Saddle Up, Cowboy

by J.S. Strange

One rugged cowboy fighting to save his family’s ranch. One wealthy investor running from his past. One unforgettable night they never expected to get back… Welcome to Copper Branch Ranch – where second chances come with a whole lot of heat. CODY
Two years ago, I had the hottest night of my life with a stranger in Vegas. No numbers. No promises. No chance of seeing him again.

Until Tanner Tadeo walks into my ranch.

He’s older. Richer. Still infuriatingly confident. And the investor my family desperately needs to save Copper Branch Ranch.

The problem? He doesn’t remember me.

Now I have to convince him that this ranch is worth fighting for. Instead, I’m trying not to remember exactly what those hands felt like on me, and fighting the urge to find out if the chemistry between us is just as dangerous as I remember.

TANNER
I came to Copper Branch Ranch to make a deal.

Cody Bratley is supposed to be just another stubborn rancher trying to save his family business. Instead, he’s broad shoulders, a wicked smile and a pair of stretched denim I’m finding increasingly difficult to look away from.

I built my empire by always playing by the rules.

But something about Cody makes breaking them so damn tempting.

Get ready to ride if you love these
MM cowboy romance
Billionaire romance
Opposites attract
Second chance
Rugged Cowboy x Billionaire
Age gap
Found family
Spicy romance

Genres: Queer

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication December 11, 2026

About the author

J S Strange lives in the countryside and writes sexy, spicy M/M stories. Saddle Up, Cowboy - where lust turns to love and where daddy is a mindset - is the first in the spicy Copper Branch Ranch series, described as Lyla Sage meets Brokeback Mountain.

Reviews

[⋆⁺₊⋆꒰ ͜͡ ➸cait⋆⁺₊⋆]

DNF- 5%
The writing didn't work for me in this one unfortunately.
——
Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for this free advanced reader copy. Rating and review are voluntary - opinions given are always my own.

[Andrew Creak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to read this ARC was special for me in more than one way.

The authors debut Novell, Look Up Handsome, was the only book I read last year, and the first book I’d read in almost 3 years. It showed me there are books I enjoy, and a whole world of MM Romance to read.

This past year I have devoured his last romance, 25 Days in Athens, and his toe dip into dark academia, Boyfriend Academy, and enjoyed this both.

One thing that was missing from those books is I always want more, more of those characters, more of those stories, more from the world in general. So when I found out Strange was writing a series I was overjoyed. And then I saw it was cowboys and I was a little apprehensive.

In anticipation, I read a cowboy book (well cowboy meets hockey player) to dip my toe in to the genre to see if I liked it, and I loved it so my anticipation for this book grew even more.

Then when I saw its NetGalley campaign I knew I had to apply and I’m so glad I did.

A book I hype up barely ever lives up to expectations, but boy does this one!

The world building and characters were incredible, the storyline was actually great, and some things happened that I genuinely didn’t expect (and some which are to be resolved in future books which I need NOW PLEASE).

There are moments that are emotional rollercoasters, moments that make you laugh, cry, and some that really make you want a body shot of milk 👀

I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this book and enjoy it all over again.

[Storm · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This was a fairly good MM cowboy romance. Cody and Tanner have a one-night stand, and two years later, Cody needs an investor to help save his failing ranch. That investor turns out to be Tanner, who does not even remember him.

The storyline was interesting and had a lot of potential, but there was not enough payoff. Cody desperately wants to prove himself to his father, who left him a failing ranch, but we never get any real resolution to that storyline. Tanner also creates several promising business opportunities for the ranch, but we never get to see how any of them turn out. We just have to assume everything went well.

Cody and Tanner had good chemistry, and I enjoyed the vulnerable moments between them. However, it felt like too many pieces of the story were missing. The final 10% was also incredibly rushed. That much plot should not have been crammed into such a small portion of the book.

This appears to be the beginning of a series following the siblings, and I was interested enough that I would probably read the next book if the opportunity came up. I just would not be rushing to get my hands on it, if that makes sense.

🤠 MM cowboy romance
🔥 One-night stand
⚡ Instant connection
💰 Billionaire/cowboy
🎂 Age gap

[Just_wanttoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy JS Strange’s writing, and this was no exception. It was a super easy read which quickly immersed me in the world of Copper Branch Ranch. I’m so pleased this is the first in a series as I loved the setting, and can’t wait for some more in the series - the second book is definitely Jared’s story which I’m really looking forward to and I’m hoping youngest brother Asher gets his own book too.

This first book follows Cody, who is struggling under the pressure of having to take over the family ranch when really he’s happiest out with his animals. There is a great collection of side characters with Cody’s family and friends who all work at the ranch - in particular his sister Nicole.

Tanner is the billionaire who could possibly save the business from going under, if Cody can convince him to invest. The only problem is he doesn’t remember he’s met (had the best sex of his life with) Cody before and it throws Cody off his game. I loved the first half of the book, with lots of sexual tension and humour between our main pair but I did struggle to stay as interested with some of the second half as more of the focus is on Tanner, who I didn’t connect to as much as the other characters. I still absolutely enjoyed it though and this book definitely sets things up really well for the rest of the series with lots of drama to come.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the arc.

[JD · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars for the platforms that don't allow for half stars.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... until the hot rich dude you had a one night stand with turns up at your ranch as an invester...

I loved Tanner and Cody but I felt like the plot was abit rushed in places and like there was something missing.

I enjoyed the way it built the base for more in the series and left me questioning what happened with side characters.

The curiosity is enough to make me want to pick up the next book in the series to find out what exactly happened to break those friendships up.

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood and J.S Strange for providing me with a copy of this E-ARC to review.

[Grace]

I am going to finish reading because it's a Netgalley ARC, but I am not sure about it

update
I can't bring myself to finish it. There is something off with the writing that I can't quite pinpoint. I tried three separate times to start again with no avail.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Eva]

Rating and review to come closer to release day.

[Rich ✧ ✭ ✧ · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Welcome to Copper Branch Ranch! This is your new Gay Cowboy obsession where fans of Heated Rivalry will feel right at home!

Romance isn’t my usual genre but I’ll always make an exception for Mr Strange! ‘Look up, Handsome’ is the most wholesome winter romcom, while ‘25 Days in Athens’ is the hilarious summer holiday romp. Now he’s created a new series with a rugged and a billionaire - an unlikely pair who create sparks between the sheets.

The first chapter starts 2 years earlier when Tanner & Cody meet one night in a Las Vegas Bar. The chemistry was instant and it’s where we’re immediately drawn as the reader. These guys have the spiciest night mixed with genuine feelings… so why are they strangers again 2 years later?!

My highest praise for this book has to be the characters. Jack’s created two new brilliant leads in Cody & Tanner with authentic history to explore, flaws to be exposed and anticipation is there from the beginning as to whether things could work between them. Tanner is the more mature out of the two, which makes him a successful businessman yet Cody’s spirit gives him a fun, unpredictable and lovable energy.

When they’re giving in to their feelings and urges, their chemistry practically bounces off the pages. They felt so believable and in tune with the moment. These scenes felt like the time for readers to cheer!!

The spice was spicing! Since I don’t often read romance, it’s even rarer I read any spice. So credit where credit is due - The sexy scenes were exceptionally written by Jack and felt entirely in-keeping with the plot. These moments felt like an opportunity for Cody & Tanner to bond and test their compatibility further and I really enjoyed how they were written.

There’s some funny moments for sure - That’s Jack for you. This one definitely dials down the humour compared to ‘25 Days in Athens’ and I’m certain that’s the point. The humour is much more subtle so the primary focus is on the plot, but there were still multiple moments which made me laugh out loud. Cody fixing the shower head for one!

The ranch was brilliantly atmospheric and I could totally vision this place in my mind. Again, total credit to Jack’s writing here because it really helped me visualise the places these two guys were hitting it off.

I’m thrilled to know this is the start of a new series because I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with these fully rounded characters and I’m excited to know whether the Ranch will sink or swim in the next instalment…

[Louise · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This was a lovely cowboy MM romance following a one-off meeting, it had great small town vibes with the ranch and all of its members. Tanner and Cody very much have a strong connection at the start.
After time has past, they meet again. Cody recognises Tanner and realises they are a potential investor. Tanner doesn't at this point.
There are some ground rules laid when this becomes apparent who each other is, which leads onto the romance and reconnection from the previous hook up. It's steamy at different points from this, paced well romance wise (storyline does wrap up faster at the end).
But it also has good character development from both Tanner and Cody around their family relationships, which I enjoyed as it was a storyline clearly sperate from the romance. They are venerable and do share family stuff with each other, creating depth to their relationship. Cody/Tanner learning on and letting each other in😍.
This appears to be first in a series, which will be brilliant for finishing/developing some of the sibling/ranch storylines. The descriptions and relationships within the ranch were a part enjoyed the most and hopefully these are continued throughout the series.

I enjoyed this as a MM, cowboy romance book and would read more in the series. The HEA was good and development of the relationship without a third act breakup was very much enjoyed. Thanks for this ARC copy Netgalley and Boldwook books, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whiist this was a fairly good read I did have a few issues with the storyline and some of the dialogue which at times dragged and was rather confusing
Tanner and Cody met in Vegas, Tanner an investment millionaire was staying at a hotel and Cody just visiting with family and friends having a break from his ranch. They sleep together and Cody leaves in the morning as Tanner is still asleep. Fast forward two years and Cody is now in charge of the Ranch and having financial problems, enter Tanner who is there to see if the ranch is worth investing in. Tanner does not recognise Cody as he now has a beard and gained some muscle.
I found it annoying that Tanner was described as a much older man he was only 40 and Cody 32, which made me wonder if this was a young author. As they start a relationship after Cody reminds Tanner about their first meeting and during when they were having sex Cody was calling Tanner ‘Daddy’…a yeuch for me.
As they start their descriptive sexual relationship we learn more about both their families and why Cody needs help. Which were discussed at length. The story did start to drag at times and still issues that needed to be resolved so I’m thinking there will probably be a follow up, unfortunately not one I would read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Han. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saddle Up, Cowboy, a book from an author I've never read before called JS Strange. I actually had this one sent to me on NetGalley and though 'why not?' while reading the description! And honestly, I was not disappointed.

This book is a romance between a rancher, newly handed down to him from his father, just because tradition calls for it. There's some tension and a little resentment between siblings that comes to light. The weight of pressure that Cody has to overcome. When the ranch turns to asking for help from an investor, who happens to be someone Cody has met before. It's angsty, and there's pining and a lot of rules. The plot was fantastic, kept me interested, there's secrets and forgotten identities, with a slow burn romance.

It also ends with a very sweet HEA, however it was somewhat abrupt with no epilogue, but I'm guessing it means it'll easily continue into the next book, which I've added to my tbr! Anyway, thank you so much to the author and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read the book early!

[Allison Wells · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

God, I really love a good cowboy romance, and Saddle Up, Cowboy was exactly what I needed. This book had me hooked right from the prologue. There were some hilarious moments (clean dude 🤣💀, and also the shower repair) and far too many adorably cute moments to list (although my top favourites have to be the horse riding lessons and the barn dance).

I just really loved how these two guys let each other in, slowly breaking down all their walls and defences. Tanner had such a heartwarming vision for the ranch, and I just loved how much he supported Cody along the way.

I'm already so invested in so many of these side characters that I honestly can't wait to see who shows up throughout the rest of the series.

Thanks so much to J.S. Strange and NetGalley for the ARC ❤️

Title - Saddle Up, Cowboy
Author - J.S. Strange
Star rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spicy Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Overall - Autistic Allie Approved ✅

[Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Not just a spicy cowboy story, it's filled with heart

J. S. Strange can do no wrong

- High spice
- Full of character development
- One night stand to investor to lover

This damn book, cannot recommend picking this book up enough. It had me in tears whilst reading on the treadmill, and it had me getting too hot and flustered during the spicy scenes

There is so much character growth in this book. They're fleshed out so well. Not just our main characters, but all the side characters are well thought out and real. The world building is insane, I could really see the ranch through the impeccable descriptions.

If you get the chance, pick up this book. This was an easy 5 stars for me

Although I'm never going to look at milk the same way again

Thank you to NetGalley and also to Boldwood Books for the ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review

[ashandream · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Arc Review:

This was an interesting start to a series, though a bit too packed with plot points for my liking.

We follow Cody, who ends up taking over his dad's ranch and has to save it from going into the ground.Tanner, the investor his chance relies on, ends up being one of his past hook ups, which might make everything more difficult. Between secrets, feelings, family issues, we really get to know the characters.

On the one hand, this was a really nice book. I liked the characters and how they developed, I liked the pacing, I liked the romance. On the other hand it wa Smith repetitive and too packed. There was SO MUCH plot points that it got hard to follow and that it made you wonder if this was really a first book.

[Beth Williams · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Two men meet one night in Vegas. Except the next morning the cowboy is gone. When his ranch is failing two years later, his mystery investor shows up. But he doesn’t remember him. Can he save his business and his heart? I really tried. The hot scenes were ok, but that’s all it was for their relationship. Nothing besides lust to me, they didn’t seem to like each other otherwise. Plus him investing in the ranch with the thimble of knowledge Cody had was laughable. And I know the series continues but we don’t get to find what happens after the fallout. Just an odd book with some emotion that got me. Otherwise could have skipped this one.

[Michaela · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was such a good read to help me get over my little reading slump!

It has all my favourite tropes rolled into one book 👏🏼

I will say that I felt that certain points of the book dragged every so slightly and then we got unanswered questions regarding the other ranch? Maybe a book two is in plan?

But beside that it was a good read

Thank you boldwood for the ARC 🫶🏼

[Cloudy Steel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect this book to touch me so deeply. Cody and Tanner’s story was simply wonderful, full of emotions and so many touching moments. I absolutely loved the setting, too, and especially appreciated the attention to detail J.S. Strange brought to the story. All in all, a truly beautiful feel-good novel that is rich in emotion and leaves you with a warm feeling.

[Annee Thomas · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley for this arc**

I thought this book was cute as hell. It has found family, romance, second chance (I guess?), spice, but I do wish we got more of what happened either the plans made at the end. Maybe there will be more in future books within the series, but it was definitely missing that. And quotation marks.

[Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saddle Up, Cowboy was an enjoyable cowboy romance with a fun premise, plenty of spice and some great potential. Cody and Tanner had good chemistry, and I enjoyed the Vegas one-night stand turning into an unexpected reunion when Tanner arrives at Cody’s ranch as the potential investor who could save it.

I found the writing a bit clunky and almost DNF at the start but I stuck with it and enjoyed the characters and setting enough to make it worth it.

Overall a decent read with an enjoyable couple and side characters and an interesting setup for the series. I liked it, but it didn’t love it.

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️