Rodeo Queen

Rodeo #1

by T.J. Kline

Sydney Thomas may be the newest Rodeo Queen on the circuit, but she's more than just a pretty face and fabulous horseback rider. If only her new boss could see it! But the frustrating, bossy, drop-dead gorgeous man seems bent on pushing her away every chance he gets. Scott Chandler learned at an early age that he needed to "cowboy up" and take care of his family. The one time he let his guard down, his heart got trampled, and he's not about to let that happen again. He knows Sydney's rodeo queens who hide their manipulative ways behind good looks, tight jeans, and glittery tiaras. But just as Scott and Sydney are finally realizing there might be more to their fiery relationship than scorching kisses and passionate nights, secrets from their pasts come back to haunt them. Will the cowboy and the Rodeo Queen ever be able to ride off into the sunset together?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Western Romance

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 5, 2013

About the author

T.J. Kline has been making up stories since she was old enough to talk and put her first into book form when she was ten.

Since then, she has always loved a HEA and a good thriller. When life introduced her to horses and rodeos, she knew she'd found her calling writing contemporary small-town romances filled with love, drama and, of course, cowboys.

She currently lives in the foothills outside Yosemite National Park with the love of her life, adoring her three grown children from afar and enjoying her three horses, four dogs, five cats and a noisy bunch of hens.

Reviews

[Bette Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a personal favorite but not really sure why. Just never really warmed up to the characters or understood how they got to the love part. Overall though the story isn't bad and it was an entertaining read. It's well written and the story moves along well. I will definitely be giving the next one a shot.

[Helen Stothard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story from this new writer. I confess to having a soft spot for cowboy romances and really enjoyed the introduction to Rodeo in this book.

Sydney and Scott first meet when he practically runs her down with his horse, Sydney is a strong and feisty character who gives him a verbal bashing, before realising she's the man she needs to further her career.

Scott has been badly betrayed in the past and resolutely refuses to believe in love, although he has no problem admitting he's in lust with Sydney. She's just as in lust with him, but he keeps pushing her away.

This book is about learning the difference between caring and loving, it's about letting go and taking a chance, it's good old family values, healing broken relationships and more.

Naturally, the course of true love can never run smooth, and this story is no exception, enter Liz, the vindictive ex who really did a number on Scott and has plans for him. Whilst the introduction of Liz wasn't unexpected some of her actions were. Liz unleashes some truly horrible events that had me in tears at one point.

It's a beautiful story, great descriptions of the work with the horses, and is a charming read. This is an author I will be looking out for again in the future.

[Save Your Money For Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't resist a cowboy romance. Rodeo Queen takes the cowboy romance and brings it to the contemporary romance lover with a unique twist on the norm by taking us inside the world of the rodeo.

Sydney is the Rodeo Queen, but she is also so much more than a pretty face, she is an amazing horse trainer and when the opportunity presents itself for her to prove herself in the rodeo community she takes it, even if it comes with a sexy boss who seems to always think the worst of her. Scott was once burned by his ex- and former Rodeo Queen, he thinks he knows Sydney's type, until she seems to be proving him wrong at every turn. Scott and Sydney are attracted to each other from the beginning, but both fight it, once they give in the fireworks are spectacular.

I gave Rodeo Queen - 4 STARS! I found this to be a good relaxing read that could appeal to fans of cowboy romance and/or contemporary romance. The characters are well developed and there is just enough drama and to keep you enthralled and turning the pages. I enjoyed getting the sneak peak into the world of rodeo. Other characters within this story have the potential for great stories of their own. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Alicia Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very first page, all the way through the last.

Sydney is smart, beautiful female lead character, and a talented horse trainer. Her passion and love for horses is truly admirable. As a horse owner, the author instantly pulled me in with her beautifully written knowledge of horses.

Scott is a sexy cowboy who finds himself drawn to her, even after trying his hardest to resist her at every turn because of his past experience with Rodeo Queens. Scott and Syney's attraction and chemistry is off the charts!

I found myself laughing and swooning over this book well into the morning hours just to reach the ending. Then, I was sad it was over. I can't wait to see if the author continues on with other characters from this book.

You will fall in love with this story. It's steamy moments, suspense, secondary characters, make for a well developed plot and excellent read! I highly recommend it!!

Alicia

[Skye Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***


I loved this book! Such a beautifully written romance that left me wanting more!

I truly enjoyed the writing style, and development of not only the MCs but everyone!

I would LOVE to see some 'spin off' for the other people in Rodeo Queen.

From the first page I was so in love with the cowboy / cowgirl romance.

Such witting writing that kept me turning the pages well into the early AM lol!

I NEEDED to know what happened with these two, both so incredibly strong, yet also incredibly weak when it came to each other.

This was a SOLID 4 stars for me, and I would be happy to recommend this novel :)

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nanee's Review:

This book is sweet, sassy and very romantic. Love Sydney; she's a beautiful, smart and a master horse trainer. Scott is a sexy as hell cowboy whose got a chip on his shoulders when it comes to Rodeo Queens. I loved the first meeting between Sydney and Scott so funny. I think the author wrote these characters perfectly with their longing looks, the soft kisses the heart to heart talks, the jealousy and the arguments. I thought these characters were great along with the secondary characters like Jen, Clay, Mike and Derrik. Can't wait to read more by this author. Review by
Upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a feisty cowgirl and a handsome cowboy, add in the mixture of lively competition in a rodeo setting, and throw in some sizzling romance, and you've got a great story. T.J. Kline's "Rodeo Queen" has all this and more, and fans of contemporary romance, cowboys, and just plain fun sexy reading are going to love this novel!


I love that Kline takes experiences of her own background as a rodeo competitor/rodeo queen and incorporates it into her lively story. Readers will experience a real sense of the rodeo action in this book as they enjoy the humor filled and definitely sexy tale. I loved it and look forward to more from this author.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. It centers on Sydney the new Rodeo Queen and she is also a horse trainer. Also there is Scott. He runs a big ranch and they provide the animals for the rodeo riders. Sydney is very attracted to Scott when they first meet, but they seem to rub each other the wrong way. Mike the man who raised Scott hires Sydney to train their horses for the rodeo circuit. The fur flies when Scotts ex returns to see her father, who is also the man that raised Scott. She doesn't like Sydney and she wants Scott for herself. Its a really good cowboy romance story with a lot of ups and downs

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.J. Kline's Rodeo Queen was a mix of New Adult and Contemporary that I enjoyed! The trope is enemies to lovers and watching the antics of Scott and Sydney as they fall in love had me laughing out loud! There were some suspenseful parts and some heart breaking moments that had me cursing my watery eyeballs, but the author has woven a fantastic love story about two damaged people that overcome their pasts to find happiness. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet romance with a sexy cowboy and a feisty heroine!

[iloveladyporn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney is a tough cowgirl- She is only using the "Rodeo Queen" crown to open doors. Her and Scott get off to a bang up start but there's no denying there are sparks between them. The more they fight to be together the more things seem to force them apart. Scott has been burned bad and refused to really believe what he feels for Sydney is actually love. If he can't get past those walls he built he will loose Sydney forever. A few hot steamy sex scenes. Lots and lots of drama. Fantastic ending.

[Roni Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man what a book. I really want myself a cowboy now. The relationship between Sydney and Scott in the beginning is hilarious. They are both very stubborn people and the games they played with each other were funny. I felt bad for Scott but his judgement of all Rodeo Queens was based only on one girl that shattered his heart and punished Sydney for this. Even to the very end he had a hard time admitting that he loved her. That's all she wanted to hear. Men!!! Great book to read :)

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review will be posted during tour on
Reading by the Book
http://readingbythebook.com

[Heather Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Scott and Sydney. This is a great read. I was up at 3am one night reading. I hope you will give it a try.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As corny as it may sound...I laughed, I cried, I sighed...laughed and cried again. This book was a very emotional read I loved it!

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Sydney was an absolute sweetheart. Scott was a good man other than being thicker than a brick with his "I can never really trust/love anyone again" mantra. Mike, Jen, Clay and Silvie are wonderful and Derrick is great as the conflicted little brother. Of course if he'd cowboyed up and admitted he was in love with Sydney from the start there wouldn't have been a story. The only real issue I had with this story was how easily Sydney was convinced Scott really loved her and wasn't marrying her because of the baby. It was built up to be a major issue in the book and the reason Sydney wouldn't tell him until he told her of his feelings for her. But when she finds out he already knew she was pregnant when he proposed she blows it off and the fact that Jen had told him as if it's no big deal. The proposal was a great huge romantic gesture but I would have thought once she knew he knew before he proposed it would have required some more convincing on his part before she accepted he was marrying her out of love and not a sense of responsibility. That and what happened to Valentino was heartbreakingly sad. Kurt got what was coming to him. To bad Liz never did.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beyond awful. Couldn’t finish. Heroine was pathetic. Hero was hot and cold.

[Catherine Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The talented T.J. Kline transports you into the world of rodeos with this novel. You instantly love Sydney. Her sass and strength doesn't match her Rodeo Queen sash and tiara that sits atop her cowboy hat. I honestly didn't think I was going to enjoy Sydney - I thought she was going to be too girly for me. Oddly, Scott thought the same thing about his 'Princess.'

Scott is an ass. Simple as that.
"You are the most arrogant conceited ass I have ever had the misfortune to meet."
"Sweetheart, you need to get our more."
He is a hard-working man who has no time for love. He doesn't think that silly notion exists either. Scott endured a rough childhood, but he and his siblings were taken in by the most welcoming family in Mike. (Mind you, Mike's daughter, Liz, might be a little more than anyone bargained for!)

Both Sydney and Mike want NOTHING to do with each other. When she is offered the job of a lifetime, why would she think twice about it? Well, it is WITH Scott. Sydney is welcomed with open arms by Scott's siblings and adoptive family. (They all run their businesses together) Scott doesn't let his guard down, he doesn't let anyone in. "You only let people see the rough cowboy side." You can see the love for his family in his actions, in his hard work - he just cannot verbalize it.

Speaking of his family. That is a FUN bunch. You have Jen, who you know is a riot being the only sister of those rowdy Chandler boys. Jen is so excited to have some female companionship in Sydney. Jen found her partner in crime with Clay. I adore Clay. He loves Jen so much, but his snark is perfect.
"And this is why I never take you, woman. You bring everything but the kitchen sink."
"Fine." Jennifer shrugged, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his beard-roughened jaw. "I guess I'll just stay home then."
He growled and place a quick kiss on her lips. "Like hell you will."

Then you have the baby, Derek. Derek is just 22 and doesn't possess the same work ethic that Scott, Jen, Clay and Mike have. He shows an intense interest in Sydney instantly. Shouldn't be a problem since Scott doesn't like Sydney, right?

This book was filled with jealously, love, fights, murder and such a sweet and GRAND gesture to ensure a certain cowboy gets his HEA. "Maybe you should cowboy up and admit the truth." I finished this book just in time to pick up the newest book which stars Derek. Love a romance filled with everything a cowboy loving girl could wish for? What are you waiting for then - pick up Rodeo Queen and fall in love today!

[ysar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott knows better than to trust a rodeo queen. They're trouble in tiaras, interested in the attention and the prestige and all too willing to trample the hearts of the men who fall for their charms. But Sydney is more than the crown she's wearing, and when the two are stuck working together, they soon realize that rodeos and riding aren't all they're interested in.

The Verdict: Cowboys and romance are pretty much the perfect combination for me, and after reading Learning the Ropes, I was happy to get my hands on the first book in the series.

Sydney is strong and confident, and while she have won the tiara, she's a talented horse trainer in her own right. But Scott can't see past the sash and rodeo royalty, and their first meeting is less than stellar, when he nearly runs her down with his horse. Their tension filled first meet, though, is soon followed with the knowledge they're going to have to work together, and for all his prejudices, Scott can't help but begin to see past the title Sydney holds.

For her part, Sydney can't figure out what she's done to ruffle Scott's feathers, but once he puts aside his judgement and begins to treat her like the hard worker she is, their romance begins to take off. His past baggage comes back to haunt them both, though, in the form of the former rodeo queen who broke his heart.

Scott's ex is truly awful, and she teams up with Satan himself to ruin Scott's relationship with Sydney and get what she wants. Scott's too good-hearted to completely turn his back on her, but he knows better than to trust her. Still, that doesn't stop the tension and angst from ratcheting up a notch. Scott's pride got in the way of his intelligence more than once, but he did rise to the occasion and become Sydney's knight in shining armor when it mattered.

Rodeo Queen has everything a country romance should have, from plenty of horses and trailers to sizzling chemistry and more. The authentic look at ranch and rodeo life is reason enough to read the series, but the added drama and even a bit of mystery for a while there adds a great new dimension. Of course the story has a happy ending, but getting to it is more than half the fun.

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite type of hero is a cowboy, so this book was right up my alley. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I had many different emotions join me while reading this story. There was laughing, crying, swooning, and then there were times when I wanted to grab a shovel and beat a few of the characters. T.J. Kine brings us a realistic view of what the rodeo world looks like as well as what goes on behind the scenes. The characters she developed are pure gold with a lot of heart. This story is centered around a sassy cowgirl and a hot cowboy who needs to be broken in. The story starts off with Sydney being crowned Rodeo Queen and then almost being trampled by our hero and his horse. Scott has been burned in the past by a rodeo queen and takes one look at Sydney and convinces himself she's no different. Sydney is the complete opposite of a buckle bunny, but Scott refuses to see the truth.

Sydney is such a great character. She's tough, an amazing horse trainer, and she doesn't hold her tongue. Right from the start Sydney and Scott trade insults with each other, but when Scott's partner offers Sydney her dream job, they know they have to call a truce. Things start to go well between these two until Scott's former fiance comes waltzing back in his life. She is the main reason I wanted to find the shovel!!!

I love Scott, but sometimes it was like he had more pride than brains. Poor guy was convinced love didn't exist because his cheating fiance did him wrong. But he had his family to constantly remind him that Sydney wasn't like Liz and how they are perfect each other. Scott eventually wises up and becomes Sydney's knight in shining armor. The ending was absolutely perfect and I am completely bummed the story is over. This is just one of those stories you never want to end.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of cowboys; I mean seriously now think about it, what’s not to love?? The men have the muscles, the boots oh and the hats! *swoon* But back to the book at hand!
I really enjoyed this book, quite a bit more than I had thought that I would to be honest. The characters were very likeable, and the story flowed extremely well in my opinion. I was completely drawn into the story and I couldn’t put it down once I had started it. The way that Sydney and Scott would go back and forth was very fun to watch their interactions.
With this being the first book that I have read from this author, I was very happy with the way she was able to write such a sweet romance. Even with all the drama that was happening, and the way the characters were able to overcome what had happened to them in their past, I completely enjoyed this story.
I would recommend this to people who are looking for a new romance to read!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott, he has some issues with women in the rodeo, "sarcasm colored his chuckle. "Somehow I don't think it would have mattered if you had. Now, I am busy, so what did you need, Miss Thomas." Also he's not one for allowing drunk men touching his woman, "Scott's jaw clenched as he saw the man slide his hand from her waist to her firm bottom." He's possessive of Sydney he doesn't like to share, "you're mine now, princess." The intensity of his voice left no doubt for either of them. "You realize that, don't you?" He doesn't like being interrupted when the good is getting going, "a knock at the door halted their kiss and Scott growled at the intrusion." Honestly I hope the other characters in the book get a story as well because I loved all of them, well most of them anyway.

[Niccisbookblog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a lovely written romance with a bit of mystery and intrigue thrown in for good measure.

Both the main characters are stubborn and there budding relationship banter is very funny.
Scott has been burned before by a buckle bunny Rodeo Queen and is not going to take that chance again, but Sydney shows Scott that she is no buckle bunny and she can hold her own among the cowboys.

The story flows well, the characters are very well developed and there were some suspenseful parts and some heart breaking moments that had me cursing my leaking eyes, poor Valentino :(

Over all a good read with some great Rodeo action a feisty heroine and a hot cowboy, what more could you want from a good read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

RODEO QUEEN by T.J. Kline is a sweet story set in, you guessed it, rodeo land. With cowboys, horses, cattle and all the rhinestones and glitter you can handle, it’s a fun read even after two years.

The plot is simple, a young woman wants to prove herself in a man’s world, finding love along the way. Our heroine Sydney proves she’s no slacker despite our hero Scott’s belief that she is. The characters are drawn well with great supporting characters that add much and don’t overpower. It’s a story of the backstage of rodeo with the promoters, stock contractors and the people who plan and run the show, an interesting twist on the rodeo cowboy story. It’s hard to believe it’s T.J. Kline’s first book, it's that good.

So if you are looking for a fun story RODEO QUEEN is a good bet.

[Alisa Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney just won the Rodeo Queen title and landed a new job.
Scott has a grudge against all ROdeo Queens- whether he has met them or not.
When Scott and Sydney meet, sparks fly and not just the good sparks.
Between Scott's dislike of Rodeo Queens, his true feelings for Sydney, His brother Derek, his ex-girlfriend Liz and Kurt who has a grudge against Sydney.
Lots of things happening in this book that make it seem like a longer book. But that is a good thing. I personally like a longer book, or a book that makes you feel like you are reading a longer book.
I loved Scott and Sydney together.
Great read.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sydney and Scott seem to have this strong desire for one another. But can their lust turn into love? Sydney is a strong independent woman, but there is just something about Scott that gets her weak when she is around him... Scott acts tough, but something happened in the past that has him unable to love again... Can Sydney and Scott put their past in the past? Or will their past come to haunt them in the present? There is a lot of back and forth between both of them. However, the end makes it worth the read. If you love romance and cowboy stories this is a good read, very well written.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

This book has you hooked from the beginning. The tough, witty, smart mouth of Sydney makes you just love her. Scott is just hot and tortured that you can't help but feel for him. This book is about no matter what life throws at you, you can over come and still get a happily ever after. This is a great book.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has you hooked from the beginning. The tough, witty, smart mouth of Sydney makes you just love her. Scott is just hot and tortured that you can't help but feel for him. This book is about no matter what life throws at you, you can over come and still get a happily ever after. This is a great book.

[Linda Dunn chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rodeo Queen at Her Best

Another great story by T.J. Kline. Scott is the hero you love but want to smack up along side the head. He fights really hard to not recognize he loves Sydney. It makes for a bit of an emotional roller coaster but a great read!!

[Megan Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot cold cowboy and a feisty cowgirl shaking up texas. makes one powerful couple. This book had me gushing and fangirling at the end like every sweet romance I read but this one is different. It had the ability to make me cry.

[Tracy's Place · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5