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Joy Anderson never expected to find herself in a place like Cole County. When her best friend suggested she join her in the small town, there was nothing keeping her in the city, so she moved into her friend’s old place and fell into a simple routine of working part time at the Family Health Center as well as helping out at Boulder Ranch. One chance encounter with a handsome cowboy quickly changes everything. Joy’s life takes a thrilling turn at the start of rodeo season when it turns out the handsome cowboy is local legend Tate Garrison. With Tate by her side, Joy learns to embrace the excitement and challenges of her new life, all while discovering who she is and what she truly wants in life. Has Joy found the happiness and love she’s been searching for, or will the obstacles in their path prove too difficult to overcome?

Tate Garrison, a former pro bull rider turned bronc rider, is a man with a tough exterior but a heart of gold. With their parents no longer living, Tate has dedicated his life to running his family ranch and looking after his younger brother, Grayson. Despite his rough, independent lifestyle, Tate finds himself drawn to Joy. As they navigate their new relationship, Tate realizes he must confront his past and take a deep look at himself if he’s truly ready to let someone new into his life. Together, Joy and Tate forge ahead on their new journey of love, trust, and healing. Sometimes, the greatest things in life are found in the most unexpected places.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2025

16 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Willow

18 books98 followers
I'm a bookworm. My family teases me because I'll even read a book while I watch TV. Watching the game? Yup, I'm reading during the commercials.

Writing started off as a hobby. I would write what I wanted to read. When I was younger, I thought it was fun to write better versions of my favorite books... it all went well until the epic smut I wrote was discovered and I got grounded for two weeks.
Now I can't get grounded anymore :)

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5 stars
61 (37%)
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76 (46%)
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22 (13%)
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3 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for cat.
170 reviews39 followers
August 7, 2025
There’s just something about a cowboy who can be both rugged in the saddle and tender where it matters most, and Tate had that in spades. As a ranch man and bronc rider, he carried himself with that quiet, grounded strength that makes you feel safe just being around him. But what I loved most wasn’t the grit, or the work ethic. It was the way he was with Joy. His feelings for her were never a question. He didn’t play games, didn’t hold back his affection, and was unwaveringly kind to her. It’s the kind of love interest you can’t help but root for from page one.

Joy, though, was a little more complicated for me. She’s hardworking and dedicated to her work at the rodeo, which I admired, but when it came to her relationship with Tate, I found myself frustrated. There was one particular moment where Tate couldn’t give her certain information, and while it was clear he wasn’t withholding it to hurt her, she took it personally. Instead of trusting him or at least giving him the benefit of the doubt, she stayed upset far longer than I felt was fair. It took repeated apologies from Tate for her to move on, and it came across as a little immature and lacking in understanding.

I also couldn’t help but compare this to the first book in the series. Not that it’s always fair to measure one against the other, but for me, the first felt richer, especially when it came to the family element. Here, I really wanted more depth in Tate’s perspective, particularly on his fractured relationship with his brother. Those moments had so much potential for emotional impact, but we only got small glimpses, and it was just starting to dig deeper toward the end.

The romance itself was sweet and had its spicy moments, and the story moved at a pace that made it an easy, breezy read. It was cute, fun, and definitely entertaining for a little escape. But when I closed the book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have been more. The emotional threads were there but never fully pulled through.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a cowboy romance that balances a little heat with small-town charm, Tate and Joy’s story might just be the quick, satisfying read you’re looking for.

things to know about the book ↓

🐴 small-town romance
🐴 cowboy hero
🐴 spicy
🐴 ranch life & rodeo vibes
🐴 workplace romance

──────────

・❥・⁀➷ pre-read

hoping this one delivers as good as the first one did!
Profile Image for The Sewist's Bookshelf .
500 reviews89 followers
May 1, 2025
⭐ 3.5
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy chapters: 12, 16, 23-24, 31, 36
📚 Tropes/Themes: country/western, cowboy, insta-lust, bull rider, insta love, he falls first and harder, small town, show burn
👀 Dual POV
🛍️ Available: May 9

💬 So first I want to say that this is an ARC read that I read in tandem with the book Ride Me which is set in the same world as this book, and focuses on the other brother, Grayson. Ride Me should really be read before this one, because even though they overlap if you read this one first it gives away some stuff.

I'm starting to think that maybe you can't really give a review for these books on their own, but that you need to read the entire series before you can give a review. Because just like with the first book I felt like there wasn't a lot of character development and I still don't really understand what the issue is between Tate and his brother Grayson. Like I still don't feel like I have a grasp of who they are as characters, although Tate is a little bit less of a mystery because I got to read about him in Ride Me. There wasn't much backstory for Joy either, just that she's here starting over after a relationship that failed to go anywhere.

Maybe that's the point? Maybe these are supposed to be quick, easy, low angst, low drama reads and I totally missed it. It's entirely possible and if that's the case I'm sorry 🙈

I did enjoy the actual relationship with Tate and Joy, it was definitely a show burn with all his mixed signals but I could feel their chemistry coming through the pages.

Ultimately, I just wanted more. I didn't hate the story, I just... I wanted more backstory and character development. It didn't even have to be more drama or angst but everything felt very surface level. Like I said about Ride Me, I think this book has good bones it's just not quite there yet.
Profile Image for Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea).
952 reviews69 followers
September 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Y'all lovers of cowboy romances are going to absolutely love this one! It's book two in the Boulder Ranch series. Ashley Willow is new to me but I will absolutely be reading her work again! I loved her characters, her storyline, the chemistry between Tate & Joy.....it was beautifully chiseled!

Things I Adored:
•Bronc rider
•rodeo vibes
•swoon-worthy chemistry between Tate & Joy
•he falls hard & fast for Joy
•slow burn but insta-lust
•small town
•all the emotions & feels
•workplace romance

Let me tell y'all about the audiobook. It's fantastic. Charlie Wood is new to me but she nailed the very essence that was Joy phenomenally. I loved her voice! James Cassidy is quickly becoming another favorite me. The gruff cowboy Tate came to life for me as JC navigated his story line. Together, this narrating duo was a beautiful combo!
Profile Image for Lisa Van Pas.
27 reviews
May 4, 2025
ARC review

The book is a short story and is fast paced. I love the cowboy romance and loved the setting in the book. Sweet and spicey romance novel. Would’ve loved if the book was longer so there was space for character development and background story of the characters. Would’ve loved if the tension between Tate and joy was building during the book. It felt a bit rushed sometimes. Nevertheless I loved reading this book, loved the style of writing by the author. Looking forward to read more books of the author.
Profile Image for Amanda Hopwood.
340 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC .
I really enjoyed the story , I give it a 3.75. I thought the FMC was a bit annoying but won’t go into details as to why because spoilers !!!

If you are looking for a small town romance with some cowboys this is it !!
Profile Image for Cole Branham.
101 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
Smalltown Cowboy romance.

So I’ve not read/ listen a lot of cowboy romance. I think the last cowboy romance, I read prior to this book was Stray by DJ Kramer. Which is really funny because I used to love westerns as a kid so I thought I would’ve loved cowboy Romance by just haven’t read a lot of of them so I was really excited whenever bluenose gave me this audio to listen to. One of my biggest issues though is I get so used to bluenose doing duet narrated books that when I get in get one from them, that’s duel narrated I tend not to like them as much. But throughout this book, both James Cassidy and Charlie Wood do a pretty good job switching between a male voice and a female voice whenever they’re doing the opposite roles and that’s really just one my big pet peeves with a duel narration, but story wise I thought the story was very easy to follow with the small town romance, instant lust, kind of a boss employee romance for the second half of the book, city girl/county man. The story follows Tate and Joy. Tate is a former bronco rider who is now kind of just competing at a ranch that he grew up and Joy is working part-time at that ranch and at a doctors office and they meet because Tate backs into her car and it’s kind of just building from there. But once they meet after that it’s just instant lust relationship they’re both craving each other throughout the entirety of the book and it’s just again easy to follow, fast paced, and just like something easy to read once all you’ve read is dark romance. But thank you again to bluenose for allowing me to listen to this audio early.
Profile Image for Amanda.
422 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2025
✨Buck Me by Ashley Willow✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️


Buck Me by Ashley Willow is the start of something beautiful for the Boulder Ranch series. This is a six book series surrounding the townsfolk of Cole County. ** This is the 2nd book BUT I have not read the 1st one yet... it's on the TBR folks. **

Joy helps with the horses and knows her stuff. She was raised around them in her youth due to her Aunt having a training / boarding facility for the animals. So, she is back in town after leaving the big city.

Tate is our former bronc rider turned ranch owner who unexpectedly runs into Joy and they don’t get off on the right foot, literally. Tate and Joy end up running into one another because when it’s a small town it’s hard to avoid someone.

Joy always seems to be messy when around Tate. & no, I am not talking about the other kind. I am talking about the literal mess of Joy. She keeps ending up in his clothes, at his house and using his washer and dryer. She is worried about what the townsfolk will say when some news is dropped at one of the rodeo circuits before the show starts.

Joy ends up taking a step back and tries as she might avoid Tate. But she doesn’t succeed.

If you are looking for an easy read, under 300 pages, little to no conflict, and part of a promising series this book is for you. Did I mention it’s got bull riders, line dancing and small town vibes?
Profile Image for Mandi.
24 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2025
Buck Me is a sweet and spicy cowboy, small town romance.
Tate and joy are a power couple from the beginning. Maneuvering life with work, running two ranches and finding time for themselves.
Tate is the one that always took care of others and never himself. When he meets Joy. he finds out just what he has been missing. Love.
I love Tate and Joys story. They are so cute and I love being apart of their story.
Ashley, you have done it again.
Profile Image for Roberta Timmons.
125 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2025
Exciting Cowboy Romance
if you enjoy a Cowboy Romance that you can't put down. it has drama with bis brother, spice and love of animals."Buck Me" by Ashley Willows is the book for your reading pleasure. this book is a fast-paced read that you won't want to put down. This is a beautifully wri/en Cowboy Romance that takes place with a backdrop of Ranch and Rodeo life.
Profile Image for Amber.
12 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
Buck Me by Ashley Willow is a light, easy romance set against the backdrop of rodeos and ranch life. The chemistry between the main characters sparks from the start and grows into a sweet, satisfying connection.
A simple, pleasant read that delivers a happy ending without too much drama.
Profile Image for Kayla Sargent.
200 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2025
If you're looking for a sweet, quick read, then this book is for you. This small town romance will have you wishing for one of your own. Who doesn't love a good cowboy romance without a lot of drama?
Profile Image for Vanessa.
213 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2025
Y'all are not going to want to miss this audiobook! James Cassidy and Charlie L Wood did a fantastic job with bringing Tate and Joy to life! This was my third time reading it and first time listening to the audiobook as an ALC and it did not disappoint!

Tropes: cowboy romance, small town romance, workplace romance, rain kisses.

Favorite quote: "I like to see you with your mouthful."
Profile Image for Yvonne Ptk.
53 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
ARC review

I liked the story, the characters, the romance and the spice. It’s an easy to read book with not much drama.

I would have liked the book better if it had been longer so that the story had built up a bit slower and with more tension. I wish it had more depth, details and character building. I really missed their background stories.
222 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2025
Buck Me is a light, easy cowboy romance that brings together small-town charm, rodeo season excitement, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s fast-paced, fun, and delivers exactly what you’d expect from a short, under-300-page escape read. While I did wish for more depth and character development, there’s no denying that Tate and Joy’s story has a sweetness to it that makes for a feel-good listen.

What stood out most to me was the vibe bull riders, line dancing, small-town routines, and the rush of rodeo season all came together to create an engaging atmosphere. The romance itself is sweet with some steamy moments, though I couldn’t help but feel the story skimmed the surface emotionally. The foundation was there family responsibilities, self-discovery, new beginnings but the threads weren’t fully pulled through. Still, if you’re looking for something quick and heartwarming with a cowboy edge, this delivers.

The Story
Joy Anderson relocates to Cole County for a fresh start, expecting nothing more than a quiet small-town routine. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Tate Garrison, a local rodeo legend with a rough exterior and a loyal heart. Tate is balancing the weight of his family ranch and caring for his younger brother, while Joy is learning to find her place in a community that’s completely new to her. As rodeo season heats up, so does their romance, with Joy discovering a side of herself she never knew was missing and Tate realizing he might just be ready to let someone into his life again. Together, they navigate love, trust, and the unexpected magic of second chances.

What I Loved
✔️ Small-town setting with bull riding, line dancing, and cowboy charm.
✔️ A sweet romance with just the right amount of heat.
✔️ Tate gritty, rugged, but with a soft heart beneath the tough cowboy exterior.
✔️ Joy’s journey of rediscovery and carving out her place in a new life.
✔️ The breezy, fast-paced feel that makes this a perfect escape read.

🎧 Narration
The narration really elevated this story. Charlie L. Woods was a completely new voice to me, but her performance as Joy won me over instantly smooth, warm, and easy to sink into. She captured Joy’s vulnerability and quiet strength beautifully, making her easy to connect with. James Cassidy, on the other hand, was born to voice a cowboy. His deep, slightly rough tone fit Tate perfectly, balancing grit with unexpected tenderness. What really impressed me was the way both narrators leaned into the emotions of the story: the tension, the sweetness, the heat. Together, their chemistry in duet narration kept me engaged from start to finish and gave Tate and Joy’s romance an authenticity that made it feel alive.

Tropes
Cowboy Romance
Small Town
Rodeo / Bull Riding
Found Family Vibes
Fresh Start / New Beginning
Low Conflict
Sweet & Spicy Blend

Final Thoughts
Buck Me is a cute, fun, and entertaining cowboy romance that’s perfect if you’re looking for something quick and light. While I did crave more emotional depth and backstory to fully connect with the characters, the charm, spice, and small-town setting kept me hooked. Sometimes, you just need a feel-good cowboy story and Tate and Joy’s romance hits that spot.
631 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2025
This is the second audiobook in the multi-author Boulder Ranch series. This was also my first book from author Ashley Willow, but I suspect it will not be the last. I’m a sucker for a good cowboy romance, and this one was an oh-so-good cowboy romance. This is a boss/employee, low angst, high spice story. And at just under six hours, it’s a fairly quick listen. The story centers around Joy, a nurse who also works part time with horses on a ranch, and Tate, a former champion bull rider, part-time bronc rider, and ranch owner. There is an instant attraction, but both have a few issues to work through on their road to an HEA. I love the banter between these two characters, and there’s no denying their chemistry is off the charts. But there’s also a genuine sweetness to the way they interact with one another that I just fell in love with.

The dual-style narration from Charlie L. Wood and James Cassidy is beautifully done, with each of them perfectly embodying their main character. I can’t lie; I honestly prefer duet-style narration to dual. But both of these talented voice actors do a wonderful job of voicing their alternate gender so the switches from male to female voice and vice versa is not jarring in the least. Although they obviously can’t sound exactly like one another (especially with that deep, sexy gravel from James Cassidy), they do match each other’s narrative style very well. And more than anything, what the listener really hears is the overwhelming passion and emotion each narrator brings to the story, far overshadowing anything else. Overall, I truly enjoyed this gem of a story. And both the author and narrators definitely did the Cowboy romance genre proud!
Profile Image for Leslie.
269 reviews36 followers
September 10, 2025
🎧Audiobook Review🎧

📚Bite Me by Ashley Willows

🎤 Narrated by James Cassidy & Charlie L. Woods

Tropes:
Cowboy
Small Town
Rodeo Nights
Workplace
Interracial Couple

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🎤🎤🎤🎤
🌶️🌶️🌶️


Blurb:
Joy Anderson never expected to find herself in a place like Cole County. When her best friend suggested she join her in the small town, there was nothing keeping her in the city, so she moved into her friend’s old place and fell into a simple routine of working part time at the Family Health Center as well as helping out at Boulder Ranch. One chance encounter with a handsome cowboy quickly changes everything. Joy’s life takes a thrilling turn at the start of rodeo season when it turns out the handsome cowboy is local legend Tate Garrison. With Tate by her side, Joy learns to embrace the excitement and challenges of her new life, all while discovering who she is and what she truly wants in life. Has Joy found the happiness and love she’s been searching for, or will the obstacles in their path prove too difficult to overcome?

Tate Garrison, a former pro bull rider turned bronc rider, is a man with a tough exterior but a heart of gold. With their parents no longer living, Tate has dedicated his life to running his family ranch and looking after his younger brother, Grayson. Despite his rough, independent lifestyle, Tate finds himself drawn to Joy. As they navigate their new relationship, Tate realizes he must confront his past and take a deep look at himself if he’s truly ready to let someone new into his life. Together, Joy and Tate forge ahead on their new journey of love, trust, and healing.

Profile Image for Toni.
133 reviews
September 10, 2025
Joy & Tate

🎧 ebook and ALC Review 🎧

Buck Me is my first venture into the Boulder Ranch series. I fell for these characters from the opening chapter.

Tate is a kind and caring cowboy, fiercely loyal and will do anything for the people he loves. A PBR Champion, now retired from bull riding his focus now, running the family ranch and hosting bull and bronco riding events at Boulder Ranch.

Recently moved to Cole County, Joy works both part time at the health center and at Boulder Ranch. Not afraid to get down and dirty with ranch duties, Joy feels at home amongst the stables.

The chemistry between these two led to cute moments, a little frustration, oh and steamy encounters too. Tate’s kindness and respectfulness to Joy, and Joy’s love of fun endeared me to their story even more. The chemistry and connection never wavered between these two. Even during the rockier times.

Charlie L. Wood as Joy, and James Cassidy as Tate had me totally wrapped up in the characters of Cole County. From their first heated encounter I just knew Charlie and James would nail the personalities of these characters. Impressed with Charlie’s male, and so too James’ female voices. I enjoyed this dual performance greatly. I did find speed 1.0 a little slow and drawn out for me, particularly with Charlie’s delivery. IMO, 1.2 is more suited to Joy’s character personality.

Thank you Ashley Willow for this entertaining story. Thank you to Blue Nose for a wonderfully engaging Advanced Listener Copy.
Profile Image for Ginny.
248 reviews
September 11, 2025
Save a horse and ride a cowboy? OK!

Joy comes to town to work with her friend at the family clinic. She’s also working part-time for Boulder Ranch. Tate is the bronco riding, former pro-bull rider, ranch owner who doesn’t have time for relationships. They start off shaky but recover quickly when they spend the night dancing at the bar. The attraction takes them both by surprise and they each handle it differently. I’m not always a fan of insta-lust and this starts as that, but I enjoyed every bit of their journey. Joy knows what she wants and refuses to make the same mistakes twice based on her past. Tate is the king of mixed signals when it comes to Joy. However, when they communicate and Tate commits, he’s all in and doesn’t hold back. It’s fantastic!

Dual narration by Charlie L. Wood and James Cassidy. They elevated the story for me. Both are new to me, and I need more from them asap. Their voices blended well together and made for an easy listen. Plus, they both have a soothing, seductive quality to their voices that is perfect for the story.

This was a quick paced story with MCs in their 30s, plenty of spice and a sense of found family that I loved. I like that this story’s timeline ran concurrently with book 1 so you get both brother’s perspectives. These Garrison brothers are more similar than they realize, and their relationship is not easy, but they’re trying. I’m a sucker for a grump with a gooey center and the women that bring it out in them. I look forward to the rest of the series.


Profile Image for Janelle Sequin.
284 reviews39 followers
September 9, 2025
Audio Review

This is my first book that I have read/listen to of Ashley Willows I really loved this book so much who doesn’t love a great cowboy book.

In this book we see Joy & Tate. Joy never expected to find herself in a place like Cole County. When her best friend suggested she join her in the small town, there was nothing keeping her in the city, so she moved into her friend’s old place and fell into a simple routine of working part time at the Family Health Center as well as helping out at Boulder Ranch. What she doesn’t except is to run into Tate.

Tate Garrison, a former pro bull rider turned bronc rider, is a man with a tough exterior but a heart of gold. With their parents no longer living, Tate has dedicated his life to running his family ranch and looking after his younger brother, Grayson. Despite his rough, independent lifestyle, Tate finds himself drawn to Joy.

As they both navigate this relationship they are in. Tate decided he must comfort his past and take a look at himself and is he ready to let someone in.

James Cassidy he did a really good job playing Tate. And I just love any book he is in.

Charlie L Woods is a new narrator to me and I really loved the way she played Joy. Will definitely be looking forward to more books of hers.

Thank you Ashley & Blue Nose for allowing me to listen to this book before it was released.
Profile Image for Lauryn Young.
220 reviews
September 5, 2025
**Audio Review**

The book alone I would give a 3.5, but Charlie and James really brought these characters to life in a way that kept me listening. As a whole, I think that the book could benefit from more time dedicated to learning about our characters, their backstories, and seeing them more well developed.

There is something about a cowboy that gets me every time, and Tate embodied all of the right characteristics. He's manly, rugged, and stoic - he is a bronc rider, after all. He's been through some difficult family situations, but he has a big heart, and he turns into a big marshmallow for his woman.

Joy never envisioned herself working with horses, but she winds up at Boulder Ranch after moving to a small town from the big city. There are a couple of things about her character that I didn't *love*, but overall she was a fairly enjoyable FMC.

Charlie L. Woods is new to me as a narrator, and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance as Joy. Her voice is silky smooth and so easy to get lost in. James has the perfect deep voice for a cowboy who is a bit rough around the edges. Both narrators do a phenomenal job with their acting choices and keeping the listener engaged in the story.

Profile Image for HEATHER.
1,267 reviews23 followers
September 9, 2025
✨Audiobook Review✨

Save a horse and ride a Cowboy is definitely the theme for this book and I'm here for it!!! I love Ashley Willow's writing and always look forward to her next book. This audiobook was so much fun to listen to and I fell in LOVE with Joy & Tate. If you want a small town cowboy romance story with some spice then this book is for you!

Charlie L Woods (Joy) and James Cassidy (Tate) did a phenomenal job telling their story. Their voices kept me entertained and held my attention through the entire audiobook. I felt like I was there with them when they told the story.

Joy was such a great character to get to know. I loved how she helps Tate and how their relationship came together. Tate is a rough and tough ex pro bull rider but deep down he has a heart of gold! The way he takes care of his brother will make your heart melt!

You will swoon, smile like crazy, laugh, have your heart melt and be left with a wonderful ending! I loved getting to know all these characters. I would HIGHLY recommend this audiobook!

Thank you Ashley Willow for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lynnette Price.
158 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
Buck Me ALC
Buck Me is a fast paced, steamy, cowboy romance with a work place relationship.
Tate Garrison is a man of layers and I just loved him. Tough cowboy exterior with a need to care for those he loves, a soft heart and a bit afraid of relationships.
In steps Joy Anderson. A city girl with a love for horses who came to Cole County after a failed relationship.
The heat between these two was immediate and electric but can they overcome obstacles and a workplace dynamic to make their relationship work. I loved how he fell for her so hard and fast and was such a gentleman. It took Joy a while, she was more worried about what people would think. I really connected to these characters because I found myself laughing with them and feeling the deep emotions with them.
The narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life. After just recently discovering James Cassidy I can honestly say I’m hooked and will be looking for more. This was my first book with Charlie L Wood as the female narrator and I loved her smooth delivery of the dialogue. With this being dual narration I was truly impressed with how they handled the other voices.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Small town, workplace, cowboy romance, rodeo, insta-lust, he falls first, slow burn
101 reviews
September 10, 2025
Buck Me by new-to-me author Ashley Willow is a sweet, low drama, rodeo story with a touch of boss/employee thrown in. This can be read as a standalone, but it fits nicely as a companion to Ride Me by Britton Brinkley. We first meet Tate and Joy in Ride Me, about Tate’s brother Grayson. (And if you haven’t heard that audio performance by Sebastion York and Lacy Laurel, run right now!) In Buck Me, we get Tate’s version of events with his brother as he meets and falls in love with Joy. Ms. Willow does a nice job writing about rodeo/ranch life and I enjoyed the banter as Tate and Joy fall in love. Sometimes you just need a nice, sweet but spicy, no big drama, romance in between whatever other craziness you might enjoy reading. This book provides that nicely. I enjoyed the audio production of this book which was performed in dual narration by James Cassidy and new-to-me narrator, Charlie L. Wood. I cannot recommend enough James Cassidy’s growly voice and fantastic female voices. Ms. Wood provided a lovely counterpart in her portrayal of Joy. Buck Me is a no-stress 4 star read with 3 spicy peppers.
Profile Image for Tonya Gladdish.
16 reviews
May 3, 2025
ARC Review... This was such a cute book and storyline. A little steamy as well. It is part of the Boulder Ranch series. Based on Bouler Ranch in a little town called Cole County. It is Rodeo Season at the ranch. Tate Garrison, a PBR Champion runs into Joy...literally and instant attraction is there from the start. So is the love. The first day they met their connection was impossible to ignore. The short chapters make it easier to read. The purchase of Bouler Ranch leads into Lover to Boss situation. Everyone meets up at The Thirsty Pony a local bar. Joy quits her job at the ranch and starts a new job as "arm candy" and a "trophy girlfriend." Some of my favorite quotes from the book: * "He's crazy hot. Maybe I'll save a horse tonight." * "I look like a potato in my scrubs - plain and shapeless." * "When's the last time you rode?" "A horse?" "Yes, a horse. But if there's something else you'd like to ride..."

All in all a city girl moves to the country and gets mixed up with some no-good cowboy.
Profile Image for Kate -  BookyGal.
339 reviews8 followers
September 10, 2025
Book 2 of the Boulder Ranch Series is more of a companion to book 1. So we're in the same timeline as book 1, but from the perspectives of Joy and Tate. Seeing the relationship between the Garrison brothers, but from the other perspective, is brilliant planning. Watching Joy and Tate fall quickly for each other and the spicy scenes are steamy! Tate and Joy really struggle as Tate becomes her boss once he purchases Boulder Ranch. Joy really puts herself first and recognizes that she loves Tate, and realizes that if she doesn't go get what she wants, she won't get it. Tate is steadfast throughout the story. Not just for Joy, but for his brother Grayson as well.

The duet audio with Charlie L. Wood and James Cassidy was excellent. It was my first book for both of them, and they were both simply a delight. Charlie really understood Joy's character and gave such life to her. James' deep baritone echoed Tate's consistency. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! Thanks to Blue Nose Publishing for the chance to read and review.
Profile Image for Jade.
205 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2025
I received an ARC from the Author and this is my honest review of Buck Me

Such a sweet romance story & who doesn't love a good romance
Ashley does a fantastic job of portraying her characters & showing their growth throughout:
Joy is outgoing & kind but after dealing with a horrible break up has sort of went into a shell - throughout this story we get to see Joy open up & go back to the girl she used to be with all her best traits
Tate is your typical cowboy but has a soft unnoticed side that no one gets to see - after losing his dad he has a strenuous relationship with his younger bother & they tend to knock heads - however we get to see their relationship slowly progress to something where they can be in the same room together

I love a good cowboy romance & this book definitely provides xxxxx
Profile Image for Linda V..
563 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2025
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buck Me is part of the Boulder Ranch series (multiple authors). I would definitely consider this book #2 as we already have Grayson hooked up with the good doctor. Tate is Grayson's older brother, always taking care and looking out for everyone else. The two brothers have a strained relationship, but when push comes to shove, they have each other's back. Tate and Joy have an unfortunate meet-cute, but the chemistry can't be denied between them. Both have family issues and secrets, but slowly allow each other into their guarded lives and hearts. Really enjoyed this cowboy, rodeo, small-town, workplace, interracial, bronc rider, ranch hand, spicy romance. This is a standalone, but you don't want to miss this series. And Hayden coming out of the tack room all disheveled...oooo! I hope more goodness is coming with his story!

The narration was fantastic. I rated the spice a 3/5, but I think that might be because James Cassidy REALLY brings that smexy voice to Tate's character. Charlie Wood is a new narrator to me and I really liked her performance. Great casting. 5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Jessica Hoffmaster.
92 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2025
Buck Me: Book 2 in Boulder Ranch series
by Ashley Willow

Performed by Charlie L. Wood & James Cassidy

Release date: September 10th

🤠Cowboy romance
🤠Boss romance
🤠Spice
🤠Small town
🤠Dual POV



The voices were all amazing! I loved the MMCs voice!

I enjoyed this listen.
He’s not a relationship guy, just a bull riding cowboy. 🤠 I’ve actually never been to a rodeo.

She changes his mind. He falls hard and so does she. She finds out he’s been hiding a secret !

The story was good I just didn’t completely fall in love with the characters. I just feel like there could have been more character building with pasts. Some parts just felt alittle rushed, but it’s a fast paced read. I’m a girl who LOVES banter so this wasn’t my type of book. But if you love insta love and insta lust then you’ll love this read !!


Thank you Blue Nose Audio and Ashley Willow for my copy!

#smalltownromance #audiobook #books #booktoker #fyp
Profile Image for Nicola Fairlamb.
4 reviews
April 30, 2025
This is a small town ranch romance,which gives you the hard work and dedication that comes with running a ranch or in this case 2 ranches.
I fell in love with Tate the MMC - he was a perfect mix of broody,loving and family orientated.
This was portrayed brilliantly. I fully got involved with his love/hate relationship with his brother Grayson (even though I would had liked more of a back story)
I really enjoyed reading this book and have given it 4 stars.
The spice was spicing and sometimes we were left with using our own imagination.
Thank you for sending me the kindle edition of this arc. I feel privileged that I got to read it before it is released to the public. Please add to your ‘want to read’ as you won’t be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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