This was a really good well written sweet romance and is Cody and Kelly's story. He is a bull rider much to the disappointment of his family when he decides to donate his earning to help a single mum's little boy get an op he desperately needs he is not expecting the Kelly to track him down to thank him and at first he is not happy about it. This was a really great addition to the series and I really enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

What a wonderful story. I just adored Kelly and her son Ricky. Cody was a great male protagonist. He had a lot of issues with feeling like a failure after an event that occurred when he was 16. He was a good man but it took the love of a good woman to help him to see the error of his thinking.

This story will grab you right from the beginning. I was really hooked on this story and the trials that these two had to face. I had a tear or two in my eye on occasion. The story is so well written that you just feel like you are there right in the middle of the scene.

The author wrote this story with a dual POV of the main protagonists. I really enjoy that as it allows me to enter the mind and get into their thoughts. This really helps me to understand their actions so much better.

I highly recommend this story to anyone.

Enjoyable! Have to check out the other books before this!

This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review

When Cody gives his prize to his waitress, a single mother with a child who needs an operations, she thinks he is her hero. Cody is no ones hero. He usually only does thing that benefit him, or does he. He tries to live up to his reputation, but Kelly know that there is more to the man that what she has heard. After Ricky has recovered from his life saving surgery, she looks for Cody in his hometown. The things she hears about him are not the kind bull rider that she met. Sometimes it takes someone good to point out that there is good in yourself as well. What starts out as a simple thank you for your kindness turns into a road of self discovery for Cody. Loved it!

I totally enjoyed reading The Bull Rider’s Return by Joan Kilby, book two in The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. Cody Starr loves promoting his bad boy reputation while on the rodeo circuit. Struggling single mom Kelly works hard as waitress, saving money so her young son can get a heart operation. When Cody decides to leave his prize money as a tip for Kelly, he decides keeping quiet about it is best. After driving to Marietta, Montana to thank Cody in person she accidently lets slip his good deed. Kelly has heard from numerous sources about Cody’s “love ‘em and leave ‘em” reputation, but sees a different Cody as they spend time together. Cody struggles with his past behavior and actions; not believing that he deserves any praise for his actions. Despite believing in him, she knows nothing long term can result in their relationship until Cody believes in himself and comes to terms with his past. Cody is falling hard and fast for Kelly but he has to come to terms with his demons from his past before he can be the man she deserves.

Ms. Kilby wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This story is filled with sexual attraction, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

You meet both the main characters when the book opens. The cowboy leaves the waitress his winning as tip when she gets fired from her job because her son was with her at work. The tip turns out to be enough to pay for an operation her son needs. Months later you find Kelly Reid and her son doing better and who already had a hero worship on Cody only get stronger after he helped them. Looking for Cody in a Rodeo town they find him not knowing that it is also his home town. Tired of hearing all of the bad things people are saying about Cody she tells a few people about his good deed. This is okay with Cody for a while and it seems everything is going to work out between them when he gets upset and leaves one night. Not wanting to stay any longer she leaves and goes back to the town she came from, now Cody must decide what he wants in life because he cannot stop thing about Kelly and her son, but that is not good when you are getting on the back of a bull. What will Cody do? Read this fast read and find out.

3.5 Stars
Loving the Marietta Series... all of them and this is no different. We have a Bad Boy who never is friendly or easy touch... yet when he sees something that just ain't right... He does the right thing and saves a mother and son.

Little does he know, they are going to track him down to thank him and blow his grouchy, bad boy image.

The Bull Rider’s Return is Book number two in the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo Series by Joan Kirby. This is Cody Starr and Kelly Reid’s story.

This story got my attention right away. Cody may not have the best reputation but there was just something that I liked about him from the beginning. His character just makes you want to hug him and let him know that he is important and special. As a mom Kelly was easy to feel a connection to. She is raising her sick son alone. Cody and Kelly’s paths cross and their lives will never be the same.

I loved this story! FYI, contains mature content. I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this story as the Copper Mountain Rodeo continues. Cody Starr has a reputation as a bad boy on the circuit and most think he's nothing but trouble. After what he did for her and her son, Kelly Reid completely disagrees and is determined to change his opinion of himself and prove he's a man worth of all the good life has to offer.

These characters definitely found a place in my heart and I loved watching their relationship develop over the course of the book. I highly recommend this one.

The Bull Rider’s Return is the second in the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series and is a lovely combination of sweet and sexy as single mother Kelly finds her life and that of her son Ricky turned upside down by the generosity of sexy cowboy Cody Starr.
I loved the way Kelly and her son Ricky helped Cody rediscover his underlying good side. Shame from something he did at sixteen along with his family’s expectations that he will always get into trouble has led Cody along a path where, when he’s not shining in the rodeo ring, he’s loving and leaving the ladies, drinking too much or getting into trouble. Kelly shows him how to be a better man and I really enjoyed watching her do it.
Kelly has had a tough life having been pushed away by her father and step mother, left pregnant by a former boyfriend, and struggling to raise a little boy who is sick. She is hard working, caring and dedicated but slow to trust, and even slower to give her heart. Watching it slowly melt for Cody was a pleasure.
I loved the setting - Montana is a place I’ve been reading about a lot and the small country towns of Marietta and Sweetheart. I like the small town feel and the way family and friends care for each other, and that was very evident through this story.

This is my first book by Joan Kilby.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading more from this author.

The Bull Rider’s Return has so many layers to it that as I read this engaging romance those layers were slowly peeled away to show what is beneath the surface of all the characters. It’s not a simple story of a bad boy cowboy doing one out of character good deed… it’s far more than that. And I believe I fell a bit more in love with Cody as every insecurity, every encounter with his loving but not understanding him family was revealed. You need to discover the real Cody for yourself as you read his story – but he is not the bad boy, love ’em leave ’em, uncaring man that his reputation and the opinion of his family and his hometown make him out to be. Cody is his own worst critic. At the tender age of 16 he made a decision that changed his life. Who among us can look back at our 16 year old selves and not cringe a bit at the decisions we made. Yes, he runs when things get intense, when no one will try to see a situation from his side only placing misguided blame where it doesn’t belong. Personally, I hurt for Cody and disliked his well meaning but doing it in the wrong way family.

Kelly was easier to understand. Her issues come from being left behind with a son who will have health issues his entire life unless a very expensive operation van be funded. His father wants nothing to do with a baby, so Kelly and Ricky have been on their own, struggling to survive. I got Kelly’s trust issues. I thought she went a bit overboard at one point when she did the very thing she’d accused his family of doing… but her reaction was realistic for her personality.

These two needed each other. It’s as simple as that. They each had issues yet when together, and dealing honestly with each other, the spark, the connection was so plain to see. I enjoyed the heck outta this story. It made me think, it made me feel and it let me connect with a very complex cowboy who couldn’t see his own worth… until the right woman, and the right kid came into his life. If you’re looking for a fast, cowboy, rodeo loving romance then you’ll find that in The Bull Rider’s Return… but you will also find some deep layers and a story that is so much more than what you see on the surface.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

When it seems like there is not hope for Kelly and her son some one does something super special and she knows she could never repay him. But when she seeks him out to thank him things take a turn. Can Cody open his heart to Kelly and her son or will the trip be for nothing?
I thought this story was super sweet love story over all. I really like both Kelly and Cody, but I am not a fan of how she seemed to "chase" him. I found her a strong independent women one moment and then the next she seemed almost co-dependent. I loved Ricky and how no matter what he was faced with he had this bubbly personality about him that truly seem too add a whole other element to the story. I also loved how close Cody's family was and the feeling of belonging that just jumped off the pages. I wish there was more of a follow up on one of the characters. This book does have strong language and adult situations. I hope there is more to come from Sweetheart there seems like another great community like Marietta.

I enjoyed reading The Bull Rider's Return and found it an entertaining installment in the series.

Cody is a nice guy with a bad boy reputation that he doesn't seem to know how to shake. Kelly is a single mom struggling to keep it together for her son who has serious health issues. Both characters are very likable and I felt like they belonged together and would make each other happy.

The only thing I had an issue with is that I found it hard to believe that there were no charities or government services that would help Kelly's son with his potentially fatal condition, but since this is the entire set up to the book, I can accept it and move on.

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

I received an ARC in exchange of my honest review.

The Bull Rider’s Return by Joan Kilby
No good deed goes unpunished…
Rough rider Cody Starr relishes his reputation as the bad boy on the rodeo circuit. When he impulsively leaves his prize money as a tip for a struggling waitress so her little boy can get a heart operation, Cody keeps quiet about it, knowing he’s only atoning for past sins. His good deed is outed when Kelly Reid drives across three states to thank him in person. Despite the fact that Kelly forces him to confront his past and question everything, Cody starts to fall hard for her.
Single mom Kelly Reid thinks Cody is a Hero with a capital H. She believes in Cody, but she knows that nothing long term can come of their intense attraction until he believes in himself. Is Cody the love ‘em and leave ‘em guy he claims to be or could he possibly be the man of her dreams?
This is Kelly Reid and Cody Starr's story.
Kelly Reid could always tell a bull rider by his walk—part swagger, part stagger, as if everything hurt but his pride.
This particular bull rider strode into the diner as dawn was breaking over the mountains behind Reno. He was tall and solid with muscle from staying the course atop two tons of bucking brahma. His black hair was shorn on the sides and flopped over his forehead. Tattoos decorated tanned biceps. His dark brown eyes were bleary and she figured he hadn’t slept in twenty-four. Kelly knew the look well. She saw it every day in the mirror after she finished night shift.
He made for the counter and slid onto a stool, flashing her a smile that was charming despite his obvious fatigue. A bulging manila envelope was stuffed inside his jeans waistband, not quite obscured by the big silver buckle that confirmed he was a rodeo rider. He drew out the envelope, placed it on the counter and laid his forearm over it protectively. “Coffee, please.”
“Great night,” he said absently as he scrolled through his phone. Strong hands, long fingers—two of them taped together on his right hand. He frowned, as if he hadn’t found what he was looking for.
“Something to eat?” Kelly wiped the already spotless counter, her glance sweeping the diner. The truckers tucking into breakfasts over in the booths were okay for now.
The cowboy put away his phone and looked at her. His dark eyes lit with a curious spark, as if seeing her for the first time. “What have you got?”
“Exactly where I’m going.” He extended a callused hand. “The name’s Cody.”
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
The Bull Rider’s Return by Joan Kilby is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Joan Kilby.
Joan's Books with Tule:
The Secret Son
Starrs of Sweetheart, Montana
The Starr Brothers of Montana
A Baby for Christmas
The Starr Brothers of Montana
A Baby for Christmas
The Starr Brothers of Montana
The Bull Rider’s Return
The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo

The 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Book 1
The Cowboy Meets His Match
by Sarah Mayberry
Book 2
The Bull Rider’s Return
by Joan Kilby
Book 3
Cowboy Come Home
by Sinclair Jayne
Book 4
The Cowboy’s Last Rodeo
by Jeannie Watt
Book 5
The Rodeo Cowboy’s Baby
by Heidi Rice

The Bull Rider's Return by Joan Kilby is part of the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo series. The first book in this series veered off from the common rodeo scenario. From this title, I thought it would be more of the traditional theme. And in many ways it was. The bad boy who needs to grow up with the heart of gold and the single mother struggling with overwhelming financial needs. Yet, other parts of the story were not so predictable.

I found the plot interesting with a surprising twist early on. Cody and Kelly are likable characters if I did find them not the most mature characters. That fact is based on some of their choices. However, I could see these choices being made today by real people. I like the writing and the rodeo, making this an enjoyable read.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is such an engaging story involving a gift, a healing, an injury, heartache and a resolution. Cody Starr gives his huge winnings to a waitress with a very sick son. The money is enough for Kelly Reid’s son, Ricky, to have life saving heart surgery.

In her quest to find Cody and to thank him properly, Kelly finds a man whose past of being a bad boy follows him throughout his hometown and in his family. Kelly knows what they say is not who Cody is and her mission is to help him see the truth of who he really is.

Cody has never been able to live down his reputation as a bad boy not that he really has tried. He has begun to believe all the press clippings and feels that is the truth about him as well. When he comes across a waitress, Kelly, and her son who needs a heart operation he gives her his prize earnings to ensure that he can have the care he needs and doesn’t tell anyone about what he has done.

Kelly wants to thank Cody in person for his generous gift as without it she doesn’t know what would have happened to both her and her son. She decides to travel to the rodeo in Marietta to thank him in person but when the truth about his gift becomes public it causes everyone to reconsider his reputation except for himself.

I really liked how Kelly could see he was a good man despite what everyone else believed including his family and how she finally make him believe it as well. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

The 79th Copper Rodeo Series is amazing but with a variety of Authors each book is a little bit different and with The Bull Rider's Return Joan Kilby has a hit on her hands.
Cody Starr had a bad boy reputation - when he finally does something noble he wants to keep it for himself.
Kelly is a single mother of a sick little boy and when Cody leaves her $65,000 tip so her son can get well she thinks of the only thing she can do is to hunt him down and thank him. Will she be put off by his reputation where she is warned off by everyone or will something bloom out of his kindness of the gift he gave.
This book was hard to put down I really enjoyed the story of Cody and Kelly.

Another great story about the rodeo set in Marietta, MT. This one has Cody, a bull rider and bronc rider, who stops at a diner in Reno, NV and meets Kelly, a single mother with a sickly child. When he hears her boss get angry and fires her over letting the boy sleep in a back room overnight, Cody gets upset and gives her his rodeo winnings, to help the boy get the heart surgery he needs. Six months later, and after a successful surgery, Kelly and her six year old son Ricky head to Montana to thank Cody in person. Sparks fly, and misunderstandings happen, but of course there is a HEA. Nice read and fun to see some of the other characters from past stories mentioned again.Highly recommend this book and author.