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Camden Ranch #1
Rodeo Summer
Summer Sanchez has a plan…
Get full custody of her little boy from his good-for-nothing father and get as far away from the rodeo circuit as possible. Keeping her son safe is her only priority. She’ll figure out the rest later.
Until Austin Camden takes her to his bed…
Champion bull rider, Austin Camden, shows her just how much she’s been missing. His rugged good looks, whisky-smooth voice and very capable hands set her on fire. He has more bedroom skill than she ever believed could be housed in one man. If she isn’t careful, she may never recover.
If he plays his cards right…
Austin will go home with the PBR buckle and Summer, the sexy little spitfire that’s his every fantasy come to life.
He’ll risk it all…
To keep her and her son safe when their lives together are threatened. Keeping her sated and making her his forever is just a bonus.
Can he convince her Camden Ranch is where she belongs before it’s too late?
He’s spent the last ten years chasing that championship buckle.
He’s about to discover that the ride of his life will have nothing to do with a bull.
It’s a no holds barred fight to the finish to prove to Summer that their scorching hot relationship is better than winning any buckle.
Get full custody of her little boy from his good-for-nothing father and get as far away from the rodeo circuit as possible. Keeping her son safe is her only priority. She’ll figure out the rest later.
Until Austin Camden takes her to his bed…
Champion bull rider, Austin Camden, shows her just how much she’s been missing. His rugged good looks, whisky-smooth voice and very capable hands set her on fire. He has more bedroom skill than she ever believed could be housed in one man. If she isn’t careful, she may never recover.
If he plays his cards right…
Austin will go home with the PBR buckle and Summer, the sexy little spitfire that’s his every fantasy come to life.
He’ll risk it all…
To keep her and her son safe when their lives together are threatened. Keeping her sated and making her his forever is just a bonus.
Can he convince her Camden Ranch is where she belongs before it’s too late?
He’s spent the last ten years chasing that championship buckle.
He’s about to discover that the ride of his life will have nothing to do with a bull.
It’s a no holds barred fight to the finish to prove to Summer that their scorching hot relationship is better than winning any buckle.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
About the author
Jillian Neal
30 books227 followersBestselling author, Jillian Neal, was not only born 30 but also came accessorized with loads of books and adorable handbags in which to carry them, at least that’s what she tells people. After earning a degree in education, she discovered that her passion could never be housed inside a classroom. A vehement lover of love and having maintained a lifelong affair with the awe-inspiring power of words, she set to turn the romance industry on its head. Her overly-caffeinated, troupe-spinning muse is never happy with the standard formula story. She believes every book should be brimming with passion, loaded with hot sexy scenes, packed with a gut-punch of emotion, and have characters that leap off the page and right into your heart.
Her first series, The Gifted Realm, defines contemporary romance with a fantasy twist. Her Gypsy Beach series will leave you longing to visit the sultry shores of the tiny bohemian beach town, and her erotic romance series, Camden Ranch, will make you certain there is nothing better than a cowboy with some chaps and a plan. The sheer amount of coffee required to keep all of those characters dancing in her head would border on lethal, so she unleashes their engaging stories on page after page of spellbinding reads.
Jillian lives outside of Atlanta with her own sexy sweetheart, their teenage sons, and enough stiletto heels, cowgirl boots, and flip-flops to exist in any of the fictional worlds she brings to life.
Her first series, The Gifted Realm, defines contemporary romance with a fantasy twist. Her Gypsy Beach series will leave you longing to visit the sultry shores of the tiny bohemian beach town, and her erotic romance series, Camden Ranch, will make you certain there is nothing better than a cowboy with some chaps and a plan. The sheer amount of coffee required to keep all of those characters dancing in her head would border on lethal, so she unleashes their engaging stories on page after page of spellbinding reads.
Jillian lives outside of Atlanta with her own sexy sweetheart, their teenage sons, and enough stiletto heels, cowgirl boots, and flip-flops to exist in any of the fictional worlds she brings to life.
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March 20, 2016
Rodeo Summer is part of the Camden Ranch Series by Jillian Neal. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the author.
Austin Camden loves his life on the Camden Ranch. But after a tragedy when he was sixteen years, he has always felt like he was searching for something. Something he could never quite reach. Ever since he was a boy, he has loved rodeos. He and his friends practiced on anything they could get their hands on. Now, Austin is a champion bull rider and is currently having the best season of his life. If he continues on, this will be his year to finally win that elusive PBR Championship. But even with winning, he still felt like he was searching for something. Then, one night in a bar, he found just what he was looking for, Summer Sanchez.
“On the bull, he was alive, heart thundering in his chest, blood surging through his veins, conviction in his soul. The rest of the time he simply existed, desperate and anxious for something he couldn’t seem to find.”
Summer’s life has never been easy. A father that never wanted her and manipulated her into marrying Brant Preston Jr. Brant was a low life, abusive bully that Summer left just a few months into their marriage, and her pregnancy. The only good thing that came out of it was her beautiful little baby boy, J.J. But now Brant and his mother were trying to take custody away from Summer so she was forced to follow them around the rodeo circuit for their one week on, one week off custody arrangement until the court date. She was at her wit’s end that night in the bar. Who knows what she would have done to Brant if Austin hadn’t hauled her out of there, and saved her.
Summer swore she would never again fall for a cowboy. But falling is just what she is doing for this handsome man. He is everything she envisioned a real cowboy would be. But, she has to save her son. Nothing else matters. Still, Austin convinces her to give him a chance. To give him time to prove to her that he can be the man she needs, her hero.
Austin and Summer had chemistry that smoked up the pages. They had no problem at all with compatibility both in the bedroom or out of it. Austin never thought he would want an instant family but he fell for little J.J. as fast as he did for his Mama. He felt a completeness that he had searched for his entire life. All he wants to do is take them back to Camden Ranch and make a home for them. But, there is more going on here than just the custody issues. One of the bulls that Brant’s family is providing is off the rails crazy and has severely injured every rider that has been put on his back. And then there is Brant’s mother. She is a whole higher level of crazy.
This is a very sexy, steamy book with plenty of sweetness as well and also suspense. I enjoyed a little glimpse of Brock and Hope from the previous book and some of Austin’s brothers as well as the Camden family closes ranks and does whatever is needed to protect their own. And Summer and her little boy are instantly accepted into their family as one of their own. I love the Camden family and their ranch and look forward to the next book, Forever Wild, when we will get Austin’s brother Luke’s story.
“Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of dirt.
Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life even if it is easier to let it go.
Hold on to my hand even if I have gone away from you.”
Austin Camden loves his life on the Camden Ranch. But after a tragedy when he was sixteen years, he has always felt like he was searching for something. Something he could never quite reach. Ever since he was a boy, he has loved rodeos. He and his friends practiced on anything they could get their hands on. Now, Austin is a champion bull rider and is currently having the best season of his life. If he continues on, this will be his year to finally win that elusive PBR Championship. But even with winning, he still felt like he was searching for something. Then, one night in a bar, he found just what he was looking for, Summer Sanchez.
“On the bull, he was alive, heart thundering in his chest, blood surging through his veins, conviction in his soul. The rest of the time he simply existed, desperate and anxious for something he couldn’t seem to find.”
Summer’s life has never been easy. A father that never wanted her and manipulated her into marrying Brant Preston Jr. Brant was a low life, abusive bully that Summer left just a few months into their marriage, and her pregnancy. The only good thing that came out of it was her beautiful little baby boy, J.J. But now Brant and his mother were trying to take custody away from Summer so she was forced to follow them around the rodeo circuit for their one week on, one week off custody arrangement until the court date. She was at her wit’s end that night in the bar. Who knows what she would have done to Brant if Austin hadn’t hauled her out of there, and saved her.
Summer swore she would never again fall for a cowboy. But falling is just what she is doing for this handsome man. He is everything she envisioned a real cowboy would be. But, she has to save her son. Nothing else matters. Still, Austin convinces her to give him a chance. To give him time to prove to her that he can be the man she needs, her hero.
Austin and Summer had chemistry that smoked up the pages. They had no problem at all with compatibility both in the bedroom or out of it. Austin never thought he would want an instant family but he fell for little J.J. as fast as he did for his Mama. He felt a completeness that he had searched for his entire life. All he wants to do is take them back to Camden Ranch and make a home for them. But, there is more going on here than just the custody issues. One of the bulls that Brant’s family is providing is off the rails crazy and has severely injured every rider that has been put on his back. And then there is Brant’s mother. She is a whole higher level of crazy.
This is a very sexy, steamy book with plenty of sweetness as well and also suspense. I enjoyed a little glimpse of Brock and Hope from the previous book and some of Austin’s brothers as well as the Camden family closes ranks and does whatever is needed to protect their own. And Summer and her little boy are instantly accepted into their family as one of their own. I love the Camden family and their ranch and look forward to the next book, Forever Wild, when we will get Austin’s brother Luke’s story.
“Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of dirt.
Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life even if it is easier to let it go.
Hold on to my hand even if I have gone away from you.”
November 14, 2018
3.5 stars
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
May 7, 2016
NEVER begin any tale from Jillian Neal without preparing yourself, ice water is a must, for drinking or tossing over your head! A modern day Western romance, electrified with bold sexual innuendo, thoughts and actions, Rodeo Summer makes riding a bucking bull for eight seconds seem tame. One rodeo star and one woman in a whole passle of trouble find release in each other’s arms, beds, and anywhere they can steal away for their version of riding the wild bull! Grab your hats, boots and Daisy Dukes, as the rodeo circuit becomes a hotbed for trouble of both the good and bad kind.
Summer is struggling to get full custody from the conniving, down low father of her little boy. As soon as that happens, she is so outta there, no more horny cowboys, no more grit and sand of the arena as a follower. Enter Austin Camden, hotter than a habanero, and he wants her, all of her as much as he wants the belt buckle that names him King of the Cowboys!
Nothing goes easy and when the dastardly Brant makes life difficult for both of them, Austin realizes he will risk his dreams to have a real life family, while keeping Summer and her son together.
Leave it to Jillian Neal to give us another fabulous read filled with characters that blaze across the pages and there is no question who the bad guy really is. Settle in and follow along as Jillian Neal gives us two characters that deserve to ride off into the sunset together.
I received this copy from Jillian Neal in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Camden Ranch
Publisher: Realm Press (April 12, 2016)
Publication Date: April 12, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Western Erotic Romance
Print Length: 338 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Summer is struggling to get full custody from the conniving, down low father of her little boy. As soon as that happens, she is so outta there, no more horny cowboys, no more grit and sand of the arena as a follower. Enter Austin Camden, hotter than a habanero, and he wants her, all of her as much as he wants the belt buckle that names him King of the Cowboys!
Nothing goes easy and when the dastardly Brant makes life difficult for both of them, Austin realizes he will risk his dreams to have a real life family, while keeping Summer and her son together.
Leave it to Jillian Neal to give us another fabulous read filled with characters that blaze across the pages and there is no question who the bad guy really is. Settle in and follow along as Jillian Neal gives us two characters that deserve to ride off into the sunset together.
I received this copy from Jillian Neal in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Camden Ranch
Publisher: Realm Press (April 12, 2016)
Publication Date: April 12, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Western Erotic Romance
Print Length: 338 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 14, 2018
Really, like this book a lot. Now, I am not one who reads cowboy romances but every so often I will get an itch to read one.
This was a sweet n sexy read but for me it was a bit on the cheesy side. Sorry, it was definitely an insta everything and for me, it wasn't done in a way I usually love. It happened all so fast, her character was ehhhh at best, I truly codlin;t get onboard with the actual character development (she was made to seem a bit "pathetic") I know that sounds horrible but I don't like a female lead to come across as a broke.needy type and even though she didn't act it, she was obviously "needy"..... I did warm up to her but it took almost the whole book for me, she just wasn't; my ideal female lead for Austin. Sorry, but that's just me.
Austin was sexy as hell BUT the way he fell so fast for me wasn't believable either. I loved his devotion and his all in for her BUT I felt like he could have had "better" ughhh I know its not coming across good but as much as I liked her, I did feel like I would have liked for a "stronger" lead for him but all in all they made a good match!
Will I continue with this series, yes! As much as my remarks/opinions may seem "cruel" for lack of a better term...I really did like the story. For me, I just more of a build-up as well.
This was a sweet n sexy read but for me it was a bit on the cheesy side. Sorry, it was definitely an insta everything and for me, it wasn't done in a way I usually love. It happened all so fast, her character was ehhhh at best, I truly codlin;t get onboard with the actual character development (she was made to seem a bit "pathetic") I know that sounds horrible but I don't like a female lead to come across as a broke.needy type and even though she didn't act it, she was obviously "needy"..... I did warm up to her but it took almost the whole book for me, she just wasn't; my ideal female lead for Austin. Sorry, but that's just me.
Austin was sexy as hell BUT the way he fell so fast for me wasn't believable either. I loved his devotion and his all in for her BUT I felt like he could have had "better" ughhh I know its not coming across good but as much as I liked her, I did feel like I would have liked for a "stronger" lead for him but all in all they made a good match!
Will I continue with this series, yes! As much as my remarks/opinions may seem "cruel" for lack of a better term...I really did like the story. For me, I just more of a build-up as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 21, 2022
For months I have been looking for a cowboy romance with all the Yellowstone Vibes. I love the family dynamic the outside drama and some swoony and grumpy cowboys. I found it all in the Rodeo Summer.. This was not my first book by the author, I had previously read one title from her. She isn’t an author we hear about a lot but we should. Her books are steamy with great characters and big feels. This was a great story about Summer, a single mom pushed into a corner and could really use someone in the corner fighting with her and for her. Austin is the cowboy I want fighting for me. His does not for a second think twice about fighting for Summer. Austin is at the top of his bull riding career and on course to win the Buckle for the Season. But he is willing to give it all up for Summer.
This story has heart and family with a whole lot of steamy. I cannot recommend this book enough and I am on to the next in the series. It is just that good!
This story has heart and family with a whole lot of steamy. I cannot recommend this book enough and I am on to the next in the series. It is just that good!
October 11, 2017
Love the Camdens
Awe Summer and Austin...what an amazing couple! The suspense, romance and sexy times were great. The book moved quickly the characters were all well written and the storyline pulled you into it.
Why I gave four stars? Well with everything the Brants put Summer and J.J through then Austin, when they finally get what is coming to them, it's super anticlimactic and well just boring. I mean come on these people care only about themselves, what they want and what they deserve, that when they are busted for their crimes it was just ho hum!!
Easy good romance book with all the Camdens making an apperance, HEA , no ow/om and no cliffhanger.
Awe Summer and Austin...what an amazing couple! The suspense, romance and sexy times were great. The book moved quickly the characters were all well written and the storyline pulled you into it.
Why I gave four stars? Well with everything the Brants put Summer and J.J through then Austin, when they finally get what is coming to them, it's super anticlimactic and well just boring. I mean come on these people care only about themselves, what they want and what they deserve, that when they are busted for their crimes it was just ho hum!!
Easy good romance book with all the Camdens making an apperance, HEA , no ow/om and no cliffhanger.
September 9, 2018
DNF at 3%, which I realize might not seem fair, but literally each sentence I read made me go, "Oh no. I just can't." The insta-love was cringe-worthy, the dialogue induced constant eye rolls, and I found the "hero" to need an elbow to the solarplexus. He was a pig, and he was supposed to be the nice one!
I couldn't imagine that I was going to grow to like this one, so why waste my time?
I couldn't imagine that I was going to grow to like this one, so why waste my time?
June 4, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this book. The story line was good and kept me interested, but some of the dialogue made me cringe at times. Plus the "showdown" that's hinted at throughout the book, isn't as dramatic as it's built up to be.
Basically it's the story of a down on her luck mom trying to get custody of her son from her douchey ex and the rodeo cowboy who helps her. As they travel from town to town along the rodeo circuit, they fall in love.
Austin is supposed to be this alpha cowboy who is haunted by his best friend's death years ago. But the author tries a little too hard to make us believe he's this all knowing, alpha, bad ass. I think he could have said a whole lot less and we would have gotten the picture. The conversations just drag on and on just so he can prove that he is the alpha and he knows all. Not to mention he turns just about every conversation into something sexual. There are also scenes that really go nowhere and don't enhance the story at all.
Summer is supposed to be this strong but down on her luck woman. But we only get to see hints of her strength. She's overshadowed by non-stop talking, take charge Austin. I would have liked for her to at least stood up for herself more than once or twice. Plus the ending, to me, was a letdown for her character. Everything was just tied up in a nice little bow. She didn't get to confront anyone.
I gave the book 3 stars because I finished it and if you take out the extra stuff, it's a decent story.
Basically it's the story of a down on her luck mom trying to get custody of her son from her douchey ex and the rodeo cowboy who helps her. As they travel from town to town along the rodeo circuit, they fall in love.
Austin is supposed to be this alpha cowboy who is haunted by his best friend's death years ago. But the author tries a little too hard to make us believe he's this all knowing, alpha, bad ass. I think he could have said a whole lot less and we would have gotten the picture. The conversations just drag on and on just so he can prove that he is the alpha and he knows all. Not to mention he turns just about every conversation into something sexual. There are also scenes that really go nowhere and don't enhance the story at all.
Summer is supposed to be this strong but down on her luck woman. But we only get to see hints of her strength. She's overshadowed by non-stop talking, take charge Austin. I would have liked for her to at least stood up for herself more than once or twice. Plus the ending, to me, was a letdown for her character. Everything was just tied up in a nice little bow. She didn't get to confront anyone.
I gave the book 3 stars because I finished it and if you take out the extra stuff, it's a decent story.
June 28, 2016
I’ve always been a fan of Jillian Neal, but her new Camden Ranch series is going to be HOT!
Austin Camden is a champion bull rider on a mission. Nothing will stop him from winning the next PBR buckle, but no one knows the demons that he fights on a daily basis. Summer Sanchez was a champion barrel racer, but now she is chasing down her scumbag ex to gain custody of her son. When Austin and Summer meet, the sparks ignite!
I loved reading this new series from Jillian! It is HOT! Austin is a true cowboy, raised on a ranch and knows how to treat a woman. On top of that he is a total hottie. Who can’t resist a hot, cowboy alpha male? I loved the story of Austin and Summer. Watching how he was willing to help Summer no matter what, and watching as Summer healed Austin and rid him of his demons was amazing. There were so many parts of this book that had me swooning and smiling! I can’t wait until the next book in this series! Congratulations on another amazing book Jillian!!
Austin Camden is a champion bull rider on a mission. Nothing will stop him from winning the next PBR buckle, but no one knows the demons that he fights on a daily basis. Summer Sanchez was a champion barrel racer, but now she is chasing down her scumbag ex to gain custody of her son. When Austin and Summer meet, the sparks ignite!
I loved reading this new series from Jillian! It is HOT! Austin is a true cowboy, raised on a ranch and knows how to treat a woman. On top of that he is a total hottie. Who can’t resist a hot, cowboy alpha male? I loved the story of Austin and Summer. Watching how he was willing to help Summer no matter what, and watching as Summer healed Austin and rid him of his demons was amazing. There were so many parts of this book that had me swooning and smiling! I can’t wait until the next book in this series! Congratulations on another amazing book Jillian!!
April 24, 2020
This is the first book in Neal’s Camden Ranch series. Our hero is champion bull rider Austin Camden and our heroine is retired champion barrel racer, now single mother Summer Sanchez. This would have easily garnered a 4 star rating from me if it weren’t for one problem that is a common theme in the few books (Holder County series) of Neal’s I’ve read. Her male lead’s dialogue is laced with sophomoric, too ridiculous to even be in a porn movie script dirty talk. I find some of the things contemporary romance authors have their male leads saying to talk dirty funny or at least tolerable, but in this book Austin spends so much time spewing dialogue saying ridiculous things that are supposed to sound sexy I wanted to gag. And maybe they do sound sexy to female readers, I don’t know? It certainly got Summer wet. I just know there was so much of it in this book that even as a prelude to some really hot and sexy scenes it was so prevalent in the story that it took away some of the enjoyment for me.
Austin is doing the rodeo circuit racking up champion belts for bull riding on his way to Las Vegas for the big PBR annual championship. While in a bar one night after a victory he observes Summer Sanchez yelling at Brant Preston Jr. about to strike him. Austin steps in and holds her back and calms her down. He’s immediately struck with insta-love the moment their two bodies touch and an electric charge races through his body. He takes her out to dinner and then drops her off at her hotel room. Only to find her an hour or so later sitting in corridor of his hotel room in front of Preston’s door which is next to his room. When he asks her what she’d doing there she breaks down and confesses that not only is Preston her ex, but that he shares joint custody with her for their 11 month old son J.J. She’s sitting there because she wants to make sure the baby is alright and because she doesn’t have the money for a hotel room. Here’s another part of this story that caused me to lower its rating. Her story is that she was only married to Preston for three months and then divorced him. She never heard from him or his family again until a few months after the baby was born when his wealthy and powerful family had gotten a court order insisting upon joint custody where they share alternating weeks. So now she’s required to follow her ex (who supplies bulls to the rodeo) around the rodeo circuit so she can have her son. This arrangement means she can’t have a job so she’s broke. How crooked would a judge have to be to not only give the father joint custody without a hearing but to also make her have to follow him around the country to transfer the kid back and forth? Wouldn’t it be his responsibility to come to her at her home to pick up the child and return him to her? Or at least be at his in town legal residence? So our hero Austin offers to let her say in his hotel room for the night, no strings attached. He tells her he’s really in to her and would like to see if they could have a relationship, but he wants to be her friend and help her out whether they become more than friends or not. Anything else that happens between them is up to her to take the lead. And here’s the next part of the story that caused me to downgrade it. After telling her what their relationship looked like was up to her, the very next day he’s whispering in her ear all the dirty things he’s going to do to her when he gets her in his bed that night. WTF? So much for letting her set the pace and take the lead. At this point having spent almost an entire day with Austin and having not had any sex since she got pregnant, Summer is receptive to Austin’s seduction. During the night Brant Jr. had shown up at his door with J.J. hoping to interrupt their sexy times. Austin gets Brant to agree to give the baby to Summer an extra week with her son. After a night of great sex he convinces her to come with him to the next town Cheyenne where a major rodeo event is to be held. After two weeks together she can decide whether she believes they have a future and come home to his family ranch in Nebraska with him or go back to her home in Dallas.
There’s a lot that goes on in the following two weeks. Summer and her son and Austin live together while Austin tries to convince her they could have a future together. Brant does everything he can to try to throw Austin off of his bull riding game and break him and Summer apart just to be spiteful. His mother who is a real bitch, is the one pushing Brant to get full custody of his son is constantly plotting to get the baby from Summer. Brant also has a bull Dallas Devil that is maiming every bull rider who tries to ride him. It’s suspected he has been doping the bull with steroids to make him extra mean. Why the PBR doesn’t demand to take blood samples to test for doping despite the bulls abnormal aggression level is another weakness in this plot. Austin is sure from the moment he meets Summer that she’s his future. But Summer who has had a tough life and never had a man in it whom she could trust doesn’t feel worthy of love or that she can really have a happily ever after. Fearing Preston will do something to hurt Austin she tearfully breaks up with him. When she discovers a plot to kidnap J.J. she seeks out Austin and his entire family steps up to help protect her and the baby. There’s a lot of tension and drama here while the Camdens and law enforcement try to prove Brant and his mother are planning to kidnap the baby before Summer is supposed to give him back to his father. As exciting as it was it did seem to run a bit long.
Between the romance, the sex, the drama and even some Native American spiritualism I could have given this book 4 to 5 stars. But the issues I’ve already expressed just didn’t allow me to do it.
Austin is doing the rodeo circuit racking up champion belts for bull riding on his way to Las Vegas for the big PBR annual championship. While in a bar one night after a victory he observes Summer Sanchez yelling at Brant Preston Jr. about to strike him. Austin steps in and holds her back and calms her down. He’s immediately struck with insta-love the moment their two bodies touch and an electric charge races through his body. He takes her out to dinner and then drops her off at her hotel room. Only to find her an hour or so later sitting in corridor of his hotel room in front of Preston’s door which is next to his room. When he asks her what she’d doing there she breaks down and confesses that not only is Preston her ex, but that he shares joint custody with her for their 11 month old son J.J. She’s sitting there because she wants to make sure the baby is alright and because she doesn’t have the money for a hotel room. Here’s another part of this story that caused me to lower its rating. Her story is that she was only married to Preston for three months and then divorced him. She never heard from him or his family again until a few months after the baby was born when his wealthy and powerful family had gotten a court order insisting upon joint custody where they share alternating weeks. So now she’s required to follow her ex (who supplies bulls to the rodeo) around the rodeo circuit so she can have her son. This arrangement means she can’t have a job so she’s broke. How crooked would a judge have to be to not only give the father joint custody without a hearing but to also make her have to follow him around the country to transfer the kid back and forth? Wouldn’t it be his responsibility to come to her at her home to pick up the child and return him to her? Or at least be at his in town legal residence? So our hero Austin offers to let her say in his hotel room for the night, no strings attached. He tells her he’s really in to her and would like to see if they could have a relationship, but he wants to be her friend and help her out whether they become more than friends or not. Anything else that happens between them is up to her to take the lead. And here’s the next part of the story that caused me to downgrade it. After telling her what their relationship looked like was up to her, the very next day he’s whispering in her ear all the dirty things he’s going to do to her when he gets her in his bed that night. WTF? So much for letting her set the pace and take the lead. At this point having spent almost an entire day with Austin and having not had any sex since she got pregnant, Summer is receptive to Austin’s seduction. During the night Brant Jr. had shown up at his door with J.J. hoping to interrupt their sexy times. Austin gets Brant to agree to give the baby to Summer an extra week with her son. After a night of great sex he convinces her to come with him to the next town Cheyenne where a major rodeo event is to be held. After two weeks together she can decide whether she believes they have a future and come home to his family ranch in Nebraska with him or go back to her home in Dallas.
There’s a lot that goes on in the following two weeks. Summer and her son and Austin live together while Austin tries to convince her they could have a future together. Brant does everything he can to try to throw Austin off of his bull riding game and break him and Summer apart just to be spiteful. His mother who is a real bitch, is the one pushing Brant to get full custody of his son is constantly plotting to get the baby from Summer. Brant also has a bull Dallas Devil that is maiming every bull rider who tries to ride him. It’s suspected he has been doping the bull with steroids to make him extra mean. Why the PBR doesn’t demand to take blood samples to test for doping despite the bulls abnormal aggression level is another weakness in this plot. Austin is sure from the moment he meets Summer that she’s his future. But Summer who has had a tough life and never had a man in it whom she could trust doesn’t feel worthy of love or that she can really have a happily ever after. Fearing Preston will do something to hurt Austin she tearfully breaks up with him. When she discovers a plot to kidnap J.J. she seeks out Austin and his entire family steps up to help protect her and the baby. There’s a lot of tension and drama here while the Camdens and law enforcement try to prove Brant and his mother are planning to kidnap the baby before Summer is supposed to give him back to his father. As exciting as it was it did seem to run a bit long.
Between the romance, the sex, the drama and even some Native American spiritualism I could have given this book 4 to 5 stars. But the issues I’ve already expressed just didn’t allow me to do it.
October 10, 2017
Hot, steamy, dirty and free!
A great book, well written with strong characters that bring an instant reaction from the reader.....lust, passion, hate, fear or intrigue, each and every cast member you meet brings a response from you.
Austin is a strong, confident, cocky bull rider and why wouldn't he be? He is top of the rankings, unbeatable, he can almost feel the PBR buckle in the palm of his hand.....his only focus for the last ten years of his life. But in the blink of an eye he falls and that focus changes, the second he touched Summer he knew, she was his future and he must keep her safe no matter what the cost, even if that means walking away from PBR.
Summer relies on no-one, trusts no-one and most definitely doesn't want another man in her life trying to control her, but can Austin prove he doesn't want to control her - he wants to worship her, protect her and provide for her but can she trust her heart or will her head keep her running?
I enjoyed this book with one exception, Austin repeatedly calls Summer 'doll baby' I am assuming this is supposed to be a term of endearment but it irritated me each and every time as it just felt cheap and cheesy and has resulted in the 4.5 stars rather than 5, however this is my one and only complaint with this book and it didn't stop me buying the second in the series - I loved meeting all of the Camden's and joining them on their ranch. As a free download you have to give it a try, there is nothing to lose!
A great book, well written with strong characters that bring an instant reaction from the reader.....lust, passion, hate, fear or intrigue, each and every cast member you meet brings a response from you.
Austin is a strong, confident, cocky bull rider and why wouldn't he be? He is top of the rankings, unbeatable, he can almost feel the PBR buckle in the palm of his hand.....his only focus for the last ten years of his life. But in the blink of an eye he falls and that focus changes, the second he touched Summer he knew, she was his future and he must keep her safe no matter what the cost, even if that means walking away from PBR.
Summer relies on no-one, trusts no-one and most definitely doesn't want another man in her life trying to control her, but can Austin prove he doesn't want to control her - he wants to worship her, protect her and provide for her but can she trust her heart or will her head keep her running?
I enjoyed this book with one exception, Austin repeatedly calls Summer 'doll baby' I am assuming this is supposed to be a term of endearment but it irritated me each and every time as it just felt cheap and cheesy and has resulted in the 4.5 stars rather than 5, however this is my one and only complaint with this book and it didn't stop me buying the second in the series - I loved meeting all of the Camden's and joining them on their ranch. As a free download you have to give it a try, there is nothing to lose!
April 19, 2020
I gave the book 2 stars because the story wasn't bad. It just wasn't also great, honestly if there wasn't so much "filler" I think it could have been a good book.
There we're literally hours of read time devoted to Summer's indecision. "Oh what will I do." "Now I know where I'm supposed to be." "Maybe I should leave again" "oh what will I do." You get the picture.
There was also way WAY to much extra nothingness. A full page dedicated to a how much someone is a fan of the main character, this someone isn't pivotal to the plot, sometimes they're never mentioned again, sometimes they'll have a tiny reappearance. Yes, we get it. These two are big in the rodeo scene. It just kept going on and on. A scene that could have read "I sat down and pretended to read a book." Would say "I sat down and pretended to read a book about the frontier people and their origins, written by one of the natives who had a granddaughter with had red hair."
I did finish the book, sorta. From about 40% on I scanned the pages looking for pieces that actually pertained to the story and plot.
If you're a fan of long reads and lots of detail then you'll probably enjoy this.
There we're literally hours of read time devoted to Summer's indecision. "Oh what will I do." "Now I know where I'm supposed to be." "Maybe I should leave again" "oh what will I do." You get the picture.
There was also way WAY to much extra nothingness. A full page dedicated to a how much someone is a fan of the main character, this someone isn't pivotal to the plot, sometimes they're never mentioned again, sometimes they'll have a tiny reappearance. Yes, we get it. These two are big in the rodeo scene. It just kept going on and on. A scene that could have read "I sat down and pretended to read a book." Would say "I sat down and pretended to read a book about the frontier people and their origins, written by one of the natives who had a granddaughter with had red hair."
I did finish the book, sorta. From about 40% on I scanned the pages looking for pieces that actually pertained to the story and plot.
If you're a fan of long reads and lots of detail then you'll probably enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2017
Austin Camden was at the top of his game and he knew this year he was going to get the buckle he had been aiming at. His whole life had been the rodeo and getting further in the game. That was until he helped a damsel in distress or maybe saved her from the big bad wolf of an ex. Either way he ran into Summer and life changed for him in that instant. He didn't realize it at the time but he just ran headlong into his future. Summer lives her life for her son who she shares custody with her ex Brant. A big wig with his fathers company. She has been following him from rodeo to rodeo trying to live up to the custody agreement set for them. See money talks when your Brant. She knew she would have to bide her time until she could find something on him so she can regain full custody of her son J.J. Then she met Austin and he jumped right into her life and wanted it all with her and her son. Many ups and downs through the story but wow I was mesmerized by their story. They find love in each other that knew no bounds.
January 14, 2019
An Awesome Book!
I loved reading Rodeo Summer: A Camden Ranch Novel Book 1, all about Austin Camden the current Bull riding cowboy & Summer Sanchez a single mom and the number one Barrel racer in the country and her eleven month old son named JJ Sanchez. Austin met Summer sitting on the floor outside the suite of bull rider Brant Preston JR., she was waiting for him to come home so she could get her son! She was dirty and looked like she was starving! Austin had an immediate reaction to her! The author wrote a story about a young girl who has been abused most of her life, and is now fighting for sole custody of her son! Austin & Summer have a sizzling relationship as they fight e by side to get sole custody of JJ! This book was an incredible page turner, that I could not put down! I can not wait to read book 2, since I fell in love with the Camden Family Clan! Give this series a shot, you will not be disappointed, I wasn’t!!
I loved reading Rodeo Summer: A Camden Ranch Novel Book 1, all about Austin Camden the current Bull riding cowboy & Summer Sanchez a single mom and the number one Barrel racer in the country and her eleven month old son named JJ Sanchez. Austin met Summer sitting on the floor outside the suite of bull rider Brant Preston JR., she was waiting for him to come home so she could get her son! She was dirty and looked like she was starving! Austin had an immediate reaction to her! The author wrote a story about a young girl who has been abused most of her life, and is now fighting for sole custody of her son! Austin & Summer have a sizzling relationship as they fight e by side to get sole custody of JJ! This book was an incredible page turner, that I could not put down! I can not wait to read book 2, since I fell in love with the Camden Family Clan! Give this series a shot, you will not be disappointed, I wasn’t!!
June 2, 2019
A cocky cowboy and a down-on-her-luck cowgirl. Western romance lovers will have no trouble falling for this book and the characters. I thought the romance was a little too fast, there wasn’t much tension to speak of, but the suspenseful elements and seeing the two people learn to trust each other was heartwarming. The author does a great job with the dialect. As a person that’s been in the horse world all my life, it was entertaining to hear some of the language in a book that I’ve heard in real life. Real cowboys will say “Yes Ma’am” and hold doors open, but they can also make a sailor blush.
Don’t go thinking this is a sweet western romance, this is a “stand in front of the fan” sexy romance and it’s not going to be sitting on a table in a church or in your Grandmother’s book club. But if you like a nice romance with a bit of danger and suspense along with a HEA, than this book may just be what you’re looking for. Reviewed by Cyrene
Don’t go thinking this is a sweet western romance, this is a “stand in front of the fan” sexy romance and it’s not going to be sitting on a table in a church or in your Grandmother’s book club. But if you like a nice romance with a bit of danger and suspense along with a HEA, than this book may just be what you’re looking for. Reviewed by Cyrene
March 16, 2018
Austin and Summer made a great pair, even being compatible with their filthy mouths. Lol. JJ was the icing on the cake. Love it when a single mom finds someone who loves both her and her baby.
This was a romantic suspense. I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall, either with the hostile ex, his crazy mom, or an injury with the bulls. Some parts will keep you more on edge then others.
I would give this a 4.5 because the ending was a bit anti climatic. After everything Brant and his mother put Summer, and then Austin through, I wanted them to suffer more. Also, the entire situation with Luke in Cheyenne went on a bit too long.
Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable book.
This was a romantic suspense. I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall, either with the hostile ex, his crazy mom, or an injury with the bulls. Some parts will keep you more on edge then others.
I would give this a 4.5 because the ending was a bit anti climatic. After everything Brant and his mother put Summer, and then Austin through, I wanted them to suffer more. Also, the entire situation with Luke in Cheyenne went on a bit too long.
Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable book.
May 9, 2020
Austin Camden is a man on a mission to win the Professional Bull Riders Championship, ultimate achievement in professional bull riding. Summer Sanchez is a woman on a mission to get her son back from her ex-husband and former mother-in-law. When their paths crossed unexpectedly, fate steps in and changes both their lives.
This is an instalove story so you have to go with that premise of love at first sight and just enjoy the ride. I thought the book was entertaining and a good page-turner because you want to know what’s going to happen next. There were a lot of interesting characters, a lot of heat and a solid HEA. I enjoyed it enough that I already purchased the next book in the series!
This is an instalove story so you have to go with that premise of love at first sight and just enjoy the ride. I thought the book was entertaining and a good page-turner because you want to know what’s going to happen next. There were a lot of interesting characters, a lot of heat and a solid HEA. I enjoyed it enough that I already purchased the next book in the series!
December 4, 2020
Melodramatic
This book is amazingly dramatic, why have just one or two problems when you can have 5 or 6? Summer Sanchez isn't just struggling to share custody of her son, she was raised without her rodeo star dad, became a champion barrel racer herself, so her dad arranged for Brandt, her ex to get her pregnant, convince her to marry him, destroyed her competition horse while she was on her honeymoon.Then Brandt punches her in the stomach while she's pregnant and they divorce. And that's just the beginning! The hero, a bull rider, has his own extensive set of problems. The writing is florid with unusual use of adjectives and adverbs.
This book is amazingly dramatic, why have just one or two problems when you can have 5 or 6? Summer Sanchez isn't just struggling to share custody of her son, she was raised without her rodeo star dad, became a champion barrel racer herself, so her dad arranged for Brandt, her ex to get her pregnant, convince her to marry him, destroyed her competition horse while she was on her honeymoon.Then Brandt punches her in the stomach while she's pregnant and they divorce. And that's just the beginning! The hero, a bull rider, has his own extensive set of problems. The writing is florid with unusual use of adjectives and adverbs.
March 14, 2020
Looking for a cowboy romance kicking' up some heat & sweet this is the one to grab!
Summer trapped with ex husband & evil ex mother in law controlling her through her child J.J. is a horrific ordeal. Not to mention homeless at a Rodeo. Austin captures a wild woman ready to kick his rivals butt. This happens to be Summer who no longer trust, especially cowboys. The film's & hurdles spices this up more then just a romance but custody, plots and revelations. V1,S2
More reviews: @my2centsbooklover Thanks I look forward to hearing from you!
Summer trapped with ex husband & evil ex mother in law controlling her through her child J.J. is a horrific ordeal. Not to mention homeless at a Rodeo. Austin captures a wild woman ready to kick his rivals butt. This happens to be Summer who no longer trust, especially cowboys. The film's & hurdles spices this up more then just a romance but custody, plots and revelations. V1,S2
More reviews: @my2centsbooklover Thanks I look forward to hearing from you!
January 24, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Jillian Neal! She writes amazing stories and it’s so easy to follow what is going on in the book. When you’re reading any of her books, you can just picture each scene in your mind, like watching a movie! I love to reads book that are written like that. She also gets the rodeo scenes, bull ridding, barrel racing perfect! So much action, romance and drama! Just be ready to read this book all at once!
September 7, 2018
I love discovering new to me authors. especially when they are good. I don't know Where this author has been hiding but I'm glad I found her.
A dirty talking bull rider, hellz yeah. Add to it a sassy stubborn retired barrel racer trying to protect her son. What could possible happen?
This kindle was steaming this couple was so hot with the chemistry. They were very relatable and likable.
I'd highly recommend this book.
A dirty talking bull rider, hellz yeah. Add to it a sassy stubborn retired barrel racer trying to protect her son. What could possible happen?
This kindle was steaming this couple was so hot with the chemistry. They were very relatable and likable.
I'd highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2018
Honestly it took me a while to finish this one. I think it was because I wasn't really in a modern cowboy story mood. Once I came back to it in the mindset to read a modern cowboy story, it flew by! Summer and Austin start off in an unusual setting and continue on as they started. I liked how the plot unfolds and love to hate Summer's ex-husband. If you're looking for a cowboy story with a bit more this is it! I'm pretty sure next time I'm in a cowboy mood I'll be picking up book 2!
January 7, 2019
3.5: It wasn’t awful, but I had a hard time with the fact they knew each other after a day and we’re almost in love and were comfortable with all the dirty talk etc. I also didn’t love that she was pregnant before they got married because she already ha a kid that wasn’t his. 🤷🏻♀️ The plot line ended up a little suspenseful which was good, and I did like that Austin finished the circuit. Also didn’t like that they were all over each other in bars with her kid there and ex-husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
I enjoyed it. It was an insta love story, which I struggle with sometimes but I liked the other aspects of the story so it helped overlook some parts that were harder to believe. I loved the rodeo aspect and that it took place mostly in Cheyenne, somewhere I’ve always wanted to see.
I liked the little intrigue at the end with true Prestons and how they ended Austin and Summers story, it was very cute.
So a cute 3 star rating is in order.
I liked the little intrigue at the end with true Prestons and how they ended Austin and Summers story, it was very cute.
So a cute 3 star rating is in order.
March 18, 2017
Meeting Austin, the Rodeo Hero, and Summer, the former Barrel Racing Star, was such a pleasure. Getting to know them and seeing them interact with their family, or lack their of was greatly put together in the chapters of this novel.
This book had me fighting for the cowboy something fierce. Jillian did a great job of putting you right in the scene before you and not backing down one bit. The emotions in this were just like I would imagine bull riding would be, unpredictable with a hard landing with your ass.
Austin Camden... holy Rodeo Cowboy. He does nothing half way, not bull ridin', not friendship, and now with Summer in his sites, not her either. The things this man does for his family and hers is breath taking. He lets it know what he is thinking and feeling all of the time, he does not hold back, ever.
Summer has been fighting her whole life, even out of the rodeo circuit. She has a lot to fight for and a good reason to feel as if the world if falling apart at the seams. Her past is hot on her heels and she is trying hard to keep her feet planted firmly on the ground and not fall into the quick sand piles plotted to take her down.
I loved this book. It was pretty long compared to what I have been reading, but that didn't deter me one bit.
This book had me fighting for the cowboy something fierce. Jillian did a great job of putting you right in the scene before you and not backing down one bit. The emotions in this were just like I would imagine bull riding would be, unpredictable with a hard landing with your ass.
Austin Camden... holy Rodeo Cowboy. He does nothing half way, not bull ridin', not friendship, and now with Summer in his sites, not her either. The things this man does for his family and hers is breath taking. He lets it know what he is thinking and feeling all of the time, he does not hold back, ever.
Summer has been fighting her whole life, even out of the rodeo circuit. She has a lot to fight for and a good reason to feel as if the world if falling apart at the seams. Her past is hot on her heels and she is trying hard to keep her feet planted firmly on the ground and not fall into the quick sand piles plotted to take her down.
I loved this book. It was pretty long compared to what I have been reading, but that didn't deter me one bit.
March 21, 2017
Have you ever been to a rodeo? it is some wild times. lots of hotness going on!! tight pants, usually wranglers, just sayin'. girlie giggles!! bring in the cat call and the holler-er ... come on girls. well men too!! Whatever floats your boat I'm guessing. any who. This was a hot read. Plan to read it one setting, it is just that great!! loved it. Must read if you are a cow boy loving, rodeo queen? was trying to think of a good rhyme. ha. ha!! Check this one out! I feel like I have read something from Jillian before? I gotta check??!!?!? ( :
April 1, 2017
Pleasantly surprised. I thought this was a short erotic cowboy novel, but instead it was a contemporary romance with a hot alpha male. Summer got on my nerves with her wanting to run away so much, but Austin was able to keep her focused. Loved the flow of the whole story, but the last 4 chapters felt forced into tying up loose ends and catching the protagonist. Now that I realized this is part of a series, I will go back and read the other stories. This is a stand alone, but I want to see how Brock and Hope meet. Worth reading.
March 22, 2017
One last ride? He was thinking this could be his last year if only he could make his goal. He owes it to him, then he sees her and keeps her from making a big mistake. The problems begin anew as he keeps her close but not only do they go through his things they try to kill him. This goes deeper and they're both about to find out just to what lengths they'll go to and why.
Great written characters, some of them had you guessing their true intentions yet others where just themselves. Really enjoyed. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Great written characters, some of them had you guessing their true intentions yet others where just themselves. Really enjoyed. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
March 2, 2018
Adrenaline rush
I thought Brock was going to be my favorite Camden, BUT oh my Austin has blown my socks clean off. If only I could have met my Austin a long time ago. But I did meet my own cowboy. I LOVE this family. Family is first but they are able to welcome each new spouse with the same shoulder to shoulder protection.
I thought Brock was going to be my favorite Camden, BUT oh my Austin has blown my socks clean off. If only I could have met my Austin a long time ago. But I did meet my own cowboy. I LOVE this family. Family is first but they are able to welcome each new spouse with the same shoulder to shoulder protection.
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