Winning the Bull Rider's Heart: A Clean and Uplifting Romance

by Melinda Curtis

A surprise reunion…

With the ex who lassoed his heart!

Bull rider Noel Emerson left Clementine, Oklahoma—and the girl he loved—to chase his rodeo dreams. When his foster mom’s birthday brings him home four years later, he’s stunned to find that his beautiful ex Sophie Jean is a bigger part of his family than he is. His jealousy chafes worse than a new pair of chaps. But what starts off as a fierce rivalry turns into a sweet reunion. Beautician Sophie Jean Shearer has turned into a fine cowgirl thanks to her ex’s family. And she’s found her own dreams, but will she saddle up for a second chance at forever with her unpredictable cowboy?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin  Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

The Cowboy Academy

Book 1: A Cowboy Worth Waiting For
Book 2: A Cowboy's Fourth of July
Book 3: A Cowboy Christmas Carol
Book 4: A Cowboy for the Twins
Book 5: The Rodeo Star's Reunion
Book 6: Cowboy Santa
Book 7: The Cowboy's Wedding Proposal
Book 8: Country Fair Cowboy
Book 9: The Christmas Cowboy
Book 10: Winning the Bull Rider's Heart

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Prior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website to receive two free reads.

Reviews

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Winning the Bull Rider’s Heart is the tenth title in The Cowboy Academy series. Noel left home to fulfill his dream of the rodeo. Everyone’s entitled to a dream, yet he also left behind Sophie Jean, a woman who loved this cowboy with all her heart… but he loved his rodeo dreams more than her. Returning home several years later, Noel is in for a few surprises. Mainly, that the girl he left behind is tightly entwined with his family, more than he is, it seems at this point in time. For some reason, that fact doesn’t sit well with him. He’s not sure what he expected, or maybe he thought she’d still be pining for him and ready to return to his arms. Think again, cowboy.

I completely enjoyed my time back in the Done Roamin’ Ranch world. Noel and Sophie Jean deserve a second chance to get their love right, but they also have some past issues to deal with. To say that their relationship is complicated, influenced by others, and that even now forces are at work that keep getting in the way of this couple as they face the consequences of Noel’s leaving for the rodeo circuit would be an understatement. There are several people I would love to smack upside the head, tell to mind their own business, and leave this couple alone. But then… characters never listen to me (thankfully). We’ll run into some familiar faces again, get a bit caught up, and watch a couple fall back in love for their second-chance romance. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Sophie Jean and Noel’s story is well-written, emotional, and full of laughter and tears, assumptions and revelations as they rebuild their relationship. This time for life. If that sounds like your kind of romance, then you’re going to love Winning the Bull Rider’s Heart.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning The Bull Rider’s Heart is very entertaining.  When Noel was young, his father pushed him to constantly train to be a bull rider like he had been.  He preached winning was the only way.  That pushing caused Noel to put the rodeo and winning above his decade love of Sophie Jean.  And when Sophie Jean breaks up with Noel he stops coming home for four years.  But he is coming home so he says for his foster Mom’s birthday party.  He is really home due to a bad concussion.  He tries to keep it a secret but there is no hiding it from Sophie Jean.  And he is followed to Clementine by Anya that is trying to get him to retire from bull riding and be a coach for a bull rider team.  She is offering him a yearly salary that is more than being a bull rider not in the top ten or championship winner.  At 38 those chances are getting less and less.  He starts seeing his concussion is not leaving like they have in the past.  And he has found the feeling that with Sophie Jean he is complete.  But, the decision of retiring from bull riding seems stupid as he feels he has more of his winning career ahead.  However, the Fun Day activities and working with the little kids on the ranch showed Sophie Jean a different side of Noel.  And when the older kids tied with the younger team Noel and Griggs could not live with a tie.  They decide to do a bull riding competition with two of the rodeo stock bulls.  Sophie Jean reminds him the danger of his concussion and he keeps hearing voices of cowboys in his head that ended their career on a practice ride.  Pride goes before the fall in this case.  It gives Noel the time he needs to make his decision on his career.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of the second chance romance trope and this book definitely piqued my interest but this story had a twist or two. I liked how Noel showed up at the ranch expecting a hero’s welcome of sorts and came up short when he saw his ex Sophie Jean more immersed in his family that he was comfortable with. It was nice seeing him a little off kilter especially when we find out how he treated Sophie Jean when he decided to go off for the rodeo and fame. Of course through the story we have his bio-dad Steve who takes advantage of his position and uses Noel’s money in ways that he shouldn’t and we have Ike who Steve is starting to push into the rodeo like he did with Noel but Ike isn’t all in like Steve wants him to be. We also have Steve who has a scare or two which finally helps him see the light so to speak and then we have Sophie Jean’s mother and her situation and finally that gets put to bed as well. I have to say that when Anya showed up on the scene, I was like just turn around and go back where you came from. However by the end of the book, I have warmed up to her a little bit. Not her biggest fan but I don’t consider her the enemy like I did during the book. Of course, how can I not mention Mary and Frank who are at the heart of every book in this series and continue to be my favorite characters. Both of them sharing their input and advice which is always something to listen to and take to heart. So LOVED how everything finally came together for Sophie Jean and Noel. Great story!

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Bull Rider's Heart is the tenth in The Cowboy Academy series but can be read as a stand alone story, however I suggest reading the previous stories for secondary character backgrounds as well as for the entertainment of the series. Noel Emerson was fostered on the Done Roamin' Ranch after running away from home several times due to his overbearing father but now he is a bull rider champion. He has returned home for his foster mother's birthday and also to recover from a concussion received from a bull ride. Sophie Jean has been spending time for the last four years at the ranch, learning how to ride and rope. She and Noel were together for ten years but when she wanted more, he broke her heart by leaving. Noel has always wanted the next big win and to him that is winning back Sophie Jean and still riding the circuit but Sophie Jean is not willing to risk her heart again. As the two spend time creating a Fun Day kids day for Mary's birthday, Noel has to prove he knows how to have fun and Sophie Jean has to learn how to take a risk with her heart. This is a wonderful story full of heart, family (both blood and chosen) as well as fun antics that involve kids and animals that help Noel and Sophie Jean find their happily ever after.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this whole series and will miss this town of Clementine and the Done Roamin' Ranch! The foster kids that grew up with the guiding hand of Frank and Mary were so entertaining! How all those boys found love under their capable hands through love and hard work was an inspiration! Now we find them all fall in love later in life and each story has been fun to read! Noel was the last one and he was quite hard-headed! Although he still has a biological father at home, he went into foster care when things weren't working out at home when he was young. However, many personality traits had been formed by then and one of them was winning at all costs! He's been dating Sophie Jean for a decade but can't commit to more because he won't leave the bull riding circuit. Sophie Jean just wants him to settle down and stay in Clementine! When Noel comes back for his foster mother's birthday, she knows he won't stay but they can have fun planning the birthday party!
These two both have issues they need to solve! Noel needs to learn that winning isn't everything and Sophie is his person! Sophie needs to figure out what her dream is and go for it!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of the second chance romance trope and this book definitely piqued my interest but this story had a twist or two. I liked how Noel showed up at the ranch expecting a hero’s welcome of sorts and came up short when he saw his ex Sophie Jean more immersed in his family that he was comfortable with. It was nice seeing him a little off kilter especially when we find out how he treated Sophie Jean when he decided to go off for the rodeo and fame. Of course through the story we have his bio-dad Steve who takes advantage of his position and uses Noel’s money in ways that he shouldn’t and we have Ike who Steve is starting to push into the rodeo like he did with Noel but Ike isn’t all in like Steve wants him to be. We also have Steve who has a scare or two which finally helps him see the light so to speak and then we have Sophie Jean’s mother and her situation and finally that gets put to bed as well. I have to say that when Anya showed up on the scene, I was like just turn around and go back where you came from. However by the end of the book, I have warmed up to her a little bit. Not her biggest fan but I don’t consider her the enemy like I did during the book. Of course, how can I not mention Mary and Frank who are at the heart of every book in this series and continue to be my favorite characters. Both of them sharing their input and advice which is always something to listen to and take to heart. So LOVED how everything finally came together for Sophie Jean and Noel. Great story!

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Bull Rider's Heart
Melinda Curtis

Noel Emmerson - Bull Rider
Sophie Jean Shearer- Beautician

Noel went back to the rodeo as a bull rider. He left four years ago and broke the love of his life's heart. Sophie Jean didn't expect him back foster mom's birthday. They had talked about having a Fun Day at Done Roamin' Ranch. They did all kinds of rodeo things. No one knew he had a concussion from his last bull ride. Sophie Jean knew something was wrong with the sunglasses and kept rubbing the back of his head. So they worked on different rodeo events. Then Noel went home to his house his little brother Ike came running to him for a welcome home hug. He wanted Sophie Jean back in his life. He worked with Sophie on Fun Day with the kids he found things where fun as they went along. Noel promised Sophie things he do but there was one he had to break because his father had another heart attack.
This was a really fantastic story.
The description where there i could see myself in this story.
Melinda match characters up fabulously.
I recommend this book to others.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel is a champion bull rider who goes home to nurse his wounds and to celebrate his foster mom’s birthday. He didn’t expect his previous flame to be such a big part of the family at the Done Roamin’ Ranch, but one of the first people he sees when he arrives is Sophie Jean. They challenge each other repeatedly, emotionally and physically and Noel isn’t sure that he is ready for this new version of Sophie Jean. Both of them have dreams that they want to chase, and this book is about the story of their dreams finding a home together. With a lot of the author’s signature humor and the well-crafted trope of a second chance at love, this book captured my heart and my imagination as I enjoyed the story of two people meant to be together if they would only stop being so independent and stubborn. The characters are believable and the romance is fun, flirty and totally satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I loved the foster parents Frank and Mary. They had a loved for kids and it showed in the relationships that they had with the many boys that they had taken in and raised over the years. This book tells the story of Noel and Sophie. Noel had a difficult upbringing and had wound up at Frank and Mary's after his Mom left and his Dad continually pushed him to be the best and not let him have any outside relationships. He ran from home and was placed with Frank and Mary. He eventually followed the path that his Dad wanted for him in the Rodeo and chose that life over the love and relationship he had with Sophie. He is home to celebrate Mary's birthday and runs into Sophie. I love how this book shows that our decisions are not always final and that we can change our minds and carve a new path if we are willing to take the time to listen to our heart and shut out the noise from the outside.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean cowboy romance.

Noel has been away for awhile and has come back after getting kicked in the had by a bull. He's told to rest up. His ex, Sophie Jean, is at the Done Roamin' Ranch, which is where he grew up with his foster family. They were together for 10 years before they broke up when he left, chasing the bull riding champion dream. Is there a second chance for both of them? Will he leave or stay?

Both characters have had their past shape their present lives, thoughts and actions. You are really rooting for them that they can start dealing with their past and see how it has shaped them today. In order for them to have a successful relationship, they both need to change and trust. The author definitely has you hoping that it can happen. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Noel, the main character, was raised by his dad after his mom left them. His dad made a huge imprint on him... most of it being the root of his troubles with his lack of balance between work and fun. He's all work. He's a bullrider.

Sophie Jean was his girlfriend for ten years, ending about four years ago. She was raised by her mom, a romantic looking for love in all the wrong places but never giving up. Sophie is not holding out for a HEA, not anymore. Noel broke her heart. She's going after her own dreams... eventually.

These two were trying so hard to not fall back into their old pairing, but they never resolved what was between them, good and bad. It took insight from others to lead them to their second chance and a bit of smart planning to start them on their HEA.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a treat to return to the Done Roamin’ Ranch, where fun and adventure are a given. Noel has come back for his foster mother’s birthday, expecting a hero’s welcome, but his arrival barely causes a ripple. Sophie Jean, his ex, seems more like family than he does, laughing at inside jokes and knowing everyone better. Since walking away from her four years ago, Noel’s life hasn’t been the same. He left to prove himself and is now a top bull rider—on paper, he has it all. But does he really? Nursing a concussion, he dreads going back to his place, now occupied by his father. Sophie Jean can’t believe Noel is back and isn’t sure how she’ll handle being around him. Everyone wants them to coach a team together for rodeo fun day, but she’s not sure she can do it. All he cares about is winning; all she wants is for him to quit bull riding and settle down. Is there a middle ground?

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Cowboy Academy series, in which bull rider, Noel Emerson is home trying to recover from his latest concussion without telling anyone he was hurt even as he prepares to celebrate his foster mother's 70th birthday. While home, he encounters his ex-lover and almost fiancee, Sophie Jean, whom he still has feelings for.

She has tried to kill her feelings for him, unsuccessfully even as she denies it, but when they are paired to help run a special fun day to help celebrate Mary's birthday, each begins to see the other in a different, though not always positive, light. Will it mean they get together finally? Or will each go their own way when Sophie is still looking to buy her own beauty shop and Noel is still uncertain about retiring from bull riding, even if continuing could threaten his life?

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Sophie Jean and Noel's story. Noel left Sophie Jean and his goal was to become a member of the rodeo circuit as a bull rider. Noel finds his way back "home" to the Done Roamin' Ranch to join his foster mother's birthday planning.Upon his return he sees that things are a little different than he expected. This is the second chance story for Sophie Jean and Noel. But there are lots of past issues to work through. The story has some twists and turns. Will they work through the situation they find themselves in or not?
This was a nice read and I enjoyed it very much. I loved seeing Frank and Mary who are in the past books of the series and makes you feel like you are with old friends. I loved the series and how this couple fostered Noel and many others.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Melinda Curtis for the advanced copy. I really enjoyed this story but then I love her work. This story is about Noel and his journey. He went in to foster care when he was younger when things were not going well at home. So he went to a ranch and became involved in the bull riding circuit. But this became a roadblock in commitment for a girl he had been dating for many years. Then after years of being apart, Noel returns for his Mothers birthday party. This is when Noel and Sophie’s paths cross once again. Will they be able to solve their commitment issues? Can Noel,learn that bull riding isn’t everything and can Sophie just go for what she wants out of life? You will be on their team and cheer them on to become each others soul mate.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of second chance romance,then this is the book for you 💞 I love revisiting Clementine,OK. & the Done Roamin’ Ranch/a sanctuary for foster children. Noel Emerson found a safe place at the ranch,after his biological Mom left the family & he and his Dad butted heads. Noel & Sophie Jean are a couple for 10 years & break up when he chooses bull riding over her. When Noel comes home for his foster mother’s 70th birthday celebration & to heal from a concussion he has from a bull riding accident. They both realize they still have strong feelings for each other…grab a copy & find out if Noel could possibly be “done roamin’ & settle down. Thank you Melinda Curtis for this heartwarming story.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Bull Rider's Heart is a heartwarming, second chance romance between two stubborn people. I was rooting for Sophie Jean and Noel but they both needed to work through some things before they could be together. Noel's drive to win was fostered by his biological father. He returns to Clementine for his foster mom's birthday and to heal from yet another concussion that is not going away as fast as previous concussions. Sophie Jean and Noel work together to plan a kids' fun day for the birthday party. Noel shows Sophie Jean another side while he works with the little kids. This well written book has all the heart and warmth I expect from one of Ms. Custis' stories. I did not want to reach the end of this book!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the Bull Rider's Heart is a heartwarming, second chance romance between two stubborn people. I was rooting for Sophie Jean and Noel but they both needed to work through some things before they could be together. Noel's drive to win was fostered by his biological father. He returns to Clementine for his foster mom's birthday and to heal from yet another concussion that is not going away as fast as previous concussions. Sophie Jean and Noel work together to plan a kids' fun day for the birthday party. Noel shows Sophie Jean another side while he works with the little kids. This well written book has all the heart and warmth I expect from one of Ms. Custis' stories. I did not want to reach the end of this book!

[Bernadette Cinkoske]

Winning the Bull Rider's Heart is a heartwarming, second chance romance between two stubborn people. I was rooting for Sophie Jean and Noel but they both needed to work through some things before they could be together. Noel's drive to win was fostered by his biological father. He returns to Clementine for his foster mom's birthday and to heal from yet another concussion that is not going away as fast as previous concussions. Sophie Jean and Noel work together to plan a kids' fun day for the birthday party. Noel shows Sophie Jean another side while he works with the little kids. This well written book has all the heart and warmth I expect from one of Ms. Custis' stories. I did not want to reach the end of this book!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

After fourteen years Sophie Jean and Noel finally get their HEA. Talk about stubborn and shortsighted, it takes a village of people and a rodeo fun day, to get through to Noel in his wrongheadedness. Though most of his thinking can be placed on his father’s shoulders; a harder and more tunnel-visioned man would be hard to find and he appears to have brainwashed his son. How Steve managed to marry once, let alone three times has me giving a virtual head shake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 10th book in "The Cowboy Academy" series, and I wanted to share how much I enjoyed it. It has been a pleasure following the stories at Done Roamin' Ranch and watching Frank and Mary’s foster children grow into adulthood.Noel’s story was a particularly compelling conclusion. His journey toward overcoming a "win at all costs" mentality, combined with the second-chance romance with Sophie Jean, was exceptionally well-written. I will certainly miss the memorable characters and the world of Clementine. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WINNING THE BULL RIDERS’S HEART by Melinda Curtis
Release date March 31, 2026

I love being on Done Roamin Ranch. This ranch is known for taking in foster children. And Noel just happens to be one of them who has come home for his foster mom‘s birthday. He is also home because he took a kick to the head and has a really bad concussion. He feels like Sophie Jean and his high school sweetheart is more family than he is now.
But this is their story and I’m sure you’re gonna love it as much as I did.

Definitely a five star read !

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Winning the Bull Rider’s Heart” by Melinda Curtis

-A heartfelt second-chance romance set on a warm, welcoming ranch filled with found family. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Noel and Sophie Jean’s history brings emotional tension, pride, and unresolved longing to the surface. Their journey balances humor, healing, and the challenge of choosing love over individual dreams.

A satisfying, emotional cowboy romance with strong community ties and a sweet ending.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by Melinda Curtis. I loved the story line and the characters were wonderful. Even Anya and I didn't really want to like her.

Noel split up with Sophie Jean four years ago so he could pursue his dream of being a champion Bull Rider and so she could pursue her dream of owning her own hair salon. He is pursuing his dream she is not. He came home for Mary's birthday and because he had a concussion from his last rodeo.

This is a great story that I think you won't want to miss. Check it out, you won't be sorry you did.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noel Emerson is coming home after four years for his foster mom’s birthday. He is healing from a concussion and taking time to re-evaluate his rodeo career. The woman he left behind Sophie, is put in his path once again and will be a major deciding factor as to whether he goes back to bull riding or stays for a fresh start. This was such a tender romance with lots of family drama and forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel and Sophie Jean broke up four years ago because she wasn't willing to follow Noel on the bull riding circuit, she is home doing the job she enjoys. When Noel is offered an opportunity that could keep him in one place most of the time he isn't sure he is ready to give up bull riding competitions. What a wonderful bunch of people Noel and Sophie Jean have to support them. Noel's foster family at the Done Roamin' Ranch are pretty special people.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noel Emerson and Sophie Jean Shearer are…let’s say the same. Each stubborn in their own way. Sure they are right in their convictions. Annnnnnnnnd still crazy about each other, except no one has told their brains their hearts are still involved. A clean, sweet romance that has all the quirky characters from past stories but it centers around Noel and Sophie Jean getting their heads to accept what their hearts already know. I enjoyed.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'And she’s found her own dreams, but will she saddle up for a second chance at forever with her unpredictable cowboy?'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy reading a second chance romance but the path is not easy. There are several bumps in the road along the way. And some unexpected things that had happened. Like the two strong characters but they are not sure if they can rekindle a second love. Makes for very interesting rating. Like the background and the setting of The story being with horses and the rodeo. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this cowboy romance. Very likeable characters who both have faults that they haven't been able to recognize as fixable. Rough growing up years have formed them into the types of people they are now as grownups. They have supporting family links that help them find their way to better options and life partners. A clean closed door Christian model story. .