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Cowboy Up
Hadley Jones has spent his whole life in the dirt—fighting bulls, bad luck, and the brutal reality that the only thing standing between his family’s ranch and foreclosure is him. Bull riding is his lifeline, the only way to keep the bank from tearing apart generations of sweat and sacrifice. After a wreck that nearly killed him eighteen months ago, he’s back in the chutes, scarred, hungry, and determined to prove he’s still a contender. A shot at the PBR draft—or a solo championship title—might just save everything he loves… if his body and his demons don’t betray him first.
Maggie Gallagher swore she’d never set foot near a rodeo. It was the arena that stole her father, the world that fed on danger and never gave anything back. She built her photojournalism career around safer stories, cleaner lines, and carefully controlled futures. Until one disastrous mistake sends everything crashing down and forces her into the very life she vowed to avoid. Now she’s stuck on the rodeo circuit with a camera, a deadline, and a heart full of resentment.
Maggie Gallagher swore she’d never set foot near a rodeo. It was the arena that stole her father, the world that fed on danger and never gave anything back. She built her photojournalism career around safer stories, cleaner lines, and carefully controlled futures. Until one disastrous mistake sends everything crashing down and forces her into the very life she vowed to avoid. Now she’s stuck on the rodeo circuit with a camera, a deadline, and a heart full of resentment.
- GenresRomance
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
26 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
February 11, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
If you're looking to start your adventure in cowboy romance, or you want to add another addicting story to your collection, this is a title that should be on your radar!
Cowboy Up by is the first book in the Heartland Cowboys series. It follows Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher, respectively a grumpy bull rider who is desperate to save his family ranch, and a photojournalist who is currently stuck following the rodeo circuit. The two don’t get along immediately. In fact, they kind of loathe each other. But slowly a friendship blooms...
👉 Add Cowboy Up to your TBR if you love:
- Dislike to like
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Angst & Pining
- He falls first
- Forced Proximity
- Photojournalist x Bullrider
- He is also a rancher, and a big brother to 3 sisters 🥹
There is a lot of feeling in this book, between the protagonists but also between them and their loved ones. Hadley and Maggie are both determined characters with their objectives, and they both have a lot of emotional baggage, yet this doesn’t affect their ability to give and receive love and to be kind. This made it impossible not to root for their happily ever after, and indeed their journey from dislike to friendship to something more is heartwarming and filled with butterflies-in-the-stomach moments. It also made the third act breakup more intense but I promise it's worth it!
I do wish we'd gotten a few more moments of bonding between them, but overall really satisfied with the pacing and the emotional impact of Hadley and Maggie's romance. Very much looking forward to the next book and to finding out which of the incredible secondary characters is going to get the main character upgrade!
If you're looking to start your adventure in cowboy romance, or you want to add another addicting story to your collection, this is a title that should be on your radar!
Cowboy Up by is the first book in the Heartland Cowboys series. It follows Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher, respectively a grumpy bull rider who is desperate to save his family ranch, and a photojournalist who is currently stuck following the rodeo circuit. The two don’t get along immediately. In fact, they kind of loathe each other. But slowly a friendship blooms...
👉 Add Cowboy Up to your TBR if you love:
- Dislike to like
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Angst & Pining
- He falls first
- Forced Proximity
- Photojournalist x Bullrider
- He is also a rancher, and a big brother to 3 sisters 🥹
There is a lot of feeling in this book, between the protagonists but also between them and their loved ones. Hadley and Maggie are both determined characters with their objectives, and they both have a lot of emotional baggage, yet this doesn’t affect their ability to give and receive love and to be kind. This made it impossible not to root for their happily ever after, and indeed their journey from dislike to friendship to something more is heartwarming and filled with butterflies-in-the-stomach moments. It also made the third act breakup more intense but I promise it's worth it!
I do wish we'd gotten a few more moments of bonding between them, but overall really satisfied with the pacing and the emotional impact of Hadley and Maggie's romance. Very much looking forward to the next book and to finding out which of the incredible secondary characters is going to get the main character upgrade!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cowboy Up By Alexandra Banks ARC
I was so looking forward to this book and boy was it worth it ! Alexandra Banks for me is an automatic read .
This is the story of Maggie and Hadley, Maggie was a photo journalist who worked on the front line and has PTSD from seeing some horrific things, she ends up being a rodeo photographer and that's where she meets Hadley.
Hadley Jones is a bull rider who works the circuit trying to keep his family farm afloat that's in financial trouble , he works hard to try and get a sponsorship.
I loved this from the 1st sentence , one thing I love about this author is you are thrown straight into the action from the 1st word and I think I want to run away and join the Rodeo circuit now 🤠 😀
Hadley Jones is amazing loyal hardworking and yet humble, I loveeddd the slow burn between these 2 and the Betsy scene nearly finished me off! 🔥
The description of the photos Maggie took of Hadley while in the ring I honestly wish I could see them for real , in my minds eye the are🔥 😄
He falls for Maggie hard but she has her own demons and keeps trying to push him away and honestly that annoyed me ha but also when you read the book you will understand why .
I love the outside characters from Hadleys sisters and mum to the Rodeo team , even Knox who I hated I now to know more about him please say he has his own book 🙏
A five star 🌟 read loved it thank you Alexandra Banks .
I was so looking forward to this book and boy was it worth it ! Alexandra Banks for me is an automatic read .
This is the story of Maggie and Hadley, Maggie was a photo journalist who worked on the front line and has PTSD from seeing some horrific things, she ends up being a rodeo photographer and that's where she meets Hadley.
Hadley Jones is a bull rider who works the circuit trying to keep his family farm afloat that's in financial trouble , he works hard to try and get a sponsorship.
I loved this from the 1st sentence , one thing I love about this author is you are thrown straight into the action from the 1st word and I think I want to run away and join the Rodeo circuit now 🤠 😀
Hadley Jones is amazing loyal hardworking and yet humble, I loveeddd the slow burn between these 2 and the Betsy scene nearly finished me off! 🔥
The description of the photos Maggie took of Hadley while in the ring I honestly wish I could see them for real , in my minds eye the are🔥 😄
He falls for Maggie hard but she has her own demons and keeps trying to push him away and honestly that annoyed me ha but also when you read the book you will understand why .
I love the outside characters from Hadleys sisters and mum to the Rodeo team , even Knox who I hated I now to know more about him please say he has his own book 🙏
A five star 🌟 read loved it thank you Alexandra Banks .
January 23, 2026
This book was beautiful 🥹😍
Right from the start, I physically unable to put it down, because it was so full of action and suspense and dare I say yearning? 🤭
Hadley, the golden retriever of bull riders is definitely one you’ll be adding to the list of book boyfriends because oh my days, this man 😩 he was so sweet and caring and I just wanna wrap this man in a hug so badly.
And Maggie, our fierce photographer - you were so beautiful to watch grow throughout the story.
Cowboy Up was such an easy, enjoyable read with lots of fun and witty banter, plus the filthy mouth of our hard-headed cowboy 🤭 Alexandra Banks has done an incredible job at writing two complex characters and making them mesh together perfectly. Also, as a rodeo goer, Alexandra did an incredible job at writing about all the behind the scenes of the rodeo world! Yipppeeee!
I had so much fun reading this and crave another trip to a rodeo to see the same suspenseful action in real life! Thank you so, so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC, it did not disappoint and very much satisfied all my cowboy daydreams 🩷
Right from the start, I physically unable to put it down, because it was so full of action and suspense and dare I say yearning? 🤭
Hadley, the golden retriever of bull riders is definitely one you’ll be adding to the list of book boyfriends because oh my days, this man 😩 he was so sweet and caring and I just wanna wrap this man in a hug so badly.
And Maggie, our fierce photographer - you were so beautiful to watch grow throughout the story.
Cowboy Up was such an easy, enjoyable read with lots of fun and witty banter, plus the filthy mouth of our hard-headed cowboy 🤭 Alexandra Banks has done an incredible job at writing two complex characters and making them mesh together perfectly. Also, as a rodeo goer, Alexandra did an incredible job at writing about all the behind the scenes of the rodeo world! Yipppeeee!
I had so much fun reading this and crave another trip to a rodeo to see the same suspenseful action in real life! Thank you so, so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC, it did not disappoint and very much satisfied all my cowboy daydreams 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mr. Hadley. Jones. The Cowboy who carries the world on his shoulders, and Ms Maggie Gallagher the sunshine who brings him from the darkness, they are the perfect duo in this edge of your rodeo seat book.
This book had me all in my feelings, and the filthy mouthed cowboy had me wanting to crawl for more.
When it comes to writing cowboys, Alexandra Banks knows what she is doing.
This book had me all in my feelings, and the filthy mouthed cowboy had me wanting to crawl for more.
When it comes to writing cowboys, Alexandra Banks knows what she is doing.
January 29, 2026
*chefs kiss* in terms of sweetness & spice
January 23, 2026
Absolutely devoured.
Tension? Check. Banter? Check. Protective cowboy? Checkkkk.
Hadley and Maggie brought everything to the table and made me finish this book in less than 24 hours. I cannot say I how much I absolutely LOVED this book, especially because it’s based in my home province.
FANTASTIC JOB ALEXANDRA!! (And thank you for the ARC).
Overall: ♾️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Tension? Check. Banter? Check. Protective cowboy? Checkkkk.
Hadley and Maggie brought everything to the table and made me finish this book in less than 24 hours. I cannot say I how much I absolutely LOVED this book, especially because it’s based in my home province.
FANTASTIC JOB ALEXANDRA!! (And thank you for the ARC).
Overall: ♾️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
January 31, 2026
Thank you Alexandra Banks for the ARC!!
Cowboy Up is a wholesome, sweet love story. Filled with tension, angst, and just the right amount spice. It was just what I needed honestly, and put a cowboy in the mix which made it even better 🤠
Hadley, oh this man. He’s one sweet, hardworking, loyal guy and If I can jump in this book and give him a hug I would 🥹 he carries so much weight on his shoulders. He had to take on the responsibility at the age of 12 to help out his mom with his younger siblings since their dad walked out on them. He became the sole provider for them. Which also meant that he has to maintain the family ranch, and fight to keep it. But with him being low on money and the bank account in the negatives. He’s willing to go back to bull riding after a terrible accident.
Maggie, she’s a photographer who carries a lot of trauma. She loves photography and adventure. Maggie also has PTSD from her dad being a bull rider which he passed away from. Ever since then, Maggie swore she’ll never step foot in an arena or let alone fall in love with a cowboy. Push comes to shove, she decides to be a PBR photographer and that’s where she meets Hadley.
Maggie and Hadley are seriously 100000% perfect for each other. I loved how sweet and genuine they were to each other, they built a little friendship, and then their love came together like a puzzle piece. You can definitely tell that Hadley fell head over heels for Maggie, but once he knew she loved him too he fell even harder. Maggie is the sunshine that pulled Hadley out of the dark. They both have a traumatic past filled with hurt and broken pieces. From this two people found each other, became whole, and found their home in one another.
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Cowboy Up is a wholesome, sweet love story. Filled with tension, angst, and just the right amount spice. It was just what I needed honestly, and put a cowboy in the mix which made it even better 🤠
Hadley, oh this man. He’s one sweet, hardworking, loyal guy and If I can jump in this book and give him a hug I would 🥹 he carries so much weight on his shoulders. He had to take on the responsibility at the age of 12 to help out his mom with his younger siblings since their dad walked out on them. He became the sole provider for them. Which also meant that he has to maintain the family ranch, and fight to keep it. But with him being low on money and the bank account in the negatives. He’s willing to go back to bull riding after a terrible accident.
Maggie, she’s a photographer who carries a lot of trauma. She loves photography and adventure. Maggie also has PTSD from her dad being a bull rider which he passed away from. Ever since then, Maggie swore she’ll never step foot in an arena or let alone fall in love with a cowboy. Push comes to shove, she decides to be a PBR photographer and that’s where she meets Hadley.
Maggie and Hadley are seriously 100000% perfect for each other. I loved how sweet and genuine they were to each other, they built a little friendship, and then their love came together like a puzzle piece. You can definitely tell that Hadley fell head over heels for Maggie, but once he knew she loved him too he fell even harder. Maggie is the sunshine that pulled Hadley out of the dark. They both have a traumatic past filled with hurt and broken pieces. From this two people found each other, became whole, and found their home in one another.
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️
February 11, 2026
I have unlocked a strange appreciation for bull riders. Oh Hadley Jones, the man that you are!
Cowboy Up is Alexandra Banks’s latest release, and the first book in the Heartland Cowboys series, in which we are in the world of rodeo! Not the first time I read of bull riders, but it is the first time I am actually liking the bull riding.
We follow Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher, respectively a grumpy bull rider who is desperate to save his family ranch, and a photojournalist who is currently stuck following the rodeo circuit. The two don’t get along immediately. In fact, they kind of loathe each other. But then they do see past their initial idea of one another and start building a friendship…
I had no doubts I would be loving this book, because so far I have loved every cowboy romance this author has blessed us with. I LOVED Hadley and Maggie’s journey, both together and as individuals. Both of them have to overcome the demons of their past—Maggie from the horrors of war she’s witnessed and the regret she feels, Hadley from the disastrous wreck that almost ended him 18 years ago. Together, they laugh more. Life is better. It’s exactly what I love to see in romances. You bet I stayed up until 2 am to resolve the third act drama, which was resolved beautifully in one of the most exciting scenes I’ve read in a romance. I also adore the secondary characters, like Hadley’s sisters, Maggie’s parents, and the guys on the circuit—even those I never saw coming. I see a new favorite series in my horizon.
Here are some tropes:
Dislike to like
Grumpy x Sunshine
Angst & Pining
He falls first
Forced Proximity
Photojournalist x Bullrider
He is also a rancher, and a big brother to 3 sisters 🥹
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. Opinions are my own.
Cowboy Up is Alexandra Banks’s latest release, and the first book in the Heartland Cowboys series, in which we are in the world of rodeo! Not the first time I read of bull riders, but it is the first time I am actually liking the bull riding.
We follow Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher, respectively a grumpy bull rider who is desperate to save his family ranch, and a photojournalist who is currently stuck following the rodeo circuit. The two don’t get along immediately. In fact, they kind of loathe each other. But then they do see past their initial idea of one another and start building a friendship…
I had no doubts I would be loving this book, because so far I have loved every cowboy romance this author has blessed us with. I LOVED Hadley and Maggie’s journey, both together and as individuals. Both of them have to overcome the demons of their past—Maggie from the horrors of war she’s witnessed and the regret she feels, Hadley from the disastrous wreck that almost ended him 18 years ago. Together, they laugh more. Life is better. It’s exactly what I love to see in romances. You bet I stayed up until 2 am to resolve the third act drama, which was resolved beautifully in one of the most exciting scenes I’ve read in a romance. I also adore the secondary characters, like Hadley’s sisters, Maggie’s parents, and the guys on the circuit—even those I never saw coming. I see a new favorite series in my horizon.
Here are some tropes:
Dislike to like
Grumpy x Sunshine
Angst & Pining
He falls first
Forced Proximity
Photojournalist x Bullrider
He is also a rancher, and a big brother to 3 sisters 🥹
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. Opinions are my own.
February 16, 2026
My Spicy Rating: 2.5🌶
Cowboy Up by Alexandra Banks
Hadley & Maggie
My Rating: 4.5☆
Heartland Cowboys Book One
Cowboy Romance
Bull Rider & Photojournalist
Dislike to Love
One Bed
Roadtrip
Forced Proximity
He Falls First and Hard
Low Angst
MMC - Filthy Mouth
He Comes in His Pants
He Calls Her Sunshine
“Come here, Sunshine.”
She Calls Him Cowboy
“Crawl, cowboy.”
Hand Necklace
I really enjoyed this book. I've been in this cowboy romance mood between other books and I very much enjoyed this story. It's tooo sweet and very cute. Hadley was just hot and amazing. This is my first book by Alexandra Banks and am very excited for book two.
My only problem and the reason I didn't give it the complete 5 stars is due to those unfinished sentences. There were too many. At one point, it was confusing me and driving me nuts. Like please just finish the thought.
Cowboy Up by Alexandra Banks
Hadley & Maggie
My Rating: 4.5☆
Heartland Cowboys Book One
Cowboy Romance
Bull Rider & Photojournalist
Dislike to Love
One Bed
Roadtrip
Forced Proximity
He Falls First and Hard
Low Angst
MMC - Filthy Mouth
He Comes in His Pants
He Calls Her Sunshine
“Come here, Sunshine.”
She Calls Him Cowboy
“Crawl, cowboy.”
Hand Necklace
I really enjoyed this book. I've been in this cowboy romance mood between other books and I very much enjoyed this story. It's tooo sweet and very cute. Hadley was just hot and amazing. This is my first book by Alexandra Banks and am very excited for book two.
My only problem and the reason I didn't give it the complete 5 stars is due to those unfinished sentences. There were too many. At one point, it was confusing me and driving me nuts. Like please just finish the thought.
Review of advance copy received from Author
a hot cowboy who falls first? YES PLEASE! Hadley + Maggie were so sweet! I loved seeing their friendship develop and seeing how much fun they had together. Hadley puts his family first always and is willing to risk everything just to take care of them. Maggie wants Hadley but doesn't want to stick around to see him risk his life on the back of a bull, nor does she want to give up her dreams and career. But she can't give up this cowboy and his ranch either. I can't wait for the rest of the Heartland Cowboys!
As always, I'm so happy to have the opportunity to ARC read for Alexandra Banks! Her books are always perfect to me! I love small town, a little angst, sometimes a bit of suspense. oh and all the cowboys!
As always, I'm so happy to have the opportunity to ARC read for Alexandra Banks! Her books are always perfect to me! I love small town, a little angst, sometimes a bit of suspense. oh and all the cowboys!
February 3, 2026
This book pulled me in right away; we are thrown right into the action. Maggie and Hadley’s story is a fantastic read. There is plenty of suspense and rodeo action. Their story pulls in all your feelings, add in plenty of yearning, angst, a slow burn, and a very filthy mouthed cowboy.
Maggie suffers from PTSD from photographing the front lines, a unreliable internet, and ends up being the bull riding circuits photographer. Hadley has a heart of gold, wants to provide for his family’s farm, looking for a spot on a team, and big brother to sisters.
Maggie and Hadley get off on the wrong foot and slowly move from dislike to like. Being privy to their journey is a great ride.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Maggie suffers from PTSD from photographing the front lines, a unreliable internet, and ends up being the bull riding circuits photographer. Hadley has a heart of gold, wants to provide for his family’s farm, looking for a spot on a team, and big brother to sisters.
Maggie and Hadley get off on the wrong foot and slowly move from dislike to like. Being privy to their journey is a great ride.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
I'm so excited for this new series from Alexandra Banks. Nothing better than a broody bull rider and an independent photojournalist. Hadley had to grow up fast when his dad left at 12, taking over running the family ranch. Maggie is always searching for the next adventure and wants to share the world she finds. They meet when she becomes the photographer for the PBR tour and the sparks fly. Both are dealing with some trauma for their past but their chemistry and banter is so good. Their friendship grows into more but Maggie is afraid to open up and get serious with a cowboy. This book puts you through so many emotions but puts you back together.
February 5, 2026
I’m so glad Alexandra went back to her cowboy era. I LOVED her Rosewood Ranch series and this put me back into those vibes. Hadley has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He needs to make money to support his family, even if it means putting his life on the line. Maggie is trying to deal with PTSD, but is now in the place she never wanted to be.
The two helped one another move past their own trauma and I loved their bond.
What you’ll get:
📸Bull Rider x Photo Journalist
❤️He Falls First
💋Forced Proximity
🛌Only One Bed
🤠Loathe to Love
The two helped one another move past their own trauma and I loved their bond.
What you’ll get:
📸Bull Rider x Photo Journalist
❤️He Falls First
💋Forced Proximity
🛌Only One Bed
🤠Loathe to Love
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the best cowboy romances I've read this year. It’s a heartwarming story that I devoured in one sitting. Hadley and Maggie's journey is incredible. From that first chapter I was a goner. All kinds of action from beginning to end. I loved the slow burn too, it was chef's kiss. And there was plenty of swoon worthy moments. I really enjoyed seeing these characters grow throughout this book. Absolutely could not get enough of this amazing read. I highly recommend reading it won't disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ugh, Hadley and Maggie's story was just utter perfection. Their banter and chemistry had me eating this book up!
From the loathing at the start of their relationship to the incident that see them travelling together in Maggie's camper that sparks the beginning of a friendship that grows quick and burns bright, you will be hooked. Alexandra has some of the best MMCs in the cowboy world. I honestly didnt think the Rawlins could be topped until Hadley came along.
If you're looking for another cowboy romance (because who are we kidding, we can't get enough of t
From the loathing at the start of their relationship to the incident that see them travelling together in Maggie's camper that sparks the beginning of a friendship that grows quick and burns bright, you will be hooked. Alexandra has some of the best MMCs in the cowboy world. I honestly didnt think the Rawlins could be topped until Hadley came along.
If you're looking for another cowboy romance (because who are we kidding, we can't get enough of t
January 24, 2026
Meet Hadley — a rodeo cowboy fighting hard to keep his family ranch alive.
Meet Maggie — a photographer carrying deep trauma who finds herself becoming the circuit’s photographer.
✨ Enemies to lovers
🔥 Forced proximity
The spice? Absolutely on point 🌶️ Had me hooked, turning pages late into the night and desperately needing more. The supporting cast of family members on both sides are so loveable and add so much heart to the story.
February 4, 2026
I love this book so much. It didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put the book down.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book one in the new Heartland Cowboys series.
Hot cowboy, sign me up! I really enjoy Alexandra's writing and this one didn't disappoint.
Hadley and Maggie were great together. They both had trauma and things they were dealing with which affected them in their daily lives, work, and relationships.
They developed a friendship and then a romantic relationship. It was fun seeing them fall for each other. I really enjoyed them together and think they had great chemistry.
Definitely recommend.
🤠loathe to love
🤠forced proximity
🤠only one bed
🤠grumpy sunshine
🤠 he falls first and hard
🤠 bull rider x photojournalist
Thank you, Alexandra Banks for the ARC.
Hot cowboy, sign me up! I really enjoy Alexandra's writing and this one didn't disappoint.
Hadley and Maggie were great together. They both had trauma and things they were dealing with which affected them in their daily lives, work, and relationships.
They developed a friendship and then a romantic relationship. It was fun seeing them fall for each other. I really enjoyed them together and think they had great chemistry.
Definitely recommend.
🤠loathe to love
🤠forced proximity
🤠only one bed
🤠grumpy sunshine
🤠 he falls first and hard
🤠 bull rider x photojournalist
Thank you, Alexandra Banks for the ARC.
February 7, 2026
Cowboy Up was an amazing read that has a well written, super gripping, and heartwarming plot 💚 I loved Hadley and Maggie so much, and their families and all of the characters that are a part of the rodeo added a lot to the story, and I loved them all too! The plot was very interesting, puts you on the edge of your seat at times, and it moves at pace that will keep you hooked the entire time, needing to read more 😍
Maggie has been through a lot, and you can’t help but feel for her, even though her character is stronger from everything she’s had to endure 💚 Her first experience with Hadley was completely disastrous, and it did not start them off on the right foot! Seeing Maggie’s feelings start to come out first through her photos was so cute, and I loved watching the pull she has to him— that was undeniable from the start—progress as she started to fit right in with the rodeo crew 💚 Her mind is at war with her heart, and it’s understandable with what she’s been through, but the pull to Hadley is simply too hard to fight, and once she gave in to it… I feel like we got to see a different side of Maggie, phew! 😮💨 I loved her character, she is so caring and sweet, sassy, funny, and a bit spicy all in one 💚
Hadley has to be one of the largest green flags to ever exist—everything about him is simply swoon worthy, and I am a complete sap for him 😍 His love and care for his family and the ranch is so powerful, and I loved the interactions between his mom and sisters that showed how close they all are 💚 His friendship with some of the rodeo guys also showed a close comraderie within the rodeo crew 😌 When he first met Maggie, it started off rocky because it wasn’t on the best of terms, but that quickly changed! The tension between him and Maggie was absolutely electric, and boy did it build up until it burst 💚 For someone so respectful and polite as Hadley, he has such a filthy mouth and mind when it comes to Maggie, and phewwww, does he worship her 🥵 He had me laughing, sweating, and crying from both sadness, and the sweet, heartwarming things he says or thinks! It has got to be impossible to not love every part of Hadley’s personality and character 💚
This was a really great read that had heartwarming, emotional moments, delicious spice, and an interesting, perfect paced plot that had me invested from start to finish, loving every bit! 💚 The characters, their personalities, and their banter feel natural, and Maggie and Hadley’s relationship progresses so naturally and real, at a perfect pace 😌 Their story is powerful, emotional and heartwarming, and just filled with so much love and care, and I know these two are definitely going to be sticking with me 💚
Maggie has been through a lot, and you can’t help but feel for her, even though her character is stronger from everything she’s had to endure 💚 Her first experience with Hadley was completely disastrous, and it did not start them off on the right foot! Seeing Maggie’s feelings start to come out first through her photos was so cute, and I loved watching the pull she has to him— that was undeniable from the start—progress as she started to fit right in with the rodeo crew 💚 Her mind is at war with her heart, and it’s understandable with what she’s been through, but the pull to Hadley is simply too hard to fight, and once she gave in to it… I feel like we got to see a different side of Maggie, phew! 😮💨 I loved her character, she is so caring and sweet, sassy, funny, and a bit spicy all in one 💚
Hadley has to be one of the largest green flags to ever exist—everything about him is simply swoon worthy, and I am a complete sap for him 😍 His love and care for his family and the ranch is so powerful, and I loved the interactions between his mom and sisters that showed how close they all are 💚 His friendship with some of the rodeo guys also showed a close comraderie within the rodeo crew 😌 When he first met Maggie, it started off rocky because it wasn’t on the best of terms, but that quickly changed! The tension between him and Maggie was absolutely electric, and boy did it build up until it burst 💚 For someone so respectful and polite as Hadley, he has such a filthy mouth and mind when it comes to Maggie, and phewwww, does he worship her 🥵 He had me laughing, sweating, and crying from both sadness, and the sweet, heartwarming things he says or thinks! It has got to be impossible to not love every part of Hadley’s personality and character 💚
This was a really great read that had heartwarming, emotional moments, delicious spice, and an interesting, perfect paced plot that had me invested from start to finish, loving every bit! 💚 The characters, their personalities, and their banter feel natural, and Maggie and Hadley’s relationship progresses so naturally and real, at a perfect pace 😌 Their story is powerful, emotional and heartwarming, and just filled with so much love and care, and I know these two are definitely going to be sticking with me 💚
Review of advance copy received from Author
The first two chapters of this book sucked me in so hard. This was a cute, mostly light and engaging read. Cowboy Up is a contemporary Cowboy Romance with adult (30yo) leads. It has Loath to love, Grumpy x sunshine, Slow burn to spice, Forced proximity, PTSD (her), Angst and pining, and he falls first, fast and hard. 330 pages, 1st person, Dual POV & 1st in the series.
Rating: 3.75/4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 2.5/3 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (all at the end!)
Overview: Cowboy Up is about a Canadian based bull rider/rancher in the PBR circuit (Hadley, 30) & a photojournalist with PTSD (Maggie, 30). Hadley is the big brother to 3 girls responsible for the family ranch with his mom. The ranch is in financial distress and he is doing bull riding to make enough money to cover the debts. That and he’s an adrenaline junkie. Maggie grew up in the national forest in Canada with her mom and stepdad. She’s a photo journalist whose last assignment was in Ukraine, and it was tragic. She gets a job as the photo journalist for the PBR circuit for the year before she finds a more serious position. Maggie ends up giving Hadley a ride to all the circuits after his car breaks down, and their loathing turns to burning turns to love. Of course it wouldn’t be a good romance without all the problems that come along with it, but I don’t want to spoil it.
Thoughts: This book was really fun & easy to read. It has all the things you want: leads with character depth & growth, good side characters that are funny, witty banter, emotional grit, relationship adversity, and of course, spice. The writing and editing were great, and plot flow & story lines are intriguing. I want to know who is next in this series! Definitely recommend this as a read.
Con’s: the ending felt like it came up too fast, & and I felt like, for the amount of time these two spent together they didn’t talk about anything too deep or communicate very well. I’d have loved a little bit more depth in their discussions, even if they’re off page.
Rating: 3.75/4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 2.5/3 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (all at the end!)
Overview: Cowboy Up is about a Canadian based bull rider/rancher in the PBR circuit (Hadley, 30) & a photojournalist with PTSD (Maggie, 30). Hadley is the big brother to 3 girls responsible for the family ranch with his mom. The ranch is in financial distress and he is doing bull riding to make enough money to cover the debts. That and he’s an adrenaline junkie. Maggie grew up in the national forest in Canada with her mom and stepdad. She’s a photo journalist whose last assignment was in Ukraine, and it was tragic. She gets a job as the photo journalist for the PBR circuit for the year before she finds a more serious position. Maggie ends up giving Hadley a ride to all the circuits after his car breaks down, and their loathing turns to burning turns to love. Of course it wouldn’t be a good romance without all the problems that come along with it, but I don’t want to spoil it.
Thoughts: This book was really fun & easy to read. It has all the things you want: leads with character depth & growth, good side characters that are funny, witty banter, emotional grit, relationship adversity, and of course, spice. The writing and editing were great, and plot flow & story lines are intriguing. I want to know who is next in this series! Definitely recommend this as a read.
Con’s: the ending felt like it came up too fast, & and I felt like, for the amount of time these two spent together they didn’t talk about anything too deep or communicate very well. I’d have loved a little bit more depth in their discussions, even if they’re off page.
February 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alexandra Banks introduces readers to her newest series, Heartland Cowboys, with book 1 in the series, Cowboy Up. Alexandra immediately pulls you in this story on page one. She has a talent for this, knowing how to hook her readers from the get go and keeping their attention until the very end of the book. This love story is filled with ups and downs, raw emotion that is easy to feel from the characters, and characters that you can’t help but love.
Hadley has a lot riding on his shoulders. His rodeo career is what keeps their family ranch in the family, so the pressure to win is always overwhelming. Taking care of his family is something he’s had to do since he was 12. A terrible accident had removed him from the rodeo circuit, but now it seems like the only way to raise the funds needed. He is willing to do this for his family. He has a huge heart, is loyal to the end, and fights for what he wants.
Maggie has a very strong dislike for the rodeo world. This world took her father from her and she has never fully recovered from that trauma. Now a photojournalist, she is back on the circuit, due to extenuating circumstances. She promised herself a long time ago she would never fall in love with a cowboy, so she can handle being around them. I loved her determination, sassy stubbornness, and seeing the walls fall down around her heart was magic.
Alexandra provides a love story that starts off very surface level. As it grows into a friendship, the chemistry becomes undeniable. Watching both of them having someone to lean on made my heart leap. Hadley wanting something for just himself had me smiling and I loved watching him fall for Maddie. As hard as Maddie tries, she can’t help but be drawn into Hadley’s cowboy charm. One grumpy and closed off, the other sunshine and full of life; these two truly do complete each other in the best way.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🐂Cowboy Romance
📷Loathe to Love
🐂He Falls First
📷Grumpy x Sunshine
🐂Forced Proximity
📷PTSD Rep
Alexandra Banks introduces readers to her newest series, Heartland Cowboys, with book 1 in the series, Cowboy Up. Alexandra immediately pulls you in this story on page one. She has a talent for this, knowing how to hook her readers from the get go and keeping their attention until the very end of the book. This love story is filled with ups and downs, raw emotion that is easy to feel from the characters, and characters that you can’t help but love.
Hadley has a lot riding on his shoulders. His rodeo career is what keeps their family ranch in the family, so the pressure to win is always overwhelming. Taking care of his family is something he’s had to do since he was 12. A terrible accident had removed him from the rodeo circuit, but now it seems like the only way to raise the funds needed. He is willing to do this for his family. He has a huge heart, is loyal to the end, and fights for what he wants.
Maggie has a very strong dislike for the rodeo world. This world took her father from her and she has never fully recovered from that trauma. Now a photojournalist, she is back on the circuit, due to extenuating circumstances. She promised herself a long time ago she would never fall in love with a cowboy, so she can handle being around them. I loved her determination, sassy stubbornness, and seeing the walls fall down around her heart was magic.
Alexandra provides a love story that starts off very surface level. As it grows into a friendship, the chemistry becomes undeniable. Watching both of them having someone to lean on made my heart leap. Hadley wanting something for just himself had me smiling and I loved watching him fall for Maddie. As hard as Maddie tries, she can’t help but be drawn into Hadley’s cowboy charm. One grumpy and closed off, the other sunshine and full of life; these two truly do complete each other in the best way.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🐂Cowboy Romance
📷Loathe to Love
🐂He Falls First
📷Grumpy x Sunshine
🐂Forced Proximity
📷PTSD Rep
Review of advance copy
I absolutely devoured Cowboy Up and I am not okay about it. This book grabbed me by the collar, dragged me into the dirt of the rodeo circuit, and refused to let go. Hadley Jones is the kind of hero who hurts in all the best ways. Scarred, stubborn, carrying the weight of his family’s ranch on his busted body and bruised soul, and still climbing back onto a bull like pain is just another opponent to beat. The grit on this man. The quiet desperation. The way he loves without knowing how to ask for it. Ugh. 🔥🤠
And Maggie. OMG Maggie. I loved her so much. Her resentment toward the rodeo world felt raw and earned, and watching her be forced back into that life with a camera in her hands and walls up around her heart was chef’s kiss. She is strong without being untouchable, angry without being cruel, and vulnerable in ways that felt painfully real. The way she sees Hadley before he lets anyone else see him wrecked me in the best possible way 📸💔
The chemistry between Maggie and Hadley is slow-burn, dusty, emotionally charged perfection. Every glance, every almost-touch, every moment where they circle each other like they are both terrified and desperate at the same time had me glued to the page. Their connection grows in the quiet spaces between danger and fear, and it feels honest and earned. No fluff. Just raw hearts colliding in the dirt.
This book is about second chances, about choosing to climb back into the chute when everything in you is screaming not to. It’s about legacy, sacrifice, grief, and finding someone who sees your broken pieces and stays anyway. Alexandra Banks absolutely nailed the rodeo atmosphere, the emotional weight, and the romance that sneaks up and knocks the wind out of you.
I finished this with a full heart, a lump in my throat, and a serious book hangover. If you love wounded cowboys, strong heroines, and romances that feel lived-in and real, read this. Just be prepared to feel things. 🐂❤️
And Maggie. OMG Maggie. I loved her so much. Her resentment toward the rodeo world felt raw and earned, and watching her be forced back into that life with a camera in her hands and walls up around her heart was chef’s kiss. She is strong without being untouchable, angry without being cruel, and vulnerable in ways that felt painfully real. The way she sees Hadley before he lets anyone else see him wrecked me in the best possible way 📸💔
The chemistry between Maggie and Hadley is slow-burn, dusty, emotionally charged perfection. Every glance, every almost-touch, every moment where they circle each other like they are both terrified and desperate at the same time had me glued to the page. Their connection grows in the quiet spaces between danger and fear, and it feels honest and earned. No fluff. Just raw hearts colliding in the dirt.
This book is about second chances, about choosing to climb back into the chute when everything in you is screaming not to. It’s about legacy, sacrifice, grief, and finding someone who sees your broken pieces and stays anyway. Alexandra Banks absolutely nailed the rodeo atmosphere, the emotional weight, and the romance that sneaks up and knocks the wind out of you.
I finished this with a full heart, a lump in my throat, and a serious book hangover. If you love wounded cowboys, strong heroines, and romances that feel lived-in and real, read this. Just be prepared to feel things. 🐂❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cowboy Up is everything I hoped for and more. Alexandra Banks honestly never disappoints!! I love all of her books, but her cowboys? They have a very special place in my heart. I have been so excited for this release, and Cowboy Up absolutely DELIVERED.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic had me hooked from the very start. And while I’ve read cowboy romances with bull riders before, this one felt different because we’re not just following a cowboy, we’re following a bull rider and his team, we are there! The rodeo scenes were incredible. You truly feel like you’re right there, traveling alongside Hadley and the cowboys, experiencing the highs, the risks, and the chaos of competition. It’s the full rodeo experience, and I was so here for it.
Hadley was everything! intense, driven, and layered and I loved getting to know his family too. His younger sister especially and some of the rodeo crew brought so much humor and heart to the story. But can we talk about Knox for a second? Because I know there’s a story there. He gives major “bad guy” vibes, except… he’s definitely not. Secrets, depth, mystery I’m calling it now, his story had to be coming and I am here for it!!
Maggie completely stole my heart. She’s been through so much trauma, losing her dad and what she experienced in her previous job and falling for a cowboy!? was never part of her plan. Especially not a bull rider. But she’s kind, sweet, passionate, and determined, and watching her journey alongside Hadley was beautiful. Their connection felt natural, emotional, and impossible to resist.
This book had heart, tension, laughs, and that addictive cowboy charm Alexandra Banks does so well. I devoured it and now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting to see what’s next.
If you’re in your cowboy romance era (or desperately want to be), this one is absolutely not to be missed!!
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic had me hooked from the very start. And while I’ve read cowboy romances with bull riders before, this one felt different because we’re not just following a cowboy, we’re following a bull rider and his team, we are there! The rodeo scenes were incredible. You truly feel like you’re right there, traveling alongside Hadley and the cowboys, experiencing the highs, the risks, and the chaos of competition. It’s the full rodeo experience, and I was so here for it.
Hadley was everything! intense, driven, and layered and I loved getting to know his family too. His younger sister especially and some of the rodeo crew brought so much humor and heart to the story. But can we talk about Knox for a second? Because I know there’s a story there. He gives major “bad guy” vibes, except… he’s definitely not. Secrets, depth, mystery I’m calling it now, his story had to be coming and I am here for it!!
Maggie completely stole my heart. She’s been through so much trauma, losing her dad and what she experienced in her previous job and falling for a cowboy!? was never part of her plan. Especially not a bull rider. But she’s kind, sweet, passionate, and determined, and watching her journey alongside Hadley was beautiful. Their connection felt natural, emotional, and impossible to resist.
This book had heart, tension, laughs, and that addictive cowboy charm Alexandra Banks does so well. I devoured it and now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting to see what’s next.
If you’re in your cowboy romance era (or desperately want to be), this one is absolutely not to be missed!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve been sitting here for the last hour, trying to gather my thoughts on Cowboy Up by Alexandra Banks. I think my heart is still racing a bit from the ending.
Cowboy Up is the first in the Heartland Cowboys series by Alexandra Banks. And oh boy, this one does not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat. When it comes to writing about cowboys, Alexandra knows what she is doing.
Cowboy Up is a cowboy/bull rider romance with grumpy/sunshine, loathe to love, angst & pining, he falls first, forced proximity story that follows Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher.
Hadley Jones is a bull rider (and cowboy) fighting for a chance to join the team and win the PBR championship to raise the money to save his family’s ranch. After a near-fatal ride eighteen months ago, he is desperate to win the championship, even at the cost of his own life.
Maggie Gallagher is a photojournalist who hates the rodeo and bull riding after it claimed her father’s life. After a mistake on an assignment in Ukraine, she is forced to take the photography job at the circuit, where she literally crashes into Hadley.
With both trying to save their own futures, they travel around the circuit together. But their instant chemistry may become their biggest risk of all.
Cowboy Up was such an easy and enjoyable read that had me in my feelings. I was right there with Maggie watching Hadley’s rides. The emotion she went through, I felt them. The pain these bull riders felt, I felt it. Hadley’s filthy mouth, OMG! Yes, ma’am alright. I loved the switch between the bull riding life and the ranch life. The last few chapters had my heart racing, and I was literally sitting on the edge of my chair at the end. I highly recommend this book. This one is definitely not one to miss.
A massive thank you to Alexandra for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I can’t wait for the next one.
Cowboy Up is the first in the Heartland Cowboys series by Alexandra Banks. And oh boy, this one does not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat. When it comes to writing about cowboys, Alexandra knows what she is doing.
Cowboy Up is a cowboy/bull rider romance with grumpy/sunshine, loathe to love, angst & pining, he falls first, forced proximity story that follows Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher.
Hadley Jones is a bull rider (and cowboy) fighting for a chance to join the team and win the PBR championship to raise the money to save his family’s ranch. After a near-fatal ride eighteen months ago, he is desperate to win the championship, even at the cost of his own life.
Maggie Gallagher is a photojournalist who hates the rodeo and bull riding after it claimed her father’s life. After a mistake on an assignment in Ukraine, she is forced to take the photography job at the circuit, where she literally crashes into Hadley.
With both trying to save their own futures, they travel around the circuit together. But their instant chemistry may become their biggest risk of all.
Cowboy Up was such an easy and enjoyable read that had me in my feelings. I was right there with Maggie watching Hadley’s rides. The emotion she went through, I felt them. The pain these bull riders felt, I felt it. Hadley’s filthy mouth, OMG! Yes, ma’am alright. I loved the switch between the bull riding life and the ranch life. The last few chapters had my heart racing, and I was literally sitting on the edge of my chair at the end. I highly recommend this book. This one is definitely not one to miss.
A massive thank you to Alexandra for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I can’t wait for the next one.
February 2, 2026
This was a super sweet small town romance and did in fact make me fall in love with a fictional bull rider! I loved that there was a lot of banter in this story as I feel like this definitely helped to form a connection with both of our main characters. I also loved the found family aspect that comes with being part of the rodeo circuit. One of my absolute favourite things however was the fact that both of our main characters had so much depth and were dealing with their own trauma and grievances in life that were so different from each other but in the end brought them closer together. This story was incredibly well written and has me wanting to pick up more work by this author!
Our girl Maggie is a photo journalist and has used her career to raise awareness to some less than ideal situations. She genuinely wants to make a difference in the world and constantly takes projects that are more confronting than others. Due to her last assignment she has been left struggling with PTSD and has constant nightmares about the horrors she witnessed. She decides to take the job as a rodeo photographer in between assignments even though she never saw herself willingly putting herself in a place that reminds her of loosing her dad.
Hadley is a professional bull rider hoping to make it onto a team this rodeo season. This man wears the weight of the world on his shoulders due to being the primary provider for his mum and younger sisters. Whilst rodeo is a way for him to earn extra money, keeping his mums family ranch is his main priority even if it means putting himself in danger and quite literally risking his life. Hadley is the greenest of green flags even though he can be a little broody at times.
The attraction between these two is very heated however they get off on the wrong foot. From here they form an unconventional friendship as road trip buddies and eventually that turns into more. Hadley shows Maggie the kind, caring and loyal side of himself whilst also allowing her the opportunity to always have a safe place to land.
The side characters in this story were also quite memorable so I’m excited to see what comes next!
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this as an early copy! I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend.
Our girl Maggie is a photo journalist and has used her career to raise awareness to some less than ideal situations. She genuinely wants to make a difference in the world and constantly takes projects that are more confronting than others. Due to her last assignment she has been left struggling with PTSD and has constant nightmares about the horrors she witnessed. She decides to take the job as a rodeo photographer in between assignments even though she never saw herself willingly putting herself in a place that reminds her of loosing her dad.
Hadley is a professional bull rider hoping to make it onto a team this rodeo season. This man wears the weight of the world on his shoulders due to being the primary provider for his mum and younger sisters. Whilst rodeo is a way for him to earn extra money, keeping his mums family ranch is his main priority even if it means putting himself in danger and quite literally risking his life. Hadley is the greenest of green flags even though he can be a little broody at times.
The attraction between these two is very heated however they get off on the wrong foot. From here they form an unconventional friendship as road trip buddies and eventually that turns into more. Hadley shows Maggie the kind, caring and loyal side of himself whilst also allowing her the opportunity to always have a safe place to land.
The side characters in this story were also quite memorable so I’m excited to see what comes next!
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this as an early copy! I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 🌶🌶
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜
🧲 Forced proximity
🥰 Friends to lovers
💪🏻 Protective MMC
🧠 PTSD rep
💙 He falls first and hard
📷 PBR Photgrapher FMC x bull rider MMC
𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢
Maggie Gallagher is in need of a new photojournalism gig after experiencing something traumatic on her last assignment, She ends up on the PBR circuit—the last place she ever wanted to be. And she also ends up befriending the last kind of guy she should: a bullrider. Hadley Jones is back in the bull riding game after a devastating injury on his last ride. His family is on the brink of losing their ranch and Hadley is willing to put it all on the line To save it. As Maggie helps get Hadley signed with a team, their relationship builds from dislike, to friends, to something more. But Maggie’s already lost her dad to bull riding, so now she needs to figure out if she’s willing to put her heart on the line again.
𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜
This was such a heartwarming read that came at a time when I really needed one. Alexandra Banks knocked it out of the park with Cowboy Up.
I loved everything from the setting, the characters, and the emotions. The FMC Maggie was so sweet. I loved her sunny demeanor that she used to hide the pain she’s experienced from losing her father to bull riding and the trauma she experienced while on assignment.
And the MMC Hadley 😍 I thought I loved Mackinay Rawlins from Saving Grace but Hadley MIGHT have taken first place in my Alexandra Banks MMC list. Hadley loves so hard. Despite being seriously injured while bull riding, he is willing to do it all again to save his family’s farm. The way he cares so deeply for his family, and at the expense of his health and wellbeing, is so admirable. But getting to see him fall hard for Maggie and want something for himself.. it was beautiful.
I loved the relationship arc between Hadley and Maggie. It started from dislike/annoyance to friends to lovers and it was done well in my opinion. And even though Maggie struggles with her fear of losing another man she loved to bull riding, Hadley doesn’t hold it against her.
This is the perfect story to read if you want a heartwarming, slow burn romance that is full of emotion, healing, and growth.
A huge thank you to Alexandra Banks for giving me the pleasure of reading this ARC!
𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 🌶🌶
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜
🧲 Forced proximity
🥰 Friends to lovers
💪🏻 Protective MMC
🧠 PTSD rep
💙 He falls first and hard
📷 PBR Photgrapher FMC x bull rider MMC
𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢
Maggie Gallagher is in need of a new photojournalism gig after experiencing something traumatic on her last assignment, She ends up on the PBR circuit—the last place she ever wanted to be. And she also ends up befriending the last kind of guy she should: a bullrider. Hadley Jones is back in the bull riding game after a devastating injury on his last ride. His family is on the brink of losing their ranch and Hadley is willing to put it all on the line To save it. As Maggie helps get Hadley signed with a team, their relationship builds from dislike, to friends, to something more. But Maggie’s already lost her dad to bull riding, so now she needs to figure out if she’s willing to put her heart on the line again.
𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜
This was such a heartwarming read that came at a time when I really needed one. Alexandra Banks knocked it out of the park with Cowboy Up.
I loved everything from the setting, the characters, and the emotions. The FMC Maggie was so sweet. I loved her sunny demeanor that she used to hide the pain she’s experienced from losing her father to bull riding and the trauma she experienced while on assignment.
And the MMC Hadley 😍 I thought I loved Mackinay Rawlins from Saving Grace but Hadley MIGHT have taken first place in my Alexandra Banks MMC list. Hadley loves so hard. Despite being seriously injured while bull riding, he is willing to do it all again to save his family’s farm. The way he cares so deeply for his family, and at the expense of his health and wellbeing, is so admirable. But getting to see him fall hard for Maggie and want something for himself.. it was beautiful.
I loved the relationship arc between Hadley and Maggie. It started from dislike/annoyance to friends to lovers and it was done well in my opinion. And even though Maggie struggles with her fear of losing another man she loved to bull riding, Hadley doesn’t hold it against her.
This is the perfect story to read if you want a heartwarming, slow burn romance that is full of emotion, healing, and growth.
A huge thank you to Alexandra Banks for giving me the pleasure of reading this ARC!
January 26, 2026
Okay now this is the kinda book I was needing in my life.
Hadley Jones is EVERYTHING. He had to grow up too fast and took on the responsibility of help raising his younger siblings when his dad walked out on them, look after his mum and all while maintaining the ranch. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders and although some may have crumbled under that weight, Hadley did not. He fought with everything to survive and make sure his family did too.
Maggie is trying to make a difference in the world with one photograph at a time. She throws her heart and soul into her photojournalism, so much so it’s nearly cost her life. After a traumatic experience, she’s slowly finding her way out of the pit of grief and unknowingly facing some of her fears.
I really enjoyed this story. I like the characters and their chemistry, their push and pull, the tension and the side characters.
Maggie and Hadley’s journey isn’t quick and it isn’t simple but the best things in life never are. What starts out rocky turns into a budding friendship the slowly crosses the like and into deep love territory. I was here for all of it. I was so cheering them on from the stands 🤣
Alex did a fantastic job with this book. It’s well written, it flows and leaves the reader wanting more. I was completely engaged and didn’t want to put it down. I cannot wait for the next one.
Thank you to Alex for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review.
‘Happiness is a well-fed woman in the company of a man who looks at her the way Hadley Jones looks at me.’ - Maggie.
Hadley Jones is EVERYTHING. He had to grow up too fast and took on the responsibility of help raising his younger siblings when his dad walked out on them, look after his mum and all while maintaining the ranch. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders and although some may have crumbled under that weight, Hadley did not. He fought with everything to survive and make sure his family did too.
Maggie is trying to make a difference in the world with one photograph at a time. She throws her heart and soul into her photojournalism, so much so it’s nearly cost her life. After a traumatic experience, she’s slowly finding her way out of the pit of grief and unknowingly facing some of her fears.
I really enjoyed this story. I like the characters and their chemistry, their push and pull, the tension and the side characters.
Maggie and Hadley’s journey isn’t quick and it isn’t simple but the best things in life never are. What starts out rocky turns into a budding friendship the slowly crosses the like and into deep love territory. I was here for all of it. I was so cheering them on from the stands 🤣
Alex did a fantastic job with this book. It’s well written, it flows and leaves the reader wanting more. I was completely engaged and didn’t want to put it down. I cannot wait for the next one.
Thank you to Alex for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review.
‘Happiness is a well-fed woman in the company of a man who looks at her the way Hadley Jones looks at me.’ - Maggie.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
What a book!!
I finished reading Cowboy Up by Alexandra Banks and I can honestly say it's the absolute epitome of cowboy romances!
From the very first page, Cowboy Up pulled me straight into the world of the Heartland Cowboys series. Gritty, emotional, and completely unputdownable, this story drops you right into the lives of Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher.
Hadley is battling to keep his family’s ranch afloat, pushing his already battered body to its limits. Maggie, meanwhile, is forced to face a life she swore she’d left behind after the loss of her father and the lasting scars of PTSD. Watching their worlds collide was incredibly satisfying, and their chemistry leapt off the page—I couldn’t get enough of them together.
The bull-riding atmosphere brings a raw, high-energy intensity to the story, and the tension truly shines when a grumpy, towering bull rider ends up stuck in a VW Kombi van with his instant attraction—a talented photographer who keeps her heart guarded behind a lens. Their connection was addictive, electric, and impossible not to root for.
A fantastic start to the Heartland Cowboys series and an easy 5-star read. I’m already counting down to the next instalment.
Thank you so much Alexandra for letting me into to a world of Hadley & Maggie, I absolutely adored it.
💙Grumpy 'HOT' bull rider
📷Stunning photojournalist
💙He falls first
📷Close proximity
💙Grumpy × Sunshine
📷Strong family
💙SPICE
📷STEAM
💙Cowboy gets the girl at the end of the book = HEA
What a book!!
I finished reading Cowboy Up by Alexandra Banks and I can honestly say it's the absolute epitome of cowboy romances!
From the very first page, Cowboy Up pulled me straight into the world of the Heartland Cowboys series. Gritty, emotional, and completely unputdownable, this story drops you right into the lives of Hadley Jones and Maggie Gallagher.
Hadley is battling to keep his family’s ranch afloat, pushing his already battered body to its limits. Maggie, meanwhile, is forced to face a life she swore she’d left behind after the loss of her father and the lasting scars of PTSD. Watching their worlds collide was incredibly satisfying, and their chemistry leapt off the page—I couldn’t get enough of them together.
The bull-riding atmosphere brings a raw, high-energy intensity to the story, and the tension truly shines when a grumpy, towering bull rider ends up stuck in a VW Kombi van with his instant attraction—a talented photographer who keeps her heart guarded behind a lens. Their connection was addictive, electric, and impossible not to root for.
A fantastic start to the Heartland Cowboys series and an easy 5-star read. I’m already counting down to the next instalment.
Thank you so much Alexandra for letting me into to a world of Hadley & Maggie, I absolutely adored it.
💙Grumpy 'HOT' bull rider
📷Stunning photojournalist
💙He falls first
📷Close proximity
💙Grumpy × Sunshine
📷Strong family
💙SPICE
📷STEAM
💙Cowboy gets the girl at the end of the book = HEA
January 29, 2026
I’ve determined that Alexandra Banks is a must read author for me. I first fell in love with her writing when I read the Rosewood Ranch series. That series gives all the cowboy vibes and then some. So of course when I saw she was releasing a new cowboy romance, i immediately signed up and WOW am I glad I did.
What happens when your only rule is to never fall in love for a bull rider? Naturally you fight it at every turn until you just can’t fight anymore.
Hadley Jones… the man that you are. If you are looking for a new book boyfriend, look no further! This man takes care of everyone in his life and literally puts his life at risk, so that his family can survive on their ranch. When he finds the only person who makes him feel a smidge of happiness, he clings to her. His sunshine.
Maggie is this amazing strong, independent woman who is convinced she needs to change the world and make a difference. She just doesn’t realize how. She has been burned by bull riders before and is determined to make that mistake again. But how she resist the charms of Hadley?!?
I absolutely devoured this book. I loved every second. The story line and friendship that these two built was beautiful. The slow burn and tension was *chef’s kiss*.
Do yourself and add this book to your TBR and check out the Rosewood Ranch series to hold you over til book two in this series comes out.
Thank you Alexandra Banks for the advanced copy and making me sob uncontrollably before putting my heart back together.
What happens when your only rule is to never fall in love for a bull rider? Naturally you fight it at every turn until you just can’t fight anymore.
Hadley Jones… the man that you are. If you are looking for a new book boyfriend, look no further! This man takes care of everyone in his life and literally puts his life at risk, so that his family can survive on their ranch. When he finds the only person who makes him feel a smidge of happiness, he clings to her. His sunshine.
Maggie is this amazing strong, independent woman who is convinced she needs to change the world and make a difference. She just doesn’t realize how. She has been burned by bull riders before and is determined to make that mistake again. But how she resist the charms of Hadley?!?
I absolutely devoured this book. I loved every second. The story line and friendship that these two built was beautiful. The slow burn and tension was *chef’s kiss*.
Do yourself and add this book to your TBR and check out the Rosewood Ranch series to hold you over til book two in this series comes out.
Thank you Alexandra Banks for the advanced copy and making me sob uncontrollably before putting my heart back together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book absolutely swallowed me whole. From the moment Hadley stepped onto the page, I knew I was done for. He’s the classic “he falls first” type, quietly obsessed, fiercely loyal, and carrying so much weight on his shoulders that you can feel it bleeding through the pages.
You can’t help but root for him, not just in the arena but in every part of his messy, hard‑fought life. And then Maggie walks in, with all her walls and all her reasons for staying as far away from the rodeo world as humanly possible, and suddenly the whole story crackles in a totally different way.
The pull between them is just… undeniable. It has that slow, magnetic tension that keeps you leaning in, page after page, waiting for the next spark.
The world-building is phenomena, not in a fantasy way, but in that “I swear I could smell the dust and hear the crowd” kind of way. The rodeo circuit isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s alive, gritty, loud, and almost a character in its own right. It feels lived‑in and real, like you’re right there with them instead of just reading about it.
The chemistry between these two is ridiculous. Every interaction has this simmering tension beneath it, and watching them push and pull is ridiculously satisfying. By the time they finally let their guard down, you’re fully invested. Completely gone.
When I finished the book, I had that stunned, slightly lost feeling where you just stare at the wall like, “Well… what now?” Legitimate book hangover territory. The kind where no other book looks tempting because your brain’s still stuck in this world, with these characters, replaying your favourite scenes on a loop. Honestly, I’m still not over it.
You can’t help but root for him, not just in the arena but in every part of his messy, hard‑fought life. And then Maggie walks in, with all her walls and all her reasons for staying as far away from the rodeo world as humanly possible, and suddenly the whole story crackles in a totally different way.
The pull between them is just… undeniable. It has that slow, magnetic tension that keeps you leaning in, page after page, waiting for the next spark.
The world-building is phenomena, not in a fantasy way, but in that “I swear I could smell the dust and hear the crowd” kind of way. The rodeo circuit isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s alive, gritty, loud, and almost a character in its own right. It feels lived‑in and real, like you’re right there with them instead of just reading about it.
The chemistry between these two is ridiculous. Every interaction has this simmering tension beneath it, and watching them push and pull is ridiculously satisfying. By the time they finally let their guard down, you’re fully invested. Completely gone.
When I finished the book, I had that stunned, slightly lost feeling where you just stare at the wall like, “Well… what now?” Legitimate book hangover territory. The kind where no other book looks tempting because your brain’s still stuck in this world, with these characters, replaying your favourite scenes on a loop. Honestly, I’m still not over it.
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