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Bridleton #1

Bridleton

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Andrea Bartell is an international model whose jet-set lifestyle has kept her from her Texas home for five years. Noah Courtland is the man she left behind after a bitter breakup. He’s in charge of her beloved Bridleton and it's at the root of their emotional warfare. Neither wants to rekindle the flames of their relationship yet the desire hasn’t diminished. It burns hotly, forcing them to deal with their pain and heartache. The unveiling of old promises and secrets might save their relationship or it could destroy any chance for a future.

187 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2010

19 people are currently reading
550 people want to read

About the author

Becky Barker

40 books73 followers
Becky Barker is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning romance author whose books have been translated into more than a dozen foreign languages, published in large print library editions and in many electronic formats. She makes her home in central Ohio where she's surrounded by a big, close-knit family.

Sign up for Becky's newsletter or email her at: write@BeckyBarker.com

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5 stars
161 (21%)
4 stars
239 (31%)
3 stars
253 (33%)
2 stars
60 (7%)
1 star
40 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Ressa Empbra.
Author 2 books16 followers
August 16, 2011
Bridleton is a well written, classic love story by Becky Barker. I give this book a four-star review.

The story is about the man and woman who fall head over heels in love with each other at an early age. The one who moves away to start a career and a new life never wants to look back. The one left behind is almost always that 'never-changing' type, remaining in the same place literally and metaphorically, left to wonder what they did wrong, and if their love will ever return.

Andrea, having been the cute, pudgy girl in school, moves away from the family ranch in Texas to pursue a modeling career, following her mother's footsteps.

Noah, the man she leaves behind, has moved into the family homestead to help manage and run the ranch, as financial circumstances have the family's Legacy looking extremely grim.

When Aunt Nanna, Andrea's great-aunt who helped raise her, calls her and her siblings home, Andrea is furious that Noah is not only living there, but running everything. After a short meeting with her aunt - and Noah - she comes to the conclusion Noah is trying to take advantage of her now elderly aunt. Nanna let's Andrea know that either she'll sell the controlling portion of the ranch to Noah, making him the majority partner. Or, she and her siblings could step up and help save the ranch.

Things slowly change as Andrea realizes Noah isn't being greedy, but he actually cares about Nanna and the ranch. He's been working sixteen-hour days performing the hard physical-labor chores since she left five years prior. Finally, she and her siblings come together to help save the ranch, and the family's Legacy.

Between Noah's stubbornness and Andrea's hardheadedness, will the two ever be able to let bygones be bygones and stop fighting their still-sizzling attraction to one another? You'll have to get a copy of Bridleton by Becky Barker to find out.

Profile Image for Brigitte.
25 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2012
I have to agree with the lower rated reviews. I think my biggest problem with this title was the further I got into the story, the less I liked the heroine. She was wishy washy, and kind of a flake. If her indecisiveness had stemmed from being in the presence of the big bad hero, that would be silly, but understandable. Instead, she's kind of vapid and shallow. The whole 'I'll show him and flaunt my super model beauty' was pretty childish for a woman who is supposed to be as worldly and sophisticated as the heroine is supposed to be.

The hero was a cardboard cutout. I get that he was supposed to be an earthy, bronzed ranching God, but there was no discernible personality. He just strolled in from time to time, frowning and snorting, and the heroine melted.

Finally, the conflict at hand was pretty weak. When the problem between the hero and heroine can be solved by one thirty second conversation, there is not much substance to the story. The two main characters slew a bunch of insults at each other, and then never resolved the issues (no apologies, no realizations that the other person was correct in their comments, nothing). It just seemed to be a device used to end a fight scene (slew insult, now stomp away in a huff).

I have no real complaints. While I didn't think much of the writing, I downloaded the book for free. It helped pass the time on a long flight, so there was some value to it. Other people enjoyed it and that's great. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Kasey.
408 reviews46 followers
August 11, 2011
A good fast read. The characters are likeable and I did find myself rooting for them. They both made mistakes in how they handled things when they left off five years before and they have lots to work through. Through a good portion of the book I found myself leaning more toward Andrea's side of this situation, even knowing it was a misunderstanding. Both of these characters really spent a lot of time not overcoming their pride, which was their biggest obstacle in the past and present. But in the end I was pretty annoyed with Andrea for how she did things this time around. Considering her reason for leaving you would have thought she would have treated Lloyed a little better, doing the same to him seemed bad. So glad Andrea and Noah worked out their issues and got over their pride and stubbornness.
Profile Image for LadyCalico.
2,312 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2014
I couldn't get into the characters or the story--perpetually angry people with a bizarre preoccupation with nipples--I think the author had a bet with someone to see how many times she could work the word into a short book. Unpleasant characters in a nothing story.
Profile Image for Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe).
691 reviews495 followers
September 23, 2012
Got this book for free on B&N for nook. Cute story, I really liked the characters. Frustrating at times, but I loved the chemistry between the MC and her beau. It was a fast paced read. but the story kept you entertained and you can't forget the cowboy :)
Profile Image for Nell.
Author 31 books177 followers
July 2, 2011
Enjoyable story, nicely realised characters plus I'm a sucker for cowboys.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
September 24, 2018
Audio review
This is a great great love listen. My first from from the author and the narrator . The author knows how to make you pull your hair out , shaking your head . The story also has you rallying for the couple and love how the family member that wants to see a happy ending to the couple .

Hero is Noah. Heroine is Andrea .
Both Noah and Andrea have had feelings, have loved , each other since they were knee high. They both lived in a small town in Texas . Andrea wanted more from her life then living on her great aunt ranch and seeing her life going nowhere. She decides to get up and more away for school and to make something of herself. Usually it’s the male that does that but in this story it’s the heroine. Yers later she gets a call to go back to the ranch , not only her but her family home . Her great aunt needs help with the ranch .
Once she gets back to the ranch sees Noah living on the ranch , Andrea can’t believe his Gull , Noah is living on the ranch and practaclly running it . Andrea thinks that Noah want the ranch for himself and trying to trick her great aunt into giving it to him . Her great aunt tells Andrea that she needs to step up money wide and handle the responsibilities or she is selling her shares of the ranch to Noah
After a while Andrea sees that Noah goes beyond what is needed and called for to run the ranch

Meanwhile Noah wants what he used to have with Andrea . Noah wants Andrea I. His arms , his life and bed. . He hopes she sees that he is a reliable man and he will never let her down and will make Andrea happy .

How does Noah convince Andrea to go back to him for good Grab it and see

The narrator is good , it was my first listen to him , the voice was strong , clear and steady .

1,533 reviews
December 10, 2023
I like almost everything Becky Barker writes, but Bridleton isn't one of them. Andrea Bartell is a model traveling through Europe when she gets a phone call from her Aunt Annette that she needs to come home. It seems that the family ranch is in disrepair, and she and her siblings have to make some tough decisions like selling controlling interest to the ranch manager, Noah Courtland. Noah and Andrea have a conflicted past since neither one of them remembers the same facts. Noah thinks Andrea walked away leaving him with a shattered heart, but Andrea thinks that Noah played her and her sister. When she directly asked him if he had sex with Caroline, he didn't say yes or no. This is where I really started to dislike the book. It's just semantics and when the truth comes out, it's underwhelming and, frankly, cringeworthy. Noah was angry. Andrea was angry. Noah was horny. Andrea was horny. Their favorite word is nipple. Noah and Andrea had hate sex. Noah was condescending. Andrea was condescending and I think they were having a competition to see who could be the biggest loser. It was a tie. For Becky Barker, this is nothing like what I've become accustomed to reading. I hope this is simply a one-off! Johnny Peppers does a wonderful job with the narration. His well-modulated voice, perfect pace and intonation bring this story to life. 
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
September 8, 2018
Model Andrea Bartell has returned home, after a 5yr hiatus, at the request of her aunt. Their family ranch is failing and Andrea and all of her siblings must pitch in if they don't want their aunt to sell controlling interest to the ranch manager, Noah Courtland. There is no way in he!! Andrea is going to let that happen! After all, Noah is the same man who broke her heart and the reason that she has stayed away all of these years. Noah isn't all that happy to see Andrea either...she refused to believe his side of the story after a terrible accident that killed her sister...she left HIM broken hearted and alone. That said, everyone wants the ranch to succeed so they will have to work together to make it happen. Will the sparks between Noah and Andrea become a stumbling block to saving the ranch? What about their respective 'love interests'? Is there an HEA for the pair? Great story and I look forward to the other siblings' stories.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,015 reviews154 followers
January 22, 2019
at odds over a truth but a lie
Overall 3 out of 5 stars P
erformance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars

Noah and Andrea had something meaningful at one point in time. Something changed all that and now things are tenuous at best. Fir Andrea coming back home may have been the best thing for her, but the memories may chase her away. Noah held on to his desire for the land and the woman, but he would not just give in. I found a few holes in information. Left me wanting more.

Narration was okay but a bit confusing at time. Not always a clear gender ringing through. Hope for more on follow up.
Profile Image for Ferbooks.
1,776 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2022
You will be thoroughly entertained.

Becky Barker has taken me on a emotional ride of indecision, fears mistakes, financial issues and more. All the characters in this book is lovable, each plays a vital role to make the story come alive. The chemistry and sex between Andrea and Noah is passionate and steamy, it is just the omg! Can’t stay away kind.                 
Like other books I've read from Becky, emphasis is placed on family bonding and working together towards a main purpose. A beautiful must read with good narration.

I am really enjoying these free audio books.
Profile Image for Angie.
895 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2019
This was an OK book. It's a typical romance novel- nothing really stood out for me. The characters, the plot and the setting were all cookie cutter.
Profile Image for E.W. Grey.
11 reviews3 followers
Read
July 11, 2019
Great story, cute characters, and phenomenal plots. Definite MUST read!
Profile Image for Brenda.
602 reviews
January 25, 2014
I don't know why I started this and didn't finish it but I've picked it back up and read the rest of it. It was a fast read kept my interest... steamy love scenes...it's a snowy cold day here I may start another book soon and read the afternoon away! BTW - who doesn't love a hot cowboy and there are a few in this book!

Description on Good Reads: Andrea Bartell is an international model whose jet-set lifestyle has kept her from her Texas home for five years. Noah Courtland is the man she left behind after a bitter breakup. He’s in charge of her beloved Bridleton and it's at the root of their emotional warfare. Neither wants to rekindle the flames of their relationship yet the desire hasn’t diminished. It burns hotly, forcing them to deal with their pain and heartache. The unveiling of old promises and secrets might save their relationship or it could destroy any chance for a futur
1,042 reviews31 followers
January 3, 2017
I’m not crazy about western romance to start with, but this one drove me particularly crazy. The heroine, Andrea, and the hero, Noah, were high school sweethearts. But when Andrea’s sister died shortly after alluding to the fact that she and Noah also had a thing going, Andrea fled and became an international model. Yep.
The main conflict is this misunderstanding between the two, which could have been easily cleared up. Noah’s a bit of a jerk. The book spends way too much time describing how physically attracted these two are to each other, and not enough action or character development.
Didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for  Mummy Cat Claire.
836 reviews15 followers
September 4, 2013
Who doesn't love a good cowboy romance? Barker did a great job creating flawed, likable characters. Noah was very sexy. Andrea was okay...I think Noah was right when he called her a snob.
This was a pretty quick read. It starts off quick, but I think Barker did a good job of setting things up for the reader. There wasn't a huge amount of back story with each character, but to be honest if there were it would have been wordy and boring. For this type of book, I think Barker did a great job.
I got this as a free ebook from smashwords.
Profile Image for Amy.
290 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2012
Not sure what to say about this book really. What I can say, don't pick up this book thinking it is going to be a burning desire to read it sort of book. I picked it up at a really busy time. Had it been the burning desire to read kind of book, I would have read it every day. As it was, it took me much longer than it should have to read. It isn't a bad book or I would have given it much lower than 4 stars, but it wasn't a fantastic book either. It is enjoyable, but not spectacular. I did enjoy the book overall though.
579 reviews32 followers
August 5, 2011
This story was a fast read for me. The story has been told in many was before. Becky Barker did a good job of telling this one.

Andrea is an international model that lives a jet set life. She has been away from her Texas home of Bridleton for too long. But now she is being called home by her grandmother.

Noah is the man she left behind after a bitter breakup. But Noah stayed on the Ranch working his way up until now he's in charge of her beloved Texas home Bridleton.

Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
October 16, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Becky Barker, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed Andrea and Noah's story. If you enjoy second chance romances then this is definitely a one-click book. Grab your copy today and find out what happened five years ago to make Andrea leave Bridleton. Secrets are revealed and mistakes are made, but is it enough to bring Noah and Drea back together? I can't wait to read Cheyenne's story next.
Profile Image for Nicole.
492 reviews35 followers
February 10, 2012
Becky Barker provides readers with a quick, enjoyable read. Her characters have are not perfect, which makes them more real. Her descriptive writing places the reader right in the middle of the ranch. Fantastic "get-away" book for anyone who loves western romances! Hopefully she will turn this into a series, so readers can continue enjoying characters and tales from the Bridleton ranch.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,150 reviews32 followers
October 6, 2013
Wow what a steamy and quick read. Love cowboys, TX settings and a prominent ranching family. This book had it all. Lots of romance and love, heartache, caring, siblings, laughter, tears and a happily ever after. This is book one in the Bridleton series and Barker is a new to me author but I'll be going back for more!
Profile Image for Terri.
2,361 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2014
I listened to the audio version, which isn't listed on here. I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first, but the story drew me in. I found myself eager to get back to it. It's a simple love story, but I did find myself questioning where it was going from time to time. Anxious to get the next book.
709 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2015
Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Misunderstandings broke them apart, but now illness and debt bring them back together. A sick aunt and a ranch going under helps them put what happened years before in perspective. Both were quick to fall in lust, but finally they learned to trust each other and admit love never faded. A nice read, some sex scenes, but nothing real graphic.
Profile Image for Jen_C.
1,112 reviews56 followers
June 1, 2016
Stupid redneck assumption!

Thinking only of the distress call that had her racing across two continents,

“Your brother and sister are fine,” assured Nanette. “The emergency is of a financial nature.”
32 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2011
it is the typical story of where a girl is unaware of half the story leave because she fels betrayed and comes back to fall in love with the man she left behind.
It is a book you can use to feel in the time.
7 reviews
February 4, 2012
Love, trust, deceit, and lost love. Who's to blame? When you leave the past behind, the door to a much brighter future opens. True love conquers all. Great read. This author does a fabulous job of describing a smoking hot cowboy.
Profile Image for Vivian.
2,919 reviews485 followers
July 14, 2011
Pleasant story revolving around ranch life (realistic) and a second chance love affair. Filled with the requisite cowboys, cowgirls, and loyal family members.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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