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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!!!!

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.

I absolutely cannot find all of the words needed to tell everyone how much I love this book! There’s nothing like a good cowboy romance, but throw in a best friend relationship on top of that….

I could not put this book down! I guess it helped being able to envision myself as Em (because I am a teacher who was also on summer break)! I loved the concept of Rocky and definitely want to add this idea to my own classroom in the future!

Please take a minute to enjoy Justin and Emmeline’s story!

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

Kiss Me Now, Cowboy is book 1 in the Cowboys in Paradise series by Dylann Crush

When friendships take a turn into more but both keep it a secret. With family issues, obstacles, changing feelings, they need to open up to each other.

What happens next will take you on a ride you don’t expect…

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.

Two best friends from 2nd grade are both dancing around their feelings for each other. One is afraid the other's job will kill him. The other is afraid of losing her friendship. When Em concocts a scheme with their other two best friends to get him away, she and Justin have the perfect opportunity to explore their feelings.
Opinion
This is the first in a new series and I am over the moon for it. These two characters are super sweet, and of course perfect for each other. Reading through the book, I kept cheering them on wishing they would just express their feelings for the other. When they finally did, wow! I never would have put a kindergarten teacher and a bull rider together but Crush makes it work. In order to find out if Justin quit bull riding though (which could end up doing way more harm than good), you'll have to read the book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this book.

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 for fair and unbiased review

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.

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.

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.

Dylann Crush has done it again with this fabulous, funny, charming & entertaining book with all the feels!! Justin Forza & Emmeline “Em” Porter are an adorable couple that have been best friends since grade school. Em & their other friends Knox & Decker are concerned about Justin, a professional bull rider, returning to bull riding after an injury. The three of them come up with a plan for Justin & Em to take a vacation in an attempt to getting him to reconsider returning to the sport. They finally admit their feelings for each other & hook up but not without some ups & downs before their HEA. Such a incredible book with wonderful characters!! Also love the author incorporating & supporting animal rescues for turtles in the story. A definite must read!! I received an arc from Netgalley, the author & publisher for an honest review.

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.

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!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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.

I have read many of Dylann Crush’s books. This book was okay. Emmeline and Justin have bee friends since childhood. Justin is a bull rider who is in line to win the championship, until he injures his shoulder. His father wants him to compete even though he is not completely healed. Emmeline loves Justin, but won’t do anything about it as long as Justin keeps competing. Here father suffered a devastating accident, and she doesn’t want to go through that with Justin. She gets him to go away on a vacation I the hopes that he will heal and decide not to ride again. Justin can’t make a decision, but seems to indicate that he won’t ride again. Emmeline takes this as a sign that she can become intimate with Justin. Unfortunately he is still undecided and she leaves him. Justin’s dad is not a very likable character.