Kiss Me Now, Cowboy

Cowboys in Paradise #1

by Dylann Crush

Professional bull rider Justin Forza might have to trade his cowboy boots for flip flops to win the woman he loves.

Forzas aren't quitters. That's the motto professional bull rider Justin Forza's dad has drilled into his head since the first time he climbed into the bucking chute. After a serious injury, doctor's orders are to stay out of the arena. But if Justin can win one more championship, he'll be able to continue the family legacy, set himself up for life, and finally confess his love to his best friend Emmeline.

Emmeline Porter lives by one rule: never date a bull rider. She's seen the damage a bad ride can cause. As a last resort to stop Justin from returning to the rodeo circuit, she convinces him to take a trip to Paradise Island, a tropical haven off the coast of Texas. She hopes cutting Justin off from the pressure his dad is laying on him will give her best friend the clarity he needs to walk away for good.

The close quarters and island adventures put their friendship to the test, and it's not long before real feelings surface and threaten to sweep them both away.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Steamy

318 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 23, 2022

About the author

Dylann Crush writes contemporary romance with sizzle and sass. A romantic at heart, she loves her heroines spunky and her heroes super sexy. When she’s not dreaming up steamy storylines, she can be found sipping a margarita and searching for the best Tex-Mex food in Minnesota.

Although she grew up in Texas, she currently lives in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul with her unflappable husband, three energetic kids, a clumsy Great Dane, a rescue mutt and a very chill cat. She loves to connect with readers, other authors and fans of tequila. You can find her at www.dylanncrush.com.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Crush...
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Instagram: @DylannCrush
Twitter: @DylannCrush

Reviews

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emmaline was attracted to Justin and he ticked all her boxes but because he was a bull rider, and her father was injured doing the same thing, so she wouldn’t get involved despite the growing feelings between them. Justin wanted to win the championship to set him up financially so he could give Emmaline the life he felt she deserved but wouldn’t make a move until he was done because he knew she was opposed to his career.

These reasons were repeated over and over and over! It just got old, and it got to the point I just didn’t care. Plus, it felt like it took forever to get to the island retreat, and the setup wasn’t holding my attention. It’s not a good sign when you keep looking at the page count. I ended up skimming to just to get through.

I do love a good cowboy romance and unrequited love is one of my favorite tropes. I've also enjoyed Dylann Crush in the past. I wanted to love this one, but it was a mixed bag for me.

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers done right!!!! These two had so much chemistry, it was almost jumping off the page at me. They were so adorable, and I wanted to scream when they FINALLY got together.

They also served proper angst so if you're into that...I'm not that huge on angst, but I didn't mind it here.

I also love the world building, the writing, the rest of the characters (who will hopefully get their own stories too). Everything is perfectly worked out to the tiniest detail. There's even a pet rock, and cute tortoises.

The only mini complaint I have is that when we learn they're going to take a vacation together, it takes a while for them to actually go on it. I was like "okay next chapter", then "ok not now but the next chapter for sure" etc. When they do eventually go, my favourite part of the book starts.

So yeah I had lots of fun reading this, and I can't wait to jump into Knox's story.

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for a copy of the book. This was a fun friends to lovers Cowboy romance. Both Emmeline and Justin are lovable characters and I enjoyed their trip to Paradise island. There were so many fun moments between them and their banter was amazing. I enjoyed the dual narration and I always enjoy Teddy Hamilton's narration.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love starting a new series. We get a whole set of new heroes and heroines and a new place to be. Dylann Crush is a newer author for me and I've been really enjoying what I've read so far. Up to and including Kiss Me Now, Cowboy.

I enjoyed both Justin and Emmeline. They are wonderful characters and they brought a lot to the story. The idea for the story is very cute. I like how the author got them together so that they had private time with each other. I enjoyed the friends-to-lovers part of this story.

You can see their friendship turn into something more. You'll like how it progresses. Not too fast but also doesn't wait till the very end. You feel like it's happening in real-time.

Watching how they work out their issues and come together is fun. This is a very easy read. I will say that at times I wondered if Emmeline really knew what she wanted but saw that even as she's confused she still loves him.

This is a great, fun summer read that starts off this new series very well. You'll enjoy this easy feel of it and how smooth it reads.

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[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

3.5 Stars
A while back I tried my first Dylann Crush romance and I have been wanting to read another of her books ever since. I decided Kiss Me Now, Cowboy would be a great place to start because it's a brand-new series. Here are the things I liked and the things I wasn't as fond of.

What I liked:

* The chemistry between Emmeline and Justin.
* The sweetness between Emmeline and Justin as best friends. 
* Justin struggling to do right by both the woman he loved and his family. 
* Emmeline and Justin's other two best friends.
* Rocky was fun.
* The island location.

What I wasn't as fond of:

* Emmeline kind of confused me. She went from hoping there could be something between her and Justin to being surprised that she could have feelings for her best friend. Her thoughts seemed to contradict each other on that aspect. I didn't get that. It needed to be one way or the other to make sense. 
* It felt to me like there was almost too much set up to the story before they embarked on their island vacation. 

Overall, this was a great summer read. I felt like I was on the beach with Emmeline and Justin. I loved their friendship and chemistry. I will be watching for the release of the next book in the series. 

You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A*R*C for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars Received from NetGalley

Kiss Me Now, Cowboy is book 1 in the Cowboys in Paradise series by Dylann Crush and a great start to this new series.

Bull rider, Justin Forza has been home recovering from a serious injury which is taking longer to heal and doctor says stay away from the ring, but his dad keeps reminding him the Forzas are not quitters.

Emmeline Porter and his other best friends are determined to keep him from the circuit til he is fully healed. Together they convince him that Emmeline won a trip to Paradise Island and asks him to go along.

What happens next will take you on a ride you don’t expect…family, friendship, feelings come to light and hopefully they find their HEA…

[Franjessca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss Me Now, Cowboy is the first book I’ve read by author Dylann Crush. The cover and the synopsis drew me into reading this book, and luckily, my library had an ebook I could borrow.

I’m a big-time fan of Enemies to Lovers storylines, but Friends to Lovers will always hold a special place in my heart and be a favorite, too. I love reading books in which the hero has been harboring feelings for the heroine for years but is afraid to tell her how he feels. He doesn’t want to risk his friendship, and he also wants to make changes in his life before he tells her.

I’m glad the story was told with a dual POV so that I could read both characters’ points of view. The FMC, Emmeline Porter, does have feelings for the MMC, Justin Forza, but she doesn’t like the idea of him being a professional bull rider. Justin has been a bull rider for years, and he has goals of winning the championship one more time. Then he’ll consider what he plans to do afterward, and one of those is to finally tell his best friend his feelings.

Justin was such a sweet guy who was being pushed and pulled from all sides in this book. Not only by Emmeline because she didn’t want him bull riding anymore, but he had his father and brother pressuring him to get back it because he was at risk of losing his chance at another championship. Justin had a lot on the line, and I felt for his character. He took in to count Emmeline’s feelings, but I didn’t think she did the same with him. I understood why she didn’t want to be with him while he was bull riding because she had someone in her life who had a bad experience with it. But she really should have taken into consideration Justin’s feelings, and there were several times they could have just communicated with one another instead of lying.

I did like Emmeline’s character and how she was the only one really stepping in as a voice of reason when it came to Justin’s healing from an injury. She knew he needed time away from the people trying to push him back into riding, and she needed some time with her best friend. Things ended up going haywire at first when they got to the island, but then things fell together.

One thing I noticed while reading was that the characters constantly repeated themselves. There were several times that Justin shared his feelings about Emmeline and how he was scared to tell her, and the same went for Emmeline, and I found myself skipping over the repetitive lines. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read, and I loved how everything eventually came together in the end for these two characters. The best parts of the book involved a rock that went on adventures with the characters due to it being Emmeline’s class pet rock and how Justin was helping Emmeline with taking pictures and being involved with it.

I give this book 3.5 stars and recommend it to readers who love to read Friends to Lovers and Unrequited Love stories. The bull rider finds love with his best friend after so long, but there are obstacles along the way before that happens.

I definitely plan on reading the next book in this series, especially since the main character in that book was introduced in this book. I will also be checking out Dylann Crush’s backlist.

Trope(s)/Element(s):
✔Cowboy Romance
✔Friends to Lovers
✔Unrequited Love
✔He Fell First (Years Ago)
✔Professional Bull Rider Hero
✔Teacher Heroine

Check out all my book reviews on A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights relationships. Friendships, family relationships and their changing dynamics, and the relationship of a man and woman who love each other, but face obstacles that seem too big to overcome, Justin and Em discover that love may not be enough. It requires open communication, honesty, trust and sometimes compromise or sacrifice. Only they can decide if their love is worth fighting for, no matter what stands in their way or what may happen next.

Justin and Emmeline (Em) have been friends since second grade, but now as they approach the age of thirty, Justin wants to take their relationship to a new level. As time passes, he realizes that Em could be snapped up by someone other him if he doesn’t tell and show her how much he loves her. These feelings aren’t new as he has loved her for years, but he knows that Em won’t settle down with a bull rider like him. Em’s own father suffered a severe brain injury during a bull riding accident and her family is still feeling the after effects. Justin has been continuing his family’s bull riding legacy for years, but he has his sights on retiring as soon as he has the funds to buy a tract of land of his own where he can build a home for him and his Em. He just has to win the world championship to do that and he has got a chance to that this year. However, his latest bull riding accident left him needing surgery on his shoulder and he is still recovering, a fact that has not escaped Em’s notice.

Em is a kindergarten teacher who is starting to feel like her life has passed her by. She is ready to settle down and have a family of her own, but she hasn’t met anyone who stirs her up as much as Justin does. She has refused to acknowledge or act on those feelings because of Justin’s bull riding. Her father’s accident changed everything for her family and has left her father in need of care. With Justin’s recent injury, he has been home for the first time in ages. With the help of mutual friends, she is going to take one last chance to persuade him step away from bull riding before something catastrophic happens. His far too insistent and controlling father is pressuring him to get back on a bull even before he is fully healed, so Em lures him away by telling him that she has won a vacation and needs him to come with her so she won’t be alone. Spending time with the woman he loves?! Justin is all in despite his father’s objections. Both hope this trip will change everything between them. Her fears are real, the pressure on him to return to competition is mounting, and Justin knows his decision on whether or not to compete will change everything in his relationship with Em and his family. Can they get past her deception, sort through their feelings, fears and insecurities, and build a future together?

Em and Justin easily lured me into their story and sparked a need to see if they attained a happily ever after. Their story is emotional, captivating and entertaining. I would highly recommend to all lovers of romance. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Melissa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn’t for me. And unfortunately, I didn’t know how much I wouldn’t like it until I was already in too deep.
The characters were interesting, if a little flat. The romance was cute.
But to me, I just feel like the romance was a… Little too forced? I mean, Em was swearing up and down She never felt romantic feelings about Justin, but the second they have one kiss, she’s all over him? ‘Unable to control her self around him?’
And then, the fact that the both of them were just sitting there, assuming that the other had bent to their point of view, for a couple of days, and then it blew up in their face. Like duh.
And also, Em giving that statement about his career, and then getting upset at HIM(???) when he wanted to have a conversation about it?? It was so immature and downright irritating.
But what I really hated was Emmeline giving that ultimatum
I fucking hate ultimatums in romance novels.
It’s never going to end the way you want to, sweetheart, and it just feels so detrimental to a healthy relationship
These are supposed to be idealistic relationships, and I know that they have to have some kind of plot twist, but I just hate the way that ultimatums are normalized in novels like this.
I was glad that she came to her senses and took the ultimatum back, I just hate that she was so stubborn, she refused to just reach out.
Why couldn’t she have texted him? Why did you have to surprise him before an event in which he had to be fully focused?

Also, unrelated, but I hated how awkward their sexy chat was. Love rocket? Gag.
Also, writing this review made me realize I really disliked Emmaline‘s character. I mean, Justin, of course, was made out to be the perfect romance, novel man. Completely in love with her, worshiping the ground she walked on, etc. But she was stubborn, immature, refused to talk until the very last second. Like ladies, we can do better.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Dylann Crush and one that I enjoyed. I'm partial to the friends-to-lovers trope and Crush navigated it well. I liked the comfort level between Justin and Emmeline, the familiarity, history, and solid foundation of a lifelong friendship. The transition from friends to lovers may seem sudden in the context of this story but the fact that it was actually years in the making kept it realistic for me. Sometimes, friends are meant to be only friends but there are other situations where deeper feelings that have been simmering for years can suddenly vault to the surface unexpectedly. Knowing this from personal experience, I was able to buy into Emmeline's sudden "awakening" with full conviction. It also makes her initial conflicting feelings and "misunderstanding" about Justin's career plans easier to understand. Both she and Justin need to do some growing before they can claim their HEA. Happily, the author gives them the opportunity to do just that.

Though there are some weighty topics involving both Emmeline's and Justin's families, Crush keeps the story itself from being weighted down. There's emotional depth, yes, but also well-placed humor to keep things balanced along with sizzling chemistry. And then there's Rocky. Who knew a class rock could have so much personality and end up being one of my favorite "characters" in the book?

Justin and Emmeline have found their happy ending but their other two best friends, Knox and Decker are still evolving. Here's hoping their stories will be featured in the next two books of Cowboys in Paradise. I'm already invested and will definitely be returning for the rest of the series.

ARC received from NetGalley and Berkley for fair and unbiased review

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

OMStars!!!! This is such a fantastic story. I really hated for it to end. I completely adored both of the protagonists. An awesome start to a new series. I can't wait for another installment!

Justin is the youngest son of retired bull-rider. His older brother has also retired from the sport. Justin is being pressured by his over-bearing father to return to the sport, even against the advise from the doctor. Justin was injured and his shoulder has not completely healed. He is under intense pressure to return to the rodeo. He is so close to claiming the title this year. If he doesn't return soon, he will have to compete again next year. He wants the prize money to buy a spread for a future family that he wants with a certain someone.

Unfortunately his BFF, Emmeline (Em) is pressuring him but to retire. She is very concerned about her BFF. Em's father suffered from a TBI as a result of his bull-riding days. Seeing her father and mother struggle with the debilitating effects, she swears that she will never date a bull-rider. To help him decide to leave the sport, she takes him to an island off the coast of Texas for 10 days. Hoping the time away from his father will help him see the light.

Justin has been in love with Em for 10 years. He wants to declare his feelings and date her. Will Justin cave into his father and return to the sport? If he returns, will it be before his shoulder completely heals? Can Em see past the bull-rider to the man underneath and stand by him? Wow! This book is one that really kept me glued to my e-reader.

This is a book that I would highly recommend to someone over the age of 18 as it is a spicy read!!!!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you have made the right choice when you feel at peace in your heart...

Life is full of change and uncertainty. Justin Forza is at a point in his life where he needs to make a major decision that is life changing and risky. It's impossible to try and decide between the two loves in his life. His dreams of becoming a bull riding champion he worked all his life to achieve, or the love of his life Emmeline Porter. She has put him between a rock and a hard place. She has always declared that she would never enter into a relationship or a future with a man that is a bull rider. She can't go through another heartache that she did when her father was forever changed physically and mentally after a bad fall on the back of a bull.

Emmeline and Justin have been friends since forever. When she finds out how he truly feels about her, she is ecstatic and devastated at the same time. Emmeline hopes that a trip to Paradise Island, just the two of them will hopefully change his mind on his career plans.​ This story is delightful, enjoyable and a friends to lovers gem.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went between 3 and 4 stars with this one. I settled on 4 stars because it wasn't the writing itself that I had a problem with, but the characters. I found Justin and Emmeline both annoying for a lot of the story. While I understand that Emmeline had legitimate reasons for not liking bull riding, it was NOT her decision to make for Justin. Justin acted like everything he did, he did for Em, but honestly, he was doing it for his dad. It irritated me that he was a 29 year old man, and wouldn't stand up to his dad. His dad was the one that got the family business in trouble, but was expecting Justin to get them out of it. After they become a couple, I did like them together when there wasn't thoughts of whether or not Justin was quitting the rodeo (from both of them). I liked the friendship between them, and I really enjoyed reading about their adventures on the island. The ending wasn't what I was expecting, but I was happy to see them get their HEA. Hopefully we get to find out what happens with Decker and Knox too.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad this is the first book in this series so I can read more stories. This was a wonderful book about two best friends not wanting to cross the line. The book was romantic, sexy, and heartfelt. I really enjoyed reading it to learn more about Emmeline and Justin. I did not put the book down until I had finished reading it.

The characters pulled me right into the story with their chemistry and their group of four friends. There was sweet Emmeline, a kindergarten teacher and Justin, a professional bull rider at a crossroads in his career and recovering from being thrown off a bull. He really wants to marry Emmeline but he knows that as long as he is a bull rider she will not be interested in marriage with him.

It was also a story of family and obligations, and pressures to do the right thing. Justin was so conflicted in the story to find out what he wanted which made the story so interesting. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin and Emmeline have been friends since they were young. Both have thought about feelings for each other, but she lives by 1 strong rule- never date a bull rider after her dad suffers a terrible head injury that changes their lives.

Justin- a pro bull rider- is trying to win the championship so he can get the money needed to not only help his dad, but have something to offer in the future. When Emmeline sees his dad pushing him to return before he is healed, she works with their friends Knox and Decker to get him away for a while.

They go to the island home of Decker's dad where he gets to meet his idol- Chick- who asks him to think about what is really important in life. He admits how he feels about her. They connect and she says to fans that he is retiring. Dad hears and isn't happy. He leaves early to deal with sponsors and says he will do one more ride.

She goes to the ride to be there for him, he gets hurt. She lies and says they are engaged so she can be with him. He proposes so she isn't a liar.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin and Emmeline had my heart! Such a wonderful story! Even though it was a slow burn, I couldn’t put it down. This is a best friends to lovers read. Justin and Em have been best friends forever, but that was as far as it went. Em vowed to never be with someone who was a bull rider. Well, that was what Justin did, following in his family’s footsteps. Em saw what it did to her dad and it devastated her. She decides to concoct a plan along with another one of their friends to get Justin away from it all for a bit. Will this maybe help Justin decided to live a different life? While away, they seem to connect a bit more. Will this lead to something? Wait til you find out! Justin and Em definitely have their ups and downs. They also have some good times and funny times. Their chemistry definitely heats up. In the end, and spending some much needed time together, will they have a happy ending or are they doomed to be together forever?

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for rodeo fans! If you enjoy a true friends to lovers story then this is the book for you. I love watching best friends turn into something more, especially when it only strengthens their relationship.

Emmeline had to watch first hand how her mom's life was forever changed when her father suffered a rodeo injury, so she's adamant about not dating anyone in the circuit. Too bad her best friend has other intentions.

Justin is a pro bull rider, but he mostly does it to help provide for his family and create a future with Emmeline, even if she doesn't know it yet.

This was a story I found myself immersed into, both while laughing and minimal tears. Great character growth from both of the MC's and I enjoyed the banter with their friends as well. I'd love to be a student in Emmeline's class!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Emmeline and Justin's story. The burn is slow as this friends to lovers romance unfolds but The Feels are huge!! The balance between sweetness and poignancy is smart and sharp, so be prepared for the workout headed straight for your own emotions and heart. All and all, a very fun read that gets this new series off on the right foot. This is my freely posted, frank review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this sweetly sexy, laugh out loud fun and action-packed adventure filled with interesting and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and thrilling passion. An edge of your seat emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.

[MagicSoakedPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book! I am a sucker for a good cowboy story and Dylann Crush always delivers! She writes in a way that always has you rooting for the main characters! She also has you falling in love with them very quickly.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic friends to lovers and I just fell in love with Emmeline and Justin who made me smile soo much as they were just perfect for each other. This is perfect if you want a fun loving romance that makes you smile.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome slow burn, best friends to lovers with all the feels, angst and drama of knowing what you want versus loving each other for it all. Loved it!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Dylann Crush fan for a long. And for me this has to be the best book that she has written. Good story, likable characters, just a great feel good book.

[Joy (mrsjoylovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that this book was about a bull rider in Texas, I knew I had to read it. Ever since I read Nicholas Sparks’ The Longest Ride, I’ve been into watching bull riding events. So, a romance set in my home state…yes please. Kiss Me Now, Cowboy is an open door friends-to-lovers romance between Justin & Emmeline. They’re a part of a close group of friends who have grown up together and I just adored their sweet friendships. The tension builds after their feelings are exposed and Justin has to decide between his career as a bull rider and a future with the girl he’s got his heart set on. I appreciated the way the resolution rolled out making me wonder how each character would move forward. I need to mention that a romance book that includes smoked brisket, Texas sheet cake, and sweet tea is an authentic #Texasromance. Kiss Me Now, Cowboy takes place at Paradise Island and it’s a perfect sweet & spicy beach read whether you’re oceanside, poolside, or snuggled under a blanket dreaming of the ocean breeze.

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the digital ARC and to @PRHAudio for a complimentary audiobook.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was all for this book till she said it’s me or bull riding. I pretty much wrote off the book after that. But I hate leaving a story unfinished that far in.
Listened to on Libby app audiobook

[Getting Another Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sizzling start to a new series.
4.5 stars ⭐️

[Bethany Weddington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I read this a couple of weeks ago, and I can't even remember the characters' names. I remember what happened, and the book was okay. I wouldn't recommend.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book! I wanted a light and fluffy read and I got that, plus an extra twist in the story.

[Grace smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have ripped the dad a new one if I were the girl but over all cute summer read

[Shelly Brouillette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't hate this but I didn't love it either. The romance between the main characters felt so sudden, like... where was the build up? It was cute, very yeehaw, PBR.