The Recommended Reading Order
While every book in the Studs in Spurs series features a self-contained romance with a happily-ever-after for a different couple, the absolute best way to experience the series is in publication order. Cat Johnson introduces recurring characters, ongoing rodeo tour standings, friendships, and family relationships that develop naturally from one book to the next. For example, reading the books in sequence allows you to see characters like Mustang Jackson transition from a wild bachelor in the first book to a supportive friend and partner in subsequent novels.
By following the publication order, you will also follow the natural timeline of the professional bull-riding circuit, sharing in the injuries, victories, and scandals of the tour as they happen. If you want the full, immersive experience without minor spoilers about who ends up married or retired, stick to this order:
- Unridden (2009)
- Bucked (2010)
- Ride (2010)
- Hooked (2011)
- Flanked (2012)
- Thrown (2014)
- Champion (2014)
- Spurred (2015)
- Wrecked (2015)
A Closer Look at the Books
1. Unridden (2009)
The book that started it all introduces Jenna Block, a New York romance novelist who travels to the rodeo circuit for hands-on research. There she meets best friends and professional bull riders Slade Bower and Mustang Jackson. What begins as research quickly turns into a sizzling ménage romance that remains a fan-favorite entry point for the series.
2. Bucked (2010)
Focusing on Robey "Mustang" Jackson, this story follows the charismatic cowboy as he recovers from a serious bull-riding injury. During his rehabilitation, he reconnects with his childhood friend Sage Beckett. It is a heartfelt story about healing, trust, and moving past the fear of vulnerability.
3. Ride (2010)
This installment brings readers the classic "accidental Vegas wedding" trope. Chase is a rugged bull rider who wakes up after a wild night in Las Vegas married to Leesa. The two must navigate the sudden transition from strangers to spouses while dealing with the intense media spotlight of the rodeo tour.
4. Hooked (2011)
Luke Carpenter is a veteran bull rider facing the inevitable end of his competitive career. Annie Grant is a sideline reporter who has covered the tour for years. When their professional boundaries blur, they must decide if they are willing to make the personal sacrifices needed to build a life together outside the arena.
5. Flanked (2012)
Garret James is facing a career-ending shoulder injury and lacks the health insurance to cover his surgery. Silver Jordan, the sister of his fellow rider Aaron, offers a solution: a marriage of convenience so he can use her health benefits. This setup leads to an emotionally charged, high-heat romance as fake vows turn into very real feelings.
6. Thrown (2014)
Skeeter Anderson is a rising star in the bull-riding world who comes to the rescue of Riley Davis. Riley is struggling to manage the stock contracting business left behind by her deceased father. The partnership between the rider and the stock contractor quickly heats up both inside and outside the arena.
7. Champion (2014)
Cooper Holbrook is a former champion bull rider who has lost his edge and his motivation. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Hannah Anderson—the mother of his former student, Skeeter. This romance explores second chances, mature love, and rebuilding one's identity after leaving the spotlight.
8. Spurred (2015)
Dedicated bull rider Aaron Jordan is focused entirely on his career and the rodeo tour. However, his focus is tested when he is tasked with showing the owner of the tour's primary sponsor around town, leading to a complicated romance with media manager Jill amidst shifting rodeo politics.
9. Wrecked (2015)
The final book in the series features Wade Long, an alpha bull rider, and CeCe Cole, a wealthy and powerful billionaire CEO. Their romance explores the clash between two very different worlds as Wade attempts to prove he can handle a strong, independent woman, only to realize he wants a permanent commitment rather than a passing fling.
What to Know Before You Start
Cat Johnson's series is famous for its authentic portrayal of professional bull riding. The author did extensive real-world research, including sponsoring actual professional bull riders, to ensure the arena details, injury risks, and locker-room camaraderie felt genuine. Readers should expect high-heat contemporary romance with strong elements of sports romance, small-town vibes, and tight-knit family dynamics.
Note that the first book, Unridden, features a ménage romance (M/F/M), whereas the subsequent books in the series transition into traditional contemporary M/F romances. If ménage romance is not your preferred trope, you can easily skip to Bucked without losing track of the main plot, though you will miss the initial introduction of Slade and Mustang.
Spin-offs and Related Series
If you finish all nine books of Studs in Spurs and find yourself craving more cowboy romance, Cat Johnson has several other series set in similar worlds. While they do not feature direct crossovers with the bull riders of the Spurs tour, series like Oklahoma Nights, Maverick Ranch, and Midnight Cowboys offer the same signature blend of humor, heat, and rugged Western heroes. They make perfect companion reads for anyone who loves the aesthetic and tone of Studs in Spurs.