For single father Elijah Knott, trust doesn’t come easy. But Zoey Trotter might just be the woman to make him love again.

Elijah Knott never planned on being a single dad. But when his wife left him without warning, he was left to raise his eight-year-old daughter on his own. Balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and running a ranch is tough, especially when the job sends him on the road.

Zoey Trotter has never cared for the cowboys who dominate Cupid Ridge. Their egos seem too big for this town. But when Elijah offers her a job as a nanny to his adorable daughter, she can’t turn down the opportunity. It’s just temporary, after all.

For Elijah, dating isn’t an option. He’s vowed to devote his energy to fatherhood. But the more time he spends around Zoey, the harder it is to resist her. And she’s starting to believe maybe he’s not as opposed to marrying again as he thinks.

Titles in the Cupid Ridge Cowboys series include — The Grumpy Cowboy —♥— The Cautious Cowboy —♥— The Charismatic Cowboy —♥— The Rugged Cowboy —♥—

Titles in the connecting Cupid Ridge Dude Ranch series include — The Maverick Cowboy —♥— The Brokenhearted Cowboy —♥— The Scorned Cowboy —♥— The Sullen Cowboy —♥—

This is an adult romance that does not contain graphic violence, swearing, or sexual situations beyond kisses.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  The Cautious Cowboy
Series:  Cupid Ridge Cowboys #2
Author:  Macie St. James
Genre:  Modern Western Romance
Published:  April 28, 2023
Publisher:
My Rating:  4

The Cautious Cowboy is the second novel in the Cupid Ridge Cowboys series (which connects to the Cupid Ridge Dude Ranch series by telling the “other” family’s side and romances).  You don’t “need” to have read the connecting series to enjoy this one, but I would strongly suggest it for they are wonderful stories; plus in this feud, there are always two sides to every situation.

I had such fun with Zoey’s and Elijah’s story.  Neither was looking for a relationship, actually, they both would have run in the opposite direction if anyone had even suggested that either Elijah should marry again or that Zoey should give a local cowboy a chance.  But, love doesn’t always come wrapped up in a neat little package.  Sometimes it comes with baggage that needs to be sorted out.  This was the case for this couple.  Add in one adorable eight-year-old, Isabella, with enough energy to power a lighthouse, and you’ve just added icing to a very sweet cake.

When Zoey’s temporary library job gets cut Elijah has the perfect solution.  Nanny to his daughter, Isabella.  His work often takes him away from home early in the morning, and he’s always depending on his family to watch his daughter in between when necessary.  They obviously have a connection already so why not offer her the job… and Elijah might be thinking more along the lines of an attraction between them, a first for this single dad in a very long time.  This slow-burn romance has all the emotions you’d ever want, laughter and tears, annoyance and satisfaction, and a couple that just fits so well together.  Watching them both fall in love and make the decision to take a chance on a lifetime together was such a fun journey.

We’ll touch base with familiar faces, watch the results of a high school betrayal finally be resolved, and see a new family forming… all around, a very satisfying situation.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle as this title is currently in KU