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Joe Jurassic
One Man. One Dream. Zero Credibility.
When Buck Joseph, former monster truck driver turned “dino-entrepreneur,” opens Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park, he promises thrills, spills, and a hands-on encounter with creatures that definitely should not exist.
Armed with a leash, a lighter, and way too much confidence, Buck’s roadside empire is a glitter-soaked disaster barely holding together. But when a baby T-Rex bites his hand off during a livestream, the internet crowns him king of e-reptile dysfunction—and reality TV comes knocking.
Soon, Buck is wrestling fame, prehistoric livestock, and a teeny raptor with diva energy, all while the park teeters on the edge of total combustion.
With sponsors bailing, chaos rising, and his dreams literally going up in smoke, Buck has one last
A live, pay-per-view dinosaur battle royale.
Because in Thunder Valley, extinction is just a marketing strategy.
⭐☆☆☆☆
"You get what you pay for, and apparently I paid for tetanus."
—Brenda L., Fort Worth, TX
Brought my twins for the “Raptor Petting Zoo.” Left with a strong suspicion those weren’t actual raptors. One of them hissed “Karen” at me before stealing my purse. Security offered me a coupon for a churro. The churro was also a mistake.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
"Chaos. Mayhem. A surprising amount of glitter."
—Derek S., Albuquerque, NM
If you like your dinosaurs with side-eye and sideboob, this is the place. The T-Rex had a mullet and what I think was a grill. Pretty sure the Triceratops was vaping. My kids had the time of their lives. My wife has not spoken to me since.
⭐☆☆☆☆
"Saw a dino fight a raccoon over a funnel cake. Would not return."
—Linda M., Sarasota, FL
The velociraptor had a nose ring and kept trying to sell me crypto. Buck rode in on a Segway dressed as a Flintstone and shouted “Welcome to the THUNDERDOME!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So bad it looped back around to amazing."
—Kyle W., Austin, TX
Was it safe? No.
Was it sanitary? Also no.
⭐⭐☆☆☆
"Dino-sized disappointment."
—Tanya B., Tulsa, OK
The stegosaurus photobombed our family portrait by vomiting behind my husband. Somehow, still better than Chuck E. Cheese.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A spiritual journey."
—Ethan G., Portland, OR
Went ironically. Stayed unironically. Buck signed my forehead with a Sharpie and whispered “We’re all extinct on the inside.” 10/10 would emotionally unravel here again.
When Buck Joseph, former monster truck driver turned “dino-entrepreneur,” opens Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park, he promises thrills, spills, and a hands-on encounter with creatures that definitely should not exist.
Armed with a leash, a lighter, and way too much confidence, Buck’s roadside empire is a glitter-soaked disaster barely holding together. But when a baby T-Rex bites his hand off during a livestream, the internet crowns him king of e-reptile dysfunction—and reality TV comes knocking.
Soon, Buck is wrestling fame, prehistoric livestock, and a teeny raptor with diva energy, all while the park teeters on the edge of total combustion.
With sponsors bailing, chaos rising, and his dreams literally going up in smoke, Buck has one last
A live, pay-per-view dinosaur battle royale.
Because in Thunder Valley, extinction is just a marketing strategy.
⭐☆☆☆☆
"You get what you pay for, and apparently I paid for tetanus."
—Brenda L., Fort Worth, TX
Brought my twins for the “Raptor Petting Zoo.” Left with a strong suspicion those weren’t actual raptors. One of them hissed “Karen” at me before stealing my purse. Security offered me a coupon for a churro. The churro was also a mistake.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
"Chaos. Mayhem. A surprising amount of glitter."
—Derek S., Albuquerque, NM
If you like your dinosaurs with side-eye and sideboob, this is the place. The T-Rex had a mullet and what I think was a grill. Pretty sure the Triceratops was vaping. My kids had the time of their lives. My wife has not spoken to me since.
⭐☆☆☆☆
"Saw a dino fight a raccoon over a funnel cake. Would not return."
—Linda M., Sarasota, FL
The velociraptor had a nose ring and kept trying to sell me crypto. Buck rode in on a Segway dressed as a Flintstone and shouted “Welcome to the THUNDERDOME!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So bad it looped back around to amazing."
—Kyle W., Austin, TX
Was it safe? No.
Was it sanitary? Also no.
⭐⭐☆☆☆
"Dino-sized disappointment."
—Tanya B., Tulsa, OK
The stegosaurus photobombed our family portrait by vomiting behind my husband. Somehow, still better than Chuck E. Cheese.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A spiritual journey."
—Ethan G., Portland, OR
Went ironically. Stayed unironically. Buck signed my forehead with a Sharpie and whispered “We’re all extinct on the inside.” 10/10 would emotionally unravel here again.
- GenresScience Fiction
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Jamie K. Schmidt
167 books731 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt is a hybrid author who has over thirty short stories published in small press and ezines, and a variety of novellas and books online. Her Club Inferno series from Random House has been in Amazon's top 100 ebooks sold and Barnes and Noble's top 10. She has a dragon paranormal romance series at Entangled Publishing. Book one of the Emerging Queens series is The Queen's Wings.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English, which is a fancy way of saying she went to college to teach high school English. When that didn't pan out, she worked as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major conglomerate company. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing, Jamie relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. You can reach her at Twitter: @jamiekswriter or at her website www.jkschmidt.com
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English, which is a fancy way of saying she went to college to teach high school English. When that didn't pan out, she worked as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major conglomerate company. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing, Jamie relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. You can reach her at Twitter: @jamiekswriter or at her website www.jkschmidt.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2025
This book asks the question, "What if Tiger King replaced the tigers with dinosaurs?" The answer is an absolutely bonkers ride featuring a morally questionable main character, eccentric side characters, and dinosaurs that may be smarter than their human keepers.
Like many, I was enthralled with Tiger King, the trainwreck that just had to be seen to be believed. Joe Jurassic captures that desire to know what happens next with aplomb. Despite the ridiculous situations, the story features characters that would believably pop up at Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park. From the questionable scientist responsible for these creations to the protesters at the front gate to the poor intern turned social media manager, each person has their part to play on this roller coaster gone haywire.
If you're looking for a quick read featuring a monster truck driver turned dinosaur wrangler, this is the book for you.
Like many, I was enthralled with Tiger King, the trainwreck that just had to be seen to be believed. Joe Jurassic captures that desire to know what happens next with aplomb. Despite the ridiculous situations, the story features characters that would believably pop up at Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park. From the questionable scientist responsible for these creations to the protesters at the front gate to the poor intern turned social media manager, each person has their part to play on this roller coaster gone haywire.
If you're looking for a quick read featuring a monster truck driver turned dinosaur wrangler, this is the book for you.
July 2, 2025
This was a light-hearted, comical, and wildly entertaining read. The author's personal note when I signed up to receive a copy of this book described it as “Tiger King meets Jurassic Park.” She wasn't lying, and she absolutely delivered!
Joe Jurassic follows Buck Joseph, a former monster truck rally superstar who's now the proud, slightly unhinged owner of Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park. Buck lives for thrills, spectacle, and pure chaos, which he delivers through seven genetically modified dinosaurs that delight guests young and old. It feels like a childhood dream come true for Buck… until things (predictably) start to crash and burn around him. Will he be able to put out the fires before his dreams go up in smoke?
Buck is a lovable goofball. His fiery passion and energy for everything he does, the trust he places in the people he genuinely cares about, and the way he sees his dinosaurs as family is just so sweet. His ego occasionally gets the best of him, but you really feel like Buck is the kind of person who has everyone’s best interests at heart. Despite his flaws, it's impossible to dislike him. He could absolutely be a distant relative of Joe Exotic, wrapped up in the wardrobe of Guy Fieri. Buck is larger than life, and the journey of his personal growth is a major part of what made this such an excellent read.
There’s a great cast of supporting and side characters as well. They’re all memorable and entertaining, especially the dinosaurs. Clawdia, of course, steals the show, but the whole Thunder Valley clan is a highly entertaining bunch.
This is a short read, broken up into a comical Yelp review at the start of each chapter, followed by the main story, and ending with a more serious interview-style section. Very unique blend of elements in the writing which I enjoyed. I finished it in two sittings, about two hours total, and loved every minute of it!
If you’re in the mood for something light that’ll make you smile, and you loved Jurassic Park but wished it had a happy ending, this is the book for you. I received a free copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest opinion.
Joe Jurassic follows Buck Joseph, a former monster truck rally superstar who's now the proud, slightly unhinged owner of Thunder Valley Dino-tainment Park. Buck lives for thrills, spectacle, and pure chaos, which he delivers through seven genetically modified dinosaurs that delight guests young and old. It feels like a childhood dream come true for Buck… until things (predictably) start to crash and burn around him. Will he be able to put out the fires before his dreams go up in smoke?
Buck is a lovable goofball. His fiery passion and energy for everything he does, the trust he places in the people he genuinely cares about, and the way he sees his dinosaurs as family is just so sweet. His ego occasionally gets the best of him, but you really feel like Buck is the kind of person who has everyone’s best interests at heart. Despite his flaws, it's impossible to dislike him. He could absolutely be a distant relative of Joe Exotic, wrapped up in the wardrobe of Guy Fieri. Buck is larger than life, and the journey of his personal growth is a major part of what made this such an excellent read.
There’s a great cast of supporting and side characters as well. They’re all memorable and entertaining, especially the dinosaurs. Clawdia, of course, steals the show, but the whole Thunder Valley clan is a highly entertaining bunch.
This is a short read, broken up into a comical Yelp review at the start of each chapter, followed by the main story, and ending with a more serious interview-style section. Very unique blend of elements in the writing which I enjoyed. I finished it in two sittings, about two hours total, and loved every minute of it!
If you’re in the mood for something light that’ll make you smile, and you loved Jurassic Park but wished it had a happy ending, this is the book for you. I received a free copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest opinion.
June 23, 2025
Occasionally, I pick a book that is different than what I normally read and this book followed that line. I expected a light and probably corny story reminiscent of the original Juriassic Park. The only similarity is the hubris displayed by the parks owners and the fact that both have dinosaurs. This book takes a very different path from the Jurassic franchise of movies. The dinosaurs are smaller and Buck loves them but can't truly see his vision. He has done something amazing and brought back amazing creatures but let his ego nearly tear it all down. There is a lesson in this story about competition and ego and forgetting yourself to chase something.
Buck loved his dinosaurs early in the story but forgot when the competition got rough. He forgot the boy who loved dinosaurs and became the man who must dominate. A shock set him back on his path and then he truly became the man his dinosaurs and park guests and a special lady needed him to be. You are never too old to learn a lesson and sometimes that lesson includes a slap in the face. Joe forgot who he was but fortunately one smart little girl dinosaur was there to save the day and help rebuild something amazing. I can't help but wonder if we will get more of this bunch will a possible ship and a road trip. If we see Joe Jurassic again, sign me up because I will be right there to read it. Come for the corny but stay for the lesson in this very well crafted tale of adventure and misadventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Buck loved his dinosaurs early in the story but forgot when the competition got rough. He forgot the boy who loved dinosaurs and became the man who must dominate. A shock set him back on his path and then he truly became the man his dinosaurs and park guests and a special lady needed him to be. You are never too old to learn a lesson and sometimes that lesson includes a slap in the face. Joe forgot who he was but fortunately one smart little girl dinosaur was there to save the day and help rebuild something amazing. I can't help but wonder if we will get more of this bunch will a possible ship and a road trip. If we see Joe Jurassic again, sign me up because I will be right there to read it. Come for the corny but stay for the lesson in this very well crafted tale of adventure and misadventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Buck Joseph is the hero/anti hero of this story.
Dr Z is Buck's sidekick.
Dr Pepper is the snake in the grass.
Then there's Buck's ex, Lilith and her husband Tex Ray, the protagonists.
This story is about two best friends who believed in each other and when the time was right met up again and started what to some would look like a science fiction story. Then science fiction becomes real. The story turns from a wonder and love for the unbelievable to one of despair.
Who will come out on top?
A fantastic story that draws the reader into the wonder of dinosaurs and runs into the despair of a man who looses his way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dr Z is Buck's sidekick.
Dr Pepper is the snake in the grass.
Then there's Buck's ex, Lilith and her husband Tex Ray, the protagonists.
This story is about two best friends who believed in each other and when the time was right met up again and started what to some would look like a science fiction story. Then science fiction becomes real. The story turns from a wonder and love for the unbelievable to one of despair.
Who will come out on top?
A fantastic story that draws the reader into the wonder of dinosaurs and runs into the despair of a man who looses his way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2025
I was hooked from the blurb, and it only got better from there. Chaotic, ridiculous, and loads of fun, this book had characters I loved to hate and a plot that kept me reading. If the premise interests you, if you like to watch a slow motion disaster, or if you just want a good laugh, this book did not disappoint. Surprisingly sweet and not-so-surprisingly horrifying, but a blast through and through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
Buck Shepard has always loved dinosaurs, so it completely makes sense that he grows up, re-units with his best friend who is a geneticist, and creates a theme park with genetically modified mini dinos. This story is chaotic in its storyline and it’s story telling, mixing Yelp reviews with interviews of the characters with found footage/reality school film clips. The attitudes of the raptors were a hoot and I found plenty of parts to be amused at - an entertaining read.
June 28, 2025
This story is a mix of Jurassic Park, with all of its glorious imagining of the park and the dinosaur exhibits, and the mess that is/was Tiger King, with its sensationalism and its disastrous relationships. Full on funny moments, great creativity in concept and a good lesson: be kind to your younger self and follow your dreams.
July 14, 2025
This is not my usual genre, but, but I was intrigued by the cover art and the idea of Tiger King meets Jurassic Park. It lived up to that idea in the best way possible. It was fun and made me laugh out loud sometimes. I could easily picture the dinosaurs and their personalities. It was well written and well worth the read.
June 21, 2025
There is such good humor in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book after a hard day. Joe, Sienna, and Clawdia have a great relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
Thanks again for the free giveaway ebook copy!
Hilariously good time! Now one of my favorite books of all time! Highly recommend if you like comedy and great story telling with an overall positive message!
Hilariously good time! Now one of my favorite books of all time! Highly recommend if you like comedy and great story telling with an overall positive message!
July 18, 2025
This is one crazy story. Very different from what I would normally read, but very entertaining. It's got a Jurassic Park/ Tiger King smashed together vibe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
Joe Jurassic is a hilarious satire read that will leave you laughing with how hilarious it is. This is such a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
July 9, 2025DNF
July 25, 2025
Was it a literally masterpiece? No.. no it wasn’t. Was it funny, different and entertaining? Yes.. yes it was.
September 28, 2025
Stoics have Ryan Holiday to remind them that the ego is the enemy; the rest of us have Buck Joseph.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews