The Cowboy's Bullfighter

Foster Ranch #4

by B.A. Tortuga

When Cooper Adams gets a call for help from a young rodeo kid he knows like family, he has no choice but to help. He's a bullfighter, after all, and Benji might be of age, but he has a bunch of siblings who are not, So when the kid is injured, he just takes all of them back to his place in Northern New Mexico, lock stock and barrel. It's not like they have any other family in the country now that their folks have passed away.

Brooks Whitehead has been working as a horse trainer on a station in Australia, toiling away for a millionaire with tons of money to burn. But when he finally gets the news that his brother and sister-in-law are gone, he heads back to the States to find and help their kids. What he discovers is that Benji doesn't want his help, and he has to ask Coop if the man is willing to let him stay on and get to know his family again.

The two men work to help heal the kids from their loss, and Benji from his broken pelvis, but they also find they had a lot in common. They're both cowboys. They both want to do right by those kids, And they have a chemistry that's undeniable. But when they get separated by work and circumstance, can they come back together while they still have time to do it?

Genres: M M Romance, Westerns, Romance, Contemporary, Childrens, Slow Burn, Found Family

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

Reviews

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Loved the book. Everything I have been reading by this author, has been very good so far, I'm glad.
Coop had a new responsability that he took on voluntarily, he didn't have to do it. He took all those kids in and gave them a home and a family. He gave them hope and love again. Coop had a big heart and I loved that about him.
Brooks was estranged from his brother but that didn't mean he loved his nieces and nephews any less. He came back for those the moment he heard the news. He was a good guy who just wanted a family again.
These two created a family not just by blood and did everything they could for those kids

[Denise Burris GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much to love about this book. We learn what a great guy Coop is from the start when he jumped to help when Benji called. Even with the negative energy he’s hit with, Brooks jumps in to help. Benji and all the other kids could learn a thing or three from Coop snd Brooks. Living by Kase and Ryder was the best thing for both parties. I really love this series.

[Sarah (missrelena) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the time to let the two romantic leads get to know one another, be friends, and then fall in love. The first half is a bit of a slow burn, but it's definitely worth it!

Coop is retired from his rodeo bullfighter days, but he never gave up his drive to help others and keep them safe. When Benji, one of his old trainees, gets seriously injured and needs help caring for his five younger siblings, Coop doesn't hesitate. He's an admirable man with a stubborn streak wider than the Mississippi River. He has a big heart and big feelings to go with it - not that he would ever show it. He's the kind of character you want to cuddle and smack the back of his head at the same time.

Brooks, on the other hand, is at the peak of his horse training career. But despite being highly sought after in the ranges of Australia, he drops everything when he learns of his brother & sister-in-law's deaths. Sadly, news travels slow, and it's been over a year since the kids were on their own. And he hasn't seen his siblings in years. He's loyal to a fault, not afraid to take a helping hand when offered, and is willing to learn when it comes to his new insta-family.

One of the best points in the book was the ah-ha moment when both Coop & Brooks saw the other man as a potential romantic partner and realized how much they were attracted to the other man. It was such a natural progression in their relationship, and yet so much fun to read.

The nieces and nephews all have their own unique personalities and quirks. They added just the right touches to the crazy found-family vibe. Coop's reaction to the He bit me!/She started it! blow up was so very relatable. This story is full of warm fuzzies and laughter and is a wonderful addition to the series!

Recommend for fans of Taylor Rylan's Men of Crooked Bend series, Kiki Clark, and M.M. Wilde

* I received a free eARC of this book via GRR in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much

Is there anything sexier than a cowboy? I love that I know that when it comes to BA there are always going to be some sexy cowboys with hearts of gold, a whole bunch of found family and some very cute kids. Coop and Brooks were such fantastic characters. Like many of this author’s characters they weren’t perfect but their hearts were in the right place and they wanted to be good and kind to those around them. Poor Brooks, I felt awful for him and how he found out about his brother. I can’t imagine being in his position and the heartache it would cause. He so clearly wanted to do the right thing even if he kind of went about it like a bull in a china shop. Coop’s endless patience with him, whilst also being firm about boundaries, was so sweet. Coop loves those kids and was endlessly protective but also saw the pain Brooks was in and that he came from the right place. Seeing those two find their way through family drama, illness, work complications and general everyday life was lovely, not least of which was because they, for the most part, talked and were able to actually communicate (even if there may have been the occasional hiccup here and there). I will never tire of getting to see more of Ryder and Kase too. They’re amazing guys and every little glance into their world we get in each of this series’ books makes my heart happy. I can’t wait for more and I hope this series never ends.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
Yet another cowboy/single parent romance for me to love!
This is one chaotic read, right from the start, but with so many kids, it's no surprise. Cooper is a wonderful man who wants to help everyone and so doesn't even question taking in Benji and his siblings when the young bullfighter breaks his pelvis. Brooks's arrival six months later, thinking he's going to save the day but only having just found out about his brother and sister in law passing over a year ago, puts a tiny spanner in their well oiled family life.
I love BA's writing of family life and the madness and chaos of it all comes to life but so does the heart and soul of a loving, supportive home. It takes a minute but Brooks's is given a chance to fit in and find his place with them all.
When it comes to the romance, that's a slow burner which is secondary to the daily life of the family. What makes it heartwarming is the very easy acceptance by all of the kids and how it just becomes the norm. Of course, there is a teensy event that throws a spanner in the works but it just proves how important and necessary everyone has become to each other.
Another quality read from BA. I'm a big fan of the series and hope for more soon!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and family

I loved this cowboy/bull fighter, large found family, single dad healing romance. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, deep emotions, and light spice. Brooks and Coop are portrayed as real, relatable characters who have scars and flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Coop is a retired bullfighter who lives in an 8 bedroom house when he gets a call from his 18 year old protege, Benji, begging for help. Benji broke his pelvis and he’s responsible for his 5 younger siblings after the recent death of his parents. Which is how Coop had an instant house full and became a defacto parents for 5 kids and Benji. Just as Coop has things down to manageable chaos, in walks Brooks, a cowboy who has been living and working in Australia and is the children’s uncle. As soon as Brooks learns about the death of his brother and SIL, he immediately leaves for the states and expects to be responsible for all the kids but they seem to already have a home. There is tension, stress and so many feelings as the kids, Coop and Brooks figure out how to become a family and that’s before the attraction between Brooks and Coop gets too big to ignore. There were a lot of secondary characters in this one but the kids were wonderful and integral additions to the story rather than flimsy story props. The story would not have been as rich and well rounded without the full development and inclusion of their characters since much of the growth for Coop and Brooks resulted from interactions with them. I was feeling some big feels with this one - messy families always draw me in. I just wanna reach into the story and hug all of them in the midst of the glorious found family chaos. This well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow and a captivating storyline. This is the first book I’ve read in this series so I’m going to need to go back and read the rest. 4.5 stars.

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the last book in the series, and B.A. hasn't let us down.
Cooper is a retired bullfighter from the rodeo circuit and spends his time training future bullfighters. But when he gets a call from Benji, because Benji has been injured, Cooper goes to help him. What Cooper takes on is Benji's five siblings. With the help of Kase, Coop brings the five siblings to his home to take care of them. He also arranges for someone to be with Benji at the hospital.
Brooks is Benji's uncle and has been working in Australia for three years. He hasn't had any contact with his family during that time. He is unaware that his brother and wife have been killed for almost a year and only finds out after Benji is injured.
Can Brooks and his family reunite and become a family, and the better question is, are Brooks and Cooper going to commit to each other and build the family?

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy’s Bullfighter by B A Tortuga is the 4th book in her Foster Ranch series. You may want to read the others first for reoccurring characters. It is the story of a retired bullfighter who takes in a family of kids, the uncle who hasn’t been in contact with them for several years and wants to make sure they are taken care of, and how they meet and fall in love. Cooper Adams is a retired bullfighter who was a legend at the national rodeo level and lives on a 15 acre ranch in New Mexico. While he likes it there, he is also lonely. He has also trained bullfighters so when one of his students, Benji Whitehead calls in a panic that he has broken his pelvis from a bull, he immediately goes to where his 5 brothers and sisters are living in a small trailer and brings them back to his ranch where he has plenty of room in his house for all of them. Their parents had died in a car accident and Benji, who is 18, had become their legal guardian. Coop soon learns what daily life is like with 5 kids and all it entails while also making sure Benji can recover and he settles into this new life and the loneliness is definitely gone. 2 years after his brother and sister-in-law died, Brooks Whitehead learns of their deaths and immediately packs up and returns to find them. He has been living in Australia for several years being the head trainer for turning out and training cutting and reining horses for a wealthy horse and rodeo man so it was a long travel experience for him to get back to them, especially since he really didn’t know exactly where they were. After a few phone calls to some friends he knows and a night’s stay with one of them he finds out they are with Coop who lives near Ryder Vittor and his husband Kace who own a big Chiara ranch next door. He arrives to chaos as the kids are leaving for their many after school activities and when he introduces himself, they don’t know who he is and head off. But when he approaches Benji things don’t go well, especially since it had been so long with no contact after his parents died and he hadn’t really been in contact with them for several years, and it really went south when he said he was going to take all of them and find a house somewhere, unaware that Benji was their legal guardian and that Coop also had guardianship rights. But Coop invites him to stay and meet everyone so he does, especially since he’s still tired from his trip. Later, in talking with Benji again, he tells him what a great job he has done keeping everything together with his siblings and that goes a long way to improving their relationship. Then he meets everyone and sees how busy their schedules are and Coop invites him to stay and help out, at least until after Christmas. Brooks agrees but there isn’t much for him to do except help with cooking, but when they have a spat they come up with a schedule for him to do more and give Coop some downtime. Then he starts working to clean up the bars so maybe he can get some horses. It isn’t much later that Brooks starts feeling an attraction for Coop and it only grows as he sees how much Brooks cares for everyone. He also tells Coop why he hadn’t seen the kids’ parents and why they argued and how he wants to now make it up to them by being with the kids and he wants to stay which leads to a kiss and then to a little more spicy scene. As time goes by Benji finds out that Brooks as no plan to try to take the kids and their relationship gets better. He also gets to know all of the other kids and helps them as much as he can. When Christmas comes around he and Coop go Christmas shopping and Brooks he says something that Coop misconstrues and can’t figure out what happened. Luckily Benji gives some good advice and they make up with a hot love scene. When Brooks is asked to go back to Australia to help his old boss Pete with hiring someone to replace him something happens to Coop that sends him hurrying back to the states to be with him and this eventually leads them to declare their love for each other. I really enjoyed this book, as I do with all of Ms. Tortuga’s stories. While they are love stories they always include children and families and how this affects the main characters and this is so heartwarming. Cooper is just an all around nice guy as shown by his caring of a family that isn’t blood related to him but he considers them his. Brooks is also caring but he hasn’t been around the kids much so him wanting to take them and not being able to is quite a blow. But the more he is around them they come to trust him and he knows they are right where they need to be. As he comes to know Coop, he sees what a good man he is and that he wants him to be happy so it was easy for him to fall in love. Benji and Ricky, one of the kids, add some drama to the story and the others just add fun and sweetness. Ryder and Kase are also important as they help and counsel the family and Brook’s old boss almost gets in the way of them being together. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like cowboy stories that include a whole bunch of kids while two men fall in love taking care of them with some fun and a little angst along the way.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I’ve read one other book in this series and like to think of these books as a perfect palate cleanser. It clears out everything in the world that's distasteful, leaving you with a warm, happy feeling inside.

Having read quite a few books by BA Tortuga, their ability to offer such a variety of styles is impressive. These books are beautiful slice-of-life stories where love is part of the big picture. This book doesn’t disappoint if you are looking for something that makes you smile because everything you expect to happen doesn’t, though there are a few things that are a surprise.

Uncle Coop finds himself as the guardian of six kids who need a home, love, and family. As a retired bullfighter, it’s his nature to protect, and these little ones needed the protecting. He had plenty to offer: a big empty house, money, and lots of love. Although a lot, he takes on the task, giving these kids an everyday life and letting the brother who took them in be a normal young man.

Uncle Brooks knew that after his brother died, he needed to step up for those kids. He didn’t expect to find the bullfighter entrenched in their lives, nor did he expect to be welcomed into helping, given that with six kids, all the adult supervision available is necessary.

Brooks and Coop discover a partnership that evolves into co-parenting and so much more. This book is about family and running a household, falling in love hard and deep, sharing that love with children and friends. It’s a predictable love story that was so nice to read. It’s like when you ask a grandparent ‘How did you meet?” They tell the tale of how they became a couple.

There are a few closed-door spicy scenes, but generally, there isn’t spice; you feel a bone-deep love. So much respect and kindness. This is a wonderful story, and if you want to read something that is genuinely a good, low-spice, low-angst feel-good book, this is it. The whole series is like this, and for a country story (not a lot of cowboying in this one), it's great.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb for this one gives you all the basics you need to know. Cooper had been teaching Benji the art of bullfighting and knew his family, so when he gets a call in the middle of the night that Benji is hurt and he needs someone to get his five siblings, Coop doesn’t think twice about stepping in to help. He has a house with eight bedrooms, so room for all the kids, aged 5 to 16, plus a room for Benji to recuperate. Once everyone settles in, “Uncle Coop” sort of has everything under control, what with getting everyone to school and activities, but he is getting run pretty ragged. When out of the blue, the kid’s Uncle Brooks shows up, things get a bit tense as he thinks he will take the kids and leave, but Coop and Benji aren’t having it. The kids are settled, they don’t really know their uncle that well, and Coop is definitely invested in this family. Brooks may stay to help if he wants to, but nobody is leaving. As the two men adjust to sharing child raising duties, they find they get along well and the companionship is welcome. As time passes, an attraction develops between them, then a FWB relationship begins. Through ups and downs from kids, Brooks’ former employer, and health issues, they work on creating a stable relationship for this found family and themselves for the present and the future.
Cowboy characters are always interesting and sexy, and these two are no exception. They may be a bit older, but find they mesh well, and they make a good team to deal with this diverse family dynamic. Story is realistic, family is endearing, and the interactions between Coop and Brooks are not overly explicit, they just flow as part of everyday life. A great story of cowboys looking out for each other and stepping in when needed.
I received an advance copy for free and this is my voluntary review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story!

I loved this book and this series! Cooper gets a call in the middle of the night that will change everything. Benji’s had an accident and needs Cooper to get his siblings and bring them to Cooper’s ranch. Cooper has been Benji’s mentor and teacher and doesn’t hesitate to bring the siblings home. Brooks’s brother Andy was the children’s father and when he gets the call, it will be a total shock to him. The call he gets is that his brother and sister-in-law have died and it’s about 2 years late. When he arrives, thinking he needs to take in the kids, he’s a bit shocked to see just what the situation is. He is their uncle but hasn’t seen them in years, as he’s been living in Australia and he and his brother had a bit of a falling out. He’s determined to be their family though and he ends up staying at Cooper’s place. There are a lot of growing pains as this chaotic family learns to live together and as the kids get to know their Uncle Brooks. Feelings are developing between Cooper and Brooks and things are looking good on the ranch. But Brooks will get a call from his former boss that will take him back to Australia and Cooper gets hurt while he’s gone. Brooks gets stuck in Australia longer than he’s supposed to but will put his foot down and rush back when he gets a call from back home with a cry for help. With Brooks back home and Cooper healing, the kids will feel safe once again and flourish. Brooks and Cooper will share their feelings with each other and it will let them get their happily ever after!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BA Tortuga novel for me provides a feeling of coming home. It makes me envision sitting on a cushy couch on a cold day with a blanket and hot drink. The Cowboys’ Bullfighter is no different. Cooper Adams is a retired Rodeo Bullfighter who is still figuring out where to go next as he settles into a community with friends. One night he receives a call from a young guy he has trained saying he was injured on the job and is laid up. Benji is responsible for his five siblings since his parent’s tragic passing over a year ago. Coop drops everything to go pick up those kids, never imagining the changes it's going to bring to his life. Flash forward about a year, Brooks is working overseas in Australia when someone asks if he’s related to the Rodeo Whiteheads who recently passed. In shock he realizes that his brother and sister-in-law are gone. Where are the kids? As Brooks tries to incorporate himself into an already settled life with Cooper and his nieces and nephews we see everyone in the house work through the trials of losing someone and finding someone to love. The thing I love the most about the author's stories is that, unlike most fiction, I always feel that there is a huge dose of reality in them. There is happiness, sadness, trial and error. Everything that makes life life. And it's all presented in a way that makes me not want to put the book down and leaves me waiting for the next story. An added bonus is that the author is a “World Builder” so I get to keep getting glances of where some of my favorite couples are down the road. Thanks again for another fantastic story and looking forward to the next!

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book and a great series. Each book adds to a wonderful legacy and this one is the best so far. I could jot get enough, reading it in one sitting and left wanting more of this couple and new found family. Coop stole my heart with his big heart to help others. His help is tested with a kid, Benji, he has known forever calls with the sudden passing of his parents. It is Coop to the rescue suddenly taking Benji and the other 6 kids in. Meanwhile Brooks has been living in Australia, and when he hears of the passing of his family, he comes home planing to take care of the kids. Of course, given his estrangement with the family, Benji has no need for him. Coop however encourages Brooks to give them time and to stay to get to know them. Fun to see Brooks think he was coming back to take charge when Benji and Coop had guardianship rights, throwing Brooks plan. Slowly Brooks stays and he develops a relationship with Coop (and Benji). A slow burn love story that starts with chemistry, moves to one passionate kiss, then to spicy and steam romance. A real heartwarming book that reminds us love is worth it, family can be whatever we want it to be and miscommunications can get in the way of love. My advice is while this book can be read as a standalone treat yourself and read them all as characters do recur. You will not be disappointed in this book. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

You do need to stretch credibility a bit with age lines. Benji has been guardian for his five younger siblings since their parents died eighteen months ago. At seventeen, he quit school and went on the road as a rodeo bullfighter, with all six in a tiny trailer. When Benji gets on the wrong side of a bull and breaks his pelvis, he makes a frantic call to his mentor Cooper Adams to collect his siblings before social services steps in and takes the kids. Coop rallies the rodeo community to support Benji while he's in the hospital and bring the kids back to his ranch.
Boone Whitehead has been working in Australia for the past several years when he gets word of his brother and sister-in-law's deaths. He has been wanting to move on, and this is his chance. He leaves Australia heading for New Mexico. Tracking down the kids to Coop's ranch, he is ready to save the day, but Benji wants no part of it. Boone asks Coop if he can stay and is ready for the long haul. Actions speak louder than words and Boone is there. Fixing the barns, running the kids to and from school and activities, and taking over the cooking (thank god). Coop and Boone find they have more in common than they first realized and they are prepared to pull together.

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book from Tortuga about cowboys, with lots of kids and animals.

18-year-old Benji breaks his pelvis at the rodeo, and calls Coop in the middle of the night, asking him to go collect his 4 brothers & sisters. The kids' parents are dead, and the brother is their guardian. Coop goes to get the kids & brings them home to his large house. This is part of the Foster Ranch series, and the house is next door to characters we've come to love in previous books. Honestly, for a minute I was worried this was going to be a romance between an 18-year-old and a 40-year-old. Thankfully this was NOT the case.

Brooks is a brother to the children's dad, but he's been in Australia and only finds out about his brother's death almost a year later. He tracks down the kids at the ranch with the intention of making a home for them and moving them out. Of course no one wants to leave Coop's house, and given a few months, neither does Brooks.

This is a slow burn between Coop and Brooks with most of the emphasis on the children. Loved it - like I love all of Tortuga's ranch books.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars


“The Cowboy’s Bullfighter” by B.A. Tortuga is the fourth book in the ‘Foster Ranch’ series and centers on Brooks, who discovers that his brother’s children have been left orphaned but are being cared for by Cooper, who is mentoring Brooks’s nephew in bullfighting. Each man thinks he knows what is best for the kids, but their clashes aren’t going to help anyone heal.

This gay contemporary western romance starts with an emergency and keeps that tension and intrigue through the entire story. I love this author’s ability to create characters facing significantly life-changing events with grace and love, and I always have a warm fuzzy feeling after reading one of her stories since the characters always step up to the bat and find a way to cope with all of the challenges being thrown at them. There is understandable shock and confusion as each of the orphaned kids try to cope with their new circumstances, but both of the main characters put their respective egos aside in order to do what is best for all of them. I’m always instantly captivated by the premise and the memorable characters in these stories, even if I’m bemused by what’s considered “normal” behavior (healing from significant injuries and climbing right back on). This is another delicious quick read by a talented author.


A copy of this title was provided for review

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series with its mix of cowboys, kids, and community. This story left me with a lovely feel-good cozy vibe, with Coop and Brooks coming together to raise the kids. I enjoyed the bit of angst and drama too.

I loved how Coop didn’t have to think about taking on the kids, and immediately stepped up and opened his home to Benji and his siblings. I thought it was realistic that it takes a while for them to warm up to Brooks who, although family, is a stranger. I loved how he slowly becomes a part of their lives and becomes an uncle to the kids, and a friend and more to Coop.

I enjoyed catching up with Kase, Ryder, and their kids again. I loved the different personalities that make up Benji’s siblings, with them all individuals coming to terms with their new reality in their own way. I liked Coop’s parents and how they take on the grandparent role, and in particularly his mother taking Ricky’s girlfriend under her wing.

I loved the Aussie references like vegemite and fairy bread, and how everyone comes together to help when things go pear-shaped.

Another wonderful read by one of my favourite western authors.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coop stepped into a role he never had to take—but did so with open arms and a heart full of compassion. His decision to take in those kids wasn’t out of obligation, but out of love. He gave them more than shelter; he gave them a home, a sense of belonging, and the kind of hope that only comes from being truly cared for. His generosity and emotional strength were nothing short of inspiring.
Brooks, though estranged from his brother, never let that distance affect his love for his nieces and nephews. The moment he heard they needed him, he showed up—ready to be the anchor they’d lost. His quiet strength and longing for connection made him a deeply relatable character, someone who proves that family is more than proximity—it's presence.
Together, Coop and Brooks built something extraordinary. Not just a household, but a family forged through love, sacrifice, and resilience. They reminded us that family isn’t always about blood—it’s about showing up, standing strong, and doing everything you can for the people who need you most.

[Tina LeJeune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
The Cowboy’s Bullfighter by BA Tortuga is a heartfelt MM cowboy romance that blends family, healing, and slow-burn attraction. When bullfighter Cooper Adams takes in Benji and his siblings after tragedy strikes, his quiet life suddenly fills with responsibility. Enter Brooks Whitehead, fresh from Australia and determined to reconnect with the family he lost. Together, Coop and Brooks shoulder the weight of grief, care for the kids, and slowly discover a chemistry that runs deeper than either expected.

The strongest part of this story is the warmth—both men’s devotion to the kids makes the romance feel grounded and real. The New Mexico ranch setting also adds a comforting, lived-in feel. On the flip side, the pacing drags a little in places, especially during the middle where family responsibilities overshadow the romance.

Still, it’s a tender, cowboy-centered love story perfect for readers who enjoy caretaking themes and second chances.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solving issues with big hearts…

Wow ! We have intense issues, with Cooper taking care of Benji’s brother’s kids, Benji’s feelings toward his other brother, Brooks from Australia, that pops in years after the kid’s parents died. Cooper is happy to be helping, because Benji, 19, needed help, and Cooper has a big house with lots of rooms.
Brooks has just learned his brother and his wife died, and goes straight to Benji to help anyway he can.
So, now they must all get along to take these kids under their care and pitch in.
Much is happening in all of their lives, feelings are raw and problems must be solved.
It’s fun to see there men take care of these young children. Complications take place, feelings are intense and a new romance ends up creating a new family. Tragedy strikes and everyone is tested.
As always our author knows her characters, adults and kids alike.
ENJOY !

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[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one thing Coop is good at, it's helping people. So when a 19-year-old, in over his head raising his 5 siblings, needs help, Coop is there to open his house and welcome in a ready-made family. 

When Brooks finds out more than a year after the fact that his estranged brother and sister-in-law died, leaving 6 kids orphaned, he's committed to doing the right thing and take them all in, not imagining that they could have already found another home. Brooks is grateful that Coop welcomes him- even if he's unsure of where and how to fit into their lives.

Oh, this story just grabbed my heart from page 1. This whole crew was a delight, and I loved seeing Coop and Brooks adjust to their new family and each other - feelings growing gradually, until their relationship took off like a wildfire! 

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

B A Tortuga's stories always have a lot in common. Cowboys, food, kids and animals. And found family. The Cowboy's Bullfighter starts with a found family versus bio family dynamic. The HEA comes after a lot of misunderstandings and missed messaging and a beautifully blended family.
The shift from adversaries to lovers is slow burn. Coop was adorable, a white knight. Brooks took a bit for me to like, rough, blunt and a bit stubborn. Together they had to learn to co-parent five kids and a semi-adult, without stepping on each other's toes. And just when things seem to be going smooth, the author throws in a few (one major) speed bumps.
A nice quick read. Tortuga loves her some cowboys and passes it on to her readers.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Both Coop and Brooks are men with good intentions and big hearts who want to be there for these children that have lost their parents. Coop comes when Benji, the oldest, calls him for help and takes the family in. Brooks returns to the states from Australia to do right by his brother's children. But Benji did not want Brooks to be involved. This lovely story revolves around these two men who do the best they can for these children and find a strong and abiding connection with one another along the way. There is much healing to be done by the children and for Brooks, whose relationship with his brother was not all it could have been. These two caring men find a way to be there for the children and one another. It does not come easily but they hang in there.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*s

I enjoy the heck out of Tortuga’s stories. Granted I’ve only read two :) but they have been a pleasant slow burn ride with interesting characters and realistic plots. Unlike Hats to Boots, my only other read, there is minimal angst or drama with this one. Mostly just what you would expect raising a houseful of kids. And while the romance isn’t really the focus of the story, instead it’s about them figuring out how they all fit together, I still enjoyed seeing these two fall in love and make a life together so, so much. It’s all sorts of sweet and uplifting and gooey goodness. And those kids are just all sorts of adorable, as are their uncles.

(Part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Linda Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the start throwing the reader directly into the life a bull rider, a cowboy, and a large family, the set for all the excitement and troubles is cast.
The gradual buildup and hectic life learning to cope with everything life can throw at this group of good people makes for a great life story, and the slow burn between the two MCs is sweet, with only a slight hitch here and there, and a wonderful low angst - well, unless the typical accidents caused by ranching or horse wrangling aren't counted in.
Great inclusion on previous books' guys showing how they all are the best of friends to count on.
The brief finale for the HEA is like the candle on the icing of a scrumptious birthday cake, hot and meaningful.
ARC from GRR

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is a retired bullfighter and living on his ranch. One night he gets a call from his young friend Benji. Benji was hurt while on the circuit and he was worried about his younger siblings being along at home. Cooper went to get them while arranging for someone to stay with Benji. Brooks is currently in Australia working when he was told that his brother and sister in law had passed away. He heads back to the U.S. and eventually gets to Cooper’s place. As time passes, Brooks ends up staying with Cooper while taking care of his nieces and nephews. I love how their relationship started slow and building Brook’s business. Great world building with heat and chemistry between them. Cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Mir Jak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do...... life will throw curve balls and you just need to work your way through it. And sometimes....something beautiful happens. Love, family, belonging..... This book has all of this in spades - will make you laugh, cringe and swoon. Actually, the romance part was kinda in the background. Don't get me wrong, they do get wild'n'steamy ....but this was more about the family and finding your heart & home. I haven't read the others in series but didn't really feel lost - other characters do make cameos, but that many kids....you just go along for the ride !!!

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lottaburger, Li'l Smokies pizza, 8 BR/8 BA monstrosity, blorp, pre-Thanksgiving pizza, TX toothpicks, cimmamin bunnies, ruptured goo

Gosh, things got a bit hairy there; that was some pretty serious stuff. Those kids are wonderful and loveable. And the Chiara Ranch folk are awesome and supportive. They'll drop everything to help however they can. MCs Brooks Whitehead and Cooper Adams make a delightful and really likeable couple.

I couldn't put down this book. I HAD to read it all the way through. BA Tortuga is one of my favorite authors; I love her writing. I've enjoyed all the books of hers that I read. I recommend this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stars! I LOVE this story! Coop and Ryder, stepped up to help Benji's 5 siblings when he got injured. Coop rescued the kids and took them home with him to comfort them and keep them safe. Brooks, learned his Brother and Sister-In-Law had died from a bullrider. He immediately went to the states to help his nieces and nephews. Bad communication and misunderstandings didn't help his welcome go smoothly. Beautiful story of reassessing priorities and what is important in life and what we all seek. Great flow, excellent characters adorable kids. BA does such an amazing job, we can't help falling in love with this family. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories always make me smile.
Like the rest of the series, this one is very family focused with the main on page action around the six (count them) kids that Coop welcomes into his home.
I thought they'd be more aggro when Brooks appeared, but no, after a day or so of uncertainty, most of thevkids had accepted him, and Coop was asking him to stay. The relationship develops slowly over time (they don't kiss until the 50% mark) but don't expect a big Romance. If you're here for plenty of on page spiciness, then try another of BA's series.
There's some angst later on in the book but not of the third act breakup variety.

If this is truly the last one, I'm going to miss this series.