Cowboy romances have evolved from the bodice ripper books of the past. What authors Lyla Sage and Danica Nava say makes a good Western romance.

Chappell Roan has always been a rhinestone cowgirl—she is from the Midwest, after all. The drag persona-meets-pop star is gearing up for the release of “The Giver,” AKA the high-energy country track ...