Dylan

Admirand’s second Secret Life of Cowboys contemporary western (after 2011’s Tyler) features lead characters who mistake perpetual arousal for genuine emotion, shortchanging the development of their actual romance. Ronnie DelVecchio moves to Pleasure, Tex. (population 439), from New Jersey after divorcing her cheating husband. She meets Dylan Garahan, rancher, carpenter, and part-time exotic dancer, when he lassoes her as a birthday gift from her friends. Though immediately attracted, Ronnie fears the family curse: every other generation a DelVecchio woman falls in love with an Irishman and has twins, sometimes before marriage. The sweetly aggressive Dylan pursues Ronnie, encouraged by the voice of his grandfather in his head, even though his one previous almost-love experience ended badly. The meet-too-cute, half-baked curse, endless panting lust, and insulting Texas stereotypes make for one ridiculous read. (Jan.)