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.