Ransom

Wayward Outlaws #1

by L. Eveland

I've protected Pae Saco Ranch for a decade. Now I'm about to burn it all down for the wrong man.

RANSOM
My job is to settle the score when the law turns its back. I don't talk much. I don't fuck strangers. I sure as hell don't trust a Texas Ranger who shows up on my land with a dead judge at his feet and a smile like he's already won.
Winston Valverde was supposed to be a problem I made disappear.
I'm starting to think he's going to be a problem I can't let go of.

WINSTON
I walked onto Pae Saco looking for a killer. I found one.
I just hadn't counted on wanting him to put his hands on me.
Ransom Lanza is dangerous in a way I've only seen a handful of times in my career. He's quiet. He's loyal. He'll burn the world down for the people he loves, and he doesn't care who's watching.
He thinks he can kill me. He doesn't know yet that I'm already under his skin.
One way or another, that man is mine and I'm going to make damn sure he knows it.


Ransom is a dark mm romance set on a ranch in New Mexico between a ranch enforcer and a Texas ranger. The land is hot and unforgiving, and so are the men who live there. Expect steamy insta-obsession, forced proximity, and unapologetically morally gray men. This is book 1 in the Dust Devils series. Each book follows a different couple.

Genres: Dark, Westerns, M M Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark Romance, Queer

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2026

Reviews

[Sully (sulliedjedi)]

C'mon, where is the cover credit??

I wanted to read this, but no cover credit in 2026 is a no-go for me. 🫤

[Jess]

finished it, sat with it & my thoughts are still all over the place for this one. i have liked l eveland books that i’ve read in the past because they’re a bit gritty, the found family is always nice despite the murdery shit they get into & the relationships are usually founded in… something lol. but ransom wasn’t that for me this time.

we get dropped off in the middle of pae saco with ranger in ransom’s scope & ransom has already made the executive decision that he was keeping ranger because… he’s pretty? i mean… sure, okay.

not totally sure how it developed past that because we were all focused on the case but the missing reasons that weren’t revealed until later weren’t even really… explosive? like i get it but where is the drama?

clearly there is an overarching plot [so many unanswered questions for me] throughout the series but i won’t be in a rush to read the next one.

what i did enjoy tho were the group chats & sierra. and the dance. oh and the cat lol.

also the formatting in my copy was messed up and a couple of the chapter pov’s were mislabeled.

and who the fuck is that supposed to be on the cover?

thank you to grr for the copy.

[Rae]

I really liked the cowboy aspect of this book. I haven’t read many cowboy romances and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. This is very much an insta-lust/insta-love story, so it was a little hard to understand why or how the two MCs ended up together at first. I loved all the side characters, especially Sierra!

I am VERY curious about Coyote’s story 👀

[Ashley]

Honestly L. Eveland books SLAP! I had no idea what to expect with this one, a dark western romance? Well let me tell you I am here for it! Ransom and Winston were perfect. They were dirty and kind of soft, but very rough around the edges. The kind of love where they are only soft for one another. I love the worlds and found families that Eveland creates and I cannot wait for book 2!

[audiobook_chaos]

Texas Ranger Winston goes looking for a killer to seek revenge and ends up falling in love with another killer Ransom Lanta. Loved the banter between Winston and Ransom and Winston’s sarcastic comebacks were awesome. It was Coyote who stole the show for me and I was so glad that his book is next and the ending when you was expecting the worst was great i literally squeed .

[Shanice]

"Ransom, there are two places in this world where size absolutely counts. One of 'em's in Texas. Other's in the bedroom, so you best count yourself lucky I put up with you."

Okay, so I am an L. Eveland stan. I absolutely loved this story with Ransom and Winston.

This is definitely a cowboy romance. We have Ransom, our illustrious cowboy, and Winston, a Texas Ranger who is exactly what you'd expect from a Texas Ranger... until he isn't.

If you've read other books in L. Eveland's catalog, this reminded me a little bit of the Ferry Man series. Not because the stories are the same, but because of the action and the way the story completely pulls you in. The writing has that same addictive quality: you tell yourself you'll read one more chapter, and suddenly it's three hours later, and you’ve only eaten a pack of gummy worms and had 32 oz of water.

Please check your trigger warnings before starting in because this book gets dark. It's also spicy. I'd personally rate it around a 4 out of 5 on the spice scale. There are some heavy topics discussed throughout the book , but they're balanced with lighter moments that keep the book from feeling too overwhelming. Some of the characters, while they may be doing dark things, they make it a little light(yes, that sounds crazy lol)

As for the characters, we meet plenty of morally gray people. Ransom is a troubled man from a troubled family, while Winston starts firmly on the "good" side of the law... until circumstances become a lot more complicated. They're complete opposites in many ways, but they ultimately share the same goal, which forces them to work together, and believe me, they work together.

I wouldn't necessarily call this enemies-to-lovers. It's more insta-attraction with a healthy dose of denial and a side of lust. Ransom spends a lot of time fighting his feelings, and once they finally acknowledge what's between them, it's pretty smooth-ish sailing romantically. Outside of their relationship, however, absolute chaos is unfolding in the town.

Prepare yourself for guns, murder, explosions, fires, torture, death, and just about everything else in between. There is constantly something happening, and the action never really lets up. It honestly keeps you captivated.

I loved this book and expected nothing less from L. Eveland. I'm already incredibly excited for the second book, especially since it's focused on one of the quirkier and more intriguing characters we meet here. I'm also hoping several of the other characters eventually get their own stories, because there are so many interesting characters I want to know more about.

While this book does provide a conclusion for Ransom and Winston, it's clear there's a much bigger story developing in the background. So I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Lujan Land.

[❀ Jess]

❛"He shot hot and wet across my cheek, my mouth, my chin, and I held still and took it like a baptism."❜

That's at 10% in,folks😂


Ransom and Winstons relationship started off very...weird but by the end of the story I was rooting so hard for them. They're rough and aggressive, especially Ransom but they've got gooey centers for eachother.🥺 Their intensity for eachother was great and I was giddy everytime they defended their man's honor 🥰 They ended up feeling like they were meant to be and I was so here for it.

Now the rest of the story had me confused and scratching my head and I still wasn't fully understanding everything by the end of it but I didnt care much because I was here for the romance.😍 so that's where my rating goes to, all my stars go to the MCs and their intensity for each other! Oh, and the rest of the guys on the land, i'm so curious about Fenix!

The epilogue was super cute too, there's been previous work by this author where the MCs don't even say the words to eachother (ILYs) but thankfully it was here and the epilogue was really the cherry ontop. 💕

My niggles for this one are pretty short, these two got down and dirty a lot and I couldn't stop thinking about them walking around dirty because they didn't always clean up afterwards😂
And i'm pretty sure there were a couple of moments where the dialogue was meant to be used in the other POV or it was difficult to tell which one of them it was actually meant for that led to a bit of confusion until I moved on from it🤷‍♀️


Anywaaayyy, how much I ended up loving this couple was a pleasant surprise for me. I'm only sad about the cliff hanger because it's a shame (honestly pretty rude) that we aren't going to be in Ransom's POV for the aftermath. It'd be real nice if Chance ended up being Coyote's match since his book is next 👀

♥︎For my safety pals; These two are all about eachother and only eachother. 🥰

[True Loveislovereview]

I loved this story about two strong-headed (cowboy) men.
Ransom Lanza has protected the Pae Saco Ranch for over a decade, since he arrived at eighteen.
Rafe, the ranch owner, takes care of boys like him. There are more and they were welcome.
Let’s say, Pae Saco is a special Ranch.

One day Winston Valverde came by and turned Ransom’s upside down.
Ransom should have killed the Texas Ranger; instead, he fucked him.
Winston has a purpose, he’s looking for revenge. Meeting Ransom also turned his life upside down. Their connection is intense!

Threats who want to burn down the ranch and hurt the men give this story a quite dangerous side.
There’s a huge ‘he’s mine’ vibe, with a lot of smexy time and biting.
Overall a nicely balanced story with personal matters, action, hot encounters, and rough tough men who kill to protect what’s theirs.
It’s a wonderful start to a new series.

[Showarst]

Ransom by L. Eveland is book 1 in the Dust Devils series. I wasn’t sure what to make of this book in the first 20%. I felt like I had missed something because we were dropped right into the action with very little exposition. However, once I familiarized myself with the characters and the plot, I really enjoyed this one. Ransom was a fascinating character and he was really hard to understand. I wasn’t completely sure what drew him to Winston beyond a possessiveness of “he’s mine”. I also wasn’t sure what to make of Rafe and Sierra. Hopefully, we will get their story. But I am completely fascinated by Coyote and Owen. The little tease we got of the first chapter at the end let me know that I would love this one. I cannot wait until it comes out!

I received an ARC from the author and GRR for my honest review.

[Joanne Mccorkell]

3.5 ☆ really

We are literally dropped in the middle of nowhere, with these random characters, that have their own moral code and backstories. I felt like I guessed alot up until about 70% in. I wasnt sure I liked either Ransom or Winston. Pretty sure I didnt like Rafe either...
Sierra scared me a bit, as did a couple of the "boys"

By the time I got to the 70% I became invested, I understood the hatred they both felt towards Rex, I saw them as a couple, finally having someone claim them.

Coyote was my fav character, cant wait for hia book.

[jaz!]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

Oh, what a great way to start a new series. This book was so fun. The setting and worldbuilding were great; I think that this was a great way to introduce Pae Saco and the men who work the ranch. Similar to the Wayward Sons series, this book was heavy with the found family and great characters that I can't wait to see more of. Ransom and Winston were a great pair; I adored their relationship, and I love how protective they were of each other throughout this. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

[Mal]

Omg I love the way L Eveland writes. Words with depth and gravitas and poetry but also lightens it with sweet familiar humour. The men are toughened hurt but phenomenal

I loved the men on Pae Saco ranch - I’m still so curious about that place, about Rafe and Sierra, I’m gonna go diggin in the backlist

Winston and Ransom are perfection - instant imprinting, you’re mine flowing smoothly off the pages and it JUST WORKS! Not always but here it totally does. It’s the setting the charters the violent undertone / it works!!

Then there is the murder angel the water rights angel and how L Eveland makes them strum together an d coalesce into an ending that is nothing but EPIC

AND the epilogues - perfection everything there. Beautiful leaving you swooning

I can’t wait for the next book

[Jennifer]

Five Stars

Excellent start to a new series. I'm hooked on this group and am hoping for many more. These two guys were so well written and absolutely perfect for each other. Love the storyline and the dark romance vibe was just right.

[Jacqueline (Fall In Love With The Sound of Words)]

*ARC Review*

3.5

I had a lot of trouble in the beginning. I feel like we were just dropped into the middle of nowhere and these random characters just sprouted from nothing. I had a hard time connecting with them and in turn really caring about their relationship. There was a lot of mixed signals to the reader and the banter felt a bit forced in my opinion. The plot was interesting but took a lot to get there.

I did get invested by the end. Maybe about 3/4 into the book. I definitely wanted to see Rex get his deserts and for Random and Winston to get the HEA. This was a rough start to the series but I can see its potential. I’m definitely interested in Coyote’s book…and that cliffhanger!

Thank you to GRR and the author for providing me a copy for review.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct"]

4.25 stars - This was an interesting story. Right off the bat, the cover threw me off a bit. I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me from jumping in. This story centers around a ranch that basically takes in young men who have issues and prison/jail isn’t necessarily the best place for them to be. It gives them purpose and a family, but things are not all on the up and up when it comes to protecting the ranch. Ransom is one of the boys taken in by the ranch who became the right-hand man to the owner. He basically does all the dirty clean up work and has no issues with doing whatever it takes.

When a local judge ends up dead on the ranch land, Ransom is out to check it out and sees Winston, a Texas Ranger, with the body. Winston is not there in an official capacity and it is later learned he has his own reasons for being there. Winston and Ransom have an instant attraction/obsession with each other and it takes some time to figure it all out and who has what ulterior motives, etc. They eventually all join forces when the killer turns out to be another head honcho in town who is hell bent on obtaining ever important water rights which the ranch holds priority over. Things get a bit violent as this water war escalates, and Ransom and the others are pushed to handle things the only way they know how.

There is an added side story about Ransom’s brother who was struck by lightening when they were children and has remained in a coma ever since. Ransom visits monthly in the hopes he will eventually wake up and it appears that will be the case, but the ramifications of being in a coma for over a decade look to make things a bit difficult for the unforeseeable future. Add him to the list of interesting characters to come.

It takes a little while for this one to get going until the pieces are all laid out, but it gradually picks up pace and kept me turning pages to see it all play out. Winston and Ransom fall in love, although not in a mushy way, and loyalties are tested a little on both sides. There are a number of other really interesting characters working on this ranch, and I immediately wanted to know more. I’m excited this is a series and there is more to come, as I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Amanda Winter]

Ransom was such an interesting and gritty start to this series. Dark, intense, emotional, and just a little unhinged in the best way.

Ransom and Winston had chemistry from the very beginning. The whole “I should probably kill you… but instead I’m obsessed with you” vibe absolutely worked for me. Their connection was immediate, intense, and full of possessiveness, tension, and some very spicy moments.

The setting and premise were really unique too. Pae Saco Ranch isn’t just a ranch — it’s a refuge for boys who never really had a chance anywhere else. There’s this underlying found family dynamic throughout the story that gave it a lot of heart underneath all the violence and chaos.

I really liked Ransom as a character. He’s ruthless when he needs to be, fiercely loyal, and completely dedicated to protecting the ranch and the people on it. Winston was a great match for him too. He came in with his own agenda and secrets, but watching loyalties shift and feelings develop between them kept me hooked.

The story does take a little time to fully lay out all the moving pieces, and there’s definitely an intentional sense of confusion early on while everything unfolds. But once it picks up, it really picks up. Between the ranch politics, the danger surrounding the water rights, the violence, and all the complicated relationships, I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

I also loved the atmosphere of this book. It almost felt like a dark modern western at times, with lyrical writing mixed with brutal moments and rough-edged characters trying to protect what’s theirs.

There are so many side characters I already want more from, especially with the hints surrounding Ransom’s brother and the other men on the ranch. This feels like the kind of series that’s only going to get more addictive from here.

[Carla]

My review
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
I love L. Eveland, absolutely adore their books! They’re deliciously dark and gritty, and make you think twice about what we consider right and wrong. My favorite series is still “Necessary Evils” but this one is coming at a close second, maybe dethroning Jericho’s Boys, who knows. But this book is fabulous. I loved how both Ransom and Winston both fall in lust at first sight, and use each other, but with the undercurrent of protection, of wanting to make their situationship permanent, even though they’re on opposing sides of the law. And this is where things get really interesting, are they really on opposite sides, or is vigilantism a necessary evil? Is the arm of the law long enough? Powerful enough? Fair enough? Enter Rafe and his ranch, the crew of misfits who need a place to heal and grow, and become the cleaners of injustice that nobody wants to need. And Rafe… is fantastic: an overlord that makes hard choices for the greater good, that takes the dregs of society and the forgotten ones, and shapes them into people with purpose. And Sierra evens him out, gives him the reality checks that he needs, and reminds him of what matters the most. I loved it, I loved their journey towards their future together, and how in the breaking, they find something even more beautiful and better than before, they find a balance that is hard to achieve, and has a high price to pay, but it’s worth it. I’m super happy this is a series, because I want to read about Coyote and Felix! I absolutely love them. Incredible book, I highly recommend it, and read the rest of this author’s books while you wait for the next one, because they’re all fantastic.

I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Lucy]

I really like the way L. Eveland writes. There just something about their prose that is so wonderfully lyrical even in the most unhinged of situations. Everything I've written from them (so far) has been unhinged, smutty, and well written, and Ransom was no different.

First of all, the start alone was a fantastic hook. We're dropped into the middle of a mess and left to flounder for a bit while the story develops around us. I can't say that I particularly liked the fact that I was confused on what was going on for so long. There just seemed to be something left unsaid until we were more than halfway through and it felt a touch lacking. But that confusion did keep me wrapped up and absorbed with this. The exciting plot coupled with the descriptive prose made it feel like an old Western playing out on page.

The characters all added to that magic as well. Ransom and Winston were well written to fit together. I liked that both of them were large, hyper masculine men. The chemistry between them was palpable from the start. This is very much an insta-lust situation, and while they weren't said out loud, or even really thought, the feelings were pretty close to instant too. I do wish we had more backstory for each of the men, particularly Ransom.

Overall, this is another amazing addition from this author. It's dark and emotional from start to finish, which is exactly what I've come to expect from Eveland. I'm already waiting with bated breath for the next installment.

[Jovie Robin]

This book was an absolute favourite of mine. Winston and Ransom were my favorite characters that kept me captivated from the opening chapter. I liked their conversation the best, they were very entertaining and natural. The sarkastic nature of Winston complemented Ransom very well and every scene between them had me smiling.

I was amazed that I became invested in their relationship so very easily. Their story seems a little crazy when it's written down, but it's just so fitting. Their relationship seemed strong, caring, and sweet. I was immediately an avid supporter of them.

The writing was beautiful as well. It was a way of making even the darker moments meaningful without overwhelming. There were so many things going on it was action, mystery, emotion and humor all in one shot that I just couldn't put down the book! The ranch and the other characters brought the world to life for me and now I want to know more about everyone else's story.

Coyote also had to be mentioned as he stole every scene he was in. I could not end the book without having as much excitement for his story as I did for Winston and Ransom's story, by the end of this book. And that ending? I was really hoping for a breakup, and when all the pieces fell into place, I couldn't help but be happy.

This was an emotional, exciting and un-forgettable reading overall. It provided me with some fantastic characters, a very different romance and an ending that had me completely fulfilled and yet wanting the next one!

ARC READ

[Denyse]

It Didn't Quite Work

SPOILER BELOW!

I really, really wanted to love this book. But I just couldn't. I can't explain it, but this book just didn't read right.

The story was alright and it held my attention, for the most part, but something about the dialogue just didn't work.

First, there was a lot of unnecessary repeating. 'Blah Blah blah'... say it again... 'Blah blah blah... This happened at least once per chapter.

Then there was the constant "Make me" ... Why? Are they both teenagers on a bet or something?? That is not normal grown up dialogue.

Then there was the constant.... 'there he is'. As much as the author thought this way of speaking worked, it just didn't. And again, something that was said in more than one chapter.

SPOILER BELOW!
Also... Huge plot hole. If a patient is in hospital, on a machine that is essentially breathing for them, the only way they would "wake up and start breathing on their own" is if the machine was switched off at some point.
END OF SPOILER

And finally, just a quick character observation: I couldn't help but feel this author binge-read another dark romance series, an absolutely brilliant one, at that... And tried to mold one of the characters in this book to that of "Bane"... (iykyk...).

I will read the next book in this series when it's released, but I will make sure I don't get my hopes up too much. Because I have a feeling, it's going to be something I have already read before... Just by a different author.

[Mel Polk]

This book was so much fun. It had that Wayward sons unhinged flare that I adore but also had a Yellowstone (the tv show) feel to it. Combined it was basically my catnip.

This story just sort of throws you in, which I prefer, honestly. Instead of scrambling to catch up, though, it's more like learning the characters and situation organically. There's no hand-holding and over-explaining but instead focuses on the chemistry between Ransom and Winston. I say chemistry, but I also mean tension. And let me just tell you that it was so good.

The plot was great and kept me turning pages. There's just something visceral about how the land and weather were described in this one that spoke to me. Every character felt like a complete and real person in the best ways. I do kind of wish we'd had more of Ransom's backstory, but I get why we didn't (and why we might get more in a future book). I adore the whole found family of Pae Saco Ranch, though and truly hope we get books for a lot of them.

The copy I've read is an ARC, so I'm assuming that translates to "uncorrected proof" here, but it also felt like it could have used another editing pass for repetition and inconsistencies. None of it truly drew me out of the story and I suspect that folks who don't suffer from editor-brain might not even notice. I look forward to reading the published version once it's released as this one is definitely on my to-frequently-reread list.

[Emilyrose]

There was a lot that I really liked about this book and I think it's a strong start to the series. Ransom and Winston had an instant connection and I loved their devotion to each other. They had explosive chemistry (with a bit more biting than I expected) and when they did get their HEA at the end it really made me smile. My favourite part of the story was actually getting to know Ransom and all the others on the ranch. So many of the other guys really grabbed my attention and I hope we get stories from them too. I loved how they stuck together no matter what. My only minor issue with the book is I feel like there were some aspects where it was just assumed you knew about it; the main one was the start of the book where it didn't really set the scene at all after the prologue, it just threw us in and I was left wanting to know more. Winston was a pretty closed book throughout and we never really get any proper backstory to him that doesn't feel surface level to explain his sudden appearance. I think if there had been more in the prologue about the ranch and what was going on in the area then it maybe wouldn't have been as hard to orient myself to what the characters were going through. Overall though, it's a good story with plenty of action, steam and a HEA for the characters. I'm excited for book 2 and can't wait to see what happens next for them all.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Ashley Dead.inside_but_reads]

This is book 1 in the new Dust Devils series.This is also a Dark Romance so check those TWs before heading in! L. Eveland described this as Yellowstone meets Dexter if that is also helpful for setting the stage for you 🤣

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Ransom has lived on Pae Saco Ranch since he was 18 and dropped off instead of taken to prison. Since that day he has basically become the Ranch Enforcer, and he deletes anyone who is a threat to the Ranch. So when Winston a Texas Ranger rolls up to the Ranch to check out a dead body it comes as a bit of a shock to Ransom that he didn't immediately want to take Winston out. Winston isn't your average Ranger here as when he strolled up to the body...he stole the man's boots 🤣 Winston has his own agenda for being on the Ranch and investigating the body which eventually cross with Ransom's job to keep the Ranch safe so the two come together because really who wouldn't want a Ranch assassin on their side?!?
I absolutely fell for this book in the prologue! I didn't want to put it down! I loved Ransom and Winston and then the whole little rag tag found family of the Ranch! The OTT possessiveness from both Winston and Ransom just squished my heart. I can already tell I am going to be in love with this series all of the side characters just pull you in as much as Ransom and Winston do! And good lord the bomb drop on the last page 😱 how could you do that! I definitely need book 2 ASAP to get some answers there and get back on the Ranch with these guys 😍

[Katriana]

I've read a few of L Eveland's books now and let's just say I'm hooked! I really enjoy L's storytelling ability, and I also find it fascinating that they can write a dark book full of murder, mystery, and action, and it still be sweet and full of romance.

Ransom isn't a fluffy romance story, though I do enjoy those too, but this is raw, gritty, dark, and at times a bit vicious. As mentioned above I really enjoy the way L writes their stories, they have a way with words that is so detailed that their worlds become almost immersive. This book is set in the desert/mountains, on a ranch with workhands that society looks down upon.. That ranch is their home and the people and animals become their family.

Despite all the murder and attempted murder going around the found family aspect along with the romance between Ransom and his Ranger helped add that sweetness to the story that I mentioned above. This book was fantastic and a very enjoyable book to read!

I also LOVED the side characters!! They are all so unique and have their own personalities and quirks and I'm so excited to read more about them. Also, that ending?!? I am so excited to read about what happens next in this brutal yet beautiful world, I cannot wait for book two!!!


~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions ~~

[Deb Kel]

Absolutely loved this first book in the Dust Devils series it had such a gritty, addictive atmosphere from the very first chapter. The ranch setting mixed with the morally grey characters gave it this intense modern western feel that completely pulled me in. The heat, the dust, the violence all felt very vivid and immersive.

Ransom and Winston’s dynamic was easily my favourite part though. The tension between them was immediate and sharp, balancing obsession, distrust, and attraction in a way that kept me glued to the pages. Neither of them are particularly good men, which honestly made their connection even more entertaining to watch unfold.

I also really liked how the story trusted the reader to keep up instead of over explaining everything. You’re dropped straight into the chaos and slowly piece the characters and relationships together naturally, which worked really well for the tone of the book.

The side characters and found family at Pae Saco Ranch were another highlight for me, and I’m already hoping future books explore more of them. Dark, tense, and full of chemistry, this was such a strong start to the series. Looking forward to the next one!
I received a free arc and this is my honest review

[Nancy Lockett]

I enjoyed this book and how it was a bit different especially being set on a ranch in New Mexico instead of a big city. This is a dark romance with the MC's not trusting each other at first even though they were physically attracted to each other. Ransom Lanza has been on the ranch at Pae Saco since he was 18 years old after he beat up a man who caused his younger brother to be hit by lightning. He is the ranches protector and metes out justice to those that the law can't. Winston Valverde is a Texas Ranger and has come to New Mexico with an agenda. He is hunting for the man who betrayed his father and caused him to give up on life. When Ransom meets Winston standing over the body of a dead judge, he isn't sure if he should kill him or kiss him. The more time Ransom spends with Winston makes him want him even more. Ransom's loyalty to the ranch is tested when Winton is in danger which makes Ransom realize just how much Winston means to him. This book is pretty violent which is why it is a dark romance and has morally gray MC's but they draw you in and you can't help but root for them. I'm looking forwards to reading Coyote's book.

[Debby]

Ransom Lanza lives on the ranch called Pae Saco. He and the rest make sure no strangers are present and ensures scores are settled when the law does not. When he spots a man examining a body on the ranch’s land, he lifts his rifle but some reason does not shoot. That man is Texas Ranger Winston Valverde, there searching for a killer. While he found one, he knows he just might want to keep this one. Ransom is not sure what he feels but thinks it might be the same thing. First, they have to survive the danger coming their way.

L Eveland brings to life Ransom and Winston as well as the other men of Pae Saco in such a way that you see beyond their actions. You cannot help but fall in love with them and route for a happy ending. They are creative in their actions and often make those actions fit the crime. Do remember this book comes with trigger warnings. I truly enjoyed this book and really liked Ransom and Winston together. Both men are so different but seemed to fit together perfectly. Looking for something different? The look no further as Ransom fits those needs.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[tobifun.pp]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
feelings: 🥰😱🥵☠️😍🫠😡🥹😄🤣😭

A cowboy romance? I’m not so sure… L. Eveland wrote it? I need it right NOW!

“There was a pop pop pop, the sound of a revolver firing three quick rounds, and three men went down with brand new holes in them that nature didn't intend to be there.”

With Ransom, L. Eveland proves once again that they can write outstanding books in any genre! Excellent world-building, fascinating characters, and a highly suspenseful plot are what make this book such a page-turner! Ransom and Winston are an absolute bad-ass couple! And the chemistry? It’s so red-hot that sparks fly.

There are so many fascinating characters living on the Pae Saco Ranch that I hope there will be lots of books! The next book is Coyote! Feral, unhinged, and mysterious!
I can’t wait to read his story!

🖤 very fast burn
🤠 dark MM romance
🖤 morally gray cowboys
🤠 lawman x outlaw
🖤only one casita
🤠 forbidden romance
🖤 “touch him and I'll bury you” energy
🤠 found family of vigilante ranchers
🖤 instant obsession in the New Mexico desert

[Michelle N.]

Winston calls him Darlin and he just doesn’t know what to do about it. Ransom is right hand man and enforcer at the Pae Saco Ranch. He’s lived on the ranch for ten years, since Rafe took him in and gave him a home and a purpose. Ransom now finds himself torn in two directions when a handsome Texas Ranger, Winston, shows up on ranch property to investigate the death of a judge. Pae Saco is not just a horse ranch and they do not need a ranger hanging around. The problem is, Ransom knows Winston is meant to be his. Winston can look through the violence and the anger and see Ransom.
This is not a sweet and gentle love story. This is a well written, intense relationship between two morally gray men who find the balance they need in each other. Eveland is a fantastic writer who brings us through a gritty western novel with an amazing found family of guys at the Pae Saco Ranch. While this is book one in the Dust Devils series, I would love to see an origin story of Rafe and Sierra.

[Siobhan]

I have previously read and adored L. Eveland’s A Dream of Flame and Shadow, Body Count, and their short story in the Too Many Beds anthology. All had me excited for Ransom, the first book in the Wayward Outlaws series.

Unfortunately, I struggled with Ransom from the start. I felt like I was thrown into the middle of a story with too many missing details. I do not mind this when details slowly unfold, yet there were too many elements that I felt were never explained for much too long. It went beyond being mysterious and simply had me questioning if I was missing something. I would not have minded as much if I had enjoyed the romance between the characters, yet it felt forced and underdeveloped to me. There was no explanation for what existed between them – it was instalust passed off as instalove, and it did not work for me.

Thus, while I have enjoyed other work from the author, sadly, Ransom was not for me.