By: Maria Williams
Cam Locke’s Red River Ranch Romance series brings the charm of the Old West and contemporary cowboy life to readers, blending adventure, romance, and the rugged beauty of ranch life. The books, set against the backdrop of the American West, explore themes of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of cowboys and cowgirls. With authentic details drawn from Locke’s experiences in rodeo, ranching, and life in Texas and Oklahoma, this series stands out in the romance genre for its heartfelt portrayal of life in the West.
One of the most captivating books in the series, Dear Darling Lilli, takes readers back to 1886. William Sullivant, a young orphan, embarks on a journey to build a life as a rancher in Texas. His path crosses with Lillian Eberly, a suffragette and the fiercely independent daughter of a neighboring rancher. Their relationship, filled with tension, humor, and passion, tells the story of two strong-willed individuals learning to navigate love on their terms. William’s rugged charm and Lilli’s determination to stand her ground create a dynamic that keeps readers hooked from the first page.
The Red River Ranch Romance series doesn’t just stop with historical tales. Locke shifts gears with The Four Steps, a contemporary romance about first love, rodeo, and the complexities of reuniting after time apart. In this installment, Burn Sullivant, a skilled roper, and Riley Sanders, a talented barrel racer, meet at a high school rodeo and share an undeniable connection. Their chemistry is immediate, but life and competition pull them in different directions. Four years later, when fate brings them together at another rodeo, they must confront their unresolved feelings. Will they be able to rekindle their spark, or has too much time passed?
What sets Locke’s work apart from other Western romances is the authenticity she brings to her storytelling. As someone who lived the rodeo and ranching lifestyle, Locke writes from deep knowledge and personal experience. Her life, spent breeding mares and attending rodeos, has given her a unique perspective that shines through in her characters and the vivid settings of her books.
Photo Courtesy: Cam Locke
In an interview, Locke shared that writing the Red River Ranch Romance series was her way of reliving cherished memories with her late husband, who supported her passion for horses and the rodeo life. After his passing, writing became a form of therapy, allowing her to immerse herself in the world they once shared. “It was soothing,” she says. “I just wanted to tell people about that life and how it felt.”
Locke’s familiarity with the Western way of life informs the realistic details in her books. She strives to authentically depict the rodeo scene and ranch life, offering a perspective grounded in experience. “I wanted to put out the real deal,” she explains. “Many people don’t understand or care about the ranching lifestyle, but I wanted to share the truth about it.”
Writing has not been easy for Locke, but it has been gratifying. Her dedication to her craft, even without formal training in writing, is a testament to her passion for storytelling. She admits that her books were a big challenge and a significant accomplishment. “You have to stay with it,” she says. “Books aren’t easy, but when you go back and read what you’ve written, and it conveys exactly what you wanted to say, it’s a rush.”
Locke’s love for words is evident in every paragraph of her books. Her admiration for classic literature, like Gone with the Wind, influences her writing style, which focuses on creating a realistic and immersive experience for readers. For her, it’s not just about telling a story but about using language to transport readers into a world that feels authentic and alive.
With the Red River Ranch Romance series, Cam Locke has carved out a niche in the romance genre, offering readers a glimpse into the heart of the American West. Her stories are about love and the strength it takes to live the cowboy life—a life of hard work, independence, and deep-rooted values. Whether set in the late 1800s or modern-day rodeos, her books capture the spirit of the West and the timeless appeal of romance.
Cam Locke’s Red River Ranch Romance series is a must-read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a love story set against the vast, open landscapes of Texas and the challenges of ranch life. From historical to contemporary tales, Locke’s authentic voice and passion for the cowboy way of life shine through, making her books a heartfelt tribute to the world she knows so well.
Published by Stephanie M.
