Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
The popularity of romance subgenres ebb and flow like the tide. Bookish social media is reporting the “death” of historical romance, with some data to back it up, according to analysis available on the Romancelandia subreddit. This so-called death refers to mainstream publishing, which has certainly hitched its wagon to the Western romance star as it lets historical romance drift into the hands of indie and self-publishing.
While there’s nothing new about Western romance, the titles striking it big sure do share a lot in common. Which is to say: cis, white, hetero. This is regrettably common across romance subgenres, but it’s especially galling to see this in Western romance. Cowboy culture wouldn’t be what it is without the contributions of Black, Latine, Indigenous, and queer people, among others. I’ll even give you some titles if you want to read nonfiction about that. You can start with Black Cowboys in the American West, Slapping Leather, and Revolvers and Pistolas, Vaqueros and Caballeros.
Naturally, there are authors writing Western romances that don’t conform to the Marlboro Man standard. And while you may have a grand old time reading the ones that do conform, you’re not getting the full picture. And that’s doing you a disservice when it comes to your ideas about what the American West is. So to help you see the full landscape, I’ve collected some titles.
The Wildest Ride by Marcella Bell
Rodeo romances are my favorites in Western. They’ve got excitement, showmanship, and a hint of the celebrity romance that is my forever weakness. This one even dips into reality television. Rodeo champion AJ Garza is on the brink of retirement, but is going for one more title to earn the money that will save a struggling youth rodeo program. At the same time, Lilian Sorrow Island is competing to save her family’s ranch. If you love a rivals to lovers story, pick this one up.
Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava (out July 22, 2025)
After the success The Truth According to Ember, fans have been eager to read Danica Nava’s next romance. And you will be able to, soon! Pop star Avery Fox caused a stir posing for a Rolling Stone cover wearing a feather warbonnet. She is Muscogee, but has been ridiculed by the public, so she’s staying with her estranged grandmother on a ranch for a while. There she meets Lucas Iron Eyes. The two strike up a deal where she helps fundraise for the ranch in exchange for more insight into her and Lucas’s shared heritage and culture. If you liked that Nava allowed her characters to be messy in her debut, you’ll love this book, too.
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The Cowboy Whisperer by Sabrina Sol
There’s something extra special delicious about two distinct varieties of a similar activity coming together—think the figure skater and the hockey player of classic 1990s movie The Cutting Edge. Here, we pair an equestrian and a cowboy, and doesn’t that scratch the same itch? Veronica del Valle is training for the Olympics, and stable manager/cowboy Tómas Ortega is giving her surprisingly good advice. She launches into a fake dating scheme with him in order to get more of his unique insight, and things blossom from there. Both characters in this super cute romance (which is closed door, FYI) are Mexican American.
His Fresh Start Cowboy by A.M. Arthur
Forget Brokeback Mountain: queer cowboys can get their happy endings, too! This book kicks off a trilogy, so keep going if this one is for you. This story follows Hugo back to Texas where he takes a job working for his best friend’s hot older brother Brand. Hugo had a crush on Brand back in high school, and now the two have a real chance for happiness. As with a lot of romances, both have some internal work to do if the relationship is going to flourish.
If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon
I’m always recommending the Cowboys of California series because it beautifully blends Western with celebrity romance while also retelling fairy tales. This Cinderella story follows Amanda after a one night stand with Oscar-winning actor Sam. In lieu of a glass slipper, Amanda accidentally takes Sam’s swag bag with the statuette itself. She ends up taking a trip to his family’s ranch, and you will want to live there too. This book is my personal favorite of the trilogy, but I definitely recommend reading them all.
Western Blue by Suzie Clarke
Queer. Historical. Western. What more do I need to say, right? It’s 1868, and Caroline Bluebonnet Hutching, aka Blue, has inherited a ranch in Nevada. En route from Texas to Nevada, she comes Isabel Segura, robbed and left with nothing. The two, along with a team of other women, are able to forge new lives for themselves. If you like a romance that also has a chosen family element, you will appreciate this book.
In the Ring with the Maverick by Kathy Douglass
Get into the Brothers and Broncos series! Like The Wildest Ride, recommended above, this book features a couple competing against each other in the rodeo. This book will give you some insight into Black rodeo culture, which is vibrant and exciting. In this story, Audrey is a third generation rider, and she butts heads with Jack Burris, who has some personal reasons why he thinks the rodeo is not a place for women. Don’t worry: he will see the light.
Prize Money by Celeste Castro
How about a sapphic rodeo romance? Meet Toma, a Hollywood equestrian stuntwoman who is currently using her talents to rescue rodeo riders from the dangerous animals in the ring with them. Eva is a rodeo queen who narrowly averts disaster, thanks to Toma. The two spark a friendship that gradually deepens. If you like that slow burn, pick this one up. Also, if you love a sassy grandmother character, and I know I do, you are definitely going to want to meet Eva’s abuelita.
There’s a saying, “all hat, no cattle,” about people who talk a big game but don’t really have the goods. This list is the opposite of that. Hat, cattle, boots, spurs, horses, lassoes, we’ve got it all. So pick a diverse western romance and giddy-up!
The following comes to you from the Editorial Desk.
It’s Pride Month, and while we celebrate queer literature here all year long, we go especially rainbow bold in June. This week, we’re excited to take a look at the favorite queer books of beloved queer authors.
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It’s Pride month, which is the perfect excuse to buy and read a bunch of queer books. One method I really enjoy for finding new books is to take the recommendations of my favorite authors. Carmen Maria Machado hasn’t led me astray yet. Unfortunately, I don’t have these authors on speed dial, but luckily, they usually have shared their recommendations publicly.
Below I’ve put together queer book recommendations from 11 beloved queer authors. Some are from interviews where they discussed their favorite books, and others are book blurbs. Both the authors’ works and the books they recommend cover a wide spectrum of genres and formats, including graphic novels, literary fiction, poetry, biographies, horror, sci-fi, YA fantasy, and more, so there’s something for every kind of reader.
Akwaeke Emezi recommends…
Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde
“Some of the most spectacular writing I’ve ever encountered in my life… Vagabonds! brought me to tears because it gave me a world in which my country could be home again.”
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