Norah Pax loves working behind the scenes for her family's Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business. But unlike her adrenaline-junkie sisters, she only enjoys chasing down a skip from the safety of her laptop. She has all the computer skills she could want, but her fighting technique is lacking--so when all hands are needed, she dredges up her courage to ask surly MMA expert Dashiell Porter to teach her everything she needs to know. Dash may be terrifying to most, but his unexpected gentleness makes her feel safe, and it isn't long before things begin heating up.
Dash is used to people slowly backing away when he enters a room, but a certain beautiful bounty hunter's earnest trust throws him off guard…and catches his attention. Yet as the two throw punches and awkwardly flirt, vultures circle. Every criminal in town has turned against the Pax girls, and they're willing to hit them where they're (supposedly) weakest: Norah. To keep herself and her family safe, Norah will need every new skill that Dash teaches her.
Good thing that Dash is ready to do whatever it takes to protect the gentle-yet-fierce bounty hunter who stole his heart.
A fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, trains her three dogs, cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics. You can connect with Katie at http://katieruggle.com/, https://www.facebook.com/katieruggleb..., or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
The plot in this is very much "suspend disbelief" but it was an entertaining read to turn my brain off to. The cover art looks nothing like the characters or setting either lol.
In a house full of sisters who are bounty hunters randomly in small town CO, the introverted quiet online hacker sister is online stalked by a creep. She decides to learn some self defense training, shows up at a local gym, where surprise surprise the owner of the gym, a quiet stoic surly MMA former fighter, helps her train and quietly pines for her.
I do love some introverted quiet leads falling in love. Also training montages and their trail runs were fun to read about too. There's an emotional hair brushing scene. Comedic quips from the sisters giving the leads shit. Lots of chaos with the plot. I do appreciate the emphasis on character chemistry and intimacy rather than focusing on the leads being super horny and only wanting sex.
I haven't found another author like Ruggle who writes romantic suspense in a way that's leftist leaning, having characters be in the private detective/bounty hunter/sleuth field instead of law enforcement to solve mysteries, criticizing law enforcement, and being set a lot in the outdoors. Would love any suggestions for authors like this that also include queer leads lol.
Content warnings: - drugging - arson/Molotov cocktail bomb/house fire while inside - stalking (online and in person) - abuse of police power / harassment from police - breaking into house - kidnapping - parental neglect - past scarring/traumatic event with fire burns - dudes being creeps - former childhood bully enters the plot randomly
The most introverted of the Pax sisters is up and her special someone is the man she tapped to help her learn to defend herself. Dash is big, a little growly, and kinda smitten with the lady who freezes when a fist is flying at her face. To be fair, Norah knows Dash won't actually punch her, so this freezing bit is really her learning to commit defensive moves to muscle memory with someone she feels safe with.
The fact Norah DOES feel safe with Dash kind of throws him. He's used to people giving him a wide berth, but Norah puts herself in his hands and that's that. At least in Norah's mind. As it turns out, Dash really likes Norah's mind. And he's not okay with the amount of times she's been threatened or nearly blown up (look, these things happen when you're a bounty hunter). He's also not okay with the stalker she's picked up on her most recent case.
Norah's not okay with her stalker either. Neither are her sisters. But she does get to buddy up with Dash for the duration, so it's not entirely terrible. She also has an irritating former classmate who doesn't know how to accept a brushoff and her mom's still leading them on a wild goose chase. So, yeah, getting to spend time with Dash might be the only bright point about this.
A creepy stalker, some sisterly teasing, a potential new friend, a man who is more than willing to be the brawn to Norah's brain, and a lady who knows a good man when she meets him. *thumbs up*
Likeable characters and an interesting story. I didn’t like how very creepy the villains were in this one. It was oppressive. I also don’t think anyone would be stupid enough to accept an open drink from someone they don’t trust and proceed to drink it, especially someone as intelligent as Norah is supposed to be. That felt massively out of character.
I adored book 1 in this series (The Scenic Route), but somehow this one is even better? Shouldn't be possible, but here we are...
I absolutely loved Norah. Her awkwardness and social anxiety made her immediately endearing--it was so easy to completely emphasize with her, even if you haven't felt *exactly* as she does in similar situations. And as much as I appreciate dual POVs, just getting hers here was the exact right choice.
I loved witnessing Norah take her future into her own hands by deciding on her own to train with a former MMA fighter (Dash, of course) so that she didn't feel like the "weak link" among her sisters. Dash understood her needs perfectly (though it's slow burn, so *those* needs came later--and yes, he got those too) and made sure she felt comfortable learning but also that she continued to challenge herself.
And watching her put those skills to use IRL again and again (and again)? Beyond satisfying! Though hopefully she won't need to use them *quite* so much going forward... ;) I also have complete faith that they will eventually have a 100% non-violent date. You can do it, Norah and Dash!
My only real complaint? As cute as the illustrated cover is, NO WAY is that puny little cartoon hero Dash.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I can always count on Katie Ruggle to write a good women in jeopardy story. Norah is strong of heart, but she’s not the most physical or athletic Pax sister. With Dash’s help she grows in confidence both physically and mentally and that is a very attractive trait in a romance novel. Dash himself is very physical, both in fitness and mental agility. He’s attracted to Norah from the start and as soon as he realizes she’s in trouble he’s all in. You got to love that in a hero!
Just as with Katie Ruggle’s other novels there’s a lot of action and adventure which makes this a very quick moving fun novel to read. I love the interactions between Norah and her sisters. There’s a lot of love on these pages, not just between the romantic leads. If you haven’t read any of Katie Ruggle’s other books, you really don’t need to read the series in order. This and all the other books can be read as stand alone’s, but you might get a little more enjoyment if you’ve read the other books first. Either way, you’re going to enjoy Norah and Dash’s story. Get ready for a fun ride!
Norah Pax is the tech-savvy member of her family's Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business, preferring to track skips from behind her laptop rather than engage in physical confrontations like her adrenaline-seeking sisters. Recognizing her need for self-defense skills, she musters the courage to seek help from Dashiell Porter, a gruff MMA expert and gym owner. While Dash intimidates most, his unexpected gentleness makes Norah feel secure, and their training sessions quickly spark a romantic connection. He closed his gym during their sessions because she was so self-conscious in front of others. However, danger looms as criminals target the Pax sisters, threatening their safety. Norah must harness the skills Dash teaches her to protect herself and her family. With Dash determined to keep her safe, the two navigate their budding romance amid chaos. The narrative showcases the strong bond among the Pax sisters, filled with humor, love, and action, making it an engaging read. This installment in Katie Ruggle's series can stand alone, yet it seamlessly continues the journey of the Pax sisters as they confront both personal and external challenges.
Readers will be drawn to Norah and Dash's slow-burning relationship, marked by genuine trust and mutual growth. Norah's relatable social anxiety and determination to step outside her comfort zone make her an endearing protagonist. Dash’s protective nature and hidden softness create a compelling dynamic, allowing readers to root for their love story. The lively banter among the Pax sisters adds a layer of warmth and humor, enriching the narrative. With thrilling action sequences, danger, suspense and a strong focus on personal empowerment, this book offers a perfect blend of romance and adventure. I really enjoyed this book and am a big fan of the author :)
Oh, how I love Dash. He is the perfect partner for Norah. Not only does he seem to understand her, but he is also patient when she needs a beat to figure things out. On top of that, he just rolls with the punches when things get crazy and she needs him to cover for her and her sisters. I love his sexy growl and bouts of jealousy that come out when it comes to Norah. I especially love that he doesn’t let that jealousy interfere with what Norah needs to do.
Norah is also amazing. She’s smart and funny and would do anything for her family. She knows she’s looked at as different than the rest of her siblings, not by them but by their community, and doesn’t let it bother her for the most part. She knows where her strengths lie and makes sure to use those strengths. But when she felt her weaknesses were a detriment to her family, she sought help so she could improve and gain confidence.
I was gutted the times Norah didn’t follow her instincts. That’s when she put herself in bad situations and possible danger. Although Norah didn’t seem to care if her high school nemesis liked her or not, she just couldn’t be rude. I hated the way the mean girls made her feel.
I know I should care because the sisters need to find their mom so they don’t lose their home, but I really don’t care about their mom. Sure, everything ties back to her and that’s what drives the stories in the series, yet I don’t care if they find her as long as they can save the house. Good riddance!
I really struggled with this book. I started it almost 2 months ago, only made it to Ch. 2 before I put it down and came back to it weeks later. Although I finished it this time around, I can't say I particularly think it got a whole lot better. This is the epitome of a slow burn. There's zero spice until the 80% mark. The suspense and action are lacking and quite frankly, boring. I feel like I knew nothing about Dash other than he owned a gym and was maybe a former MMA fighter. In the end, he was still a mysterious hero. I liked him as a person though and I really liked Norah. Pretty sure Norah either has ADHD and/or autism (I have both myself). I identified a lot of traits that fit the bill for those two. It was nice to have a heroine who wasn't perfect, who was introverted and liked to be left alone, but who could step up when needed.
I usually like Katie's series, but the whole bounty hunter sisters series has been a dud for me (this one says it's part of the Beneath the Wild Sky series, but it's still the same set of sisters from the Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters Series). I'm just not getting that exciting sense of danger combined with romance that I'm use to from the author.
Review: CROSSING PATHS by Katie Ruggle https://bit.ly/3GVTKHL Publication Date: 05/13/2025 Genre: Romantic Comedy Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna Rated 5 Stars
I love the Pax sisters and wondered how Norah’s book would go. I need not have worried, I loved it. Norah is a bit socially awkward and shy, so she has taken care of all the computer work and research. Now that she wants to get herself out there and suitably prepared, she hires Dash for self-defense lessons. The story is written in her POV which was perfect for his character and their relationship. She is the perfect counter point to Dash’s fierce, quiet countenance. I loved watching her bring out his soft side and humor as they worked through their romance. The romance was a slow burn, but perfect for them both.
The storyline was fun and exciting. So much going on from different directions – some old and some new. Through it all, I can only say that the sisters are a hoot! Their lively banter and camaraderie make me wish I lived there too. I can’t wait for more.
*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
💚🩷ARC Book Review🩷💚 Crossing Paths By: Katie Ruggle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Pub Date: May 13th A HUGE thank you to Katie Ruggle for sending me an Advance Physical Copy! 🥹😍 I loved Norah so much and the way that Dash and her fit together, they are the perfect puzzle! 🧩 • Norah first meets Dash when she goes to his gym because she wants to learn how to defend herself. She doesn’t want to be the liability or the reason why her or her sister gets hurt. • Norah is awkward AF and I loved it! She lives in her head but when she is nervous everything comes out like word vomit. The way that Dash just gets her and if he’s confused or frustrated he doesn’t show it, he just automatically knows the types of questions that he has to ask her to get the full picture! I also love how patient he is with Norah 🫶 • I will ALWAYS read everything that #katieruggle writes! I am 💯 invested in all her characters! 💗 I know technically this one isn’t out yet but I’m already ready for the next Bounty Hunter sister, Charlie to get her book! 😌 Tropes: 🩷Shy/introverted FMC 💚Gym owner MMC 🩷He falls first 💚Protective MMC 🩷Trainer to more
I'm trying to come up with a book by Katie Ruggle that I have not liked & I'm coming up blank. This series is great & this book does not disappoint. Norah has social anxiety and doesn't want to let her family down when the next bounty comes to call, so she hires Dash to up her game in self-defense. Dash, an ex MMA fighter, could not be more opposite when it comes to self-defense, but as a couple they rock.
This a fun read, I love that all the sisters are in each book as they continue their quest to find their bond-jumping mother who has used their home as collateral for the bond. The sister's lively banter and camaraderie make me wish I was part of their family. Looking forward to the next installment.
I received this advance review copy from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.
Apparently this is my year to read pretty much anything Katie Ruggle puts out. This was everything I expected it to be, except for the cover. The tagline on the front reads "Why date a mountain man? Because he can bring you to your peak." Lol, right?. But guess what book DOESN'T have a mountain man in it? That's right, this one. Dash is an ex-military (not sure which kind) MMA fighter and trainer. Nothing to do with the mountain man persona. Maybe it's because he's living in Colorado? And they're near mountains? But they don't actually ever go into the mountains, so I don't even know. The story was fine (though I'm getting a little tired of Ruggle's basic man character who only speaks in grunts) but I could have done with a lot more backstory. And a lot less telling and a lot more showing.
Absolute chaos in all the best ways. Norah and her sisters are bounty hunters, but Norah’s usually a behind the scenes gal doing research from behind her computer screen. Until one of their targets hacks into her computer and sends creepy chat box messages. Along with all that, she’s also taking self-defense lessons from Dash, the local ex-MMA fighter and gym owner. The romance here is super cute and Dash is the ultimate gruff and protective sort. But the real drama revolves around Norah’s digital stalker, plus some other close calls with danger. I mean, we go from drinks on the couch at Dash’s apartment to fire bombs being thrown in the window real fast. It’s the kind of crazy danger that just makes the book more funny than fearsome. Definitely a fun ride.
This was book two in the Beneath the Wild Sky romantic suspense series that follows the four Bounty Hunter Pax sisters who are working hard to track down their mother who has skipped town with bad men on her heels. Trying to find her before something bad happens, this story follows Norah, the anxious, data loving sister with asthma who hires a former MMA fighter to help train her in self-defense skills. Of course the two develop feelings as they first pose as a fake couple and when Nora gets kidnapped by her cyber stalker. This one is definitely read in series order and I enjoyed it more than expected. I look forward to seeing how the series ends. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. This is the second book in the series that focuses on the youngest sister Norah, the introverted quiet sister whose main job is researching skips for her bounty hunter sisters. Norah finds her own independence and love (as expected) along the way even with 3 stalkers. Underestimated by her stalkers, Norah finds her own strength through learning self defense techniques with her trainer. Fun fast paced story to follow, but definitely read the first book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and this series. Even though I gave it 5 stars, I would say 4 3/4 stars mainly because you don’t learn that much about Dash and it’s not dual pov like the others. Maybe I just skipped over stuff in my excitement to read the book… I don’t know, but I felt like didn’t know him compared to other males in previous books. But that could just be personal preference and that’s why I rounded up my rating. The writing and characters and story line were all amazing and I can’t wait to read more!
Crossing Paths makes the perfect summer read. Meet Norah Pax - she and her sisters run a bounty hunting business in the Rocky Mountains.
She meets Dash, an MMA expert who has been teaching her some fighting skills. Dash is tall, dark and handsome, and terrifying to many. However, he seems to have a soft spot for Norah.
This book is full of quirky quips and humour. You will enjoy following along Norah's journey and her interactions with Dash. This novel makes the perfect summertime (or anytime) read.
Just like the previous books in the Pax sisters series, I highly enjoyed this latest. It was fun to see Norah come out of her shell and start to build more confidence in herself and her skills. It all lead her to Dash, one of the few people she feels comfortable around.
Equally funny and action packed, Norah and Dash make a fun couple with a deep devotion to each other even after just a short time. Loved the updates on the other sisters’ relationships and cannot wait to read the ending and finally have them nab their email mom!
Thank you to Edelweiss for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favorite Katie Ruggle book to date. It helps that I'm a sucker for a size difference / beauty & the beast story. Awkward Norah was great. I loved that she kept trying and kept pushing back against being nervous and just kept trying. Even when her sisters teased her. Even when she was dealing with multiple stalkers. She just kept going.
This was kinda fun. I'm out of the loop since I jumped in at book 2 but the author does a good job trying to catch the reader up to speed. There are some pretty serious things happening but I enjoyed the levity from the familial banter and beginnings of a sweet relationship. I liked how protective Dash was of Norah. They had good chemistry at the beginning but it felt awkward once they started getting physical. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC
surprisingly cute. this type of cartoon covers kind of give me the ick but honestly this one was pretty cute. love that it’s a romance but also action (?) this is like what abby jimenez does: each book is technically part of a series that can be read as a standalone but characters from the other books make appearances. only this one seems like the mother subplot is linear with each book ?? idk but i kind of wanna go back and read all of them !
I picked up this book for cute cover saw it was part of a series but figured it be okay. it was not. even though it says book two I felt like I started in the middle of season 3 of a show. too many people, plotlines and we learn nothing about the mmc Dash. I get he is strong silent type but that is all we ever learn. I liked Norah, but too many people side plots and continuing story lines to make great read. Definitely read this series in order to understand it better.
This was a fun read! I will say, without having read book 1, there were a few plot gaps, but I appreciate I was still able to enjoy the book. Fun romance involving a bounty hunter falling in love with her MMA trainer. Slow burn romance that was flirty. Loved how nosy Norah’s siblings were. I would have rated it high but Dash fell very flat to me. Lots of grunting, not a lot of character building.
Whoever is responsible for changing the covers and name of original series Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters to Beneath the Wild Sky made a costly mistake. The two books in this series are not just as good as the two books from Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series.
It was a pleasure to read! I was interested in how Norah's neurodiversity was going to be portrayed and I think it worked in here. I also absolutely love the sisters' dynamics and how their partners are able to fit in!