She’s chaos in scrubs. He’s control in cowboy boots. And the sparks between them? Wildfire.

Tennessee Lisle has spent his life holding everything together—his family, their businesses, the town that relies on him. He doesn’t bend. He doesn’t break. And he definitely doesn’t fall for reckless, barefoot dreamers who talk to deer and smell like wildflowers.

Except…he might be falling for one anyway.

Matilda Stark has zero interest in playing by Cowboy Point’s rules. She’s a vet tech with a rescue animal problem, an ancient truck, and a lifelong thing for the brooding cowboy who acts like feelings are a four-letter word. Tennessee is quiet, steady, way too serious—and more addictive than sin.

He’s her opposite in every way. But Matilda’s sure they fit.

When she decides to take the initiative in the form of a puppy, it becomes clear that Tennessee will have to choose: keep playing it safe, or risk everything for the only woman who’s ever made him feel.

And Matilda? She’s done waiting. If this is real, she’s not letting him walk away.

Not without a fight.

Titles in the Family Matters of Cowboy Point series include: The Cowboy’s Least Likely Bride ~ The Cowboy’s Pretend Bride ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  The Cowboy’s Least Likely Bride
Series:  Family Matters of Cowboy Point #1
Author:  Megan Crane (aka Caitlin Crews)
Published:  February 19, 2026
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Cowboy’s Least Likely Bride begins the Family Matters of Cowboy Point series with Tennessee and Matilda, two people whose chemistry is wildfire… and about to burst into flames.  Cowboy Point is a small community near Marietta, Montana, one of my favorite fictional small towns, so expect to (perhaps) run into some familiar places or faces.  We’ve met Tennessee and Matilda in The Cowboys of Carey Point series, but now we get to know them better, and that spark between them is a lot more apparent.

Matilda and Tennessee are about as opposite as two people could get.  He’s been the strong head of his family since his dad left, and the unofficial mayor of their small community.  He takes his duties extremely seriously, doesn’t really deal with “emotions,” and is quite content with his life.  For the most part.  Matilda is a vet tech, a woman with a deep love for animals and a very serious crush on Tennessee.  They’ve been circling around each other for years, but now Matilda is done with that.  She knows that Tennessee is the man for her, and it’s about time that he realizes that fact as well.  And if it’s said that food is the way to a man’s heart… well, Matilda believes that puppies are far better for anyone’s heart.  And that is exactly what she gives to the man she’s after… puppies, furry, cute, cuddly, rambuncious puppies.  Tennessee never had a chance.

I had an absolute blast with this opening story.  There is a family drama that will (most likely) play out during the series, but it’s not overwhelming… just a fact of this family’s life now.  I loved watching how Tennessee grew throughout the story, how he allowed those pesky emotions to take hold, and finally understood what he’d be losing if he let Matilda slip away.  Their story is well-written, emotional, sensual, with laughter and tears scattered here and there.  I’m definitely looking forward to more stories in this series, and would highly recommend it.  There is a connection to the world of The Cowboys of Carey Point series; however, you don’t need to have read that series to enjoy this one… but I would recommend it, as it contains some amazing stories.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Do you love anything (any story) that’s even slightly connected to Marietta, Montana?  Yeah, me too.  Be sure to visit our Marietta, Montana pages (this link is where this series is located – there are three pages :)) to catch up on any you might have missed over time.  It’s quite an amazing and diverse community, with happily-ever-after endings guaranteed.

**Also, if you enjoy this author’s work, please visit our Megan Crane page with lists or links of other titles you may have missed.

 

This title is available at Amazon