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Studs in Spurs #2
Bucked
This cowboy is looking for more than just an eight-second ride...Mustang Jackson does two things well--ride bulls and love women. So the injury that takes him out of the arena leaves him only one way to make a living. Unfortunately, getting paid to be a stud in front of the camera isn't as fun as private conquests. When he catches sight of little Sage Beckett, minus the glasses, braces and pigtails he remembers, doing time in his hometown suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Sage had a crush on Michael long before he started using that ridiculous nickname "Mustang". Though from what she's overheard about his string of buckle bunnies, the man more than lives up to it. In the past he always looked right through her. Now that he's home again, she's determined to capture and tame this wild stallion, no matter what it takes. She intends to satisfy her curiosity and move on, but with every touch she's less sure she'll ever purge him from her system. Once corralled in her arms, Mustang finds himself thinking that domestication may not be so bad after all. Except, once she finds out about his side job, she may not stick for the next go-round.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
149 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Cat Johnson
364 books1,764 followers📚Find Series Reading Order and Book Lists at Cat's site CatJohnson.net
🎥 For Film/TV Inquiries Email Cat@Catjohnson.net
It all started in first grade when Cat Johnson won the essay contest at Hawthorne Elementary School and got to ride in the Chief of Police's car in the Memorial Day Parade...and the rest, as they say, is history. As an adult, Cat generally tries to stay out of police cars and is thrilled to be writing for a living. She has been published under a different name in the Young Adult genre, but released her first romance in 2006.
Today, she is a NY Times & USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of contemporary romance. A promo ho, she's sponsored real live bull riding cowboys and promoted romance using bologna.
--from the author's website
🎥 For Film/TV Inquiries Email Cat@Catjohnson.net
It all started in first grade when Cat Johnson won the essay contest at Hawthorne Elementary School and got to ride in the Chief of Police's car in the Memorial Day Parade...and the rest, as they say, is history. As an adult, Cat generally tries to stay out of police cars and is thrilled to be writing for a living. She has been published under a different name in the Young Adult genre, but released her first romance in 2006.
Today, she is a NY Times & USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of contemporary romance. A promo ho, she's sponsored real live bull riding cowboys and promoted romance using bologna.
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 28, 2010
Oh boy, I finished this one over 10 days ago but didn't have a chance to write a review...I hope I can remember it all...
Let's see...Bucked picks up where UnRidden left off, but it's not an absolute necessity to have read "Unridden first. This one's about successful, young, sexy (26?) bull rider Michael "Mustang" Jackson. Mustang gets injured (broken arm) bull riding and has to return home (to Texas) to recuperate for 3 months. His Dad (who he doesn't quite get along with due to his choice in careers) wants him to work at the state prison with him (an idea Mustang dreads) and give up bull riding for a "good" secure job. Mustang goes along with it for the time being (even though he hates it) because he desperately needs the money to make payments on his RV. (Mustang apparently saved none of his bull riding winnings...) While recovering at home, he runs into the younger sister (Sage) of his old high school flame. Sage has always had a mad crush on Mustang, even though he was 6 years older than her. Now she's all grown up, on her way to becoming a teacher, and she wants to see what all the fuss is about regarding Mustang and his "wild" reputation. Mustang's attracted all right to the beautiful Sage, but doesn't want to start anything he can't/shouldn't finish. He's headed back to the bull riding circuit eventually, and Sage has her whole life ahead of her. It wouldn't be right to get involved with her, no matter how attractive she is, or how well she seems to understand him...
Mustang...
As Mustang and Sage get closer and closer, Mustang's desire to earn some money while not working at the prison gets the better of him, and he naively falls for what appears to be easy money by "modeling". The modeling turns out to be nude modeling, whch then evolves into Mustang participating in some (ménage) porn films...(Mustang's not the sharpest tool in the shed, and a bit immature at times, but he's got a good heart and he is pretty sexy and charming. You can't help but like the guy, flaws and all, even when you're screaming at him to "stop and think what you're doing!") Anyhow, eventually he and Sage do cross the line, fall hard for each other...but then Mustang has to come clean with what he's been up to. And he has to make a big decision about his and Sage's future. Would it be right for them to try to make a go of it?
Can he give Sage what she needs from him?
This story was such an easy read. It was sexy, sweet, kind of original, and a lot of times just plain funny! I couldn't help but laugh at Mustang's inner dialogue, especially about his porn experiences (with Jon "Long" and viagra). Yes, his involvement with the nude modeling and then the porn was funny, but also kind of sad and humiliating. Surely there had to be a better way to earn some money..
I liked Sage, liked their relationship...their love scenes were hot, but not raunchy or overly explicit or graphic. I also liked the fact that Jenna and Slade (from UnRidden made a return appearance which stirred the pot a little...
The only thing negative I have to say was that that story ended rather abruptly--I could've used a few more chapters or an epilogue to wrap things up in a more definite way.
If you like a cowboy romance that's equal parts funny and sexy, with a sweet H/h, then you should definitely try this series. I wouldn't rank it quite at high as Lorelei James's Rough Riders (not as erotic or detailed) but it's still good fun and an easy read. Something about the way CJ writes just flows very easily for me...I have a hard time putting her books down until I finish them in one day. I guess that's as good a recommendation as any.:) 4 stars
Let's see...Bucked picks up where UnRidden left off, but it's not an absolute necessity to have read "Unridden first. This one's about successful, young, sexy (26?) bull rider Michael "Mustang" Jackson. Mustang gets injured (broken arm) bull riding and has to return home (to Texas) to recuperate for 3 months. His Dad (who he doesn't quite get along with due to his choice in careers) wants him to work at the state prison with him (an idea Mustang dreads) and give up bull riding for a "good" secure job. Mustang goes along with it for the time being (even though he hates it) because he desperately needs the money to make payments on his RV. (Mustang apparently saved none of his bull riding winnings...) While recovering at home, he runs into the younger sister (Sage) of his old high school flame. Sage has always had a mad crush on Mustang, even though he was 6 years older than her. Now she's all grown up, on her way to becoming a teacher, and she wants to see what all the fuss is about regarding Mustang and his "wild" reputation. Mustang's attracted all right to the beautiful Sage, but doesn't want to start anything he can't/shouldn't finish. He's headed back to the bull riding circuit eventually, and Sage has her whole life ahead of her. It wouldn't be right to get involved with her, no matter how attractive she is, or how well she seems to understand him...
Mustang...
As Mustang and Sage get closer and closer, Mustang's desire to earn some money while not working at the prison gets the better of him, and he naively falls for what appears to be easy money by "modeling". The modeling turns out to be nude modeling, whch then evolves into Mustang participating in some (ménage) porn films...(Mustang's not the sharpest tool in the shed, and a bit immature at times, but he's got a good heart and he is pretty sexy and charming. You can't help but like the guy, flaws and all, even when you're screaming at him to "stop and think what you're doing!") Anyhow, eventually he and Sage do cross the line, fall hard for each other...but then Mustang has to come clean with what he's been up to. And he has to make a big decision about his and Sage's future. Would it be right for them to try to make a go of it?
Can he give Sage what she needs from him?
This story was such an easy read. It was sexy, sweet, kind of original, and a lot of times just plain funny! I couldn't help but laugh at Mustang's inner dialogue, especially about his porn experiences (with Jon "Long" and viagra). Yes, his involvement with the nude modeling and then the porn was funny, but also kind of sad and humiliating. Surely there had to be a better way to earn some money..
I liked Sage, liked their relationship...their love scenes were hot, but not raunchy or overly explicit or graphic. I also liked the fact that Jenna and Slade (from UnRidden made a return appearance which stirred the pot a little...
The only thing negative I have to say was that that story ended rather abruptly--I could've used a few more chapters or an epilogue to wrap things up in a more definite way.
If you like a cowboy romance that's equal parts funny and sexy, with a sweet H/h, then you should definitely try this series. I wouldn't rank it quite at high as Lorelei James's Rough Riders (not as erotic or detailed) but it's still good fun and an easy read. Something about the way CJ writes just flows very easily for me...I have a hard time putting her books down until I finish them in one day. I guess that's as good a recommendation as any.:) 4 stars
April 29, 2010
I really enjoyed UnRidden, the first book in this short series, and Bucked picks up where that book left off.
Mustang Jackson just nailed eight seconds on one of the rankest bulls on the pro circuit. Unfortunately, he also broke his forearm in the process.
Derailed by the injury and surgery to screw some metal into his arm, Mustang heads home to convalesce and bide his time.
Bucked is unusual in that this is very much Mustang's story. Oh, the prologue treats us to a pubescent Sage Beckett and her crush on her older sister's boyfriend, but 85% of the rest of the book is in Mustang's POV. At least half, and maybe a full two-thirds, of the action concerns Mustang alone. This is Mustang's story of his daddy issues, growing up and dealing with his own changing priorities. Sage is a foil rather than a heroine.
The sex is odd too. For an erotic novel, it's not erotic. I know I say that a lot, but this time it's true. Two of the three sex scenes are of Mustang pursuing the porn actor route and they're meant to be repellent. The third one, where he finally gets over his whore-Madonna complex with Sage, is fine and sweet and all, but it's a bit of too little, too late.
So why three stars when I am quite comfortable panning books for this sort of stuff? Mustang is a fully-realized character, with flaws and believable motivations in equal measure, and his story was still a joy to read. It just wasn't a well-rounded romance with a heroine equal to the hero.
Mustang Jackson just nailed eight seconds on one of the rankest bulls on the pro circuit. Unfortunately, he also broke his forearm in the process.
Derailed by the injury and surgery to screw some metal into his arm, Mustang heads home to convalesce and bide his time.
Bucked is unusual in that this is very much Mustang's story. Oh, the prologue treats us to a pubescent Sage Beckett and her crush on her older sister's boyfriend, but 85% of the rest of the book is in Mustang's POV. At least half, and maybe a full two-thirds, of the action concerns Mustang alone. This is Mustang's story of his daddy issues, growing up and dealing with his own changing priorities. Sage is a foil rather than a heroine.
The sex is odd too. For an erotic novel, it's not erotic. I know I say that a lot, but this time it's true. Two of the three sex scenes are of Mustang pursuing the porn actor route and they're meant to be repellent. The third one, where he finally gets over his whore-Madonna complex with Sage, is fine and sweet and all, but it's a bit of too little, too late.
So why three stars when I am quite comfortable panning books for this sort of stuff? Mustang is a fully-realized character, with flaws and believable motivations in equal measure, and his story was still a joy to read. It just wasn't a well-rounded romance with a heroine equal to the hero.
April 3, 2012
I have loved Mustang in all the other books as a secondary Character. I'm not entirely sure but his own book just didn’t do it for me.
I thought Sage was sweet and "Michael" aka Mustang was still him, I think it was the naivety of him and his "modelling" that annoyed me. He seems so "grown up" mentoring all the boys but when it comes to the real world he has no idea. If that makes sense? I think I'll sit on it and come back and re-write this when I can find the words I'm trying to say.
February 18, 2013
I LOVED this story, cringed in embarrassment at Mustang's naiveté.
2nd story in the Studs in Spurs series, which I've had on my Kindle forever, and finally got around to reading. Sweet romance, layered on top of a bittersweet story of a young bullrider Michael- nicknamed "Mustang"- temporarily staying at home w/ his parents while recovering from an injury. His father is still unaccepting of his bullriding career and insistent he work at the state prison with him, like all the other men in the family. Definitely some overtones of real-life family angst.
Having too much pride to borrow money from friends after suffering the injury during a bull-riding competition, Mustang is lured by fast money for EASY work that capitalizes on his good looks and poses for some "athletic" photos and does a couple films, both of which end up being shady (porn) dealings. This puts him in a very embarrassing and compromising situation with his love interest and his friends. On top of it all, he feels stupid and used.
I know some people don't believe that anyone in this day and age aren't savvy to this kind of thing, but I KNOW people who aren't tech savvy and could fall for this type of nonsense- shameful, yes to be so out of touch, but believe me folks, there are still people (young, even) who resist the digital age. If nothing else, this book should be a cautionary tale to them, LOL!
It's a unique story and a great addition to a series I should have read long ago!
2nd story in the Studs in Spurs series, which I've had on my Kindle forever, and finally got around to reading. Sweet romance, layered on top of a bittersweet story of a young bullrider Michael- nicknamed "Mustang"- temporarily staying at home w/ his parents while recovering from an injury. His father is still unaccepting of his bullriding career and insistent he work at the state prison with him, like all the other men in the family. Definitely some overtones of real-life family angst.
Having too much pride to borrow money from friends after suffering the injury during a bull-riding competition, Mustang is lured by fast money for EASY work that capitalizes on his good looks and poses for some "athletic" photos and does a couple films, both of which end up being shady (porn) dealings. This puts him in a very embarrassing and compromising situation with his love interest and his friends. On top of it all, he feels stupid and used.
I know some people don't believe that anyone in this day and age aren't savvy to this kind of thing, but I KNOW people who aren't tech savvy and could fall for this type of nonsense- shameful, yes to be so out of touch, but believe me folks, there are still people (young, even) who resist the digital age. If nothing else, this book should be a cautionary tale to them, LOL!
It's a unique story and a great addition to a series I should have read long ago!
March 11, 2013
No Mustang, don't do that!! Okay, I had to yell that a few times in this book at the naivete of our lead man. I also missed a few chapters from mere embarrassment of Mustang and reveled in the unbridled, wide-eyed enthusiasm of Chase at the beginning of the book!
But the purpose is the relationship of Sage and Mustang and that was weak though entertaining. I got Mustang and he was larger than life but Sage wasn't all that engaging. She had wanted Mustang forever and the prologue promised feelings but they didn't come across in her interactions with Mustang.
It was a good read and the characters who entertained me so well in Unridden kept me entertained again but the focus of our main characters fell a little flat for me
But the purpose is the relationship of Sage and Mustang and that was weak though entertaining. I got Mustang and he was larger than life but Sage wasn't all that engaging. She had wanted Mustang forever and the prologue promised feelings but they didn't come across in her interactions with Mustang.
It was a good read and the characters who entertained me so well in Unridden kept me entertained again but the focus of our main characters fell a little flat for me
September 6, 2011
I really enjoyed UnRidden, I mean REALLY enjoyed it so I have to say I was a tad disappointed in Bucked. However, it was still a great read and I still adore Mustang but I'm not usually a fan of the whole "girl has loved boy since they were young and now she is going to show him she's not a girl anymore" thing. I would still recommend reading this book though, it was funny and as usual still hot. We get to hear a little more about Slade and Jenna (Love them as a couple) and we even get to see a little of Chase (Yum!). Now I am extremely excited to read Chase's story Ride and I'm hoping we will still get to see how Slade & Jenna and Mustang & Sage are doing!
September 5, 2016
If you read the first book in this series, you met Mustang Jackson, professional bull rider. This book is his story. I loved this book! After an injury, Mustang has to recover from surgery before he goes back to bull riding. He goes home to Texas to recover. He has to face his father who thinks he is a disappointment. He reconnects with his ex girlfriend's little sister who is all grown up and looking good! Spark fly between the two of them and thus begins an unexpected adventure. I loved seeing a different side to Mustang! He and Sage had amazing chemistry. How could you not love Sage! She is smart, beautiful and brave! I loved her character!
December 10, 2014
I really feel luke-warm about this story. It didn't move me, turn me on, make me sad...I just feel blah!
There was no emotional pull between Sage and Mustang. I never knew how they felt and the sex scene were boring and had no detail or depth.
Definitely not as good as Unridden
There was no emotional pull between Sage and Mustang. I never knew how they felt and the sex scene were boring and had no detail or depth.
Definitely not as good as Unridden
October 2, 2011
I like Mustang, not as a porn star tho...
September 26, 2012
Mustang has turned into my favorite cowboy. I loved getting to know him and Sage. Excited to continue the series!
December 26, 2012
Sweeter than Unridden, but just as good.
December 25, 2018
So Mustang and Sage... what can I say? This book did not do it for me like the previous one. It’s such a shame as I loved Mustang so much. He was light-hearted and flirty and vocal in bed in the previous book which had me hoping for a hot read. But in this read he has been brought low by injury and is far more serious.
He returns home and reconnects with an ex-girlfriends sister. I felt a bit like the ghost of the hotter sister hung over everything. Sage was sweet and innocent which felt wrong for Mustang. Could she really keep him interested? I really thought he’d meet his sexual match. Instead he hides stuff from her and seems to diminish himself in his effort to be more vanilla. I just felt his sex scenes with Sage were tame and boring in comparison!
There is also his adult sex industry storyline. I wasn’t a fan of this. I think someone not enjoying a sex scene is a real turn off. Mustang gets involved in some porn films but hates it and feels violated. I just don’t look for that in my romances. Hotness is only hot if you’re on the bus so to speak. I also find it a bit old fashioned to cast a negative light on the sex industry. I am not saying it’s perfect, but we are reading an erotic novel here. I want hotness not a moral high ground.
It just took the fun out of it for me. Mustang became boring. Boooooo
He returns home and reconnects with an ex-girlfriends sister. I felt a bit like the ghost of the hotter sister hung over everything. Sage was sweet and innocent which felt wrong for Mustang. Could she really keep him interested? I really thought he’d meet his sexual match. Instead he hides stuff from her and seems to diminish himself in his effort to be more vanilla. I just felt his sex scenes with Sage were tame and boring in comparison!
There is also his adult sex industry storyline. I wasn’t a fan of this. I think someone not enjoying a sex scene is a real turn off. Mustang gets involved in some porn films but hates it and feels violated. I just don’t look for that in my romances. Hotness is only hot if you’re on the bus so to speak. I also find it a bit old fashioned to cast a negative light on the sex industry. I am not saying it’s perfect, but we are reading an erotic novel here. I want hotness not a moral high ground.
It just took the fun out of it for me. Mustang became boring. Boooooo
February 8, 2020
I liked this one, not as much as the first, but it was still a fun read. There's just something about Mustang. I just love his character.
The truth is, though, I don't think this book is much of a romance at all. And I didn't like it for the reasons I normally like a romance. Sage is really just a boring, unnecessary character. She didn't work as the heroine, and I wish the author had just left her out. There was no chemistry in their relationship, and really no relationship building between them at all.
The real story is how Mustang, with his sweet nature, gets taken advantage of by the adult industry. I loved how the author showed that even strong men can be violated and coerced. I thought that part was a great story. Definitely not a typical romance though.
The truth is, though, I don't think this book is much of a romance at all. And I didn't like it for the reasons I normally like a romance. Sage is really just a boring, unnecessary character. She didn't work as the heroine, and I wish the author had just left her out. There was no chemistry in their relationship, and really no relationship building between them at all.
The real story is how Mustang, with his sweet nature, gets taken advantage of by the adult industry. I loved how the author showed that even strong men can be violated and coerced. I thought that part was a great story. Definitely not a typical romance though.
October 27, 2024
This is a great girl next door who also happens to be his high school girlfriend's little sister
Mustang hates the fact that he has to go home to have surgery and recuperate at his parents home where his dad makes his life miserable. Sage had a huge crush on Mustang since he was dating her sister back when he was in high school. Now she is all grown up and after seeing him again, realizes she never got over her crush she only buried those feeling deep inside. They reconnect and hang out a lot and feelings start to surface but neither wants to admit them. Mustang does some modeling to earn some quick cash and then ends up making a couple movies for more cash. But soon regrets doing either. Once he finally admits his feelings will he tell Sage the truth about what he did or will he keep it a secret? How will she react if he does tell her? Will he be able to go back to bull riding after he heals or will he find so meth by else to do?
Mustang hates the fact that he has to go home to have surgery and recuperate at his parents home where his dad makes his life miserable. Sage had a huge crush on Mustang since he was dating her sister back when he was in high school. Now she is all grown up and after seeing him again, realizes she never got over her crush she only buried those feeling deep inside. They reconnect and hang out a lot and feelings start to surface but neither wants to admit them. Mustang does some modeling to earn some quick cash and then ends up making a couple movies for more cash. But soon regrets doing either. Once he finally admits his feelings will he tell Sage the truth about what he did or will he keep it a secret? How will she react if he does tell her? Will he be able to go back to bull riding after he heals or will he find so meth by else to do?
March 7, 2022
This was an OK book. The writing is disjointed and alludes to more than the author promises. Mustang is a bull rider that gets injured and heads home to recuperate. He doesn't get along with his dad and now yearns for the "girl next door" that he hasn't seen in years and of course, instant attraction. Sage has had a crush on Mustang since childhood when he dated her sister. She's all grown up now but supposedly off limits. He's low on money so he agrees to do porn and then has to hide it from her for some reason. She basically forces herself on him and they begin a relationship. Not worth the read.
January 7, 2019
I was a bit disappointed with this one. I looked forward to Mustang's story but it just fell flat for me. It was frustrating to read after the dominant character we got with Mustang in Unridden, I felt his character did a complete 180 in Bucked. I would have loved to have given this read more stars however, the female character Sage took it away. As a reader, I could not relate to her at all and felt Mustang deserved so much better than Sage.
June 2, 2021
Good time
Mustang is a good ol boy who loves the ladies, but his injury sends him home to be “re” introduced to the girl next door. Literally. She’s all grown up and has him in her sights. Can he give up his lady loving days and love just one woman? Gosh, I enjoyed the angst and trials these two needed to get through. Fun, hot and sometimes funny in a cringe worthy way. Lol oh poor mustang...
Mustang is a good ol boy who loves the ladies, but his injury sends him home to be “re” introduced to the girl next door. Literally. She’s all grown up and has him in her sights. Can he give up his lady loving days and love just one woman? Gosh, I enjoyed the angst and trials these two needed to get through. Fun, hot and sometimes funny in a cringe worthy way. Lol oh poor mustang...
February 2, 2018
Book was great
I loved the idea that a man can get blindsided by the girl next door after several years being away. It is a great book. I love this series so far and can't wait to read the rest
I loved the idea that a man can get blindsided by the girl next door after several years being away. It is a great book. I love this series so far and can't wait to read the rest
May 17, 2021
Mustang gets a girl
Very nice story but felt the movie story part was unnessary and did not change the story. Would have used that part to enhance the great " Chemistry" between mustang and sage.
Very nice story but felt the movie story part was unnessary and did not change the story. Would have used that part to enhance the great " Chemistry" between mustang and sage.
July 19, 2021
Weird
I rate for my knowledge and others might like this but it had more Smex n link with others then the couple. And the h was annoying as all hell. It was just too hard to believe.
I rate for my knowledge and others might like this but it had more Smex n link with others then the couple. And the h was annoying as all hell. It was just too hard to believe.
November 8, 2017
I absolutely love the Studs in Spurs series!📚
February 28, 2018
I enjoyed Mustang's story.
December 23, 2018
Found this one a little difficult to read especially after enjoying the book this one follows on from.
January 1, 2019
Great read
This was a great read. It's well written and some of the characters antics were hilarious. I have enjoyed this series so far.
This was a great read. It's well written and some of the characters antics were hilarious. I have enjoyed this series so far.
April 13, 2019
Another great story about deliciously sexy cowboys. Highly recommend.
June 26, 2020
I'm not sure I can believe that someone is so naive that he falls into becoming a porn star, but, I guess that's why it's fiction.
A cleaner, less steamy follow-up to Unridden, but still enjoyable.
A cleaner, less steamy follow-up to Unridden, but still enjoyable.
August 30, 2021
Fue bueno, pero no tanto como el primero, tengo grandes esperanzas para el tercero.
December 12, 2025
I liked a lot of parts of this book but feel it would be 5⭐ if it was a bit more fleshed out/longer. If you're into cowboy romance, you would probably enjoy this quick read.
September 12, 2011
Mustang is the „grab the bull by the horns“ kind of guy. He loves riding them for sure, but his lifestyle has other perks, too. Women flock to the guy, and he is up to whatever task keeps them happy. And him.
When a bad accident requires surgery, Mustang must leave it all behind to go back home. The relationship with his father is strained at best. He still doesn’t approve of his son’s choices.
Sage Beckett has been in love with Mustang for a long time. Back in the day he was her sister’s boyfriend and she just a little girl. The kid sister! Now that he’s back in town, sparks fly between them. Sage has grown up and isn’t about to let him slip through her fingers this time around.
I saw the cover of this book at a friend’s blog and loved it. Hmmm. So sexy! The blurb, too, was just my thing. I was hoping for a real treat. The story got off to an okay start, but quickly lost its edge.
There were several aspects I didn’t like. In my opinion there was no character development. Even when it comes to a quick scorching read I expect at least a little bit of depth. Mustang was a bit…blah. I would've loved just a little more substance, but there wasn’t any. On top of it all – and there’s no other way to phrase it – he was not the brightest bulb. Okay, let me be honest. He was dumb and dangerously naïve. I understood that he had to find a way to earn some money fast. His injury kept him from making the benjamins as a bull rider. What just wasn’t my thing…the fact that he took a questionable job without even realizing the obvious: NOT a good idea. He let himself be manipulated and railroaded into doing something he clearly wasn’t comfortable with. Who wants a clueless pushover for a hero? Not me!
How about the steamy parts? You are probably wondering. Bummer, I am, too! Well, a lot of the sexy schmexy was connected to Mustang’s job I mentioned before, and without giving too much away, it simply didn’t feel real. The quickest way to turn me off? It wasn’t about the “what”, but rather the “how”. The circumstances didn’t sit well with me at all. Just ewww.
Sage Beckett I liked a little better. She wasn’t a heroine worth remembering, but I found it cute that she still had a crush on Mustang after so many years. Unfortunately that’s about it. Nothing more to tell. Wait! At one point there was some staged jealousy drama. The operative word being “staged”. ‘Nuff said!
I should mention that this read is the second book in the Studs in Spurs series. I haven’t read the first (UnRidden). Thankfully this wasn’t a problem, even though hero and heroine appeared as secondary characters in Bucked. The history between Mustang and his friends Jenna and Slade was explained, but I couldn’t believe any of it. Why? Because Jenna acted like a mother hen. Her behavior didn’t fit the nature of said past relationship.
In the beginning Sage remembered the time when Mustang was still dating her bitchy sister Rosemary. A rude, and selfish person. I would have SO loved to witness her reaction to Sade and Mustang being an item, but the author let this strand of the plot run out. A shame! It’s exactly what happened with Mustang’s feelings towards his father and vice versa. His homecoming made for a lot of tension-filled moments. His father was a real douche. The father-son issue, however, didn’t get picked up again for a conclusion either. Again, one has to take the genre into consideration (short, sweet, hot – intended to be that is), but why bring it up in the first place?
On to the romance! The sex scenes were a huge letdown. I couldn’t take any pleasure whatsoever in them. I failed to connect with the characters as individuals and as a couple to be. I kept on reading in the hopes the ending would leave me satisfied….in a slightly better mood. No such luck! It felt rushed. I don’t even want to call it an ending. It was more of a hush, hush wrap up. I had the feeling their…err…whatever you want to call it (relationship) was doomed to fail. I saw no future for these two. There was a poorly executed attempt at a heart to heart between Mustang and Sage. I wasn’t paying too much attention to it, for I was thinking about which book to read next already. I have heard a lot of good things about Johnson's work. As this one was my first, I will give her other books a try. Who knows, she might surprise me. Normally I’d share my favorite quotes with you, but there really weren’t any. This read definitely wasn’t for me. 1 star to Bucked by Cat Johnson!
When a bad accident requires surgery, Mustang must leave it all behind to go back home. The relationship with his father is strained at best. He still doesn’t approve of his son’s choices.
Sage Beckett has been in love with Mustang for a long time. Back in the day he was her sister’s boyfriend and she just a little girl. The kid sister! Now that he’s back in town, sparks fly between them. Sage has grown up and isn’t about to let him slip through her fingers this time around.
I saw the cover of this book at a friend’s blog and loved it. Hmmm. So sexy! The blurb, too, was just my thing. I was hoping for a real treat. The story got off to an okay start, but quickly lost its edge.
There were several aspects I didn’t like. In my opinion there was no character development. Even when it comes to a quick scorching read I expect at least a little bit of depth. Mustang was a bit…blah. I would've loved just a little more substance, but there wasn’t any. On top of it all – and there’s no other way to phrase it – he was not the brightest bulb. Okay, let me be honest. He was dumb and dangerously naïve. I understood that he had to find a way to earn some money fast. His injury kept him from making the benjamins as a bull rider. What just wasn’t my thing…the fact that he took a questionable job without even realizing the obvious: NOT a good idea. He let himself be manipulated and railroaded into doing something he clearly wasn’t comfortable with. Who wants a clueless pushover for a hero? Not me!
How about the steamy parts? You are probably wondering. Bummer, I am, too! Well, a lot of the sexy schmexy was connected to Mustang’s job I mentioned before, and without giving too much away, it simply didn’t feel real. The quickest way to turn me off? It wasn’t about the “what”, but rather the “how”. The circumstances didn’t sit well with me at all. Just ewww.
Sage Beckett I liked a little better. She wasn’t a heroine worth remembering, but I found it cute that she still had a crush on Mustang after so many years. Unfortunately that’s about it. Nothing more to tell. Wait! At one point there was some staged jealousy drama. The operative word being “staged”. ‘Nuff said!
I should mention that this read is the second book in the Studs in Spurs series. I haven’t read the first (UnRidden). Thankfully this wasn’t a problem, even though hero and heroine appeared as secondary characters in Bucked. The history between Mustang and his friends Jenna and Slade was explained, but I couldn’t believe any of it. Why? Because Jenna acted like a mother hen. Her behavior didn’t fit the nature of said past relationship.
In the beginning Sage remembered the time when Mustang was still dating her bitchy sister Rosemary. A rude, and selfish person. I would have SO loved to witness her reaction to Sade and Mustang being an item, but the author let this strand of the plot run out. A shame! It’s exactly what happened with Mustang’s feelings towards his father and vice versa. His homecoming made for a lot of tension-filled moments. His father was a real douche. The father-son issue, however, didn’t get picked up again for a conclusion either. Again, one has to take the genre into consideration (short, sweet, hot – intended to be that is), but why bring it up in the first place?
On to the romance! The sex scenes were a huge letdown. I couldn’t take any pleasure whatsoever in them. I failed to connect with the characters as individuals and as a couple to be. I kept on reading in the hopes the ending would leave me satisfied….in a slightly better mood. No such luck! It felt rushed. I don’t even want to call it an ending. It was more of a hush, hush wrap up. I had the feeling their…err…whatever you want to call it (relationship) was doomed to fail. I saw no future for these two. There was a poorly executed attempt at a heart to heart between Mustang and Sage. I wasn’t paying too much attention to it, for I was thinking about which book to read next already. I have heard a lot of good things about Johnson's work. As this one was my first, I will give her other books a try. Who knows, she might surprise me. Normally I’d share my favorite quotes with you, but there really weren’t any. This read definitely wasn’t for me. 1 star to Bucked by Cat Johnson!
October 8, 2011
3.5 Stars from me!
Mustang Jackson, in his early twenties, does two things well - ride bulls and love women. That is until an accident in the arena with the bull, Ballbreaker, forces him off Pro Bull Riding for 3-4 month. Having no additional income he backs up his trailer and heads of back home to Texas. Being back home is torture, his father lecturing about proper jobs, and the job at the Prison administrative wing is boring him to death, the only bright spot about the whole ordeal is the little sister of his former high school girlfriend.
Sage having had a crush on Mustang ever since she was in braces and pigtails can't keep away from the guy even though she's well aware of his player reputation and the fact that he'll be gone again in few months, but whenever he looks at her it all seems to disappear.
Mustang having to deal with his dad and the hated prison gig drives him to accept a modeling gig out of desperation and chance to get money more easily, but things don't go as planned and artistic nudity turns into a film, and before he knows it he is way over his head and feeling guilty and dirty as hell, and swears he's never going to taint Sage with his mere presence, but still she's the only one he can talk to, the only one ever who has made him feel like he has someone to come home to - so what will it be, honor or selfishness?
~*~*~
❝Sage studied him closely for a moment. “You’re right. I do have some living to do.”
Then she leaned in…
The moment her lips neared his, his body tensed, ready to pounce. When her mouth pressed against his, if he hadn’t been in his parents’ living room with his mama mere feet away in the next room, he would have had Sage on that couch beneath him before she could say Woah, Mustang. Sling be damned.
He wasn’t supposed to be kissing Sage. He’d made a deal with himself to steer clear of her while he was home. Maybe if he’d had some clue of what she was about to do, he would have been able to stop it.
Yeah, right. Who was he kidding?
As it was, even with his mother just in the kitchen, Mustang couldn’t stop himself from tangling his hand in Sage’s hair and holding her mouth tighter against his. He didn’t think twice as he tilted his head and plunged his tongue into her mouth. He nearly came in his jeans when she moaned softly against him as her tongue met his.
Then it was over. She pulled away and when he could concentrate again, he heard his father’s footsteps on the stairs outside.❞
~*~*~
I have to say, I wasn't as fond of this as I was of the first book Unridden. I expected Mustang's book to be quite active, but I did NOT expect adult industry. With mixed feelings I still liked this book. It was good to see the industry from male point of view and how his naive view of the game was changed quite quickly, on more than one occasion though I wanted to yell at him, "Stop! What your doing?!"
That said I loved his character, he's still as charming and funny as he was in Unridden though taking the lead here you learn about his darker side, and yes he does have one with doubts about where his life is going, what he has to do if his career suddenly ended and does he want to spend rest of his days bed hopping - and that is what redeems the book for me on the issue of him in front of the camera.
Now Sage, I would have liked much more from her, the little we got from her point of view wasn't as coherent and compelling as Jenna was in Unridden. I'd like to have gotten more about her work ( me being a kindergarten/pre-school teacher as well ) and studying, but in fairness this book was all about Mustang and what he went through, she was just his crutch, his heart and his home, and the story was about him finding her as that in himself.
I love Cat Johnson's style of writing! She keeps it clean, simple, witty and funny, with enough gritty word play to make the male characters as believable leads... and the way she writes love scenes, wow, props for that, those leave no one cold!
Mustang Jackson, in his early twenties, does two things well - ride bulls and love women. That is until an accident in the arena with the bull, Ballbreaker, forces him off Pro Bull Riding for 3-4 month. Having no additional income he backs up his trailer and heads of back home to Texas. Being back home is torture, his father lecturing about proper jobs, and the job at the Prison administrative wing is boring him to death, the only bright spot about the whole ordeal is the little sister of his former high school girlfriend.
Sage having had a crush on Mustang ever since she was in braces and pigtails can't keep away from the guy even though she's well aware of his player reputation and the fact that he'll be gone again in few months, but whenever he looks at her it all seems to disappear.
Mustang having to deal with his dad and the hated prison gig drives him to accept a modeling gig out of desperation and chance to get money more easily, but things don't go as planned and artistic nudity turns into a film, and before he knows it he is way over his head and feeling guilty and dirty as hell, and swears he's never going to taint Sage with his mere presence, but still she's the only one he can talk to, the only one ever who has made him feel like he has someone to come home to - so what will it be, honor or selfishness?
~*~*~
❝Sage studied him closely for a moment. “You’re right. I do have some living to do.”
Then she leaned in…
The moment her lips neared his, his body tensed, ready to pounce. When her mouth pressed against his, if he hadn’t been in his parents’ living room with his mama mere feet away in the next room, he would have had Sage on that couch beneath him before she could say Woah, Mustang. Sling be damned.
He wasn’t supposed to be kissing Sage. He’d made a deal with himself to steer clear of her while he was home. Maybe if he’d had some clue of what she was about to do, he would have been able to stop it.
Yeah, right. Who was he kidding?
As it was, even with his mother just in the kitchen, Mustang couldn’t stop himself from tangling his hand in Sage’s hair and holding her mouth tighter against his. He didn’t think twice as he tilted his head and plunged his tongue into her mouth. He nearly came in his jeans when she moaned softly against him as her tongue met his.
Then it was over. She pulled away and when he could concentrate again, he heard his father’s footsteps on the stairs outside.❞
~*~*~
I have to say, I wasn't as fond of this as I was of the first book Unridden. I expected Mustang's book to be quite active, but I did NOT expect adult industry. With mixed feelings I still liked this book. It was good to see the industry from male point of view and how his naive view of the game was changed quite quickly, on more than one occasion though I wanted to yell at him, "Stop! What your doing?!"
That said I loved his character, he's still as charming and funny as he was in Unridden though taking the lead here you learn about his darker side, and yes he does have one with doubts about where his life is going, what he has to do if his career suddenly ended and does he want to spend rest of his days bed hopping - and that is what redeems the book for me on the issue of him in front of the camera.
Now Sage, I would have liked much more from her, the little we got from her point of view wasn't as coherent and compelling as Jenna was in Unridden. I'd like to have gotten more about her work ( me being a kindergarten/pre-school teacher as well ) and studying, but in fairness this book was all about Mustang and what he went through, she was just his crutch, his heart and his home, and the story was about him finding her as that in himself.
I love Cat Johnson's style of writing! She keeps it clean, simple, witty and funny, with enough gritty word play to make the male characters as believable leads... and the way she writes love scenes, wow, props for that, those leave no one cold!
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