Tough Luck Cowboy

Tough Luck Cowboy was such an unexpected surprise! This enemies to lovers/second chance romance hooked me in right from the start and though this is my first time reading a cowboy romance, I know it won't be my last! This is book 2 in the interconnected standalone Crossroads Ranch series, and can be enjoyed without reading the previous book, Second Chance Cowboy. I really loved both Luke and Lily. The tension and build up between them was so delicious and fun. I loved seeing their oil and water mix and watching all the sparks fly. ;) There is so much unsaid between these two and their circumstances couldn't be more complicated, with Lily being the ex-wife of Luke's best friend. Through it all though, you can't help but root for these two to get their second chance. One of my favorite things about the two of them is that even with the threat of loss looming or the odds stacked against them, they don't give up their individual dreams and hopes (much to the dismay of the other at times). Even though Luke was emotionally closed off and Lily's instinct was to run, I still found these 2 characters very brave and strong. Things move pretty quickly in the book, but considering this has been three years in the making, it didn't feel rushed or like instalove at all. Though I really enjoyed the ending and epilogue (I'm hoping for more details or an epilogue further down the road in the next book or beyond), I was left curious about the future of Tucker and Luke's friendship. Their reckoning was quick due to the timing of their discussion and just didn't seem fully resolved to me. Perhaps this will also be addressed in the next book. I actually have not read book 1, Second Chance Cowboy, but Ava ended up being one of my favorite characters. Her friendship and loyalty to Lily was unwavering and her analogy to being Lily's bra was the best! Everyone can only hope to have a friend like her. I also am very intrigued by the youngest Everett, Walker, and am excited for his book next! *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Lily's birthday is spent finalizing her divorce and offering to cater her now-ex-husband's wedding. Talk about starting a book off with a bang!! Luke and Lily seem to hate each other but when they end up being thrust together constantly, they have a chemistry that can only be described as explosive. Luke is a laid-back, reckless rodeo cowboy. Lily is a Type-A, driven chef. They seem so different which is why when they met, Luke differed to his friend. But the more time they spend together, the more their similarities come to light and their hate grows to more than either of them were expecting. I loved Luke and Lily!! I was immediately pulling for them. Even though there was definitely some drama in their story, I felt like this book was mostly light and feel good. I am loving this Crossroads Ranch series and I can't wait to see what happens in Walker's book! *This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*