What do you think?
Rate this book
Dairy and Deadly: Small Town Secrets
A wounded private investigator pursues a deadly black widow to the cozy small town of Heart Lake.
Ashley Perkins takes a bullet in the line of duty and barely survives it. While on the road to recovery, she resigns from the Dallas Police Department and pursues a lifelong dream of becoming a private investigator. Her first case involves a trail of bodies — wealthy men who didn’t survive their encounter with an enterprising young woman she nicknames the Black Widow.
Everyone thinks Johnny Cuba is living the dream after getting promoted at Lonestar Security and purchasing a dairy farm. He also lands in the Black Widow’s crosshairs, making Ashley fear he’s about to become her next victim. She updates her mission to include keeping the cowboy heartthrob safe, preferably while keeping things professional between them — a task that quickly proves to be easier said than done.
Ashley Perkins takes a bullet in the line of duty and barely survives it. While on the road to recovery, she resigns from the Dallas Police Department and pursues a lifelong dream of becoming a private investigator. Her first case involves a trail of bodies — wealthy men who didn’t survive their encounter with an enterprising young woman she nicknames the Black Widow.
Everyone thinks Johnny Cuba is living the dream after getting promoted at Lonestar Security and purchasing a dairy farm. He also lands in the Black Widow’s crosshairs, making Ashley fear he’s about to become her next victim. She updates her mission to include keeping the cowboy heartthrob safe, preferably while keeping things professional between them — a task that quickly proves to be easier said than done.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
About the author
Jo Grafford
172 books678 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 11, 2025
This story is worth every one of the 5 stars and many more besides!
The main characters all seem to have their own secrets and all are trying to figure out who, or what, the enemy truly is. The story is very well written and is fairly fast paced. You won't want to put the book down until you finish reading it. It is a clean, faith based story and I heartily recommend this as an addition to your library!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is my own opinion but I am sure you will agree with me.
The main characters all seem to have their own secrets and all are trying to figure out who, or what, the enemy truly is. The story is very well written and is fairly fast paced. You won't want to put the book down until you finish reading it. It is a clean, faith based story and I heartily recommend this as an addition to your library!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is my own opinion but I am sure you will agree with me.
March 10, 2025
What a ride! It involves you right from the start. A great, intriguing story, full of evil undercurrents. As usual, plenty of unexpected twists. Love the cat!! Always enjoy the "finger of God" aspects of the story. A truly great read. You just want more of it!
March 14, 2025
Really Great Series
It's always great to visit Heart Lake and the characters there. I loved Ashley and Johnny's story. Their story is full of mystery, strife and romance. It all makes for a captivating read that I read straight through. A great read.
It's always great to visit Heart Lake and the characters there. I loved Ashley and Johnny's story. Their story is full of mystery, strife and romance. It all makes for a captivating read that I read straight through. A great read.
April 8, 2025
ALL IN GOD’S TIMING
What an amazing addition to another intriguing story in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story will focus on Johnny Cuba, his dairy farm, his work with Lone Star Security, and some new people that enter his life. New to town, Caro Madison, has been working with Farmer Monty on events at his farm. She seems to be making a difference in bringing in the crowds. Then another young woman, Ashley Perkins, comes to Heart Lake. A former Dallas Police Detective, recovering from a gunshot wound, and the loss of her partner.
One thing you can say about the story, not everyone is as they seem; it has secrets, mysteries, and even life and death danger. Johnny is concerned about all the outbreaks of Salmonella in the dairy market. Then there is Caro, who seems to think Johnny is a man she can pursue, but he isn’t interested in her. It will be when Ashley Perkins shows up at his dairy farm asking to fill the farmhand position. There is something about her that will have him giving her the job.
“Welcome to the world of farming. The good, the bad, and the ugly parts of it.”
Ashley has left the police department and has her first case as a private investigator. Her client was the daughter of a man who was said to have committed suicide, but it doesn’t add up. Not only that, he is the third man with the same MO—sleeping pills—not the way a man would take his own life. So who is Ashley tailing, and why?
Once again, Ms. Grafford has written another page-turning story that comes with surprises. It was fun seeing Johnny find someone to love again. The story does have the good, the bad, and the ugly in people. How many lives have paid the price? How many individuals are involved?
The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but more of a segue into the next book, Rawhide and Ransom, featuring Hawk Chesney, Lonestar Security’s toughest bodyguard.
What an amazing addition to another intriguing story in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story will focus on Johnny Cuba, his dairy farm, his work with Lone Star Security, and some new people that enter his life. New to town, Caro Madison, has been working with Farmer Monty on events at his farm. She seems to be making a difference in bringing in the crowds. Then another young woman, Ashley Perkins, comes to Heart Lake. A former Dallas Police Detective, recovering from a gunshot wound, and the loss of her partner.
One thing you can say about the story, not everyone is as they seem; it has secrets, mysteries, and even life and death danger. Johnny is concerned about all the outbreaks of Salmonella in the dairy market. Then there is Caro, who seems to think Johnny is a man she can pursue, but he isn’t interested in her. It will be when Ashley Perkins shows up at his dairy farm asking to fill the farmhand position. There is something about her that will have him giving her the job.
“Welcome to the world of farming. The good, the bad, and the ugly parts of it.”
Ashley has left the police department and has her first case as a private investigator. Her client was the daughter of a man who was said to have committed suicide, but it doesn’t add up. Not only that, he is the third man with the same MO—sleeping pills—not the way a man would take his own life. So who is Ashley tailing, and why?
Once again, Ms. Grafford has written another page-turning story that comes with surprises. It was fun seeing Johnny find someone to love again. The story does have the good, the bad, and the ugly in people. How many lives have paid the price? How many individuals are involved?
The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but more of a segue into the next book, Rawhide and Ransom, featuring Hawk Chesney, Lonestar Security’s toughest bodyguard.
March 18, 2025
Dairy And Deadly is Johnny’s story from Lone Star Security. He had purchased his farm he wanted and had his herd of milking cows. Sounds like he was living his dream but when a woman comes to the farm and asks him to hire her he does on the spot to be his farm hand along with his brother-in-law Clint and two of his coworkers from Lone Star Security Tucker and Hawk. Something about her started feelings he has not had in so long. She told him she was from Dallas, was a police officer that was shot and was not getting over it. Her partner was killed and she was going to clear his name. She had started her a P.I. business and she was trying to get justice of 3 dairy farmers that’s death had been labeled suicide.
Lone Star Security has been assigned to a case of why so many dairy farms around Dallas was coming up with salmonella in the milk. It has begun to move farther away from Dallas and was found at a dairy farm just outside of the Comanche Reservation on the outskirts of Heart Lake. So now Ashley and Johnny decides they need to work together as her case is also part of Johnny’s case. But when her ex-fiancée was found to be part of the group behind the milk poisoning, she can’t believe it as he was a lawyer in a big law firm in Dallas. But who else will they find has played a part in this dark web group?
Lone Star Security has been assigned to a case of why so many dairy farms around Dallas was coming up with salmonella in the milk. It has begun to move farther away from Dallas and was found at a dairy farm just outside of the Comanche Reservation on the outskirts of Heart Lake. So now Ashley and Johnny decides they need to work together as her case is also part of Johnny’s case. But when her ex-fiancée was found to be part of the group behind the milk poisoning, she can’t believe it as he was a lawyer in a big law firm in Dallas. But who else will they find has played a part in this dark web group?
March 20, 2025
Great book, sure am enjoying this series! Recommend it to everyone, this book and the series. The h is a police officer who was shot in the line of duty along with her partner. Her partner died. Due to residual feelings she left the police force and becomes a PI. Her first case involves the death of an older man whose daughter does not believe that his death was due to natural causes. The H is a retired bull rider who is now a dairy farmer and PI for Lonestar Security. The h has followed a woman whom she believes has been involved in the death of three elderly men. Said woman has come to Heart Lake and she followed her. The h has been sending anonymous tips to the police regarding the woman she is investigating and this results in the H being assigned to investigate the woman. The H has been drawn to the h but believes that she has a hidden reason for being in town. The H ends up offering a job to the h and she accepts it. It includes a separate place to live and a washer and dryer all of which she needs. As the separate investigations proceed many surprises occur and keep you guessing as to the outcome. In the end the truth comes out with many surprises. This book will keep you reading longer than you might have expected. There is a HEA for the H and h but also for other characters. Truly hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
March 14, 2025
Heart Lake's biggest flirt is brought to his knees!
Johnny Cuba has cultivated a flirty persona to cover his grieving heart and stop the incessant questions, but the moment he sees Ashley he knows that that same flirty persona is going to come back to haunt him.
Johnny stole our hearts in earlier books as he repeatedly put his life on the line and helped rescue and protect the women his colleagues fell for. But here we see a whole different side of Johnny, we see his home, the care he has for his employees, his cattle and his "babies", we also see the struggle he has with his increasing feelings for Ash, the guilt he feels for those feelings and the frustration that she has baggage and secrets, but is wary about accepting help or sharing them.
Initially Johnny, Ashley, Clint and Caro seem like an unlikely team, the women despise each other and every interaction is a battle with verbal shots fired, but this latest threat is one they won't solve until they all pool their knowledge and learn to work together.
Another great visit to Heart Lake and a fantastic teaser for Hawk's book which is up next, at the beginning of May. Hawk is so calm and reserved and Miley is definitely feisty and sassy! So it should be fun!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Johnny Cuba has cultivated a flirty persona to cover his grieving heart and stop the incessant questions, but the moment he sees Ashley he knows that that same flirty persona is going to come back to haunt him.
Johnny stole our hearts in earlier books as he repeatedly put his life on the line and helped rescue and protect the women his colleagues fell for. But here we see a whole different side of Johnny, we see his home, the care he has for his employees, his cattle and his "babies", we also see the struggle he has with his increasing feelings for Ash, the guilt he feels for those feelings and the frustration that she has baggage and secrets, but is wary about accepting help or sharing them.
Initially Johnny, Ashley, Clint and Caro seem like an unlikely team, the women despise each other and every interaction is a battle with verbal shots fired, but this latest threat is one they won't solve until they all pool their knowledge and learn to work together.
Another great visit to Heart Lake and a fantastic teaser for Hawk's book which is up next, at the beginning of May. Hawk is so calm and reserved and Miley is definitely feisty and sassy! So it should be fun!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
March 17, 2025
An intriguing romance and mystery set in on of my favorite places, Heart Lake. Johnny Cuba is busy caring for his dairy farm and working for Lonestar Security. A possible salmonella outbreak in other areas has him concerned, but he knows that his farm is secure. He has been hoping to see newly arrived Ashley Perkins, a former Dallas detective who had suffered an on-the-job injury, again. When she shows up at his farm, asking for a job, he hires her. He admires her ability to work with the cows, especially the young ones who are struggling. When she becomes a fast friend with his barn cat, Can Opener, he hopes she’ll make Heart Lake her home. He had not felt this attraction for a woman since he lost his wife and unborn child, but she makes him feel alive. At the same time, another woman has arrived in town and Ashley seems very interested in event planner Caro. Ashley is working a case as a private investigator and believes that Caro may be involved in her case. Will Johnny, along with Ashley, figure out who has targeted Heart Lake before it is too late? Nothing is as it seems, so don’t blink! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 3, 2025
I was looking forward to Johnny Cuba's story and it certainly hasn't disappointed in fact it was more than I thought it would be. Johnny loved his job at Lonestar Security and now running his dairy farm was another thing to help occupy his time. He's built the idea of a bit of a flirt when in truth he was anything but. That is until he helps the uninvited woman at his friends double wedding. She not only intrigued him but he was feeling things he hadn't in a long time. Ashley was trying to blend in whilst she tried to figure everything out. Having left her job, home and ex fiance behind in Dallas she needed to be level headed if she was going to understand what happened and how to prove her dead partners innocence. This story just pulls you into it and twists and turns. Can Ashley finally work out what is really going on. Will Johnny's secret finally be revealed. Can Johnny and Ashley find a happy ending or will her past crash her fresh start. Jo never fails to keep us entertained with her writing and this story just shows how well she achieves that. I can't wait for the next book from Heart Lake
March 15, 2025
When Johnny Cuba meets the new comer in town he knows that she's keeping secrets. Ashley is a PI following clues to a supposed murderer who moved to Heart Lake. Things don't exactly go the way any of them thought it would.
This book is another great addition to the series. Once you start you are hooked. They are twists and turns that you will not see coming. You're not sure the good people are good or the bad people are bad. Just when you thought you knew, you find out you didn't.
Loved Johnny and Ashley. Glad to see Johnny is able to let go of the past and start to move forward with his life. And Ashley is able to regain her relationship with her father. Both of them are wonderful characters who learned to open up their hearts and learn to love again.
And we can't forget about Can Opener the cat who also has a part in the action. When danger strikes it's Can Opener to the rescue.
The characters and action in this book make it worth more than 5 stars.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
This book is another great addition to the series. Once you start you are hooked. They are twists and turns that you will not see coming. You're not sure the good people are good or the bad people are bad. Just when you thought you knew, you find out you didn't.
Loved Johnny and Ashley. Glad to see Johnny is able to let go of the past and start to move forward with his life. And Ashley is able to regain her relationship with her father. Both of them are wonderful characters who learned to open up their hearts and learn to love again.
And we can't forget about Can Opener the cat who also has a part in the action. When danger strikes it's Can Opener to the rescue.
The characters and action in this book make it worth more than 5 stars.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
March 16, 2025
Retired bull rider, current dairy owner, and employee at Lonestar Security. Yes.... Johnny Cuba is a busy man. Added to that is his flirtatious personality that causes women to swoon. Especially Caro Madison and Ashley Perkins. Which woman is suspected of being a Black Widow? Which woman stirs Johnny's interest, even though it's only been three years since his crushing loss?
Besides romance, there's also mystery, intrigue and suspense. The story starts with 5 cases of Salmonella, all connected to dairy's located in the same vicinity as Heart Lake, and the number of cases keeps growing. What is causing the deadly outbreak? Johnny and Ashley are investigating the case, but what is Caro's interest?
This is Book 4 - Small Town Secrets in The Cowboy Brand of Justice series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I wholeheartedly recommend this clean, faith based, contemporary page-turner.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author, Jo Grafford. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
Besides romance, there's also mystery, intrigue and suspense. The story starts with 5 cases of Salmonella, all connected to dairy's located in the same vicinity as Heart Lake, and the number of cases keeps growing. What is causing the deadly outbreak? Johnny and Ashley are investigating the case, but what is Caro's interest?
This is Book 4 - Small Town Secrets in The Cowboy Brand of Justice series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I wholeheartedly recommend this clean, faith based, contemporary page-turner.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author, Jo Grafford. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
March 12, 2025
My favorite part of the book? Can Opener, the cat! He added so much to the story even though he was just a kitty cat - LOL What a great addition!
This was just a fantastic story! Johnny and Ashley were a great couple, but they certainly didn't have it easy! There were a lot of roadblocks in their way. They didn't get together immediately! Ashley comes to town after getting injured in Dallas on the job with the police department. She has become a PI and is tracking down a Black Widow. Johnny owns a dairy farm but also works for Lone Star Security. Ashley takes a job working on Johnny's dairy farm out of economic necessity. Things escalate as the Black Widow case becomes something totally different and it begins to endanger not just Ashley & Johnny but the whole state! You know it's bad when the FBI gets involved! I couldn't put this book down until I found out how it ended! There is also a lovely faith element too.
I highly recommend it!
This was just a fantastic story! Johnny and Ashley were a great couple, but they certainly didn't have it easy! There were a lot of roadblocks in their way. They didn't get together immediately! Ashley comes to town after getting injured in Dallas on the job with the police department. She has become a PI and is tracking down a Black Widow. Johnny owns a dairy farm but also works for Lone Star Security. Ashley takes a job working on Johnny's dairy farm out of economic necessity. Things escalate as the Black Widow case becomes something totally different and it begins to endanger not just Ashley & Johnny but the whole state! You know it's bad when the FBI gets involved! I couldn't put this book down until I found out how it ended! There is also a lovely faith element too.
I highly recommend it!
March 16, 2025
Ashley is in Heartlake while she recuperates from a gunshot wound. Her partner was killed in a drug bust. Ashley has quit the Dallas PD and is now a PI. She has followed The Black Widow to Heart Lake. Johnny is a widower. His young wife and child died 3 years ago. He owns a dairy farm and works at Lonestar Security as a detective. Ashley is the first one to turn his head since his wife died. He has a big heart and knows that she needs to heal on the inside and the outside. Cora has come to town as the new events coordinator at Farmer Monty's. She and Ashley do not get along. Ashley knows that she is the Black Widow. She has to prove it and clear her deceased partner's name. This book was so good! Ashley goes to work on the Johnny's dairy farm. Feeding the baby calves is healing for her. Can Opener is the mane coon cat that lives in the barn and with Ashley. He's a big ham and adds so much to the book.
April 1, 2025
Heart Lake has become my second home at least that's how I feel. Ms. Grafford write wonderful clean books and I find a bit of a lesson from God in it telling me something I need to hear most of the time. Not everyone will see that lesson and I don't know if it is meant to be there. This one was telling me to just wait and trust and don't rush.
There is lots of twist and turns in this book to keep you turning pages and trying to figure out who is the villain and killer and who they are after now. Its not who most of us think it is. Ashley thinks Caro is bad and Caro thinks Ashley is bad but Johnny just wants his girl he finally found after a long time of waiting.
I recommend this book to all to read. Well done Ms. Grafford and thank you for an advanced reader copy.
This is my own opinion of this book and I have not been compensated in any form.
There is lots of twist and turns in this book to keep you turning pages and trying to figure out who is the villain and killer and who they are after now. Its not who most of us think it is. Ashley thinks Caro is bad and Caro thinks Ashley is bad but Johnny just wants his girl he finally found after a long time of waiting.
I recommend this book to all to read. Well done Ms. Grafford and thank you for an advanced reader copy.
This is my own opinion of this book and I have not been compensated in any form.
April 11, 2025
Another great read in this series.
Johnny Cuba has got a PI job with Lonestar security and bought a dairy farm.He has closed his heart off after a tragedy and thinks he will never fall in love again until Ashley Perkins arrives in heart lake.
Ashley has resigned from the Dallas PD after taking a bullet and is making her dream of becoming a PI real.She follows her assignment to Heart Lake who she has named the black widow.
She ends up working for Johnny on his dairy farm and the attraction and feelings grow between them.
There was lots of suspense,danger,quite a few surprises,twists and turns,romance,swoony cowboys,sweet kisses and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for Hawks romance next.
Thank you Jo Grafford for another great romance.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Jo and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Johnny Cuba has got a PI job with Lonestar security and bought a dairy farm.He has closed his heart off after a tragedy and thinks he will never fall in love again until Ashley Perkins arrives in heart lake.
Ashley has resigned from the Dallas PD after taking a bullet and is making her dream of becoming a PI real.She follows her assignment to Heart Lake who she has named the black widow.
She ends up working for Johnny on his dairy farm and the attraction and feelings grow between them.
There was lots of suspense,danger,quite a few surprises,twists and turns,romance,swoony cowboys,sweet kisses and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for Hawks romance next.
Thank you Jo Grafford for another great romance.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Jo and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 14, 2025
What a great romantic suspense. This book quickly grabbed my attention and held it all the way to the epilogue. I really enjoyed the many interesting twists and turns as I learned more about the Black Widow and the wonderful characters involved in all of the action, especially Johnny and Ashley. Ashley certainly had an interesting past that Johnny wanted to learn more about. One of the best parts is that I had to keep guessing what was going to happen next. Who knew dairy could be so deadly? I have no idea how the author comes up with these stories but I am so glad that she does and that I get to read them! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 16, 2025
Loved Ashley and Johnny's story!! Ashley and Johnny meet when she crashes the double wedding of Johnny's friends, and Johnny loans her his jacket. Ashley is trying to protect Johnny from a woman she's dubbed The Black Widow. Johnny's living his dream of having his own dairy farm and being a PI for Lonestar Security. As things transpire, they fall for each other, but will they be able to protect each other and get their happily ever after, especially when Ashley find out how badly she's misjudged someone, and they've done the same to her? Will things work out in the end, or will everything Ashley wants go down in ashes? Love how everything comes together!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
March 28, 2025
Book 4 in the Cowboy Brand of Justice is beyond phenomenal! After being shot, Ashley resigns her position as a police officer in order to start her own investigation service. Her first job lands her in a small town on the trail of the Black Widow, someone Ashley believes is killing men for their money. Trying to keep to her cover story of being an officer on leave to recover becomes a real challenge when she goes to work at a dairy farm and raises suspicions with her boss. Can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves contemporary Christian fiction and a great mystery!
I received an ARC from the author; however, my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves contemporary Christian fiction and a great mystery!
I received an ARC from the author; however, my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.
January 27, 2026
With how high the ratings were of this series I really thought I was going to get a better plot, characters and just overall writing. I was SO close to DNF at multiple points but I was determined to see it through.
You know how you can read a 3rd or 4th book in a standalone series and it introduces you so well to the background and the side characters that you don’t feel like you need to have read the other books in the series? Yeah, not with this book. This one started off and it was so confusing to figured out what was going on. The author could have given us more background on the characters, the town and the security company. Like damn I felt confused a good chunk of this book. I also felt like the main characters were kind of bland despite them having tragic back stories. Man, I rarely give 2 stars to books and I really want to give this 3 but I just can’t. I can’t even get myself to try another one in the series if this is going to be the writing style in all the books.
You know how you can read a 3rd or 4th book in a standalone series and it introduces you so well to the background and the side characters that you don’t feel like you need to have read the other books in the series? Yeah, not with this book. This one started off and it was so confusing to figured out what was going on. The author could have given us more background on the characters, the town and the security company. Like damn I felt confused a good chunk of this book. I also felt like the main characters were kind of bland despite them having tragic back stories. Man, I rarely give 2 stars to books and I really want to give this 3 but I just can’t. I can’t even get myself to try another one in the series if this is going to be the writing style in all the books.
March 12, 2025
Great addition to the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Jo Grafford.
Danger and flirting combine in this sweet story.
Johnny works at Lonestar Security and can’t stop thinking about the first woman in years that made him feel something.
Ashley is a former police officer, turned PI, in Heart Lake to recover from the bullet she took on duty.
Ashley is investigating Caro because she believes Caro has been responsible for multiple older men’s deaths. Ashley believes Caro is in town and Farmer Monty is her next target, but isn’t sure why Caro is also targeting Johnny.
Unexpected twist and turns in this book.
I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Danger and flirting combine in this sweet story.
Johnny works at Lonestar Security and can’t stop thinking about the first woman in years that made him feel something.
Ashley is a former police officer, turned PI, in Heart Lake to recover from the bullet she took on duty.
Ashley is investigating Caro because she believes Caro has been responsible for multiple older men’s deaths. Ashley believes Caro is in town and Farmer Monty is her next target, but isn’t sure why Caro is also targeting Johnny.
Unexpected twist and turns in this book.
I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
March 17, 2025
Dairy and Deadly
Ashley and Johnny have a great story that includes a few twists and turns the reader may not be expecting. Ashley is a former detective of the Dallas PD. She is taking a sabbatical since being injured and witnessing her former partners death. Trying her hand at being a P. I., she has followed a woman she has dubbed the Black Widow because a mysterious death has occurred at the last few houses where she has worked. It appears the black widow has acquired her next target who appears to be Johnny Cuba of Lonestar Security as well as a dairy farmer. This book is most definitely recommended for reading.
Ashley and Johnny have a great story that includes a few twists and turns the reader may not be expecting. Ashley is a former detective of the Dallas PD. She is taking a sabbatical since being injured and witnessing her former partners death. Trying her hand at being a P. I., she has followed a woman she has dubbed the Black Widow because a mysterious death has occurred at the last few houses where she has worked. It appears the black widow has acquired her next target who appears to be Johnny Cuba of Lonestar Security as well as a dairy farmer. This book is most definitely recommended for reading.
March 18, 2025
Johnny is a private investigator and a dairy farmer. He is also a man who has lost a wife and baby. However, he can’t seem to forget the only woman who has caused him to “feel” something in a long time. Ashley is healing from an injury and the breakup with her fiancé. They both have a problem: who can be trusted?
This is a very enjoyable Christian romance with thrilling mystery and suspense. I especially appreciate the Christian aspects such as praying for God’s will in everything and His perfect timing.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
This is a very enjoyable Christian romance with thrilling mystery and suspense. I especially appreciate the Christian aspects such as praying for God’s will in everything and His perfect timing.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
March 11, 2025
Mind blowing! I loved this heartwarming story filled with so many emotions. It has absolutely everything a reader would want all rolled into one book. Jo’s genius as an author shines brightly as she takes us on a journey filled with excitement as Johnny and Ashley experience an unexpected love. They both had past trauma to overcome while traversing roadblocks to reach their HEA! Clint and Cara played an integral role assisting Johnny and Ashley in solving a challenging case planned to harm our country. Jo has another WINNER!🥇🏆. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
March 12, 2025
ARC Review
Oh I am so glad I got an early copy, as this book really lives up to the hype of the blurb and the very entertaining bonus epilogue of the previous book in the series. This is important if you enjoy Jo's books: get the bonus chapters.
Just like I suspected from the bonus chapter, there are some very delightful twists and turns that make this story the best one yet. I really don't know how she can top it. Jo has managed to schedule TWO beautiful romances in this story, and it is the second couple that I got most enjoyment from while reading.
Oh I am so glad I got an early copy, as this book really lives up to the hype of the blurb and the very entertaining bonus epilogue of the previous book in the series. This is important if you enjoy Jo's books: get the bonus chapters.
Just like I suspected from the bonus chapter, there are some very delightful twists and turns that make this story the best one yet. I really don't know how she can top it. Jo has managed to schedule TWO beautiful romances in this story, and it is the second couple that I got most enjoyment from while reading.
March 14, 2025
So, so very good! I had really wanted Johnny to find that perfect person for him, because he was so fun and wonderful in earlier books. And Ashley was definitely worth the wait. She was just the right personality to work well with Johnny's. I loved how quickly Ashley settled in on the dairy farm, and I especially enjoyed the scenes with the calves. This was a well-written romantic suspense that was very much a page-turner with some great twists and turns. I am now in the “I can’t wait” phase for the next book in this series – it already has me hooked from the little bit in the epilogue!
March 14, 2025
I just loved reading Dairy and Deadly. I wanted to know Johnny Cuba's story for a while and it did not disappoint! Ms. Grafford's books often have unexpected twists, but the ones in this book are really amazing. The main characters all seem to have some secrets. The action is fairly non-stop. Do not think you can start this near bedtime because you will not be able to put it down. Just when you think you know where the story is going, it takes a 90 degree, or even 180 degree, turn! I was totally captivated by this well written book!
March 20, 2025
I loved this romantic suspense for Johnny and Ashley in Heart Lake, Texas. This book was action packed from beginning to end and hard to put down. The mysterious deaths of wealthy men after hiring a housekeeper who moved on after each death and a deadly problem on dairy farms had private investigators accusing each other of being the suspect. It was exciting trying to figure out who was innocent or guilty. Everything came to a surprising and satisfied ending. I highly recommend this clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.
April 2, 2025
Dairy Drama!
An intriguing and unique story that captivated me from cover to cover. The characters, particularly, Ashley, Johnny and Caro, were strong, loyal, determined individuals who were determined to make a difference for others. I felt their passion and commitment and absolutely loved this story. I also loved the references to characters in other books in this great series. I highly recommend this book, series and author.
I received a free copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
An intriguing and unique story that captivated me from cover to cover. The characters, particularly, Ashley, Johnny and Caro, were strong, loyal, determined individuals who were determined to make a difference for others. I felt their passion and commitment and absolutely loved this story. I also loved the references to characters in other books in this great series. I highly recommend this book, series and author.
I received a free copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
April 3, 2025
I always enjoy visiting Heart Lake. This story has a lot of action and twists and turns. The characters can’t be sure who they can trust. Johnny and Ashley make a great couple so we get our happily ever after and then there is another couple happily in the background. Wonderful story with fantastic characters and a cat you will fall in love with! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
May 1, 2025
As usual with a Jo Grafford novel, this one had me from the first sentence. Johnny Cuba is a bit of an enigma. He seems to be the good time cowboy but has unexplored depths. Of course, Ashley is going to knock him off kilter as any self respecting leading lady should. This one had more of a will they / won’t reach an accord than I expected. And of course the suspense portion of the story was convoluted and chilling in the best possible way. Can’t wait for Rawhide and Ransome! I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews