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The Griffith Brothers #1
Dust Storm
A single dad rancher and a rich city girl bump heads—and more—in this first cowboy romance in the Griffith Brothers series.
For Christian Griffith, his number one rule is: You ride in my truck, you let me open the door. Another problem in his busy life was the last thing he needed. Unfortunately, argumentative Cassandra Parker showing up on his family’s ranch and sticking her nose in their business isn’t even his biggest problem—neither is the fact that with nowhere else to live, she’s in his house. The biggest problem? The engagement ring on her finger.
Cassandra has a life motto: If you’re going to kill someone, make it look like an accident, cry at the funeral, admit to nothing, and deny everything. Exiled from New York and stranded on a cattle ranch, she didn’t exactly choose to be Christian’s problem. Living with the single dad and his daughters was a downgrade from her high-rise office and city comforts, but she agreed for one simple reason: desperation to save her job and salvage what’s left of her career. And this hot cowboy won’t lasso her into staying a second longer than necessary.
For Christian Griffith, his number one rule is: You ride in my truck, you let me open the door. Another problem in his busy life was the last thing he needed. Unfortunately, argumentative Cassandra Parker showing up on his family’s ranch and sticking her nose in their business isn’t even his biggest problem—neither is the fact that with nowhere else to live, she’s in his house. The biggest problem? The engagement ring on her finger.
Cassandra has a life motto: If you’re going to kill someone, make it look like an accident, cry at the funeral, admit to nothing, and deny everything. Exiled from New York and stranded on a cattle ranch, she didn’t exactly choose to be Christian’s problem. Living with the single dad and his daughters was a downgrade from her high-rise office and city comforts, but she agreed for one simple reason: desperation to save her job and salvage what’s left of her career. And this hot cowboy won’t lasso her into staying a second longer than necessary.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
3478 people are currently reading
37839 people want to read
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
24 books2,242 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,977 reviews
March 13, 2024
This book would’ve been better if instead of falling in love, the two main characters bare knuckle boxed
Read
August 13, 2025listen, i know kids aren't for everyone. but if you're going to make the heroine of a story fall for a man with two kids, maybe we shouldn't have her be a meredith blake level asshole to his two little girls. i tried to keep pushing thru but i really can't stand this lady. dnf @ 15%
March 19, 2024
Was this absolutely horrible and a nightmare of a rom-com? Yes.
Did I stay up way too late reading it and then finish it on my lunch break the next day? Also yes.
Booktok duped me AGAIN. It's honestly on me at this point. The FMC was a raging bitch, the MMC was weird and poorly written, there was ZERO chemistry and I don't think the author actually knows what a publicist does. I just wanted a small town romance for a fun and light read, but I got this dumpster fire instead.
ROSE 🌹: ...
I legit can't think of anything good about this book. I like that the cover isn't just a shirtless man I guess?
THORN 🗡️: FMC, ZERO CHEMISTRY, PACING
Listen, I love a complex and bitchy female character. The narrator in My Year of Rest and Relaxation is one of my favorite book girls of all time. But in a book like this?? The FMC, Cassandra, is a RAGING bitch, and she's not fleshed out well-enough for it to make any sense. Why are you being mean to kids? Why are you being mean to a sweet old lady? Why are you doing anything girl? She was so insanely unlikeable and had zero motivations to be the way she was.
There was also zero chemistry between her and the MMC, Christian. He was also poorly written, and there were so many contradictions within his character. Their chemistry would've worked better for some sort of buddy cop book in all honesty.
The pacing was also just crazy. I don't even want to describe it further.
BUD 🌷: LOOKING FORWARD TO READING SOMETHING THAT ISN'T THIS
That's all.
Did I stay up way too late reading it and then finish it on my lunch break the next day? Also yes.
Booktok duped me AGAIN. It's honestly on me at this point. The FMC was a raging bitch, the MMC was weird and poorly written, there was ZERO chemistry and I don't think the author actually knows what a publicist does. I just wanted a small town romance for a fun and light read, but I got this dumpster fire instead.
ROSE 🌹: ...
I legit can't think of anything good about this book. I like that the cover isn't just a shirtless man I guess?
THORN 🗡️: FMC, ZERO CHEMISTRY, PACING
Listen, I love a complex and bitchy female character. The narrator in My Year of Rest and Relaxation is one of my favorite book girls of all time. But in a book like this?? The FMC, Cassandra, is a RAGING bitch, and she's not fleshed out well-enough for it to make any sense. Why are you being mean to kids? Why are you being mean to a sweet old lady? Why are you doing anything girl? She was so insanely unlikeable and had zero motivations to be the way she was.
There was also zero chemistry between her and the MMC, Christian. He was also poorly written, and there were so many contradictions within his character. Their chemistry would've worked better for some sort of buddy cop book in all honesty.
The pacing was also just crazy. I don't even want to describe it further.
BUD 🌷: LOOKING FORWARD TO READING SOMETHING THAT ISN'T THIS
That's all.
May 6, 2025
I had to DNF. The FMC is so fucking insufferable and there is more chemistry between me and a piece of shrimp.
I’m allergic to shellfish.
The one star is for Mickey, the baby cow.
I’m allergic to shellfish.
The one star is for Mickey, the baby cow.
April 15, 2024
There were multiple moments in this book I thought the FMC was going to physically fight the children in this? Sigh
August 11, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Ilekroć miałam nadzieję, że to już koniec, zaczynał się kolejny rozdział…
Ilekroć miałam nadzieję, że to już koniec, zaczynał się kolejny rozdział…
March 15, 2024
Cass is mostly insufferable
July 25, 2025
Na ten moment mam wrażenie, że nawet ten głupi chatGPT napisałby lepszą książkę. Aż jestem pod wrażeniem, że da się napisać tak słaby i żenujący romans.
Rzeczy takie jak poznanie się bohaterów, pierwsze wielkie słowa, napalenie się na siebie i oczywiście usunięcie niewygodnego narzeczonego wydarzyło się w około tydzień. Wow.
Ta książka to jest jeden wielki ogromny STEREOTYP.
Nie dało się napisać bardziej irytującej typowej karierowiczki z wielkiego miasta.
Ten jej narzeczony to musiał być największym debilem, żeby dać się złapać na zdradzie przez kurwa rozmowę na FaceTime.
Ta relacja to się wzięła z dupy, od pierwszego momentu padały słowa że on w nią wierzy i wie do czego jest zdolna. Gościu poznaliście się dosłownie tego dnia rano.
To że on jest zieloną flagą, nie zmienia tego jak ubogo jest napisany, zero osobowości. Musi po prostu jak szczeniak wzdychać do najbardziej irytującej bohaterki na świecie.
Znowu dałam się zrobić na te recenzje na booktoku, wiecie co? Nienawidzę was na tym booktoku. Chciałam tylko jakiegoś lekkiego, FAJNEGO, kowbojskiego romansu, a dostałam takiego gniota.
Rzeczy takie jak poznanie się bohaterów, pierwsze wielkie słowa, napalenie się na siebie i oczywiście usunięcie niewygodnego narzeczonego wydarzyło się w około tydzień. Wow.
Ta książka to jest jeden wielki ogromny STEREOTYP.
Nie dało się napisać bardziej irytującej typowej karierowiczki z wielkiego miasta.
Ten jej narzeczony to musiał być największym debilem, żeby dać się złapać na zdradzie przez kurwa rozmowę na FaceTime.
Ta relacja to się wzięła z dupy, od pierwszego momentu padały słowa że on w nią wierzy i wie do czego jest zdolna. Gościu poznaliście się dosłownie tego dnia rano.
To że on jest zieloną flagą, nie zmienia tego jak ubogo jest napisany, zero osobowości. Musi po prostu jak szczeniak wzdychać do najbardziej irytującej bohaterki na świecie.
Znowu dałam się zrobić na te recenzje na booktoku, wiecie co? Nienawidzę was na tym booktoku. Chciałam tylko jakiegoś lekkiego, FAJNEGO, kowbojskiego romansu, a dostałam takiego gniota.
June 11, 2024
3.5-3.75*
I really wanted to love this book, but still there was something that didn’t click for me. It was enjoyable and a nice read, however I couldn’t actually connect with the main characters for most of the story. It was like there wasn’t enough depth at some points that ended up making the story quite shallow when it could have been much more. Considering the synopsis, I thought it had everything to be a big hit, but it didn’t deliver as I expected.
The main characters were somewhat entertaining and their dynamics were fun. However, there was still something else missing that I couldn’t quite out my finger on it. There were moments that I felt like time passed too fast and others it was too slow. It didn’t have a proper rhythm to the pace of the story and the developments between the characters, so it kind of felt scrambled and confusing in some parts.
It wasn’t my first read by Maggie Gates and I know I actually adored the previous read I had from her. So, this wasn’t a complete miss for me, but I still felt like it could have been better. I will most likely give her another shot, because I know she can be a good author. And besides, this book ended on a somewhat cliffhanger for one of the side characters and I’m very curious about his story. It might not be the best, but I’m still looking forward to the next installments in this series.
Book 2 review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I really wanted to love this book, but still there was something that didn’t click for me. It was enjoyable and a nice read, however I couldn’t actually connect with the main characters for most of the story. It was like there wasn’t enough depth at some points that ended up making the story quite shallow when it could have been much more. Considering the synopsis, I thought it had everything to be a big hit, but it didn’t deliver as I expected.
The main characters were somewhat entertaining and their dynamics were fun. However, there was still something else missing that I couldn’t quite out my finger on it. There were moments that I felt like time passed too fast and others it was too slow. It didn’t have a proper rhythm to the pace of the story and the developments between the characters, so it kind of felt scrambled and confusing in some parts.
It wasn’t my first read by Maggie Gates and I know I actually adored the previous read I had from her. So, this wasn’t a complete miss for me, but I still felt like it could have been better. I will most likely give her another shot, because I know she can be a good author. And besides, this book ended on a somewhat cliffhanger for one of the side characters and I’m very curious about his story. It might not be the best, but I’m still looking forward to the next installments in this series.
Book 2 review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 30, 2025
This book was hot yall!! We have cowboys. We have single dads of girls. We have a tough as nails FMC city girl coming in like a tornado. These two were like gasoline and fire at the beginning. Cass had so much fight in her. She was borderline rude to Christian and his girls. But once we learned a little more about what Cass was going through I understood her behavior a LITTLE more. Christian on the other hand was drawn to her from the jump. He liked her fire. He liked that she got under his skin. He tried to convince himself he didn't have time for anything with her but when they connected OMG it was so hot. The chemistry and slow burn between them was GREAT! I liked watching all of Cass's armor come off and how she started being their for the girls. How she started being their for Christian. How she was able to picture her life here and realize her worth. She deserved to be worshipped- and Christian was happy to do it.
Cassandra can't believe that this is what her life has come to. She has been dropped off at a cattle ranch by her fiance who can't seem to want to get rid of her fast enough. She knows NO ONE and refuses to adjust her style to this place. Somehow she ends up rooming with her host- Christian- who is so hot it is infuriating. Everything about him irks her. She is ready to battle him at every chance she gets because that is what she is used to. She is used to defending herself and standing up for herself. She is a lawyer for crying out loud. But then she realizes that Christian is trying to get to know her. The things he is doing for her have no strings. He wants her to be a part of his life. What that looks like in the long run neither of them know. Cass has never felt drawn to be a mom or maternal but finds herself warming up to his girls and their charm. She finds herself defending them when they need it. She finds herself willing to do anything to make these girls and this man smile. So when tragedy strikes, Cass doesn't hesitate. She does what she can. She helps. She stays. She realizes she is actually her to stay. This is her life now and she likes that she can still wear her stilettos to the office.
Christian doesn't have time for distractions. He doesn't have time period. He is the sole provider for his two girls. He has people who help him while he is running the ranch. But that is it. No time for women. But then Cassandra comes into his life. And he can't stop thinking about her. This city girl with an attitude so long you can't see where it ends. She's got tough nails and sassy mouth. And he wants to wipe it off and distract her with something. But he doesn't do casual. He finds himself liking her spirit and her work ethic and her looks and everything. He can't fight this attraction anymore but he needs to know that she is in it for longer than a quickie. When things happen it is unlike anything he has experienced. She makes him FEEL. And they are slowly getting into a routine. She is starting to open up and man is it not the most beautiful thing to witness. What he has realized is that Cass protects who and what she loves. And him and his daughters are getting a lot of protection from her. When tragedy strikes unexpectedly- Christian doesn't even have to ask- she is there for him. She takes care of him and the girls. She becomes everything to him. He just has to make sure she stays because he can't picture a life without her.
This was a wonderful intro to a new world and new characters. I liked the loathe to lovers situation here. I liked watching these two people fight it and then of course that moment when they can't anymore. As much as I hated the tragedy- I am intrigued by how that is all going to transpire in book 2. I would definitely recommend this one for some cowboy/city girl fun!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Cassandra can't believe that this is what her life has come to. She has been dropped off at a cattle ranch by her fiance who can't seem to want to get rid of her fast enough. She knows NO ONE and refuses to adjust her style to this place. Somehow she ends up rooming with her host- Christian- who is so hot it is infuriating. Everything about him irks her. She is ready to battle him at every chance she gets because that is what she is used to. She is used to defending herself and standing up for herself. She is a lawyer for crying out loud. But then she realizes that Christian is trying to get to know her. The things he is doing for her have no strings. He wants her to be a part of his life. What that looks like in the long run neither of them know. Cass has never felt drawn to be a mom or maternal but finds herself warming up to his girls and their charm. She finds herself defending them when they need it. She finds herself willing to do anything to make these girls and this man smile. So when tragedy strikes, Cass doesn't hesitate. She does what she can. She helps. She stays. She realizes she is actually her to stay. This is her life now and she likes that she can still wear her stilettos to the office.
Christian doesn't have time for distractions. He doesn't have time period. He is the sole provider for his two girls. He has people who help him while he is running the ranch. But that is it. No time for women. But then Cassandra comes into his life. And he can't stop thinking about her. This city girl with an attitude so long you can't see where it ends. She's got tough nails and sassy mouth. And he wants to wipe it off and distract her with something. But he doesn't do casual. He finds himself liking her spirit and her work ethic and her looks and everything. He can't fight this attraction anymore but he needs to know that she is in it for longer than a quickie. When things happen it is unlike anything he has experienced. She makes him FEEL. And they are slowly getting into a routine. She is starting to open up and man is it not the most beautiful thing to witness. What he has realized is that Cass protects who and what she loves. And him and his daughters are getting a lot of protection from her. When tragedy strikes unexpectedly- Christian doesn't even have to ask- she is there for him. She takes care of him and the girls. She becomes everything to him. He just has to make sure she stays because he can't picture a life without her.
This was a wonderful intro to a new world and new characters. I liked the loathe to lovers situation here. I liked watching these two people fight it and then of course that moment when they can't anymore. As much as I hated the tragedy- I am intrigued by how that is all going to transpire in book 2. I would definitely recommend this one for some cowboy/city girl fun!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
March 15, 2024
How am I reading so fast damn... EITHER WAY! Dust Storm was everything. It literally features so many things I adore: rich city girl goes to a small town, cowboys, single dad, a heroine who loves high heels and prefers that over anything, a hero who is down bad for the heroine from the very first moment he sees her, and forced proximity. You see? It's impossible that I wasn't going to love this book.
I've never read Maggie C. Gates but I have a feeling I need to now. I loved this one and had so much fun reading it, I mean... it took me like a day to read it all. I couldn't stop! It's so easy to get into, the flow of the book grabs you instantly and you want to keep reading chapter after chapter.
The story follows Cassandra who is exiled from NYC to a ranch in Texas after a very public thing with one of her clients. This ranch is something she definitely doesn't expect. She is a high-heels-wearing girlie who has never used sneakers or boots and I love that even though she now lives in a farm with grass and mud everywhere, she still uses those heels lmao. I love Cass, she just wants to be loved but doesn't know how to do it or how to let someone in. Her stupid cheating fiancé breaks more of her and it's rather hard for her to believe that someone could love her.
Enter Christian. Christian is a single dad of two girls and he's basically the boss in this ranch. This woman comes and disrupts his whole life instantly. He invites her to live with him because the cabins she was supposed to stay at are not serviceable/livable so now there's forced proximity because they're living under the same roof! ♡ THINGS START GETTING INTERESTING ♡
I loved seeing Cass open up. With Christian, but also with the girls. They adore her but she finds it hard to connect with kids so she comes off as abrupt and doesn't hold back in her honesty and word delivery to them. But that's the way she is. Even though she has a hard time connecting with kids, the relationship progress and development between her and the girls is adorable. I craved them connecting and her just remembering stuff about them and getting nervous about things and caring for their safety. Every time Christian saw or heard her protecting them or saying something that led him to believe that Cass was going soft for them... it was amazing. That man's heart is so big.
There's no third-act breakup, not really. They have some issues to talk about, about how this relationship will work and what they want from each other. But they talk it out and that's basically it! Don't worry about a third-act breakup, because it won't happen.
I've never read Maggie C. Gates but I have a feeling I need to now. I loved this one and had so much fun reading it, I mean... it took me like a day to read it all. I couldn't stop! It's so easy to get into, the flow of the book grabs you instantly and you want to keep reading chapter after chapter.
The story follows Cassandra who is exiled from NYC to a ranch in Texas after a very public thing with one of her clients. This ranch is something she definitely doesn't expect. She is a high-heels-wearing girlie who has never used sneakers or boots and I love that even though she now lives in a farm with grass and mud everywhere, she still uses those heels lmao. I love Cass, she just wants to be loved but doesn't know how to do it or how to let someone in. Her stupid cheating fiancé breaks more of her and it's rather hard for her to believe that someone could love her.
Enter Christian. Christian is a single dad of two girls and he's basically the boss in this ranch. This woman comes and disrupts his whole life instantly. He invites her to live with him because the cabins she was supposed to stay at are not serviceable/livable so now there's forced proximity because they're living under the same roof! ♡ THINGS START GETTING INTERESTING ♡
I loved seeing Cass open up. With Christian, but also with the girls. They adore her but she finds it hard to connect with kids so she comes off as abrupt and doesn't hold back in her honesty and word delivery to them. But that's the way she is. Even though she has a hard time connecting with kids, the relationship progress and development between her and the girls is adorable. I craved them connecting and her just remembering stuff about them and getting nervous about things and caring for their safety. Every time Christian saw or heard her protecting them or saying something that led him to believe that Cass was going soft for them... it was amazing. That man's heart is so big.
There's no third-act breakup, not really. They have some issues to talk about, about how this relationship will work and what they want from each other. But they talk it out and that's basically it! Don't worry about a third-act breakup, because it won't happen.
October 7, 2025
This cowboy romance was not for me! I really wanted to love it, but I found the FMC and MMC quite boring and cliché. She was the brash city girl who would never give up her stilettos and hated children, he was the confident, strict but caring dad, who instantly fell for the FMC's looks before anything else. Cue the two falling in love while she finds herself a home on his family's ranch, all the while working for them and learning to love his kids. I was just bored and I feel like this plot has been done a million times. While the writing was solid, I wanted more of everything else. The romance needed excitement or some whimsy; I desperately craved for more banter and chemistry between the MCs. While this book wasn't for me, I can see it working out for lovers of cocky cowboys, ranch life, a sweet but meddling family, and all the reverse grumpy x sunshine vibes.
~Many thanks to Berkley Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
~Many thanks to Berkley Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
Loved it!!
-Widowed dad (with a dad body), and the way he loved his girls. He was such a constant and steady presence for everyone.
-I loved the heroine. People will call her brash and abrasive, but I loved that she was a ball buster. She didn’t apologize for who she was, and I love that even as she acclimated to ranch life, she maintained who she was.
-I loved their banter and chemistry. It was sweet and endearing but also electric in the bedroom (and other places)
-I loved the secondary cast as well. Felt like a real home.
-Loved the bits of cowboy wisdom sprinkled throughout.
The set up for the next book was so good! Can’t wait to read it!
-Widowed dad (with a dad body), and the way he loved his girls. He was such a constant and steady presence for everyone.
-I loved the heroine. People will call her brash and abrasive, but I loved that she was a ball buster. She didn’t apologize for who she was, and I love that even as she acclimated to ranch life, she maintained who she was.
-I loved their banter and chemistry. It was sweet and endearing but also electric in the bedroom (and other places)
-I loved the secondary cast as well. Felt like a real home.
-Loved the bits of cowboy wisdom sprinkled throughout.
The set up for the next book was so good! Can’t wait to read it!
March 20, 2024
DNF @18%
If I could give this book negative 5 stars I would. The mc Cassandra is a huge bitch. She shows up to a cattle farm wearing fancy clothes, complains when she sees farm animals, and she’s super rude and disrespectful to Christian and his family. The way she treats Christians kids is so disgusting it pissed me off. And her fiancé was almost worse than she was. I hated Cassandra and Tripp they ruined the book for me. Also Cassandra having Christian’s kids call her “my queen” is so fucking weird. Go to therapy.
Don’t waste your time on this shitty book unless you want to be pissed off and disgusted the whole time.👎🏻👎🏻
If I could give this book negative 5 stars I would. The mc Cassandra is a huge bitch. She shows up to a cattle farm wearing fancy clothes, complains when she sees farm animals, and she’s super rude and disrespectful to Christian and his family. The way she treats Christians kids is so disgusting it pissed me off. And her fiancé was almost worse than she was. I hated Cassandra and Tripp they ruined the book for me. Also Cassandra having Christian’s kids call her “my queen” is so fucking weird. Go to therapy.
Don’t waste your time on this shitty book unless you want to be pissed off and disgusted the whole time.👎🏻👎🏻
November 15, 2025
That was… good. I think.
The romance was fine, the emotional depth was fantastic, and I really enjoyed the family dynamics. I think overall the romance and the relationship believability were iffy for me. I do think it was a fun, easy to binge book, and I’m looking forward to reading about the other family members.
What’s to love…
- single dad, cowboy MMC + city girl “I don’t want kids” FMC
- MMC with a dad bod (it was cute, trust me) + a man bun
- tall FMC (“topping out at six feet”)
- great emotional depth
- Emotionally mature MMC
- easy to binge
- forced proximity (she’s staying at his house)
- Mickey the adorable pet cow who wears pool noodles on his horns
What’s not to love…
- The FMC is going to rub some readers the wrong way. She’s gruff, matter of fact, and take no sh-t, sometimes bordering on excessively so.
- The MC that doesn’t want kids trope can go either way for me and this was an instance where I didn’t love the FMC/kids interactions at first.
- The behavior of both the MCs was, at times, a little much.
- It could have used a little more tension, banter, and chemistry. None were particularly bad, but not particularly amazing either.
A small thing to note…
There were a number of statements, or word choices that were… not great. It felt like this could do with a pass from a general sensitivity reader. I’m reading an early arc copy from Berkley so I’m hopeful that a few changes are yet to be made.
🌶️- Open door, explicit. Ch. 15, 19, 20, 22, 24, 27, 28
3.75⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
The romance was fine, the emotional depth was fantastic, and I really enjoyed the family dynamics. I think overall the romance and the relationship believability were iffy for me. I do think it was a fun, easy to binge book, and I’m looking forward to reading about the other family members.
What’s to love…
- single dad, cowboy MMC + city girl “I don’t want kids” FMC
- MMC with a dad bod (it was cute, trust me) + a man bun
- tall FMC (“topping out at six feet”)
- great emotional depth
- Emotionally mature MMC
- easy to binge
- forced proximity (she’s staying at his house)
- Mickey the adorable pet cow who wears pool noodles on his horns
What’s not to love…
- The FMC is going to rub some readers the wrong way. She’s gruff, matter of fact, and take no sh-t, sometimes bordering on excessively so.
- The MC that doesn’t want kids trope can go either way for me and this was an instance where I didn’t love the FMC/kids interactions at first.
- The behavior of both the MCs was, at times, a little much.
- It could have used a little more tension, banter, and chemistry. None were particularly bad, but not particularly amazing either.
A small thing to note…
There were a number of statements, or word choices that were… not great. It felt like this could do with a pass from a general sensitivity reader. I’m reading an early arc copy from Berkley so I’m hopeful that a few changes are yet to be made.
🌶️- Open door, explicit. Ch. 15, 19, 20, 22, 24, 27, 28
3.75⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2024
edit: and if i told yall i re-read this in the hours of 3-7 am after bingeing the entire beaufort poker club series in a week?? what then??)
tall (6ft), cold and "heartless" city girl who had bad relationship and doesnt believe in love x small town girl dad with a heart of gold and more importantly EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. need i say more?? she has never had a home and he gives her a place to belong, a place to return to. she just wants to be loved and he loves her like breathing. the lines had me GIGGLING like a preteen girl with a crush and i am now going on a maggie gates binge
also, he was not ripped with an eight pack and i LOVED THAT. strong dad bod lovers RISE UP. 🙌🙌🙌
he also had a man bun bc he needed to be able practice hairstyles for his girls like oh my GOD THATS SO ATTRACTIVE 😩
"he was warm and comforting. i was usually described as prickly, but i was beginning to understand why a cactus thrived in sunshine."
"i want to be the person that people go to when there's a problem. i want to be the person who gets calls in the middle of the night to fix something thats going wrong. i want to be the one that holds everything together. i want to be irreplaceable."
"are you flirting with me?"
"yes. that should be obvious. now shut up and let me do the talking"
"kings, tyrants and gods couldn't resist you, darling. how could i?
"princes are overrated. i always liked the beast better."
"i know a few things. i know the sun's going to rise tomorrow, i know that my brother's gonna wake up. and i know that you're going to have my last name. im just letting you try it on for size."
READ THIS BOOK.
tall (6ft), cold and "heartless" city girl who had bad relationship and doesnt believe in love x small town girl dad with a heart of gold and more importantly EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. need i say more?? she has never had a home and he gives her a place to belong, a place to return to. she just wants to be loved and he loves her like breathing. the lines had me GIGGLING like a preteen girl with a crush and i am now going on a maggie gates binge
also, he was not ripped with an eight pack and i LOVED THAT. strong dad bod lovers RISE UP. 🙌🙌🙌
he also had a man bun bc he needed to be able practice hairstyles for his girls like oh my GOD THATS SO ATTRACTIVE 😩
"he was warm and comforting. i was usually described as prickly, but i was beginning to understand why a cactus thrived in sunshine."
"i want to be the person that people go to when there's a problem. i want to be the person who gets calls in the middle of the night to fix something thats going wrong. i want to be the one that holds everything together. i want to be irreplaceable."
"are you flirting with me?"
"yes. that should be obvious. now shut up and let me do the talking"
"kings, tyrants and gods couldn't resist you, darling. how could i?
"princes are overrated. i always liked the beast better."
"i know a few things. i know the sun's going to rise tomorrow, i know that my brother's gonna wake up. and i know that you're going to have my last name. im just letting you try it on for size."
READ THIS BOOK.
dnf
March 19, 2024yeah..... main girl is irritating and stuck up and I sense no chemistry. it's just not for me. I like a prickly main girl every now and then but she was too much for me. I think i'll definitely still check out the other books in the series though because I liked the writing.
April 24, 2025
Single dad and small town cowboy romance?? My all time favorite I must say.
This is my first Maggie Gates book and let me just say I absolutely loved every minute of it. The flow is perfect and grabs you till the end!
Cassandra is definitely a grow to like her type of person she annoyed the living daylights out of me in the beginning but then as she slowly started to open up and let her feelings show it became pretty clear the type of person she is and why she has such a hard exterior. Also he ex fiancée is a piece of hot garbage and glad he is gone!
Then we have Christian who is a single dad that was widowed and has two girls who are the sweetest and most adorable. He invites cass to live with him and with time they start to develop a lot of chemistry and feelings for each other.
I loved how patient Christian was with cass and how open she became after realizing how safe and trusting she was of Christian. And I have to say the relationship between cass and the girls melted my heart. I love how she learned to become a kid person and helped them gain their own confidence as well.
I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
This is my first Maggie Gates book and let me just say I absolutely loved every minute of it. The flow is perfect and grabs you till the end!
Cassandra is definitely a grow to like her type of person she annoyed the living daylights out of me in the beginning but then as she slowly started to open up and let her feelings show it became pretty clear the type of person she is and why she has such a hard exterior. Also he ex fiancée is a piece of hot garbage and glad he is gone!
Then we have Christian who is a single dad that was widowed and has two girls who are the sweetest and most adorable. He invites cass to live with him and with time they start to develop a lot of chemistry and feelings for each other.
I loved how patient Christian was with cass and how open she became after realizing how safe and trusting she was of Christian. And I have to say the relationship between cass and the girls melted my heart. I love how she learned to become a kid person and helped them gain their own confidence as well.
I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Read
May 6, 2025time of death, the first three lines into chapter 6 😬
this is very much not the book for me… i draw a very hard line at being mean to kids. i am all for grumpy/bitchy/black cat FMCs but cassandra is a whole new level of awful i have never read before.
im pretty disappointed as this is my first book of maggie’s and i was super thrilled to finally be giving her a try but i just cannot force myself to sit through an FMC THIS mean to everyone and i simply cant find it believable that any man (especially a cowboy) would fall for someone who is disrespectful to him and his family.
ill most likely give other books of hers a try in the future because i believe you should give authors a few tries before completely counting them out but i am just completely baffled by this one.
this is very much not the book for me… i draw a very hard line at being mean to kids. i am all for grumpy/bitchy/black cat FMCs but cassandra is a whole new level of awful i have never read before.
im pretty disappointed as this is my first book of maggie’s and i was super thrilled to finally be giving her a try but i just cannot force myself to sit through an FMC THIS mean to everyone and i simply cant find it believable that any man (especially a cowboy) would fall for someone who is disrespectful to him and his family.
ill most likely give other books of hers a try in the future because i believe you should give authors a few tries before completely counting them out but i am just completely baffled by this one.
October 7, 2025
this was SUCH a steamy, fluffy sexy single daddy cowboy/single dad book!!! i started it on a whim and literally couldn't stop. it was so addictive, the pacing was perfect--conflict isn't stretched out over long periods of time. I LOVED IT SO MUCH!
જ⁀➴ christian 🥵🥵
he is such a sexy daddy. in the way he handles pretty much everything!! he's your classic "im a classy man" cowboy type and I WAS HERE FOR IT.
LOUD AND CLEAR DADDY!!!
then telling her to posture her hips like a whore, paying for her nails when she didn't ask because he simply wanted to make her happy and then he goes and compliments them, which ofc makes our girl real happy, his little name drops happened so gradually, i barely noticed when one slipped in there but then i was like did he just say sweetheart??? 🦋🦋oh my god??🦋 calling her my queen, princess. "then enjoy what it feels like to be my goodgirl" (I'm fucking trying???)
christian's relationship with his two daughters is so precious. he grew his hair out so he could practice hairstyles on himself, took the time every morning to do their hair just so he could spend time with them. and i know these are bare minimums but hey the bar is in hell! it was sweet for a change that they WANTED him to find someone, that they accepted a new woman with open arms. though i felt for them and their grief. but i also loved how conversations about his late wife were never awkward with cassandra. they were both refreshingly mature about everything. yes, cassandra might ignore him now and then but i mean... we can't be perfect💋🤷🏻♀️
જ⁀➴ cassandra
she was lowkey a bad bitch. sure, she's the "uptight city girl" in the small town, but honestly she just wasn't having anyone's shit. the way she stood up to the principal, the MAYOR of the town, all just for the people she loves (but ofc doesn't know it yet😉) I WAS LOVING IT. she stayed true to herself and didn't change to fit other people's molds or expectations. and you know what? christian loved her for it.
જ⁀➴ small town, found family
the family vibes in this little town was perfect. their ranch felt huge, it felt like everyone was there, you've got some horseback riding, cows, etc; and then you have the found family. claire was such a wonderful character for a matriarch instead of the popular patriarch super-cowdaddy.
i'm sad about what happened to ray, but omg i can't wait for his book. i'm super interested not only to be back in the town with the family but also poor ray?!?!
overall i LOVED this book and recommend it for anyone who wants a quick but wholesome read <3
જ⁀➴ christian 🥵🥵
he is such a sexy daddy. in the way he handles pretty much everything!! he's your classic "im a classy man" cowboy type and I WAS HERE FOR IT.
"She carries the weight of my name. She's a Griffith to you. If you so much as look at her wrong and she wants you gone, you're gone. Have I made myself clear?"
LOUD AND CLEAR DADDY!!!
then telling her to posture her hips like a whore, paying for her nails when she didn't ask because he simply wanted to make her happy and then he goes and compliments them, which ofc makes our girl real happy, his little name drops happened so gradually, i barely noticed when one slipped in there but then i was like did he just say sweetheart??? 🦋🦋oh my god??🦋 calling her my queen, princess. "then enjoy what it feels like to be my goodgirl" (I'm fucking trying???)
"My kids think you're the greatest thing to walk the fucking earth. Frankly, so do I.
christian's relationship with his two daughters is so precious. he grew his hair out so he could practice hairstyles on himself, took the time every morning to do their hair just so he could spend time with them. and i know these are bare minimums but hey the bar is in hell! it was sweet for a change that they WANTED him to find someone, that they accepted a new woman with open arms. though i felt for them and their grief. but i also loved how conversations about his late wife were never awkward with cassandra. they were both refreshingly mature about everything. yes, cassandra might ignore him now and then but i mean... we can't be perfect💋🤷🏻♀️
જ⁀➴ cassandra
she was lowkey a bad bitch. sure, she's the "uptight city girl" in the small town, but honestly she just wasn't having anyone's shit. the way she stood up to the principal, the MAYOR of the town, all just for the people she loves (but ofc doesn't know it yet😉) I WAS LOVING IT. she stayed true to herself and didn't change to fit other people's molds or expectations. and you know what? christian loved her for it.
"That was my favorite thing about myself. I simply refused to quit.and you know what? she did that shit. and fuck tripp.
જ⁀➴ small town, found family
the family vibes in this little town was perfect. their ranch felt huge, it felt like everyone was there, you've got some horseback riding, cows, etc; and then you have the found family. claire was such a wonderful character for a matriarch instead of the popular patriarch super-cowdaddy.
i'm sad about what happened to ray, but omg i can't wait for his book. i'm super interested not only to be back in the town with the family but also poor ray?!?!
overall i LOVED this book and recommend it for anyone who wants a quick but wholesome read <3
April 5, 2024
DNF (it blows my mind that it has a 4 star rating average)
The book looks like it has potential however I have to say that Cassandra is very rude, impolite and extremely annoying at this point. I’d let slide anything except being rude to kids. That, I cannot tolerate.
For someone who is supposed to be a consultant she has a lot of anger issues leading her to be very disrespectful with her client. At the end of the day, he is paying her salary! HE was trying to reassure HER for her frustration of not having enough pitching solutions for HIM. Sorry what?!
Their relationship is very unprofessional and her spitefulness is just making me annoyingly angry.
At this point of the book (60%), I don’t even want her to be good to Christian (she doesn’t deserve him), I just want her to be freaking good to the girls. I don’t know how the author finds it funny or even smart to make these little girls beg or be subjected to Cassandra’s evil tantrums. She even surpasses Aelin from Throne of Glass as most annoying female character! 🤦🏻♀️
I grabbed the phone back. “Sit tight. Do not say anything until we get there.”
“What?”
“Why did you speak?”. I snapped as I yanked open the truck door. “Did I not tell you to shut the fuck up?”
That’s her talking to a thirteen year old girl who is crying her eyes out at school because the principal deemed her attire inappropriate for school and this is how Cassandra handles the situation!
Frankly, I made it all the way through till 80%. It draiiinnneddd my energy and optimism. Such a waste of time, I could have read any other book and I mean any other one!
The book looks like it has potential however I have to say that Cassandra is very rude, impolite and extremely annoying at this point. I’d let slide anything except being rude to kids. That, I cannot tolerate.
For someone who is supposed to be a consultant she has a lot of anger issues leading her to be very disrespectful with her client. At the end of the day, he is paying her salary! HE was trying to reassure HER for her frustration of not having enough pitching solutions for HIM. Sorry what?!
Their relationship is very unprofessional and her spitefulness is just making me annoyingly angry.
At this point of the book (60%), I don’t even want her to be good to Christian (she doesn’t deserve him), I just want her to be freaking good to the girls. I don’t know how the author finds it funny or even smart to make these little girls beg or be subjected to Cassandra’s evil tantrums. She even surpasses Aelin from Throne of Glass as most annoying female character! 🤦🏻♀️
I grabbed the phone back. “Sit tight. Do not say anything until we get there.”
“What?”
“Why did you speak?”. I snapped as I yanked open the truck door. “Did I not tell you to shut the fuck up?”
That’s her talking to a thirteen year old girl who is crying her eyes out at school because the principal deemed her attire inappropriate for school and this is how Cassandra handles the situation!
Frankly, I made it all the way through till 80%. It draiiinnneddd my energy and optimism. Such a waste of time, I could have read any other book and I mean any other one!
August 20, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
“Posture like a princess, hips like a whore”
Well Maggie, you have me officially hooked!!!
This is the first book I’ve EVER read that the MMC is described as being “Curvy/Soft belly” and I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!! I’m all for muscles and abs but Jesus the way he was described has me droolingggg 🤤
I want to meet a real life man like Christian 😂 He is such a golden retriever with the biggest heart. I loved how he took care of his family and was instantly protective over the FMC, Cassandra. I couldn’t stop laughing at their banter and the way Cass would speak to his daughters had me giggling the whole time. Her personality is straight forward and no BS. They’re the complete opposite, but that’s what made this story so dang good!!!
The first spicy scene had my jaw dropping.. 👀🥵 I didn’t expect their to be much spice from reading some reviews but be prepared for some top tier smut ☺️
If you love…
-Opposites Attract
-Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Single Dad/Cowboy
-Found Family
-Small Town
READ THIS BOOK!!!
2/5 🌶️
“Posture like a princess, hips like a whore”
Well Maggie, you have me officially hooked!!!
This is the first book I’ve EVER read that the MMC is described as being “Curvy/Soft belly” and I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!! I’m all for muscles and abs but Jesus the way he was described has me droolingggg 🤤
I want to meet a real life man like Christian 😂 He is such a golden retriever with the biggest heart. I loved how he took care of his family and was instantly protective over the FMC, Cassandra. I couldn’t stop laughing at their banter and the way Cass would speak to his daughters had me giggling the whole time. Her personality is straight forward and no BS. They’re the complete opposite, but that’s what made this story so dang good!!!
The first spicy scene had my jaw dropping.. 👀🥵 I didn’t expect their to be much spice from reading some reviews but be prepared for some top tier smut ☺️
If you love…
-Opposites Attract
-Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Single Dad/Cowboy
-Found Family
-Small Town
READ THIS BOOK!!!
Read
October 21, 2025I enjoyed this a lot. Cassandra is my preferred type of fmc
March 16, 2024
Sweet and sexy
I'm rounding up my rating, because I liked it, and I binged it, and I'm definitely coming back for more. The things that bugged me were pretty minor, and this is the closest I've found to something that gives me Elsie Silver vibes and backs it up with a solid story. The best part for me was the hero, this gruff caveman of a cowboy who was incredibly mature emotionally. He's a single dad who has been raising his girls on his own for the last ten years, and he is all about therapy and empowerment and making sure his girls know that they're loved. Just... absolute swoon. He's a big teddy bear of a man (dad bod and all), and I loved how easily he learns how to handle the prickly heroine. She's a definite fish out of water and won't be to every reader's tastes, but I liked the combination of her blunt honesty and his easy acceptance of it all. It made for a very solid series starter and a great introduction to this new-to-me author's work, so I'm bumping up my rating.
The story follows Cassandra, a PR rep who needs to get out of the public eye for a while. After she takes the blame for something she didn't do, her boss/fiancé requires her to take a consulting job at an isolated ranch - the last place this city girl would ever want to be. The situation makes Cassandra re-evaluate her relationship, especially when she gets to know the loving, close-knit family living on the ranch. Christian may be a bit of a caveman around her, but he's nothing but gentle with his daughters. The two have instant friction that feels like it might be attraction, but there are a few problems with that. Number one, Cass is engaged to another man. Number two, she hates kids. And number three, she has no intention of sticking around. But being welcomed into Christian's family feels better than Cass could've expected, and that complicates things.
I started reading this after a few failed attempts to get out of a book hangover, and it was the first book that held my attention - with ease. The writing is exceedingly easy to binge, and I loved the vibes. Cassandra and Christian have chemistry right away, even when they were bickering. I loved Christian more and more as I got to know him better, and it was so refreshing to read about a rugged cowboy who is so in tune with his emotions and so good with his daughters. He lost his wife over a decade ago, and he's worked through those feelings to the point that he's come out stronger because of it. I kinda loved that, and it also made him understand Cassandra so quickly. There's the forbidden aspect, since she's engaged, but her fiancé was clearly a jerk from page one and he was out of the picture soon enough. The only reason I was torn between four and five stars is because there were a few little things that took me out of the story. For example, Christian's family was making bets on how quickly he'd start hooking up with Cass, even when she was engaged. He was perhaps a little too cavemanish in some of his physicality, and seemed to jump from "it's just a fling" to "she's mine" very quickly. But none of those things were major roadblocks, and I'm already excited about the next Griffith Brothers book, so I can't call this anything other than a success.
I'm rounding up my rating, because I liked it, and I binged it, and I'm definitely coming back for more. The things that bugged me were pretty minor, and this is the closest I've found to something that gives me Elsie Silver vibes and backs it up with a solid story. The best part for me was the hero, this gruff caveman of a cowboy who was incredibly mature emotionally. He's a single dad who has been raising his girls on his own for the last ten years, and he is all about therapy and empowerment and making sure his girls know that they're loved. Just... absolute swoon. He's a big teddy bear of a man (dad bod and all), and I loved how easily he learns how to handle the prickly heroine. She's a definite fish out of water and won't be to every reader's tastes, but I liked the combination of her blunt honesty and his easy acceptance of it all. It made for a very solid series starter and a great introduction to this new-to-me author's work, so I'm bumping up my rating.
The story follows Cassandra, a PR rep who needs to get out of the public eye for a while. After she takes the blame for something she didn't do, her boss/fiancé requires her to take a consulting job at an isolated ranch - the last place this city girl would ever want to be. The situation makes Cassandra re-evaluate her relationship, especially when she gets to know the loving, close-knit family living on the ranch. Christian may be a bit of a caveman around her, but he's nothing but gentle with his daughters. The two have instant friction that feels like it might be attraction, but there are a few problems with that. Number one, Cass is engaged to another man. Number two, she hates kids. And number three, she has no intention of sticking around. But being welcomed into Christian's family feels better than Cass could've expected, and that complicates things.
I started reading this after a few failed attempts to get out of a book hangover, and it was the first book that held my attention - with ease. The writing is exceedingly easy to binge, and I loved the vibes. Cassandra and Christian have chemistry right away, even when they were bickering. I loved Christian more and more as I got to know him better, and it was so refreshing to read about a rugged cowboy who is so in tune with his emotions and so good with his daughters. He lost his wife over a decade ago, and he's worked through those feelings to the point that he's come out stronger because of it. I kinda loved that, and it also made him understand Cassandra so quickly. There's the forbidden aspect, since she's engaged, but her fiancé was clearly a jerk from page one and he was out of the picture soon enough. The only reason I was torn between four and five stars is because there were a few little things that took me out of the story. For example, Christian's family was making bets on how quickly he'd start hooking up with Cass, even when she was engaged. He was perhaps a little too cavemanish in some of his physicality, and seemed to jump from "it's just a fling" to "she's mine" very quickly. But none of those things were major roadblocks, and I'm already excited about the next Griffith Brothers book, so I can't call this anything other than a success.
June 4, 2024
Dust storms happen. It’s okay to close your eyes and stumble through.
First off: either the author or I don't know what a "publicist" does. (Hint: I think I do know. 😁) Anyway, in this book, Cassandra as a supposed publicist is a project manager, consultant, controller, accountant, chaperone and babysitter all in one - a real all-rounder.
However. The story started out well and entertaining, but lost me about halfway through. For once, in this book the FMC is grumpy (to the point of being borderline rude and unprofessional) and the MMC is sunshine, so there's some banter and funny scenes. Ultimately, both main characters are rather shallow and I couldn't feel their chemistry or love. Christian's kids are quite cool, though.
The highlight of the book was the drama at the rodeo – and that's exactly why I will read volume 2 of the series.
Overall rating: 3
Story: 3/5
Emotion: 3/5
Christian: 3/5
Cassandra: 3/5
P.S.: If anyone wonders (as I was) if there’s a book about Christian’s oldest brother Nate and his wife Becks – the answer is YES. It's The Stars Above Us.
First off: either the author or I don't know what a "publicist" does. (Hint: I think I do know. 😁) Anyway, in this book, Cassandra as a supposed publicist is a project manager, consultant, controller, accountant, chaperone and babysitter all in one - a real all-rounder.
However. The story started out well and entertaining, but lost me about halfway through. For once, in this book the FMC is grumpy (to the point of being borderline rude and unprofessional) and the MMC is sunshine, so there's some banter and funny scenes. Ultimately, both main characters are rather shallow and I couldn't feel their chemistry or love. Christian's kids are quite cool, though.
The highlight of the book was the drama at the rodeo – and that's exactly why I will read volume 2 of the series.
Overall rating: 3
Story: 3/5
Emotion: 3/5
Christian: 3/5
Cassandra: 3/5
P.S.: If anyone wonders (as I was) if there’s a book about Christian’s oldest brother Nate and his wife Becks – the answer is YES. It's The Stars Above Us.
March 26, 2024
2.5🌟 one day I’ll stop reading books based off one quote I saw on tiktok but today is not that day
October 6, 2025
“I hate being called ma’am.”
“Yes, my queen.” 👑🔥
Thank you Berkley for the ARC & Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
🤠 single dad/widow + cowboy
👠 city girl publicist exiled from NYC
🔗 forced proximity
👨👩👧👧 Parent Trap vibes/pre-teen daughters (11/13)
🐮 a pet cow named Mickey
🐎 ranch life
✨ tall heroine + plus size hero
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio + ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 3.5 |
“It takes a strong cowboy to put up with a bull,
and a strong woman to put up with a cowboy.” - Momma Griffith with the best advice 🙌🏼
Maggie continues to have me completely hooked from start to finish 😍
I LOVED everything about this!
This was such a great twist on a single dad romance -
Christian didn’t NEED a mom figure in his girls’ lives, since a lot of time had passed & he was very capable on his own.
Cassandra, however, was everything he didn’t know he needed, and such a positive addition to his girls’ lives too.
AND they were everything SHE didn’t know she needed too 🥹 when she starts referring to them as “my girls” 😭
And Christian - this MAN - he literally keeps his hair long so he can practice braids/hairstyles for his kids 😭
I loved their dynamic of him being the soft one with harder edges, and her being tough with hidden softness.
Oh, and there’s a scene with a fence post… 😮💨
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Sophie Daniels & Dane Anderson were the perfect duo to bring these two to life!
It blew me away how Sophie sounded EXACTLY like Meredith in the Parent Trap (movie), completely embodying Cassandra’s personality.
The growl on Dane 🫠 he did such a great job bringing out all the sides of Christian!
📖 Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
📚 book 1 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance
🎙 narrated by: Sophie Daniels & Dane Anderson
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
“Yes, my queen.” 👑🔥
Thank you Berkley for the ARC & Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
🤠 single dad/widow + cowboy
👠 city girl publicist exiled from NYC
🔗 forced proximity
👨👩👧👧 Parent Trap vibes/pre-teen daughters (11/13)
🐮 a pet cow named Mickey
🐎 ranch life
✨ tall heroine + plus size hero
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio + ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 3.5 |
“It takes a strong cowboy to put up with a bull,
and a strong woman to put up with a cowboy.” - Momma Griffith with the best advice 🙌🏼
Maggie continues to have me completely hooked from start to finish 😍
I LOVED everything about this!
This was such a great twist on a single dad romance -
Christian didn’t NEED a mom figure in his girls’ lives, since a lot of time had passed & he was very capable on his own.
Cassandra, however, was everything he didn’t know he needed, and such a positive addition to his girls’ lives too.
AND they were everything SHE didn’t know she needed too 🥹 when she starts referring to them as “my girls” 😭
And Christian - this MAN - he literally keeps his hair long so he can practice braids/hairstyles for his kids 😭
I loved their dynamic of him being the soft one with harder edges, and her being tough with hidden softness.
Oh, and there’s a scene with a fence post… 😮💨
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Sophie Daniels & Dane Anderson were the perfect duo to bring these two to life!
It blew me away how Sophie sounded EXACTLY like Meredith in the Parent Trap (movie), completely embodying Cassandra’s personality.
The growl on Dane 🫠 he did such a great job bringing out all the sides of Christian!
📖 Dust Storm by Maggie Gates
📚 book 1 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance
🎙 narrated by: Sophie Daniels & Dane Anderson
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
May 22, 2024
I've read two other books by Maggie Gates, and I loved them both. This one was promising, a single father cowboy with a dad bod? sign me up, but I was disappointed by the end of this book. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
Let me start by saying what I enjoyed: Christian, his family and the spice That's it.
Now for what I didn't like. Cassandra. She was my major problem with this book. First, she showed up to a cattle ranch wearing a white pantsuit and heels, who does that? Second, there was one moment besides the ending where she was kind to Christian's daughters, but every other interaction I felt like she was so disrespectful to them, and the way she spoke to them. Having them call her my queen is weird, sorry.
I also did not believe Christian and Cassandra's chemistry in the entire book. There's being opposites, and then there's whatever these two were. In no world would I see Cassandra leaving the city to live on a cattle ranch, being a stepmom for the rest of her life.
Christian and his daughters deserved better.
Let me start by saying what I enjoyed: Christian, his family and the spice That's it.
Now for what I didn't like. Cassandra. She was my major problem with this book. First, she showed up to a cattle ranch wearing a white pantsuit and heels, who does that? Second, there was one moment besides the ending where she was kind to Christian's daughters, but every other interaction I felt like she was so disrespectful to them, and the way she spoke to them. Having them call her my queen is weird, sorry.
I also did not believe Christian and Cassandra's chemistry in the entire book. There's being opposites, and then there's whatever these two were. In no world would I see Cassandra leaving the city to live on a cattle ranch, being a stepmom for the rest of her life.
Christian and his daughters deserved better.
March 7, 2024
I enjoyed the idea of the book and even some moments but I couldn’t stand the main characters. I found her rude and selfish and mean towards the kids. Her development wasn’t shown well
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