Trig

Cowboys of Devil's Ditch #1

by Vanessa Vale

I’m a rodeo champ. I live for the eight second rush astride an angry bull. But now I live for her.
The One I save from a Montana blizzard.
Stranded together, I make her mine.
When danger arrives on my front porch, I protect what’s mine.
But how do I protect the woman I love if I don’t know who she really is?

These short reads are MF with a guaranteed spicy HEA. While they are standalone, it’s best to read them in order.
Tropes for Trig Small Town, Cowboy, Rodeo Champ, He Falls First, Stranded Together, Damsel In Distress, Mistaken Identity, Runaway Bride

Genres: Westerns, Novella, Forced Proximity, Cowboy Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Amazon

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.

You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com

Reviews

[Nads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m all for when you know you know insta love type romance but this was a bit too much for me. Trig came across quite creepy and Ellie just went along with it. Was super quick and easy to read though being a novella. Looking forward to the other siblings books

[Bookishlyhaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and spicy with a possessive cowboy aka my cup of tea and a perfect palate cleanser. 😌

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a cowboy and when he’s a bearded, rodeo champion with a breeding kink who falls head over heels, obsessively in love with the heroine like Trig Wilder does the second he lays eyes on reluctant runaway bride Ellie, well I was left seriously considering a move to Devil’s Ditch, Montana especially when I heard that Trig is the oldest of eight sibling - seven brothers and one solitary sister. I don’t even care that he reverts back to caveman mode when it comes to Ellie, claiming her and making it official within days. Then again, he’s following family tradition if his mom is to be believed.

Sometimes you just want a quick and easy read with great characters and minimum angst, where you don’t have to think about what you’re reading, just enjoy it and Trig definitely delivers, almost like a fairy tale for adults complete with a pantomime baddie – I half visualised Trout twirling his moustache and saying “I’ve got you now, my pretty” when he caught up with Ellie but he’d have had a whole horde of Wilders to go through if he tried. If you love instalove, close proximity, age gap romances with a small-town setting, you won’t want to miss this book. Loaded with spice, humour, great family dynamics and the promise of a whole lotta beefcake yet to come, then the Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch is one series you won’t want to miss.

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insta attraction with added heat and protectiveness

Ellie and Trig are good together. They meet when he finds her in a snow storm, she’s desperate and running from a marriage her father has signed her up for!
Now Trig, wow, he certainly falls instantly and his dirty thoughts are a constant throughout the book as are his feelings and care for her.
Ellie can’t quite believe Trig is for real however she soon accepts he is and that they belong together.
Heat, lust, protectiveness and love jump off the page

[Lawlah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of my favorite tropes — snowed in, hidden identity, band of siblings, small-town setting, close proximity, and insta-attraction.

Trig was obsessed at first sight. One look at Ellie and he knew she was his, and the chemistry between them was so fun to read.

I also loved how raw and honest Ellie’s struggles were portrayed. The Wilder siblings — plus Pop and Ma Wilder — were such a wholesome addition. The way they welcomed Ellie into their family with no questions asked was beautiful.

This is a solid 4-star read for me.

Thank you to the author and Grey Promotion for this ARC.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I can happily say this is the first insta love/obsessed I have enjoyed! The way this man calls her sugar...ugh I love him. And his 8 siblings and his parents are literally the cutest - I loved the tight knit family dynamic.

*Snowed in/forced proximity
*Age gap
*Cowboy
*Breeding kink
*Insta obsession

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trig was such a fast paced read, I read this in one sitting. I absolutely adored Ellie and Trig story so much. The chemistry was simply amazing and I’m so happy they got the ending they deserved. And I can’t wait to come back to this town and this small. Absolutely loved every minute. 💙

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Ending!!!

I liked the book, but I don't like to buy another book just to read the ending!!!!

Vanessa Vale's ooks are always good. Why ruin them by making us buy another book just for the ending.

[Hailey Vandermyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ — A wildly fun, filthy, fast-paced cowboy romance, made even better by a snowy blizzard backdrop.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Just yuck.
The H is a creep right from the start.
There was zero chance I was going to root for anything more than for the h to run as far and as fast as she could.

[Haley Dillard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me.

Trig was incredibly creepy and possessive upon meeting Ellie. He immediately called her "mine" and wouldn't let anyone near her, all without knowing her name. It was too much for me.

I'm going to continue the series in hopes that there isn't as much possessiveness and creepy thoughts about people they've just met.

Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Vanessa Vale for a copy of Trig in exchange for an honest review!

[Penny Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew!

This was my first Vanessa Vale book and I was prepared to love it, but. There is lots and lots of heat, but the story line is too thin for me. Love the cover, though.

[Jenn Allen]

I was really looking forward to this series. A series about cowboys? Yes please. I barely made it 13% into the story. Trig is 100% OTT possessive and insta whatever with a woman that he didn't know, didn't have a name, nothing. The way he spoke about her when she was unconscious after passing out from extreme cold exposure... that just gave me chills and I had to stop. He completely undressed her, completely, and made comments about that. The moment she was awake, still knowing nothing, he threatened to spank her. Ick. I'm unsure if each of the men in this series are as extreme and I'm not sure I want to find out. I'm so disappointed as I've enjoyed other books by this author but there are just some things that aren't okay for me.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Rebecca A. Bamford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trig and Ellie

A good story, fast read. I get that part of the story in Trigs family is that when they meet the one ? they just know, but Trig telling her she belongs to him right from the start would have weirded most people out. It was almost too forceful. She was running away from one man wanting to control her and his words on the sound like he wanted to control her as well. It almost made me uncomfortable in the beginning, but I read along with the story and I still feel he came on a little too strong, but it is fiction so. I will be reading the other books about the other brothers.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy romance.
Ellie is a young woman running away from her father and the man she was sold to. But as she flees, she finds herself stranded in a storm in the middle of the Denoa Mountains with a broken-down car.
Trig is a rodeo champion who has suffered a serious injury. He is faced with a decision: risk a more serious injury by resuming his career or accept retirement. He finds the answer to his question when he discovers the beautiful Ellie walking and hypothermic in the storm.
Will Ellie and Trig have a beautiful romance or will Ellie's secrets get the better of them…

[Teddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trig, book 1

I'm not happy with Trig & his "mine" attitude. For me, it came across as manipulation that an abuser would use. The story line is good, when I can get over my reaction.
Honestly, I was disappointed in this story. I feel it's the worst one written by V. V., & I really like her stories.

[Nancy Cosentino · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

The story was just okay. The characters were not realistic. I am so NOT into the spanking and rope tying crap. It was so unnecessary and hypocritical.

[Lila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Fast, Fun, Spicy Cowboy Escape With All the Feel-Good Vibes
Trig is exactly the kind of quick, satisfying read you reach for when you want zero stress, maximum enjoyment, and a hero who falls harder than a bull rider hitting the dirt. This story delivers instalove, humour, heat, and just the right dash of small-town charm.
The setup is delightfully dramatic: a blizzard, a runaway bride, and a rodeo champ with a protective streak as wide as Montana itself. Trig’s devotion kicks in immediately, and from that moment, the story becomes a grown-up fairytale—complete with a pantomime-worthy villain. I could practically see Trout twirling an invisible moustache every time he appeared, though he’d need an army to get past the Wilder family.
This read shines in its simplicity: low angst, high chemistry, and characters you instantly like. If you crave close-proximity sparks, an age-gap twist, and a hero who claims his woman like he’s been waiting his whole life for her, you’ll inhale this book in one sitting.
Spice, humour, protective cowboys, tight-knit family dynamics, and a promise of more delicious beefcake in the books to come—Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch is shaping up to be an irresistible series. A perfect choice when you want something fun, fast, and full of heat. 🌶️🤠💛

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboys of Devil's Ditch series by Vanessa Vale delivers steamy, small-town cowboy romance with plenty of heat, heart, and rugged charm across Trig, Colt, and Bray. Each book features alpha heroes from the rugged Devil's Ditch ranch—Trig's brooding intensity, Colt's protective loyalty, and Bray's playful dominance—paired with strong heroines who match their fire. I loved the consistent world-building, family ties, and spicy dynamics that make the series addictive.

Vale's writing excels at quick-burning chemistry and emotional depth beneath the scorching scenes, with each installment standing strong on its own while building the overarching ranch saga. The heroes' vulnerabilities and the heroines' independence add relatable layers to the escapism.

While the insta-lust and possessive tropes are signature to Vale's style, the fresh character arcs and escalating stakes keep things engaging without feeling repetitive. Pacing is fast and fun, though some plots could delve deeper into emotional conflicts.

Overall, this series is a sizzling treat for fans of cowboy romance with dominant men and empowered women. I’m rating it 4 stars and recommend binging all three for maximum satisfaction.

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trig is the first book of the Cowboys of Devil's Ditch series. Its tropes include runaway bride, instalove, snowed in together and mistaken identity. This was a good shorter story and if you like small town cowboy romance, this is a series you want to read. This is a good steamy story about Ellie who is rescued by Trig after her car breaks down in a snow storm. She is running away from an awful situation her father put her in. Trig to the rescue!

***Colt is book two of the series. This is a small town romance between Colt, a sheriff and Molly, who is the town's new doctor. This is another great story that includes instalove and one of my favs, "he falls first" trope.

***Bray is book three. This story includes the tropes: damsel in distress, fake boyfriend and best friend's older brother. This is a spicy yummy story where Bray "falls first" for her his girl Katie. She asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend after another guy keeps bothering her. But to him, there's no pretending. I hope to read more from this series very soon.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snowstorm rescue, a huge over the top family, a woman on the run, and a bull rider who gets slapped in the face with instalove the second she tumbles into his arms, and it is addictive sexy fun with a hint of danger and all kinds of fantastic! Trig is just chef’s kiss, overbearing, bossy, ultra protective, and perfectly overwhelmingly possessive, Ellie is just straight cute and her need to be wanted, really truly wanted hits you right in the heart, his family is hilarious and supportive and you just love them, and the danger that comes knocking on the door is the perfect amount for a quick read. An exciting and lovable start to The Cowboy’s of Devil’s Ditch and I cannot wait for to see the rest of the Wilder family fall.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not always so sure about insta-love romances. I'm also thrown off when they immediately say I love you and jump straight into smexy times, especially when one of them is a 20 something virgin. But this was a fast paced novella made sense to me.

Ellie was in trouble because of a situation her absent father put her into. Trig was her savior and the man who fell for her. Out of the whole premise I loved that he was giving her an instant family and beautiful future.

I look forward to seeing what is next for this big, rowdy family.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*

[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an Insta-love read. Vanessa Vale does this trope so well. She combines great spice, emotional moments, wonderful characters and intrigue all in fast-paced great quick reads.
Trig-
🐂Bull Rider
🏃‍♀️Heroine on the run
🌨️Snowed In
💗Insta-love
🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trig is at a crossroads in his life. A possible career-ending injury might have his bull riding days over. Trig finds Ellie out in a blizzard and brings her home. He instantly feels a connection with her. Ellie is on the run from her father and his crony Mr. Trout. Trout paid off her father's gambling debts in exchange for Ellie. So, she ran until she found Trig. The chemistry between them was great and the spice was really hot.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trig is the oldest Wilder brother, who enjoys living on the edge, especially riding a bucking bronco. When an injury sidelines him, he heads home to recover. However, on the snowy side of the road, he finds an angel. After he gets her to his cabin and helps her uncover her identity, she is gorgeous, and he knows he will protect her at all costs. Ellie never thought she would be in the situation she’s in—running from the terrible things her father wants her to do. She would rather die in a snowstorm than do his bidding. When a stranger rescues her, can he protect her and save her from the horrid life she was destined for?

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stayed just to see what happened with Ellie’s father, but this is kind of an icky story to begin with. Trig is a creep, and I was not into it at all. Ellie fell for him and that’s because she’s all alone in the world and craving attention; it’s what brought her to Devil’s Ditch to begin with, her father, whom she had not heard from or even seen in 13 years called her and she went running to him only to be burned.

Trig was a total creep out of the gate and then some. The family is weird in a cult like way and if I never see again, it was still too much.

Ick vibes and cliffhanger at the end. I won’t be reading more.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read but it’s packed full of insta-love, passion and a touch of suspense.

Trig and Ellie have chemistry that is off the charts. Ellie is hiding, Trig is possessive and bossy…together they are fabulous.

These two have amazing banter and an immediate attraction to one another. I love how Trigs family takes her right under their wing and makes her feel loved and at home.

Looking forward to the suspense continuing in the next book. This book leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read with a low angst plot, steam and fun characters. Trig is a champion bull rider who finds Ellie walking in a Montana blizzard. He thinks she’s the most beautiful human popsicle he’s ever seen.

Ellie is running from a forced marriage to a villainous, creepy older man and finds herself in the bed of sexy bearded lumberjack who claims shes his at first touch.

The Wilder family are a close-knit, loving family who have no sense of personal space. This is going to be a fun series to read!

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a quick and easy read, the novels in the Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch series should be on your to-read list. Ma and Pops Wilder raised their boys to take care of their women and wow, do they! When Ellie was near death and Trig rescues her in a snowstorm, he is hit with insta-love. Only she comes with a lot of baggage but that only make him more determined to be there for her.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and voluntarily leaving this review.
#vanessavale #cowboysofdevilsditch. #instalove

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost wish this wasn’t the first story in the Devil’s ditch series even though I understand it needs to be. The instalove and possessiveness is a lot and a bit off putting at first. The backstory about Trig’s parents and how he came to be helps you understand a little bit more but it was a hard thing to get past. However, the Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch as a whole needs this story to set up the rest of the series and as you come to know more about Trig and Ellie it’s not as bothersome as when you first meet them.

I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my honest review.