Rodeo Rivals

by Victoria Jayne

All is fair in love and rodeo.

As the second woman in history to qualify to ride rough stock professionally, McKayla dreamed of making a name for herself. Trailblazers allowed nothing to get in their way, and neither would she.

Fresh off an injury, Wyatt returned to the arena with a vengeance, focused on winning. As a champion on the rise, there was no room for distractions. Not even the woman who bucked like a bronco between the sheets.

Their one-night stand turned into a heated rivalry. Who will win the title? And at what cost to their hearts?

Hope Runs A Multi-Author Charity Collection Benefiting Kerr County, Texas

A collection of romance, romantasy, and mystery stories where every page gives back. For 90 days from the date of publication, participating authors are donating at least 50% of royalties to the Kerr County Flood Fund to help victims rebuild after the July 2025 floods.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rivals to romance cowboy novella is a must read! I absolutely loved the main characters dual point of views! I loved the rodeo setting, the characters and the sports romance in this book! This book came with a great premise and I found it to be well executed. It is beautifully written, easy to read and exciting! I feel like this book is short, sweet, sexy and to the point! A hot one night stand turns into a competition the next day! This is a fast paced read that comes with a strong female protagonist! The characters were very likable and the rivalry between the two was very intense! Overall, I give this novella a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content warnings include sexual content and adult themes. This book gave me the movie “Urban Cowboy” vibes!

Thank you to the lovely author Victoria Jayne for allowing me to receive this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on September 1, 2025!

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this spicy little cowboy romance novella was such a treat!

We’ve got rivals-to-lovers, a fierce FMC, and plenty of rodeo action packed into a quick read. McKayla was such a standout strong, determined, and breaking barriers as a woman in bronc riding. I loved getting that peek into rodeo life through her eyes.

And Wyatt? Absolutely swoon-worthy. He’s the perfect balance of respectful and rugged the kind of MMC who knows the importance of consent but can also bring the dirty talk. Let’s just say he more than delivered.

For a novella, this story had both heat and heart. The romance was fun and fiery, but it also carried real emotion that made me care about the outcome. The spice was definitely hot, but the plot held its own right alongside it.

If you’re a fan of sports romance or cowboy romance, Rodeo Rivals is a must-read. Quick, fun, and steamy in all the right ways. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Victoria Jayne! I love reading new-to-me authors but don’t get the opportunity as often as I’d like because it’s hard to fit in a full-length novel into me schedule, but this was a short novella, so I jumped on the chance to get to know a new author! Even though this story is “short” in “pages” it’s not lacking in story, nor did it come across as “insta” in any way.

I’ve read my fair share of “cowboy/western” romances in my adult life thus far but I can’t seem to recall too many where the FMC was a professional “roughstock rider” (probably better known as a “bull rider” but it’s not just “bull” riding lol), and that was very refreshing and exciting. I love that even though the story itself was “short in pages”, the author incorporated enough about the “sport” to make me understand while at the same time not take away from the romance journey.

The romance is what I would call “fast and furious”! An 🔥explosive🔥 one-night stand that turns into a delicious push-pull tension filled journey. I liked the setting of being “competitors” with “close proximity” because it allowed for their “short” journey to be natural and realistic. I liked that the author threw in some cliché “this is no place for a girl” shenanigans because it wouldn’t have felt natural if she hadn’t. I liked that she made both MCs strong-willed because it made their spark even more captivating, making me turn the pages of their story in one sitting! I look forward to getting to know this author’s work more in the future! Thank you for reaching out for the opportunity to read this great story, Victoria Jayne!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I hadn’t been in my Cowboy Era before, I am now after reading Victoria Jayne’s Rodeo Rivals. Readers should expect things to start hot and heavy relatively fast. It is a novella after all. But it’s also the nature of McKayla. She’s confident, self-assured, competitive, and a Saddle Bronc Rider. Her rival, Wyatt, though, is too. They go head-to-head not just in the circuit but in bed. Wyatt has a dirty mouth, and McKayla can match him. I liked Wyatt. Even though McKayla was his “rival”, he was still confident enough to motivate her and believe in her. It was a good short story.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and feisty addition to Victoria Jayne’s body of work! I can seriously feel my cowboy romance era approaching and this definitely pushed me in even more in that direction!

What I loved:
1. I loved how feisty McKayla was, from being a billiards hustler to handling men with outdated views on femininity as well as she did buckin’ broncos. I loved that she was not the first woman in the game, but she was the latest and likely greatest given enough time. I also loved that she didn’t come in first during any of the rounds, but she always came in top three. This made it so McKayla was truly relatable and celebrated the successes of not always having to be the absolute best, especially in a sport she is the only woman in currently. It also added to the underdog feel a bit, which I absolutely loved!

2. Wyatt was completely perfect!! He was a gentleman and consent king, but also knew how to be a dirty boy and throw down when the time called for it. I loved that at first finding out there would be a woman competing with the men, not even knowing it was McKayla yet, Wyatt definitely thought it was a little insane and too dangerous for a woman, wondering how they would even qualify. However, as soon as he saw McKayla ride, any of these lingering thoughts went right out the window, and he was her biggest supporter. I loved watching this transition and how hard he stood up to Seth about a woman in the arena.

3. There’s a bit of an age gap, about 7 years, which definitely is my thing 😉

4. It's a Victoria Jayne book, so of course it had plenty of spice but also plenty of heart!! I loved that they kept running into each other, as though fate was definitely on their side. I’m also glad that they didn’t drag out the “let’s just be together” moment. I was a little worried that they wouldn’t end up dating, but I should have known Victoria would never do that to us lol

Thank you to Victoria Jayne for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short, sweet and steamy all at the same time.

Wyatt and McKayla were fire together and i loved the whole woman in a man's world who will not let anything stand in her way. I'm European so Rodeo is not what i gave in mind when i think of (kinda)fun, but these two could turn me into a fan, because let's be honest? Who doesn't love smoking hot cowboy that knows what he's doing in and out of the bedroom, am i right?

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Mikaelah D. Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don’t usually consider myself a fan of “cowboy romance”, I did particularly enjoy this novella. It was fast-paced, and accurate, and I loved the dynamic between the main characters.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Jayne delivers an exhilarating ride in “Rodeo Rivals”, a captivating novella where passion meets competition in the high stakes world of professional rodeo. With a unique blend of romance and rivalry, this story hooks us in right from the start…

The story centers around McKayla, a fierce trailblazer who dreams of leaving her mark as one of the few women to ride rough stock professionally. Her determination and resilience shine through as she navigates the rugged terrain of a male dominated sport, aspiring to be more than just a footnote in history. Her character is not only inspiring but a fun read, making her journey a compelling one to follow…

On the other side of the arena is Wyatt, a champion bull rider returning from an injury and determined to reclaim his title. His single minded focus on the prize is both admirable and frustrating, particularly when he meets McKayla.

The chemistry between them ignites in a flurry of desire that quickly turns into a tense rivalry. The one night stand spirals into a battle not just for the championship but also for their hearts a perfect recipe for drama and emotion. 😝

The author explores the intricacies of competition and romance, examining how ambition can both draw people together and tear them apart. Their interactions crackle with tension, and the rivalry becomes a battlefield for their feelings. The stakes rise as McKayla and Wyatt vie for the title, forcing them to confront their desires and how far they are willing to go to achieve their dreams.

The pacing of the novella kept me engaged, balancing the adrenaline of rodeo events with intimate moments that reveal the deeper emotions at play. The vivid descriptions of the rodeo scenes bring the adrenaline and grit of the sport to life, allowing us to feel the thrill of the competition alongside McKayla and Wyatt.

The supporting characters adds to the story, creating a vibrant community around the rodeo scene.

Overall, “Rodeo Rivals*” is a quick but satisfying read that combines romance with the adrenaline of competition.

Whether you’re a fan of cowboy romances or new to the genre, McKayla and Wyatt’s story is one you won't want to miss.

Get ready to saddle up for a heated ride filled with passion, competition, and the pursuit of dreams!

🦋

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I’d accept when I was offered an ARC of this book. My reading schedule is jam-packed, and I always seem slightly behind on my reading this year. But it’s a novella, so I knew it would be a quick read. It’s a new-to-me author, and I’m always interested to get different authors into my rotations. It features a woman who is a bronc rider, which is different and intriguing. Plus, it is part of a charity collection with a large part of the proceeds going to victims of the Texas floods in July 2025 (more on that later). How could I pass it up?

It’s always a sticky thing to have a novella be your first introduction to an author. Some authors are amazing at shorter works, but some are terrible. Unless the story is a second-chance romance, which this is not, there have to be at least some elements of instalove. This author did a fantastic job of getting the story told without things feeling too rushed or forced. I believed the attraction between McKayla and Wyatt and appreciated the way Wyatt recognized the toxic environment that was being created around McKayla. He didn’t shy away from his own misogynistic thoughts or stand by to not make waves when he saw wrong being done. Wyatt had a lot of growth for such a short book.

This story is a wonderful pick for a quick read with strong characters and a guaranteed HEA. I hope to find time to fit more of this author’s work into my reading.

**Note**
This novella is part of the Hope Runs Deep charity collection, benefiting the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. This story, as well as others, is also available on KU. If you have KU, it’s such a simple way to help some people out. Read an enjoyable book (or two or three), and money is being raised. Bam!

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodeo Rivals is spicy and feisty. This cowboy romance is a quick, fun read. The story is told in multiple perspectives by characters McKayla and Wyatt. Wyatt is returning to the rodeo circuit after a serious injury, and McKayla is debuting in the circuit as the second-ever female bronco rider. Both have a lot at stake.

When they randomly meet at a dive bar the night before their first rodeo, sparks fly but the two are committed to their careers over relationships. Wyatt is a good guy, and while they are competing against one another, he shows he is a stand-up guy. For her part, McKayla proves her talent and tenacity to all the cowboys on the rodeo while winning Wyatt’s respect and heart.

Author Victoria Jayne nailed this short format. Her story arc is focused, and while the story is en pointe, there is plenty of character development and scenic description to create engaging characters and a fun read.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivals to lovers with dual pov set amidst a rodeo: what’s not to love. I’ve been in a terrible reading slump, so I was really excited to read a shorter romantic work because I knew it would be just the thing for me. And I was right.

This story may be short, but it sure is spicy. The tension between our two main characters is so powerful and well done in such a short amount of time. I was excited every time they interacted because I knew it was going to be good. This one certainly didn’t disappoint.

We get a lot out of our main characters in such a short time. We learn really who they are, what motivates them, what keeps them together (or apart), and so much more, bringing the characters to life. They feel all the more real because of this treatment.

I’m not a big cowboy romance girl, but I thoroughly enjoyed this rodeo romance.

Thank you very much to Victoria Jayne for an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story from a new-to-me author! I loved Wyatt and MaKayla! I admired MaKayla's tenacity to achieve her goal of becoming a professional bronc rider and competing against men that have been competing much longer than her. It wasn't an easy feat, and she proved she was capable. Wyatt hadn't competed in a while due to an injury that happened last time he had competed. He also had a lot to prove. When these two met before the competition, neither knew who the other is and that made it even better. Their chemistry was very hot and undeniable. They expected to have a one-night stand and never see each other again. Fate had other plans though. How would they react when they encountered one another at the competition? Who would score better, the confident rookie female, the injured cowboy trying to make a comeback, or the cocky rider that didn't believe women should be competing? I definitely enjoyed this story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodeo Rivals by Victoria Jayne 


I don't read a lot of Western or rodeo romance, but this one sounded so good! And it was! McKayla is the second woman in history to qualify to ride rough stock professionally and is excited to join the circuit this season. Wyatt is returning to the rodeo following an injury and is focused on winning, no distractions. After a one-night stand as strangers and meeting the next day as rivals, how will the two maintain professional boundaries while navigating an indescribable pull toward each other? 


This was a cute but spicy novella about a strong FMC and a supportive MMC with plenty of conflict in the short story. It was fun and exciting to read and definitely kept my interest through the whole book!

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

Rodeo Rivals is a fun, little steamy novella. As such, their romance is pretty short and sweet, but Jayne does a great job of introducing her characters and creating a connection between the two. There’s a good conflict with the rivals element as McKayla tries to make her mark in a male dominated field but Wyatt proves himself to be a real stand up guy all around. Supportive and respectful (with a good dose of dirty talk) in the bedroom and out. I do wish we got a little bit of an epilogue tho (or maybe another story in their world :)) because I enjoyed them so well together and want more.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Sanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐎 Saddle up, romance lovers because this one was a ride!

I absolutely flew through Rodeo Rivals. It’s fast-paced, fun, and filled with sparks that leap right off the page. Written in third person with dual POVs, you really get to feel both sides of the rivalry between McKayla and Wyatt… and trust me, it’s delicious.

🔥 Age gap? Check.
🔥 Spicy, open-door goodness? Double check.
🔥 Gorgeous, fiery couple? Oh yes.

If you’re in your cowboy romance era, and let’s be real… aren’t we all at some point, this novella is for you. And the best part? Not only do you get a swoony, sizzling story, but you’re also supporting an incredible cause.

Big THANKS to the author for the ARC.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Novella was a change of pace for me, we have Rodeo in NZ too, so I have been to them, here and in Australia.
The story is mainly focused on the two main characters McKayla and Wyatt.
Not much of the actual rodeo life is given, although we do get to experience McKayla's first 8 second ride.
The romance was quite steamy, l thought the scene in the campervan was believable (those tables are handy 😉)
All in all an enjoyable novella that has me wishing I was back at a rodeo with the excitement and smell of horses, dust and hay 😊.
And of course, the pair beat Seth 😆 so a happy ending all round 💞

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick spicy novella about one-night stands that turns rivals to lovers. McKayla is trying to be the second woman to break onto the scene as a bronc rider in a male dominated sport. Meeting Wyatt in the bar the night before competition they share an unforgettable night, not realizing they are going to be competing against each other. I love McKayla’s sassiness and how she doesn’t let criticism from the other males she runs into. Wyatt is someone who wasn’t for relationships because of his lifestyle, but that all changed when he met McKayla. I enjoyed their interactions, being both flirty and competitive.

[ravenblackbird74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖 McKayla & Wyatt 🐴
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rodeo Rivals
Victoria Jayne

💖 This is the 1st time I’ve read one of Victoria Jayne’s books. And, what a great start. Rodeo Rivals is a quick, easy read. I loved diving right into McKayla and Wyatt’s story.

🐴 With Wyatt’s return to the rodeo competition circuit and McKayla’s professional debut, this was a fantastic story that challenges them on a personal and professional level. I love the way McKayla has chosen a non-traditional role of becoming a rough bronc rider in a male dominated environment. Thrilled to see her going after her dreams!

⭐️ 5 out of 5!

[Marianne W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this cowboy novella!
"Rodeo Rivals" is a spicy, fast-paced read that masterfully combines rivalry, romance, and rodeo action. The dual POVs allowed me to connect deeply with both McKayla and Wyatt, making their chemistry feel even more intense. McKayla's strength and determination as a female bronc rider are truly inspiring, and Wyatt's respectful yet rugged charm is swoon-worthy. The story delivers heat, heart, and a compelling premise with great execution. Perfect for fans of sports and cowboy romances looking for a quick, sizzling escape.
Highly recommended.

[Allthebooks (Lynette) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella, so it was a quick read (one sitting). But did it deliver! The writing had the nice and smooth flow that I am now used to with this author. The chemistry between the MMC Wyatt and the FMC McKayla was smoking hot. I love a strong and feisty FMC and I love reading about cowboys and this short story did not disappoint, incorporating both elements into an enjoyable read. If you want a quick and dirty read with a hot rodeo cowboy and sassy female bronc rider, I highly recommend this novella.

I received an ARC of this book and this is a voluntary review.

[rachelscourtofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely and entertaining cowboy romance read! It had all the tropes and characteristics I love about the cowboy romances!
We have a feisty heroine, McKayla, a slightly clueless cowboy, Wyatt, and a really hateable sexist villain. Reading this made me want to punch Seth (I mean even his name seems stupid).
This was fun and sexy to read and I love that this novella is in support of Flooding victims of Texas. Way to go Victoria Jayne!!
Also a huge thank you to the author herself for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[DeAnna Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddle up, because McKayla and Wyatt know how to take you on a way more than an eight-second ride 😉🐎

This novella is a total win! Not only does it support an amazing cause, but it’s also a story that’ll make your cheeks heat. Victoria always pours so much heart and depth into her characters. They feel so real and she makes you feel every emotion.

If swoony, steamy, and meaningful is your jam, you do not want to miss this one!

Besides it’s for charity so 🫶🏻

[Jenny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story! It perfectly captures the vivid atmosphere of bronc riding while also highlighting the sparks between the charming Wyatt and the feisty McKayle. What begins as a simple arrangement soon grows into something deeper, culminating in their shared victory at the PRCA competition. A sweet yet engaging romance, with just the right amount of spice — a truly delightful read.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

rivals to lovers. what more can ask for? McKayla is a woman on a mission. she wants to show she can do riding just as well as anyone else can.
Wyatt is recovering from an accident but determined to get back on that horse and find his glory.
both of them together are a simmer that that makes is way to a boil.
what a great romance novella. I really enjoyed reading this. I always love a strong FMC, and of course when the rivals finally fess up to wanting each other.
exciting page turner

[Dara Wasalino Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodeo Rivals is a novella about FMC McKayla and MMC Wyatt both professional rodeo riders. I love a cowboy romance and I love a successful woman in a man’s world story! Since this was a novella, things happen fast. We meet the FMC and MMC, they meet, they have a one night stand, they find out they are competing against one another, etc. Sadly, McKayla faces sexism and Wyatt comes to her rescue. This one was a quick and easy read. I did wish it was a full length story

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this short story. The story has secrets, and laughs.

This is McKayla and Wyatt’s story. She is a bull rider and it at the top of her game coming in to win the top prize. Wyatt is also looking to win that prize. One night together has the pull between them growing. With them both trying to win the big prize who is going to win and who is going to lose? Or will they both lose?

I recommend this book.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKayla is trouble and sass and 100% woman all rolled into one. Wyatt is smooth and confident. Together they are quite the spice. I enjoyed the fact that McKayla was able to hold her own in a male dominated sport and earn respect along the way. Wyatt is a knight in cowboy armor and I very much enjoyed this read

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

brand new to me author. Thank you for reaching out and asking if we would like to read and review. I really enjoyed this one.. especially since I just got done watching Yellowstone. I was in the mood for some cowboys. :) Such a fun and fast read.. This Rivals to Lovers was just what I needed.

Wyatt and McKayla were just perfect, and I can not wait for more

[Brandy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d read anything Victoria Jayne writes, including her grocery list. Her writing style always pulls me in no matter what genre.

This Novella is full of heart, tension, spice and swoony moments.

The best part of all if you buy and read it you’ll be supporting an incredible cause!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wanted to make something of herself as a female bronc rider. He just wanted to be able to compete well again. Sparks flew when they met and they just continued to keep meeting, until they realized they could be together. A lot of competition in this story and it works out well.