The Cowboy's Game

Pride and Pranks #3

by Cindy Steel

He’s coaching her love life…and losing control of his own.

Jake Evans knows a thing or two about heartbreak. Recently divorced and raising his four-year-old daughter on his own, the cowboy has sworn off women for good. When a job opens up at a dude ranch in his hometown, he comes running, emotional baggage in tow.

An unexpected bonus? Spending the summer with his childhood best friend.

Shelby Tucker was always better at sinking three-pointers than navigating relationships. With a promising new job on the horizon, her life needs a change. She’s determined to stop sitting on the sidelines while life happens all around her. 

First thing to tackle? Dating.

But after one too many cringeworthy moments, Shelby turns to the one person she trusts completely. Jake reluctantly agrees to coach Shelby through the dating world, certain his heart is safe where it is. Soon they’re back to their old routines—placing bets, shooting hoops, and putting Jake’s strategies into play. 

Except this time, every touch lingers. What once felt safe now feels dangerous. And the line between practice and something real is blurring fast.

When an accident threatens to fracture Jake’s carefully rebuilt life, he’s forced to confront the one truth he’s been the woman he’s never allowed himself to date might be the one he can’t live without.

★ The Cowboy's Game is a closed-door romantic comedy full of heart, sizzle, and witty banter, but without explicit content.

This is the third full-length novel in the Pride and Pranks Series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you will see character crossovers!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 18, 2026

About the author

Cindy Steel was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. She grew up singing Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire songs at the top of her lungs and learning to solve all of life’s problems while milking cows and driving tractors—rewriting happy endings every time. She met and married a handsome Idaho boy and is the proud mother of two wild and sweet twin boys. Which means she is also now a collector of bugs, sticks, rocks, and slobbery kisses. She loves making breakfast, baking, photography, reading a good book, and staying up way past her bedtime to craft stories that will hopefully make you smile.

Reviews

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)

Quick Notes:
*Book 3 in a Series
*Childhood Friends
*Single Parent
*Tomboy
*Cowboy
*Dude Ranch

My Thoughts:
This book has been years in the making, and it didn't disappoint! I remember when I first read That Fine Line and fell in love with Kelsey and Cade, so seeing all these characters reunited for one last romance was really satisfying and nostalgic.
Jake has always been a fun character. I loved his scheming throughout the series, and it was nice to see him being the recipient of knowing looks, group texts, and some good-natured ribbing. His daughter Sophie was pretty cute, and I enjoyed the father-daughter moments between the two of them. I was so glad he was able to move on from the hurts caused by his ex-wife so that he could get a second chance at love.
Shelby was relatable to me in that she wasn't able to believe any guy would really be interested in her. I was definitely that girl until I met my husband, so I really felt for her. I will say that some of her dating mishaps in the beginning were a little too embarrassing, but thankfully, that ended by the halfway point. I like to think most girls wouldn't be quite that accident prone, but it did help set up her situation with Jake.
I liked how this book wrapped up the series. Part of me would love to see the twins and Sophie grown up and in their own spin-off series, but I don't think the author has any plans for that. Maybe we can convince her?

[Madison Allshouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SO much Cindy Steel for this ARC copy! I truly have been looking forward to this book for months and that email completely made my entire week!

The Cowboy’s Game by Cindy Steel
⭐️My rating: 5/5
📖Book length: 352 pages
❤️‍🔥Spice level: closed-door, kisses only (a couple mild innuendo jokes)
🤬Language: some
⚠️CW: death of mother to cancer (past), parental abandonment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hey, Tuck?”
“Hmm?”
There was a long pause before he spoke, giving weight to the moment.
“You were the best part of my childhood too.”❤️‍🩹
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

some of my favorite parts:
🌻The family group chats🤣
🌻Sophie🥹
🌻”Before you make me blush”🤭
🌻The hug❤️‍🩹
🌻“I’ve always liked your curls”🥲
🌻Shelby’s disdain for real bras🙂‍↕️
🌻”Do what? Hit you?” “Touch me.”❤️‍🔥
🌻THE COWBOY HAT SCENE🫠
🌻The love confession😍

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
WHERE DO I EVEN START?! By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. Jake and Shelby have my ENTIRE heart.😭🫶🏻 This book is EXACTLY how you write a childhood best friends-to-lovers story. Their dynamic was so perfectly done; I loved how comfortable they always were with each other, in childhood and adulthood. The banter felt so natural; it didn’t feel forced or too “suave” to seem realistic. Any bystander could see how seamlessly these two worked together. The amount of times I literally was giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet should be illegal🤭 The slow burn build was just delicious❤️‍🔥

While Jake and Shelby were so fun and easy to root for, ultimately I loved the emotional sides of them the most. Shelby was so incredibly loyal and always had Jake’s back. She knew exactly how to be there for him and cheer him up when he was down. Jake’s heart was so big, but bruised, yet he was always looking out for others. The way he instilled confidence in Shelby was so heartwarming. These two may have grown and changed from past experiences and hurts, but the core of who they were always stayed the same. And it was even more beautiful that the core of Jake and Shelby, flaws and all, was exactly what they fell in love with🥹🫠

I also loved how Cindy touched on heavier topics that can be so relatable to the reader. The way Shelby had to reevaluate her life after college sports was so realistic. The mid-twenties identity crisis is so real!! Her yearning to have a family really hit home. Jake’s desire to protect his daughter and his fear to let people in after being hurt was so relatable as well. So many of us know the struggle to trust after being burned.

Something about the way Cindy writes completely brings her characters to life. After finishing the epilogue, I literally cried. Bittersweet tears, because I felt like I was leaving Eugene, Idaho and this family of characters that had become so real to me. It’s not typical I feel that way after romance books, and I think that proves even more how great of a writer Cindy Steel is!🥹❤️‍🩹

In conclusion, this book was the perfect ending to this series (even though I’m in denial that it’s over)💛 Jake and Shelby were the epitome of true, grounded, and real love. Highly, highly recommend!!

[Caroline]

Yessssssss!!
It’s been a long wait for this one, and I have no doubt it will be worth it! Counting down to February 18th!

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Dual POV
- Cowboy, single dad MMC
- Basketball player, photographer FMC
- Childhood friends to more
- Cameos from characters in past books
- Meddling friends and family in a very small town

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- Jake’s character arc and development
- Shelby and Jake knowing when to push each other and when to back off
- Their banter and flirting
- The humor in the book
- Jake’s jealousy
- Their constant bets and challenges
- Making each other blush 😉
- The lucky cowboy hat 🥹
- Him spelling it out for her

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 in the Pride and Pranks series - this book kept a smile on my face and pulled at my heart strings. It was the perfect mix of real life struggles and growth while also being light-hearted and fun. The characters in the book all look out for each other and also push each other’s buttons which makes for a highly entertaining mix.

I’ve adored Jake since book one and I loved getting to get his story. I loved that it wasn’t an easy one and he had some baggage that Shelby lovingly helped him work through. I also appreciated that lots of friends and family pushed him and didn’t let him stay in his self sabotage. I really enjoyed Jake and Shelby’s relationship and all they learned together.

This is a closed door romcom with one curse and innuendo.

**Thank you so much to Cindy for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐

Book Three in the Pride and Prank series. This is one of my favorite series. I love romance and I love pranks and when you combine them it's magic. Jake was such a key player in the series and I was eager for his story. 

Cindy has truly wrecked me for all other romcom authors. Friends to lovers is one of my least favorite tropes and she made me love it by the end of this book. 

Jake he enters the story with a lot of emotional baggage. He's closed off and has lost the sparkle he's known for. He also has a four year old daughter in the picture. 

Shelby is home for the summer and wants a change. She is used to being dubbed the "friend" in her group of guy friends. So she needs a little help with dating. 

Together they make a pact to help each other out for summer. They are childhood best friends who know each other inside and out. It was so fun to see their history. There was teasing, flirting, bets, jealousy, and all the swoony moves. Shelby knew when to push Jake to talk and Jake knew what to say to boost Shelby's confidence. 

I really loved how they were there for each other, and were each other's safe place. Through the hurts, the everyday, and the milestones. I loved watching their journey unfold and the moments they shared. This was so much more than a cute romcom. There was depth, history, hurts and insecurities layered throughout the story. It was the perfect conclusion to end the series. 😭😭

Thank you Cindy for the honor of reading this book. I received an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
A couple swear words (they're cowboys people)
TW - child abandonment, accident

Favorite things:
The contract
Pond
Teaching how to flirt
Porch kiss
Nancy
The campout
Lucky hat
Hair cut

Favorite quotes:
“If you guys want to keep giving me the highlight reel of my matchmaking skills, fine by me. I have no regrets. You can’t beat the player at his own game.”

There could be nobody safer to have around me than Shelby Tucker.

I’d been mentally rehearsing a high five, maybe a hug, and praying I didn’t say something stupid.

She’d been a looker her whole life; she just never believed it.

“I know. It might not be today. Or even in ten years. But sometimes, in life, there will be moments that have the power to change your life’s trajectory in one glance. It can happen anytime and anywhere. So when it happens to you, don’t be an idiot.”

messing with Shelby would always be one of my favorite things in this world.

“I’ve always liked your curls.”

“You’ve always been pretty, Shelb. And I hate that you didn’t see it.”

“Your bloodthirsty nature is truly touching.” “Don’t let it be said I’d never go to jail for you.”

She readjusted her head, sending another whiff of the tropics my way,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of this, it’s that life has a way of providing the things we lack.”

“You were the best part of my childhood too.”

He taught me that being a dad had nothing to do with the blood running through a man’s veins.

It was enough to stop me in my tracks. The kind of sight that had the power to completely change my life’s trajectory at one glance. It was her.

The tuck- ins and hugs and kisses goodnight. So much of motherhood was in the details. The small everyday bits. So much of it was in the security of knowing Mom was there.

“Apparently, I am now unable to sleep without you next to me, drooling on my arm. And since you refuse to sleep by me in there”—

It’s hard to forgive when you’re steeped in resentment.

Her presence in my life had lit something inside of me, and that light made it hard to hold onto the dark.

“I could be half dead, but I’d still know with absolute certainty that you’re in love with your best friend.”

And maybe now you’re being guided right to the woman who knows you best and loves you in spite of it all.”

“That’s my lucky hat,” he called over his shoulder. “Don’t lose it!”

“You already had my heart.”

“You know I can’t get a decent nap without you right here.”

“You are not a consolation prize. You are the grand prize. My grand prize.

“I want all that too. You’re the sun, Tuck. My whole earth went out of whack without you. Now you’re here, and things are right again. Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”

[Taylor Doran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is for the childhood friends girlies, the second chance girlies, and the closed door, banter-loving girlies. Cindy Steel is a queen and I'll continue to read anything she writes.

Our FMC Shelby wants to start dating, but she can't get out of the friend zone (or her head) with any man she meets because she's too much of a guy's girl. Enter her childhood friend Jake who just moved back into town with his four year old daughter, fresh off of a divorce. They are both working at the dude ranch and have cabins right next to each other. Jake is going to teach her how to get out of the friend zone.

Pick this up if you like:
The friend group matchmakes for the matchmaker
Neighbors
Flirty cowboys
Only one horse
Dating lessons
Small town
Single Dad 👀
Banter
A rodeo scene 🔥
Inexperienced x experienced with dating

You could read it as a standalone, but probably read the rest! Don't sleep on those standalones.

This was such a tender story between two childhood friends who have gone through a lot and both move back home after years away.

The FMC came across very immature. She was always hitting or punching someone in the shoulder as a way to flirt or joke. I didn't like that she had never been kissed at 27. However, I'm glad she got out of her small town and now she is back coaching her old basketball team. I love that she was competent, but I wish she had a little more life experience.

However, I am and will always be obsessed with Jake!! I love a confident, competent, flirty MMC who will do anything for his friends. I was not expecting him to be a single dad or a sad boy, but it made the emotions and yearning so much more heightened. His character arc was masterful and his backstory and the way he worked through it made me tear up.

Big shout out to Cindy Steel for the pacing and for making this a single timeline story. I really don't like a dual timeline because I don't want to read about teenagers so this was so good. She also has a way to make a closed door book so hot. Read chapter 8 and then scream in my DMs.

All of these are available on Kindle unlimited and The Cowboy's Game comes out on February 18.

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that is how you end a beloved series! Jake has been needing a HEA for so long, with his constant meddling and matchmaking he was prime for the taking.

Cindy was one of the first contemporary/romcom authors I discovered through bookstagram. My whole life I only read historical fiction—then I took the chance on a (then) newly released Christmas romcom called Faking Christmas. I feel in love with Cindy’s writing style and her characters. The snarky banter, the side splitting humor, and the melt your face off closed door romance. Needless to say I immediately started on Cindy’s backlist—laughing and sometimes crying through each spectacular story. Jake’s story was perfection!

From the very first moment we meet Jake, he stole the show. His tricks, his smugness, his smirks. But we all know it’s usually the ones that smile the brightest and laugh the loudest that are hiding years of hurt and pain. And it takes a true friend—the one who knows him better than anyone else—to put a crack in his armor. Shelby is the friend.

Jake and Shelby are 🔥🔥🔥

This book was nonstop swoon and tension. I laughed a lot and grinned like the Cheshire Cat the majority of the time. But it was more than just a fun story. This one had so much heart I could barely stand it! My heart ached for Jake, ached for Shelby, but it also soared with each layer that was peeled away and every crack that was made in Jake’s armor. A journey to love years in the making!

Thank you, Cindy for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly every time I read a series with an amazing friend group, or a set or siblings, the overwhelming desire to be a part of their group or family comes over me, along with the nostalgic feeling the end of a series brings. And the end of the Pride and Pranks series is no different.

I loved Shelby from the start. And how could I not, with her wholesome, sweet, yet awkward personality!? She was so relatable, and real. Cindy wrote her in such a way that you could feel with her, and experience the growth and awakening that happened throughout the book.

Oh, freakin Jake. My heart ached for him. And as a parent I just couldn’t understand Cole or Miranda’s actions, but I could see why Jake felt the way he did, and was scared of letting anyone else in. I adored watching him with Sophie, watching him learn from the past, and growing and moving on.

I couldn’t help but picture Scott Eastwood as Jake, especially once a certain scene happened — and as everything was set up for that scene, I was silently begging for it to happen — and to find out what I mean, you’ll have to read the book and watch The Longest Ride 🤭

The chemistry, tension, and banter were all amazing. There’s mild language, but no spice — all swoon! It’s bittersweet, leaving Eugene, Idaho. But the best thing about books is that you can read them again!

Thank you so much, Cindy, for trusting me with an ARC copy. It was my pleasure to read this one.

[Tiffany Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect ending to this series 😭

Jake has been one of my favorite characters throughout, so I was overly excited for this book and I was VERY anxious when I got selected as an ARC reader because I knew my expectations were through the roof.
I'm happy to say it plowed right through every expectation I had and is my FAVORITE of the entire series (actually, I'll go as far as to say my fav Cindy Steel book 🤯).

Friends to lovers is growing on me. The comfortable banter, the history, the yearning. Ugh I'm just so enamored every single time I read a friends to lovers book.

Things I loved:
- childhood best friends
- banter was bantering
- being her flirt coach
- tomboy FMC
- single dad with the sweetest girl
- friend group & group chat 👏🏻😌
- strained relationships & working towards remediation

📖: 1st person, dual POV
🌶️: kisses only (steamy makeouts)
🤬: few uses of d*mn & h*ll
⚠️: parental abandonment (x2, past), parent death (past, off page)

Thank you to Cindy Steel for the opportunity to read and review early 🫶🏻

[Kellie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great conclusion to this sweet series. In my opinion the yearning and the tension is 1000x better in closed door romances! Holy crap I was DYING waiting for them to get together, this was a slowwww burn but in the best way! If you love cowboys, small town, lovable characters, and clean romances then this book is for you!

This book also deals with a few heavier topics but they were written so well and added to the character’s depth and growth.

Thank you so much Cindy Steel for giving me my first ARC! It literally made my whole year to be trusted and chosen by my fave author! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Fave quotes from this book:
“Life has a way of providing the things we lack.”
“People can only change as much as we let them.”
Also the freaking cowboy hat scene 😍

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This childhood best friends to more story has it all! From the very start I was all in with the flashbacks, history, family meddling—and hilarious group chats, a sweet daughter, heaps of tension, loads of banter, so many laughs, and the sweetest love and healing. It was such a satisfying end to a series I’ve loved—but I also feel like you could dive right into Jake and Shelby’s story alone and love it just as much. You’ll just probably really want to read the others too. 😉

TW: Parental Abandonment, Past Divorce, Past Loss
CW: Mild Swearing (6 D***, 4 H***), Mild Innuendo

[Destiny || readingisyourdestiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE! Exactly the perfect sweet and fun romance I've come to expect from Cindy!

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I had one more summer here in Eugene. One more summer with Jake. It was like the gift of time was being rewarded to me. Fishing, shooting guns, and riding horses with Jake Evans seemed like the perfect parting gift of childhood before my move to the city and a real nine-to-five job. My childhood held some of the best memories of my life. And Jake was a major part of that. Yes. A thousand times, yes.”

I have been waiting for this book and I am OBSESSED with Jake & Shelby’s story!! I didn’t want to put this book down, and was mad when I had to! I just couldn’t get enough of this perfect friends to more RomCom!

I loved so, so many things about this book! I loved that these two had such a great history together, it just made their friendship that much better! Their teasing and banter (and flirting!) were so fun and had me grinning and/or laughing so many times throughout their story! I also loved how they really knew each other, their insecurities, their weaknesses, their strengths, and how to make each other smile when things got too tense. Their chemistry was insane and I was rooting for them the whole time!!

Favorite quotes:

“Things would blow over. But for right now, it felt like I’d been thrown off a cliff, only to find a safety net just before I hit the bottom. Shelby Tucker was back in my life. My whole body sighed with relief at the knowledge.”

“His arms were almost around my waist when I pressed my hand against his chest and neighed out, “Whooaa, boy.” Like I was calming a skittish horse.”

“The moment his arm wound its way behind my back, something relaxed inside of me. I maneuvered closer, inhaling deeply. He smelled like hay and gunpowder, and his body immediately felt familiar to me. His mannerisms. The friendly teasing in his eyes. It was Jake. My Jake.”

“It might not be today. Or even in ten years. But sometimes, in life, there will be moments that have the power to change your life’s trajectory in one glance. It can happen anytime and anywhere. So when it happens to you, don’t be an idiot.”

“Even as kids, she always seemed to understand what I needed. Always giving me the space I needed, even though it must have driven her crazy growing up. There were no lectures. No telling me I was wrong. No trying to change my mind. She was already on my side. I had forgotten how easy it was to be her friend. Good hell, I’ve missed her.”

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking Jake finally got his story, and let me tell you, it made me cry and laugh and feel. Cindy is a pro at writing romcoms, so I didn’t expect anything less.

Jake was a wounded hero. His adult life had also added scars, with his bright light being his daughter Sophie. He is written with so much regret and hurt, and he didn’t ever see that changing. I loved how close he and Shelby were, with their banter being top tier. That final montage scene at the beginning was just…chef’s kiss😆. When he started to unravel, oh man, was it fun to watch. His internal monologue and his actions were…🤭🤭🤭.

Shelby was a darling FMC. She was there for Jake through childhood & when they reconnected as adults. She was a bit clueless in an endearing way, but this came from an internalized narrative she believed for many years about being “one of the guys.” It resonated so much with the idea of being told something for so long that you believe it, as well her desire for change and wanting a family. Her lack of experience & renewed proximity to Jake brought all the confusing yet exciting feelings to the surface, making the tension & yearning fun to read.

The list of “players” at the beginning was truly so helpful and seeing all the cameos from past characters just brought levity and humor to the read. The group chat was so good, and Layne Marten…what a man. He’s just the best!

Okay so I’m still stuck on THE ROPE. Cindy, THE ROPE. I gasped and giggled and loved every second of that scene. 🤩🤭🫠😏🥰 It’s going to stick in my mind forever and ever. That is all. 😂

I clearly thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was such a good final installment of the Pride & Pranks series. A must-read for all!!! I definitely suggest reading all the books before it because they are referenced (and also amazing reads too).

Thanks for the ARC, Cindy! All thoughts are my own, and no positive review was required.

CW: This is a closed-door romance with passionate makeouts and the word “d**m” used sparingly. There’s mention of an absent parents, death of a parent (past, off page), divorce, grief, alcohol abuse, and resentment/bitterness.

[Sarah Lepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A HUGE Thank You to Cindy Steel for choosing me as an ARC reader. I found Cindy’s Pride and Pranks series a few years ago and honesty re- read them every few months when I need a good, reliable, slightly- angsty, mid- level conflict, no spice- kisses only, rom- com series. I have been waiting for Jake’s story, knowing that Cindy would work her magic and come up with something amazing!

Jake’s story comes a few years after the initial two stories and you get all the characters you’ve grown to love in Eugene, Idaho with the addition of Jake’s childhood best female friend, Shelby Tucker.

Shelby is in Eugene, for the summer as a photographer to help update the Marten’s Farm’s website and to usher them into being more run by the newer generations. Jake is back on the farm as the Foreman and helping lead “Cowboy Excursions” for the season. When she and Jake cross paths again, and learn that they will be working together and living close-by all summer, it’s like a coming “home” experience for both of them after both experiencing pretty heavy loss in their earlier years and some disappointment and unmet expectations in adulthood.

Jake is coming into this story with so much loss, grief, and a big steel wall around his heart and a desire to protect himself and what is his. However, as he finds himself spending more and more time around his beautiful, albeit socially awkward, best friend of many years and his heart starts to feel safe again.

Shelby is finally coming into herself as a woman, thinking she needs to change almost everything about herself to have the life and family she wants and it is so nice to see that while Jake is fiercely guarding his heart he is still one of Shelby’s biggest fans, just as she is, but a little less “punchy” 😂.

A Pride and Pranks story wouldn’t be complete without a couple wagers, meddling friends, and a supportive and encouraging found/ made family. A little bit of jealousy, and a sweet semi- slow burn.

[Kayla Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby and Jake's story was an absolute delight! I loved that we got a glimpse of their childhood friendship along with a bit of their teen years, I was crying laughing at the flashback when they were 17. It gave such a good snapshot of their friendship and set up the story well.

If you've read the other books in the series, (I highly recommend you do before reading this one!) you know Jake has allowed some of his life circumstances to make him sharp around the edges and a bit bitter. The sweetest thing was seeing how Shelby was always a safe place for him throughout his life and she always seemed to know what he needed especially in his hardest moments.

Cindy Steel always does an amazing job bringing her characters to life. I was a bit frustrated at first with Shelby feeling like she needed to change how she looked to be more desirable and more of an adult, but looking back on my early-mid twenties, it really is such a tricky time in life trying to discover who we really want to be without the mask of who we were in high school or college, and I definitely softened toward her and her story as we learned more about her.

A huge highlight was our callbacks to Cade, Kelsey, Tessa, and Logan in the text threads and was cackling when Layne got involved! It wouldn't be Pride and Pranks without them. Also, I especially loved all the moments where we experienced Jake and his daughter, Sophie, and thought Shelby was so thoughtful of how she approached growing a relationship with Sophie, the moments with the three of them together were highlights for me.

I'm so thankful to have received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the previous book in Pride and Pranks series being released all the way back in 2022, you could definitely say this one was a long time coming... and oh my goodness, it was absolutely worth the wait! But if you thought the wait for us readers was long... it was even longer for Jake and Shelby to get their happily ever after so many years as best friends only. I loved how their story begins with a look back at some of their moments together starting at just six years old... and when they get to seventeen!? Oh my! No spoilers here, but it had me literally laughing out loud... and that was before we ever even got to the first chapter. Simply put, these two were just the best. They had such a fun, teasing dynamic between them with all that history. When he starts coaching her in dating, their chemistry was even better. This book might be spice free, but it certainly had plenty of sizzle... in the best way possible. As laugh out loud funny as it was, there were also beautiful moments of tenderness that I loved as well... the perfect balance of it all. As much as I truly enjoyed the previous books in this series, this one tops them all, hands down. I couldn't get enough!

The Cowboy's Game is a closed-door romance with kisses only and some minor language. It is the last book in the Pride and Pranks series but could also be enjoyed as a standalone.



**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Lindsey IG: BookishlyLindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboys Game

Jake Evans, y’all. 🤠🔥

#1: Please go read Double or Nothing first (at least) if you haven’t. You won’t regret it… and you’ll LOVE this book even more.

Okay, done? GREAT. Let’s proceed. 😮‍💨

Ahhh, Cindy has done 👏 it 👏 again!

My heart literally hurt for our fun, lovely prankster Jake, because that is not the “true” guy we find in A Cowboy’s Game. Jake is a single dad now and back on the dude ranch with his dream job with a fake smile.

We meet Shelby in this book, and I absolutely loved the history we get between these two right from the beginning. Shelby is a tomboy through and through, and she’s found herself in a “never been truly kissed” situation… minus one catastrophic event 😂 She has no idea how to date or read social cues when it comes to romance.

She’s back at the ranch for the summer, and cue her childhood best friend Jake—known for his matchmaking antics and once quite the ladies’ man himself (pre-marriage).

This book… UGH y’all. The absolute unhinged thoughts Shelby has while “learning” from Jake. The flirtation that “isn’t” flirtation but is flirtation. The teasing. The bets. The tension. THE TENSION! Jake’s daughter! The internal wars these two go through! I was smiling the whole way through.

The whole gang makes an appearance, and I was SO here for it. Cindy absolutely nailed this one, and honestly, I loved every second. I’m so sad to see this series come to an end, but Cindy wrapped it up perfectly. ❤️

Favorites:
* Childhood flashbacks
* Shelby and Jake’s Friendship -literally can read each other. True support.
* The guys giving Jake a hard time over cards
* The can shooting
* The Wife and Husband group chat
* The Basketball game after Briggs left
* The pond with Sophie and Shelby
* The first kiss
* The sleeping bag
* The couch movie
* Shelby photography and internal monologue 😂
* The rope
* The cowboy Hat
* The Haircut 😂
I could literally go on and on.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy 's Game was my first Cindy Steel read, and she came *highly* recommended—now I completely understand why.

From the opening pages, I was drawn straight into Shelby and Jake’s relationship. Their friendship is such a strong foundation, and with their reunion comes so much unresolved history and emotion simmering beneath the surface. Jake’s journey as a divorced single dad is beautifully drawn, leading to some genuinely poignant moments of vulnerability that really stayed with me.

I loved the vivid ranch setting—the rhythms of daily life, the sense of place, and the warmth of the friendship group made the world feel so alive. The playful, fun dynamic between Jake and Shelby was a joy to read and sparked some fabulous chemistry, with the basketball court scenes being especially memorable.

Cindy Steel is absolutely the queen of swoon, but what I appreciated most was the depth of both characters and the healing journey they each had to take. By the end, this story isn’t just about the romance—it’s about growth, forgiveness, and finding peace with the past. Their happy ending felt truly *earned*.

I stayed up far too late because I couldn’t put it down. A five-star read for me.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC of The Cowboy’s Game by Cindy Steel. All opinions are my own.

I’ve enjoyed this Pride and Pranks series so much, and I’m sad that it is over. This book was such a good ending to this series though.

The Cowboy’s Game started off with such a funny scene. I was cackling, and I don’t think I will forget it any time soon.

Shelby was such a good protagonist because she was awkward and entertaining with all of her mishaps. I didn’t understand why she tried to change herself so much because she was great the way she was.

Jake was such a great character. I loved how charming he was and how he constantly tried to make Shelby blush. I also liked that he called Shelby “Tuck,” and that he had such a good friendship with Shelby. He was also a great dad, and I liked that he did whatever he could to make up for his ex-wife leaving him and their daughter.

There were so many good moments between Shelby and Jake that made me laugh. I liked how comfortable they were with each other and that they knew how to support each other through their issues.

Overall, this was such a sweet and fun romance. I loved the characters and their growth. I also loved that there were so many memorable scenes. I would recommend it!

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was time for me to get in the game."

Oh my goodness this was perfection! Seriously Cindy can do no wrong. I’ve loved the Pride and Prejudice series and this final installment was everything I wanted & more. I would strongly suggest reading the other books first… start with That Fine Line then Double or Nothing & don’t forget Stranded Ranch. It will give so much background to Jake’s story. Plus we have cameos from all the other characters from previous books which made it that much more special. I was seriously laughing out loud within the first few pages… This book has all the feels… I’m laughing one moment and tearing up the next. It’s full of fantastic banter and emotional depth. You will fall in love with Jake & Shelby. Its a friends to more that is sweet & swoony with lots of flirting, basketball, cowboys, competitions, a meddling text thread… oh and let’s not forget that lucky cowboy hat 🫠 the romance was everything 🫶🏼 I loved the themes of forgiveness & self confidence. I’m not going to say too much more except you need to read this one and you can thank me later.

“It was disconcerting. I was disconcerted. Discombobulated.
Disoriented. All the D words, actually. I was one D word away from running like the wind back to my cabin and locking the door.”

“As beautiful as her. It was enough to stop me in my tracks. The kind of sight that had the power to completely change my life's trajectory at one glance. It was her. It had always been her.”

[thelazybooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites. With small-town charm, country living, cowboys, plenty of banter, and all the romance, it’s not one you’ll want to miss.

Jake, our MMC, is working through some heavy trauma, while the FMC, Shelby is quirky and awkward with everyone except him. Together they make such a playful, endearing pair. Some of my favorite moments in the entire series happened in this book, and Cindy Steel really leaned into all the best cowboy tropes. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but this book reminded me that I’d take a cowboy with his hat and horse any day of the week, thank you.

I also appreciated how the story wrapped up the series. We get to revisit beloved characters and past romances, which gave everything a really satisfying sense of closure. Overall, a super sweet romance with just the right amount of cowboy charm.

I will continue to read anything Cindy Steel writes, because she is the best and has never disappointed me with a book.

Thank you Cindy Steel for choosing me to be on your ARC team and sending me an ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Hannah the book maiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking Cindy, making it near impossible to decide on a favorite MMC when she writes men as well as she does.

Jake? Perfectly broken. No notes.

Shelby? Adorable. Maybe a little dangerous with her flirting—or lack thereof.

I will always love Eugene, ID with the characters we came to know over the course of the series.

If you have loved ANY of Cindy’s previous works, you will fall head over heels for Jake’s. But I 100000% recommend reading That Fine Line and Double or Nothing before this one, they set the stage for The Cowboy’s Game.

I like going in bling to my books, so I didn’t want to spoil anything in my review. Just know that the wit, the jokes, the classic teasing and flirty remarks that are a Cindy Steel trademark are very much present in this book, but add in a side of harder emotions and hurt.


Grab this book. Prepare to fall in love. And don’t forget to savor it. We only get to read these stories for the first time once.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honored to have been chosen to receive an ARC of Cindy Steel's upcoming release, The Cowboy's Game.

I am so sad that the Pride and Pranks series is over! This is a series that I will absolutely want to revisit again and again.

I have been waiting for Jake's story ever since reading Double or Nothing (Book 2) more than a year ago! He is such a fun and goofy tease, always initiating ridiculous bets among friends. But in The Cowboy's Game we see a more serious side of Jake and I loved the depth that Cindy was able to give to this character.

I absolutely loved Jake and Shelby's story. It's so special when authors create characters who just fit perfectly together. Cindy Steel nailed it.

This book is FILLED with hilariously awkward moments that will make you bust out laughing. You'll never want it to end!

If you love found family, small town romance cowboys, and friends to lovers - you're going to LOVE The Cowboy's Game!

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is not always my favorite romance trope. It has to be written in just the correct way...and Cindy Steel does just that. I love this childhood best friends to more romance between Jake and Shelby. I can see why the author says it took years to write because it had to be just right. Jake is a divorced single dad who has given up on love, but his friends know better. The text thread between his friends is so fun.

Shelby is so relatable. Her dating fears, awkwardness and her hangups with her hair (second day hair...IYKYK) She needs help with men and Jake is going to help her, but no kissing. Their one time trying that as teenagers was pure comedic gold. Jake and Shelby's banter was the best, too.

This is a kissing only romance, but the author has the ability to make the reader swoon. She creates the best sexual tension between them.

Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Language: 2
Age: Young Adult+

The previous books in this series are light, funny, and an all-around good time. This one is different. It’s still very good, but it doesn’t carry the same carefree vibe as the earlier installments. Knowing that going in will likely make for a better reading experience.

While there are plenty of funny moments, this story leans more emotional, with a slow-burn romance, sharp banter, and some heavier themes. Our Jakie boy isn’t the same man we met in the first two books. Enter Shelby—his childhood best friend—who gradually helps Jake find his way back to himself.

There are laugh-out-loud moments, meaningful life lessons, and, of course, plenty of swoony, sexy cowboy charm.

Thank you Cindy Steel for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏻

#bookmarkandbanter #thecowboysgames #cowboyromance #cindysteel #prideandpranks

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Pride and Prank series and is by far my favorite. This story follows Jake, a single dad with sky-high walls, and Shelby, his long-time neighbor who’s been firmly stuck in the friend zone. It delivers all the feels: laughter, compassion, frustration, anger...every simgle emotion hits.

Cindy Steel writes characters who feel less like fictional creations and more like best friends. They wrestle with everyday struggles, making the story feel like a genuine slice of real life, complete with all its messiness and triumphs. You can’t help but root for Jake and Shelby, and I dare you not to smile while reading their story.

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

[Reanne - (Faith, Fiction, Fact and Fluff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Steel once again proves why she is the queen of romcoms. This book is friends to lovers at its best, and has all the romantic chemistry without the spice.

Jake and Shelby grew up as childhood best friends but they drifted apart as adults when Shelby moved away and Jake got married. Now years later, they're both back in their hometown and Jake is a single dad who isn't interested in another relationship.

As per usual, Cindy did an excellent job with the character arcs. It felt so natural as they progressed from friends to more, and there were some laugh-out-loud funny scenes.

Highly recommend!

*Thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book.*

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang it Cindy Steel, you know how to capture my heart with your characters!

This was fantastic. Probably my favorite contemporary rom-com, maybe ever? It's the last book in the Pride and Pranks series, and I definitely think That Fine Line and Double or Nothing should be read first.

Jake won us all over in the first two books, and I can see why writing his story could be daunting. But it was perfect. Just the right amount of humor, tender moments, chemistry, emotions and healing, and of course there had to be a crazy bet thrown in there too.

Thank you Cindy for including me on your ARC team!

[Megan Doubrava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfection! It was worth the wait, Cindy! The people of this town create the best found family. Jake and Shelby are perfect for each other. I experienced all the feels while reading this. You can read as a stand alone but I’d recommend at least reading Double or Nothing first to get a good idea of Jake’s fun personality before you start this one! He experiences so much growth in this book that makes his personality go so much deeper. Also, I’d love to go to a lodge like the one in the book!

Thank you to the author for my free advanced copy🥰