Sawyer: A Jersey Iron Ranch Steamy Cowboy Romance

by C.D. Gorri

She’s a lil bit of trouble. He’s a whole lot of man.

Sawyer DeWitt didn’t buy Jersey Iron Ranch to babysit trouble. He bought it to build an empire—champion bulls, champion bloodlines, and champion spunk.
The kind of business that puts a rancher on the map, and a target on his back.
All he needs is time, muscle, and a little luck.
The last thing he needs is Elisabeth Corona.
She calls herself Bit, and trouble follows wherever she goes—flashing fire in her eyes, a gang at her back, and a sharp tongue that cuts straight through his control. She’s bold, reckless, irresistible. And when she turns up at his ranch begging for cover, the only thing Sawyer can think is mine.
Protecting her means striking a deal with an MC—the same kind of muscle he needs to move his cattle through hostile territory. Risky. Dangerous. Necessary. The exact mess he swore he left behind with his special ops team.
But once he gets a taste of Lil Bit, no amount of bull can stop Sawyer from claiming the only woman wild enough to make Jersey Iron Ranch feel like home.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2026

About the author

C.D. Gorri is a USA Today Bestselling author of steamy contemporary & paranormal romance & urban fantasy.

She is the creator of the Grazi Kelly Universe.

Join her mailing list here: https://www.cdgorri.com/newsletter

An avid reader with a profound love for books and literature, when she is not writing or taking care of her family, she can usually be found with a book or tablet in hand. C.D. lives in her home state of New Jersey where many of her characters or stories are based. Her tales are fast paced yet detailed with satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy powerful heroines and loyal heroes who face relatable problems in both contemporary and supernatural settings, journey into C.D. Gorri's Universe today.

You will find sassy, curvy heroines and sexy, love-driven heroes who find their HEAs between the pages. Werewolves, Bears, Dragons, Tigers, Witches, Romani, Lynxes, Foxes, Thunderbirds, Vampires, and many more Shifters and supernatural creatures dwell within her worlds. The most important thing is every mate in this universe is fated, loyal, and true lovers always get their happily-ever-afters.

Want to know how it all began? Enter the Grazi Kelly Universe with Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel or pick up Charley's Christmas Wolf and dive into the Macconwood Pack Novel Series today.

For a complete list of C.D. Gorri's books visit her website here:

https://www.cdgorri.com/complete-book...

Thank you and happy reading!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

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Reviews

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t just read Sawyer… I inhaled it like I’d been starved for this exact brand of chaos and heat and grit. This book? It’s dust and danger and desire all rolled into one messy, addictive ride and I was GONE from page one.

Sawyer DeWitt is that man. The kind who walks into a scene and suddenly the air feels heavier, like everything knows to behave. Ranch owner, ex–special ops, building his empire with blood, sweat, and sheer stubborn will… and then BAM, along comes Bit like a lit match tossed into dry grass. Elisabeth “Bit” Corona is not your sweet, sit-down-and-be-quiet heroine. She’s firecracker energy with zero off switch, all sharp edges and reckless courage, and I swear every time she opened her mouth I was grinning like an idiot.

And together?? Absolute combustion. Not a slow burn, not a gentle simmer… this is a full-blown wildfire. The tension had me clutching my chest, the banter was deliciously bitey, and that possessive “mine” energy from Sawyer? I ate it up with zero shame.

What I loved most is that it’s not just romance wrapped in cowboy boots. There’s real stakes here. MC deals, danger lurking around every corner, that constant feeling that everything could blow up at any second. It gives the story this sharp edge that keeps you flipping pages like your life depends on it. And Sawyer trying to keep control while Bit just absolutely refuses to be controlled? Elite. No notes.

Also Jersey Iron Ranch itself feels alive. You can practically smell the dirt, hear the cattle, feel the tension in the air. It’s not just a backdrop, it’s part of the story’s heartbeat.

And Bit… god, I loved her. She’s messy, bold, a little chaotic, but so fiercely herself. No shrinking, no softening to fit anyone else’s expectations. Watching Sawyer, this big controlled force of a man, get completely undone by her? Inject that straight into my veins.

I finished this book and just sat there like… what do I even do with myself now??

If you love:
🔥 alpha men who mean it
🔥 wild, untamed heroines
🔥 danger + romance tangled together
🔥 that “touch her and die” energy

…then yeah, you need this immediately.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the very first page and did not let go.

Sawyer is everything I love in a steamy cowboy romance and then some. He is strong, driven, protective, and just the right amount of possessive without losing that deep sense of loyalty and heart that makes him impossible not to fall for.

What really made this story shine for me was the dynamic between Sawyer and Bit. Elisabeth, or Bit, is not your typical heroine. She is fiery, bold, and unapologetically herself. She walks into Sawyer’s world like a storm and instead of breaking under his intensity, she meets him head on.

Their chemistry is instant and electric, but it is the emotional push and pull between them that really kept me hooked. You can feel the tension, the danger, and the undeniable pull between them in every scene they share.

The setting of Jersey Iron Ranch adds such a rich, gritty backdrop. It is not just about cowboys and wide open land, it is layered with danger, ambition, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The addition of the MC element brings a darker edge that raises the stakes and makes Sawyer’s protective instincts hit even harder. I loved how his past in special ops shaped the way he handles everything, especially when it comes to keeping Bit safe.

What stood out the most for me is how this story balances heat and heart so effortlessly. Yes, it is steamy and intense, but there is also vulnerability, trust, and growth woven throughout. Watching Sawyer go from focused on building his empire to realizing that Bit is the one thing he cannot live without was everything.

C.D. Gorri absolutely delivers with this one. It is raw, passionate, and full of characters that feel real and unforgettable. If you love a dominant cowboy with a soft spot, a fearless heroine who refuses to be tamed, and a story packed with tension, danger, and undeniable chemistry, Sawyer is a must read.

Five stars without hesitation. I am already thinking about when I can reread it.

[a cloud of bats · Rating 1 out of 5]

actual rating: 1/2 star

DNF @ 36%

My initial reasoning for DNFing is mainly that the writing style is not for me, and is the kind I don't think is suited to a book labeled as romance. With the very short sentences and liberal use of italics both being used for emphasis, there is a combined detriment of emphasis not being clear, and also attention continuously being pulled away from the story. The fast pace makes everything feel rushed and underdeveloped, with no time to appreciate any of the moments that otherwise could have been memorable. There's also very little to no character development or relationship building, which makes it difficult to care about either of the MCs or their intimate scenes (also rushed that happen seemingly out of nowhere and read as very flat and lacking in chemistry. With dual first-person PoVs I would hope to get some kind of look into thought processes, feelings, hangups, emotional baggage, reasoning, anything of the sort, but instead there's not much of either MC in their respective PoVs, and everything reads more like a first draft/outline info dump.

Upon further investigation from both @deathprobably and myself, I was made aware that C.D. Gorri likely didn't write this and is shoveling a steaming pile of AI slop at people, which explains why I had such a bad experience reading what I did of it.

The author has TEN books available for pre-order that will be releasing between now and June 22nd of this year. TEN books in under two months. That and the poor writing absolutely reek of using gen AI to churn out a mess of low quality books, and I wanted everyone seeing this to be aware that this author isn't worth picking up or giving your time or money to, for multiple reasons.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true romance story is one that has you in it's thrall from the very first page. And Sawyer certainly delivers. I think every woman needs a Sawyer in their lives.....
When Bit and her cousin, Kristie decide spending a night out on the town was a good idea, until it wasn't.
Being rescued by Kristie's ex, Rooster, from a handsy biker from a rival club is great and all, but to be dumped at Jersey Iron Ranch, with a closed off grumpy ex military guy called Sawyer was too much for Bit.
Being left to their own devises, she watches Sawyer from the corner of her eye....just as he watches her.
Two broken souls finding each other, by chance.
They both felt the connection....but both somewhat broken and not trusting of anyone. Bit admits to being flighty.
She soon finds herself gravitating towards Sawyer and when he kisses her all bets are off. Can she really stay and trust Sawyer? She wants to but does he want what she wants?
Such is life that they both become entangled with the other until they run with it to see where it goes. Well as with all true love stories, it takes a lot of mending bridges and learning to trust again to bring Sawyer and Bit together. This story encompasses the healing that they both need as they find their feelings for each other to be real.
Also plenty of heat as we all love to read that smut LOL
Loved the chemistry between the two of them and how the momentum of their love is slowly built on the trust they find in each other,
An uncomplicated love story with all the feels with a couple of twists to keep it interesting.
Loved it in it's entirety!

[Stephanie Rhamstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @naughtynookpr for this eARC!!

If you put a possessive cowboy in front of me with some danger, an attitude-filled heroine, and a little MC energy… I’m already in. Sawyer had all the ingredients for a fun ride and I flew through this one.

Sawyer DeWitt bought Jersey Iron Ranch to build something big. Champion bulls, champion bloodlines, the whole empire. What he absolutely did not plan for was Elisabeth “Bit” Corona showing up and turning his life upside down. Bit is bold, reckless, sharp-tongued, and very much the kind of woman who brings chaos wherever she goes… and I loved her for it.

This book hits a lot of the tropes I enjoy: cowboy/MC crossover vibes, kidnapping drama, touch her and die energy, found family, and a protective hero who goes from “this is inconvenient” to ✨️mine✨️ real quick. Sawyer’s possessive streak once he decides Bit is his was exactly the kind of energy I expect from a cowboy romance.

Bit was definitely my favorite part though. She knows exactly who she is and doesn’t apologize for it. That confidence made her such a great match for Sawyer’s intensity, and their chemistry jumps off the page almost immediately.

Overall this was a fast-paced, action-packed, steamy read with a little danger, a lot of determination, and plenty of entertaining moments. If you like your cowboys a little rough around the edges and your romances with some bite, this one is worth picking up.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer is a solid addition to the shifter romance genre, with a strong central couple and an engaging, fast-paced plot.
Sawyer stands out as a confident and protective hero, but he is given enough emotional depth to keep him from feeling one-dimensional. His dynamic with the female main character develops naturally, with a clear sense of tension and connection that builds over the course of the story.
The fated mates element is a key driver, but the book also takes time to establish the surrounding world and pack dynamics. The sense of community adds weight to the romance and helps ground the more intense moments.
While the story leans into familiar genre tropes, it executes them well. The pacing keeps things moving, and the balance between action, romance, and character development makes it an easy and satisfying read.
Overall, this is a strong pick for readers who enjoy shifter romance with protective heroes, emotional stakes, and a well-developed mate bond.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer + Bit.

This fast paced (slightly instalove) small town cowboy romance has all the elements for an easy read. Bit is staying with Sawyer because she is running from someone. That someone shows up later in the book BUT Sawyer will do anything to protect Bit.

I really enjoyed the pace of this book it was the in between of fast and medium. For it being the first in the series it offered supporting cast which could have books later on, character arcs with slight depth. I would have liked more information on these two characters together beyond the 21 questions route.

Overall a good read if you're looking to snag a cowboy romance with not a lot of character depth.

Thank you to NaughtyNookPR and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was just a fun, chaotic ride in the best way. It has that gritty, slightly messy energy that pulls you in right away and keeps things entertaining the whole time.

The dynamic between the main characters is what really stood out. There’s a lot of tension and attitude between them, and it makes everything feel a little fiery and unpredictable. You can feel that strong, possessive energy mixed with her not backing down, which made their interactions really fun to read.

I also liked how there’s more going on around them, so it’s not just romance. There’s that constant sense of danger and pressure in the background that keeps things moving and adds to the overall vibe.

Overall this was such an easy, bingeable read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit and Sawyer
Oh, how I hope there's more coming from this series. Plenty of twist turns, action, danger, heat, and happily-ever-after. Dry Creek, New Jersey has sexy cowboys and sassy women.
Bit is not sure where life is taking her. She lived with her cousin, gets a slimy biker trying to claim her, and now she's on a stud ranch in rural New Jersey hiding from the bikers out to hurt her. She's smart, brave and sassy; everything Sawyer never knew he needed.
Sawyer is ex-military trying to make a life for himself with trusted employees and friends. When he meets Bit, everything feels right, like she's home. When the slimy bikers come for her, Sawyer will fight to keep his woman safe.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic New Series Starter.

Their connection was instant amidst the danger that was surrounding his business but somehow, she got beneath his skin and he was hooked!

I loved Bit’s personality, she knew who and what she was and I loved how protective and possessive Sawyer became over her.

A fast-paced insta-love read filled with entertaining moments, a little danger, determination, sizzle, love and a great storyline. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read!
C.D. Gorri is one of my favorite authors and will always be one whose books I will always reach for and this one was no different.
With the perfect blend of plot and spice this is an absolute five-star read for me! Sawyer was absolutely delicious and has been added to the list for my book boyfriends, and I loved Elisabeth she was fiery, bold and such a strong character. These two were fire together, I can't wait for the next one and I can't recommend this series enough.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
If you’re in the mood for a super quick, wild ride of a read, this one delivers. Think unexpected love at first sight with an ex-military-turned-cowboy who’s very alpha, very possessive, and not afraid to show it all while running from danger.

It’s hot, fast, a little chaotic, with just enough suspense and action to keep things exciting. I will say, I would’ve loved a clearer timeline, everything happens so fast that I wasn’t sure if it was days or months, but honestly, it didn’t even matter because I flew through it in just a couple of hours.

[Barbara Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is strong, and the chemistry between Sawyer and Bit is intense and engaging right from the start. Their dynamic really carries the story, and the mix of ranch life, danger, and romance kept me interested.
That said, parts of the story felt a little rushed, especially when it came to how quickly certain relationships and conflicts developed. I also wish there had been a more clearly defined time frame, as it sometimes made the pacing feel uneven and harder to fully settle into the progression of events.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer is a simple story of instant want set amidst the dangers that surround them both.
You enjoy the attraction, the want, the need, and the bravery it takes to risk everything for a chance at love. Sawyer and Lit Bit burn hot, but there’s a sweetness there too that balances the intensity.
Sawyer is very much the alpha—willing to burn anyone who stands in his way when danger comes swinging back around for his woman. It adds that fierce, protective edge that keeps things gripping.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit and Sawyer’s story is a raw, passionate ride that hits the perfect sweet spot between scorching steam and a soul-deep connection. If you like a dominant cowboy with a hidden soft side, a defiant heroine, and a journey filled with danger and intense chemistry, then you’ll enjoy this fast-paced, fun, and fiery read!

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer is just out of the military and is just wanting to run his and live in peace. An MC keeps messing with his deliveries and he can’t wait for his 2 buddies to get to the ranch to help so he enlists the help of the local MC for protection on the latest delivery. The local MC needs to “stash” 2 women at Sawyer’s ranch to protect them from a rival MC. Sawyer has this instant connection with Elizabeth/Bit. There’s action, drama, danger and unexpected love. Can’t wait for the next installment!!

[Christine Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick story of Elizabeth “Lil Bit” and a cowboy named Sawyer. It is a quick read where they both fall fast. It has all the trappings of a cowboy/MC romance and even includes the kidnapping, touch her and die, and found family tropes. All in less than 200 pages! Quick, enjoyable, and a little bit spicy. 🌶️

[Jackie Kilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast paced, dual POV start to the Dry Creek Cowboys hits so many different tropes. And at barely 300 pages, it does it well. Motorcycle clubs, cowboys, touch her and die... and more.

I can't wait to get to Benji's story (and Micah). So Sawyer was just the beginning. Buckle up for cowboys, rodeos, bulls, with a vulnerable FMC learning to shake off her own trauma.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer is out of the military and just wants to run his ranch. However, he is being sabotaged left and right. Elizabeth (or Bit) as he calls her ends up on his doorstep after being harassed by a member of a Motorcycle Club. It's instant attraction for them both. A very enjoyable story and characters.

I did receive an advance reader copy of this novel, but my opinion is my own.

[Scotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this cowboy romance up. First, I thought.... who has a ranch in jersey... then who cares? This man is a hunk that is all broody and possessive and I am here for it!! Bit needed help and there he was. He knew she would be trouble. I would have liked more of a build up to the romance. It seemed to happen so fast, but hey I would go for it too of I was Bit!

[Mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars

I am so thorn on how to rate this one. On the one hand it was so full of action and suspense, it really keeps you on your toes. But on the other, I felt like the relationships layer was a bit lacking. Not just the main romantic one (although that one is a key in each romance book, I'd say), but also bonds between the main and side characters - like all the other guys from the ranch, in my opinion it was just skimmed over. There just weren't enough dialogues, descriptions or even inner monologues to really get the connection between the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit and Sawyer’s story hooks you from the very first page. It delivers everything you could want in a steamy cowboy romance. It’s fast-paced, full of chemistry, and impossible to put down. A fun, fiery read that’s absolutely worth it.

[Anna gardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lil Bit and Sawyer

A page turner with lots of love. The characters are unique, the romance is hot and there is a happily ever after with no cliffhanger. Read it, you won't be sorry.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit finds herself deposited on Sawyer's ranch to get her out of troubles way. Their's is a crazy tale of insta-love, danger, and suspense. Amazing book.

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one sitting. I could not put it down.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, steamy, and definitely touch her of d!3. Like no vibes pure fact. This was so good, I was hooked from the start! I love a good motorcycle club book and this hit all the vibe checks.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't resist a good cowboy story, and Sawyer was no exception! I devoured this book in one sitting. Seriously, this book has it all: action, drama, ex-military cowboys, bikers, and a sassy, curvy FMC with a sharp tongue. Plus, plenty of spice!

This story follows Sawyer and Bit. They have an instant connection and are drawn to each other like magnets. I absolutely loved watching their relationship progress. They're perfectly imperfect—two broken pieces finally fitting together.

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc

[Shaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️.5
🤠Cowboy Romance
🐴But Also Motorcycles
🤠Instalove
🐴Curvy FMC
Quick cowboy romance, not bad but nothing that grabbed my attention and made me super invested.

[Melvena Asa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sawyer. It is a great book. It is Action packed on the farm. Love is in the air on the ranch.