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Black Springs Ranch #2
Through the Dust
Lennox Hayes has always been a spitfire.
She’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide, and big dreams of getting back on the pro rodeo circuit. Until then, she’s stuck working the family ranch under the watchful eye of Bishop Bryant—the grumpy, no-nonsense foreman who’s made it clear he doesn’t have time for her wild ways.
Bishop has spent his life proving himself at Black Springs Ranch. The Hayes family took him in when he had nothing, and he owes them everything, including occasionally keeping an eye on their reckless youngest daughter. But Lennox isn’t a little kid anymore. She’s a fierce, frustrating woman who knows just how to get under his skin.
They’ve never gotten along, and they’ve never tried to. But when they are forced to work together, sparks fly and tempers flare. Beneath the arguments and tension lies something neither of them is ready to admit.
Hating each other was easy. Resisting each other might be impossible. But risking their hearts? That could cost them everything.
She’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide, and big dreams of getting back on the pro rodeo circuit. Until then, she’s stuck working the family ranch under the watchful eye of Bishop Bryant—the grumpy, no-nonsense foreman who’s made it clear he doesn’t have time for her wild ways.
Bishop has spent his life proving himself at Black Springs Ranch. The Hayes family took him in when he had nothing, and he owes them everything, including occasionally keeping an eye on their reckless youngest daughter. But Lennox isn’t a little kid anymore. She’s a fierce, frustrating woman who knows just how to get under his skin.
They’ve never gotten along, and they’ve never tried to. But when they are forced to work together, sparks fly and tempers flare. Beneath the arguments and tension lies something neither of them is ready to admit.
Hating each other was easy. Resisting each other might be impossible. But risking their hearts? That could cost them everything.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
1216 people are currently reading
6481 people want to read
About the author
Amber Palmer
9 books471 followersAmber Palmer is an American romance author specializing in paranormal and contemporary love stories. Born in Arizona and raised in Texas, she’s the proud parent of three mischievous cats and one playful pup. When she’s not devouring spicy romance novels, you can find her curating bookish Spotify playlists or jotting down ideas for her next project. A fierce advocate for mental health, Amber crafts characters who face and heal from deep traumas. She’s unapologetically passionate about all things spicy—both in books and life—and loves gaming with her husband in her downtime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,038 reviews
July 16, 2025
Lennox Hayes, a championship barrel racer, and the youngest Hayes girl has had a crush on the grumpy ranch manager for longer than appropriate. After an unstable childhood, Bishop Bryant has sought out security, and easily found it at Black Springs Ranch. Yet, the vixen with a perfect ass and sharp tongue who threatens to crumble his aloof demeanor, just might be everything he never knew he needed.
If fighting is your foreplay of choice and Rip stars in your wet dreams, you’ll love the slow burn romance between Bish and Killer.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🙄😬🥵🫠😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Western
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (13), Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Small Town, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caveman Carry, Cowboy, “Good Girl”, Pet Name, Sassy FMC,
💋 Kinks: Brat, Daddy (Mild), Degradation, Dirty Talk, Domination, Finger Licking Good, Orgäsm Denial, Praise
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Through the Dust is part of the Black Springs Ranch series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
If fighting is your foreplay of choice and Rip stars in your wet dreams, you’ll love the slow burn romance between Bish and Killer.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🙄😬🥵🫠😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Western
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (13), Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Small Town, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caveman Carry, Cowboy, “Good Girl”, Pet Name, Sassy FMC,
💋 Kinks: Brat, Daddy (Mild), Degradation, Dirty Talk, Domination, Finger Licking Good, Orgäsm Denial, Praise
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Through the Dust is part of the Black Springs Ranch series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
June 16, 2025
Ok, where are my people looking for Beth & Ryp from Yellowstone vibes? Because I’ve found them.
(Minus all the extra unnecessary drama)
Lennox & Bishop 🤠💕
Grumpy/sunshine
Rancher owners daughter x ranch foreman
(The childhood vibes are similar to Beth/ryp)
Age gap (13 years)
They’ve known each other forever
The bickering banter
The forbidden sneaking around
Spice was spicing
“Daddy” x “Killer”
God I love the a grumpy rancher and thank you for making him 39/40! Smash.
Lennox that girl is a big ball of fire and fun.
The baby of the sisters.
Girl knew what she wanted.
This was a solid second book in the series for my cowboy romance lovers.
Arc review ✨
(Minus all the extra unnecessary drama)
Lennox & Bishop 🤠💕
Grumpy/sunshine
Rancher owners daughter x ranch foreman
(The childhood vibes are similar to Beth/ryp)
Age gap (13 years)
They’ve known each other forever
The bickering banter
The forbidden sneaking around
Spice was spicing
“Daddy” x “Killer”
God I love the a grumpy rancher and thank you for making him 39/40! Smash.
Lennox that girl is a big ball of fire and fun.
The baby of the sisters.
Girl knew what she wanted.
This was a solid second book in the series for my cowboy romance lovers.
Arc review ✨
June 11, 2025
Now this is everything I want in a cowboy romance…black cat x grumpy, cowboy, age gap, and tension you can cut with a fucking knife. The only way I can describe this series is with that sound that’s like, “When the first book is hot, but the second book is like OMFGGGGG.” I am a literal puddle on the ground.
This relationship was teased throughout book one, and I knew it was going to be something I swallowed whole because this is MY dynamic. I love when the two main characters push each other’s buttons, test each other’s limits, and get under each other’s skin. It’s a recipe for disaster *the best kind* and somehow they always end up fitting together perfectly.
There was so much hot and cold, back-and-forth energy, so when they finally gave in? It was like the floodgates opened. Every repressed feeling came pouring out, and when I tell you they were both down bad, I mean it.
Lennox is me. I am her. Especially when she punched a grown man in the face, I felt that in my bones and instantly had a flashback to my early 20s. LMAO. I loved her so much. If she were real, I’d LOVE to be her friend And we could just wreak havoc and cause chaos together.
The way she gave this man absolute hell had me giggling my ass off. I said, get him girl! 👏🏻👏🏻 MY SASSY QUEEN.
And Bishop? The fucking man that you are. The things I would sacrifice to have this man flip me over and smack my ass are criminal.
YESSSS DADDYYYYY
And the way he’s soft only for her? I was not expecting that gentle, sweet side. He’s the best of both worlds and he is now the standard. When I say this man’s mouth is filthy? I mean FILTHY.
I truly felt like I was highlighting the entire book…
“I guess you’ll have to punish me instead. Really make sure I learn my lesson.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Is that what you want? To be taught a lesson? For me to tell you what a needy little whore you are?”
“Yes, daddy.”
⬆️⬆️ LIKE THAT DYNAMIC!!??? 🫠🙂↕️🥵
And beyond the spice (which was literally out of this world )another thing I adored was how well the author built this family. Ranch settings always come with found-family vibes, which I already love, but this setup? It tugged at my heartstrings in the best way. I even shed a few (hundred) tears.
There were so many good moments I didn’t want it to end. I have zero notes. This is cowboy romance at its finest. If you have something bad to say about this book, get away from me I loved it so fucking much it’s not even funny.
This relationship was teased throughout book one, and I knew it was going to be something I swallowed whole because this is MY dynamic. I love when the two main characters push each other’s buttons, test each other’s limits, and get under each other’s skin. It’s a recipe for disaster *the best kind* and somehow they always end up fitting together perfectly.
There was so much hot and cold, back-and-forth energy, so when they finally gave in? It was like the floodgates opened. Every repressed feeling came pouring out, and when I tell you they were both down bad, I mean it.
Lennox is me. I am her. Especially when she punched a grown man in the face, I felt that in my bones and instantly had a flashback to my early 20s. LMAO. I loved her so much. If she were real, I’d LOVE to be her friend And we could just wreak havoc and cause chaos together.
The way she gave this man absolute hell had me giggling my ass off. I said, get him girl! 👏🏻👏🏻 MY SASSY QUEEN.
And Bishop? The fucking man that you are. The things I would sacrifice to have this man flip me over and smack my ass are criminal.
YESSSS DADDYYYYY
And the way he’s soft only for her? I was not expecting that gentle, sweet side. He’s the best of both worlds and he is now the standard. When I say this man’s mouth is filthy? I mean FILTHY.
I truly felt like I was highlighting the entire book…
“I guess you’ll have to punish me instead. Really make sure I learn my lesson.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Is that what you want? To be taught a lesson? For me to tell you what a needy little whore you are?”
“Yes, daddy.”
⬆️⬆️ LIKE THAT DYNAMIC!!??? 🫠🙂↕️🥵
And beyond the spice (which was literally out of this world )another thing I adored was how well the author built this family. Ranch settings always come with found-family vibes, which I already love, but this setup? It tugged at my heartstrings in the best way. I even shed a few (hundred) tears.
There were so many good moments I didn’t want it to end. I have zero notes. This is cowboy romance at its finest. If you have something bad to say about this book, get away from me I loved it so fucking much it’s not even funny.
August 14, 2025
I was really excited to read this but it was honestly just super boring and too many things bothered me.
Some things just soured the reading experience and made me roll my eyes one too many times, and I feel like I have read this plot too many times before. Nothing new or unique stood out to me, and I was confused by the actions of the characters for the majority of the book which stunted my ability to enjoy pretty much everything else (though there really wasn't much to enjoy).
I found Lennox and the Bishop's reasoning for avoiding each other to be pretty blank, unseasoned, empty, etc. Bishop doesn't want to risk his position at the ranch if Lennox and he don't work out because he "has nothing else." I just feel like if a 40-year old man is this emotionally stinted (which he has admitted) and that everybody else that works on the ranch would be that immature to use his and Lennox's relationship against him, then maybe they're not great people. idk. I just can never get behind that particular "trope" so to speak. They kind of hook up once and then a few months go by (after something very awkward happening), and Bishop truly doesn't try hard enough to reach out to Lennox and try to smooth it over. whether she wanted to discuss it or not, after a certain point you have to put on your big boy pants and do it yourself. a 40-year old man!!! his internal monologue felt like a 20 year old and he IS SO IMMATURE. There is this one part that just infuriates me because how is this man so stupid??? Furthermore, every time Bishop gets turned on by Lennox he just wants to beat her ass until it's red. I love a little spanky danky but that was literally his one focal point when aroused by Lennox and it was just repetitive. There was a part where she's watching a serial killer movie and then compares Bishop to being a killer but would be worse than a murderer because he would steal her heart. Lmao I have to laugh. Plus, tell me how they're watching scream... and Lennox has seen it before... yet she is screaming and gasping like it was actually scary. I also hate when during smexy time they are like "this would only exist in a romance novel, never have I experienced this in real life" meanwhile it is a romance novel. I truly hate it. Sorry atp I'm just ranting. His nickname for her is killer and that is my least favorite one. ALSO WHY DO THEY ALL HAVE SEX IN THE BARN?
When they genuinely have sex for the first time, Bishop is all about spanking and calling her a slut, but that's literally all he does. Where I was searching for something hot, I got something lukewarm and a little cold in the middle instead. I kept waiting for Bishop to say something unique or new but that never happened. He was giving bland, their sex was giving vanilla despite the tossing around of "slut" and some hard spanking, and it offered me nothing new or interesting. The spice was a little weird for me too and it was genuinely the same recycled scenes from before. Plus Bishop writes a pro/con list for Lennox and on the pro it says "good at sex" meanwhile she's literally just sitting there half the time doing nothing and calling him daddy. is the good sex in the room with us?
I was excited for a spitfire FMC but she wasn't quite as feisty as everyone kept saying, and she dished out the same insults for the entire book which were jabs at him being old. Bishop said that he'd rather fist fight a grizzy bear than Lennox, meanwhile SCREAM is making her jump. Like it isn't computing. She says she is reckless and impulsive yet I did not see that in action at all, aside from maybe the punch to a guy's face. I found their characters overall to be severely underdeveloped. We didn't even get a peek into Bishop's past and his "reasoning" for acting like the immature idiot he was until the last 20%. It was ridiculous and pretty dumb.
Side characters play a crucial part in books, especially when it's split between the sisters who get their own books. Where I did see elements that I ignored in the first book replicated in this one--for the main reason that the first one had enough plot to distract me from the awkward conversations between the sisters--I unfortunately was not distracted enough this time around to ignore it. The first thing that I found annoying was the constant barrage of incidents to see Lincoln and Josie's love-bird relationship. While i love them--LOVE THEM--i hate when that is their only personality trait. like, nothing interesting happened with either of them unless it's to talk about howwwww much they love each other. It's cute when it happens the first couple of times, but it literally is present throughout the entire book. There is a part where Josie is telling Bishop that she's grumpy when Lincoln goes away because she's no longer having sex every single day. I'm sorry but who tells people these details?
The book also falls into the hole of "patriarch of the ranch gets rushed to the hospital" and I found it to be very reminiscent of Lost & Lassoed. I just have read this particular direction several times, and it was just boring. There was this super weird part with one of the ranch hands' dogs, and how he was constantly calling her a stupid bitch, etc. and then Lennox punched him or something? Like it was very weird. And then the dog wouldn't recall to the owner so they ended up just stealing him basically and the guy was like ya okay fine take her. Like huh???
Another thing I'd like to point out was each chapter had the same voice, even when it was the other character. I know that authors have vernacular that is specific to THEM, however when both characters use the same phrases and words, it becomes unclear which character is speaking and I often forget which POV I'm reading. I wish there had been more effort to give Bishop and Lennox their own unique voices, especially since Bishop is still a 40-year old man and yet he and Lennox talk in identical circles and words.
Like sure, was it sweet that Bishop learned to trust (despite being halfway dead?) sure! But he was so immature and dumb about it that i just didn't sympathize with him... has he ever heard of therapy? like why was he constantly running away from Lennox and then getting upset that she was mad? Maybe I give too much credit to men these days but at least in romance novels it infuriates me the most when the man is the dumbass beacuse like the least you could do is be a respectable person. Was it sweet that Lennox had a crush on him her whole life and wanted to be gentle with him or whatever? Sure! Except I didn't feel the connection of someone who supposedly had a crush for their whole life.
I can also tell (and hate when I can) when there are try-hard attempts at poking at relevant social media trends/tropes in books. Bishop was reading smut? Why do all characters in books know what smut is? I know it's normal to us but it's not common to everybody. It's one thing to reference your grandmother's old Harlequin paperbacks but to flat out just say smut and his kindle is crazy. And he was reading them to "study" ya I hope so because you literally don't know your dick from your brain and it's obvious. There's a weird detour about a ghostface kink... I have to roll my eyes. Like it doesn't get any cheesier than this. And I have FOR SURE ignored this in other books, mostly because their plot was compelling enough to make me forget about it down the line. However this plot was just so supremely boring that of course I had to pick it out.
The ending to this was also a major flop.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Some things just soured the reading experience and made me roll my eyes one too many times, and I feel like I have read this plot too many times before. Nothing new or unique stood out to me, and I was confused by the actions of the characters for the majority of the book which stunted my ability to enjoy pretty much everything else (though there really wasn't much to enjoy).
I found Lennox and the Bishop's reasoning for avoiding each other to be pretty blank, unseasoned, empty, etc. Bishop doesn't want to risk his position at the ranch if Lennox and he don't work out because he "has nothing else." I just feel like if a 40-year old man is this emotionally stinted (which he has admitted) and that everybody else that works on the ranch would be that immature to use his and Lennox's relationship against him, then maybe they're not great people. idk. I just can never get behind that particular "trope" so to speak. They kind of hook up once and then a few months go by (after something very awkward happening), and Bishop truly doesn't try hard enough to reach out to Lennox and try to smooth it over. whether she wanted to discuss it or not, after a certain point you have to put on your big boy pants and do it yourself. a 40-year old man!!! his internal monologue felt like a 20 year old and he IS SO IMMATURE. There is this one part that just infuriates me because how is this man so stupid??? Furthermore, every time Bishop gets turned on by Lennox he just wants to beat her ass until it's red. I love a little spanky danky but that was literally his one focal point when aroused by Lennox and it was just repetitive. There was a part where she's watching a serial killer movie and then compares Bishop to being a killer but would be worse than a murderer because he would steal her heart. Lmao I have to laugh. Plus, tell me how they're watching scream... and Lennox has seen it before... yet she is screaming and gasping like it was actually scary. I also hate when during smexy time they are like "this would only exist in a romance novel, never have I experienced this in real life" meanwhile it is a romance novel. I truly hate it. Sorry atp I'm just ranting. His nickname for her is killer and that is my least favorite one. ALSO WHY DO THEY ALL HAVE SEX IN THE BARN?
When they genuinely have sex for the first time, Bishop is all about spanking and calling her a slut, but that's literally all he does. Where I was searching for something hot, I got something lukewarm and a little cold in the middle instead. I kept waiting for Bishop to say something unique or new but that never happened. He was giving bland, their sex was giving vanilla despite the tossing around of "slut" and some hard spanking, and it offered me nothing new or interesting. The spice was a little weird for me too and it was genuinely the same recycled scenes from before. Plus Bishop writes a pro/con list for Lennox and on the pro it says "good at sex" meanwhile she's literally just sitting there half the time doing nothing and calling him daddy. is the good sex in the room with us?
I was excited for a spitfire FMC but she wasn't quite as feisty as everyone kept saying, and she dished out the same insults for the entire book which were jabs at him being old. Bishop said that he'd rather fist fight a grizzy bear than Lennox, meanwhile SCREAM is making her jump. Like it isn't computing. She says she is reckless and impulsive yet I did not see that in action at all, aside from maybe the punch to a guy's face. I found their characters overall to be severely underdeveloped. We didn't even get a peek into Bishop's past and his "reasoning" for acting like the immature idiot he was until the last 20%. It was ridiculous and pretty dumb.
Side characters play a crucial part in books, especially when it's split between the sisters who get their own books. Where I did see elements that I ignored in the first book replicated in this one--for the main reason that the first one had enough plot to distract me from the awkward conversations between the sisters--I unfortunately was not distracted enough this time around to ignore it. The first thing that I found annoying was the constant barrage of incidents to see Lincoln and Josie's love-bird relationship. While i love them--LOVE THEM--i hate when that is their only personality trait. like, nothing interesting happened with either of them unless it's to talk about howwwww much they love each other. It's cute when it happens the first couple of times, but it literally is present throughout the entire book. There is a part where Josie is telling Bishop that she's grumpy when Lincoln goes away because she's no longer having sex every single day. I'm sorry but who tells people these details?
The book also falls into the hole of "patriarch of the ranch gets rushed to the hospital" and I found it to be very reminiscent of Lost & Lassoed. I just have read this particular direction several times, and it was just boring. There was this super weird part with one of the ranch hands' dogs, and how he was constantly calling her a stupid bitch, etc. and then Lennox punched him or something? Like it was very weird. And then the dog wouldn't recall to the owner so they ended up just stealing him basically and the guy was like ya okay fine take her. Like huh???
Another thing I'd like to point out was each chapter had the same voice, even when it was the other character. I know that authors have vernacular that is specific to THEM, however when both characters use the same phrases and words, it becomes unclear which character is speaking and I often forget which POV I'm reading. I wish there had been more effort to give Bishop and Lennox their own unique voices, especially since Bishop is still a 40-year old man and yet he and Lennox talk in identical circles and words.
Like sure, was it sweet that Bishop learned to trust (despite being halfway dead?) sure! But he was so immature and dumb about it that i just didn't sympathize with him... has he ever heard of therapy? like why was he constantly running away from Lennox and then getting upset that she was mad? Maybe I give too much credit to men these days but at least in romance novels it infuriates me the most when the man is the dumbass beacuse like the least you could do is be a respectable person. Was it sweet that Lennox had a crush on him her whole life and wanted to be gentle with him or whatever? Sure! Except I didn't feel the connection of someone who supposedly had a crush for their whole life.
I can also tell (and hate when I can) when there are try-hard attempts at poking at relevant social media trends/tropes in books. Bishop was reading smut? Why do all characters in books know what smut is? I know it's normal to us but it's not common to everybody. It's one thing to reference your grandmother's old Harlequin paperbacks but to flat out just say smut and his kindle is crazy. And he was reading them to "study" ya I hope so because you literally don't know your dick from your brain and it's obvious. There's a weird detour about a ghostface kink... I have to roll my eyes. Like it doesn't get any cheesier than this. And I have FOR SURE ignored this in other books, mostly because their plot was compelling enough to make me forget about it down the line. However this plot was just so supremely boring that of course I had to pick it out.
The ending to this was also a major flop.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
June 30, 2025
3.5 / 5 Stars
This was a fun, sometimes slightly perplexing, spicy age gap cowboy romance. The plot was pretty simple. Bishop is the foreman on the ranch. Lennox is the youngest daughter. They have had the hots for each other for a while and then one night, WHOOPS, they hook up. Bishop wants to resist because the ranch is his whole life and he doesn’t want to mess it up. Lennox wants to punch Bishop for constantly running from her and his feelings.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🤠 Age gaps (40 / 27)
🐎 Feisty FMC who loves pushing his buttons (she called him the crypt keeper at one point and that genuinely made me laugh)
🤠 Grumpy, very dirty talking cowboy (splash of degradation)
🐎 He loves hoisting her over his shoulder and spanking her
🤠 A fun family with the rest of the books revolving around the other sisters
The spice level is above the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver but below the Crimson Ridge series by Elliott Rose.
Lennox was written well and made sense to me. She has had a crush on Bishop since she was a teen so no duh she wants to move to the next level. And because she is a bit of a smartass, men want to take her home but don't take her to meet their moms (men are dumb), so she has a chip on her shoulder when Bishop pushes her away.
Bishop was a conundrum to me. He was pretty emotionally stunted until ¾ of the way through the book when we got more of his backstory. There were times when I kind of laughed at his actions because they were kind of ridiculous and then remembered he was a 40 year old man. He made a pros and cons list for Lennox and a significant number of pros were that Lennox was hot, smelled good, and was good at sex (HOW ROMANTIC). At one point, Lennox was like "show me you care about me" and he was like “bet” and then had sex with her. Uhhhh, Bishop, I think she meant like in other ways. Also he is so afraid of losing his job but he has been working on the ranch for 23 years and is the second in command so it would cost them more to fire him and train someone new than it would keep him, just logically speaking. I think if he said he was afraid of losing his found family, which I think is ultimately what he meant, I could have gotten behind that more. Oh, and the man is a HORRRRRIBBBLLLEEE communicator. Laughably bad at times.
And yet, I am still rating it 3.5 stars rounded up (I always round up) based mostly on vibes. It was a quick read. There was some really sweet father-daughter stuff. Lennox made me laugh. Can’t explain it more than that.
Thank you Amber Palmer for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 17, 2025
_______________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Babes, I am drowning in ARCs, so I am back to reading about grumpy cowboys. May he be grumpy and hot. Amen.
This was a fun, sometimes slightly perplexing, spicy age gap cowboy romance. The plot was pretty simple. Bishop is the foreman on the ranch. Lennox is the youngest daughter. They have had the hots for each other for a while and then one night, WHOOPS, they hook up. Bishop wants to resist because the ranch is his whole life and he doesn’t want to mess it up. Lennox wants to punch Bishop for constantly running from her and his feelings.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🤠 Age gaps (40 / 27)
🐎 Feisty FMC who loves pushing his buttons (she called him the crypt keeper at one point and that genuinely made me laugh)
🤠 Grumpy, very dirty talking cowboy (splash of degradation)
🐎 He loves hoisting her over his shoulder and spanking her
🤠 A fun family with the rest of the books revolving around the other sisters
The spice level is above the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver but below the Crimson Ridge series by Elliott Rose.
Lennox was written well and made sense to me. She has had a crush on Bishop since she was a teen so no duh she wants to move to the next level. And because she is a bit of a smartass, men want to take her home but don't take her to meet their moms (men are dumb), so she has a chip on her shoulder when Bishop pushes her away.
Bishop was a conundrum to me. He was pretty emotionally stunted until ¾ of the way through the book when we got more of his backstory. There were times when I kind of laughed at his actions because they were kind of ridiculous and then remembered he was a 40 year old man. He made a pros and cons list for Lennox and a significant number of pros were that Lennox was hot, smelled good, and was good at sex (HOW ROMANTIC). At one point, Lennox was like "show me you care about me" and he was like “bet” and then had sex with her. Uhhhh, Bishop, I think she meant like in other ways. Also he is so afraid of losing his job but he has been working on the ranch for 23 years and is the second in command so it would cost them more to fire him and train someone new than it would keep him, just logically speaking. I think if he said he was afraid of losing his found family, which I think is ultimately what he meant, I could have gotten behind that more. Oh, and the man is a HORRRRRIBBBLLLEEE communicator. Laughably bad at times.
And yet, I am still rating it 3.5 stars rounded up (I always round up) based mostly on vibes. It was a quick read. There was some really sweet father-daughter stuff. Lennox made me laugh. Can’t explain it more than that.
Thank you Amber Palmer for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 17, 2025
_______________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Babes, I am drowning in ARCs, so I am back to reading about grumpy cowboys. May he be grumpy and hot. Amen.
June 6, 2025
4.5 stars
Bishop and Lenox 🥵 I think age gap might be my new favorite trope.
Bishop and Lenox 🥵 I think age gap might be my new favorite trope.
June 19, 2025
Through The Dust by Amber Palmer
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
I was excited when I finished the first book and found out who the next couple would be! I had a feeling it was going to be great, and I was right. Lennox and Bishop have such amazing chemistry, and their banter is just fantastic! I loved how they tease each other and push each other’s buttons, yet you can tell they've been pining for each other for years. And the spice? Hotter than in the first book! But honestly, it’s not just about the spice; the characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed watching their growth.
Bishop has been working on Lennox's family ranch ever since his mother kicked him out, dedicating years of hard work to earn the foreman title. Lennox's family treats him like one of their own, always trying to include him, but he feels like he doesn’t quite fit in. And then there's Lennox—she's like a fiery force of nature! She's the youngest sibling, and I loved how fierce and independent she was. She's always honest and knows exactly what she wants, fiercely protecting her family and standing up for them.
Her dynamic with Bishop is just the best; she loves to tease him and sees how easily she can fluster him. The tension between them is off the charts! Bishop may come across as grumpy and closed off, but he has a softer side, too! While I adored their banter, my favorite moments were when they let their guards down and showed their vulnerable sides. Those scenes were just so sweet and endearing! I’m also super excited about the sneak peek of Cleo's book. I have a feeling it’s going to be an emotional ride, and I can’t wait to dive into it!
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
I was excited when I finished the first book and found out who the next couple would be! I had a feeling it was going to be great, and I was right. Lennox and Bishop have such amazing chemistry, and their banter is just fantastic! I loved how they tease each other and push each other’s buttons, yet you can tell they've been pining for each other for years. And the spice? Hotter than in the first book! But honestly, it’s not just about the spice; the characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed watching their growth.
Bishop has been working on Lennox's family ranch ever since his mother kicked him out, dedicating years of hard work to earn the foreman title. Lennox's family treats him like one of their own, always trying to include him, but he feels like he doesn’t quite fit in. And then there's Lennox—she's like a fiery force of nature! She's the youngest sibling, and I loved how fierce and independent she was. She's always honest and knows exactly what she wants, fiercely protecting her family and standing up for them.
Her dynamic with Bishop is just the best; she loves to tease him and sees how easily she can fluster him. The tension between them is off the charts! Bishop may come across as grumpy and closed off, but he has a softer side, too! While I adored their banter, my favorite moments were when they let their guards down and showed their vulnerable sides. Those scenes were just so sweet and endearing! I’m also super excited about the sneak peek of Cleo's book. I have a feeling it’s going to be an emotional ride, and I can’t wait to dive into it!
June 4, 2025
“I’ll tell you anything you wanna know. All you have to do is ask.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Through the Dust is book 2 in The Black Springs Ranch series. Lennox is one of the Hayes sisters who works on the ranch and has dreams of going back to barrel racing. Bishop works for Lennox’s dad on the ranch. He’s 13 years older than her and they are constantly at one another’s throats. They openly admit an attraction but nothing more.
This is a fun and spicy read. I will definitely continue with the series but didn’t feel as connected to their story as book 1. I am excited for the final Hayes sister to get her story.
Also - the art she has had made for this book is so stunning of you look on IG.
Thank you Amber Palmer and her PA - LBCreads for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Through the Dust is book 2 in The Black Springs Ranch series. Lennox is one of the Hayes sisters who works on the ranch and has dreams of going back to barrel racing. Bishop works for Lennox’s dad on the ranch. He’s 13 years older than her and they are constantly at one another’s throats. They openly admit an attraction but nothing more.
This is a fun and spicy read. I will definitely continue with the series but didn’t feel as connected to their story as book 1. I am excited for the final Hayes sister to get her story.
Also - the art she has had made for this book is so stunning of you look on IG.
Thank you Amber Palmer and her PA - LBCreads for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ Can I just say that I love how Amber structured the series? Like we pick up right where we left off which gave me the opportunity to see the situation from a different pov and I LOVE that.
Lennox is the seemingly carefree, loud, and headstrong youngest Hayes sister - and Bishop is the ridiculously grumpy foreman of her family’s ranch, who is 13 years her senior 🤭.
The way these two were just down bad and desperate for eachother but wouldn’t get out of their own way made for the most delicious tension and hilarious banter, it was fantastic.
I got smacked in the feels, laughed A LOT, and had an excellent time with this book. If you’re in your cowboy romance era and you haven’t visited Black Springs Ranch yet you better got on it.
Thank you so much to Amber & LBC Author Services for the ARC - based on the sneak peek of After the Rain 🥲 I can’t wait for the emotional damage.. and eventual healing.
Lennox is the seemingly carefree, loud, and headstrong youngest Hayes sister - and Bishop is the ridiculously grumpy foreman of her family’s ranch, who is 13 years her senior 🤭.
The way these two were just down bad and desperate for eachother but wouldn’t get out of their own way made for the most delicious tension and hilarious banter, it was fantastic.
I got smacked in the feels, laughed A LOT, and had an excellent time with this book. If you’re in your cowboy romance era and you haven’t visited Black Springs Ranch yet you better got on it.
Thank you so much to Amber & LBC Author Services for the ARC - based on the sneak peek of After the Rain 🥲 I can’t wait for the emotional damage.. and eventual healing.
June 20, 2025
Uhhh was honestly pretty disappointed in this one :( It was no where near as good as the first book and it couldve been explosive for their chemistry. It seemed like they just spent half the book mad at each other for a one night issue you dont even know about until 50% in, then they are magically in love. Not much outside plot either. Lots of missed opportunities in my opinion.
Edit: I AM planning to read book 3… i have higher hopes for Cleo’s story after learning more about Grady in this book. Think there will be more plot points available to work with there.
Edit: I AM planning to read book 3… i have higher hopes for Cleo’s story after learning more about Grady in this book. Think there will be more plot points available to work with there.
June 3, 2025
This was absolutely everything to me and I am officially completely and utterly obsessed with Black Springs Ranch!
I knew I would adore Lennox and Bishop's story from the hints we got of them in book 1 but this somehow managed to completely pass my expectations. Lennox was such an incredible FMC and I loved seeing how independent and 'take no sh*t from anybody' she was. Also Bishop was just the grumpiest cowboy ever and therefore I was in love from the beginning.
I loved their relationship, the tension they had, the banter and I loved them individually! I cannot say enough about how much you need to read this book! 100% one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
A huge, huge thank you to Amber and her team for letting me read an arc of this story and letting me fall in love with Lennox and Bishop!
I knew I would adore Lennox and Bishop's story from the hints we got of them in book 1 but this somehow managed to completely pass my expectations. Lennox was such an incredible FMC and I loved seeing how independent and 'take no sh*t from anybody' she was. Also Bishop was just the grumpiest cowboy ever and therefore I was in love from the beginning.
I loved their relationship, the tension they had, the banter and I loved them individually! I cannot say enough about how much you need to read this book! 100% one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
A huge, huge thank you to Amber and her team for letting me read an arc of this story and letting me fall in love with Lennox and Bishop!
June 7, 2025
If you love a cowboy romance, with a age gap. A strong FMC and. Rough and grumpy MMC. Look no further. Lennox and Bishop gave me everything that I needed. Found family, spice, age gap, grumpy/sunshine. Loved this book! Can’t wait for the next one.
June 11, 2025
Amber has done it again! I LOVED Between the Pines and she has done it again with Through the Dust! This was a slow burn at its finest!! Lenox and Bishop had the perfect give and take as well as the best banter!! 5⭐️ highly recommend picking this book up!!
June 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
saying I was SAD to finish this book is the understatement of the year. Holy hell, Lennox and Bishop were hot. Just straight up HAWWWTTT. Their age gap was everything, from their playful/mean banter with each other to the way they got down and dirty when they were alone. Absolutely freaking LOVED them.
I think Bishops story was an amazing touch to his character, the lone grumpy cowboy but also so badass. And Lennox eating up all the crumbs of that grumpy facade.
I loved how mouthy Lennox is, and doesn’t care who sees it. She can hold her own especially when it comes to cowboys. Her relationship with her dad was so special and I loved reading about it more in this book. He reminds me of my dad a lot so all of Dougs little comments hit home for me.
This book was a 10/10 it was so good, in my opinion better than book 1 and I really loved that book too!
saying I was SAD to finish this book is the understatement of the year. Holy hell, Lennox and Bishop were hot. Just straight up HAWWWTTT. Their age gap was everything, from their playful/mean banter with each other to the way they got down and dirty when they were alone. Absolutely freaking LOVED them.
I think Bishops story was an amazing touch to his character, the lone grumpy cowboy but also so badass. And Lennox eating up all the crumbs of that grumpy facade.
I loved how mouthy Lennox is, and doesn’t care who sees it. She can hold her own especially when it comes to cowboys. Her relationship with her dad was so special and I loved reading about it more in this book. He reminds me of my dad a lot so all of Dougs little comments hit home for me.
This book was a 10/10 it was so good, in my opinion better than book 1 and I really loved that book too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
ARC Review - Huge thanks to Amber Palmer and LBC Reads for the opportunity to receive a review copy of Through the Dust!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I was really looking forward to Book 2 in the Black Springs Ranch series - I love a grumpy older MMC and an FMC full of sass and sarcasm who calls him “daddy.” This one started out with a lot of promise - the tension was high and the heat was building quickly, but as the story went on, I felt like this dynamic faded and things continued to become more and more cringey until I could barely handle reading the final chapter.
The hard one-eighty in Bishop’s character with little explanation of the growth that took place to get him there was jarring. The man went from completely closed off and afraid of sacrificing the only thing he’s ever had (his job) - which is SO fair - to attempting one of the cringiest (not to mention hugely misinformed) grand gestures I’ve seen in a romance book. At 40, he was extremely emotionally immature - and perhaps that was a result of his upbringing and keeping himself closed off, but it was awkward to witness as a reader.
I also found both characters inconsistent in the types of reactions we saw them exhibit (I would have thought for sure Lennox would lose it over the ‘list’ she finds, but she thought it was cute?). I felt like I didn’t know what to expect (and not in a good way). I expected some sizzling spice with the way things kicked off, but the whole mild dom/sub aspect felt forced for me, and as with the rest of the book, went from being hot and promising to awkward at times.
I found Book 1’s Josie and Lincoln incredibly annoying and juvenile as secondary characters. I’m happy they have found love and happiness together, but they were acting like horny immature teenagers who were way too comfortable sharing their intimate details in front of her family
3⭐️ because I did enjoy the first half of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I was really looking forward to Book 2 in the Black Springs Ranch series - I love a grumpy older MMC and an FMC full of sass and sarcasm who calls him “daddy.” This one started out with a lot of promise - the tension was high and the heat was building quickly, but as the story went on, I felt like this dynamic faded and things continued to become more and more cringey until I could barely handle reading the final chapter.
The hard one-eighty in Bishop’s character with little explanation of the growth that took place to get him there was jarring. The man went from completely closed off and afraid of sacrificing the only thing he’s ever had (his job) - which is SO fair - to attempting one of the cringiest (not to mention hugely misinformed) grand gestures I’ve seen in a romance book. At 40, he was extremely emotionally immature - and perhaps that was a result of his upbringing and keeping himself closed off, but it was awkward to witness as a reader.
I also found both characters inconsistent in the types of reactions we saw them exhibit (I would have thought for sure Lennox would lose it over the ‘list’ she finds, but she thought it was cute?). I felt like I didn’t know what to expect (and not in a good way). I expected some sizzling spice with the way things kicked off, but the whole mild dom/sub aspect felt forced for me, and as with the rest of the book, went from being hot and promising to awkward at times.
I found Book 1’s Josie and Lincoln incredibly annoying and juvenile as secondary characters. I’m happy they have found love and happiness together, but they were acting like horny immature teenagers who were way too comfortable sharing their intimate details in front of her family
3⭐️ because I did enjoy the first half of the book.
June 17, 2025
thank you Amber and team for the ARC!
3.5⭐️
Age gap cowboy/rancher x ranchers daughter.
This was a cute fun little cowboy romance. If you're looking for a short fluffy romance, I would definitely recommend this one.
I do just wish this story didn't feel so rushed in the end. Like Lennox's family finally found out about them in the last chapter. Also would have loved if Bishop did some chasing, he essentially just finally caved when Lennox came to him. He mentioned how he was an emotionally stunted 40 year old, and he definitely came across as that which was annoying because he is forty, but he was sweet and soft for Lennox 🙂
Lennox has known Bishop since she was four, when he originally came to live and work on the ranch (he was seventeen at the time). I wouldn't say either of them had unrequited love at all, but maybe some mild secret pining /crushing over the past couple of years.
-13 year age gap
-rancher x ranchers daughter
-grumpy mmc x outgoing fmc
-hate to love
-secret friends with benefits/ didn't tell anyone until they were sure about each other (last chapter)
-fluffy romance, no angst or longing
-ow- none
-om- H gets jealous on a couple occasions
-h- experienced, probably more than the mmc
-H- experienced. Never had a real relationship, just casual hook ups here and there
-HEA- engaged
3.5⭐️
Age gap cowboy/rancher x ranchers daughter.
This was a cute fun little cowboy romance. If you're looking for a short fluffy romance, I would definitely recommend this one.
I do just wish this story didn't feel so rushed in the end. Like Lennox's family finally found out about them in the last chapter. Also would have loved if Bishop did some chasing, he essentially just finally caved when Lennox came to him. He mentioned how he was an emotionally stunted 40 year old, and he definitely came across as that which was annoying because he is forty, but he was sweet and soft for Lennox 🙂
Lennox has known Bishop since she was four, when he originally came to live and work on the ranch (he was seventeen at the time). I wouldn't say either of them had unrequited love at all, but maybe some mild secret pining /crushing over the past couple of years.
-13 year age gap
-rancher x ranchers daughter
-grumpy mmc x outgoing fmc
-hate to love
-secret friends with benefits/ didn't tell anyone until they were sure about each other (last chapter)
-fluffy romance, no angst or longing
-ow- none
-om- H gets jealous on a couple occasions
-h- experienced, probably more than the mmc
-H- experienced. Never had a real relationship, just casual hook ups here and there
-HEA- engaged
September 8, 2025
1.5
Thought about giving it 2 ⭐ but my fingers won't allow me.
Both characters gave me an itch, like a bad one.
He was a coward and gave himself non-stop excuses.
She was annoyingly loud and in your face type a person. And a bit disgusting. And kinda had to be loved by all the males.
I guess I just didn't clash with their chemistry.
Thought about giving it 2 ⭐ but my fingers won't allow me.
Both characters gave me an itch, like a bad one.
He was a coward and gave himself non-stop excuses.
She was annoyingly loud and in your face type a person. And a bit disgusting. And kinda had to be loved by all the males.
I guess I just didn't clash with their chemistry.
June 23, 2025
The slump was saved!!
I shouldn’t be surprised, a grumpy motherfucker of a cowboy usually does the trick.
This is a small town age gap with the forbidden vibes considering he’s the head honcho on her families ranch so he’s been around pretty much her whole life.
The fighting is the foreplay here. Hella tension with alotta banter.
Lennox is a bratty baddie with a hard on for getting underneath Bishops skin and well Bishop just has a hard on for Lennox.
Bishop wars with himself over wanting Lennox but she’s not afraid to call him out on it either.
This was such a fun ride. Cannot wait for Cleo’s story, as soon as that scene happened with “Lawson” I was intrigued.
Anyway, Rugged Rancher with a Raunchy Mouth. Forbidden vibes with an age gap, tensions, hella banter, and lots of steam.
I shouldn’t be surprised, a grumpy motherfucker of a cowboy usually does the trick.
This is a small town age gap with the forbidden vibes considering he’s the head honcho on her families ranch so he’s been around pretty much her whole life.
The fighting is the foreplay here. Hella tension with alotta banter.
Lennox is a bratty baddie with a hard on for getting underneath Bishops skin and well Bishop just has a hard on for Lennox.
Bishop wars with himself over wanting Lennox but she’s not afraid to call him out on it either.
This was such a fun ride. Cannot wait for Cleo’s story, as soon as that scene happened with “Lawson” I was intrigued.
Anyway, Rugged Rancher with a Raunchy Mouth. Forbidden vibes with an age gap, tensions, hella banter, and lots of steam.
June 17, 2025
Pretty sure I would read Amber Palmer’s grocery list at this point. I loved EVERY SINGLE THING about this book - Lennox and Bishop were perfection. I want to scream from the rooftops for everyone and their dog to read this book (and this series) because it’s JUST 👏🏼 THAT 👏🏼 GOOD 👏🏼
Their relationship was teased in book one and boy oh boy did it ever live up to the hype. Bishop and Lennox were both so down bad for one another and I ate it up! Lennox is such a bada** FMC. She is such a spitfire and wasn’t afraid to say what was on her mind - he’s the foreman’s daughter and completely off limits. Then we have our grumpy man, Bishop. This man may seem rough around the edges at first, but damn was he ever a swoony MMC. His mouth was HOT AF - imma need every man to be exactly like Daddy… I mean Bishop.
The chemistry, the tension, the banter - it was all SO SO good! This is your sign to IMMEDIATELY go and pick up Between the Pines so you can dive into Through the Dust!!!
Small town
Boss’s daughter
Age gap
Cowboy romance
Hate to love
Daddy
Their relationship was teased in book one and boy oh boy did it ever live up to the hype. Bishop and Lennox were both so down bad for one another and I ate it up! Lennox is such a bada** FMC. She is such a spitfire and wasn’t afraid to say what was on her mind - he’s the foreman’s daughter and completely off limits. Then we have our grumpy man, Bishop. This man may seem rough around the edges at first, but damn was he ever a swoony MMC. His mouth was HOT AF - imma need every man to be exactly like Daddy… I mean Bishop.
The chemistry, the tension, the banter - it was all SO SO good! This is your sign to IMMEDIATELY go and pick up Between the Pines so you can dive into Through the Dust!!!
Small town
Boss’s daughter
Age gap
Cowboy romance
Hate to love
Daddy
November 5, 2025
Lennox & Bishop...LOVE THEM! The enemies to lovers vibe between them made the banter so freaking good! The tension and chemistry - I ate it up and left no crumbs. Basically I'm just obsessed with this book and loving this series!
What to expect:
-enemies to lovers
-age gap
-small town
-forbidden
-"daddy"
-grumpy x sunshine
What to expect:
-enemies to lovers
-age gap
-small town
-forbidden
-"daddy"
-grumpy x sunshine
July 1, 2025
YEE-fucking-HAW!!
May 31, 2025
This book is Chef's Kiss. Amazing. Perfection.
There's sass.
There's plot twists.
There's so much f*cking tension it'll keep you dying for more.
The relationship development is incredible.
The family dynamics are everything.
I live on Black Springs Ranch now...
Patiently waiting until book 3 after devouring this ARC the day I received it.
Oh... and the extended epilogue? Yeah you're gonna want to read that 😉
There's sass.
There's plot twists.
There's so much f*cking tension it'll keep you dying for more.
The relationship development is incredible.
The family dynamics are everything.
I live on Black Springs Ranch now...
Patiently waiting until book 3 after devouring this ARC the day I received it.
Oh... and the extended epilogue? Yeah you're gonna want to read that 😉
June 15, 2025
I've fallen head over boots for Black Springs Ranch! This series is so utterly bingeable, and this book? What’s not to love about a grumpy cowboy and a feisty, take no sh!t from anyone cowgirl – who also happens to be the ranch owner’s daughter, therefore OFF LIMITS. I’ve always had a soft spot for the fearless females and couldn’t help but root for Lennox to find her much-deserved HEA, which just so happened to have been right infront of her for years. Of course, she secretly pined, but nailing down a broody foreman in Wranglers is easier said than done.
You can’t stop chemistry though! Especially when they’ve known each other most of their lives. That kind of banter and tension comes from a long slow simmer that’s oh-so-satisfying. The moment these two finally let loose and knocked boots, I was like “Hallelujah! It’s about darn time!” I felt the fireworks exploding off the page and enjoyed every darn toe-curling minute of it. (The spice is spicy!)
I’m deep in my cowboy romance era, and Through the Dust is filled with my favorite tropes:
Age Gap (he’s 40, she’s 27)
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers (arguing is foreplay!)
Dirty Talkin’ Cowboy
She’s a Brat
Forbidden Romance
The hints at book 3 are such a tease! I can’t wait for Cleo & Lawson’s second chance love story!
You can’t stop chemistry though! Especially when they’ve known each other most of their lives. That kind of banter and tension comes from a long slow simmer that’s oh-so-satisfying. The moment these two finally let loose and knocked boots, I was like “Hallelujah! It’s about darn time!” I felt the fireworks exploding off the page and enjoyed every darn toe-curling minute of it. (The spice is spicy!)
I’m deep in my cowboy romance era, and Through the Dust is filled with my favorite tropes:
Age Gap (he’s 40, she’s 27)
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers (arguing is foreplay!)
Dirty Talkin’ Cowboy
She’s a Brat
Forbidden Romance
The hints at book 3 are such a tease! I can’t wait for Cleo & Lawson’s second chance love story!
June 16, 2025
I'm obsessed with Black Springs Ranch and I was dyingggg for Lennox and Bishop's book! Lennox is such a strong, take no sh*t FMC, and I absolutely love that about her. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, but of course as the ranch owner's daughter, she is totally off limits to everyone at the ranch. Bishop has been living and working on the ranch for all of his adult life and is basically the number two man on the ranch. He's a little rough around the edges, as most cowboys are, but I've adored his grumpy butt since book one.
These two are honestly the perfect balance for each other and I couldn't imagine a more perfect partner for each of them. The tensions were high and the chemistry was sizzling. Firecrackers went off when these two finally gave in to the irresistible chemistry and my knees went weak from the dirty talkin cowboy. Add in the sass and the hilarious banter and you get a 100/10 book. I can't recommend this series and this book enough!
Tropes:
- Cowboy romance
- Age gap (he's 40 and she's 27)
- Ranch owner's daughter
- Mutual pining
- Tons of banter
- Found family
These two are honestly the perfect balance for each other and I couldn't imagine a more perfect partner for each of them. The tensions were high and the chemistry was sizzling. Firecrackers went off when these two finally gave in to the irresistible chemistry and my knees went weak from the dirty talkin cowboy. Add in the sass and the hilarious banter and you get a 100/10 book. I can't recommend this series and this book enough!
Tropes:
- Cowboy romance
- Age gap (he's 40 and she's 27)
- Ranch owner's daughter
- Mutual pining
- Tons of banter
- Found family
October 1, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than the first. The banter and tropes worked well. That said, I still felt there were quite a few missed opportunities when it came to character development. While I liked both the MMC and FMC, they were often portrayed as angry and hostile and we didn’t get to see enough of their other layers. I was excited to learn that Cleo is getting her own book, so I’m definitely looking forward to reading that when it comes out.
June 5, 2025
I ate this book up! I laughed (the things that came out of Lennox’s mouth), I cried (the storyline with the girls Dad!) I really loved Lennox and Bishop’s dynamic - which was an interesting play on “grumpy/sunshine”, because I wouldn’t call Lennox “sunshine”. She’s super badass and unapologetic so I loved seeing a girl like that get a little sassy and a little sappy for this cranky cowboy! I’m loving Black Springs Ranch so much and cannot WAIT for Cleo’s story! I seriously want the Hayes family to adopt me!
Thank you to Amber Palmer and her team for the eARC!
Thank you to Amber Palmer and her team for the eARC!
June 20, 2025
Amber put crack in this book .. that’s all i can say . Go read this as soon as you can , i was eating this book up and hanging on to every word
June 17, 2025
4 stars ~
I was hooked from the moment I read Between the Pines, so I was thrilled to get an ARC of Through the Dust. My expectations were high, and while this one didn’t quite top the first book for me, it was still such a fun, addictive read.
I loved the age-gap romance—Lennox is bold, feisty, and totally herself, and Bishop matches her perfectly. Their banter was gold, and they just fit. I also really enjoy how the storylines in this series overlap. It’s great seeing the previous couples still in the mix (hi, Lincoln and Josie!).
Even though it wasn’t a full five stars for me, it was a blast to read, and I can’t wait for book #3!
I was hooked from the moment I read Between the Pines, so I was thrilled to get an ARC of Through the Dust. My expectations were high, and while this one didn’t quite top the first book for me, it was still such a fun, addictive read.
I loved the age-gap romance—Lennox is bold, feisty, and totally herself, and Bishop matches her perfectly. Their banter was gold, and they just fit. I also really enjoy how the storylines in this series overlap. It’s great seeing the previous couples still in the mix (hi, Lincoln and Josie!).
Even though it wasn’t a full five stars for me, it was a blast to read, and I can’t wait for book #3!
August 9, 2025
I am very much in the minority here, but this one missed the mark for me completely. I started skimming at one point because I was so ready for it to be over.
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