So Right

Ribbon Ridge #9

by Darcy Burke

“[A] heartfelt, family-driven series.”—Library Journal

Kelsey McDade realizes that her love life is one and done. Her last—and only—relationship left her broken and afraid and more than ready to be alone for the long haul. But sexy-charming vineyard manager Luke Westcott pushes all of her buttons in the right way and makes her wonder if she ought to try again.

In nearly twenty-eight years, Luke’s most successful romance has been with the outdoors. Currently single, he’s happy to pour all of his energy into his new winery until Kelsey provokes feelings he didn’t know he was capable of. He can envision their future together—if she’ll let down her guard.

When the ghost of Kelsey’s past causes her to slam on the brakes, Luke is ready to fight for her, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process. Convinced she’s only made wrong choices in the past, Kelsey must decide if Luke—and their love—is worth the greatest risk of all.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey McDade realizes that her love life is one and done. Her last and only relationship left her broken and afraid and more than ready to be alone for the long haul. But vineyard manager Luke Westcott pushes all of her buttons in the right way and makes her wonder if she ought to try again. In nearly twenty-eight years, Luke’s most successful romance has been with the outdoors. Currently single, he’s happy to pour all of his energy into his new winery until Kelsey provokes feelings he didn’t know he was capable of.
The ninth book in the series featuring first the Archer siblings & now the Westcott brothers, whilst it could be read on its own it does feature previous characters. I’ve loved the whole series & this is no exception, I loved Luke & Kelsey, their chemistry sizzled but he was patience personified as she needed to take things slowly, very slowly & at times took a few steps backwards. I loved their journey to a HEA which did have bumps along the way. There was the added bonus of a sweet secondary romance as well as a mystery surrounding a brick which was found from a ranch that once stood in part of the vineyard
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you about the latest in Darcy Burke's Ribbon Ridge contemporary romance series. We’ve journeyed with the Archer family siblings, and now we’re diving into a new tale with the Westcott brothers. This time, it’s Luke’s story.

Luke Westcott and Kelsy McCade are at the heart of a story about love and resilience. Both are deeply committed to their careers: Luke is focused on launching his winery, and Kelsy is healing from a past abusive relationship. Even though they both tend to prefer solitude, there’s an undeniable attraction between them that makes Kelsy reconsider her decision to avoid relationships.

Initially, Kelsy wants to keep things friendly, but as her feelings for the considerate and charming Luke grow, she starts to question her resolve. This story explores Kelsy's struggle with her past and her hesitation to embrace new love, all while Luke remains unwavering in his dedication to their blossoming romance.

"SO RIGHT" offers a sweet romance packed with emotional tension, heartfelt moments, and a tender, caring relationship. The story is both engaging and heartwarming; the romance is touching; and the characters are lively and passionate. Kelsy and Luke’s journey has its highs and lows, and when Kelsy’s past comes back to haunt her, I found myself on the edge of my seat.

Darcy Burke’s heartfelt writing draws readers in with her skill in blending genuine emotion and tenderness into her characters’ lives. Her storytelling prowess keeps us hooked from start to finish, providing a satisfying and heartwarming read that will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to love again. Through these beautifully crafted characters and their touching journey, Burke shows us the power of love, resilience, and the courage it takes to open our hearts once more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So Right" by Darcy Burke is an exceptional addition to the Ribbon Ridge series, which continues to enchant readers with its small-town charm and deeply emotional storytelling. This book, like its predecessors, masterfully intertwines romance and personal growth, making it a standout in the long-running series.

Set in the picturesque and tightly-knit community of Ribbon Ridge, "So Right" draws readers into a world where everyone knows each other's business, yet the warmth and support of the community are palpable. Darcy Burke expertly crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and poignant, exploring themes of redemption, love, and the struggles of moving on from past hurts.

The characters in "So Right" are richly developed and relatable, each with their own unique journey and set of challenges. Burke's writing is particularly adept at capturing the emotional complexities of her characters, drawing readers into their lives and making them care deeply about their outcomes.

What truly sets "So Right" apart is its ability to balance humor and heartache, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is moving. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their journey towards love feels both authentic and satisfying.

Overall, "So Right" is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with fans of the series and newcomers alike. Darcy Burke has once again proven her skill in crafting stories that touch the heart and leave a lasting impression. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-told romantic tale set against the backdrop of a charming small town. Five stars!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey and Luke are two workaholic introverts with complicated romantic pasts who aren't interested in finding love again...until they each realize that staying away from the other isn't going to be as easy as they thought.

Kelsey runs hot and cold throughout--though to be fair, Luke did a bit too, just not *quite* to the same extent--we'll eventually find out that not only was her ex not a great guy, he was actually abusive and is currently in jail because of it. There's a whole lot of drama with him near the end of the book, and though it wasn't handled without sensitivity it was all resolved kind of quickly which made everything associated with that aspect of her life feel more like a simple plot device than it probably should have. So...this one has me somewhat torn.

On the one hand, I do like both Kelsey and Luke and it's easy to want them to be together. On the other, it does feel like some shortcuts were made (or at least glossed over) to get them to their HEA which isn't quite as satisfying. Still, this is a worthy addition to the newly reissued and revamped Ribbon Ridge series.

So Right is a re-release; it was originally published under the same title as part of the original Ribbon Ridge spin-off series, So Hot.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Right by Darcy Burke
Ribbon Ridge #9

Can Kelsey McDade overcome her trust issues and find happiness with Luke Westcott or will she remain unable to let go of her past?

What I liked:
* Returning to the Ribbon Ridge community and catching up with what some of the previous characters are doing and learning how the West Arch winery is coming along
* That both Kelsey and Luke have common traits of being hard workers but also needing alone time
* The patience Luke shows even when frustrated with Kelsey’s seeming push-pull wishy-washy behavior
* Finding out what Kelsey’s backstory was and why she has trust issues
* The side mystery of the historical site of the Bird’s Nest Ranch and wondering if this will be solved in the future
* The secondary romance between Ruby & George
* The family and small-town vibe
* Knowing that there is another book in the series to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact physical and verbal abuse has on people

Did I like this book? Yes, but it isn’t my favorite in the series
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Star-Book Reviewer]

Another Ribbon Ridge addition that I just couldn’t put down because I was invested in Luke Westcott’s and Kelsey McDade’s budding relationship from the very beginning and watching them work through the issues keeping them from committing to a new relationship between themselves kept me glued to the book. Fair warning Kelsey experienced physical, mental and emotional abuse in a previous relationship and there are some details related within the book. Luke can’t help himself from falling for Kelsey and proves to be caring while trying to be as patient as possible waiting on Kelsey to work through her reluctance to be with him. I didn’t so much like what happened to her ex in the ending. I think that was too harsh and felt the whole ending was rather rushed. The storyline had moved at a great paced up until the confrontation in the pub and then the story went into hyper speed. Still a captivating romance between two workaholic introverts with some interesting side stories taking place as usual whenever a reader visits Ribbon Ridge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KH_mama_08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Kelsey have an irresistible chemistry. Their initially mysterious backstories slowly reveal themselves as they each learn how to allow themselves to become the person they are meant to be. Kelsey, in particular, undergoes significant self-reflection and shows such courage in her willingness to be vulnerable. She pulls back several times, which is completely understandable and adds to the believability of her experience. With just the right amount of support and interference from the established Ribbon Ridge friend group, and some convenient changes in circumstances, this steamy romance will keep you seated and turning pages. I am always a fan of a series where I can get to know a large group of friends over several novels, with each member of the group eventually finding their love story. If you’re like me, this is an excellent book for you. It also features a vineyard, library, and slowly unfurling mystery (over several novels), which are all the right ingredients for me!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ribbon Ridge series by Darcy Burke is one of my favorite series. So Right, the latest book in the series didn’t disappoint.
When I was little, I wanted a huge family and a great big house. I didn’t get either one, so I’m living vicariously through the Archer family and their friends. The interactions of the family members is so fun to watch! These people are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses. They give as much as the get and you can feel the love they have for each other.
Okay, that might sound boring to some of you, but it isn’t. All of the characters have interesting back stories with issues, flaws, and fears that need to be resolved. None of them are perfect. So part of every story is how and if the characters will grow and change.
I hope you enjoy this part of the series as much as I did. And if you haven’t read the rest of the series, you can always read it now!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself becoming frustrated at Kelsey's unpredictable behaviour in this novel, until it struck me that when people have experienced the kind of abuse she endured, there is no accounting for their reactions when faced with triggers that provoke them into fight or flight mode. Perhaps Luke could have had more empathy, however, he was not equipped to understand where she was coming from, and it had to be explained to him. In many ways, this is an incredibly sad story, but ultimately it does come to a good conclusion as both Kelsey and Luke learn to navigate the troubled waters in the wake of Kelsey's past. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Oliver Herber Books and BookSprout as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt, Small-Town Romance
How do you open your heart to love after someone you trusted shattered your world? Kelsey is drawn to Luke, but after enduring years of abuse from a man she once loved, trusting herself—and anyone else—won't come easily. It will take a whole lot of patience. Is Luke up to the task?
As Kelsey and Luke navigate a tumultuous relationship, their exes stir up complications that threaten their fragile connection.
This charming, small-town romance takes readers on an emotional journey, with a late plot twist that might leave you reeling. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to readers who love steamy contemporary romances where the protagonists face real challenges before finding happiness.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey and Luke in Ribbon Ridge

This is the first modern romance book by Darcy Burke that I have read although I have read many of her historical works. I will definitely be looking at more from this series because I really enjoyed this one and I am now wanting to read more about other characters from Ribbon Ridge. Of course Ms Burke has also slipped in a historical mystery that seems interesting as well.
The story is written with her usual excellent plotting, pacing and interesting characters. I especially like how careful Luke is with Kelsey’s feelings and that he is willing to take things at her pace. The side romance of Kelsey’s grandmother was very sweet and I would actually love to read a whole book about those two characters.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey needs to feel safe from the demons of her past. Luke wants her heart. Which is as elusive her ability to trust. Ms. Burke could not have picked a more beautiful setting for So Right to unfold. Picturesque wine country with the lush greenery, the fiery sunsets and the pungent aroma of the grapes on the vine. The imagery was like a vibrant image brought to life before my eyes. Surrounded by the beautiful atmosphere and the inviting arms of the Westcott family, will the fearful young woman succeed in regaining her independent spirit? Will love find it's way into her heart? With Darcy Burke at the helm anything is possible. There are so many irresistible characters, it's hard to keep track of them all. If the people don't pull you in, the emotions will.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully entertaining book. I liked the couple, the town, the other people in town, and the whole premise.

Luke and Kelsey are anything but extroverts. They enjoy their own company and don't want anyone else. They like to be loners....right up to the time they meet each other! Their love story is so wonderful. Luke is the right man to be taking his time with Kelsey. Kelsey needs to realize that she can move forward after a prior relationship.

Easy to read and just a lovely story. I'll have to check out some of the previous stories in this series.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke is an introvert like Kelsey but despite the common interests and attraction she’s afraid to let another man in after the last one was so abusive to her. Kelsey does give mixed signals in this book pushing him away and pulling him in but she’s not sure if she can trust again. And when her ex gets out of jail her fears grow and Luke probably adds to them with his reaction when he sees him. I liked that Kelsey was so passionate about books as a librarian and history. Her grandmother is a riot. It was nice to catch up with the previous characters in this series.

[Amanda Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of Ribbon Ridge, we get engrossed in the relationship of Luke and Kelsy. Both are self proclaimed introverts, both are workaholics, and both love deeply when it hits. However, both are not looking for commitment, so we get to get a peek into what happens when it does hit. This is a lovely novel following 2 families we are now deeply connected to, it's great for a rainy day, but be sure to read at least the prior 2 before - or don't, you won't be entirely lost, it's just nice to know the family connections.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I read. I enjoyed the story and the way the characters related to each other. The story moves quickly. This is drama as well as some humor.

Though I had not read the others in the series I did not feel I was missing anything. It was obvious the other couples from previous books had stories but this was a stand alone book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Luke Westcott and Kelsey McDade's story of a wary young lady who doesn’t want another another relationship especially as her last relationship was anything but perfect. When she meets Luke he is charming and attentive. Can you change her mind and show her that not all men are like her abusive ex-boyfriend.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey is a damaged heroine. Her abusive ex did a number on her. Now, she is a workaholic and meets Luke. but the past is always in the way of her current and future thoughts, and even though she and Luke have a special relationship, she's not able to move forward. slowly and steadily, Luke pushes his way into her heart.

Emotional but lovely, with beautiful build-up of the relationship.

#SoRight

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two introverts…

I like I liked Luke the best of all the siblings, he’s not a playboy, he’s an introvert who likes his grapes and pumpkins.

Kelsey is sort of new in town, a part time librarian who wants to do some research on the vineyard looking for the original homestead. She’s an introvert, too.

I liked Luke and Kelsey together.
They work.
Recommend.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey is still trying to recover from an abusive relationship and Luke needs to try and understand the limits and boundaries as they start being together, and getting closer to each other emotionally.
When her ex gets out of prison and comes to ask for forgiveness, things unravel.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey and Luke were a great couple to go on this journey with. The stories in this series are realistic and relatable. There is humor, romance, steam, and just the right amount of angst.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey’s past has her so afraid of relationships. Luke doesn’t seem to want or have time for a girlfriend. Soon after spending some time together the sparks fly between them and change both their minds.

[Siran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Ribbon Ridge Series.
So I was looking forward to reading Luke Westscott's connection to the town. While it took awhile to get into the story, I did quickly begin to root for the couple. I think the story to a bit of a dark turn (for the series). For me, that was a good thing

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was such a good book! Absolutely LOVED Luke and wanted him to find his HEA. Can't wait for Jamie's story.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this story. I was glued to the pages. A wonderful story of understanding and love and patience. It's a page turner from start to end.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: SO RIGHT was originally released in February 2017 under the same name.


SO RIGHT is the 9th instalment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult RIBBON RIDGE set in the RIBBON RIDGE romance series focusing on the Westcott brothers of Ribbon Ridge. This is vintner and winery co-owner Luke Westcott, and librarian/bar waitress Kelsey McDade’s story line. We were first introduced to Luke and his brothers (Cameron and Jamie) in the author's original You’re Still the One (Ribbon Ridge #6). You do not have to read the original series to follow the premise of SO RIGHT but I recommend reading You’re Still the One for some backstory about the brothers and their new winery business.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Luke and Kelsey) SO RIGHT follows the building relationship between vintner Luke Westcott, and librarian Kelsey McDade- a relationship that struggles with demons from the past. Kelsey McDade is a broken woman whose past controls the present, and with it, Kelsey’s inability to move forward in life. A self-proclaimed workaholic, Kelsey’s lifestyle leaves no time for rest or relaxation but winery owner Luke Westcott slowly begins to worm his way into our heroine’s heart. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Kelsey and Luke, and the continuing research into the historical significance of Ribbon Ridge.

Both Kelsey and Luke are workaholics; individuals who prefer to be left alone but the loneliness comes with too many ghosts and demons in the dark. Kelsey’s one and only relationship left our heroine broken and destroyed; Luke’s past relationship fizzled out but comes looking for another chance.

The relationship between Luke and Kelsey is fraught the back and forth of one woman’s reluctance to give love a second chance. Frustrating in its presentation Kelsey’s ‘yes, no, maybe’ ongoing indecisiveness, although understandable under the circumstances, made for some discouraging reading and I had a difficult time accepting the heroine as a love interest for Luke. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and test.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Luke’s brothers Jamie, and Cameron and his wife Brooke ( So Good ), as well as a large number of the Archer clan from the original Ribbon Ridge Series. Arch and Vine bar tender George Wilson, a regular in both of the series, finds love with the introduction of Kelsey’s grandma Ruby Atwood.

SO RIGHT is a sweet romance with a little bit of spice, angst, and romance. The premise is engaging and heartwarming; the romance is emotional; the characters are spirited and passionate although Kelsey’s flip-flopping was annoying-sometimes you gotta pull up your big girl panties and take a chance. SO RIGHT will captivate your imagination.