Cowboy Strong

The solid seventh cowboy romance of bestseller Brown’s Longhorn Canyon series (after Cowboy Courage) is a fake relationship romance done up in Western trappings and given a sentimental twist. At 29, Alana Carey is a capable cowhand in her own right, working closely with her father on the family ranch. But her carefree world is disrupted when her father tells her he has cancer. He’s been given six weeks to live and says that his final wish is to see her married. Hoping to cheer him, Alana impulsively responds that she’s engaged to her old friend and neighbor, Paxton Callahan. Then she has to break the news to Pax and hope he’ll play along. Pax has always had a crush on Alana and agrees to help her out, allowing Alana’s father to plan them an elaborate wedding. Neither is prepared for the sparks that fly, causing each to secretly wonder if their faux relationship should be a real one. The premise is absurd and the characters old-fashioned, but Brown’s execution is serviceable and the fake engagement trope is fun enough to carry along this pedestrian romance. Brown’s diehard fans will be satisfied. Agent: Erin Niumata, Folio Literary. (July)