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Grant Brothers #3
The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival
Nate Grant knows that his eldest brother has the respect, his middle brother has the smarts, and he was left to fight for his own piece of the spotlight. Thus, began his daring, dangerous, and often a little bit crazy foray into the world of rodeo. Now, with his career on the rise, Nate is back in town to do a promotional show at the local Strawberry Festival to land himself a major sponsor. But when he arrives expecting to be welcomed as the hometown hero, he instead finds himself challenged by the only person who could ever make him shake in his boots: Athena Moore.
Athena grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Limited money for rodeo lessons or competitions meant that while she could best the boys, she couldn’t follow them to the big leagues. Watching Nate excel really lit a fire in her britches and after school she began training and teaching young girls rodeo skills. Winning against Nate at the upcoming Strawberry Festival will show the girls (and Athena) that they could do anything boys could—and do it better to boot.
But promoting the event means Nate and Athena are forced to spend time together. Too much time to keep their tumultuous feelings under wraps. Now, there’s a grudging respect to their relationship and a heavy dose of passion too. But as Nate and Athena get closer, their competition becomes public via a reality show. When the lines between promotion and passion are crossed, they’ll be forced to ask themselves what it is they’re fighting for...and what they’ll lose if they win.
This novel contains sexual content, profanity and scenes with substance abuse.
Athena grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Limited money for rodeo lessons or competitions meant that while she could best the boys, she couldn’t follow them to the big leagues. Watching Nate excel really lit a fire in her britches and after school she began training and teaching young girls rodeo skills. Winning against Nate at the upcoming Strawberry Festival will show the girls (and Athena) that they could do anything boys could—and do it better to boot.
But promoting the event means Nate and Athena are forced to spend time together. Too much time to keep their tumultuous feelings under wraps. Now, there’s a grudging respect to their relationship and a heavy dose of passion too. But as Nate and Athena get closer, their competition becomes public via a reality show. When the lines between promotion and passion are crossed, they’ll be forced to ask themselves what it is they’re fighting for...and what they’ll lose if they win.
This novel contains sexual content, profanity and scenes with substance abuse.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
472 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Leslie North
668 books1,525 followersNew to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
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Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
June 22, 2019
The third book in this series has Nate the younger brother coming home from the rodeo circuit for the big festival in town. His name should draw in a lot of people for the rodeo and other business. The one person who is really not that happy to see him is Athena Moore, they grew up together and she has not been able to leave town because of her mother and she feels and knows she is as good as or better than Nate at the rodeo. They square off which is good for publicity and Nate helps at her camp for girls. The problem becomes more of an issue when they begin to have feelings for one another and then he finds out that he will be competing against her in the rodeo. They do get into many arguments and both of them have issues, but will they be able to get past all of those for the sake of love? Read this wonderful story to find out. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this romance. I thought that the characters were interesting and likable. Even though Nate was arrogant, I could understand and relate to his actions. He felt overshadowed by his brothers and was struggling to come into his own. Athena, truly captured a piece of my heart. Her desire to be successful and having her talent thwarted simply because of where she came from and her limited resources was also very relatable and endearing. This couples attraction and chemistry was powerful and it was easy for me to root for them. The emotional turmoil between their drive for success and their desire for each other made for a very entertaining read.
May 9, 2019
If you're a fan of cowboy romance stories with a good storyline and characters with drama, misunderstandings, explosive chemistry, witty banter, passion, a bit of suspense, twists and turns, and a HEA, then pick up The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival by Leslie North.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
May 11, 2019
Love is an equal opportunity sport. In the battle of hearts there are no losers, only winners, if you know how to play the game. Nate and Athena are about to gain hands on experience in breaking all the rules. The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival delivers the spice while shaking up the heart. North is a wiz at sensuous, but she never misses the mark when it comes to the emotional side of romance. A doubly pleasureful experience.
May 11, 2019
Another excellent story full of romance, wonderful characters with great chemistry and witty dialogues. As with all her books, Leslie North has delivered once again a highly enjoyable story, that gripped me from start to finish. An excellent book perfect for a relaxing afternoon read.
September 5, 2019
This was a good read. Nate is a rodeo star and Athena is an upcoming one. She has always dreamed of making it big. When Nate comes back to town things get real. They are supposed to be competing against each other. However, they end up falling in love.
May 11, 2019
This was a great book that had well developed characters that were engaging from the start. The storyline was well developed and flowed smoothly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
This book started with great promise. Athena finally getting her chance at breaking into the professional rodeo circuit her only obstacle a frenemy from her past Nate. Nate is the local hero on the climb to the top of the rodeo world. He’s back in his hometown hoping to score a sponsor as well as winning the upcoming Strawberry Festival his only obstacle is Athena who has surprised him with her skills.
These two struck sparks off each other in the beginning and then things started sliding into convoluted drama by throwing in a reality show aspect to the promotion of the upcoming event. Both of them were hot and cold so often it wore me out and just made my investment in their relationship wane. There were times when it seemed like things were finally heading in a good direction only to be told it was just for the promo and not for real. You had to try and figure out when they were playing to the crowds and when these two genuinely begun to care about each other.
Athena was strong but at times acted a bit immature, especially when an opportunity was presented to her that could have really given her career a major boost. True there was a bit of overstepping on Nate’s part, but she should have ripped him a new one after she went out there and showed what she was made of.
Nate was the worlds biggest whiny, self centered brat of a man, if the attention wasn’t on him, he would pout and have a pity party. The both of them showed a lot of immaturity throughout the story.
One of the biggest secrets or maybe I missed it…”what was the event these two were supposed to be competing in?” We are never really given specifics as to the big event, there are so many to choose from: Barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, steer roping to name a few what was the “Big Event” and for that matter what was Athena teaching her girls to do? For a book about rodeo life we get very limited information on it.
Mild spoiler alert – this book is called “The Cowboys Rival” and this big event is what pits these two against each other. It’s the entire premise of the book and what causes all sorts of mis-understandings and drama and we don’t even get to experience it. It’s almost a footnote in the epilogue. I mean after enduring all of the hot and cold that was such a let down.
I kept it at a three stars because the writing wasn’t bad and we got both POV’s which is always a plus for me. For me Athena and Nate are more rivals who became friends then good pals, not so much a hot exciting couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two struck sparks off each other in the beginning and then things started sliding into convoluted drama by throwing in a reality show aspect to the promotion of the upcoming event. Both of them were hot and cold so often it wore me out and just made my investment in their relationship wane. There were times when it seemed like things were finally heading in a good direction only to be told it was just for the promo and not for real. You had to try and figure out when they were playing to the crowds and when these two genuinely begun to care about each other.
Athena was strong but at times acted a bit immature, especially when an opportunity was presented to her that could have really given her career a major boost. True there was a bit of overstepping on Nate’s part, but she should have ripped him a new one after she went out there and showed what she was made of.
Nate was the worlds biggest whiny, self centered brat of a man, if the attention wasn’t on him, he would pout and have a pity party. The both of them showed a lot of immaturity throughout the story.
One of the biggest secrets or maybe I missed it…”what was the event these two were supposed to be competing in?” We are never really given specifics as to the big event, there are so many to choose from: Barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, steer roping to name a few what was the “Big Event” and for that matter what was Athena teaching her girls to do? For a book about rodeo life we get very limited information on it.
Mild spoiler alert – this book is called “The Cowboys Rival” and this big event is what pits these two against each other. It’s the entire premise of the book and what causes all sorts of mis-understandings and drama and we don’t even get to experience it. It’s almost a footnote in the epilogue. I mean after enduring all of the hot and cold that was such a let down.
I kept it at a three stars because the writing wasn’t bad and we got both POV’s which is always a plus for me. For me Athena and Nate are more rivals who became friends then good pals, not so much a hot exciting couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival Book 3 by Leslie North.This is Nate and Athena's story. I really enjoyed this story mainly because it focused on girls/women being as good as boys/men in a men's sport ( rodeo). Nate is back in town for a mini rodeo to land a big sponsor but the one person he has to up against is Athena. From childhood she was good if not better then the boys but it was harder for her to go up against the big boys but Nate left and now he's a big rodeo star. But coming back stirred up more than competition. The attraction they feel is so strong they can't deny their feelings. The more I read I loved how they each had and taught the other person what was missing in their lives. The ending made me smile as they went from enemies to lovers. Girl Power.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2019
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the end of my particular ARC marathon, so don’t mind me if I seem drained and the review is a gibberish even harder to crack than a Illuminati puzzle. I’m going to need a rest from NetGalley and review my relationship with that site. It is great, but those damn request buttons are so tempting!! I will need to control myself next time, otherwise I will end with too many ARCs and too little time to read them… like this year. But enough about me, I’m not reviewing myself today (I would barely give me 2 stars right now, by the way…). Let’s put our hands all over the third Grant brother!!
We go back to that Texas town to meet Nate Grant, the rodeo celebrity who drives all woman crazy with his good looks and his womanizer attitude. He is back in town to take part in a rodeo competition that is just a PR stunt for him. But for Athena, that competition could mean her first step into a life as a professional. The weeks before the big day, Nate has several public appearances in order to promote himself. One of them is teaching in Athena’s class for little girls interested in rodeo. The special spark between the two of them is obvious, so Nate’s agents and producers decide that a reality show following both of them could be a great idea…
What the previous book lacked of, this last one has plenty of it. Well, maybe that is going too far, but the third book is way more lively with interesting situations happening almost in every chapter. And yet, I’m not 100% happy with it. Not even a 50%. In all these books I have read lately there were great ideas, nice starting points that could lead to something noteworthy. But in the end, everything is underveloped and the ending tends to be rushed and weird. This one is no exception. I love the idea of following the blossoming of a romantic relationship surrounded by PR stunts. That keeps the reader engaged wondering what is real and what is just pretending in front of the cameras. The tension keeps growing and growing until everything explodes. That climax is so epic, that the damage control should have taken waaaay longer than a half-hearted final chapter.
The length of these books is their greatest asset and their worst enemy at the same time. Due to the style of the author, I’m almost certain that longer books would be burdened with too many boring moments. I don’t want that to seem like hard criticism. These books fill masterfully the spot for extra-light summer readings where you don’t want to invest too much brain processing in order to truly relax during holidays. Nothing shameful about it! It is just that in order to achieve that lightness, some plot and character development must be cut down.
This time the characters don’t seem like a couple of sloths taking a nap as in the previous book. They have some personality that I’m thankful for. Nate is cocky, which helps in the daialogues due to the banter that is usually linked to that behaviour. But he is also humble enough to accept when he is wrong and to take notice of Athena’s emotions. Yes, he is pretty clumsy emotionally speaking; but he is always willing to learn from his mistakes, which makes him a good character in my book. I also like that Athena doesn’t drink the cool celebrity aid Nate is pouring for everyone. She has an opnion of her own and she is not afraid to let him know about it. But even though they have that kind of personality that could bring a lot of deadpan humor into a story, I’m afraid that spice is mostly ignored. Once again, we are in front of a lost chance for good sense of humor!
The development of the romance is OK until the ending, which happens all too fast. But I don’t really mind, because I was mad about another detail that kept my rage entertained. They are constantly bablbing about the competion during the festival. Nate vs Athena in an epic rodeo spectacle. I had great interest in it, because I have no idea what they have to do in that rodeo thingy. In my ignorance, I thought they were bullriders, but they actually ride horses… I was hoping for some enlightment and also to a good and healthy competition between the stars of the story. It pissed me off big time that that huge event was reduced to a couple of lines in a retelling of that day…
ARCs no more (for now)! Well, being honest I still have a couple, but they are the third and fourth book of a saga I have yet to start, so I’m not reading them anytime soon…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the end of my particular ARC marathon, so don’t mind me if I seem drained and the review is a gibberish even harder to crack than a Illuminati puzzle. I’m going to need a rest from NetGalley and review my relationship with that site. It is great, but those damn request buttons are so tempting!! I will need to control myself next time, otherwise I will end with too many ARCs and too little time to read them… like this year. But enough about me, I’m not reviewing myself today (I would barely give me 2 stars right now, by the way…). Let’s put our hands all over the third Grant brother!!
We go back to that Texas town to meet Nate Grant, the rodeo celebrity who drives all woman crazy with his good looks and his womanizer attitude. He is back in town to take part in a rodeo competition that is just a PR stunt for him. But for Athena, that competition could mean her first step into a life as a professional. The weeks before the big day, Nate has several public appearances in order to promote himself. One of them is teaching in Athena’s class for little girls interested in rodeo. The special spark between the two of them is obvious, so Nate’s agents and producers decide that a reality show following both of them could be a great idea…
What the previous book lacked of, this last one has plenty of it. Well, maybe that is going too far, but the third book is way more lively with interesting situations happening almost in every chapter. And yet, I’m not 100% happy with it. Not even a 50%. In all these books I have read lately there were great ideas, nice starting points that could lead to something noteworthy. But in the end, everything is underveloped and the ending tends to be rushed and weird. This one is no exception. I love the idea of following the blossoming of a romantic relationship surrounded by PR stunts. That keeps the reader engaged wondering what is real and what is just pretending in front of the cameras. The tension keeps growing and growing until everything explodes. That climax is so epic, that the damage control should have taken waaaay longer than a half-hearted final chapter.
The length of these books is their greatest asset and their worst enemy at the same time. Due to the style of the author, I’m almost certain that longer books would be burdened with too many boring moments. I don’t want that to seem like hard criticism. These books fill masterfully the spot for extra-light summer readings where you don’t want to invest too much brain processing in order to truly relax during holidays. Nothing shameful about it! It is just that in order to achieve that lightness, some plot and character development must be cut down.
This time the characters don’t seem like a couple of sloths taking a nap as in the previous book. They have some personality that I’m thankful for. Nate is cocky, which helps in the daialogues due to the banter that is usually linked to that behaviour. But he is also humble enough to accept when he is wrong and to take notice of Athena’s emotions. Yes, he is pretty clumsy emotionally speaking; but he is always willing to learn from his mistakes, which makes him a good character in my book. I also like that Athena doesn’t drink the cool celebrity aid Nate is pouring for everyone. She has an opnion of her own and she is not afraid to let him know about it. But even though they have that kind of personality that could bring a lot of deadpan humor into a story, I’m afraid that spice is mostly ignored. Once again, we are in front of a lost chance for good sense of humor!
The development of the romance is OK until the ending, which happens all too fast. But I don’t really mind, because I was mad about another detail that kept my rage entertained. They are constantly bablbing about the competion during the festival. Nate vs Athena in an epic rodeo spectacle. I had great interest in it, because I have no idea what they have to do in that rodeo thingy. In my ignorance, I thought they were bullriders, but they actually ride horses… I was hoping for some enlightment and also to a good and healthy competition between the stars of the story. It pissed me off big time that that huge event was reduced to a couple of lines in a retelling of that day…
ARCs no more (for now)! Well, being honest I still have a couple, but they are the third and fourth book of a saga I have yet to start, so I’m not reading them anytime soon…
May 8, 2019
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc.
Nate was a rising rodeo star but was going back to his home town to do a demonstration. He thought he would be the hero but he had been mistaken. They were going to have a mini rodeo and he was challenged by Athena who was a girl from the other side of the tracks which meant she had limited funds. Athena teaches budding rodeo girls and she knew that Nate was coming to ride in the mini rodeo. Athena and Nate will be doing a PR promotion though she wasn’t looking forward it. The were going to have a major rodeo competition next to the strawberry festival. Nate was looking how much Athena had grown and also how she could really be competition. Nate finds out that he will be going up against the darling of the town rodeo rider Athena. The press was there so Athena gave them little tidbits when Nate told the reporters that he will not lose the competition. While at the party a reporter showed up and started to question Nate. Athena got rid of the reporter really quickly and he gave them a snide remark. Athena was getting tired with all the camera crew being around all the time. Nate sets Athena with a competitive event but he didn’t tell her. She was so upset that she told him no way that she wanted to do things her own way. He called and had her removed from the competition which somewhat made him look like a flake. Things went from bad to worse things were said that could not be reversed. Twists, turns and competition makes this an exciting read.
Nate was a rising rodeo star but was going back to his home town to do a demonstration. He thought he would be the hero but he had been mistaken. They were going to have a mini rodeo and he was challenged by Athena who was a girl from the other side of the tracks which meant she had limited funds. Athena teaches budding rodeo girls and she knew that Nate was coming to ride in the mini rodeo. Athena and Nate will be doing a PR promotion though she wasn’t looking forward it. The were going to have a major rodeo competition next to the strawberry festival. Nate was looking how much Athena had grown and also how she could really be competition. Nate finds out that he will be going up against the darling of the town rodeo rider Athena. The press was there so Athena gave them little tidbits when Nate told the reporters that he will not lose the competition. While at the party a reporter showed up and started to question Nate. Athena got rid of the reporter really quickly and he gave them a snide remark. Athena was getting tired with all the camera crew being around all the time. Nate sets Athena with a competitive event but he didn’t tell her. She was so upset that she told him no way that she wanted to do things her own way. He called and had her removed from the competition which somewhat made him look like a flake. Things went from bad to worse things were said that could not be reversed. Twists, turns and competition makes this an exciting read.
May 9, 2019
The Final Book in a First-Rate Series
The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival - Grant Brothers Series, Book 3, By author Leslie North is about Nate, the youngest and last of the Grant Brothers. He’s home for a Rodeo and to smooch around with Athena the woman who is probably his equal but didn’t have the money to make it to the big Rodeo level. Secretly they both crush on each other. That issue makes for a lot of misunderstanding, edgy, tears, frustration, by both of them all the while a camera crew are following them around. The question is: Can they get out of their way to recognize they are in love? Will the PR people, Camera crew leave them alone?
This final story, like the previous two is well-written if a little more complicated in that more people (local and professionals) are involved and with their own agendas. But helping Nate Is his two brothers, Ian and Jonah who make pivotal appearances and try to help him with reality checks. Helping Athena is her best friend and Mother who gives a very wonderful and touching monologue.
Overall this is a sublime series. The author should feel very proud of her creating these brothers and the women who came to know them, love them and entered into a loving relationship without sacrificing their identity.
Definitely recommending this book and series for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving this review for your consideration. Peace.
The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival - Grant Brothers Series, Book 3, By author Leslie North is about Nate, the youngest and last of the Grant Brothers. He’s home for a Rodeo and to smooch around with Athena the woman who is probably his equal but didn’t have the money to make it to the big Rodeo level. Secretly they both crush on each other. That issue makes for a lot of misunderstanding, edgy, tears, frustration, by both of them all the while a camera crew are following them around. The question is: Can they get out of their way to recognize they are in love? Will the PR people, Camera crew leave them alone?
This final story, like the previous two is well-written if a little more complicated in that more people (local and professionals) are involved and with their own agendas. But helping Nate Is his two brothers, Ian and Jonah who make pivotal appearances and try to help him with reality checks. Helping Athena is her best friend and Mother who gives a very wonderful and touching monologue.
Overall this is a sublime series. The author should feel very proud of her creating these brothers and the women who came to know them, love them and entered into a loving relationship without sacrificing their identity.
Definitely recommending this book and series for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving this review for your consideration. Peace.
May 10, 2019
This is the third in the Grant Brothers trilogy by the best selling author, Leslie North, and they just get better with each episode! This is again set against the Strawberry Festival as was book 1. Nate is the youngest of the Grant brothers and always has felt as if he needs to show that he is just as good as them. He left town to join the rodeo circuit and he has succeeded very well. But when he comes back he is not met with a celebrity welcome at all. In fact, the main person to acknowledge he is to do with the rodeo is Athena who challenges him to a contest at the Strawberry Festival. She was not born with a 'silver spoon in her mouth' and didn't have the resources to compete professionally in the rodeo competitions and made it her goal to train young girls in rodeo riding and she wants to beat Nate. But this means that these two so-called protagonists are going to be spending a considerable amount of time together and that's when they both realise that they've both been missing out and that there is so much more for them working together and being together than being combatants! A great read that I found difficult to put down and had me invested in their story. I loved the witty banter and sparkling chemistry between these two and I really enjoyed the ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Most Definitely Recommended.
May 11, 2019
This is entertaining and interesting. Nate is a cocky, selfish and unfeeling man that he doesn't see anybody but himself. Athena is strong, caring, generous and naive. When rodeo star Nate comes back to town for the Strawberry Festival, the biggest event is him going head to head against a local. He knows Athena does local competitions, but never thinks that it could be her. One of his PR events is to help her with her rodeo school for a few days. Athena has always been irritated by him, and the attraction she feels towards him doesn't help the situation. He always teased her because he could, he enjoyed getting her riled up. Now he's attracted to her, which doesn't work for him because he doesn't do relationships, and he can't risk his reputation on the hometown sweetheart. He talks her into doing a bunch of PR stuff, even if it's embarrassing for her. When he decides to make up for things, he does it behind her back. And afterwards she takes responsibility for his sponsor issues. That sort of ruined the story for me, he never took sole responsibility like he should have, he set it up, he hyped it up and he never mentioned to her or asked if it was something she wanted. Saying no, and the fallout, was all on him. She had every right to say no without being guilty of anything. But other than that, it's a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
May 9, 2019
I really expected to like this book. I have enjoyed the other books in the Grant Brothers series but, this one is a disappointment for me. There isn’t a build of the romance between Athena and Nate. The story goes through the motions with the back and forth between the two childhood friends. Athena’s mad at Nate. Nate is confused but tries to help I really expected to like this book. I have enjoyed the other books in the Grant Brothers series but, this one is a disappointment for me. There isn’t a build of the romance between Athena and Nate. The story goes through the motions with the back and forth between the two childhood friends. Athena’s mad at Nate. Nate is confused but tries to help Athena which always backfires. There is no passion beyond a kiss or two that immediate gets put off because of other obligations. There really isn’t much of a rivalry either except that they will be competing against each other in a local rodeo. Nate is the famous rider and Athena is the hometown sweetheart that stayed behind because of obligations. The ending seemed to get everything sewn up in a neat package quickly with declarations of love. It was like you blinked and all of a sudden everything was perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
Nate is a rodeo star looking for new and more lucrative sponsors. He has come back to his hometown to get more positive PR and to take part in a rodeo that will have him competing with the best the area has to offer, Athena. Athena is a would be rodeo queen. She has two jobs in order to support her mother, but wishes she could be in the limelight and at the top of the rodeo competitions just like Nate. She and Nate were friends as kids, but now she wants to keep her distance. She believes he is just about good PR and has no real substance behind his handsome good looks. They both are too busy denying their attraction to notice that their feelings about each other are changing into something beyond friendship. Their relationship has a great deal of up and downs. Both are confused, make wrong assumptions, try to make amends and totally misjudge the reactions of each other. A PR mishap seems to be the final blow to a tentative relationship as a couple who want to be together. Can these two mixed up people find their way back to each other and make a plan for a shared future? This book was a quick, enjoyable and entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2019
This is the last installment of the Grant brothers series and it doesn't disappoint! The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival sees the youngest Grant brother in a rodeo competition against his childhood friend Athena Moore.
Early in the book, Nate seemed to be the Grant black sheep - just another rodeo cowboy too full of himself. I liked Athena right away - girl from the wrong side of town who made the best of her options and was finally getting her shot to be in the rodeo game. Of course, Leslie North never writes stories that cut and dried. Coming home and spending time with his brothers challenges Nate to take a hard look at his life and what he wants. Athena is challenged by Nate and not just as a fellow competitor - she has been a big fish in a small pond and having a another big fish in the pond with all the public scrutiny by outsiders propels Athena into the realization that the competition is about more than just beating Nate at his own game. Then there is the attraction between Athena and Nate that strengthens as they get to know each other as adults.
This is a thoroughly satisfying book - but don't start it if you need to be up early the next day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Early in the book, Nate seemed to be the Grant black sheep - just another rodeo cowboy too full of himself. I liked Athena right away - girl from the wrong side of town who made the best of her options and was finally getting her shot to be in the rodeo game. Of course, Leslie North never writes stories that cut and dried. Coming home and spending time with his brothers challenges Nate to take a hard look at his life and what he wants. Athena is challenged by Nate and not just as a fellow competitor - she has been a big fish in a small pond and having a another big fish in the pond with all the public scrutiny by outsiders propels Athena into the realization that the competition is about more than just beating Nate at his own game. Then there is the attraction between Athena and Nate that strengthens as they get to know each other as adults.
This is a thoroughly satisfying book - but don't start it if you need to be up early the next day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
Nate’s more than a little cocky. He’s earned it. He’s at the top of his game and he’s looking for ways to make sure he stays there. Athena’s been stuck in their hometown, working hard to make ends meet while trying to keep her rodeo dreams alive. When a promotional exhibition brings these two back into one another’s orbits, no one’s quite sure what the final outcome will be, just that it’s probably going to be explosive. Even though Nate carries a lot of the alpha-hole attitude, he’s fully aware of just how fragile his current celebrity status is. Making him vulnerable and oh so lovable because I adore a vulnerable hero. And when you give him a feisty partner who’s more than willing to call him on all his bad behaviour, I’m going to be a fan for life. Athena’s got lots of her own baggage to work through that causes some big misunderstandings between the pair. I really enjoyed watching them banter. They have so much chemistry, which made for some epic showdowns. I find that I’m not ready to let go of the extended Grant family now that it’s over.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
May 20, 2019
The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival (Grant Brothers Series Book 3) By: Leslie NorthMaybe, "The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival" Will Find A Few Tricks Up Her Sleeve, & Rope HER A Cowboy To Own!
She's ready to Move Up in the World,
But to DO Sooo means She's gotta become "The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival!"
Although when the Time comes,
They End up CLOSER than RIVALS should Be...
And the Promoters are sure want'n to Definitely see Sparks Fly'n,
But... She'd like IT too be Real...
Instead of a Promotional Deal!
SomeTimes, Being "The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival" isn't ALL it's Cracked Up to BE,
When Every Moment is Live & She's Expected to be ON...
Plus, There's the Li'l Problem of what's gonna Happen,
When the Competition IS OVER...
Who's HEART'S gett'n Broken when the OTHER walks Away!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Leslie North's "The Cowboy’s Rodeo Rival (Grant Brothers Series Book 3)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
May 12, 2019
Nate Grant's rodeo career is on the rise, and he has come home to do a promotional show at the Strawberry Festival in hopes of landing a major sponsor. Athena Moore came from the wrong side of the tracks. With limited funds for rodeo lessons and competitions, Athena was better than the boys but couldn't follow them onto the rodeo circuit. Athena trains and teaches young girls rodeo skills. Sparks fly between Nate and Athena as they are pitted against each other in competition. The chemistry between Nate and Athena is smoking hot. Can Nate and Athena work through their own baggage and realize they have real feelings for each other? Will misunderstandings between Nate and Athena end their relationship before it really has a chance to begin? Will a camera crew following Nate and Athena around add more pressure for each to win the competition? I really enjoyed The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival by Leslie North. The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival is a great story with fun characters who engage the reader from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend getting The Cowboy's Rodeo Rival by Leslie North.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
Athena ran a Rodeo camp for girls.There was a competiton and she entered, if she was the winner and was picked then she would go up against Nate, the Rodeo star. Athena and Nate have known each other since childhood. They did not always get along and this time id not different. Nate's PR team likes the sparks that fly between them and decide to do a TV show about them. Athena is not to happy about this since the will be done at her camp.
Leslie Nort has written a book that has both characters dealing with things from the past. What she has the character deal with are things that a everyday person deals with at times and she makes you feel like you are there with them.
If you like a book where the male does something for the female and thinks it is the right thing to do and then finds out that it is not, but don't understand what he did wrong and a female who realizes why she is holding back and she let's go of the past then this is the book for you. It is totally worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leslie Nort has written a book that has both characters dealing with things from the past. What she has the character deal with are things that a everyday person deals with at times and she makes you feel like you are there with them.
If you like a book where the male does something for the female and thinks it is the right thing to do and then finds out that it is not, but don't understand what he did wrong and a female who realizes why she is holding back and she let's go of the past then this is the book for you. It is totally worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
This is the third book in the Grant Brothers series and this one is all Nate. Nate is the youngest and of course he had to find his own flare which he did being part of the rodeo. He has managed to become very successful and is returning to his home town for the Strawberry Festival to compete. Athena was born on the wrong side of the tracks but has continued to pursue her dream of being in the rodeo as best as she could. Now, today she is teaching other girls the skills to be in the rodeo as well. Athena wants to make her appearance and prove that girls can do rodeo as well at the Strawberry Festival. Nate and Athena are seen as rodeo rivals but they have a lot of chemistry between the two of them. This shouldn't be an issue but they are forced to spent more and more time together and this is making it hard on both of them to keep their feelings in check. This is really read on how the prep and events at the Strawberry Festival play out and how the effects of it all impact Nate and Athena's HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
A nicely written story about two people. Nate and Athena grew up together and competed in rodeos together. It had been a friendly competition between the two of them. But Athena’s mother had health problems that kept Athena from being able to pursue her dreams of a rodeo career while Nate moved on and became a star. Now he is back for a competition that will pit him against the winner of a local competition. He has a lot riding on this, career-wise, including a sponsorship. Athena has been running a training facility for young girls who are interested in learning about the rodeo.
Sparks fly between the two when Nate wants to pretend they are in a relationship for publicity and to increase his chances of getting the sponsorship. It seems everything Nate does is for publicity and to make sure he gets what he wants. And although he does try to do some things for Athena, it still is with his career in mind. Can they come to terms and find a common ground?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sparks fly between the two when Nate wants to pretend they are in a relationship for publicity and to increase his chances of getting the sponsorship. It seems everything Nate does is for publicity and to make sure he gets what he wants. And although he does try to do some things for Athena, it still is with his career in mind. Can they come to terms and find a common ground?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2019
Friendly Rivals?
Nate and Athena grew up always competing against each other. Now he's back in town as a big rodeo star and she's a wannabe big star. He's looking for a sponsor to help him stay on top, she wants to beat him and prove her worth. In a time of social media, reality TV and cut throat competition this scenario doesn't seem to be perfect for a romance. But it is clear both Nate and Athena want each other. Nate does have relationship and boundary issues, Athena is a bit hot headed and closed off. It would also have been helpful to understand what type of rodeo competition in which these two were competing against each other. The story could use a bit more detail and fleshing out, but overall it's a comfortable read with thoughtful interludes with Nate helping Athena with her "little ladies" rodeo riders, Luke's brothers sticking their noses in and Athena's realization she needs to open up thanks to her mom. I had hoped for more in this final book of the series, but the conclusion ties it all together.
Nate and Athena grew up always competing against each other. Now he's back in town as a big rodeo star and she's a wannabe big star. He's looking for a sponsor to help him stay on top, she wants to beat him and prove her worth. In a time of social media, reality TV and cut throat competition this scenario doesn't seem to be perfect for a romance. But it is clear both Nate and Athena want each other. Nate does have relationship and boundary issues, Athena is a bit hot headed and closed off. It would also have been helpful to understand what type of rodeo competition in which these two were competing against each other. The story could use a bit more detail and fleshing out, but overall it's a comfortable read with thoughtful interludes with Nate helping Athena with her "little ladies" rodeo riders, Luke's brothers sticking their noses in and Athena's realization she needs to open up thanks to her mom. I had hoped for more in this final book of the series, but the conclusion ties it all together.
June 22, 2020
I was waiting for this third Grant Brother! And he was so worth the wait! We get to meet Nate, the youngest of the brothers, returning home from the rodeo circuit. He is performing at home and hoping to get a sponsor. Everyone is happy to see him, except his childhood friend, Athena Moore. She too is a rodeo rider, but life has taken a different path for her.Their rivalry is real, but so is the underlying passion. Will these two be able to work together without igniting? I love Leslie North's novellas. They are just long enough to suck me in and invest my heart. I was wondering how Athena and Nate would turn out. These two are combustible. Not only do they have chemistry, but their both stubborn and get in each other's way. I love the addition of the reality show too, giving them another stumbling block. Add in cameos from Ian and Jonah and the story is complete for me!
Mathias Strongbow finishes out the trilogy, as he has become the Grant Brothers voices! He breathes life into these two giving Nate the competitive sound and makes Athena a spitfire! It's a fun listen!
Mathias Strongbow finishes out the trilogy, as he has become the Grant Brothers voices! He breathes life into these two giving Nate the competitive sound and makes Athena a spitfire! It's a fun listen!
May 28, 2019
Nate has been working the rodeo circuit for years and is at the top of the game. Athena has been doing all her training in their hometown and was just getting ready for her chance at the rodeo. Athena has been struggling her whole life to earn a living so if she wins this competition it would really help her out in a big way. Sparks fly between her and Nate but nothing is keeping her from trying to beat him in the competition. Things get intense between them and Nate doesn't know if he wants something more with Athena or not. Relationships aren't usually he's thing but doe he want to win more than he wants Athena?
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
The third of the Grant brothers is the one whose focus is on in this story and a girl named Athena. It is quite good but somehow not equal to the other previous ones. It feels as if something is amiss in this story. While reading it I felt there was missing some ingredient in the mix to make the story fuller, this was mostly in the second part of the book, even towards the last third that it felt a bit empty. Otherwise the storyline is quite good and the characters are also good, but there as in the story they felt not quite complete somehow. Still I enjoyed reading this story and liked the overall experience of it. But I must be honest about how I feel about what I am reading as I got this story as an Advanced Readers Copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
Nate, the youngest Grant brother, comes home for the Strawberry Festival. He'll be competing in a rodeo competition against the town sweetheart, Athena Moore. The attraction and chemistry between them is evident from the moment the first see each other. She wants to beat the pants off him - she didn't have the opportunity to do what he's doing. He wants to win so he can get a sponsor, which will set him up after his rodeo days are over. The press gets involved (think reality TV) - Nate's okay with it, but Athena really doesn't care for the intrusion, and begins to think that everything he does is just for the cameras. They are both miserable without each other, and eventually get it all sorted out. No spoiler here, but I love Nate's surprise at the end of the book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2019
This book yanked me around by my emotions the whole time. There were a few times I put it down because I needed to process through the emotions because what was happening in the book was just so real. It wasn't an easy ride for Nate and Athena, which made it all the more real to read about. I loved that they both made mistakes and both owned up to them. It takes you right up to the end and does not let you go until then.
As the third book in this series, it reads very easily on its own. It has its own voice and I really liked that it was unique from the other two (those each were unique as well). In a genre where series of books can begin to become cookie cutter like, this series was refreshingly written outside the mold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the third book in this series, it reads very easily on its own. It has its own voice and I really liked that it was unique from the other two (those each were unique as well). In a genre where series of books can begin to become cookie cutter like, this series was refreshingly written outside the mold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2019
For some reason, I just couldn't get into this one. I don't know if it was the characters or the storyline, but it just wasn't for me. It is quite a short story and I think that as a result, it did feel a bit rushed. There was no real development of the relationship between Athena and Nate. They seemed to go from arguing about everything to a happily ever after with nothing in between. Although it was made clear that they liked one another, there was little more than that. The chemistry just wasn't there. It's a shame because I liked the idea of two people who were competing against one another being attracted to each other, for me this was a bit of a lost opportunity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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