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This Ain't Our First Rodeo
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Love is a wild ride. Hold on.
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.
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.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
4 people are currently reading
1982 people want to read
About the author
Liara Tamani
5 books295 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
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.
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*
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 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
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!
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.
dnf
December 10, 2025I don't mind YA, but this read too childish to me. And the really short chapters between each of their POVs was annoying. DNF at 13%
November 10, 2025
A cowboy romance that highlights the beauty and importance of Black heritage in cowboy and rodeo culture.
Josie and Shawn have grown up surrounded in rodeo culture, but this year's rodeo promises to be a little different when the two stumble upon each other at the local carnival. Shawn and Josie have a spark filled night brimming with funnel cake, Ferris wheel rides, and one almost kiss. Unfortunately, Josie's parents catch the two in the near act, and the two's first date come to an abrupt end. Life has a way of pulling people apart, and that is exactly what happens to these two. Josie's parents own a chain of very successful restaurants, but she spends as much of her free time as she can on her grandparent's ranch. To her dismay, she's getting roped into helping out with the family business more and more lately. Shawn was raised to ride bulls by his father, and he's pretty darn good at it too. However, he is still haunted by the near fatal accident he had during one of his competitions. When circumstances bring them back together again three years later, Josie and Shawn have a second chance at love.
This one is a really quick read, so I'd say for the most part it's worth reading. I like how it dives into Black culture and how their history is so interwoven into cowboys and rodeos, things that are typically portrayed as very white in the media and the history books. It was neat learning a bit more about this side of history. Learning more about Texas rodeo culture in and of itself was pretty cool, too, since this is a sport, I know next to nothing about.
The romance was also pretty cute (for the most part). I've never really read a cowboy romance, so that was a bit different for me. Josie wants to be a horse trainer, and Shawn is a bull rider, so they both know their way around ranch life. This obviously bonds them rather swiftly. Shawn is a proper young gentleman, and Josie is a sassy young woman, so their conversations are entertaining to consume. They also have some pretty wholesome scenes together, and they are both so willing to care for the other.
There were parts that really bothered me about their romance though. They have a really great first encounter that they literally chalk up as a divine meeting arranged by God and they just ghost each other for three years? I dunno, I think that is a of a sus way to start off a relationship. I mostly blame Josie for this as Shawn gets insanely famous as a bull rider. And the third act conflict was also redundant, because Josie pretty much just ghosts Shawn again when she makes poor assumptions about him and then he just forgives her immediately despite her poor attitude. This made it really hard for me to back Josie's way of thinking up, but whatever.
I would have to subcategorize this book as Christian fiction, for both Shawn and Josie are deeply devout in their own ways. They often have discussions about things being gifts from God's, their meetings as being divinely arranged, and the like. It has been a while since I've read a book where the characters are so deeply Christian, so that was sort of neat.
This book is rather short, which I feel was one of its major downfalls. The ending felt rather rushed and a tad anticlimactic. We had a few major plot points going, and I feel like they were tied up into a pretty bow with few things going wrong, which I feel was a tad unrealistic. One thing went majorly wrong for Josie, which I felt strongly, but even that felt like a bit much for no reason.
Overall, "This Ain't Our First Rodeo" was a decent romance that had quite a few things going for it. I enjoyed being exposed to the rodeo and cowboy lifestyles that are portrayed in this book. I also really liked the spotlight it presents on the importance of Black Americans in the Wild West. Another thing I found to be neat are the messages about second chances and following one's dreams. However, the ending was wrapped up way to quickly and everything went a little too perfectly for my liking. I also found the third act conflict to be rather petty and repetitive. I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but it's such a fast read that I don't regret giving this one a try!
Josie and Shawn have grown up surrounded in rodeo culture, but this year's rodeo promises to be a little different when the two stumble upon each other at the local carnival. Shawn and Josie have a spark filled night brimming with funnel cake, Ferris wheel rides, and one almost kiss. Unfortunately, Josie's parents catch the two in the near act, and the two's first date come to an abrupt end. Life has a way of pulling people apart, and that is exactly what happens to these two. Josie's parents own a chain of very successful restaurants, but she spends as much of her free time as she can on her grandparent's ranch. To her dismay, she's getting roped into helping out with the family business more and more lately. Shawn was raised to ride bulls by his father, and he's pretty darn good at it too. However, he is still haunted by the near fatal accident he had during one of his competitions. When circumstances bring them back together again three years later, Josie and Shawn have a second chance at love.
This one is a really quick read, so I'd say for the most part it's worth reading. I like how it dives into Black culture and how their history is so interwoven into cowboys and rodeos, things that are typically portrayed as very white in the media and the history books. It was neat learning a bit more about this side of history. Learning more about Texas rodeo culture in and of itself was pretty cool, too, since this is a sport, I know next to nothing about.
The romance was also pretty cute (for the most part). I've never really read a cowboy romance, so that was a bit different for me. Josie wants to be a horse trainer, and Shawn is a bull rider, so they both know their way around ranch life. This obviously bonds them rather swiftly. Shawn is a proper young gentleman, and Josie is a sassy young woman, so their conversations are entertaining to consume. They also have some pretty wholesome scenes together, and they are both so willing to care for the other.
There were parts that really bothered me about their romance though. They have a really great first encounter that they literally chalk up as a divine meeting arranged by God and they just ghost each other for three years? I dunno, I think that is a of a sus way to start off a relationship. I mostly blame Josie for this as Shawn gets insanely famous as a bull rider. And the third act conflict was also redundant, because Josie pretty much just ghosts Shawn again when she makes poor assumptions about him and then he just forgives her immediately despite her poor attitude. This made it really hard for me to back Josie's way of thinking up, but whatever.
I would have to subcategorize this book as Christian fiction, for both Shawn and Josie are deeply devout in their own ways. They often have discussions about things being gifts from God's, their meetings as being divinely arranged, and the like. It has been a while since I've read a book where the characters are so deeply Christian, so that was sort of neat.
This book is rather short, which I feel was one of its major downfalls. The ending felt rather rushed and a tad anticlimactic. We had a few major plot points going, and I feel like they were tied up into a pretty bow with few things going wrong, which I feel was a tad unrealistic. One thing went majorly wrong for Josie, which I felt strongly, but even that felt like a bit much for no reason.
Overall, "This Ain't Our First Rodeo" was a decent romance that had quite a few things going for it. I enjoyed being exposed to the rodeo and cowboy lifestyles that are portrayed in this book. I also really liked the spotlight it presents on the importance of Black Americans in the Wild West. Another thing I found to be neat are the messages about second chances and following one's dreams. However, the ending was wrapped up way to quickly and everything went a little too perfectly for my liking. I also found the third act conflict to be rather petty and repetitive. I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but it's such a fast read that I don't regret giving this one a try!
Review of advance copy
3.25 stars
I was instantly sold on this book being a black cowboy rodeo romance, with one of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen, and was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it did not fully deliver for me, the main reason being the writing style and pacing. The pacing felt really off, where at times we spent a very long time in the same scene while other times we jumped between scenes way too quickly, within just a few pages, and I felt like there were quite a few moments in the story that we moved way too quickly from and never got fully resolved. The writing style was different to anything I have ever read, which unfortunately was not really working for me. The best way I can think of to explain the writing style is that it almost felt like reading a diary entry by a teenager. The chapters were super short, sometimes only a few sentences, which started getting frustrated and confusing because we were jumping between POV's too quickly and it took me out of the story a few times.
The relationship between Josie and Shawn felt really insta lovey, but I can still get behind the relationship because they were really young and love and relationships are different when you are a teenager than when you are an adult. I really liked Shawn as a character, he is mature, kind and really handles himself well. I did not like Josie as much, but I do think she was very well written for how her upbringing was. Josie and Shawn had very different upbringings and family lives, and that was really obvious in how they were as characters, which I thought was a really interesting part of the story to witness. I really liked the setting of the story, I loved reading about the rodeo life, about their family lives and the cultural history that was a part of the story. I really flew through this book, it is easily read and fast paced, and I read the last 40% of this book in one sitting, because I couldn't put the book down, I really was not expecting that action towards the end, and I was definitely not expecting to get emotional. I wish that we got more of a conclusion to the end, and more things would have been resolved, but I am still happy with the character's situations at the end.
Thank you Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
I was instantly sold on this book being a black cowboy rodeo romance, with one of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen, and was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it did not fully deliver for me, the main reason being the writing style and pacing. The pacing felt really off, where at times we spent a very long time in the same scene while other times we jumped between scenes way too quickly, within just a few pages, and I felt like there were quite a few moments in the story that we moved way too quickly from and never got fully resolved. The writing style was different to anything I have ever read, which unfortunately was not really working for me. The best way I can think of to explain the writing style is that it almost felt like reading a diary entry by a teenager. The chapters were super short, sometimes only a few sentences, which started getting frustrated and confusing because we were jumping between POV's too quickly and it took me out of the story a few times.
The relationship between Josie and Shawn felt really insta lovey, but I can still get behind the relationship because they were really young and love and relationships are different when you are a teenager than when you are an adult. I really liked Shawn as a character, he is mature, kind and really handles himself well. I did not like Josie as much, but I do think she was very well written for how her upbringing was. Josie and Shawn had very different upbringings and family lives, and that was really obvious in how they were as characters, which I thought was a really interesting part of the story to witness. I really liked the setting of the story, I loved reading about the rodeo life, about their family lives and the cultural history that was a part of the story. I really flew through this book, it is easily read and fast paced, and I read the last 40% of this book in one sitting, because I couldn't put the book down, I really was not expecting that action towards the end, and I was definitely not expecting to get emotional. I wish that we got more of a conclusion to the end, and more things would have been resolved, but I am still happy with the character's situations at the end.
Thank you Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
This was a cute story, it brought out thought provoking emotions about chasing your own dreams and not just the ones expected of you. The characters were fully rounded and detailed. But the writing style lost me. There was a lot of young, modern slang. It would have been fine if it was just in the dialogue between characters but it was in the context too.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for my honest review. I know ARCs often have typos and areas to clean up, but there were a lot more here than I’m used to. At times they seemed intentional, which might be that younger slang/language. There were incomplete sentences throughout the book that bothered and threw me off.
The story is written in two POVs, which I liked. Unfortunately having the chapters ranging from a couple of sentences to 7-8 pages was a jarring and disorienting experience, constantly changing perspectives.
I did think this story showed important lessons about black cowboys in American history, expressing culture and family in several perspectives. I especially appreciated the complex relationship Shawn has with Sterling, as he reflects on who his father used to be verses the man he has become. I wish we got a better conclusion about where they landed after that final ride. Also wish we had a conclusion to the financial situation with Melvin or if Shelley forgave him.
As a Christian, it’s always encouraging to read stories that touch on the power and grace of God. That wasn’t the arching theme of the book, which as I stated above pointed more towards dreams and legacies, but it was reflected as important to Shawn’s character.
Josie was pretty spoiled and self centered for a MFC but she does grow and ends up showing incredible courage and perseverance in the end.
Trigger Note: there is a traumatic scene involving the death of a beloved horse. I wasn’t prepared for that in a YA read and had to step away from the book for a while. We did not get any more information or conclusion to the safety or condition of the other horses involved in that scene afterwords. Even a single paragraph that explained their safety would have made me feel better.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for my honest review. I know ARCs often have typos and areas to clean up, but there were a lot more here than I’m used to. At times they seemed intentional, which might be that younger slang/language. There were incomplete sentences throughout the book that bothered and threw me off.
The story is written in two POVs, which I liked. Unfortunately having the chapters ranging from a couple of sentences to 7-8 pages was a jarring and disorienting experience, constantly changing perspectives.
I did think this story showed important lessons about black cowboys in American history, expressing culture and family in several perspectives. I especially appreciated the complex relationship Shawn has with Sterling, as he reflects on who his father used to be verses the man he has become. I wish we got a better conclusion about where they landed after that final ride. Also wish we had a conclusion to the financial situation with Melvin or if Shelley forgave him.
As a Christian, it’s always encouraging to read stories that touch on the power and grace of God. That wasn’t the arching theme of the book, which as I stated above pointed more towards dreams and legacies, but it was reflected as important to Shawn’s character.
Josie was pretty spoiled and self centered for a MFC but she does grow and ends up showing incredible courage and perseverance in the end.
Trigger Note: there is a traumatic scene involving the death of a beloved horse. I wasn’t prepared for that in a YA read and had to step away from the book for a while. We did not get any more information or conclusion to the safety or condition of the other horses involved in that scene afterwords. Even a single paragraph that explained their safety would have made me feel better.
January 16, 2026
This YA debut is a dual point of view, second chance romance that has all the teenage angst and butterflies that one would expect from a YA romance. There’s also a healthy dose of drama and danger involved in this Cowboy/Bull riding story. Josie and Shawn first meet under random circumstances where Shawn comes to Josie’s rescue. At the time, neither of them are mature enough to voice their initial feelings, and the circumstances surrounding their meeting are less than ideal. With pretentious parents and overprotective parents, Josie makes a choice that she later regrets. Years later, Shawn is has made a name for himself as a champion bull rider, and a new set of challenges force these former acquaintances to show up for each other in the ways that matter.
Josie’s and Shawn’s romance is not without its challenges. The miscommunication trope is present as a lack of clear communication threatens to ruin any relationship they hope to maintain, which is a pattern throughout the book. The author’s writing style is fast-paced and brief, which speeds the plot along. A lot of the chapters are short, a few are only a sentence or two, and several of the main plot conflicts are seemingly resolved off the page, which might be confusing for some readers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and the emphasis the author placed on land ownership and legacy, particularly when it comes to the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas.
If you’re interested in trying a new author and exploring YA cowboy romance, then give this one a try.
Josie’s and Shawn’s romance is not without its challenges. The miscommunication trope is present as a lack of clear communication threatens to ruin any relationship they hope to maintain, which is a pattern throughout the book. The author’s writing style is fast-paced and brief, which speeds the plot along. A lot of the chapters are short, a few are only a sentence or two, and several of the main plot conflicts are seemingly resolved off the page, which might be confusing for some readers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and the emphasis the author placed on land ownership and legacy, particularly when it comes to the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas.
If you’re interested in trying a new author and exploring YA cowboy romance, then give this one a try.
Review of advance copy
I am a sucker for a cowboy romance so when I saw This Ain't Our First Rodeo and it had all the vibes, I had to get in on it.
The story itself was pretty great, though, I just felt like things were moving too fast. I love a story with faster pacing, but somehow, things were happening pretty fast, but with slower pacing. It left me feeling like I was missing more. Josie and Shawn has great chemistry together as a couple. Shawn is such a sweet guy. He definitely gives off golden retriever vibes with his gentle manly nature. Shawn wants to be a bull rider. Josie wants to be a horse trainer and her personality seems so opposite of Shawn. She's so sassy and bold.
I am not a huge fan of the way this story ended. It felt rushed and almost abrupt. I think there is a lot of potential for this story, but I think the pacing in which things happen in this story need to be slowed down and carved out a little more. I think the characters are. They are lovable, down to earth, and detailed. I also feel like the story has some great life lessons mixed in and I love when a story has some good lessons hidden within, but again, I just feel like so many things were rushed by. Overall, the story is pretty quick and easy to read. I would still recommend giving it a read as the story itself is beautifully done.
The story itself was pretty great, though, I just felt like things were moving too fast. I love a story with faster pacing, but somehow, things were happening pretty fast, but with slower pacing. It left me feeling like I was missing more. Josie and Shawn has great chemistry together as a couple. Shawn is such a sweet guy. He definitely gives off golden retriever vibes with his gentle manly nature. Shawn wants to be a bull rider. Josie wants to be a horse trainer and her personality seems so opposite of Shawn. She's so sassy and bold.
I am not a huge fan of the way this story ended. It felt rushed and almost abrupt. I think there is a lot of potential for this story, but I think the pacing in which things happen in this story need to be slowed down and carved out a little more. I think the characters are. They are lovable, down to earth, and detailed. I also feel like the story has some great life lessons mixed in and I love when a story has some good lessons hidden within, but again, I just feel like so many things were rushed by. Overall, the story is pretty quick and easy to read. I would still recommend giving it a read as the story itself is beautifully done.
January 4, 2026
As soon as I saw this one I was so excited to read it. A black cowboy romance? Sign me up. This book definitely lived up to expectations. Josie and Shawn meet at a rodeo and have great chemistry. They end up not speaking for 3 years until Shawn is in town for a bull riding competition. From there we get to see their romance grow as they battle some hard situations.
Shawn and Josie are so cute. I love seeing them banter and flirt. The dual pov really lets you see how down for each other they are. I’m glad we get to see both sides because it let me still root for Shawn when some of the crazier situations happened. Honestly I expected this book to just be a romance but it was so much more. There were a few life or death situations that I did not see coming. It really kept me hooked. I just wish we had some type of epilogue or something to tie it all up. The main characters make decisions that will really impact their lives and I’m hoping it all works out for them.
Thanks to Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Shawn and Josie are so cute. I love seeing them banter and flirt. The dual pov really lets you see how down for each other they are. I’m glad we get to see both sides because it let me still root for Shawn when some of the crazier situations happened. Honestly I expected this book to just be a romance but it was so much more. There were a few life or death situations that I did not see coming. It really kept me hooked. I just wish we had some type of epilogue or something to tie it all up. The main characters make decisions that will really impact their lives and I’m hoping it all works out for them.
Thanks to Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tour for the ARC!
This was a pretty cute YA romance story with a very unique writing style. As someone who lives in Houston and has been to the rodeo, I LOVED the inclusion of rodeo culture and haven’t really seen any other authors highlight a Black western type of love story in the same way.
The main characters are very sweet and easy to root for. Each of their unique life challenges were written in a way that made them feel believable and worthy of empathy. I fell for their love story right away and certainly loved how their feelings grew for one another despite time passed. The stakes get pretty high around 60%ish percent of the book, so I couldn’t put it down!
The chapters are extremely short, which you may love or dislike. It’s important to remember that this is a YA romance, so things like constant miscommunication and abrupt reactions to said miscommunication can be frustrating as an adult reader. However, as a teen, I was probably all loud and wrong too 😂
This was a pretty cute YA romance story with a very unique writing style. As someone who lives in Houston and has been to the rodeo, I LOVED the inclusion of rodeo culture and haven’t really seen any other authors highlight a Black western type of love story in the same way.
The main characters are very sweet and easy to root for. Each of their unique life challenges were written in a way that made them feel believable and worthy of empathy. I fell for their love story right away and certainly loved how their feelings grew for one another despite time passed. The stakes get pretty high around 60%ish percent of the book, so I couldn’t put it down!
The chapters are extremely short, which you may love or dislike. It’s important to remember that this is a YA romance, so things like constant miscommunication and abrupt reactions to said miscommunication can be frustrating as an adult reader. However, as a teen, I was probably all loud and wrong too 😂
January 17, 2026
This was a 10 out of 10. I was NOT expecting to ugly cry and blow my nose from snot crying when I picked up this book. And I did this 3 separate times! It was such a pleasant surprise. And I will immediately re-reading as soon as I’m done with this review.
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is your quintessential ‘first love’ story, but it’s beautifully told through the eyes of man characters completely immersed in Black rodeo culture. It read like a movie or a great tv show series that leaves you in suspense at the end of every chapter. As I read, it played out like the perfect blend of The Notebook movie and the Netflix show Forever in my mind. Just with a cowboy twist.
The author included amazing banter (that was both believable and relatable), strong character development, and emotional depth that tugs at your heart strings. Bravo!! I can’t wait for this to come out so I can buy my own copy and convince all of my friends to too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenwillow Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is your quintessential ‘first love’ story, but it’s beautifully told through the eyes of man characters completely immersed in Black rodeo culture. It read like a movie or a great tv show series that leaves you in suspense at the end of every chapter. As I read, it played out like the perfect blend of The Notebook movie and the Netflix show Forever in my mind. Just with a cowboy twist.
The author included amazing banter (that was both believable and relatable), strong character development, and emotional depth that tugs at your heart strings. Bravo!! I can’t wait for this to come out so I can buy my own copy and convince all of my friends to too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenwillow Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
🤠ARC Review🤠
This Ain’t our First Rodeo
By Liara Tamani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Josie parents own fancy restaurants that comes with a fancy house, clothes, and lifestyle but she would rather be at her grandparents ranch riding Strawberry her horse. Shawn is a bull rider and he has been riding since his step dad got him on a bull after his mom passed. He is trying to live up to his stepdads legacy.
A second chance romance with a Texas rodeo backdrop. Josie and Shawn chemistry kicks off fast but it always seems something is trying to come between then or moving to fast. This Ain’t our First Rodeo is about family, friends, tension between following your dreams and/or sticking to your roots.
Thank you to Net Galley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
#netgalleyreads #netgalley #romancebooks #kindlegirlie #bookstagram #readreadread #plantsandbooks #yaromance #cowboyromance
This Ain’t our First Rodeo
By Liara Tamani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Josie parents own fancy restaurants that comes with a fancy house, clothes, and lifestyle but she would rather be at her grandparents ranch riding Strawberry her horse. Shawn is a bull rider and he has been riding since his step dad got him on a bull after his mom passed. He is trying to live up to his stepdads legacy.
A second chance romance with a Texas rodeo backdrop. Josie and Shawn chemistry kicks off fast but it always seems something is trying to come between then or moving to fast. This Ain’t our First Rodeo is about family, friends, tension between following your dreams and/or sticking to your roots.
Thank you to Net Galley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
#netgalleyreads #netgalley #romancebooks #kindlegirlie #bookstagram #readreadread #plantsandbooks #yaromance #cowboyromance
October 31, 2025
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo, a romance featuring Black cowboys and cowgirls, immediately caught my attention—Josie and Shawn’s second-chance story has all the makings of a heartfelt YA love story. The concept is fresh, the setting is vivid, and their connection feels genuine and easy to root for.
That said, while the premise grabbed me, the execution didn’t always stick the landing. There’s plenty of conflict—family pressure, ambition, secrets—but too many of those big moments get tied up a little too neatly. The pacing makes it a quick read, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth to match the emotional potential of the setup.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a fast-moving plot, this delivers. Just don’t expect it to dig too deep beneath the surface.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
#ThisAintOurFirstRodeo
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, while the premise grabbed me, the execution didn’t always stick the landing. There’s plenty of conflict—family pressure, ambition, secrets—but too many of those big moments get tied up a little too neatly. The pacing makes it a quick read, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth to match the emotional potential of the setup.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a fast-moving plot, this delivers. Just don’t expect it to dig too deep beneath the surface.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
#ThisAintOurFirstRodeo
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
Josie and Shawn met when they were younger and then reconnected a few years later as she was getting ready to leave for college and he was competing with the rodeo. He had a successful career with his competitions and her parents were hoping for her to take over their restaurant businesses, but her love is the ranch her grandparents own. When she meets Shawn for the second time, their relationship grows and it is very age appropriate and sweetly develops. He treats her with such respect and as a gentleman. There are many twists and turns involving a potential sale of the ranch, his competitions, and her next steps in life. Will their relationship survive all these changes or complications?? A sweet romance that keeps you reading to find out what happens! I received an ARC, but the opinions are fully my own.
Josie and Shawn met when they were younger and then reconnected a few years later as she was getting ready to leave for college and he was competing with the rodeo. He had a successful career with his competitions and her parents were hoping for her to take over their restaurant businesses, but her love is the ranch her grandparents own. When she meets Shawn for the second time, their relationship grows and it is very age appropriate and sweetly develops. He treats her with such respect and as a gentleman. There are many twists and turns involving a potential sale of the ranch, his competitions, and her next steps in life. Will their relationship survive all these changes or complications?? A sweet romance that keeps you reading to find out what happens! I received an ARC, but the opinions are fully my own.
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January 2, 2026Thank you to Liara Tamani, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
I had a hard time settling into this story. The short chapters and pacing moving from scene to scene were too abrupt for me. And at times the structure of how language flowed in character quotes with no additional sentences between characters speaking made it hard for me to keep track of who was talking after a while.
The arc also had many sections where parts of sentences were missing. Some made sense for tightening up in areas. But some were missing details and hurt the flow for me as it left my mind trying to connect the dots which lead to creating part of the story on my own or simply feeling lost.
I also had a hard time believing the ages of the characters as they sounded much younger than their mentioned ages.
I DNF at 23% (68/298)
I had a hard time settling into this story. The short chapters and pacing moving from scene to scene were too abrupt for me. And at times the structure of how language flowed in character quotes with no additional sentences between characters speaking made it hard for me to keep track of who was talking after a while.
The arc also had many sections where parts of sentences were missing. Some made sense for tightening up in areas. But some were missing details and hurt the flow for me as it left my mind trying to connect the dots which lead to creating part of the story on my own or simply feeling lost.
I also had a hard time believing the ages of the characters as they sounded much younger than their mentioned ages.
I DNF at 23% (68/298)
Review of advance copy
This book was a solid 4 stars for me! I really appreciated how the story explored and discussed different aspects of rodeo life and farming, while also highlighting different cultures within those spaces which is something you don’t often see represented and that added meaningful depth and authenticity to the story. The writing itself was strong, but parts of the storyline felt rushed. The ending had this big buildup that ultimately fell a bit flat because it moved too quickly.
That said, I still loved reading about Josie and Shawn falling in love and watching them work through the challenges they faced along the way. Also something about meeting as kids and then finding each other all over again has my heart. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with some great book moments. A huge thank you to House of Heart Lit and Liara Tamani for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own!
That said, I still loved reading about Josie and Shawn falling in love and watching them work through the challenges they faced along the way. Also something about meeting as kids and then finding each other all over again has my heart. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with some great book moments. A huge thank you to House of Heart Lit and Liara Tamani for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own!
November 6, 2025
This was a really good book full of emotion, coming of age, saving family history and integrity. There's a good bit of drama as Josie is worried about losing her family’s ranch and Shawn is feeling the pressure of being one of the top riders in his category. Miscommunication and misunderstanding tear these two apart as their lives travel down a parallel they don’t realize they’re on until discoveries were made on who was going to buy Josie’s family ranch.
I wanted to punch all of the adults because I was so mad for both of them. Parents with high expectations is one thing, determining the future of their children is another. I felt all of the ups and downs reading this and I loved it very much.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani and @epicreads for the #gifted copy.
I wanted to punch all of the adults because I was so mad for both of them. Parents with high expectations is one thing, determining the future of their children is another. I felt all of the ups and downs reading this and I loved it very much.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani and @epicreads for the #gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A rare gem of a love story. This story was sweet, tender, and action-packed. Pulled me in right away.
I loved that the characters also had such strong values, especially Shawn. The youth these days are basically being told to have no morals, that anything goes. It's good to see a story where the young people hold boundaries for themselves, even when they want so badly to cross them. The sexual tension was off the charts, all while keeping it clean.
And I didn't grow up around the rodeo or anything but I loved all the details around the rodeo. Sounds fun. Made me want to go. The glamorous part was something I never imagined being associated with a rodeo but I was completely immersed in the world Liara created.
The writing was 10/10, something I've come to love about this author.
I loved that the characters also had such strong values, especially Shawn. The youth these days are basically being told to have no morals, that anything goes. It's good to see a story where the young people hold boundaries for themselves, even when they want so badly to cross them. The sexual tension was off the charts, all while keeping it clean.
And I didn't grow up around the rodeo or anything but I loved all the details around the rodeo. Sounds fun. Made me want to go. The glamorous part was something I never imagined being associated with a rodeo but I was completely immersed in the world Liara created.
The writing was 10/10, something I've come to love about this author.
January 8, 2026
Josie and Shawn first meet as teens when he helps her out of a tough situation. Years later, they reconnect and the feelings are still there. Just as they grow closer, Josie learns her grandparents’ ranch is being sold—to Shawn’s father, who bought it without Shawn knowing. Now Shawn is determined to stop the sale before it’s too late.
Unfortunately, I just didn’t fully connect with this book. While the storyline itself was strong, the language choices pulled me out of the cowboy setting. Some of the vocabulary felt overused and out of place, and references like “the hood” didn’t match the overall ranch/cowboy vibe for me. I can see the potential in the story, but the wording and tone didn’t work for my personal reading experience.
Unfortunately, I just didn’t fully connect with this book. While the storyline itself was strong, the language choices pulled me out of the cowboy setting. Some of the vocabulary felt overused and out of place, and references like “the hood” didn’t match the overall ranch/cowboy vibe for me. I can see the potential in the story, but the wording and tone didn’t work for my personal reading experience.
September 19, 2025
This Ain't Our First Rodeo (Hardcover)
by Liara Tamani
A romantic modern book that shows the nature of Black culture, and Texas heritage. The book features a fifth generation of Black landowners. Ranchers outside the city hold on to their property by grit and generational heritage. The book shows the nature of diminutive history, taking the Black history out of western history. This book shows city children there is a future in another way than black music industry. That finding your history makes you stronger. The foibles of society causes many social and economic problems, but they can be overcome with determination.
by Liara Tamani
A romantic modern book that shows the nature of Black culture, and Texas heritage. The book features a fifth generation of Black landowners. Ranchers outside the city hold on to their property by grit and generational heritage. The book shows the nature of diminutive history, taking the Black history out of western history. This book shows city children there is a future in another way than black music industry. That finding your history makes you stronger. The foibles of society causes many social and economic problems, but they can be overcome with determination.
November 1, 2025
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review.
This was my first time reading Liara Tamani, and wow, what a beautiful surprise. This Ain’t Our First Rodeo delivers heart, heat, and hometown pride. It’s a tender second-chance romance with Texas flavor, family drama, and two characters you can’t help but root for.
Tamani’s writing is smooth, soulful, and real. She captures love, loss, and legacy without ever overdoing it. I closed the book smiling and already searching for more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Colored Pages Book Tour, and Liara Tamani for the gifted copy. 🤎
This was my first time reading Liara Tamani, and wow, what a beautiful surprise. This Ain’t Our First Rodeo delivers heart, heat, and hometown pride. It’s a tender second-chance romance with Texas flavor, family drama, and two characters you can’t help but root for.
Tamani’s writing is smooth, soulful, and real. She captures love, loss, and legacy without ever overdoing it. I closed the book smiling and already searching for more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Colored Pages Book Tour, and Liara Tamani for the gifted copy. 🤎
November 13, 2025
Josie wants to be at the rodeo or riding her horse but her parents want her at their restaurant learning to take over their business one day. Shawn hopes to live up to his step-father's high expectations of becoming a rodeo champion. Their lives become increasingly intertwined as they try to save Josie's grandmothers land and Shawn's shady step-father may cost them everything.
I really enjoyed the setting in which this book took place and the connection between the characters felt real and genuine. The characters were easy to root for and felt relatable. I enjoyed the fast pacing and was able to read it and be invested quickly.
I really enjoyed the setting in which this book took place and the connection between the characters felt real and genuine. The characters were easy to root for and felt relatable. I enjoyed the fast pacing and was able to read it and be invested quickly.
December 18, 2025
I struggled with reading and rating this. There was a lot that I liked, and there were things that I didn’t. I didn't love Josie, but I adored Shawn. He was an absolute gem and gentleman. Josie had moments of being sassy, which made some of their interactions entertaining. I absolutely loved the display of Black culture and the history of Black cowboys! It’s not a topic I’ve seen covered, so I’m glad this exists!
There were some things that were wrapped up too easily for me, but this is a YA story, so I get it. And as with most YA stories, the adults annoyed me (to say the least). But this was adorable, and I’m glad I was afforded the opportunity to read it!
Rating 3.5
There were some things that were wrapped up too easily for me, but this is a YA story, so I get it. And as with most YA stories, the adults annoyed me (to say the least). But this was adorable, and I’m glad I was afforded the opportunity to read it!
Rating 3.5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and House of Hearts for the copy of this book. I give this book 3.5 stars
I enjoyed the main story and the characters, particularly Josie and Shawn’s sweet and cute relationship. Their different family upbringings were fascinating. Shawn’s desire to help Josie with the ranch was a great plot point. However, I felt some parts of the story were rushed and the chapter lengths were confusing.
I would recommend it to others but I think some chapters could have been longer. Overall, I enjoyed the rodeo story and getting to know the characters. The author’s writing was excellent and I think that’s a positive for the book.
I enjoyed the main story and the characters, particularly Josie and Shawn’s sweet and cute relationship. Their different family upbringings were fascinating. Shawn’s desire to help Josie with the ranch was a great plot point. However, I felt some parts of the story were rushed and the chapter lengths were confusing.
I would recommend it to others but I think some chapters could have been longer. Overall, I enjoyed the rodeo story and getting to know the characters. The author’s writing was excellent and I think that’s a positive for the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They say "when you know, you know" so despite a rocky first encounter, Shawn and Josie are able make their way back to one another after 3 years for a second chance at love.
What really makes this book is the right amount emotional build up where things develop in good pacing between the Josie and Shawn as their connection felt genuine, complemented by the subtle spiritual references to add even more depth.
I found myself smiling a lot while reading this though at one point, my adrenaline was through the roof as these two go through a lot a of tense drama and action.
What a swoony, second chance cowboy romance.
3.5 stars
What really makes this book is the right amount emotional build up where things develop in good pacing between the Josie and Shawn as their connection felt genuine, complemented by the subtle spiritual references to add even more depth.
I found myself smiling a lot while reading this though at one point, my adrenaline was through the roof as these two go through a lot a of tense drama and action.
What a swoony, second chance cowboy romance.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Josie and Shawn are rooted deep in Houston. Josie’s family has built wealth through a set of successful restaurants while Shawn is following in the champion bull riding tradition of his step-dad. They meet at the fair but their tentative romance is snuffed out through mis-understanding. Three years later, it’s fair time again and Josie hopes to reconnect with Shawn, who is now on the verge of a major championship. Lots of great sub-plots here - the scourge of sports gambling, establishing generational wealth through land-owning, centering the often ignored pivotal roles played by Black cowboys. Interesting characters and an intense romance. Earc from Edelweiss.
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