Tropes: Cowboy Romance, Rivals to Lovers, No-Strings Attached
Blurb:
All is fair in love and rodeo.
As the second woman in history to qualify to ride rough stock professionally, McKayla dreamed of making a name for herself. Trailblazers allowed nothing to get in their way, and neither would she.
Fresh off an injury, Wyatt returned to the arena with a vengeance, focused on winning. As a champion on the rise, there was no room for distractions. Not even the woman who bucked like a bronco between the sheets.
Their one-night stand turned into a heated rivalry. Who will win the title? And at what cost to their hearts?
(Rodeo Rivals is part of a Multi-Author Charity Collection Benefiting Kerr County, Texas. A collection of romance, romantasy, and mystery stories where every page gives back. For 90 days from the date of publication, participating authors are donating at least 50% of royalties to the Kerr County Flood Fund to help victims rebuild after the July 2025 floods.)
*****
Review:
Rodeo Rivals is a fun, little steamy novella. As such, their romance is pretty short and sweet, but Jayne does a great job of introducing her characters and creating a connection between the two. There’s a good conflict with the rivals element as McKayla tries to make her mark in a male dominated field but Wyatt proves himself to be a real stand up guy all around. Supportive and respectful (with a good dose of dirty talk) in the bedroom and out. I do wish we got a little bit of an epilogue tho (or maybe another story in their world :)) because I enjoyed them so well together and want more.
After an annoying, albeit sexy, encounter with Milo Lombardi, he’s the last person I want to see in Windy Harbor, Minnesota. Being in my favorite small town near Lake Superior with my family is my idea of heaven, and after clashing with Milo at an art event, and then kissing his face off right after – I’d be fine if I never saw the man again.
Even though he is sinfully gorgeous, and knows how to use those unforgettable lips.
But my dad has other ideas, and because he’s been dealt a blow that threatens to turn our family’s world upside down, I want to do what’s best and keep the peace.
Which means, I’m stuck working on a project with Milo, all day, every day.
And if I thought we didn’t get along in the beginning, it’s nothing compared to dealing with him on a daily basis. He has a unique way of bringing out the worst in me, while showcasing his annoying smirk in the process.
If only I could forget how his mouth felt on mine, and the way his strong arms felt wrapped around me.
Take this Heart is book one in the brand new, interconnected standalone Windy Harbor series.
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I adore Willow Aster’s stories. The ones I’ve read are full of charm and humor and feels and this one fits right in. There’s a kind of enemies to lovers thing on Goldie’s part and she does give Milo a bit of a hard time. She’s got her reasons but she does run hot and cold. Milo seems to be all in on her sass tho and once they stop fighting it doesn’t take them long to fall in love – maybe not long enough for some, it is a bit of insta love 🙂
As the first of a new series, we’re also given a glimpse into the characters for future stories – Goldie’s siblings and friends – and I cannot wait to see them all fall in love. They are a big loving group with big hearts and big personalities. There are a few characters from other stories that make appearances but it isn’t going to impact new readers, just a touch of fun for returning ones.
There’s also a little family drama that will probably work its way into the rest of the stories. I’m not going to give much away but it does cause some issues for Milo & Goldie and isn’t completely addressed by the end (although I wouldn’t technically call it a cliff hanger). The project the family is working on also isn’t finished so they will likely help tie the series together.
Small town romances are some of my favorites, with their quirky characters and the way everyone knows everyone’s business, and Aster brings it. Take This Heart is a slow burn, fabulous start to a new series and I’m ready for the next book already!
This is book 4 in the Rosewood River Series. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed! Rosewood River Series: Steal My Heart My Silver Lining Over The Moon Crazy In Love In A Heartbeat Whisper Sweet Nothings
*****
Review:
I was a little nervous about this one because Bridger straight up bullied Emilia over the Taylor Tea stuff but I had faith that Pavlov could turn it around and she did. I came out appreciating Bridger’s grumpy self and how he loves his family, and loves big, but is obviously dealing with a lot. (I originally thought that someone should have pushed him into addressing that earlier but in reality he had to want to before it would actually do any good.)
Emilia is also dealing with a lot, with Bridger but also her own family. And I think that explains a lot about why she reacted to Bridger the way she did. I was there tho for her as she finally found her voice with ALL of them. She deserves so much more from so many people.
Crazy in Love is a slow burn, with an enemies-to-lovers thing going on. That’s not usually my thing but I really liked the way this one played out. The banter is well done (it has a very Pavlov feeling) and the transition of their feelings is organic. I really liked how the third act issues are resolved (although maybe a bit more from Emilia’s mother would have been nice … I mean, ugh, that woman!) and their path to a HEA worked.
Part of a series but can be read on its own. Although you’ll appreciate these people even more for having read the rest 🙂
Mike Armstrong puts his life on the line every day but he doesn’t like being called a hero. Fighting fires is his job. It’s in his blood. A profession that has made him a confirmed bachelor—until a certain female lights a fire under his skin.
Cassie Peters spends her days teaching children and her nights dreaming of Mr. Right. Shy and self-conscious of her curvaceous body, she keeps men at a distance—until she meets the sexy firefighter who keeps her awake at night.
Passions soar and desires burn hot, yet each is afraid to surrender to love. Together, they overcome their fear of rejection, completely unaware there is a more dangerous peril. A thirst for vengeance threatens the firefighters of Station #8 placing Mike and Cassie directly in the line of fire.
A profession that has made him a confirmed bachelor – A teacher who spends her nights dreaming of Mr. Right. Passions soar and desires burn hot, yet each is afraid to surrender to love. The first book in the saga. 5 Men – 5 full length books. Together, the hero and heroine overcome their inner conflicts to achieve love completely unaware there is a more dangerous peril—one man’s revenge.
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I liked Mike and Cassie’s romance, each with understandable hang-ups and reservations. And the suspense element is interesting, although I didn’t know going in that it wasn’t going to be resolved.
But there were things I didn’t like about them as well. There was a throwaway fat shaming comment from Cassie that I didn’t appreciate – especially with her own body issues thanks to her sister. And it did seem like their relationship was mostly based on sex. Lots of talk about their physical attraction to each other and their physical attributes. It didn’t feel like they really got to know each other as people.
It is nicely steamy tho with a found family aspect to it that I liked. Not only the brotherhood made by the guys at the fire station but also Cassie’s friendship with Tammy. So while it might not have been the smoothest of stories, I’m curious to see who is targeting the fire station & how that plays out, as well as learn more about the other guys and their path to a HEA.
*****
Author Info:
Samanthya Wyatt writes sizzling hot romance with suspense. Intensely emotional characters with a deep passionate love for friends, family, and most importantly—between the hero and heroine. This best selling/ award winning author has 14 books published traditionally and independently, in historical and contemporary romance. Under the pen name S. R. Wyatt, she has set flames to the pages of the popular Firefighters of Station #8 series. Additionally, she has written a book of one family’s struggle based on true life events.
Samanthya left her accounting career and married a military man traveling and making her home in the United States and abroad. She now lives in the Shenandoah Valley. On a sunny day, you can find her and her husband driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway or going to classic car shows in their 1969 Mustang convertible, and 302 Boss Mustang. She loves long walks, and a book to read on a sandy beach. Starbucks is her favorite drink, and she likes hearing from her fans.
She invites you to lay the worries of the world off your shoulders and get lost in the pages of a romance, where you embark on a journey with the hero and heroine, become involved in a dream, plunge into a world of fantasy, and live an adventure your heart can share.
Go to my website, sign up for your free ebook of BEN – The prequel to The Firefighters of Station #8
As the thirtysomething captain of the Exeter Seagulls, he’s built a career on strength, silence, and shielding his emotions as ruthlessly as he does his teammates. But when an injury rocks his team—and a series of frustrating media storms threaten to unravel his legacy—Cam finds himself one mistake away from losing everything he’s worked for. The last thing he needs is a distraction.
Enter Brent sunshine in tattooed skin, newly settled in Exeter, and a little too perceptive for Cam’s comfort.
Brent came to England chasing purpose. What he didn’t expect was a brooding rugby player with eyes like winter and walls like stone. But the chemistry? Immediate. Irresistible. And very, very mutual. Brent isn’t afraid to get under Camden’s skin—and he’s definitely not afraid to stay there.
When a one-time tattoo consult turns into stolen kisses, slow mornings, and a summer of something that feels a lot like more, both men are forced to face the Falling for each other wasn’t in the game plan. And neither is what happens when the spotlight turns on their relationship.
With mounting pressure, cross-continental tours, and past insecurities clawing their way to the surface, Camden has to decide if love is a risk he’s finally ready to take. And Brent? He’s ready to prove that he’s not just a distraction—he’s the reason to stay.
A swoony, slow-burn MM sports romance full of banter, bruises, and unexpected tenderness. grumpy/sunshine vibes, emotional intimacy, found family, a meddling little brother, and the hottest “oops, I sent you a sex tape by accident” moment in romance.
(Full Tilt is book five in a brand-new sports romance shared world. Featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.)
*****
Review:
Cam has been burned in the past when it comes to his sexuality and really struggles to open up to someone else. Brent wonderfully supports Cam. Showing him the patience, understanding, and support that he needs. And it is beautiful to see as he brings big, broody, grumpy Cam around to seeing how good it is between them.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read one of Seymour’s book and I have no idea why! I love the way that she balances the angst, heat, & feels and gives us a satisfying story without a lot of hulabaloo at the end. Be ready for a slow burn, with a mix of humor & fun to go with the growth & sweetness.
(This is the first in this interconnected world that I’ve read and I didn’t have any issues at all so definitely can stand on its own.)
One grumpy gargoyle. One hopeful vampire. One chaotic witch. Three fated mates face a looming threat.
Pavel has been called cranky, aloof, and an exacting musical genius, but what should people expect? He’s three thousand years old. He’ll soon be entering the final stage of a gargoyle’s life span, transforming into a statue and going dormant forever.
So why would the universe throw his mates at him now, when he has so little time left? He desperately wants to protect them, to guide them, but he’s terrified he’ll be a burden as he descends into oblivion.
Justin is working hard to overcome his anxiety and stay positive as he rebuilds after a disastrous few years. When he discovers his two fated mates at his new opera job, he rejects them out of hand. Sure, giving up control to these two men would fulfill every one of his fantasies, but love already screwed up his life once.
Sebastian is a witch with a rare affinity—chaos—and that quality follows him wherever he goes. His opera career is taking off, and finding his mates is just the cherry on the sundae! Even if they may not be ready for the power of his seductive, mischievous personality.
The three soon find that ignoring their connection is impossible, especially when they have to see each other every day. And they can’t escape each other when they’re trapped together in the opera house elevator.
But whatever headway they’ve made is arrested by the return of Sebastian’s power-hungry sister. Can the three fated mates accept their bond in time to survive her attack and save their new family?
The Maestro’s Mates is a 65,000-word poly (MMM), fated mates, vampire/gargoyle/witch romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a grumpy gargoyle, a chaotic witch, and the hopeful but self-doubting vampire that falls for them. It also has steamy scenes and the violence you might expect from a vampire story. It is a standalone novel in an interconnected series. Not suitable for readers under 18.
*****
Review:
Any time you bring fated mates into a story it kinda gives authors the OK to gloss over the actual falling in love portion of the story and while Warrick kinda did that here the rest of the story is really enjoyable. I liked the dynamic between the three of them and how each of them came to accept their future together in their own way.
I also really enjoyed the danger element related to Sebastian’s sister. I felt like it was well paced and resolved well. Although I felt like maybe Sebastian was a little too quick to forgive his mother for her part in the issues within their family. There is a lot of hurt there, among all of her kids, and there could have been more resolution to it.
The Maestro’s Mates is a light read, fast with plenty of heat, and fun. It is the first by Warrick that I’ve read and I’ll be looking for others.
When Cooper Adams gets a call for help from a young rodeo kid he knows like family, he has no choice but to help. He’s a bullfighter, after all, and Benji might be of age, but he has a bunch of siblings who are not, So when the kid is injured, he just takes all of them back to his place in Northern New Mexico, lock stock and barrel. It’s not like they have any other family in the country now that their folks have passed away.
Brooks Whitehead has been working as a horse trainer on a station in Australia, toiling away for a millionaire with tons of money to burn. But when he finally gets the news that his brother and sister-in-law are gone, he heads back to the States to find and help their kids. What he discovers is that Benji doesn’t want his help, and he has to ask Coop if the man is willing to let him stay on and get to know his family again.
The two men work to help heal the kids from their loss, and Benji from his broken pelvis, but they also find they had a lot in common. They’re both cowboys. They both want to do right by those kids, And they have a chemistry that’s undeniable. But when they get separated by work and circumstance, can they come back together while they still have time to do it?
*****
Review:
I enjoy the heck out of Tortuga’s stories. Granted I’ve only read two 🙂 but they have been a pleasant slow burn ride with interesting characters and realistic plots. Unlike Hats to Boots, my only other read, there is minimal angst or drama with this one. Mostly just what you would expect raising a houseful of kids. And while the romance isn’t really the focus of the story, instead it’s about them figuring out how they all fit together, I still enjoyed seeing these two fall in love and make a life together so, so much. It’s all sorts of sweet and uplifting and gooey goodness. And those kids are just all sorts of adorable, as are their uncles.
*Part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.*
Genre: Military Romance Standalone Tropes: Brother’s best friend, forced proximity, alpha hero, bodyguard, soulmates, action and suspense, found family
Blurb:
HE THINKS HE’S TOO GUARDED TO LOVE.
Army Captain Nic Romero fears one thing: consequences.
Losing an arm and a leg in battle because he trusted the wrong woman was brutal enough. Now, he has a second chance at his military career with Project VIPER, the classified program that transformed him from a wounded warrior into an elite fighting machine.
This time, his walls are as impenetrable as his bionic body. But a blazing encounter at the beach with a secret-keeping siren threatens his defenses.
His only focus should be protecting her from a deadly threat. Problem is, her safety isn’t the only hard part of this mission. He’s already experienced the thrill of her addictive heat. Another hit could trigger consequences more dangerous than the enemy.
SHE THINKS SHE CAN’T BE PART OF HIS WORLD.
Dr. Olivia Darren never meant for her overprotective brother to find out she seduced his VIPER teammate. But thanks to the trouble tailing her, one night with playboy Nic Romero has morphed into a fever dream.
Now she’s entangled in a classified world of secrets and shadows with Nic assigned as her protector. His constant presence screams danger, his touch feels like a dare, and the powerful feeling that she’s destined to repair his wounded heart won’t retreat.
She doesn’t belong in his perilous world but try telling that to her heart that may have finally found where it belongs.
There’s so much about these stories that I like. I love the guys together – how their injuries and recovery has bonded them into a family. The women are sassy, smart, and strong. And Wolf does a great job of tying her romance and suspense elements together.
Pretty much my only real complaint is something that has gotten better as the series has progressed – this author loves to use similes and metaphors. In the first story, it seemed like every third sentence was one, but either I’ve gotten used to it or she has gotten better about it 🙂
Otherwise, I really have enjoyed getting to know the men of Viper and watching them fall in love. I’ve also liked the way that Wolf ties all of the threads together over the course of the series. I’m looking forward to seeing Linc fall in love and how things get wrapped up.
While it can technically stand on its own, would be better enjoyed after reading the rest in the series.
*****
Author Info:
Kristie Wolf is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense.
When she was a teenager, she read her first romance novel and connected with it so deeply that she immediately told her mother she was going to write one. She is thrilled to bring that dream fully to fruition with the release of Too Dangerous to Love, Book One in the Project VIPER Series.
While her career as a marketing professional in the government technology space hasn’t taught her to troubleshoot a computer, she’s fascinated with what happens when technology spectacularly fails. The chilling stories she’s heard from the nation’s tech leaders are the catalyst for plots about maniacal terrorists but don’t worry. Her military and law enforcement alpha heroes and badass heroines always save the day while burning up the pages and finding happily ever after. She’s looking forward to sharing the VIPER world with you starting with the October 2023 release of Too Dangerous to Love, followed by the February 2024 release of Knife to the Heart, Blood Snow Series Book One, and the Fall 2024 release of Too Lethal to Love, Project VIPER Series Book Two.
Kristie resides in Maryland with her husband – aka her tech support – and her two teenagers who participate in nearly every sport or activity ever invented. Many of her words are written on the pool deck, on the sidelines and in the bleachers, or in her car. When she’s not behind her computer she can be found:
· Training for her next half-marathon or walking her Vizsla and her Pittie-mix rescue while listening to her favorite authors.
· Watching cheerleading videos on her phone because she misses being a coach.
· Learning everything she can about Elvis Presley because she’s going to write a romance novel based on him someday.
· Making space in her closet for another pair of cowboy boots she doesn’t need but has to have.
It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. Ever since that night two years ago, I’ve never felt completely safe. So I convinced myself the strange sense of being watched was all in my head. My PTSD flaring up just as it had in the past.
Then I was nearly run off the road on my way home from work, and as much as I wished it was just a coincidence, I knew it wasn’t.
I could go to the police, but I wanted someone I trusted to help me.
So I called Rafe. My brother’s former teammate and best friend. And—though I’d never let on for a second—the man who’d held my heart ever since I met him.
As soon as Eden told me she was in trouble, I dropped everything to help her.
“Maybe it’s nothing,” she told me. “But things have been happening.”
I didn’t need to hear more. If Eden needed me, I would be there. And if someone was bothering her, I’d teach them that they messed with the wrong woman. Because as a bounty hunter and former Green Beret, I’m the last person they want to piss off.
When I arrive in Portland to find Eden terrified and in danger, every protective instinct comes roaring to the surface. And I’m furious that someone would dare try to hurt her.
I’m not the white knight I always thought Eden deserved. Far from it. But I’m a dangerous man when someone I care about is threatened. And Eden? I’ll do anything to protect her.
Protected from Malice is a slow burn friends-to-lovers story with a morally grey hero who’ll do anything to protect the people he loves, a brave and intelligent heroine, a team of Army veterans, thrilling twists, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments. No cliffhangers and a happily-ever-after guaranteed!
I’m really enjoying these stories from Cobie, although she does put her heroines through a whole lot 🙂 Poor Eden just doesn’t catch a break, but she does have a great team to back her up. Between Rafe & her brother & their friends, they’ll figure out exactly what’s going on and keep her safe.
Eden is dealing with some heavy stuff and calls in Rafe when it becomes obvious that she needs help, and he calls for more help when things get even more serious. Time spent together as they try to figure out who wants to hurt her has Eden and Rafe growing closer and the guys finding a new purpose post-military.
Protected From Malice is the beginning of a new series, but with guys that returning readers will recognize from some of the previous stories. And will be happy to see getting a series of their own. One that includes all the slow burn heat, suspense and danger that Cobie’s other books are known for. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the guys getting their HEA.
*****
Author Info:
Gia Cobie is an award winning author living in upstate New York with her husband and small zoo of animals. She loves writing about protective heroes and the strong women they fall in love with.
In her spare time (when she has any!), Gia enjoys reading and spending time in the Adirondacks, and also has a weakness for reality romance shows, wine, and buying way too many books!
From USA Today bestselling authors Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams comes the heartfelt conclusion to the Comeback Duet. Knox delivers a steamy, found-family MM baseball romance where love in the spotlight collides with family tensions and an injury that could cost them everything.
Blurb:
Being with Crew is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even better than getting called up to the majors. We may have started as a fling, but he’s my end game now, the part of everything I want beyond baseball.
There’s another guy in his life now, though, and he’s making up for lost time with his son Grady. I’ve been trying to find my place with them, and most days I think I have. Other days, it’s hard to ignore how Crew might want something easier for him and his son, a future without hotel rooms, stadium lights, and road games.
When Grady’s mom gets into a car accident, everything becomes more uncertain. None of us know if she’s going to make it, and I can’t stop thinking about the choices Crew may need to make and what that’ll mean for us. If he walks away from the game to focus on his son, I’m not sure if there’s still a place in his world for someone who’s gone half the season.
Losing them would wreck me, and if they’re no longer mine, there’s no comeback from that.
I wrote in my review for Crewthat I didn’t want any more drama for these two and I pretty much go what I asked for. It’s overflowing with steam and feels as the two of them try to find their footing with their relationship, their jobs, and Crew’s son. There is very little angst but just a slow burn as they struggle to figure out how everything fits together, often feeling like something has to give.
Especially Crew as he tries to make up for lost time with his son as well as help Mallory after the accident that was the cliffhanger for book 1. He wants to be with Crew and play baseball and be there with Grady and with Mallory but with spring training starting, and then the season, he’s away as much as he is home and he is stuh-ruhg-ling. He’s just not sure how he can balance everything without feeling like he’s missing out or letting someone down.
Unfortunately it often leaves Knox feeling a little on the outside. He’s a great boyfriend, and is wonderful with Grady, but so much has happened so quickly that he doesn’t always know how he fits. But that doesn’t stop him from jumping in with both feet and doing everything he can to support this little family they are making. Together, with the help of friends and family, surely they can figure it out.
It’s a good ending to their story, and I felt satisfied with where it took them, but I’m not sure it’s going to be for everyone. Especially when compared to Crew. This one still has all the emotions, but they are quieter than the gut punch that the first one was at times 🙂
*****
Author Info:
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter who keeps her on her toes.
Rachel Lyn Adams is a USA Today Bestselling author who was born in Southern California and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, five children, and a crazy number of fur babies. In 2017, she took a chance and published her very first book. Little did she know just how much that decision would change her life.
Romantic Reads and Such 