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The Cowboy's Reality Bride

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Can true love really bloom on reality TV?
Cowboy Tyler Hall never thought he would be a contestant on a reality TV show, but after his latest breakup, he lets his best friend's wife talk him into auditioning. When he gets word that he's been chosen, he can't believe it, but as his last few relationships have ended the same way, he decides to try something different and take a chance. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he falls for a woman who is not a contestant.

Laney Swann has been running from her high school insecurites for years, but when she loses her job, she ends up having to return home and reunites with an old friend who convinces her to do the makeup for a reality tv show. Laney expected it to be just a job until she met the bachelor. Now she has to control her feelings while watching him date other women.

Will she ever get the courage to tell him how she feels and if she does, will he prove different from the other men in her past?

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2019

254 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Lorana Hoopes

148 books295 followers
Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

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5 stars
152 (60%)
4 stars
65 (26%)
3 stars
24 (9%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Judith McNees.
Author 7 books69 followers
October 16, 2022
Sweet romance

I don't watch reality TV in real life, but there is just something satisfying about reading a good reality show story.

This one was completely clean and didn't have a lot of the ugly drama the actual TV shows do. I prefer a story with no gratuitous drama, and I definitely got it with this one.

I loved that there was a strong faith component, although I would have liked to see more of Laney's faith growth since at the beginning it was mentioned that she had strayed from her convictions due to her demanding job.

Recommended to those who enjoy sweet Christian romances.
Profile Image for Amy Koster.
140 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2019
What a cute fun story! I could not put it down. In this book you get a creative, clean, and humorous view of love on reality TV. I truly believe the author did a fantastic job of portraying life in the big city and small country town.

I found Tyler and Laney (along with all the other characters) very realistic. I completely enjoyed getting to know them and experience their love story adventure. My favorite thing is they hold true to their morals in a world where they are easily forgotten.

Never being a fan of reality, TV I found this book to be enjoyable. I cannot wait to read more in this series and highly recommend it. It is a quick read for all to love!

*Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Terri.
2,371 reviews53 followers
June 27, 2019
This is a clean, sweet romance based on a reality TV show. However, it is not cheesy like those TV shows tend to be. Yes, there is a little drama, but it is kept to a minimum in order to not take away from the story. There is also a Christian element to it that runs throughout the book without taking it over. The focus of the story is the hero and heroine finding each other and recognizing love for what it is and determining whether or not a relationship is worth fighting for.
I listened to the audio version of the book. It was narrated by the author. I love that, because you get exactly what the author had in mind when writing the book. Ms. Hoopes also has a very good voice for narrating.
1,840 reviews24 followers
March 30, 2019
Reality show with a twist!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the way that Jesus is the center of their lives. I haven't watched many Reality Shows but I loved the twststs and turns Tyler made and the totally different way it ended. This is my first time reading one of Lorana's books, but I will definitely read more!
Profile Image for Patty.
5,145 reviews55 followers
June 19, 2019
Can you find the love your life on the set of TV show? Tyler is about to find out as he embarks on a quest to find a wife. Laney is filling in as the makeup artist on the set, and these two hit is off! But Laney is not in the running for his attention! What will happen next not only surprises those watching but will keep you listening to see how things turn out! Lorana Hoopes has crafted a sweet, clean romance that will leave your heart warm and completely in love.

Narration is key, and Lorana Hoopes also narrates the book. She nails it with her pleasant voice. I am very impressed with her array of voices and I loved her ability to give me all the feels. She gives a wonderful performance and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
March 8, 2019
Lorana Hoopes does a wonderful jobs with this book! The characters Laney and Tyler are wonderful, both are down to earth but looking for something that last. I enjoyed the whole reality tv contest, the fact that the author didn’t drawl that aspect out overly long but instead focused on the romance made me happy. A great story about God’s plan for our lives if we just trust him, I couldn’t put this book down!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
558 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book! The boy and girl both had doubts and questions about their feelings for each other but eventually worked it all out. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance books!
Profile Image for Timothy Hendricks.
477 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2019
This was a wonderful book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The storyline was completely different than any other that the author has done. I have read a large number of her books and I like what she writes and how she writes; but this one was very special. The main characters or Laney Swann and Tyler Hall. She is a Makeup Artist and he is a rancher.

Tyler has had troubles keeping a girl friend. He is looking for just the right person for him. His friend Nancy talked him in to auditioning for a reality show. He didn't think he would get picked. He wasn't crazy about the idea; but lo and behold he was picked.

Laney has taken the job as makeup artist. It is a temporary job that her friend Maryanne had helped her to secure. She was assigned to Tyler to make sure he looked good for the cameras. She had, had problems getting boys she liked to notice her. As a result she had a lot of insecurities as well with relationships.

There are sparks between Laney and Tyler. Their attraction to one another was not anticipated by either one of them nor by the show executives. However, the show progresses it is evident to everyone that there is an attraction between Laney and Tyler.

This is a clean read. It was an enjoyable read and moving as well. All through the book I was rooting for Laney and Tyler; especially Laney. I thought the pace of the book went well. And, it came to a wonderful conclusion.

There were a number of passages in the book that were particularly moving to me. The one that was most moving was:

"All I could see was the girl that no one wanted to date, and so I thought about what would make me stand out. I watched a modeling show and figured if I could learn makeup then I could make myself beautiful and if I were good enough at it, I could do makeup for models and make a name for myself. That's stupid right?"

"He pulled her to a stop and turned her to face him. His eyes tore into her soul as his hands cupped her face. "It's not stupid because it is how you felt, but you are beautiful. And you don't need makeup or a name. You just need a man who sees you, and I see you Laney."

"Then Laney opened her mouth not even sure what came out. "I see you too, and you're enough." She wasn't sure why she added the last three words except that she felt he needed to hear them. Just as she needed to be seen, he needed to know he was enough, and he was."

Beautiful!!!
Profile Image for Christi.
1,169 reviews36 followers
June 7, 2019
Reality television is a craze that doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon, and what is crazy is all the different types of reality shows that have been attempted. I've never been a fan myself, though I will admit there was one version of The Bachelor that I got sucked into for one season thanks to my mom and sister. I remember watching and wondering what part of what I was viewing was real and what part was staged.

When Tyler Hall caught Laney Swann in his arms for the first time on the set of Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy? the electricity between them was instant, but this connection couldn't happen! Tyler is the handsome, eligible cowboy and Laney is the newly hired makeup artist, not one of the contestants. Still, their attraction is undeniable and it soon becomes apparent to everyone, and with it being Hollywood you know there is going to be a dramatic twist to their tale, and one magical whirlwind of a ride.

Though farfetched and predictable, I couldn't help falling in love with The Cowboy's Reality Bride. Tyler being a true southern gentleman won of this Texan girl's heart, and the fact that they both shared a strong faith made their love story even sweeter for me.

This is a perfect weekend read full of charm that will leave you smiling.
1,070 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading The Cowboy's Reality Bride as it is well written and a different approach to a romance than any I've read before. I found Laney to be believable and a character that I could relate well to. Tyler is a very likable character. Neither Tyler nor Laney have been successful in romance and are both believers depending on God. (I appreciated that both knew when to cool those kisses down and step back.) I always like Lorana Hoopes' work, and this one is no exception to that, but it is exceptionally good! Let me share one of her descriptions (not about Tyler), "He had to be the host though as he looked like what Laney imagined a Ken doll would if one came to life. Blond hair that laid in a perfect wave on his head, a pronounced cleft in his chin, and a smile that shifted between plastic and predatory." Can't you just see this guy now? I would recommend this to readers of clean and wholesome romance and to Christian romance readers. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this fun romance.
2,688 reviews19 followers
March 12, 2019
Lorana Hoopes did it again! I really liked her story which is based somewhat on the show, The Bachelor. The characters are so much fun!
Laney Swann is a cute, very klutzy girl who falls right into the arms of the next bachelor only she is not a contestant on the show, Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy. She is the show's makeup artist and will be specifically working on the cowboy. It is fun to watch her try to find herself after having lost her job in New York.
Tyler Hall is a sexy rancher who just wants to find a nice girl to marry and only agrees to do the show for the money. His best friend's wife put him up to it. He is also a recovering alcoholic. I like how he changes up the rules on the show. Unlike The Bachelor when sparks fly between these two they have faith in God and put God's will before their own which should give them a firm, marriage based in faith. Maybe reality shows could learn a lesson from this. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
1,766 reviews33 followers
March 9, 2019
I've never watched a reality dating show so wasn't sure how this story would play out but I was delighted that the character's also didn't enjoy reality shows and were somehow thrust into the reality show dating world! Both characters were believable and were people I would like to know! Tyler and Laney handled the "Hollywood" life the best they could and came out on top! Tyler had been unlucky in love so his best friend's wife talked him into auditioning for a reality show. He never thought he'd be chosen but he was! He was uncomfortable from the start, having to be with 20 women vying for his attention and wanting to be chosen as "The One". Laney was the make-up artist for the show and she feels a connection to Tyler from the very start but can't act on it because she's not a contestant! I enjoyed the secondary characters also and they really added to the story. How it all works out is definitely worth the read! Read it yourself!
79 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2019
I’ve often wondered how they get people to appear on those dating/marriage shows. I can’t imagine why anyone would put themselves through that experience. When I chose to buy this novel, it was because I had read one of Lorana’s previous book, Where It All Began, and loved her work.
Laney who had recently lost her job agreed to take employment as a makeup artist for a reality show, Who Wants To Marry a Cowboy? Tyler Hall, a cowboy facing dire straits due to a bad year for his ranch, was talked into applying to the show by close friends. Despite the fact that employees were to have limited contact with the cowboy, Laney soon discovered a growing attraction for Tyler. Tyler’s faith dictated his rejection of some of the twenty women in his “dating pool.”
I greatly enjoyed this story of how God works in often the strangest ways to bring about His purposes.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,651 reviews28 followers
September 18, 2019
The Cowboy’s Reality Bride, my sixteenth incredible read from wonderful Christian author Lorana Hoopes. The author’s Texas roots show as her books are set in The Lonestar State. This is another amazing Christian read, God's hand is apparent throughout the book, if there's a flaw in this book it's that it's too short, I want to read more about Laney & Tyler. I don't do spoilers though so you'll have to read it and find out for yourself! I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it & since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Lorana Hoopes’s talented self-narration & Texas accent/drawl adds to the well-written book's enjoyment as no one knows her characters like the creator. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Leslie  Bakke.
115 reviews
March 12, 2019
The Cowboy’s Reality Bride, written by Lorana Hoopes, is the first book in The Blushing Bride Series. The story is a cute, comical look at reality TV. The main characters, Tyler and Laney, don’t watch reality TV and are unaware of all the things that go into making a television show. Some would say that Tyler and Laney were naïve and their expectations totally unrealistic. I found The Cowboy’s Reality Bride very enjoyable. I liked how the author spun the story. The plotline was realistic and seemed similar to most of today’s reality dating shows. The book is clean with no explicit language or sexual content. Also, the book is an easy read; only about 150 pages, and can be read in one evening. As with all of Ms. Hoopes books, there is a HEA ending.
Profile Image for Priscila.
854 reviews86 followers
January 11, 2021
The Cowboy's Reality Bride was both a sweet and fun listen. It was certainly interesting to have the author be her own narrator, but I think she did a great job. The different voices, as well as the inflections and such, were on point. My only advice would be to check the sentence that repeats itself in the middle of the book, and also that during Laney's getting to know Nancy for the first time, Nancy's voice didn't sound like what the listener had been used to till then. Other than that, the story was fantastic and I really appreciated and loved that despite this being a reality TV romance, it was also Christian Fiction, and thus their faith felt real in Laney and Tyler's lives and relationship. ~ 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,594 reviews129 followers
July 3, 2019
(4.5 stars) - great story & worth the audiobook!

I really enjoyed listening to this book. My experience with books narrated by the author has not been particularly good, but Lorana Hoopes has a pleasant voice & does a great job with it (better than some professionals I've listened to).

The story is well written, with likeable characters & good pacing - and surprisingly believable for this popular romance trope. Perfect escapist fare!

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: the main characters are practicing Christians, but discussions of their faith are completely organic to the story, not preachy at all
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,888 reviews
August 14, 2019
Can you really find love on reality TV? That’s what Tyler is willing to try to find The One...especially since he hasn’t been successful on his own. He gets to choose 1 of 20 beautiful women to be his bride, but will he?
Laney has always been invisible to everyone, when she starts a temporary job as makeup artist on a reality TV show, she doesn’t expect the instant attraction to the bachelor.
Tyler and Laney have the chemistry that’s lacking with the contestants...will they get their happily ever after?
Sweet, clean romance that’s well written and enjoyable.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maria Chapman.
124 reviews14 followers
September 16, 2019
** I am reviewing the audible version of this book**

i really enjoyed this sweet romance.
The characters were real, and relatable.
Even though this story was fairly short, there were a lot of issues raised that affect all of us.
I think the author did well to pack everything in to under 5 hours of audio.
The fake plastic world of television was wonderfully contrasted with a faith based life.
The Narration was excellent. I don’t know many authors that can narrate their books that well.
I would love to see more books in this series in audio.

I have been given this free review copy of this audio book at my request, and have voluntarily left an honest review.
Profile Image for Juniper Lee.
389 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2022
I got an audiobook version of this off Scribd while I was recovering from surgery. I wanted a cute, silly little romance to distract myself from the pain, and this hit the spot. I didn’t realize it was a Christian fiction book until I started listening. I thought the indoctrination level was pretty cheesey, but it didn’t distract too bad from the story. It also didn’t turn into a Narnia wannabe, which is great! Most of the Christian lit I’ve read tries to be an allegory at some point, but this book accepted itself for what it wanted to be without trying to check off too many boxes.

Overall, not a bad read.
Profile Image for Roberta aka Bobbie.
306 reviews
March 12, 2019
As much as I dislike reality shows, I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between Tyler and Laney was at first a little suspenseful - will they, won't they, can they? I especially liked the way Lorana wrote about their belief in God and how they each prayed when faced with problems or decisions. I liked reading about their beliefs but didn't feel like it was overdone. I was glad they got a happy ending. And be sure to read the Epilogue for - in the late Paul Harvey's words - The Rest of the Story.
I was provided with an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.
50 reviews
March 12, 2019
Ever wonder what it is like behind the scenes in a reality TV show? This one gives you a view behind the scenes and the pressures that the contestants and people working on a reality TV show go through. Also you get to see what some producers will do for ratings. This was a different kind of read, but a very enjoyable one. You should check it out for yourself. I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author, so check this one out or any of her others. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nethanja.
844 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2019
Tyler is a contestant in a reality show. He wants to get married but can’t find the one. When a friend encourages him to sign up he does and is very surprised that he got chosen. When he meets Laney he’s disappointed that she isn’t a contestant but his makeup artist. Does he really need to choose one of the other ladies when he only wants Laney?
This is a fun story with a little of the background of reality shows but Tyler is not a typical contestant. Read this story to discover in what way he’s different.
Profile Image for Ru4repeat.
536 reviews
May 4, 2019
Reality...this work of fiction is believable

I enjoyed the behind the scenes take with this reality TV story. Good thing Laney didn't have to do everyone's make-up for too long. Tyler's tenacity to stick to his morals was a breathe of fresh air. Too bad more reality stars aren't like that in the real world.
I love epilogues, and this one didn't disappoint!
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG. The kisses alluded to a lack of self-control that I don't prefer reading.
Profile Image for Dale Lussier.
359 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2019
The Cowboys Reality Bride

I loved the storylines and characters in this book. Right from the start Laney and Taylor stood out. Planet in her job as an assistant make up artist who worked for a woman with an oversized ego. Taylor overcoming his drinking problem with the help of God and his best friend. Planet ends up being the the makeup artist for Taylor on the reality show so you want to marry a cowboy. Only they become attracted to each other and put their faith in God to lead them in the right direction.
Profile Image for Peni.
4,834 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
I have read other reality tv stories in the past. I didn't like them as it appeared the main point was either hurting, embarrassing, or causing strife to the characters. I liked this one. The circumstances and various motivations appeared realistic but Tyler & Laney's attitude made all the difference. You'll need to read it to find out why.

The author did a fabulous job narrating. There was only one issue when a couple of sentences were repeated.

I recieved a free Audible copy of this story in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
May 28, 2020
The Cowboy’s Reality Bride (Blushing Brides #1) was another great read by Lorana Hoopes. Tyler is a cowboy who is looking for love and was encouraged to be a contestant on a reality dating tv show. He is reluctant to go on the show but decides to anyway. Laney was fired from her job and an old friend convinces her to be a makeup artist on a reality tv dating show. She expects to do her job and then start over after. She definitely doesn’t expect to fall for the cowboy bachelor. I really enjoyed Tyler and Laney’s story and can’t wait to read more by Lorana Hoopes.
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
313 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2020
Who Would He Choose?

Laney was always brilliant in her classes in high school, so she wasn't part of the popular group. Then her dating life was a disaster even after that. She became a Make Up artist which was grueling. But then she got a call from a former classmate, Maryanne, which changed her life. On the next job, she met the new Cowboy contestant, a good looking guy from Texas. But he was to meet 20 women from which to choose a bride by the end of the Cowboy Reality Show. She wasn't even a contestant! That's just the beginning of this fascinating story!
1,438 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2019
I had an advance reader’s copy of this book. Lorana chose me as part of her advance readers group, but this review is my honest opinion of the book. It is a well written book which gives insight into the behind the scenes aspects of a reality TV show that I had never considered, with all the twists and turns one might expect from that. I enjoyed the characters and the story development, and would highly recommend the book.
3,649 reviews17 followers
March 12, 2019
This was a cute take on “The Bachelor” reality TV show. I liked that Tyler was a Christian and that he was looking for someone that shared his values and would be happy living on his ranch in a real relationship and not just one for a publicity stunt. Laney was never really happy trying to be someone that she thought would fit in with the popular kids from high school. It took being a part of this show and meeting Tyler and his friends from home to find out what really made her happy.
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