Release Day Review ~ Cowboys Don't Come Out by Tara Lain

Release Day Review ~ Cowboys Don't Come Out by Tara Lain

Title: Cowboys Don't Come Out

Author: Tara Lain

Release Date: December 7, 2016

Category: Western, Holiday

Pages: 200

Dreamspinner   Goodreads

Rand McIntyre settles for good enough. He loves his small California ranch, raising horses, and teaching riding to the kids he adores—but having kids of his own and someone to love means coming out, and that would jeopardize everything he’s built. Then, despite his terror of flying, he goes on a holiday to Hana, Hawaii, with his parents and meets the dark and mysterious Kai Kealoha, a genuine Hawaiian cowboy. Rand takes to Kai’s kid brother and sister as much as he drools over Kai, but the guy sports more prickles than a horned toad and more secrets than the exotic land he comes from.

Kai’s earned his privacy and lives to protect his “kids.” He ought to stay away from the big, handsome cowboy for everyone’s sake—but since the guy’s just a haole on a short vacation, how much damage can he do? When all of Kai’s worst fears and Rand’s darkest nightmares come true at once, there’s not much chance for two cowboys who can’t—or won’t—come out.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Rand McIntyre lives in California on his small horse ranch, raising horses and teaching kids how to ride; doing everything he loves. He would love to have a husband and family of his own one day, but he's unwilling to come out of his closet. His parents finally talk him into meeting them in Hawaii for a family vacation and he agrees to go even though he hates flying. While on holiday, Rand makes many friends from many different walks of life. While out one night at a local bar, he gets to let down his hair and dance, which he loves to do. He meets the mysterious and quiet Kai, who also loves to dance. After a couple of encounters with Kai, Rand learns he's a cowboy that gives trail rides at the resort Rand's staying at. After going on a trail ride, Rand offers to give riding lessons to a little girl from the resort and Kai's siblings.

Kai is young and for the protection of his siblings, he never allows anyone in his life. He keeps his head down, trying not to draw any attention to his life. He works hard to support his family and sees an opportunity to learn from Rand how to give riding lessons. Kai lacks confidence after being told all his life he was stupid and doesn't recognize how important he is. No matter how hard Kai tries not to be attracted to Rand, he can't ignore the pull to the other man. And when he gives in, it's supposed to be about the sex only but it doesn't stay that way. Before long the two are spending time together and doing things with Kai's siblings. But every holiday has to end and the two are faced with living in different states, with different lives, different hopes and expectations.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part! There were just a couple things that I wanted more of to make it a 5-star read. I kind of understood why Kai was hiding in the closet but it never made sense about Rand. Sure, on a ranch that could be a problem but not with Rand's very supportive parents. And I thought the scenes when they were together alone would have shown some tenderness or love building, but instead, they were more like hook-ups instead of two men that couldn't resist the other and falling in love. But, other than that, this was a great story filled with a wealth of information! I've never been to Hawaii but the descriptions were wonderful and painted a beautiful view.

Rating: 4 stars

5 Stars!!!

A believable fairy tale that ends in a real life HEA. A beautiful intro to this author.

I honestly couldn't have asked for a better intro to this author. This tale had warmth, believability, human decency, optimism, bravery, selflessness, love, generosity, lots of happiness, a little sadness, and one of the loveliest HEAs I've ever come across.

I don't think it's necessary for me to echo the blurb or to try to re-tell the tale in my unworthy words, but I will say that it mirrors the blurb pretty faithfully and that the bit of drama that got alluded to was realistic and one of the most perfect catalysts to bring about a satisfying ending to a lovely tale.

This is a 5-Star Keeper and I'm now off to track down the author's back-catalogue, which, yay!!!, is pretty extensive.

ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press and Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure.