Books Like Yellowstone

I haven’t kept it a secret how much Nick and I have enjoyed watching the show Yellowstone on Paramount. We always struggle to find a show we both love and this was a huge winner. I can’t wait for me! One of my favorite parts of the show is how it incorporates First Nations and Indigenous culture, as well as Own Voices actors. I enjoyed this article from Vulture that explores the nuances of the show

These 10 books capture the same feelings from the show. From non fiction to cowboy romances, you’ll get swept away into the Montana mountain ranges in these stories and hopefully learn a few things along the way.

A Sharp Solitude by Christine Cabo

This is a dark and thrilling mystery that occurs after brutal murder of a journalist near the Canadian border. The prime suspect, Landon, happens to the ex-boyfriend and father of the lead investigator, Ali, back at the Montana FBI offices. Landon calls Ali for help while being questioned but turns the questions on her to find out what really happened to the journalist. Landon flees to avoid being arrested and Ali is left to grapple with the reality of her job and not wanting her child to experience the same sense of abandonment she did.

Highway of Tears by McDiarmid

This is a nonfiction book that is so timely and it’s something Yellowstone touches on briefly. I wish they’d explored it more because not enough people are talking about it! The cover says it all and I think it definitely puts the show into perspective, which is incredibly important for readers and viewers.

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Confession: I’ve never read any Nora Roberts. But after putting enough of these book lists together, I can confirm she has a book for literally every subject possible. Montana Sky sounds like if John Dutton had all daughters. When Jack Mercy dies, he leaves his 20 million dollar ranch to his three daughters, all born of different mothers. When they gather to hear the reading of his will, they learn they must live on the ranch for one year before they can have their inheritance.

A River Runs Through It by Norman McClean

This book is an autobiographical novella from the author that captures the rich expanse of western Montana and the great rivers that through it. It’s haunting, magical, and a classic short story.

Secret Nights with a Cowboy by Caitlin Crews

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is the relationships. I love Monica and Kayce and Rip and Beth. They’re complex, passionate, and utterly cowboy. Gotta include a cowboy romance then! This is about Riley and Rae who burned hot and fast as young newlyweds and now Rae is ready for a divorce. Riley isn’t ready to say goodbye.

Holidays on the Ranch by Carolyn Brown

This book takes us to Texas instead of Montana but it still captures the fierce rough and tumble of Ranch life. It’s got the small town vibes, a romance between old friends, and great side characters.

Montana Cowboy Romance by Jane Porter

The title says it all in this twist on the marriage of convenience trope. Joe Wyatt swears off love but he needs a wife and children to pass his family’s ranch onto. So he keeps it all business and places an ad for a wife. Sophie is left at the altar and wants to start a family so she sees Joe’s ad and thinks it’s the answer to all her problems. But now, can a marriage of business turn into a marriage of love under the great Montana sky?

Heartbeat Braves by Pamela Sanderson

I was so happy to find some romances by Indigenous authors! This is the first is a romance series from Pamela Sanderson about Rayeanne and Henry who have very different views of life on the reservation they grew up on but are forced to work together when the Center is in crisis.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich-Smith

This is a recent purchase of mine and I’m SO excited to read it. It’s a YA novel about a high school senior who breaks up with her boyfriend after he mocks native culture. She teams up with another member of the school paper to cover their school’s inclusive production of The Wizard of Of, which is making waves in their very white Kansas town. Tension mounts at school and between Louise and Joey, but Lou desperately wants to protect her heart.

Reckless in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell

Another Texas based cowboy romance! A rough and tumble bullfighter and a single mother who is looking for love.