Tempt Me, Cowboy

Coyote Creek Ranch #1

by Clare Connelly

Escape to the rugged beauty of Northern Arizona in this captivating new Western romance series. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage, this sexy, emotional story introduces the men of Coyote Creek Ranch - cowboys as wild and loyal as the untamed land they fight to protect.


Beth Tasker desperately needs a fresh start after escaping an abusive marriage. Taking a bookkeeping job at Coyote Creek Ranch is her last chance at stability, even though ranch life was never her dream. Hiding from a past she can't outrun, she has no intention of letting anyone - especially a brooding cowboy - break down the walls she's built around her heart.

Cole Donovan has spent his life fixing problems, and right now the ranch's financial troubles demand all his focus. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with the mysterious new bookkeeper. But Beth is a puzzle he can't ignore, and the more he tries to keep his distance, the harder it becomes to resist the quiet strength and hidden pain he sees in her eyes.

She's running from her past. He's chasing something he can't name. Under the vast desert sky of Arizona, love has a way of taking the reins whether they're ready or not.

This contemporary Western romance delivers everything readers a strong heroine finding her courage, a protective hero with a heart of gold, steamy chemistry, emotional depth and the promise of healing through love. Start the Coyote Creek Ranch series today and discover why Clare Connelly's first foray into Western romance is already capturing hearts.

Genres: Westerns, Romance

Audible Audio

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

There is more than one author with this name.

For the romance and Harlequin author see:
Clare Connelly

Reviews

[Céloise]

Um…help? Why can’t I find this on kindle? Says it’s out today… 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sounds so good, too 😭

[BookishlyMorgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADORED THIS

found family ✅
depth ✅
cowboy x city girl ✅

I need a book about everyone on the ranch asap

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I had such a good time reading this! I’m a sucker for a cowboy romance and Cole was the perfect mix of grumpy and sweet. I loved watching Beth work through her trauma and find herself again at the ranch, as well as seeing her fall in love with Cole. The side characters were all so fun, the banter was immaculate and I can’t wait to continue this series! Also CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SCENE ON TOP OF THE HORSE BC 🥵

[Kelly Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If cowboy romance were a personality trait, it would be listed on my birth certificate at this point. I’ve read so many that I’m convinced boots, broodiness and emotional repression are just part of my DNA now… and somehow, it still never gets old.

This first book in the Coyote Creek Ranch series by Clare Connelly absolutely hit the sweet spot for me.

Beth Tasker is a heroine you can’t help but root for. She’s walked through emotional and physical abuse and is just trying to survive, rebuild, and stay invisible. Taking a bookkeeping job at Coyote Creek Ranch is supposed to be practical — not life-changing. I loved how her trauma was handled with care. It never felt exploitative or glossed over. Instead, we see her strength in the quietest, most powerful ways.

And then we have Cole Donovan.
Our grumpy, problem-fixing cowboy who rides in like he’s about to save the day… except he’s also a bit of a buffoon. And I say that with love. He means well, but the poor guy has some difficulty in the emotion department.

Now listen.... I enjoy a spicy cowboy romp as much as the next reader. Give me boots, a barn and some tension and I’m happy. But I need plot with my spice. I need emotional stakes. I need depth. This book serves both.

This is a slow-burn story where the final 15% carries a surge of emotional momentum, and that careful pacing feels exactly right, anything faster would have done a disservice to the weight of the characters’ experiences. Buckle up.

Also, can we take a moment for the horseback scene? My. Gosh. There is just something about a man on a horse in a Western romance that should honestly come with a warning label. I nearly combusted.

What also impressed me was the authenticity. As an Aussie author writing a Northern Arizona ranch setting, Clare Connelly absolutely nailed it. Nothing felt out of place or inauthentic. You can tell the research was done.

At its heart, this is a story about courage, healing, trust, and choosing love after survival. This is a good old-fashioned cowboy romance: rugged, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying. And yes… I will absolutely be continuing this series. 🤠

Thank you to the author, Emblaze and NetGalley for an eARC, all opinions are my own.

[Madi ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Emblaze for the eARC & the publisher for the gifted physical ARC. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, however there were some things I felt didn’t quite hit the mark for me. One thing in particular I really disliked was things that were too attractive/pretty (i.e Cole, the landscape & so on) being referenced to as looking “AI-generated”. I am an avid AI hater & this immediately took me out of the story and left me feeling a bit put off, even though I could, to a certain extent, understand that it was likely trying to reference them as looking “unreal” or “too good to be true”. I think there could have been a better way to describe them though & this is where the deduction of my rating mainly stemmed from.

This was a pretty textbook Western-based romance with a city girl x grumpy cowboy, however the exploration around Beth, her previous relationship trauma & the unravelling she has to do from it was mindfully handled. It was nice to see her slowly come out of her shell. Cole carries the burden of his parents deaths & the ranch finances on his shoulders, and his lack of willingness to offload this to his family (for most of the book) meant that things ultimately led to an inevitable third act break up (which I’m not a fan of, but can understand why it happens). I do understand to an extent why they both failed to be open and honest about what they were, but it was no less frustrating to witness. Elsie also personally really frustrated me (despite her ultimate apology) because whilst I understand the part her grief played into what she said, she was pretty demeaning to the ranch/Cole for no reason other than being a stuck up rich chick.

The side characters were definitely a win for this book & I’m keen to see where their books take them in the future.

At the end of the day, I’m very grateful to have been to add another Aussie author to my read list!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one from start to finish, getting to know Beth and Cole as well as the rest of the awesome characters on Coyote Creek ranch was fabulous, Clare Connelly has written an emotional and sensual story, she takes on issues that are sadly a part of life today and done it with such care, come along to Coyote Creek ranch and meet everyone.

Beth Tasker has been living a life with an abusive husband for the past three years and now she is free she needs to find herself again to become the woman she was, she finds a temporary bookkeeping position on a ranch in Arizona, this should help it is a long way from her life in New York. Could this ranch and meeting Cole Donovan be what she needs to find herself?

Cole Donovan is running the family ranch since the death of his father one year ago, but it is not easy with what he has been left, keeping it going is hard and Cole is the type of person that needs to fix everything to be there for everyone and when his new temporary bookkeeper arrives he sees the hurt she is carrying instantly and the pull towards her is strong but loving someone is not what Cole does every time he loves someone he loses them and he will not let his heart be broken again.

Beth and Cole are both loving and caring people who have been thrown curve balls in their life but can they together move forward and find the love and happiness that they both deserve? This really is a beautiful story that had me turning the pages I loved both of them and was cheering them on throughout the story, the other family members add so much to the story and I can’t wait for their stories. This one is a sensual, moving and an emotional journey to the best HEA, it left me smiling.

I do highly recommend this one, sigh worthy, thank you MS Connelly, I loved it.

My thanks to Emblaze and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

[Chessca (poodles.ponies.peonies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having escaped her gilded cage on New York’s Upper East Side, Beth Tasker accepts a bookkeeping job at Coyote Ranch. Located in Arizona, the family-run ranch seems like the perfect place to bury the memories of the abuse she survived, and Beth is determined to protect her heart, and her peace, as she builds a safe new life for herself.

Ranch Manager, Cole Donovan has his own problems. Not only is he neck deep in the day-to-day running of the ranch, but he’s also hiding a secret from his siblings that could see them lose the home that has been the heart of their family’s livelihood for generations.

With neither looking for love, Cole and Beth are initially drawn together by red-hot chemistry, but could it ever be something more?

Once I started Tempt Me, Cowboy I struggled to put it down! I have so much respect for Beth’s courage and strength and Cole’s unfailing dependability, and loyalty to his family, stole my heart.
‘Tempt Me, Cowboy’ is more than just a Cowboy romance. It’s slow burn, ‘they heal each other’ done in the best possible way. Oh, and if you love ‘found family’, be prepared for the Donovan’s chaotic warmth! It’s going to wrap you up; stick a Stetson on your head and make you never want to leave!

Perfect for fans of Elsie Sliver, ‘Tempt Me, Cowboy’ is out in Australia on February 24th, 2026 -Yee haw!

Massive thanks to Harper Collins / Mills & Boon Australia for gifting me an ARC of this book to review. It was a fantastic read.

[Annie Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tempt Me Cowboy by Clare Connelly - 2.5 out of 5 ⭐️

‘Tempt Me Cowboy’ is a typical western romance featuring a grumpy, reclusive cowboy whose world revolves around his farm, land, and family. When suddenly his quiet life is disrupted when a city girl arrives to work on the farm estate, despite knowing nothing about farm life, but with a troubled past and an irresistible spark he can’t ignore, she quickly becomes someone he never expected to fall for.

Combined, these elements make it a story that has been rewritten many times within the genre.

This is why so many western romances miss the mark, as they lack the individuality needed to set them apart and stand out. which unfortunately I felt to be the case with this book,

As I read on, I found myself able to predict every conflict, conversation, and outcome. The plot became increasingly predictable and it often felt like I was simply re-reading a cowboy romance I’ve read many times before.

The conversations between Beth and Cole about whether or not they should move from a boss/worker relationship to one with physical intimacy became repetitive, to the point where I lost interest and began skimming their dialogue. Their will-they-won’t-they dynamic quickly turned into the same discussions being repeated with only minor changes from chapter to chapter, which ultimately had a negative effect from the overall reading experience.

However, the book does a commendable job of addressing Beth’s PTSD due to her previous partner. Connelly didn’t downplay or fully dismiss this aspect as soon as Beth meets Cole, but instead highlighted the lasting reality of leaving a relationship that consisted of domestic violence and the ongoing impact it has on Beth’s life.

This was refreshing to read and added an important layer of authenticity to both the book and Beth’s character, as a reader you could also tell that this sensitive subject matter was handled thoughtfully and with care.

Despite this not being the book for me I can see the appeal to other readers. If you’re highly into the western/cowboy romance genre or even looking at getting into it, this might be the book for you!

Tropes and Themes:
- Cowboy/City girl
- Boss/Worker
- Found Family
- Small Town
- New start/life

*Thank you to NetGalley, Clare Connelly, and Emblaze for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Tiff.Reads.Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a longtime fan of cowboy romances, I was excited to dive into this one the moment it arrived. The story started strong, and I was immediately drawn in by the classic grumpy, standoffish hero paired with a sunshine heroine carrying her own quiet wounds. That dynamic is one of my favorites, and at first, it really worked.

Unfortunately, around the midpoint the story began to lose momentum for me. The conflict started to feel repetitive, with the same back-and-forth “will they, won’t they” tension playing out chapter after chapter. Instead of building anticipation, it stalled the romance, and I found myself struggling to connect with the characters or feel their chemistry. The emotional spark just wasn’t landing on the page.

The pacing also felt stretched, and the third-act breakup in particular seemed unnecessary, making the story feel longer than it needed to be rather than adding meaningful depth.

While this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me by the end, I can still see it appealing to readers who love slow-burn, angsty cowboy romances with plenty of push and pull. It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me personally.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Para Beth , aceptar un empleo temporal en un rancho aislado es una forma de desaparecer sin dar explicaciones y tener un respiro. Lejos de la ciudad y de una vida que ya no reconoce como suya, planea pasar desapercibida, cumplir con su trabajo y no involucrarse con nadie. Lo que no espera es que el lugar al que huye esté lleno de recuerdos, rutinas exigentes y un hombre decidido a no dejar que nada se salga de control.

Cole ha aprendido a sobrevivir sin pedir ayuda. El rancho es su responsabilidad y su ancla, incluso cuando todo parece estar al borde del colapso. La llegada de Beth altera su mundo ordenado. Hay algo en ella que despierta su instinto protector y pone a prueba las barreras que levantó tras demasiadas pérdidas.

A medida que los días avanzan, el silencio compartido se vuelve compañía y la distancia se transforma en una tensión imposible de ignorar. En un entorno donde la tierra exige esfuerzo y honestidad, ambos deberán decidir si vale la pena arriesgar la tranquilidad por una segunda oportunidad que no estaban buscando.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempt Me Cowboy was a fun, quick read that fully leans into small-town romance vibes, featuring a confident cowboy hero and plenty of tension. It doesn’t take long to get into the story, and the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC is clear right from the start. I liked how their attraction felt natural, even when both of them were clearly fighting it.

The rural setting adds charm without overpowering the romance, and the cowboy element gives the story that rugged, familiar appeal. The plot itself is fairly straightforward, and some moments are predictable, especially in a cowboy romance, but that didn’t really bother me with the cowboy tropes. This felt like one of those books you read to relax and have fun reading rather than analyse too deeply.

Emotionally, it’s lighter than some romances, but there are still enough personal conflicts to keep things interesting. The pacing moves quickly, which works well for this kind of story, even if it means certain emotional beats don’t go as deep as they could be.

It's an enjoyable, easy romance with strong chemistry and classic tropes. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something uncomplicated, flirty, and comforting.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Tempt Me Cowboy by Clare Connelly is the first book in the Coyote Creek Ranch series. It’s an emotional, heartfelt journey of healing and new beginnings. A slow burn, grumpy/reclusive cowboy, city girl, found family, romance with a swoony small-town charm.

I was hooked by the tension between Cole, a protective but guarded cowboy, and Beth, a strong resilient city girl who is escaping a dark past. I loved reading through the slow burn as they both break down their walls and heal from the traumas of their past. The banter was perfect and the sparks and chemistry were undeniable. It makes it all worth the wait when they finally come together. Its sexy without losing its emotional core, which makes the relationship feel authentic and not just physical.

I especially loved the ranch atmosphere, and the close-knit family community. The other characters in the book, perfectly support Cole and Beth.

A must read, especially if you love cowboy romances. I can’t wait for the rest of the series

Thank you NetGalley and Emblaze for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[amyinthepages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully sweet and heartwarming story. I love a good cowboy romance and thoroughly enjoyed this. It feels real, raw and honest. It's easy to read and packed full of heart. These two characters are total opposites in many ways but both facing internal struggles which makes them feel seen by one another. The attraction and longing is mutual and Clare Connelly takes the only one horse trope to a whole new level. If you're in the mood for a cowboy romance with depth, found family and a HEA then give Tempt Me, Cowboy a go.

The last 20% of a book can often make or break it and the last 20% of this was so damn good!! Connelly delivered and I'm so ready for Beau's story.

- workplace romance
- cowboy romance
- opposites attract
- forced proximity
- protective MMC
- city girl x alpha cowboy
- "cowboy" x "city girl"
- found family
- broody cowboy
- only one horse (with a twist)
- heroine in hiding

Spicy Chapters: 15, 16, 17, 19, 22

Ideal for fans of: Maggie Gates and Bailey Hannah

[This Gal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an early copy of this book with no expectation of review.

Oh my. Good lord.
I didn’t finish this book. It finished me. I have never been so torn up and immersed in any book I’ve read before. Clare’s immaculate and descriptive writing style sucks you in, chews you up and spits you out in all the right ways. It is heart-wrenching. I found myself wanting to keep reading, needing to know what happened next as if I was catching up with an old friend, hearing the tea on people I actually knew. She is JUICY.
Cole Donovan? Hot. Spicy. Infuriating. Redeems himself? - absoflippinglutely.
Beth - Kind. Lost. Damaged. Badass? Mmhmmmm.
Tempt Me, Cowboy is raw, relatable and damn addictive.
It will have you giggling, gasping and clutching your imaginary pearls as you exclaim “ON THE BACK OF HIS FATHER’S HORSE?!?” Can Clare Connelly write one hell of a spicy scene? *Pours water on self* Yes. Yes she can.

Also - big claps for the supportive cast - I cannot wait to get more acquainted with Beau, Nash, Austen, Mack and Cassidy during the rest of the series.

[Ashlea Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All of it. The main characters and all of the side characters were so fun. It was as perfect as it gets for a cowboy romance!

Cole and Beth are about as opposite as it gets. Cole being a rugged cowboy living out his days ranching and wrangling, then we have our sweet “city girl” Beth, who’s showed up on a ranch looking very out of place.

Cole and Beth both have complex pasts. Beth is running from hers to find herself again and Cole is doing his best to try and fix everything and everyone in sight. As they get to know each other Cole notices things about Beth that don’t add up and as he pushes to find the truth he also discovers that he likes her a lot. Beth is drawn to Cole and his presence makes it hard for her not to think of him. When these two finally let things unravel, things really stay to heat up. The one horse trope is always tension building but Cole Donovan on the back of that horse has literally changed my expectations of how this should go (IYKYK - SO DAMN HOT)

This book will definitely give you the warm and fuzzies, take you for an emotional ride and make you want to scream and the MMC.

- Cowboy x city girl
- workplace romance
- ranch setting
- grief/loss
- found family

TW: domestic violence

I received an eARC of Tempt Me Cowboy from NetGalley with option to review.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Tempt Me, Cowboy
✒️ Clare Connelly
💫💫💫

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tempt Me, Cowboy is just like every other Western Romance book.

Grumpy ranch owner has a city girl arrive for a job. City girl doesn't want ranch life. Grumpy owner starts to develop feelings. They fall in love.

Unfortunately it is very predictable but I did enjoy how Clare (such a cool name), wrote their growth as individuals and together. Beth has just exited an abusive marriage and Cole is searching for the missing part of his heart.

Overall, I good and quick read but I would like something a bit different for Western romances instead of the same cut and paste plot.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempt Me Cowboy by Clare Connelly
Book one of the Coyote Creek Ranch series

The stars must have all aligned when I read this book because it was just what I needed. Proudly being added to my list of favourite romances.

Beth and Cole

Beth trying to find herself after an abusive relationship

Cole typical cowboy set in his ways

Beth comes to work temporarily at the ranch

Cowboy, city girl, grief, denied feelings, found family, starting over

Great set up for future books in the series that I am looking forward to

Thanks to Netgalley

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, emotional, slow burn of a romance, that tore at the heart strings, and made you feel everything right along with them. The slow burn, it helped to really invest in it and the characters and the emotions and love and obstacles they faced together and apart.

[Jmara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and full of Lyla Sage vibes.

Nothing groundbreaking, but I’ll always enjoy a cowboy romance.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Thebluereadingchair · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a cowboy romance that is character driven, this book is for you. I loved how Cole and Beth's relationship evolved. It was definitely a slow burn but I loved the sizzle!

The contrast from ranch life to Beth's former life and trauma kept me reading. I also really enjoyed the side characters and can't wait for their books.

[Carlie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! All I can say is I hope Clare has the next instalment ready to go! Like, now! Loved every minute of it and want more!!