The book adaptation of the hit movie - a riveting novel about the last ride of a rodeo star

Mike's best years are behind him. There was a time when there was no one better in the arena, but divorce and years of rough living had worn him out. After one accident, he has to end his career suddenly, but the boss assigns him one last task: to cross the Mexican border and kidnap the boss's son Raf from his ex-wife in order for the boss to prevail in a protracted divorce case.

When Mike arrives at the scene, he finds that the boy has already escaped, and his plan is immediately exposed by the local police. Eventually, the cowboy finds Rafa on the streets of Mexico City - hanging around and making a living by petty theft and the occasional cockfight win. Mike convinces the boy to return to Texas, and the two fugitives from the law set off on a journey north. An unlikely friendship develops between them that forces them to come to terms with life choices made in order to remain "macho".