Make Me Yours, Cowboy

Cowboys in Paradise #2

by Dylann Crush

A country music star escapes to Paradise Island and discovers a muse beyond his wildest dreams in this sexy romance from the author of Kiss Me Now, Cowboy.

Knox Shepler is a country superstar in his prime, but each release takes him further away from the classic country of his roots. His agent suggests a compromise: if Knox writes another pop-crossover album, he can cut a single playing the music he's passionate about. Paparazzi make inspiration hard to find on the road, so Knox heads to Paradise Island, posing as a contractor to hide his true identity.

Claudia Alvarez went viral several years ago for all the wrong reasons. Since then, she's been keeping a low profile by working at A Cowboy in Paradise. The bar's finances aren't what they used to be, so in order to save the only place she feels safe, Claudia proposes renovating the bungalows on the property to generate extra income.

When Knox and Claudia are forced to work together, he finds inspiration and she discovers it might be time to open her heart. But as the truth surfaces, Claudia must decide if she can face her fears for a chance at the love of a lifetime.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Dylann Crush writes contemporary romance with sizzle and sass. A romantic at heart, she loves her heroines spunky and her heroes super sexy. When she’s not dreaming up steamy storylines, she can be found sipping a margarita and searching for the best Tex-Mex food in Minnesota.

Although she grew up in Texas, she currently lives in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul with her unflappable husband, three energetic kids, a clumsy Great Dane, a rescue mutt and a very chill cat. She loves to connect with readers, other authors and fans of tequila. You can find her at www.dylanncrush.com.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Crush...
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Instagram: @DylannCrush
Twitter: @DylannCrush

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, but not as much as the first book. Em and Justin just hit more, you know? I do like Knox though, and Claudia is okay, they had some cute moments, but I'm not sure how to rate this because the whole time my mental rating went between a three and a four.

The main reason being that Knox waited forever to tell her who he really was, when he could've done it earlier. But I'm glad that when Claudia found out and was inevitably upset, it didn't last that long.

I'm still planning on reading Decker's book when (if) it comes out, but I think the first one will be hard to beat.

3.5

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Paradise Island and see if country music star Knox can stay incognito long enough to find his muse. He needs to write new songs for his album, but his style is not what the label is looking for. His awkward meeting with Claudia, who is also on Paradise Island for her own reasons, does not get the two off to the best start. Can these get past the hurdles of what they are hiding to make it? A fun, and sometimes predicable read, but worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knox is a country music star who is heading back to his roots on Paradise Island to try to connect with his present. He needs to be able to do what his label wants from him while staying true to himself. While on the island he works as a general contractor renovating the bungalows.

Claudia went viral several years ago for all the wrong reasons and has sought solace on Paradise Island since. She manages a bar called A Cowboy in Paradise. With revenues down, she convinces the owner to renovate the bungalows to bring in extra income and she’s been working on it.

When Knox and Claudia are forced to work together, they each must decide how much to share. If they’re willing to put themselves out there, will they find love.

This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. It reads that the main character of the next book is introduced in the prior book, so when you pick it up, you don’t have a ton of back story you missed. I loved learning about Knox and Claudia. Their relationship was fun. I do enjoy forced proximity romances and this one didn’t disappoint. The writing was a lot of fun and kept me engage. The big scene was well done, and I appreciated that I didn’t have to deal with an entire book of banter before sealing the deal. It was about midway which is always my preferred spot.

If you are looking for a fun and adorable romance with some great banter then grab a copy of this one June 27th.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, @berkleyromance, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Additional links will be added once posted closer to publication.

[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to a cowboy romance, this one wasn't exactly what I signed up for. This one is more of a celebrity romance, with the hidden identity trope. It wasn't bad, and the couple was sweet enough. I just hoped for something a little different, so that's on me.
Knox and Claudia had some adorable moments together, and this one didn't truly do anything offensive to me. It's just middle of the road, and not the most memorable.

[Bri Little · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.25 stars*

Not really my type of romance. I found the dialogue cheesy and unoriginal. I felt lukewarm about both the characters.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush is the 2nd book in her Cowboys in Paradise series. We meet Knox Sheplar, our hero, who is a country music star, and is under pressure from his manager and label who want him to finish his album, using the studio’s themes. Knox decides to go back to his roots, and travels to Paradise Island to find his muse; especially, to write songs he enjoys to sing and hopefully salvage his career. With help from a friend, Knox will meet the owner of A Cowboy in Paradise, and he goes undercover doing renovations on the bungalows (he loved working with his hands as a teenager), and uses the name Nolan.

Claudia Alverez, manages the bar at A Cowboy in Paradise, she works closely with her boss, and when Nolan shows up, Claudia is irritated, since it was her idea to fix up the bungalows. Claudia has been in Paradise for 4 years, having run away from her previous life, with a break up with an ex-boyfriend, and a career that fell apart.

Nolan (Knox) and Claudia agree to work together in renovating the bungalows. Knox and Claudia are instantly attracted to each other, but she fights off getting involved, and he is determined to win her over. In a short time, the chemistry between them is amazing, and they both fall hard for each other. Knox learns about what happened with her ex, who was famous, and Claudia did not want to be in the spotlight, which also caused her to lose her career; Knox fears if she knows he is a country music star, he will lose her. He knows he has to tell her who he really is, but must find the time to reveal his secret; especially since Claudia has become his inspiration and muse to write songs.

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was a fun story that kept me glued to my kindle. I loved Knox and Claudia together, as they were so great together. This is a heartwarming passionate love story, with so much emotion, pulling on your heart. What happens when Claudia discovers the truth about Knox? Will she face her fears and open her heart?

Make Me Yours, Cowboy was so very well written by Dylann Crush. This had a bit of everything to enjoy; small town, cowboy romance, country music, and love. I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was a very enjoyable read.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Rae Latte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't miss this strangers to lovers, contemporary cowboy romance, small town, country music, and a little bit of spice. If Knox Shepler can find his muse maybe he can salvage his next album and his career. The plan is simple, hide out for a bit, write a few songs, and revive his career. Will he be able to stay out of the spotlight and under the radar? The only thing he didn't plan on was meeting his muse, now the only question is how long can he keep his secret?

Claudia found escape on Paradise to find herself and escape her past, how long will she be able to keep her secrets? What will happen when she meets the one man whom awakens that piece of her that has been pushed so far back that it might never be found again?

Sometimes a reset button can bring us the one thing we never imagined, will Claudia and Knox be able to trust each other? Everyone needs a group of friends they can lean on that won't push as you work your way through a painful past. How long will it be before others figure out the pieces that neither want to share?

Don't miss a love story that has heart, spice, and a place to call home. Head to Paradise Island and discover your true north, your purpose, and hopefully love.

I am so in love with this book and it's the perfect addition to your next vacation or weekend read this summer. Now that I know it's the second installment in the Cowboys in Paradise series I plan to catch up and hope there will be more adventures headed our way. While this is part of a series, you can absolutely enjoy this as a standalone like I did, and then if you crave more ... grab the first book and dive in!

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the advance reader copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hallelujah...
For the lighthearted, heartwarming, and oh-so-sweet, contemporary romance with a cowboy theme.
Knox is just a 'good ole country music mega-star'. Being hounded by his label. To "pop things up" misic-wise. When all he really wants to do is sing the country songs that are the hallmark of his roots.
But...
First things first.
It seems that Knox won't be singing too much of anything. If his long lost writing mojo doesn't return.
Soo...
Off he goes to spend a few months renovating bungalows on Paradise Island for his friend Chick.
And of course...
Not being Knox!!
Enter Claudia.
Cute, clutzy, and just Knox's type.
And just like our leading man. This girl has secrets to keep.
One of which is so big that it has literally kept her bound to the island, and the bar at which she works. for the majority of the time that she has lived there.
See where this is going yet?
Cute...right.
This second offering in the Cowboys In Paradise series really rings all the bells for a perfect 'beach read'.
Secrets, lies, second chances, romance, music, idyllic settings...
Did I mention secrets and lies?
Though the plot is admittedly quite formulaic.
The charm of the 'two regular people getting to know each other.' Is what really works to win readers over.
The love scenes keep things at a nice slow simmer. Leaving Knox's paradoxes to keep things jumping plot wise.
Until the grand finale.
This light and breezy romance is an easy 'one sitting' read.
With just enough of all the right elements to prove enjoyable.
It must also be said that even though this book is the second of a series. It reads very much like a standalone.

Reviewer's Note
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing the review copy upon which this honest review is based.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox and Claudia’s story is mesmerizing. Both have their reasons for being on the island and avoiding the spotlight. As a country singer who has lost his muse and is under pressure to get another album produced, Knox has come to Paradise Island to lay low, collect his thoughts and find some inspiration. Claudia came to the island four years ago, distraught and looking for a place to hide and regroup. She shuns social media and anything to do with celebrity or gossip of making the news. She is definitely not up on who’s who in the music world and doesn’t recognize Knox when he frequents the bar where she works. As far as she knows, he is just someone her boss hired to fix up some bungalows in need of repairs before they can be rented. Knox is happy to let her believe until he begins to see that she is the woman he has been waiting for, his One. After discovering her story and why she has hidden herself away on Paradise Island, he is afraid to tell her his secret for fear of losing her. Knox sets out to help her come to terms with her past and get past it with the hopes that it will help her want to be part of his life. He doesn’t want to choose between his music career and the woman who has his heart. Yet, secrets come out whether we are ready to tell them or not, and when Claudia learns his, will love or heartbreak be the end result?

I loved these two characters, flaws, quirks and all. They make each other better, and they inspire each other. Their story is a bit bumpy like most good ones are, and entertaining as well. This book makes the perfect beach read. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily writing this honest review.


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[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so very happy that I found this author. I've been really enjoying her books. Make Me Yours, Cowboy is the second book in her Cowboys in Paradise series. I really enjoyed the first one and also had fun reading this one.

You'll really enjoy both Knox and Claudia. Both might be hiding out for their own personal reason but when it comes to being together their realities take a backseat. I think it was because of the fact that they are on a island together.

I will say that musicians are not my go to heroes. I'm not sure why. Weirdly I'd rather have a UPS driver be a hero than a rockstar. Saying that I still liked the story even with that fact going against it. I enjoyed being with them as they worked out all the things they needed to clear up.

You can tell that they work together as a couple even if they don't see it right away. I think sometimes you think live should go one way when it goes whatever way it wants to. I really liked that Claudia became his muse. It was a great way for them to start getting close. This is a perfect summer read.

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ARC received for an honest review

[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of "Make Me Yours, Cowboy" it was so good!! ❤️

Knox and Claudia are so cute together and the emotional scenes after she finds the truth about who the guy she thought was named Nolan actually was were so well written. I could feel her pain over when it turns out the guy she fell in love with wasn't who she thought he was.

Another thing I loved about the book is that there is the perfect amount of steamy scenes, the story focuses more on them falling in love and getting to know each other instead of just hooking up and making out.

This was the first one of Dylann Crush's books that I've read and after reading Make Me Yours, Cowboy, I can't wait to read more of her books, including the next book in this series.

*I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Dylann Crush is book #2 in the Cowboys in Paradise series. Claudia Alvarez works at A Cowboy in Paradise on Paradise Island, but she had a much different life before she landed on Paradise Island. Country muusic star Knox Shepler found himself trying to stay incognito while staying on Paradise Island trying to reawaken his muse enough to write songs for a new album. I liked how these two, with hidden backstories, came together and fell in love. Of course, there were plenty of bumps in the road before Claudia and Knox achieved their Happily Ever After. I figured out parts of the storyline ahead of time but I really liked the characters and I enjoyed the story.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I'm with you...

This story cannot be missed. It is filled to the brim with emotion. You will fall in love with Knox and Claudia. The two of them cross paths on Paradise Island, both trying to escape the pressures of life. Knox needed to get inspiration to create music that means something to him personally. He finds his inspiration in Claudia.

Claudia had to get away from the scrutiny and limelight after an event in her life blew up social media. Knox and Claudia are instantly attracted to each other. Both of them do not want to get involved in a relationship, but things don't always work out the way you planned.

A heartfelt passionate love story that will pull at your heartstrings.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. The writing flowed well, and I liked Knox and Claudia together for the most part. I know that they both wanted to keep things in their pasts hidden, but the constant inner dialogue from both of them about it got a little tiring. I found Claudia overly dramatic at times. The way her past was written I thought she was running from the mafia. The truth wasn't near as serious lol Also they way she reacted when she found out about Knox. Thankfully that didn't last too long. Knox definitely shouldn't have kept quiet as long as he did, but it all works out in the end. I loved the setting of this one, and the imagery of this setting was wonderful. I would love to find out what happens with Decker :)
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Pam Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back in Paradise Island, Texas with Knox Shepler (Country singer) & Claudia Alvarez for their story!! After reading this book, you’ll want to go there too!! Knox is going incognito to Paradise Island to write music for his upcoming album & help Chick out with remodeling his bungalows. He’s working with Claudia (who works for Chick at the bar) who’s been hiding out for the past 4 years from her past & has her own secrets. This is their story of healing, finding love & finding their own individual happiness as well. It has all the feels & you will experience them all with this couple & we get to visit with our favorite recurring characters including the adorable Tripod the turtle!! Such a funny, entertaining, emotional story with wonderful characters, it’s an absolute must read!! I voluntarily read for an honest review.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by Dylann Crush that I've read and I have to say, I am really enjoying this author's voice. She pulls me into her stories, gives me complex characters I can cheer for, long-standing friendships that warm my heart, and an island hideaway I would love to explore.

Full review to come closer to 27 June 2023 publication date. In the meantime, I recommend reading book one, Kiss Me Now, Cowboy, Justin's and Emmeline's friends-to-lovers story where both Knox (book two hero) and Decker (book three hero) are introduced.

*Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review

[Lovely Loveday]

Make Me Yours, Cowboy is a delightful romance that had me captivated from beginning to end. This heartwarming tale is brimming with humor, genuine emotions, and a generous dose of Texas-sized family drama. From the very first page, Crush skillfully weaves a story that effortlessly transported me into a world of love, passion, and undeniable chemistry. The characters come alive with their unique quirks and endearing personalities, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey. Memorable characters and a captivating plot left me swooning and yearning for more.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me Yours, Cowboy is book 2 in the Cowboys in Paradise series by Dylann Crush and another great read. 4.5 stars

What happens when a country music superstar comes to Paradise undercover to find his muse and another is flying under the radar? They are forced to work together, keeping secrets, facing fears…read on for Know and Claudia’s story.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author, NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, The Feels that these two are going to hit you with are huge!! I fell head over heels for Knox and Claudia. Their romance manages to be sweet, heartfelt, emotional, dramatic, and poignant. That means your heart gets a solid workout, but the swoon is so worth it. I am independently posting an impartial review.

[esha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love LOVED this book ! It was very much slow burn and I absolutely adore the fact that Claudia didn’t immediately drop everything over a handsome man. The chemistry between them was definitely there and Knox is such a freaking sweetheart I am obsessed. I’m not usually one for Cowboy romances but this was good!! 5/5 every time

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the character Knox. I loved the plot. It had everything to be a great story line for a singer falling for your average “girl next door” plot. However it fell flat in some areas because of the leading lady Claudia. She came off too immature at times. It wasn’t a bad book, still worthy of giving it a read.

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story, and the characters immensely, I wish the secret wouldn't have been dragged out for so long. I feel like it overshadowed the story a bit, but I loved the friendship that they formed while forced to work together on repairs.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fab read, the story of Knox and Claudia. She doesn't know who he is when they meet and as they grow closer and start a relationship he still doesn't tell her, so what will happen when secrets are revealed? A great read. I loved both characters, dual point of view and the setting

[Shelly Brouillette · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this storyline was super predictable, it was still really cute. Not sure if the 4-star rating is because I did truly like the story, or if it was because I needed that palate cleanser and it made me happy.

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish, just couldn’t get into this book, tried multiple times, do like author just not this book

[zoë · Rating 3 out of 5]

am i into cowboys? 🤠

[Fos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

Narrator: Teddy Hamilton 🧸🌟

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to PRH Audio for these complimentary audiobooks. These opinions are my own.

This book continues the Cowboy in Paradise series. Rather than much focus on a cowboy romance, this is a celebrity romance. Knox Shepler is a famous country star. His label is pushing him towards increasing pop appeal, while he is hoping to return to his roots in country. He escapes to Paradise Island to work on his songwriting. And he runs into Claudia, the bartender who lives on the island to escape her own viral infamy.

This books relies heavily on miscommunication and secret keeping. Essentially, both of the main characters are hiding from the world and from each other. Because they are staying on a remote island, we only get occasional insight into other characters who are important in their lives. I found it tough to get invested in their stories.