Bull rider Austin Harding is sitting with some other riders in a bar in Reno when he believes the waitress that took their order is none other than Kristen Alexander. The girl who in their senior year in high school told him he was going nowhere and being nothing. He is now trying to figure out why she is working as a waitress in a bar when the last time he spoke to her twin sister she had a job in a bank in Reno. But wait the shock is she gives him a different name and actually plays it off until he recognizes the scare on her back elbow that he looked at when he did show up for math class. Kristen cannot believe her luck first getting laid off then of all the people to come in Austin, not only a bull rider but from her home town. later that night he catches up to her in the parking lot which goes okay, but then the next day she is let go from her job as a cocktail waitress. Now faced with having to go home and not wanting to spend more money than she wants to she heads to the arena to ask Austin if he could give her a ride to Reno, which is part way to Montana. He has her stay for the rides and wins that night and says he will but they need to stop at a friend’s place. There they help for the day with branding and later that night he decides to give her a ride all the way home. The ride and the time together give both of them time to act on their feelings that they had for one another during high school but did not. When he leaves to go back out on the tour after a couple of weeks she goes with for a bit then comes home and she finds herself watching more of his rides and waiting for his calls at night. Everything changes for him when one of his friends is hurt real bad and he decides to break up with Kristen. That is until a few weeks later when he is dragged around by a bull and ends up in the hospital. His family can’t go to him and call her and she has to decide whether to go to him or go to an interview in Reno for a new job. Read this story and see if she stays in banking or becomes a cowboy’s wife. A very good book.

Jeannie Watt is a new author to me. I love the American Extreme Bull Riders series and this book "Austin" surely didn’t disappoint.

Austin was one hot bull rider.

Karma plays a huge part in this book. I loved it. When Kristen finds herself out of a job again, with no money to get home to Marietta, she has to bum a ride off Austin. And so begins their unlikely reunion, as well as their opposites attract romance.

I really enjoyed this one. The relationship felt natural, developing over time. Both Austin and Kristen have to face personal shortcomings, and accept that they have flaws. There is compromise. There is awareness of others’ feelings. The HEA is completely believable. Jeannie Watt I'll be reading your work again and again.

3.75
Austin is another story in the series of sexy Bullrieders. So this one is an interesting one between a former school friend. Krista and Austin don't have the best memories of each of them. When the faith entwines the again they are not both very excited. So Krista is an interesting character, not very open, a person who is afraid of social interaction and that is why to the others she seems arrogant and cold. That is also how Austin sees her at the start but he is hoping that underneath lies great person. Krista is determined to change and her first step was asking Austin for a ride home and for his forgiveness. Austin is an interesting character, a cowboy who is missing someone special but when somethings happens in the competition he is determined to break up with Krista because he doesn't want to see her hurt. I was positively surprised at the end with Krista she turned out really great.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Austin is at a bar with his fellow bull riders when he looks at the waitress and recognizes the girl that broke his heart and embarrassed him in high school in front of the whole school. Kristen denies she knows Austin at first but when he comes after her she apologizes because she doesn't want her family to know that she has lost her job and is now waiting tables in Reno. She was always the "perfect" daughter and has high expectations for herself and comes off as "cold" to everyone. Austin helps her break that shell of protection she has built around herself all these years and they end up helping each other find what they want and need.

I was given an ebook by the publisher through NetGalley.

I've loved every story in the American Extreme Bull Riders series and Austin is a worthy member of that club. This is a terrific opposites attract story pitting perfectionist accountant Kristen Alexander, who has always planned every aspect of her life, against bull rider Austin Harding, who favours living in the moment. These two have history and Austin has no problem throwing it in Kristen's face during a chance encounter at a Reno casino.
The characters in this story are beautifully developed. They're flawed and face plenty of roadblocks on their path to happy ever after. The story is well told, fast paced and kept me hooked throughout. Author Jeannie Watt has delivered a real winner with this one!

3 Breaking Out of Your Mold Stars
* * *
Parents, teachers, mentors, families and friends do it all the time... they mean no harm, think comments they are saying are a positive... but in the end, classifications of how a child is perceived sometimes makes more of an impression than was intended.

Now you may be wondering what I am talking about...

Well, how many times have you been told you were the smart one of the family... or the athlete or the beauty queen...All of those "tags" were never said to make you feel bad about yourself... but they could make you think that was all you were... or that was what your family thought you were...and to break that mold was not accepted..

This is the focus of this 7th entry of the AEBR series, Austin by Jeanne Watt. Both of these characters lead their lives due to how they were seen by family and friends... but only one of them used some cutting comments to be the wake up call and get him focused.

Austin Harding never worked hard in school to get by and pass his classes. He would rather work on his bull riding. He did the motions in school and had his group of guys who he hung out with. He wasn't part of the Uppity Crowd... he didn't have an easy household.

But he did have smarts and was able to see when a pretty girl walked by. Austin knew of the Alexander Sisters and even though Kristen seemed all stuck up with her head in a book or leading some club... he thought she was special.

Well, it was high school and we all know what that means...boys joke and try to come off as All That... and things can get said that don't sound right when the person who they were talking about hears them. Austin was being all confident and said he was going to get Kristen to go with him to the prom... but not exactly in those words...

Kristen, the girl everyone sees as stuck up... really is just so shy and anxious. As the sister who couldn't do sports, she was then held to her own high standards of getting top grades and being in control. Her sister was seen as the fun one... she was seen as the stand offish one.

What she didn't share with anyone was the crush she had on Austin...He was all she could think about. When they shared a class together... she saw how smart he was... and how he didn't care about anything. She wanted to shake him and get him to see there was so much he could be... and he was letting it all drift away.

When she hears through the grapevine what Austin said and labelled her, she is hurt and angry... Austin finds out she heard his careless words and goes to her locker to apologize. It is there it all happens; Kristen lashes out and cuts him deeply with words, cutting words implying he will never amount to anything in his life...in front of his friends and the entire school.

Fast forward to present day...Kristen lives in Reno. She had her life scheduled out down to a 5 year plan of when she would get her promotion and find her husband, etc. She invested in all the professional suits and designer pumps to wear in her new corporate accounting position. She looked the part and had the skills..but didn't fit in with the team and company. Before she knew it, her dream was crushed.... out on her ass, fired. Kristen who usually would tell her family everything, couldn't tell them this. She was the level headed one, the one who was a professional and capable. No, she would get a another job and then she would break it to them what had happened... and they would all have a laugh about it.

Austin and a few of the other Bull Riders from the tour are looking to blow off a little steam after their event. They head to a casino where there won't be any corporate sponsors they have to glad hand. Instead they just want to drink, relax and wind down. They pick an out of the way place, a little shabby and settle in.

When Austin's table is approached by a waitress dressed in a mini saloon gal costume with all of her goods pushed up, front and center, he has to take a second glance... and not because she is a looker...
Nope this gal looks too familiar...she looks just like....

Kristen...Aw hell, what is she doing here...Miss Buttoned Up, Miss Cutting Words and Professional. How Mighty They Fall....

Kristen cannot believe this is happening...of all people to come into the casino and have to wait on, it had to be Austin. Him, who is now a famous bull rider... always doing well in the standings, with Buckle Bunnies after him and his picture on posters. She knows he is going to tell her family how he saw her all down and out,,, just to get even from all those years ago.

Kristen tries to pretend she isn't who he thinks she is...
In the end it doesn't work and she knows she will have to beg him not to tell her folks...they will be so disappointed in her.

This is a story of two people who had history- it was mired in teenage angst and when they finally communicated and addressed it all...they both became good for each other. Austin brought out the freer side of Kristen...got her to let loose and feel things ...Kristen helped Austin see his self worth. Gave him the encouragement to see all he could be.

If you have been following this series, then you have learned of a few other characters... and when they finally get their books, it is a delight. Also have to say this series has some very compelling covers...This one especially worked.

This series can be read in any order:
Tanner (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #1) by Sarah Mayberry Tanner (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Chase (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #2) by Barbara Dunlop Chase (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Casey (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour Book 3) by Kelly Hunter Casey (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cody (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour Book 4) by Megan Crane Cody (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Troy (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #5) by Amy Andrews Troy (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kane (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour Book 6) by Sinclair Jayne Kane (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

This is a delightful second chance contemporary romance where high school crushes and humiliation get the opportunity to become a HEA, but only after plenty of angst and turmoil! Austin Harding recognised Kirsten Alexander when she was working as a waitress in the bar he’s visiting with other AEBR friends. She initially denies knowing him but later has to confess why. She was a high achieving, goal focussed person from quite a young age and made derogative remarks regarding him in front of his friends in school, shaming him. Now all her plans have crashed and she hasn’t told her family. Her ignoring Austin and his friends results in her being sacked from the job so she’s going home to confess all. She expects Austin to want revenge for how rude she was to him, and to some extent he certainly does . . . but he agrees to take her home to Marietta - though she’ll need to stay on a ranch with him en route. As the two get to know each other again, the reasons behind their teenage actions are revealed and maybe their love will stand a chance?

This is a heartwarming romance with a very shy leading lady, who hides her shyness behind an icy facade. Once that facade starts melting her true personality starts to shine through. He’s actually been driven to succeed by some of Kirsten’s comments though he’s always resented her superficial assessment of him. As he helps thaw the icy veneer she protects herself with, the two reevaluate their opinions of themselves and each other. There are dangers along the way, however, as bull riding isn’t for the fainthearted!  Accidents are always happening and these can also impact on relationships. Will theirs survive? You’ll just have to read this great addition to this series to discover for yourself!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

After enjoying Ty's book (Catch Me, Cowboy), I was curious about his brother Austin. It just so happened that Austin was available on Netgalley so I snapped it up. Good thinking on my part because this gentle, sensual, slow burn romance was just so sweet to read.

Austin's a bull rider, to complement and not compete against his brother Ty the bronc rider. He's also been head over heels for prim, prissy, motivated, and utterly serious Kristen since high school. But she shot him down and called him a loser.

Austin's no loser when it comes to his job. He takes it seriously and works hard at what he does. And it makes him money. Lots of money that he socks away for a rainy day. But Kristen? She's down and out, having lost her job and floundering financially and emotionally. When they meet by accident, the tempers fly but desperation and a little blackmail change the parameters. After that, it's a sweet exploration of giving up a bit of control and learning to try new things. And both of them put themselves on the line, until they don't.

I liked both Austin and Kristen a lot. They were at turns vulnerable and tough, scared and adventurous. They complement each other well. I also liked the rather frank look at "rough stock" riding and the extreme danger of it. It looks glamorous, but it's rough and dangerous and takes a lot of work and effort. I really liked how Watt made it clear how dangerous and how much work it is and how much damage it can do to a body.

I loved the slow burn of this book. It never felt like the emotions were rushed and the shared history really made that work well. This is my third Jeannie Watt book in a row and as an author she is really growing on me. I can't wait to see who she'll be writing about next.

Austin is a fun romance about shifting your expectations and rolling with the punches when you grow up and things don't work out as you planned.

Austin, is of course, our hero and Kristen (a girl he grew up with) is our heroine. Life isn't working out for Kristen but luckily Austin steps in to help her out. I enjoyed their journey back home and their path to each other. Kristen seemed a little bit snippy at times but I understood where her frustration was coming from and I never found her annoying (always a plus in my eyes). I liked Austin all the way through the book. He was just a good guy and a genuine friend to Kristen when she needed one most.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

The American Extreme Bull Riders Series has been varied which has kept it interesting no matter which bull rider is at the focus of the story. While the author’s individual style and the bull rider’s individuality come through in each book, there is a continuity in the series that I appreciate. Austin by Jeannie Watt adds a wonderful if bumpy romance to the series.

Austin, a top contender for the championship is also a person who can hold a grudge. That made him more human, not just a card board cut-out hero. While it may have been hard on Kristen early in the story, her actions and words as a teenager were hurtful whether she meant them to be or not. Isn’t this the way real life works, our perceptions influence our thinking?

The plot progresses naturally as these two characters see each other differently now. Their success has switched, but they learn that there is more to a person than their financial earnings. Once they do this, a chance at love happens, making this a heartwarming romance.

Kristen and Austin knew each other in high school. After hearing that Austin had said something derogatory about her, she steps out of her shy comfort zone and lays into him. Publicly. He walked away shaken and shocked that she could be so cruel.

Now Kristen is having to eat those words as she struggles just to make a living. When Austin offers to help, she is surprised he’s not looking for revenge. As they travel together to their hometown, the shy introvert begins to step out of her shell and makes it clear that she wants something temporary with the boy she had crushed on so many years ago.

While I enjoyed this story, I never really felt a true connection between Austin and Kristen. I appreciated the fact that they cleared the air about their past, and that she found the strength to let him know what she wanted from him. However, I didn’t sense that this hero was anxious or even excited to make the heroine his own. I like a possessive hero and Austin just didn’t feel like one.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers

Austin is a bull rider who runs into a high school classmate. Their tangled past makes it difficult for them to connect, but Kristen is desperate for a ride home and asks Austin for help. Despite being polar opposites, they fall in love.

4.5 stars
I requested this book because of the author, only mildly interested in this “American Extreme Bull Riders Tour” (Tule Publishing), and I got what I expected: good writing, complex and well-rounded characters and a romantic relationship full of subtleties and nuances.
I’m a foreigner and I really don’t care about bull riding, but I really appreciated the insight into the activity; Watt’s descriptions are powerful, showing the danger, harshness and volatility of the occupation.
I must say I didn’t feel that connected to the characters per se, but, paradoxically, I did love their honesty, authenticity and the way they dealt with their conflicting emotions – all due to Jeannie Watt’s craft.
Kristen is a great character who grows over the course of the story and who grew on me. And I adored sexy, blue-eyed Austin: stoic, laid-back, honorable.

3.5 Stars!

While I'm loving this series, Austin was a bit harder for me to connect to at first. Kristen, our hero suffers with social anxiety. She closes up and is often times taken as being cold. The reactions of Austin to this was not something I agreed with. He in fact came of a bit childish in the beginning. Once these two started spending time with each other he actually became more protective of her feelings and tried to help her overcome some of her issues. This was more of a slow burn, second chance romance that I would consider a mid to high angst level. No cheating, abuse or other women/men drama. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Austin is book 7 in the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour. I loved this story it had a great balance between the character development and romance. Austin and Kristen were fabulous characters that added to this amazing story. I will be recommending this book and series to readers

This series just keeps getting better...I especially enjoyed Austin and Kristen's story because it showed more of the downside to the sport than the other books. There are failures that aren't always brought to the forefront.

The history of the couple was a great backdrop and lead into their current relationship...how it evolved was captivating as it was heartbreaking. The reality of the short span and danger the bull riders have had been stressed in each book prior this one, but not to the extent that it involved the main characters. Both Austin and Kristen having suffered disappointments in their careers paved the way into life after bull riding.

The beginning of their lives together was the product of the endings they experienced and the way their HEA was created showed just how the human spirit overcomes and compensates, recreating a better more fulfilling ending. The perfect ending that the author so succinctly wrote.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Another great addition to this series.

Austin Harding is drinking with his friends from the AEBR at a casino in Reno when he recognises the waitress as an old school-fellow, Kristen Alexander. At school Austin had a crush on Kristen until she gave him a brutal public set-down. Now he's a successful bull-rider and she's recently been laid off from her cubicle job and has been forced to work as a waitress in a Reno casino in order to cover her rent.

Kristen always had a plan, school, college, career, marriage, children - until she gets laid off and realises that her perfect life is rigid and inflexible.

Part of Austin wants revenge on Kristen and the other part wants to look after her, so when she loses her job he agrees to help her get home to Marietta. Can opposites attract and can they find some middle ground?

I loved this book, poor Kristen was sooo shy and everyone judged her for being an Ice Princess when really she was just socially awkward. Austin thought he knew what he wanted from life but associating with Kristen makes him realise that he has no clue what to do with his life after bull-riding. This was full of second chances and changing your life. Austin and Kristen were flawed but lovable characters that I would love to have dinner with.

Wonderfully engaging story of friendships and the birth of new relationships set in the tumult of bull riding. Two opposing figures come together and bring change they didn't know they needed. Was rooting for Austin and Kris the whole way through.

As this series progresses, I become more and more enamoured by these hard-working men and women and the trials they often face in their day-to-day life. Plus there’s just something alluring about a rough and tumble Bull Rider and the risks he takes to reach the inevitable goal.

Austin’s story is once again unique in its telling and has a gripping back story to keep readers thoroughly engrossed. I really liked both lead characters, and the chemistry between Austin and Kristen is a wonderful anticipation in its slow, and simmering burn.
I’m so in love with all the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour characters, that I hope the series is a long time running!

Austin by Jeannie Watt
American Extreme Bull Rider Tour Romance #7

This is a series that thoroughly enjoy and eagerly await each book for. From the beginning I fell for the men in the stories. There is something about the fact these men who live their lives on the edge with death a real possibility every time they get on the back of a bull that grabbed me. With a variety of authors giving voice to each story they are varied but the series cohesive and so far every man in the story has been a keeper and one I would like to have as a friend - the fact that each of these intriguing men find love and I get to read about it is just a bonus ;)

In this book Austin Harding meets up with Kristin Alexander as she works as a waitress in a casino bar. He is not sure it is HER and her denial of being who he thinks she is turns out to bite her in the fanny. In high school they had one bad incident that has remained with them over the years. There is a possibility for them to “fix” things as they go on a road trip together. Spending time together does more than allow them to settle the past but will it allow them more in the future? That is the question. Austin and Kristen definitely brought out the best in one another and now I look forward to finding out what Gage’s story will be next…and I also wonder if Gage will be the last or if there will be more books in the series than eight :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars