Casey

Montana Bachelors and Babies #2

by Kelly Hunter

Rowan Harper has traveled the American Extreme Bull Riders tour circuit with her stock-contractor father since she was four years old. She's seen the best rides and the worst wrecks. And then there's TJ who impressed her most when he didn't ride at all.

T.J. Casey walked away from his rightful place in last year's bull riding finals in order to bury his father. His sponsors are gone, but he's back to stake his claim. He wants the buckle, sure, but he also wants the woman who treats her bucking bulls like lambs.

Can T.J. really score the championship and the girl? Or will he have to choose between the two..once and for all?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

Australian born Kelly Hunter is a three time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist, a USA Today Bestselling author and loves writing to the demands of the short category romance form.

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Oh So Much More Than Bull Riding Stars
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Every once in awhile there will be an entry to a series which will just shock the hell out of you...You have a pretty solid idea of what to expect in the series. What it is going to give you and you are happy to just dig in, continue reading about the characters and atmosphere, and just want to follow all of the tales.

The American Extreme Bull Riders Tour Series is written by different authors, focusing in on individual Bull Riders and them finding their way to love. Each so far had an ease and solid story with the HEA at the end. We got to know or at least become familiar with many of the characters involved with the tour. With Tanner as Book One and Chase as Book Two, we got strong Alpha Riders and learned all about the Tour and how tough it actually can be... Physically and Emotionally...

But with this addition, Kelly Hunter took this series to a whole other level for me. She gave a deep, complex story with humor, tease, heart, pain and a developing relationship which was stunning to see. She gave us people to truly care for and each had their own "Stuff"... But both had a bond...a type of developing trust and to see where it was taking them was compelling.

The blurb lays all of this out...so we have this idea of what is going to transpire...

We have T.J. Casey, a rider who was on his way to a Championship Run. Unfortunately, his father unexpectedly died just before the final event. T.J. asked his brothers to move the funeral a few days but 2 of his brothers wouldn't do it. Rather than telling the Tour of the death and them using the pain of his Mother, etc... as a PR stunt, T.J. left the tour without any explanation. He wanted to be there for his mom... and never let the family know what he had given up... His status with the Tour, Sponsors, Fans, Other Riders and not to mention the 7 Figure Winnings he could have won.

Now T.J. is back, focused to climb back and be in the running for the win once again. The only way to make that happen is for him to be supportive of the other riders, make the grade with at least 8-second rides on the roughest bulls there are and not get caught up in anything distracting...

Rowan Harper may not be a Bull Rider but she is just as tough if not more... She is co-owner of the ranch which breeds and raises the Best Bulls for the sport. Raised by her father after her mother died when she was 4, Rowan has worked since that moment to be everything her father wanted... the only problem was, she wasn't the preferred gender to receive the love and care she so desired and needed.

Over the years Rowan learned everything there was to learn about the business... she had a way with the bulls... figured out how to breed the best... most mean and quick... and she had one of her "babies " on the tour this year. He was the type of ride champions dream of... and T.J. wanted on his back...

T.J. also wanted to get closer to Rowan. He had watched her hide behind baggy jeans and cowboy work boots. She knew more about bull riding and handling bulls then even her dad. T.J. decided to try to start a more friendly relationship with Rowan... which was hard with the father always watching and scowling and all of the organization and vendors didn't trust T.J. so easily because he had up and left the tour with no notice. T.J. was starting from scratch with all of them...

So here we have these two people...A man who sees more than what is presented in front of everyone...He sees a woman trying to emerge within a very difficult male-dominated industry. He sees Rowan wanting to step out and see what she could be...maybe dressed in a skirt and learning to flirt. He sees her pain when her father becomes a mentor to a young man and threatens everything Rowan has worked toward. And most importantly...he sees maybe if he is patient and goes slow, Rowan might let down all of her walls... and let him in...

Rowan sees so much in T.J., too...She sees how he fought to take care of his brothers and Mom... and how he cares for all the other riders on the tour. She sees how he never came on to her, scamming....looking for the hookup and hoping to hit the financial jackpot...

Nope, these two have this bond and both work to make it special...
and I promise you...Special it is...

Because Author Kelly Hunter takes the moments, with just the right pace and feelings for this couple...

There is an innocence mixed with sexuality which jumps off the page...You are in each person's head and feel the wonder and excitement of their coming together. I felt it while reading and it shocked me because I wasn't prepared for the depth of feelings I had...I actually stopped for a moment and thought how unexpected and good this was...

Both characters have a lot going for them and when they are together... it all falls into place.

If you would like a more detailed review, please read Marsha Spohn's review. It is so articulate and explains all of the things I tried to...https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It turns out Tule Publishing has scheduled this series for 7 books...I will be reading every single one.

This series can be read in any order:
Tanner (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Chase (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Casey (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cody (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Troy (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kane (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Austin (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gage (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5/5
I haven’t read all the books in this seven book series, nor have I read the ones I have in sequence - but they each work well as standalone, even though they have some of the same characters in them. I have to say that, to date, this one is my favourite. Kelly Hunter brings the characters to life with her skilful writing, making them connect with the reader so, as she develops the characters and plot further, I was urging them on, giving virtual hugs and cheers to encourage them.

Rowan has been brought up by her father, a tour stock contractor, travelling the tour with him since she was four years old. TJ is Tomas James Casey, a rider who chose to attend his father’s funeral when two of his brothers refused to arrange it so he could still compete in the bull riding finals. He plans to make this his final year on the tour, hoping to win enough prize money to enable him to pay to train as a vet. However, his father’s death has also reminded him that life can be cut short and he’s also hopes to win the girl of his dreams, Rowan, even though she never dates riders. . . .

The character development through this story is superb, the plot engaging with plenty of surprises as the two journey towards their HEA. There are obstacles in their way, including some bucking bulls! The story is packed with family drama, great characters and I particularly enjoyed reading about Rowan’s emerging from her shell of baggy clothes to become a more confident woman working in a male dominated world, with lots of support and encouragement from Casey, who also becomes more focussed on what he wants from life after this season. It is a heart warming romance, one I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

REALLY liked this one, that was clearly part of the NAME book series that they did before (Sarah Mayberry's had a retitled one too.) I should give the rest of those a look if I can find them because both of the entries I have read were great.

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Kelly Hunter's Montana Bachelors and Babies series. While this stands well on its own, the books are best enjoyed in order starting with, Must Love Babies.

I almost didn't listen to this because books centered around Bull Riding aren't usually my thing. I enjoyed the first book in the series and enjoy Amanda Stribling's narrations so I decided to give it a whirl. I'm so glad I did!

I love books like this. With all the emotions - when the author has me laughing, crying, frustrated, angry, and joyous right along with their characters. I liked that T.J. and Rowan already knew each other and it was easy to see how they could build a relationship from their shared interests. But it was also great to see that they recognized how much more there was to the other person.

Most of the tension surrounds Rowan's overprotective father and her initial desire to keep the relationship a secret. Just when things seem to have found even ground, a surprise pregnancy (the series *is* called Bachelors & Babies 😉) forces them to evaluate what they really want for their future, individually and as a couple.

Side rant: Can I just say how much I love when an author's *surprise pregnancy* is truly a surprise because of failed birth control. Pregnancy from lack of protection isn't a surprise. /rant

I just loved how Rowan's family and found family stepped up. How T.J. reacted. I enjoyed their HEA and epilogue and am ready to immediately start Seth's book, Must Love Christmas. I admit to also wondering if Mason is going to get a book, that grumpy needs a sunshine.

Narration:
Amanda Stribling was perfect for this. I love her male and female character voices, her southern/western drawl, and the heart she brought to this story.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Kelly Hunter is one of my favorite short form contemporary romance authors, so when I saw Casey at Netgalley, I let out a little squeal of delight. I loved the colorful cover, too, and hey, it’s about bull riders, so, yes, please!

Casey is back on the bull riding tour after his father’s death derailed his chances of winning the championship and a million dollar check. His brothers refused to wait the weekend for him to compete, so Casey quietly left the tour right before the Vegas championship. While I appreciated that family came first, I still don’t understand why he didn’t let the tour organizers know what was going on. Instead, they believe he’s a flake and he’s not dedicated to the sport after his no-show. His sponsors dropped him, and the fans haven’t forgiven him, either. I don’t think it would have been so bad to have the PR department release a brief statement that he had to leave the tour because of a death in the family, but nope.

Rowan and her father own a bull breeding business, and they are stock contractors for the bull riding circuit. Rowan has had to fight for her place in a traditionally male world. She also has to fight for her father’s respect and affection. After the death of her mother, father and daughter hit the road, hauling cattle from one end of the country to the other. Rowan and her father have a difficult relationship, and a strange one, too. They live in separate areas of the ranch house, and have for years. Her father doesn’t give her much affection, and he is very demanding. When he agrees to take on the son of another contractor to show him the ropes, Rowan is jealous. Here is the son that her father always wanted, now her presence is even less tolerated.

Casey has had his eye on Rowan for a while, and when he bets that he can ride her bull for the full 8 seconds, she reluctantly takes him up on it. A steak dinner is on the line. Rowan gives him some riding tips for Eggs, and watches as he crashes and burns. That just makes Casey more determined to stick Eggs and win the girl. What follows is a slow, hesitant courtship, where neither participant really knows what they want from each other.

I really enjoyed this book. There’s a lot of rodeo, but there’s also a lot of family. Both Casey and Rowan have an uneasy relationship with their families. Casey is at odds with his older brothers, and Rowan is ever longing for some kind of emotional connection with her father. If it wasn’t for the bulls, they would have nothing to hold them together, but even that is threatened when her father offers to buy out her share of the business. When Mab is added to their dysfunctional family, Rowan finds it hard to dislike him, even when she feels threatened by his presence. I liked Mab; besides Casey, he was the only male in Rowan’s life who set her needs first and tried to take care of her.

If you’re planning any beach time, Casey is a good book to lounge in the sun with. It’s a fast, satisfying read, with a convincing HEA.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times that Kelly Hunter's characters are just delicious and this was one of those times. It was an interesting take on femininity, masculinity etc in a male-dominated world of bull riding. Hit the spot just right for me today.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah! I hit the wrong button and deleted my review! Loved it.

Not at all what I was expecting but a truly sweet romance about Tomas James Casey, a bull rider, and Rowan Harper a bucking bull breeder. Casey has had his eye on the woman who dresses like a boy and clearly has no female role model for some time, but after his father's death he determines to aks her for a date.

Rowan has been brought up by her father ever since her mother died, she knows no woman rod other than bull riding but despite her skills and experience she is barely tolerated on the circuit. Plenty of riders do however see her as a walking dollar sign, seeing as how her daddy's bulls can win $100,000 at each meet. As they get older, riders like the idea of marrying bull royalty. At first Rowan thinks Casey is the same as the other riders, only talking to her for her family's money or in hopes she'll give away some secret to riding their bulls, but Casey bets her that she will go on a date with him if he can stay on her bull for the full eight seconds. Of course the first time he not only doesn't last eight seconds but also gets a concussion when the bull bucks him off.

Under the watchful eyes of Rowan's father and the other riders on the circuit Casey and Rowan develop a friendship and Rowan starts to embrace some of the simpler aspects of being a woman, things that Casey quietly supports and encourages. But there won't be a date until 1) Casey gets to ride Rowan's bull again and 2) he lasts the full eight seconds.

Casey was such a great guy, I totally revise my preconceived ideas about cowboys and bull riders, he was just so sweet and lovely. But can a bull rider and a bull breeder ever fall in love? And what about Carey's plans for veterinary college?

What can I say? Just read, you'll be glad you did.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
I’m loving this series but so far this one is my favorite. I loved me some Casey and Rowan!

“But if it comes to a choice you should know I’ll always choose you. Write it on your heart, because it’s written on mine.”~Casey

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book that is more than about a man riding bulls, and a women working with her father as a breeder of bulls for the rodeo circuit. T. J. Casey was at the top of the bull riding standings last season when before heading for the finals in Vegas he leaves and goes home. What only a few people know is that his father died and his older brothers did not want to hold off the funeral so he went home to help and did not tell the tour because they would have hounded his mother. He also did not tell her about his older brother’s discussion about not wanting. Barley being able to come back to the bull riding circuit he has no sponsors, but he has made a better impression on Rowan Harper, who along with her father are stock- contractors for the bull riding circuit and she is half owner of their ranch. She is attracted to T.J. but makes him work for a date. Once that date happens and she begins to spend more time with him they find out that they are actually good for one another. He gets her to come out of her shell and start actually wearing dresses, and decorating her place, and learning to cook. He becomes more centered because of her and becomes focused on what really wants now and after bull riding is over. The last part of this book is really good, but really it is all good. I like his mother, and all of the characters. A very good story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Jeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series! In this book, we are introduced to T. J. Casey, a bull rider that has a heart of gold and has plans for his life after bull riding. We also meet Rowan Harper, the daughter of a stock contractor of some of the best bulls on the tour. She is just as tough as the bull riders even though she is only 5 foot 2. She keeps her head down and does her work trying to win her father's approval. He is one tough cookie, at first he is very unlikable, but he does redeem himself in the end.

This book was very much a romance, and family drama story with bull riding mixed in.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I have read a few books in this series now (all different authors) and this one was definitely my favorite. This was my first time reading this author and I thought her writing and character development was great. The story was very very good. A really great read. I enjoyed the aspect of seeing the woman find herself and her way, after growing up and living and working in a man dominated world.

[Beanimous · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What a sweet heart-warming romance!

Lovable hero and heroine. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Casey is a story that will take your breath away, there’s no easier or more subtle way to say it. In a series full of handsome, sexy, rugged cowboys Casey stands out for a few reasons – those would be Casey and Rowan. This isn’t an expected rodeo cowboy type of story, it’s more about growth, learning exactly who you are, who you could become if brave enough. It’s about living in one man’s shadow for far too long, and finally having the support, the belief that you can step out on your own, in your own right. It’s about a son making a different decision from his brothers. A man willing to go to the wall for what he wants and believes in. It’s about two people discovering in a series of highs and lows, missteps and a firm standing of how they complete each other’s dreams, reality and lives. Neither is stronger than the other, they each have their own unique skills. Put them together and they could accomplish anything they undertake – as long as they believe in themselves.

The temptation to say too much right now is very real, so I’m simply going to conclude with this. Casey and Rowen have such a unique outlook on life, forged through their separate lives. They do truly complete each other. While rocky at some points, they always turn once again to each other. This story is full of interesting secondary characters, and we’ve met a few before in other stories, other series. I have to admit that I’m hoping that we’ll see more of one of Casey’s brothers for he so deserves a wake up call about what is truly important in life. I believe this is a story that will capture your attention, pull on your heart a bit and leave you with a satisfied smile at the ending.

I would definitely recommend Casey or any story in this series to any Romance reader who enjoys a good story, likable and believable characters and a love that shines through the pages quite easily.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Hunter writes heroes and heroines with such chemistry. I found the (completely!) new-to-me world of extreme bull riding fascinating - who knew? I flew through this book, though I have to say I found one plot element surprise pregnancy on the melodramatic side.

[Angela Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The woman or the championship? What’s a bull rider to do?

Here’s what’s going on. Last year, Casey walked away from the bull riding finals to bury his father. His fans have deserted him, his sponsors left, and people are calling him a part-time cowboy so he knows he needs to keep his head on straight and cover his bulls if he wants to claim the championship. He doesn’t need a distraction but he can’t get Rowan off his mind. Rowan’s a woman in a man’s world, so she keeps her head down, focuses on her work, and leaves the cowboys alone. But Casey’s proven he’s more than just a bull rider and when he listens to her advice about how to ride one of her bulls, she knows she wants to get know him a bit better.

I’ve been having so much fun with this series. Each one focuses on a bull rider in the American Extreme Bull Riders circuit and, like most series book from this publisher each book in by a different author, so they all have a different flavor to them.

Casey could make a girl swoon. He’s independent, handsome, puts family first, and earning money to put him through veterinary school. He’s also determined and headstrong. Rowan doesn’t really know where she belongs. Her mother passed away when she was young so she raised by a father who would have preferred her to be a boy. She’s trying to figure out who is she.

The romance was a bit slow burn and Rowan didn’t really make it easy for Casey but he was persistent. I liked that the relationship developed as she became more comfortable in her own skin and that Casey was there for her no matter what she decided to do.

What I really liked about this one was how much of the bull riding aspect the book contained. I mean, it wasn’t over the top but there was enough to sink my teeth into and make things interesting.

Overall, I really had a fun time with this one. The writing flowed and I was hooked from the start.

[Rebecca A. Bamford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story!

This story was warm and sweet and romantic and thought-provoking and interesting, and everything else you could Possibly want!! Its a story that will pull you in and grab your heart. Tomas Casey is a bull rider. All he wants is to make enough money to get him self through veterinary school. He knows this will be his last tour, and he knows his body is not going last much longer doing what he does, so he has a future plan in place. He lost his father while out on tour, and his need to go home, made him appear to be undependable to his sponsors. But, in order to protect his family, he did not give the reason for his absence. The press would have grabbed that info and ran with it, invading his family’s privacy. Rowan at 25, is her father‘s daughter, through and through. She works as hard as any man and keeps her dad down. Does what her father asks in order to not cause waves. She likes yo be somewhat under the radar. But Casey has noticed her for a long time. Rowan and her father breed bulls for the circuit, Her mother died, while giving birth to a little boy. Her baby brother , and her father has sort of reluctantly always taken care of her, but she always felt like she was slightly in the way , so these two came together with some family. Abandonment issues, if you want to give it a name. But, these issues just gave the characters more depth, more layers, and more to love about them. Although the two of them fight their attraction , and they’ve both been looking for something else in their future other than what they’re doing now , they finally come together and realize that they can find a path all on their own as a couple. I absolutely adore this story I loved it. I was totally invested in the characters, and I cannot wait for the next book loved it!

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

T.J. Casey’s eye has been on Rowan Harper for a while, a woman who has only known bull-riding and breeding all her life, yet family tragedy has derailed him from pursuing her outright. It’s only when he’s back, comfortable in the saddle this time around that he asks her out, though not without more accompanying family drama that could threaten the happiness they have with each other.

Much of the story is told with wry humour and with deliberate pacing, building on bits of revelation of their lives and back stories that makes you appreciate the growing intimacy and the slow-burn that builds up over weeks between them. It’s certainly a change for me but one that is enjoyable nonetheless.

Casey’s and Rowan's relationship is first clandestine, then public but deftly handled by Kelly Hunter in a way that leaves no space for excessive theatrics between 2 adults who really do know the type of behaviour that’s befitting their ages. It doesn’t hurt that Casey and Rowan are good together, mostly because they are distinct individuals—both of them not fitting in the stereotypes of characters typically populating the bull-riding circuit—who actually know what they want and aren’t too afraid to get it. Casey’s steadfastness and his encouragement of Rowan’s continued discovery of herself, starting with something as innocuous as going dress shopping is as appealing as Rowan’s unwavering determination to carve out a distinct career for herself in a place that she has been all her life. For these reasons, ‘Casey’ is an easy but unique read—more heartfelt than action-driven—but capped off with a fitting HEA that doesn't feel trite nor rushed.

*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey by Kelly Hunter
An Extreme Bull Riders Tour Romance #3

Wonderful characters to spend my day with – loved Rowena and Casey and their story. Each story in this series is written by a different author and they have all have so far been a delight to read!

Casey is all about family and will put them above anything AND he showed that to be true when he headed home to bury his father in spite of the potential financial and professional gains he could have made had he stayed to ride. He puts in full effort when riding but he rides with a goal in mind and has a plan for the future that he believes means this will be his last year riding bulls.

Rowena has been with her father on the bull riding circuit providing bulls for the riders since she was four. Her life has not been easy and it has not been typical but it is what she knows, loves and does well. In her spare time she has a hobby but she does not have many if any real friends and knows very little about being a girlie-girl.

Casey has his eye on Rowena when he returns to the circuit and she seems to have her eye on him, too. Their journey to a HEA is not easy. They need to keep their romance (what there is of it) on the down-low. And yet, they definitely have feelings for one another. How it all unfolds is a story well worth reading and one I thoroughly enjoyed and believe you will enjoy, too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Miekenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider Casey a 4 1/2 star read.

I really enjoyed the journey to a HEA in this book. The characters are well written in Casey, and they are all likable as well. Even the characters who are flawed are flawed in ways that you understand and sympathize with.

I liked our heroine Rowen a lot. Rowen had an non-traditional job for a woman and she did it with passion and great competence. I also liked that she wasn't a virgin waiting for the one man who could see past her tomboy ways and expect her abandon her "manly" job once he made her a woman (gag).

Casey, our hero, was also very likable. He had known and admired Rowen for a long time. He was interested in her as a person and wanted a romantic relationship with her for a long time; not simply because she choose to wear a dress one day. (I hate insta-love stories when a man finally sees a woman's worth because she gets a nice haircut and a new feminine outfit.)

At least 75% of what I read is romance, so I really appreciate when there is at least some surprise to either the storyline or unexpected depth to the characters in a romance.

I would recommend Casey to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. Yes, this book is bull riding themed, but it really is an enjoyable read for anyone who likes HEAs.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Margaret Sholders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here comes another good bull riding story! I really like bull riding. I watch them since the 60's. This sure sounded like how this should work. The bulls get better care than the riders. Casey rides the bulls until he can get money enough to finish Vet School. Rowan works with her dad. They have the best bucking bulls. She owns the best bull. She looks like the men because they care for women working bulls and being better. Casey meets Rowan. They slowly fall for each other and then her father just wants her to work. He wanted a son but his wife died in birth with her dead son. Rowan likes to take photos of the scenes. Now he wants to buy out her share of the bulls. She refuses and works really hard to do better. She makes herself sick. Casey sees her faint when he has to ride. She makes him go to get his points. He cares more for that than riding. He yells at her father who stays and doesn't go check her out. This turns this story around. I hope you want to read to the end of this book. It will need tissues. It is hard to read and you can't put it down! You won't regret this if you read it. Enjoy!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving the American Extreme Bull riders series!

I recently read and reviewed Tanner by Sarah Mayberry and was looking forward to more from these taller-than-life heroes and the women who show them there's more to life than bulls :)
This book gives readers an up close and personal view from the back of the bull through our hero, T. J. Casey's perspective. While a large part of the draw is the adrenaline rush, we also learn about the impetus that keeps this cowboy going after the glory- a dream of becoming a vet one day, independence, and maybe a reason for his four brothers to be proud of him.

Rowan has grown up in the industry. She's rodeo royalty, and as such, fiercely protected by everyone she works with. Which makes showing an interest in a stubborn, handsome, funny cowboy difficult to say the least.

I loved Rowan with her insecurities and Casey for his support and kindness while watching the woman he cared for emerge into the world like a butterfly.

Sweet and sexy!

I give Casey 5 lovely kisses!
First posted on It's all About the Romance

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm getting to love extreme bull riders! Casey, like the other two I have read about in this series, is not just tall and lean and muscled and sexy. He's a thoughtful, caring and thoroughly decent man. I liked his interaction with Rowan, daughter and partner of bucking bull breeder Joe Harper.
Characters I can identify with are a big drawcard for me and one of the main factors in determining whether or not I enjoy the read. Kelly Hunter always creates well-rounded characters who are so real they could walk off the page at any moment, and it's not just the key characters in the story. I loved Casey's mother and Rowan's father just as much.
This story is not just about how real the characters are, however. The plot is just as good, and it seems right until the end that no matter how strongly Casey and Rowan might feel for each other, the paths they have chosen will mean they can't be together forever. Thankfully, as with all good stories this one does have its happy ever after and has left me with a big smile on my face.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Love Cowboys is the second book in Kelly Hunter’s Montana Bachelors and Babies series. This story features T.J. Casey. And Rowan Harper. TJ is a bull rider on the AEBR rodeo circuit. Rowan and her father are stock contractors for bulls for the rodeos. She is very serious about her job and won’t get involved with bull riders. She has a special spot for TJ. The previous year his dad passed away and he was forced to drop out at the very end when it was time for the championship. In the current year he is fighting to come back and win again. TJ is trying to convince Rowan to go out with him if he will land his ride on her prized bull. She finally agrees. They do have dinner and both realize they have feelings for, the other. They spend some steamy nights together, but keep it a secret from the others at the rodeo, especially her dad. Finally she agrees to go public and faces some criticism from her dad. There are some surprises for the couple and some major decisions for them to make. It’s a terrific book and series. I highly recommend it.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomas James Casey always puts family first. When his father died, he left the bull-riding competition. It cost him his place in the finals and the respect of the other cowboys. I liked that T.J. put his mother and brothers ahead of his dreams. It showed what a good man he is. Rowan is a woman working in a male dominated world. She is tolerated even though she's very good with her bulls. Her father has always kept his distance. After his wife died he couldn't cope. Her sadness touched me. Tomas is drawn to her. Their relationship is special. I loved seeing them together. It made me feel good. Kelly Hunter has written a romantic and moving story. The characters are compelling and compassionate. The bull riding competition makes an exciting setting. Casey has a hero and heroine that I can root for. I'm enjoying the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Not only is this book a sweet romance, it is a great story of a young woman coming into her own. Rowan has grown up traveling the bull riding circuit and now she helps her father with the bull breeding. TJ Casey is a bull rider who walked away from the finals so he could bury his father. Casey has returned this year with plans to win the buckle and to win the girl. But, while Rowan is self-assured in her job, she lacks confidence with “girl” things like shopping and dating. Casey is wonderful and supportive as Rowan finds her voice and becomes a strong, independent woman.
In the end, these two lovers will still have to work out their differences to see if they are willing to take a chance on love.
I was provided a copy of this book by LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fearless love

A great second book in the series. I love that the Casey boys out family first , always. In reality so does Rowen, even though it's Justine and her dad. Her mother died in childbirth and she's grown up in the shadow of her dad's bronco business her whole life. She's had to be strong like a man, but inside she's an independent woman.

She's met her match in Tomas Casey, TJ. He admires her strength and resilience and is smitten from the beginning. Can he convince her and her dad, Joe Harper that he's going to stick around.

He took a break as his father took a fall and died. He's now back in the circuit and struggling with his feelings for Ro and his plans to bring busy for the money to continue his education at Veterinary school.

This was so much fun to read. I can't wait for the next story!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the American Extreme Bull Riders Series, even though I cringe a little every time one of the guys get on a bull. Then to read that little 5 foot 2 Rowan is just as tough, well, that took my breath away. Kelly Hunter’s Casey is by far my favorite in the series, partly because of Rowan and the other part would be Tomas James Casey. The supporting characters such as Mab, a boy old beyond his years, added to the story in ways I did not see coming.

Not a long story, it took me about 3 hours, give or take a little to read their story. However, there was no slighting the character development or the plot. It is a love story for sure but also one about family and loyalty. It was an amazing read.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully told contemporary western romance woven around the rodeo circuit.
Casey is a bullrider and Rowan's family's company supplies bulls for the circuit.
Rowan doesn't mix with the contestants, only job related and Casey admires Rowan, but also respects her and doesn't want her to think he's just another gold digger.
After a nasty fall from one of her bulls, a relationship begins.....and grows, despite that she is unsure of herself, not realizing she is quite pretty....beautiful to him.
As the season continues, they bond completely,despite the difficulties that arise.
This sweet sensual tale with humor is a definite winner in my book and not to be missed.
I requested and received an ARC after seeing some promo, but was blown away by the book..

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

First book by this author and the middle dragged for me. I did enjoy learning about Bull Riders and what they go through.

I wanted more information on how the H placed in the final ride of the season. Did the H go back to school, where did thy live. I want my stories tied in a nice bow with no lose ends.

Little on romance, some sweet moments with the h navigating changes in her life, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4+ out of 5. No cheating, no cliffhanger, ends at the 94% on e-reader, rest teaser for another story, HEA and an enjoyable epilogue. Crude words used and the Lord's name used in vain a few times.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Hunter has penned a great addition to the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour series with T.J.Casey and Rowan Harper adding their own special flavour to this addictive series.

The tale of a man hell bent on achieving his dream and capturing the heart of a woman he has admired for years along the way, makes for a well-rounded story and entertaining reading too.

I really liked both characters and the author’s depiction of the depth of their personalities; a strong woman who doesn’t apologise for her less than feminine career, and a hardened bull rider with determination and a heart of gold.

I thoroughly recommend this story to those who enjoy well written romance and a HEA.