Bluebird Gold

Lost Legends #1

by Devney Perry

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Devney Perry comes a gripping romance set in 1983 where a woman’s search for the truth about her father’s death entangles her with the small-town sheriff and a legend of lost Montana gold.

Living in Dalton, Montana, was not what I had planned for this winter. But after my father’s sudden death, I uprooted my life to move into his tiny lakeside cabin and settle his estate. My friends tell me to sell his place and move on. But this winter is my chance to say goodbye. To remember a man who’d loved tales of Montana lore.

Taking a temporary teaching job seemed like the perfect way to keep myself busy on lonely days. Cleaning out the cabin should have been simple. Except the more I learn about my father’s life, the more questions I have about his death.

The last thing I need is a crush on Sheriff Cosi Raynes. Not only is his son my student, but his life is rooted in Montana, while mine is headed…anywhere else.

Yet as I uncover a trail of strange clues Dad left behind about a lost legend of Montana gold, staying away from Cosi is not an option. Neither is denying the attraction between us. And my winter of healing becomes a race for answers.

I came to Montana to bury the past. Now I’m falling for the man who might just be my future. And either I’ll solve this mystery, or the person in Dalton determined to hide the truth will make sure I die trying.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Suspense, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

First published December 30, 2025

About the author

Devney is a #1 Amazon, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons.”

Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.

www.devneyperry.com

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY CAN I NEVER GUESS THE VILLAIN RIGHT IN A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE?????

I truly love Devney’s writing style and her characters, and Bluebird Gold was absolutely a page turner. As you can see I finished it in 3 days. I needed to know who it was (not saying what or who or why so I don’t spoil).

What I really think worked so well in this book was the balance of suspense to romance, it blended so well, with extremely likeable characters. And I was not anticipating what was going to happen at the end, I loved every second. But I also love the emotional aspect as well, the emotions between the love interests, the father daughter emotions, the son father emotions, I felt it all while reading.

Overall, if you want a romantic suspense to pick up and read extremely quickly because you won’t be able to put the book down, you need to read this one. Trust me, you’ll like it!!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely LOVED Ilsa + Cosi’s story, and the added suspense & mystery elements 😍

Thank you Devney Perry, Montlake & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.

✦ tropes & stuff:
🏞 1983 Montana
💙 single dad + protective Sheriff
🗺 lost gold/treasure hunt
😱 romantic suspense
👩🏻‍🏫 high school teacher
❤️‍🩹 grief rep
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov

•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•

🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.75 | 🌶️: 2.5 |

💭 what I loved about this one:
• the banter between Isla + Cosi
• the more simplistic 1983 vibes, without the distractions or ability to communicate instantly
• Cosi’s take-charge nature, and how that was what Ilsa needed in her life to move forward
• the complicated relationship Ilsa has with grieving her father she barely knew (relatable for me)
• Ilsa’s relationship with Spencer, Cosi’s 14 year old son (she’s also his math teacher) - I love how seamlessly they bonded, and how both seemed to quickly feel protective over one another

may be a bit of a spoiler so I’ll add a tag
• I was actually surprised by the twist, I didn’t see it coming (basically who was involved) and that’s rare for me!

🙃 what didn’t quite work for me:
• the insta love of it was slightly unbelievable for me, the pace at which they basically moved in together threw me off a bit

I’m a little confused as to how this will be a series, since I didn’t notice anything to set up a future book - curious to see what Devney has in mind!

🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I knew going in I would love this, Connor Crais is my favorite male narrator, and this is DUET too! Both Samantha Brentmoor + Connor were fabulous as Isla + Cosi 🥰

📖 Bluebird Gold by author
📚 book 1 • Lost Legends series
💜: romantic suspense (mf)
🎙 narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite Devney Perry book.
Like oh my god, thank you for this masterpiece.
Loved.

The 1980s setting was just great. All the vibes.
Think no cell phones.
Montana wild setting

Cosi: our younger Tom Selleck inspired MMC
Single dad (teenage boy)
Sheriff : love me a law man
Protective

Isla: the gorgeous woman who returns after her fathers death
Strong and confident FMC
His sons teacher

These twos relationship just felt genuine.
And the chemistry between these two was off the charts.

Romantic suspense 🔥
Done so well.
The lost legends… the mystery.
I did not want to put this down.

Arc review ✨

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️ Review

If you are looking for a suspense romance set in 1980s Montana with a single dad and an FMC who is trying to come to terms with the loss of her father, this book is for you.

I loved how much suspense Devney wove into this story. She truly hit the nail on the head, especially with the twisted ending we got. I was completely unprepared and absolutely obsessed.

The FMC and MMC had such a unique dynamic. Not forbidden, but definitely giving that slight taboo edge that keeps you hooked. The way he loves her, regardless of circumstances or outside opinions, made my heart ache in the best way.

His son was such a typical teenager, and I grew to love him more and more as the story unfolded. And the little town of Dalton, Montana completely won me over. It wrapped around me the same way it did the FMC.

Is there spice? Absolutely, and it was fantastic.
Were there moments where I had tears in my eyes? Yes.
Were there jaw-dropping moments where I said “what the fuck” out loud? One hundred percent.

Devney, you have done it again.
This book is a true work of art.

[Kseniia ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

➸ small town (1980s Montana)
➸ single dad x son's teacher
➸ romantic suspence
➸ lost gold legend

Ilsa coming to her hometown after her father's death to settle his estate and say goodbye. What she wasn't expecting is someone intruding her house searching the clues to lost gold.

That was pretty good choice for my first read of the year. There was mystery, romance and likable characters.

I liked Ilsa. Strong girl struggling with loss and dealing with grief.
Cosi Sexy Sheriff Raynes. Mr., it's illegal to be so hot. Mustache and dirty talks. I'm on my knees for this man. And how possessive and protective he is. And besides he's a good dad.
The chemistry between characters was touchable. And that "Fuck it" moment. So freaking HOT.
Spencer. This kid stole my heart. His interactions with Ilsa❤️

Tiny OM drama. Not annoying, just her male friend coming to visit her and bringing the chaos.
Speaking of a suspence, I haven't guessed the bad guy, it was unexpected to me.

So, if you're looking for your next winter read, you should try this one.

[Anila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a Devney Perry so I forgot how good her books can be.

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I had a lot of fun theorizing and trying to put all of the pieces of the mystery together. The author took her time building up the suspense, but I do think the reveal at the end was kind of anticlimactic and I was left unsatisfied. Having the story take place in the 80s was refreshing though. I can’t really comment on the accuracy of it since I wasn’t even born, but the vibes were immaculate.

The highlight of the book was without a doubt the romance between Ike and Cosi. Ike was an absolute badass. She was fierce and witty and didn’t take crap from anyone. Cosi was the perfect complement to her. On top of the fact that he’s an amazing single dad and sheriff, he was also protective, broody and kind. I loved them together so much! Cosi’s son Spencer was great as well. I really adored the bond Spencer formed with Ike. It was very cute. There was some miscommunication between Cosi and Ike towards the end of the book which annoyed me, but I’m glad that they were able to resolve it pretty quickly.

All in all, this was a really enjoyable read and I hope the author writes more books for this series.

[fromthestudyof · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS!!!!

1983: While Will Byers was being kidnapped by Vecna, Isla was falling in love with the hot Sheriff of Dalton, MT. GOOD FOR YOU, GIRL!!!!

This was sooooo cute. The perfect combo of romance and a dash of mystery.

things to know:
- Small town MT
- Sheriff x New Girl in Town
- She moved to MT to clean out her deceased fathers cabin
- A mysterious letter from her dad
- Her dads cabin was vandalized so she stays with the Sheriff
- Cosi (sheriff) is built like a fridge with a mustache!!!!
- He has a way with words!!!!!!!! *feral scream*

[Afton Gross · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t say no to a slutty little mustache… add in some suspense that literally scared me and you’ve got a book you can’t put down!

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

❀⋆.ೃ࿔* BLUEBIRD GOLD ❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is the first full length suspenseful small town romance (Lost Legends) series by author Devney Perry.

Will write up a review once my internet is fixed.

• T R O P E S •
☀︎ Single dad
☀︎ Small town 1987
☀︎ Secret gold
☀︎ Suspense

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[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you for going back to your Indigo Ridge roots Devney! I loved every second of this book … (and not just because the main character was inspired by Tom Selleck… okay maybe a little bit). I loved every second a good romance suspense and Cosi was down bad for Ilsa!

The only reason this doesn’t get 5 ⭐️ is that it was a tad predictable but I was actually still very surprised! I just wished she took a little more pages and really got into the depths of the mystery but hey I loved it nonetheless!

[Radd Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bluebird Gold had a lot of ingredients I usually enjoy — small-town Montana, a single dad, a mystery twist, and nostalgic 1980s vibes.

That said, for me the romance never really built in a way that felt believable or earned. It kind of came out of nowhere. One moment they barely know each other and we get tiny internal hints they are attracted, and the next there’s a bedroom scene. That shift felt abrupt and didn’t give me a chance to really buy into their connection or understand the depth of their attraction. I wanted a lot more tangible buildup before the passion kicked in.

I also didn’t love how Ilsa’s long-term friendship ended. After what clearly felt like decades of history, the way it was wrapped up felt shallow and undeserving of such a long relationship, which was disappointing. The author didn’t need to write the male character as such a jerk — that friendship deserved a more amicable, respectful resolution. It felt like a missed opportunity to show a healthy parting of ways.

Another thing that didn’t quite work for me was the setting. It’s set in 1983, but apart from a few references to landlines, MTV, and Henley shirts, it didn’t really feel rooted in that era. I was expecting more of that nostalgic 80s atmosphere, and I just didn’t get it.

On the mystery side, I guessed the “bad guy” around 70% — but not because the clues pointed cleanly in that direction. I honestly had no real theory and basically threw out a name that happened to be right. I actually gasped during the reveal, but not in a satisfying way. When a reveal feels out of character for how someone has been written, it makes their actions harder to buy into.

Overall, this was a miss in several areas. It’s not overtly bad, but I did find it lacking

[kayliesbookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town romantic, suspense story was JUST what I needed to start off the new year & get out of the biggest reading slump of my life 🙌🏼 I absolutely LOVED the 1980s setting of this story & happily lost sleep to read it.

[Mandy (Bookishlove85) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of 2026 complete! I always like to start with a fave author of mine so Devney for the win. This is the first book of a new series by our small town queen. Overall I enjoyed it. I loved Ilsa, Cosi, and Spencer so much. Even if I kept wanting to sing Do you want to build a snowman? after mishearing her name lol. It is set in the 80’s which I think could have plaid a bigger part in the setting. And the reveal at the end was a bit rushed for me. Other than that, I was a fan and can’t wait for this series to continue.

[Casey Reads 🌸]

I’ve seen really good reviews of this one, so I def want to read ASAP 🩵

[Bound By Books And Pages - Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a small-town mystery-filled, fast-paced romance. The story revolves around Cosi, a single dad cop, and Ilsa, a single woman and teacher who returns to her childhood home to start anew and resolve her deceased father’s affairs. I believe the narrators did an incredible job bringing this story to life. However, I felt the romance was rushed. I wish it had developed gradually before giving them such an instant connection. The plot centered around the mystery of her father’s gold discovery, but I didn’t find the backstory of the mystery well-developed, which made me less interested in the mystery aspect than I had hoped. I predicted the villain early on, which was disappointing because when it was revealed, it felt anticlimactic. The love story, particularly the relationship between Ilsa and Cori’s son, was my favorite part. I genuinely enjoyed the storyline, but I felt certain aspects of the story were underdeveloped and lacked depth. I felt somewhat detached and unengaged throughout the book.

[Lynzee Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhm. I ADORED this. I’m already a devney fan, so that’s no shock. But I loved this. It felt like watching a movie from the 80s. Pure nostalgia with a great suspense plot as well. Literally no notes.

I truly adore Ilsa and her journey with grief and finding her place. Her relationship with Spencer was my favorite. And obviously Cosi, the mustache sheriff that drives a bronco. Big yes in my book. The balance of romance and plot here was perfect IMO. Just literally, I loved it.

I was also able to receive an early audio copy, Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais do an amazing job with these character. I couldn’t have picked better casting.

Thank you to Devney and Montlake for the early copies.

[Salma [Comment restriction]]

Inspired by Tom Selleck? Student's father? SIGN ME UP

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

"My world seemed to change in an instant. It toppled end over end, and when the spinning stopped, the pieces of my universe had been rearranged. All from a single smile."

Adored this, just like I knew I would. A great start to DP's Lost Legend series, we're back in small-town Montana in 1983. Ilsa returns to Dalton, the town she was born, to settle her estranged father's estate. She takes a temporary position teaching math at the local high school and has a few run in with Cosi, the town's sheriff. The two had an instant attraction that they both temporarily tried to resist, but end up giving in to.

I really enjoyed the romance between Cosi and Ilsa. It just felt so easy between them? Like their personalities match so well and they get along and have great chemistry. Just so cute. Ilsa is used to doing everything on her own and keeping her chin up despite the problems she's having in town. Cosi is a provider and protector who's love language is acts of service. Constantly helping out people around town, going out of his way for others and keeping Ilsa safe. I loved it. I especially loved the scenes with Spencer, Cosi's teenage son. They were just so heartwarming.

Despite the fact that this story is a suspense it has such a cozy vibe to me. Like 80s small-town, snowed it with the fire on type vibes. I did think that the gold story would end up being a bigger deal? Like I thought we would see Ilsa and Cosi actively searching for gold and treasure hunting, instead of just passively trying to figure out what Isla's dad's letters meant.

[MikaylasBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Intriguing plot? Heartwarming connections and a lesson about finding those who feel like true family.

[Jessica's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bluebird Gold (Lost Legends #1) by Devney Perry is a romance / who-done-it novel that had me turning pages so quickly to see what would happen next!

First I absolutely adored the set up. Early 1980’s in a small town in Montana. Ilsa has returned to this small town after the passing of her estranged father. She is cleaning up his small cabin on the lake preparing to sale it and move on with her life. She gets a job as a short-term teacher at the local high school and things aren’t going great. To top it off she is discovering clues her father left her involving buried treasure. She thinks her father was losing his rocker at the end of his life but weird things begin to happen. First she sees a masked man in her window watching her. Then her shed is burned down and much more. Cosi is the town sheriff. He and Ilsa are instantly attracted to one another. But he’s there to look into who is tormenting Ilsa and he’s also the father of one of her students.


There is not a lot of build up for these two. Which at first I was actually a little bummed about but the mystery involving her father’s death and buried treasure started to take over. But don’t worry. There is plenty of the romance still! I really had no idea how this mystery would be solved!

The book is written in duo POV between both Cosi & Ilsa. I wasn’t crazy how the story went involving Troy, the man Ilsa secretly loved back home. I wish that had played out better.

Devney sure knows how to write a novel and keep her readers intrigued. Great setting, great characters, and a great who-done-it without being over the top or far fetched.

I give Bluebird Gold (Lost Legends #1) by Devney Perry 4.5 stars.

[Marguerite · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trope includes a young lady coming to secluded cabin in the mountains, which belonged to her dad, there she encounters mysterious events and meets a town sheriff. She calls in the suspicious activity to police but they don't find anything until events escalates, forcing tbe chief to take the case seriously

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5


Listening to Bluebird Gold felt like stepping back into 1983 Montana—a slower, quieter world where small town secrets simmer beneath the surface. After her father’s sudden death, Isla moves into his lakeside cabin for the winter to settle his estate and say goodbye, only to uncover unsettling questions about how he really died. Taking a temporary teaching job keeps her grounded, but her connection to Dalton deepens quickly—especially when she becomes entangled with Sheriff Cosi Raynes, whose teenage son is in her class. The Montana setting is beautifully rendered, equal parts cozy and ominous, and the legend of lost Montana gold adds a compelling layer of mystery that kept me hooked.

The romance unfolds alongside the suspense in a way Devney Perry does so well—measured, emotional, and full of quiet intensity. Cosi is protective and grounded, a devoted single dad rooted firmly in Montana, while Isla is strong, opinionated, and refreshingly bold for the era. Their forced proximity and growing attraction felt natural against the backdrop of danger and discovery. Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais delivered exceptional performances, perfectly capturing the emotional depth, tension, and warmth of the story. Between the vintage setting, romantic suspense, and standout narration, Bluebird Gold was a completely immersive and deeply satisfying audio listen.

[Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Devney for the ARC & ALC 🫶🏻

Romantic suspense is my top favorite genre and Devney writes some of my favorites. She has, once again, knocked it out of the park with Bluebird Gold.

Ilsa is returning the hometown of Dalton, Montana to clean up her estranged late father’s cottage to prepare to sell. While there, mysterious things keep happening to warrant calls to the sheriff’s office. Enter Cosi… the sheriff, and my how I loved him. He is grumpy and matches Ilsa’s energy perfectly. Ilsa fit in perfectly with Cosi and his teenage son. This was one of my top reads this year and I cannot wait to see where Devney takes this series.

🎧 This is performed in duet narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais. I filled intended to immersive read this, but I started the audio and basically finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t stop listening. Definitely recommend!

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💙 Romantic Suspense
🤍 1980s Montana Setting
💙 Teacher x Sheriff
🤍 Single Dad

[Sarah Grunow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoutout Todd for taking the kids today and opening up the opportunity for me to binge this book in one day.
1980s Montana book where the MMC is inspired by Tom Selleck? Of course I’m going to love it. I love a slow burn but honestly, the slow burn wasn’t even necessary here when there’s a little mystery/thrill/drama sprinkled in to the story as well. I also adore a single dad trope and it did not disappoint here either. The relationship development between the son and the FMC was perfection. Overall, a great way to kick off 2026

[ivona 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ˋ°•*⁀➷4☆

”the dreamy smile on her face when i broke the kiss was more beautiful than any montana scenery. prettier than a watercolor sunset or a blanket of diamond stars.”

bluebird gold is perfect romantic suspense set in 80s–i really loved the setting and the romance between isla and cosi felt really cozy and beautiful. cosi is also a single dad to a fourteen year old spencer, and isla just happens to be his teacher. very much liked the dynamic between these three, separately and together. if you’re looking for something quick and easy to read, but also something that will keep you intrigued and on your toes–highly recommend reading this!

[Briana smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension, the mystery, the love. All so beautiful. The forced proximity and being unexpected roomates?! Perfection. single dad cop × teacher to his son?! IMMACULATE. AND BEING IN THE 80S!!! love love love.

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something so wonderfully freeing about remembering the days of only landlines. The references to the Reagan Administration were a bit jarring.

[Sarah]

LOVED! The narrators were so good, and I loved the MMC and FMC. She had guts and gumption, and I enjoyed seeing her connect to the places her dad once occupied. Cosi was so a great hero & dad, protective and caring. There was the added relationship with his son that was endearing.

Add in the suspense plot line, and I was sold. Another great read from Devney Perry!

***ALC

[Anna Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately intrigued by this book when Devney posted about it and WOW it was everything I wanted and more. The gold rush setting, the time period gossip, the clothing and dinner descriptions that fit the 1980s made it so easy to immerse in the book. The suspense is woven throughout the story which keeps you desperate for more as you unravel the clues, and the romance adds the sweetness that ties it together perfectly. Devney Perry is an auto buy author and Bluebird Gold was instantly added to my favorite books of 2026.

I cannot say enough good things about this book! The perfect start to a new series.

Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- romantic suspense
- forced proximity
- she’s in danger
- gold rush setting (1980s)
- he’s the sheriff
- small town

Do I recommend? YES