Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cardwell Cousins #3

Wedding at Cardwell Ranch

Rate this book

The highly anticipated continuation of the   Cardwell Ranch Collection, read by more than  2 MILLION!

Jackson Cardwell won't stop until she is safe. 

In Montana for his brother's nuptials, Jackson Cardwell isn't looking to be anybody's hero. But the Texas single father knows a beautiful lady in distress when he meets her. Someone's hell-bent on making Allie Taylor think she's losing her mind. Jackson's determined to unmask the perp…and guard the widowed wedding planner and her little girl with his life. 

Allie has no idea who wants to harm her and take her daughter away. The truth is even more shocking. For Allie's past has stalked her to Cardwell Ranch. And not even the sexy cowboy who awakens irresistible passion may be able to save her from a killer with a chilling agenda.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

336 people are currently reading
833 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
377 (57%)
4 stars
185 (28%)
3 stars
73 (11%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
September 12, 2014
Excellent book with terrific romance and a mystery that kept me guessing. Jackson and his son have come to Montana for his brother's wedding. One of the first people he meets is Allie, the wedding planner, who is looking very scared. Being the gentleman that he is, he wants to help her, but is also wary of getting involved.

I loved Jackson. He is a terrific father to his five year old son, if perhaps a little overprotective. He was badly burned by his ex-wife, who turned out to be an extremely selfish piece of work. So he is now pretty cynical about women, and hasn't made up his mind whether his brother is in love or deluded. Fortunately he is won over by Lily pretty quickly, because all his attention ends up on Allie. He is drawn to her beauty immediately, but it's his protective instincts that have him wanting to help her. It's obvious to him that someone has it in for her and he wants to help her figure out who it is. He also knows he only has a few days before he's due to go back to Texas. I loved the fact that he was so clear sighted about what was happening to her. He knew she wasn't imagining things, in spite of what other people tried to tell him. I loved the way that he got his brothers involved in helping him, even though they weren't as sure as he was about what was happening. It didn't take him too long to realize that he was feeling more than protective, but he tried fighting the feelings. He's still dealing with the problems caused by his ex-wife and doesn't feel that he's prepared for a new relationship. Of course, the heart doesn't listen to the head, and it's his heart that has him showing up just in time to save her.

Allie is a widowed mother of a little girl. Her marriage had not been a happy one and she had been planning to leave her husband right before he disappeared. Now she is left to deal with a mother-in-law who blames her and a brother-in-law whose help and protectiveness is starting to feel smothering. Allie has no idea what is going on and fears that she is losing her mind. Since her husband's disappearance and presumed death eight months earlier, she has been having strange things happen to her. She smells his aftershave in her house, his clothing appears and disappears, she has bouts of apparent forgetfulness and strange behavior that she doesn't remember. When her latest meltdown is witnessed by Jackson, and he confirms that he saw what she did, she begins to realize that maybe she isn't going nuts after all. Jackson's support means a lot to her, Having him believe in her makes her feel stronger, and it isn't long before her renewed confidence also has her noticing her growing feelings for him. Having been married to a man whose true nature didn't appear until after they were married, being able to trust Jackson is a huge step for her.

The mystery of what happened to Allie's husband and who is doing these things to her and why was very well done. The things that were happening to her were definitely creepy and I could really understand why she was questioning her sanity. There were so many possibilities on who could be behind it that each time something happened I thought of a different person. The in-laws were definitely at the top of my list, but her sister and best friend were also suspect. I have to admit that the identity of the killer was a surprise.
Profile Image for Elizabeth H..
1,075 reviews77 followers
June 28, 2014
B.J. Daniels blew me away with this masterfully crafted romantic suspense story!

I cannot tell you how many times I had to restrain myself from jumping ahead in the book because I was DYING to know what was going to happen! There’s no way I could describe this story without giving away spoilers so I’m going to refrain from details.

What I can tell you is that this book will knock your socks off! Jackson Cardwell is so dreamy! If you think chivalry is dead, you obviously haven’t met the Cardwell men.

The book can totally be read as a standalone but your curiosity—like mine—will have you putting the rest of the Cardwell books on your TBR (to be read) list!

This is my second read from B.J. Daniels and I am thoroughly enchanted. I’d give it 10 Stars if I could! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a solid story, engaging characters, beautifully tempered romance and a mystery that will leave you breathless!

***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
Profile Image for SuperWendy.
1,097 reviews265 followers
March 17, 2019
I eavesdropped on a Twitter conversation that recommended this book. I was immediately sold once I heard the suspense premise. Someone is gaslighting the heroine. Several months back her emotionally abusive husband went off hunting by himself. His backpack and gun were found, along with evidence of a grizzly attack. His body, naturally, has not been recovered. Now the heroine fears she's losing her grip on sanity. Her husband's favorite shirt lying on their bed, after she got rid of all his clothes. The smell of his aftershave. A half-dead squirrel in her favorite chili pot. And she keeps misplacing things like her keys, her purse etc.

Unfortunately, as intriguing as all this is, it stumbles mightily on execution. For some reason I thought this was the first book in a spin-off of a previous series. It's not. It's book #3. And reads like it. There's all these secondary characters popping up that bog down the pacing - which is the kiss of death in the minimalist Intrigue line. Every word is so precious, pacing so important, that books mired in series-itis turn into a slog. And this one was - for the first 50%. After that most of the series nonsense takes a back seat (until the author has to set up the next book in the series and it all comes intruding back during the climactic finish) and the suspense ramps up.

I'll say one thing for Daniels - she knows her way around a red herring. This book was chock full of them. Which just makes me even sadder that the series-itis was so intrusive and also that I didn't like the heroine more. I "get" that she's being gas-lit and that her marriage was abusive, but the Rescue Fantasy was high in this one and after a while I wanted to shake the stuffing out of her. She's too trusting and naive by half.

The hero is fine. Classic white knight type who, OF COURSE, had a vile, evil ex who was a horrible mother to their son and didn't want the kid blah, blah, blah, lather, rinse, repeat.

YMMV. While the gaslighting suspense thread was good and the red herrings amazing (and plentiful!), the rest of this left me with a very meh feeling. Will probably play better for readers invested in the series.
Profile Image for Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog).
758 reviews187 followers
August 16, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/08/bo...

Jackson Cardwell was burnt badly by his ex-wife who did everything to destroy him and take away his son. Now bitter of women and gun shy of love, his verdict is still out regarding his brother Tag's soon-to-be bride. In town for his brother's marriage, he is soon entangled in the mysterious incidents that keep happening to the wedding planner, Allie Taylor. Allie is afraid of losing of her mind and eventually her daughter. Ever since her husband's death, she keeps forgetting things and keeps feeling her dead husband's presence in her home.
Is she seeing ghosts?
Are people correct in suspecting that she is losing her mind?


Jackson feels protective towards Allie and is sure that someone is hell bent on making Allie believe that she is going mad!

I love B.J Daniels books. Each one is different from the other and totally entertaining. Wedding at Cardwell Ranch is the second book in the Cardwell Cousins series and tells us the story of Jackson Cardwell, the bitter and over protective single father who is distrustful of females. If I adored the first book in the series, Rescue at Cardwell Ranch then I absolutely loved this book.

The plot is expertly conceived and carried out. The author has used the concept of Gaslighting which gives the story a very creepy effect at places. I could feel hair at the nape of my neck stand up while reading the book. BJ's writing style is engaging and simple. I was intrigued and stuck to the book right till the very end. I just had to finish the book in one sitting.
The characterization is beautifully done. We are introduced to Jackson, Allie and a number of other characters including Allie's husband's family. Allie's mother-in-law still blames Allie for all her son's mistakes and his death and is trying her level best to take Allie's daughter away from her. Then there is Allie's brother-in-law who is trying to fill his dead brother's shoes and is making Allie uneasy with his sometimes over possessive and territorial behavior. There are a number of other suspicious circumstances and people that makes this book a great brain teaser.

The chemistry between Allie and Jackson is instant and very sensuous. Jackson feels protective towards Allie and Allie feels safe and sane with Jackson. As usual, I loved the Cardwell clan and loved the whole wedding atmosphere.

The story is fast paced and throws unexpected twists and turns to bewilder the reader and keep him guessing the identity of the perpetrator till the end. The mystery when it unravels is sure to surprise and shock you.

I loved the whole gaslighting concept used in the story and enjoyed reading the book. A perfect mystery to solve, this is a must read. 4.5 out of 5 to Wedding at Cardwell Ranch. Go read this book and enjoy!

I received the book from NetGalley and the publishers, Harlequin and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
November 14, 2014
I love this series. Each book is a standalone, so the books can be read out of order.

Allie pulled me right into the story. Her husband is presumed dead from a bear attack, but his body was never found. She can't fall apart because she has to take care of her 4 year old daughter, Natalie. Allie is questioning her own sanity. Either someone is attempting to make her think she is going crazy or she really is. She finds stuff like her purse, and keys left in odd places. She finds doors open that she knows she closed and locked.
Jackson and his little boy comes to Montana for his brothers wedding. Allie and Jackson had a instant bond when Jackson saw some of the things that were happing to Ally. He knew someone was traumatizing Allie, but he didn't know who, or why.

I loved the twist and turns to this book, and the suspense was great. We had a long list of people that could be behind what was going on, so it kept me guessing. In the end I was delighted that I had guessed wrong. Being able to guess the outcome is never any fun. I love books that surprise me.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
June 5, 2014
Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.

Looking for an excellent Cowboy Suspense? If the answer is yes, you must check out B.J. Daniels' Cardwell Cousins Series.

This is more than just a cowboy story.. there is murder, greed, corruption, family dynamics, yucky people and lots of laughter and love.

Allie Taylor is a single mother, widowed less than a year before. But she had been in an awful marriage and had been planning on escaping. Fortunately for her she does not have to start her life over, unfortunately for her.. she has to deal with her ex's family of whack jobs. An overbearing and controlling mother in law, an insipid sister in law whose entire life has been spent catering to her mother's whims.. a brother in law who seems to want to be more than just her brother in law. Her family is estranged and Allie basically has to depend on herself. The job as the wedding coordinator for the most recent Cardwell wedding has been a godsend. Now if weird things would just stop happening to her, maybe she wouldn't think she was starting to go insane.

Jackson Cardwell doesn't trust women.. having been used and left a single father by a "delicate" example of womanhood he just isn't sure who he can trust. He is in Montana to attend his brother's wedding NOT to fall for some sweet young thang.. of course, he is also an intelligent man and realizes that not all women are evil and not all women want to hurt others. As he meets and falls for Allie his world slowly tilts and he just can't help falling in love. He knows something is going on and he truly wants to help her figure out just who is behind the strange incidents going on in her life.

You have to feel for Allie, the only person she can trust is a stranger.. unsure if even her sister and best friend are in on the plan to destroy her. And of course she wonders just what it is that has her stalker/s chasing her. It's an intense situation and extremely well written.

When you are alone and aren't sure where to turn it makes it hard to trust anyone and yet Jackson becomes Allie's rock. She is strong enough to accept that no everyone is out to get her..

The romance factor is woven into the intrigue and I couldn't help falling in love with these two! Great JOB Ms. Daniels.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Wedding at Cardwell Ranch, provided by NetGalley and scheduled for release on June 17, 2014
918 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2014
I love the Cardwell family books. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
July 12, 2017
Title: Wedding at Cardwell Ranch - Caldwell Cousins Book 3
Author: B. J. Daniels
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
Published: 6-17-2014
Pages: 219
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Suspense; Contemporary
ISBN: 9780373697700
ASIN: B00I55GB5I
Reviewed For NetGalley and Harlequin
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars


Following a bear attack Allie Taylor's husband Nick is presumed dead even though they did not find the body. Her daughter Natalie is her reason for continuing. When things begin to happen things not being where she left them and then found in strange places. Locked doors are suddenly found open and ajar. Is someone trying to gaslight her and steal Natalie or is she truly loosing her mind?


Jackson, determined to find out who his tormenting Allie offers his help. The trouble follows them back to the ranch. As the danger escalates the sparks fly between Jackson and Ellie. Their children work to show their parents they all belong together.


Written with strong characters and clear concise text that draws vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The emotions of passion and fear will be your own as you read. Suspenseful and fast paced this latest offering is a fun, dynamic read.


My rating of "Wedding at Cardwell Ranch" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.


Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I66GB5I/...

B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wedd...

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Profile Image for Joyce.
355 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2023
Contemporary romantic suspense on a Montana ranch from Harlequin Intrigue.
Widowed wedding planner Allie Taylor is either going crazy or someone is trying to drive her crazy. Between caring for her 5 year old daughter and making sure that everything is perfect for the wedding, Allie isn’t sure which is true. Fortunately, Jackson Cardwell, in town for his brother’s wedding, witnesses an episode and is convinced that Allie isn’t crazy and that she needs his help.
Wedding at Cardwell Ranch is book 3 in the Cardwell Cousins series. It can be read standalone, but it probably helps to be familiar with the cast of characters. I’ve read previous Cardwell Ranch books, though I haven’t read other books in the Cousins series. I enjoyed this quick romantic suspense read and I also enjoyed another visit to Cardwell Ranch.
Profile Image for Connlou Ross.
302 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2017
B.J. Daniels wrote the book in such a mysterious, and romantic way. Jackson Cardwell is getting married and has hired Allie Taylor (single mother) as a wedding planner. Allie is good at what she does but lately she has or seems to be forgetful and more paranoid. This is a book that I read in one sitting because it was like watching a real life movie that I didn't want to end. This is viciousness at a whole new level. You have to read this.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,149 reviews25 followers
June 1, 2020
With a husband and in=laws like the Taylors, you definitely do not need enemies. The story has been summarized beautifully elsewhere. I love the way Ms Daniels weaves a family saga into current stories and can she ever spin a tale! Dana and Hud Cardwell are 2 of my most favorite characters, regardless of author and their story keeps expanding as new members are added to the family through cousins and marriages. It just keeps getting better and stronger.
1 review
October 1, 2018
Loving The Cardwells

I always enjoy a BJ Daniels Montana western romance story. This book was just another in a long line of heart warming stories from Ms. Daniels. I never get tired of reading about the Cardwells and their extended family. Keep 'em coming Ms. Daniels and I'll keep enjoying them. Thank you so much!!!
Profile Image for Heather.
623 reviews
September 2, 2017
Big Bag O' Fluff #6

Reasonably suspenseful, but I could not keep all the characters straight. Or figure out the ending. Because I'm really tired which is why I'm reading through this bag full of cowboys.

Maybes: 1 cowboy single dad cook, 1 cowboy PI cook, 1 former Marine bodyguard
Donations: 1 cowboy, 1 cowboy cop
Profile Image for Cathie McManus.
1,464 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2021
Wow!!! Poor Allie feels like she's going crazy. Incidents are happening and she doesn't remember them. Jackson believes her. Even though he doesn't trust or want another woman. He's ex has done a number on him. Things start getting more dangerous.
Profile Image for Kat.
77 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2022
Wedding at Card well Ranch

Awesome!!!!! I loved the book but I love anything she writes. Keep me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was gas!lighting the poor woman. Could not decide until 2 chapters till the end.
718 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2023
A wonderful mystery!

Another amazing Cardwell Ranch adventure featuring the compelling Cardwell cousins. This thrilling story with mystery surrounding the characters will satisfy anyone who likes a good romantic read with lots of twists and turns.
440 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2017
I've never read anything of hers, but I really liked it. It's a good moving book, keeps you intrigued. and wanting more. I'll definitely buy some more of her works.
Profile Image for Tammy Sowards-Sanchez.
1,816 reviews7 followers
November 23, 2018
This book was good. We meet a woman who thinks she is going crazy. When things start to get more intense she ends up with help. Can tgey figure out whats wrong in time.
2,829 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2019
I liked the romance, and the plot felt fresh and exciting. I was totally surprised by the villain! Love when that happens.
Profile Image for Tracy Hall.
806 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2019
Good

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I had never heard of gaslighting before and it really is devious.
29 reviews
November 27, 2021
Review

Book kept my interest from the very first page to the last. Very well written and so very interesting. As usual, the whole plot was very good
383 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2022
Wedding at Farewell Ranch

love B J Daniels story. She keeps the reader guessing about who did what and there are no slow spaces in her stories.
Profile Image for Karen Pawelko.
179 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2022
Really enjoying the Cardwell Ranch books. This one was the meeting of Jackson Cardwell and the wedding planner Allie Taylor and all Allie was going through after her husband disappeared.
Profile Image for Karen Hackett.
1,053 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2023
WEDDING AT CARDWELL RANCH by B.J. Daniels, Book 3 of the Cardwell Cousins series, also a bonus story in HER BRAND OF JUSTICE.
1,023 reviews
July 17, 2023
Liked it

I really liked this author. I have read many books by this author. Liked the Cardwell Cousins books so far. Was well worth reading.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Carter.
780 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2024
Not bad. Your typical Harlquin romance. A bit of suspense, a bit of fade to black spice, nothing exceptional but exaclty what you'd expect from a Harlequin. I enjoyed the story fine and the romance just fine. Just enough suspence without bogging you down in the details.
Profile Image for Wendy.
2,371 reviews45 followers
July 12, 2014
"Wedding at Cardwell Ranch" by B.J. Daniels which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a captivating and entertaining romance filled with mystery, betrayal and love. Set in Montana the story begins with Allie Taylor whose husband is missing and presumed dead. Torn by guilt and remorse because their marriage was failing, and with all the unusual incidents happening around her, she thinks she's losing her mind. The only joy in her life is her five year old daughter Natalie, and being hired to plan a western style wedding for Tanner (Tag) Cardwell and Lily McCabe.

When handsome Jackson Cardwell arrives at the Cardwell Ranch with his young son Ford he finds himself drawn to Allie, and when she's almost hurt in an accident decides to find the person responsible for terrorizing her. As love blossoms Jackson begins to uncover the truth behind Allie's husband's death and those that want to harm her. But intending to return to Texas after the wedding he's afraid there may not be enough time to bring the perpetrators to justice.

This well-developed plot is filled with action and intrigue as the attraction between Jackson and Allie picks up steam, even though both have issues with the former partners that make them hesitant in pursuing any kind of relationship. The narrative is masterfully crafted and progresses smoothly to a conclusion which is as fascinating as it is satisfying.

In this tale of deceit, disloyalty and heartache Jackson Cardwell is haunted by the memory of a gold-digging ex-wife who left him with commitment issues. Kind, considerate and honest, Jackson wants to help Allie but protect his heart, only to find it stolen by the beautiful lady. Alison (Allie) Taylor plagued by trouble in her past and the loss of her controlling husband is vulnerable to her domineering and critical mother-in-law. Overly trusting, caring and forgiving she's susceptible to the whims of the Taylors, her friends and half sister.

But it's the rapacious manipulation of the antagonists that arouse the reader's anger and antipathy. Nick Taylor is the lousy father and husband that Allie wanted to leave. He was unpredictable, moody and cocky unlike his brother Drew who seems quiet and understanding until his bad temper and possessiveness begin to show. Megan Knight, Allie's half sister seems agreeable and loving, hiding her selfishness and disloyalty, while unassuming Sarah Taylor masks her brokenness behind a mild-mannered and obedient demeanor. It is all these characters that give this romance its passion, energy and drama and make it riveting story.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Wedding at Cardwell Ranch" and look forward to reading more romances in the Cardwell family saga.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.