Full Rigged

Lost Creek Rodeo #4

by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

Ford Hopkins is a simple guy. Loves his rodeo life, loves his family, loves his dog, and wants to find his place in the world. Not too complicated, and spending more time down in Lost Creek, Texas, is just what he needs to remind himself of that. But a spitfire doctor staying at his friend’s ranch there could change his simple, uncomplicated life.

Brynn Kershaw needs Broken Hearts Ranch and the haven of recovery it claims to be. Her ex-husband had broken her ability to trust and her emotional stability, both of which are keeping her from living a fulfilling life after the divorce. While she’s at the ranch, calm, quiet, unassuming cowboy Ford somehow manages to sneak through her defensive walls, and could be the key to breaking them all down.

Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Westerns

250 pages, ebook

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all I LOVED this book! I honestly cried several times. I laughed and giggled and probably would have spit my drink out if I had one in my mouth while laughing. Maybe saying I guffawed would be a good way to put that since I didn't have any liquid in my mouth. This book has all of the emotions. It was so cathartic for me right along with these characters who are searching for healing and peace in their lives.

I can't express how much I love the concept of these books. You might take one look at the covers and judge them to be about cowboys or rodeo and maybe a steamy story but that is not it at all. Yes, there are rodeo cowboys and talk about the events they participate in. No this is not a steamy romance story, it's a clean and sweet love story about a real budding and growing and strong relationship. But the meat of the story takes place at The Broken Hearts Ranch. Kellie Prosper has turned her family's ranch into a therapy ranch for women. It isn't a cookie cutter only for one type of need for healing. It's for so many women who are hurting and sometimes not whole from so many different life experiences. And I love that they have this place to go to. To think and breathe. To be with other women who are hurting too. To work outside on the ranch and breathe the air with no other concerns for the time being. I love the relationships that are formed between these women, the trust they are able to find. And Kellie Prosper is just wonderful! I look forward to scenes with her as much as I look forward to the interactions and scenes between the main characters.

Brynn and Ford, oh my heavens!!! These two are on my list of favorite literary couples. Love, love, loved them so much! Brynn has a bit that she's dealing with. But I have to say that I love her humor! I love her watching and figuring out Ford and deciding if he's someone she can trust. I loved his gentleness. He didn't push. He was honest and straightforward and allowed her to know that she could turn to him just as a friend while she was healing. I loved her friendships with the other women. I loved her learning to let down her walls to heal, even knowing there would be pain that would eventually lead to healing.

I could go on and on for this series and this book, but will leave you with the thought again that I'm loving them all. This one might have moved its way to my favorite of the series so far, but that doesn't lessen my love for the other books.

If you're looking for a fun sports romance that is so much more than just that, please try this one! You could read them as stand alone books but I love how they flow together. Kellie and the 6 rodeo friends are the constants throughout the books so the more books you read, the more you come to know them. You could even read them out of order and it works. I will say that I am very much so looking forward to a story with Kellie as the main female. Fingers and toes crossed! <3

Content: Clean. These books are dealing with women who are struggling and healing so there could be triggers for some people. This one deals with divorce and infidelity. As well as one minor character who dealt with abuse and a controlling partner. They are written in a very sensitive way but just be aware that some of these topics are contained in them.

I received a copy from the authors. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Lorieah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was just the way they were. A ragtag bunch of cowboys that had become a family, with all the fun and spats that came with it. They laughed, they argued, they fought for each other, they teased each other, and they ultimately made each other better men and better athletes."

This pretty much sums up why I love this series. And why you should read ALL of them!

But I also love that in Full Rigged, Rebecca made me feel sympathy for a character that could have so easily been too obnoxious to like. It's a fine line between snarky and just plain mean, and poor Brynn's built-up anger and hurt just hit me in the gut. Put her with the amazingly patient Ford, and you have a wonderful story of learning to trust and love again.

A clean, well-written romance with love, banter, and wonderful people that I would recommend to anyone!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fun to head back to Lost Creek, Texas with this fun group of rodeo stars. This time the focus was on Ford. Easy going, calm, loyal Ford. He was super easy to like and the story was easy to settle in with.

While the spotlight shines on Ford in this book, I feel like the focus with this book and the others in this series is with the Broken Hearts Ranch and the women staying there. The rodeo boys are definitely a big part of that but with each book we learn about a new woman staying at the ranch for healing and help. They come with varying hurts and struggles but find space to breathe and heal at the ranch. Brynn is one of those. Ford is an excellent balance for Brynn.

I enjoyed this story and I especially loved the ending and epilogue. It felt good around my heart.

Content: mild peril, kissing

- I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited.

[The Swoony Awards]

Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeehaw!! I think this is my new favorite of the series so far! Brynn's a recently divorced doctor who seems to be handling everything well, but those who know her, know she's going to crack from holding it all in if she doesn't take some time off soon. After a meltdown that truly scares her, Brynn goes to Broken Hearts Ranch in Prosper, TX. It's a place just for women, where they can get counseling and work on healing. Ford Hopkins, one of the "Original Six", stops in at the Prosper ranch to see the rest of "the six" in between rodeos. Little does he know his life is going to be changed quite a bit by a doctor from Arizona.

Brynn's story really touched me. Finding out the truth about her ex-husband nearly broke her. I loved all the advice Kelly gave her about handling her anger and why it overwhelmed and consumed her sometimes. I like the friendships the women at Broken Hearts Ranch form while they're there to get help for life's struggles. The women are there for different reasons and some aren't what you'd expect, which I find I like.

I LOVED Ford--he's one of The. Best. Guys. Ever! I loved Ford and Brynn together. He was exactly the kind of guy she needed--one that would listen to her and do what she said. If she said all she could be was friends, that's what Ford would do. That's the type of guy I love.

These stories take place on a ranch and feature guys that are in rodeo, but that's not all these books are about. The rodeo is only a part of the story. The relationships between the characters are what the books are about.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Caleen Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in Lost Creek Rodeo series.
I love Ford’s patience as he helps Brynn work through breaking down her walls. Good chemistry between Ford and Brynn. Really liked the connective characters with other books and series! Reading about the rodeo makes me excited for our local rodeo at the end of summer. I’ll be able to watch with better understanding of what’s happening. :) It does make me wish the Original Six were real and we could watch them compete!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The series is wonderful. I didn't know much about rodeo when I started reading this series but I know a lot more now. The characters in this book are amazing. Brynn is so broken, hence, needing to come to "Broken Hearts Ranch". Ford is steady, strong, and so kind. I love the relationship between Ford and his younger sister, Shay. DELIGHTFUL!

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Brynn and Ford and their great chemistry. I love the therapy this ranch provides and how they all support one another. This is a sweet, clean romance.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Ford is sweet and dependable, Brynn's vibrant personality is the show stealer in this book. It was fascinating to learn more about anger management and how she dealt with her "surges" brought on by a variety of factors. I feel like I'm gaining insight into mental wellness as I read about the healing journeys of the characters at Broken Hearts Ranch. The other ladies at the ranch form a bond with Brynn, as well as Ford's gigantic dog, and they brought a fun dynamic to the narrative. I liked learning about Ford's rodeo specialty of steer wrestling but it didn't have the intensity factor that the bull riding and bareback riding did in the previous books. It was easy to tell that Ford was just killing time in rodeo while he really wanted to run his own ranch, but wasn't motivated enough to make the big change yet. He and Brynn had great chemistry and their developing relationship thrived on the support and encouragement they provided each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Full Rigged” is a clean, sexy contemporary story loaded with cowboy charm.

Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of overcoming anger and searching for home
The characters in this book are both real and engaging. I found myself quickly invested in them and their story. This is the story of a woman working to deal with the intense anger from the betrayal of her husband. As a doctor, Brynn dealt daily with others pain, hurts and concerns pushing her feelings aside as she cared for others. But that led to an intense anger that could erupt under pressure and she needed help. Heading to the Broken Hearts Ranch she hoped to find some peace and maybe some help. Upon arrival Brynn meets Ford who she immediately nicknames Boy Scout. Ford is searching for a place to become his home. His parents’ ranch, although wonderful, is no longer a place he feels at home in. He is looking for place to settle in when he stops competing in the rodeo circuit. His calm and peace help Brynn to find some sense of peace but can it be enough? Can she move on from the tremendous hurt caused by her ex? I received an early copy and this is my honest review. This is part of the Lost Creek Rodeo series but can easily be read as a standalone as can the other books in the series. All of the books are well worth your time and I highly recommend them.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! I love Brynn's character as she is trying to heal from a traumatic relationship and how Ford was the perfect calm and steady complement to her emotional turbulence. He is the epitome of a gentleman cowboy! This was a well-written and engaging story and I loved seeing the other cowboys from the series. 4.5 stars for this fun cowboy romance and I am excited to read the stories for the last two books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey y’all. Wow! With Brynn it was irritation at first sight but she came to the Broken Hearts Ranch to heal mentally. With Ford it was ‘interested at first sight’. He was impressed with how beautiful Brynn was. He also recognized that Brynn was there to heal from her ‘surges’ that she was unable to deal with. Kellie did a great job of helping Brynn through the surges by taking her through the steps one at a time. Ford was a great help as well by offering hugs until she felt human again. It was understandable that they would fall for each other. When Ford got injured when taking down a steer, Brynn put on her doctor hat mentally in order to stitch Ford up but then when she was done she deflated into an almost mental breakdown. But the patient, easy going Ford with his welcoming and healing hug was just what she needed to work through her potential surges. It was heartwarming to watch them sweetly interact with each other. Very romantic. I also was gratified with being able to watch the rodeo that Ford participated in and seeing Brynn’s fascination with it. Furthermore, I appreciated their happy ever after. This story was very well written with a sweet and clean romance. I got a kick out of the cameo appearance and comedic interlude that was Westin who sleeps under his truck at night. You can read about Westin in the previous story in this series, Rough Stock, with Westin and Sylvia, another sweet and clean romance.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite in the series since Ryan’s story. Based on the other books, I kind of expected Ford and Kelly to get together. Maybe Kelly will get her turn in one of the next two books.
I appreciated the epilogue too; it’s always nice to get a little glimpse of the happily ever after, distanced from the resolution of all conflict in the story.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always up for a new book from the Swoony Sports romance group! I have the worst time picking favorites by Ford and Brynn are right up there. I loved their story. And the sweet romance they shared. I love Broken Hearts Ranch. The way these women stand by each other and help each other just makes me happy. There is no competition there, they are just there for each other.

Brynn has a bit of a different story. She’s gone through a hard divorce that has just left her angry. And when she gets to where she’s surging with her anger more than not, she knows that she’s got to get help. That’s when she goes to Broken Hearts Ranch.

I loved that we saw a little more of Kelly, the owner of Broken Hearts Ranch, in this one. I really hope that Kelly gets her own story. It’d be nice to see her get her own happy ending sometime.

Ford is a great guy. I love how the authors introduce each hero one at a time. The reader gets to know them a little before their own story. I loved the way Ford was there for Brynn when she needed him to be. He went out of his way to just be there, not romantically, especially at first. And his dog is the best!

This book is so great! I loved the plot, the characters. And I can’t wait to see what these ladies have coming next.

I was sent an e-copy of Full Rigged as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Anneke Bartschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read. I really do like all of the sports series that Rebecca Connolly and her fellow authors have published. I appreciate that you do not have to know the sport in order to enjoy the story. I know nothing about rodeo and its interesting to learn a little bit more about it through the stories. It also makes me wonder how much research the 3 authors have to put into the books in order to be descriptive and accurate! The patterns of the book are predictable, the athletes are all getting physically hurt in some way and the women are all coming to heal at the Broken Hearts Ranch. When I first started reading this story, that predictable pattern bothered me a bit, but as I continued reading I let that thought go and just enjoyed the story. I did find a gap in some details that I would love to have answers to....I want to know what happens with Shay and how she found her love match. I also help that Kellie will have her story and find happiness. I would love to read that!

[Ballet in AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Rigged by Rebecca Connolly (5 stars)

Rebecca Connolly does it again!

Ford is about the most perfect man imaginable, especially for someone like Brynn who is coping with serious anger issues.

In this next installment of the Lost Creek Rodeo series, our focus is on Brynn. Her anger has become an entity taking on a life of its own, and she is struggling as she tries to hide it. Things come to a head and so she ends up at the Broken Hearts ranch.

We get to hear about some of the therapy that she undergoes, we witness Ford’s patience and we get to meet Sherlock, Ford’s mastiff, who is able to comfort Brynn.

I was interested in Brynn’s anger problems and curious as to the ways she would be taught to cope. I learned about how anger can be a shield carefully erected and maintained to keep the hurt at bay. (At least that was the case with Brynn.)

I love how flawed the characters are in this series. It makes them more relatable and sympathetic. And the cowboys who love these women are wonderful!

Well-written! You’ll not want to miss this next installment of the Lost Creek Rodeo series!

*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
The trio of authors who pen this series are successful in their own right and each book is entertaining. Who doesn't like contemporary western romances with good-looking cowboys? So I knew that the Lost Creek series had great potential. This is the fourth book and it is as good as the previous ones. It is the story of Brynn, a medical doctor with anger issues, and Ford, a steer wrestler and one of the Original Six rodeo participants from Sam Houston Community College. While Ford is visiting Lost Creek and participating in its Rodeo, he meets Brynn, who has come to Broken Hearts Ranch for therapy. As they begin spending time together, will they be able to carve out a relationship or will emotional baggage and rodeos keep them apart?
Full Rigged is a clean stand-alone romance, although I would highly recommend that the books be read in order for enhanced enjoyment. I settled for a 4 1/2 star rating because of the informational gap between the last chapter and the epilogue. (I just wanted to know how Brynn and Ford got to their HEA ending. Also, how did this book get its name?)

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. After a rough experience Brynn is struggling with anger management and outbursts. She decides to go to Broken Hearts Ranch to try and heal. She also realizes she has lost all trust as well. While building her trust up and trying to heal she meets Ford.
Ford is a rodeo star. But is feeling that he needs something more and wondering where his place will be once he retires from rodeo.
They learn to help and rely on each other and learn trust. That sometimes you have to take a step in the dark to see the additional light.
I like this series, but don't love that all the women involved are visiting the Broken Hearts Ranch for healing.
Also, wondering when we get to read Kelly's story.
I was given an ARC of this book and have left this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tristan RowLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Rigged surprised me in a good way! I wondered if the authors would be able to keep things fresh in this newest addition to the Lost Creek Rodeo series. Ford Hopkins was a solid, sweet cowboy who just wanted to be a safe place for Brynn, one of the new therapy residents at Broken Hearts Ranch. He didn't expect to fall in love, and certainly didn't know if she would ever be able to move past what brought her to the ranch.

Brynn Kershaw was a divorced doctor whose anger management skills were failing - badly. Could she let go of her coping mechanisms long enough to feel again? And if she did, would she survive the return of all those other feelings besides anger? She was ready to find out at Broken Hearts Ranch. Then she would go right back to her life as a doctor, or at least, that was the plan.

Full Rigged was a sweet, clean romance that kept me reading right to the last page!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Broken Hearts Ranch!

This series is so interesting because it's not just about the sports. A couple of books in, I thought, "I don't want all of the love interests to be broken." I'm revising that opinion. We're all broken in some way. I feel like the authors are doing a good job being sensitive to the issues their characters are facing. They are also doing a good job balancing humor and growth with the heavy.

In this case, Brynn is dealing with extreme surges of anger a year after her divorce. Its effecting her job as a doctor, and she needs help! Kellie at Broken Hearts Ranch is just the person to help. A Rodeo Cowboy, Ford Hopkins, might also be just what she needs. He's supportive and funny. I just loved their relationship, from the sweet and swoony kisses, to his accepting her as she is. Ford didn't try to change Brynn, but offered up his arms for hugs, his dog for companionship, and his guitar playing anytime she wanted. I loved that!

I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. When will Kellie get her story?

Content: clean (mild language, mild violence, some kissing)

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner

Lost Creek is the kind of place that I could settle right down in. I love how each story adds another layer to this small Texas town, giving it a nice, cozy feel. I also love seeing each rodeo cowboy appear in all the stories, as it gives them dimension.

This is Ford's story and a more honest, loyal cowboy can't be found. I love his simple life and straight-forward manner, but most of all, I love the gentleman he is. Brynn is broken and defensive, but this gentle man is there for her in a way she needs.

The Lost Creek Rodeo series is a little heavier than I had anticipated because each of the women have major issues that have landed them in this recovery program, but I like how that gives each story some meat. The free therapy written on some of the pages is healing and applicable to many of life's tough situations.

I enjoyed watching a simple Western life flip upside down faster than a cattle wrestle.

Content: mild romance (vague mention of cheating, kissing); mild rodeo-type violence/danger

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts about this book:

• I liked watching how Brynn's demeanor evolved, from damaged and angry to happy and hopeful. Ford's personality also changed, but you'll have to read the book to find out how life changed him.

•  I liked how the story was told through the alternating perspectives of Brynn and Ford.

• The author has an amazing way of painting scenes with her words.

• The emotions of the characters are presented in such away that I felt immersed in this story.

• This story was a clean read. No sex and no swearing. I appreciated that.

I was given an advance copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford and Brynn’s story was dynamic! I loved the two of them together. Brynn’s journey was emotional, difficult, and beautiful. I was cheering for her the entire time. I loved how her friend was brave enough to tell her the truth about the help she needed. Ford was my absolute favorite. A man of few yet truthful words. Patient, kind, and sweeter than honey. With his accent and sweetness, who wouldn’t fall for Ford? You cannot read one of these Lost Creek Rodeo series books and not want to run out and watch the rodeo. Or buy a pair of boots. Sparkly boots. And a hat! Full Rigged is fantastic and a great wholesome romance read! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jzcotter03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read! Ford is a steer wrestler who wants his own ranch and Brynn is a doctor recovering from a divorce after her husband cheated on her repeatedly. When they meet at the Broken Hearts Ranch they share a mutual interest but it takes awhile for either to admit it. I enjoyed following the recovery process of Brynn and her self-discovery. Ford is a kind-hearted cowboy, who adds humor to an otherwise disheartening situation. I loved the chemistry between the two and all the characters involved. Some moments were downright swoon-worthy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in right from the start. I was going to just read the first paragraph or two before going to bed and the next thing I knew I was a few chapters in.

I loved Ford and I loved Brynn. They were both such fun characters to get to know. It was also nice to see a little more from the characters in previous books from this series although this book can be read as a stand-alone (in my opinion).
The author tells just enough about the rodeo stuff that you understand what’s going on but not so much that it gets boring. I loved the ending and look forward to more books in this series.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me genre as I have never really gotten into sports themed romances. Until now. Leave it to Rebecca Connolly to get me roped into a new series. Ford is a cowboy to take your breath away and leave you wanting more. Brynn is broken, angry and hurt and Ford fills the holes in the right places. I love the themes of the Broken Hearts Ranch with Kellie, the Six and the rodeo. The brotherhood of the Six sets up a series perfectly and I love the women introduced for these cowboys. There are difficult topics approached in an easy-to-read manner. I received a copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I didn't really know what to expect, it was my first read of this series. I enjoy all these authors so I was interested to see what this was like.

The cowboy/rodeo side of this didn't do much for me, not really a rodeo person. But I loved the under story of a ranch for women to heal from trauma. I appreciated some of the directives that were given to the guests receiving help. That was my favorite part. I can only hope there are places like this that exist.

It is a clean read, no language or sex, just some sweet kisses.

I received a complimentary copy of this for an honest review.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cowboy series is well worth the read!

Each book is a stand alone but I find they are better read in sequence as it makes the characters more delightful as they interact and an understanding of their “lives” makes the characters more real.

This book in the series is well done and deals with divorce and unfaithful spouses in a tasteful and real manner.

The main characters are well developed and easy to like and to feel for their situations. It is a sweet story with a wonderful romance that builds with trust and honesty.

I look forward to reading more of this series and by this author.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series. Hunky cowboys, horses, rodeos and a one of the best emotional support therapy ranches around. This story is about Brynn, who is seeking out help with anger issues, after a divorce from an unfaithful husband. I love all of the great advise and direction given to all the women that go through the Broken Hearts Ranch doors. I lean coping skills while reading a sweet story. Ford is a steer wrangler on the rodeo circuit. Trying to find out where he belongs, he is a sweetheart of a cowboy! Good characters and sweet story, make for a great read.