River Strong

Powder River #2

by B.J. Daniels

For two rival families, the only thing that matters more than land…is love.

There’s a lifetime of tension between the McKenna and Stafford ranching families, and Oakley Stafford has the bullet scar to prove it. Defying the bitter rivalry between their families, Oakley grew up thick as thieves with Duffy McKenna. But now the Staffords and the McKennas are competing to buy a neighboring property. Both need that land desperately—and the reasons are more dangerous than Oakley knows.

But there’s another unspoken rivalry, too, between Duffy and Pickett Hanson, the McKenna family’s ranch hand. Once upon a time, Oakley ignored the way the two handsome cowboys playfully flirted with her, but now she’s untangling complicated feelings that could upend years of friendship. And when a body is found on the contested ranch, their secrets will be forced into the open at last…

A Powder River Novel

Book 1: Dark Side of the River
Book 2: River Strong
Book 3: River Justice

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Adult, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Westerns

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

B.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Cowboy Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in A Powder River series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book, and I feel you really need to read the first book in this series before picking up this book. There are a lot of things that happen in this book that you would have trouble following if you had not read the first book. I really love the characters in this book. The mother in this book drives me crazy, and I hated how she favored one of her children over the other ones. This book is packed with action, suspense, and a little bit of romance. The mystery/suspense in this book had me not wanting to put this book down. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but you need to read book 1 first. Parts felt jumbled and jumpy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Normally I can fill in the blanks when I pick up a book that is within a series. This story is book number two and I do recommend you read book number one for the full experience.

The author did a pretty good job tying in everything, but there were parts that seemed very jumpy to me and that didn’t flow very well because I lacked knowledge from book number one.

The plot of the story was very unique and interesting. We have a trio of best friends with one developing romance. We have some bad guys that truly have some evil behind them. Plus, we also have some family integrations that really make you feel for the characters. Some of these people are wicked!

The story leans more into the suspense line along with the building romance. We get a little intrigue with our emotional tension. The heat level in this one is rather low and while I wouldn’t call it a clean romance, there’s only one interaction that adds a little bit of spice.

Overall, River Strong was engaging and a page turner. However, I really missed the deeper physical connection between the characters as I felt the story needed that to balance out the intrigue and the romance more.

Daniels is a strong cowboy romance author who is dedicated to telling stories with deep ties to the Western culture and hometown Americana life. She always delivers a refreshing, feel-good story with the great happily ever after we love.
~~~~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/river-strong...

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focuses on a dispute between neighboring ranches and the families within them. They’ve found that drilling gas wells may bring them extra money, but there’s always a far greater price associated with that. Not all are in favor of the drilling and danger lurks for some of the main characters.
Overall the book was well written and had a good story line. It had some Romeo and Juliet type elements as well as deep family secrets and somewhat of a love triangle. I feel that the author did a good job of tying things together at the end and answering questions. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but it did pick up in later chapters.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was thrilling and romantic. The ending was better than I thought it would be. I am grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Escarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.J. Daniels continues the saga from Dark Side of the River between the McKenna and Stafford ranchers. River Strong starts out with Oakley Stafford trying to get her memory back from being shot by her oldest brother CJ Stafford, momma’s can do no wrong son. Tilly Stafford is planning her marriage to Cooper McKenna, but momma doesn’t know yet. Tilly’s not asking for permission from her mother but hoping that she doesn’t try to stop her special day. Despite the McKenna and Stafford feud, Duffy McKenna and Pickett Hanson (McKenna’s ranch hand) grew up with Oakley Stafford, you might say they were a trio in keeping Power River Basin community safe from CH4 from drilling more wells.
River Strong keeps the reader entertained with suspense and new discoveries that causes your first assumption of what is going to happen to change. B.J. Daniels’ ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting for the ball to drop, page after page.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley Stafford is a survivor; she lived despite being shot in the back. However, she has no memory of the events leading up to the shooting. Her best friends, Duffy McKenna and Pickett Hanson, are staunch opponents of drilling in Powder River. As the trio ages, they become more conscious of each other's presence; both Pickett and Duffy struggle with their feelings for Oakley. Oakley's mother, Charlotte is blind to her eldest son CJ's faults, always takes his word as truth. She is about to have a rude awakening regarding her son. This book is filled with suspense and mystery, and it is advisable to read the first book before delving into this one.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Strong by B. J. Daniels
(A Powder River Novel Book 2)
For two rival families, the only thing that matters more than land…is love.
“You realize CJ will go berserk when he finds out about your engagement to Cooper McKenna,” Oakley said.
“I’m not worried about CJ,” Tilly said. “I’m more concerned about Mother. You know how she feels about the McKennas.”
This is Oakley STAFFORD and Duffy McKenna's story.
This is Charlotte Stafford's story.
This is C J Stafford's story.
This is Tilly STAFFORD and Cooper McKenna's story.
She shuddered, the recurring nightmare feeling so real because it had been. She’d awoken in the hospital, shocked to hear that she’d been shot just as she and her horse had burst from the cottonwoods and onto the county road. Shot in the back, she’d fallen from her horse, striking her head so hard that it wiped out all memory of two full days of her life.
Her hand went automatically to her scar near her heart where the bullet had been removed. Even after all this time, the shadowy images still plagued her, daring her to remember. What had really happened that day?
Duffy McKenna turned to see the latest addition to the McKenna Ranch standing in the doorway, one hip cocked, a smile on her cute pre-teenaged face. He touched his finger to his lips and pretended it was a secret. It actually was, but he didn’t want Holly Jo to know that any more than he did the rest of the family.
“You must like this one,” the twelve-year-old said as she plopped down in a chair to watch him finish getting ready. “You’re always looking in the mirror, messing with your hair, but you seem nervous this time.”
He turned to look at her, unable not to grin. Holly Jo was sharper than some of the people in this house gave her credit for. He needed to watch this one. “You think so, huh?”
It would be helpful to read the first book Dark Side Of the River.
I recommend this book.
River Strong by B. J. Daniels is a 4 star book.
If you like to read suspense you will love this book.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
A Powder River Novel
Book 1: Dark Side of the River
Book 2: River Strong
Book 3: River Justice

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.J. Daniels does it again! River Strong, the second book in her Powder River series is another suspenseful read, but first a warning. If you've not yet read the first book in the series, Dark Side of the River, you'll find this novel confusing, because there are two feuding families, some of their ranch hands, and some of their offspring. The first novel ended in a cliffhanger, and this novel picks right up where the first book ended. 5 stars.

Oakley Stafford, daughter of Charlotte Stafford, has been friends with the son of Harlan McKenna and one of his ranch hands for years. Harlan is the man who years ago broke Charlotte's heart, and the families have been feuding ever since. The trio of friends have been trying to stop methane drilling in the Powder River Basin ever since it began by sabotaging their drilling equipment. Unfortunately, that puts Oakley at odds with her her mother's favorite, her spoiled son, CJ, who, after the end of the previous novel, ended up wheelchair bound. He's all for drilling, especially if it damages the water quality on the McKenna ranch, just across the river. After being shot, Oakley can't remember anything about the 48 hours preceding that incident, but she isn't buying that the shooting was accidental, and if she remembers all of it, she'll be in even more danger.

There's a lot more to this novel than I've mentioned, since I don't want to spoil it for you, the relationships between all the characters shift and change in dramatic fashion, there's risk, danger, violence, lies, missing persons, dead bodies, physical and emotional attacks, long held secrets and even a budding romance, and the distinct possibility that there's another Power River novel in our future. I certainly hope there is, because there were definitely a few loose ends to tie up.

I've given this novel 5 stars for it's excellent and complex plotting, character development, and romantic suspense, and I do so hope there's another Power River novel in the works. I think you'll enjoy this exciting, dangerous and hard to put down novel as much as I did.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Strong by BJ Daniels is a contemporary cowboy romance/mystery encompassing two families who have been at odds for years, and people in their periphery. Holden McKenna and Charlotte Stafford had been in love over thirty years earlier and planning their wedding, when Holden’s father convinced him that Charlotte was not right for him and he married Margie, a woman hand-picked by his father, primarily for the land she brought to the table. They had had four children and a good life. He had grown to love her. She died young and he remarried, a mistake if ever there was one. Charlotte had married a man seventeen years her senior and borne him five children. He had built her small ranch into a powerhouse and she had missed him when he was gone. Both Holden and Charlotte had second marriages, both failures. The children were all grown; some had turned out well, others, not so much. The animosity was still strong on Charlotte’s part. The plot is too complicated to try to summarize.

This was a complicated story involving drilling, meth labs and human trafficking, subterfuge, jealousy, and so much more. People died, and several more almost did, unrelated to one another. It was an all encompassing read, so full of personality and plot lines that it was difficult to put down. There was a little sex, a lot of love, and a lot of recrimination. All of it woven into a complicated plot and a series of human relationships. To say it was an excellent read would be to under rate it as a saga, which it appears it will be with at least one more book to clean up plot lines left hanging. The romances were effortless, the depth of betrayal was fearsome, and the amount of forgiveness necessary mountainous. It was an excellent read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of River Strong by Canary Street Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CanaryStreetPress #BJDaniels #RiverStrong

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning. A neighborhood feud, a passel of well developed characters, lots of secrets (all of which are not revealed by the end), yet still time for romance.

I did not read book 1, but easily read this as a stand alone. There has been a feud between the neighboring ranches of Holden McKenna and Charlotte Stafford for years. Holden and Charlotte had been in love, but Holden's father forced him to marry Margie Smith, whose father had a larger and more advantageous ranch abutting theirs. Margie always knew that his heart belong to Charlotte, but she was sweet and he came to love her and fathered several children. Scorned, Charlotte turned around and married Rake Stafford, also having many children. Margie and Rake both died about the same time, but instead of making amends and telling her that he stilled loved her, Holden turned around and married some floozy. MEN! And then Charlotte turned around and married a good for nothing. That's the background.

Both of their older sons are spoiled good for nothings I suspected that CJ was actually Holden's son, (but no evidence to back that up). So the book starts with a body being dumped in an old cistern and middle child Oakley Stafford being shot in the back, by her big brother, CJ. Tilly Stafford and Cooper McKenna are engaged to be married and Tilly has been disowned by her mother. Oakley is best friends with Duffy McKenna and one of the McKenna ranch hands Picket Hanson. The three of them have been involved with a group of environmental saboteurs against the coal bed methane drilling rigs that are poisoning the artisan wells in the area. Oakley saw something, which is why her brother shot her, but she doesn't remember what. Picket also has quite a secret. With all this action, this book was very hard to put down.

I was gifted an advanced copy of the book from th republisher via NerGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

B J Daniels is at her inimitable best with the second title in her Powder River series: River Strong.

Animosity and tension have ripped apart the Stafford and McKenna clans. The two ranching families have been feuding for years and years – and Oakley Stafford has the bullet scar to prove it. Although the two dynasties have been at war for years, Oakley and Duffy McKenna have grown up as thick and thieves. But it looks like their friendship could be in jeopardy when their families find themselves in a desperate bid for a neighboring property – and the reasons why they need to acquire it are more dangerous than Oakley knows.

There is another unspoken rivalry between Duffy and Pickett Hanson, the McKenna family’s ranch hand. Oakley has always played down the way the two ranchers flirted with her, but now she finds herself struggling to untangle the complicated feelings that could cost her the friendship that means the world to her. However, little does she realize that there will be further problems in store when a dead body is found on the contested ranch and long-buried secrets that can no longer stay hidden come out into the light…

B J Daniels never disappoints and she has written another stellar Western contemporary romance with River Strong. Absorbing, engrossing and beguiling, this enjoyable tale of secrets, tension, passion and suspense will keep readers turning the pages late into the night as they find themselves completely gripped by this first-class page-turner.

Devoted fans and newcomers to B J Daniels alike will not want to miss B J Daniels’ latest, River Strong.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Strong by B.J. Daniels
Powder River #2

Tension, competition, and crime can be found in this contemporary Western that pits ranchers, friends, and families against one another. Reading book one of the series would provide more of the backstory only alluded to in this book but even without all the details, I was able to follow easily after I figured out who most of the main characters were.

What I liked:
* Oakley Stafford: one of five siblings, friends with Duffy and McKenna, environmentalist, against drilling for methane on the ranch, shot and nearly killed by her brother in the previous book, has a difficult brother and mother
* Pickett Hanson: ranch-hand on the McKenna ranch, good friends with Duffy and Oakley, loves his job, has a secret past, has always loved Oakley
* Duffey Hanson: younger brother, good friends with Oakley and Pickett, might be interested in Oakley, protective, not ready to settle down, curious about him
* Tilly & Cooper: a couple from the first book that seemed interesting
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Learning about how polluting the drilling can be
* Wondering who killed Dixon Malone, Charlotte Hanson’s second husband
* All of the threads that will lead to an eventual conclusion

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Oakley’s brother (CJ) and her mother plus the people that CJ was working with
* Not knowing all that I would have known if I had read the previous book

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC – This is my honest review

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniels does it again! Her books are phenomenal! I love how she has so many different characters and writes their thoughts and feelings in first person. It adds so much to the story. I would strongly recommend that the reader read the first story in this series to get the background on the two main families (Staffords and McKennas) and the issues facing the Powder River Valley. This book will make a lot more sense if you know what is happening from the get-go! In this story we have a trio of friends - Oakley, Duffy and Pickett - who hang out together (have since they were teenagers) and now want to stop the methane drilling that is happening in the Powder River Valley so they go to drastic measures. The two men also vie for Oakley's affection. There is danger, romance, family issues, dead bodies, intrigue, and a host of other things going on! I liked Stuart, the sheriff too! He has to deal with so many crime issues! When I dive into a BJ Daniels book, I don't want to resurface until I'm done! I'm living in the world with the characters!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So if you haven't read the previous book I suggest you check that out before getting to this one but after reading this I do recommend you checking both out.

Anyways there's a whole mystery going on that leads to now with rivalry between families and Oakley's brother shooting her probably by accident outside most likely not. Then there's also a private investigator sticking their nose into things about a missing person probably more than one.

That just goes to say there is just so much more going on with this book. So many things to follow along with so many to keep any reader hooked. Then there's a whole love triangle thing going on where Oakleys flirtatious guy friends Duffy and Pickett seems to be wanting something more but now she's got to choose. It was interesting seeing how this book played out being that there was just so many different things going on. One of them being Oakley's memory loss that was tied to her brother shooting her and wondering about the real reason why. Overall I really enjoyed myself reading it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant romantic suspense read
With family dramas fuelled by individuals' greed.
But started in the past by a romance that was thwart
But no lessons were learnt by that, nor were they taught.

Despite the rivalry between their families, there's romance
With one couple engaged and maybe another chance.
The second involves Oakley but who will she choose
Will it be Duffey or Pickett Hanson who will lose?

With a brother who shot and nearly killed her before
Threatening her once more
And dangers threatening from big business, too,
Will they all survive - can they pull through?

A story where dramas are pulling families apart,
But romance could give them all a fresh start.
Can they overcome the greed of some of them now
And help heal wounds from the past somehow?

A gripping read with danger, surprises and romance
That I really hope you'll give more than a chance!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley has been friends with Dusty and Pickett since they were teenagers. They've grown up together and considered themselves the three musketeers. But as feelings escalate throughout their ranching community over the gas company drilling, and they band together to try to stop the drilling, their relationship changes.

Pickett has been hiding a secret past that will be revealed after he's summoned to his father's death bed. Oakley slowly regains her memory after being shot by her brother CJ while fleeing from a dangerous situation. CJ is a dangerous and unhinged man, struggling with a family situation he's unable to change.

There's non-stop action and a bit of mystery and suspense when an abandoned vehicle is found and the gas drilling situation escalates. It is book 2 in the series and I recommend reading them in order to get the best reading experience.

Although I received a free ARC ebook, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I can't wait for book 3!

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the “A Powder River Series.” I have read several of B.J. Daniels books and enjoyed all of them. B.J.’s books pull you in right from the start with action packed adventure, page turning, mystery, mayhem, drama, twists, turns, characters that pull you in their lives and plots that keep me turning page after page. River Strong takes place in Montana. The McKenna and Stafford families have a bitter family feuding rivalry going on. Even though their families are at odds with each other Duffy and Oakley are very close. The Stafford and McKenna families both have their sites set a piece of neighbor land. Oakley has two men vying for her attention. When a body is found on the land that the two families want long buried secrets are revealed. This is an entertaining read that will keep you captivated.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. This one kept you hopping from page one til the very last page.

The Stafford's and McKenna's are still at war. Charlotte and Holden just don't see eye to eye. Charlotte is always wanting to steal anything she can away from Holden because of how he did her these many years ago!

Oakley and her two friends Duffy and Pickett are trying to stop the drillings on the lands that are destroying water supplies.

Oakley is remembering that her brother is a a hole. He is awful!!!

What happens is a roller coaster ride of held breath and flipping the pages as soon as I could to see what was going to happen next.

I really had a hard time putting it down because I had to know!!

A must read! If you haven't read the first book of the series get it than read this one as fast as you can!

I can't wait for the next book!

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIVER STRONG
by B. J. Daniels
Release Date December 26,2023

This is the second book in the Powder River series. The series is based on the feud between the McKenna and the Stafford’s. This view has been going on between the two ranchers for many years.
It would be helpful to read the first book Dark Side Of the River. However B. J. does a great job with filling in the blanks. I feel this book can be read as a standalone.
This story is based on three friends. Oakley Stafford, Duffy McKenna, and a McKenna Ranch hand Pickett Hanson. Best friends for many years bit of a love triangle going on.

I highly recommend this book and this series. Filled with family dysfunction along with family loyalty.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Powder River series, in which Oakley Stafford is dead set against the mining on her family's ranch, even though her older brother seems to be involved in it. Is that why he shot her (see previous novel), and was it really an accident or had he meant to do her in?

Oakley's best buds, Duffy McKenna (from the neighboring ranch) and ranch hand Pickett Hanson are determined to help Oakley stop the mining company, but when it becomes clear that they may be in danger again, it's up to Pickett to save her.

Then there's the body that the sheriff finally finds not far. Is that body another clue to other shenanigans? And what if it turns out it was Oakley's mother's missing husband, who's been gone for years, but she never bothered to divorce?

[Karen Strang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley Stafford is having nightmares about the day she was shot, but she can’t recall what she saw or the reason her brother, CJ “accidentally” shot her but deep down, she doesn’t think it was an accident. CH4 is drilling methane wells on her mother’s property but it’s affecting the water wells on the McKenna ranch. She, Pickett Hanson & Duffy McKenna are attending meetings with a group trying to get the wells shut down. But could her brother, CJ be behind everything that is going on? Read this book and find out all of the ups & downs the Staffords & McKennas go through. It was hard to put down!

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Stong
B. J Daniels

B.J writes fabulous books like River Stong. McKenna and the Stafford a feud going on for years. The Stafford very angry with what is going on. Tilly Stafford plans to marry Copper McKenna, Duffy McKenna want Oakley Stafford. Pickett Hanson also has fallen in love with Oakley Stafford. Who will end up with Oakley?
Cj Stafford is planning to something on the Stafford Ranch.But something has happened to stop what's going on. Cj Stafford pretends he can't walk only for the law suit. His mother found out he could walk. What happens to Oakley on the ranch?
B.J has characters are matched up perfectly.
You should book 1 to understand book2.

[Amy Vida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of River Strong in exchange for an honest review. I love BJ Daniels' books and couldn't wait to start this one.

This was the 2nd book in a series, but I read it as a standalone. There were a lot of themes and a whole bundle of issues brought up with the family dynamics, dead body, threats, and love triangle. This felt a lot like watching Yellowstone. The writing was fantastic, but overall, I wasn't too crazy about how everything unfolded. There were some characters that I just didn't care for, Even with the issues that I had with the storyline, This was still a good book that I would recommend to others.

[Kea · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIVER STRONG by BJ Daniels, book 2 of Powder River series

Whew! Ingenious plot, bitter resentments, and tension within the Stafford family while the bitter rivalry continues between Staffords and McKennas. Now they are competing to buy a neighboring property, and meanwhile, Oakley Stafford untangles complicated feelings that could upend years of friendship with Pickett Hanson and Duffy McKenna. RIVER STRONG is a riveting suspenseful tale with action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. BJ Daniels takes her readers on a wild ride into her romantic suspense stories.

[Sandy Frediani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot. Most definitely though, it's beneficial to have read the first book in the series. Once again, we have the McKenna and Stafford families at odds with one another. Three friends, Oakley Stafford, Duffy McKenna and Pickett Hanson (who works on the McKenna ranch) going head-to-head against the company drilling methane wells. The tension - sexual between Oakley and Pickett; between the drilling company and the protestors - ratchets up throughout the story. Questions from the first book are answered and more questions are asked here.
Very good.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really detest a few of the characters in this book: CJ, Charlotte, and Trenton.
One gets what’s coming to them but I’m still waiting on avenging the others.
I rooted for Pickett because I’m not sold on Duffy.
A couple of mysteries are cleared up but at a high price the sheriff paid, who doesn’t show a lot of good judgment.
Powder River sure has a lot of happenings for being a small ranching community.
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early copy.

[Diane E. Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild Ride!!

B.J. Daniels never misses. This series grips you from page one. The characters are interesting and each back story is unique. The McKenna and Stafford families each have exciting stories to tell and the rivalries are palpable. The writing is so good you can actually see the ranches in your minds eye. You'll find yourself cheering for the good guys and screaming for the bad guys to be caught. It's a wild ride from beginning to end.

[Debra Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. As always, the characters were great, the plot was excited and moved along smoothly, and the conclusion left me excited for the next book. There was lots of actions, love, friendship, and a heap of drama. Highly recommend,. Cannot wait for the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Tameka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am kind of glad that CJ was actually and finally caught in his treachery. Cooper's fears that his back-then girlfriend committed suicide when she was actually murdered.
There were so much more going on that was left unanswered. Who murdered Ms. Stanton's husband? Who dumped his body down the well. Will Rory roll over on his co-conspirator?

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well drilling

Another great story to begin a new series by one of my favorite authors. I just finished it on a cold and day here in Kansas. It helped to make me think of Montana a little. I like Oakley and her cowgirl tuffness. Will be waiting for the next book. Recommended for any reader who love cowboy tales. Thank you B.J.