He’s struggled to stand out, and so has she. Together they might have a plan to change that.

Chase Knott feels like he’s always proving himself. He’s worked hard to stand out from his siblings, but having a twin means he’s always seen as “the other one.” There’s only one place he feels at home—the town diner.

Lauryn Todd has her hands full as diner manager. Every morning, she opens the diner to Chase’s smiling face. Lately, she’s found herself looking forward to their interactions. Like him, she always feels like nobody really sees her. So when he comes up with an idea to give everyone something to talk about, she can’t resist.

Pretending to date is fun at first, but over time, Chase and Lauryn start to enjoy it a little too much. Once his family finds out they’ve been deceiving them, though, he’s sure he’ll be right back where he started. When their ruse takes a bad turn, their newfound feelings are tested beyond what most new relationships could survive.

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 Charismatic Cowboy
Series:  Cupid Ridge Cowboys #3
Author:  Macie St. James
Genre:  Modern Western Romance
Published:  May 19, 2023
Publisher:
My Rating:  4

The Charismatic Cowboy continues the Cupid Ridge Cowboys series with the romance of two people sorta pretending to be a couple in order to be seen (and appreciated) in their own right.  Maybe there might be a crush going on as well, but they tell themselves what they need to in order to move forward… which it seems is not always something family wants them to do.

I’ve loved this series (and connecting series) from the start.  Their stories are full of realistic family issues, some not always easy to talk about, but dealt with in love and understanding… sometimes, eventually.  Chase and Lauryn are two of those — eventually — types of people.  I felt bad for both of them, but particularly for Lauryn.  She’s lived her life working in her parents’ diner, and now that they’re traveling for a few months she’s implementing some of her own ideas (ones that her parents vetoed) and finding that they work quite well.  Until their return when their reaction is far from what she’d hoped for, and probably all that she’d expected.

Their pretend relationship goes through some changes, they themselves change how they see themselves and a love that could last a lifetime is on the horizon if they are willing to take that risk.  I love catching up with siblings, parents, and kids from this series.  I’ve enjoyed myself in this world, and soon the next (perhaps final) story will release.  Definitely looking forward to another heartfelt romance between these two former feuding families.

*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 and this series is currently in KU