Once Upon a Cowboy

Thatcher Ranch Cowboys #3

by Penelope Ryan

He's her brother's best friend and her best shot at learning the ropes.
He's a playboy intent on never settling down.
Until one innocent request turns into a slow burn he never saw coming.

*full blurb coming soon

cowboy, small town, brother's best friend, spicy lessons, reformed playboy

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

Reviews

[Sorcha Reagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I really liked the first book in the series, and loved the second one, this one fell flat for me.
1) The story wasn’t great: the set up is lovely but a writer not able to write about sex because they havent experienced it? I don’t think Rebecca Yarros experienced riding dragons… I mean, in the name of research she could’ve read other books (which she does but then it doesnt help her somehow?). I get being sheltered but it felt a bit too “set up for the plot”.
2) the brother wanting to protect her and reducing her to a victim because she had consensual sex —> she could’ve gone a bit more feminist on his ass but that’s a personal preference ofc.
3) the dialogue fell a bit flat. More cliche than real tbh.
4) the spice was rather cliche as well. Obviously it had to be basic for the story but it felt more like a summary of smutty vanilla books than actual sex.
5) pacing was fast, which made the emotional development feel a bit…forced. Too fast to make it believable.

That being said, I did love the MMC, Graham, and I still loved the first two books so this author is still an autobuy for me!

2,5 stars

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this thinking “fun cowboy romance with a cheeky premise” and ended it fully feral, emotionally attached, and ready to pack my bags for Cedar Ridge like I have business there.

Once Upon a Cowboy by Penelope Ryan is chaotic in the best way. Like… “this is a terrible idea” energy wrapped in flannel and tension and I could not get enough.

Delilah??? Absolute icon. Girly said “I need life experience for my job” and chose the most unhinged, small-town nuclear option possible: her brother’s best friend. I respect the commitment. I respect the audacity. And underneath that slightly chaotic decision-making, she’s actually so relatable. She’s trying to figure herself out, take control of her life, and stop feeling like she’s always a step behind everyone else.

And then there’s Graham Whitaker.

This man is a walking problem.

Cocky cowboy, certified playboy, thinks he’s got everything under control… until Delilah walks in with that proposition and suddenly he’s malfunctioning. The jealousy?? Immediate. The “no one else is touching you” energy?? Unhinged. I ate it up with a spoon.

What I loved most is that their dynamic could have been just spicy and fun (and don’t get me wrong… it IS), but it’s also layered with so much tension and emotion. Every “lesson” comes with lingering looks, crossed wires, and feelings sneaking in like they weren’t invited but refuse to leave.

And the brother’s best friend trope?? Executed perfectly. That underlying “we should not be doing this” tension is always simmering, making every moment feel just a little more dangerous, a little more electric.

Cedar Ridge itself feels like one of those small towns where everyone knows everything… which somehow makes their situation even more chaotic. The ranch setting, the cowboy vibes, the quiet moments mixed with high-stakes emotions… it all just works.

But the real magic is Graham’s shift. Watching him go from detached, playboy energy to “I would absolutely ruin my life for this woman” was EVERYTHING. He doesn’t just fall, he crashes. And I was right there cheering him on.

By the end I was grinning like an idiot, slightly overheated, and completely in love with these two.

If you want:
✔️ brother’s best friend tension
✔️ a heroine making bold (questionable) life choices
✔️ a cowboy who falls first and HARD
✔️ spice with actual emotional payoff

This book will have you hooked faster than you can say “bad idea.” 🤠💫

[Whitney Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delilah works as a ghostwriter, even though she’s always dreamed of writing a book of her own. Lacking the confidence to pursue it, she agrees to takes on a new project—a steamy romance that’s far outside her comfort zone… especially since she’s a virgin. Realizing she might need a little “research,” she turns to her brother’s best friend, Graham. Though caught off guard at first, Graham quickly becomes protective and agrees to help. What starts off as awkward quickly shifts. Graham supports her by spending time with her and even setting up dates to help her feel more comfortable. But there’s undeniable chemistry between them, and the boundaries begin to blur—especially as Graham struggles to understand why someone as captivating as Delilah is in this situation at all. Things escalate when Graham gets protective after a night out at the bar and brings Delilah back to the apartment he shares with her brother, assuming they have the place to themselves. But when her brother unexpectedly returns the next morning and finds them together, everything changes. Now Graham is forced to confront something he never anticipated: could he really have left his playboy past behind—and fallen in love with Delilah?

[Bre Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy ARC Review:
I was selected to be an ARC for the 3rd Thatcher Ranch book; I have read all 3 in the Series and loved them so much! In this story we meet Delilah and we see Graham again. In the first 2 books there is common knowledge that Graham is basically a man-whore. He is not the type to share more than 1 night with a woman and NEVER gets attached to ANYONE. Enter Delilah, a mid-twenties woman (and the sister of Graham’s best friend, Harrison). Delilah is a virgin and with her ghost writing an open-door Romance, she feels that she needs to lose her V-Card. She decides to turn to Tinder to find a man. Her idea is to just use someone to change her virginity and that will help her write better open-door love scenes. On Tinder she sees Graham but decides to not even consider him because he’s best friends with her brother, and her brother would not be happy. She ultimately decides to offer Graham her virginity because she knows he is experienced and she trusts him; the deal is just sex not attachment or relationship. During their time together they learn a lot about each other and both begin to have feelings for each other. I loved that they got their HEA! I can’t wait for book 4!

[Jéssica Paes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delilah is a ghostwriter, though her dream job is to write a book of her own. In the meantime, a new project appears: writing a romance novel... which would be a piece of cake for Delilah if she didn't have to write spicy scenes (a lot of them). Lacking the experience of real-life spicy scenes, Delilah comes up with a brilliant idea: asking her brother's best friend, Graham, to help her in that department (🤭). Both swearing this plan was for research only, feelings should not be allowed... or should they?

Amazing book. Delilah is a sweet, innocent woman, looking to do a great book even though she is not experienced in the spicy romance area. Graham, with a bit of a reputation as a playboy, is the most gentlemanly man to help Delilah, doing everything in his power to make her comfortable, help overcame her fears and gain confidence writing anything she wants, especially her own books. The chemistry between them is undeniable, with a mix of sweetness and chaos, forbidden and innocence, all mixed to create a wonderful book 🥰

An amazing short story, perfect for spring 🌺

If you are looking for:

❤️‍🔥 Forbidden Love
✨️ Brother's best friend
💞 Cowboy romance

And much more, this book is for you 🫶

[Erin Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
Delilah- she's a ghostwriter and finally gets a big project writing romance. One small problem she doesn't have much experience in the sex department and is struggling with writing certain scenes. So she recruits Graham for "research"

Graham-he's a ranch hand for Thatcher ranch and a bit of a playboy or reformed so to speak but determined to remain a bachelor. He's also Delilah's brother's best friend and roommate.

I loved their chemistry 😍 this was such a fun spicy read. His nickname for her 🥰🥰 so cute 💕 I devoured this in one sitting. Both MC's have so much growth throughout this. Grahams protectiveness and entire demeanor is swoon worthy. Delilah is such a sweet, reserved, shy, kind, relatable FMC.

I absolutely loved their story. The tension, angst, and spice is top tier! While the setup of their start might of been conditional everything grew organically and it was just so sweet 🥹 I love this whole series. It left me wanting more from them. I didn't want this one to end.

✔️Brothers best friend
✔️Virgin FMC
✔️Reformed playboy mmc
✔️Spicy lessons
✔️Small town
✔️Cowboy romance

[Sam Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!

It’s the kind of book you pick up and read in one sitting, the kind that has you hopeful and has you sat reading with that stupid kind of grin on your face because it’s cute and then the spice hits and it’s soooo good!!

Delilah is a ghost writer working on other people’s books but when it comes to having to write the spicy scenes she has trouble because she has no experience. That’s where Graham comes into the picture. Graham is Delilah’s brother’s best friend and roommate who has tons of experience.

Delilah gets under Grahams skin and he soon finds he’s broken the rule of “no feelings and no emotions”.

“I cannot think about anyone else. I scroll through those stupid apps, I go to bars, and no one compares to you. No one is you. You’ve ruined other women for me. You’ve ruined me.”

If you’re looking for an easy, hopeful spicy book that’s less than 200 pages (so it gets straight to the point) then this is for you! - did I mention Graham is a cowboy? 🤠

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella!

Delilah is a 26 year old ghost writer, & her next job is a high heat romance. But there’s one problem - she’s never experienced any of the things she’s supposed to write about.

Enter Graham, her older brother’s best friend since childhood. When she approaches him with a “favour”, he knows he shouldn’t - however it isn’t enough to stop him. He can’t stand the thought of someone else not treating her properly, so he agrees.

But what was supposed to be a transaction & research evolves into more, much more for both of them. But when Harrison (Delilah’s older brother) discovers the pair of them together the morning after, everything falls apart.

Who will be brave enough to admit their feelings first? & how will Harrison react when he realises his best friend loves his little sister?

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ghostwriter who needs to write about sex but knows nothing about it and a ranch hand who is willing to educate her so what could go wrong?
You think asking the biggest player in town to help you out would be safe because you don't have to worry about feelings being involved but is that really true?
I loved the fact that Graham wanted to help Delilah out but only at her own level of comfort. He let her decide when and how much each time. Little did he know spending so much time with her with be his down fall.
A wonderful addition to the Thatcher Ranch series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
I highly recommend this series.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Katie Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things about novellas is that they’re quick paced and this perfectly fitted Graham and Delilah’s story. The tension, the chemistry, the “we shouldn’t but oh, we definitely are” energy just oozed out of the book. Graham and Delilah’s story is more than your typical brother’s best friend trope. It’s real, it is messy, and the quick pacing gave a delicious sense of impulsiveness.

Once Upon A Cowboy was a story of two people’s journey of finding themselves; Delilah discovering her own story and Graham realising what’s been in front of him all along.

If you love your cowboys charming, your tension high, and your romance grounded in something that actually feels believable, this one’s worth the ride.

[Rachel E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally have a hard time with what I deem “dirty boy” rehabilitation story lines but this was really well done and he wasn’t truly a dirty boy… Though Graham is “adventurous” and “varied” in his pleasure partners and doesn’t have a desire to permanently couple, he has a good kind heart and we see at the beginning of the book that he is caring to he dalliances. It doesn’t feel transactional. I think the way Dee being written as a “late bloomer” was done well and Graham was very patient and understanding with her about her needs.

Of the three books so far in this series, I think I like this one just slightly more than Theo and Cora’s. Each book is well done though and looking forward to the future books.

I received a ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Once Upon A Cowboy by Penelope Ryan! If you love a good forbidden, brother’s best friend romance… this one hits 👏

Delilah is a ghostwriter trying to level up her spice, and her idea to practice what she writes? Bold 😂 Enter Graham—her brother’s best friend AND roommate—with a total playboy reputation. The tension between these two was so good, especially with all the “we shouldn’t be doing this” energy.

I loved watching their dynamic shift from off-limits to something deeper. The chemistry was definitely there, and I was rooting for them the whole time.

If you’re into brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and a little spice with your romance, this is a fun, easy read!

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely love Penelope Ryan’s writing style—it’s so easy to sink into her stories, and Once Upon a Cowboy was no exception. From the very first page, I found myself completely engaged.

Delilah and Graham are such lovable main characters. Their relationship is sweet, genuine, and a joy to watch unfold. I especially enjoyed seeing their feelings develop naturally—it felt warm, comforting, and real without any unnecessary drama.

This is a quick, easy read that delivers exactly what you want from a feel-good romance. There’s no heavy angst, just a light, uplifting story that leaves you smiling.

Thank you for the ARC—this is my honest review.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always a sucker for a brothers best friend, make him a cowboy, even better.

Delilah is a ghostwriter with the dreams of becoming an author one day. Her new romance assignment is for a spicy scene and she is struggling since she has never had sex. She decides she needs to do some research and asks her brothers best friend, Graham.

I loved how Graham was understanding and gentle with her. He took his time since it was her first time. Delilah second guessed herself and I love how Graham helped to boost her confidence. You can feel the chemistry and the feelings between the two grow. And keeping it from her brother, we know how that ends.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Delilah + Graham

Once Upon a Cowboy follows Delilah our resident ghostwriter and Graham, her bother's best friend. You know where this is going right? If not, then here we go!

Delilah is writing some new spicy scenes and needs a hand from Graham. Well, not only a hand BUT other things too. I really enjoyed this quick friends with benefits book. There was some conflict but honestly, it was resolved rather quickly. & our MCs were a little lax in the communication BUT they had some sidekicks to help them get out of their own heads.

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short romance with a plot that hooked me and characters that came to life in my mind. This was a short and sweet and so much fun. Delilah needs to write a spicy romance, but lacks experience in intimacy. She’s hoping her brother’s best friend, the total playboy rancher, Graham, might be able to help her out. He’s more than willing. Neither expected for it to develop into any thing more than a mutual agreement. Her vulnerability and confidence and his cockiness and patience create the perfect storm of a romance. Their growth was enduring, their relationship sweet, and this book was a fun time.
Thanks to the author for the eARC

[Anna Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, super quick read! I loved the unique setup—a ghostwriter tasked with writing a romance novel, except she has zero real-life experience to draw from. Enter her brother’s best friend, Graham (yes please 👀), who steps in to “help” her learn the ropes.

Delilah’s journey was equal parts sweet, awkward, and steamy as she discovers romance firsthand. The chemistry between her and Graham felt natural, and their dynamic made this an easy binge.

Overall, a light, flirty read that doesn’t overstay its welcome!

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet small town romance, between Delilah and her brother's best friend Graham.
Delilah is a ghost writer and desperately needs some real life inspiration for the smut scenes she needs to write, but as a virgin she has no clue, and figures her brother's best friend and notorious playboy is the solution. Queue the awkward chaos, the secret relationship, and Graham providing lessons and plenty of inspiration.
I liked how their feelings snuck up on both of them, how jealous Graham gets at the idea of others touching Delilah, and how patient and sweet he is.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

A quick and easy read. I love all the tropes and microtropes of this story however I felt like it did leave space for a lot to be desired in their story for me. I do feel like the situation he had going with another woman could’ve been rounded off a little better and closed that door clearly. I was sent this as an arc however I ended up reading it on Kindle Unlimited.

Tropes:
💜brother's best friend
💜spicy lessons
💜virgin fmc
💜player mmc
💜cowboy / small town

Thank you to the author for this arc opportunity ❤️

[Kaitlyn Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down, so far I’ve loved all three of the books in this series. This book was older brother’s best friend, Delilah and Graham grew up together and when Delilah is tasked to ghost write and spicy romance story she was having trouble due to being a virgin. Delilah decides to take matters into her own hands to make writing this story a bit easier and that’s when chaos begins. This is such a cute story and so entertaining to see these two figure out what they are and what they mean to each other. I look forward to more books from this series.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a ghostwriter, Delilah accepts the assignment to write a spicy romance. She gets stuck due to her lack of experience; she still owns her V-card. What better way to gain that experience than to ask your brother’s best friend! And we all know how that ends…
I really enjoyed this cute story with likeable characters.

Review based on an arc, received from the author. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham is a playboy cowboy we’ve seen before. Delilah is the sister of his best friend, Harrison. Can you see where we are headed? 😉 It is a great story that I honestly didn’t want to end.

Delilah is a writer who needs a bit of help with her writing of spice because of her inexperience. Graham obviously has loads. He’ll teach her and be done. No feelings at all. Then they’ll both move on, right? 😂

A really quick read that will keep you interested and wanting even more. You’ll love it!

[Fatima Salih · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story. As Delilah reaches out to Graham for her research since she's a ghostwriter and she needs to learn about the spice that she's writing about, she decides, she needs first-hand experience.

I liked how Graham was gentle with Delilah and respected her so much since she is Harisson's younger sister.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy was I ever swooning! I just LOVED this story!

Graham.
Playboy because, well…you'll find out!

Innocent Delilah!
Ghost writer with a tough assignment!

Protective big brother, Harrison!

Oh, have to mention Graham and Harrison are best friends!

Needless to say...plenty can go wrong with Delilah's plan!

Warning...I almost shed some tears!

[Nina Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delilah is a ghostwriter. Her next book is a steamy romance. Struggling to write said scenes she turns to her brother's best friend to teach her. Neither expects what happens next!

Another fun spicy novella from the Thatcher Ranch series. I really enjoyed this one.

4.5 stars 🌟

[Nifer Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 146pgs
Delilah and Graham
A quick, fun, and spicy read. Delilah couldn't have picked a better guy for her first time, not only bc he knows what he's doing, but bc he actually cares about her being taken care of and treated well.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sweet and fun! A good read! I enjoyed it! Graham coming out of his playboy ways and falling for his best friends little sister, a classic!

Their relationship was sweet! The plot was great, I couldn’t put it down
Thank you for the arc!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Thatcher Ranch Cowboys series. I enjoyed Graham and Delilah’s story. It was fun to read, amusing, entertaining read. This is a great series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, this book!! It was so good!! It was my favorite out of this series!! The trust that is built, the flirting, the realization that it was becoming real.. SOO GOOD!! And I always love a family member’s best friend.. so, couldn’t go wrong there! Chef’s kiss!! Perfect! ❤️❤️❤️💋

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! I love this whole series!! Graham and Delilah are so good together!! Can’t wait for book 4!!