Audiobook Review: A Courageous Ride (The Bullriders #3) by Andrew Grey

Aspiring orchestra conductor Marshall is exhausted after months of auditions without a single job offer. Marshall’s friend, Terry, recommends a change of scenery and points Marshall in the direction of a dude ranch run by former bull rider Indigo Santana. Marshall is understandably skeptical, but his friend is convincing, and Marshall needs a break, so he agrees to go.

Indigo captures Marshall’s attention but leaves him confused. Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and he’s not the most accommodating host. After all, the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.

Marshall’s attraction doesn’t go unanswered, which leaves him with a huge dilemma. He’s torn between the possibility of love, something he’s searched for all his life, and the career he’s worked toward for as long as he can remember, which is miles away. From his side of the fence, Indigo doesn’t see how the ranch could ever be enough.

Narrator: John Solo
Listening Length: 8 hours 26 minutes

Reviewer: Shee Reviewer

When I reach for an Andrew Grey book I know I’m going to get well written sincere love between two strong men. When I reach for an Andrew Grey book about cowboys I know I’m going to be in for a rare treat of well-fitting wranglers proportions! If that also happens to be an audio book, I know, just know, I’m going to be cosseted by John Solo’s upbeat and gravelly performance. And here we are!

The Bullriders series has been fun so far, and it’s lovely to see Dante and Ryan from Bull Riders Book 1 featuring several times in this book. Our main men are Indigo, the ranch owning former bull rider and Marshall the exhausted city-living musician. On the advice of his friend, Marshall takes a well earned holiday at Indigo’s ranch and falls headlong into Indigo’s life. It’s the same friend who takes Marshall out to a gay club on ‘cowboy night’ to cheer him up after his return to the city! This was easily one of my favourite scenes in the book, with Marshall unable to appreciate the lovely men all around him because of Indigo, and a guy he’s chatting with turns out to be a psychologist who gives Marshall some insight into himself and his relationship with Indigo. Priceless!

Indigo is desperately trying to turn his parent’s ranch into a viable business and the addition of guests is part of that. He had to give up his dream career as a bull rider after being stomped by a but and badly injuring his leg. His doubts and demons are almost tangible, but he can’t stop his heart for falling for Marshall. The supporting cast of characters who live on the ranch is wonderful too.

The story is a comfortable and sexy tale of two very different and charmingly flawed men and how they work out their budding relationship. They’re both gorgeous of course, this is a romance novel after all! The HEA is a given, but the journey there is both emotional and inspiring. John Solo’s performance is gritty, charming and emotive. He does a wonderful job of all the characters and enjoying his narration made my commute all the more pleasant! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it.

I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.