Audiobook Review: Cowboys Don't Ride Unicorns (Cowboys Don't #2) by Tara Lain

Cowboy Danny Boone—a name he made up one drunken night and has regretted ever since—harbors a big past and yearns for a small future. A short, bright career as a champion bull rider almost ended in his death when his homophobic father discovered Danny was gay. Now Danny longs for a plot of land he can build a ranch house on and enough money to make up for some of the education he missed.

Danny also hides a preference for beautiful femmes who like to top—a combo rarer than a unicorn. Then onto the guest ranch where Danny works drives San Francisco decorator Laurie Belmont, a young man so gorgeous he makes horses gasp, and so ballsy he almost kills Danny’s attacker.

Laurie’s trying to find his way out from under the thumb of a domineering mother, helpless father, and rich, privileged boyfriend.

But no matter the attraction, their lives are worlds apart, and cowboys don’t ride unicorns.

Listening Length: 8 hours and 34 minutes
Narrator: K.C. Kelly

Laurie was a joy to learn about in this story. While I’ll say I wasn’t 100% sold on how he was presented in voice, I will say that I enjoyed his character. His introduction at the ranch was somewhat breathy, but as the story progressed I fell in love with him. He just wanted to support his parents, and had unfortunately been made to feel like a trophy husband was all he would ever be.

Enter Danny. While he was completely enthralled by Laurie, he took the time to really see him. Danny just wanted to be in Laurie’s space, even for a little while, and while he would never poach on a taken man, he couldn’t stop his fantasies.

I enjoy Tara Lain as an author. Her books are always easy to read and engaging. This story has strong character development and a nice plot. There is some drama but it is not deeply angsty, which is a win for me because too much angst is painful for me to read.

This had the perfect amount. Laurie is already in a relationship when he and Danny meet, so the challenge is how to tactfully extract him from it without either of the characters turning into villains. This was done well, and I had no bitter feelings towards either of them.

The chemistry between these two was steamy, and I couldn’t wait for them to rip each other’s clothes off.

There are some fun surprises in store, but watch out for the homophobia and hate-crime. These could be triggers, and are quite graphic. There is also some creepy sexual harassment but thankfully backup arrives before it goes any further.

Recommended for everyone who enjoys Cowboy/City Slicker romances with a femme who turns out to be a unicorn (not literally, this is not a shifter story, unfortunately ;) )