The Bachelor Cowboy

November 16, 2020
A shy accountant gets a lot of bang for her buck in Clare’s satisfying sixth Wyoming Cowboys romance (after Her Christmas Cowboy). Layla Schmidt’s narcissistic mother, Janet, is aware of her daughter’s attraction to cocky cowboy Jack Watson and attempts to outbid her for a date with him at the Painted Barrel, Wyo., Animal Shelter’s bachelor auction fund-raiser—which is just what Layla needs to goad her into acting on her crush. Jack only agreed to participate in the bachelor auction as a favor to his sister-in-law, who runs the shelter, but he’s thrilled when Layla, whom he’s wanted for months, bids on him. Spending time with her and Oscar, a dachshund they’re tricked into co-adopting, becomes Jack’s favorite pastime. But when the scheming Janet attempts to interfere in their relationship, Layla—who’s never been able to stand up to her mother—faces a difficult decision. Clare’s character work is impeccable: Layla’s quick wit belies deep insecurities, and arrogant Jack is humbled by her attention. The other residents of Painted Barrel are as lovely as ever and the story is loaded with small-town charm. The drama never feels manufactured or prolonged, but there’s no easy fix either. The result is a delightful series installment. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.

January 1, 2021

Shy accountant Layla would rather spend Saturday nights doing cross-stitch than going on a date. But when her friends beg her to attend a Valentine's Bachelor Auction to help raise money for a local shelter, Layla can't refuse. She has no intention on bidding on any of the bachelors until she sets eyes on Jack Watson, the handsomest cowboy in Painted Barrel. When Layla's narcissistic mother shows up, trying to bid on Jack, Layla ends up spending a fortune on the rugged cowboy just to one-up her mom. Jack isn't sorry to have funny, intelligent Layla as his date, and they soon bond over the dog they (accidentally) end up adopting together. Layla struggles with self-esteem issues, caused by a lifetime of her mother's criticism, while also worrying about Jack's sincerity. But with patience, Jack convinces Layla that she, a nerdy accountant, is worthy of love. VERDICT A geek girl gets her cowboy in Clare's sixth installment of the "Wyoming Cowboys" series. Readers will have a lot of fun riding along with this adorable couple and their adopted dog.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

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