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One chance meeting on a Texas ranch.
One wild, too—charming cowboy.
One snowed—in night that changes everything.
Wheeler Rankin isn't here for romance—she's come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers—resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend's new flame—sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.
Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small—town life. He's itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no—strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.
But passion brings complications—and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler's built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.
Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other's arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?
Duke is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.
Delicious tropes:
Best friend's boyfriend's brother
Heartbreaker hero
Forced proximity
Found family
Small town
Hot cowboys
One wild, too—charming cowboy.
One snowed—in night that changes everything.
Wheeler Rankin isn't here for romance—she's come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers—resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend's new flame—sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.
Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small—town life. He's itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no—strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.
But passion brings complications—and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler's built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.
Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other's arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?
Duke is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.
Delicious tropes:
Best friend's boyfriend's brother
Heartbreaker hero
Forced proximity
Found family
Small town
Hot cowboys
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
3339 people are currently reading
25831 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Peterson
44 books5,048 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,151 reviews
Currently reading
December 4, 2025i’m seated.🪑 my local bookstore’s employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s not december yet but i’m simply too seated.
December 2, 2025
happy release day to my cuties <3
look guys if there’s one thing i hate in the world, it’s men. *dramatic pause* and second thing is…relating to anything a man says😔 so whenever duke was talking i was like no..but also yes
🍂“I wouldn’t say I feel lost. More like stuck. Bored. The restlessness that’s plagued me for as long as I can remember is only getting worse.”
yeah, felt that.
but also, dare i say duke is the best rivers brother?🥹😭💖
his constant reassurance of wheeler that he’s gonna be there for her🥹 the way he let wheeler to come to him on her own timeline. his care and love for her🥹 it made my heart melt
this is how you write an accidental pregnancy book. i was like sweating and anxious like i’m the one carrying the baby and deciding what am i gonna do with it😭 i’m not even mentioning friendships and found family bc this is the fourth book and we already love and adore this family here🥹
but duke? my goddddd. i don’t even want a gremlin of mine but with duke? consider it done
wheeler, my girl🫂 reading duke falling in love with wheeler was beautiful but you know what was better? seeing wheeler start loving herself🥹 learning her worth🥹 MY GIRLLLLLLLL
overall i ADORED this book💖
thanks to valentine pr & jessica peterson for the arc!🫶🏻
look guys if there’s one thing i hate in the world, it’s men. *dramatic pause* and second thing is…relating to anything a man says😔 so whenever duke was talking i was like no..but also yes
🍂“I wouldn’t say I feel lost. More like stuck. Bored. The restlessness that’s plagued me for as long as I can remember is only getting worse.”
yeah, felt that.
but also, dare i say duke is the best rivers brother?🥹😭💖
his constant reassurance of wheeler that he’s gonna be there for her🥹 the way he let wheeler to come to him on her own timeline. his care and love for her🥹 it made my heart melt
this is how you write an accidental pregnancy book. i was like sweating and anxious like i’m the one carrying the baby and deciding what am i gonna do with it😭 i’m not even mentioning friendships and found family bc this is the fourth book and we already love and adore this family here🥹
but duke? my goddddd. i don’t even want a gremlin of mine but with duke? consider it done
wheeler, my girl🫂 reading duke falling in love with wheeler was beautiful but you know what was better? seeing wheeler start loving herself🥹 learning her worth🥹 MY GIRLLLLLLLL
overall i ADORED this book💖
thanks to valentine pr & jessica peterson for the arc!🫶🏻
November 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review
I honestly adored this book so much. It had some of my absolute favorite tropes: accidental pregnancy, strong family family moments, and a man who is down bad in the best way. Jessica Peterson delivered all the cozy, emotional, slow-burn goodness I love in a small-town romance.
I especially loved watching Wheeler come out of her shell. She had been broken down so much by her family that she had almost given up on being herself and loving herself. Watching Duke help her rediscover that confidence was so heartwarming. And just as beautiful was seeing her help him spread his wings and step off the ranch, even if only a little.
This story was tender, messy, sweet, and healing in all the right ways. I can’t wait to keep going with this series.
I honestly adored this book so much. It had some of my absolute favorite tropes: accidental pregnancy, strong family family moments, and a man who is down bad in the best way. Jessica Peterson delivered all the cozy, emotional, slow-burn goodness I love in a small-town romance.
I especially loved watching Wheeler come out of her shell. She had been broken down so much by her family that she had almost given up on being herself and loving herself. Watching Duke help her rediscover that confidence was so heartwarming. And just as beautiful was seeing her help him spread his wings and step off the ranch, even if only a little.
This story was tender, messy, sweet, and healing in all the right ways. I can’t wait to keep going with this series.
December 2, 2025
God.. I wanted to love this book so much. I truly did. I was SO excited.. but I guess we can't love them all. I will always recommend this series though, because I do truly love it.
Look.. Duke was a walking green flag. He was DOWN BAD for Wheeler.. he was giving all the right things, saying the right things, doing the absolute best things. And it made me so sad for him that he didn't get this same energy back from Wheeler. I feel like her character had so much potential and I really wanted to love her.. but for the majority of the book, I just didn't. I will say.. thank GOD for Mollie who was the true hero in terms of Wheeler pulling her head out of her ass. I will say that Duke and Wheeler did have great banter and the chemistry was THERE.. it was..I did love Wheeler's grand gesture to Duke, I thought that was really thoughtful. Wheeler post 70% was how I hoped she'd be the whole book, if I'm honest. I get being scared BUT LOOK AT THE DAMN MAN IN FRONT OF YOU.
The biggest problem I had with this book, and I don't think that I am alone here is the pacing. This book has been marketed as an accidental pregnancy (which HELLO.. ONE OF MY FAVS!) but when the FMC is STILL discussing a termination in THE LAST THIRD OF THE BOOK.. it just totally took me out. Yes, it's an important discussion and I like that it was discussed on the page BUT NOT WHEN THE CHARACTERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BONING AND KISSING ALL THE TIME. I feel like if everything happened WAY EARLIER in the story, the ending wouldn't have seemed so abrupt. There was SO much potential here but this SO SADLY missed the mark for me.
I adored Duke's relationship with his twin, Ryder, and I am very much looking forward to his story. The cameos from all the other characters were amazing too and like I said in my rant above.. Mollie truly was the hero here!
Anyway..that's enough from me. I am appreciative of the opportunity to read this book early and I will always recommend this series! Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for an advanced copy!
Look.. Duke was a walking green flag. He was DOWN BAD for Wheeler.. he was giving all the right things, saying the right things, doing the absolute best things. And it made me so sad for him that he didn't get this same energy back from Wheeler. I feel like her character had so much potential and I really wanted to love her.. but for the majority of the book, I just didn't. I will say.. thank GOD for Mollie who was the true hero in terms of Wheeler pulling her head out of her ass. I will say that Duke and Wheeler did have great banter and the chemistry was THERE.. it was..I did love Wheeler's grand gesture to Duke, I thought that was really thoughtful. Wheeler post 70% was how I hoped she'd be the whole book, if I'm honest. I get being scared BUT LOOK AT THE DAMN MAN IN FRONT OF YOU.
The biggest problem I had with this book, and I don't think that I am alone here is the pacing. This book has been marketed as an accidental pregnancy (which HELLO.. ONE OF MY FAVS!) but when the FMC is STILL discussing a termination in THE LAST THIRD OF THE BOOK.. it just totally took me out. Yes, it's an important discussion and I like that it was discussed on the page BUT NOT WHEN THE CHARACTERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BONING AND KISSING ALL THE TIME. I feel like if everything happened WAY EARLIER in the story, the ending wouldn't have seemed so abrupt. There was SO much potential here but this SO SADLY missed the mark for me.
I adored Duke's relationship with his twin, Ryder, and I am very much looking forward to his story. The cameos from all the other characters were amazing too and like I said in my rant above.. Mollie truly was the hero here!
Anyway..that's enough from me. I am appreciative of the opportunity to read this book early and I will always recommend this series! Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for an advanced copy!
December 11, 2025
4.5 Grilled Cheese Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
I always know when I pick up a Jessica Peterson book that I am going to feel wholesome and stupidly happy, and Duke delivers those exact vibes. There is just something about the cowboys from Lucky River that feels different.
Yes, these Cowboys are rugged and sexy and know how to work with their hands. They can ride a horse and grip "it" tight with their thighs, but they are also the sweetest, softest, most generous and kind-hearted men you have ever met. You can't help but get jealous that these women get to walk off into the sunset with the cowboys because they are the goal of what men should be... and you'll be mad you can't find your own.
Wheeler and Duke meet when they are pushed together because Wheeler is Molly’s best friend and business partner at Bellamy Boots, and Duke is Cash’s younger brother. They hit it off straight away and the sexual attraction is instant, but Duke accidentally reinforces some of her deepest insecurities, and because she's scared, she pushes him away. Still, he sticks around as her friend. Then a work road trip, a snowstorm and one very important trunk show lead to them being snowed in together and their tension hits its peak. One thing leads to another, and a few weeks later, Wheeler finds herself throwing up... only to discover there’s a baby Rivers on the way. The secret gets out quickly, and now Wheeler and Duke have to navigate what this means for their lives, their future, and how to blend a baby into the dreams they both hold.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I saw so much of myself in Wheeler and her insecurities, especially that feeling of never being good enough and never believing that you will achieve anything. Her inner voice hurt to read at times, especially because of how her family made her feel inferior for choosing a different path.. The found family theme in this book hit hard because it shows how powerful it is when the people you choose as family speak louder than the people who raised you. The Lucky Rivers community feels like home, and following these characters from the previous books into this one made Duke moment to shine feel monumental. The brothers, the women, the way everyone shows up for each other, the community that drops anything when someone needs help, it's beautiful. It’s the kind of life you wish for yourself. It just brings a smile to your face no matter what.
And Duke... he is by far my favourite Jessica Peterson MMC. I said Wyatt was my favourite, then Sawyer trumped Wyatt, and now Duke has trumped them all. I still need to read Cash, but Duke is something special. He is the perfect cowboy in every way and also the kindest, softest, most thoughtful gentleman. He understands his feelings, he knows his worth, and he absolutely worships the ground Wheeler walks on. Their love story genuinely feels like friendship tilting into love almost by accident because of their circumstances. The banter between them felt real and genuine, and being together just brings out the best in each of them.
The only thing that stopped this being a full five stars for me is the sheer amount of crying. I know pregnancy is emotional, and this is a massive shock for someone (especially someone not in a relationship and expecting a baby), but after a while it felt like every single scene involved tears. Wheeler cries constantly. Duke cries. Ryder cries. Sawyer and Wyatt cry. Cash is the only one who does not because he is and always remains a professional grump who is only soft for Molly, who probably does not know what tears are. It did not ruin anything, because these are big emotions and overwhelming circumstances, but there were moments where I thought, oh here we go again with the tears.
It might just be because of where I am in my own "cycle", where I am not emotional at all right now, and don't have patience for all the feelings... so it did distract me a little.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Cowboy Romance
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ Found Family
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Accidental Pregnancy
▶ He Falls First, She Falls Harder
▶ Banter
▶ Snowed in
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▷ "Tell me to Stop", "Mine", "Beg Me", "More", "Don't Stop" and "Greedy Girl"
▷ Cooks her food
▷ MMC Wears Glasses
▷ Takes care of her
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
Still, this is a sweet, wholesome, gorgeous story that once again proves Jessica Peterson writes the best cowboys on the market... AND I will die on that hill. Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver, and anyone else writing cowboys can try, but nobody touches the boys of Lucky River Ranch!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for my gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
I always know when I pick up a Jessica Peterson book that I am going to feel wholesome and stupidly happy, and Duke delivers those exact vibes. There is just something about the cowboys from Lucky River that feels different.
Yes, these Cowboys are rugged and sexy and know how to work with their hands. They can ride a horse and grip "it" tight with their thighs, but they are also the sweetest, softest, most generous and kind-hearted men you have ever met. You can't help but get jealous that these women get to walk off into the sunset with the cowboys because they are the goal of what men should be... and you'll be mad you can't find your own.
"You look so fuckin' pretty with my baby inside you."𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Wheeler and Duke meet when they are pushed together because Wheeler is Molly’s best friend and business partner at Bellamy Boots, and Duke is Cash’s younger brother. They hit it off straight away and the sexual attraction is instant, but Duke accidentally reinforces some of her deepest insecurities, and because she's scared, she pushes him away. Still, he sticks around as her friend. Then a work road trip, a snowstorm and one very important trunk show lead to them being snowed in together and their tension hits its peak. One thing leads to another, and a few weeks later, Wheeler finds herself throwing up... only to discover there’s a baby Rivers on the way. The secret gets out quickly, and now Wheeler and Duke have to navigate what this means for their lives, their future, and how to blend a baby into the dreams they both hold.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I saw so much of myself in Wheeler and her insecurities, especially that feeling of never being good enough and never believing that you will achieve anything. Her inner voice hurt to read at times, especially because of how her family made her feel inferior for choosing a different path.. The found family theme in this book hit hard because it shows how powerful it is when the people you choose as family speak louder than the people who raised you. The Lucky Rivers community feels like home, and following these characters from the previous books into this one made Duke moment to shine feel monumental. The brothers, the women, the way everyone shows up for each other, the community that drops anything when someone needs help, it's beautiful. It’s the kind of life you wish for yourself. It just brings a smile to your face no matter what.
And Duke... he is by far my favourite Jessica Peterson MMC. I said Wyatt was my favourite, then Sawyer trumped Wyatt, and now Duke has trumped them all. I still need to read Cash, but Duke is something special. He is the perfect cowboy in every way and also the kindest, softest, most thoughtful gentleman. He understands his feelings, he knows his worth, and he absolutely worships the ground Wheeler walks on. Their love story genuinely feels like friendship tilting into love almost by accident because of their circumstances. The banter between them felt real and genuine, and being together just brings out the best in each of them.
The only thing that stopped this being a full five stars for me is the sheer amount of crying. I know pregnancy is emotional, and this is a massive shock for someone (especially someone not in a relationship and expecting a baby), but after a while it felt like every single scene involved tears. Wheeler cries constantly. Duke cries. Ryder cries. Sawyer and Wyatt cry. Cash is the only one who does not because he is and always remains a professional grump who is only soft for Molly, who probably does not know what tears are. It did not ruin anything, because these are big emotions and overwhelming circumstances, but there were moments where I thought, oh here we go again with the tears.
It might just be because of where I am in my own "cycle", where I am not emotional at all right now, and don't have patience for all the feelings... so it did distract me a little.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Cowboy Romance
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ Found Family
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Accidental Pregnancy
▶ He Falls First, She Falls Harder
▶ Banter
▶ Snowed in
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▷ "Tell me to Stop", "Mine", "Beg Me", "More", "Don't Stop" and "Greedy Girl"
▷ Cooks her food
▷ MMC Wears Glasses
▷ Takes care of her
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
Still, this is a sweet, wholesome, gorgeous story that once again proves Jessica Peterson writes the best cowboys on the market... AND I will die on that hill. Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver, and anyone else writing cowboys can try, but nobody touches the boys of Lucky River Ranch!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for my gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Read
December 6, 2025dnf. honestly, maybe i'll put this in the try again later pile because for now neither duke nor wheeler is really speaking to me and without liking the characters, i can't really get into the plot
December 2, 2025
I have yet to meet a Rivers brother I didn’t like.
What’s not to love about big muscley protective cowboys.
Duke: one of the twins (the babies)
I liked how he had a more worldly personality that seemed to fit with Wheeler
Wheeler: the other half to Bellamy Boots
Little miss independent and spooky of relationships
Black cat x golden retriever vibes
The man is down bad for her from the get go.
Fast forward:
A steamy snowed in cabin weekend and poof we get the accidental baby trope.
Slight controversial topic was a big plot point. Not my favorite.
Arc review ✨
What’s not to love about big muscley protective cowboys.
Duke: one of the twins (the babies)
I liked how he had a more worldly personality that seemed to fit with Wheeler
Wheeler: the other half to Bellamy Boots
Little miss independent and spooky of relationships
Black cat x golden retriever vibes
The man is down bad for her from the get go.
Fast forward:
A steamy snowed in cabin weekend and poof we get the accidental baby trope.
Slight controversial topic was a big plot point. Not my favorite.
Arc review ✨
December 8, 2025
2.5⭐️
this was so boring and vastly underwhelming. i felt like i quite literally couldnt care less what happened to either of them throughout the whole book.
this was so boring and vastly underwhelming. i felt like i quite literally couldnt care less what happened to either of them throughout the whole book.
Read
December 8, 2025Not rating. DNF for a couple reasons. I don’t know where Wheeler went in here; she felt like a different character than who I remember in previous books. She really grated on me, and I was very excited to get to her book. She was spunky and outgoing in the rest of the series and in Duke, she rubbed me the wrong way.
Duke was the saving grace in this book. He was adorable. I loved being back and seeing the progression of the rest of the characters lives. Jessica knows how to write some flirting and spice. Jessica lost me at the biggest trope of the book.
The accidental pregnancy trope was not done well here IMO. I can see where she was intending with showing the difficulties real couples face when making decisions with a baby, but this went on too long for there not to be some sort of trigger warning or heads up. I genuinely didn’t know which way this was going to go, and that may be triggering for many readers. I also felt like it was very unprofessional and icky the entire conversation with the physician and her assistant (nurse or MA) essentially hitting on Duke? It gave me so much ick as a medical professional myself. Never ok. Especially with the topics that were being handled.
I’m still torn on whether I will be continuing the series or not.
Duke was the saving grace in this book. He was adorable. I loved being back and seeing the progression of the rest of the characters lives. Jessica knows how to write some flirting and spice. Jessica lost me at the biggest trope of the book.
The accidental pregnancy trope was not done well here IMO. I can see where she was intending with showing the difficulties real couples face when making decisions with a baby, but this went on too long for there not to be some sort of trigger warning or heads up. I genuinely didn’t know which way this was going to go, and that may be triggering for many readers. I also felt like it was very unprofessional and icky the entire conversation with the physician and her assistant (nurse or MA) essentially hitting on Duke? It gave me so much ick as a medical professional myself. Never ok. Especially with the topics that were being handled.
I’m still torn on whether I will be continuing the series or not.
November 30, 2025
This was such a sweet story and so beautifully written! We obviously ATE UP returning to Lucky River Ranch and the family we adore. From broody cowboys who are down bad for their women to the lighthearted moments of horsing around, this series nails the found-family vibe every single time.
The accidental pregnancy trope was handled in a really unique and thoughtful way, too. It felt fresh, heartfelt, and full of care.
The accidental pregnancy trope was handled in a really unique and thoughtful way, too. It felt fresh, heartfelt, and full of care.
October 26, 2025
Duke by Jessica Peterson
Arc from bloom books
Release date: Dec 2nd 2025
-the author’s note 🥹 yeehaw 🤠
-I love this family and small town so much can I please live there and find my cowboy 😩😭
-Duke sounds so hot and rugged yes sir
-it’s so sad her family doesn’t believe in her
-the way Duke describes her and their connection is undeniable, also I need to know what perfume she wears lol 🥥🌴
-Wheeler having her guard up is so valid I get it but also she can’t stop her attraction which I also get lol 🤪
-this trip to Aspen is making want to go on a road trip
-their flirty banter has me giddy
-I want to be Snowed in with Duke 👀🥵the spice is chefs kiss 💋
-Duke is so caring and thoughtful 🥰I love that Wheeler is learning to let herself be taken care of in this relationship, it’s so beautiful and healing
-I love Duke and Wheeler so much I ate this book up wow
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arc from bloom books
Release date: Dec 2nd 2025
-the author’s note 🥹 yeehaw 🤠
-I love this family and small town so much can I please live there and find my cowboy 😩😭
-Duke sounds so hot and rugged yes sir
-it’s so sad her family doesn’t believe in her
-the way Duke describes her and their connection is undeniable, also I need to know what perfume she wears lol 🥥🌴
-Wheeler having her guard up is so valid I get it but also she can’t stop her attraction which I also get lol 🤪
-this trip to Aspen is making want to go on a road trip
-their flirty banter has me giddy
-I want to be Snowed in with Duke 👀🥵the spice is chefs kiss 💋
-Duke is so caring and thoughtful 🥰I love that Wheeler is learning to let herself be taken care of in this relationship, it’s so beautiful and healing
-I love Duke and Wheeler so much I ate this book up wow
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Want to read
April 19, 2025i haven’t read these, but i’m ready for this. 🌚
December 2, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
💙Cowboy Romance
🔥Black Cat Heroine
💙Blue Collar Cowboy
🔥CityGirl / Country Boy
💙Forced Proximity
🔥Cozy Cabin Vibes
💙Snowed-in
🔥Surprise Pregnancy
💙Dual First Person POV
Welcome back to Lucky River Ranch, where the cowboys are hot and gentlemen. Words I would use to describe this book are: fun, funny flirty, spicy, hopeful, trusting, self worth, and dreams. You will go through the gambit of emotions reading this one. Duke is the perfect golden retriever mmc, he’s a cowboy who wears Stetsons, but can rock a baseball hat. He wears a$$ hugging Wrangler jeans and occasionally glasses. His enthusiasm is contagious and I couldn’t help but smile. He has a sense of wanderlust and dreams of traveling. Wheeler, first awesome name, she’s smart, driven, but struggles with self worth. They meet on her first visit to Rivers ranch the day Mollie makes her proposal to merge Lucky and Rivers ranch. When Cash proposes, they decide to celebrate and go to the Rattler. Wheeler wants a cowboy for the night and to have some fun. She is drawn to Duke and his southern gentlemen charm. They play darts, flirt, and talk. When it’s clear Duke doesn’t want to take her home, but to get to know her more, she bolts. Over the next few months she keeps him at a distance. She doesn’t like letting anyone close, because they’ll see the real her and leave. After a steamy snowed-in weekend in Aspen she pushes him away again. A few weeks later shes gets some shocking news, she’s pregnant. She freaks out and goes back to Dallas to think things through before talking to Duke. She doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps and marry the guy that got her pregnant When Cash lets it slip, Duke races to Dallas to see for himself that she’s ok. He takes her back to his cottage on the ranch so he can take care of her. She’s been talking with Mollie and he’s been talking with Ryder and they realize that they wouldn’t be losing their freedom. It will just look different if they have the baby. Like I mentioned, you’ll go through the gambit of emotions in this one, but the biggest ones are love and hope. Duke, ever the optimist, helps Wheeler to have hope and love herself. Together, they make each other’s dreams come true. They’re are plenty of sweet moments and lots spicy ones. I loved how everyone’s story overlaps here and there. And how you get to see their big moments from Duke and Wheeler’s perspective.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the arc. After that epilogue I’m looking forward to reading Ryder’s story.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“He’s smart and he’s kind and he’s handsome as all get out, and because of that, he makes me stupid.”
“You’re gonna sit on my d* €k, and I’m gonna play with that pretty little c* nt while you ride me.”
“I wanna feed you, Blue. But I also wanna f* €k you.”
“I will not let your hot mechanic look distract me. I have a surprise for you.”
I gesture to the front of my Wranglers. “And I have one for you.”
“Never soon enough when it comes to you.”
3🌶️
💙Cowboy Romance
🔥Black Cat Heroine
💙Blue Collar Cowboy
🔥CityGirl / Country Boy
💙Forced Proximity
🔥Cozy Cabin Vibes
💙Snowed-in
🔥Surprise Pregnancy
💙Dual First Person POV
Welcome back to Lucky River Ranch, where the cowboys are hot and gentlemen. Words I would use to describe this book are: fun, funny flirty, spicy, hopeful, trusting, self worth, and dreams. You will go through the gambit of emotions reading this one. Duke is the perfect golden retriever mmc, he’s a cowboy who wears Stetsons, but can rock a baseball hat. He wears a$$ hugging Wrangler jeans and occasionally glasses. His enthusiasm is contagious and I couldn’t help but smile. He has a sense of wanderlust and dreams of traveling. Wheeler, first awesome name, she’s smart, driven, but struggles with self worth. They meet on her first visit to Rivers ranch the day Mollie makes her proposal to merge Lucky and Rivers ranch. When Cash proposes, they decide to celebrate and go to the Rattler. Wheeler wants a cowboy for the night and to have some fun. She is drawn to Duke and his southern gentlemen charm. They play darts, flirt, and talk. When it’s clear Duke doesn’t want to take her home, but to get to know her more, she bolts. Over the next few months she keeps him at a distance. She doesn’t like letting anyone close, because they’ll see the real her and leave. After a steamy snowed-in weekend in Aspen she pushes him away again. A few weeks later shes gets some shocking news, she’s pregnant. She freaks out and goes back to Dallas to think things through before talking to Duke. She doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps and marry the guy that got her pregnant When Cash lets it slip, Duke races to Dallas to see for himself that she’s ok. He takes her back to his cottage on the ranch so he can take care of her. She’s been talking with Mollie and he’s been talking with Ryder and they realize that they wouldn’t be losing their freedom. It will just look different if they have the baby. Like I mentioned, you’ll go through the gambit of emotions in this one, but the biggest ones are love and hope. Duke, ever the optimist, helps Wheeler to have hope and love herself. Together, they make each other’s dreams come true. They’re are plenty of sweet moments and lots spicy ones. I loved how everyone’s story overlaps here and there. And how you get to see their big moments from Duke and Wheeler’s perspective.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the arc. After that epilogue I’m looking forward to reading Ryder’s story.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“He’s smart and he’s kind and he’s handsome as all get out, and because of that, he makes me stupid.”
“You’re gonna sit on my d* €k, and I’m gonna play with that pretty little c* nt while you ride me.”
“I wanna feed you, Blue. But I also wanna f* €k you.”
“I will not let your hot mechanic look distract me. I have a surprise for you.”
I gesture to the front of my Wranglers. “And I have one for you.”
“Never soon enough when it comes to you.”
Read
December 5, 2025RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧Audiobook Review
For everyone that knows I’m not an accidental pregnancy kind of girlie, let me tell you that this one, this one has made me change my mind.
I love Duke and Wheeler. love them with my whole heart.
This is just such a good story that really told both the highs and the lows of accidentally pregnancy… but it also showed me that Duke and Wheeler, they were going to be endgame either way
Also how dare this man not exist in real life. It’s a CRIME. He should be real.
And, who knew spicy time in a u haul could be such a turn on.
✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Country Boy x City Girl
✨ He Falls First
✨ Snowed in/ Just this once
✨ Accidental Pregnancy
I loved everything about Duke and Wheelers story. Jessica always finds a way to make me see myself in her heroines and Wheeler. Well I just need a seat next to her on the hot mess express, because girl I have been my own worse enemy before and yeah, that hit me right in the feels. But it also made me want the hot cowboy and even hotter spicy time those two had together.
And Duke.. this man is just a dream. So sensitive, so confident and just so sure that he wants Wheeler. I couldn’t put this book down because their chemistry and tension had me hooked.
This man is acts of service above all else and I love that for him.
Ans let me just tell you listening to them… omg the emotions just leapt off the page. Definitely added to the story.
Basically I love this family so much, I never want to say goodbye to them and I would like to take a trip to lucky River ranch.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧Audiobook Review
For everyone that knows I’m not an accidental pregnancy kind of girlie, let me tell you that this one, this one has made me change my mind.
I love Duke and Wheeler. love them with my whole heart.
This is just such a good story that really told both the highs and the lows of accidentally pregnancy… but it also showed me that Duke and Wheeler, they were going to be endgame either way
Also how dare this man not exist in real life. It’s a CRIME. He should be real.
And, who knew spicy time in a u haul could be such a turn on.
✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Country Boy x City Girl
✨ He Falls First
✨ Snowed in/ Just this once
✨ Accidental Pregnancy
I loved everything about Duke and Wheelers story. Jessica always finds a way to make me see myself in her heroines and Wheeler. Well I just need a seat next to her on the hot mess express, because girl I have been my own worse enemy before and yeah, that hit me right in the feels. But it also made me want the hot cowboy and even hotter spicy time those two had together.
And Duke.. this man is just a dream. So sensitive, so confident and just so sure that he wants Wheeler. I couldn’t put this book down because their chemistry and tension had me hooked.
This man is acts of service above all else and I love that for him.
Ans let me just tell you listening to them… omg the emotions just leapt off the page. Definitely added to the story.
Basically I love this family so much, I never want to say goodbye to them and I would like to take a trip to lucky River ranch.
December 5, 2025
"Duke" by Jessica Peterson takes the accidental pregnancy trope and makes it its own unique thing. I really appreciate what Peterson did with the two main characters, Wheeler and Duke, and the conversations they have around whether or not they want to have their baby. There is no drama, there is no upset, there is no forcing, just two mature adults who rationally come together to make the best decision possible for everyone involved. If someone who *doesn't like* the accidental pregnancy trope can say this (AKA ME), you know a book is well-written! I loved the connection between Wheeler and Duke! The forced proximity aspect between them early on made me squee with delight. I loved their banter and instant chemistry with one another. And the man YEARNS for her?? He is so kind and so patient, always giving her space to be herself, to process things, to wait for her to come around. And Wheeler, wow, she is endlessly relatable. She doesn't want to get too involved because she's seen how it goes when it all goes badly. The family drama in this is A+, well-rounded and very fleshed out, and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the "work" aspect of the story, how Wheeler doesn't want to compromise what she wants/her company and job just because she also wants to have a baby. It's such a good balance of themes and plot points! And of course, we cannot forget the spice. Yeeeeeeeeeeeesh, it's so good. :) All around, another wonderful addition to this stellar series!
Thank you to Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Thank you to Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
December 30, 2025
Duke is book 4 in the Lucky River Ranch series by Jessica Peterson. This is a small town, cowboy romance series that has been fun. This book is a friends to lovers and accidental pregnancy romance.
Duke is one of the brothers that the series has been following and we see his brothers throughout the series. Wheeler runs a boot design business with her best friend Molly (the heroine of Cash) and comes to visit. Her and Duke really connect, they hit it off and become fast friends while also sharing a hot night together (only one bed, snowed in moment). Cut to a few weeks later and Wheeler realizes she’s pregnant from their time together. Duke is all-in right from the start and these two together were just sweet and cute. Wheeler didn’t have a great family (specifically her father in her life) and so it was nice seeing her have this found family here.
This was quick and fun, especially if you enjoy an accidental pregnancy plot. Cash is still my favorite in this series so it was fun seeing so much of the couple of that book in this one.
Duke is one of the brothers that the series has been following and we see his brothers throughout the series. Wheeler runs a boot design business with her best friend Molly (the heroine of Cash) and comes to visit. Her and Duke really connect, they hit it off and become fast friends while also sharing a hot night together (only one bed, snowed in moment). Cut to a few weeks later and Wheeler realizes she’s pregnant from their time together. Duke is all-in right from the start and these two together were just sweet and cute. Wheeler didn’t have a great family (specifically her father in her life) and so it was nice seeing her have this found family here.
This was quick and fun, especially if you enjoy an accidental pregnancy plot. Cash is still my favorite in this series so it was fun seeing so much of the couple of that book in this one.
December 2, 2025
Thank you Bloom for the gifted paperback ARC & Valentine PR for the gifted eARC
I already knew going into this that I was going to love it but Duke Rivers just blew all of my expectations away! To quote my girl Taylor… he knew what he wanted and boy he got her!
Duke is the Rivers brother that always dreamed bigger than his life on the ranch. Wheeler also has big dreams of taking her and Molly’s company, Bellamy Brooks, to the higher level. They are very similar in that sense. Until one night they are snowed in and it changes everything.
Jessica really dives into some hard topics in this one. She didn’t shy away from Wheeler and Duke deciding what they wanted to do about their situation. I loved that Duke never tried to sway Wheeler’s decision one way or the other and he was so supportive of her throughout their whole journey.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🤠 Friends to Lovers
❄️ Surprise Pregnancy
🤠 He Falls First & Harder
❄️ Snowed In
I already knew going into this that I was going to love it but Duke Rivers just blew all of my expectations away! To quote my girl Taylor… he knew what he wanted and boy he got her!
Duke is the Rivers brother that always dreamed bigger than his life on the ranch. Wheeler also has big dreams of taking her and Molly’s company, Bellamy Brooks, to the higher level. They are very similar in that sense. Until one night they are snowed in and it changes everything.
Jessica really dives into some hard topics in this one. She didn’t shy away from Wheeler and Duke deciding what they wanted to do about their situation. I loved that Duke never tried to sway Wheeler’s decision one way or the other and he was so supportive of her throughout their whole journey.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🤠 Friends to Lovers
❄️ Surprise Pregnancy
🤠 He Falls First & Harder
❄️ Snowed In
November 30, 2025
This was by far my least favorite of the series. I generally don’t care for accidental pregnancy to begin with, but I didn’t want to skip one in the series. Aside from that dislike, I had quite a few issues with the storyline. I don’t like when we get a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man, but when she does get one and is so clearly head over heels, yet still stands in her own way of being truly happy.
The pregnancy doesn’t happen until well into the book, like halfway almost, and then the rest of the book is them contemplating if they’re going to keep or terminate (which is a totally valid and important decision to make, but I feel like it dragged—we don’t get an answer until the end!), and if they’re going to be a couple or stay “friends”. The epilogue should’ve been part of the main story, in my opinion.
Duke was a sweet, smitten cowboy, but I was disappointed overall.
The pregnancy doesn’t happen until well into the book, like halfway almost, and then the rest of the book is them contemplating if they’re going to keep or terminate (which is a totally valid and important decision to make, but I feel like it dragged—we don’t get an answer until the end!), and if they’re going to be a couple or stay “friends”. The epilogue should’ve been part of the main story, in my opinion.
Duke was a sweet, smitten cowboy, but I was disappointed overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Duke really surprised me with how soft and genuinely sweet the hero turned out to be. He’s confident, charming, and steady without slipping into that broody, grumpy-alpha lane, which was such a refreshing change. The romance feels easy but still emotional — there’s attraction right away, but also this warm, grounding connection that grows naturally as they open up to each other.
I loved watching both of them work through their baggage without unnecessary drama dragging things out. The story leans more into heart and healing than chaos, and it made their relationship feel earned. A couple of plot beats were predictable, but the emotional payoff and chemistry easily carried it.
I loved watching both of them work through their baggage without unnecessary drama dragging things out. The story leans more into heart and healing than chaos, and it made their relationship feel earned. A couple of plot beats were predictable, but the emotional payoff and chemistry easily carried it.
November 26, 2025
4.5🌟, 3🌶️
Something about small town romances hits different and this one hooked me right away.
Duke and Wheeler have that perfect friends to lovers pull where everyone can see how good they are together long before they admit it. Their chemistry is strong, but it is the way they soften around each other that gives the story its real magic. When they stop overthinking and let themselves feel, everything settles into a warmth that feels completely genuine.
The story keeps a tight focus. Small town ranch life, found family comfort, a loyal group of brothers, and an unexpected pregnancy that brings buried fears to the surface. Duke is steady, rugged, and quietly intense in a way that made me melt, especially with how he shows up for Wheeler without hesitation. Wheeler is funny, guarded, ambitious, and hiding more hurt than she lets on. Watching her slowly trust that love can be gentle made her side of the romance feel beautifully vulnerable.
The supporting characters make the world feel full and lived in, especially the Rivers family who wrap themselves around the people they love. Duke's bond with his twin adds extra tenderness, and Wheeler's path toward believing she deserves something real gives the story its emotional weight.
If you want a romance that feels tender, steady, and full of emotion, this is the one to pick up.
~~~~
Thank you, Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Something about small town romances hits different and this one hooked me right away.
Duke and Wheeler have that perfect friends to lovers pull where everyone can see how good they are together long before they admit it. Their chemistry is strong, but it is the way they soften around each other that gives the story its real magic. When they stop overthinking and let themselves feel, everything settles into a warmth that feels completely genuine.
The story keeps a tight focus. Small town ranch life, found family comfort, a loyal group of brothers, and an unexpected pregnancy that brings buried fears to the surface. Duke is steady, rugged, and quietly intense in a way that made me melt, especially with how he shows up for Wheeler without hesitation. Wheeler is funny, guarded, ambitious, and hiding more hurt than she lets on. Watching her slowly trust that love can be gentle made her side of the romance feel beautifully vulnerable.
The supporting characters make the world feel full and lived in, especially the Rivers family who wrap themselves around the people they love. Duke's bond with his twin adds extra tenderness, and Wheeler's path toward believing she deserves something real gives the story its emotional weight.
If you want a romance that feels tender, steady, and full of emotion, this is the one to pick up.
~~~~
Thank you, Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
December 6, 2025
This is my least favorite book of the series, and that’s sad because I really wanted to enjoy it.
I don’t have bias against the accidental pregnancy trope. I’ve read it before, and it was fine. Of course they’re going to mention abortion because 🙄
My issue with this book is that 90% of the book is Duke and Wheeler decided if they should or should not murder their baby. And before you say “it’s a fetus” or “clump of cells” they CONSISTENTLY referred to it as a baby the entire time they were “deciding”. I am also surprised (and maybe I shouldn’t be) that no one in their family in TEXAS had any issues with this? And the OBGYN rolled her eyes over abortion law? I doubt it.
Not to mention that these people are financially stable, 27 year olds. Play certain games, win certain prizes. Murder isn’t an answer to your inconvenience. I could go on and on about this.
Anyway. The pacing was terrible. I wanted to see how they interact when the baby comes. Also, Wheeler needs more therapy than she is currently undergoing.
I don’t have bias against the accidental pregnancy trope. I’ve read it before, and it was fine. Of course they’re going to mention abortion because 🙄
My issue with this book is that 90% of the book is Duke and Wheeler decided if they should or should not murder their baby. And before you say “it’s a fetus” or “clump of cells” they CONSISTENTLY referred to it as a baby the entire time they were “deciding”. I am also surprised (and maybe I shouldn’t be) that no one in their family in TEXAS had any issues with this? And the OBGYN rolled her eyes over abortion law? I doubt it.
Not to mention that these people are financially stable, 27 year olds. Play certain games, win certain prizes. Murder isn’t an answer to your inconvenience. I could go on and on about this.
Anyway. The pacing was terrible. I wanted to see how they interact when the baby comes. Also, Wheeler needs more therapy than she is currently undergoing.
December 2, 2025
Duke is the most golden retriever, green flag cowboy to grace the pages of a book. He had me swooning and wishing for a handsome cowboy like him for myself the entire time. I've also adored Wheeler since we met her in book one and I'm so happy we finally have her story.
Duke and Wheeler had undeniable instant chemistry. Duke fell hard and fast, but Wheeler wasn't quite ready for real love. Duke was so persistent with showing her support through friendship while completely pinning after her in silence until they reached their tension breaking point while snowed in together in Aspen.
I love all the couple in this series, but Duke and Wheeler quickly and easily became my favorite couple of this series. I love the friendship they formed and continued to have throughout the book. I also loved that Jessica included the deeper conversations regarding their accidental pregnancy in the book and both Duke and Wheeler's willingness to have those deep and hard conversations. I know accidental pregnancy is a controversial trope, but Jessica did it so well in this book that I think even non fans of the trope would enjoy this one.
I loved every minute of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Duke and Wheeler were perfect for each other and I love their little family. Now I can't wait for Ryder's story and the last book of the series!
Duke and Wheeler had undeniable instant chemistry. Duke fell hard and fast, but Wheeler wasn't quite ready for real love. Duke was so persistent with showing her support through friendship while completely pinning after her in silence until they reached their tension breaking point while snowed in together in Aspen.
I love all the couple in this series, but Duke and Wheeler quickly and easily became my favorite couple of this series. I love the friendship they formed and continued to have throughout the book. I also loved that Jessica included the deeper conversations regarding their accidental pregnancy in the book and both Duke and Wheeler's willingness to have those deep and hard conversations. I know accidental pregnancy is a controversial trope, but Jessica did it so well in this book that I think even non fans of the trope would enjoy this one.
I loved every minute of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Duke and Wheeler were perfect for each other and I love their little family. Now I can't wait for Ryder's story and the last book of the series!
November 29, 2025
Jessica Peterson knocks it out of the park again.
Number 4 in the Lucky River Ranch series, we follow Duke in his own standalone.
Since we first met Wheeler, I knew she threw out main character energy and I'm SO glad she is the love interest.
Now, accidental pregnancy is NOT my favorite trope, but this series has just captured my heart and managed to make me love every minute of their "mistake"
This series has singlehandedly gotten me into cowboy romances, and I'll never look back!
Thank you to Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for a copy, it comes out December 2nd and is the perfect addition to the series!
Number 4 in the Lucky River Ranch series, we follow Duke in his own standalone.
Since we first met Wheeler, I knew she threw out main character energy and I'm SO glad she is the love interest.
Now, accidental pregnancy is NOT my favorite trope, but this series has just captured my heart and managed to make me love every minute of their "mistake"
This series has singlehandedly gotten me into cowboy romances, and I'll never look back!
Thank you to Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for a copy, it comes out December 2nd and is the perfect addition to the series!
December 10, 2025
I really do love these cowboys man. There is something about them that just makes you smile (except for maybe Cash who makes you laugh at his grumpiness). And while I did love Duke, this book fell a teeny bit flat compared to the other ones for me. I read through a few other reviews and agree completely with their comments. I was really looking forward to Wheeler and Duke's story. You could feel their chemistry from the word go. And while I appreciate Wheeler's hesitation to be scared- realizing that she ghosted our main man and then is still in her head about being with him at 60% was a bit challenging. But god love him Duke hung on. The man was beyond patient. He knew she was his forever person and was trying to let her know how he could that he wasn't going anywhere. Once Wheeler was in though I LOVED this story. Her grand gesture for Duke was super sweet. And can we talk about how much of a sweet, sweet man Duke was. What a protector. What a supporter. What a wonderful man. He was exactly what Wheeler needed. And watching Wheeler blossom under him and shed her terrible self confidence to become comfortable in her skin was very rewarding. Because she deserved to be loved, she just needed a nudge to recognize that.
Wheeler's life is a bit of a mess. Wheeler is a bit of a mess, at least that's what she thinks. This is why she has thrown herself into her job. Into her dream of being a cowboy boot dynasty. And she and Mollie are on their way. But then she meets Duke Rivers. Mollie's future brother in law. The cowboy that Wheeler wants but doesn't think she can have. She has convinced herself that a relationship is not for her. Her dad and her brother's bad thoughts of her have never left her head, and she feels like why invest when everyone will leave her anyway. But Duke seems different. From the first night she meets him, he is different. He makes her want things. Things she knows she shouldn't want. So she hides from him. She keeps her head down she works. Until he invites himself on a roadtrip with her and then she can't fit her feelings anymore. And letting her hair down with Duke is freeing. They have the best chemistry in all the ways. But this was just a weekend. It can't go anywhere. Until she comes home pregnant and realizes that she might be throwing away a good thing with Duke before she ever really gets to experience it. Of course she is scared. This is all so unknown. But maybe she can be scared with him than scared alone. Maybe he could be her person. Maybe.
Duke feels like he has been chasing something his whole life. But he hasn't found what it is. He likes ranching just fine, but then he meets Wheeler. Wheeler who is going places. Wheeler who feels like a breath of fresh air. Wheeler who captivates him with her whit and smarts and how beautiful she is. But then something he says scares her. But he realizes that he is going to bid his time because he feels like they are inevitable. It's not an if but a when. And then he gets his opening. A roadtrip with a snow storm. Where they finally clash. And it's unlike anything he has experienced. It's freeing. It's wild. It's everything, but then Wheeler makes it clear that while it meant something it can't go anywhere. Duke doesn't know what to do but then the universe steps in. Wheeler is pregnant. Wheeler is pregnant with his baby. He is terrified but knows that he needs to see her. He needs to make sure she is ok. And the more he is around her, the more she starts to lower his walls. The more he sees the future with them together as a family. So when he asks her out again and she says yes, it's like all of his future plans now orient around her. Because she is his endgame.
One other thing I had a hard time with in general was the pacing. It felt a little all over the place to me. And when the bad interaction with Wheeler's family happened towards the end, I was confused on the why that was added? Over all though the found family in this made me smile. Duke and Wheeler at the end made me smile. Him getting his dream girl made me smile :) I am really looking forward to Ryder's book and am HOPING that all of these hints about the Wallace family and there being 5 kids means we are going to their ranch next??? Anyone else think that? Anywho if you haven't read these cowboys yet do it! They are sweet and spicy and all have the dirtiest mouths and treat their women like queens :)
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Wheeler's life is a bit of a mess. Wheeler is a bit of a mess, at least that's what she thinks. This is why she has thrown herself into her job. Into her dream of being a cowboy boot dynasty. And she and Mollie are on their way. But then she meets Duke Rivers. Mollie's future brother in law. The cowboy that Wheeler wants but doesn't think she can have. She has convinced herself that a relationship is not for her. Her dad and her brother's bad thoughts of her have never left her head, and she feels like why invest when everyone will leave her anyway. But Duke seems different. From the first night she meets him, he is different. He makes her want things. Things she knows she shouldn't want. So she hides from him. She keeps her head down she works. Until he invites himself on a roadtrip with her and then she can't fit her feelings anymore. And letting her hair down with Duke is freeing. They have the best chemistry in all the ways. But this was just a weekend. It can't go anywhere. Until she comes home pregnant and realizes that she might be throwing away a good thing with Duke before she ever really gets to experience it. Of course she is scared. This is all so unknown. But maybe she can be scared with him than scared alone. Maybe he could be her person. Maybe.
Duke feels like he has been chasing something his whole life. But he hasn't found what it is. He likes ranching just fine, but then he meets Wheeler. Wheeler who is going places. Wheeler who feels like a breath of fresh air. Wheeler who captivates him with her whit and smarts and how beautiful she is. But then something he says scares her. But he realizes that he is going to bid his time because he feels like they are inevitable. It's not an if but a when. And then he gets his opening. A roadtrip with a snow storm. Where they finally clash. And it's unlike anything he has experienced. It's freeing. It's wild. It's everything, but then Wheeler makes it clear that while it meant something it can't go anywhere. Duke doesn't know what to do but then the universe steps in. Wheeler is pregnant. Wheeler is pregnant with his baby. He is terrified but knows that he needs to see her. He needs to make sure she is ok. And the more he is around her, the more she starts to lower his walls. The more he sees the future with them together as a family. So when he asks her out again and she says yes, it's like all of his future plans now orient around her. Because she is his endgame.
One other thing I had a hard time with in general was the pacing. It felt a little all over the place to me. And when the bad interaction with Wheeler's family happened towards the end, I was confused on the why that was added? Over all though the found family in this made me smile. Duke and Wheeler at the end made me smile. Him getting his dream girl made me smile :) I am really looking forward to Ryder's book and am HOPING that all of these hints about the Wallace family and there being 5 kids means we are going to their ranch next??? Anyone else think that? Anywho if you haven't read these cowboys yet do it! They are sweet and spicy and all have the dirtiest mouths and treat their women like queens :)
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 2, 2025
happy release day to my beloveds 😭😭 (i still cannot believe i get to spend release day w/ jessica in orlando later im geeking truly)
i’ve said it three times now and ill say it a fourth, this is without a doubt the best damn cowboy series i have ever read and sorry to the other rivers but duke is the best damn one yet 😭.
this book was so much fun from start to finish for me, i LOVED the way the book starts and how we pick up at THE family dinner for cash and mollie and then seamlessly transition into duke and wheelers. the amount of flirting that these two did in the first two chapters had me absolutely losing my mind in the best way possible.
the yearning that occurred on both ends all through out this book was SO palpable that when they had their final “fuck it” moment everything felt so insanely intense and i have yet to go a day since reading this without thinking about it.
i have been on my knees waiting for wheelers time to shine ever since meeting her in book one, i dont know what it is about this woman (yes i do), but i have been and always will be down BAD for her. it was quite heartbreaking honestly to finally get in her head and hear the way she thinks about herself after months of thinking shes just the kindest, coolest bad ass fmc (she still is, always will be). however sad it made me feel for her it made watching her open herself up to the idea of duke that much more sweet 🥹.
this was truly the best accidental pregnancy trope i have ever read, i will admit i am a SUCKER for this trope to begin with but this book is without a doubt the BEST i have read to date. i really loved how real jessica made the deciding factor of whether or not they would keep the baby felt. i would get so sucked into the story and the emotions that it felt like EYE was the one making the decision lol. while getting to watch wheeler and duke slowly fall for each other i think i loved watching them fall in love with the idea of going through with the pregnancy just a little bit more, it was beyond sweet 😭
there was quite literally nothing i didnt love about this book, every moment spent in these twos orbit was just *chefs kiss*. i will never be able to get over them ever😩
i’ve said it three times now and ill say it a fourth, this is without a doubt the best damn cowboy series i have ever read and sorry to the other rivers but duke is the best damn one yet 😭.
this book was so much fun from start to finish for me, i LOVED the way the book starts and how we pick up at THE family dinner for cash and mollie and then seamlessly transition into duke and wheelers. the amount of flirting that these two did in the first two chapters had me absolutely losing my mind in the best way possible.
the yearning that occurred on both ends all through out this book was SO palpable that when they had their final “fuck it” moment everything felt so insanely intense and i have yet to go a day since reading this without thinking about it.
i have been on my knees waiting for wheelers time to shine ever since meeting her in book one, i dont know what it is about this woman (yes i do), but i have been and always will be down BAD for her. it was quite heartbreaking honestly to finally get in her head and hear the way she thinks about herself after months of thinking shes just the kindest, coolest bad ass fmc (she still is, always will be). however sad it made me feel for her it made watching her open herself up to the idea of duke that much more sweet 🥹.
this was truly the best accidental pregnancy trope i have ever read, i will admit i am a SUCKER for this trope to begin with but this book is without a doubt the BEST i have read to date. i really loved how real jessica made the deciding factor of whether or not they would keep the baby felt. i would get so sucked into the story and the emotions that it felt like EYE was the one making the decision lol. while getting to watch wheeler and duke slowly fall for each other i think i loved watching them fall in love with the idea of going through with the pregnancy just a little bit more, it was beyond sweet 😭
there was quite literally nothing i didnt love about this book, every moment spent in these twos orbit was just *chefs kiss*. i will never be able to get over them ever😩
December 9, 2025
She did it again! Jessica did such an amazing job with Duke and honestly, I feel like she outdoes herself with each new book in this series.
I loved Wheeler when we first met her in Cash and I love her even more after reading Duke. She was intelligent, independent, funny and such a great friend. I loved how she decided against the career her family wanted for her and chose to start Bellamy Brooks with Mollie. I felt bad for how her family treated her and I just wanted to give her a hug. I love when she allowed Duke to slowly break down her walls and get to know her.
Duke is the ultimate green flag book boyfriend AND cowboy! Wow, this man was literally perfect. He was sweet, smart, attentive, respectful and just all the things. I loved the fact that he loved his brothers and family so hard. While he loved being a cowboy he also wanted to be able to travel. After finding out that Wheeler was pregnant, he was so supportive and made sure she knew he would be there for her no matter what.
I loved Duke and Wheeler together. They both just needed each other at the time and I loved how they started a friendship. I was so happy when Wheeler started to accept the fact that she was worthy of love and allowed Duke to show her how much he cared for her. Their chemistry was also off the charts and the spice was top-tier.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Jessica took one of my favorite tropes, accidental pregnancy, and made it feel very realistic and authentic. Wheeler and Duke didn’t take the decision of whether to keep their baby or not lightly. I love that we got more of the Rivers family. They were also a big part of the story and just made it feel complete. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could and would 1,000% recommend it! If you love a cowboy, small town, found family, accidental pregnancy romance, this is for you!
Thank you so much Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the ARC for an honest review!
I loved Wheeler when we first met her in Cash and I love her even more after reading Duke. She was intelligent, independent, funny and such a great friend. I loved how she decided against the career her family wanted for her and chose to start Bellamy Brooks with Mollie. I felt bad for how her family treated her and I just wanted to give her a hug. I love when she allowed Duke to slowly break down her walls and get to know her.
Duke is the ultimate green flag book boyfriend AND cowboy! Wow, this man was literally perfect. He was sweet, smart, attentive, respectful and just all the things. I loved the fact that he loved his brothers and family so hard. While he loved being a cowboy he also wanted to be able to travel. After finding out that Wheeler was pregnant, he was so supportive and made sure she knew he would be there for her no matter what.
I loved Duke and Wheeler together. They both just needed each other at the time and I loved how they started a friendship. I was so happy when Wheeler started to accept the fact that she was worthy of love and allowed Duke to show her how much he cared for her. Their chemistry was also off the charts and the spice was top-tier.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Jessica took one of my favorite tropes, accidental pregnancy, and made it feel very realistic and authentic. Wheeler and Duke didn’t take the decision of whether to keep their baby or not lightly. I love that we got more of the Rivers family. They were also a big part of the story and just made it feel complete. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could and would 1,000% recommend it! If you love a cowboy, small town, found family, accidental pregnancy romance, this is for you!
Thank you so much Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the ARC for an honest review!
November 21, 2025
DISCLAIMER: I ARC read this book
JESSICA??? YOU REALLY HAD TO LET ME READ THIS BOOK WHILE IM OVULATING???
Okay but seriously I think this is my favorite book of the series. I LOVED Duke and Wheeler. I know people don’t like the pregnancy trope, but I love it and I feel like this book did it justice.
Even though this story is an accidental pregnancy, I don’t feel like that is the main struggle that Wheeler has. Thank you Jessica for writing a character who struggles with self doubt because of familial trauma. It was so healing to read. Seeing Duke step up for Wheeler, not because she can’t do it herself, but because he values and loves her, was so healing for me.
I loved Wheeler and Duke and I can’t wait for everyone to experience them ❤️
JESSICA??? YOU REALLY HAD TO LET ME READ THIS BOOK WHILE IM OVULATING???
Okay but seriously I think this is my favorite book of the series. I LOVED Duke and Wheeler. I know people don’t like the pregnancy trope, but I love it and I feel like this book did it justice.
Even though this story is an accidental pregnancy, I don’t feel like that is the main struggle that Wheeler has. Thank you Jessica for writing a character who struggles with self doubt because of familial trauma. It was so healing to read. Seeing Duke step up for Wheeler, not because she can’t do it herself, but because he values and loves her, was so healing for me.
I loved Wheeler and Duke and I can’t wait for everyone to experience them ❤️
December 2, 2025
I have such mixed feelings on this one and not going to lie, I’m real sad about it! I have LOVED this series and continue to love it, however this one was a bit of a miss for me unfortunately.
I was SO excited for this after how the last book ended and the breadcrumbs we were fed. The chemistry between these two was so good, the banter top tier, the forced proximity… it was all there but it just didn’t pull together for me.
Duke was so down bad for Wheeler and I loved the way he was with her. The support, patience and absolute adoration he had for her was perfection. I just wish he got more of that back from her. I struggled with her for a lot of this book and wish we got more from her character. Let’s be honest, Millie was the true hero here when it came to Wheeler.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the pacing. It’s marketed as accidental pregnancy (which is one of my FAVE tropes to read!) however they were still discussing abortion at 65% and the ending felt abrupt and left me wanting so much more from the story. There were also a lot of formatting issues that took me out of the story.
I adored Ryder in this and his relationship with Duke. He might have been a side character here but his moments were a highlight for me and I’m really looking forward to his story! The cameos from the other brothers and Mollie were some of my fave moments. There was still a lot to love in this, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment of this series!
I was SO excited for this after how the last book ended and the breadcrumbs we were fed. The chemistry between these two was so good, the banter top tier, the forced proximity… it was all there but it just didn’t pull together for me.
Duke was so down bad for Wheeler and I loved the way he was with her. The support, patience and absolute adoration he had for her was perfection. I just wish he got more of that back from her. I struggled with her for a lot of this book and wish we got more from her character. Let’s be honest, Millie was the true hero here when it came to Wheeler.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the pacing. It’s marketed as accidental pregnancy (which is one of my FAVE tropes to read!) however they were still discussing abortion at 65% and the ending felt abrupt and left me wanting so much more from the story. There were also a lot of formatting issues that took me out of the story.
I adored Ryder in this and his relationship with Duke. He might have been a side character here but his moments were a highlight for me and I’m really looking forward to his story! The cameos from the other brothers and Mollie were some of my fave moments. There was still a lot to love in this, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment of this series!
June 2, 2025
beta read <3
June 6, 2025
THIS COWBOY IS SO EPIC.
oh my god. i can't say anymore but just know... duke is THAT guy.
oh my god. i can't say anymore but just know... duke is THAT guy.
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