What do you think?
Rate this book
Cupid, Texas #6
How the Cowboy Was Won
Return to New York Times Bestselling Author Lori Wilde's beloved town of Cupid, Texas, where wedding fever is in the air . . . and two best friends discover that sometimes the perfect match is standing right in front of you . . .
Ember Alzate is a fantastic matchmaker with one big problem: she can't find the perfect mate for herself! Alzate family legend says that when she kisses "the One" she'll hear a mysterious humming in her head. Well, Ember's kissed a lot of guys and she's never heard a thing. Now, instead of searching for herself, she vows to find her best friend, Ranger Lockhart, a bride. It's clear this smart, sexy man just needs to meet the right gal.
Ranger's returned home to Cupid with marriage on his mind, but he's not interested in the parade of women Ember pushes under his nose. His thoughts keep returning to his best friend--with her combustible combination of curves and sass. No one compares to Ember, but what's it going to take to convince her she's the woman for him?
Ember Alzate is a fantastic matchmaker with one big problem: she can't find the perfect mate for herself! Alzate family legend says that when she kisses "the One" she'll hear a mysterious humming in her head. Well, Ember's kissed a lot of guys and she's never heard a thing. Now, instead of searching for herself, she vows to find her best friend, Ranger Lockhart, a bride. It's clear this smart, sexy man just needs to meet the right gal.
Ranger's returned home to Cupid with marriage on his mind, but he's not interested in the parade of women Ember pushes under his nose. His thoughts keep returning to his best friend--with her combustible combination of curves and sass. No one compares to Ember, but what's it going to take to convince her she's the woman for him?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 27, 2018
133 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wilde
380 books2,266 followersLori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 26, 2018
BFF to More is one of my favorite tropes, so I was 10000% here for this.
I liked Ember and Ranger. They have a great history and I loved their wordless conversations and the spark they had between them. They complimented each other well. There are loads and loads and LOADS of other characters and I pretty much gave up trying to keep track of them.
Plot wise it was sort of lack luster. I did like the game with Dawn, but it just seemed like so much work when a conversation could have worked. Actually, the majority of this story is conflict due to lack of communication and that’s where I started to get bored. There was a lot to unpack here and not all of it felt necessary.
Overall, it was a quick read with MCs I wanted to root for. I’m not sure I would read any of the other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Ember and Ranger. They have a great history and I loved their wordless conversations and the spark they had between them. They complimented each other well. There are loads and loads and LOADS of other characters and I pretty much gave up trying to keep track of them.
Plot wise it was sort of lack luster. I did like the game with Dawn, but it just seemed like so much work when a conversation could have worked. Actually, the majority of this story is conflict due to lack of communication and that’s where I started to get bored. There was a lot to unpack here and not all of it felt necessary.
Overall, it was a quick read with MCs I wanted to root for. I’m not sure I would read any of the other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
January 19, 2018
This had THE BEST first kiss EVER!!!! Hands down! I stopped and reread it after swooning during the first reading, and then, went back and read it again when I finished the book...it was that good :)
Ranger and Ember have been friends forever, so it was great watching them realize that they didn't just love each other, but were IN love with each other. They both wanted the other to be happy, even if it meant not being happy themselves.
Yes, this is part of a series, and yes, you see other characters from previous books, but you can totally read this as a stand alone. You'll just want to get the previous books LOL
Ranger and Ember have been friends forever, so it was great watching them realize that they didn't just love each other, but were IN love with each other. They both wanted the other to be happy, even if it meant not being happy themselves.
Yes, this is part of a series, and yes, you see other characters from previous books, but you can totally read this as a stand alone. You'll just want to get the previous books LOL
April 19, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How The Cowboy Was Won is the most recent installment in the Cupid Texas Series. I have really enjoyed these books, and although they aren't my favorite from this author, they are so quirky and fun and have that small town charm that Lori Wilde is fantastic with sharing.
I would love to say that this was a five star read, but unfortunately I didn't love it quite as much as I would have loved to. There were many things I enjoyed about this book, but I tended to lose focus and I just lost interest at times through the story. However this story did make me laugh and made me smile when I least expected it and SO swoony at times. Lori Wilde surely knows how to write some of the BEST kissing scenes.
This story is about childhood sweethearts. Our hero is a scientist, and a bit obsessed with telescopes and the stars. He tends to be a bit too focused on his work except when it comes to his best friend Ember. Ember and Ranger have been friends since they can remember, and Ember has always understood Ranger in ways that his family never has. She has always supported him in his career and dreams even if she doesn't understand most of what his work is about. But there is a secret....Ranger is in love with Ember and wants her more than just as a friend. When he returns home in seeking a position close to Cupid, his other reasoning is to pursue Ember in his own way.
And boy the way Ranger goes about courting is quite unique because he is afraid that Ember will say no if he comes right out and says it. So he brings his colleage over to evoke jealousy from Ember, wanting to make her see that she has feelings for him too and Ranger is punishing Ember because she keeps throwing women at him trying to "matchmake" him with the perfect woman, when she is the woman he wants most and needs to show her that she wants him too.
I found this story to be quite hilarious at times, I swear these two keep going in circles and a bit "denial" at times. I did love seeing Ranger prove to Ember of what she truly feels and the curse of falling in love with your best friend because sometimes they know you better than you know yourself. Ranger knows "exactly" how to evoke responses from Ember and delights in proving to her what she means to him. And man their first kiss....was so swoony. I had so much fun with this story at times because I loved the best friends turn into lovers trope. So endearing and likable.
How The Cowboy Was Won is a story that will charm you and give you those happy feels that this story evokes!!
[foogallery id="27335"]
How The Cowboy Was Won is the most recent installment in the Cupid Texas Series. I have really enjoyed these books, and although they aren't my favorite from this author, they are so quirky and fun and have that small town charm that Lori Wilde is fantastic with sharing.
I would love to say that this was a five star read, but unfortunately I didn't love it quite as much as I would have loved to. There were many things I enjoyed about this book, but I tended to lose focus and I just lost interest at times through the story. However this story did make me laugh and made me smile when I least expected it and SO swoony at times. Lori Wilde surely knows how to write some of the BEST kissing scenes.
This story is about childhood sweethearts. Our hero is a scientist, and a bit obsessed with telescopes and the stars. He tends to be a bit too focused on his work except when it comes to his best friend Ember. Ember and Ranger have been friends since they can remember, and Ember has always understood Ranger in ways that his family never has. She has always supported him in his career and dreams even if she doesn't understand most of what his work is about. But there is a secret....Ranger is in love with Ember and wants her more than just as a friend. When he returns home in seeking a position close to Cupid, his other reasoning is to pursue Ember in his own way.
And boy the way Ranger goes about courting is quite unique because he is afraid that Ember will say no if he comes right out and says it. So he brings his colleage over to evoke jealousy from Ember, wanting to make her see that she has feelings for him too and Ranger is punishing Ember because she keeps throwing women at him trying to "matchmake" him with the perfect woman, when she is the woman he wants most and needs to show her that she wants him too.
I found this story to be quite hilarious at times, I swear these two keep going in circles and a bit "denial" at times. I did love seeing Ranger prove to Ember of what she truly feels and the curse of falling in love with your best friend because sometimes they know you better than you know yourself. Ranger knows "exactly" how to evoke responses from Ember and delights in proving to her what she means to him. And man their first kiss....was so swoony. I had so much fun with this story at times because I loved the best friends turn into lovers trope. So endearing and likable.
How The Cowboy Was Won is a story that will charm you and give you those happy feels that this story evokes!!
[foogallery id="27335"]
March 27, 2018
How the Cowboy was Won is an amusing story of friends to lovers and how opposites really do go together. Ember and Ranger have been best friends forever and have been there for one another through thick and thin, illnesses and bad relationships. Ranger is an astronomer and up for a promotion at the observatory and needs a wife to help him advance his career. Ember feels she can use her matchmaking skills to help him find that special someone. What she doesn't realize is that Ranger has his sight on his best friend but doesn't know how to change that status. Through some bad matchmaking and miscommunications, Ranger finally gets Ember to realize she's the right one for him. In typical fashion the heroine has to come to this realization on her own and goes to great extent to win her man back. I truly love her writing because it is so descriptive and captures the essence of Ember and Ranger's friendship and how hard it is for them to switch gears without hurting the relationship. It's been a long time since my first kiss but she really captured what the feeling was like. Pure genius! Once again, Ms. Wilde delivers another great story in the Cupid, Texas series. Thank you!
Read
May 11, 2018When one of my mutuals pointed out How the Cowboy Was Won was an Emma retelling, I was all aboard. I adore Jane Austen novels and I especially adore retellings of them. I don't think I've seen many literary Emma retellings so it's amusing that this year, there are two on my TBR!
So. Anyway. I have a complicated relationship with this book. There are parts of it I really liked but there were a bunch of things that rubbed me the wrong way and I haven't seen many reviews talking about some of the things that bothered me which makes me more inclined to be critical. I want issues to be talked about. SO. ANYWAY. I am going to start with the good stuff first and break this review down into pros and cons because I am a lister.
Pros
-The romance has a slow buildup. Not necessarily because there aren't sparks right off the bat, but because their feelings take sometime to build up and I LOVE IT. THE SLOW BURN IS REAL, PEOPLE.
-Supportive couple. Ember and Ranger are ridiculously supportive of one another. As friends, as a couple. I love that even when there is jealousy, it is never ever ever about their successes and they are always there for one another. There is a lot of angst in this book but like regardless, Ember and Ranger are just REALLY GOOD FRIENDS and even better romantic partners.
In general, my positive experience reading this book was centered around how the romance was written. Lori Wilde did a really good job making me feel invested in the couple and their future. However, there were a bunch of cons that did impact my overall reading experience.
Cons
-Our first intro to Ember centers how she felt 'other' growing up because she inherited her mother's fair skin and red hair instead of her father's Native American genes. I am sorry but what? I am pretty sure that in general, being white passing has benefitted her more often that not. Also in general, I feel like the author really portrays Ember's Native American identity in a very stereotypical way and really only uses it in this exoticized, watered down way that just felt icky and disrespectful to me. There are more books in this series and maybe things are done differently in them but since this is the only book I've read in the series, it is the only one I can speak to.
-There is ableist language in this book. Especially pertaining to Ranger's various illnesses growing up. His younger self is referred to as an 'invalid.' Which is problematic on a number of levels. You can read more about why the word is hurtful here.
-So the main plot of this book is that Ember is trying to find Ranger a wife with good social skills so he can get the job he wants and not have to move to New Zealand. In comes Dawn, his research partner and this is what Ember has to say about her. "Dawn knew his world. Had great social skills. She would be an asset to any man trying to climb the academic ladder." (note that this quote was not taken from a final version of the book, only my review copy.) Excuse me????? Dawn does not exist to only be an asset to a man who wants to climb the academic ladder. She wants to climb the ladder too and as a woman in STEM, that ladder is gonna be much harder for her to climb than a man lacking in social skills. This really irked me because it just seemed to dismissive of women in STEM.
On a larger scale, some of my cons may seem minor but these things build up and I think they are worth addressing because they are indicative of larger problems. There is good to be had in this book and the romance will be sure to win over a number of readers, but I think these issues are important to keep in mind and I hope anyone who picks the book up will do just that.
***Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review
So. Anyway. I have a complicated relationship with this book. There are parts of it I really liked but there were a bunch of things that rubbed me the wrong way and I haven't seen many reviews talking about some of the things that bothered me which makes me more inclined to be critical. I want issues to be talked about. SO. ANYWAY. I am going to start with the good stuff first and break this review down into pros and cons because I am a lister.
Pros
-The romance has a slow buildup. Not necessarily because there aren't sparks right off the bat, but because their feelings take sometime to build up and I LOVE IT. THE SLOW BURN IS REAL, PEOPLE.
-Supportive couple. Ember and Ranger are ridiculously supportive of one another. As friends, as a couple. I love that even when there is jealousy, it is never ever ever about their successes and they are always there for one another. There is a lot of angst in this book but like regardless, Ember and Ranger are just REALLY GOOD FRIENDS and even better romantic partners.
In general, my positive experience reading this book was centered around how the romance was written. Lori Wilde did a really good job making me feel invested in the couple and their future. However, there were a bunch of cons that did impact my overall reading experience.
Cons
-Our first intro to Ember centers how she felt 'other' growing up because she inherited her mother's fair skin and red hair instead of her father's Native American genes. I am sorry but what? I am pretty sure that in general, being white passing has benefitted her more often that not. Also in general, I feel like the author really portrays Ember's Native American identity in a very stereotypical way and really only uses it in this exoticized, watered down way that just felt icky and disrespectful to me. There are more books in this series and maybe things are done differently in them but since this is the only book I've read in the series, it is the only one I can speak to.
-There is ableist language in this book. Especially pertaining to Ranger's various illnesses growing up. His younger self is referred to as an 'invalid.' Which is problematic on a number of levels. You can read more about why the word is hurtful here.
-So the main plot of this book is that Ember is trying to find Ranger a wife with good social skills so he can get the job he wants and not have to move to New Zealand. In comes Dawn, his research partner and this is what Ember has to say about her. "Dawn knew his world. Had great social skills. She would be an asset to any man trying to climb the academic ladder." (note that this quote was not taken from a final version of the book, only my review copy.) Excuse me????? Dawn does not exist to only be an asset to a man who wants to climb the academic ladder. She wants to climb the ladder too and as a woman in STEM, that ladder is gonna be much harder for her to climb than a man lacking in social skills. This really irked me because it just seemed to dismissive of women in STEM.
On a larger scale, some of my cons may seem minor but these things build up and I think they are worth addressing because they are indicative of larger problems. There is good to be had in this book and the romance will be sure to win over a number of readers, but I think these issues are important to keep in mind and I hope anyone who picks the book up will do just that.
***Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review
March 24, 2018
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a wonderful story how 2 friends that have grown up together could finally admit that they had feelings for each other. He was the brainy PHD guy who had left for a while but is back and she is the girl who married the wrong guy rather admit her true feelings. I love how friends and family brought them together,,
March 21, 2018
How the Cowboy Was Won is part of the Cupid, Texas series but is also a stand alone. This is a best friends to lovers story. Ember Alzate is a people pleaser, matchmaker, and an extreme extrovert who does many outlandish things. Ranger is a quiet, scholarly, introvert who has loved his best friend Ember since forever. While she is trying to match him up with his perfect mate, he is trying to make her see that she is his true love. Watching the machinations and results that both attempt is hilarious. This is a fun story that will have the reader entertained until the very end.
I received this ARC from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received this ARC from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
March 27, 2018
When it comes to love Ember Alzate is a master at matching up the folks around her, but when it comes to her own love life she just can't get it right, so she has given up on making a love connection of her own for the moment. When she learns that her best friend is moving back home and is ready to settle down she designates herself his personal matchmaker, problem is he has already found his girl, she just doesn't know it yet. He wants Ember and he will do just about anything to convince her that she is the right women for him... even playing a little dirty!
How The Cowboy Was Won is a sweet, witty, and toe curling tale that is sure to leave romance readers hearts overflowing! The moment you meet this couple you will be instantly captivated by them, their quirky personalities, sizzling chemistry, and genuine care for one another makes it all to easy to fall for them and root them on. I am a sucker for a smooth talking cowboy and I have to say Ranger definitely dazzled, he was charming and sweet when the moment called for it, and certainly knew his way to a woman's heart! This was a pleasurable read, it had emotional content to stir up the feels, witty banter to inspire the giggles, and some steamy scenes to curl your toes... highly recommend it!!
I requested an advanced copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, and voluntarily read and reviewed.
How The Cowboy Was Won is a sweet, witty, and toe curling tale that is sure to leave romance readers hearts overflowing! The moment you meet this couple you will be instantly captivated by them, their quirky personalities, sizzling chemistry, and genuine care for one another makes it all to easy to fall for them and root them on. I am a sucker for a smooth talking cowboy and I have to say Ranger definitely dazzled, he was charming and sweet when the moment called for it, and certainly knew his way to a woman's heart! This was a pleasurable read, it had emotional content to stir up the feels, witty banter to inspire the giggles, and some steamy scenes to curl your toes... highly recommend it!!
I requested an advanced copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, and voluntarily read and reviewed.
Read
January 31, 2018What a super sweet, wonderful romance with a Jane Austen's Emma twist. Ember makes an awesome Emma with a jerky ex-husband the sexiest, smartest, dorkiest best friend one could ever hope for. Ranger Lockhart will make you swoon, laugh, and cheer. A fabulous HEA! For those looking for a wonderful romance to get swept away, pick up How the Cowboy Was Won!
Thank you so much to the publisher for a review copy.
Thank you so much to the publisher for a review copy.
April 1, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 4/1/18.
How the Cowboy was Won is a cute, friends-to-lovers romance...and if that's all it was, I'd be giving it a slightly higher rating.
But...
It also has billed itself as "a modern Emma with cowboys"--which it constantly reminds the reader of, with quotes from Austen's Emma at the beginning of each chapter, which do seem to reflect that chapter's events fairly well--but if you know the characters and plot of the original well, you soon realize that this one is more "inspired by" than a true retelling. The characters and plot are more vaguely reminiscent of the original than anything else, and if I'd been allowed to forget that this was "supposed" to be Emma, I would have been able to enjoy it more.
Because there is a lot to enjoy here--the friends-to-lovers trope is popular for a reason, after all. And nerdy heroes? They just can' be beat (but Mr. Knightley, sadly, isn't a nerdy hero. A bit of an antisocial homebody, sure, but not truly nerdy). Bold and brash heroines who like to do everything a bit extra can be a lot of fun too (but that's not at all what Emma was like--she was very much the proper society miss, worried about her image and upholding her place in the world) and you can't deny that Ember and Ranger have that chemistry that will successfully make the shift from besties to HEA nicely just as soon as they get out of their own way. But Ember comes to her realization far too early when compared to Emma's plot, and the whole Ranger-getting-a-new-and-better-job-far-away-from-Ember portion of it doesn't really have a corresponding bit in the original at all (unless it's supposed to go along with Emma thinking Knightley loves Jane? Except we already have several Ranger-in-love red herrings along the way, so that doesn't quite scan...)
So...if you 1) don't know Emma all that well or 2) can manage to put the other book out of your head while reading this one, chances are good that you'll give this book a higher rating than I'm able to. For me, it's going to be a case of "I liked it, but..."
Rating: 3 stars / C
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
How the Cowboy was Won is a cute, friends-to-lovers romance...and if that's all it was, I'd be giving it a slightly higher rating.
But...
It also has billed itself as "a modern Emma with cowboys"--which it constantly reminds the reader of, with quotes from Austen's Emma at the beginning of each chapter, which do seem to reflect that chapter's events fairly well--but if you know the characters and plot of the original well, you soon realize that this one is more "inspired by" than a true retelling. The characters and plot are more vaguely reminiscent of the original than anything else, and if I'd been allowed to forget that this was "supposed" to be Emma, I would have been able to enjoy it more.
Because there is a lot to enjoy here--the friends-to-lovers trope is popular for a reason, after all. And nerdy heroes? They just can' be beat (but Mr. Knightley, sadly, isn't a nerdy hero. A bit of an antisocial homebody, sure, but not truly nerdy). Bold and brash heroines who like to do everything a bit extra can be a lot of fun too (but that's not at all what Emma was like--she was very much the proper society miss, worried about her image and upholding her place in the world) and you can't deny that Ember and Ranger have that chemistry that will successfully make the shift from besties to HEA nicely just as soon as they get out of their own way. But Ember comes to her realization far too early when compared to Emma's plot, and the whole Ranger-getting-a-new-and-better-job-far-away-from-Ember portion of it doesn't really have a corresponding bit in the original at all (unless it's supposed to go along with Emma thinking Knightley loves Jane? Except we already have several Ranger-in-love red herrings along the way, so that doesn't quite scan...)
So...if you 1) don't know Emma all that well or 2) can manage to put the other book out of your head while reading this one, chances are good that you'll give this book a higher rating than I'm able to. For me, it's going to be a case of "I liked it, but..."
Rating: 3 stars / C
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 21, 2018
WWED? What would Ember do. Outrageous Ember would do anything for her brilliant best friend Ranger. Even let him go so the world could benefit from his brilliance. The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts and larger than any star Ranger might ever study as a research scientist. I found myself a soul sister in Ember with her take no crap, over the top, tell it like it is personality. People in Cupid are drawn to her strength and outrageousness making her the go-to gal for real estate and matchmaking in her small town. When her sexy Professor of a bestie returns from a year spent in New Zealand studying the stars and saving the world, Ember is gob smacked with the realization her love for him is shifting. Ranger Lockhart returned to Cupid, TX with an agenda. One, score his dream job at the McDonald Observatory in his hometown, and two, make Ember Alzate finally see that they are so much more than best friends. He enlists the help from an unlikely character to help him make Ember realize what he's known all along...they belong together. Granny Blue tried to tell her, but she couldn't accept it. She would know from a single kiss what all Alzate women did. When you hear the sweet sound of humming in your head, you've found The One, your soulmate, your forever.
I laughed, I cried, I got angry when a certain Kiwi interfered, and I cheered when things went the way they were supposed to! Lori Wilde once again took me deep into the heart of Cupid, TX. 'How the Cowboy Was Won' was worth every minute and every emotion. ENJOY!
I laughed, I cried, I got angry when a certain Kiwi interfered, and I cheered when things went the way they were supposed to! Lori Wilde once again took me deep into the heart of Cupid, TX. 'How the Cowboy Was Won' was worth every minute and every emotion. ENJOY!
March 25, 2018
For your information, the "gentleman" on the cover is actually our leading man, Ranger Lockhart, and despite his wrangler heartthrob-iness appearance, he's actually a science geek. Yup. Smart AND sexy...oh, boy. Anyone in the market for their next book boyfriend because he's got "the one" written all over him! Our leading lady Ember Alzate isn't anything to balk at either, and when you combine her beauty with her charm, well it's clear she has more than just a way with words, but she uses it for good, ladies, not evil! The combination of these two is powerful, if they'll only get out of their own way, that is. Their shared history laid the foundation (friends to something more story line...LOVE IT!), the wrong-time-wrong-place obstacles still lingering are being worked on, and in the end, I think we'll all be happy with the results.
I adored our leads and their winsome banter. Ember's plan for making love connections in her small town were inspired, though I do believe her own "love is blind" (or rather some are BLIND to LOVE) scenario may have been part of the sudden pitfalls. When I saw what our naughty professor was doing about halfway through, I could hardly believe he had it in him to pull it off...yet when one sets their mind to something, anything is possible. (That's not as risqué as it sounds, read it and see...) Watching everything fall into place only to explode when you least expected it was a great reminder to cherish the moment and live for today because tomorrow is a present that's never guaranteed.
**copy received for review
I adored our leads and their winsome banter. Ember's plan for making love connections in her small town were inspired, though I do believe her own "love is blind" (or rather some are BLIND to LOVE) scenario may have been part of the sudden pitfalls. When I saw what our naughty professor was doing about halfway through, I could hardly believe he had it in him to pull it off...yet when one sets their mind to something, anything is possible. (That's not as risqué as it sounds, read it and see...) Watching everything fall into place only to explode when you least expected it was a great reminder to cherish the moment and live for today because tomorrow is a present that's never guaranteed.
**copy received for review
December 9, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
This is a story I was really happy to read. I liked both Ranger and Ember and knew that their courtship was going to be a fun ride.
Poor Ranger has been in love with Ember for what seems like forever. The sad part is she didn't know at first that she was too.
I'm not a huge fan of friends to lovers but I do love it more than second chance romance. Saying I'm not a fan doesn't mean that I don't enjoy books with it as their plot, it just means that it's not a favorite plot point of mine.
This one worked but I think the reason it did is that they had spent so much time apart. I'm not saying you can't be friends with someone you don't spend as much time with I'm just saying that the friendship thins a little.
It's all fun and games till the first kiss. That's when Ember knows he's her one and only.
This is a fun quick read that made me chuckle more than once. At times the plot slowed down a bit but it didn't take away from the overall story so I didn't mind it that much. I liked how it took almost to till the end of the story to have them or I should say Ember figure out what they wanted.
Like most of Wilde's books, I enjoyed it. Easy to read and enjoyable. I would say that this story is even better when read in order of the other books in the series.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
This is a story I was really happy to read. I liked both Ranger and Ember and knew that their courtship was going to be a fun ride.
Poor Ranger has been in love with Ember for what seems like forever. The sad part is she didn't know at first that she was too.
I'm not a huge fan of friends to lovers but I do love it more than second chance romance. Saying I'm not a fan doesn't mean that I don't enjoy books with it as their plot, it just means that it's not a favorite plot point of mine.
This one worked but I think the reason it did is that they had spent so much time apart. I'm not saying you can't be friends with someone you don't spend as much time with I'm just saying that the friendship thins a little.
It's all fun and games till the first kiss. That's when Ember knows he's her one and only.
This is a fun quick read that made me chuckle more than once. At times the plot slowed down a bit but it didn't take away from the overall story so I didn't mind it that much. I liked how it took almost to till the end of the story to have them or I should say Ember figure out what they wanted.
Like most of Wilde's books, I enjoyed it. Easy to read and enjoyable. I would say that this story is even better when read in order of the other books in the series.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
May 26, 2018
This would have easily been a 5 star read if it weren't for that annoying self-doubt and making assumptions about what's best for someone else or how someone else feels that is far too popular in books these days. There has to be a better way to lengthen a book than to cause couples to dance around each other because one or both think they can read minds or makes assumptions based on nothing tangible. It's just annoying to read this exact thing over and over again. The key to love is communication and a good love story doesn't have to include people who don't communicate in order to make it interesting. I'm so tired of self-deprecating women who think they aren't good enough in romances. Can we please have heroines that realize their own worth BEFORE they lose their love or almost lose their love? The constant writing of women who don't think they are good enough to be loved or aren't good enough until they are loved is such an awful thing to read over and over for decades. Aren't we beyond this by now?
This couple was perfect together and the story was ruined by writing a female who didn't know her worth on her own.
There are other ways to throw a curveball into the story and giving us subplots.
This couple was perfect together and the story was ruined by writing a female who didn't know her worth on her own.
There are other ways to throw a curveball into the story and giving us subplots.
March 17, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! Jumping back into Lori Wilde's world of Cupid, Texas was such a great read! It was so nice to get a follow up on some of the previous characters from this series. This book is about the funny and entertaining courtship of best friends Ember Alzate and Ranger Lockhart. They have been friends since they were small children and have never before felt any romantic feelings toward each other. Back from a year in New Zealand; Ranger has been missing Ember and now has some thinking to do. New feelings have sprouted and he decides to explore them! Ember has also been missing Ranger but has new mixed feelings too. She has been helping others to find new relationships and love; but she's not been so lucky in love herself. Her failed marriage has left some battle scars emotionally. Having Ranger back stirs the pot romantically! Being in love with your best friend is wonderful and scary at the same time! Will they be able to finally realize what a gift awaits them? Take a chance and read this wonderful romantic love story; you won't be disappointed!
February 3, 2018
I found this book to be charming and witty. I enjoyed getting to know Ember and Ranger. Ember is fun and full of personality. I just wished that it was bigger. Well I take that back as it was big but it was not portrayed in this story as larger than life. That is what I was craving. Yet, Ember was still great and someone that I would want to hang out with.
On the other hand, Ranger is more on the reserved side. He is better when it comes to being in the lab or being behind the scenes. In other words, Ranger is not just a pretty face. He has brain smarts as well.
While, both Ranger and Ember liked each other, they did not make any moves towards one another until about the half way mark. Until then, it was just fun but without much of chemistry. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Which, if you are just checking this series out for the first time, this book may have you wanting to read the other novels in this series.
On the other hand, Ranger is more on the reserved side. He is better when it comes to being in the lab or being behind the scenes. In other words, Ranger is not just a pretty face. He has brain smarts as well.
While, both Ranger and Ember liked each other, they did not make any moves towards one another until about the half way mark. Until then, it was just fun but without much of chemistry. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Which, if you are just checking this series out for the first time, this book may have you wanting to read the other novels in this series.
March 28, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss***
This was a slow burn friends to lovers romance.
Ember and Ranger have been friends for years, and they both feel the attraction to one another, but don't want to do anything to mess up the relationship they already have, as they each feel they can talk to (and connect with) one another.
So, the only reasonable response for Ember is to try her hand at matchmaking and finding someone else for Ranger to fall in love with.
There were shades of Jane Austen to this story, and there were points where I was not sure I believed that the characters thought they were perfect for one another. Yes, the attraction was built up well, but the shift from friends to lovers, and the eventual conclusion, seemed a little too quick for me to believe it fully. It wasn't enough to ruin the story, but it did make me struggle with the romance aspect of it a little.
I do recommend this title, and I did enjoy it overall.
This was a slow burn friends to lovers romance.
Ember and Ranger have been friends for years, and they both feel the attraction to one another, but don't want to do anything to mess up the relationship they already have, as they each feel they can talk to (and connect with) one another.
So, the only reasonable response for Ember is to try her hand at matchmaking and finding someone else for Ranger to fall in love with.
There were shades of Jane Austen to this story, and there were points where I was not sure I believed that the characters thought they were perfect for one another. Yes, the attraction was built up well, but the shift from friends to lovers, and the eventual conclusion, seemed a little too quick for me to believe it fully. It wasn't enough to ruin the story, but it did make me struggle with the romance aspect of it a little.
I do recommend this title, and I did enjoy it overall.
March 23, 2018
How the Cowboy Was Won is the 6th installment in the Cupid, Texas series by Lori Wilde, and I will admit, I haven't read all of them yet, but that honestly didn't matter, as the author did a great job at introducing the characters again, and could absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
Now the story is a mixed bag! It is the traditional fall in love with your best friend trope, but add to that is the finding confidence in yourself after being emotionally abused by someone who is supposed to love you! But Lori Wild did an amazing job on the storyline, and it flowed beautifully.
Our two characters are Ember; exuberant redhead real estate agent, who is the life and soul of the party, and happens to make the perfect love matches! Whether it be house or Romance. Then there is Ranger, a mix of Scientist, professor, and stud! And having to make the hard choice between promotion and finally getting the women that he wants.
How the Cowboy Was Won is a great book, with through provoking topics and a steamy first kiss! Which is why I give it 4 stars.
Now the story is a mixed bag! It is the traditional fall in love with your best friend trope, but add to that is the finding confidence in yourself after being emotionally abused by someone who is supposed to love you! But Lori Wild did an amazing job on the storyline, and it flowed beautifully.
Our two characters are Ember; exuberant redhead real estate agent, who is the life and soul of the party, and happens to make the perfect love matches! Whether it be house or Romance. Then there is Ranger, a mix of Scientist, professor, and stud! And having to make the hard choice between promotion and finally getting the women that he wants.
How the Cowboy Was Won is a great book, with through provoking topics and a steamy first kiss! Which is why I give it 4 stars.
February 14, 2020
I totally adored the story of Ember and Ranger. This friends to lovers trope had by far the best romantic love scene I have read in a long, long time! It made my heart go pitty pat and increased my temperature by several degrees. It may have taken almost the whole story to get there, but boy was it worth it!
Ms. Wilde has mixed a cowboy and a nerd and come up with the perfect hero. Ranger is wonderful. You combine his introvert tendencies with the "out there" qualities of Ember and you have the perfect match. It doesn't hurt any that they have been best friends since they were little. I just can't say enough about this story, but I'm going to stop here. Go read it for yourself!
Ms. Wilde has mixed a cowboy and a nerd and come up with the perfect hero. Ranger is wonderful. You combine his introvert tendencies with the "out there" qualities of Ember and you have the perfect match. It doesn't hurt any that they have been best friends since they were little. I just can't say enough about this story, but I'm going to stop here. Go read it for yourself!
April 24, 2018
I loved this story. What could be better than falling in love with your best friend. They already know all of your good traits and the not so good and they like you anyway. There is history there. When Ranger decides he wants his best friend to be more than a friend forever he has his work cut out for him. Ember wants to find Ranger his perfect wife. She likes to play matchmaker for others since she doesn't do love for herself. Been there and not going back. This was such a cute story about how the one thing you really want in life can be right in front of you the whole time and you never see it until the day that you do. That day marks the rest of your life. Great read!
March 28, 2018
I liked Ranger but Emma...?Not at all. She was really irritating and she was a control freak. Instead of being selfless(as she thought herself to be) I found her to be selfish. I thought she wasn't doing things for others but for herself, she wanted things done according to her wishes at her own time. I did not feel sorry for her or sympathize with her.She totally spoiled the book for me.
These 2 stars are only for Ranger
These 2 stars are only for Ranger
April 14, 2018
Lori Wilde is one of my auto-buy author's. I love the Cupid, Texas series and Alzate family legend.
Ember is an extroverted risk taker. She's smart, outspoken, bold, and normally doesn't think about the consequences of her actions before she does or says something. Ember is all these things and so much more, but has very low self-esteem. All her life she has been told that she's too loud, too out there, needs to change, and conform. This hits home when her marriage dissolves. Ember takes leave from her job as a real estate agent and returns home to Cupid to be with her family, and reconsider her life. In Cupid she is known as the matchmaker, but she doesn't believe there is a happily ever in her future.
Ranger Locker is an introverted absent minded professor. Ranger is also Ember's BFF. After a year working on his doctorate down under, he returns to Cupid. The first person he goes to see is Ember. A year of being separated from his BFF was been really hard; for both of them. Once Ranger see's Ember again he realizes that his feeling have changed. Ember is also sees Ranger in a different way, but doesn't act on it.
Ember decides to play matchmaker for Ranger. Find him the perfect wife who will challenge him to be more outgoing. Unbeknownst to Ember, Ranger believes Ember is his perfect match, his forever BFF and the love of his life. He wants Ember as his wife.
There are many twist and turns. You will laugh, get frustration, and just about question Lori's perception of this couple. You wonder how Ember and Ranger can be so dense with what is right under their noses. But then you take into consideration Ember's low self-esteem and her belief that she is not good enough for Ranger. Then there is Ranger whose sole focus has always been his career. Now he's struggling to leave his comfort zone.
There will be heartbreak before Ember and Ranger can attain their HEA. It all comes down to believing in yourself, and knowing that you will have each others back regardless of where your lives take you.
Ember is an extroverted risk taker. She's smart, outspoken, bold, and normally doesn't think about the consequences of her actions before she does or says something. Ember is all these things and so much more, but has very low self-esteem. All her life she has been told that she's too loud, too out there, needs to change, and conform. This hits home when her marriage dissolves. Ember takes leave from her job as a real estate agent and returns home to Cupid to be with her family, and reconsider her life. In Cupid she is known as the matchmaker, but she doesn't believe there is a happily ever in her future.
Ranger Locker is an introverted absent minded professor. Ranger is also Ember's BFF. After a year working on his doctorate down under, he returns to Cupid. The first person he goes to see is Ember. A year of being separated from his BFF was been really hard; for both of them. Once Ranger see's Ember again he realizes that his feeling have changed. Ember is also sees Ranger in a different way, but doesn't act on it.
Ember decides to play matchmaker for Ranger. Find him the perfect wife who will challenge him to be more outgoing. Unbeknownst to Ember, Ranger believes Ember is his perfect match, his forever BFF and the love of his life. He wants Ember as his wife.
There are many twist and turns. You will laugh, get frustration, and just about question Lori's perception of this couple. You wonder how Ember and Ranger can be so dense with what is right under their noses. But then you take into consideration Ember's low self-esteem and her belief that she is not good enough for Ranger. Then there is Ranger whose sole focus has always been his career. Now he's struggling to leave his comfort zone.
There will be heartbreak before Ember and Ranger can attain their HEA. It all comes down to believing in yourself, and knowing that you will have each others back regardless of where your lives take you.
May 2, 2018
The first Lori Wilde novel I read was almost exactly a year ago. In the interim, I intended to read more of her books. I may have to take up sleep-reading in order to accomplish that as things are now. Or maybe I’ll just make time. (Novel concept…a pun, a pun!)
The reason why is that Lori Wilde rocks. How the Cowboy Was Won much like last year’s Million Dollar Cowboy works on every level that I need a romance to work on. It’s funny, sexy, smart. The story makes sense without frustrating characters who have me either banging my head against something or rolling my eyes until they get stuck. (Ouch.) She also understands that romance needs a build up between the main characters so that when they come together, the reader is right there with them because they’ve made the journey too.
How the Cowboy Was Won is a friends to lovers trope, and, even though it’s a trope, it feels fresh in Wilde’s hands because of the characters of Ember and Ranger. Ember is as impetuous as Ranger is cautious. She’s the one who takes him out of his safe place, and he's the one who makes her think before she leaps into a situation. They like and respect each other and value each other. I think that those are probably the best ingredients for any relationship.
Ember’s had a bit of a hit to her self-esteem thanks to her ex-husband, Trey, who was more worried about appearances than having a healthy relationship. So sometimes Ember takes things she normally wouldn’t to heart, but then reminds herself that she hates self-pity, especially her own, and just gets on with it. And that was one thing I loved so much about this novel. Ember seems like a real person without dwelling in angst, although there’s a tiny bit near the end for anyone needing that. Ember exudes life.
Lately I’ve found myself disliking a lot of the female characters in romance novels. I’ve felt like a broken record saying that I liked the male character but wished he’d found someone else by the end of the novel. I didn’t here. YES!
How the Cowboy Was Won is the sixth novel in the Cupid, Texas series. If you have the time, read them all, which is exactly what I am going to do, real soon.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The reason why is that Lori Wilde rocks. How the Cowboy Was Won much like last year’s Million Dollar Cowboy works on every level that I need a romance to work on. It’s funny, sexy, smart. The story makes sense without frustrating characters who have me either banging my head against something or rolling my eyes until they get stuck. (Ouch.) She also understands that romance needs a build up between the main characters so that when they come together, the reader is right there with them because they’ve made the journey too.
How the Cowboy Was Won is a friends to lovers trope, and, even though it’s a trope, it feels fresh in Wilde’s hands because of the characters of Ember and Ranger. Ember is as impetuous as Ranger is cautious. She’s the one who takes him out of his safe place, and he's the one who makes her think before she leaps into a situation. They like and respect each other and value each other. I think that those are probably the best ingredients for any relationship.
Ember’s had a bit of a hit to her self-esteem thanks to her ex-husband, Trey, who was more worried about appearances than having a healthy relationship. So sometimes Ember takes things she normally wouldn’t to heart, but then reminds herself that she hates self-pity, especially her own, and just gets on with it. And that was one thing I loved so much about this novel. Ember seems like a real person without dwelling in angst, although there’s a tiny bit near the end for anyone needing that. Ember exudes life.
Lately I’ve found myself disliking a lot of the female characters in romance novels. I’ve felt like a broken record saying that I liked the male character but wished he’d found someone else by the end of the novel. I didn’t here. YES!
How the Cowboy Was Won is the sixth novel in the Cupid, Texas series. If you have the time, read them all, which is exactly what I am going to do, real soon.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2018
Good book! Enjoyed Ember and Ranger and their story!
April 22, 2018
I have read many of your books but had a tough time getting into this one till I was half way through. Then I got it and enjoyed.
April 4, 2018
How The Cowboy Was Won takes you back to Cupid, Texas. Here we meet Ember and Ranger. They are each others best friend and have been since early childhood. Ranger is an astrobiologist and has just returned from a year in New Zealand. While he was gone they each became aware of how much they care and depend on each other. These are new feelings for them and they have a hard time deciphering what they mean. You will just have to read the book to travel with them on their way to a happy ever after. I loved every minute of this book and was sorry for it to end.
May 12, 2019
Fun friends to lovers story. Ember and Ranger have been best friends since they were kids. Neither one pursued anything deeper on those occasions when the thought occurred, each one afraid to ruin their friendship. Ember is quite the extrovert. She is friendly, bold, and a bit blunt in her speech and actions. Her self-esteem has taken a beating thanks to a failed, but blessedly short, marriage. She came home to Cupid to regroup. Her best buddy, Ranger, was in New Zealand for a year but was due to return soon. Ranger is almost her complete opposite. He is an introvert, happiest when lost in his work, with his head in th
e stars. The only thing that can pull him out is Ember.
Over the past year, while Ranger has been away, both of them have realized how much they miss each other and depend on each other. I loved Ranger's return and the absolute joy of their reunion. I loved Ranger's surprise and confusion as he noticed things about Ember that had previously made no impression on him. It didn't take him long to realize that he wanted more than just friendship from her. Ember also feels the pull, but after her disaster of a marriage has given up on the idea of love for herself. She quickly saw that Ranger needed a wife and decided to put her matchmaking skills to work.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Ember and Ranger. He had his sights set on her and nothing was going to dissuade him. Unfortunately, he had his work cut out for him because Ember refused to admit what was happening between them. Instead, she was determined to find his perfect match, and her attempts were pretty funny. At the same time, seeing them spend time together made it so obvious that they were made for each other that I just wanted to shake her. Ranger got a little desperate and called on a friend for help. Ember had her own moments of confusion as unexpected feelings of jealousy made their appearance. Things got even more complicated when they shared their first kiss, which was a mind-blowing experience for both of them. It strengthened Ranger's determination, but sent Ember further into denial, with her fears and insecurities convincing her that she wouldn't be right for him anyway. I liked when she finally came to her senses and ached for her when a misunderstanding made her believe it was too late. This was followed by more misfires in communication as Ranger made his case to her, but forgot the most important thing. Ember made some mistakes of her own that she then had to face up to before she could believe in a future for them. I loved her big moment as she took courage in hand, trusted her instincts, and went after what she wanted. Ranger's reaction made it the perfect ending for this book.
The secondary characters in the book were almost as much fun to watch, especially the various subjects of Ember's matchmaking attempts. Though she'd had several earlier successes, in this book, nothing seemed to go right. A good part of it was caused by her desperate attempts to fix Ranger up, leading her to push a couple of unlikely matches. It was fun to watch her subjects resist her maneuverings and end up with the right matches in spite of them. I also liked catching up with both Ember's and Ranger's siblings, and look forward to seeing Rhett's turn on the hotseat.
e stars. The only thing that can pull him out is Ember.
Over the past year, while Ranger has been away, both of them have realized how much they miss each other and depend on each other. I loved Ranger's return and the absolute joy of their reunion. I loved Ranger's surprise and confusion as he noticed things about Ember that had previously made no impression on him. It didn't take him long to realize that he wanted more than just friendship from her. Ember also feels the pull, but after her disaster of a marriage has given up on the idea of love for herself. She quickly saw that Ranger needed a wife and decided to put her matchmaking skills to work.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Ember and Ranger. He had his sights set on her and nothing was going to dissuade him. Unfortunately, he had his work cut out for him because Ember refused to admit what was happening between them. Instead, she was determined to find his perfect match, and her attempts were pretty funny. At the same time, seeing them spend time together made it so obvious that they were made for each other that I just wanted to shake her. Ranger got a little desperate and called on a friend for help. Ember had her own moments of confusion as unexpected feelings of jealousy made their appearance. Things got even more complicated when they shared their first kiss, which was a mind-blowing experience for both of them. It strengthened Ranger's determination, but sent Ember further into denial, with her fears and insecurities convincing her that she wouldn't be right for him anyway. I liked when she finally came to her senses and ached for her when a misunderstanding made her believe it was too late. This was followed by more misfires in communication as Ranger made his case to her, but forgot the most important thing. Ember made some mistakes of her own that she then had to face up to before she could believe in a future for them. I loved her big moment as she took courage in hand, trusted her instincts, and went after what she wanted. Ranger's reaction made it the perfect ending for this book.
The secondary characters in the book were almost as much fun to watch, especially the various subjects of Ember's matchmaking attempts. Though she'd had several earlier successes, in this book, nothing seemed to go right. A good part of it was caused by her desperate attempts to fix Ranger up, leading her to push a couple of unlikely matches. It was fun to watch her subjects resist her maneuverings and end up with the right matches in spite of them. I also liked catching up with both Ember's and Ranger's siblings, and look forward to seeing Rhett's turn on the hotseat.
April 3, 2018
I love Ember and Ranger. Ember is afraid to take a chance on love but Ranger change her life and her opinion about love and life. I am still afraid to follow my heart and tell my fiancé everything because I am scared he would run away.
the way that Lori write her character is so unique. I love the town Cupid, Twilight, Jubilee. she inspire me to follow my dream of being a writer.
the way that Lori write her character is so unique. I love the town Cupid, Twilight, Jubilee. she inspire me to follow my dream of being a writer.
April 5, 2018
Whenever I pick up a book by Ms Wilde, I know that the story will not only be entertaining, but also thoughtful and insightful.
This one takes us back to Cupid, TX and this time the story belongs to Ember Alzate and Ranger Lockhart.
Ember is a natural matchmaker , with no luck getting a match for herself. Her best friend Ranger, is looking for a bride. While Ember is determined to find him a bride, Ranger, is starting to think Ember might be IT for him.
It’s a sweet story about childhood friends, that realize they might become more than that. But what if it doesn’t work out?
So, pick up the book, take yourself to Cupid ,TX and enjoy another entertaining story by this talented author.
This one takes us back to Cupid, TX and this time the story belongs to Ember Alzate and Ranger Lockhart.
Ember is a natural matchmaker , with no luck getting a match for herself. Her best friend Ranger, is looking for a bride. While Ember is determined to find him a bride, Ranger, is starting to think Ember might be IT for him.
It’s a sweet story about childhood friends, that realize they might become more than that. But what if it doesn’t work out?
So, pick up the book, take yourself to Cupid ,TX and enjoy another entertaining story by this talented author.
April 3, 2018
Lori Wilde has produced another amazing Cupid, Texas romance. “How the Cowboy Was Won” is an emotional love story with a lot of steam. I loved this small town story and all the dancing around that Ember and Ranger were doing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews