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Roughstock #2
Roughstock: And a Smile- Season One
It's Coke Pharris' job to save bull riders from bulls, and he takes his work very seriously. Which is why he's devastated when one of his favorite riders gets hurt, and he's determined to help the young man ride again. Dillon Walsh is the arena entertainer for the bull riding tour, and he wants to help. He also wants Coke, has been admiring the man for a long time. He hasn't made a move on Coke for fear of messing up their friendship, but when he finds out Coke might feel the same way, Dillon has to try to win Coke over.
Coke thinks he's too old for Dillon, too beat up and scarred, but he can't resist when Dillon finally makes a play for him. Dillon is like a wet dream for Coke, and the two of them have a great time getting to know each other better, at least until the danger of their job threatens to come between them. Will Dillon and Coke be able to help their friend and weather the problems that blow their way?
Coke thinks he's too old for Dillon, too beat up and scarred, but he can't resist when Dillon finally makes a play for him. Dillon is like a wet dream for Coke, and the two of them have a great time getting to know each other better, at least until the danger of their job threatens to come between them. Will Dillon and Coke be able to help their friend and weather the problems that blow their way?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2008
16 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
382 books632 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 12, 2022
Great story of our cowboys finally getting together... They finished up their rodeo time and had a break. They are going to Coke's place and to help blinded Jase.
Coke is older, 39, a bullfighter (rodeo clown),
with his scars, light brown hair and hazel eyes, he gives a helping hand to everyone.
Dillon, 35, also a bullfighter, blonde and blue eyed,
is from Idaho, he's sharp, smart and sexy.
We get their easy banter, and see the deep friendship turn into passion as our two rough and tough cowboys, find their peace and contentment in each other's arms.
They are not hearts and flowers guys, but they let the other know how important the other man is. Their sexy times are wild and hot.
They have fun, relax, and help Jase out when he comes to visit.
ENJOY !
======
Coke is older, 39, a bullfighter (rodeo clown),
with his scars, light brown hair and hazel eyes, he gives a helping hand to everyone.
Dillon, 35, also a bullfighter, blonde and blue eyed,
is from Idaho, he's sharp, smart and sexy.
We get their easy banter, and see the deep friendship turn into passion as our two rough and tough cowboys, find their peace and contentment in each other's arms.
They are not hearts and flowers guys, but they let the other know how important the other man is. Their sexy times are wild and hot.
They have fun, relax, and help Jase out when he comes to visit.
ENJOY !
======
February 13, 2016
Bull riders and anyone else competing in a rodeo have my respect for facing the unpredictable dangers involved when working with powerful animals. But bullfighters? The people putting themselves between an enraged bull and a rider to ensure the rider makes it to safety? I think they are amazing. And this story is about one such man, Coke, and the man he falls in love with, a rodeo clown (official designation: arena entertainer) named Dillon. They have been secretly longing for more than friendship for quite a few years, but opening up is not in these tough guys’ nature. And when they do, things aren’t always as easy as they seem either. This second book in the ‘Roughstock’ series is just as amazing as the first with its ability to magically transport me to Texas and its stubborn cowboys.
Coke Pharris is a bullfighter, and that means he is responsible for rodeo participants’ life in the arena. But he takes his job a lot more serious than most. He is the kind of man who will put himself in the path of an enraged bull to save someone else’s life, and he has the scars to prove it. He is older than most of the twenty-something cowboys who compete for the championship, and that makes him a bit of a father figure. He has some distinctly non-parental feelings for Dillon, but he has never approached him or given any sign of his interest. Coke’s newest project is to help Jason ride again – yes, the Jason who is blind after an accident in book one.
Dillon is a rodeo clown, in charge of entertaining the audience while waiting for the next event, or when the medics have to drag an injured man out of the arena. He has secretly had his eye on Coke for a while and hates that everyone thinks Coke is so old. Dillon has no such issues – first of all he is only a few years younger than Coke, and they are both under forty, so where is the problem? Finally Dillon decides to go for it and is stunned but ecstatic when he finds out the interest is mutual.
Even though both men are interested, theirs is not an easy relationship. Not just because they have to be careful in a mostly homophobic and very macho world of the rodeo. No, they have a lot to overcome. Misunderstandings, exes from the past interfering, an inability to believe their feelings are real - the list goes on. I rooted for them all the way but held my breath several times when things got tense. What an emotional ride!
If you like the world of tough bull riders and tougher bullfighters, if you want to find out more about two men who are hesitant about opening up but once they do, they set the sheets aflame, and if you’re looking for a read that is like an emotional roller coaster, intense, exciting, and hotter than a Texas summer, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. I’ll have to wait until January for the next one to be published (‘File Gumbo’), but I’m ready for it now!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Coke Pharris is a bullfighter, and that means he is responsible for rodeo participants’ life in the arena. But he takes his job a lot more serious than most. He is the kind of man who will put himself in the path of an enraged bull to save someone else’s life, and he has the scars to prove it. He is older than most of the twenty-something cowboys who compete for the championship, and that makes him a bit of a father figure. He has some distinctly non-parental feelings for Dillon, but he has never approached him or given any sign of his interest. Coke’s newest project is to help Jason ride again – yes, the Jason who is blind after an accident in book one.
Dillon is a rodeo clown, in charge of entertaining the audience while waiting for the next event, or when the medics have to drag an injured man out of the arena. He has secretly had his eye on Coke for a while and hates that everyone thinks Coke is so old. Dillon has no such issues – first of all he is only a few years younger than Coke, and they are both under forty, so where is the problem? Finally Dillon decides to go for it and is stunned but ecstatic when he finds out the interest is mutual.
Even though both men are interested, theirs is not an easy relationship. Not just because they have to be careful in a mostly homophobic and very macho world of the rodeo. No, they have a lot to overcome. Misunderstandings, exes from the past interfering, an inability to believe their feelings are real - the list goes on. I rooted for them all the way but held my breath several times when things got tense. What an emotional ride!
If you like the world of tough bull riders and tougher bullfighters, if you want to find out more about two men who are hesitant about opening up but once they do, they set the sheets aflame, and if you’re looking for a read that is like an emotional roller coaster, intense, exciting, and hotter than a Texas summer, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. I’ll have to wait until January for the next one to be published (‘File Gumbo’), but I’m ready for it now!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 21, 2023
Re-read June 21, 2023
Love these cowboys. Coke and Dillon are one of my favorites.
Love these cowboys. Coke and Dillon are one of my favorites.
January 12, 2015
The second installment of the Roughstock series features bullfighter Coke Pharris and arena entertainer Dillon Walsh.
These guys are hot, the sex is even hotter but it's their emotional bond that's central to the book. When an accident threatens to come between them it will take a lot of understanding and trust on both of their parts to get them through it.
As was the case with the first book, Blind Ride, the characters are interesting and draw the reader in. While Coke and Dillon are the focus of the book we are treated to glimpses of the other rodeo cowboys from the first book as well. This is another wonderful book by BA Tortuga.
These guys are hot, the sex is even hotter but it's their emotional bond that's central to the book. When an accident threatens to come between them it will take a lot of understanding and trust on both of their parts to get them through it.
As was the case with the first book, Blind Ride, the characters are interesting and draw the reader in. While Coke and Dillon are the focus of the book we are treated to glimpses of the other rodeo cowboys from the first book as well. This is another wonderful book by BA Tortuga.
October 12, 2015
I mentioned in my review of Blind Ride that I was not going to move further into the Roughstock series. There is a huge curiosity factor here that caught me. It is a huge something that was left hanging at the end of Blind Ride. It’s the how is Jason going to perform as a secretly blind bull rider. I want to know this. That is not in And a Smile. And a Smile is Coke and Dillon’s story. Jase and Bax have small secondary roles where they have a little page time bringing Dillon in on helping them hide the blindness from the cameras and sponsors. So to answer the blind Jason on a bull question, it does not happen in this book.
Who Coke and Dillion truly are as men, how they are written as characters, and how they are seen by their friends are so many different things that their characters become confusing. I read them as the really old crusty guy and the twink for so much of this book. Their friends see them a gramps and the guy who freaks everyone out. They actually are a bull fighter and a rodeo clown who have a few years in age between them and a whole lot of sexual chemistry. They love the work they do with the rodeo. These men are passionate about the careers they have chosen. They take their jobs very seriously.
Going into And a Smile and expecting some conclusion on it or even some momentum in the direction of a conclusion and not receiving anything of that nature is a big disappointment. Getting to know Coke and seeing him get a happily ever after didn’t help to fill that void on what I was expecting. Dillon and Coke reading as so many different things made it difficult to ever get a good grasp on their character. Overall I do not believe that this series is working for me.
Who Coke and Dillion truly are as men, how they are written as characters, and how they are seen by their friends are so many different things that their characters become confusing. I read them as the really old crusty guy and the twink for so much of this book. Their friends see them a gramps and the guy who freaks everyone out. They actually are a bull fighter and a rodeo clown who have a few years in age between them and a whole lot of sexual chemistry. They love the work they do with the rodeo. These men are passionate about the careers they have chosen. They take their jobs very seriously.
Going into And a Smile and expecting some conclusion on it or even some momentum in the direction of a conclusion and not receiving anything of that nature is a big disappointment. Getting to know Coke and seeing him get a happily ever after didn’t help to fill that void on what I was expecting. Dillon and Coke reading as so many different things made it difficult to ever get a good grasp on their character. Overall I do not believe that this series is working for me.
November 30, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second in the series, and carries on right where it left off. However it concentrates on another couple, and Jase's future is a side issue. It could be read as a standalone, as the salient details are explained sufficiently.
Coke and Dillon have clearly been keen on each other for a while, but not acted upon those feelings. Coke is convinced he is too old, even though in fact just a few years older. He is clearly an old soul - and the responsible one in the group. He is described in such a way in the beginning that I am not sure I would recognise him, given how is then described later in the book. His issues however take a back seat as he finally enjoys the strong chemistry between him and Dillon. It is a very relaxed and enjoyable foray into a most desirable romance. I like friends to lovers stories, and this one works.
This is the second in the series, and carries on right where it left off. However it concentrates on another couple, and Jase's future is a side issue. It could be read as a standalone, as the salient details are explained sufficiently.
Coke and Dillon have clearly been keen on each other for a while, but not acted upon those feelings. Coke is convinced he is too old, even though in fact just a few years older. He is clearly an old soul - and the responsible one in the group. He is described in such a way in the beginning that I am not sure I would recognise him, given how is then described later in the book. His issues however take a back seat as he finally enjoys the strong chemistry between him and Dillon. It is a very relaxed and enjoyable foray into a most desirable romance. I like friends to lovers stories, and this one works.
August 3, 2015
Too much (although perfectly reasonable) cowboy-speak had me struggling but I liked this a lot. I don't believe it be very realistic yet I loved the openness of both MCs.
July 7, 2019
This 2nd Roughstock novel follows the romance of Coke and Rodeo clown Dillon, Very similar to the previous novel - both these guys have been interested in each other for a long while but it takes an accident for them to really hook up. Again the romance is way too easy although we are getting more complex... Dillon does have an ex and Coke thinks he's cheating on him at one point which does give this some hurdle to overcome. Jason & Bax come in about half way through and we continue the story from Blind Ride, now with Dillon on board to try and get Jason to ride again even though he is still blind. I love how Dillon and Jason interact, he's so good with him.
Again thoroughly enjoyed this - Its told from both Coke and Dillon's POV and uses heavy accent/dialect which BA Tortuga excels at - you really can hear these characters.
It's very much part of a series and I guess isn't so strong as a stand alone - but still if gay cowboy romances are your thing, check out the roughstock series. I particularly like how these are real, rough & ready working men, complete with all the injuries and problems their dangerous career entails. This evokes the rodeo world and its perils rather well.
Again thoroughly enjoyed this - Its told from both Coke and Dillon's POV and uses heavy accent/dialect which BA Tortuga excels at - you really can hear these characters.
It's very much part of a series and I guess isn't so strong as a stand alone - but still if gay cowboy romances are your thing, check out the roughstock series. I particularly like how these are real, rough & ready working men, complete with all the injuries and problems their dangerous career entails. This evokes the rodeo world and its perils rather well.
January 15, 2026
Thank you to @gay.romance.reviews for the #gifted #eARC
Coke, the head of the bullfighters, is still reeling from Jason's injury in book one. Hiding it from the rodeo bosses while they try to rehabilitate him and feeling as if he let down Jason's deceased father combine to leave him not at the top of his game. Rodeo clown Dillon has been crushing on him for years as they have all traveled the circuit and finally gets a chance to test the waters. As they fall for each other, both injuries and misunderstandings try to keep them apart. In this one, I am enjoying the continuing plan to get Jason back into the sport, but the best part was watching Dillon go after what he wanted no matter what. His determination to stop allowing Coke to think he's an old man (they call him Gramps) and show him how he is loved and appreciated is a huge part of what I liked in his character. Both men have such dangerous jobs rescuing the riders and distracting the bulls that you just want them to have love too. Again the way the author writes about rodeos and the men involved in them, as well as their homes, hotels, and rides played like a movie in my head, with sights and smells that I can relate to as a Texas girl, even if I'm way more city than these.
Coke, the head of the bullfighters, is still reeling from Jason's injury in book one. Hiding it from the rodeo bosses while they try to rehabilitate him and feeling as if he let down Jason's deceased father combine to leave him not at the top of his game. Rodeo clown Dillon has been crushing on him for years as they have all traveled the circuit and finally gets a chance to test the waters. As they fall for each other, both injuries and misunderstandings try to keep them apart. In this one, I am enjoying the continuing plan to get Jason back into the sport, but the best part was watching Dillon go after what he wanted no matter what. His determination to stop allowing Coke to think he's an old man (they call him Gramps) and show him how he is loved and appreciated is a huge part of what I liked in his character. Both men have such dangerous jobs rescuing the riders and distracting the bulls that you just want them to have love too. Again the way the author writes about rodeos and the men involved in them, as well as their homes, hotels, and rides played like a movie in my head, with sights and smells that I can relate to as a Texas girl, even if I'm way more city than these.
January 16, 2026
Love Coke and Dillon
I am loving reading this series. Somehow I'd missed it when reading thinking I'd read through all BA's books so it's a fun treat to see her writing from earlier in her career. There's a lovely roughness to it that makes the story just that bit deeper. The writing itself is great and still very much BA's but there's an added grittiness (maybe it's just that with time her style has become a little more polished or smoother?) that really helps bring across the way these characters live and feel. I loved Coke from the first book; he's such a good person and great friend. The way he was so willing to help even if it felt impossible or put him at risk (and yes, there's guilt but I'm sure I've seen somewhere the saying that every bullfighter mourns the bull rider he wasn't able to save, but he wasn't responsible and didn't have to put himself on the line too). I kind of wanted to give Coke a bit of a shake and tell him to get his head out of his butt and see that Dillon wanted him, not some younger, better, whatever version of him. I'm glad that Dillon stuck it out and didn't listen to Coke when he was talking nonsense. All in all, this is a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what comes next and to enjoying more of these guys!
I am loving reading this series. Somehow I'd missed it when reading thinking I'd read through all BA's books so it's a fun treat to see her writing from earlier in her career. There's a lovely roughness to it that makes the story just that bit deeper. The writing itself is great and still very much BA's but there's an added grittiness (maybe it's just that with time her style has become a little more polished or smoother?) that really helps bring across the way these characters live and feel. I loved Coke from the first book; he's such a good person and great friend. The way he was so willing to help even if it felt impossible or put him at risk (and yes, there's guilt but I'm sure I've seen somewhere the saying that every bullfighter mourns the bull rider he wasn't able to save, but he wasn't responsible and didn't have to put himself on the line too). I kind of wanted to give Coke a bit of a shake and tell him to get his head out of his butt and see that Dillon wanted him, not some younger, better, whatever version of him. I'm glad that Dillon stuck it out and didn't listen to Coke when he was talking nonsense. All in all, this is a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what comes next and to enjoying more of these guys!
January 15, 2026
hot goofball, M & Ms in coffee, Uncle Dill-weed, hoof bruise, oyster stuffing, percocet, trapeze, King Ranch, Basset puppies
I love BA Tortuga's books! And I love this one! I guess that means I have a soft spot for MM cowboy romances. Especially ones that have rodeos in it. This book will make more sense if you read Book #1 first. It won't be a hardship, though, because Book #1 is just as amazing as this book.
Rodeo clown Dillon Walsh has the hots for bullfighter Coke Pharris. He doesn't think Coke feels the same, and the other bullfighters and bullriders think Dillon is weird. Coke actually secretly watches Dillon do his routine for the rodeo audience. He especially likes watching Dillon's butt shakes and wiggles. They discover their mutual attraction and chemistry.
Both MCs' jobs are high risk and they've been injured before. They have the scars to prove it. Coke is more prone to injury because it's his job as a bullfighter to keep the bullriders from getting stomped by a 2,000 lb bull. And he does get injured here.
As I said, I absolutely enjoyed myself and energetically recommend it!
I love BA Tortuga's books! And I love this one! I guess that means I have a soft spot for MM cowboy romances. Especially ones that have rodeos in it. This book will make more sense if you read Book #1 first. It won't be a hardship, though, because Book #1 is just as amazing as this book.
Rodeo clown Dillon Walsh has the hots for bullfighter Coke Pharris. He doesn't think Coke feels the same, and the other bullfighters and bullriders think Dillon is weird. Coke actually secretly watches Dillon do his routine for the rodeo audience. He especially likes watching Dillon's butt shakes and wiggles. They discover their mutual attraction and chemistry.
Both MCs' jobs are high risk and they've been injured before. They have the scars to prove it. Coke is more prone to injury because it's his job as a bullfighter to keep the bullriders from getting stomped by a 2,000 lb bull. And he does get injured here.
As I said, I absolutely enjoyed myself and energetically recommend it!
January 16, 2026
"And a Smile" is book two in B A Tortuga's Roughstock series. It starts with the accident that left Jason Scott blind. Coke Pharris was in the ring and saw it play out in front of him. Either the bull turned the wrong way or Jason did. There's a little guilt there and he and Bax have a plan to get the bull rider ahorse again.
Dylan Walsh is a rodeo clown. When he's not entertaining the crowds, he's watching Coke work his magic keeping everyone safe. Coke is the "old man" of the group, but the slight age gap doesn't bother Dillon. He's crushing on Coke but it seems the other man hasn't a clue. Meanwhile, Coke returns the feelings but thinks he can't act on his desire.
Cue the angst. And cue the heat when the two finally come together. There's a third act breakup during which Coke gets hurt and Dillon almost doesn't find out. In true BA Tortuga fashion, the HEA has pups, two adorable basset hounds.
I love the little rodeo tidbits the author drops. The excitement. The danger. Can't wait for the next one.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
Dylan Walsh is a rodeo clown. When he's not entertaining the crowds, he's watching Coke work his magic keeping everyone safe. Coke is the "old man" of the group, but the slight age gap doesn't bother Dillon. He's crushing on Coke but it seems the other man hasn't a clue. Meanwhile, Coke returns the feelings but thinks he can't act on his desire.
Cue the angst. And cue the heat when the two finally come together. There's a third act breakup during which Coke gets hurt and Dillon almost doesn't find out. In true BA Tortuga fashion, the HEA has pups, two adorable basset hounds.
I love the little rodeo tidbits the author drops. The excitement. The danger. Can't wait for the next one.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
January 4, 2026
Absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book! Coke is a bullfighter and Dillon a rodeo clown and the two have been a team for a while but Dillon would like it to be more. He will get his chance and things are really good between them. Some time spent at Coke’s place will do them both some good and a visit from Jason and Bax will have Coke feeling a little guilty about not preventing Jason from losing his sight from a hit from a bull. But they make a plan to help get Jason back on his feet and back in the ring but that’s when the trouble starts. A nasty bull will put several guys down including Coke and Dillon. A misunderstanding will have Coke leaving without saying goodbye and then Coke gets hurt pretty badly and Dillon won’t find out right away. But he makes his way to Coke’s place and once he explains what really happened, he and Coke are back on their way to getting their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I loved this book! Coke is a bullfighter and Dillon a rodeo clown and the two have been a team for a while but Dillon would like it to be more. He will get his chance and things are really good between them. Some time spent at Coke’s place will do them both some good and a visit from Jason and Bax will have Coke feeling a little guilty about not preventing Jason from losing his sight from a hit from a bull. But they make a plan to help get Jason back on his feet and back in the ring but that’s when the trouble starts. A nasty bull will put several guys down including Coke and Dillon. A misunderstanding will have Coke leaving without saying goodbye and then Coke gets hurt pretty badly and Dillon won’t find out right away. But he makes his way to Coke’s place and once he explains what really happened, he and Coke are back on their way to getting their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
January 13, 2026
I am so in love with Coke and Dillon. They work together as rodeo clowns on the pro-circuit. Coke is the older man, steady and a body that shows the wear of their job. Dillon is the flashy young guy, but he is totally gone for the silver fox bullfighter. I really liked this low angst story. The heat and affection between these 2 is evident from the very start. There's no will they or won't they, they 100% will and it's great. The way Coke calls Dillon "honey" just melted me throughout the whole book. These guys are rough and tumble, but so sweet with one another. And they are also hot, hot, hot. There is a short miscommunication/breakup in the third act but it gets handled pretty quickly. I would also note that the cadence and style of speaking was a little hard for me at the beginning, but I eventually got the flow down and really enjoyed hearing their own voices come out. It's a fun read and I've already read it twice. Would really recommend.
January 5, 2026
This is book#2 in the Roughstock series - you'll need to read the first book in order to get the full experience. This time it's bullfighter Coke and rodeo clown Dillon's turn. Dillon has been attracted to Coke from the beginning, and finally gets Coke to return his feelings.
Lots of injuries in this book. Everybody's either getting patched up by Doc or in the hospital. Coke is 39 (only 4 years older than Dillon) but always calls himself 'old' - with the number of injuries he's had, he probably DOES feel 'old'. Coke's stupidity (all the cowboys are pretty stubborn when it comes to injuries, but Coke is by far the worst) was actually a bit hard to read - I cringed when he left the hospital early after a broken neck. There's a lot of rodeo-ing, a bit of work with Jason (from book1), and a lot of falling in love.
Looking forward to the next one.
Lots of injuries in this book. Everybody's either getting patched up by Doc or in the hospital. Coke is 39 (only 4 years older than Dillon) but always calls himself 'old' - with the number of injuries he's had, he probably DOES feel 'old'. Coke's stupidity (all the cowboys are pretty stubborn when it comes to injuries, but Coke is by far the worst) was actually a bit hard to read - I cringed when he left the hospital early after a broken neck. There's a lot of rodeo-ing, a bit of work with Jason (from book1), and a lot of falling in love.
Looking forward to the next one.
January 16, 2026
So had to put down my current read when i got this arc as I had been waiting for this second book of this series. So glad i jumped right in as this was such a emotional and gripping storyline. The rodeo setting felt vivid and dangerous, and it gave real weight to Coke’s role as a bullfighter, the risks he takes and the scars he carries made him instantly compelling. I loved the quiet longing between Coke and Dillon, the way both men held back for so long out of fear, age worries and the world they work in. When Dillon finally makes his move, the chemistry is undeniable and wonderfully intense. There’s plenty of tension, both emotional and situational, but it only made their connection feel more earned. A heartfelt, steamy read with genuine depth behind the romance. Highly recommend and cant wait for more.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
January 8, 2026
Two wonderful men, great supporting cast, a relatable story and a rodeo make this a wonderful book. I was hooked from page one and left wanting more. I also think I had a smile on my face this entire book as it was a real page turner for me, one I read in one sitting. Coke and Dillon are the perfect couple, even though Dillon has to work hard to convince the reluctant Coke of that. Typically age gap stories for me are not as engaging but in this one it works beautifully due to how the two men are written. Of course it also has much fire and spice, couple with lots of drama and miscommunication that simply make the payoff even better. It this one does not sit in your heart, you might want to check as you might be missing one. The perfect read for a difficulty day to life your spirits up.
January 3, 2026
I like Coke and Dillon. Some of their acquaintances need a good thumping but there you are. Coke has a heart of gold. Dillon is a bundle of energy and optimism, but all he wants is Coke. People need to let these two live their lives without interfering or making it weird. These two are hot as fire and the chemistry between these two is insane. I am enjoying getting to know these guys this time around. Coke is going to be one of my favorite characters, I can tell. Dillon is a little goofy and people don’t know how to take him sometimes, but he would move the earth for Coke.
January 12, 2026
Coke is the old man of the rodeo circuit and he knows it - at almost 40, he feels it in his bones, and he shows it by trying to protect all the riders and staff around him. But when he connects with Dillion, he finally realizes that may age is just a number and that he's got a lot to offer.
Sweet, sexy, and low-angst, this book was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading about other jobs within the rodeo besides the riders and very much seeing how characters from Blind Ride were doing.
January 16, 2026
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
I enjoyed this, and found the characters particularly charming and definitely likable. It’s feels a bit different than other books I’ve read from this author. The signature BA Tortuga cowboy charm is there certainly, but the dialogue felt a little different to me. Coke and Dillion have just so many internal thoughts, it became a little distracting and interrupted the flow for me a little. I rounded up because I loved how excited Coke and Dillion were to be together, their joy was a delight!
I enjoyed this, and found the characters particularly charming and definitely likable. It’s feels a bit different than other books I’ve read from this author. The signature BA Tortuga cowboy charm is there certainly, but the dialogue felt a little different to me. Coke and Dillion have just so many internal thoughts, it became a little distracting and interrupted the flow for me a little. I rounded up because I loved how excited Coke and Dillion were to be together, their joy was a delight!
January 7, 2026
WOW!!!
I needed this. Anyone who has seen a a few rodeos know that people get hurt. This series really puts it in perspective. A bull isn’t tiny and they don’t play nice. Rodeo is a tough sport all around. Like Jase Coke doesn’t quit. He takes his job seriously and feels he needs to ensure everyone’s safety. Man I love Dillon. I don’t know why the guys honk he’s a weirdo. He’s a rodeo clown. He’s not going to be boring. Like Blind Ride is m going to need this audiobook too.
I needed this. Anyone who has seen a a few rodeos know that people get hurt. This series really puts it in perspective. A bull isn’t tiny and they don’t play nice. Rodeo is a tough sport all around. Like Jase Coke doesn’t quit. He takes his job seriously and feels he needs to ensure everyone’s safety. Man I love Dillon. I don’t know why the guys honk he’s a weirdo. He’s a rodeo clown. He’s not going to be boring. Like Blind Ride is m going to need this audiobook too.
January 17, 2026
Amazing! Coke and Dillon, work together and are friends. Dillon, secretly crushes on Coke but doesn't make a move because he doesn't want to compromise the friendship. Coke secretly lusts after Dillon. They spend a lot of time in their heads, not heart communicating. They have adventures, get to know each other better and finally start talking. BA, always gives us good romances. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
This book is a continuation of the first book in the series. It was lovely to see Coke get his cowboy after reading about him in book one. These guys are all tough as nails and cowboy up for their love of rodeo no matter what. They are close knit group and the series is set to continue on through future books.
January 5, 2026
This one got me in the feels. Coke and Dillon have known each other quite awhile and it was good to see them connect. We are talking about a rodeo and of course that means drama. I look forward to the secrecy continuing and seeing if these cowboys pull it off.
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January 12, 2026I really wanted to love this one because of Dillon’s unique job for the rodeo. Cole’s calling everyone son got repetive throughout the book. This book must be read in order to understand the storyline.
January 16, 2026
And a Smile is the second book in the Roughstock series and really should be read in order. I just loved seeing Dillion and Coke get together and work through the issues that Coke had. Just loved the book.
June 12, 2021
These are definitely back catalogue and feel a little unfinished, possibly because the larger plot arc is continuing. I am learning more about roles at the rodeo, though.
September 19, 2023
Finally, Coke and Dillon find each other. Dillon offers to deal with Jason's sponsors' to aid the conspiracy. A misunderstanding lead to a huge bunch of hurt feelings.
January 5, 2026
Characters are great, felt like it was all settled at the half.
January 13, 2026
I loved these cowboys!!!! Such a good read
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