Cowboys, rodeos, and love
925511
Gah! All the feelings! I loved this book. I wanted the story to go on and on. Two broken people finding new life and love together. Realizing they were better as a pair than alone, but also that they were each whole and enough. Plus, it's full of saucy ranch hands and cowboys, a tribe of sassy girlfriends, and set in the glorious wilds of Colorado. What's not to love?
4382557
I found this book in the bargain bin at one of the local bookstores.  I'm not overly fond of

romances but I do enjoy rodeos so, for a quarter, I felt like I had nothing to lose.  However what I

gained from reading Jo-Ann Mapson's Blue Rodeo was much more than a contemporary

romance; I found a deeply written novel of art, spirit, truth, change, and yes, love.

  Margaret Yearwood thinks she has reached the bottom.  Her marriage to Ray Sweetwater

has crumbled.  Her son Peter has been left deaf after nearly dying from a bout with meningitis due

to a truant outing.  When Peter decides that he wants to immerse himself in the deaf culture, the

only way to do so is by living in a boarding school and residing with a foster couple who are also

deaf.  Only problem is that they live in California and this facility is in New Mexico.

  Peter's defiance and need to cut the apron strings tears at Margaret's heart.  This tears

Margaret to the quick as she had given up grad school to have a home and a family.  To abide by

the residency requirements, Margaret gives up a life of luxury and comfort, which includes a

waterfront home and a sailboat, to try and put down roots in Blue Dog.  Since she'll do just about

anything to be part of her son's life, she rents an old farmhouse.  Her nearest neighbor is a fifty-

two sheep rancher, Owen Garrett, with a past he's running from and secret that haunts his every

fiber.

  There in the desert, the art and creative nature that Margaret has so long tried to deny.

"But what came to her now as she lay in bed was another shock, strangely related.  For years, she

had shunted aside brief, awkward glimpses, peter's going deaf had provided her with an

understanding of the reason she abandoned art when she married Raymond.  It wasn't about Ray's

insistence that she stay home and devote herself to having his babies, a decision she'd ultimately

embraced as sensible and desirable.  When Peter went away she could no couch her excuses under

the heading of motherhood.  Art took time away from other things, certainly, but creativity was a

state of mind you fertilized and tended, not something you made room for."

  So she started painting again, learning the true value of the heart's inner passion as well as

the physical passion that Own re-ignited in the love-staved woman.  First, with both the art and

Owen, her strokes are safe.  But soon she learns that as she delves into the sunshine, so must she

step into the heart's darkness to really love and create.

  I found Blue Rodeo spoke to my creative soul much more than my romantic one. Unlike

most romance novels, Blue Rodeo has a surprise ending that left me feeling hopeful.
505734
If you like your cowboys tough on the outside and tender on the inside, you'll love Colton Hart in CJ Carmichael's American Romance, Rodeo Cowboy. With her well-honed romance writing skill, it is no wonder Ms Carmichael could weave heart-wrenching sentiment into a rough and tumble rodeo story. Living in a wrangling town herself, she also captures the essence of this lifestyle and shares it with her readers through the depth of her characters. It's not too late to find out if Colton 'cowboys up' to his responsibilities in time to win the most valuable prize of his life - the heart of Leah Stockton.
1764071
Loved the characters and the passion they had for each other.  A heartwarming story with some twists and a happy ever after that made me smile.  More cowboy books please Kindle!
2717319
I really enjoyed this Sweet Western Romance. I was given this book for free and have voluntarily chose to review it. This whole story was wrapped around the world of rodeo's. The hero is a bull rider and the heroine is a graphic artist. Lots of interesting situations throughout this story. I really liked the ending.
961710
Series: Strong, Silent Type (Rough Riders, 6.5)

The Stories
Moira Keith's Buckling Down is cute. Levi McKenna intends to leave the rodeo world on a high note and that means Las Vegas. He doesn't count on running into his best friend's sister, Sydney Hart. He's loved her forever but had promised Dusty he wouldn't date her. Then. It's a tale of honor and maturity. Up against a big brother's protective nature. More importantly, it's about believing in yourself and going for it. In every sense.

Lorelei James' Strong, Silent Type is definitely a good description of Quinn McKay. Seems that bad boy has been repressing his inner McKay! This is a sweet story about a long-time married couple who have been taking each other for granted and finally realize the benefits of open, honest communication.

Niki Green's Real Deal is a fun look behind the scenes at a "gentlemen's club". That's the best part of the story. Willa Tate ran off and left Chase Klein at the altar so to speak and now his younger brothers have found her. In the least likely place.

Okay, this was my least favorite of the three. Green spent forever on the build-up and by the time we finally learn just why Willa felt it necessary to run out on Chase, I'm really expecting some big thang. And it is just too lame. Nor does Green explain just why Willa, who is so desperate to be nowhere near the Kleins is working as a stripper so near the Klein ranch. She does do some nice descriptions and interesting characters.

The Cover
The cover breaks the pattern of carved leather. Instead, a nicely delineated male torso rises up from a conjunction of rope and leather against a blurry background of a sunlit background of trees. I liked the raised wood title...even if it is disintegrating.

The title is accurate enough for each couple does engage in a Wild Ride.
35226
5 Bull Riding Star Rating!

  Ride is an excellent combination of lovable and interesting characters, unique plot, some scorching hot scenes and a heartwarming romance. This story has what every story needs a dirty talking cowboy and a spitfire good girl. Once again the author has transported the reader into the story. In this case, the reader is in the rodeo scene. Roxie Noir has made it so believable that you feel like you are riding the bull or about to be trampled if you don't get out of the way. You don't have to be an expert on rodeos or love to read about cowboys to enjoy Ride, because you are drawn in / captivated from the beginning by the characters' lives. I laughed, cried, fell in love, and got choked up while reading this story. I believed in and loved Mae and Jackson's relationship. It started and grew into something wonderful and real. I loved the development of their relationship. I feel that the author made the characters so believable, that you could meet them at the store or on the street. I didn't want the story to end and leave / let them go. Corny as it sounds, in my opinion it is a sign of a great writer / storyteller. Oh Roxie, what you do to me? Ride checked off every box for me. I loved it. It is a must read. *Possible Spoilers*

  Lula Mae Guthrie, a small town girl from Texas, has always been good girl. One night she meets a young man and is almost a very bad. That night reminds Mae what she wants for her future. She didn't want to be stuck with a dead-end job and a couple of kids while still living in her hometown. So, Mae did anything that she had to in order to get out of her hometown. Mae goes off to college and becomes a photographer in New York. Her future changes when Mae get a call from Sports Weekly. It is her first big assignment and will take photos of the bull riders/cowboys at Pioneer Days Rodeo.

  Jackson Cody is a bull rider/cowboy from Oklahoma. He is famous for his bull riding abilities and womanizing ways. Jackson is a true cowboy through and through. He has the scars to prove it. Jackson is a very cocky. He feels that he is best at bull riding and chasing buckle bunnies. Women rate Jackson on Ride A Rodeo Stud, and he has a 4.7 rating. While preparing for the rodeo, Jackson is told that he is going to be interviewed for Sports Weekly. When Jackson is introduced to the photographer, he remembers Mae from 6 years ago. She is the girl that Jackson could not forget and often see in his dreams. After trying to charm the pants of Mae literally, Jackson is told to behave and leave her alone. He tries to focus on the Pioneer Days Rodeo and prepare to move on to the rodeo in Vegas. Mae is also warned to stay away from Jackson by her coworker, Bruce, for the sake of her job. Jackson and Mae are drawn to and tempted by the other person.

  Mae and Jackson have a secret affair, so she doesn't lose her job. It starts as a casual fling. Mae and Jackson each want something more, but don't know how the other person feels. When these two come together, the sex is extremely hot and combustible. The places and ways that they love each other is very creative. "Wink" Yum. Jackson and Mae were a naughty influence on each other, but sweet influence as well. I loved that they got to know each other through text messages, postcards, video calls, phone calls, holding hands, sending gifts, and time spent together. This element / part of the story allows the reader to become invested in story. Mae and Jackson the perfect fit for the other. Mae knows Jackson's  past and scars, but she loves him anyway and would never walk away. Jackson believes that Mae is too good for him, but doesn't mind ruining a kitchen table or embarrassing himself.

  A few of my favorite quotes were:
"You are what I need.."
"Your dirty talk could use some work."

  I was given this arc book in exchange for an unbiased review. ** I enjoyed this book so much, that I promptly went and purchased this book!
2912974
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. As a reader who avidly reads animal stories, I enjoyed this romance that was centered in horse country, although not a horse story. The character development was rich, allowing me to enter their lives and feel actively engaged in the intertwined relationships. I found myself rooting for all the characters, hoping that each one would find the one thing that they were searching for.
2740782
Review by: Bemiown of Night Owl Reviews

Local Jessie McAllen is a rebel, known as the wild child of Cattle Creek, Texas. Chase Langston, who considers Jessie his "girl" has a roaming eye. He has no intention of stopping his wanderlust even though Jessie has been his for quite some time. He likes to flaunt other women's attentions and his attention to them in front of her. Hes not a guy most woman want to call their own.

But Jessie doesn't know something special. One of the other Langston brothers, Sheriff Seth Langston, has loved her from afar for a long time. He calls her "Jessie James".

Seth and Chase both could have their pick of women, and Chase goes after that, while Seth is the quiet, gentle and caring type.

Jessie lives with her grandma. She has had to fight for everything she has. She has finally had it with Chase, Cattle Creek and everything that goes with it. She is ready to leave! That is until life gets complicated as it has a tendency to do. Two brothers, what will happen? Will Jessie realize that maybe she has been looking to the wrong man for love? Will romance and love put the right two people together? Will an unforeseen tragedy ruin everyone's lives?

Amy Lillard gives us characters in Loving a Lawman that the reader can definitely relate to. Characters so well described that you feel as though you are part of their lives. You can picture the scenes as though you are there in the middle of them. Even their clothes are described to a "T". You can picture Jessie's worn cowboy booths and her cutoff jeans. You can see Chase and Seth, different and yet so much alike. What a wild Texas ride! Romance, lust, sweetness, love, heartache and I could go on and on. The author gives you all of it. When you finish the book, you'll want more and more.

Disclosure: courtesy copy from the publisher/author for an honest review.
1288960
I really enjoyed this story by Ms Dunlop. Our main characters, Maddy, a widow with a 3 yr old , and Chase, a bull rider, are both complex, imperfect and interesting individuals who are good hearted but also filled with insecurities, hurt and fears of loving again.
When Chase rescues 3 year old Riley from being stomped by a bull, Maddy and Chase develop a friendship and sparks are flying . Will they trust their feelings, and each other or will they walk away to avoid being hurt.
Throw into the mix four opinionated though loving brothers, a friend who has secrets of her own, and a cute boy, and you have a story worth reading.
I was gifted  this book by Netgalley and Librarything. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
2996646
I had a good time with this book. It is a great read for anyone who enjoys westerns. I grew up on western film but have not read many western books. I enjoyed the characters and got surprised a few times, especially by McFee who ran deeper than I realized at the beginning. I enjoyed his romance with Salome, finding it realistic for his situation and needs. I kept hoping for more after they marry, and you'll have to read the book to see how their relationship plays out. I won't spoil it.

It has some fun cowboy good guy/ bad guy scenes, as well as a bit of redemption in there for good luck. Very enjoyable.
3178537
"Masked Riders" by Parhelion

Jesse believes he would never see his anonymous one-night-stand again, but much to his surprise, Wardley Bridger turns out to be someone Jesse would be spending a lot of time with.  In late 1860's California, sexual favors are traded between men only to avoid the diseases plaguing the female parlor houses of San Francisco, at least that's what the men are telling themselves, including Jesse.  Riding the trails alone with Wardley on a quest to find a ghost rider making trouble near his family's ranch, Jesse finds it difficult to keep pretending his interest in Wardley doesn't run deep.

"Masked Rider" was a good story.  Jesse and Wardley are very opposite in personality.  Jesse constantly struggled with himself about his wants and needs, while Wardley quietly accepted things as they come.  "Masked Rider" was a low keel, but enjoyable story.

"Hung Up" by Cat Kane

Rodeo riding is Billy's passion. It's what he lives for, until he meets Spencer Quinn.  Spencer is not looking to get involved with anyone, especially not a rodeo cowboy, but things never go as expected.

I really liked "Hung Up."  Although Billy and Spencer came from different worlds, they were more alike than one expected.  They were both pretty much alone in life and they have both been disappointed and hurt by those who were supposed to love and protect them.  They both also had secrets and it was these secrets that were the root of their vulnerability.  Cat Kane did a great job with "Hung Up." It was a very enjoyable story.

"Ricochet" by BA Tortuga

To say Holt's break-up with Dave didn't end well is an understatement.  Left with mental and physical scars, Holt does what he should have done a longtime ago when he came north with Dave; he heads back home to Texas.  With the help of his best friend Teague, Holt does just that.

"Ricochet" was good, but I had mixed feelings about it.  Dave was definitely unstable and Holt's actions were justified, but I felt bad for Dave. The violence of the break-up, although brief, was still quite disturbing.  Holt obviously made the right decision to leave. He and Teague were more suited for one another and they were fun to read about.

Under this Cowboy's Hat is chocked full of sexy cowboys and sweet male/male love. I enjoyed it and I'm sure other readers will find one, if not all, of the stories to their liking.

Ley
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
3437245
Paige and Ryan have a great story of the path to healing, and love.  I really enjoyed the details, and background Oklahoma cowboy, Rodeo stuff.
1447583
A sexy cowboy, a sexy, well curvy attorney from the city, a Las Vegas hook up and it takes 2 years to figure out, it happened, how it happened and why you want to move to the Midwest with the cowboy.  Oh, but you are engaged, but to the wrong man.  Mack and Andie will captivate you and keep you turning the pages till the end with their unconventional love story.  Love at first site is real.
1147407
Very good romance novel about cowboys in love.  Best if read in sequence with the other two in the trilogy.
2094786
3-3.5 stars

This was a good story. I liked Lacy and Wyatt and I liked their story. I kind of liked that the story takes place in Phoenix are because I live in the area and recognized the points of references in the book. Be warned, this is an insta-love story. :)

Lacy used to be a barrel racer in the rodeo and fell in love with and married a rodeo cowboy. The only problem is he wasn't much of a husband or father and they didn't last very long. Now Lacy is the single mother of a 4 year old daughter that needs a heart transplant. While trying to see her daughter through her illness, Lacy is also finishing up college with a degree in engineering while working nights at a bar to make ends meet.

Wyatt is a VP for a super conductor company. He has a ranch and horses and loves the rodeo but only participates when there are rodeos near to home. Wyatt doesn't seem to date much but that soon changes when he meets Lacy.

Lacy is working at the bar the first night the rodeo is in town when she meets Wyatt. Wyatt knows he wants Lacy as soon as he sees her but get the wrong impression about her, thinking she's a gold digger. He realizes later that he's wrong but in the mean time it makes him a little leery of her motives. He wants her though and makes a move on her. Lacy doesn't sleep around and hasn't been with anyone since her divorce. She's feeling lonely and needs some comfort and tenderness and with Wyatt she thinks maybe she can get that for a night and fill some of the emptiness for a bit. Lacy thinks Wyatt is a cowboy with the rodeo and figures he'll be moving on when the rodeo does but wants to get what she can from Wyatt while he's around. They go back to her place and things get hot and heavy between them but Lacy pushes Wyatt out quickly in an effort to keep from getting too deep with him and Wyatt isn't too thrilled with that even though he tells himself he shouldn't care.

Lacy sees her daughter in the hospital the next day and finishes her last final for her degree. She has already gotten a job upon completing her degree and she's looking forward to starting it on Monday. She still has a shift at the bar and Wyatt comes seeking her out again. Lacy wants Wyatt again and figures she'll take another night with him if she can and Wyatt wants Lacy and is starting to think he wants something more serious than a fling. Things are a bit weird though because although they feel comfortable together and have major lust for each other they don't know each other at all really and they don't get much time to considering the story takes place in about a week (not counting the epilogue). They both pretty much fall for each other immediately but because they don't know each other, Lacy doesn't realize that Wyatt lives local and this causes some issues between them and with Lacy feeling she can't rely on Wyatt to be around for long. Wyatt find out about Lacy's daughter and wants to help her through the tough time and there ends up being a conflict of interest that causes some drama when Lacy starts her new job. Things do get worked out and Lacy and Wyatt are able to come together to start their HEA.

This was an enjoyable story. Overall, I liked the characters but communication could have been of use on both sides. The story was good and my main complaint is that there was drama and then HEA but not much in the way of good times to show how Wyatt and Lacy work when they're not going through dramatic times. Still, I liked the story and will probably read more by this author in the future. :)
3835772
This is the third book in the Love With Altitude series and can be read as a standalone.

Although he is the centre of attention as the star of the rodeo, Justin Garrison in private is very much the opposite and prefers to spend his time alone. He runs his family ranch and has little time for relationships but when he meets Zoe at a rodeo, she starts to have an impact on his life.

Zoe goes to the rodeo with her besties to hook a cowboy for a one night stand after she is dumped by her boyfriend. Trying to change her luck by being more adventurous, she didn't believe she had any chance with this gorgeous cowboy.

This was a very slow burn romance that initially I found frustrating but then I started to get absorbed by the world building of the western vibe and how two opposites attract. I loved the relationship build between Zoe and Justin and they were both easily likable characters to get to know.

It was a refreshing change in the end to read a book that was all about getting to know you and then moving on to the hotness that was to be revealed. I really enjoyed it and would recommend this book if you are all about the romance first. Four stars.