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Roughstock #1
Roughstock: Blind Ride - Season One
Jason Scott is at the top of the bull riding game, on his way to a winning season. Along with his traveling partner, Andy Baxter, he's riding hard on the circuit, working around the country with all of the other bull riders and bull fighters, living the good life. The only thing he wishes he had is Bax, but he's afraid to take the step that would make them more than friends, worried that it will ruin everything. When a terrible accident leaves Jason unable to see, his whole life goes south. Jason decides to chuck it all, determined to go home and hide at his momma's ranch. Bax has other ideas. He wants to make sure his best friend doesn't give up, and he hatches a plan that stuns Jason and makes their friends and family think he's crazy. With the help of the other bull riders and a very persistent bull fighter named Coke, Bax convinces Jason to give life one more try. With Jason cautiously learning to hope, and his relationship with Bax going to the next level, life gets pretty complicated. Everyone gets in on the project, from Jason's strong-willed mother to an entire ranch full of children, all of them working to help Jason do what he loves. Will Bax be able to convince Jason that he can still ride, even if he's blind to everything the world has to offer?
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2008
56 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
382 books632 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 4, 2020
3 Stars
Blind Ride is a romance featuring two cowboys and best friends, Jason and Bax, as they begin a relationship while facing the harsh realities of new (and continuing) physical ailments they encounter due to their bodily taxing professions as bull-riders.
I enjoyed this quite a bit at the onset, immediately loving the tropes of cowboys and friends-to-lovers, and even appreciating the tasty dose of hurt-comfort themes that compelled the story and its characters forward.
Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, I felt the story began to lose its way a bit, focusing more on the plentiful yet repetitive sex scenes, rather than on the development of the characters or their relationship.
By the end, which was abrupt in its own right, I wasn’t sure where the story was even going. And some of the choices made by the main characters, particularly in regards to their health and professions, were absolutely ill-advised and reckless, as far as I was concerned. .
This is only my second time reading a story by Tortuga, and although both times I’ve enjoyed the themes and tropes used quite a bit — did I mention friends-to-lovers and COWBOYS?! — I admit, I still find myself notably struggling with the writing itself.
Sometimes we mesh with an author’s personal style and sometimes we don’t, and for me, this was a case of the latter. I personally find Tortuga’s delivery a little chaotic and, for lack of a better word, choppy. Aside from the nonsensical decision making by the characters themselves, the dialogue, also, leaves me scratching my head. I can acknowledge that, in this case, the characters are Texan cowboys who speak a certain way that may ring true to the region they are from, but it’s more the overuse of repeat words (or even sounds like “uh huh”) or the stuttering and rambling that went on during the sex scenes, that really threw me out of the story a time or twenty.
Add to all of that, I was also left a tad confused regarding a few key story points, the most important being that even after reading all 200+ pages of this story, I still had no idea how old these characters were or even if they identified as gay, bisexual or what?! There was absolutely no backstory given about these characters. I wanted to know how they meet, what their relationship experience had been before now, how long they secretly loved each other — if that was even what this was, because they sure never said the words.
And as for the age thing, they kept talking about how old they were, so I initially assumed in their thirties, not because that is old, obviously, but because it probably is old for a bull-rider who has put their body through the works for years. But, by the end, I actually came to assume they were only in their twenties. This assumption hit me after I read some reviews for book two, which is a story about “old man/poppy” Coke, who I had spent the entire book thinking was a Sam Elliott type, perhaps in his sixties or seventies.... but, nope, I couldn’t have been more off base. According to reviews of book two, the guy is in his late thirties, so if he was the “old” one then how fricken young are the rest of them, and why the hell wouldn’t that be mentioned to the reader at some point, for, I don’t know, let’s say, some CONTEXT. Lord, the lack of basic character information left me baffled, and ultimately unable to truly connect to the characters or their story.
So, there you have it. This story had all the outward makings of a story I would love, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Having said that, my opinion is my own and many have and probably will really enjoy this double cowboy romance, so venture forth at your own discretion.
Blind Ride is a romance featuring two cowboys and best friends, Jason and Bax, as they begin a relationship while facing the harsh realities of new (and continuing) physical ailments they encounter due to their bodily taxing professions as bull-riders.
I enjoyed this quite a bit at the onset, immediately loving the tropes of cowboys and friends-to-lovers, and even appreciating the tasty dose of hurt-comfort themes that compelled the story and its characters forward.
Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, I felt the story began to lose its way a bit, focusing more on the plentiful yet repetitive sex scenes, rather than on the development of the characters or their relationship.
By the end, which was abrupt in its own right, I wasn’t sure where the story was even going. And some of the choices made by the main characters, particularly in regards to their health and professions, were absolutely ill-advised and reckless, as far as I was concerned. .
This is only my second time reading a story by Tortuga, and although both times I’ve enjoyed the themes and tropes used quite a bit — did I mention friends-to-lovers and COWBOYS?! — I admit, I still find myself notably struggling with the writing itself.
Sometimes we mesh with an author’s personal style and sometimes we don’t, and for me, this was a case of the latter. I personally find Tortuga’s delivery a little chaotic and, for lack of a better word, choppy. Aside from the nonsensical decision making by the characters themselves, the dialogue, also, leaves me scratching my head. I can acknowledge that, in this case, the characters are Texan cowboys who speak a certain way that may ring true to the region they are from, but it’s more the overuse of repeat words (or even sounds like “uh huh”) or the stuttering and rambling that went on during the sex scenes, that really threw me out of the story a time or twenty.
Add to all of that, I was also left a tad confused regarding a few key story points, the most important being that even after reading all 200+ pages of this story, I still had no idea how old these characters were or even if they identified as gay, bisexual or what?! There was absolutely no backstory given about these characters. I wanted to know how they meet, what their relationship experience had been before now, how long they secretly loved each other — if that was even what this was, because they sure never said the words.
And as for the age thing, they kept talking about how old they were, so I initially assumed in their thirties, not because that is old, obviously, but because it probably is old for a bull-rider who has put their body through the works for years. But, by the end, I actually came to assume they were only in their twenties. This assumption hit me after I read some reviews for book two, which is a story about “old man/poppy” Coke, who I had spent the entire book thinking was a Sam Elliott type, perhaps in his sixties or seventies.... but, nope, I couldn’t have been more off base. According to reviews of book two, the guy is in his late thirties, so if he was the “old” one then how fricken young are the rest of them, and why the hell wouldn’t that be mentioned to the reader at some point, for, I don’t know, let’s say, some CONTEXT. Lord, the lack of basic character information left me baffled, and ultimately unable to truly connect to the characters or their story.
So, there you have it. This story had all the outward makings of a story I would love, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Having said that, my opinion is my own and many have and probably will really enjoy this double cowboy romance, so venture forth at your own discretion.
January 11, 2009
Jason Scott and Andy Baxter have been best friends forever. Practically joined at the hip, they are both successful on the rodeo circut and even though they compete against one another, their friendship has always come first.
Jason and Andy fight the ongoing attraction they have for one another. They are affectionate and supportive and even willing kick the other person's ass to get them into shape, but they never act on their true feelings for one another.
Andy has been injured early on in the rodeo season. He still competes but knows he won't do well this year because of his injury. Jason on the other hand, is on top of his game. He has turned into a favorite on the circut, and has a really good shot at being the champion this year.
When Jason has a shocking accident on the job that leaves him sightless, he thinks his career is over. Andy immediately takes control and whisks Jason away to heal and lick his wounds. In the process of Jason's recovery period, Andy and few other close friends decide to keep Jason's blindness a secret because they don't want him to lose his sponsors immediately, and they hope the blindness will be a temporary condition.
Jason wants to give up. Thinking he has lost it all, he doesn't want to live, but Andy keeps him busy and pushes him to go past his injury and look toward a future. This brings them even closer than they were before, and soon they give into the feelings and attraction they have for one another and form a bond that is unbreakable. With Andy's love and emotional support Jason decides to do the unthinkable...ride the bull's blind.
I really enjoyed this book. Jason and Andy's relationship evolve from best friends to partners in a very appropriate and well timed manner. Not only did I root for them, but I genuinely liked them as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I am anxious to see how or if they can pull Jason riding blind in the rodeo circut off.
If you are offended by hot cowboy M/M sex and dirty words this book is not for you.
Jason and Andy fight the ongoing attraction they have for one another. They are affectionate and supportive and even willing kick the other person's ass to get them into shape, but they never act on their true feelings for one another.
Andy has been injured early on in the rodeo season. He still competes but knows he won't do well this year because of his injury. Jason on the other hand, is on top of his game. He has turned into a favorite on the circut, and has a really good shot at being the champion this year.
When Jason has a shocking accident on the job that leaves him sightless, he thinks his career is over. Andy immediately takes control and whisks Jason away to heal and lick his wounds. In the process of Jason's recovery period, Andy and few other close friends decide to keep Jason's blindness a secret because they don't want him to lose his sponsors immediately, and they hope the blindness will be a temporary condition.
Jason wants to give up. Thinking he has lost it all, he doesn't want to live, but Andy keeps him busy and pushes him to go past his injury and look toward a future. This brings them even closer than they were before, and soon they give into the feelings and attraction they have for one another and form a bond that is unbreakable. With Andy's love and emotional support Jason decides to do the unthinkable...ride the bull's blind.
I really enjoyed this book. Jason and Andy's relationship evolve from best friends to partners in a very appropriate and well timed manner. Not only did I root for them, but I genuinely liked them as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I am anxious to see how or if they can pull Jason riding blind in the rodeo circut off.
If you are offended by hot cowboy M/M sex and dirty words this book is not for you.
January 26, 2009
I loved Andy and Jason. They are truly meant to be with one another! I loved the determination of both characters and watching their relationship move from best friends to lover. It was great! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
February 6, 2009
I really liked this book. I thought the best friends before lovers scenerio was great. The accident just brought them closer together instead of drifting them apart. I loved that. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 26, 2022
Two best friends and Rodeo riders make their way across the circuit to get top prizes, run into mishaps and excitement. It's a hard life.
Secretly each guy wants the other, but don't want to make it known.
We have vivid characters that have big hearts and dedication.
Our MCs have terrific dependable fellow rodeo men, and Jason has a solid family home, but Bax is a loner.
Jason/Mini, is a smaller guy,
packed with lean muscles and is a professional bull rider.
Bax/Andy, 35, a bit older
than Jason, is always right there when needed, and each man has the others back.
We get wonderful, descriptive writing that places us in the thick of it all. We see riding injuries and the concerned tight knit group pitching in.
Later on, Jason gets blinded by a bull ride gone bad. (there is ideation of suicide) He's hiding out at his Momma's and Bax is right there to help Jason/Mini, every step of the way. Then when Bax/Andy has to return to the next rodeo stop, he comes back damaged, and both men recoup at Mamma's.
It's there that the two finally act on their feelings and have passionate sexy times, firsts and a deeper connection.
This is a seven book series, and this one is a cliffhanger.
The story is exciting, meaningful, full of banter, camaraderie and caring. Deep passion, sexy times, and healing are going on.
There's more to come...
ENJOY !
=====
Secretly each guy wants the other, but don't want to make it known.
We have vivid characters that have big hearts and dedication.
Our MCs have terrific dependable fellow rodeo men, and Jason has a solid family home, but Bax is a loner.
Jason/Mini, is a smaller guy,
packed with lean muscles and is a professional bull rider.
Bax/Andy, 35, a bit older
than Jason, is always right there when needed, and each man has the others back.
We get wonderful, descriptive writing that places us in the thick of it all. We see riding injuries and the concerned tight knit group pitching in.
Later on, Jason gets blinded by a bull ride gone bad. (there is ideation of suicide) He's hiding out at his Momma's and Bax is right there to help Jason/Mini, every step of the way. Then when Bax/Andy has to return to the next rodeo stop, he comes back damaged, and both men recoup at Mamma's.
It's there that the two finally act on their feelings and have passionate sexy times, firsts and a deeper connection.
This is a seven book series, and this one is a cliffhanger.
The story is exciting, meaningful, full of banter, camaraderie and caring. Deep passion, sexy times, and healing are going on.
There's more to come...
ENJOY !
=====
February 13, 2016
Cowboys, bull riders, and rodeos are all part of a world that I love to read about. And BA Tortuga’s cowboys are extra-special as far as I’m concerned – they are rough, tough, and there’s not a bit of sappy even when they fall in love. I’m very happy the ’Roughstock’ books are being rereleased since that gives me an “excuse” to read all of them again. They were great the first time around, and it looks as though they’ll all be just as much fun the second time around. ‘Blind Ride’ is the first volume, and focuses on bull riders Jason and Andy Baxter, or Bax. They’ve been friends for years, have been traveling the rodeo circuit together and, even though they’ve never been physical, are pretty much like a married couple even before they first kiss. And when disaster strikes, they are there for each other, not letting anything or anyone get in the way of what they want to do: ride bulls.
Jason is an up and coming talent, winning more events than not. Riding bulls is his life, but when one of them throws and stomps him, and he wakes up not being able to see, his world stops. And when he’s told the damage is permanent, he is ready to give up.
Bax has been at Jason’s side for years. He is no longer at the top of his game but still wins the occasional event. With a body that has seen more broken bones and other injuries than he’ll admit, things are getting tough. But as much as he’s struggling himself, he won’t let Jason just give up. His plan may be crazy, but it has Jason’s attention, and that is all that matters.
If you like tough, macho bull riders who won’t admit their feelings unless there is absolutely no choice, if you want to find out more about two men who are closer than many married couples yet are just beginning to explore a physical relationship, and if you’re looking for a read that is exciting, hot, and will have you cheering for Jason to figure out how to deal with being blind, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jason is an up and coming talent, winning more events than not. Riding bulls is his life, but when one of them throws and stomps him, and he wakes up not being able to see, his world stops. And when he’s told the damage is permanent, he is ready to give up.
Bax has been at Jason’s side for years. He is no longer at the top of his game but still wins the occasional event. With a body that has seen more broken bones and other injuries than he’ll admit, things are getting tough. But as much as he’s struggling himself, he won’t let Jason just give up. His plan may be crazy, but it has Jason’s attention, and that is all that matters.
If you like tough, macho bull riders who won’t admit their feelings unless there is absolutely no choice, if you want to find out more about two men who are closer than many married couples yet are just beginning to explore a physical relationship, and if you’re looking for a read that is exciting, hot, and will have you cheering for Jason to figure out how to deal with being blind, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 22, 2017
I'm going to be honest, not mean. This read had two things I love, characters with disabilities who rise above the challenge & Cowboys. Overall it was a big miss for me and even more offending is it ended with a to-be-continued. Nope, don't care enough to find out how it ends.
See, I was nice about it.
See, I was nice about it.
August 7, 2015
3.5 stars.
Jason Scott, aka Mini, and Andy Baxter, aka Bax, two bull-rider cowboys touring the rodeo circuit, have been bestest friends for years. There is underlying attraction between them, but neither is willing to act on those feelings. Lots of UST in this one. They joke and push each other to perform at their very best, competing against each other, with lots of friendly ribbing, but are also each other's support system.
Andy gets injured early on, and knows he won't be winning this time around, but Jason is riding high. Until a terrible accident with a wicked bull robs him of his sight. Andy takes Jason home to heal, while still having to travel to the rodeos. This is a pivotal point in their relationship, and neither handles it very well.
Jason loses all hope, and his will to live. His overbearing mother, with whom he's staying, doesn't help the cause. It's all looking very bleak for him - a blind cowboy can't ride any bulls. Compounding this is the fact that they've kept Jason's blindness a secret for now, so he doesn't immediately lose his sponsors.
Andy is worried about his best friend, obviously, but either doesn't have the brains or the means to reach out to medical professionals to help with Jason's transition and relearning how to do things without seeing. There is tension between them, and Andy doesn't know what to do, how to help Jason. The situation sort of meanders for a while, until Andy has a brilliant idea, rounds up their friends, and prods and pushes Jason out of the hole.
I loved the relationship between the two men. I could tell from early on that there were strong feelings between them, feelings that only get stronger, the closer they get after Jason's injury. They rely on each other heavily, and the UST kicks up a few notches until they finally give in. I completely believed in their relationship.
The writing felt a little bland - for lack of a better word - and I wish there had been more showing rather than telling. I also had a difficult time dealing with Jason's mother. She was treating him like a child, her grown son, and made him feel as if he was incapable of doing anything himself, now that he's blind, instead of helping him to find his way around. She exacerbated his feelings of uselessness.
What also bothered me is that this book didn't feel complete. First off, there's a lack of back story for them both, and most things in their past are only mentioned in passing. I wanted to know whether this was a case of gay for you, or if they were both actually gay, whether there had been other men in their lives previously, since they apparently hadn't been with each other, despite the mutual, long-term attraction. While we get the progression of their relationship into a full blown love story AFTER Jason's accident, I would have liked to see Jason get on a bull while blind. There's no resolution to his situation, even though there are hints that his blindness may be temporary. While I realize this is a the first of a series, I feel that every book should still be complete in itself.
I liked both main characters well enough, and the banter between them and their friends is often humorous, with lots of manly snark, but it's easy to see that they all like each other. It was an enjoyable read, for sure, but missing something for me. But I did like it, so I'll probably read the next one too.
** I was provided with a free copy of this book by its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Jason Scott, aka Mini, and Andy Baxter, aka Bax, two bull-rider cowboys touring the rodeo circuit, have been bestest friends for years. There is underlying attraction between them, but neither is willing to act on those feelings. Lots of UST in this one. They joke and push each other to perform at their very best, competing against each other, with lots of friendly ribbing, but are also each other's support system.
Andy gets injured early on, and knows he won't be winning this time around, but Jason is riding high. Until a terrible accident with a wicked bull robs him of his sight. Andy takes Jason home to heal, while still having to travel to the rodeos. This is a pivotal point in their relationship, and neither handles it very well.
Jason loses all hope, and his will to live. His overbearing mother, with whom he's staying, doesn't help the cause. It's all looking very bleak for him - a blind cowboy can't ride any bulls. Compounding this is the fact that they've kept Jason's blindness a secret for now, so he doesn't immediately lose his sponsors.
Andy is worried about his best friend, obviously, but either doesn't have the brains or the means to reach out to medical professionals to help with Jason's transition and relearning how to do things without seeing. There is tension between them, and Andy doesn't know what to do, how to help Jason. The situation sort of meanders for a while, until Andy has a brilliant idea, rounds up their friends, and prods and pushes Jason out of the hole.
I loved the relationship between the two men. I could tell from early on that there were strong feelings between them, feelings that only get stronger, the closer they get after Jason's injury. They rely on each other heavily, and the UST kicks up a few notches until they finally give in. I completely believed in their relationship.
The writing felt a little bland - for lack of a better word - and I wish there had been more showing rather than telling. I also had a difficult time dealing with Jason's mother. She was treating him like a child, her grown son, and made him feel as if he was incapable of doing anything himself, now that he's blind, instead of helping him to find his way around. She exacerbated his feelings of uselessness.
What also bothered me is that this book didn't feel complete. First off, there's a lack of back story for them both, and most things in their past are only mentioned in passing. I wanted to know whether this was a case of gay for you, or if they were both actually gay, whether there had been other men in their lives previously, since they apparently hadn't been with each other, despite the mutual, long-term attraction. While we get the progression of their relationship into a full blown love story AFTER Jason's accident, I would have liked to see Jason get on a bull while blind. There's no resolution to his situation, even though there are hints that his blindness may be temporary. While I realize this is a the first of a series, I feel that every book should still be complete in itself.
I liked both main characters well enough, and the banter between them and their friends is often humorous, with lots of manly snark, but it's easy to see that they all like each other. It was an enjoyable read, for sure, but missing something for me. But I did like it, so I'll probably read the next one too.
** I was provided with a free copy of this book by its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
August 9, 2015
Feel like I just rode a bull myself. Up and down with this book. It had so much potential to be something incredible, but then it just bucked me off nigh on six seconds in.
First- it needs an editor. There's a note from the author at the front about how some editing was done and some ignored in a want to preserve writing style and Texas speech patterns. Now, that I can respect and understand. I'm from Texas. I get that we talk "diff'ernt", and for the most part - that's achieved. When some of the colloquial pronunciations and phrases were used, I damn near choked on laughter because my husband makes fun of the way I say some of those words.
Where an editor shouldn't have been ignored, however, is in the paragraph structure. There were so many points of confusion where I couldn't tell who the heck was talking or thinking. If you have CharacterA say dialogue, do not immediately follow that with CharacterB thinking about the dialogue in the SAME paragraph. Always split up your characters - give them their own paragraphs. Some of the phrasing was also a bit off, where even as a Texas native, I was left scratching my head.
The actual story - of Jason and Bax, and their injuries and the bull riding - that was wonderful. Absolutely friggan wonderful! Jason's blindness, his experiences, the frustration, how his momma acted, etc - that was so good.
If only it had been more of the story.
At about 45% in on the Kindle, Jason and Bax come together intimately (and it was a warm-fuzzly-sweet but hot and well done). After that, however, the story and everything else takes a backseat to scene after scene after scene of blowjobs, handjobs, shower fun and eventual 'ride'em cowboy!'. They ended up getting each other off more than they had meals or spent dealing with Jason and his bull riding.
Then... it just.. ends. Nothing feels resolved. It does seem that Jason is on the mend, but I was expecting more... What story there was had been leading up to a point that never happens. It's left out. It isn't finished. I feel like I got half of a really great story mixed with half an amateur porno.
I liked it though; enough to be disappointed by it, so I guess that's saying something.
First- it needs an editor. There's a note from the author at the front about how some editing was done and some ignored in a want to preserve writing style and Texas speech patterns. Now, that I can respect and understand. I'm from Texas. I get that we talk "diff'ernt", and for the most part - that's achieved. When some of the colloquial pronunciations and phrases were used, I damn near choked on laughter because my husband makes fun of the way I say some of those words.
Where an editor shouldn't have been ignored, however, is in the paragraph structure. There were so many points of confusion where I couldn't tell who the heck was talking or thinking. If you have CharacterA say dialogue, do not immediately follow that with CharacterB thinking about the dialogue in the SAME paragraph. Always split up your characters - give them their own paragraphs. Some of the phrasing was also a bit off, where even as a Texas native, I was left scratching my head.
The actual story - of Jason and Bax, and their injuries and the bull riding - that was wonderful. Absolutely friggan wonderful! Jason's blindness, his experiences, the frustration, how his momma acted, etc - that was so good.
If only it had been more of the story.
At about 45% in on the Kindle, Jason and Bax come together intimately (and it was a warm-fuzzly-sweet but hot and well done). After that, however, the story and everything else takes a backseat to scene after scene after scene of blowjobs, handjobs, shower fun and eventual 'ride'em cowboy!'. They ended up getting each other off more than they had meals or spent dealing with Jason and his bull riding.
Then... it just.. ends. Nothing feels resolved. It does seem that Jason is on the mend, but I was expecting more... What story there was had been leading up to a point that never happens. It's left out. It isn't finished. I feel like I got half of a really great story mixed with half an amateur porno.
I liked it though; enough to be disappointed by it, so I guess that's saying something.
January 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Blind Ride is the first story of the Roughstock Series.
The good:
This book has a lot going for it. Cowboys for one. Did I mention Cowboys? Bull riders? mmm
So we've got Jason and Bax. Lifelong friends, both bull riders, living in the heart of Texas.
And it IS the heart of Texas. The author did a very good job on using local slang and twang. I had to reread a few sentences to make sure I was understanding it correctly!
These good friends learn to really lean on each other when things go horribly wrong; figuratively and literally. The MCs also have a group of friends in the bull riding world that surround the guys when they need help, in addition to a loving if over-bearing momma. :)
The not-so-good:
The story seemed to start in the middle of the two MCs blossoming relationship. It was implied that the MCs already knew the other felt a certain way about the other. --->I like to READ when that happens :) I like to BE there and experience it with the MCs.
Secondly, it is pretty obvious that at least one of the supporting characters has an inkling of what's going on with the guys, as their relationship gets more heated, but there is no conversation/confrontation about it. These are Bull-Riders in TEXAS. There HAS to be SOME fall out. NONE. *sigh*
I also need a little more angst from Bax as he supports Jason through his rough time. Most of the time Bax has with Jason is sex and leading Jason around. I need to see Bax more frustrated. He's got the patience of a saint!
Lastly, the story ends abruptly. Just when the reader gets really invested in how the story is going to turn out, boom. The second book in the series involves one of the supporting characters and HIS life. So.... to wait. Evidently, there IS a follow-up book coming out to let us know how Jason and Bax are doing.
So overall, good writing and great character development/interactions between MCs and supporting characters. Just needed to see a little more.
Blind Ride is the first story of the Roughstock Series.
The good:
This book has a lot going for it. Cowboys for one. Did I mention Cowboys? Bull riders? mmm
So we've got Jason and Bax. Lifelong friends, both bull riders, living in the heart of Texas.
And it IS the heart of Texas. The author did a very good job on using local slang and twang. I had to reread a few sentences to make sure I was understanding it correctly!
These good friends learn to really lean on each other when things go horribly wrong; figuratively and literally. The MCs also have a group of friends in the bull riding world that surround the guys when they need help, in addition to a loving if over-bearing momma. :)
The not-so-good:
The story seemed to start in the middle of the two MCs blossoming relationship. It was implied that the MCs already knew the other felt a certain way about the other. --->I like to READ when that happens :) I like to BE there and experience it with the MCs.
Secondly, it is pretty obvious that at least one of the supporting characters has an inkling of what's going on with the guys, as their relationship gets more heated, but there is no conversation/confrontation about it. These are Bull-Riders in TEXAS. There HAS to be SOME fall out. NONE. *sigh*
I also need a little more angst from Bax as he supports Jason through his rough time. Most of the time Bax has with Jason is sex and leading Jason around. I need to see Bax more frustrated. He's got the patience of a saint!
Lastly, the story ends abruptly. Just when the reader gets really invested in how the story is going to turn out, boom. The second book in the series involves one of the supporting characters and HIS life. So.... to wait. Evidently, there IS a follow-up book coming out to let us know how Jason and Bax are doing.
So overall, good writing and great character development/interactions between MCs and supporting characters. Just needed to see a little more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2015
2.5 stars
I didn't have a lot of success connecting with the story, and I think that it was in large measure due to my struggle with a very slangy English for me, that I don't have English as mother tongue.
Still, there're some matters in the plot about which I want to know the outcome, so I'll go on with the series.
I didn't have a lot of success connecting with the story, and I think that it was in large measure due to my struggle with a very slangy English for me, that I don't have English as mother tongue.
Still, there're some matters in the plot about which I want to know the outcome, so I'll go on with the series.
April 6, 2018
If you are a man who fancies cowboys, or someone who fancies men who fancy cowboys, this is for you. As with the previous book I read by this author though, there's a lot of swearing. Every third word seems to be f- or a- while the men also seem peculiarly obsessed with their nipples. No man I know ever mentions his nipples.
A bull rider gets injured in the arena and loses his sight. Shortly afterwards his pal manages a broken leg and they go to recuperate on a ranch. Amazingly the lad who is blind decides to leave hospital without telling the doctors how bad his sight is, all because of a sponsorship deal. (He's not insured?) This might mean something if he wasn't already feeling his age. Rodeo is a young person's job.
Cue the two guys suddenly deciding to have a gay romance, though they don't use those words. Oh no, they're, er, cowboys, just in it for the sensations and stress release and so on. They don't initially want anyone to know, but fortunately, since they can't hobble very fast, nobody much gives a dang.
Good to highlight how the blinded man has to readapt and how other senses mean more. I really didn't like the language and thought we could have had some for verisimilitude and then dropped it. Of course, it would be a much shorter word count. This is an adult tale.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
A bull rider gets injured in the arena and loses his sight. Shortly afterwards his pal manages a broken leg and they go to recuperate on a ranch. Amazingly the lad who is blind decides to leave hospital without telling the doctors how bad his sight is, all because of a sponsorship deal. (He's not insured?) This might mean something if he wasn't already feeling his age. Rodeo is a young person's job.
Cue the two guys suddenly deciding to have a gay romance, though they don't use those words. Oh no, they're, er, cowboys, just in it for the sensations and stress release and so on. They don't initially want anyone to know, but fortunately, since they can't hobble very fast, nobody much gives a dang.
Good to highlight how the blinded man has to readapt and how other senses mean more. I really didn't like the language and thought we could have had some for verisimilitude and then dropped it. Of course, it would be a much shorter word count. This is an adult tale.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
November 28, 2025
3.5 stars for two friend’s falling in love together despite their injuries in this.
This was a good story but something stopped me from loving it, although it's still an enjoyable novel to read.
I received an GRR arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good story but something stopped me from loving it, although it's still an enjoyable novel to read.
I received an GRR arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 14, 2009Bax and Jason are buddy bull riders in the professional rodeo circuit. Bax is probably at the end of his career, since he has a bad knee that sooner or later will let him home, and instead Jason is the man of the moment, the winner of the day. In their private life, Bax and Jason have built a family of their own, Bax adopted Jason's mum, and Jason considers Bax almost a brother... or maybe something more. But day after day no one has the courage to make that step more into their relationship.
Then Jason is badly injured and now he is blind. Obviously for him is the end of the world; he can't suffer to not being independent, he doesn't want to be a weight on his mum's shoulder. But Bax is there for him, he drags Jason out from his misery, even when Bax himself is again injured at the knee and out of the circuit. With Coke and AJ, two of their best friends, Bax and Jason decide that, even if Jason is blind, he can still ride the bull and they train to reach the goal. Meanwhile their relationship finally deepens to a more personal level.
The story is not very long, 149 pages, and it's only a first book in a longer series. So Bax and Jason's personal story is only at its beginning, but it's a good beginning. The writing style is the same I had the chance to see in previous book of the same author, short sentences, flash of scenes, short chapters, all of it gives the impression of fast paced rhythm. What instead is different is that Bax and Jason's relationship evolves almost in slow motion, they don't jump in bed at the first chance. More than half the book is spent to build the setting and to climate the reader with the two main characters and give right reasons for the two to being together: it's not only a question of sex, Bax and Jason have a the real thing and so it's right that they don't rush all.
The small country town feelings and the rodeo circuit life are described with little details (the morning breakfast, the daily chores, the dogs) that help the reader to understand a life maybe very different from its own; thinking on it, almost all the book is spent in a kitchen or around, that is strange, since usually the main room in a gay erotic romance is the bedroom.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703098/?...
Then Jason is badly injured and now he is blind. Obviously for him is the end of the world; he can't suffer to not being independent, he doesn't want to be a weight on his mum's shoulder. But Bax is there for him, he drags Jason out from his misery, even when Bax himself is again injured at the knee and out of the circuit. With Coke and AJ, two of their best friends, Bax and Jason decide that, even if Jason is blind, he can still ride the bull and they train to reach the goal. Meanwhile their relationship finally deepens to a more personal level.
The story is not very long, 149 pages, and it's only a first book in a longer series. So Bax and Jason's personal story is only at its beginning, but it's a good beginning. The writing style is the same I had the chance to see in previous book of the same author, short sentences, flash of scenes, short chapters, all of it gives the impression of fast paced rhythm. What instead is different is that Bax and Jason's relationship evolves almost in slow motion, they don't jump in bed at the first chance. More than half the book is spent to build the setting and to climate the reader with the two main characters and give right reasons for the two to being together: it's not only a question of sex, Bax and Jason have a the real thing and so it's right that they don't rush all.
The small country town feelings and the rodeo circuit life are described with little details (the morning breakfast, the daily chores, the dogs) that help the reader to understand a life maybe very different from its own; thinking on it, almost all the book is spent in a kitchen or around, that is strange, since usually the main room in a gay erotic romance is the bedroom.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703098/?...
July 24, 2015
Jason Scott and Andy Bax Baxter are best friends. They have been traveling the rodeo circuit together for the past six years. They have been hiding their attraction to the other for longer than that. All it takes is one ride gone bad and these two cowboys finds themselves at pivotal point in their lives. Things have changed for both of them and it is time for them to cowboy up and make the best of a bad situation. Together they will make this crossroads into a road to a new and vastly different future.
There are a few things that worked for me with Blind Ride. Sadly it is only a few. The sexing is hot. This made for a very sexy read. The cowboys (all of them) are hilarious. They cut up in ways that only men who share a love for something as passionate as they do can. That’s where the enjoyment ends for me.
There were times I wanted to scream at the characters. These cowboys are lacking some serious common sense at times. There are professionals in the medical industry that could have helped Jason with many of the stumbling bumblings of life as a blind man. These options were never considered. Jase is whisked away Momma to learn how to do what he has always done… just differently, with the hopes of hiding the obvious from everyone. I used to suspension of disbelief with paranormals but the characters within these pages are humans.
I also never figured out if Jason and Andy were gay men or were enjoying the gay for you troupe. There are a couple of past instances mentioned that made me question if they had hook ups with randoms, or even each other. These are things that are glossed over as memories. The fact that I never knew for certain what exactly went on bothered. There were also mild hints that a couple of the secondary characters knew what was going on between Bax and Jason, but on the other hand I was under the impression they didn’t want anyone to know what was going on between them. It was infuriating!
The ending leaves the reader to make their own speculations as to where their lives will go from that point. I didn’t feel that this was a happily ever after. I looked at the next few books in the Roughstock series and it appears that the author moves on to other couples. This is definitely not a series that I would consider moving on with.
There are a few things that worked for me with Blind Ride. Sadly it is only a few. The sexing is hot. This made for a very sexy read. The cowboys (all of them) are hilarious. They cut up in ways that only men who share a love for something as passionate as they do can. That’s where the enjoyment ends for me.
There were times I wanted to scream at the characters. These cowboys are lacking some serious common sense at times. There are professionals in the medical industry that could have helped Jason with many of the stumbling bumblings of life as a blind man. These options were never considered. Jase is whisked away Momma to learn how to do what he has always done… just differently, with the hopes of hiding the obvious from everyone. I used to suspension of disbelief with paranormals but the characters within these pages are humans.
I also never figured out if Jason and Andy were gay men or were enjoying the gay for you troupe. There are a couple of past instances mentioned that made me question if they had hook ups with randoms, or even each other. These are things that are glossed over as memories. The fact that I never knew for certain what exactly went on bothered. There were also mild hints that a couple of the secondary characters knew what was going on between Bax and Jason, but on the other hand I was under the impression they didn’t want anyone to know what was going on between them. It was infuriating!
The ending leaves the reader to make their own speculations as to where their lives will go from that point. I didn’t feel that this was a happily ever after. I looked at the next few books in the Roughstock series and it appears that the author moves on to other couples. This is definitely not a series that I would consider moving on with.
December 12, 2017
In the first book of the Roughstock series we meet Jason Scott and Andy Baxter, fellow bull riders on the Rodeo circuit and also best friends. When a ride suddenly turns Jason's life upside down, it's Bax who must step up to the plate and help his friend "Mini" adjust to his new circumstances.
What I particularly liked about this book was that while we know that Mini and Bax are in love it's not something that's rushed and thrown right at the reader. There is a slow build up to their "getting it on" that lets us experience, right along with them, their journey from best friends to lovers and partners. As is usual for a BA Tortuga story, the characters are down to earth and so well developed that you get the sense of almost knowing them.
This was a gripping tale of two men in love, dealing with a very difficult situation in a somewhat surprising manner. The supporting characters were well developed and I never got the feeling that I sometimes get from supporting characters that they were in the way of the story, instead they belonged in the story and made it somehow richer. The sex, when they finally get to it, is as hot as any that BA has written, but in the end it was the feeling of love between Mini and Bax that stayed with me after I'd finished the book.
What I particularly liked about this book was that while we know that Mini and Bax are in love it's not something that's rushed and thrown right at the reader. There is a slow build up to their "getting it on" that lets us experience, right along with them, their journey from best friends to lovers and partners. As is usual for a BA Tortuga story, the characters are down to earth and so well developed that you get the sense of almost knowing them.
This was a gripping tale of two men in love, dealing with a very difficult situation in a somewhat surprising manner. The supporting characters were well developed and I never got the feeling that I sometimes get from supporting characters that they were in the way of the story, instead they belonged in the story and made it somehow richer. The sex, when they finally get to it, is as hot as any that BA has written, but in the end it was the feeling of love between Mini and Bax that stayed with me after I'd finished the book.
September 15, 2014
I loved this book. It was heart breaking to see Jason trying to deal with suddenly being blind. Not sure about the whole "you're eyes can see, your brain can't interpret" but I'm willing to suspend disbelief on that issue. My only problems were; it was almost impossible sometimes to tell who was speaking or thinking, and there were formatting issues, but that was due to my ereader, not the book itself.
July 9, 2016
Smoothly written and touching story of Jason, a bull rider headed to the top of his career when he is blinded. All things considered, Jason dealt with his blindness after a grieving time due to the love and devotion of his friends. Bax and Jason made a good team as partners and lovers. Coke was my favorite character after Jason. He was the honest, steadfast friend who held things together when the ride got rocky. The ending was perfect and so very positive.
July 7, 2019
This is the first in the Roughstock series – which is a mix of m/m and m/f romances centred around the cowboy word of Bull-riding and modern rodeos.
In this one Jason a talented young Bull-rider gets bucked off and blinded by the fall. His close friend Andy Baxter steps in to take care of him and of course, steamy romance blossoms because these two have been in love with each other for years but it’s taken Jason’s blindness to act as catalyst to get them together. Along with a couple of other close friends, family man AJ and Coke who sort of acts as dad to them all, they concoct a plan to train Jason to ride blind to be able to finish his championship.
I really wanted to hate this one – the plot is corny as anything and I generally hate ‘blindness’ tropes. Also, other than Jason’s general grumpiness there is no impediment to the romance at all and it’s really far too easy to sustain a novel length romance. Yet despite all that I found myself hooked. It’s very heavy on dialect/accent and this gives it a great readability – you can literally hear these characters. It’s told from both Andy and Jason’s POV and thank goodness for that because I don’t know if I could have stood an entire novel from Jason’s miserable self and if it was entirely from Bax’ perspective I may have been questioning why he likes Jason so much. As it is there’s a nice balance. I also liked the story and the madcap scheme of trying to get Jason back in the saddle. The other interesting thing is having 2 wounded heroes – Jason is Blind and Bax has a gammy leg – it’s refreshing to have 2 characters with problems and makes this more realistic.
The ending is very open, you can tell it’s an instalment of a series. Nothing regarding the plot is resolved – Jason does not regain his sight and his training is ongoing when we leave them. Bit unsatisfying really but a very clever way to make you seek out Coke’s story in book 2.
Overall this is one of those guilty pleasure reads. The sex scenes are hot and plentiful and the romance is satisfying, but way too simple. Plot leaves much to be desired, and yet I was compelled to read to the end, largely I think by the engaging characters and my caring what happens to them.
In this one Jason a talented young Bull-rider gets bucked off and blinded by the fall. His close friend Andy Baxter steps in to take care of him and of course, steamy romance blossoms because these two have been in love with each other for years but it’s taken Jason’s blindness to act as catalyst to get them together. Along with a couple of other close friends, family man AJ and Coke who sort of acts as dad to them all, they concoct a plan to train Jason to ride blind to be able to finish his championship.
I really wanted to hate this one – the plot is corny as anything and I generally hate ‘blindness’ tropes. Also, other than Jason’s general grumpiness there is no impediment to the romance at all and it’s really far too easy to sustain a novel length romance. Yet despite all that I found myself hooked. It’s very heavy on dialect/accent and this gives it a great readability – you can literally hear these characters. It’s told from both Andy and Jason’s POV and thank goodness for that because I don’t know if I could have stood an entire novel from Jason’s miserable self and if it was entirely from Bax’ perspective I may have been questioning why he likes Jason so much. As it is there’s a nice balance. I also liked the story and the madcap scheme of trying to get Jason back in the saddle. The other interesting thing is having 2 wounded heroes – Jason is Blind and Bax has a gammy leg – it’s refreshing to have 2 characters with problems and makes this more realistic.
The ending is very open, you can tell it’s an instalment of a series. Nothing regarding the plot is resolved – Jason does not regain his sight and his training is ongoing when we leave them. Bit unsatisfying really but a very clever way to make you seek out Coke’s story in book 2.
Overall this is one of those guilty pleasure reads. The sex scenes are hot and plentiful and the romance is satisfying, but way too simple. Plot leaves much to be desired, and yet I was compelled to read to the end, largely I think by the engaging characters and my caring what happens to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2016
I set down yesterday and started reading this book. At first I thought I was not going to enjoy it but as it turns out I really did enjoy this book.
Jason is a bull rider and having a heck of a year. He is also in love with his best friend but has never told him or anyone else. Jason is at the top of his game and quickly leadin to becoming the National bull rider of the year but then a freak accident happens on one of his rides that leaves him blind.
Bax is also a bull rider and is Jason's best friend. They are rooming buddies, travel mates, and they have each other's backs. Bax is feeling the heat of not having the best year where riding is concerned but will not give it up because he will not leave Jason. Bax also has feelings for Jason but much like Jason, he has never said anything and keeps it to himself. On the day of Jason's accident Bax finally gets a good ride in and is on top of the world but a few rides later his world is turned upside down.
This book is very emotional. It is heart breaking what Jason goes through. He is so lost and feels like he has nothing left to live for and is pretty much on the end of his rope. BA Tortuga had me completely rooting for Jason and praying that he would realize that just because he is blind that is not the end of the world. I also found myself rooting for Jason and Bax as they finally admitted their feelings for one another. This is such an inspirational story about never giving up and never giving in. That if someone wants something bad enough and they fight for that anything is possible no matter the circumstances or disabilities.
Amazing read and would def suggest to others
I was given this arc from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
Jason is a bull rider and having a heck of a year. He is also in love with his best friend but has never told him or anyone else. Jason is at the top of his game and quickly leadin to becoming the National bull rider of the year but then a freak accident happens on one of his rides that leaves him blind.
Bax is also a bull rider and is Jason's best friend. They are rooming buddies, travel mates, and they have each other's backs. Bax is feeling the heat of not having the best year where riding is concerned but will not give it up because he will not leave Jason. Bax also has feelings for Jason but much like Jason, he has never said anything and keeps it to himself. On the day of Jason's accident Bax finally gets a good ride in and is on top of the world but a few rides later his world is turned upside down.
This book is very emotional. It is heart breaking what Jason goes through. He is so lost and feels like he has nothing left to live for and is pretty much on the end of his rope. BA Tortuga had me completely rooting for Jason and praying that he would realize that just because he is blind that is not the end of the world. I also found myself rooting for Jason and Bax as they finally admitted their feelings for one another. This is such an inspirational story about never giving up and never giving in. That if someone wants something bad enough and they fight for that anything is possible no matter the circumstances or disabilities.
Amazing read and would def suggest to others
I was given this arc from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
January 6, 2019
Annoyingly Cute
B.A. Turtuga can drive me nuts with her plots, characters and dialogue. She has the uncanny ability to capture mostly rural people in their milieu without apology, and that includes either charming or infuriating the reader who does not have much experience with that society.
Jason and Andy and Jason's mom and their rodeo entourage put on two shows here: One between all of them, especially when Jason loses his sight in a bull riding accident; and the other between Jason (on the cover) and Andy, best friend forever who desire each other desperately but are afraid to do anything about it.
Until the accident.
And then things get very hot and heavy and in many ways beautiful. One of the things Tortuga brings into focus is how desperately Jason and Andy crave sex with each other but have no idea what to do--even if it's hinted that both of them have been somewhat involved in MM encounters in the past. This leads to credibility for the relationship to develop, and boy does it develop--all over the place and frequently.
I am annoyed by two things here: First, I am getting a bit tired of couplings in which one is short and the other tall. Second, this one ended and there was so much more which could be developed in sequels, but from what I've seen the sequels involve others from this book, and I didn't care much for those people.
Jason and Andy, however, I loved.
B.A. Turtuga can drive me nuts with her plots, characters and dialogue. She has the uncanny ability to capture mostly rural people in their milieu without apology, and that includes either charming or infuriating the reader who does not have much experience with that society.
Jason and Andy and Jason's mom and their rodeo entourage put on two shows here: One between all of them, especially when Jason loses his sight in a bull riding accident; and the other between Jason (on the cover) and Andy, best friend forever who desire each other desperately but are afraid to do anything about it.
Until the accident.
And then things get very hot and heavy and in many ways beautiful. One of the things Tortuga brings into focus is how desperately Jason and Andy crave sex with each other but have no idea what to do--even if it's hinted that both of them have been somewhat involved in MM encounters in the past. This leads to credibility for the relationship to develop, and boy does it develop--all over the place and frequently.
I am annoyed by two things here: First, I am getting a bit tired of couplings in which one is short and the other tall. Second, this one ended and there was so much more which could be developed in sequels, but from what I've seen the sequels involve others from this book, and I didn't care much for those people.
Jason and Andy, however, I loved.
July 29, 2015
I loved this. Texas just kinda seeped into my bones as I read it. So did Tortuga’s beautiful, damaged men. Bax and Jason’s relationship is pretty unique in fiction - unique and wonderfully special.
Best friends and professional bull riders, Jason and Bax don’t have words for their relationships and while no one really talks about it, everyone in their lives just loves them. No closets, no angst, no dramatic Texas homophobia. And it is pretty impossible not to love a cocky, champion bull rider who loses his sight in an accident. Or his beautiful, solid partner who would do anything to make the world right for him again.
Tortuga’s writing is pretty much poetic at times. Her story, like all the best ones, is a simple one full of perfectly developed characters. Somehow, she manages to keep this story happy and funny and entirely sweet - even while tackling blindness, disability and life after the rodeo for aging bull riders.
I can’t recommend this enough. What a wonderful book!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
Best friends and professional bull riders, Jason and Bax don’t have words for their relationships and while no one really talks about it, everyone in their lives just loves them. No closets, no angst, no dramatic Texas homophobia. And it is pretty impossible not to love a cocky, champion bull rider who loses his sight in an accident. Or his beautiful, solid partner who would do anything to make the world right for him again.
Tortuga’s writing is pretty much poetic at times. Her story, like all the best ones, is a simple one full of perfectly developed characters. Somehow, she manages to keep this story happy and funny and entirely sweet - even while tackling blindness, disability and life after the rodeo for aging bull riders.
I can’t recommend this enough. What a wonderful book!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
February 15, 2016
I really liked this story even if sometimes it was a bit difficult to follow when the characters started to speak. It surely was a personal problem of mine with all the accent/slang, etc.
Mini is a bull rider and a very good one. His friend Bax, a guy that has been longing to have in his arms since forever, is always with him. The good thing is the Bax wants Mini as much as Mini wants him and they both know about it, but they never acted on it. When after a fall Mini loses his sight, everything changes. Mini feels lost and worthless and asks Bax to take care of his momma. I really wanted to hug him tight and never let him go, but Bax never lets him alone and they can't resist the love and attraction that goes between them, and they give in.
What I loved about this story was that even if you feel lost and useless but you have someone that can be strong for the both of you, you can live again.
Mini is a bull rider and a very good one. His friend Bax, a guy that has been longing to have in his arms since forever, is always with him. The good thing is the Bax wants Mini as much as Mini wants him and they both know about it, but they never acted on it. When after a fall Mini loses his sight, everything changes. Mini feels lost and worthless and asks Bax to take care of his momma. I really wanted to hug him tight and never let him go, but Bax never lets him alone and they can't resist the love and attraction that goes between them, and they give in.
What I loved about this story was that even if you feel lost and useless but you have someone that can be strong for the both of you, you can live again.
October 4, 2015
So after reading this book I find myself more and more loving cowboy m/m romances. There is just something so hot about two cowboys together.
This book was sweet but also so hard for what Jason goes through.
Andy and Jason start out as friends who are professional bull riders, but that quickly becomes so much more after Jason's accident.
This is were I am going to tell you I really loved the two of them together. It was equal parts hot as well as sweet with how much they cared for each other.
You meet some different characters in this book also.
I really don't want to give to much away because this is not a long read so I want to leave this review with I really liked this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
This book was sweet but also so hard for what Jason goes through.
Andy and Jason start out as friends who are professional bull riders, but that quickly becomes so much more after Jason's accident.
This is were I am going to tell you I really loved the two of them together. It was equal parts hot as well as sweet with how much they cared for each other.
You meet some different characters in this book also.
I really don't want to give to much away because this is not a long read so I want to leave this review with I really liked this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
October 21, 2015
Blind Ride
M/M cowboys romance
4 stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads for an honest review.
What's better than cowboys and romance, this book had both and it was a great story.
I loved how Andy and Jason were friends on the rodeo circuit and after some bad accidents they came together as lovers. It was built up very nicely.
I really liked the two of them together. I can't wait to read book 2 to find out how Come and Andy get Jason riding again.
Only thing I didn't like was the constant flipping back and forth between their name and their nickname, I found it confusing at first. Otherwise I recommend this book it was a very enjoyable story.
M/M cowboys romance
4 stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads for an honest review.
What's better than cowboys and romance, this book had both and it was a great story.
I loved how Andy and Jason were friends on the rodeo circuit and after some bad accidents they came together as lovers. It was built up very nicely.
I really liked the two of them together. I can't wait to read book 2 to find out how Come and Andy get Jason riding again.
Only thing I didn't like was the constant flipping back and forth between their name and their nickname, I found it confusing at first. Otherwise I recommend this book it was a very enjoyable story.
April 18, 2010
It's not the best I've read, but it's not the worst either. It was an OK story, but I could still detect some of what had me not reading them in the first place. I'll admit that it wasn't as bad as the stories the deterred me away in the past and there were some differences to the writing structure. I just might check out the next following them sometime in the future.
Not wanting to be negative that's my review on this one with a little added positive.
Not wanting to be negative that's my review on this one with a little added positive.
June 21, 2023
Re-read June 21, 2023
Read
July 9, 2015Not going to rate this. So disappointed in this.
January 10, 2020
Roughstock volume 1 and 2 by BA Tortuga
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us in the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 4 hearts
Blurb:
Roughstock: Part One – a box set
1 - Blind Ride Jason Scott has everything a bull rider wants—success, money and traveling partner Andy Baxter. When he loses his sight in an accident, he stands to lose it all.
2 - And a Smile All Coke Pharris wants is for his cowboys to be safe—all of them. When rodeo clown, Dillon, sets to prove that there’s more to the bullfighter, people could get hurt.
3 - File Gumbo Beau is riding like the two-time champ that he is, but nothing is assured in the world of bullriding—not happiness, not wealth, and not survival.
When it comes to a professional bull riding league, BA Tortuga’s Roughstock has it all—from the toughest cowboys to the bulls no one else can ride, from the stock contractors to the entertainment to the heroes of the arena, the bull fighters. These men work hard, play hard, and love even harder in a world that is getting smaller and smaller for their cowboy ways. Find out what happens when these men fall for each other in between falling off their bulls, trying to live in a modern world, and making the best ride of the season and winning it all.
Roughstock: Part Two – a box set
4 - Coke's Clown How does Dillon take care of Coke when Coke’s destroying himself?
5 - Back to Back Landon knows who he wants, he’s been dreaming about Adam Taggart his whole life. Tag, though? He thinks Landon’s too poor, too young, too wrong to be his.
6 - Pulled from All Sides Balta is all fire and fury, Joa is his haven. What happens when Raul becomes their third?
When it comes to a professional bull riding league, BA Tortuga’s Roughstock has it all—from the toughest cowboys to the bulls no one else can ride, from the stock contractors to the entertainment to the heroes of the arena, the bull fighters. These men work hard, play hard, and love even harder in a world that is getting smaller and smaller for their cowboy ways. Find out what happens when these men fall for each other in between falling off their bulls, trying to live in a modern world, and making the best ride of the season and winning it all.
This collection is amazing and I loved every sweaty, dusty second of it. The cowboys are so gorgeously written, so strong and resilient and seeing them meet the yin to their yang is heartwarming in the extreme.
Each story has it’s own challenges and hardships, but the maturity and communication in the men is so refreshing and engaging in romance that I adored it. Not for me the misunderstanding or glaring miscommunication trope, I really prefer to see a relationship develop amongst strong equals, where every person gets their needs met and a smoking hot HEA for everyone. If you love to see a rodeo bull rider getting his happy ever after, then these collections could be for you.
Highly recommended.
I received free copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us in the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 4 hearts
Blurb:
Roughstock: Part One – a box set
1 - Blind Ride Jason Scott has everything a bull rider wants—success, money and traveling partner Andy Baxter. When he loses his sight in an accident, he stands to lose it all.
2 - And a Smile All Coke Pharris wants is for his cowboys to be safe—all of them. When rodeo clown, Dillon, sets to prove that there’s more to the bullfighter, people could get hurt.
3 - File Gumbo Beau is riding like the two-time champ that he is, but nothing is assured in the world of bullriding—not happiness, not wealth, and not survival.
When it comes to a professional bull riding league, BA Tortuga’s Roughstock has it all—from the toughest cowboys to the bulls no one else can ride, from the stock contractors to the entertainment to the heroes of the arena, the bull fighters. These men work hard, play hard, and love even harder in a world that is getting smaller and smaller for their cowboy ways. Find out what happens when these men fall for each other in between falling off their bulls, trying to live in a modern world, and making the best ride of the season and winning it all.
Roughstock: Part Two – a box set
4 - Coke's Clown How does Dillon take care of Coke when Coke’s destroying himself?
5 - Back to Back Landon knows who he wants, he’s been dreaming about Adam Taggart his whole life. Tag, though? He thinks Landon’s too poor, too young, too wrong to be his.
6 - Pulled from All Sides Balta is all fire and fury, Joa is his haven. What happens when Raul becomes their third?
When it comes to a professional bull riding league, BA Tortuga’s Roughstock has it all—from the toughest cowboys to the bulls no one else can ride, from the stock contractors to the entertainment to the heroes of the arena, the bull fighters. These men work hard, play hard, and love even harder in a world that is getting smaller and smaller for their cowboy ways. Find out what happens when these men fall for each other in between falling off their bulls, trying to live in a modern world, and making the best ride of the season and winning it all.
This collection is amazing and I loved every sweaty, dusty second of it. The cowboys are so gorgeously written, so strong and resilient and seeing them meet the yin to their yang is heartwarming in the extreme.
Each story has it’s own challenges and hardships, but the maturity and communication in the men is so refreshing and engaging in romance that I adored it. Not for me the misunderstanding or glaring miscommunication trope, I really prefer to see a relationship develop amongst strong equals, where every person gets their needs met and a smoking hot HEA for everyone. If you love to see a rodeo bull rider getting his happy ever after, then these collections could be for you.
Highly recommended.
I received free copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
Jason and Bax work the rodeo circuit together, bull riding. Jason has an accident which blinds him. And then Bax breaks a leg not long after. What follows is them healing, and finally giving into their attraction to each other.
Despite Jason's inability to see, Bax and his other cowboy friends think he can still ride a bull. The 2 of them end up at AJ's ranch to get back in shape, and to see if they can get Jason back in the saddle. By the end of the book it seems to be working - I assume later books in the series will pick up on this plot. Jason and Bax do get their HEA in this book, though. Lots of spice, interesting main and side characters, and good chemistry between the mains.
If you like Tortuga's other books, you'll like this one. This IS an earlier work, however, and I think it's wordier than her later books - she says more with less now, and things tend to move faster than they do in this book.
Despite Jason's inability to see, Bax and his other cowboy friends think he can still ride a bull. The 2 of them end up at AJ's ranch to get back in shape, and to see if they can get Jason back in the saddle. By the end of the book it seems to be working - I assume later books in the series will pick up on this plot. Jason and Bax do get their HEA in this book, though. Lots of spice, interesting main and side characters, and good chemistry between the mains.
If you like Tortuga's other books, you'll like this one. This IS an earlier work, however, and I think it's wordier than her later books - she says more with less now, and things tend to move faster than they do in this book.
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