A bull-rider's life is not an easy one... getting thrown around by half a ton of muscle, landing in the dirt and running for your life. Dante Rivers works hard at riding bulls, and he's only got another year or two before he's over the hill. So after A WILD RIDE rodeo he likes to relax, and sometimes that means a pickup bar. Ryan Abbot can't believe his luck when the stunningly handsome Dante plays pool with him and drops a few hints. Ryan's a stockbroker, and he loves a man who's a real man. He shows Dante that a night with him is about more than just a quickie, but then they have to go their separate ways.

Some weeks later, the two meet again when Ryan is helping Dante's grandfather Hyram to sort out his affairs. The older man runs a ranch near Dallas and Dante does most of the physical work. After Ryan leaves, Dante has to have "that conversation" with his grandfather, who has noticed that no girls have been figuring in the younger man's life. But he's still the same person, and they sort it out amicably. Now if only Dante could resolve his feelings for Ryan, he'd be a lot happier. He considers that the bull-riding scene is notoriously homophobic, although - or perhaps because - many of the fans are gay. Ryan might be good for Dante personally, but he's out and proud....

I was amused by the gold mine share certificates in the story, which were issued in the twenties and are mainly worth their novelty value to hang on the wall. Hyram has an illness called ALS which is worsening, and facing the facts about his ongoing care makes Dante a well-rounded character. The bull-rider also has a sponsor, a maker of western clothing, which helps to defray his travelling expenses so the ranch doesn't have to carry the load. Andrew Grey thinks out such details and makes his story more solid. A WILD RIDE is a hot adult read with lots of twists and turns in and out of the arena.

Book Summary

Dante Rivers just lost the rodeo by two one hundredths of a point: he's frustrated as hell, needs to get laid, and he knows just where to go. That night he meets Ryan Abbott and catches his eye-Ryan watched the rodeo and is still riding high on the rush. The chemistry between them ignites, but Dante, unable to deal with complications, leaves while Ryan's asleep.

Ryan figures he'll never see Dante again, but they're fatefully reunited when Dante's grandfather, Hy, hires Ryan to help straighten out some old investments. The attraction between Ryan and Dante still sizzles. Sex slowly turns to more, but obstacles abound: Hy's failing health, Dante's homophobic sponsor, an attack on Ryan, and Dante's own struggle with his identity. Any one thing would be enough to separate them permanently... unless they both decide to hang on for the wild ride.

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