The Cowboy Clause

by Adi Bigger

Charlene is done with LA and done with men who waste her time.
Trading city life for Montana, she focuses on one thing: building a business she can finally be proud of. No distractions. No attachments.
Knox has spent years building his future, and nothing, not even the sharp-tongued woman next door, is going to derail him.
But when Charlene buys the very building Knox had his eye on, their rivalry ignites fast, and so does something neither of them expected.
What starts as a careless one-night stand turns into a dangerous game of tension, temptation, and territory, because now they are not just competitors, they are neighbors.
And staying away from each other?
Impossible.
When everything is on the line, will Charlene choose the life she is building, or the man who could ruin it?

284 pages, ebook

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

Adi Bigger is a military wife with a creative imagination. She loves to read, write, and do photography. She grew up in a small town in Washington State, living on a farm. Growing up with many animals, including horses, cattle, and chickens. She enjoys spending her time with her family and friends.

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always read a book about a cowboy. This book had all of my favorite tropes.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating : 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Cowboy Clause is a small-town romance, following a city girl moving to the countryside to have a fresh start in life and finds herself entangled with the town’s heartthrob cowboy, written by Adi Bigger, an indie author.
Her previous works :
“Everything I Wasn't”
“Despite What I Am”

CHARACTER SKETCH
MMC : Knox Dean, the town’s hearthrob bachelor and an ex bull rider, a warm hearted and welcoming soul at core with a kink of tying up his girl with ropes. He will walk in and take your heart away with just one smirk. He might seem laid back on the surface, but his dark side unravels when someone wants to hurt his girl or even looks at her the wrong way. So in short, he is a golden retriever at heart but with a wild side and will chew anyone up who looks at her the wrong way.

FMC: Charline Fletcher, a hardworking city girl with the will to prove herself to her father, gets fed up with city life and decides to move to Pine Creek for a fresh start in her life where she would actually be happy. She had given up on dating or finding love, deciding to solely focus on her life and career, but then she sets her eyes on the town’s heartthrob, and that completely ends up altering the course of her restart plan.

Review:
This being my frst ARC review, i was super excited to read it, i usually read dark romance but i had bbeen looking for something like this for so long. The chemistry was instant between knox and char,and so to say i never thought i would relate so much to an fmc in a book ever. I really admired how the fmc did the things on her terms and how she broke free from seeking validation from her dad. It was also admiring to see how the mmc was there for her through and through and never once made her feel like she was any less, plus the family dynamics between them and Knox's family were so warm that i envied them. The whole story was well written and in an easy-to-understand language.i fell in love with the way both of the characters acknowledged their feelings and eventually despite the hurdles in their relationships came to it.
In short this book is something that i would pick up again anytime life gets tough just to reassure myself that everything works out fine in the end.

MY FAVOURITE QUOTES:
“You can't scare me off that easily, Honey. I rode bulls and broncs for a living before owning a business. A pretty little thing like such as yourself doesn't scare me.”
Th e truth?? She scares the hell out of me.

“I am falling for Knox Deacon, and there isn't a single person on earth who can stop me”

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a great summer read, this is the one you’ll want on your (digital) shelf. It’s a smooth, easygoing, and well-paced small-town romance with just enough drama to keep you hooked. Just the way I like it.

I loved the chemistry between our main characters, Char and Knox. The story starts with a one-night stand before evolving into a rivals-to-lovers romance. Char is a strong, independent woman who’s determined to start her own business and make it a success. Knox is a total golden retriever with a deliciously kinky side (ropes, people, ropes 🫠) who admires everything Char is. Although he isn’t exactly nice to her once he learns who she is and why she’s in town, he falls fast and hard, and he’ll do anything to make it up to her. The sparks fly, even if Adi Bigger can somehow turn nothing more than a look and a tilt of the head into an entire conversation (IYKYK).

I loved the writing style. It’s clear, to the point, and easy to read, making it a perfect fit for a small-town romance. It definitely makes me want to read more of Adi Bigger’s books.

Although this is a small-town romance, it never feels overly romantic. Sure, the romance is a big part of the story, but it isn’t all lovey-dovey, fairytale perfection. For me, that’s a huge plus. I found the romance arc very believable, like something that could happen in real life. There’s plenty of yearning and heart eyes, but also miscommunication, irrational jealousy, and arguments. Char and Knox feel like real people rather than fairytale characters who can do no wrong.

The open-door spice in this book is top-notch. It complements the romance perfectly by incorporating Knox’s kinky side without overshadowing Char’s journey as a woman trying to build a new business or Knox’s determination to make his own business thrive. I’d give the spice a solid three beautiful peppers. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Anna Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small-town romance has gotten even more interesting with this new novel by Adi Bigger. I didn't read this book once but twice, and even now, I still think about Charline and Knox, along with the side characters, Meg and Cole, who were really more than just side characters. Adi's storytelling kept me locked into every page and scene. If you really like spicy, WOO, you are going to want to read this. Adi has crafted a sexy cowboy romance that also has a storyline of healing. It's the perfect thing you want out of a small-town spicy romance while yelling at the characters and rooting for their hearts.

[Chloë Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want a fast paced romance that keeps you hooked from the very beginning? Rivals to lovers and addictive banter? Well if you answered yes to both. Knox and Char are the ones for you. Such an amazing write. Adi does not miss (per usual) if you loved her previous works then you’ll be just as hooked in this book as well. Knox leaves you wanting more. And Char is so empowering and so determined that you can’t help but getting motivated by her drive alone. Definitely such a good book to kick off the summer heat (iykyk)

[Sharon Vanputten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced early copy from author

This book was such a great read. I absolutely enjoyed it. Had all my favorite tropes: cowboy, city girl, enemies to lovers.
It kept me hooked from beginning to end with just enough drama. Adi's writing style is great which kept me wanting more.
The romance between Char and Knox was just right. Loved the banter, open door spice and can we get more ROPES OOOO LALA...

THANK YOU Adi Bigger for this opportunity...

[Kashmir M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book with a "knotty" cowboy. 😉
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mallory Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the rivals-to-lovers tension, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry between Char and Knox. A fun, spicy small-town romance that kept me turning the pages! 🤠❤️📚

[WhimsicalWildReads (Emily Wilson) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first cowboy romance in the books! And I need more! The Cowboy Clause by Adi Bigger was the perfect blend of small town romance and spice.

The romance in this book was so good and I absolutely adored Knox. He was such a golden retriever, but he certainly wasn’t afraid to protect his lady. The spice was well done and it honestly was the perfect amount.

I absolutely fell hard for Meg! I’m desperately hoping her and Cole’s story will be book 2! They’re going to be so cute!

The small town vibes in The Cowboy Clause was absolutely perfect. I’m ready to open a business in the town myself. It had a bit of that small town gossip/drama but not too much.

Overall, I had a great time reading this and definitely recommend it!

TL;DR
🤠 This was such a good read
❤️ I loved Meg! Definitely crossing my fingers that book 2 is her and Cole’s story
🤠 The spice was well done and just the right amount
❤️ The romance was cute, I was a big fan of Knox

Thank you to Adi Bigger for the gifted eARC!

[TheBookAddictBri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh my goodness!! This was my first Adi Bigger book, and HOLY MOLY it definitely won't be my last!
The writing was fantastic and kept me completely engaged from start to finish. If you love cowboy romances but want a little extra spice and kink mixed in, RUN and download this book immediately!
Knox and Char were absolute chef's kiss characters. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their banter had me hooked. There were definitely a few moments where I wanted to shake some sense into both of them, though! 🤣
The small-town Montana setting, rivals-to-lovers tension, and emotional moments all blended together perfectly. And that ending? So adorable and satisfying. 🥰
If you're looking for a fun, steamy cowboy romance with great characters and plenty of tension, this one is a must-read!
❤️🌶️🤠📚 10/10 recommend!

[Angela Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book will only add to your book boyfriend list. He is dirty talking and will make you blush and ask for more. And lets not forget, very possessive but in a good way. He gets jealous and only has eyes for her. She is very stubborn and independent as well. She falls for him but is scared to fall and fail. There is family drama, a possessive MMC, independent FMC, loving found family, both are business owners, a tad bit of suspense and so much sexual tension. This book does have a happy ending but grab a pair of extra pan.ties before reading because with this cowboys mouth you will need them!

🤎 Cowboy x City Girl
🤎 🐝 DSM
🤎 Small Business Owners
🤎 Rope Kìnk
🤎 One Night Stand
🤎 Jealous MMC
🤎 Rivals to Lovers
🤎 Small Town Romance

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I love a great cowboy romance that is spicy, has some angst, tension, a grumpy yet golden retriever kind of guy that meets a damsel that needs all of him in all the ways!!! This story was hard to put down, I fell in love with these characters (Char and Knox). He is the man she never really realized she needed and she is the woman that would ruin him for all others.
I love the found family, friendships, the starting over scenes, the drama and all things cowboy. I cannot wait for more of this series from this author.
Bravo Adi, you rocked this story!!!

[Lectures_de_Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A city girl meets a cowboy, in a small town. Add an enemies-to-lovers romance and a rope kink, and you get The Cowboy Clause.

This book was well written and spiiiiicy. I LOVED Char's friendship with Meg, it added another layer to the story (and pleeease tell me book two is about her!!).

Char & Knox's love story is anything but a walk in the park. It's intense, full of banter, with some emotional moments. They're both fighting their feelings while wanting each other at the same time, but they just can't stay away from one another.

Mark your calendar and grab this book on July 15th!

[Shaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️
🤠Failed ONS
🍻Strangers to Rivals to Lovers
🤠Business Owners
I really liked parts of this story. But then there were other parts that honestly just didn’t make sense to me. Char and Knox had this weird back and forth of getting together and then pushing each other away. It just had me saying ‘what?’ so many times. There were some great spicy scenes (and that can save a book for me 😂🤷🏻‍♀️). I absolutely adored Meg and hope that maybe if this becomes a series she will be book 2.
Thank you Adi Bigger for the arc.

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a perfect cowboy romance!!! I absolutely loved this book! I loved Knox and Charline. Knox and Charline share a night together a little do they know they are rivals. The chemistry is off the chart and let’s not forget about the banter it was perfectly done And the tension OH MY!!! Oh, let’s talk about that mouth on Knox…. OH MY was it HOOOOTTTTT!!!!!! This book was everything and I can’t wait to read it again. I love Adi’s writing style and I must say you outdid yourself with this book. If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with a dirty mouthed cowboy then this book is for you because you will not be disappointed. Thank you Adi for letting me be part of this arc.

[MacKenzie Wurster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving 5 stars is a must with this new book! Instantly fell in love with the personalities of the female and male main characters. Each chapter had me wanting more! While many people will likely say this gives Golden Retriever energy, I’m saying it gives German Shepherd energy, with the sense of duty, protection, family and love. I can’t wait to read the remainder of the series once it’s all out!

[Lucy Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. The following review represents my honest opinion.

The writing style in this book was my absolute favorite part. The sentences flowed well and I found myself wanting to continue reading. The drawback for me, personally, was how quickly the fmc and mmc developed feelings for each other.

I definitely see the appeal of this book and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a cowboy romance that moves quickly!

[Nancy Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy Review


LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Knox and Charline were utter perfection 🤌🏽😘! I enjoyed Adi's writing style and I really enjoyed this whole book! If you're thinking about reading this book then I say you definitely should read it!

[Ashlyn Boozenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
This was a fun cowboy romance. I loved the relationship between Knox and Char because their banter is hilarious and there's nothing better than good banter in a romance book. I also really loved Char and Meg's friendship.

[Shabella Gutierrez-Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read. I really enjoyed the character development with Char and Knox. I loved their growth. I don’t normally read cowboy romance. This definitely has me wanting to read more. I received this as an ARC from the author. This review is 100% my own opinion.

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, spicy, and wild cowboy ride. Knox and Charlene kept me engaged from start to finish. 100% will recommended

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a spicy cowboy romance?! Hard working man and a strong business woman who start as rivals but fall for each other?! Love. Looking forward to more from Adi!