He doesn’t protect gently. He protects like he’s got nothing left to lose.
Luke Bennett is trouble.
He was the one they couldn’t control—even in war. Charming. Reckless. Addicted to the edge. The kind of man who laughs in the face of danger… and dares it to come closer.
The danger in Iron Ridge? Deputy sheriff Harper Garrett.
She doesn’t trust him—and she shouldn’t. He’s done bad things. But once he decides she’s his? He won’t let her walk away.
And when war comes to Blackthorn Ranch, Luke will unleash all his demons to protect his woman from getting caught in the crossfire.
RECKLESS COWBOY is a dark cowboy romance featuring enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray heroes, and a love story that breaks every rule.
Another excellent addition to this enticing series. I found Luke and Harper's story irresistible. I loved the chemistry, sparks, tension, action, drama and twists that flowed like silk across every page. This made this romance so easy to read but utterly impossible not to get caught up in.
*Crime syndicate *Tension *Action *He falls first & hard *Deputy FMC *Ex-military/Cowboy MMC *Found family
Yes, I started with Book 3 because the tropes won. Yes, it can work a standalone. Yes, I immediately bought Books 1 and 2 because now I have questions. I'm nothing if not consistent.
The suspense subplot was incredible (and I need to know how it all started), and it's obvious Harper and Luke have a history that spans the whole series. I wasn't lost, but I definitely got hit with the "I need to know everything that happened before this" bug.
One thing I loved was the multiple POVs. We get Harper, Luke, and even a few chapters from Cole (our resident baddie). Those little glimpses into Cole's head added just enough to keep me on edge without giving too much away.
The chapter structure also deserves a shoutout. At first, the super short, alternating POV chapters threw me off, but then I realized they were showing the same scene from different perspectives instead of switching mid-chapter. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The pacing never slowed down, and I was constantly dying to see what the other character was thinking.
Harper and Luke definitely have an insta-love vibe...until you realize he's been chasing her since Book 1. This man has been gone for her forever, and once Harper finally stops fighting it? 🔥🔥🔥
And that ending...oh, that ending.
I'm SO excited that there are two more books coming because this one absolutely left the door cracked open, and I have questions. Dakota clearly isn't done with this world yet, and honestly? Neither am I. I may have just gotten here, but I need answers, I need more of these characters, and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Thank you, @dakotajamesbooks and @greyspromo, for letting me jump in in the middle...and immediately making me feral enough to go back to the beginning. 😂❤️
After three books of mystery, murder and lots of unhinged smut my beloved cowboy romance trilogy has ended and I don’t know whether to be happy or sad. This is a dark cowboy romance but despite all the murder and action this is objectively the lightest of the three books and a generally happy conclusion to the trilogy. I have been waiting for this one because Harper is the Sheriff deputy who prides herself on upholding the law, while Luke is this chaotic ball of energy that breaks all of them. They truly are the most iconic couple as he literally would not stop flirting with her and damn she was strong for not giving in earlier. I love a man who is whipped, like so damn whipped I’m pretty sure half the smut scenes are just him going down on her and “breaking a new record”. I also love how he calls her Sunshine but like in a sweetly sarcastic way because she gives black cat energy. They do get together pretty early in the book and while I wished they had a little more push and pull tension, I also admired how forward he was in pursuing her and telling her he wanted a relationship. There is so much action in this book, continuing the ongoing conflict with Cole Turner and his trafficking ring, and how badass Harper helped them take him down. There are some shocking and even brutal plot twists that had me gasping for air but overall ended on a very sweet note. The found family aspect of this series is so strong and I’m so sad to leave these vigilante cowboys. I give this a 4.5/5
A great finish to the iron ridge trilogy. Luke has worked hard on getting Harpers attention since book 1 and this is the time she decides she’s all in. I think this was my favourite romance out of the trilogy.
Things are also hotting up in the action stakes with Turner making some moves which need to be stopped. Jake, Mason and Luke along with the girls put their plan in action and there are a few surprises along the way.
I enjoyed the conclusion to this story but feel like there may be more coming possibly as part of a spin off as there are definitely some loose threads.
Dakota James takes us on a fast-paced sexy ride in Reckless Cowboy. Luke and Sherriff Harper Garrett felt sparks fly from the very beginning and Luke wants to jump in with both feet. Harper’s by-the-book personality is a perfect complement to Luke’s easygoing manner. And when they join forces to uncover a trafficking ring the stakes get high. I loved these two together and the steam was off the charts. Although this is book 3, I didn’t feel lost by not reading 1 and 2. But I definitely will go back and read them.
Thank you Greys Promotions and Dakota James for an Arc of Reckless Cowboy! This is my first book by this author and I was hooked from the very beginning. Harper and Luke had great tension and banter from page 1 and the flow of the book was fast paced and action packed the whole way Through. I think reading the first two would’ve helped with more of their backstories so it was hard coming in at book 3 at times trying to keep up with the characters. I loved the suspense element of it though and really enjoyed this couple and story overall. I hope there’s more in this series and I will be definitely going back to read the first two books!
Well, Dakota James, in my opinion, is the queen of dark cowboy romances. I’ve loved every book in the Iron Ridge Series; they’re packed with gritty action, drama, and just the right amount of spice and emotion. These stories always deliver high-stakes danger, plenty of twists, and hot, protective men who will stop at nothing for the women they love.
This instalment dives into Harper and Luke’s story. Harper is the tough, witty, and fiercely independent deputy chief of police, and she’s best friends with Emma (Jake’s wife). She’s gorgeous, sharp-tongued, and never backs down from a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping Luke on his toes. Living at home with her dad, who is also her boss, adds another layer of tension and complexity to her life. The stakes are higher than ever as Harper faces an impossible decision between following the law and doing whatever it takes to protect the people she loves from Cole’s wrath. Her loyalty and sense of justice are put to the test, making her journey as compelling as it is dangerous.
Luke is the easygoing jokester of the crew, but don’t let that fool you; he has a dark, dangerous edge sharpened by his ex-military past and a craving for adrenaline. Blowing things up and rushing headfirst into danger is second nature, especially if it means protecting the people he loves. Harper has captivated him from the very start, and it’s never just been about lust; his obsession runs deep. Luke’s fierce loyalty means he’ll risk everything to keep her safe and prove she belongs by his side, no matter what or who stands in their way.
This book picks up the action right where the last two left off, with the hunt for Cole Turner, the relentless villain who’ll destroy anything in his path to get what he wants. While the suspense escalates, the heart of the story is still the slow-burning romance between Luke and Harper. Expect dark themes, pulse-pounding twists, and plenty of surprises that keep you hooked until the very end. The series finale ties up the main threads but also leaves just enough intrigue around side characters like Hendricks to make you crave more from this world.
Thank you to Dakota James and Grey Promotions for this ARC.
Welcome back to the Iron Ridge series written by Dakota James. The last book in the trilogy is Reckless Cowboy. It is the long awaited love story of Luke and Harper. I want to thank Grey's Promotions for the opportunity to read this ARC to finish the series strong! This is an interconnected standalone series that you should absolutely enjoy in order, but it is not required. I was so excited to visit Iron Ridge again. Dakota definitely delivered on everything that she promised us and more.
Harper's foundation is rocked when she learns that the people she thought she knew aren't exactly what they portray. That also included Luke. A morally grey, fearless, and protective man that has been gone for her since the first time she threatened him with a pair of handcuffs. These two definitely started off as enemies that turned into lovers. Harper was always pushing him away while Luke was always pushing her buttons. The banter, tension, and burn were incredible. The chemistry was sizzling. Luke is one of most loyal and determined book boyfriends. Harper is questioning a lot of what she knows about her life, but Luke is right by her side the whole time sturdy as a wall.
Once again, this found family will do anything to protect each other. Lines are crossed that can never be uncrossed. They are still attempting to dismantle Turner's operation. Cole Turner deserves everything that is coming to him. There is suspense, mystery, danger, love, and loss all intertwined in this story. Add explosions, bullets, and an attack that is full of redemption and revenge and you have the prefect dark cowboy suspense romance.
I have been invested in Iron Ridge and all the characters that I have grown to love over the course of this series. Jake, Mason, and Luke have met there matches. What they are building on that ranch is magical and solid like a bulletproof vest. I am sad to leave Iron Ridge, but I am hopeful that Dakota will keep bringing us back one way or another to these great characters. I can already see a few spin off stories that I would love to dive into. Dakota James and the Iron Ridge series is still one of my favorites of the year. If you are entering your dark cowboy era, then you do not want to miss this!
Book Tropes: Crime syndicate, Tension, Action, He falls first & hard, Deputy FMC, Ex-military/Cowboy MMC, Found family
RECKLESS COWBOY is a dark cowboy romance featuring enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray heroes, and a love story that breaks every rule.
Deputy Sheriff Harper Garrett has always lived in the small town. Her father is the Sheriff although now that he is getting closer to retirement she isn't sure how much longer he will be on the job. Some town folks have been run off their ranches or killed, the Sheriff says there is nother to investigate, but, after one of her friends dad was killed and her father swept it under the rug she knows something is going on.
Luke Bennett was part of the special forces squad in the military. Now he lives in a small town with a few military brothers. They still do their special ops things, just for the civilian world, of helping those who have been traffic and need help. His code name in the group is Riot, he is the one who causes most of the trouble. But, he's also one who will dive feet first to save anyone he cares about. Luke has had a thing for Deputy Sherrif Harper for a few months. He loves a woman in uniform. They have a love / hate back and forth banter between them.
Harper follows Luke one night after they both leave a bar and finds out he is trying to rescue a woman from the back of a van. But, he's already killed 2 people inside the van, how can she find out who they are and who they are working for if they are dea?! She wants to do her job but she also knows that Luke and his 'brother's' work in the grey area. Will Harper be able to work with Luke and his team if they bring her in and tell her everything? Or will she freak out that her dad is working for the bad guys the ones he is supposed to be protecting the town from?
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book from the book promotion company, Grey's Promotions. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
I'm back in Iron Ridge for Book Three, Luke and Harper's story.
If you like your characters morally gray and loyal to the core, then this story may be for you.
Questionable decisions will be made, lines will be crossed, and things will blow up. This story is not soft, but it is full of characters who are obsessive and love hard for their family.
If you're still here, buckle up because Luke is going to charm his way right into your heart, and once he owns you, there will be no turning back.
Luke knows what he wants. Harper does not know that she wants the same. The chemistry between these two could burn the whole town down. Expect spice with the door wide open.
I have many highlighted passages that I love. This is one of my favorite quotes from them…
His eyes narrow, “Define stupid.” (Luke) “Going rogue.” I throw my hands in the air. “Chasing people. Flying over railings. Blowing things up.” (Harper)
Harper finds herself in a position she never thought possible, and she must make difficult choices to move forward. Luke will cross any line necessary to keep his family and his woman safe. Will he make an alliance with the enemy to protect those he loves? Will Harper finally make good on her threat to arrest him?
Readers looking for a gritty story with action, danger, humor, violence, mystery and obsessive love, look no further, Reckless Cowboy is what you need.
Thank you for the ARC of Reckless Cowboy. I loved it and all opinions are my own.
I loved Luke and Harper's story and the continuing problems in Iron Ridge. Luke is not all violence and control. He has a flirtatious, charming side as well. Brace yourself because he will sweep you off your feet before the first explosion.
Just like I said in my review for the first one “I still haven’t decided if the reason I finished this book in 8 hours was because I couldn’t put it down or because it was an easy read.” What can I say I love a good cowboy romance.
I will start off my saying I did believe this was the second book in the series; so I was very confused when it was mentioned that Lily now lives with them. I was like SINCE WHEN!! Then when I looked it up that’s when I realized I was reading the third. Lol (I did go back to read the second after). But I still very much enjoyed Luke and Harper’s story. I did read this while I was very sick, but I was still able to follow along with should show that it was an easy read for me.
I love how their story was not a slow burn; like we did not have to wait until mid way through the book for them to finally get together. Plus I loved how there wasn’t a third act break up. Dare I say this is my favorite book out of the three. I love how we could see their relationship blossom over the series was cute and when it came to their book, Harper through caution to the wind and jump on board with whatever Luke needed help with. I very much enjoy how through out all three stories and the couples getting together the Cole drama doesn’t get lost/ get put on the back burner. It’s like both topics are getting 50/50 of the readers attention.
I noticed while writing this review that there are 2 more books scheduled for this series. I have really seen an author do this, where when the couples all get together the series is done but Dakota is still giving us more.
Massive thank you to Grey's Promotions and Dakota James letting me read this book early with an ARC.
*Dark *Cowboy *Tension *Action *He falls first and hard *Deputy FMC *Ex-military MMC *Found family *Small town
I love Dakota James' writing. I've already said that in the previous two books and I'm still saying it. I was anticipating for Luke's story cause he always seemed that carefree, flirting guy and I wanted to watch him fall hard. And it didn't disappoint me. Luke, a former ex-military, who has moved in Blackthorn with his two buddies falls for Harper, a deputy and best friend to one of his buddy's wife. Luke and his buddies try to stop Cole, the villain of this story, from exterminating everyone and everything until he gets what he wants. Harper, though she's the law, has some really revealing information that change her life's views and join Luke and his buddies. Ok there's lot happening in this book but *lips sealed* I can't spoil anything. There are two twists, the one wasn't so unexpected but the second one? OMG! Harper is a strong and indepedent woman that doesn't hesitate to cross her lines to right the wrong. And Luke, my sweet but fearless Luke, is so smitten with Harper while obsessively protective of her and his found family. I need to know now, will we get Hendricks' story? Because there was something brewing there. I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
I love it when FMCs are placed in morally conflicting situations where they have to feign ignorance or make decisions that force them to question their morals all for their love interest. And when the MMC firmly stands on business, maintaining their morally grey or dark side? It's always refreshing and this book delivered!
Harper, a law-abiding deputy sheriff is forced to acknowledge her growing attraction to Luke a man she knows does things that according to her morals and law, should have her arresting him. But when the attraction and the tension is off the charts law be damned.
Luke and Harper were perfect for each other. They both found love and family in one another and their friends.., watching their adoration for each other grow despite being on the opposite sides of the law was beautiful.
🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘: ✨️"I want you , Harper. Not just your body, not just the attraction. I want you . The sharp-tongued deputy who follows me into danger even when she knows better. The woman who reads romance novels and pretends she doesn’t. The one who’s terrified of what’s coming but shows up anyway.”
✨️“Strip for me, sunshine. Slowly. I want to see every inch of what’s mine.”
🤎𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: 🤠Dark Cowboy Romance 🤠Small Town Romance 🤠Touch Her & D!e 🤠Secret Romance 🤠Found Family 🤠Possessive MC
Reckless Cowboy is hands down my favorite book in the Iron Ridge series! I was completely hooked from the first chapter and flew through this book because I couldn't put it down. The action, twists, danger, and secrets kept me invested from beginning to end.
Luke Bennett is everything I love in a cowboy romance hero—charming, fearless, protective, and an ex-military man with a morally gray side that makes him impossible to resist. Harper is the perfect heroine. She's sassy, strong, smart, independent, and dedicated to her job as a law enforcement officer.
Luke and Harper are the perfect match because they constantly challenge each other in the best ways. I loved that Harper stood her ground and didn't make things easy for Luke, and I loved watching Luke do whatever it took to keep her safe. The chemistry between them was incredible. Their flirting, witty banter, and undeniable tension made every interaction so much fun to read, and the spice definitely delivered.
If you love small-town romance, morally gray heroes, protective cowboys, and romantic suspense, I highly recommend Reckless Cowboy.
Thank you to Dakota James and Grey's Promo for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Let me tell you something This series is turning out to be one of the wildest series. This is book 3 in the iron Ridge series. Every single one of them has the most grumpiest, sexiest, morally gray cowboy you will ever find. The way this blurb started out with Luke just chef's kiss. It says,"He doesn’t protect gently. He protects like he’s got nothing left to lose. Luke Bennett is trouble." Then it's goes on to say, "And when war comes to Blackthorn Ranch, Luke will unleash all his demons to protect his woman from getting caught in the crossfire." Let me tell you something Dakota James doesn't hold anything back when it comes to these iron Ridge boys. I started reading from book one and have read one two and three as advanced copies. And let me tell you something I cannot wait for the rest of this series. You can read this series as standalone I personally like reading them in order because you get a little bit of each guy and every single one of them. Like this one had a little bit of cole which I loved. Overall, you cannot go wrong with this series. Luke and Harper were just the best together just like every man and his woman in the other two books. Dakota James keeps putting out kick ass books and I can't wait for the series to continue.
With Dakota James being a new author to me i was excited to be immersed into a new world of characters and writing. Reckless Cowboy really grabs hold and throws you straight into the drama, lusting and what i gathered early on is a continued threat from the previous two books.
Having jumped head first into book three i was a little worried i might have missed relevant information but Dakota does a great job of catching you up without losing readers of the previous books.
I loved the small town vibe with Harper being a law enforcement officer and Luke a charming, hot cowboy but theres a level of danger that surrounds Luke, Jake and Mason that had me devouring every chapter.
One thing i wasn’t keen on was the very short chapters, i’ve been a reader for many, many years and have never come across a book with chapters so short. I felt this worked when we needed the other mmc/fmc voice but not so much in other areas. This in no way would put off reading more from Dakota James and i am looking forward to the book i hope she’s writing since finishing this one.
🤍touch her and d*e 🤍found family 🤍morally gray MMC 🤍secret romance 🤍small town 🤍western romance
I really enjoyed the banter and flirting in this book. It was written better than the first two books and I just loved the connection the two main characters have.
Luke is a retired military man who moved to Iron Ridge with his two best friends. Since he’s laid eyes on Deputy Sheriff Harper Garett he’s wanted to make her his. He is a shameless flirt and is someone who thinks on the gray side of things.
Harper has grown up with a sheriff father and has always played by the rules and the law. As a deputy sheriff herself, her feelings for Luke worry her because she knows what kind of man he is. She operates in black in white and he does not. After witnessing some questionable situations, Harper realizes that everything isn’t always black and white like she was taught growing up.
Luke will do anything for Harper and keeping her safe is a high priority for him. She finds herself going to Luke for comfort and starts choosing him. I loved how these two loved each other but didn’t lose who they were as individuals. 🤍
Leave it to me to try a new author part way through the series. I was easily able to read this book without being lost but I do have some need to know questions, so yes I will be going back and starting the series.
Luke's time in the Military as Delta Ops has given him skills not everyone has. But "Roit" was not given to him lightly as he seems to always be smack dab in the middle of things, good or bad. But his found family he will protect with every breathe he has.
Deputy Sheriff Harley Garrett is all about following the rules. Kinda hard not to when you grow up as the Sheriff's daughter. But sometimes you are drawn to things you just leave alone. She knows she already stepped out of line before and there is a draw to Luke, she just and deny.
The chemistry between these characters jumps off the pages make it all hot & steamy. The banter back and forth, the open want, the push back with sass all kept the pages moving. I was drawn in from the beginning. The level of suspense and need to know who was doing what drove me to the end. And what an end it was.
Iron Ridge is an interconnected series. You can definitely read Reckless Cowboy without reading Book 1 - Savage Rancher or Book 2 - Broken Outlaw, HOWEVER, in my opinion you have a better experience if you do.
I stumbled upon Dakota’s work via this book and as a series girlie, I knew I had to read the previous books first.
I fell in love with Blackthorn Ranch and the lethal men who own it.
Each book focuses on each of the men and their love stories. When they fall, they fall HARD.
This book was all about Luke & Harper. We had met them both in the previous book but this is where things escalate.
I love that throughout the books, there is another story thread that keeps developing - Taking Down Cole Turner.
What I loved about this book: Possessive MMC Badass FMC Found Family Spice that spiced just right Suspense that kept me reading An amazing HEA
Spicemeter 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ps This is not a book for you if you’re looking for soft edges, but if you’re not afraid to walk into the dark, come & meet Luke (Jake & Mason too) 😉
This series is technically a standalone series, but I definitely added book 1 and book 2 to my TBR after reading. I started with this one. It seems to be a trend as late for me, I am discovering series well into their run. Because I came in at book 3, there are definitely questions that I still have, so I will be rereading this over after I finish the first 2 books.
I enjoyed the connection and banter between Luke and Harper. I was drawn to Luke from the very beginning. He was quick with his unhinged flirting with Harper, and I feel as though this is probably something that is built upon from book 1. I did enjoy that this was not the traditional cowboy romance, and I will say Reckless Cowboy was my first dark cowboy romance....I fear it has ruined cowboy romance for me lol. I was engaged with the story from the beginning to end! This was excellently written. I do plan on updating my review once I finish the first 2 books. Again, I for having come in at the end, I truly enjoyed this!
This book had some serious stuff in it this time. Lots of action that had me on the edge of my seat. There was a twist I didn’t see coming. Be prepared. There is a part where there are some animal get killed but nothing in great detail. If you’re not good with that then it might be worth skipping this book but in the grand scheme it’s really only a few lines in one chapter. Now that’s all said, I enjoyed this book. The connection between Harper and Luke was an interesting one. Luke definitely falls first and hard. He’s very much possessive and obsessed. Harper is another very strong independent character. She knows what she wants and will go do it. The relationships all support each other no matter which couple. Very much found family mentality. This definitely let me with some questions so I’m curious if there’s going to be another book or if the ending was to set up a new series. I’ll be keeping my eye out though.
RECKLESS COWBOY is a dark cowboy romance featuring enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray heroes, and a love story that breaks every rule.
Tropes - 🖤 enemies to lovers 🤠 small down 🩶Morally grey cowboy 🤎He falls first ❤️🔥Romantic suspense
Well this was my first visit to Blackthorn Ranch, and Luke & Harper did not disappoint ! This is an interconnected series but I read as a standalone and consumed it
Their witty enemies to lovers banter had me smiling at my kindle like an idiot.
There is plenty of mystery and plenty of spice ladies you will not be disappointed by this dirty mouthed ex military man, they don’t call him riot for no reason !
I really got lost is this one,easy to read and follow along. Enjoy your visit to blackthorn ranch.
I love a morally grey cowboy and a fast burn romance and this book had both! Even though this was the first book in the series that I read, I found myself vested in the story line and characters and wanting to go back and read the prior books just to get more of the story.
This book was fast paced in the action and in the romance. Luke knew exactly what he wanted—-Harper and used his quick wit and banter to stake his claim. He might be on the morally grey side, but he will burn down everything in front of him to protect those that he loves.
Harper did her best to resist the charm of Luke. Only to succumb to their desires. When faced with the decision about following her duty as a deputy and doing what needed to be done—Harper followed her heart.
There is plenty of suspense in this book that will have you guessing—-and the heat—-let’s just say that I’m all for Luke and his dirty mouth 🔥
Reckless Cowboy pulled me in immediately and kept me hooked until the very end.
One of my favorite things about this series is that each book can be read as an interconnected standalone. You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy Luke and Harper’s story.
Luke is the perfect reckless, protective cowboy, while Harper is the town sheriff determined to stop a trafficking ring. Watching them join forces while their relationship slowly developed made this such an entertaining read.
This book had everything I wanted: ✔️ Mystery ✔️ Murder ✔️ Romantic suspense ✔️ Protective cowboy ✔️ Amazing spice
I continue to love this cowboy series and can’t wait to read more from Dakota James.
Thank you to Dakota James and Greys Promotions for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am such a sucker for an opposites-attract romance, and Reckless Cowboy delivered exactly what I wanted. The chemistry between these two was impossible to ignore, and the tension? Through. The. Roof. 😮💨
I loved the enemies-ish dynamic because it created so many fun moments of banter and frustration before all that attraction finally exploded. Watching them fight their feelings while the sparks flew made every interaction so much more entertaining.
And can we talk about this cowboy for a minute? 🤠🥵 Protective, possessive, and armed with a filthy mouth? Dakota James knew exactly what she was doing. Every bit of dirty talk had me kicking my feet and turning pages faster.
If you love hot cowboys, intense chemistry, opposites attract romance, and a hero who makes it very clear who he wants, this one deserves a spot on your TBR. ❤️🔥
This was by far by favorite in the series. Not that I didn’t love Jake and Emma or Mason and Lily because I loved those stories too. But somewhere between the banter, the lies and all the action I fell really hard for Harper and Luke. Luke with his charming personality and protective alpha ways. Harper who was smart and sassy and just of protective.
This story has the dark vibes with light shining through. It has witty banter, flirting, and romance. It has action, lies, and redemption. It has twists and turns and surprises you may or may not see coming. It has everything I love in a great book.
I feel like we’re not through with Iron Ridge and there’s more stories to be told even if there was some closure at the end. The Blackstone crew may have gotten their happily ever afters but I have a feeling Dakota has more up her sleeve and I am here for it and can’t wait.
These books in the Iron Ridge series just keep getting better and better. Luke and Harper have danced around the attraction between them from the very first moment their eyes met. However Harper walks the straight and narrow rules and the law and Luke struts to his own rules to ensure the people he cares about are safe. As the attraction builds and jealousy rears its head, Harper will be thrust into their world and finally with her eyes wide open she understands. These two heat up the pages with the chemistry and connection between them, finally unable to keep their hands off each other. There is plenty of drama, chaos, suspense and danger at every turn. Some questions will be answered, some secrets will be revealed and unlikely allies will be formed. This book will have you on the edge of your seat and holding on for one amazing ride. Bring on the next book because I need more.
Readers will want to go ahead and block out a couple of hours for this one, because putting it down is not an option!
Dakota James has turned up the heat with this trilogy! She writes dark cowboys equally heavy on the suspense and the romance and this one is no different. I love how Luke Bennett has flirted with Detective Harper Garrett all throughout the series, calling the black cat “Sunshine” much to her annoyance.
His pursuit of her in this book is stellar. He is down bad and makes no bones about it. I wish more guys were so confident in their pursuit of women!
There are shocking plot twists. There is SO much swooning. There is a satisfying HEA. This book is a must read for fans of romantic suspense, dark cowboys, ex- Military guys, found family, small town, women FMCs who can hold their own, forced proximity, and morally grey MMCs with a side of touch her and die.
I am reviewing this ARC with thanks to Grey’s Promotions and the author. This is my honest review.
If you like a fast burn and even faster cowboy this is the book for you! This is the first book I've read in this series and Im blown away by how fast I became invested in its story.
First there's Luke, I loved this MMC so much. What more could you want than a ex-military/cowboy who moves fast when he knows what he wants. One that will literally burn the world down to save his family and others including the woman of his dreams.
Then there is Harper the FMC. I really loved the story between her and Luke. It happens so fast she doesn't know how to handle him or anything else involving his family and business. I love when that happens and no one knows what they should be doing, should she follow her heart or what she's always known and her career.
My favorite quote "And what matters is this: love, family, and the courage to choose what's right over what's easy."
This is the third book in this phenomenal series, and this is Luke and Harper’s story. Harper is sassy, tough, and the deputy sheriff in town, who believes in upholding the law, while Luke is charming, protective, reckless, and from the opposites side of the law. Luke decides that Harper is his, but she does not make things easy for him, and they challenge each other at every turn. This is a well written action packed, easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, drama, tension, secrets, challenges, enemies / lovers, opposites attract, danger, suspense, intrigue, touch her and die, twists, trust, morally gray, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemist, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, small-town romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.