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Powder River #3

River Justice

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When you look for the truth, there’s no telling what you’ll find…

Brand Stafford has long felt he didn’t quite fit in with his siblings. Now he has the DNA evidence to prove his real father is the Staffords’ ranching rival, Holden McKenna. That secret does more than complicate his family—it’s also made him the prime suspect in a kidnapping. His unlikely ally in clearing his name is Birdie Malone, newly arrived in Powder Crossing in search of answers of her own.

 

Impetuous and stubborn, Birdie has a knack for pulling Brand out of his comfort zone. Suddenly this rule-following cowboy is determined to do what he knows is right, whether that’s tracking down a kidnapper or finally giving away his heart. Even if he has to put everything on the line to do it…

A Powder River Novel

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

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

60 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Daniels

512 books1,257 followers
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.

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5 stars
230 (61%)
4 stars
108 (28%)
3 stars
30 (8%)
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4 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,829 reviews463 followers
May 31, 2024
After I read a few chapters of this story, I recognized some of the characters and went back and reviewed the prior book to refresh my memory. That did help get into the story, especially when keeping characters straight.

The series is not just a cowboy romance. It also includes some suspense and crime aspects as the main plot. The romance feels somewhat secondary in these stories.

I enjoy reading this author because she incorporates so many different levels and twists to the story that you do get caught up and it makes for a fabulous read.

One thing to note in River Justice is that there are quite a number of characters and it’s very easy to get lost in which character belongs to which family since they are so intertwined in the story. I have to say I did get lost a few times, and that kind of distracted me because I had to go back and figure it out.

But overall the story is rich with who did it, the crime, and the family ties. The main characters are strong although the female lead, Piper, was really quite an overbearing character and there were many times she rubbed me the wrong way.

This story offers a great plot with lots of twists but some weird time jumps and it got a bit tough keeping track of all of the characters. Read the previous book first!

Daniels always nails it with her well-developed plot that definitely keeps you on your toes. Not to mention the wonderful HEA and closure of the story.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/river-justic...
Profile Image for Erin Branscom.
Author 18 books873 followers
May 24, 2024
Great book. Lots of suspense. Yellowstone vibes. Excited to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Karen Hackett.
1,053 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2024
RIVER JUSTICE by BJ Daniels, Powder River book 3

Man, oh, man, oh man! What an intense plot!
In RIVER JUSTICE, the family secrets are oozing everywhere, an innocent girl is kidnapped, and Brand Stafford is the prime suspect. Birdie Malone is sticking her nose everywhere to learn the truth of her father’s murder, and the poor sheriff is spinning in circles because no one is talking. Whew! Page after page, I stay glued to find out what happens next. This is probably the best book BJ Daniels has written for this series. I received this complimentary advanced copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
Author 46 books99 followers
August 4, 2024
Another outstanding book by the Queen of Western Romantic Suspense! B J Daniels has made her Powder River series absolutely compelling. I could barely put this book down. Don't miss this series! I've already pre-ordered the next one!
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
July 22, 2024
Terrific book, as the saga of the Staffords and McKennas continues. Brand Stafford has always felt a little disconnected from his siblings and wondered why. When his sister Oakley does a DNA test, he does one and gets the shock of his life. His father is Holden McKenna, his family's nemesis. He's unsure how to deal with the information but drops a copy of the results in Holden's mailbox, which lands him in unexpected trouble. The following day, he catches a strange woman lurking around the ranch.

Birdie Malone came to Powder River looking for answers about her father's disappearance and death. She's convinced that Brand's mother, Charlotte, killed him to get rid of the second husband she regretted marrying. Birdie is determined to find proof of Charlotte's guilt.

Birdie and Brand's meeting was amusing and not what either of them expected. Seeing the usually quiet, attention-avoiding Brand lose his cool around Birdie was fun. There are sparks of attraction between them, but they try to ignore them. Birdie talks him into helping her investigate, but before they can get started, Brand is accused of kidnapping Holden's teenage ward, Holly Jo.

Meanwhile, we witness Holly Jo's kidnapping and the terror she faces as she's held for ransom. Holden is beside himself with worry, and others are determined to help find the girl. We learn that the kidnapper has a grudge against Holden and is bent on revenge. Holden must figure out who it is before it's too late.

A lot is going on in this book. The search for Holly Jo and trying to identify the kidnapper is the most critical. The sheriff is frustrated with Holden's uncooperative attitude and the shortage of leads. That frustration increases when Birdie and Brandon get involved, putting themselves in danger. Birdie is one determined woman, and her impulsive actions do not endear her to the sheriff. There are plenty of tense moments and twists as the search continues. The final confrontation with the kidnapper was terrifying and had me on the edge of my seat until it was resolved.

Throughout the story, Birdie searches for answers about her father's death. I liked her determination and her faith in her father. The progress of her investigation was intriguing, and the conclusion was much more convoluted than I expected.

I ached for Brand as he dealt with the results of his DNA test. He's unsure if he's happy to know the truth or wishes he'd never done it. Should he be angry at his parents, who were married to other people at the time? I also hurt for Holden, who was blindsided and shocked by the news. The backstory between Holden and Charlotte is heartbreaking, as is what started the feud and their lives since then. I'm interested to see what else plays out between them.

The relationship between Brand and Birdie happens fast. The sparks are there from the moment they meet. I enjoyed seeing Birdie's influence on Brand as he took chances and allowed himself to risk his heart. I laughed at Brand's disbelief that he goes along with her schemes. I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.

The book finishes with a scene between Bailey McKenna and the sheriff. Something has been happening with her, but Stuart can't get her to confide in him. I suspect that they will be the focus of the next book.
1,338 reviews33 followers
July 23, 2024
B.J. Daniels' latest novel is the third installment in her Powder River series and boy, is it ever action-packed and complex, and for that reason alone, I strongly suggest reading this series in the order it was written, because the long-feuding neighbors, the Staffords and McKennas , are in for more than one surprise, and you may need to start at the beginning to fully understand the complex drama and mysteries that are at the core of River Justice, which gets 5 stars from this reader.

It all starts when Oakley Stafford has her DNA tested, and Brand Stafford, her brother, who doesn't look like any of his siblings, decides to get his DNA tested too. Surprise, surprise, he's about to learn the truth about the identity of his birth father, and when he drops off his DNA test in the McKenna mailbox, that mailbox also contains a note for Holden McKenna, informing him that his ward, Holly Jo, has been kidnapped by persons unknown, and that's just for starters, because the gal who shows up next is Birdie Malone, who is looking for the person who killed her father, Dixon Malone, years ago. He was Charlotte Stafford's second husband, who, after being missing for years, was found deceased at the bottom of an old well, which was disclosed in the previous novel in this series. Without reading the previous novels, you may not fully grasp the complex relationships and history of the members of these two families, and that would be a shame, because Ms. Daniels has created are world within a world, filled with secrets, that would be a shame to miss.

Since I don't do spoilers, I'll just tell you that there are many more twists and turns in this suspenseful novel, some are shocking, some are sweet, and most of all, the revelations in this novel, including its cliffhanger ending/lead-in to the next book in this series, made it impossible to put down, and kept this reader awake until dawn. It was a fabulous, complex, sweet, scary, eye-opener of a novel and I cannot wait to read the next installment in this un-put-downable series.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of t his novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
3,253 reviews34 followers
July 25, 2024
River Justice by B J Daniels is part of the story of former lovers, Holden McKenna and Charlotte Stafford, with plenty about members of the family, and a few friends thrown in. Holden had been a wild young man, but now at 55, he was rethinking a lot of what he’d done. His biggest regret was Charlotte. How he’d loved her; how he still did. But, she’d never forgiven him and there was a lot of hate there. He’d recently taken in a young woman, 13, Holly Jo. She was the daughter of a dead man, one he’d wronged. Her mama had died and he’d stepped in. She wan’t his even if people assumed she was. Now she’d been kidnapped. The letter was in the mail box. Only later did he find the folded DNA report that had also been left in the mailbox. It said that Charlotte’s son, Brand, was his. The ransom note only said he needed to admit what he’d done and apologize. Was this what he was to apologize for? He’d never known.

A gut-wrenching story populated with interesting people who had made mistakes. The whole thing got out of hand as the kidnapper upped his ante to $2 million. Holden had it, but he wanted to handle it himself, not include the sheriff. It was a good, compelling story, full of attempts to make up for past mistakes. It was also full of odd friendships and seemingly odd romantic pairings. Well-written characters and interesting situations littered the pages and made it fun to read. This is an intriguing third entry into the Powder River series and one I highly recommend. Thanks B J Daniels for all your great books over the years!

I was invited to read River Justice by Harlequin Trade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #BJDaniels #RiverJustice
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,055 reviews14 followers
June 21, 2024
Brand Stafford always felt like an outsider in his family. After his sister takes a DNA test, he submits his own along with his new brother-in-law's. It turns out he is the son of Holden McKenna, their neighbor and his mother's rival. Birdie Malone arrives in town to uncover the truth about her father, who was Brand's stepfather. Attracted to each other, Brand and Birdie collaborate to solve the mystery of her father's death. Meanwhile, Holden McKenna's ward has been kidnapped, and Brand becomes a suspect after leaving a note in Holden's mailbox about his DNA results. Holden withholds information from the sheriff as he searches for the girl. As the kidnapper threatens Holden, the Stafford family begins to crumble, deepening the mystery of the kidnapper's identity and the death of Birdie's father.
54 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2024
Birdie Malone is in town to find what happened to her Father & she thinks Charlotte Stafford is the main suspect because Dixon Malone was married to Charlotte Stafford when he disappeared.
Brand Stafford sees someone sneaking around the house & goes to confront the person, who turns out to be Birdie Malone. Brand has never felt like he belonged with the Stafford family & has taken a DNA test & gets the results, dropping them in the mailbox at Holden McKenna’s house, but that’s not all that has been put in the McKenna mailbox..so has a ransom note stating that Holly Jo has been taken hostage. Everyone in Powder Crossing is searching for her.
Does Holly Jo get out alive? Does Birdie Malone find out what happened to her Dad? This book holds your attention from the first page until the last page.
Profile Image for Renee.
273 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2024
This book definitely builds upon the last and requires the background knowledge found in the previous two books.

I can see why people say this story is for fans of Yellowstone - very messy family dynamics and lots of secrets and drama. Patriarch Holden definitely gives off John vibes. His beloved Lottie is just as unlikeable as Beth and almost as mean.

I'm impressed that the author was able to weave together such a complex plot and tie-in so many storylines, but ultimately there just seemed to be too much (and too many people) to keep track of.

The romantic pairing for the next book was foreshadowed in the final scene. It feels kind of random but at this point I'm invested and Stuart is one of the few characters I care about. I'd also like to see Elaine get her HEA.
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 24 books83 followers
November 18, 2024
Another in the Powder River Novel series, in which Brand Stafford discovers his father isn't the man he thought he was. Who should he be mad at? His mother who lied to him? Or his father, who also was in the dark about Brand's parenthood? But all that is set aside when a 13-year-old girl is kidnapped and a stranger arrives, looking to solve who killed her father.

To make even more complications, Brand is drawn to Birdie Malone, even if it means she confirms that his mother killed Birdie's father. But did Charlotte do that? Or is it Elaine who did? Lots of fingers pointing at different people, it takes the sheriff to unravel the threads of mysteries going on here. But will he be successful?
1,759 reviews33 followers
July 23, 2024
When I got to the last page, I said, "NO!". I really didn't want this book to end! I was so caught up in the drama of these characters that I didn't want to stop reading and was sad that it ended. Already, I can't wait for the next book to come out! This is a typical experience for me with this author. Her books are so compelling. They have a lot of characters to keep track of but that is one of my favorite reasons for why I love her books. There is always a main couple and storyline but then several other
side characters and their storylines which keep you fully engaged. Birdie Malone has come to Powder River to discover who murdered her father many years ago. She enlists Brand Stafford to help her. Brand just discovered that he's really Holden McKenna's son through a DNA test. There is a lot of bad blood between the two families so he's not sure how he feels about it. On top of all this, Holly Jo, a young ward of the McKenna's, has been kidnapped and Brand might be a suspect! There is a lot of suspense, family drama, some romance and so many twists and turns. Stuart, the sheriff, is a great character and I can't wait until he gets his own story!
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,135 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
I just love B. J. Daniels books. They keep you on the edge of your seat. I have trouble putting them down. This book Brand finds out something he didn't know til he took a DNA Test.

Charlotte is still on the rampage of hating people and pushing them away.

Holden is dealing with his past coming after him.

The sheriff is trying to get to the truth but Holden won't tell everything.

I was on the edge of my seat reading this as I had to see what happened to everyone..WOW!

Another must read!
Profile Image for Catrina.
89 reviews
February 18, 2025
River Justice is the third book in Power River series. I highly recommend reading these books in order to keep all the characters straight. This series is more than a romance series. Each has its own suspense and mystery which keeps you interested in the book. River Justice is no different than the first two books. We find out who’s Brand Stafford biological father is which lead to more trouble for him. Can he clear his name. Will newcomer Birdie be able to help? This has the mystery and romance that keeps you reading until the end and wanting more.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
2,978 reviews88 followers
June 13, 2024
Love this series. Lots of family drama and issues. Some past secrets are revealed. I look forward to reading about the further adventures of these families. Quite a variety of characters. I need to read some of the other books by B. J. Daniels. I am sure they are just as interesting and engaging. I do skip over any intimate details. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,209 reviews51 followers
September 1, 2024
The Staffords and the McKenna family are hiding all sorts of secrets and I'm loving each moment another family secret is revealed. There is so much to process when it comes to this book that it'll be hard to put this book down once you start. But I will say you might wanna check out the previous books as a refresher as to what is going on and who's who and trust me when I say you'll really enjoy those as well. This book was pretty wild and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Emma.
804 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

this was a fun book full of mystery, family drams, and danger. I definitely recommend starting at the beginning of this series. If you don’t it can be playing catch up. The multiple POVs were cool, since you got to see what each character was thinking, but it could get confusing at times. Overall, a good book.
Profile Image for DeeAnn.
791 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2024
A who done it mystery along with romance.

Birdie, Malone is in town to find out what happened to her father. Dixon Malones remains were found in an old well in Powder River.

Brand Stafford Always felt a little unsettled. When his sister does a DNA test, he decides to do one also. And now he understands why he’s so different from his siblings.

Holden McKenna’s ward Holly Jo is kidnapped!
The kidnapper is out for revenge !

There is definitely a lot going on in this story. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, a definite page Turner, and you will not want to put it down. B.J. Has really outdone herself on this one and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

A Powder River novel:
Book 1: Dark Side of the River
Book2: River Strong
Book 3: River Justice
It is my recommendation to read this series in order.

I was given this ARC from B.J. Daniels in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sherry Demarais.
19 reviews7 followers
July 27, 2024
Please say n it's not over!!!

I would recommend this book to everyone. BJ Daniels has woven a story that needs to keep on going. What is going to happen with Birdie and Branch, or Stuart and Bailey? I livecthat birdie just waltzed right into Branch's house in the middle of the night. And Charliite really does have a heart.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
419 reviews53 followers
September 11, 2024
This was a store that had alot going on but easy to follow. Holly Johot kidnapped and everyone was worried and looked for her.
Brand Stafford did a DNA test. Also looked at someone he cared about. Birdie was looking for whoever killed her father.
There was alot of love on this story.
The characters were made to be together.
BJ did a fantastic job with this story.
Author 6 books20 followers
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed this nice, 'quick' read. The Staffords vs. McKennas continues. Brad and Birdie are interesting characters. Brand being a "sty-out-if-trouble," keep-your-head-down" kind of guy and Birdie being just the opposite. Definitely helps to have read the previous books as mysteries are unraveled and secrets exposed.
Very well done.
Profile Image for Michelle.
502 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2024
I loved this book. It had alot of suspense and it was romantic. I loved how it talked about mote than one character. The ending was very good. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
189 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2024
This is the third book in the Powder River series.There’s a lot of characters so I reread the first two books in this series so I’d be able to keep up better.I’m not one to give spoilers so read these books please!!
1,120 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2024
Good read, again. A lot of drama, mystery and a romance to boot! I really like these characters, the plot and the series, so far. She needs to write faster!! So much going on. Looking forward to reading the next installment from this talented storyteller.
165 reviews
August 19, 2024
Rating

As all bj Daniel is a great writer she always starts from first sentence with the story and a lot of drama. I always enjoy her boots from start to finish to finish. Look forward to next book from her.
1,829 reviews18 followers
February 10, 2025
If you have never read a book by BJ Daniels, you don't know what you are missing. I love all her books and this one was no exception.

I love visiting Powder River and all the characters such as Holden, Elaine and Charlotte. Check out her books you will love them too.
Profile Image for Jo Mock.
15 reviews
July 28, 2024
Another great book!

Love this book. It has everything- suspense, romance and a gripping plot.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
918 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2024
Could not put the book down...loved it and preordered the next book in the series.
178 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
It keeps you invested from the first line to the last. Birdie and Brand keep each other on their toes. Love all the stories woven in.
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