Starred review from November 14, 2022
Bell does not disappoint in her second Closed Circuit romance (The Wildest Ride). Latina rodeo queen Sierra Quintanilla, the public face of Closed Circuit Rodeo, has worked hard to perfect her flawless persona of femininity and innocence for the audience. She’s convinced herself she’s happy and thriving—but a dance with “the devil,” Diablo Sosa, makes her realize just how much she’s missing. Black Latine Cowboy turned attorney Diablo walked away from the rodeo arena due to fatigue and frustration with rodeo culture’s whitewashed cowboy mythology. When his father figure, Henry “Old Man” Bowman, the owner of Cityboyz, an after-school program, asks him to compete on Closed Circuit to promote the program, however, Sosa does not hesitate. Sierra and Diablo could not be more different, but there’s no denying their attraction. For Sierra, though, being with Diablo would mean risking her perfect image—and her job. Meanwhile, Diablo’s love for the rodeo is again challenged when a bigoted fellow contestant tries to destroy the competition. Bell brings the diverse world of competitive rodeo to life with vivid details and enhances the slow burn, opposites attract romance with chemistry and banter. Readers will be captivated. Agent: Helen Breitweiser, Cornerstone Literary.
Starred review from October 28, 2022
The second installment in the "Closed Circuit" series, after The Wildest Ride, follows the fictional reality TV series for another season of fighting, loving, and bull riding. Latine and Black, Diablo Sosa was named for the devil himself, and it was the CityBoyz who rescued him from his anger and made him a rodeo star in the process. As a favor to his old mentor, he agrees to participate in the rodeo reality show, Closed Circuit, despite not being on a bucking bronco in 14 years and now being busy as a full partner at his law firm. Sierra Quintanilla is the Closed Circuit reigning Rodeo Queen and host of the reality show's second season. With determination and perfection, Sierra, like Diablo, has proven that the face of rodeo does not have to be white to be the best. They are drawn together, yet contractually forbidden from a relationship and will have to decide what matters most. VERDICT A welcome treat for romance readers with a little country in their step or anyone wishing to take a ride with a cowboy. Fans of the series will delight in another trip to the rodeo.--Judy Garner
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