If people could marry phones, I think I would marry my iPhone. Why, you might ask. The answer is simple: iBook. Being my first rodeo with an iPhone, one of the first perks I discovered was iBooks and the plethora of free books available for download. I downloaded some classics, Finding Cinderella, and a dozen romances I would never admit to reading but that made me squeal in delight when I did. Hired by the Cowboy is the latest of my cheesy free romances.

This is not your average marriage of convenience story. Alexis Grayson is alone, pregnant, and homeless, working at a smoky bar to keep food in her mouth. Connor Madsen is desperately trying to save his family's ranch from falling apart, but he needs to access the trust fund his parents set up for him. Problem is that he can't get into it until he's 30 or married. Meeting by chance, sparks fly between Alexis and Connor. Realizing that Alexis could help him and needs some help in return, Connor offers her a proposition: marry him so he can get into the trust fund and stay until her baby's born and she's back on her feet, and he'll make sure her and her baby are taken care of. Though reluctant, Alexis really has no other choice and agrees to the deal. Of course, ignoring the increasing attraction they share will be difficult as they continue to grow closer and closer...

I'll admit I liked this way more than I probably should. Alexis was a good heroine: tough and strong, able to take care of herself, but so vulnerable and unsure of what the future would look like for her and her daughter. It's easy to see how she could fall for a man as honorable and kind as Connor Madsen. I fell for him a bit myself. Connor is so kind-hearted and completely unlike any guy I've ever met. I loved how much he cared for Alexis even when he didn't want to admit to it. Johanna was another bright spot. I've never had a grandmother, but I did I'm pretty sure I'd want her to be like Johanna. I loved how gentle and kind she was with Alexis, a girl who's had little love in her life.

The only thing that continually frustrated was the yes-no tango Alexis and Connor seemed to be doing. As soon as one took a step forward, the other took a step back. It drove me up the wall. I wanted to shout, "Get over yourselves and realize you're in love already!" I didn't because it was like one in the morning, but I would've otherwise. Luckily, everything ended up working out in the end. Doesn't it always? The epilogue had me squealing and jumping in joy, and I am not ashamed to say I want the follow-up because I'm now hooked.

If you have iBook, go download this right now!