The Cowboy Meets His Match by Sarah Mayberry

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Title: The Cowboy Meets His Match
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Series: Carmody Family #1, 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo #1
Published by: Tule Publishing
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Format: Kindle Book
Pages: 350
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Source: NetGalley
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2021 Backlist Reader Challenge, Lenoreo's 2021 COYER Winter, Lenoreo's 2021 Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge
Find it: Goodreads ✩ Amazon ✩ B&N ✩ Google ✩ Kobo ✩ iBooks ✩ IndieBound ✩ Book Depository
My rating:

Blurb:

All Cassidy Jane Cooper wants is to fulfill her dream to compete in pro rodeo. CJ knows she’s going to have to work harder and smarter than everyone else to prove herself in the traditionally all-male saddle bronc competition. That means she shouldn’t look twice at handsome, charming cowboy, Jesse Carmody. She needs to focus on the competition, not one of her competitors. If only he wasn’t so damn hot…

Jesse Carmody thinks he’s seen it all–until CJ’s arrival throws him for a loop. She’s tough, sexy, and challenging. Jesse quickly realizes he wants to know a whole lot more about this intriguing woman. When CJ faces ugly opposition from others on the circuit, Jesse is there to offer a friendly hand–and more, if she wants it.

Between her trials in the arena and fighting to get the other riders to respect her, CJ knows getting involved with Jesse is the last thing she should do. But she can’t seem to keep away. Which leaves her with a choice–the man of her heart, or the career of her dreams? Or can she have them both?

My Review:

4.5 stars — Sarah Mayberry writes the kind of banter between characters that I live for.  I can’t tell you the number of times I laughed out loud.  And it’s not just everyday banter, she writes these fun steamy scenes that make my tummy flutter at the same time I’m giggling.  I always feel like that shows how comfortable a couple is with one another, and it makes me so happy.

I adored the in depth feel we got with the rodeo, and the saddle bronc event in particular.  I got to experience rides with both Jesse and CJ, and it really made me appreciate the sport in spite of its danger.  I liked that the characters didn’t shy away from acknowledging the adrenaline rush and the danger, the realities of the sport.  We got a look at rodeo atmosphere in general, and how there can be camaraderie between contestants, especially those who travel the circuit.  While the story went in other directions after the rodeo, I really felt like it added an interesting element to the story.

Is it weird to say that I liked that Jesse fucked up on multiple occasions?  It prevented him from being too good to be true.  It showed how someone with the best of intentions can still make boneheaded moves and not think things through to their conclusion (and thus still need help becoming the feminist they want to be).  And even though I was mad at him for his quick temper, and his slower thoughts, I super duper appreciated that he wasn’t afraid to genuinely apologize when he worked through it in his head.  I loved that his apologies were simple, without excuses, and that in general I felt like he would learn lessons from the experiences.  Besides all that, Jesse was pretty adorable, if flawed.  I didn’t expect his journey at the end, but wow does it explain so much about who he is.

CJ was pretty fucking awesome.  I mean, she wasn’t without her own flaws, but I loved that she had this dream and drive and she went after those things despite the roadblocks in the way.  I can’t imagine how strong she has to be to ignore the assholes and keep pushing, making changes by doing.  Even though it frustrated me, I got her reservations about having a relationship with a fellow contestant.  I kind of wish we’d been able to see how that would play out in the future, it was one thing that was definitely missing.  Sometimes it felt like the outcomes were too good to be true, but I didn’t even care.  I was all happy and excited and awed along with everyone else.  I don’t mind if things aren’t always as realistic as they should be, sometimes I need the fantasy.

And the two of them together were just fire.  I loved the way they were drawn to one another.  I truly felt their chemistry.  And even if it was fast, I still loved it and was all in.

We got some fantastic secondary characters in this one.  I loved to hate the villain (who got his just rewards in the best way).  I loved CJ’s parents and how that storyline developed and resolved.  And most importantly, I LOVED the Carmody family.  They were pretty messed up, but they were also equally loving and there for each other.  I loved their bantering and teasing, they really felt like a family.

So yeah.  Success.  I don’t know why I’m surprised, I tend to love Ms. Mayberry’s books.  Sometimes you need a little feel good hopefulness, you know?

COYER Community: I buddy read this book with Sophia Rose, who also gave this book a 4.5 stars.  Read her review here!  It was super fun to fangirl and talk about all the fun aspects of this story with her.