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Shadow Ridge
Hung Up
Faith // Saying yes to an assignment without knowing the details wasn't new for me. So when a unique opportunity arose, I couldn't say no. Who wouldn't want to travel with a team for four months and get exclusive insider access? But now I'm wishing I would've asked questions. Because it's not a team I'm following around this time, and the arena is one I've never stepped foot in before. And yes, I may be completely out of my comfort zone, but I refuse to let anything get in my way of this assignment, especially Jesse Hayes: a sexy and charming bull rider who is well on his way to winning the PBR Championship. But as the weeks go by and I get to learn more about the man underneath, it's no longer my skin I have to worry about him getting under. It's my heart I have to protect.
Jesse // I never feel more alive than I do on the back of a bull. The adrenaline, the crowds, the immense satisfaction of still hanging on when that buzzer goes off, absolutely nothing compares. And this year? This is my year. I've been in the top five for the last four years but could never break through to that top position, and I knew going into this season that I wouldn't let anything stop me from winning that golden buckle. But when I meet the new reporter, my entire game plan falls apart. One smartass comment and a simple wink and suddenly I'm more focused on her than my rank in the standings. Trying to win her over is going to be more difficult than winning the championship, and yet this is one challenge I won't walk away from.
Jesse // I never feel more alive than I do on the back of a bull. The adrenaline, the crowds, the immense satisfaction of still hanging on when that buzzer goes off, absolutely nothing compares. And this year? This is my year. I've been in the top five for the last four years but could never break through to that top position, and I knew going into this season that I wouldn't let anything stop me from winning that golden buckle. But when I meet the new reporter, my entire game plan falls apart. One smartass comment and a simple wink and suddenly I'm more focused on her than my rank in the standings. Trying to win her over is going to be more difficult than winning the championship, and yet this is one challenge I won't walk away from.
Paperback
Published August 20, 2025
6 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Marissa R. Thomas
5 books26 followersMarissa is a 27-year-old self-published author born and raised in the Midwest. She enjoys dabbling in many genres, from action to new adult, small town to sports romance. When she’s not writing, Marissa can usually be found curled up with her two pets, shopping with friends, or spending time with her family and significant other.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 5, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the #gifted e-ARC.
Such a perfect representation of not only a cowboy romance but found family and a group of people who truly care for each other.
Faith is your workaholic, I’ll do it myself type, FMC. She is strong and determined to move on from her cheating ex despite the fact they work together. Her guards are up but I loved watching her character development. You could tell there were so many moments she wanted to just let the flood gates open and let her heart show, but she was afraid. I loved how Jesse took his time and really showed her the soft side of himself. The little notes 🥹 I also adored the friendship she gained with another bull rider, Kai.
Jesse is your player that did a complete 180 after meeting Faith. The groveling and pinning he did for her was totally swoon worthy. I loved watching his character change from the first few chapters. The chemistry between the two was so palpable. The worry and the protectiveness in both Jesse and Faith for each other is what really shined through to me. I loved the little nicknames they gave each other too.
I do have to note, every single side character, the PBR boys, Jesse’s family, Faith’s bestie, they all played such an important part in the story. I truly love story with found family and this is the perfect example.
I would highly recommend to all my cowboy loving besties!
Such a perfect representation of not only a cowboy romance but found family and a group of people who truly care for each other.
Faith is your workaholic, I’ll do it myself type, FMC. She is strong and determined to move on from her cheating ex despite the fact they work together. Her guards are up but I loved watching her character development. You could tell there were so many moments she wanted to just let the flood gates open and let her heart show, but she was afraid. I loved how Jesse took his time and really showed her the soft side of himself. The little notes 🥹 I also adored the friendship she gained with another bull rider, Kai.
Jesse is your player that did a complete 180 after meeting Faith. The groveling and pinning he did for her was totally swoon worthy. I loved watching his character change from the first few chapters. The chemistry between the two was so palpable. The worry and the protectiveness in both Jesse and Faith for each other is what really shined through to me. I loved the little nicknames they gave each other too.
I do have to note, every single side character, the PBR boys, Jesse’s family, Faith’s bestie, they all played such an important part in the story. I truly love story with found family and this is the perfect example.
I would highly recommend to all my cowboy loving besties!
August 22, 2025
"𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗘, 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬. 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗬 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥 "
Oh my my my how this book made me SWOON!!! 😍😍😍 If the writing of Elise Silver and Chelsea Curto had a baby? You would end up with THIS BOOK!!! And let me tell you…it’s a wild ride you won’t want to get off !!
Faith is our FMC and she needs a HUGE HUG and a baseball bat for her father and all the exes who dared to cheat on her. She’s got a big heart but she’s guarded like Fort Knox. She’s never known a stable relationship and her father was just as bad at setting a positive example for her. So here she is…at the tail end of another failed relationship with her ex who is also her coworker. She needs to get FAR AWAY from him and his cheating ways and takes the first assignment that puts her on the opposite side of the planet for him. Unfortunately for her that’s on the PBR circuit…and that city girl knows NOTHING about this sport…but she’s about to get a crash course in all things cowboys and bull riding. 😉
Jesse is the playboy MMC…making his mark on the PBR circuit with the fans and the ladies 😉 He’s in timeout with his PR team. They need him to keep it in his pants and focus on the tour…which is just fine for him…until a spunky reporter named Faith waltzes in and he immediately is heart eyes and sweaty palms. The man is SMITTEN at first sight…but for some reason, this man who can charm the pants off any woman, puts his foot firmly in his mouth…making THE WORST first impression on Faith. She’s unbothered because she’s uninterested in any type of relationship with anyone. Or so she thinks.
The chemistry between these two is PALPABLE. Literally I was screaming reading my kindle. Faith is not having it…firmly standing her ground on hating him (even though she doesn’t), and Jesse is putting in the work. Being patient and sweet…flowers and acts of service, trying to win her heart.
Eventually these two agree on a secret friends with benefits relationship which works PERFECTLY for Faith because that’s all she’s prepared for emotionally. But Jesse is falling harder and deeper…and he knows that Faith is the one for him for the rest of his life.
With the help of the PBR family, Jesse proves to Faith that her heart is safe with him. He doesn’t push…he doesn’t force. He lets her take her time. And he never leaves…never waivers. He doesn’t just tell her, but SHOWS HER, that she’s everything he will ever need in life. And he will never hurt her. And she finally realises that her heart has belonged to him long before she even wanted to admit it.
Now the SPICE??? 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 Read it in the freezer. READ IT IN THE FREEZER BECAUSE YOUR PANTIES WILL MELT OFF!! It’s hot. It’s sexy. It’s INTENSE! These two have such an out of this world connection emotionally and physically. The way they just instinctively knew each others bodies was insane. I was eating it up. Leaving no crumbs!!! 😍😍😍
Seeing these two come together and finally connect was beautiful. Seeing the way their little family rallied around them was EVERYTHING! These side characters were so important to the building of their relationship and it was a true definition of found family.
Thank you SO MUCH to Marissa Thomas for the incredible opportunity to Alpha and ARC read this beautiful book!! 💚
🐂Cowboy Romance
📰Reporter FMC
🐂Pro Bull Rider MMC
📰Slow Burn
🐂Found Family
📰Enemies to Lovers
🐂Friends with Benefits
📰Closed Off FMC
🐂Former Playboy MMC
📰He Falls First & HARD
🐂Secret Relationship
📰SPICY 😍
🐂Black Cat x Golden Retriever
📰Toys are Friends
🐂”Good Boy”
📰Dual POV
🐂No 3rd Act Breakup
📰HEA
Oh my my my how this book made me SWOON!!! 😍😍😍 If the writing of Elise Silver and Chelsea Curto had a baby? You would end up with THIS BOOK!!! And let me tell you…it’s a wild ride you won’t want to get off !!
Faith is our FMC and she needs a HUGE HUG and a baseball bat for her father and all the exes who dared to cheat on her. She’s got a big heart but she’s guarded like Fort Knox. She’s never known a stable relationship and her father was just as bad at setting a positive example for her. So here she is…at the tail end of another failed relationship with her ex who is also her coworker. She needs to get FAR AWAY from him and his cheating ways and takes the first assignment that puts her on the opposite side of the planet for him. Unfortunately for her that’s on the PBR circuit…and that city girl knows NOTHING about this sport…but she’s about to get a crash course in all things cowboys and bull riding. 😉
Jesse is the playboy MMC…making his mark on the PBR circuit with the fans and the ladies 😉 He’s in timeout with his PR team. They need him to keep it in his pants and focus on the tour…which is just fine for him…until a spunky reporter named Faith waltzes in and he immediately is heart eyes and sweaty palms. The man is SMITTEN at first sight…but for some reason, this man who can charm the pants off any woman, puts his foot firmly in his mouth…making THE WORST first impression on Faith. She’s unbothered because she’s uninterested in any type of relationship with anyone. Or so she thinks.
The chemistry between these two is PALPABLE. Literally I was screaming reading my kindle. Faith is not having it…firmly standing her ground on hating him (even though she doesn’t), and Jesse is putting in the work. Being patient and sweet…flowers and acts of service, trying to win her heart.
Eventually these two agree on a secret friends with benefits relationship which works PERFECTLY for Faith because that’s all she’s prepared for emotionally. But Jesse is falling harder and deeper…and he knows that Faith is the one for him for the rest of his life.
With the help of the PBR family, Jesse proves to Faith that her heart is safe with him. He doesn’t push…he doesn’t force. He lets her take her time. And he never leaves…never waivers. He doesn’t just tell her, but SHOWS HER, that she’s everything he will ever need in life. And he will never hurt her. And she finally realises that her heart has belonged to him long before she even wanted to admit it.
Now the SPICE??? 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 Read it in the freezer. READ IT IN THE FREEZER BECAUSE YOUR PANTIES WILL MELT OFF!! It’s hot. It’s sexy. It’s INTENSE! These two have such an out of this world connection emotionally and physically. The way they just instinctively knew each others bodies was insane. I was eating it up. Leaving no crumbs!!! 😍😍😍
Seeing these two come together and finally connect was beautiful. Seeing the way their little family rallied around them was EVERYTHING! These side characters were so important to the building of their relationship and it was a true definition of found family.
Thank you SO MUCH to Marissa Thomas for the incredible opportunity to Alpha and ARC read this beautiful book!! 💚
🐂Cowboy Romance
📰Reporter FMC
🐂Pro Bull Rider MMC
📰Slow Burn
🐂Found Family
📰Enemies to Lovers
🐂Friends with Benefits
📰Closed Off FMC
🐂Former Playboy MMC
📰He Falls First & HARD
🐂Secret Relationship
📰SPICY 😍
🐂Black Cat x Golden Retriever
📰Toys are Friends
🐂”Good Boy”
📰Dual POV
🐂No 3rd Act Breakup
📰HEA
August 21, 2025
ARC read - no spoilers
Give me a FWB cowboy/reporter romance! Hung up was so good! The pacing, the spice, the banter, the found family. Did I mention even though it’s a friends with benefits that he gets her flowers, writes her notes and remembers the little things! I shed some tears and I cannot wait to read more from Marissa.
Give me a FWB cowboy/reporter romance! Hung up was so good! The pacing, the spice, the banter, the found family. Did I mention even though it’s a friends with benefits that he gets her flowers, writes her notes and remembers the little things! I shed some tears and I cannot wait to read more from Marissa.
August 13, 2025
Hung Up is more than just a cowboy romance it’s a heart-stealing story full of heat, humor, and that cozy found family feel I adore.
Jessie, a reformed playboy bull rider, isn’t your typical pushy hero. When he meets Faith, a sharp, guarded reporter, he doesn’t rush to break down her walls he waits, he listens, and he proves his worth through steady patience and genuine care. The result? A slow-burn romance that feels both swoony and deeply sincere.
The chemistry between them is electric from flirty nicknames to playful banter but the friendships and family ties shine just as brightly. Every side character adds warmth, support, and authenticity, making this small-town world one you’ll wish you could step right into.
Yes, there’s plenty of spice, but it’s the emotional connection, the trust they build, and the unconditional love that makes this story unforgettable. Marissa Thomas delivers a romance that’s as heartwarming as it is hot the perfect read for anyone who loves cowboys, second chances, and a strong dose of found family.
Jessie, a reformed playboy bull rider, isn’t your typical pushy hero. When he meets Faith, a sharp, guarded reporter, he doesn’t rush to break down her walls he waits, he listens, and he proves his worth through steady patience and genuine care. The result? A slow-burn romance that feels both swoony and deeply sincere.
The chemistry between them is electric from flirty nicknames to playful banter but the friendships and family ties shine just as brightly. Every side character adds warmth, support, and authenticity, making this small-town world one you’ll wish you could step right into.
Yes, there’s plenty of spice, but it’s the emotional connection, the trust they build, and the unconditional love that makes this story unforgettable. Marissa Thomas delivers a romance that’s as heartwarming as it is hot the perfect read for anyone who loves cowboys, second chances, and a strong dose of found family.
August 20, 2025
Hung Up
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"Is it crazy to be hung up on a girl I’ve talked to for maybe twenty minutes total and haven’t seen in five days? Oh, without a fucking doubt."
Oh my freaking word! Faith and Jesse just became one of my favorite couples - yes. I know I add to it often. But seriously, these two are perfect for each other.
Our sweet Faith is a tough cookie. She's had to deal with perks her whole life - her dad takes first place in that category and deserves to be throat punched.
Anyways, after finding out that her ex-boyfriend/coworker cheated on her, Faith is ready to take any assignment that gets her far away from him... and that's how she finds herself learning all about the world of bull riding.
“Go get ‘em, Pretty Boy.”
You all know I love a man who falls hard and fast. Let's just say that Jesse tripped right into love with Faith at first sight. From playboy to buying flowers, Jesse is determined to prove that winning the Buckle is no longer his only goal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"Is it crazy to be hung up on a girl I’ve talked to for maybe twenty minutes total and haven’t seen in five days? Oh, without a fucking doubt."
Oh my freaking word! Faith and Jesse just became one of my favorite couples - yes. I know I add to it often. But seriously, these two are perfect for each other.
Our sweet Faith is a tough cookie. She's had to deal with perks her whole life - her dad takes first place in that category and deserves to be throat punched.
Anyways, after finding out that her ex-boyfriend/coworker cheated on her, Faith is ready to take any assignment that gets her far away from him... and that's how she finds herself learning all about the world of bull riding.
“Go get ‘em, Pretty Boy.”
You all know I love a man who falls hard and fast. Let's just say that Jesse tripped right into love with Faith at first sight. From playboy to buying flowers, Jesse is determined to prove that winning the Buckle is no longer his only goal.
August 19, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading and ARC reading Hung Up by Marissa Thomas, and oh my goodness—I LOVED it.😍
Faith is a reporter who dives headfirst into the world of rodeo and bull riding 🐂🤠 not knowing what she’s really getting herself into. Enter Jesse—the stud bull rider, reformed bad boy everyone loves… and the guy Faith swears she loves to hate (or maybe not 😉).
This book was SO much fun! The banter, the chemistry, the real moments, the push & pull—it all had me hooked. If you love Elsie Silver vibes with a hint of Chelsea Curto—grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and chemistry that sizzles—then you’re going to fall hard for this one.🔥
The spice? Absolutely hitting. The romance? Chef’s kiss.👏 Also, loved all of the characters, they added so much to the story! I can’t wait for more from Marissa, but this one was such a WIN.🙌
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Faith is a reporter who dives headfirst into the world of rodeo and bull riding 🐂🤠 not knowing what she’s really getting herself into. Enter Jesse—the stud bull rider, reformed bad boy everyone loves… and the guy Faith swears she loves to hate (or maybe not 😉).
This book was SO much fun! The banter, the chemistry, the real moments, the push & pull—it all had me hooked. If you love Elsie Silver vibes with a hint of Chelsea Curto—grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and chemistry that sizzles—then you’re going to fall hard for this one.🔥
The spice? Absolutely hitting. The romance? Chef’s kiss.👏 Also, loved all of the characters, they added so much to the story! I can’t wait for more from Marissa, but this one was such a WIN.🙌
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
It took me a week to finish that book but that book is really so good and so spiciest as hell like damn, I think friend with benefits trope is slowly becoming my favorite lol. But I love her books so much and I can’t freaking wait for her next book. I’m obsessed with her book. I love how faith stood up for herself because of her father and her jealous ex boyfriend. I love when Jesse being there and stand up for her too. It melt my heart. I have been highlighting on that book lately lol. Congrats girl! Keep it up!!!!!! Don’t stop!
August 21, 2025
Hung Up is the perfect slow burn cowboy romance. Faith, the female main character, is a fiercely independent reporter who has never stepped foot in the arena a day in her life. Jesse, the male main character, is a bull rider and reformed playboy in desperate need of repairing his public image. When Faith shows up to the PBR for a reporting job, she is met by a boisterous yet protective group of bull riders, including Jesse. He is instantly enamored with Faith and falls head over heels, but she won’t give him the time of day. Undeterred, Jesse attempts to show Faith his love through his words and actions. The two settle on a secret (and spicy) friends with benefits arrangement. Unsurprisingly, Jesse falls more in love with Faith as their arrangement progresses, but she never expected to catch feelings too. Plagued by the transgressions of both her father and her ex-boyfriend, Faith believes she is hard to love. Jesse takes it upon himself to show Faith there is no greater joy in his life than loving her. Once Faith admits her own feelings for Jesse to herself, the two are an unstoppable duo. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a spicy opposites attract romance!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
this gave me the longest ride feels except she’s a reporter not in the arts. the banter between the two and the friendships seen throughout was all so beautiful.
also loved to see a woman thrive in a male dominated field and have the power to stand up against misguided idiots.
also also seeing a man whimper and be entirely down bad? yeah I love it
(very thankful for an arc)
also loved to see a woman thrive in a male dominated field and have the power to stand up against misguided idiots.
also also seeing a man whimper and be entirely down bad? yeah I love it
(very thankful for an arc)
August 10, 2025
I love a good cowboy romance, but this was even better than I expected. Jesse is a bull rider who's under a bit of scrutiny by his PR Team for his playboy tendencies. Faith is a reporter who took a four month assignment without knowing any details. Faith has been out through the ringer by ex after ex, so her faith in men is basically non-existent. Jesse has never wanted someone the way he wants Faith, but Faith definitely makes him work for it.
This book has a secret relationship, found family, a sassy, independent fmc, and a determined mmc who truly puts in the work.
This book has a secret relationship, found family, a sassy, independent fmc, and a determined mmc who truly puts in the work.
August 25, 2025
Book one in the Shadow Ridge series. Faith gets a new assignment. Never imagined it will turn her world around. She gets to travel around for a month with the bull riders. She’s way out of comfortable zone. Jesse is a bull rider. He loves what he does with I’ll this sassy girl comes and goings them on the road. Will he finished his last ride or walk away for his girl.
September 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was a pretty good cowboy romance 🥰 Jesse was such a great MMC. He’s now going to be in my top book boyfriends.
This was a pretty good cowboy romance 🥰 Jesse was such a great MMC. He’s now going to be in my top book boyfriends.
September 1, 2025
Good read.
August 4, 2025
I had so much fun with this one! Faith is our intrepid sports reporter, delving into the world of Professional Bull Riding for the first time, and meeting Jesse, our pretty boy bull rider.
This book is full of romance, yes, but also friendships and strained family relationships that feel so real. And if you're anything like me, you're a sucker for nicknames, and sweetheart, this one has them aplenty!
Watching the romance between our two mains was so entertaining, and seeing how Faith and Jesse grow and change is so rewarding. So many parts of this book hit me right in the feelings, and I can't wait to see what happens next! The only downside being, now I have to wait to see what happens next!
This book is full of romance, yes, but also friendships and strained family relationships that feel so real. And if you're anything like me, you're a sucker for nicknames, and sweetheart, this one has them aplenty!
Watching the romance between our two mains was so entertaining, and seeing how Faith and Jesse grow and change is so rewarding. So many parts of this book hit me right in the feelings, and I can't wait to see what happens next! The only downside being, now I have to wait to see what happens next!
June 13, 2025
Faith is a reporter who is looking for a chance to prove herself. So when her boss offers an assignment with four months exclusive access, she jumps at the chance. Unaware of the sport she signed up for, she walks into the arena and finds out it’s PBR or Professional Bull Riding.
Known as a womanizing bull rider, Jesse has a meeting with his PR firm and promises to stay away from women for the next four months to try to repair his image. He sees Faith and he is immediately struck by her. She calls him pretty boy and in turn he calls her sweetheart. The two of them flirt and in a bar one night, Jesse announces “I’m going to marry you one day” to Faith.
Because of Faith’s past, she hesitates to believe in what is happening with Jesse. He is all in and hung up on her from the get go. The two of them keep their relationship a secret but there are small things that each do to show the other how much they mean to them.
This book is filled with twists and turns throughout. There is a lot of heat between the characters. I laughed and I cried. I kept reading late into the night wanting to know what happens next. This author has done an amazing job with the start to the series and has set up future books to come. I can’t wait to read more.
Known as a womanizing bull rider, Jesse has a meeting with his PR firm and promises to stay away from women for the next four months to try to repair his image. He sees Faith and he is immediately struck by her. She calls him pretty boy and in turn he calls her sweetheart. The two of them flirt and in a bar one night, Jesse announces “I’m going to marry you one day” to Faith.
Because of Faith’s past, she hesitates to believe in what is happening with Jesse. He is all in and hung up on her from the get go. The two of them keep their relationship a secret but there are small things that each do to show the other how much they mean to them.
This book is filled with twists and turns throughout. There is a lot of heat between the characters. I laughed and I cried. I kept reading late into the night wanting to know what happens next. This author has done an amazing job with the start to the series and has set up future books to come. I can’t wait to read more.
August 19, 2025
ARC review
⭐5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Check TW
Hung Up is a cowboy romance full of humor, banter, and sweet-and-spicy feels.
Faith is a hardworking, determined reporter who is fully career-driven. After being cheated on by all her ex-boyfriends and neglected by her unfaithful father, she developed a horrible outlook on love and decided to give up on it altogether.
Jessie is a bull rider living on the circuit, under scrutiny from his PR team for his playboy tendencies. He’s asked to cut out the one-night stands and focus on his career — something he has no problem doing… until he meets Faith, who was assigned to cover the PBR race to the championships.
They were opposites in so many ways: she was a city girl, he was a country boy. They didn’t align on much, yet their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. They agreed to a friends-with-benefits arrangement and kept things under the radar — which worked perfectly for Faith, who had sworn off relationships. But for Jessie? That man was down bad for her, and he wanted more. Faith made him work for it.
She didn’t fall for him instantly, but once Jessie showed her his true heart, cared for her, and proved his patience, she finally gave their relationship a chance and broke free from her belief that love was meant to hurt.
Their physical connection was insane, but their emotional connection was even stronger. Their intimate moments were heartwarming, and together they built a relationship based on trust — which ultimately led to their happy ending.
Marissa Thomas delivered a wonderful story filled with romance, found family, real friendships, and all the cowboy vibes. I 100% recommend diving into this book as soon as possible!
Thank you so much for this amazing ARC!
⭐5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Check TW
Hung Up is a cowboy romance full of humor, banter, and sweet-and-spicy feels.
Faith is a hardworking, determined reporter who is fully career-driven. After being cheated on by all her ex-boyfriends and neglected by her unfaithful father, she developed a horrible outlook on love and decided to give up on it altogether.
Jessie is a bull rider living on the circuit, under scrutiny from his PR team for his playboy tendencies. He’s asked to cut out the one-night stands and focus on his career — something he has no problem doing… until he meets Faith, who was assigned to cover the PBR race to the championships.
They were opposites in so many ways: she was a city girl, he was a country boy. They didn’t align on much, yet their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. They agreed to a friends-with-benefits arrangement and kept things under the radar — which worked perfectly for Faith, who had sworn off relationships. But for Jessie? That man was down bad for her, and he wanted more. Faith made him work for it.
She didn’t fall for him instantly, but once Jessie showed her his true heart, cared for her, and proved his patience, she finally gave their relationship a chance and broke free from her belief that love was meant to hurt.
Their physical connection was insane, but their emotional connection was even stronger. Their intimate moments were heartwarming, and together they built a relationship based on trust — which ultimately led to their happy ending.
Marissa Thomas delivered a wonderful story filled with romance, found family, real friendships, and all the cowboy vibes. I 100% recommend diving into this book as soon as possible!
Thank you so much for this amazing ARC!
August 28, 2025
As a girly who’s a big IRL fan of professional bull riding (PBR) and romance books, when I saw the two clashing together in this book, I knew I HAD to read it. It’s safe to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Faith, our FMC, is strong and determined. She’s not afraid of a little challenge and she’s definitely the “I’ll do it myself” type. The character development with Faith is strong and I absolutely ate it up. I was waiting and waiting for her to open up and it was so sweet to follow along as she forms friendships and lets her softer side see some light. Then we have Jesse, our playboy, bull riding MMC. This man makes a complete flip from his former lifestyle and it is something else. Jesse surely knows how to grovel and he’s sooo down bad after meeting Faith that there’s some next-level pining. The notes were so cute. The chemistry between these two is palpable. Even with Faith declaring that she hates Jesse in the beginning, it’s so easy to tell she doesn’t!! And Jesse remains patiently waiting, showing up in all the ways but never pushing.
Every single side character in this book added something special and they truly made up a top-tier found family. The friendships among the other bull riders and the support from every one made this book extra special. And the microtropes within these pages? Some of the best!
Are you in need of a down-bad bull rider? The definition of a found family? Yes you are – we are all in my honest opinion! That’s why I’m strongly recommending that you run and pick this one up!! Thank you to author Marissa Thomas for the opportunity to read this ARC! All feedback is my own.
Faith, our FMC, is strong and determined. She’s not afraid of a little challenge and she’s definitely the “I’ll do it myself” type. The character development with Faith is strong and I absolutely ate it up. I was waiting and waiting for her to open up and it was so sweet to follow along as she forms friendships and lets her softer side see some light. Then we have Jesse, our playboy, bull riding MMC. This man makes a complete flip from his former lifestyle and it is something else. Jesse surely knows how to grovel and he’s sooo down bad after meeting Faith that there’s some next-level pining. The notes were so cute. The chemistry between these two is palpable. Even with Faith declaring that she hates Jesse in the beginning, it’s so easy to tell she doesn’t!! And Jesse remains patiently waiting, showing up in all the ways but never pushing.
Every single side character in this book added something special and they truly made up a top-tier found family. The friendships among the other bull riders and the support from every one made this book extra special. And the microtropes within these pages? Some of the best!
Are you in need of a down-bad bull rider? The definition of a found family? Yes you are – we are all in my honest opinion! That’s why I’m strongly recommending that you run and pick this one up!! Thank you to author Marissa Thomas for the opportunity to read this ARC! All feedback is my own.
August 20, 2025
💚🐴ARC Review🐴💚
Thank you Marissa Thomas for this ARC copy of Hung Up!
Hung Up was FANTASTIC! It had everything woven into the pages of the book. Sassy, flirty, swoony, spice, and a boy who is down bad for “his” girl!
Jesse the MMC was down bad for Faith from the moment he laid eyes on her. So what does he do, he basically sticks his foot in his mouth and digs a hole for himself that takes him a bit to dig his way out of.
Faith the FMC, always has something to prove! So when she accidentally takes an assignment for a sport that she knows nothing about, what does she do? SHE LEARNS EVERYTHING about the sport!
Faith has been hurt in all her past relationships, so she has sworn them off. Jesse who’s known as the Playboy of Professional Bull Riding, needs a shot with Faith, because he knows that she’s the one that he will worship forever.
Enter in the friends with bennies agreement.
Their relationship was fire, the banter and heat was hot! But the surrounding characters were special too! How all the Bull riders rallied around Faith and treated her like a sister and helped her find her footing in a sport she never dreamed that she could love.
Tropes:
💚She’s a Sports Reporter
🐴He’s A Bull Rider
💚Enemies to Lovers
🐴Friends with Bennies
💚Secret Relationship
🐴He Takes Care of Her
💚SPICY
Thank you Marissa Thomas for this ARC copy of Hung Up!
Hung Up was FANTASTIC! It had everything woven into the pages of the book. Sassy, flirty, swoony, spice, and a boy who is down bad for “his” girl!
Jesse the MMC was down bad for Faith from the moment he laid eyes on her. So what does he do, he basically sticks his foot in his mouth and digs a hole for himself that takes him a bit to dig his way out of.
Faith the FMC, always has something to prove! So when she accidentally takes an assignment for a sport that she knows nothing about, what does she do? SHE LEARNS EVERYTHING about the sport!
Faith has been hurt in all her past relationships, so she has sworn them off. Jesse who’s known as the Playboy of Professional Bull Riding, needs a shot with Faith, because he knows that she’s the one that he will worship forever.
Enter in the friends with bennies agreement.
Their relationship was fire, the banter and heat was hot! But the surrounding characters were special too! How all the Bull riders rallied around Faith and treated her like a sister and helped her find her footing in a sport she never dreamed that she could love.
Tropes:
💚She’s a Sports Reporter
🐴He’s A Bull Rider
💚Enemies to Lovers
🐴Friends with Bennies
💚Secret Relationship
🐴He Takes Care of Her
💚SPICY
did-not-finish
August 25, 2025DNF @ 46%
The writing for HUNG UP was really good and I liked the premise behind the plot and I truly appreciated that Faith and Jesse weren't really enemies, just enjoyed some fun bickering. However, there were a lot of inconsistencies and they started to wear on me. Faith's personality was all over the place and constantly changing and there was just lots of little things that we're told was one way and than a few chapters later it's different.
The writing for HUNG UP was really good and I liked the premise behind the plot and I truly appreciated that Faith and Jesse weren't really enemies, just enjoyed some fun bickering. However, there were a lot of inconsistencies and they started to wear on me. Faith's personality was all over the place and constantly changing and there was just lots of little things that we're told was one way and than a few chapters later it's different.
August 20, 2025
Things I Loved:
Hand written notes
Flowers
Protective MMC
Found family
he takes care of her when she is sick
She is his good luck charm
Jesse’s family
I loved this book! This is the first book in the Shadow Ridge Series and follows bull rider Jesse Hayes and reporter Faith Thompson. Faith was strong and independent. She steps into the job as reporter for the circuit with no previous knowledge, she is there to do her job and is not interested in a relationship after being burned one too many times. Jesse falls head over heels for Faith and is determined to show her they are perfect for one another. There were so many great aspects to their story — The flowers, the notes, the spice! I loved watching them push past their doubts for their friendship grow into something more and was so happy they got their HEA!
Hand written notes
Flowers
Protective MMC
Found family
he takes care of her when she is sick
She is his good luck charm
Jesse’s family
I loved this book! This is the first book in the Shadow Ridge Series and follows bull rider Jesse Hayes and reporter Faith Thompson. Faith was strong and independent. She steps into the job as reporter for the circuit with no previous knowledge, she is there to do her job and is not interested in a relationship after being burned one too many times. Jesse falls head over heels for Faith and is determined to show her they are perfect for one another. There were so many great aspects to their story — The flowers, the notes, the spice! I loved watching them push past their doubts for their friendship grow into something more and was so happy they got their HEA!
September 3, 2025
I tried to like Faith but I just couldn’t. Looking forward to book two though, I think it’s Stevie & Dean.
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