Member Reviews
4.5 stars — Sarah Mayberry writes the kind of banter between characters that I live for. I can’t tell you the number of times I laughed out loud. And it’s not just everyday banter, she writes these fun steamy scenes that make my tummy flutter at the same time I’m giggling. I always feel like that shows how comfortable a couple is with one another, and it makes me so happy.
I adored the in depth feel we got with the rodeo, and the saddle bronc event in particular. I got to experience rides with both Jesse and CJ, and it really made me appreciate the sport in spite of its danger. I liked that the characters didn’t shy away from acknowledging the adrenaline rush and the danger, the realities of the sport. We got a look at rodeo atmosphere in general, and how there can be camaraderie between contestants, especially those who travel the circuit. While the story went in other directions after the rodeo, I really felt like it added an interesting element to the story.
Is it weird to say that I liked that Jesse messed up on multiple occasions? It prevented him from being too good to be true. It showed how someone with the best of intentions can still make boneheaded moves and not think things through to their conclusion (and thus still need help becoming the feminist they want to be). And even though I was mad at him for his quick temper, and his slower thoughts, I super duper appreciated that he wasn’t afraid to genuinely apologize when he worked through it in his head. I loved that his apologies were simple, without excuses, and that in general I felt like he would learn lessons from the experiences. Besides all that, Jesse was pretty adorable, if flawed. I didn’t expect his journey at the end, but wow does it explain so much about who he is.
CJ was pretty freaking awesome. I mean, she wasn’t without her own flaws, but I loved that she had this dream and drive and she went after those things despite the roadblocks in the way. I can’t imagine how strong she has to be to ignore the jerks and keep pushing, making changes by doing. Even though it frustrated me, I got her reservations about having a relationship with a fellow contestant. I kind of wish we’d been able to see how that would play out in the future, it was one thing that was definitely missing. Sometimes it felt like the outcomes were too good to be true, but I didn’t even care. I was all happy and excited and awed along with everyone else. I don’t mind if things aren’t always as realistic as they should be, sometimes I need the fantasy.
And the two of them together were just fire. I loved the way they were drawn to one another. I truly felt their chemistry. And even if it was fast, I still loved it and was all in.
We got some fantastic secondary characters in this one. I loved to hate the villain (who got his just rewards in the best way). I loved CJ’s parents and how that storyline developed and resolved. And most importantly, I LOVED the Carmody family. They were pretty messed up, but they were also equally loving and there for each other. I loved their bantering and teasing, they really felt like a family.
So yeah. Success. I don’t know why I’m surprised, I tend to love Ms. Mayberry’s books. Sometimes you need a little feel good hopefulness, you know?
Nobody tells a story quite like Sarah Mayberry and once again, she's delivered a very entertaining read packed full of great characters, an interesting plot and plenty of emotion. plus... it's the Rodeo and who doesn't love hot cowboys? Definitely worth the time!
Loved Cassidy Jane’s story, she is competing in saddle bronc riding competition in the rodeo and it has always been an all male sport so it’s hard for CJ to break in and be accepted, but Jesse is one bronc rider that doesn’t mind CJ’s competing and the fact that there’s some instant heat between the two of them doesn’t hurt.
The book just grabbed me and didn’t let go. Made me hold my breath when CJ would ride, and had me hanging on when the couple would hit a rough spot in their romance, I was cheering for them as much as for the rodeo events.
Great steamy romance I would recommend to adult romance readers.
Brilliant I loved this was a new to me author it was intriguing and did make me cry and laugh I enjoyed it and recommend reading it
CJ is trying to break into the man's world of pro rodeo. When she meets Jessie Carmody there is instant heat. The lCast thing she needs is to earn herself a reputation and not be taken seriously. Jessie wants to win, but he is taken with the strength and courage CJ has to compete. When things get out of hand with the cowboys on the circuit he backs CJ. Then when CJ is put out by the meanness of others, Jessie invites her to his family ranch. When she meets his siblings they make her feel right at home. The help her out in her time of need and support her in her dream. Can what starts out as a simple physical attraction lead you to forgiveness and a possible happily ever after? If you aren't careful it just might. Fun read.
Cute and funny. Super sweet hero. I’m not terribly interested in western culture, but I do enjoy reading Sarah Mayberry.
Thank you NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC!
After the tragedy of the prior year the Copper Mountain Rodeo returns to Marietta with a bang! Cassidy Jane "CJ" Cooper is in town and plans on competing in the rodeo. No not as a barrel racer but against the men as a bronc rider. She's use to putting with the jeers and barbs of the men but Jesse Carmody isn't one of those harassing her. He's supportive and that attracts her to him even more than his fine good looks. Getting involved with anyone on the circuit is a bad idea and she tries to resist. He makes her dream of having it all, the man and the career.
This is a very well done story that I think everyone will enjoy.
A determined woman, CJ Cooper, breaking into the male dominated sport of bull riding finds an ally in Jesse Carmody, a competitor, in this novel in the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo Series. It is hard hitting the in mean, sexist and cruel comments by another competitor that embodies all the negativity CJ has dealt with as she rose through the ranks. Jesse recognizes her talent and ability as part of her entire package, her external beauty and determination reflect her internal beauty and determination. Romance blooms but falters whenever Jesse’s protective nature steps in and over steps her own strength and competence to deal with adversity.
This was a quick read and a fun return to Marietta, Montana and the Copper Mountain Rodeo. I enjoy Sarah Mayberry’s writing, and was happy to have a chance to revisit it. This story features a strong heroine in a sport dominated by men, and a hero who was not intimidated by her success. The characters were fun and the story moved. This is the first in a new series about the rodeo, and hopefully a new one for Mayberry focusing on the Carmody family.
#79thCopperMountainRodeo #ReadTulez
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a wonderful book. I truly enjoyed. I appreciated the book being written with a dual POV of the main characters. That helps me to understand the character's actions better. Cassidy Jane (CJ) was a wonderful strong female character that wasn't over the top. Her choice of profession, pro-bronc rider, was a wonderful change-up. It was great to see her struggle against the over-all male dominated sport. Jesse, was a wonderfully charming cowboy with exceptional manners that tries to "stick up" for her. It was charming and a delightful read. I hope to see more of the Carmody family in future stories!!! Hint, hint.
It was such a good feeling to have the rodeo return to Marietta, Montana after a year’s absence because of the fire that destroyed the grounds. Now rebuilt, brand new and sporting improvements the Copper Mountain Rodeo returns with one amazing story to kick off this series.
Aside from some specific events, the rodeo is pretty much an all-male, all testosterone filled arena. One trailblazer, only the second woman to break into the all male saddle bronc competition at the pro level, CJ Cassidy knows it’s not going to be an easy ride… and that’s before she gets on the back of a horse bred and trained to buck her off his back in under 8 seconds. Yet this is her dream, her adrenaline high to climb on the back of that bronc and come out the winner in their personal fight. The Copper Mountain Rodeo is her first time as an official pro saddle bronc rider… oh, she’s worked hard to get here, eaten a lot of dust, taken her bumps and bruises but now it’s all paid off. And she’s not about to let any cowboy’s bruised ego or handsome, sexy face keep her from living that dream.
The Cowboy Meets His Match is a story that goes deep into the emotions, in so many layers. On the surface it’s a story of one woman’s triumph in fulfilling her dream, even if that means competing in what has, in the past, been considered an only male sport. That alone would be enough to guarantee a really good story. Yet, there is so much more to this cowboy romance – and if you don’t shed tears or at least get misty eyes, I’ll be very surprised.
Jesse Carmody is a professional saddle bronc rider, his life is the rodeo and if he avoids going home to Marietta… well, in his mind he has good reasons to stay away from the tensions between himself and his older brother. Since their parents’ death in a tragic car accident the four siblings have had each other for support, to run the family ranch. And because of one heated argument, Jesse walked away, and rarely looks back. Now he’s back home, for a short time, and the tensions boil beneath the surface once again. Yet this time there is one beautiful, determined woman that keeps his attention as well. CJ is facing a hard line, some obnoxious actions from ego bruised cowboys and an attraction to Jesse that she knows full well she should ignore. The spark between them is simply too strong to turn her back on. Neither expected that the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo would be the beginning of a life together.
I cannot go into why this story touched so many emotions in me without giving away spoilers. So, I’ll simply have to trust that you’ll discover this truly amazing story for yourself. It’s filled with sexy moments, siblings that love and bicker and eventually come together again, the nastiness of one cowboy who believes the old ways are the only ways and is mean enough to prove his point (but karma is a… well, you understand). The town of Marietta, Montana shines once more. I simply loved The Cowboy Meets His Match — and if this isn’t also the first story in a series about the Carmody siblings then I’ll eat my own cowgirl hat.
*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.*
Smoking hot and sexy as hell, The Cowboy Meets His Match will well and truly satisfy you if you love those sexy small town rodeo stories.
Set in gorgeous Marietta Montana, this is the first book in the multi-author 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. The story is fast paced and kept me intrigued throughout. It also takes a nice swipe at mysoginistic men while delivering a blow for women’s rights to be respected, which is something I can easily relate to.
Front and centre of this story we have CJ Cooper, female saddle bronc rider extraordinaire, and Jesse Carmody, who is not only her competition but also a thoroughly decent human being. The sexual attraction between these two is immediate and as the story progresses it ramps up beautifully, along with a hefty dose of tension. I loved it!
I could go on, but lets just say I galloped through this one, could hardly put it down and am almost mourning having finished because I wanted more. I loved it!
Are you in the mood for a fast-paced cowboy romance? Then look no further than The Cowboy Meets His Match by Sarah Mayberry. This is the first book from the brand new series The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo, which consists of five books by various authors. This book can be read as a standalone.
After years of hard work and practice, CJ Cooper has qualified for the pro rodeo in the saddle bronc competition. She is one of the first women to compete in this male dominated sport, and as a result she has to work twice as hard as her opponents. She puts up with a lot of ribbing, which unfortunately evolves into harassment at times. CJ's focus never waivers, that is until she meets fellow competitor Jesse Carmody.
Jesse is back in his hometown for the rodeo, hoping to continue his success with saddle bronc. Ever since his parents died tragically years ago, his relationship with his oldest brother has been difficult. So staying at the family home while he is in town is stressful. Meeting CJ is a highlight, and very quickly they fall into lust and love.
This is an entertaining read with some genuine emotional elements. The characters are well-defined and I liked getting to know all of them. CJ and Jesse are a hot couple, both in and out of the bedroom. Their sexy times are steamy, as well as sensual. Overall, this is a must read for anyone that likes an engaging love story in cowboy country.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
The concept of this story is fun. CJ is a young woman who is also a saddle bronc rider in the rodeo. She is trying to go pro, and is quite good. Of course there is some sexism she has to deal with, but luckily a cute cowboy, Jesse, is here to help her out. Overall I liked the story, and it starts out strong. The middle starts to get bogged down with a lot of sex, and the ending is too swift. Would have liked to see the same way it starts, but overall a good story. Would recommend.
I've never read a book by Sarah Mayberry that I didn't enjoy, so it is no surprise that I enjoyed The Cowboy Meets His Match.
I liked our heroine, CJ, very much. She had a lot of heart and determination to take on a sport that is male dominated to the extreme. She had grit and I never felt like she was a dumb little girl trying to do something outside her reach. I also really liked Jesse. I never felt like he was condescending or that he talked down to her. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and felt like they really belonged together.
The secondary characters were also well written, and all but a few of the characters are extremely likable.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
I received a ARC in exchange of my honest review.
the cowboy meets his match is sarah mayberry's latest novel. and as usual, she knocks it out of the park. c.j. cooper (also known as cassidy jane) is one of a very select handful of women to quality for bronc riding on the professional rodeo circuit. as a woman she's got to keep a wary eye on her fellow riders, because not all of them are too happy about her inclusion on the circuit.
when she meets jesse carmody she senses an immediate attraction, but there's no way she's going to give into it. she doesn't want a reputation about anything other than her amazing skills at riding bucking broncos.
jesse is pretty much struck dumb in c.j.'s presence. that's why he fails to speak up when she's being insulted by a sexist competitor. his fascination with her doesn't wane the more he gets to know her.
both c.j. and jesse have family baggage to sort through, and this adds some real emotional heft to their love story. i enjoyed this immensely. and i kind of hope we'll see more of the carmody family in the future. none of the other siblings seem as involved in the rodeo scene as mayberry's last several books have been, but those carmodys were a compelling bunch.
**the cowboy meets his match will publish on august 21, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/tule publishing in exchange for my honest review.
The fight that women still have in entering a male dominant occupation is highlighted in The Cowboy Meets His Match by Sarah Mayberry. However, it is just one of two main plots in the story. Family misunderstanding and miscommunication is just as strong a focus.
I enjoyed this story especially in how CJ Cooper handles herself and the come-uppance that befalls another pig-headed, ill behaving cowboy. It is the relationship between Jesse and his family that caught and held my attention the most. Of course, CJ and Jesse were evenly matched, so I was rooting for their relationship to succeed too.
This is a unique way to start the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Series by breaking with the usual tradition of bronc riding. Impossible not to want to shout, “You go, Girl!” Yet, I liked Jesse’s family immensely so now I am hoping that each Carmody receive their own HEA in the future.
3.5☆
Enjoyed it
I always enjoy revisiting Marietta.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
The Cowboy Meets His Match by Sarah Mayberry. Book one in The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. A great start to a new series. Great storyline, dialogue and main characters. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
CJ has something to prove and she has no problem proving it. I mean what could go wrong with a women taking on a bunch of men in an only man sport. Jessie is immediately captivated by CJ and when he gets off on a bad foot now he just needs to make her see he's not all that bad.
CJ had no problem holding her own at all and she also had this softer side to her that you could really relate too. I loved, loved her and Sierra it was seriously like two peas in a pod and more like sisters instead of new friends. I felt like Jessie was one of those good guys that finishes last, but also is broken and is dealing with some deep stuff. I didn't enjoy how this whole booked seemed that everything was built on sex, while the chemistry was super explosive I just felt like it might have been a little better without so much. That being said I did really enjoy the relationship between the Carmody's and how they were there for each other even thought there were other things going on.