I loved this! I love pbr and rodeos and I loved that the mc was a bull rider, enjoyed this second chance ya romance .

I want to thank the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an advance copy of This Ain't Our First Rodeo.
While I appreciated the effort and the themes the book aimed to explore, I found that it didn't quite resonate with me as much as I had hoped. The story had some engaging moments, but overall, I felt it lacked depth and consistency in pacing. The characters showed potential, but I struggled to connect with their development throughout the narrative.
This book might appeal to readers looking for a light, quick read, but it didn't fully meet my expectations. I look forward to seeing how the author continues to grow and improve in future works.

This is a second-chance romance between a young professional bull-rider and a young rancher. Both main characters are Black and the book briefly explores the whitewashing of cowboys/cowgirls despite the large presence of Black cowboys/cowgirls. I enjoyed the setting of the book, with the rodeos, the bull-riding, and the ranch. Also of note, there are strong Christian/religious themes throughout the book, which is good to know when recommending it to young adult readers.

There are moments of good chemistry and romance between the main characters, Shawn and Josie. I liked the second-chance aspect of the book as well, this aspect of the plot was well-written. Overall, though, this book just wasn't for me. There were many comments by the characters that were conservative and judgmental, which I found off-putting and they made the characters less likable. There was also a miscommunication plotline in the book that felt immature and poorly written. I won't be adding this book to my library's YA collection.

Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As an avid PBR fan, I loved this concept. Fictional or not, it was nice seeing the insight into a rider's life behind the scenes. The second chance romance was so endearing, and I loved Shawn and Josie. I enjoyed how their lives were different but also merged so well together. The storyline as a whole was good. It was easy to read, and an overall cute palette cleanser. I would definitely read a sequel.

My only complaint is that I wish the chapters were a little more consistent on length. Some of the shorter POV changes did seem choppy, However, it wouldn't deter me from recommending this book to anyone. I really enjoyed it.

I really did enjoy this one and flew through it, however the ending left me wanting more and I felt a tad disappointed. Just a little rushed for my own personal taste!!

Oh my goodness! I’ve been wanting a cowboy YA Romance that was Black and cute forever! This definitely delivered! I loved it! I can’t wait for more from this author! This is my first book from her .

This was a second chance romance and it was a fun read. From the moment the mc’s meet they get along quite well and then seeing them meeting again they have chemistry. It was a very cute read but it sometimes felt like everything went by so quickly. I still recommend giving this a read. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

I enjoyed the way Josie and Shawn were written in this book, it had that element that I was wanting from a rodeo romance concept. I was engaged from start to finish and how the romance was realistic and how good the overall feel worked. It had that western element that I was wanting and enjoyed the overall feel of this. Liara Tamani has a strong writing style and creates characters that I wanted them to have a second-chance in. I'm glad I got to read this and am excited for more.

I am not the best of giving summaries of what a book is about but more about how they make you feel.

This book felt like a yummy treat at the end of a long day. Remember your first summer romance that made you go to bed smiling, with butterflies dancing in your stomach? That’s this. Summer, second chance romance with the person who made you fall for the first time.

Initial miscommunications that are EASILY fixed but they’re young and against their parents.

Definitely a cute fun read.

3.5
i really enjoyed this book but the ending was kind of disappointing…it felt super rushed. i also didn’t like how the fmc said “She” when speaking about Yahuah soooo 😅
it is a christian book, i think…bc the beliefs seems a little different. for the aforementioned reason and also the characters said that when you die you become a part of everything 🤷🏻‍♀️

that aside, i LOVED the writing voice. it was very unique and engaging, and also the romance was sweet. it was a bit instalovey but they were cute together so whatever lol

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

🤠ARC Review🤠

This Ain’t our First Rodeo
By Liara Tamani

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release Date: February 10, 2026

Josie parents own fancy restaurants that comes with a fancy house, clothes, and lifestyle but she would rather be at her grandparents ranch riding Strawberry her horse. Shawn is a bull rider and he has been riding since his step dad got him on a bull after his mom passed. He is trying to live up to his stepdads legacy.

A second chance romance with a Texas rodeo backdrop. Josie and Shawn chemistry kicks off fast but it always seems something is trying to come between then or moving to fast. This Ain’t our First Rodeo is about family, friends, tension between following your dreams and/or sticking to your roots.

Thank you to Net Galley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

#netgalley #romancebooks #kindlegirlie #bookstagram #readreadread #plantsandbooks

Thank you Harper Collins for this arc in exchange for a honest review. I thought this was a fun and easy to read second chance cowboy romance. There were times I felt like the plot and the writing was a bit choppy, but overall it was a quick and entertaining read. I really enjoyed Josie and Shawn as characters, as well as following their reconnection.

A swooney, heartfelt, and refreshingly original second‑chance romance. Josie and Shawn’s chemistry jumps off the page from the moment they reconnect, and the Texas rodeo backdrop adds grit, charm, and a sense of place that feels alive. I loved how Tamani wove in themes of family legacy, ambition, and the tension between following your heart and honoring your roots.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.