover and realize more cowboys were in my future. There is something about Riley that is so special. I think a broken heart happens to most of us, but how many would then move into a purveyor of all romance goodness? That he was written so well, with a soft outer shell and yet could still be a little difficult. Jackson was written perfectly for him. He’s a cowboy that is so sweet, with such a good heart, that there is no way Riley could ever resist him. With all the cowboys, Gabe, and sweet Aunt Agnes, we have a huge character base that brings laughter and friendship through the entire book. R. M. Neill has started a new series that based off this first book is going to bring us lots of laughter, some angst with Griff and Jamieson, and always a romance to knock us off our feet.

[Whispers Wonders]

Cowboys Can't Kiss
by R.M. Neill

Riley Benton has sworn off cowboys — especially after one broke his heart. But moving back to his hometown of Kissing Ridge, where cowboy hats are practically the town uniform, makes that vow a little harder to keep. Especially when steer wrestler Jackson Sutherland, all charm and awkward rambles, keeps catching his eye.
Jackson knows Riley is everything he’s ever wanted — now he just has to convince him that some cowboys are worth the risk.

This was such a cute cowboy romance where an awkward rodeo cowboy and an ex-escort turned romance event planner fall in love through friendship — one filled with tension, longing, and unspoken feelings. You keep wondering if it’s really just friendship… until it isn’t.

Jackson is such a sweetheart — his babbling is endearing, and his patience is genuinely touching. I loved how he gave Riley space to heal while never giving up on their connection. It’s a charming, heartfelt story about finding love where you least expect it and letting yourself be seen.

📖 “Did you know I’ve never been in actual love before? It’s true. I thought I was once, but I was wrong. I didn’t know true love until I met you.”

💫 Gentle • Queer Romance • Slow Burn • Small Town Vibes

🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
So happy to feature Cowboys Can’t Kiss by R.M. Neill — a story that reminds us love can grow quietly, softly, and in the most unexpected places.


Spicy moments : 158-161; 207-210; 239-244

[Vinnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How freaking adorable was this? I loved the premise from the blurb on the back, and I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised by just how much of a nervous babbler Jackson was. When we were in his POV, the way he made fun of himself in his head was hilarious. His attentiveness for Riley's situation (past and present) was a delight to watch, and I even appreciated his protective streak. Our Golden Retriever boyfriend also made an excellent Rottweiler.

Riley, while bearing the weight of the angst of the plot, stayed light and playful despite clear boundaries and did a wonderful job of looking past easily-misinterpreted statements from Jackson. Riley appreciating Jackson's nervous fact-spewing endeared himself to me as much as it endeared themselves to each other.

The main conflict in the book was pretty light, all things considered, so I'd recommend this to someone who wants an easy, swoony read. I can't wait to read book 2 for more Jamieson and Griff!

*I'll admit, after previously reading "Alec" from The Broken Horn Ranch series, my hackles raised every time Hunter appeared in Jackson's POV. Luckily, he seems to be starting down a different path than the one he was on previously, and I liked him being supportive of Jackson. Time will tell if he will reconcile with Alec properly someday.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two main characters are just absolutely sweet and cute.

When Riley, ex-escort turned event planner, meets a mysterious guy in the park, he thinks his bad luck with personal romance may be over.

When Jackson manages to talk to a guy without starting to talk the most random (but actually quite interesting) facts, he sees it as a step into the direction to date, he just needs a bit of help.

I love how Jackson is trying to get help, just to find his meet-cute being utterly against cowboys. But he is not giving up. He is determind, even when he is pushed into friend-zone and stil can't get over talking the most random facts when he gets nervous. He is such a marshmellow.

Riley is a bit too stubborn to realise what is in front of him, while I understand his reluctance, god, it took a long while to get his head out of his backside.

There is plenty of chemistry between these two and the fact that they started as friends due to Riley's trust issues, cemented a good relataionship when they were finally on the same page.

I have absolutely no idea about steer wrestling or rodeos but the story flows without needing any insider knowledge.

There are plenty of secondary characters I love to see more about and hints of stories to follow.

[Rae_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a low angst, swoon worthy, cowboy romance with some hilarious moments, bonding over the shared love of hummus and a HEA.

The premise:
Riley is an ex escort, now romance planner, who believes everything happens for a reason. He lives for romance but is yet to find it for himself. Jackson is an absolute sweetheart who loves hugs and caring for people. He is super awkward when he meets new people and sprouts out random fact, which are absolutely hilarious!

On paper he's Riley's perfect man, the only problem is he's a cowboy and Riley has sworn off cowboys ever since he was burned by his horrible cowboy ex. Even though he's super skeptical, Riley eventually agrees to go on "friend dates" with Jackson, which Jackson uses to try show Riley he's nothing like his ex.

The swoon level is high in this one. Jackson is the perfect man and shows Riley how he deserves to be treated. Even when he's still firmly in the "friends only" zone Jackson is always there for Riley when he needs him and shows him the respect and kindness he could only dream of.

It's a relatively slow burn, Riley definitely makes Jackson work for it, but once they do get together their connection is so sweet and the spice is just right.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next in the series!


Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶

Vibes:
• Hurt from previous relationship
• Opposites attract
• Swoon
• Small town
• Found family
• Cowboy
• HEA

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys Can’t Kiss - Unapologetically Real Love

‘Reaching for him, I cup his face in my hands and kiss him, soft and slow, as I walk us backwards towards the bed. When his legs hit the edge of the bed, I pull away from his lips. “You’re safe with me. I promise.” “And you with me, Jackson. Don’t let what I did in the past affect how you feel when we’re together. Please.” I can’t possibly feel anything other than a desire to please him in every way I can. To prove to him I’m the one and it’s forever.’

Jackson and Riley hurdle obstacle after obstacle to find their perfect love, in RM Neill’s sweetly sexy book one in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series, Cowboys Can’t Kiss!

Each of these men have struggled in their own way towards love, but romance was in the stars, once they cross paths! Riley’s solution to heartbreak was to never fall in love again, especially to a cowboy. While Jackson has always held himself apart from others, not knowing if his unexpected verbal facts will earn him a smile or a scowl, he is enamored by the young man who he finds sitting at the picnic table.

Rye and Jack each take a chance on the other, because they just can’t deny their heart deep feelings, and so goes the beautiful, sweet romance of the cowboy and the romantic!

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! I was smiling while reading this. It was so sweet and gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I apparently needed. Jackson is so adorable and I loved his awkward ramblings, those made him even more endearing. He was so gentle, romantic and the sweetest cowboy I've read about. Riley was apprehensive about dating a cowboy because of a really bad past experience, but Jackson was so honest with him and kept showing up and Riley finally decided to take a chance on another cowboy, and he did not regret that at all. I loved Jackson being the ultimate caretaker and just an all around gentleman. Riley really needed to be cherished and Jackson was the perfect person to do that for him. Jackson was also very romantic and I loved the little "dates" he took Riley on.
I loved how their relationship progressed and their meet cute was awesome. I really enjoyed the side characters and I can't wait for the other guys to get their HEAs.

If you want a sweet cowboy romance between a steer wrestler and a romance planner, then this is the book for you! It's low angst, fluffy, romantic and fun. Enjoyment guaranteed.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are introduced to Jackson in the book Heath, the last book in the Broken Horn Ranch series, from which this book spins off. I already knew that I would love Jackson as MC and I was not wrong! Jackson is a steer wrestler/cowboy, an awkward homebody who spouts off food facts when he gets nervous around people, and who does yoga and tried to manifests what he wants out of life - in other words, he is totally precious. When we - and the other MC Riley - first encounter him, one of the first things he does is to be kind to Riley! Not only is this meet-cute adorable, Jackson is adorable as well. They get to know each other better over several cute friend dates (and btw, I'd take fresh lettuce from a garden over a bouquet any day!) and over time, a bit of spice happens ---and like Jackson, I am here for Riley's lace! Their HEA is sweet and swoony with a Big Moment - love it! Both Jackson and Riley have wonderful, supportive friends and I can't wait to see them in the future books :) ALready looking forward to the next one (though TBH, I've been looking forward to this couple since HEATH).

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily .

[Pontiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riley loves romance, and his business is planning dates, weddings, etc., but he doesn’t want it for himself after a cowboy broke his heart.

Jackson is a steer wrangler at the rodeo, a cowboy through and through. They meet in circumstances that don’t make it obvious he’s a cowboy, but when Riley finds out he’s wary. Jack is an awkward guy when it comes to romance, so they agree to be friends and Jackson becomes comfortable around Riley.

Jackson is patient, and Riley is non judgemental, both feeling things are just right between them, romance is natural. Everyone around them sees their chemistry, so when they finally take the step to become a couple, no one is surprised.

This is a sweet story, but it’s almost too sweet, there’s not much to the story. Riley’s work is also flimsy, and at times the dialogue is a bit stilted between the two. I did love Jack’s fun random facts that he spews when he’s nervous, that was a great part of his character.

An OK read.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to give it my honest review in appreciation.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Testament of Love by Riley Benton it is clearly stated that cowboys can’t toe-curlingly kiss, be loyal or value you as you are. And that was the reason why Riley stayed away from buckle-wearing machos because one of them broke his heart in the past. One day he met Jackson, a steer wrestler, who made Riley question the rule of not getting involved with cowboys but Jackson didn’t really have to work hard to impress Riley because he was a gentlemen through and through.

This is a very swoony romance ☺️ I really loved how on guard Riley was with Jackson, how he tried to protect himself from another heart ache but didn’t succeed. And I loved Jackson with his corny jokes and silly facts even more. Nothing but sweet dates, picnics in the park and gentlemanly gestures 🥰 and plus, this book just proves a point that sometimes we fall in love with the very person we think we never will.

And if you want to know where Hawaiian pizza comes from or want ideas of what to call your puppy, definitely pick up RM’s book 😄