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The Outlaw Queen & The Dread Spur Boys: A Daughters of Brightwater Ranch Novel
Willa Hexley was born under the wide western sky, a Mage rancher’s daughter with the spirit of a cowboy. When her father’s death leaves her in charge of Brightwater Ranch, she refuses to let any man—vampire or mortal—tell her how to handle it. She runs her land like a queen with a revolver, giving refuge to the broken and hunted.
One fateful summer, Benjamin “Boone” Ashridge shows up at the ranch as a young refugee, stealing Willa’s breath and heart before riding off to become one of the most infamous outlaws. Years later, he returns as the hardened leader of the Dread Spur Boys—the rowdiest bunch of lawless men—and he keeps coming back.
When Boone comes back bleeding after a job gone wrong, Willa takes him in again, along with his rough and loyal gang. This time, he’s brought along every last one of the leaders of the Dread Spur Boys, including his newest partner in crime, Jesse Woods. He carries the same dark charm Boone once did and the same hunger in his eyes when he looks at her.
As Willa and the Dread Spur Boys plan a daring rescue to save one of their own, she’ll have to decide what kind of queen she wants to be—one who hides behind her walls, or one who rules beside the outlaws who would burn the world down for her.
In a land where power belongs to men with guns and gold, Willa Hexley is done playing by their rules.
The Daughters of Brighterwater Ranch Trilogy is a collection of standalone, cowboy romantasy novels that combine the western flare we know and love of cowboy romances with fantasy elements. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Lyla Sage, and Karina Halle.
All the tropes
Reverse harem (5 MMCs)
Outlaw refuge
Sassy FMC
Forced proximity
Second-chance romance
All the banter
One fateful summer, Benjamin “Boone” Ashridge shows up at the ranch as a young refugee, stealing Willa’s breath and heart before riding off to become one of the most infamous outlaws. Years later, he returns as the hardened leader of the Dread Spur Boys—the rowdiest bunch of lawless men—and he keeps coming back.
When Boone comes back bleeding after a job gone wrong, Willa takes him in again, along with his rough and loyal gang. This time, he’s brought along every last one of the leaders of the Dread Spur Boys, including his newest partner in crime, Jesse Woods. He carries the same dark charm Boone once did and the same hunger in his eyes when he looks at her.
As Willa and the Dread Spur Boys plan a daring rescue to save one of their own, she’ll have to decide what kind of queen she wants to be—one who hides behind her walls, or one who rules beside the outlaws who would burn the world down for her.
In a land where power belongs to men with guns and gold, Willa Hexley is done playing by their rules.
The Daughters of Brighterwater Ranch Trilogy is a collection of standalone, cowboy romantasy novels that combine the western flare we know and love of cowboy romances with fantasy elements. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Lyla Sage, and Karina Halle.
All the tropes
Reverse harem (5 MMCs)
Outlaw refuge
Sassy FMC
Forced proximity
Second-chance romance
All the banter
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Davidson
11 books104 followersK.M. “Katie” Davidson is an adult fantasy author. Her authorial journey began as a young writer creating YA fantasy novels in composition notebooks and publishing them on Wattpad. After getting her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing and Master’s in English Literature—and abandoning 20+ book ideas—she finally sat down in 2023 and finished her debut novel, Darkness Comes Again.
Outside of writing and reading, Katie is a Content Marketer. She loves dance parties with her husband and dog, hiking, traveling, entertaining conspiracy theories (none more than aliens), collecting more rocks, and buying old copies of books published over 100 years ago.
For exclusive sneak peeks, character aesthetics, and more news, follow K.M. Davidson on social media: @kmdavidsonbooks
Outside of writing and reading, Katie is a Content Marketer. She loves dance parties with her husband and dog, hiking, traveling, entertaining conspiracy theories (none more than aliens), collecting more rocks, and buying old copies of books published over 100 years ago.
For exclusive sneak peeks, character aesthetics, and more news, follow K.M. Davidson on social media: @kmdavidsonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 4, 2026
Read this if you heard "smutty western why-choose with 5 non-human love interests" and thought: you know what? hell yeah.
This was an all around good time with spicy spice, witty banter, and a straight-forward plot. I have read every book KM Davidson has published and you can tell she really had fun with this one. I know as an author she goes hard with lore and world-building in her other series so it was nice to see this other, lighter, slightly unhinged side 😅
some minor thoughts:
- I'll admit I'm not a certified why choose girlie but 5 MMCs felt like too much for the available page space. at 300ish pages there was simply no time for any connection to feel established other than Willa and Boone.
- on that note, because Willa and Boone had a history and an established relationship, it made me feel iffy about the why choose situation in general.
- This definitely leans more western than romantasy. Other than the characters not being human, there was very little magic/fantasy elements and I would have loved a little more of that.
I received an eARC from the author. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was an all around good time with spicy spice, witty banter, and a straight-forward plot. I have read every book KM Davidson has published and you can tell she really had fun with this one. I know as an author she goes hard with lore and world-building in her other series so it was nice to see this other, lighter, slightly unhinged side 😅
some minor thoughts:
- I'll admit I'm not a certified why choose girlie but 5 MMCs felt like too much for the available page space. at 300ish pages there was simply no time for any connection to feel established other than Willa and Boone.
- on that note, because Willa and Boone had a history and an established relationship, it made me feel iffy about the why choose situation in general.
- This definitely leans more western than romantasy. Other than the characters not being human, there was very little magic/fantasy elements and I would have loved a little more of that.
I received an eARC from the author. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Paranormal why-choose with a rescue mission, cowboys and alot of sass!
This was a fun read. It is a very spicey reverse harem. I enjoyed the mission they went on and the characters had great chemistry between them.
This was a fun read. It is a very spicey reverse harem. I enjoyed the mission they went on and the characters had great chemistry between them.
March 3, 2026
I received an ARC from the author, but that does not affect my review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a fan of the alpha/omega/pack type books and was scared this would turn into that. Aside from one group sex scene, it's not like that at all.
The story was really intriguing; I quite liked the mix of the wild west with magical qualities, like mages, vampires, and a variety of creatures. I found myself not even minding some of the werewolf tropes (I do not like kn*tting, at all) because the characters didn't play into them. They were just really well thought out characters.
Knocking a star off because I think some of the pacing could be adjusted. I rarely say this, but I think the sex scenes could have been longer and/or more detailed. It felt like they were almost shoved in there and the author was trying to just get them over with. I didn't feel much real passion or sparks from them.
Also, the books is mainly told from our FMC's, Willa, POV, there's three random chapters from her love interest, Boone's POV. I either think there needed to be more Boone chapters, or have them removed completely. I get it was to be able to show what was going on during especially one situation, but surely that could have been portrayed differently?
Overall a good read. I'd be interested in the rest of the trilogy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a fan of the alpha/omega/pack type books and was scared this would turn into that. Aside from one group sex scene, it's not like that at all.
The story was really intriguing; I quite liked the mix of the wild west with magical qualities, like mages, vampires, and a variety of creatures. I found myself not even minding some of the werewolf tropes (I do not like kn*tting, at all) because the characters didn't play into them. They were just really well thought out characters.
Knocking a star off because I think some of the pacing could be adjusted. I rarely say this, but I think the sex scenes could have been longer and/or more detailed. It felt like they were almost shoved in there and the author was trying to just get them over with. I didn't feel much real passion or sparks from them.
Also, the books is mainly told from our FMC's, Willa, POV, there's three random chapters from her love interest, Boone's POV. I either think there needed to be more Boone chapters, or have them removed completely. I get it was to be able to show what was going on during especially one situation, but surely that could have been portrayed differently?
Overall a good read. I'd be interested in the rest of the trilogy.
March 3, 2026
I received an eARC from the author (not sure how lol) so I went in with 0 expectations. But boy was I captivated. This is a why choose paranormal western romance - elements I did not think I would find in one book. And the smut was smutting!! 🥵
Davidson does an excellent job setting the scene and establishing the world of this western. It's not like the traditional cowboy time period. The paranormal factors influence the landscape of their nation, from the people to the lay of the land. I loved the variety of beings - Mages, Dhampir, Vampire, Werewolf, Fae.
Willa Hexley is a cowgirl to her core. Running Brightwater ranch, looking after her 2 sisters, while practicing magic. She is strong-willed and sassy. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of her snark (her men did too 😉). It took her a while to realize, but she is a Queen. The Dread Spur Boys - Boone, Thorne, Malachi, Gideon, Jesse, & Elias - are the roughest, toughest group of cowboys. They are honest and loyal to their core. I loved the connection & romance Willa had with each man because each relationship was different.
Even through all the romance, there was still action and a few villains. I mean, The Dread Spur Boys couldn't have gotten their reputation without facing a threat or problem. The cowboys & cowgirls all held their own when the time was needed.
Davidson does an excellent job setting the scene and establishing the world of this western. It's not like the traditional cowboy time period. The paranormal factors influence the landscape of their nation, from the people to the lay of the land. I loved the variety of beings - Mages, Dhampir, Vampire, Werewolf, Fae.
Willa Hexley is a cowgirl to her core. Running Brightwater ranch, looking after her 2 sisters, while practicing magic. She is strong-willed and sassy. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of her snark (her men did too 😉). It took her a while to realize, but she is a Queen. The Dread Spur Boys - Boone, Thorne, Malachi, Gideon, Jesse, & Elias - are the roughest, toughest group of cowboys. They are honest and loyal to their core. I loved the connection & romance Willa had with each man because each relationship was different.
Even through all the romance, there was still action and a few villains. I mean, The Dread Spur Boys couldn't have gotten their reputation without facing a threat or problem. The cowboys & cowgirls all held their own when the time was needed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book directly from the author, and I went in not totally sure what to expect. I haven’t read many westerns, but a spicy paranormal reverse harem set in the Old West sounded like a good time and it absolutely was.
This leans much more western than paranormal. The supernatural elements are present, but they’re more circumstantial than central. The real focus is Willa and her relationships with the Dread Spur Boys.
Willa Hexley is a fierce, capable FMC who runs Brightwater Ranch like a queen with a revolver. The Dread Spurs have that loyal, “we protect our own” mentality that makes an outlaw story so satisfying. Watching her dynamic grow with each of the five men was fun. There’s banter, second-chance tension with Boone, and plenty of forced proximity. And of course, Gideon, the golden retriever werewolf, was my favorite. I just love a devoted, slightly feral sweetheart.
There’s a lot of spice, but it never feels like the story disappears. The emotional connections and plot still carry weight between the many steamy scenes.
If you’re looking for outlaw vibes, a sassy mage rancher queen, and a reverse harem that’s both spicy and heartfelt, this one is worth the ride.
This leans much more western than paranormal. The supernatural elements are present, but they’re more circumstantial than central. The real focus is Willa and her relationships with the Dread Spur Boys.
Willa Hexley is a fierce, capable FMC who runs Brightwater Ranch like a queen with a revolver. The Dread Spurs have that loyal, “we protect our own” mentality that makes an outlaw story so satisfying. Watching her dynamic grow with each of the five men was fun. There’s banter, second-chance tension with Boone, and plenty of forced proximity. And of course, Gideon, the golden retriever werewolf, was my favorite. I just love a devoted, slightly feral sweetheart.
There’s a lot of spice, but it never feels like the story disappears. The emotional connections and plot still carry weight between the many steamy scenes.
If you’re looking for outlaw vibes, a sassy mage rancher queen, and a reverse harem that’s both spicy and heartfelt, this one is worth the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Does why-choose cowboy romantasy sound up your alley? Then The Outlaw Queen & The Dread Spur Boys is absolutely for you 🙌🏼
I devoured this book. Willa Hexley is a straight-up badass cowgirl—she takes no shit, fiercely protects her land and people, and plays the long game when it comes to justice. The way she runs her ranch—taking in lost souls, offering refuge to those who need safety, and quietly fighting back against the Sovereign—completely blew me away. I loved seeing her devotion to her sisters, Maisie and Calla, and I cannot wait for their stories 💜
And the romance!!! 🥵 The smut is out of this world, but what really sold me were the relationship dynamics—complex yet effortless in the best way. The men respect Willa and each other, treating her like the queen she is. Truly, there’s a man for everyone in this relationship 😌 And yes—the emotional development is just as addictive as the spice.
If you love a western backdrop, a heist, spicy romance, and loads of found family, don’t sleep on this one! You’re in for a wild ride 😈
I devoured this book. Willa Hexley is a straight-up badass cowgirl—she takes no shit, fiercely protects her land and people, and plays the long game when it comes to justice. The way she runs her ranch—taking in lost souls, offering refuge to those who need safety, and quietly fighting back against the Sovereign—completely blew me away. I loved seeing her devotion to her sisters, Maisie and Calla, and I cannot wait for their stories 💜
And the romance!!! 🥵 The smut is out of this world, but what really sold me were the relationship dynamics—complex yet effortless in the best way. The men respect Willa and each other, treating her like the queen she is. Truly, there’s a man for everyone in this relationship 😌 And yes—the emotional development is just as addictive as the spice.
If you love a western backdrop, a heist, spicy romance, and loads of found family, don’t sleep on this one! You’re in for a wild ride 😈
Review of advance copy received from Author
DNF at 30%
2⭐️
There are too many things from the beginning: a lot of characters, plenty of races, war and its history, gangs, time skips. It's a lot to process
Willa. Girl collects her man as a pokemons. From the very beginning she doesn't believe in one spouse till the end of the days and just eye fuck other guys until she got official permission to bang them. Girl goes wild and just wants to skim off the cream.
The whole harem thing is not working for me. It was like I stepped in the middle of something and just awkwardly peeked in. The new guys just want to fuck her immediately after meeting. The well known guys wants to fuck her, cause they have their own established relationships and jokes, that we didn't know and hell a lot of unresolved sexual tentation. I didn't feel any emotional connection between them. And to be honest, I didn't like Willa's attitude towards them.
2⭐️
There are too many things from the beginning: a lot of characters, plenty of races, war and its history, gangs, time skips. It's a lot to process
Willa. Girl collects her man as a pokemons. From the very beginning she doesn't believe in one spouse till the end of the days and just eye fuck other guys until she got official permission to bang them. Girl goes wild and just wants to skim off the cream.
The whole harem thing is not working for me. It was like I stepped in the middle of something and just awkwardly peeked in. The new guys just want to fuck her immediately after meeting. The well known guys wants to fuck her, cause they have their own established relationships and jokes, that we didn't know and hell a lot of unresolved sexual tentation. I didn't feel any emotional connection between them. And to be honest, I didn't like Willa's attitude towards them.
Read
February 9, 2026Thank you to the author and the team for sending an ARC! Since this was my first paranormal cowboy romance, I did admittedly have some trouble settling into the universe. The Wild West of it all was easy enough but then they would mention something paranormal and it would kind of take me out of it, like oh wait that’s right he’s a werewolf. Perhaps if there were more instances of active paranormal scenes woven in it wouldn’t have felt so jarring. I also wish we would have gotten more details about the Wild Spurs dynamics amongst themselves, just so we could have a more complete universe built.
All that to say, this was a fun and new read for me! I appreciated that each character was distinct but still made sense for the plot. And who doesn’t love a badass FMC who’s smart and independent but still can be soft for the MMC(s)??
All that to say, this was a fun and new read for me! I appreciated that each character was distinct but still made sense for the plot. And who doesn’t love a badass FMC who’s smart and independent but still can be soft for the MMC(s)??
February 25, 2026
Why choose? ✔️
Smut ✔️
Paranormal ✔️
Badass cowgirl ✔️
Willa Hexley meets Boone when she is young on her papas ranch. Fast forward 8 years and Willa is running the ranch, Boone has been bringing his ragtag group of paranormal cowboys along and they all get to know each other (😈)
Willa and her sisters are running a sanctuary for people who need to hide out or have somewhere safe to stay as long as they pull their weight! This comes with some friction from the neighbouring vamp. After one of the cowboys gets captured they come up with a rescue plan, but not before making time for some Group Activity 😏
———
This story was easy to follow, very spicy and had plot. I loved how much Willa cared for her sisters and how much all the guys worshipped the ground Willa walks on.
Smut ✔️
Paranormal ✔️
Badass cowgirl ✔️
Willa Hexley meets Boone when she is young on her papas ranch. Fast forward 8 years and Willa is running the ranch, Boone has been bringing his ragtag group of paranormal cowboys along and they all get to know each other (😈)
Willa and her sisters are running a sanctuary for people who need to hide out or have somewhere safe to stay as long as they pull their weight! This comes with some friction from the neighbouring vamp. After one of the cowboys gets captured they come up with a rescue plan, but not before making time for some Group Activity 😏
———
This story was easy to follow, very spicy and had plot. I loved how much Willa cared for her sisters and how much all the guys worshipped the ground Willa walks on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so much fun. I love a good why choose and when some of the boyfriends are boyfriends, it makes for some interesting scenes. This is a paranormal why choose western style book 😆 I really enjoyed it. There were some tears at the end and I really hope the author continues with these characters in more books because I want to know more. I am to get more books with the sisters and have character from this book popping up in those stories. That would be awesome!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book, and let me tell you, it was so so good!!! I love a why choose where each relationship is unique and appreciated equally. I also enjoy a romance book that has an intriguing plot and keeps your attention such as this one. I don’t normally read cowboy romances but this was a perfect blend of cowboy and not. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys why choose!!
February 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for an advance review copy!
Paranormal X Western X Why Choose
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
A fun read & you can tell the author had fun writing it! I loved that Willa, our FMC, was a strong woman standing up for herself in a society that didn’t want her to be able to!
If you like spice, why choose, &/or paranormal 🍆, definitely add to your TBR!
Paranormal X Western X Why Choose
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
A fun read & you can tell the author had fun writing it! I loved that Willa, our FMC, was a strong woman standing up for herself in a society that didn’t want her to be able to!
If you like spice, why choose, &/or paranormal 🍆, definitely add to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author so here is my review:
Be it away from her typical wheelhouse, she didn't just dip in a toe...she cannonballed right into the deep end! All I can say is, I NEED A MALACHI!!! Supernatural cowboy romance with all the bells and whistles? ah...yes please!
KM Davidson gets a standing "OH" for this! 😎😉
Be it away from her typical wheelhouse, she didn't just dip in a toe...she cannonballed right into the deep end! All I can say is, I NEED A MALACHI!!! Supernatural cowboy romance with all the bells and whistles? ah...yes please!
KM Davidson gets a standing "OH" for this! 😎😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ This book was the perfect mix of cowboy and fantasy. I loved learning the history of their world as well as each of the characters. Willa has such a beautiful and different connection with each of her men. This book had plot, beautiful spice, tension, found family. The only thing I’m sad about is I have to wait for the next book…hopefully.
February 17, 2026
A cowboy Romantasy why choose?! I never knew how much I needed this. I cannot even put to words how much I loved this story, Brightwater and everyone in it. It was funny, it was intense, and it was SPICY. That’s it. That’s the review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I like the western and paranormal setting alot and I love reverse harem but something about the dynamic of the relationship I didn't like at all. The characters just didn't connect for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
spice 4
This was an absolutely great time, magic, cowboys, and the west!!!!! What is not to like?
definitely worth the read.
spice 4
This was an absolutely great time, magic, cowboys, and the west!!!!! What is not to like?
definitely worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
1st.... 🥵🥵 2nd....... 💥💥💥
This book was way too good to put it down!!!
I loved the dynamic of every single relationship in
this story and how well they each complimented the other.
This book was way too good to put it down!!!
I loved the dynamic of every single relationship in
this story and how well they each complimented the other.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews