How to tame a City Slicker

by Joanie Simard

Genres: Westerns

434 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2026

Reviews

[✨Hannah✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Ate this tf up
First ever ARC kinda nervous, thanks so much for letting me read it
This is a great story about learning who you are and what you actually want to do with your life. Winnie and Beau have my heart they were such a good couple, the romance is developed so seamlessly on both sides and all of the supporting characters are so fun. It’s giving very Bluebell, Hart of Dixie and I’m here for it.
My only thing about it is I think the pacing is a little off, specifically there’s some moments where it felt like a missed a chapter. Like when beau finally decides to start flirting with Winnie properly there’s no scene where he really acknowledges why he decides to do it then. Also when beau starts getting more comfortable on the ranch he kinda just stops sucking? Like he starts out very bad and has no idea what he’s doing then he kinda isn’t struggling for the rest of the book with that stuff. I get that it’s meant to be more natural progression but I think it could’ve done with at least another chapter before these parts giving more of an explanation.
However regardless of that, didn’t think anything of it after those chapters. The point above is just me being nit-picky on how future books could be better.
Other than that the writing was good, the romance was so swoons and amazing, the vibes were EVERYTHING and it was just such a fun time.
Thanks again for the Arc, will definitely be continuing the series.
❤️❤️❤️

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grumpy x sunshine cowboy romance, but the FMC IS THE GRUMPY COWBOY?! (cowgirl? cowperson??) And the MMC is the spoiled billionaire heir from the city that’s been sent to a ranch as punishment? And THERE’S A PSYCHOTIC ROOSTER NAMED PICKLES?!

Bitch, I loved this. I stumbled on it randomly on TikTok & requested the ARC immediately. This author is SO FUNNY. Every second line had me giggling, especially the inner monologue of the MMC Beau. And the BANTER between Beau and Winnie was TOP TIER. When he first arrives at the ranch, she calls him PRINCESS. PLS 😭😂

Perfectly balanced humour & heart, this story swept me away to Oklahoma and now I don’t wanna leave 😭 I’ve been looking for a cowboy romance to fill the Chestnut Springs shaped hole in my heart and this one DELIVERED!!

If Flawless by Elsie Silver & It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey had a book baby, it would be this one. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more from this author! Witty, clever writing with whip-smart humour that left me wanting more.

My final rating: 4⭐️1🌶️

[Murani Reads ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much Joanie Simard for the ARC! What a privilege it is to be considered for an advanced reading.

Let me start by saying that Winnie and Beau were absolutely adorable. Completely smitten in all the right ways. I adored their characters and Pickles is definitely going to be a fan favourite. The side characters were hilarious and Cassie seems like she might be up next for some romance 👀

I did find the pacing a bit odd. It felt a little too back and forth and sometimes the filler was really skimable. I also felt like some things got tied up really suddenly or that things felt tense and it was solved in a snap of a finger.

I think Joanie really did some great work here, I am just not sure it was for me. A super easy rom-com with western flare, grumpy x sunshine where the FMC is our grumpy character. It’s also quite a nice story about finding out who you are and building self confidence within a new identity.

[Ni 😼 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

A Swoony Cowboy Romance with Heart (and One Terrifying Rooster)

I went into How to Tame a City Slicker expecting a light, fun cowboy romance, and while I definitely got that, I also got so much more. This book surprised me in the best ways—especially with how much depth the characters had beneath all the banter and heat.

The Good:

First off, Winnie is EVERYTHING. A Black FMC in a cowboy romance who's tough, independent, running her family's ranch, and training for barrel racing? Sign me up. She's not waiting around for anyone to save her, in fact, she's the one doing the saving (literally, Beau almost dies on a horse at one point and it's both hilarious and heart-stopping). I loved that she was allowed to be guarded and prickly without being "fixed" by the hero. Her walls come down slowly, realistically, and on her own terms.

Beau Sterling is a cinnamon roll wrapped in a six-pack. He starts out as this spoiled Dallas heir who's never worked a day in his life, but watching him transform into someone who genuinely loves manual labor and waking up at dawn? Chef's kiss. There's a scene where he's mucking stalls and Winnie catches him smiling to himself, and she realizes he's not faking it anymore. He's actually happy. That moment hit me harder than I expected.

The chemistry between them is OFF THE CHARTS. From the moment Beau shows up at the ranch, the tension is palpable. One of my favorite lines: "I would do anything just to taste you. Just thought you should know." Like, SIR. How is Winnie supposed to resist that?! The slow burn is delicious, and when they finally give in, it's WORTH IT. The shower scene? The barn scene? I had to put my Kindle down multiple times. This book delivers on the spice.

The side characters are gold too. Pops is the wise, loving grandfather figure we all need, and his relationship with Beau made me emotional more than once. When he tells Beau,
"Family comes back. And you're family now," I literally teared up. And Cassie, Winnie's chaotic best friend, is hilarious. Every scene she's in had me laughing out loud. Plus, Pickles the rooster deserves his own spinoff. That bird is a MENACE and I loved every second of his reign of terror.

The Not-So-Good (Why 4 stars instead of 5):

While I loved the romance, I wish we'd gotten a bit more of the barrel racing competition subplot. It's mentioned throughout, but the actual race felt a little rushed at the end. I wanted to feel more of the stakes there since it was such a big part of Winnie's identity.

Also, the third-act conflict, when Beau has to choose between going back to Dallas or staying, resolved a little too quickly for my taste. Don't get me wrong, I loved that he chose Winnie without hesitation (when he says, "I want to stay in Oklahoma and work the ranch and prove to you that I choose this life," I melted), but I kind of wanted more push and pull there. Maybe see him struggle with the decision a bit more? It felt like he knew what he wanted immediately, which is romantic, but I wanted a tiny bit more angst.

And while the spice was excellent, some of the intimate scenes felt slightly repetitive in their setup. But honestly? This is me being nitpicky. They were still hot.

The Vibes:

This book is perfect for anyone who loves:
- Black cat energy x Golden retriever
- Forced proximity
- Billionaire hero who actually works for the happy ending
- Cowboys and ranch settings
- Open-door spice with emotion
- Found family
- Childhood friends reconnecting

How to Tame a City Slicker is a fun, sexy, heartfelt romance that delivers on its promises. Winnie and Beau's love story feels earned, the setting is immersive, and the humor (mostly courtesy of Pickles and Cassie) keeps things light even when emotions run deep. It's not perfect, but it's damn close, and I'll definitely be recommending it to anyone who asks for a good cowboy romance.

Also, if you're scared of roosters, this book will NOT help. Pickles is nightmare fuel and I respect him.

I’m especially happy to to push a Canadian author forward !

Recommended for: Fans of Kennedy Fox, Elsie Silver, and anyone who loves a cowboy who's willing to give up everything for love.

Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Very spicy, explicit scenes)

Would I read more from this author? Absolutely. Give me Cassie's book next, please!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So yes, I absolutely stayed up until 1:30 a.m. to finish this book—and it was so worth it. It’s a city cowboy romance and easily one of the cutest reads I’ve picked up this year. Truly, Beau had me kicking my feet and smiling like a lovesick fool. This story was adorable from start to finish, and the dual POV made it easy to follow while giving meaningful insight into both Beau and Winnie’s hearts.

While I honestly don’t have any major complaints, I did find that some of the sentence structure could get a little confusing at times—especially when a line seemed to contradict something mentioned earlier. The pacing felt slightly uneven in places, but not in a way that made the story any less enjoyable. If anything, it just reminded me how much I didn’t want it to end.

It truly felt like watching a romantic movie unfold—the billionaire’s son and the strong, down-to-earth cowgirl with a heart of gold. The found family element was precious, especially Pops and Cassie, who completely stole my heart. And Beau? He was so respectful and tender with Winnie. Even when he flirted, he never crossed the line—always showing genuine care and admiration. He loved her unconditionally, and she gave it right back. I mean, come on—a devoted, golden-retriever-type boyfriend who’d do anything for you? What’s not to love? Honestly, this book made me want to pack my bags and head straight to Oklahoma.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone wanting to dip their toes into contemporary romance—or even try out the cowboy romance subgenre. It’s a breath of fresh air, completely captivating, and yes, the spicy scenes were beautifully written too. I was hooked from the first page to the last.

[Kristen Hummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

**review of advanced copy recieved by author**

This was a strong debut for a new romance author. Here's my take:

The positives:
- I LOVE a slow burn, and Winnie & Beau's story definitely hit the mark!
- I loved both their characters: Beau was sweet and endearing and Winnie was smart and formidable. I liked their growth throughout the book, individually and as a pair.
- Beau's outrageous flirting and fuck-it moment was top-tier ❤️
- the song lyrics and other quotes at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition and set up the chapters really well
- The book was an excellent balance of sweet romance, steamy scenes and some very funny moments.
- the author created some amazing imagery of Oklahoma and ranch life. She really brought the sights and sounds to life. I felt like I was there.
- I'm glad the overt racism & microagressions towards Winnie were addressed and acknowledged. This was a key guiding narrative of this story.

the constructive feedback:
- I found Winnie & Beau to be somewhat caricatures of the "rich city boy" and "down-home country girl." I feel like their personalities could have been a bit more nuanced. Other characters came off a little stereotypical as well; particularly Solene (uber-rich and entitled socialite) and Pops (grumpy, but loveable rancher).
- some dialog could be a bit cheesy at times

Overall, a wonderful job by the author and I would read more from her. I think we need to hear Cassie's story, so maybe we need a series about the Jameson-Sterling ranch? 😍

[Gloria🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I discovered this book on tiktok and oh my god, I never would have thought it would be so good! I had a wonderful time with the characters, who were just HILARIOUS together! It had been a long time since I'd laughed like I did while reading this.

I loved discovering this new ranch and following Winnie and Beau through all the typical activities. It has a rustic, family atmosphere, exactly what I look for in cowboy romances.

Beau, a wealthy young man from the city, stole my heart from the very first chapter. He's incredibly funny, even if he didn't mean to be, but above all, he's hardworking, determined, and so sweet (he's afraid of chickens too—love him!). I also really liked Winnie, who is a strong woman who runs the ranch and carries a lot of responsibility. I love a good grumpy fmc and she was perfect. I adored her relationship with her grandfather, Pop, who is adorable and always gives great advice.

Alongside Winnie, Beau finds a true family and a sense of balance. A stability he can't find in the city. Between them, it's funny, spicy and also very tender. There's an attraction that inevitably draws them together. THE BANTER? *chef's kiss*

I loved the ending even though I was surprised! I'm so excited for book 2. Go support indie authors guys!!

"𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝐼'𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐼'𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑟 𝘩𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝘩 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙.”

[Stephanie Plett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to read this story as one the ARC readers which was really exciting! I thoroughly enjoyed all the the banter between the main FMC and MMC. I could really hear the FMC's (Winnie's) sass and energy through her dialogue which was so fun to read on the page. I also could really feel the connection between the main characters right away. They have great chemistry and the wit/sarcastic dialogue between them really made this story for me. I personally don't think I would classify this as a true enemies to lovers situation but rather forced proximity. They just have too much undeniable attraction to one another off the hop to be an enemies to lovers trope. I did also have a few lingering plot questions that I didn't feel got totally resolved by the end of the story so I found that frustrating. Ultimately, that led to my 3 star review. I think this is a great rom/com type story that is easy to pick up. The city meets western vibe was new to me and I loved the dynamic it created amongst characters in the story. I look forward to seeing more from the Author's work in the future!

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

**review of advanced copy recieved by author**

Y'all don't UNDERSTAND the hold Winnie and Beau have on me.
From the first time I saw it on Tiktok to now, this book has had me over a barrel.
I love that despite being a pampered wealthy city boy, Beau is willing to work hard. So many characters in this position behave so ugly and hateful in the beginning of this sort of story, it was a sharp breath of fresh air to see him accept his punishment (with only a little whining ha) and do what he was asked.

Winnie's sense of determination and duty is so strong, her independence is so powerful, that watching her process through her feelings, through accepting what loving someone comes with, had me kicking my feet and giggling way too late at night. I also love the POC representation, as I've seen a similar dynamic too many times the other way and I enjoyed reading of a strong woman of color with experience and confidence in a space usually reserved for other dynamics.

I can't wait to see more from this author!!

The banter between him and Winnie is ELITE.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but listen,
after reading the other reviews, I was lowkey nervous. Like side-eyeing the book, bracing for impact. However, Joanie clearly clocked the feedback, took notes, and said bet, because I absolutely devoured this book.

And when I say devoured, I mean I was feral. Rabid. Emotionally unavailable to anything that wasn’t Beau and Winnie. I needed more of them. Needed it injected into my bloodstream. The story runs about 380 pages and honestly? Hell yes. No crumbs.

AND THE TEASER FOR THE NEXT BOOK??? Jail. Immediate jail. I’m not okay. I’m vibrating with anticipation and counting down. I just knooow who it's about.

So yeah, if you love spice, if you crave chemistry that crackles, if you enjoy staring at the wall afterward like “wow… that altered my brain chemistry”—this one is for you.
Also… respectfully… I need my own Beau. Universe, please handle that.

Thank you so much for the ARC copy 🫶✨
I’m seated. I’m ready. I’m waiting.

[Gazelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book from this author that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I think it might partly be due to the time of the year (more emotional due to loss) but I needed to reach for the tissues several times. Even with my eyes puffy I was still wanting to keep reading to see how it ended. I loved how the characters grew learning that you have to show up not just have the feelings. I also really liked the quotes and song lyrics before the chapters as it set the mood and some of them, I might just use again. Winnie is a strong barrel-racing ranch running baddie who carries the weight of the world. I could feel how much she carried on her shoulders throughout the book. Beau was struggling but he just needed to find people to guide him so he could become who he was truly meant to be.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute Rom-Com about a billionaire playboy and a ranch girl. It was amazing seeing the girl be the harda** that had to teach the boy how to do things on the farm! But the way it was described when he went clothes shopping and bought that Stetson…I’m still fanning myself! Holy Cowboy!

This is a slow burn romance with a lot of tension throughout. Very well written, and has a great storyline! One of my favorite quotes from the book is, part of love is “You hurt each other, you forgive each other, you grow. Love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up. It’s about staying when it’s hard”.

Also, I hope I never run into Pickles, the rooster who is described as a velociraptor in a feather suit. 😆

[meredithandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was literally so close to bringing me to tears but it also made me laugh and smile so much. I loved how there was still something going on with Beau’s father and the company after he went to the ranch, that really brought the whole story together and showed beautifully Beau’s evolution at the ranch. I absolutely loved Winnie and the way she expressed herself. The only thing was that I got lost in the timeline with their ages and when they last saw each other but it was really minor and didn’t change anything about the story. I loved how they were childhood friends and became more once they grew and matured. Beau learning how to be a good ranch hand was really impressive and their love story was so sweet and I loved them.

Thank you so much for letting me read this book early!

[Megan Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lucky to call this my first ARC ever, and I loved it! Absolutely adored the fmc~ Winnie is a strong, capable, badass woman. While she could be soft, she still stood her ground! Beau wasn't my favorite, especially at the beginning, which is totally the point, but it was nice to see him transition into figuring out who he was and what he wanted. Though I'm still new to treading this genre, this has to be my favorite swoony cowboy romance so far and I can't wait for the next installment in the series! 🩷

[Eleanor Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I actually dabbled into cowboy romances and fewwwww…. do a need a Beau for myself. This romance kept me on my toes and i couldn’t actually predict where it was going. Of course I knew there would be a third kind of breakup arc but this was so well done I didn’t mind at all !!

I can’t wait to see more of what this author does

[Jemimah love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just too cute. Love that it didn’t have any miscommunication and they talked like grown people. Winnie is such a queen I aspire to be her when I grow up and Beau is such a golden retriever. It’s giving reformed playboy meets the right girl and happy she didn’t just fold and made him work for it !

[NaziaS · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS ADORABLE, this book had it all, country vibes, a grumpy gal and golden retriever boy. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to POPS. Beau is so bby girl and Winnie is giving eldest daughter. Also Beaus fear of the rooster is valid .

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Arc review** Loved how the story came together ! Love all the characters and how they evolved 💖 Cannot wait to see if there are more books that come out in some sort of series! Will definitely be keeping posted with all new releases from you 💖 thank you so much for the opportunity again 💜

[Vanya De Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

Such a fun read. Love the switch to grumpy female and sunshine male. Not too spicy. Tge suspense building was amazing. I enjoyed it immensely. I absolutely adore Winnie (and Pickles).

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the arc!
I'm honestly speechless about this book and I love it so much. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic is one of my favourites and Joanie did it perfectly!
I wish I could re-read this book a million times!