Cowboys Never Cry by Tina Welling

Title: Cowboys Never Cry by Tina Welling
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Summary:
Cowboys are NOT her weakness-until she meets the right one-in this funny, wise, romantic novel about women and cowboys, both real and imagined.

Cassie Danner doesn’t swoon over cowboys. A young widow with a still- mending heart, she seeks solace in her new summer job as cook on a Wyoming dude ranch. How ironic that she ends up tussling with Robbin McKeag, the ranch owner’s son and a superstar celebrity for having played iconic cowboys on the big screen.

Disillusioned with fame, Robbin has retreated to his dad’s ranch to reconnect with the land. But there’s something about Cassie that gets his goat. And Cassie can’t help but be drawn to Robbin as he struggles to become a better man. Are they about to play out a classic romance, or will the cowboy mystique and charm wear off?

The Review:

Tina Welling’s Cowboys Never Cry is a mesmerizing story that is set against the splendor of the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, WY. Cassie Danner’s emergence from the grief of her husband’s death coincides with Robbin McKeag’s sabbatical from his acting career. Despite their rocky beginning and many verbal spats, an undeniable attraction draws this mismatched couple together. Will love be enough to overcome their differences?

Cowboys Never Cry is a wonderful novel with an eclectic and vibrant cast of characters that are flawed yet incredibly realistic and likable. Heroine Cassie Danner is a female lead that is strong, independent and incredibly complex. She has a deep affinity for nature that helps heal her wounded soul following her husband’s death and later provides common ground between her and Robbin McKeag. Cassie is contemplative and reflective with an uncanny ability to read people. Despite her growing feelings for Robbin, her strong self respect keeps her from settling for a quick fling with the handsome actor.

Robbin McKeag is definitely a troubled soul. Although he has a healthy relationship with his father and several close friends, he is a playboy who has never been in a committed relationship. He is also an alcoholic whose life has spun out of control. Taking a year off from his acting career, Robbin is redefining his life and his role in the family ranch. He is someone who works hard to achieve his goals, but once he realizes his goals, he does not know what to do with them. Will his feelings for Cassie change this self-destructive pattern?

Interwoven with both Cassie and Robbin’s self discovery and romance is an interesting subplot about environmental issues that are sometimes at odds with the traditional rancher. Ms. Welling raises awareness of the various ways ranchers can preserve land and wildlife. It is informative without being preachy and provides added conflict to the novel.

Tina Welling’s prose is flawless as she brings the Wyoming countryside and Robbin and Cassie’s romance vividly to life. Unexpected snippets of humor relieve the more serious moments of this deeply moving and emotional novel. Cowboys Never Cry is heartwarming love story that I highly recommend.