Several years ago, I remember reading a post from a popular author of Christian cowboy books. She asked her followers what characteristics they loved about cowboys. There were the answers you’d expect — a dedication to family, devout faith, hard-working, loyal, strong and masculine, et cetera. Many people responded that cowboy romances fulfilled their desire for an escape to somewhere with a simpler life, a more “community” feel, where faith was an integral part of the framework.
I answered the question myself, as well. I *do* love to read cowboy romances, though it’s not what I choose to write. For me, so many of the characteristics associated with cowboys were things I loved about my husband (who is a “city” guy, through and through).
It got me thinking about other main characters from inspy romance books. There are a ton of heroes with ALL the qualities we love to read about in Cowboy romances — except they aren’t cowboys! So, here are my suggestions for branching out, but still getting the things you love about cowboy romances – without the hat. All of these romances also have that “small-town, faith-filled community” feeling as well!
Lance Matthews – A Date for Daisy (Bloom Sisters Book 2) – Tara Grace Ericson
If you’re looking for a strong, hardworking man who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and cares deeply about his family, look no further than Lance Matthews. Lance owns a construction company, and is devoted to his single-parent father. In fact, it’s this dedication to his dad that winds up with him accepting the job at Bloom’s Farm remodeling the old house into a bed and breakfast where he meets the scatter-brained owner, Daisy.
Corban DeWitt – Loaves and Wishes (Baxter Family Bakery Book 1) – Elizabeth Maddrey
Corban is the guy next door, literally. Loyal, dependable, and hard-working, Corban doesn’t make friends easily, but once he’s decided to let you in; he’ll do anything for you. He’s running the family farm now that his parents are retired, and when Ruth inherits the bed-and-breakfast next door, they get off to a rocky start.
Cole Sanford – Her Brother’s Best Friend (Love Off Limits Book 2)– Hannah Jo Abbott
Cole is the definition of “There’s more beneath the surface.” From the outside, you’d think he was cool, confident, and had everything figured out. The truth is, he’s got his own insecurities too. Above all, he’s loyal to his friends and family–which causes some problems when the woman he is falling for has been specifically labeled as off-limits by his friend, her brother.
Jeremiah Gilbert – Love Pact with the Hero (Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 2) – Liwen Ho
When it comes to masculine heroes with a heart of gold and a devotion that never fails, few book boyfriends come close to Jeremiah. Plus — he’s good with kids! One reviewer described him as “a steadfast, loyal, loving, patient, faith-filled man.” I couldn’t agree more!
Tate Russell – Resisting Rose (Bloom Sisters Book 6) – Tara Grace Ericson
Okay, this one might be a little on the nose, because Tate USED to be a cowboy. But now, he’s working on Bloom’s Farm running the organic produce operation. He has a love for God’s creation that is unmatched. Hard-working, dependable, and a good friend. Through the story, Tate grows into a man of genuine faith and learns the true meaning of family.
I listed a couple of my own books in here, because these are generally the types of heroes I write. Starting tomorrow (Aug 24th), the entire Bloom Sisters Series will be on sale, with some of the books even free! I hope you’ll grab them and see if you think my “cowboys without the hat” are the kind of hero you like as well! If you can’t wait until tomorrow, the whole series is also available in Kindle Unlimited!
Now it’s your turn! Do you regularly read modern cowboy romances? What is it that draws you to those stories? What other books or main characters have you read that have the same qualities, even though they aren’t cowboy books?
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
I mostly read historical cowboy books.
Qualities to admire.
It’s Ironic I do read some modern day cowboy books although prefer historical cowboy books. I live in a country town while we don’t have cowboys in Australia its more Jackaroo’s and they are more in the outback. We have farms and farm hands. In fact dad was a farm-hand most of his life (although he did train as a cabinet maker but there were no job) I never wanted to live on a farm. I am scared of a lot of the bigger animals and have never been mad on horses. They look pretty from a distance. Having a fear of dogs too probably doesn’t help. While I know a lot of cowboys are good they still make me think of the wild side (watching too many westerns) where they like to live it up and cause havoc in the town.
I agree so many of the characteristics we like in a cowboy can be seen in so many other occupations. I wonder if its the outdoors. Thanks for mentioning the other books
Hi Tara! This retiree and reader is not fond of cowboy books. Living in a small rural Michigan farming community, I respect the hard work our local farmers do. Depending on the size of the farms and what is produced, many local farmers also have a paying job for insurance and to sustain their families in the winter months. Many of these farms have been in the family for generations. Living in a small tourist farming community, most men are raised with cowboy characteristics — dedication to family, devout faith, hard-working, loyal, strong and masculine. As a mom of 3 sons and 2 grandsons, I taught them to be hard working, dedicated and devout. My sons cook, clean, do laundry, help with the kids, and so much more besides their jobs as designer, construction, and hospitality. Men can have a soft side. Plus a retired high school teacher who taught many teen boys, watching them became men (police officer, teachers, preachers, providers for family, and more); I am not fond of stereotypical characters. That is why I shy away from reading cowboy stories. Since as a teen I worked in a bakery, I really enjoyed Elizabeth Maddrey’s the Baxter Family Bakery series. Best wishes. Enjoy the last of summer.
I read all kinds of books! I do love cowboy books, both historical and contemporary, but I love ones without them, too!! I don’t stick just with one genre! I made myself a note to check on the series tomorrow! I know I already have some in my TBR stack!
Thanks Renate!
I’m not a big fan of cowboy romances although I read a few. My favorite is historical.
I do like cowboy books. I think it is because where they live and how they live is so different from where I live. I also really like the characters and their values and way of life.
I have read one or two modern cowboy books, and enjoyed them, but cowboy stories aren’t usually my first choice.
Funny enough, modern cowboy romances took me a while to get into, though I do appreciate a hard-working hero who stands for his values, cares for his family, and lives out his faith. Thus, while I enjoy a hero with a hat, it’s not necessarily a requirement :) though I seem to prefer small-town stories.
Also, thanks for the recs! I agree with Jeremiah, and will be checking out others you mentioned :)
I was bit a cowboy fan, but Valerie Comer and Alexa Verde have me loving them now!!
Cowboy books are good so are contemporary, historical, and small town stories
I enjoy cowboy romances…a lot!
I met Jeremiah ;)
Alexa Verde and Jessie Gussman have great cowboy stories.
I’ve read a few modern day romances with cowboys in them. I think what I enjoy about them is the old fashioned way cowboys treat ladies and their steadfastness which you don’t always see in other types of men.
Hi, Tara!
I don’t look for cowboy stories specifically, but I have enjoyed several cowboy series. I’m currently working my way through Mandi Blake’s Blackwater Ranch series, Jessie Gussman’s Cowboy Mountain Christmas series and Shanae Johnson’s Purple Heart Ranch series. All have cowboy characters but any of the stories could be told with the same characters in different settings. I think I’m drawn to the inner characters, not the outer activities so much.
I highly recommend Elizabeth Maddrey’s Baxter Family Bakery series. I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the Freedom Ridge series.
I have read Hawthorne’s story but that’s it, so I’m looking forward to the sale!
Thanks for all the recommendations! More grist for the mill!
Hi , I love reading cowboy hero books and non cowboy hero books, as long as they are good stories, I love them all. A hero is a hero no matter if he is wearing a hat or not. Have a great week and stay safe.
love modern cowboy romance
I enjoy both cowboy & non-cowboy romances! Don’t know what it is that makes a cowboy romance extra special to me, maybe it is the Stetson that’s the “magic” ingredient, not to mention how he looks atop a sleek looking stallion, and his southern drawl as he greets the ladies while tipping his hat (okay maybe it’s just me that finds that attractive) ;-)
I think a hard working man is what makes for a great book hero, no matter his lifestyle of choice!
I have not been doing a lot of reading this year. I have not read any cowboy books this year. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
We all get in reading slumps from time to time! I hope you find some time soon. :)
The hat does have a certain appeal, doesn’t it? I’ve often joked about getting my husband one, just for kicks. ;)
I do, too! Who is your favorite author of modern cowboy books?
I love that attitude! I definitely love cowboy books, too – sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by them, though!
You have some good cowboy books on your list – Mandi Blake’s are some of my favorites.
I agree, a lot of it is about the story and most could really happen almost anywhere!
That’s a great point. Those cowboy manners are pretty swoony. The steadfastness is a good example of the characteristics we associate with the cowboys, for sure!
I haven’t read Alexa’s stories, but I do love Jessie Gussman’s books. Mandi Blake and Valerie Comer have some wonderful Cowboy books as well!
I have to admit, small-town stories are my favorite. I don’t read many historical cowboys – but I like other historical times/settings!
Good for you raising your sons with all the skills they need beyond their own vocation!
I loved that series from Elizabeth as well. Thanks for commenting!
I love that you don’t stick to just one genre! Sometimes it’s easy to get pigeon-holed unless we keep an open mind.
Thanks for reading, Trudy!
That’s okay! I hope you’ll check out some of the non-cowboy books I listed. Although, here on InspyRomance we are all about contemporary romances, so nothing historical on this list.
Oh yes – Sometimes it is really fun when the setting and lifestyle in a book is so different from my own. Other times, I like to read something that feels a little closer to home so I can relate to the characters and situations!
They aren’t often my first choice either, but I usually enjoy them when I pick them up. I hope you’ll take a chance on some of the non-cowboy books I listed!
Small-town stories are definitely my favorite as well – I hope you’ll enjoy the ones I listed, I believe they are all small town stories!
And Jeremiah was so great. Liwen did an amazing job on that book! Can’t wait for the next one.
So glad you are finding ones you enjoy. You should definitely check out Mandi Blake’s Blackwater Ranch series. They are amazing!
Your comment reminded me of one of Mandi Blake’s cowboy books – she had a female main character who didn’t care for horses. When we talked about it, Mandi said “She doesn’t need an excuse to be afraid of them. They are big, intimidating animals!”
I’d guess your idea of cowboys (living it up and causing havoc) is probably closer to the reality than our contemporary Christian romances where six handsome cowboy brothers run the ranch together, go to church on Sundays, and pray before morning chores! But we’ll just ignore that and pretend it’s close enough ,LOL!
Definitely some admirable qualities. I don’t read many historical cowboy books, but I enjoy other historical books.
Though I’m known for writing cowboy romance, I’m good with any hero as long as he’s all about God and family, hard-working, loyal, strong, manly, devoted to the heroine, trustworthy and dependable. All traits I borrow from my husband, who’s a Texan but not a cowboy, and instill in my heroes.
I enjoy contemporary and historical cowboy romances. I’m from rural TX–maybe that’s why they appeal to me.
Part of the reason for my fear of the horses was the boys next door on the farm (In the managers house we were in the workmans cottage) use to send the horses galloping up the driveway when they were in the front paddock. I was around 5 at the time and with about 6 or 7 horses coming that fast at me it scared me.
I can appreciate the Christian cowboy and know they have cowboy churches with the rodeo’s. Different places will have different experiences.
I’m drawn to these boys for all the reasons you’ve stated.
I read cowboy stories and love them!
I like cowboy stories because I grew up on a horse farm.
Usually not, though one of the characteristics I do appreciate is humour. Often it is a tad different between country and city and there are huge differences depending on the age of the “cowboy”.
I read some cowboy books, mostly contemporary. I don’t mind them but I am actually a big fan of suspense/thrillers. I thank you for the recommendations you made, some of them are new to me and I will be checking them out.
What a great list of characters!
I don’t read a lot of cowboy romances because I don’t have a lot of experience with cowboys, ranch life, etc. However, as long as the book is a clean read and inspirational I don’t mind!