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A previous winner of the Professional Bull Riders' gold belt buckle, Jodie Cahill plans to ride again. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken wrist, and keeps her from winning another buckle. When the CEO of the PBR offers her a three-month tour on the circuit working as a judge and traveling with a combination newspaper/magazine reporter/novelist, she takes the job. James Moses Crowe jumps at the chance to travel with Jodie Cahill. For years he's been trying to get her off his mind and out of his heart. Now he has the opportunity to do both. It doesn't work. In the course of the trip, they both have to face their own feelings and wonder if, in the end, they will bless or curse the broken road that caused them to run smack into each other.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

743 people are currently reading
475 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Brown

181 books4,125 followers
Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

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5 stars
2,290 (63%)
4 stars
978 (27%)
3 stars
274 (7%)
2 stars
59 (1%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
265 reviews
January 17, 2019
Great end to the series

The last book of the Broken Road series tells Jodie and Jimmy's story. Jimmy Crowe has been in awe/love with Jodie Cahill since he was five years old and she punched the bully who had called him four-eyes and knocked him down. Dramatic circumstances took him away that day and he takes the opportunity to work with her for three months on the rodeo circuit. He thinks he'll finally get over her. Jodie has broken her arm and blown her chance to reclaim her bull riding champion title. She is offered the chance to judge and have all expenses paid if she lets a writer (Jimmy) go with her to ask her questions for newspaper and magazine articles and background for a mystery he is writing. They are like oil and vinegar. This is a more complex story than others in the series. It ends with a 7 years later update on all the characters in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the series, and the last one especially.
104 reviews
November 17, 2020
Down home country lovin

When Jimmy sets out with Jodie on a 3 month rodeo circuit tour , his intent is to rid himself of a 20 year infatuation with Jodie that began in kindergarten. Jodie signed on to judge the rodeo events since she was unable to compete in bull riding with a broken arm. Jimmy was supposed to write articles about the rodeo events. Jimmy was from Texas money and used to the finer things right down to the tassels on his shoes. Jodie on the other hand was down home Oklahoma ranching and rodeo and not afraid to say what was on her mind. Instead of ridding himself of his infatuation with Jodie that began in kindergarten, he finds that he has family in Sulphur OK that he didn't know he had and he has fallen in love with Jodie. She as well, against all her efforts not to like Jimmy, finds that he too is her true love. Very enjoyable read although the storyline drags a bit from time to time. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Linda Klager.
1,020 reviews48 followers
June 22, 2020
Jodie was a female bull rider. She fell on ice and could not participate and was offered a job judging the bull riding events. Jimmy comes along to write about each event and also write books.

Jodie did not know that Jimmy knew her when he was 5 years old. Jimmy had a crush on Jodie and his friend thought that if he traveled the bull riding circuit with Jodie that Jimmy would get Jodie "out of his head". Of course, that did not happen.

This was a hilarious romance - I had to laugh out loud at what Jodie said a lot of the time.

This story had romance, family life (some of it very difficult), friendship and adventure. I felt bad for Jimmy and the way his mother treated him.
3,596 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2022
A great book!

Sadly no woman has ever won a gold buckle at the NFR, the only rough stock event on the Cowboy Channel that gets televised is ranch bronc riding these days. But we do have WPBR and women come from all over to complete. But it doesn't matter, as I loved the story anyway and my only wish would be that those two fancy shoe wearing men could have grown to enjoy a good comfortable boot or wallabe!
302 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2018
Terrific!

This was a terrific book, the story is great and the characters were well-written. This is the love story of Jimmy and Jodie. Of the secrets and history they had to deal with before they find each other. I've loved all the "Broken Road" books and certainly recommend them.
75 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2018
If I could give this book more than five stars I certainly would. It's a book that you will never forget. My many thanks to Carolyn Brown for bringing such joy and pleasure into my lifetime. I certainly was

A Seven Star rating at least. I will be telling everyone I know and meet in the future what a wonderful writer and story teller Carolyn Brown is.
Profile Image for melody robinson.
3 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2018
All 5 books are great reading

I found the first book from bookbub, I enjoyed the story lines in all 5 books. After listening to me laugh out loud more than once my husband asked me what was so funny. So I started reading the books to him. He enjoyed them also and he's not a reader. I wish there were more books in the series.
98 reviews
December 17, 2018
Brilliant

Oh Jodie and Jimmy ' s story is brilliant. I loved her guts at standing up to Kathy and Jimmy ' s family. I'm just surprised she didn't throw a punch. They surely would of earned it. I have loved each oof these books and sad I've come to an end. But I look forward to your next book Carolyn Hugs xxx
Profile Image for Kathy Downey.
399 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2020
Those Cahill girls...Julie was more boy than girl in some people’s eyes but when a broken wrist set her on a different path she started to see where love could be found. Of course Jimmy knew all along but was trying to get love to step out of the way so he could get on with his life. Once again Carolyn made the sparks fly!
Profile Image for Kelly.
144 reviews
November 2, 2017
Okay, I don't know why but I love this series. It of course falls into silly romance novels but the main women are badass southern girls, so I guess that makes it better than most. I have been reading this series all out of order but they are quick fun reads.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2023
Love lasts a lifetime

Jimmy's life changed at 5 years old when his father died. Jodie defended him and he never forgot his 5 year old crush. All other females were measured against her his whole life, so when he gets a chance at 26 to spend time with her again he jumps at the chance.

He figures he could get over his fascination with her, but ends up confirming his feelings. When a surprise inheritance and long lost family are found it puts a new wrinkle in the relationship.

A great end to the series.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,214 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2018
What a great ending this book was of The Broken Roads series. This is Jodie and James tale to tell. It was quite a story that will keep you turning the pages until the last one. I loved every bit of this book.
Profile Image for Rita.
212 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2019
Another 5 star winner!

Ms. Brown just cannot write a bad book! This story and the whole series has been completely entertaining! Once I started I could not stop reading. Her books make me happy!!!
60 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2019
Rodeo Queen

She was a rodeo queen. Now her wrist was broken. She would be a judge.
She judges beside a man who is a writer. They discover they have known each other since childhood..
One thing enhances the other and new lives are formed.
3 reviews
June 29, 2019
Very interesting book

I love Carolyn Brown’s books. I always loved goong to fairs. Her books teach as well as are fun to read. Never knew there was so much involved in bull riding.
1 review
August 24, 2019
Wonderful readimg!!

All of the books in this series are wonderful ! I am going to enjoy more of her writings in the future. I will recommend all of her books to any one who likes romance !!
32 reviews
October 13, 2019
The author delivers sgain

I chose this rating because I have read many of the series and not one has lost my interest. The author makes the characters come alive and you find yourself cheering them on. Looking forward to some more good reads.
228 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2020
Eight seconds or a lifetime

Another winner and Carolyn Brown wins the big buckle. I love Jodie's larger than life style. Jimmy couldn't get over her until he met her again. But Jodie is the one who calms the wild bull for a peaceful, happily ever after ride.
258 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2021
To Hope

A wonderful romance set in the rodeo and bull riding that brings Jodie Cahill and James,Jimmy, Crowe together again after twenty years. Jodie has a cast on her wrist do will be judging the null riding and Jimmy will be writing about it.
326 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2021
To Hope

Another absolutely fabulous story. I enjoyed reading about the Bull riding eight seconds must seem a long long time trying to stay on. How do people think about doing it the first time and enjoy it enough to carry on. The romance is lovely and the characters are fabulous.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
June 16, 2022
Read me!

Enjoyed this book. Some women should not have children. I wanted to crawl into my kindle and female dog slap Mommy Dearest. I like books that bring out emotions
Yeah, definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Carol.
97 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2023
Enjoyed the series immensely. Was particularly happy to read an Epilogue at the end of this one that took you a few years down the road & filled you in on the lives of the characters in all the books, kinda like they were real people & had real lives. Cute! Clever!
74 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2023
Exceptional story

Really enjoyed this journey of two very different people finding happiness. Love her portrayal of strong women and faithful men. Great references to family values and love of small towns.
221 reviews
September 17, 2023
To Hope

Loved the story . I know nothing about rodeos or bull riding. Feel Luke I got an education like Jimmy did. It was another book U couldn't. Put down Thanks Carolyn for being such a great writer!
3 reviews
June 14, 2017
A western romance

A great western romance
I
I liked this book as well as the rest of the series I hope there will be more books in the series
1 review
August 27, 2017
Great read!

This book lives up to my expectations of Carolyn browns witty and romantic writing style! I could not put it down!
7 reviews
January 19, 2018
Good read

Love the family connection in this series of books. I wish there were more of them. I’m going to miss them.
Profile Image for Amanda.
20 reviews
February 7, 2018
Loved it

All of the books in this series were a great read!!! Each one had a great story!! I would definitely recommend them
5 reviews
February 22, 2018
Great

Great series....really enjoyed it.
Will be looking for another series....easy reads. Perfect when you are needing something lite to read.
Profile Image for ksstannard.
230 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2018
There's something in the water in Sulphur, OK

Get ready for hard headed women, stubborn men and the queens of Sulphur. Every story in this broken roads series is a delight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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