TV cowboys have stolen our hearts with their rugged charm, slow drawls, and complicated pasts—but what if we told you there are book boyfriends out there who match their energy beat for beat? From Yellowstone’s brooding bad boys to Ransom Canyon‘s small town men, we’ve rounded up fictional cowboy romance leads who give us the same swoon-worthy vibes. Saddle up and get ready to meet the bookish counterparts to your favorite small-screen cowboys.

If you love Staten Kirkland from Ransom Canyon

Then read: Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage

In this heartfelt second-chance romance, Camille Ashwood returns to small-town Meadowlark, Wyoming, after her wedding falls apart, only to find herself living next door to Dusty Tucker, the man she’s never been able to forget. Dusty, a man who has spent years running from their past, is determined to show Camille they can start fresh as friends, but their old feelings ignite once again. With his quiet strength, loyalty, and the ability to protect those he loves, Dusty’s rugged, emotional depth makes him a perfect match for fans of Staten Kirkland from Ransom Canyon.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Walker from Yellowstone

Then read: Roping Wild Dreams by Lucy Harper

If you love Walker from Yellowstone, you’ll definitely want to meet Nathan Booth from this steamy rodeo cowboy romance. Like Walker, Nathan is a playboy with a reputation for causing trouble, but beneath that swagger lies a man with depth and vulnerability, especially as he begins to show a softer side while working with rescued horses. The sizzling tension between him and the heroine builds into a passionate and unpredictable love story.

Buy the book now: Amazon

If you love Delores from Westworld

Then Read: Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey

In Upright Women Wanted, Sarah Gailey reimagines the Western with a queer, antifascist edge. Esther, like Dolores from Westworld, begins naive but grows into her power after fleeing an arranged marriage and mourning her lost love. On the run in a dangerous future Southwest, she joins a group of rebel librarian spies on horseback.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Jamie Foxx’s Django

Then Read: Tempest by Beverly Jenkins

In Tempest by Beverly Jenkins, Colton Lee is a Black doctor and rancher whose strength and resilience echo Django’s spirit. Like Django, Colton is fiercely protective, honorable, and willing to fight for love in a tough, unforgiving world. If you loved Django’s grit and heart, Tempest is a must-read.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Kayce from Yellowstone

Then Read: Wild Side by Elsie Silver

In Wild Side, a woman is forced to marry the brooding, mysterious Rhys Dupris to keep her nephew, only to discover the tender, protective man behind his quiet, scarred exterior. Rhys’s fierce loyalty and hidden vulnerability match Kayce Dutton’s energy perfectly—both are silent protectors, haunted by their pasts but unwavering in their devotion.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Spencer Dutton from 1923

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

Where the Lost Wander echoes the emotional depth and sweeping drama of 1923, especially the romance between Spencer Dutton and Alexandra. Like Spencer, John Lowry is a rugged, battle-worn protector caught between worlds, whose love for a strong-willed woman blooms amid hardship and danger. Their journey across the American frontier mirrors the perilous odyssey Spencer and Alexandra face—marked by loss, longing, sacrifice, and a love that endures even when torn apart by tragedy.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Tristan (Brad Pitt) from Legends of the Fall

Then Read: Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope

If you fell hard for Brad Pitt’s wild, passionate Tristan Ludlow in Legends of the Fall, you’ll want to saddle up for Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope. Like Tristan, Nash Carter is rugged, intense, and hiding a tender heart beneath his rough edges. When he and CeCe Ashby go from old friends to undeniable chemistry, it’s the kind of sweeping, emotional love story that feels every bit as unforgettable.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you love Rip from Yellowstone

Then Read: Heartless by Elsie Silver

What do we love about Cade Eaton—and Yellowstone’s Rip Wheeler? That irresistible mix of gruff exterior, unmatched loyalty, and the way they go all soft for the people they love. Cade, like Rip, is a rugged, no-nonsense cowboy who doesn’t say much, but when he falls, he falls hard—and watching him slowly open up to Willa, the younger nanny living under his roof for the summer, is pure romance gold. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is addictive, and Cade’s quiet, protective love will have you swooning just like Rip always does.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble