The Lady's Stand-In Groom

by Lauri Robinson

The Old West and Victorian England collide when cowboy Jake breaks up Lady Caroline’s wedding. Only, to save her honour he must marry her himself!Hitched in a hurry…

To a stranger!

When rancher Jake Simpson hears of his philandering cousin’s upcoming marriage to Lady Caroline Evans, he can’t let it the good-for-nothing groom is bound to someone else! But his storming to London and stopping the wedding leaves Lady Caroline in need of a husband…

Honour-bound to save her reputation, Jake offers himself—and a ticket to accompany him back to Texas, where gossip can’t hurt her. It’s supposed to be an arrangement of strict convenience, but Jake hasn’t counted on finding Caroline’s sweetness quite so charming. Soon he finds himself wondering whether this rugged cowboy can win his refined English wife’s heart…

–

Perfect for fans

💍 Marriage of convenience

☯️ Opposites attract

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Harlequin, Historical

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2025

About the author

Lauri Robinson's chosen genre to write is Western historical, and when asked why, she says, "Because I know I wasn't the only girl who wanted to grow up and marry Little Joe Cartwright."

With a degree in early childhood education, Lauri has spent three decades working in the non-profit field for Head Start, Child Abuse Intervention, the March of Dimes, and United Way. She claims the once upon a time and happily ever after premise of romance novels has always been a form of stress relief. When her husband suggested she write one, she took the challenge and has loved every minute of the journey.

Lauri lives in rural Minnesota, where she and her husband spend every spare moment with their three grown sons and their families, which includes three granddaughters, two stepgrandsons and two granddogs. She volunteers for several organizations, including her local library, and spends most fall weekends filling the freezer with homemade foodstuffs from the bountiful harvest of her husband's green thumb. She's a diehard Elvis fan (yes, she's been to Graceland), and loves to spend Sundays watching NASCAR, either live or on TV. However, she says her favorite weekends are spent in the woods of northern Minnesota on the land homesteaded by her great-grandfather.

Most of her childhood was spent in western Kansas, which is the setting for several of her stories. Lauri is a member of RWA, Northern Lights Writers,and Hearts Through History Romance Writers, as well as several online writing groups. She writes for Harlequin, Mills and Boon and The Wild Rose Press.


For updates on her writing please visit www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the cowboy x English aristocracy vibe in historical romance. I blame Lorraine Heath for my obsession with cowboys who walk into aristocratic homes with their Colt in a holster and their spurs banging against the marble floors. But we can’t help what we’re into.

Jake Simpson is a rancher from rural Texas, where he works alongside his staff and raises his ten-year-old sister. But he’s back in London for the first time since he was twelve to stop his cousin Edward’s wedding. Edward is the son of a duke and, when he was last in Texas visiting Jake, got the lieutenant governor’s daughter pregnant before heading back to England to get married. Jake’s worried that this situation could negatively impact his ranch, so he’ll do anything to protect his land and his sister—including stopping a wedding.

Lady Caroline Evans didn’t want to marry Lord Edward, but she bowed to family pressure to accept him. When a handsome American bursts into the church with his saddlebag slung over his shoulder and a gun on his hip, she’s both intrigued and relieved. But Caroline doesn’t realize how this aborted wedding will impact her socially—she’ll be blamed for the failed engagement, not Edward. Jake tries to make things better with offers of financial support from his uncle, the duke, but that only makes Caroline look worse. The only thing that could save her now is marriage… and luckily, there’s an eligible, very hot cowboy available.

The first third of this book was fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat with Caroline’s interrupted wedding, the drama around Edward’s last visit to Texas, and Jake’s mission to set things right. Lauri Robinson kept the pace up without it feeling overwhelming. I also really enjoyed the dynamics within Caroline’s family. It made sense why she would have accepted a swine like Edward, given her family’s dire financial situation.

Where this book lost me was the “marriage in name only” of it all. That plot point felt shoehorned into what could have been a really great marriage-of-convenience-meets-fish-out-of-water story. The conflict was already built in, with Caroline—a woman raised primarily in London—having to move to rural Texas and learn how to survive on a ranch. I have some very specific changes I would have made to raise the emotional stakes through their marriage of convenience without needing to add another trope to the list.

I’m giving this one three stars. I loved the beginning but wish the trope list had been culled down a little to give the book more focus.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable story. I loved the descriptive narrative of the era in which the tale is set. Horrible Edward had finally met his match but the main focus was on Caroline and Jake.
Jake’s character was so honourable and Caroline certainly fell lucky second time round. Their HEA was worth waiting for.
I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susie (DFWSusie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very satisfying slow burn, marriage of convenience romance set in Victorian era London and frontier Texas.
_____
Summary British-born but Texas-raised rancher Jake Simpson really didn't know what he was getting into busting into a London church to break up a wedding. Sure, Jake's cousin the groom is a rake who should not be marrying anybody but the woman back in Texas he's compromised. But he's also the Ducal heir and the easiest way to fix the problems of Lady Caroline Evans, his now jilted bride.

Lady Caroline may be the sister to an Earl, but that doesn't mean she's got a chamber pot of her own or a window to throw it out (hopefully over her awful brother's head.) When this handsome stranger with six-shooters shows up to stop her wedding, Jake also stopped her only real exit strategy. Her family is a bunch of lazy louts who treat her as a commodity and a maid more than a loved family member.

Jake feels bad he's caused a scandal and that her family sucks. Lady Caroline decides there is only one way out of this. So the two cook up a marriage of temporary convience. Jake will give her a safe place at his Texas ranch, letting the scandal die off, until she's ready to move on. Easy, right? Of course not.
_____
Thoughts I'm not usually a fan of slow burn romances, even in Historical. I think we learn a lot about characters in the way they relate to each other in and out of the bedroom. However, this particular slow burn really worked for me specifically because it felt like a choice that served the story and their relationship instead of some puritanical undercurrent. Without it this would be an instalove tale and less believable.

There is a bit of a friends-to-lovers vibe between Jake and Lady Caroline, as they gradually grow to enjoy each other's company and respect the character of the other. The physical attraction is there from the start, but Jake really wants to prioritize her never feeling trapped into intimacy or expectations as a true marriage partner.

By the time these two fully consummate their marriage, there's no doubt it's end game. This is a classic romantic set up, in that they finally move forward together after the possibility of being apart...maybe forever.

We spend much longer in London that I initially expected from the cover copy, but in the story's case I think that works. Lady Caroline needed to be very sure about Jake, because going to America means leaving behind all her support structures, even if they were a bit flimsy. It's a huge risk, and the story smartly weaves in some space and time for the two to, at least, know they truly like the other person's character.

Also, in what seemed to be a disaster of a secondary romance, Jake's rake cousin ends up with the right woman to tame his mess. He just needed to find the Dom of his dreams and he's happy as a clam, which gave me a good laugh. I liked the way that tied up.

I'd recommend this to anyone who isn't fully into American Western romances yet, but wants to dip a toe into the *highly competent cowboy* mystique. Jake is a bit of a hybrid between the British aristocrats (his extended family) and the rugged American working man, so he bridges the gap between these two worlds well. Lady Caroline is a smart, independent woman with her back against the wall, and we can't help but root for her.

———
Harlequin Historical - Victorian (July 2025)
Standalone/Series: Standalone

Themes/Tropes: slow burn, victorian era, Texas rancher, dysfunctional families, woman in a bad spot, break up the wedding, apology proposals, I want you so bad but I don't want you to feel pressured so I'm going to explode from horniness, danger made us bang

Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the room, steamy spots gradually leading up to spicy fun times

Setting: Victorian era London, Texas gulf coast and Texas panhandle

BIPOC Characters: N/A

LGBTQ+ Characters: N/A

Religion: N/A

POV: third person, past tense, dual FMC & MMC perspective

Cops/LEO: N/A

Does the Dog/Horse/Cat Die? all animals and people are safe

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Caroline . . .

Rancher Jake Simpson’s thoughtless cousin, Lord Edward Simpson -- already engaged to Faith Drummond who is about to have Edward’s baby in a few months back home in Texas -- is currently in the process of marrying Lady Caroline Evans here in London! To stop his good-for-nothing cousin’s selfish and reckless plan, Jake rushes to London -- a two-week trip for him traveling from Texas! Jake’s own livelihood, the ranch that had been built with his own blood, sweat, and tears, along with that of his deceased mother and father, depended on this marriage being stopped right now. Grabbing Edward by the back of his collars—shirt, suitcoat, and his ascot—Jake dragged him from the altar past his aunt and uncle so he could deal with him outside the church. Lady Caroline was actually relieved by what was going on. She knew Edward would never be faithful and she didn’t love him or want to be his wife. Edward’s whole reason for being in America originally was that he had been caught in the bedroom of a married woman, and her husband had threatened Edward’s life if he didn’t leave London. When he returned, his father, the Duke, demanded he marry immediately, probably hoping he would settle down. And her family needed money so they arranged to give Caroline to him in return for monthly payments into their family coffers. Jake in the meantime is telling Edward he is accompanying him to Texas to marry the woman he asked to marry him… and be a father to the baby he created. Faith’s father is Leroy Drummond, lieutenant governor of Texas. And he will make sure his daughter gets married. Jake could lose his ranch, and Uncle Oscar’s share of the cattle that earn his uncle money, simply because his son Edward can’t control himself. Edward had given Jake’s name to Faith so he would be accused of fathering her child. But he knew Drummond would demand one of them to marry his daughter.

Jake cleaned himself up, ate, then headed out to talk to Caroline. He apologized for ruining her wedding. He brought flowers for her as well. His words were soft and she had never met a man like this before. After apologizing again, he left. When her brother Frederick arrived, she found the truth about why Jake was here -- and that Edward still intended to marry Caroline and that he would have his father (Jake’s uncle) make Jake marry Faith instead! Needless to say, Jake refused and is still taking Edward to Texas where the consequences are his own doing. But Uncle Oscar told him Caroline was now affected because her ruined wedding is sure to affect her reputation and could leave her unmarriageable. To end the matter, Uncle Oscar asked Jake to marry Caroline. Edward angrily insisted he would still be marrying her! It was Uncle Oscar who had encouraged Jake’s dad to move to America and Jake respected his advice. So he agreed to ask Caroline to marry him if Uncle Oscar kept Edward at the house here until it was time for them to leave. The one thing Jake can offer Caroline to be sure she is not negatively hurt by this whole mess is himself, so he asks her to return to Texas with him as his wife. The two of them, once she agrees, get along very well. But can he hope that she will actually fall in love with him and make their marriage what it is meant to be -- real and forever? (Although I would guess she is already at least halfway in love!)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that grabbed my attention from the start. When Texas rancher Jake hears that his English cousin, Edward, is about to marry, he rushes to London to stop the wedding. During a recent visit to Texas, Edward compromised the daughter of a powerful politician. Jake vows to haul his cousin back to Texas to marry Faith, who is expecting his child. The scene at the church is fantastic, with Jake dragging Edward out by his collar.

And the bride? Surprisingly, Caroline is relieved at the interruption. She had not wanted to marry the philandering Edward in the first place, but was forced into it to save her family from financial ruin. Unfortunately, with the public interruption of the wedding, Caroline is now the focus of rumors and gossip.

Jake feels guilty about the damage done to Caroline's reputation. His only option, as he sees it, is to marry her himself and take her back to Texas with him. He and Caroline are practical people, and each sees the benefits of their approach. But both have been burned by relationships gone wrong and decide that a marriage in name only is the way to go. I liked seeing them get to know each other. They quickly become friends, and Caroline looks forward to her new life in Texas. Neither expected the sparks of attraction between them, and do their best to ignore them.

But Jake is carrying some baggage from his previous relationship and worries about trapping Caroline in a life she isn't comfortable in. The more time he spends with her, the more he can't stop thinking about her, and he starts regretting his insistence on no intimacy. But he promised, and he won't go back on his word. Unknown to him, Caroline's feelings have also deepened, but she believes her feelings aren't returned. There are several instances where misunderstanding or misinterpreting the other's words prevents them from being truthful about the way they feel.

I loved their arrival in Texas. Jake is happy to be home, and Caroline is fascinated by her new world. There is a bit of a hiccup when Jake's little sister is less than welcoming, but it doesn't take long for Caroline to win Nellie over. Jake and Caroline's feelings for each other continue to grow, but both fear rejection and keep quiet. A dangerous storm and some straight talk from a friend wake them up to possibilities, but can they overcome their insecurities enough to take the risk? I loved the ending, and the epilogue provided a great glimpse into their future.

The secondary characters were great. Caroline's aunt and uncle took in Caroline and her brother, Frederick, after their parents passed away. The love is there, but both are oblivious to the realities of life, wrapped up in their own hobbies. Frederick arranges Caroline's marriage to Edward, seeking to capitalize on Edward's need to marry. Jake's aunt and uncle (Edward's parents) are good people who are horrified by Edward's actions. I liked how they supported Jake's desire to return Edward to Texas. Jake's little sister, Nellie, has some understandable issues at first. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Caroline develop. Faith, the woman compromised by Edward, reminds me of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. She isn't shy with her opinions and stands up for herself. Edward was an entitled jerk at the beginning of the book, with no thought to how his actions affected others. A surprising twist at the end showed that even he was redeemable.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

The Cowboys English Lady by Laura Robinson, Caroline was being forced to marry Edward who is soon to inherit a Lordship but during the ceremony a cowboy shows up in the little English church and drags her groom away. This was her introduction to Jake Simmons a Texan and a good looking one at that. He showed up in London to force his cousin Edward to go back to America to marry the lieutenant governor‘s daughter who he left with child before it’s over there will be more questions then answers but when it comes to solving problems in finding the answers Jake seems to be the perfect man for the job. Caroline‘s brother Frederick still wants her to marry Edward so he and her uncle John can continue working on their weather invention but in a desperate move Caroline begs Jake to take her back to Texas and on the same day Jake’s uncle begs him to marry Caroline so as not to ruin her reputation and although no one can make Jake do anything he doesn’t want to do the more he spends time with Caroline the more he thinks he may just want to marry her… As friends of course. because Jake and his parents left London to be rancher in America he still wants his 10 year-old sister Cassie to know her roots back in England and Caroline promises to teach her everything she knows about being an English lady and at the same time Jake promises to always protect and keep Caroline safe and let her live the life she chooses and not one fourced upon her. first Jake must tend to his cousin Edward who he’s learned nothing but awful things not only about him but about the woman he chose to help cheat on her husband but while planning Caroline and Jake’s wedding it seems they spend a lot of time together going to lavish parties balls luncheon etc and the more Jake is around her the more he wants to be in little does he know but Caroline feels the same way but they’re both stubborn and refuse to tell each other how they feel. Will they ever be on the same page and speaking of pages when she was reading the book Rules Of A Lady on the ship that was so funny there was a very funny parts of the story not to mention Swoony parts. I really loved this book it was historically accurate I read it from beginning to end nonstop and can’t wait to read more by this author something I am going to do much sooner than later. A definite must read for historical romance bands especially those like me who are a stickler for historical accuracy. #BookSprout, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,nn

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A yummy cowboy who can fit into English society and maintain his honor and integrity…..does it get any better than that? Jake Simpson’s father took his family and left England when Jake was twelve. He was the son of the late Duke of Collingsworth who wanted to make his own way and left with his father’s blessing. Now fourteen years later, his parents are dead and Jake runs the very successful family ranch in Texas. His cousin Edward, heir to the current Duke of Collingsworth, had visited Jake and gotten himself tangled up with the daughter of the Texas’ Lieutenant Governor before heading back to England. When Jake realized that Edward intended to marry someone else, he high-tailed it to London to put a stop to it. Meanwhile twenty-two year old Caroline, the younger sister of the Frederick Evans, the impoverished Earl of Brittmore, was being strong armed into marrying Edward in order to help fill the family coffers. After their parents died in a train accident, Caroline and Frederick had been living with their aunt and uncle. Aunt Myrtle spent all her time painting and Uncle James and Frederick spent their days in the basement working on inventions, most of which were costly and unsuccessful. Once the wedding was stopped, rather dramatically, and the situation explained to the Duke, it was decided that Edward would return to Texas with Jake. Although both of their families cared for them, they each had their own agendas, leaving Caroline and Jake with little choice but to enter into a marriage of convenience. What follows is the story of Caroline and Jake’s relationship as they progress from strangers to lovers. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, regret, fear and the desire to do right by the other, made this a rocky road until a dramatic event and the interference of a friend set things straight. Jake is a cowboy hunk who cleans up well, is honorable, kind and confident. Caroline, who seems unaware of her beauty, is genuine, compassionate and befriends others easily. This story, which gives you a small view of both English society and western American ranch life, is well written, captures your attention, is emotionally engaging and very entertaining. It enjoyed it very much!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy’s English Lady by Lauri Robinson was an interesting and different read. Jake Simpson, a Texas cowboy, arrives at the church just as his cousin, Edward and a beautiful lady named Caroline, are to marry, and grabs his cousin by the scruff of the neck and drags him out of the church. As he explains to his distraught aunt and uncle, Edward left a lady, Faith Drummond, in Texas, with child and he had come to take him back and see that he did the right thing. Sadly this is not the first trouble with a woman Edward has had so his parents understand and cooperate with Jake. He had meant to return immediately but felt he had to speak to Caroline with an apology. What he found confounded him. She was little more than a pawn of her brother who was marrying her off to Edward for money. The more Jake got to know her the more he liked her an abhorred her situation. They finally determined to marry, a marriage of convenience, so that Caroline could come to Texas and take his ten-year-old sister in hand and eventually return her to Englush Society. Things kind of went sideways from there, as early as on the ship returning them to America.

Jake, as has been shown, has a strong personality. He believes in doing what is right, and he does it. The ranch is his life and he has no time for a wife. Caroline is a friendly, intelligent, and outgoing woman who immediately fits into the life on the ranch seamlessly. Both Jake and Caroline are harboring feelings for one another but are keeping mum about it for the sake of the other. It is entertaining to watch their relationship unravel and morph into something more. This was a good story, a little different than most about the English aristocracy, and about nineteenth century cowboys, for that matter. A good read.

I was invited to read The Cowboy’s English Lady by Harlequin-Romance. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinRomance #LauriRobinson #TheCowboysEnglishLady

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauri Robinson's The Cowboy's English Lady is a truly charming and heartwarming historical romance that perfectly captures the "opposites attract" trope. From the very first chapter, this book grabs your attention and doesn't let go, earning a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

The premise is a fantastic blend of old-school cowboy heroism and classic Victorian propriety. When rough-and-tumble rancher Jake Simpson travels to London to stop his deceitful cousin's wedding, he doesn't just crash a ceremony—he steps up to save a woman's honor. Lady Caroline Evans is the quintessential English lady, and her world is turned completely upside down when she finds herself married to a stranger and headed for the wilds of Texas. This classic "fish out of water" scenario is a core strength of the novel, providing both endearing humor and a backdrop for their relationship to blossom.

The real magic of the book lies in the slow-burn romance between Jake and Caroline. What starts as a convenient arrangement to avoid scandal quickly becomes something more. The protective cowboy is utterly smitten by his new wife's quiet strength and sweetness, and watching their affection grow is incredibly satisfying. The story excels at building romantic tension and showing how two people from completely different worlds can find common ground and genuine love. It’s a wonderful tale of finding your true home, and a love that’s built on honor, respect, and deep-seated admiration.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves a historical romance with a strong, honorable hero and a resilient heroine. The compelling plot, fantastic characters, and heartwarming conclusion make The Cowboy's English Lady a standout in the genre.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy's English Lady is a standalone historical romance by Lauri Robinson, set in the Victorian Era/Gilded Age/Western. I've been loving Lauri Robinson's historical romances recently, and this book is no exception.

Jake Simpson was born in England but moved with his parents to the US as a child. His father was the younger son of a duke and needed to make his own way into the world, and so with the support of their aristocratic family, Jake followed his father's footsteps in being a rancher in Texas. However, he has a ne'er-do-well cousin who has zero sense of responsibility, and Jake finds himself dashing to England to chase after the rake.

Lady Caroline Evans is the sister of an Earl, however, their family finances do not make them proper for Society. Her brother and uncle also spend most of their time tinkering and inventing. It's down to Caroline to save the family, although she does not like the man who she must marry.

The adventure starts almost immediately, when Jake stops Caroline's wedding to his cousin. The story ultimately dealing with the fall out and saving the reputations of two families as Caroline and Jake get to know each other.

I absolutely adore this couple. They are both practical and down to earth, but they are both equally passionate souls and long for romance. They really are perfect for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action is intense and emotional from the first paragraph until the end in The Cowboy's English Lady by Lauri Robinson. I had such a good time with Caroline’s and Jake’s romance.

Jake is determined to stop the wedding of his good-for-nothing, entitled cousin since the scoundrel already has someone in America expecting wedding vows. He knows that he’s going to hurt whoever the bride is, but he hopes she’ll eventually forgive him once she realizes what he saved her from. But Caroline isn’t hurt; she’s relieved since she was being forced into a marriage that she didn’t want by her family. So, maybe there was an attraction sparking between them as Jake visits Caroline to deliver a heartfelt apology. But two stubborn people aren’t about to let attraction take root. Fate had other plans.

I love Lauri Robinson’s historical romances, but I think The Cowboy's English Lady is my favorite by far. If you love a well-written, emotional, and engaging historical romance that is full of swoon-worthy moments as well as a few chuckles (mostly at Jake’s expense), then you’re going to love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy's English Lady by Lauri Robinson is a beautifully crafted historical romance that captivates from the very first page. The story revolves around Jake, a rugged cowboy from Texas, whose sense of honor compels him to disrupt his cousin’s wedding to right a wrong. In a bold move to protect Caroline, he agrees to a marriage of convenience—one that promises no true emotional ties.

However, as the narrative unfolds, the walls they’ve built around their hearts begin to crumble, and love unexpectedly blossoms between Jake and Caroline. Their journey is not the only transformation in the story; Jake's cousin, Edward, also experiences a profound change as he discovers genuine feelings for his new wife, Faith, ultimately leading him to embrace responsibility and maturity.

Robinson's storytelling is both engaging and heartfelt, making the characters' emotional arcs relatable and compelling. The lush historical setting adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in the era. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it a delightful exploration of love, honor, and personal growth. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read as Jake arrived in London, England from Twisted Gulch, Texas to stop his cousin, Edward's wedding to Lady Caroline, as he had gotten a girl in Texas pregnant. Not just any girl either but the lieutenant governor of Texas's daughter. Someone would pay, and Jake was there to make sure it was not him. He walked into the church like owned it to stop the wedding. What he did not know was Lady Caroline was happy the wedding got canceled. She had not wanted to marry Edward in the first place do to his womanizing ways. Then they had to worry about her reputation, so someone needed to step forward excepting responsibility for that. It was a really unique the story, they told for that one. Lady Caroline was an extremely sweet young woman that was looking for a place to belong. Her family took her for granted never appreciating everything she did for them. Finally, Jake agreed to marry her. After, she requested to return to Texas with him. I greatly enjoyed this relatively clean historical romance with a mix of the English ton and the American west.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed emotions about this book. I loved the main couple and their friendship was endearing and clearly showed a path to love. Their connection was obvious to everyone but them. That quickly became both annoying and frustrating. The book had a slow start for me. It was too wordy and I felt like it took forever for their interactions to hold substance. There were so many scenes with misunderstandings because they never expressed themselves completely. Even after marriage, this continued forever. They spent more time convincing themselves of why the other would never love them. It was contradictory. They had this great friendship built on honesty and mutual respect, but they took forever to admit their love. So much of the book seemed wasted on angst and unhappiness when they were both characters that deserved it. Because I loved the main couple so much, it was worth reading to get to the happy ending for them. This book had bad family relationships that were healed, supportive family that was constant, families that you choose, mistaken unrequited love, great characters, and a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauri Robinson has long been a one-click author for me, and The Cowboy’s English Lady is another lovely example of why. With her signature charm and heartwarming storytelling, she delivers a sweet, historical romance that hits all the right emotional notes.

The story brings together two unlikely souls from opposite sides of the world—a rugged American cowboy and a refined English lady—and turns their cultural clash into a tender journey of healing, growth, and unexpected love. I was drawn in by the vivid historical detail and the genuine chemistry between the main characters. Their banter was delightful, and their emotional arcs were deeply satisfying.

While I adored the setting and the slow-burn romance, there were a few pacing issues that kept me from giving it a full five stars. Still, the strength of the characters and the heart Lauri Robinson pours into her stories more than make up for it.

If you love clean Western romances with strong heroines, honorable heroes, and a touch of old-fashioned charm, this book—and this author—should definitely be on your list.

Thank you to BookSprout for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ra! ʕ •̀ ω •́ ʔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Books for a chance to read an ARC of this book! 🖤

4⭐️ more weddings need to be interrupted, actually... | tropes: slow burn, marriage of convenience, western | low steam | digital

Overall Thoughts 💭:
I'm in a western era right now, so seeing a mix of my new love of cowboys with my English historical favorite tropes is everything! This book was a sweet journey with Jake and Caroline. I loved seeing them go from awkward acquaintances under the worst of circumstances, to friends, to married and yearning, to finally deep in love. Each character had their arcs, which I appreciated. I loved seeing Caroline find a home and more purpose in his life, and I liked seeing Jake find purpose outside his duties and allow himself to want and love. I love marriages of convenience; it's my favorite trope because it allows for such delicious yearning, and that was delivered here!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, love, family, intrigue, society, twists and wide open country. Jake is from Texas, heading to England to stop a wedding that is so wrong. He makes it to the church just in time to stop it. He takes Edward outside to let him know that he was not going to be marrying Caroline but Faith, the woman he left pregnant in Texas. Jake makes it known to Edward's father, the Duke, and he informs Edward that if he wants to inherit the title then he will marry this woman, Faith. So that leaves Caroline with no husband and stood up at the alter now ruined. Jake tells her how sorry he was but Edward had to step up and she agrees. Jake also feels to blame and does what he can- offers to marry her and take her to Texas as his wife. Has lots of action, new found love and a happily ever after. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
This book had the world’s worst meet-cute ever, with Jake and Caroline meeting for the first time at her wedding which Jake put a stop to! Despite his rough cowboy outlook, he was a true gentleman in all his interactions with Caroline.

I loved the gradual build up in their relationship, from friendship to companionship to true love. That photoshoot at their wedding totally made me swoon. Jake, you truly have a way with yours words and actions!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this historical romance and I was rooting for both Jake and Caroline throughout the story. They both deserve all the happiness in the world.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isn’t scoundrel a delicious word?
Edward is the worst kind of scoundrel— a cad. He is moments away from marrying Lady Caroline, but Edward has secretly gotten another woman pregnant, and that woman has relatives with pull.
Caroline, meanwhile, is in need of a husband, hopefully outside of England, to mitigate the scandal. Jake, the man who broke up the wedding, offers to marry her in order to save her reputation.
You can always rely on Lauri Robinson. She has written a solid story of a marriage of convenience that will make a good addition to the Harlequin Historical line of romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Leigh Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauri Robinson's historicals never disappoint!

I enjoyed Jake and Caroline's cross-Atlantic romance immensely. A marriage of convenience between a proper English lady and a hardworking cowboy? Yes, please!

Normally, misunderstandings between the main characters turn me off but Jake and Caroline are so well motivated and the emotional plotline and stakes hit all the right notes.

I highly recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book! The plot is one of my favorites. The characters are awesome, the world-building is good, and the romance is the best. When Caroline arrives in Texas, on the ranch, she knows that she'll never be as lonely as she was in England ever again. I love how the romance between Jake and Caroline evolved. This historical romance is a page-turner and worth every minute spent reading it. I recommend it to all fans of this genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy's English Lady was an enjoyable sweet and clean romance with plenty of drama. Jake was such an upstanding, chivalrous guy who thought had nothing to offer a wife, since his top priority was his ranch. Caroline allowed other people's opinions of her damage her self-esteem to the point she almost married a selfish, immature, womanizer. Thank goodness when Jake stop her wedding, Caroline regained some of her good sense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written romance that’s starts out in England where Caroline is at the alter to marry Edward when his cousin Jake from Texas stops the wedding because Edward has a obligation in Texas to take care of and since he stopped the wedding Jake is now obligated to marry Caroline so that her reputation stays in tack. Lovely story that was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the two characters good strong and interesting. They have conflicts but they also have to work together. They fight an attraction that they cannot deny. I like the premise of the story and the locations make it interesting. Romance is not easy especially when you are trying to deny it. Makes for interesting reading. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild West meets the Ton.

I liked this incongruity of the Wild West meeting London aristocracy. Jake steps in to prevent Caroline from bigamy. He then offers himself up as the sacrificial groom instead but falls for the very proper Londoner.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy's English Lady by Lauri Robinson is about Caroline and Jake. I really liked their story. It was very well written and full of feels.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully crafted romance! I loved it.

[Book book · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.9 cute quick read . Would have preferred more spice or yearning but it was cute . Would recommend

[Layla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice quick easy read. was given this by my neighbour as she was given 2 copies from Mills and Boon.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake rushes in to stop his selfish cousin's wedding to Caroline and he's forced to offer his hand instead to save her reputation. Her brother was awful going through all their money including her dowry and selling her to Edward who made her promise to let him continue cheating after they were married. He treated her like a servant and didn't care that her fiance had left another lady pregnant. He just wanted the money he was promised. Jake seems like a good guy forced to step in and despite his attraction promised Caroline a faithful marriage in name only. But is that what she wants? I thought Caroline fit right in in Texas and despite what Jake thought wasn't the sheltered English lady afraid of hard work in this steamy marriage of convenience romance.