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Rope 'n Ride #1
Buck
It ain’t easy being a rodeo reality star—especially when you’re expected to marry your ex.
After a TV network approaches the six Calhoun family members about doing a rodeo reality show, they jump on the opportunity for even more income needed to keep their ranch in the family. But now that Buck’s knee-deep in film crews, he wishes like hell he could un-sign his name from that contract. Having his personal business aired is no damn fun, and America doesn’t know his fiancée broke things off with him.
Channing loved Buck the moment she spotted him on top of his powerful horse. But she’s had enough of his cool, emotionless personality and she wants out. Only she signed up for this reality series, and she needs that cold hard cash to keep her brother out of the hands of the thugs he owes for gambling debts.
For Buck and Channing, pretending all is well is difficult. Keeping their hands off each other is impossible, and throwing the film crews off their horny scent is a challenge that’s becoming fun. Channing is starting to view Buck in a brand new light. And he sees her true colors when she finds a way to help the whole Calhoun family. Maybe she really will get that wedding ring and his last name.
After a TV network approaches the six Calhoun family members about doing a rodeo reality show, they jump on the opportunity for even more income needed to keep their ranch in the family. But now that Buck’s knee-deep in film crews, he wishes like hell he could un-sign his name from that contract. Having his personal business aired is no damn fun, and America doesn’t know his fiancée broke things off with him.
Channing loved Buck the moment she spotted him on top of his powerful horse. But she’s had enough of his cool, emotionless personality and she wants out. Only she signed up for this reality series, and she needs that cold hard cash to keep her brother out of the hands of the thugs he owes for gambling debts.
For Buck and Channing, pretending all is well is difficult. Keeping their hands off each other is impossible, and throwing the film crews off their horny scent is a challenge that’s becoming fun. Channing is starting to view Buck in a brand new light. And he sees her true colors when she finds a way to help the whole Calhoun family. Maybe she really will get that wedding ring and his last name.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2016
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Blurb:
It ain’t easy being a rodeo reality star—especially when you’re expected to marry your ex.
After a TV network approaches the six Calhoun family members about doing a rodeo reality show, they jump on the opportunity for even more income needed to keep their ranch in the family. But now that Buck’s knee-deep in film crews, he wishes like hell he could un-sign his name from that contract. Having his personal business aired is no damn fun, and America doesn’t know his fiancée broke things off with him.
Channing loved Buck the moment she spotted him on top of his powerful horse. But she’s had enough of his cool, emotionless personality and she wants out. Only she signed up for this reality series, and she needs that cold hard cash to keep her brother out of the hands of the thugs he owes for gambling debts.
For Buck and Channing, pretending all is well is difficult. Keeping their hands off each other is impossible, and throwing the film crews off their horny scent is a challenge that’s becoming fun. Channing is starting to view Buck in a brand new light. And he sees her true colors when she finds a way to help the whole Calhoun family. Maybe she really will get that wedding ring and his last name.
Blurb:
It ain’t easy being a rodeo reality star—especially when you’re expected to marry your ex.
After a TV network approaches the six Calhoun family members about doing a rodeo reality show, they jump on the opportunity for even more income needed to keep their ranch in the family. But now that Buck’s knee-deep in film crews, he wishes like hell he could un-sign his name from that contract. Having his personal business aired is no damn fun, and America doesn’t know his fiancée broke things off with him.
Channing loved Buck the moment she spotted him on top of his powerful horse. But she’s had enough of his cool, emotionless personality and she wants out. Only she signed up for this reality series, and she needs that cold hard cash to keep her brother out of the hands of the thugs he owes for gambling debts.
For Buck and Channing, pretending all is well is difficult. Keeping their hands off each other is impossible, and throwing the film crews off their horny scent is a challenge that’s becoming fun. Channing is starting to view Buck in a brand new light. And he sees her true colors when she finds a way to help the whole Calhoun family. Maybe she really will get that wedding ring and his last name.
May 2, 2017
Ok, so I've been on a cowboy kick lately and I must say I was totally into Buck! I would give this book a 4.5, but rounded it up to a 5 for good measure.
Buck is a rodeo star in a major way. Along with the rest of his brothers and little sister, they rule the circuit. The Calhoun clan is full of prime talent and they aren't shy about it. When the patriarch of the family dies, the family finds they are in danger of losing their beloved ranch because their father never updated his will. Unfortunately, a greedy cousin is set to inherit the land. In order to keep their ranch, they must come up with some quick cash; way more than they all can earn on the rodeo circuit.
In the meantime, Buck and his fiancée Channing are on the outs. She is a sweet girl who loves him more than life, but feels neglected. He ignores her and pretty much withholds his feeling unless they are between the sheets. They've got 99 problems, but an organs ain't one! These two heat it up!!!
The Calhouns are in need of money and so is Channing. When they are offered an opportunity to star in a reality tv show focusing on the first family of rodeos, they can't pass up the fast money. Channing and Buck have to pretend to still be engaged, as the producers of the show are planning their wedding as the season finale.
The book follows the ups and downs of Buck and Channing as they film a reality show, while struggling with their feelings for each other. Buck realizes his mistakes and does his best to make it up to Channing, but she is unsure if he is sincere or just playing it up for the cameras. Once she trusts her heart, she finds her way back to her man.
The book was well written and kept me wanting more. I look forward to the other books in the 'Rope n Ride Series'.
Buck is a rodeo star in a major way. Along with the rest of his brothers and little sister, they rule the circuit. The Calhoun clan is full of prime talent and they aren't shy about it. When the patriarch of the family dies, the family finds they are in danger of losing their beloved ranch because their father never updated his will. Unfortunately, a greedy cousin is set to inherit the land. In order to keep their ranch, they must come up with some quick cash; way more than they all can earn on the rodeo circuit.
In the meantime, Buck and his fiancée Channing are on the outs. She is a sweet girl who loves him more than life, but feels neglected. He ignores her and pretty much withholds his feeling unless they are between the sheets. They've got 99 problems, but an organs ain't one! These two heat it up!!!
The Calhouns are in need of money and so is Channing. When they are offered an opportunity to star in a reality tv show focusing on the first family of rodeos, they can't pass up the fast money. Channing and Buck have to pretend to still be engaged, as the producers of the show are planning their wedding as the season finale.
The book follows the ups and downs of Buck and Channing as they film a reality show, while struggling with their feelings for each other. Buck realizes his mistakes and does his best to make it up to Channing, but she is unsure if he is sincere or just playing it up for the cameras. Once she trusts her heart, she finds her way back to her man.
The book was well written and kept me wanting more. I look forward to the other books in the 'Rope n Ride Series'.
March 16, 2026
Reading Buck (Rope 'n Ride, #1) by Em Petrova was such a fun and emotional experience for me. I picked it up expecting a light cowboy romance, but the story ended up giving me so much more. Buck immediately stood out as a strong, rugged rodeo cowboy, yet beneath that tough exterior, there’s a surprisingly soft and loyal heart. Watching his emotional walls slowly come down made the story feel real and touching.
What I loved most was how natural the romance felt. The chemistry between the characters builds gradually, and the emotional tension keeps you hooked. Some moments made me smile, and others gave the story a deeper, heartfelt feel.
Em Petrova’s writing deserves praise for being smooth, vivid, and engaging. She captures the spirit of the rodeo world while also giving us characters who feel genuine and relatable.
Overall, this is a warm, entertaining romance that’s easy to get lost in. If you enjoy cowboy love stories with heart, charm, and emotional depth, this book is definitely worth reading.
What I loved most was how natural the romance felt. The chemistry between the characters builds gradually, and the emotional tension keeps you hooked. Some moments made me smile, and others gave the story a deeper, heartfelt feel.
Em Petrova’s writing deserves praise for being smooth, vivid, and engaging. She captures the spirit of the rodeo world while also giving us characters who feel genuine and relatable.
Overall, this is a warm, entertaining romance that’s easy to get lost in. If you enjoy cowboy love stories with heart, charm, and emotional depth, this book is definitely worth reading.
July 29, 2021
Easy and simple to read.
Quite enjoyed the short romance but its a little weird when they start already together.
Quite enjoyed the short romance but its a little weird when they start already together.
May 30, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story begins by giving a glimpse into the life of the Calhoun's, a rodeo family of six from Oklahoma. We find out, like many rodeo families, the pay isn't consistent and they are always looking for ways to make a living. The Calhoun's have the added pressure of coming up with enough money to "buy" back their ranch from their greedy cousin, Ennis. Their father didn't plan well and hadn't updated his will since his first child was born. At the time, Buck, Sr. willed his ranch to his brother--his now deceased brother. So, the ranch was now owned by their cousin Ennis. Ennis was greedy and had no intentions of keeping the land as is. He thought he could make easy money by drilling, so he set the sale price high knowing his cousins couldn't come up with the money.
As luck would have it, they were offered a reality tv show that followed them around trying to get a glimpse of rodeo/cowboy life. The deal had a "catch", though. Buck, Jr had to talk his ex into "pretending" to be his fiancé and have a wedding for the season finale. If she agrees, Channing knows she's going to have her heart broken more than it already was. Channing needs the money to help her brother, Luke, out of his gambling debts. So she agrees to be a part of the show, when all she wants is for Buck to "make" her a part of the Calhoun's.
I really enjoyed the story, but did get aggravated with Channing. She was indecisive in her feelings and Buck didn't help out by not telling her his true feelings either. They had TONS of time to have sex, but not enough to TALK. I loved how she came through in the end for her family--the Calhoun's. This story ends with a HEA and is not a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed the twist of combining a reality show with Cowboys--very unique!
April 21, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and quite honestly... Holy Hotness!!! From the very first page to the very last, Em Petrova has written a story that you will not want to put down. She turns up the heat and will have you panting for more. Well-written with a story-line that is intriguing and keeps you interested, Buck is about love, second chances, relationships, communication, family, and finding yourself.
September 28, 2021
#1 in the Rope 'n Ride romance series
This book was just OK. The plot was good--the Calhoun family patriarch left his estate in a mess, so the family ranch ended up in the hands of a greedy cousin who wants to drill and mine on the land. So the grown children, all active rodeo participants, are working together to earn enough money to buy back the working ranch. In addition, they've agreed to star in a reality show about their lives in the rodeo. I liked hearing a little about the rodeo and about what it's like to live with cameras pointing at you all the time. However, I found the relationship between Buck and Channing to be too much over the top. They were engaged, and the reality show wants to watch their relationship grow, culminating in their wedding at the end of the season. But they're having problems, mostly because Channing thinks Buck's not paying enough attention to her even though I thought she should know him better than that and understand that he's not demonstrative. And Channing, for her part, simply lets him walk all over her. He says, "I need you," and she jumps right into his arms and/or his bed, or wherever they happen to be at the time. There are many many (too many) sex scenes with him taking control and her melting and going along. No wonder he was surprised and confused about her breaking it off--she certainly was sending plenty of mixed signals. All that being said, I liked the family and the loose basis for the story. I plan to continue with this series to see what happens with the rest of the siblings.
This book was just OK. The plot was good--the Calhoun family patriarch left his estate in a mess, so the family ranch ended up in the hands of a greedy cousin who wants to drill and mine on the land. So the grown children, all active rodeo participants, are working together to earn enough money to buy back the working ranch. In addition, they've agreed to star in a reality show about their lives in the rodeo. I liked hearing a little about the rodeo and about what it's like to live with cameras pointing at you all the time. However, I found the relationship between Buck and Channing to be too much over the top. They were engaged, and the reality show wants to watch their relationship grow, culminating in their wedding at the end of the season. But they're having problems, mostly because Channing thinks Buck's not paying enough attention to her even though I thought she should know him better than that and understand that he's not demonstrative. And Channing, for her part, simply lets him walk all over her. He says, "I need you," and she jumps right into his arms and/or his bed, or wherever they happen to be at the time. There are many many (too many) sex scenes with him taking control and her melting and going along. No wonder he was surprised and confused about her breaking it off--she certainly was sending plenty of mixed signals. All that being said, I liked the family and the loose basis for the story. I plan to continue with this series to see what happens with the rest of the siblings.
May 22, 2017
I love cowboy stories, but this one was far and above one of the best I've read in any genre. We get the usual fake-fiance trope completely turned on its head - our couple starts off madly in love with each other but unable to adequately express that love. The real engagement is broken off but the timing requires that they continue to fake it, which of course gives them time to work out all the communication issues that separated them in the first place. Add to this an introduction to a wonderfully quirky and warm family (each of the siblings are featured in their own stories in this series) and a bit of drama about keeping the ranch in the family, and you have a beautiful story that draws you in to experience life on the ranch with the Calhouns. The solution at the end, and how it was handled, was expertly written - unexpected drama, lots of steam in the love story's resolution, and a satisfying outcome for all.
July 20, 2019
Another good read
Channing and Buck's story is not and steamy. Dealing with her brother and his stupid antics and trying to see if Buck does really care. Toss in a stubborn cowboy that is unsure how to explain his love and feelings to his only love. Now add the cherry on top, a film crew, watching every private and personal moment. Family members coming together to save their ranch, one money 💰💰 hungry cousin, out for what Buck's family members love. Their simple way of life.
Channing and Buck's story is not and steamy. Dealing with her brother and his stupid antics and trying to see if Buck does really care. Toss in a stubborn cowboy that is unsure how to explain his love and feelings to his only love. Now add the cherry on top, a film crew, watching every private and personal moment. Family members coming together to save their ranch, one money 💰💰 hungry cousin, out for what Buck's family members love. Their simple way of life.
March 18, 2020
Channing an Buck- The Beginning of it all
I LOVED this story. The beginning of the Rope n Ride series. I accidentally read them out of order but it really wasn’t a problem. I loved how Channing wanted more from Buck than he seemed to be able to give. He was almost emotionless until she stood her ground and he realized he might lose her. Then he worked hard to make her realize she was the only one for him and they were best together. Every story in this series was amazing. Loved them all!
I LOVED this story. The beginning of the Rope n Ride series. I accidentally read them out of order but it really wasn’t a problem. I loved how Channing wanted more from Buck than he seemed to be able to give. He was almost emotionless until she stood her ground and he realized he might lose her. Then he worked hard to make her realize she was the only one for him and they were best together. Every story in this series was amazing. Loved them all!
October 26, 2017
I felt for Buck and Channing in different ways.
It was easy to relate to Channing about not feeling like a priority to Buck. Buck kept everything in, we got to know how he felt but, Channing didn't. It was hard to see her heart get broken, when there was no reason for it to be broken. I loved the way the show played into everything too. We get the good and the bad exaggerated, and that was awesome.
It was easy to relate to Channing about not feeling like a priority to Buck. Buck kept everything in, we got to know how he felt but, Channing didn't. It was hard to see her heart get broken, when there was no reason for it to be broken. I loved the way the show played into everything too. We get the good and the bad exaggerated, and that was awesome.
July 18, 2018
Too bad. This could have been a great book.
It's such a shame that the author didn't focus on the characters or the story. Instead she turned it into a sex fest between Buck and Channing. Too bad. This could have been a great book. The idea of a rodeo family having their own reality show is sensational. I wish the author had focused on more on the characters and plot and less on one sex scene after another.
It's such a shame that the author didn't focus on the characters or the story. Instead she turned it into a sex fest between Buck and Channing. Too bad. This could have been a great book. The idea of a rodeo family having their own reality show is sensational. I wish the author had focused on more on the characters and plot and less on one sex scene after another.
May 17, 2019
Reality TV meets home on the range. A sweet and sexy story of a family coming together to save their ranch from a nasty relative. Buck is a stoic rodeo competitor engaged to Channing who has family issues of her own to overcome. She breaks it off right before they sign a reality TV contract and then they have to fake it in order to get paid. Their outrageous sexual chemistry eventually brings them back for real.
December 16, 2023
While rodeo rider Buck Calhoun and his fiancée Channing are breaking up, sponsors are talking to his family about a reality show featuring all six Calhoun’s, highlighting Buck and Channing and ending the season with their wedding. That’s one way to fix their money issues, the Calhoun are trying to keep the family ranch away from a greedy cousin and Channing’s brother’s gambling has gotten out of hand. But does it really matter since Buck and Channing broke up!
Rating: 3.5stars
Rating: 3.5stars
June 1, 2017
Buck
This read like a TV reality show. With Buck and his love intrest, Channing, having pre-marital problems. With the evil cousin out to destroy the family ranch and the reality show in everyone's business what can go right? Will there be a wedding? Will Buck and Changing confess their love for each other? Or will Ennis steal everything from under the Calhouns?
This read like a TV reality show. With Buck and his love intrest, Channing, having pre-marital problems. With the evil cousin out to destroy the family ranch and the reality show in everyone's business what can go right? Will there be a wedding? Will Buck and Changing confess their love for each other? Or will Ennis steal everything from under the Calhouns?
September 9, 2017
I usually like Petrova's work, but I had some trouble with this one. A little too heavy on the sex...these two seemed to be unable to control themselves even a little. That, combined with the heroine's inexplicable vacillations on her upcoming marriage made this a little hard to swallow.
2.5 ★
2.5 ★
July 27, 2017
Okay story...
Buck was portrayed as the quiet and stoic cowboy. The story was average and most of the narrative describing the excessive number of sex scenes. They were a bit much. Will give the next book in series a chance. Hopefully it is more than just sex scenes.
Buck was portrayed as the quiet and stoic cowboy. The story was average and most of the narrative describing the excessive number of sex scenes. They were a bit much. Will give the next book in series a chance. Hopefully it is more than just sex scenes.
August 29, 2017
A start to another great series!
Em Petrova really knows how to write cowboys and their women! She gives you enough flavor of the western life but adds her own dash of spice with the hot romance. If you liked Boot Knockers, get this one and get ready for a wild ride.
Em Petrova really knows how to write cowboys and their women! She gives you enough flavor of the western life but adds her own dash of spice with the hot romance. If you liked Boot Knockers, get this one and get ready for a wild ride.
September 16, 2017
My first Em Petrova book.
It may be my first, but it won't be my last. Loving family characters, good plot, and great love scenes made for a book to happily while away the hours. Very well edited. My sharp eye didn't catch a thing.
It may be my first, but it won't be my last. Loving family characters, good plot, and great love scenes made for a book to happily while away the hours. Very well edited. My sharp eye didn't catch a thing.
January 4, 2018
Great book!
I loved the fact that love triumphs over all the challenges. It took Buck a while to get his act together but only after Channing breaks it off with him. The trick Channing uses to make sure they get their ranch was brilliant. This was just an enjoyable read.
I loved the fact that love triumphs over all the challenges. It took Buck a while to get his act together but only after Channing breaks it off with him. The trick Channing uses to make sure they get their ranch was brilliant. This was just an enjoyable read.
March 5, 2018
Yum cowboys
Thoroughly engaging! This is one well written cowboy story, I love the tight knit family and can't wait to read more about them. Course it doesn't hurt that they're hotter than anything and so is the sex.
Thoroughly engaging! This is one well written cowboy story, I love the tight knit family and can't wait to read more about them. Course it doesn't hurt that they're hotter than anything and so is the sex.
August 15, 2018
What a ride
Buck and Channing have a lot to deal with trying to save the ranch and their relationship. They have to deal with cameras her brother and Buck's family. There is a lot of sex in each chapter.
Buck and Channing have a lot to deal with trying to save the ranch and their relationship. They have to deal with cameras her brother and Buck's family. There is a lot of sex in each chapter.
September 13, 2020
Buck and Channing firestarters
Buck and Channing love each other, but they are too stubborn to admit it. They are pretending for the reality show, but pretty soon they both realize they are miserable without each other. Cannot wait until the book in this series.
Buck and Channing love each other, but they are too stubborn to admit it. They are pretending for the reality show, but pretty soon they both realize they are miserable without each other. Cannot wait until the book in this series.
January 16, 2022
Exceptional!
Em knows how to grab your attention and keep you hanging on by your fingernails!
Hot, hot, hot Cowboys and the women they love!
Buck , what a ride! I love d this book from the beginning and didn't want it to end!
Em knows how to grab your attention and keep you hanging on by your fingernails!
Hot, hot, hot Cowboys and the women they love!
Buck , what a ride! I love d this book from the beginning and didn't want it to end!
January 26, 2022
A reality TV show to save the ranch and possible Channing and Nicks relationship. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is great, I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
September 14, 2017
3.5 stars Not my normal read but would recommend to Western Romance readers. The plot was realistic and the characters were very personable and daring.
December 25, 2017
The oldest brother's story
I have enjoyed every Em Petrova book read so far. I have a problem with Buck ordering Channing the way he does, though he does seem at the end to appreciate how she helps him and his family save their family ranch and foil the greedy cousin.
I have enjoyed every Em Petrova book read so far. I have a problem with Buck ordering Channing the way he does, though he does seem at the end to appreciate how she helps him and his family save their family ranch and foil the greedy cousin.
March 10, 2019
Must read!
I absolutely loved this book and storyline and characters. It was such a great story and found myself laughing and crying and just loved it
I absolutely loved this book and storyline and characters. It was such a great story and found myself laughing and crying and just loved it
June 24, 2019
A page turner that'll pull you in. This story of Buck and Channing is the type that gives you all the ups and downs that two people face in a relationship. Definitely recommend reading.
August 2, 2019
Interesting
I was intrigued with the angle of the story and the conclusion had me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
I was intrigued with the angle of the story and the conclusion had me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews