What do you think?
Rate this book
Henderson Brothers #2
Cowboy's Rival
Benjamin
I don’t touch anything that belongs to the Caldwells—not their cattle, not their contracts, and definitely not their daughter. The feud between our families has been burning strong for decades.
Until their only daughter storms onto my land and asks me to marry her.
Not because she loves me, but because marrying me will protect her ranch and spite her parents.
I should say no. She’s too young, too stubborn, too damn pretty to be saddled with a grumpy cowboy pushing forty. I should step back and let the Rusty Spoon fall apart under the leadership of the man her parents chose for her. I should be grateful our biggest rival is finally crumbling.
Instead, I say yes.
The second she looks at me like I’m her escape, something primal locks into place. She calls it a truce—a one-year arrangement, and then we walk away.
A year is more time than I need.
By the end of our first month as husband and wife, I’ll save her ranch, and I’ll win her heart, because I don’t do temporary. I don’t share what’s mine.
I want forever and once she’s wearing my ring, there’s no going back.
Cowboy’s Rival is an age-gap, marriage-of-convenience, rivals-to-lovers, instalove short romance featuring a protective, over-the-top cowboy who falls first and falls hard. Guaranteed HEA. No OW drama. No cheating. Can be devoured in one hour.
I don’t touch anything that belongs to the Caldwells—not their cattle, not their contracts, and definitely not their daughter. The feud between our families has been burning strong for decades.
Until their only daughter storms onto my land and asks me to marry her.
Not because she loves me, but because marrying me will protect her ranch and spite her parents.
I should say no. She’s too young, too stubborn, too damn pretty to be saddled with a grumpy cowboy pushing forty. I should step back and let the Rusty Spoon fall apart under the leadership of the man her parents chose for her. I should be grateful our biggest rival is finally crumbling.
Instead, I say yes.
The second she looks at me like I’m her escape, something primal locks into place. She calls it a truce—a one-year arrangement, and then we walk away.
A year is more time than I need.
By the end of our first month as husband and wife, I’ll save her ranch, and I’ll win her heart, because I don’t do temporary. I don’t share what’s mine.
I want forever and once she’s wearing my ring, there’s no going back.
Cowboy’s Rival is an age-gap, marriage-of-convenience, rivals-to-lovers, instalove short romance featuring a protective, over-the-top cowboy who falls first and falls hard. Guaranteed HEA. No OW drama. No cheating. Can be devoured in one hour.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2026
She needed a husband to save her ranch. He wanted forever.
The Elevator Pitch: When Skye’s family tries to trade her future for money, she chooses the one man who should be her worst possible ally. Benjamin is older, harder, and far too certain that their bargain won’t end when the paperwork says it should. Between rival bloodlines, a dying ranch, and a marriage built on defiance, their truce becomes the one thing neither of them knows how to survive without.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
The Elevator Pitch: When Skye’s family tries to trade her future for money, she chooses the one man who should be her worst possible ally. Benjamin is older, harder, and far too certain that their bargain won’t end when the paperwork says it should. Between rival bloodlines, a dying ranch, and a marriage built on defiance, their truce becomes the one thing neither of them knows how to survive without.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
May 1, 2026
There’s something deeply satisfying about a romance that starts with tension, stubborn pride, and a whole lot of “absolutely not”… and somehow turns into “I’d burn the world down for you.” Cowboy’s Rival by Jacqueline Carmine delivers exactly that kind of emotional payoff—and it does it in a way that feels both fiery and heartfelt.
From the very beginning, Skye and Benjamin are set up as opposites on a battlefield that’s been drawn long before either of them had a say. Their families’ feud isn’t just background noise—it shapes every interaction, every sharp word, every look that lingers just a second too long. So when Skye storms onto Benjamin’s land and proposes marriage out of sheer desperation and defiance, it’s less of a romantic gesture and more of a spark tossed straight into dry brush.
And Benjamin? He knows better. He should walk away.
But he doesn’t.
What makes this story so compelling is how quickly that enemies-to-lovers tension reveals something deeper. All that verbal sparring? It doesn’t take long to realize it’s been disguising something else entirely. Benjamin falls first—and hard—and once he does, there’s no halfway with him. He’s protective, possessive, and completely locked in, even when Skye insists their marriage is just a one-year arrangement.
(Spoiler: he absolutely does not believe in temporary.)
Skye is just as strong in her own way. Betrayed by the very people who should have protected her, she refuses to let her family’s legacy be sold off and stripped of its history. There’s grit in her decisions, even when they’re messy, and it makes her journey toward trusting Benjamin—and herself—all the more rewarding.
Together, they’re explosive in the best way. The chemistry is sharp, the banter bites, and the emotional shift from rivals to something real feels earned, not rushed. Watching them not only fall for each other but also fight for the ranch, the history, and a future neither of them expected adds a layer of depth that makes this more than just a quick, steamy read.
If you love marriage-of-convenience stories, age-gap dynamics, and a grumpy cowboy who decides “mine” means forever, this one is easy to devour in a single sitting.
A heartfelt, fiery romance where saving the ranch is only the beginning—and losing her was never an option.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the very beginning, Skye and Benjamin are set up as opposites on a battlefield that’s been drawn long before either of them had a say. Their families’ feud isn’t just background noise—it shapes every interaction, every sharp word, every look that lingers just a second too long. So when Skye storms onto Benjamin’s land and proposes marriage out of sheer desperation and defiance, it’s less of a romantic gesture and more of a spark tossed straight into dry brush.
And Benjamin? He knows better. He should walk away.
But he doesn’t.
What makes this story so compelling is how quickly that enemies-to-lovers tension reveals something deeper. All that verbal sparring? It doesn’t take long to realize it’s been disguising something else entirely. Benjamin falls first—and hard—and once he does, there’s no halfway with him. He’s protective, possessive, and completely locked in, even when Skye insists their marriage is just a one-year arrangement.
(Spoiler: he absolutely does not believe in temporary.)
Skye is just as strong in her own way. Betrayed by the very people who should have protected her, she refuses to let her family’s legacy be sold off and stripped of its history. There’s grit in her decisions, even when they’re messy, and it makes her journey toward trusting Benjamin—and herself—all the more rewarding.
Together, they’re explosive in the best way. The chemistry is sharp, the banter bites, and the emotional shift from rivals to something real feels earned, not rushed. Watching them not only fall for each other but also fight for the ranch, the history, and a future neither of them expected adds a layer of depth that makes this more than just a quick, steamy read.
If you love marriage-of-convenience stories, age-gap dynamics, and a grumpy cowboy who decides “mine” means forever, this one is easy to devour in a single sitting.
A heartfelt, fiery romance where saving the ranch is only the beginning—and losing her was never an option.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2026
Cowboy’s Rival by Jacqueline Carmine is a captivating addition to the Henderson Brothers series, blending heated family rivalry with heartfelt romance. The story centers on Benjamin, a gruff cowboy who has long avoided his family’s business rival, the Caldwells—especially their daughter, Skye. When Skye unexpectedly proposes a marriage of convenience as a truce, Benjamin finds himself swept into an arrangement that challenges old loyalties and sparks new desires. The chemistry between Benjamin and Skye is electric, and their journey from rivals to lovers is both compelling and touching. Carmine’s writing shines through the age-gap dynamic, creating a believable and endearing connection that keeps you rooting for them from the very first page.
This short romance delivers everything fans of the genre crave: a protective cowboy, a strong-willed heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. The plot moves at a brisk pace, making it easy to devour in a single sitting, and the absence of unnecessary drama ensures a satisfying reading experience. Benjamin’s determination to save Skye’s ranch and win her heart adds depth to the story, showcasing his unwavering commitment. If you enjoy marriage-of-convenience and rivals-to-lovers tropes with a dose of instalove, Cowboy’s Rival is highly recommended for your next binge read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This short romance delivers everything fans of the genre crave: a protective cowboy, a strong-willed heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. The plot moves at a brisk pace, making it easy to devour in a single sitting, and the absence of unnecessary drama ensures a satisfying reading experience. Benjamin’s determination to save Skye’s ranch and win her heart adds depth to the story, showcasing his unwavering commitment. If you enjoy marriage-of-convenience and rivals-to-lovers tropes with a dose of instalove, Cowboy’s Rival is highly recommended for your next binge read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2026
What were her parents thinking!
I really enjoyed Skye and Benjamin's bumpy ride to HEA, I was gutted for Skye when her parents betrayed her with their greed and selfish, cold actions, but I love that it gives her and Benjamin the push they need to move their relationship from enemies to lovers.
They have an explosive relationship that has been spent verbally sparring, but when Skye is in trouble Benjamin realises that all that sparring was actually flirty foreplay and his feelings run deep. Not only does he sweep Skye off her feet... eventually, but they also manage to save the family legacy, keep the heritage and history in place and end a decades-long family feud.
A heartwarming read on Kindle Unlimited, I look forward to Caleb's book next.
I really enjoyed Skye and Benjamin's bumpy ride to HEA, I was gutted for Skye when her parents betrayed her with their greed and selfish, cold actions, but I love that it gives her and Benjamin the push they need to move their relationship from enemies to lovers.
They have an explosive relationship that has been spent verbally sparring, but when Skye is in trouble Benjamin realises that all that sparring was actually flirty foreplay and his feelings run deep. Not only does he sweep Skye off her feet... eventually, but they also manage to save the family legacy, keep the heritage and history in place and end a decades-long family feud.
A heartwarming read on Kindle Unlimited, I look forward to Caleb's book next.
May 8, 2026
Book 2 of Henderson Brothers.
'Cowboy’s Rival is an age-gap, marriage-of-convenience, rivals-to-lovers, instalove short romance featuring a protective, over-the-top cowboy who falls first and falls hard. Guaranteed HEA. No OW drama. No cheating. Can be devoured in one hour.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Cowboy’s Rival is an age-gap, marriage-of-convenience, rivals-to-lovers, instalove short romance featuring a protective, over-the-top cowboy who falls first and falls hard. Guaranteed HEA. No OW drama. No cheating. Can be devoured in one hour.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Now this is an enemy to lover story. Their families have been feuding for a long time. She learns her family wants her to marry someone that will turn their ranch into a resort and she will not have it. She goes to Benjiman and tells him he is going to marry her. At first, he says no that is until she says she will ask one of his brothers. They put a end time to the marriage, but he does not agree. Will it end after 1 year? Or will she fall for him? I enjoyed their story and characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2026
It was great short read - Enemies to Lovers romance. Skye asked their enemy to marry her in spite her parents other plan to marry her out. It was all about saving her ranch and was meant to be temporary.
It turned out that Benjamin took it seriously and forever. His off-limits love interest was just handed to him in hands.
Amazing short read - entertaining and engaging. Loved characters and their fast pacing. Beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It turned out that Benjamin took it seriously and forever. His off-limits love interest was just handed to him in hands.
Amazing short read - entertaining and engaging. Loved characters and their fast pacing. Beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
'Three weeks. Three goddamn weeks since I stormed onto Henderson land, proposed to my enemy, and dragged him down to the courthouse before I could talk myself out of it. And now look at me.'
Skye's a woman on a mission after finding out her parents are 'selling' her into marriage! She storms into Benjamin's world on a mission and despite her attitude, he finds himself agreeing to her demands, throwing in a few of his own!
A fantastic short read with great characters and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Skye's a woman on a mission after finding out her parents are 'selling' her into marriage! She storms into Benjamin's world on a mission and despite her attitude, he finds himself agreeing to her demands, throwing in a few of his own!
A fantastic short read with great characters and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
Quick read, enjoyed it. Enemies to Lovers. The FMC comes home to find her parents picked a man for her to marry and want to sell their ranch to be a resort, knowing she wanted it. She runs out to find the MMC, one of the sons on the neighboring ranch. She offers him marriage to help her save her family’s ranch. That’s how their journey begins. Good spice and a sweet HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2026
I really liked the connection and chemistry between these two, the way they were with each other before they got married, and the way their relationship grew. I liked the way his family welcomed her and her family, insisted that they were how one big family and wanted to help them both achieve their dream and goal. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2026
Skye’s parents want to sell their ranch, but she is not going to put up with that. So, she did the unthinkable.
Benjamin is a Henderson, and they don’t mix with the Caldwells, but what Skye asks him to do appeals to him despite everything. He can’t think of any other man touching her, even if they are his brothers.
This was a fun and sweet read. It is well-written and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Benjamin is a Henderson, and they don’t mix with the Caldwells, but what Skye asks him to do appeals to him despite everything. He can’t think of any other man touching her, even if they are his brothers.
This was a fun and sweet read. It is well-written and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Book 2 of Henderson Brothers story of Benjamin and Skye. Now that's how you teach someone to see you, Skye didn't let anyone take her ranch from her without a fight and I loved it. This was a wonderful story of going the distance and fighting for who you want next to you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This is a relatively short story but it has sizzling heat and chemistry. I wish the story was longer- I really wanted to see Ben and Skye working together and falling in love. The spice was great. Skye was prickly until Ben touched her and she melted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2026
Good short story with a wrong premise for marriage, but with a fruitful outcome.
Either way, the decision about the ranch is made under pressure and fast. If not by her parents' way, then at least by the heroine's way, which results in personal happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Either way, the decision about the ranch is made under pressure and fast. If not by her parents' way, then at least by the heroine's way, which results in personal happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2026
This book made me fall in love with cowboy stories. I didn’t really liked it read them til now and I can’t even really tell why, but god this book was so good.
It’s hot, sweet, captivating, heartwarming and just perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s hot, sweet, captivating, heartwarming and just perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2026
Skye and Benjamin grew up hating each other because of a family feud. The novella has over-bearing controlling parents, a marriage of convenience that quickly becomes more. Jacqueline wrote this one amazingly, I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading Caleb's story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
Two feuding families who are neighbors and one woman stubborn enough to bypass all the history in order to save her family’s legacy. Liked how both the MC are strong and stubborn, enjoyed their negotiations and the inevitable outcome of their convenient marriage.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
Benjamin and Skye, enemies to lovers, family feud, desperation, attraction and chemistry. Good one for a lazy day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Skye's solution to her parents' demand. It has several good results with the last being ending the feud. The best is she falls in love with Benjamin who already loves her.
May 7, 2026
This is a short, sweet and steamy romance. With a great story,character's and the potential to end a long overdue fude. I would absolutely recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2026
A great short read, an enemies to lovers romance. They are from rival families but she needs help to save her ranch. Will a marriage of convenience lead to more?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2026
Captivating gets complicated. Carmine pushes boundaries of so many levels. From the heat of attraction to the heartache of romance, a storm is brewing. Cowboy's Rival is a simmering inferno intent on leaving it's mark.
May 20, 2026
Overall, I liked this book a lot. I wish there was more of a climax where the contracted husband comes and fights the actual husband or something. There wasn’t much excitement in this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2026
great book
I really enjoyed reading this book! This author is very talented! I was drawn into the story from the first page and it was so good I didn’t put the book down until the end. A very romantic book.
I highly recommend this book and the Henderson Brothers Series!
I really enjoyed reading this book! This author is very talented! I was drawn into the story from the first page and it was so good I didn’t put the book down until the end. A very romantic book.
I highly recommend this book and the Henderson Brothers Series!
September 17, 2026
This was a great enemies to lovers novella! I wish the conflict/resolution with the FMC’s parents would’ve gone into a bit more detail, but overall I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews