The third story in this enjoyable series brings us the tale of Indigo, a bull-rider who was seriously injured and forced to quit the rodeo circuit. He converts his family ranch into a dude ranch to keep it afloat. Marshall comes to the ranch for a break from his stressful life. The two are instantly attracted to each other, and began to spend quite a bit of time together which I really enjoyed. These two definitely had careers that didn't mesh well together, but it was also realistic to believe that they could find a way to make it work. Their interactions were realistic and enjoyable, and I was rooting for them to find a way to be together. I loved the way the author pulled it all together at the end. I adored Indigo. His injury altered his life, and although he wasn't thrilled that it happened, he didn't focus on the negative repercussions. Instead, he decided to make the most of the opportunity he was given with the ranch. I loved Marshall. His dedication to his craft, even in the face of constant rejection, was admirable. I enjoyed learning a little bit about what happens behind the scenes with the conductor of an orchestra. Tighter editing would have made this story stronger. Drifting off into too many unnecessary details hurt the flow of the story just a bit.

 

Overall, another great addition to this series, and I'm looking forward to the next one. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend the entire series.

The Blurb...

 

It’s Rodeo Roundup time in Houston. Undefeated bull riding champion, Matt Stevens, runs into longtime nemesis, Lance Loskey. Matt is intense, his focus and drive sustain him, but seeing Lance with his carefree attitude rages a plethora of feelings to the surface. This mellow cowboy is in position for more than just the championship after a freak accident paves Lance's way. This is an opportunity for bull riding opponents to embrace their destiny. Will they succumb to fate, or will stubborn pride end the 8 second ride in tragedy?

 

So what did I think?

 

This book has heaps of strong reviews (on Goodreads), averaging 4.4 stars as I write my own review. I think I must have missed something here because, although I liked the story, there were quite a number of things that I found off putting. I would suggest you check out the reviews of others before deciding on this book based solely on my review because it seems I might be the odd one out (I haven't yet read the other reviews as I never read them before writing my own review but I will check some out later to see what others picked up on that escaped me). Anyway...

 

Firstly, I did like reading the book, the story wasn't bad and it was nice way to while away some time. It wasn't earth shattering, just a story about a guy who discovers he has unexpected feelings for another man after never having felt that way about a guy before. In this gay-for-you/enemies-to-lovers story, Matt is fearful of coming out on the rodeo circuit which threatens his relationship with Lance. I just had a few minor issues that prevented this book from reaching over 3 stars for me.

 

I think the main thing that I struggled with from the beginning was the first person, present tense POV. Instead of it providing a deep connection to the character of Matt, I found it somewhat uncomfortable reading. Probably just a personal thing...

 

Another pet peev of mine is the use of some language that appeared in this book, the sort of language that I find unromantic or lacking in true passion. There was overuse of the word 'pucker' and I didn't like statements like "I squirt my hot juices.." or "..several little squirts, and then a huge discharge.." - it all sounded too clinical and like a festering wound!

 

At one point, Matt makes a confession about something traumatic in his past. I just didn't feel the emotion which was similar to other parts of the story where the conversations appeared a little stilted without a natural flow. Plus I found it unbelievable that a bull-rider not only had never ridden a horse but was scared of them! So all-in-all, it was okay for a quick read, so long as you enjoy the first person present tense and aren't as adverse to some of the language as I am! And it was only $0.99 so maybe I shouldn't complain so much. :)

 

❅❅❅❅❅❅❅

 

To find out more about Piper Kay and her books visit her website.

 

Buy Eight Second Cowboy from Amazon.

I think this one might of even been better than the first in the series. We briefly met Jacky in the fist book where he seemed quite flamboyant but in this one it seemed a bit toned down. Simon "Frizz" seemed a bit boring to me at the beginning but I really ended up liking him especially as part of the couple, he's been brought up well and to a nice family. I didn't like the way his father was to his employer but glad that he finally did the right thing regarding his son.

This was an enjoyable follow up to A Wild Ride and Simon/Frizz and Jacky make a good couple, but it lacked some of the passion of the first book. It was nice catching up with Dante and Ryan as they help Simon and Jacky out. 

I enjoy Andrew Grey's writing style and liked the story overall. Simon's struggle to accept and make a life for himself, even at the cost of losing his family made for good drama, and his relationship with Jacky was sweet and sexy. There were, however, some aspects of the story that I felt were dropped or given too quick of a wrap up at the end. Hopefully we will see a little more of them in the next book. 

3.5 stars

This was an enjoyable follow up to [b:A Wild Ride|17741205|A Wild Ride (The Bullriders, #1)|Andrew Grey|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365420971s/17741205.jpg|24586873] and Simon/Frizz and Jacky make a good couple, but it lacked some of the passion of the first book. It was nice catching up with Dante and Ryan as they help Simon and Jacky out.

I enjoy Andrew Grey's writing style and liked the story overall. Simon's struggle to accept and make a life for himself, even at the cost of losing his family made for good drama, and his relationship with Jacky was sweet and sexy. There were, however, some aspects of the story that I felt were dropped or given too quick of a wrap up at the end. Hopefully we will see a little more of them in the next book.