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Buck Cowboys #1
Buck Cowboys
Hallie knows how to lose your best friend in one easy step.
Offer him your virginity, then watch him reject you.
But that was four years ago, and now she knows better. Working at Hunt’s Bull Riding School, there’s no shortage of hot young cowboys to keep her entertained. There’s no need to think about Nate Mathews, especially since he’s off on the pro bull riding tour.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Until Nate walks back into her life, four years older, four years hotter, and with four years of regrets behind the blue eyes she once fell in love with.
But on his first night back in their sleepy hometown, Nate’s plans to apologize are lost in the wail of sirens. In the devastating aftermath, Nate leans on the woman who once knew him better than anyone.
But this time, it’s more than friendship he wants from her. No amount of teenage history, bad-tempered bulls, or babies who hate his guts will stop him from getting his second chance.
This second chance, friends-to-lovers romance brings the steam against a backdrop of professional bull riding, rodeo, and small-town cowboys. This is a complete romance with a happily ever after.
Offer him your virginity, then watch him reject you.
But that was four years ago, and now she knows better. Working at Hunt’s Bull Riding School, there’s no shortage of hot young cowboys to keep her entertained. There’s no need to think about Nate Mathews, especially since he’s off on the pro bull riding tour.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Until Nate walks back into her life, four years older, four years hotter, and with four years of regrets behind the blue eyes she once fell in love with.
But on his first night back in their sleepy hometown, Nate’s plans to apologize are lost in the wail of sirens. In the devastating aftermath, Nate leans on the woman who once knew him better than anyone.
But this time, it’s more than friendship he wants from her. No amount of teenage history, bad-tempered bulls, or babies who hate his guts will stop him from getting his second chance.
This second chance, friends-to-lovers romance brings the steam against a backdrop of professional bull riding, rodeo, and small-town cowboys. This is a complete romance with a happily ever after.
Audible Audio
First published November 14, 2020
756 people are currently reading
2305 people want to read
About the author
Elle Thorpe
48 books4,804 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Elle Thorpe is the author of over thirty romance titles, including Amazon top ten books, Start a War and Locked Up Liars. She is best known for her dark reverse harems, and sexy small town romances.
When she's not writing, she's probably out on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks
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When she's not writing, she's probably out on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellethorpebooks
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellethorpebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
May 2, 2025
I picked this up because it's short and the cover was cute. Sadly, it fell short in more ways than one. With some editing, and maybe like 100 pages more, it has the potential to be solid. It's not revolutionary by any means, but it had some cute moments.
May 25, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a sweet second chance read. It was pretty short and right about the time I was really enjoying these two it was over. I wanted more of them.
Nate was the perfect guy for this read. Umm, I have been missing out on these hot cowboys in romance books! I need to find me some more. I felt like I got enough to start falling for Nate. He was charming, romantic and his dirty talk was something.
Hallie held her own and didn't cave too early when it came to pursuing anything with Nate. She had placed her trust in him and it had backfire in an epic way. She was leary and needed to make sure he was all in.
If you're looking for a new adult, second chance read about a bull rider and the one that got away - this one is for you!
This was a sweet second chance read. It was pretty short and right about the time I was really enjoying these two it was over. I wanted more of them.
Nate was the perfect guy for this read. Umm, I have been missing out on these hot cowboys in romance books! I need to find me some more. I felt like I got enough to start falling for Nate. He was charming, romantic and his dirty talk was something.
Hallie held her own and didn't cave too early when it came to pursuing anything with Nate. She had placed her trust in him and it had backfire in an epic way. She was leary and needed to make sure he was all in.
If you're looking for a new adult, second chance read about a bull rider and the one that got away - this one is for you!
July 17, 2025
This one was pretty hard for me to like. Hallie was my problem; she tried so hard to be a pick-me girl. I just got tired and didn't care anymore.
Hallie and Nate are second chance since he's home for a bit visiting his sister, and she has not forgiven him for what happened when they were teens. He embarrassed her and rejected her. Now he's trying to make it up to her. Thinking it would be easy nope. She made it so hard it felt like pulling teeth. She was so back and forth.
But beside that his sister and brother in law got into a car crash making him caregiver to there daughter his niece who doesn't like him for a 7 month baby. It was shall we shall we not since I'm be leaving 🤡
no ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times. no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow burn
Push away from both more FMC
Praise kink
Separation few years
HEA
Epilogue
Hallie and Nate are second chance since he's home for a bit visiting his sister, and she has not forgiven him for what happened when they were teens. He embarrassed her and rejected her. Now he's trying to make it up to her. Thinking it would be easy nope. She made it so hard it felt like pulling teeth. She was so back and forth.
But beside that his sister and brother in law got into a car crash making him caregiver to there daughter his niece who doesn't like him for a 7 month baby. It was shall we shall we not since I'm be leaving 🤡
no ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times. no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow burn
Push away from both more FMC
Praise kink
Separation few years
HEA
Epilogue
December 22, 2021
a second chance, friends to lovers cowboy
if you're looking for something sweet (but steamy) and short, read this.
also the next couple...I'm excited.
if you're looking for something sweet (but steamy) and short, read this.
also the next couple...I'm excited.
February 8, 2025
3.5* A cute, spicy, cowboy novella with second chance/friends to lovers tropes. I listened to the audio, which was well done and in duet narration!
The first few chapters of this had me SHOOK (literally driving with a hand over my mouth to contain the gasp) but unfortunately the story didn't hold - I feel like Thorpe could've used that first big shock to drop all this responsibility on Nate and give him some pretty big reasons to stay, but obviously being a novella things wrapped up a bit quicker and didn't hit all the feels I think it could have. I also felt like Hallie forgave Nate WAYYY too quickly, but again, that's the downside to a novella.
The epilogue also had me gasping - Thorpe really knows how to deliver a shock - and I'm definitely keen to continue the series!
The first few chapters of this had me SHOOK (literally driving with a hand over my mouth to contain the gasp) but unfortunately the story didn't hold - I feel like Thorpe could've used that first big shock to drop all this responsibility on Nate and give him some pretty big reasons to stay, but obviously being a novella things wrapped up a bit quicker and didn't hit all the feels I think it could have. I also felt like Hallie forgave Nate WAYYY too quickly, but again, that's the downside to a novella.
The epilogue also had me gasping - Thorpe really knows how to deliver a shock - and I'm definitely keen to continue the series!
September 1, 2025
3.25/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
1/5 🌶️
September 22, 2025
3.5🌟
gasping wheezing screaming throwing up
Whoa. This surprisingly enjoyable even if I've got a view complaint. My first Elle Thorpe book and definitely not my last. Her writing is not that bad tho.
A sweet second-chance romance with charming cowboy energy, this one had potential but felt too short to fully deliver. Nate was swoony, romantic (his dirty talk? whew), and totally the kind of MMC I could fall for. Hallie held her ground after a major trust fallout. Their banter was sharp and flirty, and their chemistry genuinely fun to watch unfold. The push and pull in the middle tested my patience a bit, and the ending came so fast I was grinning like wait WHAT just happened?!?! But honestly, it worked. 🐎❤️
I really enjoyed this one since it has short pages and some sweet moments. Not groundbreaking, but it had its cute moments.
And don’t even get me started on that epilogue. Summer and Dominic’s first encounter sparked instant chaos. Their banter promises explosions, emotional damage, and feral energy, and I’m so very ready for the. Hell yes, I'm already racing straight into Buck You like it’s a personal mission. 💥🏃🏻♀️
gasping wheezing screaming throwing up
Whoa. This surprisingly enjoyable even if I've got a view complaint. My first Elle Thorpe book and definitely not my last. Her writing is not that bad tho.
A sweet second-chance romance with charming cowboy energy, this one had potential but felt too short to fully deliver. Nate was swoony, romantic (his dirty talk? whew), and totally the kind of MMC I could fall for. Hallie held her ground after a major trust fallout. Their banter was sharp and flirty, and their chemistry genuinely fun to watch unfold. The push and pull in the middle tested my patience a bit, and the ending came so fast I was grinning like wait WHAT just happened?!?! But honestly, it worked. 🐎❤️
I really enjoyed this one since it has short pages and some sweet moments. Not groundbreaking, but it had its cute moments.
And don’t even get me started on that epilogue. Summer and Dominic’s first encounter sparked instant chaos. Their banter promises explosions, emotional damage, and feral energy, and I’m so very ready for the. Hell yes, I'm already racing straight into Buck You like it’s a personal mission. 💥🏃🏻♀️
October 4, 2025
Parecia ser interessante... não gosto de plot de segunda chance, mas parecia promissor. E ficou só no parecia mesmo. A irmã e o cunhado sofrem um acidente, e o cara só pensando na mocinha, quase transam, enquanto eles estão no hospital, e a mocinha só sabe falar do que aconteceu na formatura e que não podia se envolver com ele porque pipipopo, mas era toda hora abrindo as pernas, aí no final o mocinho quase indo embora, o treinador dele é babaca e ele "hmmmmm acho que não quero mais”, e pronto. Desenvolvimento horrível, o sexo é horrível, o casal é horrível.
April 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ 3🌶️
Easy to read, quick little novella to get you ready for the series.
- Second chance
- friends to lovers
- small town cowboys
I have read the Dirty Cowboy series about the parents in this book and I really liked it. I didn't realise this was linked until I read Kai's name and I was like 🤔
None the less, loved it. Am so ready for Summer to dump Austin's ass. Ugh what a d***.
Easy to read, quick little novella to get you ready for the series.
- Second chance
- friends to lovers
- small town cowboys
I have read the Dirty Cowboy series about the parents in this book and I really liked it. I didn't realise this was linked until I read Kai's name and I was like 🤔
None the less, loved it. Am so ready for Summer to dump Austin's ass. Ugh what a d***.
November 18, 2020
4.5 intense stars
What a wild ride!!! I’m so happy to be back in this world with these amazing intense complicated but ultimately loving country boys and the ladies to tame them.
As per usual Elle delivered in the best way and you guys... I’m so happy. Ok actually it was painful and made my heart ache and my stomach clench but the pay off was so worth it.
Nate as a lead was lovable and charming with a little spice and Hallie was sweet and down to earth and you couldn’t help but to root for her.
My only wish was that this was longer as I always feel like I’m being taken away from these cowboys too soon.
What a wild ride!!! I’m so happy to be back in this world with these amazing intense complicated but ultimately loving country boys and the ladies to tame them.
As per usual Elle delivered in the best way and you guys... I’m so happy. Ok actually it was painful and made my heart ache and my stomach clench but the pay off was so worth it.
Nate as a lead was lovable and charming with a little spice and Hallie was sweet and down to earth and you couldn’t help but to root for her.
My only wish was that this was longer as I always feel like I’m being taken away from these cowboys too soon.
March 30, 2021
It had been a while since I had read some Cowboy romance a Buck Cowboys was a great quick way to dive back in. The author dives us right in, within the first few pages and then hits us with a tragic bang which shapes the foundation of the story.
Nate and Hallie had been friends for years at the end of high school before Nate headed off to join the rodeo circuit Hallie offers herself to Nate which inevitably leads to a wedge forming between the pair. Years go by and now Nate is back and visiting family. With a sudden shift in circumstances, the pair are thrown together which allows their feelings from the past to be rekindled. I really enjoyed this country romance.
Nate and Hallie had been friends for years at the end of high school before Nate headed off to join the rodeo circuit Hallie offers herself to Nate which inevitably leads to a wedge forming between the pair. Years go by and now Nate is back and visiting family. With a sudden shift in circumstances, the pair are thrown together which allows their feelings from the past to be rekindled. I really enjoyed this country romance.
July 14, 2025
Short but loved it lowkey
May 30, 2025
I think 100 more pages was needed for this story. A lot going on for 176 page book. Nate kind of bugged me a little bit. Looking forward to reading the next book about Summer and Dominic.
November 17, 2020
4.5/5⭐
I've been patiently waiting for Elle Thorpe to release a new cowboy romance and OMG she did not disappoint with Buck Cowboys!! This second chance romance is packed with emotions and I devoured it in one sitting.
"Losing her had made me see what I'd taken for granted. I wouldn't do it again."
Where do I start... this was a wonderful second chance romance. I'm usually not a huge second chance fan but this was done perfectly and didn't have a ton of flashbacks (cough cough I hate those lol) . She told their love story without having to constantly revisit the past. Yes Nate and Hallie were best friends growing up and had something embarrassing tear them apart but Buck Cowboys is about them as the people they are now still feeling an undeniable connection between them. Nate was handsome, rugged, confident and a gentleman, he was just swoon worthy and I loved everything about him . Same with Hallie, she was strong, caring and passionate. Together they just worked and the intimacy and steam between them was off the charts 🔥🔥🔥
"There was no one else. There never would be. It was me and him. And if I couldn't have him, then that was all there was for me."
I didn't realize this was a spin off of her Dirty Cowboy series and that was a fantastic surprise. She's best friend with my favorite cowboys daughter so it was wonderful to see his name on the page. Besides him there is a great supporting cast of characters that I look forward to seeing more of in future books.
The prologue leaves us with a whooper of a cliffhanger for the next books couple . Why must you okay with my emotions Elle WHY! Anyways if you couldn't tell from my review I loved Buck Cowboys and need the next book immediately. If you love second chance or just hot sexy cowboy romances then #oneclick this one!
I've been patiently waiting for Elle Thorpe to release a new cowboy romance and OMG she did not disappoint with Buck Cowboys!! This second chance romance is packed with emotions and I devoured it in one sitting.
"Losing her had made me see what I'd taken for granted. I wouldn't do it again."
Where do I start... this was a wonderful second chance romance. I'm usually not a huge second chance fan but this was done perfectly and didn't have a ton of flashbacks (cough cough I hate those lol) . She told their love story without having to constantly revisit the past. Yes Nate and Hallie were best friends growing up and had something embarrassing tear them apart but Buck Cowboys is about them as the people they are now still feeling an undeniable connection between them. Nate was handsome, rugged, confident and a gentleman, he was just swoon worthy and I loved everything about him . Same with Hallie, she was strong, caring and passionate. Together they just worked and the intimacy and steam between them was off the charts 🔥🔥🔥
"There was no one else. There never would be. It was me and him. And if I couldn't have him, then that was all there was for me."
I didn't realize this was a spin off of her Dirty Cowboy series and that was a fantastic surprise. She's best friend with my favorite cowboys daughter so it was wonderful to see his name on the page. Besides him there is a great supporting cast of characters that I look forward to seeing more of in future books.
The prologue leaves us with a whooper of a cliffhanger for the next books couple . Why must you okay with my emotions Elle WHY! Anyways if you couldn't tell from my review I loved Buck Cowboys and need the next book immediately. If you love second chance or just hot sexy cowboy romances then #oneclick this one!
May 14, 2022
Cocky Jerk
Another cocky, jerky "hero".
Spoiler Alert:
He rejects her in front of his friends when they're eighteen; okay, I get that he's young, dumb, and blindsided. But he comes back four years later with his internal dialogue all about how sorry he is and how he wants a second chance, but when he gets her alone in the barn, he teases her and walks away again. And last but not least, even after being together, he's willing to leave her and put bull riding first again. I get that it's supposed to be dramatic and romantic that he stops the bus and comes back, but if the jerky WBRA boss hadn't wanted to cash in on his family's tragedy, would he have changed his mind? This girl deserved someone who shows her that he would choose her first.
Another cocky, jerky "hero".
Spoiler Alert:
He rejects her in front of his friends when they're eighteen; okay, I get that he's young, dumb, and blindsided. But he comes back four years later with his internal dialogue all about how sorry he is and how he wants a second chance, but when he gets her alone in the barn, he teases her and walks away again. And last but not least, even after being together, he's willing to leave her and put bull riding first again. I get that it's supposed to be dramatic and romantic that he stops the bus and comes back, but if the jerky WBRA boss hadn't wanted to cash in on his family's tragedy, would he have changed his mind? This girl deserved someone who shows her that he would choose her first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
I enjoy Elle’s books, not because she’s some great writer, but because they’re easy reads. I find sometimes the continuity of her books isn’t great but it’s something i look over for easy cute reads. this book was no different. Hallie and Nate are cute but i feel the book ended as i was starting to really like them. i also don’t love the “i wont speak to him bc he embarrassed me” but then turns around and falls at his feet after one look.. i’ll read the others but it wasn’t my favorite.
May 26, 2025
2⭐️3🌶️
Too much insta-love for me, but that’s to be expected from such a short book. I was more interested in the brother & sister-in-law of the MMC, so I think I will still try the others in the series eventually. Just found the main characters in this one a bit flat. Definitely needed to be longer to give the characters more time to grow and to make their relationship more believable.
Too much insta-love for me, but that’s to be expected from such a short book. I was more interested in the brother & sister-in-law of the MMC, so I think I will still try the others in the series eventually. Just found the main characters in this one a bit flat. Definitely needed to be longer to give the characters more time to grow and to make their relationship more believable.
October 15, 2025
The twist in the beginning certainly caught my attention, but it really mellowed out after that.
Also, I really struggle with people obsessing over someone as an adult that they knew in high school. As I get older, I see how pitiful we all really were in high school and not at all mature, so I think that kind of trope turns me off most of the time.
Also, I really struggle with people obsessing over someone as an adult that they knew in high school. As I get older, I see how pitiful we all really were in high school and not at all mature, so I think that kind of trope turns me off most of the time.
November 24, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I can't wait for the next book in this series. I really enjoyed it. The push and pull between he characters just kept the suspense up. Will they wont they get a happy ever after?
March 12, 2023
1.5. Cute but nothing special. I didn’t like the ending, it was so rushed and there was no relationship. It was just them having sex and having a past, nothing more. Also a main plot point was just done with once Hallie and Nate got together.
March 22, 2025
This was a pretty decent novella. I needed something fun and fast which this definitely was. The audiobook was also good. My issue was just that it lacked nuance which I guess is to be expected to a certain level with novellas.
June 21, 2025
Cute second gen book.
This was a cute second chance friends to lovers romance. I enjoyed reading this and will definitely be reading the rest of series since I love Elle's cowboy books!!
This was a cute second chance friends to lovers romance. I enjoyed reading this and will definitely be reading the rest of series since I love Elle's cowboy books!!
July 10, 2025
I have a July TBR so I don’t know how I ended up here but what an emotional rollercoaster this book was. It had me crying for Nate’s sister and her husband at the beginning of the book already. This book was cute and very easy to get through.
August 15, 2025
Thought this was going to be a cute little short cowboy romance and it was but, was not expecting that kind of action only a couple chapters in! Definitely packed a punch!
Loved both main characters and their backstory alongside the development in just 177 pgs.💕🤠
Loved both main characters and their backstory alongside the development in just 177 pgs.💕🤠
August 28, 2025
Title: Buck Cowboys
Author: Elle Thorpe
Series: Buck Cowboys #1
What to expect:
*Cowboy romance
*Second Chance
*Childhood best friends
Pros:
Very cute novella, I love a short and sweet instalove story!
Cons:
No cons for this title.
Safety:
No OW/OM drama, no jealousy. No third act breakup.
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Hallie (FMC) & Nate (MMC)
Author: Elle Thorpe
Series: Buck Cowboys #1
What to expect:
*Cowboy romance
*Second Chance
*Childhood best friends
Pros:
Very cute novella, I love a short and sweet instalove story!
Cons:
No cons for this title.
Safety:
No OW/OM drama, no jealousy. No third act breakup.
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Hallie (FMC) & Nate (MMC)
November 26, 2020
Easily one of my favourite quick reads this year. Looking forward to reading the next one!
January 10, 2024
Love!
I am loving this next generation series! I've been devouring Elle Thorpe's cowboy romance in jus the last few days, and now I'm onto the next one!
I am loving this next generation series! I've been devouring Elle Thorpe's cowboy romance in jus the last few days, and now I'm onto the next one!
February 20, 2025
4🌟
Omgg I love Elle Thorpe this was another good cowboy romance from her. Second chance, bull riders, friends to lovers what more could you want! And that epilogue!!! Immediately reading book two
Omgg I love Elle Thorpe this was another good cowboy romance from her. Second chance, bull riders, friends to lovers what more could you want! And that epilogue!!! Immediately reading book two
September 4, 2025
Friends To Lovers
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Bull Rider
Small Town Romance
Novella
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Bull Rider
Small Town Romance
Novella
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews