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Finding Northlane
Dallas
What happens when you find yourself falling for the only woman you shouldn’t?
My brother and I have raised my daughter since I lost my wife three years ago. We are a team; a trio of unstoppable underdogs.
I live and breathe my farm, my town, and the people who live here – throwing myself into anything I can to avoid remembering what happened.
Well, it worked. Until she came along.
Annabeth Harrington, the unexpected, pink-haired pixie that spins my mind and throws caution to the wind. I thought she was too much, too soon, and too wild, but she was everything my daughter and I needed to light up our lives.
My little firefly.
Annabeth
Question: Is dating the father of one of my students off limits?
Answer: Yes.
Escaping to Hawks Hollow and taking a job at the local primary school was the change of scenery I needed, and my new roommate has been my ride-or-die since the day I set foot in this town.
Everything is simple here. The cows moo, the sun sets, and everyone drinks bourbon for breakfast.
So nothing could have prepared me for the moment Dallas Northlane strolled into my classroom to pick up his daughter and took my every waking thought out with him.
Now, I’m obsessed with a cowboy almost twice my age and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
________________________
TROPES:
Small Town Romance
Cowboy/Western
Strangers to Lovers
Widower/Single Dad MMC
Alt/Music Teacher FMC
Found Family
Rural Australian Setting
Age Gap
Dual POV
Book 1 Of A Duet
________________________
Author Note: Finding Northlane is written in Australian English. You may notice some minor spelling differences from US/UK English. Some of these that you may notice are: jewellery vs jewelry, dialled vs dialed and centre vs center. As Finding Northlane is set in Australia, you’ll also find interesting slang and cultural references.
Finding Northlane is a cowboy romance with darker themes and explicit content.
It is not suitable for readers under 18.
What happens when you find yourself falling for the only woman you shouldn’t?
My brother and I have raised my daughter since I lost my wife three years ago. We are a team; a trio of unstoppable underdogs.
I live and breathe my farm, my town, and the people who live here – throwing myself into anything I can to avoid remembering what happened.
Well, it worked. Until she came along.
Annabeth Harrington, the unexpected, pink-haired pixie that spins my mind and throws caution to the wind. I thought she was too much, too soon, and too wild, but she was everything my daughter and I needed to light up our lives.
My little firefly.
Annabeth
Question: Is dating the father of one of my students off limits?
Answer: Yes.
Escaping to Hawks Hollow and taking a job at the local primary school was the change of scenery I needed, and my new roommate has been my ride-or-die since the day I set foot in this town.
Everything is simple here. The cows moo, the sun sets, and everyone drinks bourbon for breakfast.
So nothing could have prepared me for the moment Dallas Northlane strolled into my classroom to pick up his daughter and took my every waking thought out with him.
Now, I’m obsessed with a cowboy almost twice my age and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
________________________
TROPES:
Small Town Romance
Cowboy/Western
Strangers to Lovers
Widower/Single Dad MMC
Alt/Music Teacher FMC
Found Family
Rural Australian Setting
Age Gap
Dual POV
Book 1 Of A Duet
________________________
Author Note: Finding Northlane is written in Australian English. You may notice some minor spelling differences from US/UK English. Some of these that you may notice are: jewellery vs jewelry, dialled vs dialed and centre vs center. As Finding Northlane is set in Australia, you’ll also find interesting slang and cultural references.
Finding Northlane is a cowboy romance with darker themes and explicit content.
It is not suitable for readers under 18.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
About the author
D.M. Henderson
3 books95 followersD.M. Henderson is a happily married mum of 2 from rural Australia. She has 2 cavoodles and a toothless cat. She loves cheese, wine, coffee, board games, and chaotic dance parties. You will often find her with her nose in a book (or her kindle) and a cosy blanket. She writes wild hearts, and whiskey-fuelled cowboys with filthy mouths who take what’s theirs and are guaranteed to make you swoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 8, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
Finding Northlane completely stole my heart and then branded it with a cowboy boot for good measure. This book feels like country music at midnight, bonfire smoke in your hair, and falling in love somewhere between heartbreak and healing.
Dallas Northlane is the blueprint for the emotionally wrecked cowboy hero. A widower, single dad, fiercely loyal farmer, and the kind of man who loves with his entire soul even when he’s terrified to do it again. Watching him slowly let Annabeth into his life was devastatingly tender. Every interaction with his daughter melted me into a puddle of glitter and tears. 🥹
And ANNABETH. My pink-haired chaos pixie queen. Tattooed, pierced, music-loving, sunshine wrapped in combat boots. She brought so much life and warmth to Hawks Hollow while still carrying her own scars beneath the surface. Her banter with Dallas was absolute gold. The tension? Electric. The texting? Adorable. The chemistry? Fully capable of starting a bushfire across rural Australia. ⚡️
This romance balanced sweetness and aching vulnerability so perfectly. The “forbidden” aspect added just enough emotional tension without overpowering the story, and the found family dynamics were EVERYTHING. I loved how this town felt alive, messy, loyal, and deeply comforting all at once.
Also…
🐴 horse water fights
👢 boot polishing
💍 the hand-fasting scene???
😭 Dallas being the softest man alive under all that gruff cowboy energy
I was DONE FOR.
The rural Australian setting gave this story such a fresh, atmospheric vibe too. Every page felt sun-soaked and cinematic, like flipping through a romance novel while sitting in the back of a ute during golden hour.
If you love:
🤎 grumpy cowboy widowers
🎸 alt-girl heroines
🤎 single dad romance
🎸 age gaps with emotional depth
🤎 small town found family
🎸 slow-burn chemistry that aches in the best way
…then saddle up immediately because Finding Northlane is a five-star emotional rodeo and I’m still recovering. 🔥
Finding Northlane completely stole my heart and then branded it with a cowboy boot for good measure. This book feels like country music at midnight, bonfire smoke in your hair, and falling in love somewhere between heartbreak and healing.
Dallas Northlane is the blueprint for the emotionally wrecked cowboy hero. A widower, single dad, fiercely loyal farmer, and the kind of man who loves with his entire soul even when he’s terrified to do it again. Watching him slowly let Annabeth into his life was devastatingly tender. Every interaction with his daughter melted me into a puddle of glitter and tears. 🥹
And ANNABETH. My pink-haired chaos pixie queen. Tattooed, pierced, music-loving, sunshine wrapped in combat boots. She brought so much life and warmth to Hawks Hollow while still carrying her own scars beneath the surface. Her banter with Dallas was absolute gold. The tension? Electric. The texting? Adorable. The chemistry? Fully capable of starting a bushfire across rural Australia. ⚡️
This romance balanced sweetness and aching vulnerability so perfectly. The “forbidden” aspect added just enough emotional tension without overpowering the story, and the found family dynamics were EVERYTHING. I loved how this town felt alive, messy, loyal, and deeply comforting all at once.
Also…
🐴 horse water fights
👢 boot polishing
💍 the hand-fasting scene???
😭 Dallas being the softest man alive under all that gruff cowboy energy
I was DONE FOR.
The rural Australian setting gave this story such a fresh, atmospheric vibe too. Every page felt sun-soaked and cinematic, like flipping through a romance novel while sitting in the back of a ute during golden hour.
If you love:
🤎 grumpy cowboy widowers
🎸 alt-girl heroines
🤎 single dad romance
🎸 age gaps with emotional depth
🤎 small town found family
🎸 slow-burn chemistry that aches in the best way
…then saddle up immediately because Finding Northlane is a five-star emotional rodeo and I’m still recovering. 🔥
May 24, 2026
ARC review: I just couldn’t get invested into this book or characters. I read until about 50 percent and just didn’t feel like I cared about the characters or what happened to them. Wasn’t my favourite.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start by saying D.M. Henderson just wrote one of the most amazing books I have read in a long time. Finding Northlane I was kind of like on the fence about when I first got it, but now that I've read it I really enjoyed it.
This book made me feel like I was back home in the country. In my small town where things were slow, steady, and everything just fit right. That's what this book reminded me of when I read it. The emotions I felt with the characters were absolutely amazing
Now in this book we read about Dallas and Annabeth who are about as much of opposites attract as you can absolutely find.
Dallas is a predictable cowboy, he's an emotional wreck with the world on his shoulders. He's a widower, he's a single dad, he's fiercely loyal, a farmer, loves with his whole heart, and has one of the biggest hearts. Yet his heart stays guarded now from his wife passing and he scared to give it to anybody else because of the trauma from losing his life.
Then in walks Annabeth a little chaos Queen. She's tatted, pierced, she's a firecracker, a breath of fresh air, all wrapped up in combat boots.
She's the exact opposite of Dallas but she is just an amazing character. The banter between her and Dallas absolutely phenomenal. I don't think I laughed so hard in a book as I did with this when they were going at it. The chemistry between these two was electrifying like you read the book and you kind of get the tingly in your stomach just reading about it.
Overall, this was just a book that you have to read to get the full effect. I could go on for days about this book. This is a book that you read and you don't forget. I do like the fact that this is the first book in the Hawks hollow duet. Which means we're going to get more of this and I'm so excited. D.M Henderson sugar you knocked it out the park with this and I can't wait to read more.
This book made me feel like I was back home in the country. In my small town where things were slow, steady, and everything just fit right. That's what this book reminded me of when I read it. The emotions I felt with the characters were absolutely amazing
Now in this book we read about Dallas and Annabeth who are about as much of opposites attract as you can absolutely find.
Dallas is a predictable cowboy, he's an emotional wreck with the world on his shoulders. He's a widower, he's a single dad, he's fiercely loyal, a farmer, loves with his whole heart, and has one of the biggest hearts. Yet his heart stays guarded now from his wife passing and he scared to give it to anybody else because of the trauma from losing his life.
Then in walks Annabeth a little chaos Queen. She's tatted, pierced, she's a firecracker, a breath of fresh air, all wrapped up in combat boots.
She's the exact opposite of Dallas but she is just an amazing character. The banter between her and Dallas absolutely phenomenal. I don't think I laughed so hard in a book as I did with this when they were going at it. The chemistry between these two was electrifying like you read the book and you kind of get the tingly in your stomach just reading about it.
Overall, this was just a book that you have to read to get the full effect. I could go on for days about this book. This is a book that you read and you don't forget. I do like the fact that this is the first book in the Hawks hollow duet. Which means we're going to get more of this and I'm so excited. D.M Henderson sugar you knocked it out the park with this and I can't wait to read more.
June 8, 2026
First, a sincere apology to the author for not getting to this ARC before publication. Life got chaotic, and this beautiful story deserved my attention far earlier than I managed to give it. I’m genuinely sorry, because once I finally sat down with Finding Northlane, I didn’t want to put it down.
D.M. Henderson delivers a tender, steamy, deeply human small‑town romance that feels like being wrapped in a warm country sunset. Dallas and Annabeth are the kind of characters who stay with you, flawed, hopeful, hurting, and healing in ways that feel honest. The rural Australian setting is vivid and grounding, and the found‑family threads are some of the strongest I’ve read in a long time.
One line in particular captures the heart of this story, and it stayed with me long after I finished:
“I look around at the group of people around me, every one of them completely unique, yet somehow, they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. All of us have our history, our stories. They may shape us, dictate how we perceive the world, even determine how we choose to love each other, but our pasts don’t define who we are. If anything, they make us stronger.”
That sentiment is the soul of this book. Every character carries something heavy, yet the way they show up for each other, messy, imperfect, and full of heart, is what makes this story shine.
And then there’s this moment that hit me right in the chest:
“I realise that I don’t really care how many bar stools fit neatly at my breakfast bar, because life isn’t supposed to be neat. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s messy. Life is the joy you find within the moments of chaos. It’s the people who show up for you time and time again. It’s the people who make your house a home, and the ones who build fucking poker tables in your barn.”
It’s such a perfect reflection of what Finding Northlane is about, love that’s lived‑in, imperfect, and fiercely loyal.
Dallas’s journey as a widowed single dad is written with so much care. Annabeth’s spark, vulnerability, and quiet resilience balance him beautifully. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy that makes their connection unforgettable.
And that ending, I was completely shocked. It wasn’t what I expected at all, and now I need to know what happened and why. Henderson left me desperate for answers and eager for whatever comes next.
If you love:
• small‑town romance
• cowboys with soft hearts and rough edges
• found family
• age‑gap tension
• healing after loss
• dual POV done right
…then Finding Northlane is absolutely worth your time.
Late review or not, I’m grateful I finally read it. This story is going to stay with me.
D.M. Henderson delivers a tender, steamy, deeply human small‑town romance that feels like being wrapped in a warm country sunset. Dallas and Annabeth are the kind of characters who stay with you, flawed, hopeful, hurting, and healing in ways that feel honest. The rural Australian setting is vivid and grounding, and the found‑family threads are some of the strongest I’ve read in a long time.
One line in particular captures the heart of this story, and it stayed with me long after I finished:
“I look around at the group of people around me, every one of them completely unique, yet somehow, they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. All of us have our history, our stories. They may shape us, dictate how we perceive the world, even determine how we choose to love each other, but our pasts don’t define who we are. If anything, they make us stronger.”
That sentiment is the soul of this book. Every character carries something heavy, yet the way they show up for each other, messy, imperfect, and full of heart, is what makes this story shine.
And then there’s this moment that hit me right in the chest:
“I realise that I don’t really care how many bar stools fit neatly at my breakfast bar, because life isn’t supposed to be neat. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s messy. Life is the joy you find within the moments of chaos. It’s the people who show up for you time and time again. It’s the people who make your house a home, and the ones who build fucking poker tables in your barn.”
It’s such a perfect reflection of what Finding Northlane is about, love that’s lived‑in, imperfect, and fiercely loyal.
Dallas’s journey as a widowed single dad is written with so much care. Annabeth’s spark, vulnerability, and quiet resilience balance him beautifully. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy that makes their connection unforgettable.
And that ending, I was completely shocked. It wasn’t what I expected at all, and now I need to know what happened and why. Henderson left me desperate for answers and eager for whatever comes next.
If you love:
• small‑town romance
• cowboys with soft hearts and rough edges
• found family
• age‑gap tension
• healing after loss
• dual POV done right
…then Finding Northlane is absolutely worth your time.
Late review or not, I’m grateful I finally read it. This story is going to stay with me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Please note, I was provided with an ARC version of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review*
This read was timed pretty well with one of my book clubs - apparently there were several of us who chose to 'ride a cowboy' since our last meeting! In this second book by D M Henderson, we get the scenic Aussie outback, the heat of a beautifully drawn and emotionally engaging relationship, the sparkle of joy that can only come from an innocent, and the cozy familiarity of returning characters. Plus a cliffhanger I did not see coming. And it's all wrapped up in a novella format!
The biggest thing I enjoyed was the character and relationship development. The first couple of chapters do incredibly well at grabbing your emotional attention and setting up the background, and then the story just flows so naturally from there, while always remaining truthful to where the characters have come from. The story is faced paced because of its shorter length, but it never loses that grounded feeling, and I can totally buy in to the swift growth of feelings between Dallas and Annabeth even though I'm generally more of a slow burn girl. There's just something about the way it's paced that makes it read like the relationship has been there for months or years, rather than weeks.
The wider relationships are also lovely to read about, with that small town feel of everyone knowing and caring for eachother and a strong, close knit friendship group that's ride or die. It made me particularly happy when we encounter the characters from Fires Creek; not only does it add a sense of depth and breadth to the work, allowing you to situate the story within a wider world, but it also reminds you of the accepting nature of the characters and fills the background woth positivity, acceptance and love. And then we also have the father daughter relationship between Dallas and Billie, which is just so cute!
Yes, the relationship is the whole story, but there doesn't need to be anything else to make this work. However, I do feel that this may have been the root cause of my feeling uncomfortable with the last couple of chapters. The ending is great, and definitely catches you by surprise, but for me there was just something a little bit 'different' about the tone and style that didn't quite seem to jive with the rest of the book. Suddenly we have plot, rather than just warm fuzzies.
I 1000% need the next book sooner rather than later though!
This read was timed pretty well with one of my book clubs - apparently there were several of us who chose to 'ride a cowboy' since our last meeting! In this second book by D M Henderson, we get the scenic Aussie outback, the heat of a beautifully drawn and emotionally engaging relationship, the sparkle of joy that can only come from an innocent, and the cozy familiarity of returning characters. Plus a cliffhanger I did not see coming. And it's all wrapped up in a novella format!
The biggest thing I enjoyed was the character and relationship development. The first couple of chapters do incredibly well at grabbing your emotional attention and setting up the background, and then the story just flows so naturally from there, while always remaining truthful to where the characters have come from. The story is faced paced because of its shorter length, but it never loses that grounded feeling, and I can totally buy in to the swift growth of feelings between Dallas and Annabeth even though I'm generally more of a slow burn girl. There's just something about the way it's paced that makes it read like the relationship has been there for months or years, rather than weeks.
The wider relationships are also lovely to read about, with that small town feel of everyone knowing and caring for eachother and a strong, close knit friendship group that's ride or die. It made me particularly happy when we encounter the characters from Fires Creek; not only does it add a sense of depth and breadth to the work, allowing you to situate the story within a wider world, but it also reminds you of the accepting nature of the characters and fills the background woth positivity, acceptance and love. And then we also have the father daughter relationship between Dallas and Billie, which is just so cute!
Yes, the relationship is the whole story, but there doesn't need to be anything else to make this work. However, I do feel that this may have been the root cause of my feeling uncomfortable with the last couple of chapters. The ending is great, and definitely catches you by surprise, but for me there was just something a little bit 'different' about the tone and style that didn't quite seem to jive with the rest of the book. Suddenly we have plot, rather than just warm fuzzies.
I 1000% need the next book sooner rather than later though!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding Northlane completely blindsided me in the best possible way.
I went in with very simple expectations: a widower dad, a music teacher FMC, and a small-town romance by an author I already knew I enjoyed. What I got was a deeply layered, emotionally rich story that felt far bigger than I anticipated, anchored by characters who genuinely felt alive on the page.
Annabeth, Dallas, and Billie Mae are the heart of this book. The dynamic between Annabeth and Billie in particular was incredibly well done, tender without feeling forced, and honestly one of my favourite parts of the entire story. The found family element through Colt, Ella, and the wider circle added warmth and texture that made the town feel real rather than just a backdrop.
Romance-wise, the chemistry between Annabeth and Dallas is immediate and intense, but what stood out more for me was how that chemistry was balanced with emotional depth and backstory reveals that felt carefully paced and earned. It never felt like intensity for intensity’s sake, which I really appreciated.
The plot itself is a small-town, dual POV romance with age gap elements, found family, and strong Aussie setting vibes. The pacing worked well for me, steadily building emotional stakes while still keeping the romance front and centre. The handfasting ceremony and relationship milestones were particularly memorable and added a unique flavour to the story.
Emotionally, this book hit hard. There were moments of joy, tension, tenderness, and some genuinely gut-punching reveals that added weight to the characters’ choices.
If I had one small note, it would be that some readers may find the emotional intensity and rapid attachment points a bit overwhelming depending on preference. Personally, it worked for me.
Overall, this was a devoured-in-one-sitting kind of read and a standout for me in the small-town romance space. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who love emotionally charged romance, strong found family dynamics, and character-driven storytelling with heat and heart.
And yes, that cliffhanger absolutely left me staring at the page like I had personally been betrayed.
I went in with very simple expectations: a widower dad, a music teacher FMC, and a small-town romance by an author I already knew I enjoyed. What I got was a deeply layered, emotionally rich story that felt far bigger than I anticipated, anchored by characters who genuinely felt alive on the page.
Annabeth, Dallas, and Billie Mae are the heart of this book. The dynamic between Annabeth and Billie in particular was incredibly well done, tender without feeling forced, and honestly one of my favourite parts of the entire story. The found family element through Colt, Ella, and the wider circle added warmth and texture that made the town feel real rather than just a backdrop.
Romance-wise, the chemistry between Annabeth and Dallas is immediate and intense, but what stood out more for me was how that chemistry was balanced with emotional depth and backstory reveals that felt carefully paced and earned. It never felt like intensity for intensity’s sake, which I really appreciated.
The plot itself is a small-town, dual POV romance with age gap elements, found family, and strong Aussie setting vibes. The pacing worked well for me, steadily building emotional stakes while still keeping the romance front and centre. The handfasting ceremony and relationship milestones were particularly memorable and added a unique flavour to the story.
Emotionally, this book hit hard. There were moments of joy, tension, tenderness, and some genuinely gut-punching reveals that added weight to the characters’ choices.
If I had one small note, it would be that some readers may find the emotional intensity and rapid attachment points a bit overwhelming depending on preference. Personally, it worked for me.
Overall, this was a devoured-in-one-sitting kind of read and a standout for me in the small-town romance space. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who love emotionally charged romance, strong found family dynamics, and character-driven storytelling with heat and heart.
And yes, that cliffhanger absolutely left me staring at the page like I had personally been betrayed.
May 13, 2026
Finding Northlane - ARC Review.
The Tropes
🤠Cowboy romance
🩷 Dual POV
🤠 Age Gap
🩷 Alt/Music Teacher FMC
🤠 Single Dad MMC
🩷 Small Town
🤠 Found Family
The Story (without spoilers)
We first meet cowboy Dallas, his brother Colt and daughter Billie-Mae in Hawks Hollow. They have experienced a family tragedy but have each other. 5 years later thrown into their world is Billie’s new teacher Annabeth, a pink haired, guitar playing much younger force of nature . A whirlwind of situations occur and we are on a will they/won’t they journey.
At times I felt the story jumped around a little and we were
The Review
Did I enjoy the story? Hell yeah
Would I recommend others to read it? If you like hot older cowboys, babes with pink hair and a nice layer of spice then of course.
Will I read book two and other books by this author most definitely.
The writing was good, the characters were sweet and the relationships all worked really well together. I do recommend reading Fires Creek first as there is some overlap in the characters and locations that will help.
The reason I gave it four stars was that I wanted more - I wanted to know more about the characters and the development of the relationships and the journey. There were moments when we could have had a little bit more story or background and then it jumped to the next part and I was left sitting wondering if I missed something. I feel the book could have been longer and we would have gotten a better sense of the story and how it all unfolded. Instead it came off a little rushed, like the author had so many really great ideas that she wanted to get them in the book right away. It didn’t take away from the story but as the elements were there they just needed a little bit more volume.
Having said that this was my first full step into cowboy romance and I’ll tell you what - it was a great first step. I am very excited for book 2 as we are left on a cliffhanger that is for lack of a better word urgh. 😂 I had to sit there for about five minutes saying to myself “really, really, really that’s how we are left???really”
This review has been put together by me and reflects my views and opinions of the book. I highly recommend if you are fan of cowboy romance to give this a read and make your own view and opinions on it because I don’t think you will regret it.
The Tropes
🤠Cowboy romance
🩷 Dual POV
🤠 Age Gap
🩷 Alt/Music Teacher FMC
🤠 Single Dad MMC
🩷 Small Town
🤠 Found Family
The Story (without spoilers)
We first meet cowboy Dallas, his brother Colt and daughter Billie-Mae in Hawks Hollow. They have experienced a family tragedy but have each other. 5 years later thrown into their world is Billie’s new teacher Annabeth, a pink haired, guitar playing much younger force of nature . A whirlwind of situations occur and we are on a will they/won’t they journey.
At times I felt the story jumped around a little and we were
The Review
Did I enjoy the story? Hell yeah
Would I recommend others to read it? If you like hot older cowboys, babes with pink hair and a nice layer of spice then of course.
Will I read book two and other books by this author most definitely.
The writing was good, the characters were sweet and the relationships all worked really well together. I do recommend reading Fires Creek first as there is some overlap in the characters and locations that will help.
The reason I gave it four stars was that I wanted more - I wanted to know more about the characters and the development of the relationships and the journey. There were moments when we could have had a little bit more story or background and then it jumped to the next part and I was left sitting wondering if I missed something. I feel the book could have been longer and we would have gotten a better sense of the story and how it all unfolded. Instead it came off a little rushed, like the author had so many really great ideas that she wanted to get them in the book right away. It didn’t take away from the story but as the elements were there they just needed a little bit more volume.
Having said that this was my first full step into cowboy romance and I’ll tell you what - it was a great first step. I am very excited for book 2 as we are left on a cliffhanger that is for lack of a better word urgh. 😂 I had to sit there for about five minutes saying to myself “really, really, really that’s how we are left???really”
This review has been put together by me and reflects my views and opinions of the book. I highly recommend if you are fan of cowboy romance to give this a read and make your own view and opinions on it because I don’t think you will regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Finding Northlane was such an emotional and beautifully comforting small-town romance. Beneath the chemistry, banter, and cowboy charm is a story deeply rooted in grief, healing, family, and learning how to let yourself love again.
Dallas immediately pulls you in as an MMC. He’s protective, loyal, emotionally closed off, and carrying years of grief while trying to hold everything together for his daughter and family. Watching Annabeth slowly break through his walls felt incredibly rewarding because their connection never feels rushed. It builds through trust, quiet moments, playful banter, and genuine emotional understanding.
Annabeth was such a refreshing FMC. Her pink-haired, tattooed, chaotic energy could have easily felt over-the-top in another story, but here it balanced Dallas perfectly. She brings warmth and light into a life that has become emotionally stagnant, while still carrying her own vulnerability underneath the confidence and humor.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Annabeth and Dallas’s daughter. The found family dynamic adds so much emotional softness to the story and makes the romance feel even more meaningful. The domestic moments on the farm, the small-town setting, and the rural Australian atmosphere all make Hawks Hollow feel incredibly immersive and cozy.
The chemistry between Dallas and Annabeth is strong from the start, but what really stood out was the emotional intimacy between them. There’s longing, guilt, comfort, healing, and this constant push and pull between wanting each other and believing they shouldn’t cross the line.
Overall, this was heartfelt, emotional, and deeply bingeable with protective cowboy energy, found family warmth, and a romance that balances tenderness with emotional depth beautifully.
Finding Northlane was such an emotional and beautifully comforting small-town romance. Beneath the chemistry, banter, and cowboy charm is a story deeply rooted in grief, healing, family, and learning how to let yourself love again.
Dallas immediately pulls you in as an MMC. He’s protective, loyal, emotionally closed off, and carrying years of grief while trying to hold everything together for his daughter and family. Watching Annabeth slowly break through his walls felt incredibly rewarding because their connection never feels rushed. It builds through trust, quiet moments, playful banter, and genuine emotional understanding.
Annabeth was such a refreshing FMC. Her pink-haired, tattooed, chaotic energy could have easily felt over-the-top in another story, but here it balanced Dallas perfectly. She brings warmth and light into a life that has become emotionally stagnant, while still carrying her own vulnerability underneath the confidence and humor.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Annabeth and Dallas’s daughter. The found family dynamic adds so much emotional softness to the story and makes the romance feel even more meaningful. The domestic moments on the farm, the small-town setting, and the rural Australian atmosphere all make Hawks Hollow feel incredibly immersive and cozy.
The chemistry between Dallas and Annabeth is strong from the start, but what really stood out was the emotional intimacy between them. There’s longing, guilt, comfort, healing, and this constant push and pull between wanting each other and believing they shouldn’t cross the line.
Overall, this was heartfelt, emotional, and deeply bingeable with protective cowboy energy, found family warmth, and a romance that balances tenderness with emotional depth beautifully.
May 24, 2026
Finding Northlane is a small-town, single dad, cowboy romance.
Dallas is raising his daughter Billie with the help of his brother Colton since the passing of his wife. That is until he meets Annabeth, Billie's music teacher. He falls for her immediately after their first meeting and cannot get her out of his head. And the feeling is mutual because Annabeth feels the same. I loved the chemistry between them. It was immediate but as they got to know each other, you could feel the chemistry intensifying through their flirting and playfulness.
The thing that irked me a little was how long it took them to think about how the relationship would affect Billie. I felt like... that should have been their first concern, before even pursuing anything with each other. Considering the feelings of your child and how dating her teacher could impact her should be at the forefront of your mind in a situation like that. Except here, it was more of an after thought. I guess they were so caught up in what they were feeling for each other that it didn't cross their minds, but the fact that they thought about the age difference between them a possible issue but not who they are in Billie's life just rubbed me the wrong way and took me out of the story very early on. I did finish the story though and I am locked in for book 2 and Colton's story.
While there was nothing wrong with this story at all and it was fun, entertaining, emotional, just all the things... I couldn't get back into the story after my little issue. And trust me when I tell you the issue is a me thing. Not with the story! I do still recommend giving it a read. It's a great story with a cliffhanger ending and that will definitely leave you intrigued for the next book.
Dallas is raising his daughter Billie with the help of his brother Colton since the passing of his wife. That is until he meets Annabeth, Billie's music teacher. He falls for her immediately after their first meeting and cannot get her out of his head. And the feeling is mutual because Annabeth feels the same. I loved the chemistry between them. It was immediate but as they got to know each other, you could feel the chemistry intensifying through their flirting and playfulness.
The thing that irked me a little was how long it took them to think about how the relationship would affect Billie. I felt like... that should have been their first concern, before even pursuing anything with each other. Considering the feelings of your child and how dating her teacher could impact her should be at the forefront of your mind in a situation like that. Except here, it was more of an after thought. I guess they were so caught up in what they were feeling for each other that it didn't cross their minds, but the fact that they thought about the age difference between them a possible issue but not who they are in Billie's life just rubbed me the wrong way and took me out of the story very early on. I did finish the story though and I am locked in for book 2 and Colton's story.
While there was nothing wrong with this story at all and it was fun, entertaining, emotional, just all the things... I couldn't get back into the story after my little issue. And trust me when I tell you the issue is a me thing. Not with the story! I do still recommend giving it a read. It's a great story with a cliffhanger ending and that will definitely leave you intrigued for the next book.
May 19, 2026
Finding Northlane is a quick, small town rural Australian romance that packs plenty of spice and heart.
Dallas, alongside his brother, has been raising his daughter after losing his wife a few years earlier. Life has settled into a rhythm, until Annabeth, his daughter’s primary school teacher, enters the picture and changes everything.
This story carries an instant attraction that gradually grows into something deeper. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the world of Hawks Hollow, though I found myself wishing there was more of it on the page. Because the romance develops quite quickly, some of the quieter, more meaningful moments felt like they passed too fast.
For me, the strongest parts of the story came in the final stretch, where we see more of the characters’ everyday lives and how they move through this beautiful rural setting. I wanted even more of those slower moments, the town dynamics, the routines, the rodeo events, the wins and losses, and all the little details that make small town life feel immersive and lived in.
The rodeo scenes especially had so much potential, and I would have loved to spend more time there alongside the characters, experiencing the highs, lows, and chaos that come with that world.
That said, the found family elements toward the end were genuinely beautiful and ended up being the highlight of the story for me. The chemistry between the characters is intense, the spice definitely delivers, and I enjoyed the way the ending leaves readers ready to continue into book two.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Dallas, alongside his brother, has been raising his daughter after losing his wife a few years earlier. Life has settled into a rhythm, until Annabeth, his daughter’s primary school teacher, enters the picture and changes everything.
This story carries an instant attraction that gradually grows into something deeper. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the world of Hawks Hollow, though I found myself wishing there was more of it on the page. Because the romance develops quite quickly, some of the quieter, more meaningful moments felt like they passed too fast.
For me, the strongest parts of the story came in the final stretch, where we see more of the characters’ everyday lives and how they move through this beautiful rural setting. I wanted even more of those slower moments, the town dynamics, the routines, the rodeo events, the wins and losses, and all the little details that make small town life feel immersive and lived in.
The rodeo scenes especially had so much potential, and I would have loved to spend more time there alongside the characters, experiencing the highs, lows, and chaos that come with that world.
That said, the found family elements toward the end were genuinely beautiful and ended up being the highlight of the story for me. The chemistry between the characters is intense, the spice definitely delivers, and I enjoyed the way the ending leaves readers ready to continue into book two.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
D.M. leveled up in this book. I absolutley loved Fires Creek and this book was no different. I loved that we got to see our old friends from Fires Creek and see what their lives look like in this book. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It will make you smile but it will also get you in the feels but in the best way. Both main characters have experienced some hard things in life. Annabelle's backstory was sad in a lot of ways. I was not expecting to get so emotional over her backstory but at the same time it made perfect sense for her character. She was dealt a crap hand in life and all she wanted to do is reclaim a piece of herself. She moves in search for a better life for her. She meets the father of one of her studednts and the sparks fly instantly. Dallas and his little girl are on their own after the death of his wife. They are surviving in a lot of ways but not moving forward. His brother is there to help but sometimes family can only do so much. Dallas meets Annabelle when he goes to pick up his little girl. They are smitten with each other from day one. I love that they never allowed their past to keep them from their future. They were so adorable together. The cherry on top was Dallas's daughter. She stole the show in more ways than one. I could go on and on about her role but I don't want to spoil just how adorable she truly is with them. I will say this book leaves us on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us going forward. If you love a good cowboy romance that has no third act break up this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to thank the author for the ARC <3
I have no idea if it's just for in the ARCs but there are some arts in this book 🫣
Okay, the writing is really good, making me give it a higher star, but further, I'm not so sure. The attraction and lust where so instant it just felt like too much. I get that this is book one of a duet (which I'll definitely read book two of) and under 300 pages, but it could have been a few more pages before it started, they didn't even actually know each other and basically wanted to be in each other's pants. They didn't do anything about it until 41% though 😌
But, besides all that, most of the characters were quite likeable. The plot isn't something I have read before and that ending??! Wtf was that? It left me a bit... I don't even know.
Billie (Dallas' daughter) is such a sweet firecracker—if that's the correct word, I don't know—and I probably liked her character the most even though she was barely in the book.
♡ "Gently teasing this woman is fast becoming my favourite past time, and I don't think I'll ever get enough of it — of her."
The book is a good quick read and has an unexpected plot twist.
The main reason my rating is this low is because for majority of the book I just didn't care enough (basically the whole middle of it). But, like I said, because of the writing, my rating is a bit higher than I would have given it otherwise. ★★.⁵/5
I have no idea if it's just for in the ARCs but there are some arts in this book 🫣
Okay, the writing is really good, making me give it a higher star, but further, I'm not so sure. The attraction and lust where so instant it just felt like too much. I get that this is book one of a duet (which I'll definitely read book two of) and under 300 pages, but it could have been a few more pages before it started, they didn't even actually know each other and basically wanted to be in each other's pants. They didn't do anything about it until 41% though 😌
But, besides all that, most of the characters were quite likeable. The plot isn't something I have read before and that ending??! Wtf was that? It left me a bit... I don't even know.
Billie (Dallas' daughter) is such a sweet firecracker—if that's the correct word, I don't know—and I probably liked her character the most even though she was barely in the book.
♡ "Gently teasing this woman is fast becoming my favourite past time, and I don't think I'll ever get enough of it — of her."
The book is a good quick read and has an unexpected plot twist.
The main reason my rating is this low is because for majority of the book I just didn't care enough (basically the whole middle of it). But, like I said, because of the writing, my rating is a bit higher than I would have given it otherwise. ★★.⁵/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book, it was filled with so much heart ❤️
Dallas is a single dad just trying to get through life while raising his daughter and living with his brother. Then we have Annabeth, the music teacher at Dallas’s daughter’s school, and for these two it’s basically lust at first sight 😍
Annabeth is exactly what Dallas needs to start opening himself up to love again after the death of his wife. But moving forward isn’t easy when he’s still carrying grief and blaming himself for what happened.
These two were absolutely adorable together. Their chemistry was phenomenal, and the spice? Off the charts 🔥 They were seriously sexy together.
There’s also so much emotional depth throughout the story. Dallas is still struggling with his loss, while Annabeth is dealing with her own family trauma and has spent so much of her life never feeling that sense of family.
Watching them work through their issues, accept each other, and slowly build this beautiful little family, including the adorable Billie, was so lovely to read.
The side characters also really stood out, and I’m already obsessed with Colt and Ella 👀
And that ending?! One hell of a cliffhanger that left me desperately needing the next book.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt story. I loved it ❤️
✨ What to expect:
🤠 Small-Town Cowboy Romance
👨👧 Widower / Single Dad MMC
🖤 Found Family
⏳ Age Gap
💫 Strangers to Lovers
👥 Dual POV
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dallas is a single dad just trying to get through life while raising his daughter and living with his brother. Then we have Annabeth, the music teacher at Dallas’s daughter’s school, and for these two it’s basically lust at first sight 😍
Annabeth is exactly what Dallas needs to start opening himself up to love again after the death of his wife. But moving forward isn’t easy when he’s still carrying grief and blaming himself for what happened.
These two were absolutely adorable together. Their chemistry was phenomenal, and the spice? Off the charts 🔥 They were seriously sexy together.
There’s also so much emotional depth throughout the story. Dallas is still struggling with his loss, while Annabeth is dealing with her own family trauma and has spent so much of her life never feeling that sense of family.
Watching them work through their issues, accept each other, and slowly build this beautiful little family, including the adorable Billie, was so lovely to read.
The side characters also really stood out, and I’m already obsessed with Colt and Ella 👀
And that ending?! One hell of a cliffhanger that left me desperately needing the next book.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt story. I loved it ❤️
✨ What to expect:
🤠 Small-Town Cowboy Romance
👨👧 Widower / Single Dad MMC
🖤 Found Family
⏳ Age Gap
💫 Strangers to Lovers
👥 Dual POV
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding Northlane, written by D.M. Henderson, explores the complexities of grief, healing, and the unexpected appearance of love. This is a spicy strangers-to-lovers, small-town, cowboy romance set against the backdrop of an Australian cattle station.
The story centers on Dallas Northlane, a widowed father raising a daughter, Billie-Mae, while navigating the lingering shadows of his past. The arrival of Billie’s vibrant and talented music teacher, Annabeth Harrington, acts as a catalyst, forcing Dallas to confront the trauma showing him of his wife Samantha’s death.
This is not simply a romance, but a therapeutic dive into the dark aspects of the human experience. The story weaves together the threads of Dallas and Annabeth’s histories - specifically the loss of parents and spouses - to illustrate how trauma influences our current relationships. It requires time, patience, and the willingness to be vulnerable with people. The community surrounding them both highlights the importance of a support system.
I loved watching their romance grow from mutual attraction, but not wanting to cross that professional boundary of teacher and parent, to true intimacy when they began to disclose the traumatic events behind their current behaviors. The book also reminds us how powerful hope is.
Thanks to D.M. Henderson for gifting me an eARC of Finding Northlane. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story centers on Dallas Northlane, a widowed father raising a daughter, Billie-Mae, while navigating the lingering shadows of his past. The arrival of Billie’s vibrant and talented music teacher, Annabeth Harrington, acts as a catalyst, forcing Dallas to confront the trauma showing him of his wife Samantha’s death.
This is not simply a romance, but a therapeutic dive into the dark aspects of the human experience. The story weaves together the threads of Dallas and Annabeth’s histories - specifically the loss of parents and spouses - to illustrate how trauma influences our current relationships. It requires time, patience, and the willingness to be vulnerable with people. The community surrounding them both highlights the importance of a support system.
I loved watching their romance grow from mutual attraction, but not wanting to cross that professional boundary of teacher and parent, to true intimacy when they began to disclose the traumatic events behind their current behaviors. The book also reminds us how powerful hope is.
Thanks to D.M. Henderson for gifting me an eARC of Finding Northlane. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
Did someone say single cowboy dad?
I really enjoyed this small-town Australian cowboy romance. As an Aussie reader, the setting and tone felt especially authentic, which made it easy to sink into the story.
Dallas is a hardworking cowboy who lives and breathes his family farm, and his devotion to both his daughter and his brother is clear throughout. Annabeth, his daughter’s music teacher, brings a bright, “sunshine” energy that balances him well. Their connection felt natural, and I particularly loved the nickname he gives her, Firefly, it was a standout detail for me.
The story touches on some heavier themes, but overall it felt well-paced and not overly rushed. The romance develops in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging.
The spice was definitely a highlight, well-written and nicely balanced within the story without overwhelming it.
I also really enjoyed the cameos from the Carters from Fires Creek. Those moments added an extra layer for readers familiar with that world. The found family was fantastic.
That said… the cliffhanger at the end was intense, and I’m very keen to see what happens next.
Finally, the artwork included throughout the book was a fun and unexpected touch.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC, I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Did someone say single cowboy dad?
I really enjoyed this small-town Australian cowboy romance. As an Aussie reader, the setting and tone felt especially authentic, which made it easy to sink into the story.
Dallas is a hardworking cowboy who lives and breathes his family farm, and his devotion to both his daughter and his brother is clear throughout. Annabeth, his daughter’s music teacher, brings a bright, “sunshine” energy that balances him well. Their connection felt natural, and I particularly loved the nickname he gives her, Firefly, it was a standout detail for me.
The story touches on some heavier themes, but overall it felt well-paced and not overly rushed. The romance develops in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging.
The spice was definitely a highlight, well-written and nicely balanced within the story without overwhelming it.
I also really enjoyed the cameos from the Carters from Fires Creek. Those moments added an extra layer for readers familiar with that world. The found family was fantastic.
That said… the cliffhanger at the end was intense, and I’m very keen to see what happens next.
Finally, the artwork included throughout the book was a fun and unexpected touch.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC, I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Small Town, cowboy romance.
(Read your TW’s)
Okay. Wow, where do I start? I’ve read very few cowboy romances in my time, and Henderson has set the bar pretty damn high for me now.
Set in a rural Australian town, Henderson has effortlessly created a world filled with loveable characters that feel real and relatable. The writing is amazing and this book will have you laughing one moment, sobbing the next and the laughing all over again.
Dallas is a single dad who is struggling after loosing his wife. Throw in the everyday stress of owning a farm, he thinks he doesn’t have time for love. That is until he meets Annabeth the pink haired music teacher of his daughter and suddenly he’s realising, maybe it’s not too late to love again.
Cue the banter and pinning we get to read on as they both grapple with the sudden feelings they have with each other.
Throw in a some age gap romance, single dad romance, and enough chemistry to rival Breaking Bad this book had me hooked start to finish.
Finding Northlane is filled with banter, laughter, pinning, heartfelt and gut wrenching moments with just the right amount of smut!
Tropes:
🐴small town
🐴cowboy
🐴found family
🐴single dad
🐴age gap
🐴insta lust but slow burn
🌶️🌶️
Small Town, cowboy romance.
(Read your TW’s)
Okay. Wow, where do I start? I’ve read very few cowboy romances in my time, and Henderson has set the bar pretty damn high for me now.
Set in a rural Australian town, Henderson has effortlessly created a world filled with loveable characters that feel real and relatable. The writing is amazing and this book will have you laughing one moment, sobbing the next and the laughing all over again.
Dallas is a single dad who is struggling after loosing his wife. Throw in the everyday stress of owning a farm, he thinks he doesn’t have time for love. That is until he meets Annabeth the pink haired music teacher of his daughter and suddenly he’s realising, maybe it’s not too late to love again.
Cue the banter and pinning we get to read on as they both grapple with the sudden feelings they have with each other.
Throw in a some age gap romance, single dad romance, and enough chemistry to rival Breaking Bad this book had me hooked start to finish.
Finding Northlane is filled with banter, laughter, pinning, heartfelt and gut wrenching moments with just the right amount of smut!
Tropes:
🐴small town
🐴cowboy
🐴found family
🐴single dad
🐴age gap
🐴insta lust but slow burn
May 27, 2026
Wow D.M. Henderson - this was an absolute heart snatcher!
Dallas is doing everything he can to keep life steady for his daughter, sharing a home with his brother and shouldering a grief he rarely lets anyone see. Enter Annabeth, the music teacher with a warm smile and a presence that hits him like a jolt to the chest. The chemistry hit fast, but the connection underneath it was what truly mattered.
Annabeth is the first person to break through the fortress Dallas built around his heart, and seeing him wrestle with guilt and the spark of new hope was beautiful. She’s fighting her own battles too, craving the kind of family she’s never known. Together, they collide in the chaos and it’s just pure magic.
Their connection is completely wild but gentle, charged, and full of that can’t‑look‑away energy. But the emotional depth they have? That’s what hooked me. Watching them build a new kind of home around Billie was so beautifully done.
BUT… WHAT… WAS… THAT… ENDING.
THAT’S where we stop? Absolutely not. Come back here, I need answers.
That cliffhanger didn’t just gut me. I love you D.M. Henderson but I'm hollow now.
Tropes:
Small‑Town Cowboy Romance
Widower / Single Dad MMC
Found Family
Age Gap
Strangers to Lovers
Dual POV
Dallas is doing everything he can to keep life steady for his daughter, sharing a home with his brother and shouldering a grief he rarely lets anyone see. Enter Annabeth, the music teacher with a warm smile and a presence that hits him like a jolt to the chest. The chemistry hit fast, but the connection underneath it was what truly mattered.
Annabeth is the first person to break through the fortress Dallas built around his heart, and seeing him wrestle with guilt and the spark of new hope was beautiful. She’s fighting her own battles too, craving the kind of family she’s never known. Together, they collide in the chaos and it’s just pure magic.
Their connection is completely wild but gentle, charged, and full of that can’t‑look‑away energy. But the emotional depth they have? That’s what hooked me. Watching them build a new kind of home around Billie was so beautifully done.
BUT… WHAT… WAS… THAT… ENDING.
THAT’S where we stop? Absolutely not. Come back here, I need answers.
That cliffhanger didn’t just gut me. I love you D.M. Henderson but I'm hollow now.
Tropes:
Small‑Town Cowboy Romance
Widower / Single Dad MMC
Found Family
Age Gap
Strangers to Lovers
Dual POV
May 10, 2026
I was gifted this ARC from the wonderful author!
This story will captivate you from the beginning and be pulling on your heart strings throughout the entire book!
You will fall in love with Dallas and hurt for him in the same breath! This man lost the love of his life to something horrible, but he doesn't let it hold him back or let it change his course in fatherhood! He steps up with his brother colt and raises Miss Billie Mae the way that any little girl should be raised!
To our lovely FMC Annabeth, she is the outsider of the town because we all know these small town lives are interconnected. She brings her love for music and the love for children to this little town and falls in love with the first cowboy she lays her eyes on, who happens to be the parent to one of her students. She also too has a traumatic backstory and it will pull those strings just as strongly as Dallas' story!
Colt and Ella are also a hot disaster, they don't know what they want to be but they cant leave one another alone! The friendships and bonds in this books speaks volumes!
I need book 2 ASAP!!!
This story will captivate you from the beginning and be pulling on your heart strings throughout the entire book!
You will fall in love with Dallas and hurt for him in the same breath! This man lost the love of his life to something horrible, but he doesn't let it hold him back or let it change his course in fatherhood! He steps up with his brother colt and raises Miss Billie Mae the way that any little girl should be raised!
To our lovely FMC Annabeth, she is the outsider of the town because we all know these small town lives are interconnected. She brings her love for music and the love for children to this little town and falls in love with the first cowboy she lays her eyes on, who happens to be the parent to one of her students. She also too has a traumatic backstory and it will pull those strings just as strongly as Dallas' story!
Colt and Ella are also a hot disaster, they don't know what they want to be but they cant leave one another alone! The friendships and bonds in this books speaks volumes!
I need book 2 ASAP!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such a wild ride! Right from the prologue, you are locked in with all the emotions.
Our story begins with Dallas, the rugged, broody girl-dad cowboy who is just trying to make it through life. Everything is going relatively well until his daughter gets a new music teacher. Annabeth is half his age with bright pink hair, and from the moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he’s screwed!
Despite all the reasons this shouldn’t work, they are pulled together, and the chemistry is off the charts. Dallas and Annabeth take the steam levels to new heights. When a hot cowboy starts dirty talking, well, I think we can all understand why Annabeth was smitten from the get-go. The spice was perfectly written, and the passion was flawlessly conveyed without getting bogged down in overly descriptive detail. But don’t worry! There may be a surprise or two in these pages that will be totally worth it.
I am dying to get my hands on book two of this duet! The ending of this novel rocked me to my core, and I need more. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hawks Hollow, and I cannot wait to go back!
Thank you so much to the author and her team for allowing me to ARC read this novel. It was truly a pleasure!
Our story begins with Dallas, the rugged, broody girl-dad cowboy who is just trying to make it through life. Everything is going relatively well until his daughter gets a new music teacher. Annabeth is half his age with bright pink hair, and from the moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he’s screwed!
Despite all the reasons this shouldn’t work, they are pulled together, and the chemistry is off the charts. Dallas and Annabeth take the steam levels to new heights. When a hot cowboy starts dirty talking, well, I think we can all understand why Annabeth was smitten from the get-go. The spice was perfectly written, and the passion was flawlessly conveyed without getting bogged down in overly descriptive detail. But don’t worry! There may be a surprise or two in these pages that will be totally worth it.
I am dying to get my hands on book two of this duet! The ending of this novel rocked me to my core, and I need more. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hawks Hollow, and I cannot wait to go back!
Thank you so much to the author and her team for allowing me to ARC read this novel. It was truly a pleasure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emotional depth, small-town warmth, and addictive cowboy romance tension. Finding Northlane is the kind of small-town cowboy romance that sneaks up on you emotionally while also completely ruining your sleep schedule 😭🖤
Dallas is a single dad and widower trying to hold his world together with grit, routine, and love for his daughter. Annabeth arrives like a storm wrapped in pink hair and chaos, and from the moment she steps into his life, everything starts shifting in the best and most complicated way.
What makes this story so compelling is the emotional layering—grief, healing, found family, and the slow rebuilding of trust. Their connection doesn’t feel rushed; it feels inevitable, even when it’s messy and forbidden.
The small-town setting adds so much warmth and personality, making Hawks Hollow feel like a place you don’t just read about—you live in it. And the dual POV really strengthens the emotional pull between the characters.
This is a romance about second chances, healing after loss, and falling for someone who brings light back into a life that had gone quiet.
“Sometimes the right person doesn’t arrive gently… they arrive like a fire you didn’t expect.”
Dallas is a single dad and widower trying to hold his world together with grit, routine, and love for his daughter. Annabeth arrives like a storm wrapped in pink hair and chaos, and from the moment she steps into his life, everything starts shifting in the best and most complicated way.
What makes this story so compelling is the emotional layering—grief, healing, found family, and the slow rebuilding of trust. Their connection doesn’t feel rushed; it feels inevitable, even when it’s messy and forbidden.
The small-town setting adds so much warmth and personality, making Hawks Hollow feel like a place you don’t just read about—you live in it. And the dual POV really strengthens the emotional pull between the characters.
This is a romance about second chances, healing after loss, and falling for someone who brings light back into a life that had gone quiet.
“Sometimes the right person doesn’t arrive gently… they arrive like a fire you didn’t expect.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I just finished this cliffhanger and I’m practically begging for Book 2! I think this may have been one of my fastest reads this year!
Based in Australia, this story follows widowed father Dallas Northlane, his daughter Billie-May, his brother Colt and Miss Annabeth Harrington- Billie’s music teacher who is new to town.
Dallas’ wife Samantha aka Sam passed away by her own hand due to postpartum depression leaving Dallas to raise Billie with the help of his brother, Colt. They own Northlane Farms and Colt is in the rodeo circuit. When Dallas meets Billie’s new music teacher Ms. Harrington, sparks fly for both of them. Undeniably, you know they will end up together, but how much this opens up Dallas- you weren’t ready for. This is an emotional read about grief, surviving and moving on in life, while being lucky enough to have folks supporting you.
You’ll fall in love with Dallas and Annabeth, just as quick as they fall for each other, as well as their group of friends! I can confidently say this has to be one of my fastest read books this year and it’s because I just couldn’t put it down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Based in Australia, this story follows widowed father Dallas Northlane, his daughter Billie-May, his brother Colt and Miss Annabeth Harrington- Billie’s music teacher who is new to town.
Dallas’ wife Samantha aka Sam passed away by her own hand due to postpartum depression leaving Dallas to raise Billie with the help of his brother, Colt. They own Northlane Farms and Colt is in the rodeo circuit. When Dallas meets Billie’s new music teacher Ms. Harrington, sparks fly for both of them. Undeniably, you know they will end up together, but how much this opens up Dallas- you weren’t ready for. This is an emotional read about grief, surviving and moving on in life, while being lucky enough to have folks supporting you.
You’ll fall in love with Dallas and Annabeth, just as quick as they fall for each other, as well as their group of friends! I can confidently say this has to be one of my fastest read books this year and it’s because I just couldn’t put it down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I came for the cowboy romance and stayed for the emotional DAMAGE. 🥵🤠💔
✨ Single dad.
✨ Grumpy cowboy.
✨ Pink-haired music teacher.
✨ Small-town Australia.
✨ Forbidden romance.
✨ “My little firefly.” EXCUSE ME???
Dallas Northlane is the kind of man that ruins your standards permanently. A rugged farmer raising his daughter after losing his wife? Already devastating. But then you add the way he falls completely apart over Annabeth — the tattooed, chaotic sunshine music teacher — and suddenly I’m kicking my feet and screaming into the void.
The chemistry in this book??? FILTHY. Tense eye contact. Cute texts. Boot polishing. Horse water fights. The kind of slow burn that has you sweating by chapter five. And the AGE GAP??? Absolutely lethal.
But what really got me was the heart underneath all the spice. The grief, healing, found family, and the way Annabeth fits into Dallas and his daughter’s life felt so raw and genuine.
This book feels like golden sunsets, bourbon, dust-covered boots, and making terrible decisions with a hot cowboy who says your nickname like a prayer.
And that ending??? Criminal behavior. I need book two IMMEDIATELY.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Single dad.
✨ Grumpy cowboy.
✨ Pink-haired music teacher.
✨ Small-town Australia.
✨ Forbidden romance.
✨ “My little firefly.” EXCUSE ME???
Dallas Northlane is the kind of man that ruins your standards permanently. A rugged farmer raising his daughter after losing his wife? Already devastating. But then you add the way he falls completely apart over Annabeth — the tattooed, chaotic sunshine music teacher — and suddenly I’m kicking my feet and screaming into the void.
The chemistry in this book??? FILTHY. Tense eye contact. Cute texts. Boot polishing. Horse water fights. The kind of slow burn that has you sweating by chapter five. And the AGE GAP??? Absolutely lethal.
But what really got me was the heart underneath all the spice. The grief, healing, found family, and the way Annabeth fits into Dallas and his daughter’s life felt so raw and genuine.
This book feels like golden sunsets, bourbon, dust-covered boots, and making terrible decisions with a hot cowboy who says your nickname like a prayer.
And that ending??? Criminal behavior. I need book two IMMEDIATELY.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 20, 2026
Finding Northlane completely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. I expected a steamy small-town cowboy romance… but this story delivered so much more.
Dallas, Annabeth, and Billie Mae felt painfully real — messy, tender, grieving, healing, loving. The bond between Annabeth and Billie absolutely owned my heart, and the found family dynamic wrapped around this story like a warm hug you never want to leave.
And Dallas Northlane? That man is heartbreak and hunger wrapped in flannel and bourbon. The chemistry was intense, emotional, and so deeply earned that every moment between them hit twice as hard.
This book made me laugh, blush, ache, and fully ugly cry. Beneath all the spice and longing is a story about loss, healing, and finding light again after unimaginable pain.
The Australian small-town setting felt vivid and alive, the emotional reveals hit like gut punches, and that ending?! I genuinely stared at the wall afterwards questioning my emotional stability.
If you love emotionally charged romances with cowboy energy, found family, grief healing, huge feelings, and a man absolutely obsessed with his woman — read this immediately.
Dallas, Annabeth, and Billie Mae felt painfully real — messy, tender, grieving, healing, loving. The bond between Annabeth and Billie absolutely owned my heart, and the found family dynamic wrapped around this story like a warm hug you never want to leave.
And Dallas Northlane? That man is heartbreak and hunger wrapped in flannel and bourbon. The chemistry was intense, emotional, and so deeply earned that every moment between them hit twice as hard.
This book made me laugh, blush, ache, and fully ugly cry. Beneath all the spice and longing is a story about loss, healing, and finding light again after unimaginable pain.
The Australian small-town setting felt vivid and alive, the emotional reveals hit like gut punches, and that ending?! I genuinely stared at the wall afterwards questioning my emotional stability.
If you love emotionally charged romances with cowboy energy, found family, grief healing, huge feelings, and a man absolutely obsessed with his woman — read this immediately.
May 20, 2026
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Northlane is the first book in the Hawks Hollow Duet series.
Set in Australia, the story follows Dallas and Annabeth. Dallas is a +40 yo widower and single dad cowboy who lives with his brother, Colt. Annabeth is the 27 yo new teacher at the local primary school. When picking up his daughter from school, Dallas meets Annabeth. She ends up finding herself obsessed with a cowboy almost twice her age.
This is my first D.M. Henderson book and I really enjoyed reading it. I truly felt transported to the book and towards the characters. We didn’t get much of Dallas’ daughter, Billie-Mae, but every time she made an appearance in the book I fell more and more in love with this little girl. I also loved reading about the side characters and mainly about Colt, Dallas’ brother. I feel like when the big brother is very serious, we always need a goofier little brother. I really can’t wait to read the second book as it’s going to be Colt’s.
Thank you again to D.M. Henderson and Misha Taylor PA for the opportunity to be an ARC reader !
Finding Northlane is the first book in the Hawks Hollow Duet series.
Set in Australia, the story follows Dallas and Annabeth. Dallas is a +40 yo widower and single dad cowboy who lives with his brother, Colt. Annabeth is the 27 yo new teacher at the local primary school. When picking up his daughter from school, Dallas meets Annabeth. She ends up finding herself obsessed with a cowboy almost twice her age.
This is my first D.M. Henderson book and I really enjoyed reading it. I truly felt transported to the book and towards the characters. We didn’t get much of Dallas’ daughter, Billie-Mae, but every time she made an appearance in the book I fell more and more in love with this little girl. I also loved reading about the side characters and mainly about Colt, Dallas’ brother. I feel like when the big brother is very serious, we always need a goofier little brother. I really can’t wait to read the second book as it’s going to be Colt’s.
Thank you again to D.M. Henderson and Misha Taylor PA for the opportunity to be an ARC reader !
May 20, 2026
Finding Northlane is a deeply emotional cowboy romance that pairs a pink haired, bubbly teacher with a gruff, widowed cowboy who’s wrestling with loss. It’s both chaotic and heartwarming as 27-year-old Annabeth brings light back into 45-year-old Dallas’s world. It’s a story full of laughter, sparks, and authentic emotional healing.
The chemistry between Dallas and Anabeth is simply incredible! Dallas might have a bit of a dirty mouth and a knack for showing his affection in playful, selfless acts which just amps up the tension. They form such a deep connection, and that spicy, addictive spark between them makes for a truly fun and tension-filled journey.
And let’s not forget Dallas’s daughter, Billie, she’s an absolute delight. Billie loves music and plays the guitar, which is how she bonds with Annabeth, her music teacher, adding that little hint of a forbidden angle to the romance. Billie’s presence really enriches the story, bringing a warm, heartfelt dynamic as they become a family.
And a huge thank you to the author, D.M. Henderson, for the early copy! That cliffhanger at the end really got me, and I can’t wait to see Colt and Ella’s story next.
The chemistry between Dallas and Anabeth is simply incredible! Dallas might have a bit of a dirty mouth and a knack for showing his affection in playful, selfless acts which just amps up the tension. They form such a deep connection, and that spicy, addictive spark between them makes for a truly fun and tension-filled journey.
And let’s not forget Dallas’s daughter, Billie, she’s an absolute delight. Billie loves music and plays the guitar, which is how she bonds with Annabeth, her music teacher, adding that little hint of a forbidden angle to the romance. Billie’s presence really enriches the story, bringing a warm, heartfelt dynamic as they become a family.
And a huge thank you to the author, D.M. Henderson, for the early copy! That cliffhanger at the end really got me, and I can’t wait to see Colt and Ella’s story next.
May 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐
3 🌶
First things first, I just wanted to say thank you to the author for sending me an advanced copy of this book.
Secondly I will always give my honest opinion no matter what.
So this author is new to me and what a first book to read, if you like/loved Lucky Rivers Ranch or Rose Hill/Chestnut Springs series then I really do think that you would love this.
I inhaled this book
The book is beautifully written, and tackles the themes of losing a loved one - please read the trigger warnings before going into this book as the theme is not going to be for everyone.
What will you get
• small town romance
• age gap
• instant attraction - to all those that don't think instant attraction/love are real believe me they are 22 years and still going strong
• cowboy romance
• small in Australia
and so much more but I really don't like saying too much about what happens as thats part of the fun of reading the experience/discovery
What I can say is that I loved the characters and the side characters are witty, sharp, and have your back.
BUT.........
That ending how could you @D.M. Henderson = book 2 is needed like yesterday!!
3 🌶
First things first, I just wanted to say thank you to the author for sending me an advanced copy of this book.
Secondly I will always give my honest opinion no matter what.
So this author is new to me and what a first book to read, if you like/loved Lucky Rivers Ranch or Rose Hill/Chestnut Springs series then I really do think that you would love this.
I inhaled this book
The book is beautifully written, and tackles the themes of losing a loved one - please read the trigger warnings before going into this book as the theme is not going to be for everyone.
What will you get
• small town romance
• age gap
• instant attraction - to all those that don't think instant attraction/love are real believe me they are 22 years and still going strong
• cowboy romance
• small in Australia
and so much more but I really don't like saying too much about what happens as thats part of the fun of reading the experience/discovery
What I can say is that I loved the characters and the side characters are witty, sharp, and have your back.
BUT.........
That ending how could you @D.M. Henderson = book 2 is needed like yesterday!!
May 22, 2026
Finding Northlane
Tropes
Cowboy romance
Dual pov
Age gap
Music teacher fmc
Single dad MMC
Small town
Found family
Strangers to lovers
Firstly thank you to the wonderful D.M. Henderson for the opportunity to read her book Finding Northlane is the first book in the Hawks Hollow Duet. From the moment I opened this one I was hooked. I devoured this in one sitting and then that ending. I was not prepared and wanted to yeet my kindle across the room.
Finding Northlane follows Annabeth and Dallas. What happens when A widowed grumpy cowboy who happens to be a single dad and is a walking green flag meets A pink haired sunshine who loves music and is pure chaos collide together? Get ready you’re in for one hell of a ride.
From the moment these two meet their chemistry is this wonderful spark that becomes intoxicating, there's A wonderful found family, an adorable little girl named Billie Mae, that fabulous small town feeling, there's tension, there's growth, its emotional and the spice she was spicin’.
If you’re looking for your next cowboy romance get in rural Australia. Check out D.M. Henderson newest baby Finding Northlane.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes
Cowboy romance
Dual pov
Age gap
Music teacher fmc
Single dad MMC
Small town
Found family
Strangers to lovers
Firstly thank you to the wonderful D.M. Henderson for the opportunity to read her book Finding Northlane is the first book in the Hawks Hollow Duet. From the moment I opened this one I was hooked. I devoured this in one sitting and then that ending. I was not prepared and wanted to yeet my kindle across the room.
Finding Northlane follows Annabeth and Dallas. What happens when A widowed grumpy cowboy who happens to be a single dad and is a walking green flag meets A pink haired sunshine who loves music and is pure chaos collide together? Get ready you’re in for one hell of a ride.
From the moment these two meet their chemistry is this wonderful spark that becomes intoxicating, there's A wonderful found family, an adorable little girl named Billie Mae, that fabulous small town feeling, there's tension, there's growth, its emotional and the spice she was spicin’.
If you’re looking for your next cowboy romance get in rural Australia. Check out D.M. Henderson newest baby Finding Northlane.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
May 25, 2026
Finding Northlane by D.M. Henderson is a sweet single-dad, age-gap, cowboy, slow-burn found-family romance.
Dallas is a widowed rancher devoted to his daughter and brother; Annabeth (AB) is a younger music teacher. They feel an immediate connection but take time to build something beyond physical attraction—talking, sharing, and slowly forming trust. Their quiet, mutual understanding of grief feels authentic and grounded.
AB is a bright, chaotic presence who hides her own tragic past; she fits seamlessly into Dallas, Billie-Mae, and Colt’s lives in a way that’s genuinely heartwarming. The banter and dialogue throughout are excellent—sometimes sweet and sentimental, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I also appreciated the community’s acceptance (River’s two husbands, Dallas dating his daughter’s teacher), which is handled with clear love and respect.
The ending surprised me, and I’m excited for Colt’s story. Bonus points for the playful water fights between AB and her horse and the memorable hand-fasting scene.
Tropes/Trigger Warnings:
✨Single dad (widower)
✨Slow Burn
✨Age Gap
✨Addiction/alcoholism
✨Suicide
✨Small town
Dallas is a widowed rancher devoted to his daughter and brother; Annabeth (AB) is a younger music teacher. They feel an immediate connection but take time to build something beyond physical attraction—talking, sharing, and slowly forming trust. Their quiet, mutual understanding of grief feels authentic and grounded.
AB is a bright, chaotic presence who hides her own tragic past; she fits seamlessly into Dallas, Billie-Mae, and Colt’s lives in a way that’s genuinely heartwarming. The banter and dialogue throughout are excellent—sometimes sweet and sentimental, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I also appreciated the community’s acceptance (River’s two husbands, Dallas dating his daughter’s teacher), which is handled with clear love and respect.
The ending surprised me, and I’m excited for Colt’s story. Bonus points for the playful water fights between AB and her horse and the memorable hand-fasting scene.
Tropes/Trigger Warnings:
✨Single dad (widower)
✨Slow Burn
✨Age Gap
✨Addiction/alcoholism
✨Suicide
✨Small town
June 4, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY FROM AUTHOR
4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Finding Northlane is the kind of book you inhale in one sitting—and then immediately wish you could slow down just to savor it longer. The chemistry between Annabeth and Dallas? FIRE! and don’t get me started on the relationship between Dallas, Billie-Mae and Colt…god what a family 🥹
From the first chapter, the story launches at full speed. The pacing is undeniably fast—so fast that at times I found myself wanting just a bit more room to breathe. A few scenes could have benefited from being stretched out slightly, especially given how compelling the characters are.
That said? It’s still an amazing read.
The plot is addictive, the emotional beats hit hard, and the momentum never lets up. Every chapter pushes you forward, convincing you just one more page won’t hurt—until suddenly you’re at the end.
And that ending.
That cliffhanger.
Absolute rage. The kind that has you staring at the last page, muttering “no way” and immediately needing the next book which to my dismay…ISN’T OUT YET!
Frustrating? Yes. Effective? Painfully so
4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Finding Northlane is the kind of book you inhale in one sitting—and then immediately wish you could slow down just to savor it longer. The chemistry between Annabeth and Dallas? FIRE! and don’t get me started on the relationship between Dallas, Billie-Mae and Colt…god what a family 🥹
From the first chapter, the story launches at full speed. The pacing is undeniably fast—so fast that at times I found myself wanting just a bit more room to breathe. A few scenes could have benefited from being stretched out slightly, especially given how compelling the characters are.
That said? It’s still an amazing read.
The plot is addictive, the emotional beats hit hard, and the momentum never lets up. Every chapter pushes you forward, convincing you just one more page won’t hurt—until suddenly you’re at the end.
And that ending.
That cliffhanger.
Absolute rage. The kind that has you staring at the last page, muttering “no way” and immediately needing the next book which to my dismay…ISN’T OUT YET!
Frustrating? Yes. Effective? Painfully so
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I’m going to stay here and devour my queen until either she’s a shaking mess, or I suffocate."
I went into this thinking it would be a steamy small town romance with a dirty mouthed cowboy, and it was but it was so much more.
It went deeper than just two people who had instant chemistry, these two people have lost love and been damaged to a point they didn't think they'd ever experience a love that deep again.
"He sees me, and if I’m not careful, he’s going to make me fall in love with him."
The fact that there is an 18 year age gap and Annabeth being Dallas' daughter's music teacher doesn't help either but the feelings are becoming undeniable and the want eventually reaches a boiling point.
“Ah, fuck it,”
This book gave me emotional whiplash in the best possible way. The inner monologue made me laugh, the spice made me sweat, the backstories actually had me crying, the way Dalles treats Annabeth had me swooning, the reoccurrance of my favorite Fires Creek characters had me kicking my feet and that damn epilogue had me yelling at the author.
I need book two like...yesterday!
I went into this thinking it would be a steamy small town romance with a dirty mouthed cowboy, and it was but it was so much more.
It went deeper than just two people who had instant chemistry, these two people have lost love and been damaged to a point they didn't think they'd ever experience a love that deep again.
"He sees me, and if I’m not careful, he’s going to make me fall in love with him."
The fact that there is an 18 year age gap and Annabeth being Dallas' daughter's music teacher doesn't help either but the feelings are becoming undeniable and the want eventually reaches a boiling point.
“Ah, fuck it,”
This book gave me emotional whiplash in the best possible way. The inner monologue made me laugh, the spice made me sweat, the backstories actually had me crying, the way Dalles treats Annabeth had me swooning, the reoccurrance of my favorite Fires Creek characters had me kicking my feet and that damn epilogue had me yelling at the author.
I need book two like...yesterday!
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