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Finding Northlane

Not yet published
Expected 20 May 26
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A MUST-READ heartfelt and steamy strangers-to-lovers, small-town, cowboy romance
________________________

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.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 20, 2026

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About the author

D.M. Henderson

2 books74 followers
D.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. Her first dive into the world of erotic romance were the 'Divas' novels by Rebecca Chance.

After joining the 'Bookstagram' community as an influencer during her maternity leave, she was quickly enamored with indie authors, and the romance genre which prompted her to write her debut, Fires Creek.

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 48 reviews
Profile Image for InkedSirenXO.
171 reviews15 followers
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. 🔥
Profile Image for AussieBookAddict (Mel).
286 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 11, 2026
My Rating: ★★★★¾

Finding Northlane by Finding Northlane from D.M Henderson is an emotionally rich small-town romance that blends grief, healing, forbidden attraction, and found-family warmth into a story that feels both comforting and deeply heartfelt. Set against the backdrop of rural farm life and tight-knit community dynamics, the novel balances emotional vulnerability with humour, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry.

What makes this story stand out most strongly is the emotional connection between Dallas and Annabeth. Their relationship develops with a natural intensity that feels authentic from the very beginning, built on quiet understanding, emotional healing, and an attraction neither of them can ignore. Dallas carries the weight of grief and responsibility heavily throughout the novel, while Annabeth brings a chaotic warmth and lightness that gradually breaks through the walls he has spent years building around himself. Their dynamic feels both emotionally grounding and genuinely addictive to read.

The age-gap and teacher/parent elements add an extra layer of tension to the romance without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. Rather than relying purely on forbidden attraction, the novel allows the relationship to grow through trust, comfort, and emotional intimacy, making the connection between the characters feel meaningful beyond the chemistry alone. The interactions between Annabeth and Dallas’s daughter are especially heartwarming and add a softness to the narrative that balances the heavier themes beautifully.

The pacing flows smoothly throughout the story, giving enough space for both the romance and emotional healing to develop naturally. While the novel explores several difficult themes, including grief, trauma, and mental health struggles, it never loses the warmth and charm that make small-town romances so immersive. The emotional moments land particularly well because they feel grounded in the characters’ experiences rather than overly dramatised.

Beyond the romance itself, Hawks Hollow feels vivid and lived-in, with the small-town atmosphere adding a comforting sense of familiarity to the story. The farm setting, community interactions, and subtle humour woven throughout the narrative create a world that feels easy to sink into. Combined with the emotional depth of the characters, the result is a reading experience that feels equally heartfelt and engaging.

I would strongly recommend Finding Northlane to readers who enjoy small-town romance, single dad tropes, age-gap relationships, emotional healing journeys, and tender found-family dynamics. Readers who love emotionally wounded cowboys, strong chemistry, and romances that balance heartbreak with hope will likely find this especially compelling.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, emotionally layered, and beautifully comforting romance that delivers grief, healing, and love with genuine sincerity. Finding Northlane combines emotional vulnerability with warmth and chemistry in a way that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
Profile Image for savage_book_review.
428 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 8, 2026
*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!
Profile Image for Jess Lobey.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,161 reviews82 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 11, 2026
A solid 4 1/2 stars...but why the deduction...because I cannot with cliffy's!
I knew it was a two parter and had a cliffhanger at the end, but cowboys and come on!!!
After reading Fire's Creek (holy steaminess!!!) and meeting the Carters, I knew I had to ARC request this one. Normally, I wait until both books would be out and binge.

So, I did binge read. I read Fire's Creek and then Finding Northlane over the weekend and wow! They couldn't be more different. The writing was great and the stories flowed, but where FC was all about their initial lust/love connection, FN was a slowish burn between two very wounded individuals. Each main character was coming to terms with loss and learning to trust.

I don't give any spoilers...so what to tell??? Dallas is older, a single dad, and rancher. Annabeth is newish to town, a music teacher, and young. Is age a factor? Kinda. Is the teacher/student's dad a factor? Kinda. Is their long-time ranch owner/new to town a factor? Kinda. But all together, these bumps in the road help fuel their connections. As A.B. learns about Dallas and his past, from him, they connect far deeper than ever. I love how the two allowed the other to set the pace for their romance and their backstories. It was soo real.

When the spice hit...and it was spicing, it was so authentic. These two don't rush their moments and yet also took time to again deepen their connections. I loved how they included Dallas' daughter once they were solid.

The friend group made the story a full package! The Carters (from Fire's Creek) along with several friends/BF and Dallas' brother Colt rounded out the rag tag group. I loved the interactions and banter between the women and how they challenged A.B to get her cowboy!

Looking forward to book 2 and the conclusion to this story! Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Ashley Bolan.
406 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
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.
Profile Image for ♡RIM ࣪˖.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 8, 2026
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
Profile Image for Mel.
138 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 11, 2026
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: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Shannon Watson.
11 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 6, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Hollie Feathers.
162 reviews
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!!!
Profile Image for Nicole Martinez.
148 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Ramona.
149 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 1, 2026
"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!
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 10, 2026
I dove into this book not sure what to expect. I haven't really read cowboy romance before, but all the marketing and hype really peaked my curiosity.

Finding Northlane is the 1st book in the Hawks Hollow duet. It follows Dallas (a hot cowboy)who ia a widower and single dad and Annabeth a younger pink haired music teacher who teaches Dallas' daughter.

I found Finding Northlane to be a wholesome yet spicy little nugget of a book. Absolutely adored the Aussie idiosyncrasies which had me giggling to myself like the crazy cat lady that I am!

I really enjoyed Dallas and his dirty words, and getting to know the characters and rooting for them as their relationship developed.

This book had me turn to mush at times, and even had me mad at the end which is a doozy of a cliff hanger!

Tropes:
👢Age gap
🐎Single Dad MMC
👢Music teacher FMC
🐎Strangers to lovers
👢Found Family
🐎Small town cowboy
👢Dual POV

I'd say Finding Northlane is a medium spiced book 🌶🌶🌶

A great read and introduction to Cowboy romance. Can't wait to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Victoria Jeffers.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 9, 2026
I want to start by saying, I am very grateful to be sent an ARC for this book. I enjoyed reading it and learning the authors writing style as well as the characters they developed.

The beginning of the book, starting with the prolouge and the first several chapters, felt very rushed to me. I am a sucker for a slow burn but the character lust building felt way to fast to me. I wish there would have been more time spent visualizing the past as well a character backstories.

I feel like the chemistry between the characters built up really quickly as well. I feel like as a widowed father there would've been more brooding over having these feelings towards the FMC. I did love the connection between the fmc and mmc when they did finally get together. I mean, I understand wanting to ride that cowboy 🤭

Overall, its a great western romance with some relatable life struggles. Both the fmc and mmc deserve the love the receive from one another!
Profile Image for Nicole Chasing Chapters.
4 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 9, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy

Finding Northlane completely carried me away and lingered with me long after I finished. It feels like country music drifting through the night air, bonfire smoke curling around you, and that perfect blend of heartbreak, healing, and unexpected love.

This romance strikes such a beautiful balance between tender moments and emotional depth. The “forbidden” aspect adds just enough tension to keep things compelling without taking over, and the found family element is handled so well. Hawks Hollow feels vibrant—imperfect, loyal, and deeply comforting.

If you Love:

🤠🤎 Grumpy cowboy widowers
🤠🤎 Single dad romances
🎸🤎 Alternative heroines
🎸🤎 Emotion-packed age gaps
🤠🤎 Small-town found families
🎸🤎 Slow-burn chemistry that leaves you breathless

Finding Northlane is a dazzling five-star emotional rollercoaster that pulls you right into the heart of the experience. You won't just read this story—you'll live it!
Profile Image for Jordalin Ortega.
32 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 9, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book in just a few hours. It was so beautifully written. I could feel the connection between the MMC and the FMC from the get go. Honestly, it’s been a while since I read a book that had the absolute perfect blend of emotional depth, chemistry, and backstory. Billie’s relationship with Dallas is also so well written and you can feel the closeness between the two. Added bonus was 1000% the artwork sprinkled through the book. As far as spice goes, it is certainly sprinkled in but not nearly as spicy as most other books I’ve picked up recently. If you’re looking for something more focused on emotionally charged relationships and an excellently written plot, this is the book for you. The cliffhanger had me at the absolute edge of my bed screaming “NO.” It is so well written and you could feel the panic of the situation. I really hope the next book will be out quickly.
Profile Image for Cera Schulke.
45 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2026
Review of advanced copy given by author

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING!!?!?!??

And no, I don’t mean horrible like the book sucked. I mean horrible because that cliffhanger has me cussing up a storm and absolutely appalled. Like excuse me??? I was fully expecting a fluffy love story ending and instead I got TWO BROTHERS UNCONSCIOUS with a “more to follow” ending?!?!?! TF!!!!

I hate being an ARC reader sometimes because now I have to wait even LONGER for the next book!

That being said, I genuinely really enjoyed this story. The spicy scenes were BEAUTIFUL, and the artwork included throughout the book was such a fun and unexpected surprise.

And Billie?? I absolutely adored her. She’s so bright and smart for only being eight years old and honestly became one of my favorite parts of the story.

Overall, this book completely sucked me in emotionally, and even though I’m furious about that ending, I’m clearly invested enough to desperately need the next book immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Santhe Titheradge.
28 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026

The hook: Dallas Northlane is a single dad and cowboy, raising his daughter and just getting by. When he bumps into his daughters music teacher, Annabeth,he start to feels things he hasn’t in a very long time. Can he share the truth about his wife’s death? And if he does, will Annabeth want to stay?

My thoughts: Super easy and enjoyable to read. Henderson manages to write something both spicy and sweet, which had me hanging on every chapter. The novel also explores mental health and does so in a respectful and genuine way.

I loved the inclusion of character art throughout the narrative, as well as the subplot involving Dallas’ brother, Colt and Annabeth’s bestie, Ella. This brought some light and shade to the storyline.

This book had lots of heart, tender moments, laughs and enough spice if that’s what you’re into (let’s face it - who isn’t?) The cliffhanger ending has me desperate for book two of this duet
Profile Image for Madison Beardslee.
150 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 7, 2026
Finding Northlane completely stole my heart. 🤠 The cowboy romance had me absolutely swooning from start to finish and there is something about a good western setting that just hits different, and DM Henderson nailed it. The found family element was the cherry on top and had me emotional in the best way possible.
The characters?? Absolutely to die for. I was so invested in every single one of them, and the way they were written felt so genuine and real. You know a book has done its job when you close it and immediately miss the people inside the pages.
It’s just such a sweet, warm, feel-good story, exactly the kind of book you want to curl up with when you need something that will leave you smiling. If you love cowboys, found family, and characters you’ll never stop thinking about, this one is calling your name. 🌅🤍
Profile Image for Mallory.
59 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 28, 2026
As a born and bred southern girlie, trust me when I say that Finding Northlane had me wanting to put on my Ariats and go line dancing like I spent every weekend doing in my 20s! Aesthetically, the small town vibes are giving Sweet Home Alabama…but the story has the heart of Steel Magnolias. I love a good cowboy romance, but this story is more than that! It’s about two people learning to navigate the world with the cards life has dealt them. Dallas and Anna Beth are proof that love has its way of finding you at times when you’re not even looking for it. And I’ll be honest…I don’t blame Anna Beth one bit for fallin’ for Dallas the moment she saw him in those dang blue jeans! (cue Dolly’s “Why’d Ya Come in Here Lookin’ Like That?”)
Profile Image for Lindsay Richardson.
44 reviews
May 6, 2026
This book was my first introduction to the writing of D.M Henderson and it did not disappoint! I found myself captivated from the beginning, waking up during the night to read a few more chapters before having to force myself to sleep!

I love a good small town country romance but this one spoke to me on a deeper level that just that. The MMC and FMC were dealt crap hands and were learning how to navigate their past while finding a way to their future together.

The illustrations thru the book are on point and help bring the characters and specific scenes to life. I can’t wait to read the second part of the duet 🙈

I’ve been to Australia twice and didn’t find myself a man like Dallas—I guess I have to venture more off the beaten path 😉🥵🥵
Profile Image for Taylor.
42 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 10, 2026
Thank you so much D.M Henderson for selecting me to ARC read for you!
As someone who ATE Fires Creek up I could not wait to read Finding Northlane!
The second Dallas was on my kindle screen with those smart ass comments and shameless flirting I knew this book was an instant 5 stars! The simple fun, playful banter between him & Annabeth was just amazing!
Finding Northlane held heart ache, loss, hidden pasts and the fear of loving again.
However it absolutely stole my heart how much these two fell so hard and effortlessly for each other!
This book was just easy to read, had Aussie slang and banter and an MMC for the book girlies to swoon over!
Only downfall is that it ended on a cliffhanger and now I’ll be pulling my hair out waiting for book two!!
Profile Image for Ashleigh Kennedy.
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC from the author.
Chef’s kiss 💋
I would recommend this book every day of the week.
I was hooked from the beginning, fell in love with the characters, had my heart broken with them and rode the rollercoaster through the story with them.

Character development was amazing.
Brooding cowboy meets a dreamy pixie.
Dallas and Annabeth are a dream team.
Love the addition of Colt and their friends.

The characters backgrounds and heartaches make the story feel so raw, yet so beautiful. This is wholesome in a way I never expected.

I need book 2 ASAP!
I’m telling you, if you want a great story, some delightful spice and a raw and wholesome read this is the book for you!
9 reviews
May 12, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

Holy Hawks Hollow - for your next spicy nugget of a cowboy romance look no further!

Found myself falling in love with the FMC Annabeth and MMC Dallas and of course the ever fiery and hilarious Billie-Mae.

The characters have you hooked from very early on and show a lot of depth and some deep, dark backgrounds (please read and adhere to your trigger warnings!)
With a beautiful found family feel and familiar faces from D.M Hendersons novella Fires Creek it was a cosy read with spice to keep you hot under the covers.

I could definitely get around this cowboy and his twin flame younger brother and with the cliffhanger ending keeping the heat burning you know I’ll be back for more of the Northlanes!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Stokoe.
25 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW!!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am officially obsessed! I just finished an early copy (ARC) of Finding Northlane by D.M. Henderson, and it was the perfect way to kick off my ARC reading journey. This was such a quick, addictive read that had me hooked from the very first page.

The Characters:
Dallas and Annabeth are complete opposites on paper, but together they create something unexpectedly special.

Dallas Northlane: An older Australian cowboy with major "teddy bear" energy. He is rugged, loyal, and completely obsessed with his girl.

Annabeth: A pink-haired, confident pixie who lights up every room she walks into. Underneath that bold exterior is a heart of gold that makes her impossible not to adore.

Why you need to read this:
The chemistry between Dallas and Annabeth was incredible, and the banter was so much fun. The spice was the perfect amount…steamy without overshadowing the heart of the story. If you like your book boyfriends to be tall, tattooed, and absolutely off limits then Dallas will absolutely fit that mould!


What to expect:
* Spicy Cowboy Romance
* Single Dad MMC
* Strangers to Lovers
* Age Gap
* A fast-paced, addictive story you can finish in one sitting

This book was sweet, spicy, and impossible to put down. It is a charming, heartfelt romance filled with humour and tenderness.
Profile Image for Miranda Hawkins.
97 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this single dad, second chance cowboy romance. It packs in so much, from healing and growth to mental health and childhood trauma, without feeling overwhelming. The tension had me locked in, and just when I thought I had things figured out, that plot twist came out of nowhere and proved me very wrong.

I will say, while the spicy scenes were very vividly detailed and doing their job, I found myself wishing for a little more depth in the quieter moments. Give me more of those in-between interactions so I can fully spiral over their emotional connection too.

And that cliffhanger? Absolutely not. I need book two immediately because I have to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Liz.
3 reviews
May 8, 2026
Well what a surprise in the best possible way… this arc was a breath of fresh Australian air. It’s nice that this cowboy was set in a small Aussie town. It hails the delicate balance so well of having a strong family storyline that will make you cry, swoon and laugh out loud in equal measure. It’s a single dad finding himself again, giving himself permission. With a sweet and sassy 8 yr old daughter that is just a special star of a character.. It’s about found family, learning to forgive and move on, second chances with beautiful viewpoints and a splash of pixie magic and a little bit of spice on the side!! 🌶️❤️ Absolutely loved this book
Profile Image for Emma Griffiths.
34 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 8, 2026
DM Henderson’s Finding Northlane is an easy-to-devour Australian cowboy romance packed with charm, spice, and heart. The age gap dynamic between the characters worked so well! I adored the nicknames the characters gave each other!

The story balances steamy moments with emotional depth, adding just enough heartache to keep you invested without weighing the story down. The Australian setting gave it an extra layer of authenticity and charm that made it even more enjoyable.

And fair warning… that ending absolutely leaves you hanging. Be prepared for a cliffhanger that will have you desperate for the next book!
17 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 8, 2026
As an ARC reader, this book completely stole my heart. The mix of small-town charm, emotional healing, and steamy romance made it impossible to put down. Dallas was the perfect gruff but loving cowboy, and watching Annabeth bring light and life back into his world — and his daughter’s — was incredibly touching. Their chemistry was electric from the start, and the found family dynamic added so much warmth to the story. The rural Australian setting gave it such a unique feel, and I loved all the little cultural touches throughout. A heartfelt and addictive 5-star read that has me so ready for the next book in the duet.
Profile Image for Nicole.
9 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2026
⭐️ ARC Review

Finding Northlane is an easy and enjoyable read that kept me entertained from start to finish. The story flows smoothly, and the writing style makes it easy to get through quickly.

That being said, the book did feel a little rushed at times, especially in the beginning where things seemed to move very fast. I also noticed that certain points and emotions were repeated quite often throughout the story.

Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the characters and storyline, but for me it was missing a bit more emotional depth and development to make it truly memorable.

Still, it’s a fun and light read for anyone looking for an entertaining romance/story.
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