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Break the Chute
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2026
20 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie K. Steck
11 books144 followersStefanie K. Steck is a self-published author of swoony contemporary romance novels. In her books, you can find all the emotions you need always with a happily ever after.
Stefanie lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband Spencer, three kids, two dogs (whom she loves almost more than writing), and a newly adopted cat. She works as a full-time dental assistant, which she rather enjoys. When she’s not assisting with a root canal or cleaning her house; you can find her writing her new novels or cuddling with her dogs and kids. She enjoys reading, is an avid Pokémon GO player, and loves all the Marvel movies (Iron Man and Spiderman are her favorites, and she will never leave out Loki).
Stefanie lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband Spencer, three kids, two dogs (whom she loves almost more than writing), and a newly adopted cat. She works as a full-time dental assistant, which she rather enjoys. When she’s not assisting with a root canal or cleaning her house; you can find her writing her new novels or cuddling with her dogs and kids. She enjoys reading, is an avid Pokémon GO player, and loves all the Marvel movies (Iron Man and Spiderman are her favorites, and she will never leave out Loki).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ love me a sweet, deeply committed and strong, patient MMC that brings out the best in his FMC so she lives her BEST LIFE
🌶️reminiscent of sweet 16 year long yearning
Pub Day: April 13th, 2026
THANK YOU so much Stefanie K. Steck for the gorgeous gifted ARC. I devoured it entirely within a day.
This story was so unexpectedly lovely. I appreciate Stefanie's research that went in to making this as detailed and reflective of the sport of rodeoing as possible.
I go in as blind as possible to books. This book captured my attention from the STUNNING cover, and it retained my interested as soon as I started reading it. I could not put it down.
The opening set up Emersyn as a strong and multifaceted FMC who has beauty and brains. When Oakes comes (back) into her orbit, I was elated by the way it played out for the reader.
Let's talk about Oakes Ashford next. This man has been in love with her since he was fifteen. Fifteen. The kind of devotion that did not fade or miss a beat. He remembered her from that rodeo sixteen years ago and he quietly, fiercely carried that torch ever since. Oakes fell first and HARD, and the book let you feel every ounce of that slow burn longing.
If you love:
1. long game and slow burn romances
2. MMCs who fall first and forever
3. deep rodeo knowledge that's leveled off with beautiful banter and that is a strong basis for the love that grows between an FMC and MMC
4. second chances that feel completely EARNED Y'ALL
I won't forget this read anytime soon.
Blurb
Emersyn
This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.
With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.
Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.
Oakes
It’s her.
After all this time…it’s her.
But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.
But it’s her.
I’m here because of her.
The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.
🌶️reminiscent of sweet 16 year long yearning
Pub Day: April 13th, 2026
THANK YOU so much Stefanie K. Steck for the gorgeous gifted ARC. I devoured it entirely within a day.
This story was so unexpectedly lovely. I appreciate Stefanie's research that went in to making this as detailed and reflective of the sport of rodeoing as possible.
I go in as blind as possible to books. This book captured my attention from the STUNNING cover, and it retained my interested as soon as I started reading it. I could not put it down.
The opening set up Emersyn as a strong and multifaceted FMC who has beauty and brains. When Oakes comes (back) into her orbit, I was elated by the way it played out for the reader.
Let's talk about Oakes Ashford next. This man has been in love with her since he was fifteen. Fifteen. The kind of devotion that did not fade or miss a beat. He remembered her from that rodeo sixteen years ago and he quietly, fiercely carried that torch ever since. Oakes fell first and HARD, and the book let you feel every ounce of that slow burn longing.
If you love:
1. long game and slow burn romances
2. MMCs who fall first and forever
3. deep rodeo knowledge that's leveled off with beautiful banter and that is a strong basis for the love that grows between an FMC and MMC
4. second chances that feel completely EARNED Y'ALL
I won't forget this read anytime soon.
Blurb
Emersyn
This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.
With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.
Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.
Oakes
It’s her.
After all this time…it’s her.
But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.
But it’s her.
I’m here because of her.
The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.
March 29, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Somehow, I'm already wishing I could go back in time and read this for the first time all over again.
To say I loved this is an understatement. Straight from the opening pages, I felt completely immersed in this story and in Oakes and Emersyn's lives and minds. You can really tell how much time and attention Stefanie K. Steck put into this book. It felt like a love letter to bull riders and to rodeo queens and to rodeo culture in general. As a reader, you're not just sitting down to follow a love story between two characters, but to understand how much they both love the world they're in and the parts they play in it.
I loved Emersyn's chapters especially and getting to see each rodeo through her eyes. I've always loved romance books and getting to explore how one character falls for another and how their relationship develops over the course of the story, but I was especially interested in getting to see Emersyn fall back in love with herself and the world she left behind. It was really special getting to see her confidence in her abilities grow as the chapters went on.
There's no super fast paced plot here, but I found myself really enjoying that aspect of it. As a reader, I got more opportunities to see who Oakes and Emersyn were through their day to day lives and their time spent together instead of only seeing how they were reacting to everything happening around them. That slow pace added an extra something special to the book, making it something I'm looking forward to revisiting and rereading at some point.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC of this book!
Somehow, I'm already wishing I could go back in time and read this for the first time all over again.
To say I loved this is an understatement. Straight from the opening pages, I felt completely immersed in this story and in Oakes and Emersyn's lives and minds. You can really tell how much time and attention Stefanie K. Steck put into this book. It felt like a love letter to bull riders and to rodeo queens and to rodeo culture in general. As a reader, you're not just sitting down to follow a love story between two characters, but to understand how much they both love the world they're in and the parts they play in it.
I loved Emersyn's chapters especially and getting to see each rodeo through her eyes. I've always loved romance books and getting to explore how one character falls for another and how their relationship develops over the course of the story, but I was especially interested in getting to see Emersyn fall back in love with herself and the world she left behind. It was really special getting to see her confidence in her abilities grow as the chapters went on.
There's no super fast paced plot here, but I found myself really enjoying that aspect of it. As a reader, I got more opportunities to see who Oakes and Emersyn were through their day to day lives and their time spent together instead of only seeing how they were reacting to everything happening around them. That slow pace added an extra something special to the book, making it something I'm looking forward to revisiting and rereading at some point.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC of this book!
March 26, 2026
I went into this hoping for a good cowboy romance and ended up fully invested in Emersyn and Oakes.
Emersyn is trying to prove herself at work and finally get the promotion she deserves, so she agrees to spend the summer covering a rodeo star. What she doesn’t expect is that the man she’s been assigned to… already knows her.
Oakes recognizes her immediately. Emersyn doesn’t recognize him at all.
And that reveal? The history between them? It slowly unfolds the more time they spend together, and I was locked in watching it all come together.
I genuinely enjoyed every second of this book. It’s such a fabulous cowboy romance.
The tension and slow burn were done so well. You can feel the connection building the entire time, especially knowing there’s more beneath the surface. It made everything feel a little more emotional, a little more meaningful.
Oakes was such a standout for me. There’s a lot he carries quietly, and the way his past shapes who he is…and how he loves…just made me fall for him even more. And I loved watching Emersyn grow into herself and start choosing what she actually wants, even when it costs her something big.
Their relationship felt easy to root for from the start.
And without giving too much away… there’s definitely some tension toward the end that had me STRESSED for a minute. But the payoff? Worth it.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. The characters, the romance, the emotion…it all pulled me in and kept me there.
If you love:
🤎 slow burn
🤎 hidden identity / past connection
🤎 “it’s always been you”
🤎 cowboy/rodeo romance vibes
🤎 forced proximity
you’ll eat this up.
*Thank you so much Victory Editing co-op, NetGalley, and Stefanie K Steck for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!*
Emersyn is trying to prove herself at work and finally get the promotion she deserves, so she agrees to spend the summer covering a rodeo star. What she doesn’t expect is that the man she’s been assigned to… already knows her.
Oakes recognizes her immediately. Emersyn doesn’t recognize him at all.
And that reveal? The history between them? It slowly unfolds the more time they spend together, and I was locked in watching it all come together.
I genuinely enjoyed every second of this book. It’s such a fabulous cowboy romance.
The tension and slow burn were done so well. You can feel the connection building the entire time, especially knowing there’s more beneath the surface. It made everything feel a little more emotional, a little more meaningful.
Oakes was such a standout for me. There’s a lot he carries quietly, and the way his past shapes who he is…and how he loves…just made me fall for him even more. And I loved watching Emersyn grow into herself and start choosing what she actually wants, even when it costs her something big.
Their relationship felt easy to root for from the start.
And without giving too much away… there’s definitely some tension toward the end that had me STRESSED for a minute. But the payoff? Worth it.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. The characters, the romance, the emotion…it all pulled me in and kept me there.
If you love:
🤎 slow burn
🤎 hidden identity / past connection
🤎 “it’s always been you”
🤎 cowboy/rodeo romance vibes
🤎 forced proximity
you’ll eat this up.
*Thank you so much Victory Editing co-op, NetGalley, and Stefanie K Steck for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!*
April 19, 2026
Book Review
Break The Chute
A Novel Written By Stefanie K. Steck
Fiction - Romance
Published April 2026
409 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cowboy romance set in the rodeo circuit. It is a slow burn romance which made this a page turner for me. The flirting, the heat, and the anticipation between the two main characters made it hard for me to put this book down. I couldn’t wait for Emersyn and Oakes to get together!
Emersyn Flynn is a digital editor for a rodeo magazine. She is a photographer and journalist. She has a background in the rodeo circuit. She is given the assignment to shadow a bull rider for the summer. She is hoping the article she writes about this bull rider will land her a journalism position at the magazine.
Oakes Ashford is the bull rider Emersyn will be shadowing. He is a champion bull rider and very protective of his private life. He agrees to this arrangement once he realizes Emersyn is the person shadowing him. The two met 16 years ago. He has been in love with her since their first meeting. She doesn’t remember him.
Come for the romance, and you will learn about life in the rodeo.
“I may regret saying this later, but out of all the people that call me Emmy …. I honestly love it when you call me that.”
Break The Chute
A Novel Written By Stefanie K. Steck
Fiction - Romance
Published April 2026
409 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cowboy romance set in the rodeo circuit. It is a slow burn romance which made this a page turner for me. The flirting, the heat, and the anticipation between the two main characters made it hard for me to put this book down. I couldn’t wait for Emersyn and Oakes to get together!
Emersyn Flynn is a digital editor for a rodeo magazine. She is a photographer and journalist. She has a background in the rodeo circuit. She is given the assignment to shadow a bull rider for the summer. She is hoping the article she writes about this bull rider will land her a journalism position at the magazine.
Oakes Ashford is the bull rider Emersyn will be shadowing. He is a champion bull rider and very protective of his private life. He agrees to this arrangement once he realizes Emersyn is the person shadowing him. The two met 16 years ago. He has been in love with her since their first meeting. She doesn’t remember him.
Come for the romance, and you will learn about life in the rodeo.
“I may regret saying this later, but out of all the people that call me Emmy …. I honestly love it when you call me that.”
April 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked from the very first page of Break the Chute by Stefanie K. Steck. This cowboy romance had me completely invested from start to finish, and I honestly didn’t want it to end.
If you love a good second chance romance, this one absolutely delivers. The connection between Emersyn and Oakes was everything raw, emotional, and so beautifully written. Their history, the tension, the way their story unfolded…I felt all of it.
There’s just something about a cowboy romance that hits differently, and this one nailed it. Heart, depth, and characters you can’t help but root for this book had it all for me.
Stefanie K. Steck created something really special here, and I loved every second of it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked from the very first page of Break the Chute by Stefanie K. Steck. This cowboy romance had me completely invested from start to finish, and I honestly didn’t want it to end.
If you love a good second chance romance, this one absolutely delivers. The connection between Emersyn and Oakes was everything raw, emotional, and so beautifully written. Their history, the tension, the way their story unfolded…I felt all of it.
There’s just something about a cowboy romance that hits differently, and this one nailed it. Heart, depth, and characters you can’t help but root for this book had it all for me.
Stefanie K. Steck created something really special here, and I loved every second of it!!
April 22, 2026
ARC Review! 4.5⭐️
Break the Chute gave me all the feels and emotions! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Oakes has spent years living a private life to keep his past buried. But when a magazine wants a feature on his world, his privacy is suddenly at risk. He’s set on saying no—until he realizes the journalist assigned to the story is the same girl he fell in love with sixteen years ago. The catch? She has no idea who he is.
All Emersyn wants is a way back into the rodeo world. When she’s tasked with following the secretive and grumpy Oakes Ashford for the summer, she decides to take the bull by the horns to get her scoop. But as the summer heats up, she finds herself falling for Oakes in a way that she never expected. She must decide if she willing to risk her promotion for a hot and steamy romance with the very attractive bull rider.
The chemistry between Oakes and Emersyn was so undeniable and had me hooked from the very beginning. This story captures so much emotion, tension, romance, and spice that it will have you wanting to read it in one sitting! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Stefanie for the ARC!
Break the Chute gave me all the feels and emotions! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Oakes has spent years living a private life to keep his past buried. But when a magazine wants a feature on his world, his privacy is suddenly at risk. He’s set on saying no—until he realizes the journalist assigned to the story is the same girl he fell in love with sixteen years ago. The catch? She has no idea who he is.
All Emersyn wants is a way back into the rodeo world. When she’s tasked with following the secretive and grumpy Oakes Ashford for the summer, she decides to take the bull by the horns to get her scoop. But as the summer heats up, she finds herself falling for Oakes in a way that she never expected. She must decide if she willing to risk her promotion for a hot and steamy romance with the very attractive bull rider.
The chemistry between Oakes and Emersyn was so undeniable and had me hooked from the very beginning. This story captures so much emotion, tension, romance, and spice that it will have you wanting to read it in one sitting! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Stefanie for the ARC!
April 15, 2026
*ARC Review* I really enjoyed the story between Oakes and Emersyn. It was fun to read about their travels and see them connect over a shared passion. Luca adds in a good flare as a side character as well. This story has a good blend of adventure, serious, and lightheartedness.
Definitely recommend for those who are look for a good rodeo romance.
Definitely recommend for those who are look for a good rodeo romance.
April 27, 2026
Loved this book!!! This is only my second cowboy romance book I’ve read- but I think I’ve found a new sub genre I’m obsessed with!!
Loved the storytelling & character development of both Emersyn & Oakes!
Add to your TBR!
Loved the storytelling & character development of both Emersyn & Oakes!
Add to your TBR!
March 27, 2026
Obsessed. Oakes is officially my new favorite MMC from this world.
March 30, 2026
I'm going to preface this review by saying I'm not very technical and my reviews are very much vibes based. If you're looking for a more blurb style recap or list of tropes, this is not the review for you.
Stefanie put me in my cowboy romance era last year with the Hartwell Hills series and she’s captured me right in to her world yet again; I'm incredibly grateful to have received an arc of Break The Chute. While I've read my fair share of cowboy romances, this story hit different for me in the best possible way. The hidden identity and half a life time of longing were *chef's kiss*. Emmy was such a real and relatable character for me. I have had a passion for photography and writing since I was about 14 years old, so to get to read an FMC who was also passionate about both of those things really allowed me to channel those parts of me and step into this book.
Boy oh boy does Stefanie know how to write a swoony cowboy; from the rough/grumpy exterior to the he'll do anything for her, Oakes has landed in my top 5 cowboys. As a lover of both rodeos and road trips, being able to immerse myself in this book was such a treat. Getting to visit just a little snippet of Hartwell Hills again had me smiling all the way to my freaking ears.
If you're a fan of cowboy romances, grumpy bull riders who have a soft side for their favorite gal and their family, rodeos, road trips and some open door spice..do yourself a favor a pre-order this book immediately.
Stefanie put me in my cowboy romance era last year with the Hartwell Hills series and she’s captured me right in to her world yet again; I'm incredibly grateful to have received an arc of Break The Chute. While I've read my fair share of cowboy romances, this story hit different for me in the best possible way. The hidden identity and half a life time of longing were *chef's kiss*. Emmy was such a real and relatable character for me. I have had a passion for photography and writing since I was about 14 years old, so to get to read an FMC who was also passionate about both of those things really allowed me to channel those parts of me and step into this book.
Boy oh boy does Stefanie know how to write a swoony cowboy; from the rough/grumpy exterior to the he'll do anything for her, Oakes has landed in my top 5 cowboys. As a lover of both rodeos and road trips, being able to immerse myself in this book was such a treat. Getting to visit just a little snippet of Hartwell Hills again had me smiling all the way to my freaking ears.
If you're a fan of cowboy romances, grumpy bull riders who have a soft side for their favorite gal and their family, rodeos, road trips and some open door spice..do yourself a favor a pre-order this book immediately.
May 2, 2026
ARC review 4.5⭐️
I will gladly read anything Stefanie writes at this point. She is so good at writing the best chemistry and slow burn, and getting little peeks back into the world of Hartwell Hills made me giddy! Oakes and Emerson have the best banter and getting a little glimpse behind the scenes of the rodeo world was so fun.
I will say, the third act breakup and conflict seemed to not fit the character of the characters, if that makes sense. It was something that could have been handled so much better if they had just freaking COMMUNICATED instead of jumping to assumptions and thinking the worst of each other. Their reunion seemed so fast and again, like there should have been more communication, and probably some good accountability, before they just jumped back together like nothing had happened. But other than that, I absolutely loved the story and can't wait for the next great read from Stefanie!
Thank you to Stefanie K. Steck, NetGalley for the advanced copy of Break the Chute. All opinions are my own.
I will gladly read anything Stefanie writes at this point. She is so good at writing the best chemistry and slow burn, and getting little peeks back into the world of Hartwell Hills made me giddy! Oakes and Emerson have the best banter and getting a little glimpse behind the scenes of the rodeo world was so fun.
I will say, the third act breakup and conflict seemed to not fit the character of the characters, if that makes sense. It was something that could have been handled so much better if they had just freaking COMMUNICATED instead of jumping to assumptions and thinking the worst of each other. Their reunion seemed so fast and again, like there should have been more communication, and probably some good accountability, before they just jumped back together like nothing had happened. But other than that, I absolutely loved the story and can't wait for the next great read from Stefanie!
Thank you to Stefanie K. Steck, NetGalley for the advanced copy of Break the Chute. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK, I wanna start up by saying I am so grateful to author Stefanie K. Steck for the beautiful and amazing opportunity to be a part of her ARC team! This book, I cannot praise this book enough!! I tend to struggle in liking both the MMC and the FMC when reading romance books and when I tell you, I adore both of these characters so much! I absolutely loved Emersyn and I love the way that she is portrayed throughout the story! Oaks, is so damn sexy to me. I love this man. I love the way this man is. 😂🙈
Here’s my review: This story follows Emersyn Flynn and Oakes Ashford.
Emersyn is fighting in an opportunity to prove herself. She’s more than a pretty face and a previous pageant competitor. She is smart, kind, ambitious, and will not let anything stop her to get from where she wants to be. Becoming the photographer for Rodeo Magazine is her dream, and now she has to step up and prove how much she’s willing to do for what she wants.
She’s assigned the task of following the famous and grumpy bull rider; Oaks Ashford. Simple, right? If only said bull rider actually ever did interviews. She convinced he’s just a workaholic, and nothing more than all the rest, until she begins to see him as something more than a client.
Oaks; the legendary bull rider who holds a record for the most wins. Nothing phases this man, he goes into the Chute, rides the bull, gets back on the road and goes home. Nothing more than “just work” collecting a paycheck is all. Well, until he sees HER.
He sees her again, and now he can’t keep his head on straight. Oaks the most privet person on the team, the one no reporter has ever been able to interview. The one whose name you google and only find his stats for the past rodeos. Has kept his past in the past, for a reason. Now he’s got a reporter shadowing him all summer. But this girl can jeopardize it all, well if only she remembered him…
I can not stop thinking about this book AT ALL!! Not only did @authorstefanieksteck make me fall in love with BOTH THE FMC AND MMC! But, now you have me watching PBR and following up with the NFR AND PRCA! I’m so madly in love with this story and I hope you love it as much as I do too! Happy reading and thank you so so much again to @authorstefanieksteck for the amazing opportunity to be a part of her ARC team! 🩷 this story will stay with me always 🫶🏼🙏🏼 this beautiful story will be available April 13th, so mark your calendars!!
Here’s my review: This story follows Emersyn Flynn and Oakes Ashford.
Emersyn is fighting in an opportunity to prove herself. She’s more than a pretty face and a previous pageant competitor. She is smart, kind, ambitious, and will not let anything stop her to get from where she wants to be. Becoming the photographer for Rodeo Magazine is her dream, and now she has to step up and prove how much she’s willing to do for what she wants.
She’s assigned the task of following the famous and grumpy bull rider; Oaks Ashford. Simple, right? If only said bull rider actually ever did interviews. She convinced he’s just a workaholic, and nothing more than all the rest, until she begins to see him as something more than a client.
Oaks; the legendary bull rider who holds a record for the most wins. Nothing phases this man, he goes into the Chute, rides the bull, gets back on the road and goes home. Nothing more than “just work” collecting a paycheck is all. Well, until he sees HER.
He sees her again, and now he can’t keep his head on straight. Oaks the most privet person on the team, the one no reporter has ever been able to interview. The one whose name you google and only find his stats for the past rodeos. Has kept his past in the past, for a reason. Now he’s got a reporter shadowing him all summer. But this girl can jeopardize it all, well if only she remembered him…
I can not stop thinking about this book AT ALL!! Not only did @authorstefanieksteck make me fall in love with BOTH THE FMC AND MMC! But, now you have me watching PBR and following up with the NFR AND PRCA! I’m so madly in love with this story and I hope you love it as much as I do too! Happy reading and thank you so so much again to @authorstefanieksteck for the amazing opportunity to be a part of her ARC team! 🩷 this story will stay with me always 🫶🏼🙏🏼 this beautiful story will be available April 13th, so mark your calendars!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of those books I could happily read again and again. It was well paced and made you feel happy with all the warm fuzzies. I swear you could feel every bit of Stefanie's pride and joy she had writing this book. If you didn't already love cowboy romances and the concept of the rodeo world, then this book would 100% convert you. You could feel that she must be so passionate about the world of rodeo through the way she wrote about it. It was more than just the love story of Oakes & Emmy, it was a love story for the world of rodeo too.
The connection these two had right from the get go was insane. From that hidden connection, to the way they both made such an impact on each others lives. They were the type of couple that were bound to end up together. It was so fun being able to see their connection grow but also seeing how much they loved the sport and being able to share that together.
Excuse me while I scream to the rooftop "WHERE DO I FIND A MAN LIKE THIS?". If you were going to look up in a dictionary a man that is down bad for his woman, well you would 100% have Oakes picture there. This man really said this woman is the love of my life from their first interaction, kept loving her for the 16 years they were a part and then really went above and beyond once they found each other again. He was obsessed with her in all the best ways. I love that he was her biggest cheerleader and wanted her by his side, always. On the outside he was your typical grumpy bull rider, but for her he was the sweetest man.
Emersyn is one of those characters you can't help but love. She is strong, fierce, sassy and absolutely dominates at anything she does. She has strong morals and stands up for what she believes in. She also holds this natural leadership quality and has a way of making all her words so impactful. I loved seeing her come back into herself and find what it was she loves throughout her rodeo tour with Oakes. She found her spark in life and was able to finally pursue that in a way she wanted to.
I loved the way this whole book just flowed so nicely. You got to experience the full journey they went on together and although it was a slow burn at times, the way she added the flirty banter and them just having the best time together really added to the story. Overall this was just a really fun, enjoyable read. For me it was a 4.5 ⭐️ read.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an e-arc to read and review!
The connection these two had right from the get go was insane. From that hidden connection, to the way they both made such an impact on each others lives. They were the type of couple that were bound to end up together. It was so fun being able to see their connection grow but also seeing how much they loved the sport and being able to share that together.
Excuse me while I scream to the rooftop "WHERE DO I FIND A MAN LIKE THIS?". If you were going to look up in a dictionary a man that is down bad for his woman, well you would 100% have Oakes picture there. This man really said this woman is the love of my life from their first interaction, kept loving her for the 16 years they were a part and then really went above and beyond once they found each other again. He was obsessed with her in all the best ways. I love that he was her biggest cheerleader and wanted her by his side, always. On the outside he was your typical grumpy bull rider, but for her he was the sweetest man.
Emersyn is one of those characters you can't help but love. She is strong, fierce, sassy and absolutely dominates at anything she does. She has strong morals and stands up for what she believes in. She also holds this natural leadership quality and has a way of making all her words so impactful. I loved seeing her come back into herself and find what it was she loves throughout her rodeo tour with Oakes. She found her spark in life and was able to finally pursue that in a way she wanted to.
I loved the way this whole book just flowed so nicely. You got to experience the full journey they went on together and although it was a slow burn at times, the way she added the flirty banter and them just having the best time together really added to the story. Overall this was just a really fun, enjoyable read. For me it was a 4.5 ⭐️ read.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an e-arc to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s no surprise I once again devoured one of Stefanie’s books. She has such a talent for writing emotionally rich characters who feel grounded in real-life messiness.
Emersyn is tasked with writing a feature on the elusive bull rider everyone wants to know more about—Oakes Ashford, a man who keeps his personal life locked down tight. Her assignment? Spend the summer shadowing him on the rodeo circuit, gathering micro-interviews and capturing photos. What she doesn’t realize is that he already knows exactly who she is…she just doesn’t remember him.
The chemistry? So good. The slow burn? Absolutely worth it. This story takes its time, intentionally pacing the relationship to slowly unravel the history between them—and wow, does it pay off. It gives you the space to fully invest in who they are, both individually and together, as they grow closer and more vulnerable with each other. I kept bracing for a certain kind of conflict… and was so glad it didn’t go there. The payoff for that restraint made everything hit even harder.
That said, the conflict we do get didn’t fully land for me. The miscommunication felt out of sync with who these characters had shown themselves to be. The reactions felt a little too extreme, and the resolution came together a bit too quickly to feel completely believable. It didn’t ruin the story, but it did pull me out just enough to knock a star.
Overall, though, I loved this one and could absolutely see myself rereading it. The cameos from the Hartwells and other familiar rodeo faces were such a fun touch and added an extra layer of warmth for longtime readers.
Closed-door notes: chapters 14, 25, 28, and 32.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Stefanie K. Steck for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Emersyn is tasked with writing a feature on the elusive bull rider everyone wants to know more about—Oakes Ashford, a man who keeps his personal life locked down tight. Her assignment? Spend the summer shadowing him on the rodeo circuit, gathering micro-interviews and capturing photos. What she doesn’t realize is that he already knows exactly who she is…she just doesn’t remember him.
“I knew that voice. I never thought I’d hear that voice again. That was a voice that followed me everywhere I went. That was the voice I heard ring through my head every time I mounted the bull: Don’t let one ride define your future. It was the voice of the woman I would never, ever forget, and I knew the moment I looked into her eyes, I’d be a goner.”
The chemistry? So good. The slow burn? Absolutely worth it. This story takes its time, intentionally pacing the relationship to slowly unravel the history between them—and wow, does it pay off. It gives you the space to fully invest in who they are, both individually and together, as they grow closer and more vulnerable with each other. I kept bracing for a certain kind of conflict… and was so glad it didn’t go there. The payoff for that restraint made everything hit even harder.
That said, the conflict we do get didn’t fully land for me. The miscommunication felt out of sync with who these characters had shown themselves to be. The reactions felt a little too extreme, and the resolution came together a bit too quickly to feel completely believable. It didn’t ruin the story, but it did pull me out just enough to knock a star.
Overall, though, I loved this one and could absolutely see myself rereading it. The cameos from the Hartwells and other familiar rodeo faces were such a fun touch and added an extra layer of warmth for longtime readers.
Closed-door notes: chapters 14, 25, 28, and 32.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Stefanie K. Steck for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
April 14, 2026
If you like cowboy romance with actual rodeo stuff happening on page, this book is for you!
Emerson gets a chance to expand her career. Ex pageant queen who is very much missing the dirt of rodeo life is to follow the star bull rider, Oakes, on the road and write a big piece about him for upcoming issue of the magazine she works for.
He is not exactly excited about the whole idea but… it turns out she’s the girl who is the reason behind his success and a girl he’s been in love with since forever.
You get all the rodeo vibes, a road trip, and a romantic connection in the making. He knows who she is, but she has no clue as she didn’t recognize him. Also, nobody (🤫) knows who he really is…
It’s been a while since I’ve read a cowboy romance and reading Break the Chute was entertaining. It’s not my first book by Stefanie so in a way I knew what to expect and I wasn’t disappointed.
The third act felt a little bit dragged. There was no big drama and just when I stopped waiting for the other show to drop, bam, there WAS a drama element in the plot. It happened close to the end and while I was surprisingly happy about it (“finally” something happening), I rolled my eyes with the whole third act breakup situation. It could have been resolved right away, there was truly no reason for an actual breakup.
With a bit of more editing, it could have been ~30 pages shorter (cut some of the “we’re (already) happy and in love” chapters and then make the 3rd act breakup into an argument only situation) but overall it’s still 4 stars worthy and a good recommendation.
I liked the epilogue enough to forget about 3rd act breakup ;)
Oh and bonus points for a gay best friend!
Tropes:
-grumpy X sunshine
-road trip
-forced proximity
-secret (👀) “it’s always been you”
-bull rider x journalist (who is also ex pageant queen!)
-forced proximity
-with 3rd act breakup
-1st person dual narration
-mid to slow burn
-open door spice
Emerson gets a chance to expand her career. Ex pageant queen who is very much missing the dirt of rodeo life is to follow the star bull rider, Oakes, on the road and write a big piece about him for upcoming issue of the magazine she works for.
He is not exactly excited about the whole idea but… it turns out she’s the girl who is the reason behind his success and a girl he’s been in love with since forever.
You get all the rodeo vibes, a road trip, and a romantic connection in the making. He knows who she is, but she has no clue as she didn’t recognize him. Also, nobody (🤫) knows who he really is…
It’s been a while since I’ve read a cowboy romance and reading Break the Chute was entertaining. It’s not my first book by Stefanie so in a way I knew what to expect and I wasn’t disappointed.
The third act felt a little bit dragged. There was no big drama and just when I stopped waiting for the other show to drop, bam, there WAS a drama element in the plot. It happened close to the end and while I was surprisingly happy about it (“finally” something happening), I rolled my eyes with the whole third act breakup situation. It could have been resolved right away, there was truly no reason for an actual breakup.
With a bit of more editing, it could have been ~30 pages shorter (cut some of the “we’re (already) happy and in love” chapters and then make the 3rd act breakup into an argument only situation) but overall it’s still 4 stars worthy and a good recommendation.
I liked the epilogue enough to forget about 3rd act breakup ;)
Oh and bonus points for a gay best friend!
Tropes:
-grumpy X sunshine
-road trip
-forced proximity
-secret (👀) “it’s always been you”
-bull rider x journalist (who is also ex pageant queen!)
-forced proximity
-with 3rd act breakup
-1st person dual narration
-mid to slow burn
-open door spice
April 2, 2026
Oh how I loved this book! Stefanie has done it again! I’ve read a couple of her books… but I think this one takes the cake!
I loved the storyline. I loved the characters. I loved the setting(s). I loved everything about this book.
Emersyn is an editor for a magazine that talks all about Rodeos. Rodeos were her life. She grew up as a trick rider and was Miss Rodeo Wyoming. All she wants to do is report and take photos of rodeos and cowboys and cowgirls. When an opportunity to shadow a bull rider for the summer comes up and her boss selects her to be the one to shadow and write an article, she had no idea that she was going to see someone from her past again.
Oakes is the biggest name in the rodeos… professional bull rider who always brings home the checks. He isn’t thrilled about being shadowed by a writer/photographer for a magazine, especially not for the whole summer. His life is private, and he doesn’t want to change that. But when he sees who is going to be with him all summer, his attitudes changes almost instantly. It’s someone he met 16 years ago, and it’s someone who changed his life.
These two together were great! I loved that Oakes knew her and had loved her for so long, but couldn’t tell her for the longest time. I loved that Emmy didn’t force things on Oakes that he wasn’t comfortable answering for the article, but he trusted her enough to tell her anyway. They had great banter and their storyline was great. I loved the dual POV throughout and the way they found their way back to each other… with the help of their friends of course.
Break the Chute is available for preorder and comes out April 13th! Do yourself a favor and get this book!
Thank you Stefanie K. Steck and Netgalley for this ARC!
I loved the storyline. I loved the characters. I loved the setting(s). I loved everything about this book.
Emersyn is an editor for a magazine that talks all about Rodeos. Rodeos were her life. She grew up as a trick rider and was Miss Rodeo Wyoming. All she wants to do is report and take photos of rodeos and cowboys and cowgirls. When an opportunity to shadow a bull rider for the summer comes up and her boss selects her to be the one to shadow and write an article, she had no idea that she was going to see someone from her past again.
Oakes is the biggest name in the rodeos… professional bull rider who always brings home the checks. He isn’t thrilled about being shadowed by a writer/photographer for a magazine, especially not for the whole summer. His life is private, and he doesn’t want to change that. But when he sees who is going to be with him all summer, his attitudes changes almost instantly. It’s someone he met 16 years ago, and it’s someone who changed his life.
These two together were great! I loved that Oakes knew her and had loved her for so long, but couldn’t tell her for the longest time. I loved that Emmy didn’t force things on Oakes that he wasn’t comfortable answering for the article, but he trusted her enough to tell her anyway. They had great banter and their storyline was great. I loved the dual POV throughout and the way they found their way back to each other… with the help of their friends of course.
Break the Chute is available for preorder and comes out April 13th! Do yourself a favor and get this book!
Thank you Stefanie K. Steck and Netgalley for this ARC!
April 21, 2026
Wow! That was... Really great!
I loved learning more about the rodeo and bull riders as the story wove itself. Don't get me started on the characters and their chemistry.
I am really glad I was chosen to receive the ARC 🤩
I enjoyed reading the story so much! It was definitely a page turner and I was so curious to see how everything would tie together. I was not disappointed.
📚 Tropes: cowboy romance, rodeo, grumpy x sunshine
🌶️ Spice: open door
📖 Emersyn is finally given a chance to put her rodeo love and vast knowledge to use when she's offered a journalist and photographer role instead of just being the one editing photos others took. She's to follow a hot, successful and mysterious bull rider with a very mysterious. She cannot find *anything* about his personal life online.
Oakes doesn't want this feature piece in Rodeo Way. His agent is making him do that. He's determined to be his grumpier self and nip this in the bud or just make it as short as possible. But she's determined to win him over.
The minute he sees her, she's won. He's still a grump but he agrees. He agrees and makes it even more up close and personal by making her drive with him. He won't let her drive in her old car that will probably not make it through all the driving required from going across states from rodeo to rodeo.
Why did he agree? Because it's her Because he knows her. She however doesn't remember him.
How do they know each other? What's the story there?
Well, you'll have to read to find out.
🚦The only almost red flag is that there's a third act break up 😔
🤓 I received the ARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity 💖
I loved learning more about the rodeo and bull riders as the story wove itself. Don't get me started on the characters and their chemistry.
I am really glad I was chosen to receive the ARC 🤩
I enjoyed reading the story so much! It was definitely a page turner and I was so curious to see how everything would tie together. I was not disappointed.
📚 Tropes: cowboy romance, rodeo, grumpy x sunshine
🌶️ Spice: open door
📖 Emersyn is finally given a chance to put her rodeo love and vast knowledge to use when she's offered a journalist and photographer role instead of just being the one editing photos others took. She's to follow a hot, successful and mysterious bull rider with a very mysterious. She cannot find *anything* about his personal life online.
Oakes doesn't want this feature piece in Rodeo Way. His agent is making him do that. He's determined to be his grumpier self and nip this in the bud or just make it as short as possible. But she's determined to win him over.
The minute he sees her, she's won. He's still a grump but he agrees. He agrees and makes it even more up close and personal by making her drive with him. He won't let her drive in her old car that will probably not make it through all the driving required from going across states from rodeo to rodeo.
Why did he agree? Because it's her Because he knows her. She however doesn't remember him.
How do they know each other? What's the story there?
Well, you'll have to read to find out.
🚦The only almost red flag is that there's a third act break up 😔
🤓 I received the ARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emersyn Flynn is given the assignment of a lifetime to propel her career at Rodeo Way magazine and get her boots back in the arena instead of sitting in an office. All she has to do is stay professional and follow a world champion bull rider for the summer to get an inside perspective for a feature article. The problem? Oakes Ashford has a past he wants to keep hidden, and there is an undeniable spark the moment they lock eyes.
A cowboy romance centered around photography and bull riding set in the rodeo world?! Say less! I was hooked immediately with Emersyn and Luca’s friendship and spending a summer with a grumpy, rugged bull rider. I could already feel the tension radiating with the first mention of Oakes from Emersyn’s lips and was locked in, ready to go.
You can feel the love, attention and detail Stefanie poured into this book. The words flowed as smoothly as whiskey aging in a barrel. The slow burn, layers and longing were done so well. I loved how their story started, unfolded and ended!
A fun addition to the book was the various communication of texts and emails scattered throughout the chapters!
Break the Chute felt so personal to me. I used to ride bulls and spend my summers barrel racing on the rodeo road. This book brought back memories and a connection to a world I am not as involved in but have a passion for nonetheless, which I instantly connected with in Emersyn.
Thank you so much to Stefanie for the gifted ARC! I very much enjoyed my time behind the chute, camera and back of a mechanical bull!
My thoughts are my own.
A cowboy romance centered around photography and bull riding set in the rodeo world?! Say less! I was hooked immediately with Emersyn and Luca’s friendship and spending a summer with a grumpy, rugged bull rider. I could already feel the tension radiating with the first mention of Oakes from Emersyn’s lips and was locked in, ready to go.
You can feel the love, attention and detail Stefanie poured into this book. The words flowed as smoothly as whiskey aging in a barrel. The slow burn, layers and longing were done so well. I loved how their story started, unfolded and ended!
A fun addition to the book was the various communication of texts and emails scattered throughout the chapters!
Break the Chute felt so personal to me. I used to ride bulls and spend my summers barrel racing on the rodeo road. This book brought back memories and a connection to a world I am not as involved in but have a passion for nonetheless, which I instantly connected with in Emersyn.
Thank you so much to Stefanie for the gifted ARC! I very much enjoyed my time behind the chute, camera and back of a mechanical bull!
My thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Emersyn - photographer who loved the rodeo circuit
Luca - bestie to Emersyn, they work together
Sterling - ex of Emersyn, head of her department
Oakes - bull rider
Is Emersyn getting back out into the field with Oakes?
🧳
Oakes + 👥 = 🙅♂️
Ohhhh, backstory there
He remembers and she doesn't?
Will Emersyn remember or will Oakes tell her?? How soon?? Was Emersyn Miss Rodeo at the time?
Very gentlemanly Oakes. 🚗
New name....who dis?
What happened to the 🖐?
Distracter factor
Did he just give her a nickname???
Oops, he just let that little piece of knowledge slip. Backpedal quick!
I can't wait for summer to be over and the challenge to commence.
Smart with $, not letting it drive extravagant or frivolous purchases
⛺️ 🔥🗣
🤣🤣 Oakes reading Emersyn's text mesaage from Luca and calling her out on it!!!!
Luca, wingman from afar. 😄
Why are we digging into Drew?
🏫 freshman and junior?
bull 🏆!! You go Emersyn!!
Well now Morgan, how could she be at the rodeo interviewing him if he wasn't even there himself??
Yes, yes, and yes....after the article
Why did the family almost lose everything?
Oh 💩...it's the same story!
Bad feelings...you are off to explore without your phone. That's when accidents happen.
🏠 🐎 🏠 🐎 ❤️
Sterling, what did you do!?!?!?!?
Can you sue?? A retraction? Both will already have damage done.
Luca, 🙏 tell me you have a plan.
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Emersyn - photographer who loved the rodeo circuit
Luca - bestie to Emersyn, they work together
Sterling - ex of Emersyn, head of her department
Oakes - bull rider
Is Emersyn getting back out into the field with Oakes?
🧳
Oakes + 👥 = 🙅♂️
Ohhhh, backstory there
He remembers and she doesn't?
Will Emersyn remember or will Oakes tell her?? How soon?? Was Emersyn Miss Rodeo at the time?
Very gentlemanly Oakes. 🚗
New name....who dis?
What happened to the 🖐?
Distracter factor
Did he just give her a nickname???
Oops, he just let that little piece of knowledge slip. Backpedal quick!
I can't wait for summer to be over and the challenge to commence.
Smart with $, not letting it drive extravagant or frivolous purchases
⛺️ 🔥🗣
🤣🤣 Oakes reading Emersyn's text mesaage from Luca and calling her out on it!!!!
Luca, wingman from afar. 😄
Why are we digging into Drew?
🏫 freshman and junior?
bull 🏆!! You go Emersyn!!
Well now Morgan, how could she be at the rodeo interviewing him if he wasn't even there himself??
Yes, yes, and yes....after the article
Why did the family almost lose everything?
Oh 💩...it's the same story!
Bad feelings...you are off to explore without your phone. That's when accidents happen.
🏠 🐎 🏠 🐎 ❤️
Sterling, what did you do!?!?!?!?
Can you sue?? A retraction? Both will already have damage done.
Luca, 🙏 tell me you have a plan.
April 14, 2026
Attention cowgirls, your next country romance has arrived! Fan of Elsie Silver, Jessica Peterson or Lyla Sage? Look no further than Break the Chute by Stefanie K. Steck. Her first standalone novel was a perfect score for a rodeo romance. Emersyn Flynn is an enthusiastic photographer who is no stranger to the rodeo scene. Having once received accolades herself in that spotlight, she gave up that lifestyle for a passion project in journalism. She lands a gig for a magazine called Rodeo Way where her assignment has her trailing a bull rider for the season. Enter Oakes Ashford, a famous bull rider. What she doesn't know is that she actually knows him and he keeps that secret to himself. They hit the road together and what was a bumpy ride of stern conversations eventually turns into friendly banter and back road adventures. With pressure from her editor and boss to get the dirt on Oakes, Emersyn figures out a way to keep Oakes's reputation intact and not compromise her own values. You'll have to read how that pans out but there is a mole within the magazine! I loved how Stefanie sets the scene of each event as Oakes climbs into the chute to ride his next challenge of a bull with Bon Jovi blasting "It's My Life." She opens her novel with a cheat sheet of terms and definitions of the rodeo scene for those of us that haven't frequented one and it was really helpful. Best rodeo 101 I never knew I needed! Please make this book a priority on your TBR - you'll LOVE IT!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stefanie you killed it with this book! I was 1000% in one of the biggest reading slumps I have ever been in when I picked this book up and it pulled me out quicker than I thought possible. I have never zoomed through a 400+ page book so quickly in my life. Your characters are so likable and just so real. I am obsessed with these two and it really gave me The Longest Ride vibes in the best way possible.
I could tell you what the conflict was gonna be early on in the book, but still when it happened my jaw was on the floor. I audibly gasped in the coffee shop I was in while reading it. I devoured the last 100 pages after that. Oakes Ashford is definitely my favorite MMC out of the ones written. His path that he took in his career and the way he loved and wanted to protect his family was just top tier. The spice was so tasteful and written so well. I was sweating and blushing while reading it, especially the first scene hehe.
Emersyn did her BIG one at the end (iykyk) and throughout the entire book. I loved reading about her enjoyment and experience on this assignment. You could tell she loved the rodeo and it made me excited for her as the reader. If you haven't read this read it immediately! ALSO thank you Stefanie for the Arc copy and just being one of my favorite people who also writes amazing cowboy romances.
I could tell you what the conflict was gonna be early on in the book, but still when it happened my jaw was on the floor. I audibly gasped in the coffee shop I was in while reading it. I devoured the last 100 pages after that. Oakes Ashford is definitely my favorite MMC out of the ones written. His path that he took in his career and the way he loved and wanted to protect his family was just top tier. The spice was so tasteful and written so well. I was sweating and blushing while reading it, especially the first scene hehe.
Emersyn did her BIG one at the end (iykyk) and throughout the entire book. I loved reading about her enjoyment and experience on this assignment. You could tell she loved the rodeo and it made me excited for her as the reader. If you haven't read this read it immediately! ALSO thank you Stefanie for the Arc copy and just being one of my favorite people who also writes amazing cowboy romances.
April 14, 2026
I loved this story!! It's so rare to find a rodeo story done right and this one nailed it. It gave a real behind the scenes feel, like you were actually there and were watching it all unfold before your eyes. I could almost hear the crowd and smell the dust from the arena. This is one of those books that gives you that giddy happy feeling. Like full of squealing and foot kicking feeling. I loved it! I also really enjoyed the whole mistaken identity and hidden past aspect.
It was so sexy how much Oakes wanted to learn everything about Emersyn and be everything she needed. He was such a great character, maybe a bit too cocky at times, but he definitely fit the cowboy aesthetic.
I loved that Emmy was a photographer and that this story focused so much on her pictures. I liked that she didn't fit the typical rodeo queen stereotype and that she was more focused on the actual rodeo and the animals. I loved that she was so involved and that she had such a horse focused background.
I love that the rodeo aspects were authentic and accurate. The history mixed in with the pop quizzes was fun and interesting and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the suspenseful bull riding moments and how all of the rodeo scenes were described. It was well written and drew me in right away. I would definitely recommend it!!
It was so sexy how much Oakes wanted to learn everything about Emersyn and be everything she needed. He was such a great character, maybe a bit too cocky at times, but he definitely fit the cowboy aesthetic.
I loved that Emmy was a photographer and that this story focused so much on her pictures. I liked that she didn't fit the typical rodeo queen stereotype and that she was more focused on the actual rodeo and the animals. I loved that she was so involved and that she had such a horse focused background.
I love that the rodeo aspects were authentic and accurate. The history mixed in with the pop quizzes was fun and interesting and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the suspenseful bull riding moments and how all of the rodeo scenes were described. It was well written and drew me in right away. I would definitely recommend it!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely adored this book!
If Rhett Eaton & Theo De Silva had a child together you would get Oakes Ashford and that is the biggest compliment I can give. This is definitely a book for the Elsie Silver/Lyla Sage lovers.
I am always going to eat up the forced proximity, bull rider trope but a grumpy bull rider with secrets and suspense - YES PLEASE. This one DELIVERED. In other cowboy books I've read we don't usually see a lot of the actual bull riding but in this one we do and we are there along for the ride and it was so interesting and intriguing to read about. Bull riding is just so god damn hot.
I love the fact that Emmy was a cowgirl at her roots and knew ALL THE FACTS. Oakes was a mystery to be solved. The secrets and the history gave the book an added layer of suspense which kept me hooked. The anghst and the chemistry between them was palpable.
I genuinely just loved this story and this couple.
My only negatives for this book:
✨I feel like there should have been a bit more of effort put into the apology. That might be me being stubborn but it felt like it was brushed over way too quickly.
✨ Some of the dialogue felt a bit cringe in parts - just a bit too mushy for my liking.
Thank you #netgalley & Stefanie Steck for the e-arc.
If Rhett Eaton & Theo De Silva had a child together you would get Oakes Ashford and that is the biggest compliment I can give. This is definitely a book for the Elsie Silver/Lyla Sage lovers.
I am always going to eat up the forced proximity, bull rider trope but a grumpy bull rider with secrets and suspense - YES PLEASE. This one DELIVERED. In other cowboy books I've read we don't usually see a lot of the actual bull riding but in this one we do and we are there along for the ride and it was so interesting and intriguing to read about. Bull riding is just so god damn hot.
I love the fact that Emmy was a cowgirl at her roots and knew ALL THE FACTS. Oakes was a mystery to be solved. The secrets and the history gave the book an added layer of suspense which kept me hooked. The anghst and the chemistry between them was palpable.
I genuinely just loved this story and this couple.
My only negatives for this book:
✨I feel like there should have been a bit more of effort put into the apology. That might be me being stubborn but it felt like it was brushed over way too quickly.
✨ Some of the dialogue felt a bit cringe in parts - just a bit too mushy for my liking.
Thank you #netgalley & Stefanie Steck for the e-arc.
April 5, 2026
BOOK REVIEW — Break the Chute by Stefanie Steck
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second chances, rodeo life, and a romance full of tension and history.
Emersyn is determined to prove she’s more than her past. This is her shot to step into the spotlight as a photographer, and following a famous bull rider for Rodeo Way Magazine is supposed to be her big break.
The problem?
That bull rider is Oakes Ashford.
And he knows her… even if she doesn’t recognize him.
Oakes has no interest in having his life exposed, especially with a past he’d rather keep buried. But being around Emersyn again brings everything back—and the tension between them builds fast.
I really enjoyed the second-chance element mixed with the mystery of their shared past. The rodeo setting added something different, and the push-and-pull between them kept me invested.
✨ What I loved
• second-chance romance vibes
• hidden past / mystery element
• rodeo setting
• strong tension between the characters
• Emersyn chasing her dreams
💭 Overall vibe
A sweet and slightly angsty romance with a unique setting, emotional tension, and a love story rooted in the past.
If you like
• second-chance romance
• hidden pasts
• sports romance (rodeo)
• emotional tension
• small-town vibes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second chances, rodeo life, and a romance full of tension and history.
Emersyn is determined to prove she’s more than her past. This is her shot to step into the spotlight as a photographer, and following a famous bull rider for Rodeo Way Magazine is supposed to be her big break.
The problem?
That bull rider is Oakes Ashford.
And he knows her… even if she doesn’t recognize him.
Oakes has no interest in having his life exposed, especially with a past he’d rather keep buried. But being around Emersyn again brings everything back—and the tension between them builds fast.
I really enjoyed the second-chance element mixed with the mystery of their shared past. The rodeo setting added something different, and the push-and-pull between them kept me invested.
✨ What I loved
• second-chance romance vibes
• hidden past / mystery element
• rodeo setting
• strong tension between the characters
• Emersyn chasing her dreams
💭 Overall vibe
A sweet and slightly angsty romance with a unique setting, emotional tension, and a love story rooted in the past.
If you like
• second-chance romance
• hidden pasts
• sports romance (rodeo)
• emotional tension
• small-town vibes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ohhhh how I just ATE THIS UP!
it did not feel like it was a little over 400 pages. I just couldn't put this book down.
Emersyn and Oakes were just so damn fun.
these two on the road as Oakes hits the rodeos and Em gets photos and a story written on Oakes... it was just one heck of a journey. that slowly heated up.
but honestly this was just one that easily played in my head as more of a movie. I couldn't get enough.
then there was some hidden identity I just couldn't have predicted. I tried to figure it out when Oakes mentioned hiding something...but I just couldn't figure it out. and when the truth was revealed it was honestly the sweetest, but also heartbreaking. I won't say what because I'm not one for spoilers, but it was completely understandable why he hid his identity.
and then theres tension near the end....drama at work and wow! but when a door closes another opens right. and what a door to open.
the meaning behind the title Break the Chute makes complete sense. and I LOVED it.
these characters were just fun. including the side characters involved....well except 2. 😒we won't mention them. iykyk.
in the end Emersyn and Oakes both get their happy ending and oh my gosh what an ending it was. 🥰
highly recommend this book!
🫶🏻thank you so much Stefanie for the arc!
it did not feel like it was a little over 400 pages. I just couldn't put this book down.
Emersyn and Oakes were just so damn fun.
these two on the road as Oakes hits the rodeos and Em gets photos and a story written on Oakes... it was just one heck of a journey. that slowly heated up.
but honestly this was just one that easily played in my head as more of a movie. I couldn't get enough.
then there was some hidden identity I just couldn't have predicted. I tried to figure it out when Oakes mentioned hiding something...but I just couldn't figure it out. and when the truth was revealed it was honestly the sweetest, but also heartbreaking. I won't say what because I'm not one for spoilers, but it was completely understandable why he hid his identity.
and then theres tension near the end....drama at work and wow! but when a door closes another opens right. and what a door to open.
the meaning behind the title Break the Chute makes complete sense. and I LOVED it.
these characters were just fun. including the side characters involved....well except 2. 😒we won't mention them. iykyk.
in the end Emersyn and Oakes both get their happy ending and oh my gosh what an ending it was. 🥰
highly recommend this book!
🫶🏻thank you so much Stefanie for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am very appreciative of Stefanie K. Steck and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Break the Chute!
Oh my gosh, I’m obsessed with this book!! I absolutely love cowboy romances, and getting to see the inner workings of rodeo culture was amazing! I loved the whole concept of this story—it was so unique: bull rider x former Miss Rodeo Wyoming/digital editor’s first field assignment.
I love that Stefanie included emails and texts throughout the book, that was such a fun detail! The writing style and flow of Break the Chute read so smoothly, and I could not put it down!! Emersyn and Luca’s steady friendship was so great to see! I really enjoyed seeing them stay true to themselves and follow their passions together.
Ugh and I’m obsessed with Emersyn and Oakes’s relationship!! Their banter, love, and support for one another was so sweet. And the longing! I loved that Oakes respected Emerysn’s boundaries and said that he would be patient and wait for her (swoon!). And I knew the bet they made with each other would come back full circle, and I loved how it was included in the epilogue!
Oh my gosh, I’m obsessed with this book!! I absolutely love cowboy romances, and getting to see the inner workings of rodeo culture was amazing! I loved the whole concept of this story—it was so unique: bull rider x former Miss Rodeo Wyoming/digital editor’s first field assignment.
I love that Stefanie included emails and texts throughout the book, that was such a fun detail! The writing style and flow of Break the Chute read so smoothly, and I could not put it down!! Emersyn and Luca’s steady friendship was so great to see! I really enjoyed seeing them stay true to themselves and follow their passions together.
Ugh and I’m obsessed with Emersyn and Oakes’s relationship!! Their banter, love, and support for one another was so sweet. And the longing! I loved that Oakes respected Emerysn’s boundaries and said that he would be patient and wait for her (swoon!). And I knew the bet they made with each other would come back full circle, and I loved how it was included in the epilogue!
April 6, 2026
I normally write my reviews as I read, and I couldn’t think of a thing to say until 60% in because I was so engulfed with the story and couldn’t stop long enough to process my thoughts.
But then THE MOMENT. The realization. Holy moly was it perfect. I was holding my breath as Emersyn told the story and realization dawned on her, it was perfection. The fact that that night was what stayed with both of them almost brought me to tears. So so good.
OH MY GAWDDDDD. The article reveal gutted me as much as it did Oakes. Hate that Emersyn clammed up, hate what it caused, hate how it spiked my blood pressure instantly. And how she just accepted defeat and gave up made me want to shake her and punch her head right off her shoulders.
THE LONGEST SEVEN WEEKS OF MY LIFE. Even though it was really more like an hour for me, BUT STILL. What a trip. But we got that HEA and my blood pressure went back to normal so all’s well that ends well and whatnot.
Overall, the story had a little less spice than I usually want BUT the plot was so good that I didn’t even miss it. Loved this story. Loved Oakes. Loved Luca (what a real one, he’s the supporting character MVP). Loved it all.
April 7, 2026
Page one. That is how fast I was hooked on this one! Page one!!! Stefanie had me hooked right out of the gate with Emersyn’s whole photo editing debacle. I 100% can relate. From there….I was a gone! I’m a fan of her characters from all her books, but let me tell you…Emersyn and Oakes…they are amazing! Their chemistry is off the charts! This book gave me all the feels! Emmy and her journey made me feel inspired and motivated and empowered!!! I mean….heck yes! Oakes’ journey makes you feel so much…so soooo much!!! It’s a hard one to explain! I loved the sass and the banter back and forth. I enjoyed the humor and light heartedness! It has so many moments that make you feel good and like this is what real people in real life should be like.
I loved visiting Hartwell Hills…even if it was just a cameo visit! :)
I loved each and every moment of this book! It was so sooo good! It’s not just a romance novel. It’s a love letter to the rodeo. It’s an inspirational/motivational reminder for others. It’s all this and so much more!
Thank you to Stefanie Steck for the privilege of an ARC of Break the Chute for an honest review! Highly recommend!
I loved visiting Hartwell Hills…even if it was just a cameo visit! :)
I loved each and every moment of this book! It was so sooo good! It’s not just a romance novel. It’s a love letter to the rodeo. It’s an inspirational/motivational reminder for others. It’s all this and so much more!
Thank you to Stefanie Steck for the privilege of an ARC of Break the Chute for an honest review! Highly recommend!
May 5, 2026
To say that this book might be one of my favorites of 2026 already is not an exaggeration. I was intrigued to read a book that took place in the rodeo world since I love rodeo and I love anything that has to do with being country. I was expecting a cute romance story but Oakes and Emersyn’s story completely sucked me in and exceeded my expectation.
For one Emersyn is a badass main character. Also I found myself being able to relate to her a little too easily. She loves sunflowers, rodeos, reading and her favorite book is “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue”? Honestly Emersyn and I could be twins if I was blonde and lived in Wyoming. Oakes puts on that gruff cowboy persona in the rodeo world but his true nature is quickly revealed once he meets Emersyn.
This book had me hooked until the very end. Between the adorable romance between these two, the mystery of Oakes past and watching Emersyn become who she’s meant to be, I couldn’t put this down. This book was definitely spicy so just be aware of that if that’s not your thing. Overall this was an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone who loves a little rodeo romance!
For one Emersyn is a badass main character. Also I found myself being able to relate to her a little too easily. She loves sunflowers, rodeos, reading and her favorite book is “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue”? Honestly Emersyn and I could be twins if I was blonde and lived in Wyoming. Oakes puts on that gruff cowboy persona in the rodeo world but his true nature is quickly revealed once he meets Emersyn.
This book had me hooked until the very end. Between the adorable romance between these two, the mystery of Oakes past and watching Emersyn become who she’s meant to be, I couldn’t put this down. This book was definitely spicy so just be aware of that if that’s not your thing. Overall this was an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone who loves a little rodeo romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Break the Chute… oh my goodness, this book! I immediately fell in love with Emersyn and Oakes. Their story is so sweet, emotional, and beautifully written.
When Oakes, a famous bull rider, is told he’ll be shadowed by a journalist for a rodeo magazine, he never expects it to be Emersyn Flynn—the girl he’s been in love with for sixteen years. Watching their history unfold and seeing how their first meeting shaped both of their lives was incredibly heartwarming.
Oakes has that gruff, slightly grumpy exterior, but when it comes to Emersyn, he’s protective, vulnerable, and deeply devoted. Emersyn is determined to make a name for herself and step out from her rodeo pageant past, and I loved how Oakes supports her while also helping her see just how much she’s capable of.
The story felt like such a beautiful escape. The angst (especially that third-act breakup) was heartbreaking in the best way, and the tension between them was so good—it could be cut with a knife.
I was completely engrossed from page one and savored every moment until the end.
When Oakes, a famous bull rider, is told he’ll be shadowed by a journalist for a rodeo magazine, he never expects it to be Emersyn Flynn—the girl he’s been in love with for sixteen years. Watching their history unfold and seeing how their first meeting shaped both of their lives was incredibly heartwarming.
Oakes has that gruff, slightly grumpy exterior, but when it comes to Emersyn, he’s protective, vulnerable, and deeply devoted. Emersyn is determined to make a name for herself and step out from her rodeo pageant past, and I loved how Oakes supports her while also helping her see just how much she’s capable of.
The story felt like such a beautiful escape. The angst (especially that third-act breakup) was heartbreaking in the best way, and the tension between them was so good—it could be cut with a knife.
I was completely engrossed from page one and savored every moment until the end.
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