DECKER: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Protector Romance

by Ivy Starck

Sleeping with a grumpy cowboy was my first mistake.
Getting stranded on his ranch was the second.

Decker Blackstone doesn't ask.
He claims.

When I end up stranded on Hellfire Ranch with nowhere else to go,
the last man I expect to rescue me is the most dangerous cowboy in Texas.

Ex-Army Ranger.
Border-town king.
The man even the Feds won't cross.

He says I'm trouble.

Too reckless.
Too stubborn.
Too tempting.

If he had his way, I'd be gone by morning.

Instead...
He keeps dragging me back under his roof.
Looking at me like I'm already his.

Every stolen kiss makes it harder to remember why I should leave.
Every night under his roof makes it harder to survive without him.

Then someone from my past comes looking for me.
They have no idea whose ranch they're walking onto.

But they're about to find out.

Because the cowboy who couldn't wait to get rid of me...
is suddenly willing to burn the world down to keep me.

And nobody takes what's his.




DECKER is the first sizzling standalone in Devil's The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch—a series packed with rugged cowboys, dangerous secrets, forced proximity, protective heroes, and the kind of love worth fighting for.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Ivy Starck is an author of dark and steamy contemporary romance novels. She loves to write about sexy, rough around the edges bad boys and the women that love them. Her books are filled with a whole lot of intrigue, exciting plot lines, spicy scenes and suspenseful stories that will keep you reading until late into the night.

Ivy lives on the beautiful west coast of Canada with her husband, son and Boston Terrier. When she’s not plotting her next steamy love story, she enjoys spending time walking the lush green forest trails for a good dose of forest therapy with her fur baby in tow.

Reviews

[Susanne M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing like the title

Grace is 21, and apparently smart enough to finish high school early and a bachelor degree early, only to be clueless in every day common sense. She meets Decker in the local pub. She's all smiles and sass, and he's just grumpy. No hatred, no enemies, yet enough spark for a one nighter. Grace's naivety lands her at the ranch where Decker and his fellow Rangers live and although it takes some sweet talking to Decker, there's definitely no enemies here. Grace's parents are a whole other box of worms! No cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓

[Jodi Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil's Ridge: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Protector Romance M/F(DECKER❤️‍🔥GRACE)”The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch” (1 book series) 📖 🔅Another magnificent book📚by Ivy Starck

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💬FAVORITE BOOK QUOTE 💬
💬 “What did you do?” I ask slowly. Grace winces slightly. “In my defense, I was trying to help.” “By detonating explosives?” “I didn’t know that wire did that.” “Baby, it’s literally attached to fireworks,” I respond flatly. “That feels obvious now.” A nearby ranch hand mutters, “I told her not to touch it.”Grace points accusingly toward him. “You said, ‘probably don’t touch that.’ Those are very different warning levels.” Wesley is crying, laughing at this point. “You’re marrying an actual menace,” he wheezes. “Clearly,” Jonah mutters.“💬
💬I walk toward Grace slowly while she smiles up at me with absolutely zero survival instincts left intact. The terrifying thing is, I’m not even surprised anymore. At this point, accidental explosions are basically part of our relationship. “You hurt?” I ask, stopping in front of her. Grace blinks innocently. “Emotionally or physically?” “Grace.” “I’m okay.” 💬
💬“She’s your problem now.” Jonah yells after me. Grace gasps dramatically over my shoulder. “How rude! I’m a delight!” “You nearly started a small war thirty minutes after getting engaged.” I smack her ass. “It was festive!”💬
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🔆Ratings:🔆
Stars 5/5 🌟
Action 5/5 🎬
FMC 5/5 💃
MMC 5/5 🤵
Romance 5/5 🖤
Spice 5/5🌶️ FANTASTIC-BURN
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯The filthy talk started,it was like getting caught in an inferno🔥👀WOW😮Love a dirty talking man that is💯 obsessed and possessive & knows what he wants, even when he fights it, or feels unworthy.
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‼️(Synopsis)‼️
🐎DECKER is the first sizzling standalone in Devil’s Ridge: The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch—a series filled with rugged cowboys, hard-earned brotherhood, dangerous secrets, protective heroes, and the kind of love worth fighting for.🐎
WELCOME TO DEVIL'S RIDGE
🐎Home to Hellfire Ranch, where the cattle roam, the whiskey flows, and the men have earned every rumor whispered about them.
🐎For generations, the ranch has stood at the heart of Devil’s Ridge, Texas—a place built on hard work, fierce loyalty, and the kind of stubborn pride that runs deep in a cowboy’s blood.
🐎The men who call it home aren’t always heroes. They’re rough around the edges, quick with their fists, slow with their feelings, and fiercely protective of the people they love💜.
🐎Some of these cowboys have served their country. All of them have fought battles that left their mark. They carry scars, secrets, and enough baggage to fill a Texas sky, but when trouble comes calling, they’re the first to stand their ground.
🐎Each book is a steamy standalone romance featuring one of the bad boys of Hellfire Ranch. Expect sizzling chemistry, small-town drama, protective heroes, emotional scars, and the kind of love that refuses to back down.
🐎Because on Devil’s Ridge, every scar tells a story... and every bad boy eventually meets the one woman capable of bringing him to his knees.
🔥Welcome to Hellfire Ranch. Just don’t expect to leave unchanged. 🔥
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🎙️PERSONAL REVIEW🎙️
🎙️I absolutely ❤️‍🔥love this book. There is nothing better than an emotionally stunted cowboy. But this book was written extremely well. I imagine it’s going to end up being a series since they brought up Wesley and being in love with somebody who has a “big brother.” I cannot wait to see where this series goes. The banter is absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to see what she does with these boys.🎙️
🎙️If '📗Book Hangover' was a medical diagnosis⚕️, I’d be in the ICU right now. This story hit every single emotional note with the precision of a world-class orchestra. It has that rare 'vacation magic' where you forget your own name for 300 pages and then wake up at the end feeling like a brand new person. A true 5-🌟starexperience is supposed to feel like a high-end holiday for your imagination, and this one delivered a first-class ticket. It has that sense of completion that is so hard to find where every thread is tied, every emotion is earned, and you’re left sitting in silence for twenty minutes after the final period just staring at the wall. It’s that 'magical vacation⛱️' vibe where you’re sad it’s over, but you’re so filled with the warmth of the journey that you can’t even be mad at the flight home.🎙️
🎙️ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BOOK.📕These are the type of books that I enjoy most. They have the ability to just suck you in and you can’t put it down.🎙️
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[Read With Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Decker by Ivy Starck

Okay, I absolutely devoured this book! 🤠🔥 This was such a fun, spicy and addictive start to the Devil’s Ridge: The Bad Boys of Hellfire Ranch series, and I already know I’m going to want more from these men.

Grace was such a chaotic little force of nature 😂. After living such a sheltered and controlled life, watching her finally break free and try to figure out who she really is made her journey one of my favourite parts of the book. She definitely got herself into some questionable situations, but I loved seeing her find her independence and confidence along the way.

And then there’s Decker… 😮‍💨🔥 The grumpy, possessive, protective ex-Army Ranger cowboy was EVERYTHING. He may have tried to convince himself that Grace was nothing but trouble, but watching those walls slowly come down was so satisfying. Their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥, and I loved the way his protective side came out whenever she was in danger.

I also really enjoyed the Hellfire Ranch setting and the brotherhood between Decker, Wesley, Mack, Jonah and Levi. The banter, found-family feeling, danger and secrets added so much to the story and made me just as invested in the world around the romance.

This had everything I want from a cowboy romance — grumpy/sunshine, possessive/protective hero, forced proximity, small-town vibes, ex-military men, suspense, banter and plenty of spice. 🤠❤️‍🔥

Ivy Starck definitely knows how to create a book boyfriend, and Decker has officially earned his place on my list. I couldn’t put this one down, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next at Hellfire Ranch!

5 ⭐️ — such a fun, spicy and addictive read!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Decker was a chaotic, spicy, small-town cowboy romance with just the right amount of danger, grumpiness, and “touch her and see what happens” energy.

Grace was an absolute hurricane in the best way. She was sheltered, impulsive, messy, and sometimes wildly unprepared for real life, but that was also what made her fun to read. I loved watching her finally get the chance to figure out who she was outside of everyone else’s rules. And Decker? Decker saw the chaos coming and somehow decided, “Yep, that one.” I really liked the way he embraced her hurricane instead of trying to tame it, becoming the steady, protective force she needed.

Their chemistry was intense, and I enjoyed the push-and-pull between Grace’s sunshine chaos and Decker’s grumpy control. Hellfire Ranch also made a great series setting, with the brotherhood, secrets, and dangerous small-town vibes adding a lot to the story.

Some parts felt a little over-the-top for me, and Grace’s choices were occasionally hard to fully buy into, which is why this landed more at a 3.5. But overall, it was a fun, addictive start to the series, and I’m definitely curious to see more from the men of Hellfire Ranch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was completely shocked by Grace and her decision, but it took great strength to do what she did. And when she set her sights on Decker, oh man, I knew it was going to be good—it was even better than I could have imagined.

Grace comes off as innocent and naive, but she is just a feisty firecracker waiting to shine. Decker is the grump with little to say and some control issues. When these two run into each other, sparks fly. My heart broke for her when everything she risked was all for nothing. I was cracking up with her attempts at being a 'typical adult.' My favorite part, though, was watching Grace finally give herself the freedom to discover who she's meant to become.

The mysterious investigation, hilarious mishaps, and extremely spicy moments made this book impossible to put down! If this book is anything to go off of, this series is going to be amazing!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decker by Ivy Starck was such a fun, addictive cowboy romance. I loved the mix of small-town drama, ranch life, and the intense chemistry between Decker and the heroine. Decker is the perfect grumpy, protective cowboy—tough on the outside but completely devoted when it matters most. The story kept me hooked with its blend of romance, family dynamics, and just enough danger and mystery to keep the pages turning. Watching their relationship grow from constant tension and stubbornness into something deeper was my favorite part.
I’ve always enjoyed Ivy Starck’s books, and Decker reminded me why. The characters were easy to get invested in, and the setting of Hellfire Ranch made me excited to see more from this world. If you love possessive cowboy heroes, strong romantic chemistry, and stories with heart, this is definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to read the next books in the Devil’s Ridge series and spend more time with these characters.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a book by Ivy Starck, and I'm glad I picked up this one. I absolutely loved Decker. I was here for his take-charge, walk softly, carry a big stick attitude. It's obvious that the town adores him and is willing to follow him after everything he and his friends have done for the town. At first, Grace got on my nerves, but then I imagined what it was like for her. Never being able to make your own decisions, spread your wings, make mistakes and learn from them. Being sheltered all her life probably had the opposite effect her parents wanted. I probably would have run away as well if I had that childhood. I loved all the shenanigans Grace gets into that Decker bails her out of. She definitely was trouble walking, but it helped her grow while also giving her the chance to get closer to him. I knew after the first night, their chemistry would continue to be explosive. This was a great start to a new series, and I can't wait to see how the rest of it unfolds.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

DECKER is a gripping small-town enemies-to-lovers romance that blends danger, humor, and sizzling chemistry into one addictive read. Grace is a sheltered-but-fiery heroine who unexpectedly comes into her own after being thrown into the chaos of Hellfire Ranch, and watching her growth—from naive outsider to someone discovering her strength—was one of the most compelling parts of the story. Decker, the gruff ex-Army Ranger and protector of Devil’s Ridge, is the perfect broody hero: controlled, intense, and completely undone by the storm Grace brings into his carefully ordered world. Their push-and-pull dynamic is packed with tension, banter, and emotional sparks, while the ranch secrets and lurking danger keep the stakes high throughout. Add in found family, mystery, and plenty of heat, and this book becomes impossible to put down. A powerful start to the series—5 stars all the way.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The squeal I squealed when I saw the news that Ivy Starck has a new series. I fear dogs may have only heard it, for it was that loud. I loved her previous series so much that it cemented Ivy as a new favorite author and I jumped into Decker (heh, if only) head first.

I loved Grace and Decker. I will say that it took me longer to warm up to Grace than it was for Decker. Poor Grace is a walking disaster filled with some very questionable ideas. I definitely had to remind myself that she is only 21 and lived a very sheltered life. I love her determination, though. Gotta give the girl credit for not packing it up and moving on. Decker, on the other hand, was a book boyfriend from the get-go. He's silent support for Grace (albeit a little reluctant) was perfection. His frustrated growls were a thing of beauty. I loved them for each other.

I really (really, really) hope the goverment involvement is something that plays out throughout the series. It is somewhat wrapped up at the end of Decker, but I want it explored more. It added a level of tension that I devoured.

The best part of Decker was the introduction of the men of Hellfire Ranch. That was done perfectly. Chef's kiss!

This series is going to be so good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abi Marshall-Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing, almost DNF.
This had the potential to be a great steamy, possessive, morally grey cowboy romance, instead the FMC was behaved and was treated like a child - she was an idiot. I get that she's sheltered and hasn't lived much, but shoplifting? Setting a mechanic's shop on fire, being told to change because her shorts were too short before working in a bar?
This woman was treated more like the MMC's daughter and sister to his friends than his love interest. Possessive is a sexy in a book (total red flag in real life, but this is fantasy, right?), yet that isn't what this guy was. He was controlling more than lovingly possessive and worried about her. I will be sticking with Britany Ann's and Luna Mason's morally grey cowboys. I won't be moving on with any more from this author.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace ran away from her parents home because they were overprotective , they promised her an apartment to her 21 st birthday but they told her she’s not ready .
Her parents were famous and she always was after their shadows, when she opened her birthday gift she was disappointed and she decided her escape.
She found herself in Cooper Ridge, she entered at a bar there she wanted to find a guy to pass the time, the table she noticed there were 4 guys , the one she put eyes on was the grumpy ex soldier Decker.
She started flirting with him but he didn’t give her attention, but he didn’t took his eyes off her either and when he was going back home he saved her from a guy.
He couldn’t not take her to the Motel after what happened, she invited him to go Inside.

An amazing book that I really liked reading
Highly recommend to read

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by Grace and her search for freedom. Turning 21 is usually the first step toward freedom, but Grace’s parents remain over-protective and determined to protect her from what they deem to be beneath their daughter.

Travel along with Grace as she slips away from the mansion and fulfills her bucket list. Along the way she meets Decker and his band of brothers. Grace is chaos and brings such joy to everything she tries. Even when she fails she takes their teasing in stride.

I found Grace, Deck, Wesley, Mack, Jonah and Levi to be well developed and relatable. The world building is also detailed and made it easy to visualize settings from the mansion to Hellfire Ranch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRACE is the daughter of a famous couple. Her live has been that of a ghost. On her 21st birthday she is let down by her parents who backed away from their sort of promise to let her move out. When that doesn't happen she leaves.
DECKER is heading to a meeting where the feds are trying to take over their territory they earned by blood sweat and tears. Now a different war is on the horizon but instead of the cartel it's the feds.
Into this Grace arrives. She meets Decker and spends time with him.
He is tempting and tempted. But will she survive what is coming? Will it be the feds or her parents?
A fantastic story that brings questions about federal thinking and actions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of "Devil's Ridge: The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch". This book is deliciously fun with dark sprinkles thrown in! Grace Baker turns twenty-one and comes to the realization that her parents are never going to let her grow up. She grabs her backpack, her passport and her bucket to-do-list and gets on a bus leaving L.A. headed to Copper Ridge, Texas. Decker Blackstone and his family of ex-military "cowboys" built a compound outside of Copper Ridge known as Hellfire Ranch. Between the cartels, the Feds and the mayor, he's got enough chaos in his life. Wrong! He hasn't met true chaos until Grace Baker walks into his life.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Decker” by Ivy Starck

-A fun small-town cowboy romance with plenty of humor, danger, and romance.i received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Grace is a sheltered but spirited heroine, while Decker is the grumpy, protective cowboy who can’t resist her chaotic energy. I enjoyed watching Grace discover her independence and seeing Decker accept her for who she is. The ranch setting, family bonds, and mystery adds extra depth to the story.

A fast-paced, entertaining read with great characters, strong chemistry, and a satisfying happy ending. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of Devil's Ridge: The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'And when my past comes looking for me?
Decker makes one thing terrifyingly clear—
Nobody takes what belongs to him.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

I had never read a book by Ivy Starck and I had no idea what a talented Author she is. Decker was a absolute amazing book. The banter between the men and Grace was so fun to read. Decker is your perfect sexy alpha in charge book boyfriend. He was perfect for Grace. Her wealthy parents controlled her life and did not let her do anything. I am so glad she got away from them. This was such a well written story. So many details twists and turns you never knew what was going to happen next. This is the kind of book you think about long after you are done read it. It’s that good. I highly recommend this book.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-town romances are definitely my thing right now. I love Starck's writing. It’s so easy to get completely wrapped up in her stories, and her character development is always on point.

I was excited to see her start a new series, and I really enjoyed this one. It was a great way to kick things off with plenty of banter, a grumpy cowboy, and just the right amount of drama.

Thank you to the author and Booksprout for the advance copy.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I can't help but love every moment and interaction between Grace and Decker. Their chemistry is so fire. I wanted to be right there enjoying the chaos with her. I couldn't put their story down at all. I was up way to late. It is a complete page turner and you fall in love with each character. It will have you laughing through the chaos and banter. Highly, highly recommend!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucket List Adventure

Decker & Gracie's story was like a crazy Indian Jones movie mixed with Legally Blond and Jack Reacher, I felt all emotions from happiness to sadness and everything in while reading this book. Loved the characters so perfect imperfect but at all times you could feel the good in them, even when their actions were not showing it. Oh and not to forget the chemistry between Gracie and Decker it was 12 on a 10 scale 😊

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Hellfire Ranch and Devil’s Ridge. Five men building something together. When Decker runs not Grace, newly arrived in town, sparks fly and decisions are made. A fab read with protective cowboys, drama, small town vibes, ex-military men, grumpy/sassy sunshine, age gap and more, with a good helping of witty banter too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying !! ☺️

This book should have been called Amazing Grace! Don't get me wrong, it has just the right amount of romance, suspence, sexual tension and humour but the fmc made this story a joy to read.
She wasnt just a fmc with"curves in all the right places"🙄. She was intelligent, witty, sassy and tenacious!!
You know it's a good read when you don't want the book to end. Highly recommend for the true romantics.

[Constance M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and the banter, even though at times it seemed odd. Perhaps it is an age thing, and I don’t know anyone who talks like that.
She seems like a somewhat shallow character at times, causing problems and destruction in her wake, simply because she can. While I realize that her family life has been confining, her solution was not well thought out. We’re in not for the circumstances that led her to the MMC, she likely would not have survived on her own, according to her initial plan.

I was more intrigued by his actions with the ranch and the town, and his leadership abilities than I was with her, truthfully. While they seemed to bring out emotions and characteristics in each other, he was a better developed character, while she remained very much as at the beginning, despite his acceptance of her irrational behaviour.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! Ths book was awesome! Grace's antics kept wanting to keep reading to see what she was going to do next. Decker and Grace's chemistry was so perfect. And the way the rest of the guys welcomed her into the family was so heart warming. Can't wait till the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline,fantastic characters and a lot of funny bickering ,spicy scenes and more. The fast pace and a lot of action kept me turning pages.
I love this book, what a wonderful beginning of new series.
Very well written,definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be to be one hell of a series.
This is Book 1 of Devil's Ridge: The BAD BOYS of Hellfire Ranch. Let me tell you something I ate this book up like it was nothing. I think this is going to be an amazing Series this is going to be absolutely awesome I can't wait to get the rest of the series.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's better than a grumpy ex-ranger and cowboy? How about four of them...and a younger brother!! That's what Grace finds when she arrives at Devil's Ridge. Was a little annoyed with Grace at the start but she soon redeemed herself. Love Decker!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

You have got to read Decker! It is the best read I’ve had in a long time!

You will love Grace and all her misfortune and you will appreciate Decker for his patience above all else!

It was funny, serious, adventurous, and so romantic!

I loved every chapter! I hope the next the series is just as good!

[Jessica Bazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Nothing beats a Chaotic Sunshine breaking into the heart of a Grumpy Cowboy.

The flow of the story is amazing and you don’t see the twists coming! Definitely recommend this one if you love a small town vibe.

[Nancy S. Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read before it was released, finished it in one sitting stayed up all night could not put it down from page one I was hooked highly recommend Grace and Decker’s story one I will put on my list to be read again!