What do you think?
Rate this book
This Ain't Our First Rodeo
When life lassoes Josie and Shawn back together three years after their dreamy first date, their second chance at love is anything but easy. A big-hearted rodeo romance set in Houston, Texas, by the critically acclaimed Liara Tamani, author of What She Missed, All The Things We Never Knew, and Calling My Name. This bold first-love story is for fans of Nothing Like the Movies and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help, and maybe take over their growing empire one day, but that isn’t what Josie wants. She’d rather be at the rodeo itself than in a high-end restaurant next to it. Or eating funnel cakes and Texas-sized corn dogs at the carnival on the grounds. Or better yet, riding her horse at her grandparents’ ranch, the very place her mom wants to sell.
It ain’t Shawn’s first rodeo either. He’s been riding bulls since his mom died, doing everything he can to live up to his rodeo-champion stepfather’s sky-high expectations. But as Shawn’s stardom rises, so do tensions in their relationship. His stepfather’s drinking and gambling problems sure don’t help.
After one unforgettable night leaves Josie and Shawn wanting nothing but each other, their lives become entwined in increasingly complex ways. Can they save Josie’s family land? Or will Shawn’s stepfather and his shady plan be the ranch’s ruin? Will one wrong move cost them everything? Rodeo after rodeo, year after year, can Josie and Shawn keep their hearts open through the secrets, twists, and turns?
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a contemporary western love story full of bulls, brawls, and horses. It’s a tender second chance cowboy romance about family, friendship, mistakes, and the blessings of choosing to love anyway. Black cowboys and cowgirls like Josie and Shawn have long helped shape the American West—a legacy that shines in Liara Tamani’s storytelling. Her writing is quick-witted, swoony, and authentic, with characters who are easy to love and hard to forget.
This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help, and maybe take over their growing empire one day, but that isn’t what Josie wants. She’d rather be at the rodeo itself than in a high-end restaurant next to it. Or eating funnel cakes and Texas-sized corn dogs at the carnival on the grounds. Or better yet, riding her horse at her grandparents’ ranch, the very place her mom wants to sell.
It ain’t Shawn’s first rodeo either. He’s been riding bulls since his mom died, doing everything he can to live up to his rodeo-champion stepfather’s sky-high expectations. But as Shawn’s stardom rises, so do tensions in their relationship. His stepfather’s drinking and gambling problems sure don’t help.
After one unforgettable night leaves Josie and Shawn wanting nothing but each other, their lives become entwined in increasingly complex ways. Can they save Josie’s family land? Or will Shawn’s stepfather and his shady plan be the ranch’s ruin? Will one wrong move cost them everything? Rodeo after rodeo, year after year, can Josie and Shawn keep their hearts open through the secrets, twists, and turns?
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a contemporary western love story full of bulls, brawls, and horses. It’s a tender second chance cowboy romance about family, friendship, mistakes, and the blessings of choosing to love anyway. Black cowboys and cowgirls like Josie and Shawn have long helped shape the American West—a legacy that shines in Liara Tamani’s storytelling. Her writing is quick-witted, swoony, and authentic, with characters who are easy to love and hard to forget.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2026
74 people are currently reading
4810 people want to read
About the author
Liara Tamani
5 books329 followersLiara Tamani grew up in Houston,
Texas, where every spring meant one thing:
rodeo season. She loved getting decked out
in her best cowgirl gear and soaking up the
music, food, and electric energy of the rodeo,
a joy she now shares with her daughter
and husband. Her deep Texas roots shine
through her storytelling, capturing the
spirit and rhythms of the state in all her
acclaimed novels: Calling My Name, All
the Things We Never Knew, and What
She Missed. Before becoming a writer, she
attended Harvard Law School and worked
as a marketing coordinator for the Houston
Rockets and Comets, television production
assistant, home accessories designer, floral
designer, and yoga and dance teacher. She
holds an MFA in writing from Vermont
College of Fine Arts and a BA from Duke
University.
www.liaratamani.com
Texas, where every spring meant one thing:
rodeo season. She loved getting decked out
in her best cowgirl gear and soaking up the
music, food, and electric energy of the rodeo,
a joy she now shares with her daughter
and husband. Her deep Texas roots shine
through her storytelling, capturing the
spirit and rhythms of the state in all her
acclaimed novels: Calling My Name, All
the Things We Never Knew, and What
She Missed. Before becoming a writer, she
attended Harvard Law School and worked
as a marketing coordinator for the Houston
Rockets and Comets, television production
assistant, home accessories designer, floral
designer, and yoga and dance teacher. She
holds an MFA in writing from Vermont
College of Fine Arts and a BA from Duke
University.
www.liaratamani.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 10, 2026
More stories with Black cowboys for teens are needed! I'm glad Liara Tamani decided to release this one.
What Worked: This Ain't Our First Rodeo is a great recommendation for teen readers that are interested in learning more about the complex layers of rodeo life. I've read a few Black adult romances that featured Black cowboys, but I must admit it, I was excited to see a title releasing that is geared towards a teen audience. The development of Josie and Shawn as characters was solid and I personally didn't mind the "insta-love" romance between the two of them as the narrative is focused on them reuniting at the same carnival where they first met. Tamani provides readers with a dual POV which really leans into conversations about intention versus impact. Each character makes decisions where their intentions are coming from a good place, but have different impacts than expected.
What Didn't Work: The pacing wasn't where it should have been. There were moments in the narrative that moved too quickly and warranted a little more time and space for development. Shawn has a very complicated relationship with his father figure. While there is some resolution to this at the end, I would have prefered for more intricacy that would have illustrated a more realistic portrayal of teens who become famous and wealthy. Especially when those teens become the sole source of income for the family. The ending was also rushed. It's a risk to take complex themes involving things like relationships, faith, Black land ownership, wealth, addiction, etc. and glaze over them across the narrative. This could have been an opportunity to pick just a couple and really develop them with thoughtfulness that would resonate with teens.
Overall, I think that this was a solid romance and teens will enjoy it; however, I think it would have been stronger with better pacing and more thorough development of certain topics.
What Worked: This Ain't Our First Rodeo is a great recommendation for teen readers that are interested in learning more about the complex layers of rodeo life. I've read a few Black adult romances that featured Black cowboys, but I must admit it, I was excited to see a title releasing that is geared towards a teen audience. The development of Josie and Shawn as characters was solid and I personally didn't mind the "insta-love" romance between the two of them as the narrative is focused on them reuniting at the same carnival where they first met. Tamani provides readers with a dual POV which really leans into conversations about intention versus impact. Each character makes decisions where their intentions are coming from a good place, but have different impacts than expected.
What Didn't Work: The pacing wasn't where it should have been. There were moments in the narrative that moved too quickly and warranted a little more time and space for development. Shawn has a very complicated relationship with his father figure. While there is some resolution to this at the end, I would have prefered for more intricacy that would have illustrated a more realistic portrayal of teens who become famous and wealthy. Especially when those teens become the sole source of income for the family. The ending was also rushed. It's a risk to take complex themes involving things like relationships, faith, Black land ownership, wealth, addiction, etc. and glaze over them across the narrative. This could have been an opportunity to pick just a couple and really develop them with thoughtfulness that would resonate with teens.
Overall, I think that this was a solid romance and teens will enjoy it; however, I think it would have been stronger with better pacing and more thorough development of certain topics.
April 20, 2026
3.5/5
I’m not usually someone that loves YA but this one was cute! Can’t wait until I get to see the book to screen adaptation! Such a unique storyline so it’ll be the perfect movie to watch!
I’m not usually someone that loves YA but this one was cute! Can’t wait until I get to see the book to screen adaptation! Such a unique storyline so it’ll be the perfect movie to watch!
March 31, 2026
If you've been looking for the perfect YA cowboy romance book, look no further, This Ain't Our First Rodeo is IT.
AND, it's going to become a TV show, so it's really in your best interest to read it now, so you can say you were here from the very beginning mhm.
The audiobook was perfect, it captured my attention immediately and I didn't want to stop listening for a moment. The story got a bit dark in places, which I wasn't expecting, but it gave it so much depth and brought tears to my eyes.
The romance was adorable with a capital A, even the miscommunication didn't bother me, because it fit the story.
My favourite part was learning about Black cowboys, and seeing so many great artists being mentioned in the text (tasteeee).
It was such a feel good read all around, but be ready for an animal death in the last third!! I know that can put some people off, and it would've put me off had I known about it, but I don't regret reading this regardless. I just gotta make sure I have tissues ready for my next read through.
AND, it's going to become a TV show, so it's really in your best interest to read it now, so you can say you were here from the very beginning mhm.
The audiobook was perfect, it captured my attention immediately and I didn't want to stop listening for a moment. The story got a bit dark in places, which I wasn't expecting, but it gave it so much depth and brought tears to my eyes.
The romance was adorable with a capital A, even the miscommunication didn't bother me, because it fit the story.
My favourite part was learning about Black cowboys, and seeing so many great artists being mentioned in the text (tasteeee).
It was such a feel good read all around, but be ready for an animal death in the last third!! I know that can put some people off, and it would've put me off had I known about it, but I don't regret reading this regardless. I just gotta make sure I have tissues ready for my next read through.
November 23, 2025
This story was such an insightful peek into Texas rodeo culture, and I really appreciated how it highlighted the experiences of Black ranchers and landowners. That was by far the strongest part of the book for me. I loved seeing how tradition, heritage, and perseverance showed up through the characters’ lives it added a depth to the setting that felt meaningful and refreshing. I haven’t read many books that explore this side of history, especially from this perspective, and I found that incredibly valuable.
The romance itself is sweet and heartfelt, very true to YA in tone. While YA isn’t my go-to type of romance, I still enjoyed watching these characters navigate their connection and the weight of family expectation. That said, I’m personally not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, so that aspect kept my rating a bit lower.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a unique and important cultural backdrop. I really enjoyed the glimpse into rodeo life and the history interwoven into the story. A thoughtful take on family legacy, dreams, and identity with a tender second-chance romance at its core. Thanks to Colored pages book tour for the ARC.
The romance itself is sweet and heartfelt, very true to YA in tone. While YA isn’t my go-to type of romance, I still enjoyed watching these characters navigate their connection and the weight of family expectation. That said, I’m personally not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, so that aspect kept my rating a bit lower.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a unique and important cultural backdrop. I really enjoyed the glimpse into rodeo life and the history interwoven into the story. A thoughtful take on family legacy, dreams, and identity with a tender second-chance romance at its core. Thanks to Colored pages book tour for the ARC.
April 23, 2026
super quick read despite it being over 300 pages; read it from start to finish in a few hours. I wasn't a fan of all the god talk, and the dialogue was cringey at times, but I was definitely stressed tf out during that storm scene!! which is what solidified the 3rd star for me. I think some crucial scenes could've been a little bit longer personally, but for a YA I think the pacing was sufficient. this was my first YA cowboy romance (I've read and loved a bunch of adult ones) and my first POC cowboy romance, which I appreciated immensely.
May 6, 2026
This was cute, in the beginning, and so I mistakenly underestimated the plot. The climax had me flipping pages so fast! I appreciate the engaging plot alongside the sweet romance. Tamani used the dual pov masterfully to tell this story, particularly at the climax. Chef's kiss!
August 11, 2025
3.5
i really enjoyed this book but the ending was kind of disappointing…it felt super rushed. i also didn’t like how the fmc said “She” when speaking about Yahuah soooo 😅
it is a christian book, i think…bc the beliefs seems a little different. for the aforementioned reason and also the characters said that when you die you become a part of everything 🤷🏻♀️
that aside, i LOVED the writing voice. it was very unique and engaging, and also the romance was sweet. it was a bit instalovey but they were cute together so whatever lol
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
i really enjoyed this book but the ending was kind of disappointing…it felt super rushed. i also didn’t like how the fmc said “She” when speaking about Yahuah soooo 😅
it is a christian book, i think…bc the beliefs seems a little different. for the aforementioned reason and also the characters said that when you die you become a part of everything 🤷🏻♀️
that aside, i LOVED the writing voice. it was very unique and engaging, and also the romance was sweet. it was a bit instalovey but they were cute together so whatever lol
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
March 7, 2026
My review from fable: So cute with modern references (Beyoncé’s cowboy carter album, Cleo Sol, among other musical references). It’s also Houston rodeo season right now 🤠
April 15, 2026
adored!🥹
I loved every single thing about this book! Shawn and Josie’s characters were so intriguing, yet they had an innocence that tugged on my heartstrings. I loved Shawn’s storyline surrounding his father and his rise to bull riding. I was torn because I understood that Shawn felt the sport connected him to his father. However, I felt his father gaslit him by constantly reminding him of the sacrifices he made by being his father.. 😒I also thought it was a good touch to shine awareness on gambling addiction and how it impacts individuals/families, especially with all the sports betting going on now. I adored Josie! She was determined to save her families ranch, and she didn’t let up. I can lie, I almost shed tears towards the end! It’s been a while since I had a YA story that was still on my mind days later..❤️
I loved every single thing about this book! Shawn and Josie’s characters were so intriguing, yet they had an innocence that tugged on my heartstrings. I loved Shawn’s storyline surrounding his father and his rise to bull riding. I was torn because I understood that Shawn felt the sport connected him to his father. However, I felt his father gaslit him by constantly reminding him of the sacrifices he made by being his father.. 😒I also thought it was a good touch to shine awareness on gambling addiction and how it impacts individuals/families, especially with all the sports betting going on now. I adored Josie! She was determined to save her families ranch, and she didn’t let up. I can lie, I almost shed tears towards the end! It’s been a while since I had a YA story that was still on my mind days later..❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The moment I started reading THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO, the world around me stopped existing. I fell really hard for Josie and Shawn, they were powerfully inspiring and magnificently perfect together! Their relationship was vibrant, with sparks flying everywhere, their chemistry was natural, and their behaviors were riveting! The pride in Black cowboy heritage impacted me severely it has many well-researched topics that were very powerful to read, because the Author's structure to unfold and grip your fibers of the heart to it! It gave the love story a sense of purpose beyond two youngsters falling in love, I kept thinking about land, heritage, and how much history exists in places that we pass every day without realizing! This book felt marvelous, honest and tremendously original, which astonished every neuron of my brain!!!
.
Josie and Shawn meet on an idyllic rodeo night, featuring fried food, Ferris wheel lights, and the electrifying anticipation that makes everything else vanish, their almost-kiss is cut short, and life tears them apart before they can realize what they meant to each other! Years pass... Josie is being entangled deeper into her family's restaurant empire while yearning for her grandparents' ranch, the only part of her life that feels familiar. Shawn puts himself into bull riding, chasing perfection while dealing with a difficult stepfather and the shadow of obligations!
.
THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO by Liara Tamani is an extraordinary crafted cowboy romance, the writing is lyrical and poignant, rendering even ordinary situations feel momentous, the descriptions of the rodeo, horses, food stands, and wide space are vivid and extremely gorgeous! The writing slows you down just enough to properly soak up the setting while keeping the plot compelling and emotionally loaded, the romance is innocent and clean, focusing on wistful gaze and deep conversations, the last chapters left me feeling natural and hopeful, as if love, land, and legacy can all be safeguarded if you're courageous enough to choose them! It ends with a sincere celebration of Black cowboy culture packed up in a tender, memorable second-chance love story, this was ten stars romance and hands down my favourite read of 2026 so far!
.
Josie and Shawn meet on an idyllic rodeo night, featuring fried food, Ferris wheel lights, and the electrifying anticipation that makes everything else vanish, their almost-kiss is cut short, and life tears them apart before they can realize what they meant to each other! Years pass... Josie is being entangled deeper into her family's restaurant empire while yearning for her grandparents' ranch, the only part of her life that feels familiar. Shawn puts himself into bull riding, chasing perfection while dealing with a difficult stepfather and the shadow of obligations!
.
THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO by Liara Tamani is an extraordinary crafted cowboy romance, the writing is lyrical and poignant, rendering even ordinary situations feel momentous, the descriptions of the rodeo, horses, food stands, and wide space are vivid and extremely gorgeous! The writing slows you down just enough to properly soak up the setting while keeping the plot compelling and emotionally loaded, the romance is innocent and clean, focusing on wistful gaze and deep conversations, the last chapters left me feeling natural and hopeful, as if love, land, and legacy can all be safeguarded if you're courageous enough to choose them! It ends with a sincere celebration of Black cowboy culture packed up in a tender, memorable second-chance love story, this was ten stars romance and hands down my favourite read of 2026 so far!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored this second chance western romance! 🩷 Shawn is such a gentleman. Josie is smart & has a big heart. I loved them together!
What I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere. The description of county fair foods & attractions, cowboy fashion and southern hospitality jump off the page. A few facts are sprinkled throughout about the history of Black cowboys & cowgirls.
Part 1 has short, easy chapters - written in a way to reflect Josie & Shawn in their early teens. You get the "young, puppy love" vibe with this.
Things switch up in the second part, where they are in their late teens, with chapters that are more structured and showcase maturity. Yes, they may have handled a few things the wrong way 5 years ago, but the feelings they had then are stronger now.
For me, things took a different approach around the 75% mark. This ain't just a romance story! The way I got emotional & started turning pages!! An unexpected change of pace/ events that gave the story more depth.
I enjoyed this book, but a few musical mentions may go over some younger readers' heads, unless their parents were heavy on 90's/2000's southern rap & hip hop 😅.
(Triggers: death of animal & human, abuse, grief)
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours, Netgalley & Green Willow Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
What I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere. The description of county fair foods & attractions, cowboy fashion and southern hospitality jump off the page. A few facts are sprinkled throughout about the history of Black cowboys & cowgirls.
Part 1 has short, easy chapters - written in a way to reflect Josie & Shawn in their early teens. You get the "young, puppy love" vibe with this.
Things switch up in the second part, where they are in their late teens, with chapters that are more structured and showcase maturity. Yes, they may have handled a few things the wrong way 5 years ago, but the feelings they had then are stronger now.
For me, things took a different approach around the 75% mark. This ain't just a romance story! The way I got emotional & started turning pages!! An unexpected change of pace/ events that gave the story more depth.
I enjoyed this book, but a few musical mentions may go over some younger readers' heads, unless their parents were heavy on 90's/2000's southern rap & hip hop 😅.
(Triggers: death of animal & human, abuse, grief)
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours, Netgalley & Green Willow Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
January 24, 2026
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is cheesy and fun, but it definitely reads extremely YA. Not that it’s a bad thing, but the dialogue between our two protagonists seemed a bit too childish at times, and the insta-love pulled me out of the story. I do love the love at first sight trope sometimes, but only when it’s done well!
While I was in FFA and 4-H growing up and showed sheep at fair, I’ve never been too into the whole Rodeo scene, so this book introduced me to a topic I’ve never really thought about. There is so much more to bull riding than just sitting on a bull and hanging on for dear life. It takes strength, training, and endurance. I also loved the bits and pieces about Black cowboys and learning about some of the more famous ones!
I do think it was super cute that our two main characters reunite at the same carnival they met at three years earlier, and I loved the portrayal of how family isn’t just blood, and how complicated love for a parental figure can get. This was a super quick and easy read to get through!
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the e-arc! This Ain’t Our Rodeo releases on Feb 3!
While I was in FFA and 4-H growing up and showed sheep at fair, I’ve never been too into the whole Rodeo scene, so this book introduced me to a topic I’ve never really thought about. There is so much more to bull riding than just sitting on a bull and hanging on for dear life. It takes strength, training, and endurance. I also loved the bits and pieces about Black cowboys and learning about some of the more famous ones!
I do think it was super cute that our two main characters reunite at the same carnival they met at three years earlier, and I loved the portrayal of how family isn’t just blood, and how complicated love for a parental figure can get. This was a super quick and easy read to get through!
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the e-arc! This Ain’t Our Rodeo releases on Feb 3!
November 24, 2025
This was a quick and easy cowboy rodeo romance, and while I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help wanting more from the story.
The rodeo and cowboy culture were super interesting—stuff I didn’t really know much about before—so that part definitely pulled me in. But at the same time, it felt like we only skimmed the surface.
The pacing was a little too fast for me. Everything happened so quickly that some emotional moments didn’t get the depth they deserved.
Shawn dealing with his father’s news, Josie facing the loss of her beloved ranch—those scenes could’ve hit harder if they’d been explored more.
On the brighter side, I really liked the chemistry between Josie and Shawn. Their relationship was sweet and easy to root for.
That said, the repeated miscommunication bugged me a bit. It felt like déjà vu—same mistakes, same frustration—when they could’ve just talked it out. But hey, they’re teenagers in this story, so I get it.
The ending, though, is what really threw me off. It wrapped up way too suddenly, almost like the story just stopped mid-step. Definitely left me wanting for more...
Overall, it’s a solid debut. The plot idea is great, the setting is beautifully described, and the romance is sweet. It just needs a little more development in places to really shine.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
The rodeo and cowboy culture were super interesting—stuff I didn’t really know much about before—so that part definitely pulled me in. But at the same time, it felt like we only skimmed the surface.
The pacing was a little too fast for me. Everything happened so quickly that some emotional moments didn’t get the depth they deserved.
Shawn dealing with his father’s news, Josie facing the loss of her beloved ranch—those scenes could’ve hit harder if they’d been explored more.
On the brighter side, I really liked the chemistry between Josie and Shawn. Their relationship was sweet and easy to root for.
That said, the repeated miscommunication bugged me a bit. It felt like déjà vu—same mistakes, same frustration—when they could’ve just talked it out. But hey, they’re teenagers in this story, so I get it.
The ending, though, is what really threw me off. It wrapped up way too suddenly, almost like the story just stopped mid-step. Definitely left me wanting for more...
Overall, it’s a solid debut. The plot idea is great, the setting is beautifully described, and the romance is sweet. It just needs a little more development in places to really shine.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
April 20, 2026
3.75✨ Very cute YA book. This book makes me want to go to Houston’s rodeo in the future. However, Josie (FMC) was very ANNOYING. Maybe because she came from a well to do family, but she was a spoiled brat. I usually do not defend men but Shawn (MMC) was too patient and kind for her foolishness at times. But these are kids and they make silly decisions.
May 8, 2026
I loved the bite-sized chapters and the sweet, fluffy feelings of new love in Tamani’s stories. The climax in this book is thrilling. Will definitely be an author I continue to read from.
Need this adapted and brought to FRUITION badly.
3.5
Need this adapted and brought to FRUITION badly.
3.5
April 1, 2026
Sooo cute! These kids are bout it, bout it 👀 justice for Strawberry though 😭
March 3, 2026
I was so thrilled to see a YA book with Black cowboys and cowgirls! I enjoyed the premise of this story, although I feel that some parts, especially towards the end, were rushed. There was a TON of dialogue, so it kept me interested. I’ve only been to a Black rodeo once, and this book reminded me why I love the culture behind it! This is a great book for teens to read.
May 13, 2026
Young healthy Black love 🤤💖 You watched Forever, read this book!!! Josie and Shawn.... I can't wait to see this duo play out on screen because their interactions, right from their first meet and subsequent conversations and banter, are so wholesome 🥹🥹🥹💖. Josie is the only daughter of restauranteurs, yes, she's a nepo baby, while Shawn is a pro bull rider – a dangerous yet thrilling career for a teenager. I love their love story; I also love that this second-chance story played out so well. Their love was so cute; I'm sure if you had seen me reading, I was smiling all through. It was very fast-paced, with short chapters.
But I felt the love aspect was put on the back seat to allow other elements of the story to shine, like what was happening with Josie's family land, Josie's issues with her parents, or what was happening with Shawn's extended family, his complicated relationship with his Dad, his dad issues, and his dad mixing with the wrong people, Shawn financially supporting his family even as a teenager. Now, don't get me wrong; I liked the exploration of these different elements, but at a point, it became a bit much and everywhere.
Still, this one had my attention; I was just reading, and when I got to the last page, I had to ask out loud if this was the end because I was enjoying myself a bit too much with this one. Surely, this will not be my last book by this author.
But I felt the love aspect was put on the back seat to allow other elements of the story to shine, like what was happening with Josie's family land, Josie's issues with her parents, or what was happening with Shawn's extended family, his complicated relationship with his Dad, his dad issues, and his dad mixing with the wrong people, Shawn financially supporting his family even as a teenager. Now, don't get me wrong; I liked the exploration of these different elements, but at a point, it became a bit much and everywhere.
Still, this one had my attention; I was just reading, and when I got to the last page, I had to ask out loud if this was the end because I was enjoying myself a bit too much with this one. Surely, this will not be my last book by this author.
January 12, 2026
It’s Not Our First Rodeo was such a sweet treat to kick off my 2026 reads and get me excited for rodeo season in March! 🤠✨
It’s YA, but full of heart, and beautifully rooted in Houston’s rodeo culture.
Shawn was a phenomenal character to follow. For someone so young, he carried so much pride and joy in bull riding, along with a deep connection to the legacy of Black cowboy Nat Love and the love he had for his longtime horse, Lil Nat. He was the kind of young man any mother would want for her daughter. I was cheering for him in every competition. I also loved seeing his internal conflicts — what he wanted for his future, how he wanted to give back, and how he handled family responsibilities. So admirable.
Josie… worked my nerves a little with her immaturity, but she is a teen experiencing first love, so I gave her grace. I really didn’t like how snobbish her parents were toward Shawn during their first meeting, though.
I really enjoyed their “love-at-first-sight”, “can’t-take-my-eyes-off-you”, "we were brought to this moment for a reason" connection. I annotated so many of their sweet moments that had me so giddy. I loved that they were both pining for each other — there was this electric pull between them that stayed strong even with distance. It was sugary sweet, pure, and so heartwarming.
As a Houstonian, this story really spoke to me. It brought back memories of going to the rodeo year after year — usually just walking the carnival and eating all the greasy, delicious food 😅.
Recently, I was driving through Sunnyside and saw a boy — maybe 10 years old — riding his bike with a car slowly trailing behind him. I remember thinking, okay… he’s training. And this book made that moment hit differently.
I love how this story shows the excitement of the rodeo, but also highlights the riders and their journeys. So many kids start training young to be part of this world, and it’s beautiful to see that legacy continue. I plan to actually watch the livestock show this year on Black Heritage Night. 🐎
🎁 Many thanks for my ARC: @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani @epicreads @netgalley
It’s YA, but full of heart, and beautifully rooted in Houston’s rodeo culture.
Shawn was a phenomenal character to follow. For someone so young, he carried so much pride and joy in bull riding, along with a deep connection to the legacy of Black cowboy Nat Love and the love he had for his longtime horse, Lil Nat. He was the kind of young man any mother would want for her daughter. I was cheering for him in every competition. I also loved seeing his internal conflicts — what he wanted for his future, how he wanted to give back, and how he handled family responsibilities. So admirable.
Josie… worked my nerves a little with her immaturity, but she is a teen experiencing first love, so I gave her grace. I really didn’t like how snobbish her parents were toward Shawn during their first meeting, though.
I really enjoyed their “love-at-first-sight”, “can’t-take-my-eyes-off-you”, "we were brought to this moment for a reason" connection. I annotated so many of their sweet moments that had me so giddy. I loved that they were both pining for each other — there was this electric pull between them that stayed strong even with distance. It was sugary sweet, pure, and so heartwarming.
As a Houstonian, this story really spoke to me. It brought back memories of going to the rodeo year after year — usually just walking the carnival and eating all the greasy, delicious food 😅.
Recently, I was driving through Sunnyside and saw a boy — maybe 10 years old — riding his bike with a car slowly trailing behind him. I remember thinking, okay… he’s training. And this book made that moment hit differently.
I love how this story shows the excitement of the rodeo, but also highlights the riders and their journeys. So many kids start training young to be part of this world, and it’s beautiful to see that legacy continue. I plan to actually watch the livestock show this year on Black Heritage Night. 🐎
🎁 Many thanks for my ARC: @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani @epicreads @netgalley
April 23, 2026
HUGE trigger warning for death of an animal. Context under the tag.
This was cute, and I enjoyed it, but I am underwhelmed. I love the Black cowboy angle. I live in Texas, but not Houston. It was really cool to see all the details about the rodeo and the lives of the different people who work there. This books has some really unique elements! Where it fell apart for me was the instalove (like... true immediate love-love with not just early declarations of love but also talk of marriage and kids) and the lack of focus with the plot.
I'm glad to see a book with a high level sport discuss the dangers (both financial and physical) of gambling. That with Josie's family's conflict between the restaurant & ranch should have sufficed to provide conflict. But there were so many other situations that tried to take over. In such a short book, it was too much. And then a scene toward the end when the characters are in a dangerous situation (when the animal death takes place fyi) strained credulity. I can suspend my disbelief but that was just. No.
My other big complaint is the style. I prefer medium length chapters that keep the story moving but not choppy. There are moments in TAOFR where we're flipping between Josie and Shawn every other page. Being in first person, this choice caused whiplash.
This is a decent teen romance. It is nice to have a YA book that reads as YA. I think it's a solid romance to hand teens.
This was cute, and I enjoyed it, but I am underwhelmed. I love the Black cowboy angle. I live in Texas, but not Houston. It was really cool to see all the details about the rodeo and the lives of the different people who work there. This books has some really unique elements! Where it fell apart for me was the instalove (like... true immediate love-love with not just early declarations of love but also talk of marriage and kids) and the lack of focus with the plot.
I'm glad to see a book with a high level sport discuss the dangers (both financial and physical) of gambling. That with Josie's family's conflict between the restaurant & ranch should have sufficed to provide conflict. But there were so many other situations that tried to take over. In such a short book, it was too much. And then a scene toward the end when the characters are in a dangerous situation (when the animal death takes place fyi) strained credulity. I can suspend my disbelief but that was just. No.
My other big complaint is the style. I prefer medium length chapters that keep the story moving but not choppy. There are moments in TAOFR where we're flipping between Josie and Shawn every other page. Being in first person, this choice caused whiplash.
This is a decent teen romance. It is nice to have a YA book that reads as YA. I think it's a solid romance to hand teens.
April 5, 2026
i get this was YA, but wtf did i just read? the dialogue was so beyond juvenile which was ok for the first portion since they were 15 years old but then we fast forward 3 years later and they had no growth? Josie describes herself as having a temper tantrum and Shawn i could not stand how he was supposed to be a golden retriever but the amount of times he says "nah" drove me off a wall.
josie is a walking red flag and sucks at communication.
their voices blend so its hard to distinguish the difference in whose perspective we are in and it doesnt help that the chapters are so short. some only being only a couple lines long. also why are we switching perspectives do fast and so much. we dont need to switch perspectives to finish one singular conversation.
i was really trying not to have an DNF's this year but these characters are so annoying and the format was driving me off a wall.
josie is a walking red flag and sucks at communication.
their voices blend so its hard to distinguish the difference in whose perspective we are in and it doesnt help that the chapters are so short. some only being only a couple lines long. also why are we switching perspectives do fast and so much. we dont need to switch perspectives to finish one singular conversation.
i was really trying not to have an DNF's this year but these characters are so annoying and the format was driving me off a wall.
March 13, 2026
3.5 stars!
This was such a cute and fun ride. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into rodeo life in the Houston, Texas area, especially through the eyes of Josie and Shawn.
The story starts when they’re in their early teens and shows Shawn standing up for Josie after a boy throws her to the ground. It immediately sets the tone for who Shawn is as a character; he’s genuinely a sweetheart and always looking out for her. The story then jumps ahead a few years, and when they run into each other again, they decide to give their relationship a real shot.
I do know this is a young adult novel, but it definitely leaned a bit more juvenile at times. There was a lot of slang, and some of the drama felt a little simple or unnecessary. For example, the conversations about marriage and having kids when they’re older felt very “high school” in tone.
And then the ending with the horse… the way everything played out had me a little shocked, not gonna lie. Haha.
Overall, it was still a sweet story, especially if you enjoy young love and small town rodeo vibes.
This was such a cute and fun ride. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into rodeo life in the Houston, Texas area, especially through the eyes of Josie and Shawn.
The story starts when they’re in their early teens and shows Shawn standing up for Josie after a boy throws her to the ground. It immediately sets the tone for who Shawn is as a character; he’s genuinely a sweetheart and always looking out for her. The story then jumps ahead a few years, and when they run into each other again, they decide to give their relationship a real shot.
I do know this is a young adult novel, but it definitely leaned a bit more juvenile at times. There was a lot of slang, and some of the drama felt a little simple or unnecessary. For example, the conversations about marriage and having kids when they’re older felt very “high school” in tone.
And then the ending with the horse… the way everything played out had me a little shocked, not gonna lie. Haha.
Overall, it was still a sweet story, especially if you enjoy young love and small town rodeo vibes.
February 10, 2026
I really didn’t like this. Neither of the characters seemed like they were bought into their relationship even at the end. Listen, they’re young…so I’m not saying they have to be married with a baby on the way in the epilogue, but I would prefer for them to not be TALKING about marriage and kids one moment and then completely unsure about one another the next. That is literally like…80% of the book, btw. I remember how it was when I was young, but also…damn. This was just too YA for me maybe? Also waaaaay too Christian. Two horny teens keeping space for god because the FMC is a virgin, but they make out a lot. Just not for me. The rodeo stuff was cool. I do usually like that. The characters were just all insufferable. Even the MMC forgives his “dad” at the end like WHAT?! I was so fucking done then. GTFO. You can’t act like he was such a POS this whole book—an addict, risking the MMC’s career/money, getting in with super bad people, and literally putting the MMC’s life in danger…and then he just forgives him. Lmao. What?? No thanks.
Insane levels of miscommunication, a third act break up, and shitty family all around. Nah.
Insane levels of miscommunication, a third act break up, and shitty family all around. Nah.
February 13, 2026
This was such a warm, heartfelt read with a setting you don’t see nearly enough in YA romance. The rodeo atmosphere felt vivid and lived-in from the Houston rodeo energy to ranch life details and it added so much texture and authenticity to the story.
Josie and Shawn’s romance is a gentle, second-chance love that unfolds with care. Their connection feels sincere, and I really appreciated the dual POV, which let their emotions and personal struggles shine. There’s a quiet sweetness to how their relationship develops, balanced with real conversations about dreams, expectations, and finding your place.
The story also highlights Black cowboy culture and Western history in a way that feels natural and meaningful, not performative. That representation gave the book extra heart and made it stand out.
That said, it is firmly YA. Some moments leaned into miscommunication and emotional beats that felt a bit rushed or youthful, and a few scenes could’ve benefited from more space to breathe. Still, the overall experience was engaging and emotionally satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for:
🤠 A cozy, unique setting
❤️ A sweet second-chance romance
🌾 Authentic characters with real goals
Josie and Shawn’s romance is a gentle, second-chance love that unfolds with care. Their connection feels sincere, and I really appreciated the dual POV, which let their emotions and personal struggles shine. There’s a quiet sweetness to how their relationship develops, balanced with real conversations about dreams, expectations, and finding your place.
The story also highlights Black cowboy culture and Western history in a way that feels natural and meaningful, not performative. That representation gave the book extra heart and made it stand out.
That said, it is firmly YA. Some moments leaned into miscommunication and emotional beats that felt a bit rushed or youthful, and a few scenes could’ve benefited from more space to breathe. Still, the overall experience was engaging and emotionally satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for:
🤠 A cozy, unique setting
❤️ A sweet second-chance romance
🌾 Authentic characters with real goals
March 29, 2026
ABSOLUTLEY LOVEDDDD THIS ONE SO MUCH OMGGGG!
Like it was so perfect to me! I loved all the Houston culture and rodeo highlights as a person who is obsessed with the Houston Rodeo! This was like an ode to Black cowboys and cowgirls, bull riders, and barrel racers everywhere! Often a forgotten or ignored part of the culture for sure!
I really really really enjoyed like the chapter structure and formatting and how the story unfolded! There are so many layers and complexities that are covered in such a short amount of time. Josie and Shawn are so easy to fall in love with even when they make teeny-bopper mistakes and miscommunicate. I just loved their banter and chemistry and it was such a perfect YA/teen romance book to me! Like I would've ate this up as a teenage!
Thank you sooooooo much to Netgalley and the Publisher for this e-ARC! I wish i could read it again for the first time!
Like it was so perfect to me! I loved all the Houston culture and rodeo highlights as a person who is obsessed with the Houston Rodeo! This was like an ode to Black cowboys and cowgirls, bull riders, and barrel racers everywhere! Often a forgotten or ignored part of the culture for sure!
I really really really enjoyed like the chapter structure and formatting and how the story unfolded! There are so many layers and complexities that are covered in such a short amount of time. Josie and Shawn are so easy to fall in love with even when they make teeny-bopper mistakes and miscommunicate. I just loved their banter and chemistry and it was such a perfect YA/teen romance book to me! Like I would've ate this up as a teenage!
Thank you sooooooo much to Netgalley and the Publisher for this e-ARC! I wish i could read it again for the first time!
November 12, 2025
H-town in the house!!!!
I always wanted to go to a Rodeo when I’m visiting family in Houston.
This quick read was very good and entertaining.
I love a good second chance romance.
Black cowboy romance at its best!
I love the way this book was showcasing horses and all the real life behind running a ranch. And even how difficult and hard it can be a cowboy who competes in competitions. I love reading about it. So cool. Texas rodeo culture was written amazingly.
I always wanted to go to a Rodeo when I’m visiting family in Houston.
This quick read was very good and entertaining.
I love a good second chance romance.
Black cowboy romance at its best!
I love the way this book was showcasing horses and all the real life behind running a ranch. And even how difficult and hard it can be a cowboy who competes in competitions. I love reading about it. So cool. Texas rodeo culture was written amazingly.
February 25, 2026
I was really excited to listen to this dual pov ya romance, and it was so good. Josie loves horses, but her parents want her to run their restaurant empire. Shawn is a rodeo superstar. they meet, and there are instant sparks, but they lose touch. I dont want to give too much away, but it was a very good read. I am not usually a fan of insta-love, but this was done in a tastefully way for the YA crowd.
March 29, 2026
This was a sweet book that broached some heavy topics.
I can see why this book is being adapted to the screen: it has a perfect blend of romance and intrigue/suspense/adventure.
My only gripe is that it needed a content warning in the beginning for animal death. I wasn't bothered by it, but I know a lot of people could be.
I can see why this book is being adapted to the screen: it has a perfect blend of romance and intrigue/suspense/adventure.
My only gripe is that it needed a content warning in the beginning for animal death. I wasn't bothered by it, but I know a lot of people could be.
March 11, 2026
This is such a lovely book with beautiful prose that pulls you along and layered characters you can't help to fall in love with! It's heartfelt, sweet, funny, and all teh things you want from a YA Romance!!
Did Not Finish
March 8, 20263/5/26
DNF’ed almost immediately. The narrator’s southern accent was ATROCIOUS.
DNF’ed almost immediately. The narrator’s southern accent was ATROCIOUS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews