The Badge: A Mafia Cowboy Romance

Redemption Ranch #1

by Lena Hendrix, Sebastian York (Narrator), Ramona Master (Narrator)

When you’re handed a new name and a new life, you take it. The last thing you should do is fall for the woman who could ruin it all. I turned on my brothers in the Chicago mafia to save my little sister, but when I was sent to this remote Montana town, the last person I expected to run into was the woman I took a bullet for.



All I have to do is keep my head down and remember she is completely off-limits.



The rules are clear––I can have no connection to my former life. Ever. But my eyes have a way of wandering.



So do my hands.



I traded everything to save my sister and I can’t afford to give into temptation. I shouldn’t let my touch linger or focus on how real it feels with her. It’s dangerous.



Addictive.



I can hide it, but the truth always has a way of coming out. In Tipp, Montana, secrets can save your life––the only cost is your heart.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Cowboy Romance

Audible Audio

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Lena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.

When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!

Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

The Badge and the Bad Boy by Lena Hendrix is a stand alone romantic suspense. This is my very first book by Lena and it was wonderful.



Val Rivera is twenty eight years old and is a police officer for the Chicago Police Department. Her dream is to be promoted to the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms division. She’d been working on the promotion for over a year but was still waiting, and hoping for it to happen. But then a call while on patrol one night changed everything.



Evan Walker and his younger sister, Gemma, are residents of Redemption Ranch, a working ranch just outside of Tipp, Montana. Before coming to Redemption Ranch, Evan lived in Chicago and worked for the Mafia. Now his life revolves around keeping his sister safe and doing ranch chores. He has grown to love his life here, he’s made friends with the town’s residents. He can pretend the darkest years of his life didn’t exist. Except they did.



“There was something about that woman that sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go.”

Val and Evan’s paths unknowingly crossed in Chicago. And now they find themselves once again face to face, forced to work together every day on the ranch. They both felt that electric connection between them immediately. But the ranch rules are strict. They can never pursue what they feel. Evan and Gemma’s lives will always be in Montana now. But Val will one day return to her job and her life in Chicago. There is no possible future for these two. But the attraction they feel proves to be more than they can resist.

“Everything about her was perfection. Strength wrapped in softness.”



I loved these two. Evan’s past was heart breaking. He may have done bad things, he might have darkness in his past. But he had such a loving heart. And Val was such a strong woman but she also had such a kind heart. I loved the way she bonded with Gemma. This was a sweet, sexy, suspenseful book with a wonderful epilogue. I was left with some questions regarding the secondary characters but I’m thinking they might eventually get their own books? I definitely found myself turning the pages with this one as fast as I could to find out what happens next. And, don’t even get me started on the amazing cover. Great book!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, it can be read as a standalone, and it ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. I have read other books by this author, and I was pleased to read this book, which is a little different from her other series and has more characters and elements of suspense and intrigue as a big part of the story.
Val is brave and strong with incredible instincts. I adored her character. Even when she is struggling, she is still fierce. I love that she is tough yet still feminine. Evan has had a rocky life. He is a big guy with lots of muscles and a soul that seeks love. I love his protectiveness toward Val, even though she doesn’t really need it. I adore how hard he falls for her. He and Val share incredible heat and many steamy scenes as they get to know each other. Their relationship is complicated and when all seems lost, he makes the perfect grand gesture for him to make.
The author does a really good job creating Redemption ranch and the characters that will be the foundation of this new series. I felt like I really got to know them. There is plenty of heat, some suspense, and a little bit of danger along the way. I liked the pace of the story and the way the characters were developed. I am very much looking forward to more books in this series.

[Camille (bookish.cami) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading I had pictures of like crime and mystery. I was so intrigued by everything. Then bam Val is sent to A town that isn’t so welcoming. A place she’s knows nothing about but with time she is welcomed.

Oh Evan! You are so swoon worthy 🙌🙌
Val my FMC who is fierce and she is sweet as heck!
Gemma I adore her so much!

I really enjoyed the slow burn between Evan and Val. The temptation between them was strong, they’re just perfect. Every love story takes work and this one definitely had me in my feelings.

This book was a huge page turner for me, i really enjoyed reading it. I don’t want to give to much away because I really feel like it should be on everyone’s TBR.

I can’t wait for more from Redemption Ranch and Lena!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeek! I loved this one!! Sexy female cop with hot ex-mafia bad boy turned snitch to protect a younger sister?! What an electric combination with plenty of sexy scenes too 😏

This is an opposites attract, small town romance. I have to say I am here for the sexy cowboy vibes Evan gives off. Chopping wood, yummy! I loved that Val gets stuck in with all the chores on the ranch too! Inseminating cows, was an interesting process and I like that they both did it and didn’t shy away. 😄

If you are looking for your next small town romance, this should be it! 💜

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is IMPECCABLE!!!!

4.5 out of 5⭐️

The Badge & The Bad Boy is a beautifully written small town forbidden romance. But don’t be fooled, this small town romance isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. It’s packed full of action, angst, and suspense.

Let me tell you a little bit about the story…

Val is a female police officer in Chicago who is attempting to become an agent for the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives department. But right before Val is considered for the position she’s involved in an incident which results in her failing her psych exam.

Val is then shipped off to Tipp, Montana where she will be working on a ranch as she will continually be evaluated for the position.

Redemption Ranch isn’t just any old ranch. This ranch houses people in witness protection. And Val will not only be working on the farm, but also help protect the people on the ranch.

Val runs into Evan, the bad boy and let me tell you…Lena Hendrix blows our minds and takes us on the most miraculous ride. The chemistry between these two is 🔥🔥.

Drama, suspense, and sexiness explodes and you aren’t going to want to miss out on it!

Evan is the most EPIC book boyfriend and Val is very strong, independent, and sexy. You’ll definitely fall in love with these characters!

I love that Lena mentions Chikalu Falls a couple times in the story in reference to her previous series! Which by the way you should also check out!

I cannot wait to keep reading this series!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Badge and the Bad Boy
Author: Lena Hendrix
Hero/Heroine: Evan & Val
Trope: Small Town/Opposites Attract

THE GOOD 😀

It’s a book written by Lena Hendrix, of course it’s going to be bloody amazing! Sticking with the small town romance theme, the author goes about exploring the opposites attract trope, and by god does she do it well. Evan and Val were the type of characters that lit up the page anytime they were together.
After an incident at work, Val, a detective in the Chicago police force, is sent to Redemption Ranch in Montana. Not exactly receiving the warmest welcome from the locals, Val is determined to keep her visit as short as possible. Until Hotty McHotface Evan Walker enters the equation. Hot damn, I knew there was a reason I loved lumberjacks, that man knows how to swing an axe, let me tell you. When these two meet, there’s immediate sparks, and I couldn’t wait to see how their story unfolded.
As with previous books by this author, the one thing that stood out for me was the wonderful small town setting. Once Val had settled in and been accepted by the locals, it was like she’d always been a part of the town. Another thing I loved was the relationships she formed with Evan and his sister Gemma. Both still reeling from what happened in Chicago, they both come to realise that Val is someone they can trust. Evan has convinced himself that his darkness will only bring Val down, however our fierce heroine was too stubborn to stay away.
With suspense, intrigue and enough steam to fog up the windows, The Badge and the Bad Boy was another fabulous five star read from this author. I’m only praying that Gemma and Scott’s story is next.

THE BAD ☹️

Psshhh, you for real?

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: A wonderful small town romance proving that opposites really do attract
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sammie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was a fun read, and a more unique one as well. I bought this series in paperback when the special editions came out because I loved the covers SO MUCH, so I hope they’re all good or better because I’m stuck with them! Lol. Police officer Val is in a terrible shootout while she’s trying to save a kidnapping victim and it costs her a fellow police officer and a Good Samaritan who jumps in front of a bullet to save her. While she’s on leave, she’s relocated to Redemption Ranch, deep in Montana and teeming with small town people who do NOT like outsiders. Oh joy. But when she meets Evan, that’s all the welcome she needs.

Turns out, Evan is the man who saved her life. He didn’t die after all, and he and his sister Gemma were relocated to the ranch under WitSec being guarded by agents. And the closer Val and Evan get, the closer his past circles. So, I liked these two, LOVED them really. Especially Evan, man he’s a good one. I just felt like with the writing, there were several missed opportunities for something really beautiful and instead, their feelings kinda stayed surface level. I’m really excited for Gemma’s book with her agent, but I have to wait until last. Boooo!!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s darkness in me, Val.”
“Maybe some. But I can see the light.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After a tragic event sends Chicago Police Officer, Val, to Redemption Ranch in Montana, she comes face to face with irresistible criminal, Evan. Redemption Ranch holds secrets and new beginnings. The small town feel in Tipp, Montana and eagerness to know more about each and every person in this book had me not wanting to put it down.

I loved that Val is equal parts bad ass and strong yet feminine and sweet. Evan is a past criminal but he loves fiercely and hello… how can you resist a muscular, blue eyed man doing ranch work all day. 😜 Evan and Val are working towards new beginnings and hoping their past won’t get in the way of what their future might hold.

Also, I loved that Chikalu Falls made a little mention in there. 😍

L🔥VE👇🏻
👮🏻Strong Female
🚔 Protective Bad Boy
🌄 Small Town Romance
🔥 STEAMY

[Lissete · Rating 5 out of 5]

steamy banter

Evan and Val meet under precarious circumstances while she’s working as a police officer and he’s a criminal in Chicago. A few months later they meet again, this time at a completely different setting in a ranch in Tipp, Montana.
Evan and Val are both trying to find a new life, to get a fresh start after a dark and dangerous past. They can’t have sort of contact with their past but their chemistry is so strong, they can’t deny it.
I loved seeing how these two find their way to each other, it was raw and emotional but beautiful nonetheless. Val had to go from city girl, to country life and it was fun to see. Evan was a natural and I love how protective he was of Val.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review The Badge and The Bad Boy by Lena Hendrix

Having read a few books by Lena Hendrix I was intrigued when I read the blurb for The Badge and The Bad Boy. I was drawn into the story that she wove above Evan and Val, set on Redemption Ranch in Tipp, Montana. I love stories set in a small town and this one ticked the boxes for me.

There are a number of secrets at Redemption Ranch so what will happen when all is revealed? Val is a police office from Chicago who moves to Montana where initially the town is not welcoming, but slowly things change. Evan is a criminal who has left the life behind, even though he has connections to the Chicago mafia.

There are equal parts of romance and suspense which will keep you on the edge of your seats. The characters are engaging and you can feel their emotions as they come together. Their journey was rocky but this is a heartwarming, emotional and well written story that left me with a smile on my face.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another life, I could love Evan Walker. He was a broken boy, grown into a man who'd pieced himself back together. He deserved someone to hold the leftover pieces that didn't quite fit.

4 stars!

For the most part, I really enjoyed this forbidden love, romantic suspense story. The premise behind Redemption Ranch was intriguing, and the characters we meet there kept me reading. My biggest complaint was that I wish there had been more focus on the "danger" aspect and less focus on the growing sexual tension and longing between Evan and Val. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the angst, but I wish there had been more action and danger. It felt like everything was too easily resolved after months and months of worrying and being cautious. Other than that, I enjoyed this book by Lena and look forward to more by her ♡

*ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Badge is the first book in the Redemption Ranch series and the first read I’ve read from this author. I was kind of in the mood to read something not already on my tbr, something that I didn’t know/hear too much about so I decided to dive into this one on KU. Honestly it didn’t work for me. I have heard the 2nd book is better so maybe I’ll try it at some point.

Val, a police officer from Chicago, wants a promotion to become a federal agent but after being involved in a shooting and she fails a portion of her evaluation, she’s sent to Montana to work and earn her passing grade at a Montana ranch. People came to Redemption Ranch for one of two reasons: either you were a criminal, or you were being hunted by one.

Evan went into the Federal Witness Protection Program and is now working on the cattle ranch to lose connections from his former life and get new identities for himself and his younger sister Gemma. He was formerly an enforcer for the mafia in his past but is now a cowboy. He is working at the ranch and laying low until he has to provide testimony in a federal case. He’s immediately pulled to newcomer Val, but also gets a shock when he realizes she’s the police officer he took a bullet for back in Chicago!

I just didn’t believe in the connection between these two characters, it seemed very insta-relationship-y. They get together fairly quickly and it felt like a lot of tell not show for their chemistry. Besides the start of the book, the plot was also pretty blah and un-interesting and I just wanted to get through the book. I guess I liked that the heroine was the one who is the police officer but otherwise the characters and romance felt very surface-level and never grabbed my attention.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another small town romance series I'm about to binge!

The Badge is the first book in the author's Redemption Ranch series. Redemption Ranch is a secluded ranch in a small Montana town. Val, a cop from Chicago, ends up on the ranch when she is almost killed at a dispatch call gone wrong. Val is sent to this ranch (which mostly houses criminal informants in hiding and federal marshals) as a condition of passing her psych eval following the events of her near-death experience. At the ranch, Val meets Evan, a criminal informant who has been on the ranch with his sister for the last year. These two have chemistry at first sight, but realize that their connection to each other is not nearly as simple as they thought.

I loved how Evan wanted to be a better person for Val!! He didn't ask for the circumstances he was in, and you can tell he's a gentle soul at heart. Val turns his world upside down and I loved seeing her tease him. Likewise, I loved seeing Val realize that the fast-paced Chicago life she always thought she wanted might not be what she needs to be happy.

The whole idea of the Redemption Ranch was so interesting! It's a big found family vibe, and I already downloaded the next book in the series!

TROPES: romantic suspense; small town/ranch life (witness protection ranch); found family; opposites attract (cop heroine and criminal hero); mafia adjacent

CONTENT WARNINGS (from the author): references to substance abuse, child neglect and elements of life on a rural ranch (including the natural death of an animal)

[Lena Hendrix]

Have you read The Badge & the Bad Boy yet? It's smoking hot & full of twisty surprises. Enjoy!

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good bad boy romance.

after some traumatic moments, Val has to move to this ranch where she meets the guy who saved her life.
their romance is forbidden, and i loved reading about them sneaking away i just love that.
also, the small town falling in love with Val was so cute!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this start to the series. Just the right amount of danger and drama with some good steam and a few laughs.

Will be continuing very soon

4 stars
3 on thr spice scale

[Romancing the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-freaking-tastic

Like a cheesy proposal at the end of a romance novel - yes to this book. A thousand times yes!

📚 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Opposites Attract, Forbidden Love, Mafia (kinda).

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Val is a cop working her way up the ranks toward a huge job opportunity. But when a house call goes wrong, she's left picking up the pieces. As part of her psych rehab, she's sent to Redemption Ranch, a working ranch that houses criminals and federal agents alike. It's there she meets Evan, who is in witness protection with his sister as they try to outrun the mob.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I feel like Goldilocks - everything about this book was juuuuust right.

If you know anything about my reviews you know I love me a badass heroine. And Val was so much fun. But when they're paired with a morally gray, grumpy mafia man turned cowboy? 👌👌👌 (OK for sure that NEVER happens, and this book is unique in that way...)

I was amazed at what Lena Hendrix could fit into a 300-page book. The character development was great. She let both Val and Evan breathe, let them fall in love. And Jesus, Evan was am absolute stud. His POV made my heart pang, his gestures made me sigh out loud.

If you add all of that together with some expertly written spice, a happy ending that made me all heart-eyed, and a touch of suspense... I'm all in. I'm excited to see this character series continue - I have a few guesses on who the second book will focus on.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶

🆓️ on KU

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun start to this series.

This is an interesting concept.
A mafia cowboy ranch situation.

Evan & Val 💕
Bad boy x good girl
Criminal x cop
Witness protection type deal
Forbidden
Small town 🤠
Suspense

I put this off for too long, another case of I let the bad reviews sway me. When I should’ve know better because I love Lena Hendrix and own physical copies of all the books I’ve read of hers 🤣

[Lexi✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not it

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
🎧: AUDIO REVIEW


Me diving into Lena Hendrix’s backlist is like discovering something new about an old friend! And let me tell you, I am here for it!

Evan and Val were everything I wanted… and a morally gray guy who very much wants to be a good guy. I AM HERE FOR IT!

Also huge shout out on this audio! It kept me company in a roadtrip and I could not stop listening! I got so lost in this world because Sebastian York and Romona Master were fantastic.

✨ Small Town
✨ Police Officer x ex- Mafia MMC
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Close Proximity
✨ Forbidden Relationship

I love Lena Hendrix’s ability to make me fall in love with her characters so quick. I swear like 5 chapters in and I was ready to declare my undying love to Evan Walker. This man was a mess of contradictions but I just wanted to burn the world down for this grumpy man. Val was also really likeable and the tension between the two… welll it was tensioning. 😮‍💨

These two were not supposed to be together but that chemistry, well it could r keep them apart. Sebastian York absolutely nailed Evan’s yearning to a tee. *swoon*

Ans of course Tipp Montana is a quirky small town that has a personality of its own. I love it, and enjoyed every second of this book and audio.

[makenzie :))]

DNF @ 47%. I am so beyond bored!!!! I just wanted a short and sweet romance to read before/after work and unfortunately…the characters are just bland. I read the synopsis in Barnes and Noble when I randomly picked up the book and I was immediately super interested in the story, so I wrote down the book to download on my Kindle later. I really think that the storyline is interesting and the cop/criminal trope or theme is intriguing but the writing is just not for me. 😔 I couldn’t connect with the characters really at all and the banter and dialogue just wasn’t hitting for me. I found it to be too insta lovey and I LOOVE a slow burn, so this definitely wasn’t for me. I MAY try out the next books in this series (especially if there’s a single dad one), so we’ll see!!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena Hendrix has written an amazing forbidden, opposites attract, forced proximity, small-town romantic suspense. The Badge and the Bad Boy was an amazing blend of suspense and romance you can’t help but continue reading.

Val is a police officer for Chicago PD with hopes to join ATF. A late-night domestic disturbance and lost lives results in Val ending up at Redemption Ranch, Montana. There she meets Evan with whom she unknowingly crossed paths in Chicago. At the ranch things are different. They form a connection, but it’s forbidden, and the future is bleak for the two.

I loved Val’s character. She’s a strong, fierce, and determined woman who has always tried to excel and pave the path for women in her career; however, when she meets Evan, she feels things she’s never felt before. Evan is this tattooed “bad boy” who hasn’t had the easiest path, yet he opened up to Val and showed her another side to him. I absolutely loved these two together!

Hendrix has a way with words and the build-up of tension between Val and Evan had me on the edge of my seat. I was waiting for the moment the tension reached its breaking point and Hendrix did not disappoint! While this book wasn’t very steamy, I loved the way the relationship developed between the two main characters and the way they got to see a different side to the other.

I really liked the plot of this book and honestly, this would have been a five-star read, but I wanted more action besides the tension and angst. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. The next one sounds amazing and I can’t wait to read it!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, there are so many questions here. Is everyone what they appear? Is anyone less than reliable and honest about what they’re doing? Is everyone actually safe? And what the heck kind of town is this?

At first, I almost expected to hear dueling banjos as Val made her way into her new town. And then I wondered why her welcome was so….unwelcoming. Then I wondered even more as Val started her new life the next day. But even with all the questions and wondering, I was hooked. Hooked on Val, Evan, and Gemma. The mystery who wasn’t much of a mystery. And as Evan and Val got closer to love, I wondered how this could possibly work out. I absolutely was NOT disappointed in the outcome either. Or how Evan and Val made it all right.

I fully expect a few more fantastic stories out of this town and the residents of the ranch. Parker and Gemma, I’m waiting. And a few others, I can’t wait to see more of you. I think we have another great series coming from this author and I look forward to finding out more about all of the mysterious people and their new purpose in life.

[Erin Branscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Hendrix slayed with this book. I think I just found my new series.

Watch my Amazon live interview with Lena here: https://amazon.com/live/broadcast/eb0...

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption Ranch is such a unique location where WITSEC persons are placed and the premise of this story is so unique for small town romance! Val Rivera is on leave after an incident in the line of duty, with her application to the ATF temporarily on hold one of the agents sends her to RR. While there she meets the mysterious Evan Walker...and let me say I loved his character. Coming to RR means leaving your past in the past and for these two that means there can't be a future outside of there, but their connection is too strong to ignore. He's protective of his little sister and will do anything to protect her and that now goes for Val. You'll get the steamy with a side of suspense that will have you flipping page after page. Can these two find a path forward together or are they destined to leave their pasts truly in the pasts? One of my favorite reads this year and I can't wait for the next book to be released!

POV: 1st person, dual
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: Low

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy for an honest review. Thanks, Lena.

I'm going to try leaving this message with tiny details because well I suck and will give away the whole book.

Val seriously was a badass and deserved major respect. I would say her only downfall was her I'm not staying in attitude. You take that part out, and she would be amazing.

Evan was courageous and sexy. Lumberjack? Suspenders? Yes, please! Now, at one point, I did want to smack him for being a dick face. I mean, you did ask for an honest opinion.

Now, as a couple , I felt like they needed some holy water with how hot they were. Yum! Their connection screamed through my Kindle screen.

The side characters I seriously can't wait for their books. I have a guess who will be next, or at least I hope.

[abi]

DNF @ 18%

These two met 25? 30? pages ago and are already obsessed with each other. I’m out ✌️

[Booksandmeforevermore13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

I'm soo glad I came across Lena Hendrix. I read the Sullivan family Series first and absolutely loveddd it and now decided to start with the Redemption Ranch series. The whole concept of this series is soo different from anything I've read before and I'm here for it. This story had a bit of everything and was the perfect blend of humor, suspense, emotions, grovelling, drama, small town vibes and events, friendship, love, acceptance.

The story starts with Val Rivera, who is a cop and is currently waiting to take the next step in her career and join the ATF. However, before she could be cleared for the position, she has an incident while she is patrolling one night, which leads to her failing her psych eval.

This is how she ends up in Tipp, Montana at the Laurel Canyon Ranch aka Redemption Ranch to spend some time away to get her bearings before she can try for the eval again. However, this isn't just any ranch. Redemption Ranch is a place which houses people who are under WITSEC and are monitored and protected by agents. But it's also a place where agents and cops get along together.

Here Val runs into Evan Walker who is at the ranch under witness protection with his sister Gemma. What she doesn't initially know is that they share a connection with a case back in Chicago. Sparks fly between these two, but knowing that Evan has a history of being a criminal, Val is reluctant to get close to him and tries to deny her attraction towards him since she's a cop.

As time goes by, they both form a friendship and the more they know each other, the more the attraction grows. They eventually act on it, knowing all they can have is this limited time together because once Val clears her eval, she'll be out of here and back to her real life.

But things are still not safe for Evan, Gemma and Val, since the people they escaped in Chicago are still trying to find them and end what they started.

Val is a strong character who doesn't need any saving and stands up for herself. She's also kind, smart, brave, understanding, and caring. It was really nice to see how she slowly finds her place at the ranch where at first everyone is really wary of her given how she's a cop, but eventually they warm up to her. Same goes for her situation at the town since Tipp is the kind of place that doesn't do well with outsiders, but once you're a part of the town and the community, they are loyal and have got your back.

Evan has been through a lot growing up and did what he had to do to survive. But he left all that behind to protect his sister and keep her safe from his old life so that she can get the chance to have the life he couldn't choose. I absolutely loved his character and how sweet and dedicated his was to the people he cared about. His relationship with Val grew and changed so beautifully. Since they weren't supposed to have any connection to their previous life and the involvement Val and Evan had in the case back in Chicago, they had to stay away from each other. But they couldn't and the slow build up of the tension between these two and then sneaking around was amazing.

That TACT ROOM scene was insaneeee🔥🔥 OH. MY. GODDD!!!

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot is an understatement when it comes to Evan and Val's story.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥.5



Val is being sent to Redemption Ranch in Tipp, MT as part of a trial interview to get a job with ATF. It is unconventional, but it is her last chance to get out of a desk job in her current gig with Chicago PD. A dark stain from a police call gone wrong -- leaving two men dead -- has haunted her and her career, and this was her only hope to get promoted.

Her assignment brings her to cross paths with Evan Walker, who has ties to her past. She knows she should avoid him like a plague and keep things professional and platonic, but who can resist a grumpy cowboy with a dark past?

Perhaps it is a good thing that Montana has cold winters, but how else could Tipp residents keep their cool when so much heat is coming off from Evan and Val? The tension from the moment they meet to the epilogue just leaves you breathless and fanning yourself for air. Evan has a flair for dirty talk, and I am here for it (apparently so is Val).

Spice aside, the story brings wonderful mystery and suspense. The climax will leave you at the edge of your seat and holding your breath, praying for a happy ending. If this sets the tone for the rest of the series, COUNT ME IN. I cannot wait to learn more about the rest of the Redemption Ranch, especially poor ol' Scotty.

If you're looking for a fantastic spicy read about broody bad-boy ranchers and sassy heroines, look no further and pick up this copy.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Lena Hendrix and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **