Million Dollar Cowboy (Cupid, Texas, #5)

by Lori Wilde

[Lynn]

Ridge Lockheart is back at the Silver Feather Ranch in Cupid, Texas for the first time in ten years and if it wasn't for his childhood buddy's wedding, he doubts he'd ever come back at all. During his absence, he's built up a company that's made him even richer than his father. A hollow achievement to outdo the man who brought him up. On arrival, he spots a woman who's appearance awakens feelings that he thought were long buried. His plan was to hang around long enough to perform his duty as best man for Archer Alzate, but now he's torn between his work commitments as CEO of Lock Ridge Drilling and his desire to act on the long-buried attraction.

Kaia Alzate's life isn't quite how she planned, but she's making as much effort as she can to reach her goal of becoming a vet. A fractured pelvis caused by a near-fatal car accident has slowed down her plans, with money tight, she's working to make ends meet, but still happy she's caring for animals. When her older brother's childhood friend arrives to be best man at his wedding, Kaia's drawn to Ridge Lockheart as she always was, only she's no longer the pesky little sister. However, he's only in Cupid for three days, can she chance to risk her heart for just a little bit of him?

I loved all the feels within this novel.
Heartbreaking. Ridge is a complex man. He may be an accomplished businessman, but underneath his alpha façade, he's walking around with the weight of the world on his shoulders...a burden, lifted if only he'd communicate his feelings rather than run away from them.
Hope. The complicated relationship Ridge has with his father Duke. Kaia's steadfast ambition to become a vet.
Romance. When two people that have known and loved each other for years, finally manage to get on the same page of life.

Million Dollar Cowboy has a wonderful mix of entertaining secondary characters who enhance the adorable, protagonists story, set against the arid Texan desert. Their inclusion adds humour and just a touch of interference in the way that family members do. Although, part of a series, this novel can be read as a standalone and if you are not familiar with Lori Wilde work, this is a wonderful place to start and experience the richness of her writing. If like me, you're acquainted with the author's other novels, you'll love Ridge and Kaia's story.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Books via Edelweiss+***