Title: The Cowboy and the Princess by Lori Wilde
Jubilee, Texas Book Two
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
Brady Talmadge was a cowboy with five unbreakable rules:
1) Never pick up a pretty hitchhiker
2) Avoid damsels in distress
3) Never order chili at a truck stop
4) Always trust your gut
5) Never tell a lie . . .
This is what happened when he broke all his rules . . . and got into a whole lot of trouble!
On the run from an arranged marriage, Princess Annabella of Monesta dons the guise of a hitchhiking cowgirl. But when she finds herself drenched, alone, and hungry, she has no choice but to trust the tall Texas horse whisperer who offers her a ride. He’s like no one she’s ever known—a strong sexy man who says just what he thinks. And when one wild kiss leaves her breathless, she quickly realizes she’ll give up everything to spend a lifetime of night times in his arms. But how can there be happily-ever-after with palace guards hot on her trail?
The Review:
The second installment in Lori Wilde’s Jubilee, Texas series, The Cowboy and the Princess is a charming love story between two very unlikely people. Annie Coste (Princess Annabella) has lived a sheltered and privileged life. Before her arranged marriage to a stodgy older Prince, she decides to experience all the fun things she has ever wanted to try. A fortuitous meeting with footloose and fancy free horse whisperer Brady Talmadge takes Annie to the delightful town of Jubilee. Brady and her newfound friends provide Annie the opportunity to enjoy the adventures she has been dreaming about her whole life.
Annie is a delightful breath of fresh air. Innocent and naive, she views the world around her with almost childlike wonder and it is so much fun seeing things through her eyes. Annie is incredibly prim, proper,very intelligent… and completely out of her element. She is excited to live on her own and she is thrilled to accomplish ordinary everyday tasks. Annie finds joy in simple pleasures and her excitement is felt by everyone around her.
Brady is such a complex protagonist. He is kind-hearted, laid back and easy going which makes him appear to live a carefree life. He is a loyal and steadfast friend and his ability to read horses is incredible. But don’t let this good-natured cowboy fool you. Brady is full of hidden depths and he is keeping some dark secrets.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Annie and Brady. Their romance is slow growing and they really took the time to get to know one another. Their dates are incredibly sweet and wowza! The sexual tension between them is positively sizzling.
While most of The Cowboy and the Princess is light-hearted and just plain fun, there are some serious issues that this couple must deal with. Annie quickly realizes there will be implications with Brady and her new friends when her deception is uncovered. Brady’s past brings an unexpected complication to his carefree lifestyle. Annie and Brady’s road to “and they lived happily ever after” has a few obstacles and roadblocks they must overcome.
The Cowboy and the Princess is an enchanting feel good novel that fans of contemporary romances will enjoy. There are a couple of things that were easy to predict, but the overall story is well written and quite original. The resolution of the novel is perfect and Lori Wilde gives Annie and Brady the fairy tale ending they so richly deserve.
Read my reviews of the other books in the Jubliee, TX series HERE
