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Rough Ride
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Expected 2 Feb 27Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 19:04:42
10 copies available
U.S. only
A filmmaker on the hunt for her aunt’s killer turns her camera lens on the rodeo, only to find herself tied up by a ruthless cowboy who knows how to take the reins.
Dead men can't talk, thank god. But dead women? They cry out for justice long after they're gone.
Hollywood darling Sara Feldman has an ulterior motive for her next documentary: she’ll prove her aunt was murdered by the Brose family—a wealthy, powerful ranching dynasty. But some things rarely go to plan…
Keep your friends close and your enemies chained to your bed.
Bronc riding champ and legendary playboy Carter Brose doesn’t trust outsiders—especially the stunningly curvy camera girl with the big eyes. Carter has secrets that Sara will do anything to expose, and Carter will do anything to keep buried.
When he discovers her true agenda, he sees an opportunity to keep her under his thumb: He’ll agree to be her main interview subject for a price—she’ll be his in every way until the end of rodeo season.
Their dark chemistry turns dangerously explosive, spiraling down a path of depravity and desire neither could have imagined. Despite themselves, they begin falling for each other, even though the truth will tear them and the rodeo apart…
Dead men can't talk, thank god. But dead women? They cry out for justice long after they're gone.
Hollywood darling Sara Feldman has an ulterior motive for her next documentary: she’ll prove her aunt was murdered by the Brose family—a wealthy, powerful ranching dynasty. But some things rarely go to plan…
Keep your friends close and your enemies chained to your bed.
Bronc riding champ and legendary playboy Carter Brose doesn’t trust outsiders—especially the stunningly curvy camera girl with the big eyes. Carter has secrets that Sara will do anything to expose, and Carter will do anything to keep buried.
When he discovers her true agenda, he sees an opportunity to keep her under his thumb: He’ll agree to be her main interview subject for a price—she’ll be his in every way until the end of rodeo season.
Their dark chemistry turns dangerously explosive, spiraling down a path of depravity and desire neither could have imagined. Despite themselves, they begin falling for each other, even though the truth will tear them and the rodeo apart…
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 2, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't think I'm allowed to review this yet but I DID get to blurb it and you'd best believe I'll yap more about it when I can ♥
In the meantime, you should preorder it because LOOK AT THAT COVER
In the meantime, you should preorder it because LOOK AT THAT COVER
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkley Romance & Netgalley for this ARC!
I love a good cowboy romance and this one did not disappoint. I like the suspense plot with the FMC trying to find out who killed her aunt. I liked the introduction to what I hope will be an interesting series, love the brothers and the cousin Zoe, I hope they'll all get a book! I want to know more! Love the little snippets we get of the documentaries at the beginning of each chapter, it keeps things interesting.
Note, please read the trigger warnings before reading, this book is not a "light" cowboy romance, it deals with heavy topics (mentioned or on page) so stay safe! It's also very spicy!
I love a good cowboy romance and this one did not disappoint. I like the suspense plot with the FMC trying to find out who killed her aunt. I liked the introduction to what I hope will be an interesting series, love the brothers and the cousin Zoe, I hope they'll all get a book! I want to know more! Love the little snippets we get of the documentaries at the beginning of each chapter, it keeps things interesting.
Note, please read the trigger warnings before reading, this book is not a "light" cowboy romance, it deals with heavy topics (mentioned or on page) so stay safe! It's also very spicy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m still doing flips over that reveal…
Wanna know what I did right after finishing? Preorder the physical edition. It was THAT good. I was sucked in from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down. You could feel the chemistry between Carter and Sara, from the moment they met, their banter, their push and pull...I knew the second they gave in, it would be explosive.
Carter was a hottie, a criminal mouth, and the BDE he had was palpable. He knew he could get anything if he went after it, and he was down bad for Sara even before he admitted it to himself. His devotion and passion for her were delicious; his possessiveness and over-the-top need...I fear the red flags were looking pink to me. I adored how loyal he was; he was willing to put his life on the line for those he loved, and that was one of his best qualities.
Sara was a baddie. She had the bravest heart, not only looking for answers, but also willing to be pushed beyond her limits to let go of the fear and the restraints she'd been carrying before. I liked how her filmmaking played a big part in the story. It was a part of her, and it deserved the highlight it got.
And the plot? I have to admit, I knew something would be fishy because there was no way it was that clear-cut from that early knowledge we had. Even then, even armed with many other romantic suspense reads under my belt, with the hints we were getting...I was gagged when we got to THAT certain reveal. I will not say more, but the way it tied together? Jo, I'm at your feet.
I will be sat at the front of the line waiting for more from the Brose family.
Thank you so very much to NetGalley, Berkley, and Jo for this arc!
Wanna know what I did right after finishing? Preorder the physical edition. It was THAT good. I was sucked in from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down. You could feel the chemistry between Carter and Sara, from the moment they met, their banter, their push and pull...I knew the second they gave in, it would be explosive.
Carter was a hottie, a criminal mouth, and the BDE he had was palpable. He knew he could get anything if he went after it, and he was down bad for Sara even before he admitted it to himself. His devotion and passion for her were delicious; his possessiveness and over-the-top need...I fear the red flags were looking pink to me. I adored how loyal he was; he was willing to put his life on the line for those he loved, and that was one of his best qualities.
Sara was a baddie. She had the bravest heart, not only looking for answers, but also willing to be pushed beyond her limits to let go of the fear and the restraints she'd been carrying before. I liked how her filmmaking played a big part in the story. It was a part of her, and it deserved the highlight it got.
And the plot? I have to admit, I knew something would be fishy because there was no way it was that clear-cut from that early knowledge we had. Even then, even armed with many other romantic suspense reads under my belt, with the hints we were getting...I was gagged when we got to THAT certain reveal. I will not say more, but the way it tied together? Jo, I'm at your feet.
I will be sat at the front of the line waiting for more from the Brose family.
Thank you so very much to NetGalley, Berkley, and Jo for this arc!
September 11, 2026
A 6’4” Rodeo Cowboy whose family holds more secrets than the CIA and more money than Fort Knox and a curvy film documentarian who is on the case to solve her Aunts murder, which just so happened to take place while working for that Cowboy’s family. What could go wrong, or right?
I was 1000% hooked from page one. As a lover of all things documentary and true crime and cowboys and the Feldman’s (iykyk) I couldn’t put this bad boy down. It was an all nighter type of romantic suspense that had me guessing whodunnit and blaming EVERYONE. In the end, I was right on the villain but it was a wild ride getting there. Jo Brenner really stole the show with this one and I am confident it’ll be another fan favorite dark Cowboy romance!
I was 1000% hooked from page one. As a lover of all things documentary and true crime and cowboys and the Feldman’s (iykyk) I couldn’t put this bad boy down. It was an all nighter type of romantic suspense that had me guessing whodunnit and blaming EVERYONE. In the end, I was right on the villain but it was a wild ride getting there. Jo Brenner really stole the show with this one and I am confident it’ll be another fan favorite dark Cowboy romance!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Jo Brenner writes it- I'm going to read it. End of the story goodbye the END. THIS WAS EVERYTHING. I loved this book so much. All of the aspects, the storyline, spice, banter, characters, the MYSTERY?! So good! I can't wait to get my trophy copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎥👢🏇 Rough Ride by Jo Brenner 🏇👢🎥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
⭐️Title: Rough Ride
⭐️Author: Jo Brenner (@jobrennerbooks on Instagram!)
⭐️Publisher: Berkley (@berkleyromance on Instagram!)
⭐️ Cover Artist: @_the_red_dress_ (on insta. I absolutely LOVE this cover so run to show some love and support to this artist!)
⭐️Release Date: February 2, 2027
⭐️Preorder link: Rough Ridehttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎Blurb🤎🏇👢🎥🤎
⭐️ A filmmaker on the hunt for her aunt’s killer turns her camera lens on the rodeo, only to find herself tied up by a ruthless cowboy who knows how to take the reins.
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
⭐ ️ Dead men can't talk, thank god. But dead women? They cry out for justice long after they're gone. Hollywood darling Sara Feldman has an ulterior motive for her next documentary: she’ll prove her aunt was murdered by the Brose family—a wealthy, powerful ranching dynasty. But some things rarely go to plan…
Keep your friends close and your enemies chained to your bed.
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
⭐️ Bronc riding champ and legendary playboy
Carter Brose doesn’t trust outsiders—especially the stunningly curvy camera girl with the big eyes. Carter has secrets that Sara will do anything to expose, and Carter will do anything to keep buried.
When he discovers her true agenda, he sees an opportunity to keep her under his thumb: He’ll agree to be her main interview subject for a price—she’ll be his in every way until the end of rodeo season.
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
⭐️ Their dark chemistry turns dangerously explosive, spiraling down a path of depravity and desire neither could have imagined. Despite themselves, they begin falling for each other, even though the truth will tear them and the rodeo apart…
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎 Tropes 🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
⭐️Darkish cowboy romance
🏇Romantic suspense
⭐️Morally grey, obsessive, possessive MMC
🏇Alpha-cinnamon roll MMC
⭐️Plus size FMC
🏇strong, fearless, loyal to a fault FMC
⭐️He falls first
🏇Rodeo
⭐️Sex deal
🏇CNC / BDSM
⭐️Touch her and die
🏇Documentary filmmaker x Bronc rider
⭐️Billionaire
🏇Secret identity
⭐️Revenge
🏇Road trip romance
#saveahorserideacarter
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
DISCLAIMER: I AM REVIEWING AN EARLY eARC COPY OF ROUGH RIDE THROUGH THE PUBLISHER WHICH IS BERKLEY PUBLISHING THROUGH NET GALLEY! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE BERKLEY TEAM FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!🤎🎥👢🏇🤎 My Review 🤎🎥👢🏇🤎🤎⭐️🤎 Honestly I have always LOVED Jo Brenner's books especially Brutal Game (the story of Sara’s youngest brother Jack 🥵🥵!) so I immediately ran to apply for the opportunity to get this eARC. When I saw it pop into my inbox I knew my prayers to the book gods were answered! The thing about Jo Brenner is that she has mastered the art of writing DARK, tense, and suspenseful atmospheric storylines that will suck you in and never release you. Jo’s books honestly will leave you hooked from the beginning to the end and then begging for more when she has finished letting her character's speak through her. That's what immediately drew me into reading books by Jo. Her ability to utterly captivate her audience should honestly be studied! This book is no different!
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎 Sara 🤎🎥👢🏇🤎🤎⭐️🤎Something you realize so fast in this book is just how truly strong and resilient Sara Feldman truly is. Haunted by her aunt who passed by “accidentally being stomped by a horse”. The same horse that her aunt helped game immediately Sara knows it simply isn't true… her aunt told her, herself…Drawn to the task that her aunt has given her…to unearth what truly happened to her and gain justice in what seems to be a good ole small corrupt town cover up for a rich rodeo family that has ruled the rodeo circuit by fear for generations. The type of family that will destroy Sara if they find out about her plans to bring justice for her aunt through any means necessary. That doesn't stop Sara…no it turns all her grief into a simmering rage that slowly seeps into Sara's veins like a poison…with only one cure..bringing down the family that Sara knows is behind her aunt’s senseless murder. So Sara *being a documentary filmmaker* makes one of the bravest yet also most dangerous decisions of her life.. She decides to go undercover as a filmmaker who is making a film on the culture of the Rodeo in order to get closer to her enemy. Yet when lines blur will she even be able to survive the fall out…or will she lose more than just her opportunity to bring justice to her aunt once and for all…
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎 Carter 🤎🎥👢🏇🤎🤎⭐️🤎 Carter Brose is a playboy extraordinaire. Raised under an ultra conservative and downright abusive father and losing his mother truly has made him into the hard-shelled cold hearted bronc rider that he is now. Shaped by watching his father morph into the ruthless, consciousless, downright evil man that he is today and the promise he made to his mother before she passed…to protect his family no matter what…a promise he had kept even through all the struggles it brought upon him internally. A promise that led a ghost of his past showing up very alive and very stubborn In his rodeo poking around for answers that would unravel every promise he made to his dead mother…and suddenly…for the first time in his life.. he is torn between keeping the promise that he had made to his mother on her death bed…or to set the truth free and in turn give Sara what she has yearned for…answers surrounding the death of her aunt…his father's ranch hand…That's when a twisted and downright feral idea pops into his head… What if he can use Sara's need for justice…to fulfill his need to control Sara's mind, body, soul, and to gather any information that she had gained and control what bits she is given. So he offers his help in uncovering the truth of what happened to Sara's aunt. As they race against the timeline they had set, pressure starts building from his father to take care of the woman he starts obsessing over and protect his family for once and for all. Will Carter be able to find a way to make it out with both Sara and with his family's secrets still just that…a secret? Or will the fire that draws him to Sara burn everything he has tried to save and protect to the ground?
🤎🎥👢🏇🤎 FINAL THOUGHTS🤎🎥👢🏇🤎
This book may just set your kindle on fire. The atmosphere is heavy with not only suspense but also the suffocating feeling of the tension between Sara and Carter as they struggle for control in a battle of dominance that both parties are trying their hardest to win. Truly it makes for some very 🥵🥵🥵 experiences. I literally found myself fanning my very hot face after the saddle scene *iykyk 👀*. This couple has lived rent free in my mind since I read it! The yearning they have for each other truly will leave you yearning for your own cowboy who is utterly hellbent on dominating you and satisfying every carnal urge you have in every single way imaginable. Truly the chemistry this couple has will leave you breathless…I know it had that effect on me 😭😭.
🤎🏇🎥 Pre-order your copy today! 🤎🏇🎥
🤎🏇🎥 TO ALL MY BOOKSTAGRAM FRIENDS WHO LOVE DARK COWBOY REVENGE STORIES SIGN UP TO GET THIS eARC AS SOON AS THE LINK GOES LIVE! I AM TELLING YOU THAT YOU WILL NOT REGRET GETTING THIS eARC! 🤎🏇🎥
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before I even get into the book, I have to mention that I had the chance to meet Jo Brenner at the From Milwaukee, With Love event last weekend, and she was absolutely delightful. Sweet, funny, approachable... and honestly, if I didn't know better, I'd never guess she writes the kind of deliciously spicy romances she does. She looks so innocent!
Now, onto Rough Ride.
This book delivered everything I wanted from a cowboy romance and then some. What starts as a rodeo romance quickly evolves into a gripping story full of family secrets, revenge, danger, and a murder mystery that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Sara Feldman (how weird that this is also my cousin's name) is a documentary filmmaker determined to uncover the truth behind her aunt Sylvia's suspicious death. I loved that Sara was a curvy FMC with a unique career that actually mattered to the plot. The documentary aspect added an extra layer of intrigue, and I especially enjoyed the snippets at the beginning of each chapter.
And Carter Brose? Swoon. A champion bronc rider who's protective, possessive, charming, and just the right amount of morally gray. The chemistry between him and Sara was instant and explosive. Their relationship is built on attraction, tension, and secrets, and it absolutely worked for me. The spice was phenomenal, which honestly shouldn't surprise me coming from Jo Brenner.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how immersive the rodeo world felt. The bronc riding, competitions, and ranch life weren't just window dressing. They were an essential part of the story, making the cowboy setting feel authentic and alive.
I also appreciated that this wasn't simply a romance with a little suspense sprinkled in. The mystery surrounding Sara's aunt kept me guessing and constantly reevaluating everyone's motives. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle emerged.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me was the ending. After such a fantastic buildup, the resolution felt a little rushed, and I would have loved more time with the aftermath. I was so invested in the mystery that I wanted just a bit more closure.
Overall, Rough Ride is a fantastic blend of cowboy romance, suspense, family drama, and spice. If you love protective rodeo cowboys, strong heroines, murder mysteries, and plenty of chemistry, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings, as the story tackles some heavier topics.
And after meeting Jo in person, I'm even more impressed that someone so sweet can write characters this wild.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Now, onto Rough Ride.
This book delivered everything I wanted from a cowboy romance and then some. What starts as a rodeo romance quickly evolves into a gripping story full of family secrets, revenge, danger, and a murder mystery that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Sara Feldman (how weird that this is also my cousin's name) is a documentary filmmaker determined to uncover the truth behind her aunt Sylvia's suspicious death. I loved that Sara was a curvy FMC with a unique career that actually mattered to the plot. The documentary aspect added an extra layer of intrigue, and I especially enjoyed the snippets at the beginning of each chapter.
And Carter Brose? Swoon. A champion bronc rider who's protective, possessive, charming, and just the right amount of morally gray. The chemistry between him and Sara was instant and explosive. Their relationship is built on attraction, tension, and secrets, and it absolutely worked for me. The spice was phenomenal, which honestly shouldn't surprise me coming from Jo Brenner.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how immersive the rodeo world felt. The bronc riding, competitions, and ranch life weren't just window dressing. They were an essential part of the story, making the cowboy setting feel authentic and alive.
I also appreciated that this wasn't simply a romance with a little suspense sprinkled in. The mystery surrounding Sara's aunt kept me guessing and constantly reevaluating everyone's motives. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle emerged.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me was the ending. After such a fantastic buildup, the resolution felt a little rushed, and I would have loved more time with the aftermath. I was so invested in the mystery that I wanted just a bit more closure.
Overall, Rough Ride is a fantastic blend of cowboy romance, suspense, family drama, and spice. If you love protective rodeo cowboys, strong heroines, murder mysteries, and plenty of chemistry, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings, as the story tackles some heavier topics.
And after meeting Jo in person, I'm even more impressed that someone so sweet can write characters this wild.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🐎 Rodeo Romance
🎥 Filmmaker FMC
🔍 Murder Mystery
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Dark Romance
⚡ Forced Proximity
🤫 Hidden Agenda
💥 Blackmail and Bargains
😏 Playboy Cowboy
🔥 Possessive Hero
🛡️ Protective Hero
💔 Family Secrets
🕵️ Romantic Suspense
⚔️ Rivals to Lovers
🔥 Intense Chemistry
🌶️ Spicy Romance
❤️ Happily Ever After
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Rough Ride is a dark, intense, suspenseful cowboy romance packed with secrets, murder, dangerous chemistry, and two people who absolutely should not trust each other but cannot seem to stay away from one another.
Sara Feldman arrives in the rodeo world supposedly to film her next documentary, but she has a much more personal reason for being there. She is determined to uncover the truth about her aunt’s death and believes the powerful Brose family knows far more than they have ever admitted.
Carter Brose immediately knows there is something about Sara that does not add up. He is a champion bronc rider, notorious playboy, and fiercely protective of his family, so when he discovers what Sara is really investigating, things quickly become complicated. Instead of sending her packing, Carter makes her an offer that keeps her close and gives him the opportunity to control exactly how much she learns.
The chemistry between Carter and Sara is explosive from the beginning. Their relationship is messy, intense, incredibly physical, and definitely pushes into darker territory. Carter is dominant, possessive, and morally questionable at times, while Sara refuses to simply back down and give him everything he wants.
What I really enjoyed was that there was more happening than just the romance. Sara’s investigation, the Brose family secrets, and the questions surrounding her aunt’s death kept me guessing and gave the story a strong romantic suspense element.
The deeper Sara digs, the harder it becomes to separate the man she is falling for from the family she suspects destroyed hers. Carter is also forced to decide how far he is willing to go to protect his family when protecting them could cost him Sara.
Rough Ride is spicy, dark, dramatic and completely addictive, with a possessive cowboy, a determined heroine, plenty of secrets and a mystery running underneath all that scorching chemistry.
🐎 Rodeo Romance
🎥 Filmmaker FMC
🔍 Murder Mystery
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Dark Romance
⚡ Forced Proximity
🤫 Hidden Agenda
💥 Blackmail and Bargains
😏 Playboy Cowboy
🔥 Possessive Hero
🛡️ Protective Hero
💔 Family Secrets
🕵️ Romantic Suspense
⚔️ Rivals to Lovers
🔥 Intense Chemistry
🌶️ Spicy Romance
❤️ Happily Ever After
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Rough Ride is a dark, intense, suspenseful cowboy romance packed with secrets, murder, dangerous chemistry, and two people who absolutely should not trust each other but cannot seem to stay away from one another.
Sara Feldman arrives in the rodeo world supposedly to film her next documentary, but she has a much more personal reason for being there. She is determined to uncover the truth about her aunt’s death and believes the powerful Brose family knows far more than they have ever admitted.
Carter Brose immediately knows there is something about Sara that does not add up. He is a champion bronc rider, notorious playboy, and fiercely protective of his family, so when he discovers what Sara is really investigating, things quickly become complicated. Instead of sending her packing, Carter makes her an offer that keeps her close and gives him the opportunity to control exactly how much she learns.
The chemistry between Carter and Sara is explosive from the beginning. Their relationship is messy, intense, incredibly physical, and definitely pushes into darker territory. Carter is dominant, possessive, and morally questionable at times, while Sara refuses to simply back down and give him everything he wants.
What I really enjoyed was that there was more happening than just the romance. Sara’s investigation, the Brose family secrets, and the questions surrounding her aunt’s death kept me guessing and gave the story a strong romantic suspense element.
The deeper Sara digs, the harder it becomes to separate the man she is falling for from the family she suspects destroyed hers. Carter is also forced to decide how far he is willing to go to protect his family when protecting them could cost him Sara.
Rough Ride is spicy, dark, dramatic and completely addictive, with a possessive cowboy, a determined heroine, plenty of secrets and a mystery running underneath all that scorching chemistry.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
. Now that that's off my chest, we know from previous experience, that her upbringing was not good. She got out when she was young - saved by their aunt. This story picks up after her aunt passed away by seemingly unnatural causes (Meaning it seems like it may have been assisted by more than the rough stock). Sara is determined to get justice through her own means - as a documentary filmmaker.
In her path is Carter "well-endowed" Brose, a Bronco rider in search of buckles (and curvy documentarians). These two end up being well fit for their... proclivities in the bedroom... or where ever the activities go down. It could be anywhere, like say, a bar or a stable... you know normal, sterile places (The spice is good). Anyone who have read Jo Brenner's previous work, knows that she is creative when it comes to activities... This book is no different. She gets very creative. Also, your girl likes being tied up with her control taken away, so heck yeah, it's a fun time.
Also, unlike her previous MMCs, while Carter does some dark things, he's definitely not as bad as the boys in Reina U. She mentions this is dark but not as dark as her previous work - which I fully agree with. If you like her writing, you'll like this book. If you like Elliot Rose's Crimson Ridge series - you'll like this book. If you like J.L. Beck's Black Hollow Creek series, you'll like this book. I have high hopes that she'll make this a series. I am thoroughly in camp cowboy. I love that he's 30 and she's 28. I really like it when we have established adults to read about. Are they younger than me? Sure, but not many people want to read about a 37 year old who has 2 kids and works from home. It's just not as zesty. Carter and Sara are zesty. Everyone should read this book - as long as they watch their triggers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Author. The opinions I have about it are my own
In her path is Carter "well-endowed" Brose, a Bronco rider in search of buckles (and curvy documentarians). These two end up being well fit for their... proclivities in the bedroom... or where ever the activities go down. It could be anywhere, like say, a bar or a stable... you know normal, sterile places (The spice is good). Anyone who have read Jo Brenner's previous work, knows that she is creative when it comes to activities... This book is no different. She gets very creative. Also, your girl likes being tied up with her control taken away, so heck yeah, it's a fun time.
Also, unlike her previous MMCs, while Carter does some dark things, he's definitely not as bad as the boys in Reina U. She mentions this is dark but not as dark as her previous work - which I fully agree with. If you like her writing, you'll like this book. If you like Elliot Rose's Crimson Ridge series - you'll like this book. If you like J.L. Beck's Black Hollow Creek series, you'll like this book. I have high hopes that she'll make this a series. I am thoroughly in camp cowboy. I love that he's 30 and she's 28. I really like it when we have established adults to read about. Are they younger than me? Sure, but not many people want to read about a 37 year old who has 2 kids and works from home. It's just not as zesty. Carter and Sara are zesty. Everyone should read this book - as long as they watch their triggers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Author. The opinions I have about it are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story starts off with a mystery, a scared old woman, and some unfinished journal entries written by Sara’s aunt, who has passed away. Sara can’t get any more information, so what does she do?
As an investigative journalist, she finds the Brose family and decides to follow Carter on his rodeo circuit. And here’s something we find out about Carter immediately: he likes Sara.
He knows she’s digging around into her aunt’s death, and decides she needs to be in his bed because obviously … why not? She’s hot, he’s hot, and they’re hot for each other.
Let me say this about the spice: HOLY MOLY. If you read a Jo Brenner book, please check your triggers. I don’t care, but some people will, and there are definitely things you’ll want to know going in.
Carter’s family is in Sara’s sights because she’s convinced they had something to do with her aunt’s death. And Sara’s family is very messed up too - especially her dad. Her brothers are obsessed with their women, and guess what … you already know them.
But Carter makes a deal with Sara: he’ll talk about the rodeo circuit, and Sara can sleep with him. And she agrees because … why not?
For the first time in her adult life, she’s able to experience what an intimate relationship should feel like, and that starts making her see Carter in a completely different light.
As Sara slowly becomes part of Carter’s rodeo world, the cowboys and cowgirls start opening up to her. And in case it wasn’t clear, Sara produces documentaries, and the main reason Carter knows who she is is because of a documentary she produced on kinks. And that scene? SO GOOD.
These two are absolutely perfect for each other. We have mean dads, weird sibling relationships, plenty of spice, and little dates squeezed in between rodeos. It’s exactly the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages.
And look … this is Jo’s first traditionally published book. When I say you need this one, you do.
Five stars!
As an investigative journalist, she finds the Brose family and decides to follow Carter on his rodeo circuit. And here’s something we find out about Carter immediately: he likes Sara.
He knows she’s digging around into her aunt’s death, and decides she needs to be in his bed because obviously … why not? She’s hot, he’s hot, and they’re hot for each other.
Let me say this about the spice: HOLY MOLY. If you read a Jo Brenner book, please check your triggers. I don’t care, but some people will, and there are definitely things you’ll want to know going in.
Carter’s family is in Sara’s sights because she’s convinced they had something to do with her aunt’s death. And Sara’s family is very messed up too - especially her dad. Her brothers are obsessed with their women, and guess what … you already know them.
But Carter makes a deal with Sara: he’ll talk about the rodeo circuit, and Sara can sleep with him. And she agrees because … why not?
For the first time in her adult life, she’s able to experience what an intimate relationship should feel like, and that starts making her see Carter in a completely different light.
As Sara slowly becomes part of Carter’s rodeo world, the cowboys and cowgirls start opening up to her. And in case it wasn’t clear, Sara produces documentaries, and the main reason Carter knows who she is is because of a documentary she produced on kinks. And that scene? SO GOOD.
These two are absolutely perfect for each other. We have mean dads, weird sibling relationships, plenty of spice, and little dates squeezed in between rodeos. It’s exactly the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages.
And look … this is Jo’s first traditionally published book. When I say you need this one, you do.
Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A possessive bronc rider AND a murder mystery?! Okayyyy, you have my attention. 👀🤠
Y’all know it takes approximately .02 seconds for the words “cowboy romance” to get me interested, but Rough Ride gave me way more than I was expecting. This wasn’t just romance with a little suspense sprinkled on top. There were secrets on top of secrets, questionable motives, family drama, danger, and an entire mystery surrounding Sara’s aunt that had me side eyeing basically everyone.
And then there’s Carter Brose.
Possessive? ✅
Protective? ✅
Champion bronc rider? ✅
A little morally questionable? ✅
Yup, I never stood a chance!! The chemistry between Carter and Sara was HOT, but I also loved the push and pull between them because neither one was being completely honest. Sara is digging for answers that could implicate Carter’s family, while Carter knows she’s hiding something and decides the logical solution is apparently to keep her even closer…
But can we please talk about the rodeo?! This is the kind of cowboy romance I eat up because we actually get to live in that world. Give me the bronc riding. Give me the rodeo circuit. Give me ALL OF IT!
And Sara being a curvy documentary filmmaker?! LOVE. I’m always here for an FMC with a career we don’t see in every other romance, and her job actually matters to the story rather than being a random character detail.
I genuinely flew through this because I needed answers. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, there was another little piece of the puzzle right there waiting for me!!
Rough Ride gave me cowboys, danger, secrets, spice, a murder mystery, and a possessive bronc rider. Basically, it knew exactly how to lure me in. 🤠🔥
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Jo Brenner for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Y’all know it takes approximately .02 seconds for the words “cowboy romance” to get me interested, but Rough Ride gave me way more than I was expecting. This wasn’t just romance with a little suspense sprinkled on top. There were secrets on top of secrets, questionable motives, family drama, danger, and an entire mystery surrounding Sara’s aunt that had me side eyeing basically everyone.
And then there’s Carter Brose.
Possessive? ✅
Protective? ✅
Champion bronc rider? ✅
A little morally questionable? ✅
Yup, I never stood a chance!! The chemistry between Carter and Sara was HOT, but I also loved the push and pull between them because neither one was being completely honest. Sara is digging for answers that could implicate Carter’s family, while Carter knows she’s hiding something and decides the logical solution is apparently to keep her even closer…
But can we please talk about the rodeo?! This is the kind of cowboy romance I eat up because we actually get to live in that world. Give me the bronc riding. Give me the rodeo circuit. Give me ALL OF IT!
And Sara being a curvy documentary filmmaker?! LOVE. I’m always here for an FMC with a career we don’t see in every other romance, and her job actually matters to the story rather than being a random character detail.
I genuinely flew through this because I needed answers. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, there was another little piece of the puzzle right there waiting for me!!
Rough Ride gave me cowboys, danger, secrets, spice, a murder mystery, and a possessive bronc rider. Basically, it knew exactly how to lure me in. 🤠🔥
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Jo Brenner for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2026
Sara's determination to get justice for her aunt immediately pulled me in. I love a FMC who is willing to dig into something even when everyone else would probably tell her to leave it alone.
And there is definitely something going on with Carter. He clearly knows Sylvia was murdered, but the real question is how much does he actually know?
Also, I have to say this because I think I've mentioned it in basically every Jo Brenner review I've written: read the author's notes. 😂 She does some of the best author notes, and this one was no exception. I love when an author takes the time to actually talk to their readers.
Then I started wondering about Carter and his brothers. If they know what their father does and they hate him for it, why? What exactly happened there?
Carter also told himself he was going to take care of Sara's niece, not kiss Sara... so obviously the second that happened I was sitting there like, Okay, now I NEED Carter's POV.
And then someone starts sending Sara pieces of her aunt's journal?
Who is doing that?! That's kind of crazy.
I also kept wondering what Mabel knows. Because if she was only paid off and not killed, she can't know that much... right?
Gerard is certainly presumptuous, though.
Then Carter changes his mind and shows up at Sara's hotel room and I was once again frothing at the mouth for his POV.
And then...
That is one way to use a saddle horn. 😂
I also had to fan myself when Carter put that cowboy hat on Sara's head. 🥵
One thing I really appreciated was the way the book handled the conversations around sex, shame, and repression. It felt like there was actually some thought behind those conversations instead of just using them as background for the romance.
And that mechanical bull scene?
Wowza.
Then we meet Carter's father, Arthur, and I swear reading him interact with Sara made me violent. What an entitled jackass.
The plot twist was brilliant. I didn't see everything coming, and I loved how it tied the different pieces together.
I also really enjoyed seeing familiar characters from Jo Brenner's other books pop up. I love when her books have those little connections because it makes everything feel like one big world.
And yes, the spice absolutely delivered. 🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I had such a good time with this one. Between the mystery surrounding Sylvia's murder, Carter and Sara, the family drama, and all the cowboy goodness, there was plenty to keep me turning the pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Berkley and the author for the ARC!
And there is definitely something going on with Carter. He clearly knows Sylvia was murdered, but the real question is how much does he actually know?
Also, I have to say this because I think I've mentioned it in basically every Jo Brenner review I've written: read the author's notes. 😂 She does some of the best author notes, and this one was no exception. I love when an author takes the time to actually talk to their readers.
Then I started wondering about Carter and his brothers. If they know what their father does and they hate him for it, why? What exactly happened there?
Carter also told himself he was going to take care of Sara's niece, not kiss Sara... so obviously the second that happened I was sitting there like, Okay, now I NEED Carter's POV.
And then someone starts sending Sara pieces of her aunt's journal?
Who is doing that?! That's kind of crazy.
I also kept wondering what Mabel knows. Because if she was only paid off and not killed, she can't know that much... right?
Gerard is certainly presumptuous, though.
Then Carter changes his mind and shows up at Sara's hotel room and I was once again frothing at the mouth for his POV.
And then...
That is one way to use a saddle horn. 😂
I also had to fan myself when Carter put that cowboy hat on Sara's head. 🥵
One thing I really appreciated was the way the book handled the conversations around sex, shame, and repression. It felt like there was actually some thought behind those conversations instead of just using them as background for the romance.
And that mechanical bull scene?
Wowza.
Then we meet Carter's father, Arthur, and I swear reading him interact with Sara made me violent. What an entitled jackass.
The plot twist was brilliant. I didn't see everything coming, and I loved how it tied the different pieces together.
I also really enjoyed seeing familiar characters from Jo Brenner's other books pop up. I love when her books have those little connections because it makes everything feel like one big world.
And yes, the spice absolutely delivered. 🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I had such a good time with this one. Between the mystery surrounding Sylvia's murder, Carter and Sara, the family drama, and all the cowboy goodness, there was plenty to keep me turning the pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Berkley and the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I already love Jo Brenner’s hockey books, so when I saw she was writing a cowboy romance?? Obviously I needed it. And I ended up reading this entire book in one day.
Carter is basically the cowboy of my dreams. The possessiveness? The protectiveness? Yes! I loved the chemistry between him and Sara, and the spice was so good. There’s also a little bit of darkness and plenty of suspense which, for me, was the perfect amount.
One of my favorite parts was how much actual rodeo we got! Sometimes you pick up a cowboy romance and the cowboy part feels like it’s just there for decoration, but that was definitely not the case here. I also loved that Sara is a filmmaker. Give me FMCs with interesting and different careers!! And a curvy FMC on top of that?
There is also so much going on in this book. So many secrets. So much plot. I was completely invested and flew through it because I needed to know what was going to happen.
My biggest complaint was that once everything finally came to a head, it felt like it was over SO quickly. With all of that buildup and suspense, I really wanted more time with the resolution. I think that extra bit would have pushed this even higher for me.
And now I have questions because… Archer? Hunter? Zoe?? 👀 Are we getting more books?! Because I am VERY interested.
Overall, this was such a fun read and a really great switch from Jo Brenner’s hockey books. I loved seeing her take on cowboys and rodeo, and Carter alone might have convinced me that I need a physical copy for my shelf.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carter is basically the cowboy of my dreams. The possessiveness? The protectiveness? Yes! I loved the chemistry between him and Sara, and the spice was so good. There’s also a little bit of darkness and plenty of suspense which, for me, was the perfect amount.
One of my favorite parts was how much actual rodeo we got! Sometimes you pick up a cowboy romance and the cowboy part feels like it’s just there for decoration, but that was definitely not the case here. I also loved that Sara is a filmmaker. Give me FMCs with interesting and different careers!! And a curvy FMC on top of that?
There is also so much going on in this book. So many secrets. So much plot. I was completely invested and flew through it because I needed to know what was going to happen.
My biggest complaint was that once everything finally came to a head, it felt like it was over SO quickly. With all of that buildup and suspense, I really wanted more time with the resolution. I think that extra bit would have pushed this even higher for me.
And now I have questions because… Archer? Hunter? Zoe?? 👀 Are we getting more books?! Because I am VERY interested.
Overall, this was such a fun read and a really great switch from Jo Brenner’s hockey books. I loved seeing her take on cowboys and rodeo, and Carter alone might have convinced me that I need a physical copy for my shelf.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was quite the book. I'll admit it was hard for me to read at times because of the angst and things the main characters were keeping from each other. I spent a lot of the book being stressed! That does not mean the book is bad or not well written, if you like high stakes and drama this is definitely the book for you.
Sara is a documentarian whose aunt has died under mysterious circumstances. She's determined to find out what happens and immerses herself in the rodeo circuit. It's there she meets Carter Brose, son of a wealthy ranch owner where her aunt worked. Their chemistry is palpable and explosive. They are both keeping secrets that could ruin everything though.
Sara was so determined that I worried for her at times. She was taking some big risks and didn't always seem to heed the warnings Carter was giving her. I really liked the development of their relationship. It's a spicy one but those scenes showed how things were changing between them. Carter just wanted to keep Sara safe and I loved that. The underlying mystery carries to the end of the book, and I really didn't know how it was going to play out. I like when I can't figure out what is going to happen. So even though the book stressed me out I enjoyed it. I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
5/5 on the Spicy Scale
Violence
Sara is a documentarian whose aunt has died under mysterious circumstances. She's determined to find out what happens and immerses herself in the rodeo circuit. It's there she meets Carter Brose, son of a wealthy ranch owner where her aunt worked. Their chemistry is palpable and explosive. They are both keeping secrets that could ruin everything though.
Sara was so determined that I worried for her at times. She was taking some big risks and didn't always seem to heed the warnings Carter was giving her. I really liked the development of their relationship. It's a spicy one but those scenes showed how things were changing between them. Carter just wanted to keep Sara safe and I loved that. The underlying mystery carries to the end of the book, and I really didn't know how it was going to play out. I like when I can't figure out what is going to happen. So even though the book stressed me out I enjoyed it. I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
5/5 on the Spicy Scale
Violence
October 6, 2026
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this as an ARC provided through NetGalley. I am SAT. I devoured this book. I was feral over it just from the blurb, the tropes, the cover alone and I was so ready to read this and it did NOT disappoint.
Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved Carter and Sara so much. Their relationship was blazing fire and spice and for all intents and purposes shouldn’t have worked as well it did, but it sure did. I loved everything about them. From Carter’s possessiveness, gentleman cowboy ways, his dominating personality and attitude, but yet how warm and loving he was, especially about the people he cared about, and especially when Sara became one of those people pretty quickly.
And Sara, I loved how tenacious she was, strong and independent but she also just wanted someone to take care of her without having to admit it and Carter was that person for her. Obviously, there’s so much mystery and suspense packed into this book and it leaves you on the edge of your seat basically the entire time, but the spice and romance keeps you soothed and calm (as you can be with the tension and mystery.)
Truly, I loved everything about this book, from the spice, the romance, the writing, the characters, the story, the EVERYTHING without going into spoilers. 5 stars all the way around.
Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved Carter and Sara so much. Their relationship was blazing fire and spice and for all intents and purposes shouldn’t have worked as well it did, but it sure did. I loved everything about them. From Carter’s possessiveness, gentleman cowboy ways, his dominating personality and attitude, but yet how warm and loving he was, especially about the people he cared about, and especially when Sara became one of those people pretty quickly.
And Sara, I loved how tenacious she was, strong and independent but she also just wanted someone to take care of her without having to admit it and Carter was that person for her. Obviously, there’s so much mystery and suspense packed into this book and it leaves you on the edge of your seat basically the entire time, but the spice and romance keeps you soothed and calm (as you can be with the tension and mystery.)
Truly, I loved everything about this book, from the spice, the romance, the writing, the characters, the story, the EVERYTHING without going into spoilers. 5 stars all the way around.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The cowboy trope isn't usually one of my absolute favorites, but I do enjoy picking one up from time to time. Since this one was written by Jo, I just had to see what it was all about—and I don't regret my choice for a second! The author came through with the perfect recipe for a great story: a solid plot, layers of secrets, an intriguing murder mystery, a strong-willed heroine, and a possessive hero, all mixed with just the right amount of spice.
We follow Sara, who is convinced that her aunt's death was far from the accident it was ruled to be. She arrives determined to investigate, and as classic small-town stories go, she crosses paths with our hero. From there to a great HEA is just a step, well, a pretty massive step, actually, because there is so much drama unfolding along the way!
I absolutely loved watching their journey unfold and seeing the trust build between them. Another standout detail for me was the inclusion of Sylvia's journal entries, which added such a great layer to the story.
If you're looking for a dark, romantic suspense packed with tension, mystery, and chemistry, definitely give this one a read!
A massive thank you to the author for granting me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book! It was an absolute honor!
We follow Sara, who is convinced that her aunt's death was far from the accident it was ruled to be. She arrives determined to investigate, and as classic small-town stories go, she crosses paths with our hero. From there to a great HEA is just a step, well, a pretty massive step, actually, because there is so much drama unfolding along the way!
I absolutely loved watching their journey unfold and seeing the trust build between them. Another standout detail for me was the inclusion of Sylvia's journal entries, which added such a great layer to the story.
If you're looking for a dark, romantic suspense packed with tension, mystery, and chemistry, definitely give this one a read!
A massive thank you to the author for granting me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book! It was an absolute honor!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Jo Brenner book and I’m actually really mad about that. I didn’t know Jo was such a baddie!
This book is so well written. The little details and the plot alone were amazing!
🤎 Dark Cowboy
🤎 Rodeo bronc rider x documentary filmmaker
🤎 he falls first
🤎 revenge/ murder mystery
Carter is a cowboy from Wyoming with a complicated past. He travels around with the rodeo, content with being the star bronc rider until Sarah shows up one day and throws his world into chaos.
Sarah is a documentary filmmaker from California who is following the rodeo to try and find clues about her aunt’s death. Her plan is to expose everyone involved until she meets Carter and has to decide between justice and love.
This book is such a wild ride! I loved the characters especially the love between the cowboy and the camera girl. My fingers are crossed for books for the brothers or even Zoey! I’m so interested in Sarah’s family too! Her backstory was so sad and losing her aunt was just heartbreaking on top of it!
Carter was so sweet to her despite how they started and unfortunately, the secrets but damn he loves her so much!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this awesome ARC!
This book is so well written. The little details and the plot alone were amazing!
🤎 Dark Cowboy
🤎 Rodeo bronc rider x documentary filmmaker
🤎 he falls first
🤎 revenge/ murder mystery
Carter is a cowboy from Wyoming with a complicated past. He travels around with the rodeo, content with being the star bronc rider until Sarah shows up one day and throws his world into chaos.
Sarah is a documentary filmmaker from California who is following the rodeo to try and find clues about her aunt’s death. Her plan is to expose everyone involved until she meets Carter and has to decide between justice and love.
This book is such a wild ride! I loved the characters especially the love between the cowboy and the camera girl. My fingers are crossed for books for the brothers or even Zoey! I’m so interested in Sarah’s family too! Her backstory was so sad and losing her aunt was just heartbreaking on top of it!
Carter was so sweet to her despite how they started and unfortunately, the secrets but damn he loves her so much!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this awesome ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, boy! Rough Ride has been haunting me. I've been a Jo Brenner fan for a couple years now, love her dark hockey books, but THIS is something else completely. I attempted to savor reading this book, because I feel like there's so much information being delivered that I want to make sure I don't miss a moment. But I found myself deeply fascinated with the murder mystery plot, and thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolded, brimming with tension. And with all the twists and turns, I loved the satisfying reveal and ending too.
And have I mentioned that the spice is so freaking HOT?! It's on the edge of dub-con, with a devious darkness, but somehow stays on the side of properly exploring kink in ways most dark romances gloss over -- I mean, the exploration of bdsm is woven through as part of the plot!
Somehow, Rough Ride felt less dark than previous Brenner books, yet still has that delicious vibe and dark romance elements.
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, yet is also directly tied to previous books in the Brenner-verse since Sara is the sister of two other book's MMCs.
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
And have I mentioned that the spice is so freaking HOT?! It's on the edge of dub-con, with a devious darkness, but somehow stays on the side of properly exploring kink in ways most dark romances gloss over -- I mean, the exploration of bdsm is woven through as part of the plot!
Somehow, Rough Ride felt less dark than previous Brenner books, yet still has that delicious vibe and dark romance elements.
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, yet is also directly tied to previous books in the Brenner-verse since Sara is the sister of two other book's MMCs.
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loooved Sara and Carter! Sara was such a great FMC, determined, steady, loyal and fierce (and her glasses made me happy bc I wear them too). Sarah’s background was also very intriguing and completely aligned with her forge-ahead personality. I loved that she was determined to find out what happened to her Aunt come hell or high water and she certainly wasn’t going to let a scary cowboy family intimidate her.
Meanwhile, our boy Carter is so down bad for Sara! It was 🥵 and I loved how fiercely he cared for her. Poor Carter is between a rock and a hard place though, with his father’s threats and Sara’s determination to find out who murdered her Aunt. But that didn’t stop these two from falling hard amidst mystery, darkness, and rodeos. Sara and Carter were on fire together, scorching up the pages and the pieces of the mystery kept coming together as Sara receives more and more of her Aunt’s journal pages, which all culminates in an explosive climax. It was SO good!
I had such a good time in this world with these two! I hope Brenner writes more sexy cowboys bc she did it very well!!
Meanwhile, our boy Carter is so down bad for Sara! It was 🥵 and I loved how fiercely he cared for her. Poor Carter is between a rock and a hard place though, with his father’s threats and Sara’s determination to find out who murdered her Aunt. But that didn’t stop these two from falling hard amidst mystery, darkness, and rodeos. Sara and Carter were on fire together, scorching up the pages and the pieces of the mystery kept coming together as Sara receives more and more of her Aunt’s journal pages, which all culminates in an explosive climax. It was SO good!
I had such a good time in this world with these two! I hope Brenner writes more sexy cowboys bc she did it very well!!
October 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the eArc!
I heard of this book at a convention over the summer and was so excited to read it next year; I got even luckier with the advanced copy!
Sara is a filmmaker who starts to investigate her aunt’s unexpected death. She was close with her aunt and can’t just grieve, she needs answers. She starts to find answers at the rodeo where her aunt worked & with a potentially dangerous family.
Even though she knows she shouldn’t, she can’t stay away from Carter Brose. A man from the potentially dangerous family who is tall, dark, dreamy, and a whole lot of everything Sara wants.
Carter sees Sara and basically is a goner. He also knows who she is and that he shouldn’t want her. He cannot help himself and does everything he can to make her his.
Through the ups, the downs, getting to know each other, and a battle to uncover the truth… they fall in love. Cute romance overall! A little dark, but not as dark as I thought it would be.
I heard of this book at a convention over the summer and was so excited to read it next year; I got even luckier with the advanced copy!
Sara is a filmmaker who starts to investigate her aunt’s unexpected death. She was close with her aunt and can’t just grieve, she needs answers. She starts to find answers at the rodeo where her aunt worked & with a potentially dangerous family.
Even though she knows she shouldn’t, she can’t stay away from Carter Brose. A man from the potentially dangerous family who is tall, dark, dreamy, and a whole lot of everything Sara wants.
Carter sees Sara and basically is a goner. He also knows who she is and that he shouldn’t want her. He cannot help himself and does everything he can to make her his.
Through the ups, the downs, getting to know each other, and a battle to uncover the truth… they fall in love. Cute romance overall! A little dark, but not as dark as I thought it would be.
September 14, 2026
Sara Feldman is a filmmaker on the hunt for her aunt Sylvia Waxman’s killer. Although She wants justice for her aunt.
Carter Brose is a riding legend. A bronc riding champ.
He is determined to figure out how she liked her eggs.
He calls her storyteller. ❤️
I loved that she was a curvy camera girl and that didn’t matter to this dirty talking cowboy.
They should be enemies but they are both quickly attracted to each other. Their chemistry is explosive and addicting in the best way. Given the secrets and revenge plots they both had I was still rooting for them in the end! This story kept me on my toes and I LOVED the ride! ❤️ This book was hot. 🥵
Tropes:
-Dark Cowboy Romance
-Rodeo Bronc Rider
-He Falls First
-Revenge
-S3x Deal
Carter Brose is a riding legend. A bronc riding champ.
He is determined to figure out how she liked her eggs.
He calls her storyteller. ❤️
I loved that she was a curvy camera girl and that didn’t matter to this dirty talking cowboy.
They should be enemies but they are both quickly attracted to each other. Their chemistry is explosive and addicting in the best way. Given the secrets and revenge plots they both had I was still rooting for them in the end! This story kept me on my toes and I LOVED the ride! ❤️ This book was hot. 🥵
Tropes:
-Dark Cowboy Romance
-Rodeo Bronc Rider
-He Falls First
-Revenge
-S3x Deal
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
Jo Brenner in her cowboy era? Sign me up! I really enjoyed the suspense woven through this story as we follow Sara, who’s determined to uncover the truth behind her aunt’s murder. The tension gets even more complicated knowing Carter already has the answers and is doing everything he can to slow Sara down to protect them both.
I loved how Carter helped Sara tap into her darker side, and their chemistry was strong from start to finish. And there’s a particular scene involving a mechanical bull that left me genuinely impressed they pulled it off.
This was a fun read with great character dynamics and just the right amount of danger.
I loved how Carter helped Sara tap into her darker side, and their chemistry was strong from start to finish. And there’s a particular scene involving a mechanical bull that left me genuinely impressed they pulled it off.
This was a fun read with great character dynamics and just the right amount of danger.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jo Brenner could write a grocery list and I would be begging to read it before it was published. Her dark hockey romance series got me hooked on her brand of alphaholes and strong FMCs and her new cowboy romance does not deviate from the writing that made me love her work in the first place. I am SO excited to see this author be trad published because it means a wider audience of readers gaining access to her dark romance world. This book is lighter than her previously published hockey series but still compelling and you will be hooked from page 1.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The way I devoured this book!!!
I love Carter and Sara so freaking much and cannot wait for what's to come from this series!! Instantly the suspense drew me in and kept me hooked the whole way through. I loved how freaking badass Sara was. Determined to find the truth about her aunt's death, not stopping for anything. The way Carter loved her was so freaking good. He's possessive, protective, and so freaking smitten for his girl, and we love to see it!
I am so freaking excited for Jo's cowboy era and cannot wait for more of the Brose family!
I love Carter and Sara so freaking much and cannot wait for what's to come from this series!! Instantly the suspense drew me in and kept me hooked the whole way through. I loved how freaking badass Sara was. Determined to find the truth about her aunt's death, not stopping for anything. The way Carter loved her was so freaking good. He's possessive, protective, and so freaking smitten for his girl, and we love to see it!
I am so freaking excited for Jo's cowboy era and cannot wait for more of the Brose family!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Honestly? This one was such a hard read for me, and I’m a huge Jo Brenner fan. The storyline and characters together just really were so hard to get into. Carter and Sara just made the entire book so hard to read. The chemistry felt so forced, the “play him to get what I want” trope just felt weird, and finally getting to the end game of Sara figuring out who unalived her aunt just wasn’t worth the pay off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved it! I seriously could not put it down!
It had everything cowboys, danger, obsession and possession. Carter made me swoon so much and I seriously adored Sarah i also loved the small snippets at the beginning of the chapter that fitted the puzzle pieces with the mystery within the book.
If you love mystery and men that would do anything for their women this is definitely a must read!
It had everything cowboys, danger, obsession and possession. Carter made me swoon so much and I seriously adored Sarah i also loved the small snippets at the beginning of the chapter that fitted the puzzle pieces with the mystery within the book.
If you love mystery and men that would do anything for their women this is definitely a must read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Got through most of it but lost my interest
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sara is on the hunt for the person who is responsible for her aunt’s death. She has an idea of the family involved and she is going to do whatever it takes to figure this out. Carter is part of this particular family. He’s also a rodeo cowboy so Sara goes on the tour using her documentary journalism as a cover to get answers.
The two of them do not trust each other but there is undeniable chemistry.
They both also tend to deflect from serious and truthful conversations.
Great book!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
The two of them do not trust each other but there is undeniable chemistry.
They both also tend to deflect from serious and truthful conversations.
Great book!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
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