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Rough Rider
Niki
I’ve been hustling for as long as I can remember. Making sure my family is safe is my top priority which is why I joined the Riders in the first place. They gave me aid at my lowest and I trust them. It’s a hard and dangerous life but it works for me. At least it did until I met Andy and now all my thoughts are filled with her. I want her. Forever.
Andy
I’ve been hustling longer than I can remember. My mom is in a downward spiral. The bills keep piling up. Between taking care of her and making sure I graduate high school with honors, I don’t have time for even friends let alone boyfriends. I can only rely on one person and that’s me. This rough rider isn’t going to change my mind even though he’s more attractive than sin and I can’t keep him out of my head. I want him. Forever.
I’ve been hustling for as long as I can remember. Making sure my family is safe is my top priority which is why I joined the Riders in the first place. They gave me aid at my lowest and I trust them. It’s a hard and dangerous life but it works for me. At least it did until I met Andy and now all my thoughts are filled with her. I want her. Forever.
Andy
I’ve been hustling longer than I can remember. My mom is in a downward spiral. The bills keep piling up. Between taking care of her and making sure I graduate high school with honors, I don’t have time for even friends let alone boyfriends. I can only rely on one person and that’s me. This rough rider isn’t going to change my mind even though he’s more attractive than sin and I can’t keep him out of my head. I want him. Forever.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2025
188 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 27, 2025
*3.5* A little bland, but sweet. Niki (18) and Andy (18) are both struggling to make ends meet. This is the kind of story that could be very dark, but this author infuses lightness into her character and storyline.
Contemporary romance
Both virgins
Found family
HEA
A great palette cleanser of a story.
Contemporary romance
Both virgins
Found family
HEA
A great palette cleanser of a story.
October 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I love that this one is longer than her usual books. I liked that the characters have more depth beyond just the instant love between them. I enjoyed how Niki (18) and Andy (18) felt that spark right away, but they still took their time getting to know each other. I would even say this falls in a medium- to slow-burn romance. I wasn't bored with it, and I really enjoyed their moments together.
I liked the side characters too. Niki's mother and little sister were welcoming of Andy. I admire Andy's mom's decision to make a change. I wasn't convinced by her in the beginning, but thank the universe she finally kept her word. I just wished we saw her get introduced to Niki, because I don't think she did, or did I miss it? Anyway, love that in the epilogue she stayed consistent and even found someone who really cares about her.
As for Niki's best friend, Bam, he's a solid guy. He had his back ever since they were kids, and that is still very obvious in the present. I can't wait for his and Josie's book. They would probably have a dislike-to-love going on between them, and I'm here for that
Overall, I enjoyed this. There’s an overarching plot that will likely unfold throughout the series, but the story for this couple wraps up in this book. 😄
Book info:
I love that this one is longer than her usual books. I liked that the characters have more depth beyond just the instant love between them. I enjoyed how Niki (18) and Andy (18) felt that spark right away, but they still took their time getting to know each other. I would even say this falls in a medium- to slow-burn romance. I wasn't bored with it, and I really enjoyed their moments together.
I liked the side characters too. Niki's mother and little sister were welcoming of Andy. I admire Andy's mom's decision to make a change. I wasn't convinced by her in the beginning, but thank the universe she finally kept her word. I just wished we saw her get introduced to Niki, because I don't think she did, or did I miss it? Anyway, love that in the epilogue she stayed consistent and even found someone who really cares about her.
As for Niki's best friend, Bam, he's a solid guy. He had his back ever since they were kids, and that is still very obvious in the present. I can't wait for his and Josie's book. They would probably have a dislike-to-love going on between them, and I'm here for that
Overall, I enjoyed this. There’s an overarching plot that will likely unfold throughout the series, but the story for this couple wraps up in this book. 😄
Book info:
October 20, 2025
I see Ella Goode, I drop everything, and devour her book! I am left with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart! It has my favorite type of hero, the gentle giant!
DUAL VIRGINS! (booty shake! happy dance!!) Best of all, and the heart of romance, is both know they are each others first, last and only EVERYTHING, including first kiss! *swoon*
Safe
No cheating
No separation
No OM/OW
No OM/OW comparisons
No stupid third act break up
No gross condom use
longer novel a bit darker than EGs usual, high school, MC romance (we don't get much of them in high school though, but they are both seniors)
HEA
This book is a bit darker and longer than Ella Goodes's previous books. I enjoyed it very much since we got to spend more time with our love birds! So the plot is simple. Niki is a tatted, large enforcer for the Riders MC, a "business" that takes care of collecting debts. It is NOT the kind with half naked women crawling all over the guys as most MC romances are (which is why I avoid them), this MC is clean and all about conducting business, so none of that nonsense here! The setting is in a pretty run down part of town, where it is dangerous, and Andy has to have her head on a swivel, cautiously making it from point A to point B. Nikki enjoys his brute force nature, but doesn't care to be an enforcer, knocking kneecaps and busting jaws for the rest of his life. He wants to help his family and financially, he can.
He is about to collect a debt from an individual by the name of Andy whom he thinks is a guy, so he is on the hunt. Niki is rough around the edges but softens for the woman that is about to take his heart, mind, body and soul. His heart beats fast, his dick get hard and his body sways as all the stars align, when he lays eyes on his target who is a girl! He immediately is taken by her and takes care of her debt. This man is laser focused on her and NEVER wavers in his want for her since he laid eyes on her. Niki is a large man who doesn't see himself as good looking, at least in comparison to his friend and MC member, Bam (more on him later). He is the muscle of very few words who is unrelenting, passionate, understanding, sweet to only his girl and also possessive in the sexiest way. He is an unstoppable force for his Andy. He works at the MC because they saved his sister when she was kidnapped at age 2, so he felt like he owed them a debt, and he is protective of his 5 year old sister, who loves to be read to and he is protective of his mother as well. My smile gets a bit bigger as a read along.
Andy is not a drug user, but she owed money to pay for drugs for her mother. She doesn't want to, but she does it anyways. Her eyes get bigger when she sees this massive man in front her but she is a bit shy and didn't think that her life would shift into an amazing one with Niki now in it. Andy works at the diner and Niki insists on accompanying her hither and dither. She is not immune to him, but still gives in as their love unfolds. She is smart, capable and shy. In terms of intimacy, they are in an even playing field which makes my hopelessly romantic heart soar in happiness!
Quote (Niki tells Andy she is his first kiss),
“I’m sure you have had people who have handled this so much better than me. I come off as a child.”
“No. I wouldn’t kiss a child like that. I’m not interested in children. And I haven’t kissed anyone before anyway.”
end quote.
Quote (exchange between Niki and Andy telling her he is new to intimacy just as she),
"I got shy." I shrug. "This is new to me." His fingers stroke across my back, and the roughness of his fingertips makes goosebumps break out on my skin. Niki's touch is like him, rough but gently sweet if it wants to be.
“New to me, too,” Niki reminds me. That was hard to believe at first, but the more I get to know him, I can see that. He puts everything into the people he cares about, and for some crazy reason, he cares about me. “Talk to me.”
“About being shy?” I tilt my head down, that shyness already creeping in.
“Yeah. If we talk about it, then it might relax you. Besides, we should be comfortable together.”
end quote.
Of course, it goes without saying that my smile turned into a full blown grin of just sheer happiness! I may have hopped on my feet for a mini happy dance! Sequences of events unfold in this story, but one constant is Niki stuck like glue to Andy, and Andy supportive and proudly standing by her man! Bam is like Niki's brother and I have thoughts on him.
I was a bit worried when I read that this story would be out of Ella Goode's normal books, being longer and a bit darker, but my fears were unfounded, since the heart of her love stories are still there, and the fact that our love birds are each others first, last and only is really all that matters to me and we get that. It is a bit darker, but the Ella Goode sweetness is there, and the unwavering love between our couple is there as well which balances the chaos that surrounds them. I recommend it and I will reread it, like I do many of Ella Goode's books!
So Bam. He is a prominent fixture in this story as well, and we will get his love story with Josie next. At least I think it's with Josie, since there was an adorable moment between them. Bam is the good looking one, and Josie is a nosy high school student who pairs with Andy when they need to do group assignments, so she is the closest Andy has to a friend. She is nosy and quite the detective. Bam immediately becomes protective of her and it is cute, but one thing I don't like about him is that he is a flirt. Niki says in his inner monologue, that Bam flirts but doesn't act on it, but still it rubbed me the wrong way and made me frown. He flirted with this one woman who owed them a debt, saying this,
Quote,
“I told you I was good for it,” she says in a snippy tone as she tosses the brown envelope at us. “Everyone says that, ma’am, but unlike this lug, I believed you.” Bam winks at her. “You can call me any time you need something more collected.” Her Stanley mug nearly beans Bam in the forehead after that remark. “Did I come on too strong?” he asks as we’re leaving. Bam is flirty, but I’ve never seen him actually act on it when I know he could.
end quote.
I hate heroes who flirt with other women, even if they haven't met their beloved yet, which he didn't. He met Josie later, but still this remark just made me frown, and I am hoping that Ella Goode finds a way to explain why he flirts. Maybe it's to put up a front, but I am not sure. This will be the first time in years I am a bit apprehensive of Ella Goodes' next hero BUT, I trust her. I trust it will be DV, I trust it will be safe, and I trust that there is a smart reason for why Bam flirts. As for Niki and Andy, I loved these two and I hope we see them pop up in Bam's love story. I am crossing fingers and toes that I am mistaken about Bam. We shall see.
Happy reading!
DUAL VIRGINS! (booty shake! happy dance!!) Best of all, and the heart of romance, is both know they are each others first, last and only EVERYTHING, including first kiss! *swoon*
Safe
No cheating
No separation
No OM/OW
No OM/OW comparisons
No stupid third act break up
No gross condom use
longer novel a bit darker than EGs usual, high school, MC romance (we don't get much of them in high school though, but they are both seniors)
HEA
This book is a bit darker and longer than Ella Goodes's previous books. I enjoyed it very much since we got to spend more time with our love birds! So the plot is simple. Niki is a tatted, large enforcer for the Riders MC, a "business" that takes care of collecting debts. It is NOT the kind with half naked women crawling all over the guys as most MC romances are (which is why I avoid them), this MC is clean and all about conducting business, so none of that nonsense here! The setting is in a pretty run down part of town, where it is dangerous, and Andy has to have her head on a swivel, cautiously making it from point A to point B. Nikki enjoys his brute force nature, but doesn't care to be an enforcer, knocking kneecaps and busting jaws for the rest of his life. He wants to help his family and financially, he can.
He is about to collect a debt from an individual by the name of Andy whom he thinks is a guy, so he is on the hunt. Niki is rough around the edges but softens for the woman that is about to take his heart, mind, body and soul. His heart beats fast, his dick get hard and his body sways as all the stars align, when he lays eyes on his target who is a girl! He immediately is taken by her and takes care of her debt. This man is laser focused on her and NEVER wavers in his want for her since he laid eyes on her. Niki is a large man who doesn't see himself as good looking, at least in comparison to his friend and MC member, Bam (more on him later). He is the muscle of very few words who is unrelenting, passionate, understanding, sweet to only his girl and also possessive in the sexiest way. He is an unstoppable force for his Andy. He works at the MC because they saved his sister when she was kidnapped at age 2, so he felt like he owed them a debt, and he is protective of his 5 year old sister, who loves to be read to and he is protective of his mother as well. My smile gets a bit bigger as a read along.
Andy is not a drug user, but she owed money to pay for drugs for her mother. She doesn't want to, but she does it anyways. Her eyes get bigger when she sees this massive man in front her but she is a bit shy and didn't think that her life would shift into an amazing one with Niki now in it. Andy works at the diner and Niki insists on accompanying her hither and dither. She is not immune to him, but still gives in as their love unfolds. She is smart, capable and shy. In terms of intimacy, they are in an even playing field which makes my hopelessly romantic heart soar in happiness!
Quote (Niki tells Andy she is his first kiss),
“I’m sure you have had people who have handled this so much better than me. I come off as a child.”
“No. I wouldn’t kiss a child like that. I’m not interested in children. And I haven’t kissed anyone before anyway.”
end quote.
Quote (exchange between Niki and Andy telling her he is new to intimacy just as she),
"I got shy." I shrug. "This is new to me." His fingers stroke across my back, and the roughness of his fingertips makes goosebumps break out on my skin. Niki's touch is like him, rough but gently sweet if it wants to be.
“New to me, too,” Niki reminds me. That was hard to believe at first, but the more I get to know him, I can see that. He puts everything into the people he cares about, and for some crazy reason, he cares about me. “Talk to me.”
“About being shy?” I tilt my head down, that shyness already creeping in.
“Yeah. If we talk about it, then it might relax you. Besides, we should be comfortable together.”
end quote.
Of course, it goes without saying that my smile turned into a full blown grin of just sheer happiness! I may have hopped on my feet for a mini happy dance! Sequences of events unfold in this story, but one constant is Niki stuck like glue to Andy, and Andy supportive and proudly standing by her man! Bam is like Niki's brother and I have thoughts on him.
I was a bit worried when I read that this story would be out of Ella Goode's normal books, being longer and a bit darker, but my fears were unfounded, since the heart of her love stories are still there, and the fact that our love birds are each others first, last and only is really all that matters to me and we get that. It is a bit darker, but the Ella Goode sweetness is there, and the unwavering love between our couple is there as well which balances the chaos that surrounds them. I recommend it and I will reread it, like I do many of Ella Goode's books!
So Bam. He is a prominent fixture in this story as well, and we will get his love story with Josie next. At least I think it's with Josie, since there was an adorable moment between them. Bam is the good looking one, and Josie is a nosy high school student who pairs with Andy when they need to do group assignments, so she is the closest Andy has to a friend. She is nosy and quite the detective. Bam immediately becomes protective of her and it is cute, but one thing I don't like about him is that he is a flirt. Niki says in his inner monologue, that Bam flirts but doesn't act on it, but still it rubbed me the wrong way and made me frown. He flirted with this one woman who owed them a debt, saying this,
Quote,
“I told you I was good for it,” she says in a snippy tone as she tosses the brown envelope at us. “Everyone says that, ma’am, but unlike this lug, I believed you.” Bam winks at her. “You can call me any time you need something more collected.” Her Stanley mug nearly beans Bam in the forehead after that remark. “Did I come on too strong?” he asks as we’re leaving. Bam is flirty, but I’ve never seen him actually act on it when I know he could.
end quote.
I hate heroes who flirt with other women, even if they haven't met their beloved yet, which he didn't. He met Josie later, but still this remark just made me frown, and I am hoping that Ella Goode finds a way to explain why he flirts. Maybe it's to put up a front, but I am not sure. This will be the first time in years I am a bit apprehensive of Ella Goodes' next hero BUT, I trust her. I trust it will be DV, I trust it will be safe, and I trust that there is a smart reason for why Bam flirts. As for Niki and Andy, I loved these two and I hope we see them pop up in Bam's love story. I am crossing fingers and toes that I am mistaken about Bam. We shall see.
Happy reading!
Read
November 9, 2025“Rough Rider” is the story of Niki and Andy.
I reached 50% and still had no idea what was going on so I fell asleep, returned the book.
Not for me
Unrated
I reached 50% and still had no idea what was going on so I fell asleep, returned the book.
Not for me
Unrated
October 21, 2025
I actually enjoyed this. It was insta…want to do everything to make your life easier. I didn’t feel like it was too much too fast. The pacing was actually good. It wasn’t corny or cheesy with love confessions so early on.
I really liked both of the characters. Niki does everything in his power to help Andy out with her struggles and he’s so down bad for her. Andy was a really great character. It’s so hard to find a likable FMC these days. She didn’t annoy me a single bit in this book.
I was a little confused at some parts though when Niki was describing the parts of town that belonged to certain gangs and what not. I felt like it was over explained and made it harder to read. It wasn’t really needed to understand the book so I could have done without that.
Also I do wish Niki’s sister was introduced a lot earlier and we have more scenes with her. She’s a big part of his life and is mentioned a lot in this book but we only meet her toward the end and very briefly. Would have been nice to have more interactions shown.
Other than that I liked this. Definitely going to continue the series because while the romance was a HEA the plot left a lot of unanswered questions.
SAFETY
No cheating or OP drama at all. DUAL FIRST EVERYTHING! First kiss and both V. Some violence and secondary character deals with addiction. HEA
I really liked both of the characters. Niki does everything in his power to help Andy out with her struggles and he’s so down bad for her. Andy was a really great character. It’s so hard to find a likable FMC these days. She didn’t annoy me a single bit in this book.
I was a little confused at some parts though when Niki was describing the parts of town that belonged to certain gangs and what not. I felt like it was over explained and made it harder to read. It wasn’t really needed to understand the book so I could have done without that.
Also I do wish Niki’s sister was introduced a lot earlier and we have more scenes with her. She’s a big part of his life and is mentioned a lot in this book but we only meet her toward the end and very briefly. Would have been nice to have more interactions shown.
Other than that I liked this. Definitely going to continue the series because while the romance was a HEA the plot left a lot of unanswered questions.
SAFETY
No cheating or OP drama at all. DUAL FIRST EVERYTHING! First kiss and both V. Some violence and secondary character deals with addiction. HEA
October 23, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ cute
Read
October 25, 2025I was bored.
December 9, 2025
I love ella goode books because usually they’re both virgins and you don’t usually see that a lot. They make for good cleanser books as you know they’re more insta love. There is no ow drama but this one was longer for an ella goode book but I loved it 👏🏼💕They’re also both high schoolers.
The H (Niki) is part of a gang to protect his single mom and sister. He collects money from people that owe the gang. The h (Andy) owes as she bought some for her drug addict mom who works at a topless club. They meet as he comes collect money from her and they have an instant connection.
He then saves and protects her by paying her debt, walking her home, letting her stay at his place when hers is messed up, paying her moms medical bills so she can focus on rehab, replacing her old things like phone and shoes, getting her moms money she’s owed from her creepy boss. Both him and his partner bam help her out. I’m excited for his story with the reporter girl.
If you like protective men and woman who like to take care of their men, plus they’re both highschool virgins that took each others firsts then you’ll like this book. It has romance with some action.
The H (Niki) is part of a gang to protect his single mom and sister. He collects money from people that owe the gang. The h (Andy) owes as she bought some for her drug addict mom who works at a topless club. They meet as he comes collect money from her and they have an instant connection.
He then saves and protects her by paying her debt, walking her home, letting her stay at his place when hers is messed up, paying her moms medical bills so she can focus on rehab, replacing her old things like phone and shoes, getting her moms money she’s owed from her creepy boss. Both him and his partner bam help her out. I’m excited for his story with the reporter girl.
If you like protective men and woman who like to take care of their men, plus they’re both highschool virgins that took each others firsts then you’ll like this book. It has romance with some action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
4.25 stars ...
The advantages of going into a read with low expectations! 😁 I had not read this author before and not read much in the way of m/f romance ... and this was way more than I hoped for! I just loved Andy & Niki ... and all the "reading to Niki's 5 year old sister" bits were SO freakin' adorable!! 😍🥴🥰 If this one has you curious, please dive in. I think you'll be happy you did. One of the best under-200 pages reads I've consumed. I'm really lookin' forward to Bam and Josie's story!
The best parts of life are often found in the ordinary, everyday moments and experiences.
There is nothing wrong with being ordinary. It’s in the ordinary that you get to relax and simply live in these moments.
Though there is one thing that isn't ordinary about my life, and that's Niki. His love for me and our family is fierce and unwavering.
No, our love will never be ordinary. That's extraordinary.
The advantages of going into a read with low expectations! 😁 I had not read this author before and not read much in the way of m/f romance ... and this was way more than I hoped for! I just loved Andy & Niki ... and all the "reading to Niki's 5 year old sister" bits were SO freakin' adorable!! 😍🥴🥰 If this one has you curious, please dive in. I think you'll be happy you did. One of the best under-200 pages reads I've consumed. I'm really lookin' forward to Bam and Josie's story!
The best parts of life are often found in the ordinary, everyday moments and experiences.
There is nothing wrong with being ordinary. It’s in the ordinary that you get to relax and simply live in these moments.
Though there is one thing that isn't ordinary about my life, and that's Niki. His love for me and our family is fierce and unwavering.
No, our love will never be ordinary. That's extraordinary.
October 28, 2025
Ella Goode books just make me smile. So, one that is longer than usual? Yes!
Niki and Andy meet in a very unusual way ... can we say debt collection and drug debts and misunderstandings?? Yikes! But Niki is totally smitten as soon as he sees Andy. And he is so sweet! OMG!! He buys her new shoes because hers are falling apart and she works long hours on her feet at a diner. *SWOON*
But poor Niki doesn't feel like he deserves a girl like Andy. She soon dissuades him of that type of thinking. He is a good man, better than most. He did what needed to be done for his family. And continues to do what he has to do to make a good like for those he loves. This book was really good, and I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Niki and Andy meet in a very unusual way ... can we say debt collection and drug debts and misunderstandings?? Yikes! But Niki is totally smitten as soon as he sees Andy. And he is so sweet! OMG!! He buys her new shoes because hers are falling apart and she works long hours on her feet at a diner. *SWOON*
But poor Niki doesn't feel like he deserves a girl like Andy. She soon dissuades him of that type of thinking. He is a good man, better than most. He did what needed to be done for his family. And continues to do what he has to do to make a good like for those he loves. This book was really good, and I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
November 16, 2025
I loved the longer length of this book so much! Props to you Ella Goode, and please give us more because I’ll honestly read anything you write.😍💕
Andy and Niki were more of a realistic slow burn couple, and they were really interesting characters to read. It was so sweet seeing this lovey dovey side come out of both of them for each other because it completely contradicted the other aspects of daily life they were pushed into. Their love blossomed in a beautiful way, and I liked that we got a pretty good amount of time with them in this longer story. Definitely need to see more of the adult versions of them, but also would love to see their family circle expand with some friends falling in love maybe…..
Andy and Niki were more of a realistic slow burn couple, and they were really interesting characters to read. It was so sweet seeing this lovey dovey side come out of both of them for each other because it completely contradicted the other aspects of daily life they were pushed into. Their love blossomed in a beautiful way, and I liked that we got a pretty good amount of time with them in this longer story. Definitely need to see more of the adult versions of them, but also would love to see their family circle expand with some friends falling in love maybe…..
December 7, 2025
A great start to a new series from Ella Goode
Ella Goode always has great stories of what you would call young adults. The MCs are going through though times but gets through all the issues together.
Nikki and Andy might be young in age but with what they went through growing up they matured quickly. Nikki knew the minute he met Andy that she’s the one for him. Andy felt the same and accepted what Nikki does. There’s a bit of a push from Andy but not much.
I can’t wait for the other books, specially Bam and Josie.
I highly recommend this new series from Ella Goode.
Ella Goode always has great stories of what you would call young adults. The MCs are going through though times but gets through all the issues together.
Nikki and Andy might be young in age but with what they went through growing up they matured quickly. Nikki knew the minute he met Andy that she’s the one for him. Andy felt the same and accepted what Nikki does. There’s a bit of a push from Andy but not much.
I can’t wait for the other books, specially Bam and Josie.
I highly recommend this new series from Ella Goode.
October 25, 2025
yay for longer books from Ella
As usual I love every word Ella Goode writes! This was even more exciting since it lasted longer. Please keep writing your longer books! Both Niki and Andy were lovable characters that grew together and so did their love. What starts as a chance connection turns into a raw, emotional love story that hooks you from the first chapter. It’s intense, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
If you love a story that mixes danger, loyalty, and love that feels real, this book is it
As usual I love every word Ella Goode writes! This was even more exciting since it lasted longer. Please keep writing your longer books! Both Niki and Andy were lovable characters that grew together and so did their love. What starts as a chance connection turns into a raw, emotional love story that hooks you from the first chapter. It’s intense, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
If you love a story that mixes danger, loyalty, and love that feels real, this book is it
October 29, 2025
Longer Book
This time She brings us a long book, plus chapters to enjoy this reading. Niki is an enforcer of the Raiders, and one day collecting debts meets Andy, and after that nothing can be the same. Although they are very young, they have had to grow faster, be more responsible than the young people of their age and above all think about having a better life. For that they know they have a long way to go and with difficulties, but quickly they realize that together they will be able to have all the good they have desired.
This time She brings us a long book, plus chapters to enjoy this reading. Niki is an enforcer of the Raiders, and one day collecting debts meets Andy, and after that nothing can be the same. Although they are very young, they have had to grow faster, be more responsible than the young people of their age and above all think about having a better life. For that they know they have a long way to go and with difficulties, but quickly they realize that together they will be able to have all the good they have desired.
November 8, 2025
3.5
This was VERY instalove-y but I actually quite liked it. Niki was a very dedicated and dependent partner once he set his sights on Andy. I just can never suspend my disbelief enough to believe that teenagers are running a gang and scaring grown ass men 😂; or that there are "ethical" gangs, but hey it's fiction.
Also, nobody wants to read about high schoolers getting freaky multiple times in such DETAIL. I wish more authors would skip those scenes or just fade to black. It's irksome that it's so rampant in YA novels these days.
This was VERY instalove-y but I actually quite liked it. Niki was a very dedicated and dependent partner once he set his sights on Andy. I just can never suspend my disbelief enough to believe that teenagers are running a gang and scaring grown ass men 😂; or that there are "ethical" gangs, but hey it's fiction.
Also, nobody wants to read about high schoolers getting freaky multiple times in such DETAIL. I wish more authors would skip those scenes or just fade to black. It's irksome that it's so rampant in YA novels these days.
October 29, 2025
se merece, de mi parte, las 4 ⭐
veo que la autora quiere empezar a profundizar más en los personajes y me gusta. esto también hace que la relación no se desarrolló en dos días. decido ignorar que la forma es que todo sale bien no es realista pero yo no leo libros para replicar lo real, así que amo que triunfó el amor. quiero seguir leyendo más, me imagino que la siguiente historia será de Bam o Clark 🤷🏻♀️
veo que la autora quiere empezar a profundizar más en los personajes y me gusta. esto también hace que la relación no se desarrolló en dos días. decido ignorar que la forma es que todo sale bien no es realista pero yo no leo libros para replicar lo real, así que amo que triunfó el amor. quiero seguir leyendo más, me imagino que la siguiente historia será de Bam o Clark 🤷🏻♀️
November 1, 2025
Really enjoyed it
Haven't read a book by Ella in a while, but this book made me check the other books I haven't read yet. I love to read these books whenever I'm in a book slump and they always make me want to read more.
Really enjoyed reading Andy's and Niki's story. They clicked real quick and he just felt the need to protect her from anything and everything. Can't wait to read Bam's book.
Haven't read a book by Ella in a while, but this book made me check the other books I haven't read yet. I love to read these books whenever I'm in a book slump and they always make me want to read more.
Really enjoyed reading Andy's and Niki's story. They clicked real quick and he just felt the need to protect her from anything and everything. Can't wait to read Bam's book.
November 16, 2025
Ella Goode treats readers to a longer story than usual with this book. Niki and Andy meet under very unusual circumstances—he shows up to collect a drug debt from her family—but the moment Niki sees Andy, he’s completely smitten. Despite his tough exterior, Andy is a genuinely good man who’s doing what he must to support his family.
What follows is a slow-building romance with compelling characters and an engaging emotional arc.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
What follows is a slow-building romance with compelling characters and an engaging emotional arc.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 21, 2025
Niki & Andy
Short, sweet and steamy. While Niki and Andy are both young, they are both just trying to survive lives that are not easy. They are both working and going to school and helping to support their families. Nothing comes easy. And then their paths cross and everything changes in an instant. My favorite kind of story. So good
Short, sweet and steamy. While Niki and Andy are both young, they are both just trying to survive lives that are not easy. They are both working and going to school and helping to support their families. Nothing comes easy. And then their paths cross and everything changes in an instant. My favorite kind of story. So good
October 26, 2025
Great start for a new series
Ella Goode stated that she tried her hand at writing a longer book. Overall I feel like she did well. There were some areas that felt glossed over and they may be answered in Bam’s book but did leave me curious. For example, what is going on with Clark? Is that another book? I also hope we see more of Niki and Andy and their family.
Ella Goode stated that she tried her hand at writing a longer book. Overall I feel like she did well. There were some areas that felt glossed over and they may be answered in Bam’s book but did leave me curious. For example, what is going on with Clark? Is that another book? I also hope we see more of Niki and Andy and their family.
October 21, 2025
Niki and Andy meet under different circumstances then is typical for a love story.
She’s very lucky he is who came to collect from her - that’s all I’m saying about it.
I enjoyed this couple and especially love their happily ever after.
She’s very lucky he is who came to collect from her - that’s all I’m saying about it.
I enjoyed this couple and especially love their happily ever after.
October 23, 2025
Mild dark but refreshing
At first I wasn’t sure what to think about some of the dark themes, but to true Ella fashion she draws you in. She challenges you to keep reading and see how the characters navigate this reality some people have to deal with.
At first I wasn’t sure what to think about some of the dark themes, but to true Ella fashion she draws you in. She challenges you to keep reading and see how the characters navigate this reality some people have to deal with.
October 28, 2025
yay Ella
Yay Ella!!!
I love this, keep writing the longer books. And love the young romance one you do. Niki is so sweet and Andy is sweet and innocent with a pure heart but not ignorant which I love.
Yay Ella!!!
I love this, keep writing the longer books. And love the young romance one you do. Niki is so sweet and Andy is sweet and innocent with a pure heart but not ignorant which I love.
October 29, 2025
I'm a huge Ella Goode fan. I love her short stories and always wished she'd write something a little longer. She did with Rough Rider and it didn't disappoint. Great start to what I assume will be a series. Can't wait to pick up whatever comes next.
October 30, 2025
Great characters
Great characters, love Andy and Niki and the relationship he has with Bam. Good story, however it seemed like there was part of the story missing at the end? Felt like it skipped some things and everything new was added in to the 'epilogue'
Great characters, love Andy and Niki and the relationship he has with Bam. Good story, however it seemed like there was part of the story missing at the end? Felt like it skipped some things and everything new was added in to the 'epilogue'
November 3, 2025
Yes!
I loved the longer read with this book, outside of Ella’s norm but it was just long enough to have you connect with the characters their feelings and emotions and fall in love with them all! Kudos Ella- five stars all the way!
I loved the longer read with this book, outside of Ella’s norm but it was just long enough to have you connect with the characters their feelings and emotions and fall in love with them all! Kudos Ella- five stars all the way!
December 7, 2025
loved this!
I loved this! I always read Ella Goodss books but this was one was a bit different but I loved it! Also loved that it was longer but still had the same feel. Can’t wait to read Bam and hopefully Clark’s books!
I loved this! I always read Ella Goodss books but this was one was a bit different but I loved it! Also loved that it was longer but still had the same feel. Can’t wait to read Bam and hopefully Clark’s books!
October 20, 2025
Loved the longer book!
I can't wait for Bam' story! I am really liking the edginess of this series. I hope there are many more books to come.
I can't wait for Bam' story! I am really liking the edginess of this series. I hope there are many more books to come.
October 22, 2025
the story doesn't flow well, it's all over the place really confusing and with a flat plot.
October 23, 2025
couldn’t finish book
The book dragged and quite frankly it was deflating to the point that I couldn’t finish . Just boring . Read 68 pages and closed book.
The book dragged and quite frankly it was deflating to the point that I couldn’t finish . Just boring . Read 68 pages and closed book.
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