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This Ain't Our First Rodeo
Love is a wild ride. Hold on.
When life lassoes Josie and Shawn back together three years after their dreamy first date, their second chance at love is anything but easy. A big-hearted rodeo romance set in Houston, Texas, by the critically acclaimed Liara Tamani, author of What She Missed, All The Things We Never Knew, and Calling My Name. This bold first-love story is for fans of Nothing Like the Movies and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help, and maybe take over their growing empire one day, but that isn’t what Josie wants. She’d rather be at the rodeo itself than in a high-end restaurant next to it. Or eating funnel cakes and Texas-sized corn dogs at the carnival on the grounds. Or better yet, riding her horse at her grandparents’ ranch, the very place her mom wants to sell.
It ain’t Shawn’s first rodeo either. He’s been riding bulls since his mom died, doing everything he can to live up to his rodeo-champion stepfather’s sky-high expectations. But as Shawn’s stardom rises, so do tensions in their relationship. His stepfather’s drinking and gambling problems sure don’t help.
After one unforgettable night leaves Josie and Shawn wanting nothing but each other, their lives become entwined in increasingly complex ways. Can they save Josie’s family land? Or will Shawn’s stepfather and his shady plan be the ranch’s ruin? Will one wrong move cost them everything? Rodeo after rodeo, year after year, can Josie and Shawn keep their hearts open through the secrets, twists, and turns?
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a contemporary western love story full of bulls, brawls, and horses. It’s a tender second chance cowboy romance about family, friendship, mistakes, and the blessings of choosing to love anyway. Black cowboys and cowgirls like Josie and Shawn have long helped shape the American West—a legacy that shines in Liara Tamani’s storytelling. Her writing is quick-witted, swoony, and authentic, with characters who are easy to love and hard to forget.
When life lassoes Josie and Shawn back together three years after their dreamy first date, their second chance at love is anything but easy. A big-hearted rodeo romance set in Houston, Texas, by the critically acclaimed Liara Tamani, author of What She Missed, All The Things We Never Knew, and Calling My Name. This bold first-love story is for fans of Nothing Like the Movies and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help, and maybe take over their growing empire one day, but that isn’t what Josie wants. She’d rather be at the rodeo itself than in a high-end restaurant next to it. Or eating funnel cakes and Texas-sized corn dogs at the carnival on the grounds. Or better yet, riding her horse at her grandparents’ ranch, the very place her mom wants to sell.
It ain’t Shawn’s first rodeo either. He’s been riding bulls since his mom died, doing everything he can to live up to his rodeo-champion stepfather’s sky-high expectations. But as Shawn’s stardom rises, so do tensions in their relationship. His stepfather’s drinking and gambling problems sure don’t help.
After one unforgettable night leaves Josie and Shawn wanting nothing but each other, their lives become entwined in increasingly complex ways. Can they save Josie’s family land? Or will Shawn’s stepfather and his shady plan be the ranch’s ruin? Will one wrong move cost them everything? Rodeo after rodeo, year after year, can Josie and Shawn keep their hearts open through the secrets, twists, and turns?
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a contemporary western love story full of bulls, brawls, and horses. It’s a tender second chance cowboy romance about family, friendship, mistakes, and the blessings of choosing to love anyway. Black cowboys and cowgirls like Josie and Shawn have long helped shape the American West—a legacy that shines in Liara Tamani’s storytelling. Her writing is quick-witted, swoony, and authentic, with characters who are easy to love and hard to forget.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
24 people are currently reading
4000 people want to read
About the author
Liara Tamani
5 books312 followersLiara Tamani grew up in Houston,
Texas, where every spring meant one thing:
rodeo season. She loved getting decked out
in her best cowgirl gear and soaking up the
music, food, and electric energy of the rodeo,
a joy she now shares with her daughter
and husband. Her deep Texas roots shine
through her storytelling, capturing the
spirit and rhythms of the state in all her
acclaimed novels: Calling My Name, All
the Things We Never Knew, and What
She Missed. Before becoming a writer, she
attended Harvard Law School and worked
as a marketing coordinator for the Houston
Rockets and Comets, television production
assistant, home accessories designer, floral
designer, and yoga and dance teacher. She
holds an MFA in writing from Vermont
College of Fine Arts and a BA from Duke
University.
www.liaratamani.com
Texas, where every spring meant one thing:
rodeo season. She loved getting decked out
in her best cowgirl gear and soaking up the
music, food, and electric energy of the rodeo,
a joy she now shares with her daughter
and husband. Her deep Texas roots shine
through her storytelling, capturing the
spirit and rhythms of the state in all her
acclaimed novels: Calling My Name, All
the Things We Never Knew, and What
She Missed. Before becoming a writer, she
attended Harvard Law School and worked
as a marketing coordinator for the Houston
Rockets and Comets, television production
assistant, home accessories designer, floral
designer, and yoga and dance teacher. She
holds an MFA in writing from Vermont
College of Fine Arts and a BA from Duke
University.
www.liaratamani.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 23, 2025
This story was such an insightful peek into Texas rodeo culture, and I really appreciated how it highlighted the experiences of Black ranchers and landowners. That was by far the strongest part of the book for me. I loved seeing how tradition, heritage, and perseverance showed up through the characters’ lives it added a depth to the setting that felt meaningful and refreshing. I haven’t read many books that explore this side of history, especially from this perspective, and I found that incredibly valuable.
The romance itself is sweet and heartfelt, very true to YA in tone. While YA isn’t my go-to type of romance, I still enjoyed watching these characters navigate their connection and the weight of family expectation. That said, I’m personally not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, so that aspect kept my rating a bit lower.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a unique and important cultural backdrop. I really enjoyed the glimpse into rodeo life and the history interwoven into the story. A thoughtful take on family legacy, dreams, and identity with a tender second-chance romance at its core. Thanks to Colored pages book tour for the ARC.
The romance itself is sweet and heartfelt, very true to YA in tone. While YA isn’t my go-to type of romance, I still enjoyed watching these characters navigate their connection and the weight of family expectation. That said, I’m personally not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, so that aspect kept my rating a bit lower.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a unique and important cultural backdrop. I really enjoyed the glimpse into rodeo life and the history interwoven into the story. A thoughtful take on family legacy, dreams, and identity with a tender second-chance romance at its core. Thanks to Colored pages book tour for the ARC.
August 11, 2025
3.5
i really enjoyed this book but the ending was kind of disappointing…it felt super rushed. i also didn’t like how the fmc said “She” when speaking about Yahuah soooo 😅
it is a christian book, i think…bc the beliefs seems a little different. for the aforementioned reason and also the characters said that when you die you become a part of everything 🤷🏻♀️
that aside, i LOVED the writing voice. it was very unique and engaging, and also the romance was sweet. it was a bit instalovey but they were cute together so whatever lol
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
i really enjoyed this book but the ending was kind of disappointing…it felt super rushed. i also didn’t like how the fmc said “She” when speaking about Yahuah soooo 😅
it is a christian book, i think…bc the beliefs seems a little different. for the aforementioned reason and also the characters said that when you die you become a part of everything 🤷🏻♀️
that aside, i LOVED the writing voice. it was very unique and engaging, and also the romance was sweet. it was a bit instalovey but they were cute together so whatever lol
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 24, 2026
More stories with Black cowboys for teens are needed! I'm glad Liara Tamani decided to release this one.
What Worked: This Ain't Our First Rodeo is a great recommendation for teen readers that are interested in learning more about the complex layers of rodeo life. I've read a few Black adult romances that featured Black cowboys, but I must admit it, I was excited to see a title releasing that is geared towards a teen audience. The development of Josie and Shawn as characters was solid and I personally didn't mind the "insta-love" romance between the two of them as the narrative is focused on them reuniting at the same carnival where they first met. Tamani provides readers with a dual POV which really leans into conversations about intention versus impact. Each character makes decisions where their intentions are coming from a good place, but have different impacts than expected.
What Didn't Work: The pacing wasn't where it should have been. There were moments in the narrative that moved too quickly and warranted a little more time and space for development. Shawn has a very complicated relationship with his step-father. While there is some resolution to this at the end, I would have prefered for more intricacy that would have illustrated a more realistic portrayal of teens who become famous and wealthy. Especially when those teens become the sole source of income for the family. The ending was also rushed. It's a risk to take complex themes involving things like relationships, faith, Black land ownership, wealth, addiction, etc. and glaze over them across the narrative. This could have been an opportunity to pick just a couple and really develop them with thoughtfulness that would resonate with teens.
Overall, I think that this was a solid romance and teens will enjoy it; however, I think it would have been stronger with better pacing and more thorough development of certain topics.
What Worked: This Ain't Our First Rodeo is a great recommendation for teen readers that are interested in learning more about the complex layers of rodeo life. I've read a few Black adult romances that featured Black cowboys, but I must admit it, I was excited to see a title releasing that is geared towards a teen audience. The development of Josie and Shawn as characters was solid and I personally didn't mind the "insta-love" romance between the two of them as the narrative is focused on them reuniting at the same carnival where they first met. Tamani provides readers with a dual POV which really leans into conversations about intention versus impact. Each character makes decisions where their intentions are coming from a good place, but have different impacts than expected.
What Didn't Work: The pacing wasn't where it should have been. There were moments in the narrative that moved too quickly and warranted a little more time and space for development. Shawn has a very complicated relationship with his step-father. While there is some resolution to this at the end, I would have prefered for more intricacy that would have illustrated a more realistic portrayal of teens who become famous and wealthy. Especially when those teens become the sole source of income for the family. The ending was also rushed. It's a risk to take complex themes involving things like relationships, faith, Black land ownership, wealth, addiction, etc. and glaze over them across the narrative. This could have been an opportunity to pick just a couple and really develop them with thoughtfulness that would resonate with teens.
Overall, I think that this was a solid romance and teens will enjoy it; however, I think it would have been stronger with better pacing and more thorough development of certain topics.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The moment I started reading THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO, the world around me stopped existing. I fell really hard for Josie and Shawn, they were powerfully inspiring and magnificently perfect together! Their relationship was vibrant, with sparks flying everywhere, their chemistry was natural, and their behaviors were riveting! The pride in Black cowboy heritage impacted me severely it has many well-researched topics that were very powerful to read, because the Author's structure to unfold and grip your fibers of the heart to it! It gave the love story a sense of purpose beyond two youngsters falling in love, I kept thinking about land, heritage, and how much history exists in places that we pass every day without realizing! This book felt marvelous, honest and tremendously original, which astonished every neuron of my brain!!!
.
Josie and Shawn meet on an idyllic rodeo night, featuring fried food, Ferris wheel lights, and the electrifying anticipation that makes everything else vanish, their almost-kiss is cut short, and life tears them apart before they can realize what they meant to each other! Years pass... Josie is being entangled deeper into her family's restaurant empire while yearning for her grandparents' ranch, the only part of her life that feels familiar. Shawn puts himself into bull riding, chasing perfection while dealing with a difficult stepfather and the shadow of obligations!
.
THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO by Liara Tamani is an extraordinary crafted cowboy romance, the writing is lyrical and poignant, rendering even ordinary situations feel momentous, the descriptions of the rodeo, horses, food stands, and wide space are vivid and extremely gorgeous! The writing slows you down just enough to properly soak up the setting while keeping the plot compelling and emotionally loaded, the romance is innocent and clean, focusing on wistful gaze and deep conversations, the last chapters left me feeling natural and hopeful, as if love, land, and legacy can all be safeguarded if you're courageous enough to choose them! It ends with a sincere celebration of Black cowboy culture packed up in a tender, memorable second-chance love story, this was ten stars romance and hands down my favourite read of 2026 so far!
.
Josie and Shawn meet on an idyllic rodeo night, featuring fried food, Ferris wheel lights, and the electrifying anticipation that makes everything else vanish, their almost-kiss is cut short, and life tears them apart before they can realize what they meant to each other! Years pass... Josie is being entangled deeper into her family's restaurant empire while yearning for her grandparents' ranch, the only part of her life that feels familiar. Shawn puts himself into bull riding, chasing perfection while dealing with a difficult stepfather and the shadow of obligations!
.
THIS AIN'T OUR FIRST RODEO by Liara Tamani is an extraordinary crafted cowboy romance, the writing is lyrical and poignant, rendering even ordinary situations feel momentous, the descriptions of the rodeo, horses, food stands, and wide space are vivid and extremely gorgeous! The writing slows you down just enough to properly soak up the setting while keeping the plot compelling and emotionally loaded, the romance is innocent and clean, focusing on wistful gaze and deep conversations, the last chapters left me feeling natural and hopeful, as if love, land, and legacy can all be safeguarded if you're courageous enough to choose them! It ends with a sincere celebration of Black cowboy culture packed up in a tender, memorable second-chance love story, this was ten stars romance and hands down my favourite read of 2026 so far!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored this second chance western romance! 🩷 Shawn is such a gentleman. Josie is smart & has a big heart. I loved them together!
What I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere. The description of county fair foods & attractions, cowboy fashion and southern hospitality jump off the page. A few facts are sprinkled throughout about the history of Black cowboys & cowgirls.
Part 1 has short, easy chapters - written in a way to reflect Josie & Shawn in their early teens. You get the "young, puppy love" vibe with this.
Things switch up in the second part, where they are in their late teens, with chapters that are more structured and showcase maturity. Yes, they may have handled a few things the wrong way 5 years ago, but the feelings they had then are stronger now.
For me, things took a different approach around the 75% mark. This ain't just a romance story! The way I got emotional & started turning pages!! An unexpected change of pace/ events that gave the story more depth.
I enjoyed this book, but a few musical mentions may go over some younger readers' heads, unless their parents were heavy on 90's/2000's southern rap & hip hop 😅.
(Triggers: death of animal & human, abuse, grief)
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours, Netgalley & Green Willow Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
What I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere. The description of county fair foods & attractions, cowboy fashion and southern hospitality jump off the page. A few facts are sprinkled throughout about the history of Black cowboys & cowgirls.
Part 1 has short, easy chapters - written in a way to reflect Josie & Shawn in their early teens. You get the "young, puppy love" vibe with this.
Things switch up in the second part, where they are in their late teens, with chapters that are more structured and showcase maturity. Yes, they may have handled a few things the wrong way 5 years ago, but the feelings they had then are stronger now.
For me, things took a different approach around the 75% mark. This ain't just a romance story! The way I got emotional & started turning pages!! An unexpected change of pace/ events that gave the story more depth.
I enjoyed this book, but a few musical mentions may go over some younger readers' heads, unless their parents were heavy on 90's/2000's southern rap & hip hop 😅.
(Triggers: death of animal & human, abuse, grief)
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours, Netgalley & Green Willow Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
January 24, 2026
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is cheesy and fun, but it definitely reads extremely YA. Not that it’s a bad thing, but the dialogue between our two protagonists seemed a bit too childish at times, and the insta-love pulled me out of the story. I do love the love at first sight trope sometimes, but only when it’s done well!
While I was in FFA and 4-H growing up and showed sheep at fair, I’ve never been too into the whole Rodeo scene, so this book introduced me to a topic I’ve never really thought about. There is so much more to bull riding than just sitting on a bull and hanging on for dear life. It takes strength, training, and endurance. I also loved the bits and pieces about Black cowboys and learning about some of the more famous ones!
I do think it was super cute that our two main characters reunite at the same carnival they met at three years earlier, and I loved the portrayal of how family isn’t just blood, and how complicated love for a parental figure can get. This was a super quick and easy read to get through!
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the e-arc! This Ain’t Our Rodeo releases on Feb 3!
While I was in FFA and 4-H growing up and showed sheep at fair, I’ve never been too into the whole Rodeo scene, so this book introduced me to a topic I’ve never really thought about. There is so much more to bull riding than just sitting on a bull and hanging on for dear life. It takes strength, training, and endurance. I also loved the bits and pieces about Black cowboys and learning about some of the more famous ones!
I do think it was super cute that our two main characters reunite at the same carnival they met at three years earlier, and I loved the portrayal of how family isn’t just blood, and how complicated love for a parental figure can get. This was a super quick and easy read to get through!
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the e-arc! This Ain’t Our Rodeo releases on Feb 3!
November 24, 2025
This was a quick and easy cowboy rodeo romance, and while I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help wanting more from the story.
The rodeo and cowboy culture were super interesting—stuff I didn’t really know much about before—so that part definitely pulled me in. But at the same time, it felt like we only skimmed the surface.
The pacing was a little too fast for me. Everything happened so quickly that some emotional moments didn’t get the depth they deserved.
Shawn dealing with his father’s news, Josie facing the loss of her beloved ranch—those scenes could’ve hit harder if they’d been explored more.
On the brighter side, I really liked the chemistry between Josie and Shawn. Their relationship was sweet and easy to root for.
That said, the repeated miscommunication bugged me a bit. It felt like déjà vu—same mistakes, same frustration—when they could’ve just talked it out. But hey, they’re teenagers in this story, so I get it.
The ending, though, is what really threw me off. It wrapped up way too suddenly, almost like the story just stopped mid-step. Definitely left me wanting for more...
Overall, it’s a solid debut. The plot idea is great, the setting is beautifully described, and the romance is sweet. It just needs a little more development in places to really shine.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
The rodeo and cowboy culture were super interesting—stuff I didn’t really know much about before—so that part definitely pulled me in. But at the same time, it felt like we only skimmed the surface.
The pacing was a little too fast for me. Everything happened so quickly that some emotional moments didn’t get the depth they deserved.
Shawn dealing with his father’s news, Josie facing the loss of her beloved ranch—those scenes could’ve hit harder if they’d been explored more.
On the brighter side, I really liked the chemistry between Josie and Shawn. Their relationship was sweet and easy to root for.
That said, the repeated miscommunication bugged me a bit. It felt like déjà vu—same mistakes, same frustration—when they could’ve just talked it out. But hey, they’re teenagers in this story, so I get it.
The ending, though, is what really threw me off. It wrapped up way too suddenly, almost like the story just stopped mid-step. Definitely left me wanting for more...
Overall, it’s a solid debut. The plot idea is great, the setting is beautifully described, and the romance is sweet. It just needs a little more development in places to really shine.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
January 12, 2026
It’s Not Our First Rodeo was such a sweet treat to kick off my 2026 reads and get me excited for rodeo season in March! 🤠✨
It’s YA, but full of heart, and beautifully rooted in Houston’s rodeo culture.
Shawn was a phenomenal character to follow. For someone so young, he carried so much pride and joy in bull riding, along with a deep connection to the legacy of Black cowboy Nat Love and the love he had for his longtime horse, Lil Nat. He was the kind of young man any mother would want for her daughter. I was cheering for him in every competition. I also loved seeing his internal conflicts — what he wanted for his future, how he wanted to give back, and how he handled family responsibilities. So admirable.
Josie… worked my nerves a little with her immaturity, but she is a teen experiencing first love, so I gave her grace. I really didn’t like how snobbish her parents were toward Shawn during their first meeting, though.
I really enjoyed their “love-at-first-sight”, “can’t-take-my-eyes-off-you”, "we were brought to this moment for a reason" connection. I annotated so many of their sweet moments that had me so giddy. I loved that they were both pining for each other — there was this electric pull between them that stayed strong even with distance. It was sugary sweet, pure, and so heartwarming.
As a Houstonian, this story really spoke to me. It brought back memories of going to the rodeo year after year — usually just walking the carnival and eating all the greasy, delicious food 😅.
Recently, I was driving through Sunnyside and saw a boy — maybe 10 years old — riding his bike with a car slowly trailing behind him. I remember thinking, okay… he’s training. And this book made that moment hit differently.
I love how this story shows the excitement of the rodeo, but also highlights the riders and their journeys. So many kids start training young to be part of this world, and it’s beautiful to see that legacy continue. I plan to actually watch the livestock show this year on Black Heritage Night. 🐎
🎁 Many thanks for my ARC: @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani @epicreads @netgalley
It’s YA, but full of heart, and beautifully rooted in Houston’s rodeo culture.
Shawn was a phenomenal character to follow. For someone so young, he carried so much pride and joy in bull riding, along with a deep connection to the legacy of Black cowboy Nat Love and the love he had for his longtime horse, Lil Nat. He was the kind of young man any mother would want for her daughter. I was cheering for him in every competition. I also loved seeing his internal conflicts — what he wanted for his future, how he wanted to give back, and how he handled family responsibilities. So admirable.
Josie… worked my nerves a little with her immaturity, but she is a teen experiencing first love, so I gave her grace. I really didn’t like how snobbish her parents were toward Shawn during their first meeting, though.
I really enjoyed their “love-at-first-sight”, “can’t-take-my-eyes-off-you”, "we were brought to this moment for a reason" connection. I annotated so many of their sweet moments that had me so giddy. I loved that they were both pining for each other — there was this electric pull between them that stayed strong even with distance. It was sugary sweet, pure, and so heartwarming.
As a Houstonian, this story really spoke to me. It brought back memories of going to the rodeo year after year — usually just walking the carnival and eating all the greasy, delicious food 😅.
Recently, I was driving through Sunnyside and saw a boy — maybe 10 years old — riding his bike with a car slowly trailing behind him. I remember thinking, okay… he’s training. And this book made that moment hit differently.
I love how this story shows the excitement of the rodeo, but also highlights the riders and their journeys. So many kids start training young to be part of this world, and it’s beautiful to see that legacy continue. I plan to actually watch the livestock show this year on Black Heritage Night. 🐎
🎁 Many thanks for my ARC: @coloredpagesbt @liaratamani @epicreads @netgalley
February 10, 2026
I really didn’t like this. Neither of the characters seemed like they were bought into their relationship even at the end. Listen, they’re young…so I’m not saying they have to be married with a baby on the way in the epilogue, but I would prefer for them to not be TALKING about marriage and kids one moment and then completely unsure about one another the next. That is literally like…80% of the book, btw. I remember how it was when I was young, but also…damn. This was just too YA for me maybe? Also waaaaay too Christian. Two horny teens keeping space for god because the FMC is a virgin, but they make out a lot. Just not for me. The rodeo stuff was cool. I do usually like that. The characters were just all insufferable. Even the MMC forgives his “dad” at the end like WHAT?! I was so fucking done then. GTFO. You can’t act like he was such a POS this whole book—an addict, risking the MMC’s career/money, getting in with super bad people, and literally putting the MMC’s life in danger…and then he just forgives him. Lmao. What?? No thanks.
Insane levels of miscommunication, a third act break up, and shitty family all around. Nah.
Insane levels of miscommunication, a third act break up, and shitty family all around. Nah.
February 13, 2026
This was such a warm, heartfelt read with a setting you don’t see nearly enough in YA romance. The rodeo atmosphere felt vivid and lived-in from the Houston rodeo energy to ranch life details and it added so much texture and authenticity to the story.
Josie and Shawn’s romance is a gentle, second-chance love that unfolds with care. Their connection feels sincere, and I really appreciated the dual POV, which let their emotions and personal struggles shine. There’s a quiet sweetness to how their relationship develops, balanced with real conversations about dreams, expectations, and finding your place.
The story also highlights Black cowboy culture and Western history in a way that feels natural and meaningful, not performative. That representation gave the book extra heart and made it stand out.
That said, it is firmly YA. Some moments leaned into miscommunication and emotional beats that felt a bit rushed or youthful, and a few scenes could’ve benefited from more space to breathe. Still, the overall experience was engaging and emotionally satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for:
🤠 A cozy, unique setting
❤️ A sweet second-chance romance
🌾 Authentic characters with real goals
Josie and Shawn’s romance is a gentle, second-chance love that unfolds with care. Their connection feels sincere, and I really appreciated the dual POV, which let their emotions and personal struggles shine. There’s a quiet sweetness to how their relationship develops, balanced with real conversations about dreams, expectations, and finding your place.
The story also highlights Black cowboy culture and Western history in a way that feels natural and meaningful, not performative. That representation gave the book extra heart and made it stand out.
That said, it is firmly YA. Some moments leaned into miscommunication and emotional beats that felt a bit rushed or youthful, and a few scenes could’ve benefited from more space to breathe. Still, the overall experience was engaging and emotionally satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for:
🤠 A cozy, unique setting
❤️ A sweet second-chance romance
🌾 Authentic characters with real goals
November 12, 2025
H-town in the house!!!!
I always wanted to go to a Rodeo when I’m visiting family in Houston.
This quick read was very good and entertaining.
I love a good second chance romance.
Black cowboy romance at its best!
I love the way this book was showcasing horses and all the real life behind running a ranch. And even how difficult and hard it can be a cowboy who competes in competitions. I love reading about it. So cool. Texas rodeo culture was written amazingly.
I always wanted to go to a Rodeo when I’m visiting family in Houston.
This quick read was very good and entertaining.
I love a good second chance romance.
Black cowboy romance at its best!
I love the way this book was showcasing horses and all the real life behind running a ranch. And even how difficult and hard it can be a cowboy who competes in competitions. I love reading about it. So cool. Texas rodeo culture was written amazingly.
February 17, 2026
DNF @ 50%
dnf
December 10, 2025I don't mind YA, but this read too childish to me. And the really short chapters between each of their POVs was annoying. DNF at 13%
February 10, 2026
3.5 stars. This started so strong, a very sweet romance and a great YA story overall but that ending was so rushed.
January 17, 2026
This was a 10 out of 10. I was NOT expecting to ugly cry and blow my nose from snot crying when I picked up this book. And I did this 3 separate times! It was such a pleasant surprise. And I will immediately re-reading as soon as I’m done with this review.
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is your quintessential ‘first love’ story, but it’s beautifully told through the eyes of man characters completely immersed in Black rodeo culture. It read like a movie or a great tv show series that leaves you in suspense at the end of every chapter. As I read, it played out like the perfect blend of The Notebook movie and the Netflix show Forever in my mind. Just with a cowboy twist.
The author included amazing banter (that was both believable and relatable), strong character development, and emotional depth that tugs at your heart strings. Bravo!! I can’t wait for this to come out so I can buy my own copy and convince all of my friends to too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenwillow Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is your quintessential ‘first love’ story, but it’s beautifully told through the eyes of man characters completely immersed in Black rodeo culture. It read like a movie or a great tv show series that leaves you in suspense at the end of every chapter. As I read, it played out like the perfect blend of The Notebook movie and the Netflix show Forever in my mind. Just with a cowboy twist.
The author included amazing banter (that was both believable and relatable), strong character development, and emotional depth that tugs at your heart strings. Bravo!! I can’t wait for this to come out so I can buy my own copy and convince all of my friends to too!
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenwillow Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
A cowboy romance that highlights the beauty and importance of Black heritage in cowboy and rodeo culture.
Josie and Shawn have grown up surrounded in rodeo culture, but this year's rodeo promises to be a little different when the two stumble upon each other at the local carnival. Shawn and Josie have a spark filled night brimming with funnel cake, Ferris wheel rides, and one almost kiss. Unfortunately, Josie's parents catch the two in the near act, and the two's first date come to an abrupt end. Life has a way of pulling people apart, and that is exactly what happens to these two. Josie's parents own a chain of very successful restaurants, but she spends as much of her free time as she can on her grandparent's ranch. To her dismay, she's getting roped into helping out with the family business more and more lately. Shawn was raised to ride bulls by his father, and he's pretty darn good at it too. However, he is still haunted by the near fatal accident he had during one of his competitions. When circumstances bring them back together again three years later, Josie and Shawn have a second chance at love.
This one is a really quick read, so I'd say for the most part it's worth reading. I like how it dives into Black culture and how their history is so interwoven into cowboys and rodeos, things that are typically portrayed as very white in the media and the history books. It was neat learning a bit more about this side of history. Learning more about Texas rodeo culture in and of itself was pretty cool, too, since this is a sport, I know next to nothing about.
The romance was also pretty cute (for the most part). I've never really read a cowboy romance, so that was a bit different for me. Josie wants to be a horse trainer, and Shawn is a bull rider, so they both know their way around ranch life. This obviously bonds them rather swiftly. Shawn is a proper young gentleman, and Josie is a sassy young woman, so their conversations are entertaining to consume. They also have some pretty wholesome scenes together, and they are both so willing to care for the other.
There were parts that really bothered me about their romance though. They have a really great first encounter that they literally chalk up as a divine meeting arranged by God and they just ghost each other for three years? I dunno, I think that is a of a sus way to start off a relationship. I mostly blame Josie for this as Shawn gets insanely famous as a bull rider. And the third act conflict was also redundant, because Josie pretty much just ghosts Shawn again when she makes poor assumptions about him and then he just forgives her immediately despite her poor attitude. This made it really hard for me to back Josie's way of thinking up, but whatever.
I would have to subcategorize this book as Christian fiction, for both Shawn and Josie are deeply devout in their own ways. They often have discussions about things being gifts from God's, their meetings as being divinely arranged, and the like. It has been a while since I've read a book where the characters are so deeply Christian, so that was sort of neat.
This book is rather short, which I feel was one of its major downfalls. The ending felt rather rushed and a tad anticlimactic. We had a few major plot points going, and I feel like they were tied up into a pretty bow with few things going wrong, which I feel was a tad unrealistic. One thing went majorly wrong for Josie, which I felt strongly, but even that felt like a bit much for no reason.
Overall, "This Ain't Our First Rodeo" was a decent romance that had quite a few things going for it. I enjoyed being exposed to the rodeo and cowboy lifestyles that are portrayed in this book. I also really liked the spotlight it presents on the importance of Black Americans in the Wild West. Another thing I found to be neat are the messages about second chances and following one's dreams. However, the ending was wrapped up way to quickly and everything went a little too perfectly for my liking. I also found the third act conflict to be rather petty and repetitive. I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but it's such a fast read that I don't regret giving this one a try!
Josie and Shawn have grown up surrounded in rodeo culture, but this year's rodeo promises to be a little different when the two stumble upon each other at the local carnival. Shawn and Josie have a spark filled night brimming with funnel cake, Ferris wheel rides, and one almost kiss. Unfortunately, Josie's parents catch the two in the near act, and the two's first date come to an abrupt end. Life has a way of pulling people apart, and that is exactly what happens to these two. Josie's parents own a chain of very successful restaurants, but she spends as much of her free time as she can on her grandparent's ranch. To her dismay, she's getting roped into helping out with the family business more and more lately. Shawn was raised to ride bulls by his father, and he's pretty darn good at it too. However, he is still haunted by the near fatal accident he had during one of his competitions. When circumstances bring them back together again three years later, Josie and Shawn have a second chance at love.
This one is a really quick read, so I'd say for the most part it's worth reading. I like how it dives into Black culture and how their history is so interwoven into cowboys and rodeos, things that are typically portrayed as very white in the media and the history books. It was neat learning a bit more about this side of history. Learning more about Texas rodeo culture in and of itself was pretty cool, too, since this is a sport, I know next to nothing about.
The romance was also pretty cute (for the most part). I've never really read a cowboy romance, so that was a bit different for me. Josie wants to be a horse trainer, and Shawn is a bull rider, so they both know their way around ranch life. This obviously bonds them rather swiftly. Shawn is a proper young gentleman, and Josie is a sassy young woman, so their conversations are entertaining to consume. They also have some pretty wholesome scenes together, and they are both so willing to care for the other.
There were parts that really bothered me about their romance though. They have a really great first encounter that they literally chalk up as a divine meeting arranged by God and they just ghost each other for three years? I dunno, I think that is a of a sus way to start off a relationship. I mostly blame Josie for this as Shawn gets insanely famous as a bull rider. And the third act conflict was also redundant, because Josie pretty much just ghosts Shawn again when she makes poor assumptions about him and then he just forgives her immediately despite her poor attitude. This made it really hard for me to back Josie's way of thinking up, but whatever.
I would have to subcategorize this book as Christian fiction, for both Shawn and Josie are deeply devout in their own ways. They often have discussions about things being gifts from God's, their meetings as being divinely arranged, and the like. It has been a while since I've read a book where the characters are so deeply Christian, so that was sort of neat.
This book is rather short, which I feel was one of its major downfalls. The ending felt rather rushed and a tad anticlimactic. We had a few major plot points going, and I feel like they were tied up into a pretty bow with few things going wrong, which I feel was a tad unrealistic. One thing went majorly wrong for Josie, which I felt strongly, but even that felt like a bit much for no reason.
Overall, "This Ain't Our First Rodeo" was a decent romance that had quite a few things going for it. I enjoyed being exposed to the rodeo and cowboy lifestyles that are portrayed in this book. I also really liked the spotlight it presents on the importance of Black Americans in the Wild West. Another thing I found to be neat are the messages about second chances and following one's dreams. However, the ending was wrapped up way to quickly and everything went a little too perfectly for my liking. I also found the third act conflict to be rather petty and repetitive. I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but it's such a fast read that I don't regret giving this one a try!
Review of advance copy
3.25 stars
I was instantly sold on this book being a black cowboy rodeo romance, with one of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen, and was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it did not fully deliver for me, the main reason being the writing style and pacing. The pacing felt really off, where at times we spent a very long time in the same scene while other times we jumped between scenes way too quickly, within just a few pages, and I felt like there were quite a few moments in the story that we moved way too quickly from and never got fully resolved. The writing style was different to anything I have ever read, which unfortunately was not really working for me. The best way I can think of to explain the writing style is that it almost felt like reading a diary entry by a teenager. The chapters were super short, sometimes only a few sentences, which started getting frustrated and confusing because we were jumping between POV's too quickly and it took me out of the story a few times.
The relationship between Josie and Shawn felt really insta lovey, but I can still get behind the relationship because they were really young and love and relationships are different when you are a teenager than when you are an adult. I really liked Shawn as a character, he is mature, kind and really handles himself well. I did not like Josie as much, but I do think she was very well written for how her upbringing was. Josie and Shawn had very different upbringings and family lives, and that was really obvious in how they were as characters, which I thought was a really interesting part of the story to witness. I really liked the setting of the story, I loved reading about the rodeo life, about their family lives and the cultural history that was a part of the story. I really flew through this book, it is easily read and fast paced, and I read the last 40% of this book in one sitting, because I couldn't put the book down, I really was not expecting that action towards the end, and I was definitely not expecting to get emotional. I wish that we got more of a conclusion to the end, and more things would have been resolved, but I am still happy with the character's situations at the end.
Thank you Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
I was instantly sold on this book being a black cowboy rodeo romance, with one of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen, and was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it did not fully deliver for me, the main reason being the writing style and pacing. The pacing felt really off, where at times we spent a very long time in the same scene while other times we jumped between scenes way too quickly, within just a few pages, and I felt like there were quite a few moments in the story that we moved way too quickly from and never got fully resolved. The writing style was different to anything I have ever read, which unfortunately was not really working for me. The best way I can think of to explain the writing style is that it almost felt like reading a diary entry by a teenager. The chapters were super short, sometimes only a few sentences, which started getting frustrated and confusing because we were jumping between POV's too quickly and it took me out of the story a few times.
The relationship between Josie and Shawn felt really insta lovey, but I can still get behind the relationship because they were really young and love and relationships are different when you are a teenager than when you are an adult. I really liked Shawn as a character, he is mature, kind and really handles himself well. I did not like Josie as much, but I do think she was very well written for how her upbringing was. Josie and Shawn had very different upbringings and family lives, and that was really obvious in how they were as characters, which I thought was a really interesting part of the story to witness. I really liked the setting of the story, I loved reading about the rodeo life, about their family lives and the cultural history that was a part of the story. I really flew through this book, it is easily read and fast paced, and I read the last 40% of this book in one sitting, because I couldn't put the book down, I really was not expecting that action towards the end, and I was definitely not expecting to get emotional. I wish that we got more of a conclusion to the end, and more things would have been resolved, but I am still happy with the character's situations at the end.
Thank you Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the arc copy which i received in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
This was a cute story, it brought out thought provoking emotions about chasing your own dreams and not just the ones expected of you. The characters were fully rounded and detailed. But the writing style lost me. There was a lot of young, modern slang. It would have been fine if it was just in the dialogue between characters but it was in the context too.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for my honest review. I know ARCs often have typos and areas to clean up, but there were a lot more here than I���m used to. At times they seemed intentional, which might be that younger slang/language. There were incomplete sentences throughout the book that bothered and threw me off.
The story is written in two POVs, which I liked. Unfortunately having the chapters ranging from a couple of sentences to 7-8 pages was a jarring and disorienting experience, constantly changing perspectives.
I did think this story showed important lessons about black cowboys in American history, expressing culture and family in several perspectives. I especially appreciated the complex relationship Shawn has with Sterling, as he reflects on who his father used to be verses the man he has become. I wish we got a better conclusion about where they landed after that final ride. Also wish we had a conclusion to the financial situation with Melvin or if Shelley forgave him.
As a Christian, it’s always encouraging to read stories that touch on the power and grace of God. That wasn’t the arching theme of the book, which as I stated above pointed more towards dreams and legacies, but it was reflected as important to Shawn’s character.
Josie was pretty spoiled and self centered for a MFC but she does grow and ends up showing incredible courage and perseverance in the end.
Trigger Note: there is a traumatic scene involving the death of a beloved horse. I wasn’t prepared for that in a YA read and had to step away from the book for a while. We did not get any more information or conclusion to the safety or condition of the other horses involved in that scene afterwords. Even a single paragraph that explained their safety would have made me feel better.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for my honest review. I know ARCs often have typos and areas to clean up, but there were a lot more here than I���m used to. At times they seemed intentional, which might be that younger slang/language. There were incomplete sentences throughout the book that bothered and threw me off.
The story is written in two POVs, which I liked. Unfortunately having the chapters ranging from a couple of sentences to 7-8 pages was a jarring and disorienting experience, constantly changing perspectives.
I did think this story showed important lessons about black cowboys in American history, expressing culture and family in several perspectives. I especially appreciated the complex relationship Shawn has with Sterling, as he reflects on who his father used to be verses the man he has become. I wish we got a better conclusion about where they landed after that final ride. Also wish we had a conclusion to the financial situation with Melvin or if Shelley forgave him.
As a Christian, it’s always encouraging to read stories that touch on the power and grace of God. That wasn’t the arching theme of the book, which as I stated above pointed more towards dreams and legacies, but it was reflected as important to Shawn’s character.
Josie was pretty spoiled and self centered for a MFC but she does grow and ends up showing incredible courage and perseverance in the end.
Trigger Note: there is a traumatic scene involving the death of a beloved horse. I wasn’t prepared for that in a YA read and had to step away from the book for a while. We did not get any more information or conclusion to the safety or condition of the other horses involved in that scene afterwords. Even a single paragraph that explained their safety would have made me feel better.
February 6, 2026
3.25 stars
I saw this on a recommendation post and was immediately drawn in by that gorgeous cover. While the cover brought me to this book, I stayed for the sweet representation of young Black love and the rich history lessons in Black cowboys and the Houston rodeo circuit.
The initial meet cute between Shawn and Josie was a little rocky, but it didn't take long to turn in the other direction. The super quick chapters were kind of fun and made me want to keep reading. They're so young at the start of this and I enjoyed how pure and guileless it all was. Their instant connection was very sweet and I'm glad there was a little bit of a time jump and that they were able to reconnect a few years later.
Shawn was charming, gentle, and honestly just such a genuine guy!! I really liked how open and honest his character was. I admired the way he fought for Josie even when it would have been easier to just give up.
Josie could be sweet too, but I liked the fire in her more than in anything. Despite being raised in a wealthy family, I liked how she knew a hard day's work and was actively trying to live a life where she could do that full time. Her parents initially seemed like they were not the best parents, but I loved the resolution we got with them and thought the ending with them was so sweet.
One of my favorite parts was all of the history and background that was delved into when it came to Black cowboys and their erasure in the media. It was fascinating to learn about and didn't surprise me at all to learn that it wasn't taught in schools. Also, as someone who lives in Texas, I also really enjoyed the Houston representation. I'm not from there, but I know several people who are and would have loved to see how involved it was in this story!!
The conflict at the end was a whirlwind and I'm not sure how I felt about it?? I had to really suspend disbelief with a lot of it lol. Also, there was something that occurred that I lowkey wish there'd been a trigger warning for :(
Anyway, I still enjoyed this! Really sweet YA novel.
I saw this on a recommendation post and was immediately drawn in by that gorgeous cover. While the cover brought me to this book, I stayed for the sweet representation of young Black love and the rich history lessons in Black cowboys and the Houston rodeo circuit.
The initial meet cute between Shawn and Josie was a little rocky, but it didn't take long to turn in the other direction. The super quick chapters were kind of fun and made me want to keep reading. They're so young at the start of this and I enjoyed how pure and guileless it all was. Their instant connection was very sweet and I'm glad there was a little bit of a time jump and that they were able to reconnect a few years later.
Shawn was charming, gentle, and honestly just such a genuine guy!! I really liked how open and honest his character was. I admired the way he fought for Josie even when it would have been easier to just give up.
Josie could be sweet too, but I liked the fire in her more than in anything. Despite being raised in a wealthy family, I liked how she knew a hard day's work and was actively trying to live a life where she could do that full time. Her parents initially seemed like they were not the best parents, but I loved the resolution we got with them and thought the ending with them was so sweet.
One of my favorite parts was all of the history and background that was delved into when it came to Black cowboys and their erasure in the media. It was fascinating to learn about and didn't surprise me at all to learn that it wasn't taught in schools. Also, as someone who lives in Texas, I also really enjoyed the Houston representation. I'm not from there, but I know several people who are and would have loved to see how involved it was in this story!!
The conflict at the end was a whirlwind and I'm not sure how I felt about it?? I had to really suspend disbelief with a lot of it lol. Also, there was something that occurred that I lowkey wish there'd been a trigger warning for :(
Anyway, I still enjoyed this! Really sweet YA novel.
February 2, 2026
🐴 This Ain’t Our First Rodeo 🐴
Liara Tamani
Available February 3, 2026
4⭐️/2🔥
Thank you @harperaudiochildren’s for the alc of this book
I was originally drawn to this book by it’s beautiful cover because if Brittany Keller designs it, I’m going to read it! I was also excited to see it was a young adult cowboy romance. This read more like new adult to me despite the ages of the characters, they start out younger and end up being 18 & 19, but they are definitely came across as more mature, which I liked.
This book was told in alternating chapters and was a super quick read. I was drawn in by the rodeo setting and the way Josie & Shawn meet for the first time when he comes to her rescue from a dirtbag who doesn’t have a problem putting his hands on women. They clearly have a connection from the very start and there is just something about young love and getting to watch it grow.
This book definitely had some twists and turns and they are both dealing with a lot just in different ways. Josie wants to find a way to keep her family from selling their ranch and Shawn is constantly living with the pressure of being the best bull rider and dealing with his step-dad’s gambling addiction & more.
I also loved that this book touches on the history of black cowboys and cowgirls and how their stories of helping to shape the American West have often been absent or white washed.
🎧Audiobook Thoughts
Shayna Small & Landon Woodson did a wonderful job with this audio. The POVs switch back and forth, sometimes pretty quickly and having the different voices really brought this to life. They both also embodied their characters and that southern twang was definitely there as well.
TW: on page assult, addiction, death of a parent (off page), a horse has to be put down (on page)
TROPES
💖 YA Romance
🐴 Cowboy Romance
💞 Second Chance
❣️ First Love
🐂 Black Rodeo Culture
🎭 Family Drama
Liara Tamani
Available February 3, 2026
4⭐️/2🔥
Thank you @harperaudiochildren’s for the alc of this book
I was originally drawn to this book by it’s beautiful cover because if Brittany Keller designs it, I’m going to read it! I was also excited to see it was a young adult cowboy romance. This read more like new adult to me despite the ages of the characters, they start out younger and end up being 18 & 19, but they are definitely came across as more mature, which I liked.
This book was told in alternating chapters and was a super quick read. I was drawn in by the rodeo setting and the way Josie & Shawn meet for the first time when he comes to her rescue from a dirtbag who doesn’t have a problem putting his hands on women. They clearly have a connection from the very start and there is just something about young love and getting to watch it grow.
This book definitely had some twists and turns and they are both dealing with a lot just in different ways. Josie wants to find a way to keep her family from selling their ranch and Shawn is constantly living with the pressure of being the best bull rider and dealing with his step-dad’s gambling addiction & more.
I also loved that this book touches on the history of black cowboys and cowgirls and how their stories of helping to shape the American West have often been absent or white washed.
🎧Audiobook Thoughts
Shayna Small & Landon Woodson did a wonderful job with this audio. The POVs switch back and forth, sometimes pretty quickly and having the different voices really brought this to life. They both also embodied their characters and that southern twang was definitely there as well.
TW: on page assult, addiction, death of a parent (off page), a horse has to be put down (on page)
TROPES
💖 YA Romance
🐴 Cowboy Romance
💞 Second Chance
❣️ First Love
🐂 Black Rodeo Culture
🎭 Family Drama
January 16, 2026
This YA debut is a dual point of view, second chance romance that has all the teenage angst and butterflies that one would expect from a YA romance. There’s also a healthy dose of drama and danger involved in this Cowboy/Bull riding story. Josie and Shawn first meet under random circumstances where Shawn comes to Josie’s rescue. At the time, neither of them are mature enough to voice their initial feelings, and the circumstances surrounding their meeting are less than ideal. With pretentious parents and overprotective parents, Josie makes a choice that she later regrets. Years later, Shawn is has made a name for himself as a champion bull rider, and a new set of challenges force these former acquaintances to show up for each other in the ways that matter.
Josie’s and Shawn’s romance is not without its challenges. The miscommunication trope is present as a lack of clear communication threatens to ruin any relationship they hope to maintain, which is a pattern throughout the book. The author’s writing style is fast-paced and brief, which speeds the plot along. A lot of the chapters are short, a few are only a sentence or two, and several of the main plot conflicts are seemingly resolved off the page, which might be confusing for some readers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and the emphasis the author placed on land ownership and legacy, particularly when it comes to the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas.
If you’re interested in trying a new author and exploring YA cowboy romance, then give this one a try.
Josie’s and Shawn’s romance is not without its challenges. The miscommunication trope is present as a lack of clear communication threatens to ruin any relationship they hope to maintain, which is a pattern throughout the book. The author’s writing style is fast-paced and brief, which speeds the plot along. A lot of the chapters are short, a few are only a sentence or two, and several of the main plot conflicts are seemingly resolved off the page, which might be confusing for some readers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and the emphasis the author placed on land ownership and legacy, particularly when it comes to the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas.
If you’re interested in trying a new author and exploring YA cowboy romance, then give this one a try.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a super cute YA romance set in one of my favorite cities and partially at one of my favorite events, RodeoHouston. It’s a dual‑POV, second‑chance story packed with all the teen angst, butterflies, and messy emotions you expect from YA. Complete with a Ferris wheel scene! There’s also a surprising amount of drama and danger woven into the story with the whole bull‑ridin', cowboyin’ world.
Josie and Shawn first cross paths at the rodeo under totally random, not‑super‑ideal circumstances, when Shawn ends up swooping in to help her. Neither of them is mature enough at that time to say what they’re actually feeling in the moment, and between her pretentious parents and his overprotective one, Josie makes a choice she regrets. Fast‑forward a few years, and Shawn’s now a champion bull rider dealing with a whole new set of challenges, and suddenly these two are thrown back into each other’s lives.
Their relationship definitely isn’t smooth sailing. Miscommunication is basically the third main character, and it pops up enough that it becomes a pattern throughout the book. The writing style is quick and snappy. What really stood out to me was how Liana highlighted the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas and the culture of the Rodeo in Houston and Texas. The story truly highlights culture, history, and family from multiple angles, and those parts were genuinely meaningful. Overall, a great read!
Thanks to HarperCollins Greenwillow books for the early read!
Josie and Shawn first cross paths at the rodeo under totally random, not‑super‑ideal circumstances, when Shawn ends up swooping in to help her. Neither of them is mature enough at that time to say what they’re actually feeling in the moment, and between her pretentious parents and his overprotective one, Josie makes a choice she regrets. Fast‑forward a few years, and Shawn’s now a champion bull rider dealing with a whole new set of challenges, and suddenly these two are thrown back into each other’s lives.
Their relationship definitely isn’t smooth sailing. Miscommunication is basically the third main character, and it pops up enough that it becomes a pattern throughout the book. The writing style is quick and snappy. What really stood out to me was how Liana highlighted the legacy of Black Cowboys in Texas and the culture of the Rodeo in Houston and Texas. The story truly highlights culture, history, and family from multiple angles, and those parts were genuinely meaningful. Overall, a great read!
Thanks to HarperCollins Greenwillow books for the early read!
Review of advance copy
I am a sucker for a cowboy romance so when I saw This Ain't Our First Rodeo and it had all the vibes, I had to get in on it.
The story itself was pretty great, though, I just felt like things were moving too fast. I love a story with faster pacing, but somehow, things were happening pretty fast, but with slower pacing. It left me feeling like I was missing more. Josie and Shawn has great chemistry together as a couple. Shawn is such a sweet guy. He definitely gives off golden retriever vibes with his gentle manly nature. Shawn wants to be a bull rider. Josie wants to be a horse trainer and her personality seems so opposite of Shawn. She's so sassy and bold.
I am not a huge fan of the way this story ended. It felt rushed and almost abrupt. I think there is a lot of potential for this story, but I think the pacing in which things happen in this story need to be slowed down and carved out a little more. I think the characters are. They are lovable, down to earth, and detailed. I also feel like the story has some great life lessons mixed in and I love when a story has some good lessons hidden within, but again, I just feel like so many things were rushed by. Overall, the story is pretty quick and easy to read. I would still recommend giving it a read as the story itself is beautifully done.
The story itself was pretty great, though, I just felt like things were moving too fast. I love a story with faster pacing, but somehow, things were happening pretty fast, but with slower pacing. It left me feeling like I was missing more. Josie and Shawn has great chemistry together as a couple. Shawn is such a sweet guy. He definitely gives off golden retriever vibes with his gentle manly nature. Shawn wants to be a bull rider. Josie wants to be a horse trainer and her personality seems so opposite of Shawn. She's so sassy and bold.
I am not a huge fan of the way this story ended. It felt rushed and almost abrupt. I think there is a lot of potential for this story, but I think the pacing in which things happen in this story need to be slowed down and carved out a little more. I think the characters are. They are lovable, down to earth, and detailed. I also feel like the story has some great life lessons mixed in and I love when a story has some good lessons hidden within, but again, I just feel like so many things were rushed by. Overall, the story is pretty quick and easy to read. I would still recommend giving it a read as the story itself is beautifully done.
February 1, 2026
(Trigger warnings for the book - animal & human death, grief, attempted SA)
This book gives a great peek into rodeo culture and highlights Black cowboys and cowgirls. It also gives insight into the history of how prevalent Black cowboys were in the south. I *did* know that before reading, but there were names and histories that I didn't know this story briefly teaches about, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
My favorite parts of the book happen on Josie's grandparents' farm - which has been in the family since they were sharecroppers. Her attachment to the farm informs so much about her character, even though she's admittedly a bit spoiled.
I absolutely adore Shawn. He has been through so much, after losing his mom at a young age. He embraces bull riding as a way to connect with his dad. And he's always respectful around Josie. Their relationship blossoms quickly, but he never ever takes advantage of her.
This is a very quick read, and part of that is because some chapters are just a sentence or paragraph long. I've never read a book that bounced between the character POVs so quickly. I understand wanting to get both character's perspectives as they meet for the first time, and at the end it does build tension around the plot. I think it may throw some readers off.
**I received this as an ARC from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily**
This book gives a great peek into rodeo culture and highlights Black cowboys and cowgirls. It also gives insight into the history of how prevalent Black cowboys were in the south. I *did* know that before reading, but there were names and histories that I didn't know this story briefly teaches about, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
My favorite parts of the book happen on Josie's grandparents' farm - which has been in the family since they were sharecroppers. Her attachment to the farm informs so much about her character, even though she's admittedly a bit spoiled.
I absolutely adore Shawn. He has been through so much, after losing his mom at a young age. He embraces bull riding as a way to connect with his dad. And he's always respectful around Josie. Their relationship blossoms quickly, but he never ever takes advantage of her.
This is a very quick read, and part of that is because some chapters are just a sentence or paragraph long. I've never read a book that bounced between the character POVs so quickly. I understand wanting to get both character's perspectives as they meet for the first time, and at the end it does build tension around the plot. I think it may throw some readers off.
**I received this as an ARC from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily**
February 5, 2026
This book title matched the story so well. When we meet Josie she's in her late teens, working at her parents restaurant. She knows she's destined to eventually take over their family restaurant business, but she secretly dreams that she'll be able to ride her horses on the farm that her grandparents have owned forever. When she meets Shawn for the first time, she's a young unassuming waitress, and he's just a boy who's dipping his toes into different jobs to see what sticks. They have a good connection, but it quickly passes by and life goes on.
When they see each other again a couple years later, they're both on the precipice of big change. She's aiming to go to college out of state in hospitality field, and he's made a name for himself as a bull rider gearing up for a big title. Their reconnection is cute, because she's smitten with the sensation that he's become and is so nervous to see him again. Will he remember her? Will sparks fly like they did last time?
I like how this book explored black ranchers, black cowboys, and the black history that sometimes gets erased. As the story progresses we get to see how that history permeates so much of their lives and the decisions that they make. While it's a love story at its heart, it also dares to be more.
When they see each other again a couple years later, they're both on the precipice of big change. She's aiming to go to college out of state in hospitality field, and he's made a name for himself as a bull rider gearing up for a big title. Their reconnection is cute, because she's smitten with the sensation that he's become and is so nervous to see him again. Will he remember her? Will sparks fly like they did last time?
I like how this book explored black ranchers, black cowboys, and the black history that sometimes gets erased. As the story progresses we get to see how that history permeates so much of their lives and the decisions that they make. While it's a love story at its heart, it also dares to be more.
February 5, 2026
A beautifully sweet, low stakes YA romance sprinkled with interesting historical Black cowboy/cowgirl lore.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 stars
🗣️ PLEASE @ publishers , we want MORE Black cowboy romance !!! 🤠
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC.
I adored the characters - the main ones, and the side characters. Even the villain had a certain ✨ je ne sais quoi .✨ What I loved THE MOST was MMC’s healthy commutation with his friends & that the MMC cried and mourned. More role models to show boys and men that emotions are healthy!
Naming his horse after Nat Love was a genius way to drop lore about an iconic cowboy I had never heard of. I’m rectifying that with immediate research.
The writing style was interesting with how short and back-and-forth the POVs were. For the most part, I loved it. Short chapters for the win. It didn’t always work for me, though, when it was too quick between characters. I felt like it sometimes got repetitive or focused too much on the mundane.
The main reason it’s a 4/5 is that I wanted more yearning from MMC’s POV. Yes, we LOVE a considerate gentleman who stays loyal. Buuut if he’s going to consistently be into her then I don’t want to hear his POV 😅 Respectfully 😝
Voice actors did such a good job!!!! The book felt immersive & the dialogue flowed smoothly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 stars
🗣️ PLEASE @ publishers , we want MORE Black cowboy romance !!! 🤠
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC.
I adored the characters - the main ones, and the side characters. Even the villain had a certain ✨ je ne sais quoi .✨ What I loved THE MOST was MMC’s healthy commutation with his friends & that the MMC cried and mourned. More role models to show boys and men that emotions are healthy!
Naming his horse after Nat Love was a genius way to drop lore about an iconic cowboy I had never heard of. I’m rectifying that with immediate research.
The writing style was interesting with how short and back-and-forth the POVs were. For the most part, I loved it. Short chapters for the win. It didn’t always work for me, though, when it was too quick between characters. I felt like it sometimes got repetitive or focused too much on the mundane.
The main reason it’s a 4/5 is that I wanted more yearning from MMC’s POV. Yes, we LOVE a considerate gentleman who stays loyal. Buuut if he’s going to consistently be into her then I don’t want to hear his POV 😅 Respectfully 😝
Voice actors did such a good job!!!! The book felt immersive & the dialogue flowed smoothly.
February 9, 2026
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo
3.75⭐️
Josie and Shawn met three years ago but parted ways too soon. Now, life has brought them back together when Shawn competes at Rodeo Houston. Shawn is a professional bull rider and is at the top of his game at only 18 years of age. Josie is the heiress to the Riley brand of restaurants, but would rather spend her time at the rodeo and her family’s ranch than schmoozing with the uppity folks her parents try to impress. When her grandparents decide to try to sell their ranch to an unnamed buyer, Josie is heartbroken. Shawn is now being roped into the situation by his dad and is trying to figure out how to get out of it and help Josie save the ranch.
This is definitely a YA romance and reads young and with the lack of maturity that we gain as we age. With that being said, it read with the same mentality that I likely had at that age and made it relatable. This second change rodeo romance was sweet and hooked me with the insta-love that we are longed to feel as teenagers. There was one part that had me tearing up a bit…iykyk. I also loved the representation of black culture and representation in regard to ranching and cowboys. Overall, a cute love story with western flair!
Thank you Storygram Tours and Epic Reads for a copy of this book!
February 20, 2026
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is a heartfelt and grounded second-chance romance that focuses just as much on growing up as it does on falling in love. Liara Tamani writes relationships with a sense of realism, and Josie and Shawn feel less like fictional characters and more like people trying to figure out who they are while holding onto someone who once felt like home.
Their chemistry is tender rather than explosive. This isn’t a whirlwind romance—it’s a reconnection shaped by time, missed chances, and the complicated paths they’ve taken since their first spark. Josie struggles between family expectations and her own identity, while Shawn carries the weight of grief and the pressure of living up to a legacy he didn’t choose. Their love story becomes less about perfect timing and more about whether they can grow without growing apart.
The rodeo setting adds authenticity and warmth. The atmosphere of Houston, the ranch, and the culture surrounding the rodeo feels lived-in rather than decorative, grounding the emotional stakes in something tangible. The family dynamics, especially the tension surrounding responsibility and inheritance, give the romance depth beyond attraction.
Where the story slightly slows is pacing in the middle, where emotional beats sometimes circle the same conflict before moving forward. Still, the emotional sincerity carries it through, and the ending feels earned rather than rushed.
Overall, this is a soft, reflective romance about choosing love after reality sets in. It’s less about dramatic grand gestures and more about commitment—learning that love isn’t just the first spark, but the decision to keep showing up long after.
Their chemistry is tender rather than explosive. This isn’t a whirlwind romance—it’s a reconnection shaped by time, missed chances, and the complicated paths they’ve taken since their first spark. Josie struggles between family expectations and her own identity, while Shawn carries the weight of grief and the pressure of living up to a legacy he didn’t choose. Their love story becomes less about perfect timing and more about whether they can grow without growing apart.
The rodeo setting adds authenticity and warmth. The atmosphere of Houston, the ranch, and the culture surrounding the rodeo feels lived-in rather than decorative, grounding the emotional stakes in something tangible. The family dynamics, especially the tension surrounding responsibility and inheritance, give the romance depth beyond attraction.
Where the story slightly slows is pacing in the middle, where emotional beats sometimes circle the same conflict before moving forward. Still, the emotional sincerity carries it through, and the ending feels earned rather than rushed.
Overall, this is a soft, reflective romance about choosing love after reality sets in. It’s less about dramatic grand gestures and more about commitment—learning that love isn’t just the first spark, but the decision to keep showing up long after.
January 4, 2026
As soon as I saw this one I was so excited to read it. A black cowboy romance? Sign me up. This book definitely lived up to expectations. Josie and Shawn meet at a rodeo and have great chemistry. They end up not speaking for 3 years until Shawn is in town for a bull riding competition. From there we get to see their romance grow as they battle some hard situations.
Shawn and Josie are so cute. I love seeing them banter and flirt. The dual pov really lets you see how down for each other they are. I’m glad we get to see both sides because it let me still root for Shawn when some of the crazier situations happened. Honestly I expected this book to just be a romance but it was so much more. There were a few life or death situations that I did not see coming. It really kept me hooked. I just wish we had some type of epilogue or something to tie it all up. The main characters make decisions that will really impact their lives and I’m hoping it all works out for them.
Thanks to Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Shawn and Josie are so cute. I love seeing them banter and flirt. The dual pov really lets you see how down for each other they are. I’m glad we get to see both sides because it let me still root for Shawn when some of the crazier situations happened. Honestly I expected this book to just be a romance but it was so much more. There were a few life or death situations that I did not see coming. It really kept me hooked. I just wish we had some type of epilogue or something to tie it all up. The main characters make decisions that will really impact their lives and I’m hoping it all works out for them.
Thanks to Liara Tamani and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tour for the ARC!
This was a pretty cute YA romance story with a very unique writing style. As someone who lives in Houston and has been to the rodeo, I LOVED the inclusion of rodeo culture and haven’t really seen any other authors highlight a Black western type of love story in the same way.
The main characters are very sweet and easy to root for. Each of their unique life challenges were written in a way that made them feel believable and worthy of empathy. I fell for their love story right away and certainly loved how their feelings grew for one another despite time passed. The stakes get pretty high around 60%ish percent of the book, so I couldn’t put it down!
The chapters are extremely short, which you may love or dislike. It’s important to remember that this is a YA romance, so things like constant miscommunication and abrupt reactions to said miscommunication can be frustrating as an adult reader. However, as a teen, I was probably all loud and wrong too 😂
This was a pretty cute YA romance story with a very unique writing style. As someone who lives in Houston and has been to the rodeo, I LOVED the inclusion of rodeo culture and haven’t really seen any other authors highlight a Black western type of love story in the same way.
The main characters are very sweet and easy to root for. Each of their unique life challenges were written in a way that made them feel believable and worthy of empathy. I fell for their love story right away and certainly loved how their feelings grew for one another despite time passed. The stakes get pretty high around 60%ish percent of the book, so I couldn’t put it down!
The chapters are extremely short, which you may love or dislike. It’s important to remember that this is a YA romance, so things like constant miscommunication and abrupt reactions to said miscommunication can be frustrating as an adult reader. However, as a teen, I was probably all loud and wrong too 😂
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