The King's Cowboy

Cowboy Princes #3

by Madeline Ash

He’s the reclusive king no one expected—in love with the cowboy he left behind.

Prince Tommy Jaroka’s social anxiety rules his life. And it weighs heavier than the crown when an attack drives him to step up and lead. A king can’t hide from his people.

Disguised, he throws himself into local nightlife in a bid to confront his demons, and is blindsided by an entirely different pain—his best friend of twenty years and secret love, Jonah Wood. Battling public duties and a threat to the throne, Tommy has no fight left to hide from the sweetest man this side of the sun.

Jonah has spent his whole life not belonging. Not with his family, not in small-town Montana, and—he learned when Tommy ended their friendship with a royalty bombshell—not by Tommy’s side. Now, half a world away in a city like a rainbow, he can finally be himself. Until Tommy appears, intense in his true royal power, with a confession that changes everything.

It shouldn’t matter that Tommy’s feelings take root in Jonah’s heart and bloom into something eternal. Jonah would have to give up the life he’d always wanted to keep him—and a cowboy could never belong beside a king.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, Westerns, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

416 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2021

About the author

Madeline Ash is an Australian contemporary romance author and a two-time RITA Award finalist. She writes novels with sensitivity, humour, and heart.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King’s Cowboy is the third book in the Cowboy Princes series by Madeline Ash. This is the final brother’s book, Tommy. While this is technically the final book of the series, there is also a final novella that takes place six months after this one ends, Her Royal Christmas, which is Zara and Cyrus’s story. I also want to mention that the three books of this series are also available in a box set if you want to save a few dollars. Instead of Rudyard Kipling’s famous story, The Man Who Would Be King, this book could be called, The Man Who SHOULD Be King. Because it was always Tommy who felt the real pull to rule this beautiful country. This is finally his story!



Tomas “Tommy” Jaroka was the middle born of the Jaroka triplets. When they first arrived to Kiraly four months ago, his brother Mark who was first born, was the obvious one to become the new king. But he gave it up for his now fiance, Ava. Tommy suffers from terrible anxiety stemming from an attack he and his best friend, Jonah, endured three years prior back in Sage Haven, Montana. Now Tommy, who is the second born, is unable to endure public exposure when there are too many people present. So the last born, Kris, volunteered to become king instead. The thing was, neither Mark or Kris WANTED to be king. Tommy did. He felt like it was where he was supposed to be. But how could he ever serve this wonderful country when he couldn’t even stand before a room full of people to speak?

Jonah Wood and Tommy have been best friends back in Sage Haven since they were five years old. Their ranches were next door to each other. Tommy never once shared his secret royal lineage until the day he was leaving for Kiraly. Jonah felt hurt and betrayed. How could he keep this secret? Jonah is gay and out but never felt he belonged in Sage Haven. So with Tommy gone, he sells his ranch and decides to travel to find where he does feel he belongs. Frankie asks him to come to Kiraly to help Kris recover from the attack he sustained (book two.) Can Jonah be in Kiraly, knowing Tommy is there, and stay hidden? Kris is also his friend and he wants to help him.

Of course, you know these two will come face to face. A twenty year friendship doesn’t just dissolve. Explanations and truths are shared. Including the fact that Tommy feels a lot more for Jonah than just friendship. He’s been secretly in love with him for years. And let me tell you, this man who suffers so much from anxiety, has quite the silver tongue. The things he says!!!

“I’m just looking at you. That’s all I’ve ever needed to do for you to take my breath away.”

This is the book where everything is revealed, all secrets come out. About the attack Jonah and Tommy suffered back in Montana. About Tommy’s true feelings for Jonah and get ready to melt when he finally tells Jonah. And also about Tommy’s true longing to be king. I was a nervous wreck. At the same time, there is still a threat to the crown, to the Jaroka boys. Frankie has her plate full trying to both keep everyone safe and figure out where the culprit is hiding.



I adored Jonah and Tommy. My heart hurt for Tommy as he struggled with his anxiety. He wanted so badly to get past it. He truly believed his destiny was to be king but just didn’t know how he could do it. I loved this book and adored the whole series. I’ve become so obsessed with this world and haven’t been able to think of much else. I finished at bedtime last night with a happy heart. I’m starting the final novella today because Zara still needs her closure with all she’s been through. I can’t wait to read it.

“You’re the brightest thing in my life.”

[Neil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very difficult to plunge into this plot. I don't want to read about mental illness and emotionally weak characters. Also the plot is so implausible to think that 3 male triplets of royal blood would live in the American West undeteected and undiscovered. However, when their European kin folk are wiped out in terrorist attacks, they are summoned back to Europe to serve as the King. OMG - that is so far out there. And yes, I know it is fiction, but let's have a plot that has some token of realism.

I did NOT finished the book because I just couldn't get past the uninspiring and uninteresting characters.

[Madeline Ash]

At long last, Tommy gets his turn.

The King's Cowboy is the reason I started writing Cowboy Princes in the first place and I'm SO GLAD we made it. In order for Tommy's story to carry his true power, his journey had to start in the background of his brothers' books, foreshadowing his push-pull relationship with royal life (and his ache for Jonah).

Thank you for supporting this series and reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one. xx

[Alicat23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, but longer than I think it needed to be. A lot of revisiting the same thoughts.

[Kristin Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah Tommy and Jonah! I have been dying to read their story and they did not disappoint. A powerful and beautiful love story with tenderness, vulnerability and passion. Tommy’s brooding intensity and Jonah’s sunshiny warmth were a compelling combination. The writing is exquisite, the characters richly drawn and Kiraly is a place I want to live. Both characters deal with past trauma. For Tommy this manifests as debilitating anxiety which is at odds with his desire to step into his true power. I adored the care they took with each other and the way they were so much better together even though it took them a while to realise it. (It wouldn’t be a romance otherwise.)
Should you read the first two books in order? Yes, totally. Because plot stuff. But trust me, Tommy and Jonah are well worth the wait.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Sadonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews

Note: This is the third book in this series. The previous two books are M/F and I hadn’t read them. I can’t really say that this can’t be read as a standalone, but did feel like I missed quite a bit of the whole story and dynamic by not reading the first two books.

Tommy has left his life in Montana – and his best friend Jonah that he has secretly loved for some time – to take up his role as a Prince of Kiraly. His royal lineage is something else that Tommy has kept secret and he drops all this on Jonah in an extremely awkward manner as he’s leaving town. He and his identical tripletbrothers have been recalled to the homeland of their father due to a family tragedy. Tommy has dealt with crippling panic attacks and PTSD and intense social anxiety after he and Jonah were attacked and barely survived three years earlier. Tommy and Jonah have been friends since they were five and other than when Tommy attended college, they’ve never really been apart. Leaving Jonah behind and starting his new life is beyond painful to Tommy.

The Jaroka brothers have a lot to deal with in Kiraly. Mark, the eldest brother, has personal pressures and decisions, he does not want to be King, despite being the oldest. Markus, the second brother, also has misgivings, but has reluctantly agreed to take the crown. But Tommy is the one who really feels like he was meant to be King. Unfortunately he doesn’t feel like he can because of his debilitating social anxiety and his panic attacks. He has already failed several times so he doesn’t feel like he can do it.

Jonah Wood has never felt at home. He’s always felt like an outsider – in his family, in school, in his town – because he’s gay and he had to hide it to be safe. He confessed to Tommy when they were kids and Tommy didn’t reject him. They remained the best of friends. So he’s devastated and angry when Tommy tells him the truth – that he’s a prince and he has to return to his duty. He’s devastated when Tommy tells him that’s it – a final good bye. But then he’s called to Kiraly to assist after one of the prince’s has been attacked. Jonah, having been through something similar, is glad to help – as long as he can avoid Tommy. Of course you know that isn’t going to happen 😉

Tommy is stunned to see Jonah in Kira City. When he finds out he’s there for another of his brother’s he’s devastated again. Turns out he hasn’t really kept his feelings that secret 😉 His brothers are hopeful that having Jonah around will help Tommy. And Tommy can finally be honest with Jonah about his feelings. Jonah is completely gobsmacked because he always assumed his BFF was straight. He needs time to process this new information. In the meantime, Tommy also has to share a few other tidbits of information with Jonah about why he and his brothers are so busy trying to figure things out and a path forward in Kiraly.

Jonah has a vision for his future – and it doesn’t include being involved with royalty and once again being an outsider. He’s made friends and he feels comfortable where he’s at. He loves working in the bar. He feels comfortable in his skin for the first time and he’s not willing to give that up. It seems they are at an impasse. There is also a mystery to resolve around potential danger for the Jaroka brothers too that plays into the back and forth between Jonah and Tommy. They take some time to get their acts together and start communicating honestly 🙂

Well I really wanted to like this more than I did. Tommy and Jonah were a couple that just could not get it together. But the biggest issue for me was the pacing. This book just went on for way too long. It took me forcing myself to finish it because the story just was dragged out. We get it! Tommy has social anxiety and panic attacks that have various triggers based on the attack that he an Jonah survived years before. I appreciate that it was a big stumbling block for him but he honestly it just got redundant and repetitive and really slowed the story so much that I had to start skimming in parts because I just wasn’t learning anything new and I wanted them to get on with it. I did love Jonah. He’s really such a sweetheart, despite all the rejection he’d dealt with his whole life. I loved how he finally felt free to be himself and I understood why he was worried that would change if he decided to be with Tommy. Tommy was so smart and yet had the emotional intelligence of a kumquat. He just kept making such terrible decisions in how he dealt with Jonah. His attempts at protecting Jonah were of course going to set Jonah off if he felt he wasn’t getting to exercise his own desires, decisions and dreams. It was a long painful road – mostly caused by Tommy’s overthinking everything and not trusting anyone else to be able to help him. I wanted to smack him more than once! I did really like some of the secondary characters – Philip, the boys late uncle’s partner, Frankie, the head of the royal guard and Nora, Jonah’s coworker in particular. Truly this book was just in need of an editor that would have trimmed the story to something a lot tighter for me to enjoy it. As usual, YMMV.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book but holy cow were there a lot of things going on. Tommy is a newly crowned prince of a small country in Europe. He's always known he's royalty but he and his brothers, all triplets, were so far out of the line of succession that it seemed like a silly fact to share with anyone. Which is why Tommy's life-long best friend, Jonah, was shocked when Tommy revealed the truth just before he left for his kingdom after the previous royals were murdered.

Jonah is absolutely devastated to lose his best friend without a second's notice while Tommy is heartbroken because he's been in love with Jonah for years - but never got the courage to tell him. When circumstances pull Jonah to Tommy's kingdom, Tommy may have everything he's ever wanted if he's brave enough to take it.

There are a ton of plot points and a lot of back and forth between Tommy and Jonah. The plot points I could handle, the incessant back and forth, however, was a little annoying. That said, the book kept me in engaged!

[Loves2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good for a M/F writer

This is the only M/M book by this author and it's the third in the series. I don't read m/f romances at all anymore so this is the only book I read from the series. The author did pretty good filling in some of the story if you didn't read the first two books, but there were definitely moments when I felt I was missing something. It's my own personal opinion, but I find it odd for an author to mix m/f and m/m in a series as most people are into one or the other. I suppose if you've read the first two books, you'd probably be inclined to finish the series even if it's not your cup of tea, so to speak. I'm probably one of the few who have just read this third one, without the other two as the blurb intrigued me. Therefore, if you're solely a m/m reader, you can definitely enjoy the book without having read the other two, just be prepared to piece some things together.

[Mae Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

3.5 stars instead of 4 because of some odd phrasing that pulled me out of the story. I'm not sure if the phrasing is regional, but the line, "...how he's going..." to inquire on how someone is doing (mentally, physically) threw me out every time I read it, and it was in the story multiple times.

Other than that, the story was engaging, and well written. It is a stand alone story in a series, but there are plot points where I wish I'd read the first 2 in the series to have a better feeling for all the characters. My not reading those did not take away from this work, I just think it would have been helpful.

I related to both Tommy's and Jonah's feelings of inadequacy, they way they assumed what the other would think or feel (as one does with friends of 20+ years), and I enjoyed how they kept their friendship in mind while working out the kinks of becoming more.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a tough one for me. I absolutely loved the characters and I thought the premise was really interesting and thoughtful. But it was also very intense and I really struggled with it. It felt really long, which I think was just the intensity and so I ended up skipping to the end after chapter 10. It was just too much for me. But I really appreciated the attention to detail and the thoughtful exploration of mental illness.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

king

I loved reading this story, I think it’s the first I have read from this author I really enjoyed it,,,,now here in this book something happened in the past to Jonah who was neighbour’s to the triplets but best friend to one his name is Tommy but secret are revealed and murder is uncovered and plots against the king but all the book is really good and it ends HEA

[Tim]

No rating, DNF @ 22%

Should have been better, but the info dumping and references to other characters kept disrupting the pace of the story. Not to mention the characters weren't talking directly to each other. The dialogue clearly was structured to exacerbate miscommunication but it was unrealistic to the point of actually annoying.

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

moon and teacup kind of way

Split between the ranch in Montana and Kira City, Ash's series focuses on the middle prince brother and his cowboy best friend. Tough issues are handled with a fine touch. The author writes brilliantly when describing the beauties of the settings. Leaders should all be this wise and attentive.

[leslie fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart felt storyline

I read all three books in the series. The storylines were detailed with relevant issues addressed. Her writing is exceptional keeping the reader intertwined in the lives of the three princes. These books are a must read.

[Averin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Faux MM

Het romance disguised by mm trappings. Absurd, improbable premise. Annoying MCs. No wonder it's free, no one should have to pay for such drivel. Oh, and the word is "all right" and cowboys, unless they're drag queens don't have décolletage.

[Barb Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kings

I have now read all 3 books in this series. They were wonderful. Things that a still not accepted in many countries and how the boys set out to fix them
Awesome. Wish this could happen everywhere.

[Jorge Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but heavy

I enjoyed the story and the two MC's, but I found the emotional trauma the equivalent of trying to swim through molasses. Sometimes it was just way to much.

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book)]

I wanted this book to be sillier than it is (“Is this not peak silliness?” you ask. “How can anything be sillier than this?” WELL I wanted him to be king of Cowboy Country not Fake European Nation!)

[Tommy Hogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a nice story and a good read, but there was almost too much detail at times. But enjoyable.

[Sharon Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tommy and Jonah

This book was so exciting and kept my attention throughout! I loved the interactions of the princes and everyone else. I also loved the drama. Great book!

[Holly Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and Emotive

I adore this book, and the characters through this and the previous books in the series. The way Madeline Ash writes is so compelling I couldn't put it down.

I don't usually read pure romance but I will be devouring all other books by this wonderful author.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I loved this story; it is my favorite of the series. I really loved the first two books but this thoughtful, brooding, damaged Cowboy Prince just takes my heart.

Tommy’s story was the most powerful in this trio of books, at least to me. Overall, we were able to read more of the bond that these triplet brothers have and how they are settling into life as royals in Kiroly. There is more intrigue and mystery and this time, much more introspection on the part of Tomas – Tommy. But most of all, Tommy comes to terms with what’s most important in life – who he is, who he wants/needs to be, and who he wants to be with.

The author really wrote an amazing love story for Tommy. It is handled with such care and love; it touched me ever so deeply. I loved him but he and Jonah, together, stole my heart. Tommy is really perfect for the role of ruler and Jonah is the exact person to be by his side.

Jonah has a way of looking at the world where it makes absolute sense to Tommy. However, Jonah doesn’t think he has anything to offer a Royal/Prince and he needs to work thru those feelings of inadequacy.

But to me, the story is really about Tommy and Jonah navigating real feelings for each other; dealing with horrific events in both their pasts and presents; and even in the here and now. It is a powerful story of love and trust and coming into your own. I loved, loved, loved it and I was so sad to read “the end.” Highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read gay romances but I loved the first two books in this series and I have loved every one of Madeline Ash’s other books so I was happy to dive into this story. I’m so glad I did because The King’s Cowboy has so mach going for it that I hardly know where to start. The story itself works well and had me reading as fast as I could. Tommy and Jonah are both strong, yet complex characters that were easy to cheer for. Their love scenes are sweet, sexy and engaging. While Tommy’s and Jonah’s story was more than enough to keep the pages turning, it was the underlying issues that this story addressed that made it so special for me. Mental illness, prejudice against homosexuality, unsafe environmental practices and democracy were all addressed as part of the story and I thought Madeline Ash did a lovely job of showing us how wonderful an inclusive and supportive community could be. This has been an excellent conclusion to the series.

[Grekkleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King's Cowboy will easily captivate you. I waited a long time for this book and boy was it worth it! Madeline Ash delivered a sensitive, charming conclusion to our favourite cowboy-to-king series. Tommy and Jonah have embedded themselves into my heart and will stay there forever. The courage, strength and love of these characters made it impossible for me to put their book down.

The language is powerful and oh so deliberate. Ash's control over her storytelling is masterful - you can feel the stones of the vivid streets of Kiraly under your feet, your heart bleeding for Tommy as he struggles to claim what he craves, and the many layers of love settling into the pages of this book. I can't wait to read it again.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three boys become royalty but which one will become King? They finally get it right with Tomas (Tommy). He’s been best friends with Jonah for twenty years but feelings have shifted to “more.” Ash wrote a beautiful story about a loving couple trying to figure things out, how to thrive in the community and function as a couple. Throughout the series there has been a threat to the family, the reason the boys are in Kiraly. Questions are answered and futures are doled out, but you can read each book separately. I’ve written my review voluntarily after reading an early copy, much thanks to Madeline.

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free through Bookbub, and although it's the third in the series, the combo of tropes in the title was enough to intrigue me. I have to admit that the story had more depth than I expected and ended up enjoying it. I can make a reasonable guess as to the plotlines of the first two books, but I may snag them at some point any way, because I think the details and characters may be interesting enough to carry the story.

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about Tommy, he is the youngest of three brothers. Because of some issues, none of his two older brothers can't become a King. Tommy has his own issues, but he will do whatever he has to, to make his brothers proud. He already left the love of his life and his best friend in US.
I enjoyed this storyline a lot.

[Joanne Speirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tommy and Jonah's story captivated me from book #1. I loved the emotion and broodiness of this story - their story - and it was beautiful to read the romantic connection of these two characters. It left me wanting more! Thanks Madeline :-)

[Anne]

3.5*

I read this book without reading the first 2. It was easy enough to understand the continuing plot. The back and forth between the MCs was a little too long for my taste. Less thinking and more action.

* best friends to lovers
* mental health rep
* homophobia (past event)