Cowboys Don’t Come Out

Cowboys Don’t Come Out is a hard book to review. Despite having issues with the writing style, instalove, and some extreme cheesiness, I liked the characters and their story. Both the narrator and author were new to me, so I went in not really knowing what to expect, but the story held my attention and the narrator delivered a solid performance.

Beginning with a standard enough plotline, Cowboys Don’t Come Out features two closeted men who meet while one is vacationing and form an immediate connection. Both Rand and Kai have their own reasons for not coming out and the explanations make sense rather than feeling like a convenient plot point. I found both men incredibly likable and admirable in their own rights, especially Kai’s commitment to his siblings. However, the romance between them is a bit rushed due to the accelerated timeline and would have benefited from more development. I missed that emotional chemistry that takes time to foster. While lacking some depth, it is difficult to not root for these two and I enjoyed the somewhat unexpected path their romance takes.

Writing style wise, I’d characterize the tone as casual. The pace is brisk, but the conflicts all resolve completely by the end of the book. Where it fell apart for me was the inner monologues. There are a lot of them in which the characters chastise or argue with themselves. While this sufficiently shows Rand and Kai’s inner turmoil over coming out and pursuing a relationship, excessive inner dialogue isn’t my favorite. Worse, this style really doesn’t work for audiobooks. It is difficult to track what is said aloud or in the characters’ heads at times and just makes for an awkward listening experience. My only other major issue is the cheese factor. Obviously this is completely a matter of personal opinion, but I found myself rolling my eyes at the excessive cowboy jokes and innuendoes, as well as some of the internal commentary from Rand and Kai.

While I certainly have some issues with the stylistic choices of Cowboys Don’t Come Out, I can’t deny that I liked the characters and story. I remained invested in Kai’s and Rand’s personal situations and romantic connection throughout the book. The narrator uses a good tone and speed and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to listen to him again. I think readers and listeners looking for a sweet romance with likable characters will enjoy this title.

*Reviewed audiobook for Alpha Book Club*

Okay, so reading books about sexy cowboys is one of my guilty pleasures. Plus, I am a huge fan of Tara Lain. So, when I heard that Tara had written a book about sexy cowboys, I freaked and jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy. Let me tell you, that woman is one talented author. This book was excellent!

Rand McIntyre learned long ago that being gay and a cowboy is not good at all. In fact, it can get you killed, or at least severely beaten. Now an adult, Rand is a closeted California ranch owner who loves teaching children to ride horses. He really does enjoy his life, but there’s something missing; something he doesn’t think he’ll ever have. Love.

After a harrowing flight to Hawaii (okay, only harrowing to him since he’s afraid of heights and flying), to celebrate the Christmas holiday with his parents, Rand meets Kai while out dancing one night. Mmm… Kai. A paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) who works for the hotel that Rand is staying in, Kai Kealoha is basically Rand’s wet dreams come to life. And, when Rand meets Kai’s brother and sister, they get along like peanut butter and jelly.

The problem is that Kai has his own secrets (including being gay, of course. Because, y’know, cowboys don’t come out), and they get even harder to keep the closer he and his siblings get to Rand. What are these secrets Kai is trying so desperately to keep from coming out? -pun intended. *wiggles eyebrows* What happens when Rand’s vacation is over and he has to go back to California? Is there any hope of a future between Kai and Rand? Oh, please do get this book and find out. I swear you’ll love it!

Honestly, words cannot begin to describe how much I loved this book. It was so easy to get emotionally invested in Kai and Rand’s relationship both with themselves and Kai’s siblings. I cried at least twice. What is it with books and making me cry lately? This is the third one in a row! Well, okay Tara Lain always makes me cry at least twice in every one of her books. But, I think of it as a sign that the author has done something very right to get me to react like this.

Anyhoo… Tara Lain, you are one crazy talented author. I encourage everyone to take a chance on Cowboys Don’t Come Out, because it is absolutely wonderful. Well done, Tara.

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book and I was right. I ended up loving it! Cowboys Don’t Come Out is one of those stories where you know what needs to be done and you wait for the characters to figure it out.



This is so much more than a romance; it’s a story about family. Kai lives in Hawaii with his brother and sister. He’s sacrificed his whole life for them and harbors so much guilt, sadness, and low self-esteem. He’s gay and so far in the closet he’s living in Narnia.



Rand is a cowboy from California. He owns a ranch, has amazing parents, lives with a secret that has pretty much ruled him his whole life. He’s also closeted. But he’s also everything Kai and his siblings need…. Love and a family.



This story warmed my heart so much. I was crying and smiling and aching. My heart was a mess and the emotional suspense was so well done. Nothing felt dragged. The author’s timing of character discovery and plot were, in my opinion, spot on. There’s depth to this tale and a lesson too. Times are changing but fear doesn’t go away with the passing years.



Cowboys Don’t Come Out is a story about love being stronger than hate. It can’t erase the past but it can heal your present and smooth out your future. This is a feel good triumphant book and you should absolutely read it!

*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

Romance, suspense, and a great bunch of characters. Rand finding strength and courage. Kai learns to relax and trust. What a great journey. Love Rand's ranch and the guys he trusts to run it.