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The Bullriders #3
A Courageous Ride
The Book Three Aspiring orchestra conductor Marshall is exhausted after months of auditions without a single job offer. Marshall’s friend, Terry, recommends a change of scenery and points Marshall in the direction of a dude ranch run by former bull rider Indigo Santana. Marshall is understandably skeptical, but his friend is convincing, and Marshall needs a break, so he agrees to go. Indigo captures Marshall’s attention but leaves him confused. Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and he’s not the most accommodating host. After all, the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.Marshall’s attraction doesn’t go unanswered, which leaves him with a huge dilemma. He’s torn between the possibility of love, something he’s searched for all his life, and the career he’s worked toward for as long as he can remember, which is miles away. From his side of the fence, Indigo doesn’t see how the ranch could ever be enough.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2014
14 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 1, 2022
I've listened to the first two and just read the third, the stories were awesome, Andrew Grey is an awesome writer and John Solo did a wonderful job with the narration. I will definitely be visiting this series again.
November 19, 2014
It takes courage to decide what to do with your life, especially if the two things you want most are mutually exclusive. At least that is what the situation looks like to Marshall. But he isn’t the only one who has to decide what the future will hold for him. Indigo used to be a bullrider, but an injury took that dream away from him and he doesn’t really know what to do other than run his ranch. This is the story of two men who need a major change in their lives for them to be happy, but it will take courage for each of them to make it happen, and a minor miracle if they want to stay together as a couple. Andrew Grey sure managed to keep me wondering until the very end!
Marshall is passionate about his music, and he has been trying to get the conductor’s position he wants for a very long time. It is exhausting to always come up as second best, but he is determined. What makes it worse is that his parents don’t understand or support him. He needs a break, and ends up on Indigo’s dude ranch for some peace and quiet. Not that he finds it. Instead, he meets Indigo and is totally intrigued by the outwardly friendly host. Marshall senses there is more to the man than meets the eye, and over a week of more and more intense encounters, he ends up falling for the ex-bullrider. There is only one problem: Marshall still wants to be a conductor, and that can only happen in a city, and Indigo lives and breathes his ranch.
Indigo used to be a confident man, and he loved bullriding and the rodeo. He can’t even walk without a limp, and while he rides horses to accompany the paying guests on the ranch he has turned into a business, he has not been back on a bull. Even the mechanical bull owned by his friend Dante (from books one) on a neighboring ranch scares Indigo. Marshall intrigues him, but he can hardly believe the sophisticated guy is interested in him. And even though they clearly “click” and get along really well, Indigo’s home is right there on the family ranch. It may tear him apart but he can’t stand in Marshall’s way and ask him to give up his career to stay in a place that can never give Marshall what Indigo thinks the man needs.
These two guys tore at my heartstrings. Both know so well what they need, and it seems they can never have it and be a couple. Or they can be a couple but one of them will have to give up his ambitions. The quiet pace of this gentle story inexorably pulled me into the slowly emerging emotional thunderstorm their lives become as they meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. As usual with Andrew Grey’s books, these men and their issues are real, and he manages to bring out how extraordinary they are when they are together.
If you like cowboys who need to figure out what’s next after their last rodeo is over and done with, if an aspiring conductor with a love of music searching for his purpose in life sounds interesting, and if you want to see what an emotionally explosive situation they end up in together, then you should definitely read this novel. It is hot, deeply emotional, and adds another wonderful love story to this series about ex-bullriders and the men they fall in love with.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Marshall is passionate about his music, and he has been trying to get the conductor’s position he wants for a very long time. It is exhausting to always come up as second best, but he is determined. What makes it worse is that his parents don’t understand or support him. He needs a break, and ends up on Indigo’s dude ranch for some peace and quiet. Not that he finds it. Instead, he meets Indigo and is totally intrigued by the outwardly friendly host. Marshall senses there is more to the man than meets the eye, and over a week of more and more intense encounters, he ends up falling for the ex-bullrider. There is only one problem: Marshall still wants to be a conductor, and that can only happen in a city, and Indigo lives and breathes his ranch.
Indigo used to be a confident man, and he loved bullriding and the rodeo. He can’t even walk without a limp, and while he rides horses to accompany the paying guests on the ranch he has turned into a business, he has not been back on a bull. Even the mechanical bull owned by his friend Dante (from books one) on a neighboring ranch scares Indigo. Marshall intrigues him, but he can hardly believe the sophisticated guy is interested in him. And even though they clearly “click” and get along really well, Indigo’s home is right there on the family ranch. It may tear him apart but he can’t stand in Marshall’s way and ask him to give up his career to stay in a place that can never give Marshall what Indigo thinks the man needs.
These two guys tore at my heartstrings. Both know so well what they need, and it seems they can never have it and be a couple. Or they can be a couple but one of them will have to give up his ambitions. The quiet pace of this gentle story inexorably pulled me into the slowly emerging emotional thunderstorm their lives become as they meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. As usual with Andrew Grey’s books, these men and their issues are real, and he manages to bring out how extraordinary they are when they are together.
If you like cowboys who need to figure out what’s next after their last rodeo is over and done with, if an aspiring conductor with a love of music searching for his purpose in life sounds interesting, and if you want to see what an emotionally explosive situation they end up in together, then you should definitely read this novel. It is hot, deeply emotional, and adds another wonderful love story to this series about ex-bullriders and the men they fall in love with.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 7, 2014
I spent the weekend in the country and what a great choice of book for the wet and miserable Sunday afternoon. While I might have been spending the weekend watching the gorgeous Australian countryside, I was really spending my weekend on a ranch in Texas! :)
This is a story of chasing dreams - Indigo's bull riding dream is over due to injury and Marshall hasn't yet achieved his goal of obtaining a job as a symphony conductor. But it is also a story of finding out what is really important in life.
These men are opposites in many ways, at least in terms of where they live, their financial situation and careers, but so similar in the ways that really count. They are good and caring men and the story is focused on them weighing up the consequences and taking a risk for happiness.
It's a feel-good story, with good people, romantic moments, a nice amount of sex and a happy ending. Yes, its sentimental with lots of sweetness but as I always say, that's why I read Andrew Grey!
I also loved the sweet dedication at the beginning of the book....."To Dominic, for being courageous enough to take the ride through life with me."....so romantic.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
This is a story of chasing dreams - Indigo's bull riding dream is over due to injury and Marshall hasn't yet achieved his goal of obtaining a job as a symphony conductor. But it is also a story of finding out what is really important in life.
These men are opposites in many ways, at least in terms of where they live, their financial situation and careers, but so similar in the ways that really count. They are good and caring men and the story is focused on them weighing up the consequences and taking a risk for happiness.
It's a feel-good story, with good people, romantic moments, a nice amount of sex and a happy ending. Yes, its sentimental with lots of sweetness but as I always say, that's why I read Andrew Grey!
"I don't know what the future holds for you, or for Indigo. I can't say whether the two of you belong together or not. But I can tell you that if it's meant to be, you'll find your way back to one another." Ryan paused. "But when that happens, you have to have the courage to hold on and recognize it."
I also loved the sweet dedication at the beginning of the book....."To Dominic, for being courageous enough to take the ride through life with me."....so romantic.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
December 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
I really liked the first two books in the Bullriders series by Andrew Grey, but for me personally this one just fell a little flat. It was a solidly and well-written book, so I’m not quite sure where the disconnect was for me exactly, and if it was just the book itself, storyline, or the characters and their personality traits. I simply didn’t really enjoy this reading or listening to this book as much as I did the first two.
Marshall is a symphony conductor who needs a break from life and decides to vacation on Indigo’s dude ranch. I just kind of felt like these characters’ lives were completely opposite, and just way too different to mesh as well as they did. They’d only met and had one week together on the ranch, and while I don’t really mind insta-love, they just seemed to move a little too fast for me, especially when you add in their personalities and background.
Marshall is a bit high maintenance, a little spoiled and made a huge deal about not being able to stay on the ranch and live off the land like Indigo does. And after being a cowboy and bull rider his whole life Indigo is for sure not giving up his way of life for anyone or anything.
So to me it felt like they were trying to force a relationship where there shouldn’t be one. There was communication and character development, and some decently hot sex, but it still didn’t feel right to me. And when Marshall’s ex shows up halfway through that one week they have together as well, and basically demands Marshall’s attention, I just didn’t get it. I mean great, your ex shows up out of nowhere, and he’s sick, that does not instantly mean you have to drop everything give him all or even most of your attention and take care of him, especially with how your relationship ended - that part really irritated me.
In the end Marshall and Indigo are able to push through all of their doubts and everything that tries to stand in their way to make it work out and I did appreciate the effort they both put into their final relationship in order be happy together in the end.
Audio – I think John did great with the book and content he was given here. I did enjoy his take on this book and the characters especially the more rugged cowboys, those parts are always fun to hear. He always puts 100% effort into the audiobooks he produces for us. I really liked his vocal performance in all three of these books so far and look forward to hearing the next audiobook he has to give us.
*** Audiobook copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I really liked the first two books in the Bullriders series by Andrew Grey, but for me personally this one just fell a little flat. It was a solidly and well-written book, so I’m not quite sure where the disconnect was for me exactly, and if it was just the book itself, storyline, or the characters and their personality traits. I simply didn’t really enjoy this reading or listening to this book as much as I did the first two.
Marshall is a symphony conductor who needs a break from life and decides to vacation on Indigo’s dude ranch. I just kind of felt like these characters’ lives were completely opposite, and just way too different to mesh as well as they did. They’d only met and had one week together on the ranch, and while I don’t really mind insta-love, they just seemed to move a little too fast for me, especially when you add in their personalities and background.
Marshall is a bit high maintenance, a little spoiled and made a huge deal about not being able to stay on the ranch and live off the land like Indigo does. And after being a cowboy and bull rider his whole life Indigo is for sure not giving up his way of life for anyone or anything.
So to me it felt like they were trying to force a relationship where there shouldn’t be one. There was communication and character development, and some decently hot sex, but it still didn’t feel right to me. And when Marshall’s ex shows up halfway through that one week they have together as well, and basically demands Marshall’s attention, I just didn’t get it. I mean great, your ex shows up out of nowhere, and he’s sick, that does not instantly mean you have to drop everything give him all or even most of your attention and take care of him, especially with how your relationship ended - that part really irritated me.
In the end Marshall and Indigo are able to push through all of their doubts and everything that tries to stand in their way to make it work out and I did appreciate the effort they both put into their final relationship in order be happy together in the end.
Audio – I think John did great with the book and content he was given here. I did enjoy his take on this book and the characters especially the more rugged cowboys, those parts are always fun to hear. He always puts 100% effort into the audiobooks he produces for us. I really liked his vocal performance in all three of these books so far and look forward to hearing the next audiobook he has to give us.
*** Audiobook copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 3, 2018
Aspiring orchestra conductor Marshall is exhausted after months of auditions without a single job offer. When a friend recommends a change of scenery in the form of a dude ranch run by former bull rider Indigo Santana, Marshall heads there for a break.
Indigo and Marshall are immediately attracted, but Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and his personality makes for a pretty gruff host for a dude ranch. He’d really rather be bull riding, and the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.
Though mismatched on the outside, the hearts of these two men know a kindred spirit and romance is in the air during the short time they spend together. Marshall is so relaxed, in fact, that music comes to him and he composes an orchestra movement that brings his love of both the ranch and Indigo together.
Unfortunately, he’s offered a position in New York, and with encouragement from Indigo, he decides to take it, breaking up the couple before they have a chance to get solid. Naturally, Andrew Grey finds a way to get them to see what they are missing and to come together for an HEA that underlines the importance of love and family.
John Solo does a great job narrating this story with a wide variety of vocalizations, both male and female. He swept me along with this tale of the West, and I definitely recommend it to others to enjoy in the audio format.
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Indigo and Marshall are immediately attracted, but Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and his personality makes for a pretty gruff host for a dude ranch. He’d really rather be bull riding, and the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.
Though mismatched on the outside, the hearts of these two men know a kindred spirit and romance is in the air during the short time they spend together. Marshall is so relaxed, in fact, that music comes to him and he composes an orchestra movement that brings his love of both the ranch and Indigo together.
Unfortunately, he’s offered a position in New York, and with encouragement from Indigo, he decides to take it, breaking up the couple before they have a chance to get solid. Naturally, Andrew Grey finds a way to get them to see what they are missing and to come together for an HEA that underlines the importance of love and family.
John Solo does a great job narrating this story with a wide variety of vocalizations, both male and female. He swept me along with this tale of the West, and I definitely recommend it to others to enjoy in the audio format.
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I always enjoy escaping into an Andrew Grey book. Today I'm a bit under the weather, so I did nothing but lay in bed an indulge in some cowboy & city boy lovins! #circleRranch #bullriders #readin2017
I always enjoy escaping into an Andrew Grey book. Today I'm a bit under the weather, so I did nothing but lay in bed an indulge in some cowboy & city boy lovins! #circleRranch #bullriders #readin2017
May 9, 2014
3.25 stars
I liked A Courageous Ride , however unlike others in the series, this one was very slow going for me...
I liked A Courageous Ride , however unlike others in the series, this one was very slow going for me...
May 24, 2014
OMG!!!! I cried last night reading the end of this amazing book. Highly recommended. Loved it
May 28, 2023
A beautiful M/M love story !
Marshall needs time alone, so he came to the Dude Ranch owned by Indigo. He is tired of job hunting and needs space.
Marshall, 26, an orchestra conductor,
and does not want to work at his Dad's firm. He needs to rethink his options. He does have a trust fund, but needs to have music in his life.
Indigo, ex bull riding champ, runs the Circle R.
He's tall, dark haired, handsome, lean muscled and has serious scars.
These two men are attracted but Marshall is only there for a week or so. The ranch has cattle, horses, and is busy every day. We get to see Dante and Ryan, too. We watch the men interact, have meals, work hard, talk and tell their stories.
Marshall and Indigo get closer, go riding, and fool around.
Marshall is inspired to write original music, which gives him hope, pleasure and inner peace.
This is a tender tale, well written, with beautiful descriptions. We feel like we are right there with them.
We have some bumps to overcome, and we are wondering how it will all work out.
When Marshall's time is up, it tears them up to leave each other behind. But, Marshall must leave and Indigo is heartbroken. It's a tough time and they both battle with how to make the relationship work, or are they too opposite for this.
The culmination and epilogue are fantastic and surprising.
ENJOY !
=====
Marshall needs time alone, so he came to the Dude Ranch owned by Indigo. He is tired of job hunting and needs space.
Marshall, 26, an orchestra conductor,
and does not want to work at his Dad's firm. He needs to rethink his options. He does have a trust fund, but needs to have music in his life.
Indigo, ex bull riding champ, runs the Circle R.
He's tall, dark haired, handsome, lean muscled and has serious scars.
These two men are attracted but Marshall is only there for a week or so. The ranch has cattle, horses, and is busy every day. We get to see Dante and Ryan, too. We watch the men interact, have meals, work hard, talk and tell their stories.
Marshall and Indigo get closer, go riding, and fool around.
Marshall is inspired to write original music, which gives him hope, pleasure and inner peace.
This is a tender tale, well written, with beautiful descriptions. We feel like we are right there with them.
We have some bumps to overcome, and we are wondering how it will all work out.
When Marshall's time is up, it tears them up to leave each other behind. But, Marshall must leave and Indigo is heartbroken. It's a tough time and they both battle with how to make the relationship work, or are they too opposite for this.
The culmination and epilogue are fantastic and surprising.
ENJOY !
=====
August 12, 2018
Marshal is both mentally and physically exhausted from trying to find a conductor job. He goes to vacation on a ranch his friend Terry recommends awaiting his recent audition. One look at the sexy owner Indigo and Marshal is captivated.
Though the romance is whirlwind ( they only have a week together) it is sweet and hot. I love all the characters though Marshall and Indigo stand front and foremost. I love how Marshal hears Music in everything around him. It makes the story so beautiful and unique. Just when you think you have it figured out there is a twist...or two.
There is a lot going on in the story. As with any Andrew Grey story, it grabs you and holds you to the very end. I will admit the end made me tear up just a little.
If you like cowboys, conductors, music, horses and a beautiful romance you will love this!
Though the romance is whirlwind ( they only have a week together) it is sweet and hot. I love all the characters though Marshall and Indigo stand front and foremost. I love how Marshal hears Music in everything around him. It makes the story so beautiful and unique. Just when you think you have it figured out there is a twist...or two.
There is a lot going on in the story. As with any Andrew Grey story, it grabs you and holds you to the very end. I will admit the end made me tear up just a little.
If you like cowboys, conductors, music, horses and a beautiful romance you will love this!
September 1, 2018
3.5 stars
This is another solidly written, romantic and sweet story from Andrew Grey paired with the equally solid and always reliably good narration of John Solo.
What I love about these books/this author/this narrator is that I totally know what I’m going to get when I pick it up to read/listen. I know the characters are going to be sweet and loveable despite whatever their background/troubles may have in store for them. I know I’ll get some steamy sex (but not too much!) and some really tender moments.
John Solo is a reliable narrator who gives everyone unique voices and does well with the overall emotional scenes as well as the smexy times.
In this case we are introduced to two opposite people (conductor, bull rider) who shouldn’t have anything in common but are both facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and – together – they find the strength to do that.
Recommended for: fans of the author/narrator or anyone wanting a guaranteed win and an uplifting story.
This is another solidly written, romantic and sweet story from Andrew Grey paired with the equally solid and always reliably good narration of John Solo.
What I love about these books/this author/this narrator is that I totally know what I’m going to get when I pick it up to read/listen. I know the characters are going to be sweet and loveable despite whatever their background/troubles may have in store for them. I know I’ll get some steamy sex (but not too much!) and some really tender moments.
John Solo is a reliable narrator who gives everyone unique voices and does well with the overall emotional scenes as well as the smexy times.
In this case we are introduced to two opposite people (conductor, bull rider) who shouldn’t have anything in common but are both facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and – together – they find the strength to do that.
Recommended for: fans of the author/narrator or anyone wanting a guaranteed win and an uplifting story.
April 23, 2026
An injured and retired rodeo rider now managing a ranch, trying to stay afloat with all the due bills. A musical conductor trying to find his own way in the orchestra world. Both have issues to sort out, but an unexpected holiday in the ranch turns out fateful for them.
Average romance. Good for one time read.
January 26, 2018
Characters were great, it just ended a little abruptly for me. I wanted more.
March 24, 2019
Don’t love how many of the characters in Andrew Grey books talk about women.
October 16, 2019
** 3.5 Stars **
April 9, 2014
Marshall Harrington is a wealthy but surprisingly not spoiled man from New York, wanting to make a name for himself as a conductor. He’s auditioning for a position with orchestras around the country and he is tired…. The travel and stress have gotten to him and he just wants to rest. His mom would LOVE to have him come back to New York, give up his dream and get a real job at his fathers firm. Marshall stands his ground with his mom, but decides he needs a vacation. His friend Terry suggests a dude ranch outside of Houston, suggesting that Marshall might appreciate looking at the tight cowboy butts! Marshall isn’t sure but decides to give it a try and makes a reservation at the Circle R Ranch for the next day.
Indigo Santana has inherited the Circle R Ranch from his parents and is struggling to keep it going. He’s opened it up to tourists, keeping it as a working ranch as well. Things are starting to pick up, but it’s a close run business. He has a few visitors and booking Marshall Harrington in to his big guest cabin will help immensely. Indigo is a former bull rider and is friends with Dante and Ryan, from the previous Bull Rider books. With their help, Indigo is trying to keep his guests entertained and coming back.
Marshall arrives at the ranch and settles in well, and soon the sparks fly between the two men. They resist for a very short time, neither wanting to get involved despite the attraction. Marshall is on vacation and not looking for love. He’s also got some baggage in the form of a cheating ex boyfriend named Harold. He’s still dealing from his breakup with Harold, and a potential health issue Harold may have gifted him with. Indigo is a loner. He’s a gay cowboy/bull rider in Texas… He’s got some family drama in his past as well. His parents have died, and his older brother was chased away and hasn’t had any contact with the ranch in ten years. Now he is struggling desperately to keep the family ranch going. So they both come in to this with issues, neither is looking for a relationship. Not to mention their lives are world’s apart.
But there is a lovely connection between the two men. They spend a lot of time together, both as a couple, but also around on the ranch. Horseback riding, an overnight camping trip (Marshalls first!), having meals together, and even riding a mechanical bull! Spending time with the men on the ranch and the other visitors. There are some nice sex scenes between them, naughty outdoors sex, and sweet indoors sex. It’s hot but very nice as well, the physical connection is evident!
What really got me with this story was how good of a person Marshall is. He’s genuinely a good guy. He helps Sam, one of the men on the ranch with a girl issue. He offers advice to a kid that works there as well. And he’s so good to and for Indigo… Encouraging him to get back on the mechanical bull, encouraging him to find his brother, and getting him to open up emotionally. It was wonderful to watch. Indigo is very connected to his ranch and the people that work and live there. He needs it to be successful for himself but also for the men as well. Marshall, in his own way, enhances that connection, and builds one of his own. He is accepted, not considered the outsider from New York.
So I expected it to have a good romance story and it does, but the stories surrounding the two main characters are as good as the main story line its self. The conflict between Marshall and his mom over his job. The conflict surrounding Harold. Marshalls whole job situation. Indigo and his brother. Indigo trying to keep the ranch alive. Jimmy, his kid, and his exwife. Sam and his lady love. All of that adds so much to this story, aside from the basic romance between the two men. It’s a very sweet romance, but much more than that. Sometimes Andrew Grey’s stories are so focused on the couple that there isn’t much going on around them. Occasionally I have wished a story or two had more to it, more characters, more background, something. This book was not like that! This had a great main story line, good additional characters with their own stories, nice sex scenes with lots of physical and emotional connection, and a happy ending. It’s a very good book!
Four and a half stars!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. The original review was posted at www.sidlove.com!
Indigo Santana has inherited the Circle R Ranch from his parents and is struggling to keep it going. He’s opened it up to tourists, keeping it as a working ranch as well. Things are starting to pick up, but it’s a close run business. He has a few visitors and booking Marshall Harrington in to his big guest cabin will help immensely. Indigo is a former bull rider and is friends with Dante and Ryan, from the previous Bull Rider books. With their help, Indigo is trying to keep his guests entertained and coming back.
Marshall arrives at the ranch and settles in well, and soon the sparks fly between the two men. They resist for a very short time, neither wanting to get involved despite the attraction. Marshall is on vacation and not looking for love. He’s also got some baggage in the form of a cheating ex boyfriend named Harold. He’s still dealing from his breakup with Harold, and a potential health issue Harold may have gifted him with. Indigo is a loner. He’s a gay cowboy/bull rider in Texas… He’s got some family drama in his past as well. His parents have died, and his older brother was chased away and hasn’t had any contact with the ranch in ten years. Now he is struggling desperately to keep the family ranch going. So they both come in to this with issues, neither is looking for a relationship. Not to mention their lives are world’s apart.
But there is a lovely connection between the two men. They spend a lot of time together, both as a couple, but also around on the ranch. Horseback riding, an overnight camping trip (Marshalls first!), having meals together, and even riding a mechanical bull! Spending time with the men on the ranch and the other visitors. There are some nice sex scenes between them, naughty outdoors sex, and sweet indoors sex. It’s hot but very nice as well, the physical connection is evident!
What really got me with this story was how good of a person Marshall is. He’s genuinely a good guy. He helps Sam, one of the men on the ranch with a girl issue. He offers advice to a kid that works there as well. And he’s so good to and for Indigo… Encouraging him to get back on the mechanical bull, encouraging him to find his brother, and getting him to open up emotionally. It was wonderful to watch. Indigo is very connected to his ranch and the people that work and live there. He needs it to be successful for himself but also for the men as well. Marshall, in his own way, enhances that connection, and builds one of his own. He is accepted, not considered the outsider from New York.
So I expected it to have a good romance story and it does, but the stories surrounding the two main characters are as good as the main story line its self. The conflict between Marshall and his mom over his job. The conflict surrounding Harold. Marshalls whole job situation. Indigo and his brother. Indigo trying to keep the ranch alive. Jimmy, his kid, and his exwife. Sam and his lady love. All of that adds so much to this story, aside from the basic romance between the two men. It’s a very sweet romance, but much more than that. Sometimes Andrew Grey’s stories are so focused on the couple that there isn’t much going on around them. Occasionally I have wished a story or two had more to it, more characters, more background, something. This book was not like that! This had a great main story line, good additional characters with their own stories, nice sex scenes with lots of physical and emotional connection, and a happy ending. It’s a very good book!
Four and a half stars!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. The original review was posted at www.sidlove.com!
March 30, 2014
Marshall is just going through the motions in his life, not truly committed to anything, although he wants to be. He is a trained Orchestra Conductor, but audition after audition yields the same results, thank you but no. A recently ended long term relationship left him in a bad way as well, he is seriously just burn out and at the verge. His best friend Terry finally convinces him that he needs a vacation and sends him off to a Ranch he’s recently heard good things about.
Indigo is a former bull rider that had to give up his dreams after an injury. He now runs a pretty successful Dude Ranch that is adjacent to Dante and Ryan’s place. {Fans of the series will remember Dante and Ryan from ‘A Wild Ride’, book 1 in this series.} While Indigo runs his ranch, renting out rooms and offering trail rides and such, Dante helps him out if needed by offering up his mechanical bull for Indigo’s guests. When Marshall shows up on the ranch exhausted but enamoured with his surroundings, Indigo can’t help but take notice of the beautiful man.
The two men are polar opposites, but they still manage to fall fast and hard for each other. Marshall sees something so lyrical in everything about Indigo. Whether it be his movements, his voice, a sexy moan or a deliberate groan. And Indigo sees the independence and exuberance that simmers beneath the surface anytime he’s with Marshall. Love at first sight doesn’t even begin to describe these two. But is a passionate love for each other enough to give up something that either of them has worked toward for as long as they can remember?
I really liked the musicality in this story. Marshall’s life is music, he’s a Conductor, so he translates the most mundane of movements and words into a song. And Indigo is his grand masterpiece. The rough and rugged cowboy that is most comfortable riding horseback under the stars, coupled with the gentle conductor that takes his violin on vacation was the perfect blend of delicate and passionate heat. Ah but then there is a scratch in the vinyl. Marshall’s ex no longer wants to be an ex, and one of those tryouts finally calls back. When given a choice between his dreams and the possibility of a life and love on the ranch with Indigo, what will he choose?
What I adore about Andrew Grey and look forward to with every new read is his ability to show vulnerability in his characters. The writing is always steady and the storylines flow like water. Of course, sometimes there is the rise and fall, like a wave.
Do I recommend this book? Two words.. one click! And while this is the third book in a series, and I always recommend reading series in order, this book does have legs to stand on its own.
Link to Tams review of ‘A Wild Ride’ book 1 in The Bullriders series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Link to Tams review of ‘A Daring Ride’ book 2 in The Bullriders series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
Indigo is a former bull rider that had to give up his dreams after an injury. He now runs a pretty successful Dude Ranch that is adjacent to Dante and Ryan’s place. {Fans of the series will remember Dante and Ryan from ‘A Wild Ride’, book 1 in this series.} While Indigo runs his ranch, renting out rooms and offering trail rides and such, Dante helps him out if needed by offering up his mechanical bull for Indigo’s guests. When Marshall shows up on the ranch exhausted but enamoured with his surroundings, Indigo can’t help but take notice of the beautiful man.
The two men are polar opposites, but they still manage to fall fast and hard for each other. Marshall sees something so lyrical in everything about Indigo. Whether it be his movements, his voice, a sexy moan or a deliberate groan. And Indigo sees the independence and exuberance that simmers beneath the surface anytime he’s with Marshall. Love at first sight doesn’t even begin to describe these two. But is a passionate love for each other enough to give up something that either of them has worked toward for as long as they can remember?
I really liked the musicality in this story. Marshall’s life is music, he’s a Conductor, so he translates the most mundane of movements and words into a song. And Indigo is his grand masterpiece. The rough and rugged cowboy that is most comfortable riding horseback under the stars, coupled with the gentle conductor that takes his violin on vacation was the perfect blend of delicate and passionate heat. Ah but then there is a scratch in the vinyl. Marshall’s ex no longer wants to be an ex, and one of those tryouts finally calls back. When given a choice between his dreams and the possibility of a life and love on the ranch with Indigo, what will he choose?
What I adore about Andrew Grey and look forward to with every new read is his ability to show vulnerability in his characters. The writing is always steady and the storylines flow like water. Of course, sometimes there is the rise and fall, like a wave.
Do I recommend this book? Two words.. one click! And while this is the third book in a series, and I always recommend reading series in order, this book does have legs to stand on its own.
Link to Tams review of ‘A Wild Ride’ book 1 in The Bullriders series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Link to Tams review of ‘A Daring Ride’ book 2 in The Bullriders series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
March 31, 2014
A Courageous Ride is both like and unlike the rest of the Bullriders series. It has all the strength and power of the cowboys yet the energy and soul of the orchestra conductor. When the story begins, we meet Marshall, and exhausted conductor struggling to find an orchestra to lead while struggling to make his way in the world—against his parents' wishes. Thanks to a friend's suggestion, Marshall decides to head to a new dude ranch instead of returning to New York after his last audition. Indigo is a retired bull rider and a cowboy through and through. He’s not only the owner of the dude ranch Marshall goes to to recuperate, but he’s also gay and quickly manages to catch Marshall’s attention.
Throughout the story these two men struggle with the fact Marshall will have to leave if he wants to follow his dreams of being an orchestra conductor while Indigo’s place will always be on his ranch in Texas. Add in Marshall’s ex and his manipulations, Marshall’s mom, and Indigo’s fears, and it’s a recipe for loss instead of love. However, when Marshall finds not only a home in Indigo’s heart, but inspiration for his soul, things aren’t as cut and dry as they seem.
In the end, this is one of the best happily-ever-after stories that I’ve read in a long time. The story can be summed up in one simple quote: “In case you don’t understand, what we just heard was the most incredibly beautiful musical love letter ever written.” If you’ve never read Andrew Grey, this is a Must Read. If you already love Mr. Grey, then this is not just a must read, but one that will be read again and again! This is for all those who love music, cowboys, romance, and both beautiful and deep storytelling. There is no other like it!
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story, Andrew! (Oh, and yes, there are a few spots that will need to ever present tissues warning.)
Throughout the story these two men struggle with the fact Marshall will have to leave if he wants to follow his dreams of being an orchestra conductor while Indigo’s place will always be on his ranch in Texas. Add in Marshall’s ex and his manipulations, Marshall’s mom, and Indigo’s fears, and it’s a recipe for loss instead of love. However, when Marshall finds not only a home in Indigo’s heart, but inspiration for his soul, things aren’t as cut and dry as they seem.
In the end, this is one of the best happily-ever-after stories that I’ve read in a long time. The story can be summed up in one simple quote: “In case you don’t understand, what we just heard was the most incredibly beautiful musical love letter ever written.” If you’ve never read Andrew Grey, this is a Must Read. If you already love Mr. Grey, then this is not just a must read, but one that will be read again and again! This is for all those who love music, cowboys, romance, and both beautiful and deep storytelling. There is no other like it!
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story, Andrew! (Oh, and yes, there are a few spots that will need to ever present tissues warning.)
October 5, 2015
A beautiful story inside these pages and I am so grateful that I got to read it. Andrew Grey knows how to not only tell a story, but also make your heart open up to the wonderful people in the book. This was the last book in the Bullriders series. It was actually my favorite of the three of them. Marshall and Indigo had something that was inside each of them that the other needed.
Marshall was drained and in need of a vacation, which is how, he ended up at the Circle R Ranch. He had a lot of things riding on him, but he got more than he thought he would.
Indigo might not be able to ride, but as Marshall said he will always be a bull rider. The week that Indigo had Marshall with him opened his heart back up to possibilities. He had given up on a few things, one being ever seeing his big brother again.
I was an emotional wreck near the end hoping and begging that Indigo would stop telling Marshall to go at the end of the week. The two of them could be so stubborn at times. I was so happy with the ending because Marshall found what he needed all along and it wasn’t in New York, but with a loving cowboy.
There were a few bumps though, but they made it just as much worth the read. I didn’t like Marshall’s ex, but he made the right choice even though Indigo was worried at one point.
True love will win out from the kind of relationship Marshall had been in. He made the best choice for all of them.
Jacky and Simon were not in this book, but Simon was mentioned. Dante and Ryan appeared, but not as much as the second book.
Marshall was drained and in need of a vacation, which is how, he ended up at the Circle R Ranch. He had a lot of things riding on him, but he got more than he thought he would.
Indigo might not be able to ride, but as Marshall said he will always be a bull rider. The week that Indigo had Marshall with him opened his heart back up to possibilities. He had given up on a few things, one being ever seeing his big brother again.
I was an emotional wreck near the end hoping and begging that Indigo would stop telling Marshall to go at the end of the week. The two of them could be so stubborn at times. I was so happy with the ending because Marshall found what he needed all along and it wasn’t in New York, but with a loving cowboy.
There were a few bumps though, but they made it just as much worth the read. I didn’t like Marshall’s ex, but he made the right choice even though Indigo was worried at one point.
True love will win out from the kind of relationship Marshall had been in. He made the best choice for all of them.
Jacky and Simon were not in this book, but Simon was mentioned. Dante and Ryan appeared, but not as much as the second book.
April 1, 2014
A Courageous Ride is an excellent story inspired by the love of music and the the ranch life ...
Marshall's dream is to become an orchestra conductor and has auditioned for the job in many cities the latest one being Houston Texas ... He is tired of the traveling and needing time to rest and for himself. Marshall's friend Terry suggest he goes stay at Circle R Ranch.
Indigo is a retired bull rider and owner of the Circle R ... Indigo is trying to make the ranch profitable getting guests.
Marshall and Indigo click since they met but thru the stay they struggle to decide if they should together due to their different way of life.
Marshall needs to make a decision if he takes a conductor job in New York.
Marshall and Indigo have deep feelings for each other and the way they express those are beautiful.
Marshall hears music through his interactions with Indigo.
Marshall has a difficult decision to make ...
While he helps Indigo also with his family relations and self esteem.
This is a a story of love, music, challenges and hope.
Marshall's dream is to become an orchestra conductor and has auditioned for the job in many cities the latest one being Houston Texas ... He is tired of the traveling and needing time to rest and for himself. Marshall's friend Terry suggest he goes stay at Circle R Ranch.
Indigo is a retired bull rider and owner of the Circle R ... Indigo is trying to make the ranch profitable getting guests.
Marshall and Indigo click since they met but thru the stay they struggle to decide if they should together due to their different way of life.
Marshall needs to make a decision if he takes a conductor job in New York.
Marshall and Indigo have deep feelings for each other and the way they express those are beautiful.
Marshall hears music through his interactions with Indigo.
Marshall has a difficult decision to make ...
While he helps Indigo also with his family relations and self esteem.
This is a a story of love, music, challenges and hope.
April 5, 2014
Read full review: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Andrew Grey has written another beautiful read about sexy cowboys. The third installment in The Bullriders series, A Courageous Ride is about Marshall Harrington, who yearns to be a conductor, and Indigo Santana, a former bull rider turned dude ranch proprietor.
Burned out from the constant stress and travel of auditioning, Marshall is advised by close friend, Terry, to relax and just forget about looking for a job and spend a week at the Circle R Ranch. When he reaches the dude ranch, he finds that the wide open spaces and beautiful night sky was where he could finally relax; start forgetting about the worries of job-hunting as well as the constant nagging of his mother to give up his dream and work for his father. He immediately is attracted to his host, Indigo, which he welcomes as a possible vacation fling. Then he starts to hear, almost savant-like, this music in his mind and it seems to be centered around the ranch and specifically, Indigo.
Andrew Grey has written another beautiful read about sexy cowboys. The third installment in The Bullriders series, A Courageous Ride is about Marshall Harrington, who yearns to be a conductor, and Indigo Santana, a former bull rider turned dude ranch proprietor.
Burned out from the constant stress and travel of auditioning, Marshall is advised by close friend, Terry, to relax and just forget about looking for a job and spend a week at the Circle R Ranch. When he reaches the dude ranch, he finds that the wide open spaces and beautiful night sky was where he could finally relax; start forgetting about the worries of job-hunting as well as the constant nagging of his mother to give up his dream and work for his father. He immediately is attracted to his host, Indigo, which he welcomes as a possible vacation fling. Then he starts to hear, almost savant-like, this music in his mind and it seems to be centered around the ranch and specifically, Indigo.
August 15, 2014
I can pretty much always count on Andrew Grey to deliver a feel good love story with MC's that have flaws. No disappointment here.
Marshall is a city boy who has been looking for work as an orchestral conductor, which is highly competitive and he hasn't managed to find work for months. He's also recently out of a relationship where his ex was a cheating bastard and ended up HIV positive. Marshall is in the process of waiting for six months to pass to see if he is still negative. That would be excruciating. After running himself to exhaustion from a brutal schedule of auditions, he decides to take a vacation. A friend recommends a nearby guest ranch and so he figures, why not?
Indigo is a former champion bullrider who got an injury that took him off the circuit permanently. He's lucky to still have his leg. He's now taking care of the family ranch and he's turned it into a guest ranch to help pay the bills.
Marshall and Indigo are drawn together and their romance is so very sweet. I'd love to hear that composition that Marshall wrote for Indigo.
Marshall is a city boy who has been looking for work as an orchestral conductor, which is highly competitive and he hasn't managed to find work for months. He's also recently out of a relationship where his ex was a cheating bastard and ended up HIV positive. Marshall is in the process of waiting for six months to pass to see if he is still negative. That would be excruciating. After running himself to exhaustion from a brutal schedule of auditions, he decides to take a vacation. A friend recommends a nearby guest ranch and so he figures, why not?
Indigo is a former champion bullrider who got an injury that took him off the circuit permanently. He's lucky to still have his leg. He's now taking care of the family ranch and he's turned it into a guest ranch to help pay the bills.
Marshall and Indigo are drawn together and their romance is so very sweet. I'd love to hear that composition that Marshall wrote for Indigo.
April 6, 2014
What a great addition to the Bull Rider's Series. I loved this tender love story and Andrew Grey knows how to tell cowboy love stories.
It was great seeing Dante and Ryan again. Marshall spends a week at Indigo's ranch he has been traveling a lot for auditioning orchestra conductor jobs. The week he spends at the ranch is just what Marshall needs. H e feels a deep connection to Indigo a former a rodeo star who had a devastating career ending injury.Both men are lonely and looking for their soul mate.they find that in each other their meeting is very hot and lovely Mr. :Grey does this so well the reader feels this connection in their heart it is again, lovely and so nice. Marshall is inspired to create a soundtrack to his time on the ranch.:But Marshall is from NYC and has an elusive job offer in Brooklyn. Indigo obviously can't leave the ranch. Hard decisions are made my heart breaks for the men. Well done Mr Grey well done thank you again for the incredible "feels"
It was great seeing Dante and Ryan again. Marshall spends a week at Indigo's ranch he has been traveling a lot for auditioning orchestra conductor jobs. The week he spends at the ranch is just what Marshall needs. H e feels a deep connection to Indigo a former a rodeo star who had a devastating career ending injury.Both men are lonely and looking for their soul mate.they find that in each other their meeting is very hot and lovely Mr. :Grey does this so well the reader feels this connection in their heart it is again, lovely and so nice. Marshall is inspired to create a soundtrack to his time on the ranch.:But Marshall is from NYC and has an elusive job offer in Brooklyn. Indigo obviously can't leave the ranch. Hard decisions are made my heart breaks for the men. Well done Mr Grey well done thank you again for the incredible "feels"
August 4, 2014
Marshall is a symphony conductor who is having a hard time finding a job. He goes to the Circle R dude ranch in Texas seeking some much-needed rest after a string of unsuccessful auditions. What he finds is an immediate attraction to the Circle R's owner, Indigo; a once famous bull-rider. In one week, their lives change as they develop strong feelings for one another. But is a week really long enough to forge the basis for a relationship?
I’m not saying much else at the risk of giving away plot details. It was a very fun story, and the characters were likable and believable. Andrew Grey does an excellent job of creating an interesting situation to bring together two people from very diverse backgrounds. The secondary characters gave the story depth. Ranch life is portrayed in more than enough detail to make me feel like I was there.
A Courageous Ride is another wonderful tale from an outstanding writer.
I’m not saying much else at the risk of giving away plot details. It was a very fun story, and the characters were likable and believable. Andrew Grey does an excellent job of creating an interesting situation to bring together two people from very diverse backgrounds. The secondary characters gave the story depth. Ranch life is portrayed in more than enough detail to make me feel like I was there.
A Courageous Ride is another wonderful tale from an outstanding writer.
April 14, 2014
Andrew Grey has a talent for writing beautiful prose and engaging dialogue. He has a knack for engaging readers within the first couple of sentences and cloistering them in the world he has created. He successfully does this again in his latest novel A Courageous Ride, the third book in his Bullriders series.
Andrew Grey is the king of romance. His detailed descriptions of the ranch and the men’s game of cat and mouse are beautifully written. Grey has the ability to bring a reader quickly into a story and this third installment in the Bull riders series is no exception.
See my full review on the Smoocher's Voice website: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/04...
Andrew Grey is the king of romance. His detailed descriptions of the ranch and the men’s game of cat and mouse are beautifully written. Grey has the ability to bring a reader quickly into a story and this third installment in the Bull riders series is no exception.
See my full review on the Smoocher's Voice website: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/04...
April 3, 2014
Wow a cowboy and musician what a great combination. This is a great story about how two people find a way to combine their very different lives. This shows you what can be accomplished if you want it bad enough. This is my first book by Andrew Grey but it most certainly will not be my last. The man can tell a great story and has you wishing for that hea ending.
May 10, 2014
Another sweet and heartwarming story :)
Loved Marshall's profession, I think it's the first time I'm reading about a conductor and cowboys are always a win :))
Great HEA as usual and I'd like to read about Harold someday, he seems like a troubled, but potentially interesting charater too.
Loved Marshall's profession, I think it's the first time I'm reading about a conductor and cowboys are always a win :))
Great HEA as usual and I'd like to read about Harold someday, he seems like a troubled, but potentially interesting charater too.
August 27, 2015
Loved this book. It felt very real to me (though I don't know of thing about ranches and music). The whole story is very fluid, gripping in the beginning and flowing naturally. I enjoyed it immensely and can't wait for another installment in this series.
June 5, 2018
The Bullriders
I've listened to the first two and just read the third, the stories were awesome, Another Grey is an awesome writer and John Solo did a wonderful job with the narration. I will definitely be visiting this series again.
I've listened to the first two and just read the third, the stories were awesome, Another Grey is an awesome writer and John Solo did a wonderful job with the narration. I will definitely be visiting this series again.
February 17, 2019
It's complicated...
Safer sex is not a black and white discussion. There are many shades of gray along a spectrum of options and levels of risk. I love how the author played with this uncertainty with the characters and how they came to their own conclusions.
Safer sex is not a black and white discussion. There are many shades of gray along a spectrum of options and levels of risk. I love how the author played with this uncertainty with the characters and how they came to their own conclusions.
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