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Ransom Canyon #5
Wild Horse Springs
In the heart of Ransom Canyon, sometimes the right match for a lonely soul is the one you least expect
Dan Brigman may not lead the most exciting life, but he's proud of what he's achieved: he's a respected lawman, and he's raised a bright, talented daughter on his own. But finding a lone, sparkly blue boot in the middle of a deserted highway gets him thinking maybe the cowgirl who lost it is exactly the shake-up he needs.
After losing her baby girl, Brandi Malone felt like her soul died along with her daughter. Now singing in small-town bars to make ends meet, she's fine being a drifter until a handsome sheriff makes her believe that parking her boots under his bed is a better option.
College grad Lauren Brigman has just struck out on her own in downtown Dallas when a troubling phone call leads her back home to Crossroads. Her hometown represents her family, friends and deepest hopes, but also her first love, Lucas Reyes. Will Lauren's homecoming be another heartbreak, or a second chance for her and Lucas?
Dan Brigman may not lead the most exciting life, but he's proud of what he's achieved: he's a respected lawman, and he's raised a bright, talented daughter on his own. But finding a lone, sparkly blue boot in the middle of a deserted highway gets him thinking maybe the cowgirl who lost it is exactly the shake-up he needs.
After losing her baby girl, Brandi Malone felt like her soul died along with her daughter. Now singing in small-town bars to make ends meet, she's fine being a drifter until a handsome sheriff makes her believe that parking her boots under his bed is a better option.
College grad Lauren Brigman has just struck out on her own in downtown Dallas when a troubling phone call leads her back home to Crossroads. Her hometown represents her family, friends and deepest hopes, but also her first love, Lucas Reyes. Will Lauren's homecoming be another heartbreak, or a second chance for her and Lucas?
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 24, 2017
About the author
Jodi Thomas
119 books2,548 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 28, 2018
Dan Brigman a fourty-something-year-old with a brush of gray along his temples, and the sheriff of Crossroads, Texas. His wife left him twenty years ago and he raised his daughter alone (she's now a grown woman) and she calls him predictable because he doesn't mind his daily routine and he doesn't date. But one day, while he's coming home after a workday, he find a blue cowgirl boot in the middle of the road and stop at the new club in town to ask question and find the owner.
"The road had been her home for fourteen months."
Brandi Malone never felt welcome in her family and left after high school, with her guitars, to play music. She didn't became famous, but that's not what she was after anyway. As long as she can play, she's happy. After losing her nine year-old daughter, music is all she have left. She's traveling from town to town, keeping to herself, just surviving. She's currently singing at a club in Crossroads, doing three sets a night. The first time she see the sheriff, she thinks "a man with honest eyes" and without knowing why, she feels a connection to him. An undeniable attraction that he share right away too. But she's honest with him from the start : she's not looking for love, nor a relationship. She's just passing but she wouldn't mind company. The two of them begin a secret affair that feels spontaneous and so not complicated, exactly what they needed. But even when feelings are involve, when two souls are meant to be together, love will unfold naturally.
So I jump into this series with book 5 and had no trouble following and it's easy to see that some characters have appeared in the earlier books. It's funny because sometime, I felt in love with the writing style while other time, I thought there were some odd phrasing, or maybe it was in the way some characters were thinking. But I can't say I didn't enjoy reading this book. In addition to Brandi and Dan's romance, there was a second one with a female park ranger who rescued an injured man who fell off his horse, an ex Texas Ranger who lost too many friends and became an hermit. Their scenes were my favorite part. So sweet and funny how an inside joke between these two turned into something more. There's also a... don't know if I can say a subplot, with Dan's daughter Lauren, but this part I could have done without honestly. I didn't connect with her and any of her "friends". Is it because I really dislike triangle ? I guess.
I'll finish this review with one of the quote that I liked:
"She loved the version of herself she saw in his eyes."
"The road had been her home for fourteen months."
Brandi Malone never felt welcome in her family and left after high school, with her guitars, to play music. She didn't became famous, but that's not what she was after anyway. As long as she can play, she's happy. After losing her nine year-old daughter, music is all she have left. She's traveling from town to town, keeping to herself, just surviving. She's currently singing at a club in Crossroads, doing three sets a night. The first time she see the sheriff, she thinks "a man with honest eyes" and without knowing why, she feels a connection to him. An undeniable attraction that he share right away too. But she's honest with him from the start : she's not looking for love, nor a relationship. She's just passing but she wouldn't mind company. The two of them begin a secret affair that feels spontaneous and so not complicated, exactly what they needed. But even when feelings are involve, when two souls are meant to be together, love will unfold naturally.
So I jump into this series with book 5 and had no trouble following and it's easy to see that some characters have appeared in the earlier books. It's funny because sometime, I felt in love with the writing style while other time, I thought there were some odd phrasing, or maybe it was in the way some characters were thinking. But I can't say I didn't enjoy reading this book. In addition to Brandi and Dan's romance, there was a second one with a female park ranger who rescued an injured man who fell off his horse, an ex Texas Ranger who lost too many friends and became an hermit. Their scenes were my favorite part. So sweet and funny how an inside joke between these two turned into something more. There's also a... don't know if I can say a subplot, with Dan's daughter Lauren, but this part I could have done without honestly. I didn't connect with her and any of her "friends". Is it because I really dislike triangle ? I guess.
I'll finish this review with one of the quote that I liked:
"She loved the version of herself she saw in his eyes."
February 9, 2017
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I really enjoyed this addition to the Ransom Canyon series. Sheriff Dan has played a role in all the previous books and it was great to see him in the spotlight for much of this one. He is one of those deserving characters that you hope like heck is going to get a HEA.
I would not recommend you read this book as a standalone, not because it would be hard to follow, but because you would miss out on the richness of the town and its characters. For example, in one scene in this book, Yancy Grey's father is mentioned in passing. Well, his story was a big part of a previous book so, if a person read that book, that throw away comment stimulates a huge cache of 'memories' about him, his past, the characters he was involved in. You really feel like you know the people in the town. That is one reason I love this style of book that Jodi Thomas does so well, like the Harmony novels. Its not for everyone but for a small town girl like me its appealing.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Ransom Canyon series. Sheriff Dan has played a role in all the previous books and it was great to see him in the spotlight for much of this one. He is one of those deserving characters that you hope like heck is going to get a HEA.
I would not recommend you read this book as a standalone, not because it would be hard to follow, but because you would miss out on the richness of the town and its characters. For example, in one scene in this book, Yancy Grey's father is mentioned in passing. Well, his story was a big part of a previous book so, if a person read that book, that throw away comment stimulates a huge cache of 'memories' about him, his past, the characters he was involved in. You really feel like you know the people in the town. That is one reason I love this style of book that Jodi Thomas does so well, like the Harmony novels. Its not for everyone but for a small town girl like me its appealing.
July 8, 2025
Wild Horse Springs #5 Ransom Canyon
4✨
"She loved the version of herself she saw in his eyes. "💜
4✨
"She loved the version of herself she saw in his eyes. "💜
September 29, 2016
This book is simply wonderful! I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys complex characters and a great plot.
September 15, 2019
Dan Brigman is the sheriff of Crossroads. He’s been alone for a long time, though not always lonely, per se. He loves his daughter, who’s grown and moved away, trying to figure out life for herself. He loves his job, and it keeps him busy. But it isn’t until he meets Brandi Malone, a singer who goes from gig to gig in an attempt to run away from her past and her pain, that he remembers how nice it is to have a woman in his life. He gets attached, wants her to stay—but refuses to tie her down.
Cody Winslow is haunted by demons. One night, he’s trying to outrun them and gets thrown from his horse. Lucky for him, park ranger Tess Adams is star-gazing nearby and hears the commotion. An adept, take-charge type, she starts taking care of him and never stops. She doesn’t know much about relating to people, though, and he can’t shake his demons. They care about one another and yearn for something more, but neither is certain how to achieve it.
Lauren Brigman is lost. In heart, in mind, in soul. She wants to be a writer—but hasn’t written a word. She wants to live in the city—but is miserably homesick for her small town. She wants to be with the boy she loved in high school—but can’t reconcile him with the man he’s become. Worse, she can’t see any other man but him. She just can’t seem to find her place in the world.
—————
This was a good book. I wouldn’t say it’s one of Thomas’ best, but it was solid. However, I had a few personal opinions about it that I don’t expect others to share, so I wanted to say up front that if you like Thomas’ previous work, or romances with a western flavor that give you the warm fuzzies, then I recommend you check out this book as well as the rest of the Ransom Canyon series. And if you like the Ransom Canyon series, go straight for the Harmony series. I revisit them often.
Now… I’m not sure why, but I had zero interest in Dan and Brandi’s story. None whatsoever. I’m ashamed to admit, I skimmed their parts from the very beginning. They’re both good people, and I’m glad they’re happy now with each other, but I did not need that to be the central story. And I had only a bit more interest in Cody and Tess.
There was only a paltry fraction of this book that I soaked up—Lauren’s parts and Thatcher’s parts. I’ve got a lot of emotion invested in Lauren’s story, which started in book one, and I’m getting really, really, REALLY frustrated with her lack of fulfillment. It’s probably a very deliberate marketing strategy, and I understand that, but at this point I’m ready for a series on Lauren alone, screw the rest of the town. I relate to her so much that it almost feels like when she gets her happy ending, I’ll get mine. Which is stupid, but that’s how connected to her I feel. Judging by the blurb for Indigo Lake, the next Ransom Canyon installment, she’ll be shoved into the background again, and it sounds like she’ll be struggling with the exact same issues. Come on, now.
Thatcher Jones is one of the more interesting characters in the whole series. The kid’s got charisma. He jokes in the book that all the ladies cling to him—and I duck my head, because I was indeed clinging to him throughout the book. He did drive the plot, though, everything happened because of him, so it’s no wonder he drew my attention. He’s got a heart the size of Texas, and he’s so funny! I’ve got my fingers crossed for Lauren and Lucas eventually working their shit out, but I’d totally be okay with Lauren and Thatcher ending up together. Seven years isn’t really that much of an age gap. But that won’t happen, so I can’t wait to meet the woman who takes him on. She better be worthy of him.
And poor Tim O’Grady, I dislike him more every time I see him. He’s just like Mary in BBC’s Sherlock—shoehorned in for a reason I’m not too clear on, almost like the author felt obligated to include him for character development’s sake. I hope he stays in New York and leaves Lauren—everyone—the F alone.
The thing I don’t get about these new kind of town-focused romances is what the main plot is supposed to be. One would think romance, but there are multiple romances going on. So either one must have more focus than the others or they all get the same attention. Done deal. But there’s another plot, at least in Thomas’ books, usually involving a crime committed and suspense as the evidence is examined and the culprits are hunted down. It’s usually this plot that ties everything else that’s happening together—brings everyone together—so I consider it the main plot. Which doesn’t make it a romance, it makes it a mystery or a thriller. But people have sex and fall in love—everyone except LAUREN, anyway, poor girl—so we’ll call it a romance.
So the main suspense plot was good, very exciting; Lauren’s plot is pending (sigh); Cody and Tess’ was cute; and Thatcher’s is just beginning. But I skipped most of Dan and Brandi’s—I did try to read it, I swear, but it was so boring—so I’m not sure if all of their conflicts got resolved. They were together at the end, anyway, as expected.
The only complaint I have on the writing was that there were more than a few typos, and that’s not Thomas’ fault, but probably the publisher’s. “Late” instead of “last,” a missing E in relieve, “met” instead of “meant,” things like that. I don’t think I counted as many as a dozen, so it’s not too bad, but I start rolling my eyes after three. Mistakes are made, yes, but this is the final printed product. It’s supposed to be professional, and typos are very much not professional in writing. Otherwise, Thomas’ prose was wonderful, with an easy flow and excellent description that carry you through vivid scenes brought to life.
One last thing--I call EPIC bullshit on Lauren sitting down, writing some stories, and a month later telling her dad her collection of short stories will be published by spring, less than six months later. Kids, it would take a miracle to go from uninspired with no connections to published in six months. Nothing’s impossible, but don’t quit your day job, because it doesn’t happen like that, and I’m shocked Jodi Thomas, of all people, would purport so, even in fiction.
Overall, I’m holding on until I get the stories of the characters I really care about.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
Cody Winslow is haunted by demons. One night, he’s trying to outrun them and gets thrown from his horse. Lucky for him, park ranger Tess Adams is star-gazing nearby and hears the commotion. An adept, take-charge type, she starts taking care of him and never stops. She doesn’t know much about relating to people, though, and he can’t shake his demons. They care about one another and yearn for something more, but neither is certain how to achieve it.
Lauren Brigman is lost. In heart, in mind, in soul. She wants to be a writer—but hasn’t written a word. She wants to live in the city—but is miserably homesick for her small town. She wants to be with the boy she loved in high school—but can’t reconcile him with the man he’s become. Worse, she can’t see any other man but him. She just can’t seem to find her place in the world.
—————
This was a good book. I wouldn’t say it’s one of Thomas’ best, but it was solid. However, I had a few personal opinions about it that I don’t expect others to share, so I wanted to say up front that if you like Thomas’ previous work, or romances with a western flavor that give you the warm fuzzies, then I recommend you check out this book as well as the rest of the Ransom Canyon series. And if you like the Ransom Canyon series, go straight for the Harmony series. I revisit them often.
Now… I’m not sure why, but I had zero interest in Dan and Brandi’s story. None whatsoever. I’m ashamed to admit, I skimmed their parts from the very beginning. They’re both good people, and I’m glad they’re happy now with each other, but I did not need that to be the central story. And I had only a bit more interest in Cody and Tess.
There was only a paltry fraction of this book that I soaked up—Lauren’s parts and Thatcher’s parts. I’ve got a lot of emotion invested in Lauren’s story, which started in book one, and I’m getting really, really, REALLY frustrated with her lack of fulfillment. It’s probably a very deliberate marketing strategy, and I understand that, but at this point I’m ready for a series on Lauren alone, screw the rest of the town. I relate to her so much that it almost feels like when she gets her happy ending, I’ll get mine. Which is stupid, but that’s how connected to her I feel. Judging by the blurb for Indigo Lake, the next Ransom Canyon installment, she’ll be shoved into the background again, and it sounds like she’ll be struggling with the exact same issues. Come on, now.
Thatcher Jones is one of the more interesting characters in the whole series. The kid’s got charisma. He jokes in the book that all the ladies cling to him—and I duck my head, because I was indeed clinging to him throughout the book. He did drive the plot, though, everything happened because of him, so it’s no wonder he drew my attention. He’s got a heart the size of Texas, and he’s so funny! I’ve got my fingers crossed for Lauren and Lucas eventually working their shit out, but I’d totally be okay with Lauren and Thatcher ending up together. Seven years isn’t really that much of an age gap. But that won’t happen, so I can’t wait to meet the woman who takes him on. She better be worthy of him.
And poor Tim O’Grady, I dislike him more every time I see him. He’s just like Mary in BBC’s Sherlock—shoehorned in for a reason I’m not too clear on, almost like the author felt obligated to include him for character development’s sake. I hope he stays in New York and leaves Lauren—everyone—the F alone.
The thing I don’t get about these new kind of town-focused romances is what the main plot is supposed to be. One would think romance, but there are multiple romances going on. So either one must have more focus than the others or they all get the same attention. Done deal. But there’s another plot, at least in Thomas’ books, usually involving a crime committed and suspense as the evidence is examined and the culprits are hunted down. It’s usually this plot that ties everything else that’s happening together—brings everyone together—so I consider it the main plot. Which doesn’t make it a romance, it makes it a mystery or a thriller. But people have sex and fall in love—everyone except LAUREN, anyway, poor girl—so we’ll call it a romance.
So the main suspense plot was good, very exciting; Lauren’s plot is pending (sigh); Cody and Tess’ was cute; and Thatcher’s is just beginning. But I skipped most of Dan and Brandi’s—I did try to read it, I swear, but it was so boring—so I’m not sure if all of their conflicts got resolved. They were together at the end, anyway, as expected.
The only complaint I have on the writing was that there were more than a few typos, and that’s not Thomas’ fault, but probably the publisher’s. “Late” instead of “last,” a missing E in relieve, “met” instead of “meant,” things like that. I don’t think I counted as many as a dozen, so it’s not too bad, but I start rolling my eyes after three. Mistakes are made, yes, but this is the final printed product. It’s supposed to be professional, and typos are very much not professional in writing. Otherwise, Thomas’ prose was wonderful, with an easy flow and excellent description that carry you through vivid scenes brought to life.
One last thing--I call EPIC bullshit on Lauren sitting down, writing some stories, and a month later telling her dad her collection of short stories will be published by spring, less than six months later. Kids, it would take a miracle to go from uninspired with no connections to published in six months. Nothing’s impossible, but don’t quit your day job, because it doesn’t happen like that, and I’m shocked Jodi Thomas, of all people, would purport so, even in fiction.
Overall, I’m holding on until I get the stories of the characters I really care about.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
August 15, 2017
A fabulous book with a multi-layered story line! The language, the imagery, the depth of emotion all carried me away! I've known Ms. Thomas as a fellow writer for some years, and have read her books in the past, but I fell out of the habit. NO MORE! I'm finding every Jodi Thomas books I can get my hands on! She is absolutely outstanding!
January 7, 2017
I received a free copy of Wild Horse Springs in return for an honest review. Again Jodi Thomas has given us a interesting story line with several romances intertwined. Dan Brigman and his daughter Lauren are characters we met in previous books. Lauren and Lucas's romance is still up in the air but Dan's is unexpected but very,very sweet. While I liked both Dan and Brandi the character's who stole the show for me were Cody, Tess and Thatcher. Cody and Tess are two lost souls who fit perfectly and manage to do it with a lot of humor and laughs out loud moments. Thatcher on the other hand is still a work in progress. Great story, good romances and fun to read; you can't go wrong with Jodi Thomas.
February 24, 2022
Interesting series - a bit up and down. While this is my least favorite book thus far, it's still a good read.
August 18, 2017
I broke down and bought my own copy of this because I was just having to wait too long for my turn to roll around on the library's hold list. I liked it a lot. Because the sheriff finally found someone for himself. I enjoy Jodi's taciturn characters who can't talk to each other-- male or female, many of them seem to find talking kind of silly. But they find each other anyway. The sheriff's daughter may be finding her way to clarity also in this one. She's been caught between two guys for a long time and is getting sick of it. The sheriff takes up with a grieving singer at the local honky-tonk. And Jodi knows that the bars in rural Texas are on the edge of town or a few miles outside. :) There's a child in trouble that the sheriff has to find. It's a good story. I used to live in a town in the Texas Panhandle very much like Ransom Canyon. Except we were closer to the end of the canyon so there was row crop farming in the mix with the ranching. Flat land grew cotton and peanuts, rough land raised cows. But the people were pretty much the same.
February 10, 2017
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2017/02/review-...
Thomas’ small town contemporaries are always a welcome respite as they weave a cozy tale of love, laughter, pain, and heartbreak of small town living. Similar to her Harmony series (reviews here), each book pushes forward on the arc while, discussing one or two characters romances while dealing with a small thrilling mystery on the side. The fifth book in Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series takes readers back to the small town of Crossroads, TX with a few new romances and mysteries while updating us on some well-known residents and introducing us to a few new ones
Wild Horse Springs had all the ear markings of a typical and entertaining story but seems to lose its way quickly. Even with its normal multiple storyline threads, there is a disorganized feeling to the writing that is only matched by the rambling narrative and random head jumping. Thomas uses the same familiar formula that has worked for years, telling the story from four seemingly unrelated points of view slowly revealing the common denominator that binds them all together. But for me, in this instance, it doesn’t work. I found the main romance uninspiring and drenched in unnecessary purple prose while the second romance was far more entertaining but has less time and space in which to develop realistically. Both romances are fueled by insta-love but Thomas doesn’t give us any clues to what the appeal between any of them is beyond the fact they’re all single. The third “romance” has been dragging out since the beginning of the series and offers very little advancement. After five books in I’m still unsure if this is even a romance or just a childhood dream one of the leads refuses to let die.
Three main storylines circle around, feeding off one another as they slowly merge together though as I stated earlier, the plotlines felt underdeveloped and the narrative predictable and rambling. Even Thomas’ strong characters can’t pull this story out of the rut it’s in. The ending is a fast wrap up, leaving this reader frustrated with more questions than answers. As always, each book leaves off with the promise of more to come, giving Thomas a way to continue to build on the arc and the various relationships of the town.
I’m not sure if I will be continuing this series. While I have enjoyed my time spent in Ransom Canyon, it just isn’t holding the same sense of energy or appeal that her earlier series did. I’m also starting to see a decline in the strength of Thomas’ writing. We shall see.
Grade: C-
Thomas’ small town contemporaries are always a welcome respite as they weave a cozy tale of love, laughter, pain, and heartbreak of small town living. Similar to her Harmony series (reviews here), each book pushes forward on the arc while, discussing one or two characters romances while dealing with a small thrilling mystery on the side. The fifth book in Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series takes readers back to the small town of Crossroads, TX with a few new romances and mysteries while updating us on some well-known residents and introducing us to a few new ones
Wild Horse Springs had all the ear markings of a typical and entertaining story but seems to lose its way quickly. Even with its normal multiple storyline threads, there is a disorganized feeling to the writing that is only matched by the rambling narrative and random head jumping. Thomas uses the same familiar formula that has worked for years, telling the story from four seemingly unrelated points of view slowly revealing the common denominator that binds them all together. But for me, in this instance, it doesn’t work. I found the main romance uninspiring and drenched in unnecessary purple prose while the second romance was far more entertaining but has less time and space in which to develop realistically. Both romances are fueled by insta-love but Thomas doesn’t give us any clues to what the appeal between any of them is beyond the fact they’re all single. The third “romance” has been dragging out since the beginning of the series and offers very little advancement. After five books in I’m still unsure if this is even a romance or just a childhood dream one of the leads refuses to let die.
Three main storylines circle around, feeding off one another as they slowly merge together though as I stated earlier, the plotlines felt underdeveloped and the narrative predictable and rambling. Even Thomas’ strong characters can’t pull this story out of the rut it’s in. The ending is a fast wrap up, leaving this reader frustrated with more questions than answers. As always, each book leaves off with the promise of more to come, giving Thomas a way to continue to build on the arc and the various relationships of the town.
I’m not sure if I will be continuing this series. While I have enjoyed my time spent in Ransom Canyon, it just isn’t holding the same sense of energy or appeal that her earlier series did. I’m also starting to see a decline in the strength of Thomas’ writing. We shall see.
Grade: C-
December 17, 2016
Just…terrible.
Welcome to Crossroads, TX, where intrigue meets true love. Sheriff Dan Brigman finds a blue rhinestone cowgirl boot in the middle of the road and goes in search of its owner. Singer Brandi Malone is drifting through town and running from her family and her past, but Dan makes her feel wild and free. Dan's daughter Lauren is a struggling author missing her small town roots when she gets a call to come home to help out a friend. She reconnects with her old lover Tim and her first love Lucas Reyes. Meanwhile, a troubled kid named Thatcher is in a load of trouble when he comes to the aid of a little girl and winds up in jail then attacked by her abusers. Texas Ranger Cody Winslow has been chasing death for a long time, but once It's finally in his grasp, a park ranger named Tess Adams saves his life...then takes it over. All of these Crossroads friends and family's stories converge as they lean on one another through good times and bad.
Mmmm...sigh. I just couldn't get into this book whatsoever. The stilted and formal writing combined with the lack of chemistry between any of the characters had me wishing the end would come quickly. It was unfortunate that Ms. Thomas focused on so many MC's during the story, as it was tough to connect with any of them enough to really root for them to make it. And the romantic scenarios bordered on the silly…Brandi and Dan's ridiculous meeting and "wild" love affair, Lauren "breaking up" with Tim, who she wasn't dating, by telling him she doesn't want to be friends with benefits anymore and lamenting the relationship between she and Lucas that never really happened, and Cody happily letting Tess literally take over his life while he's laying in a hospital bed…did I mention that they spent about 1 hr in each other's company before that point? Then we have Thatcher the jailbird's story, which was just a means to tie everything in together. But the worst part was the ending. It was rushed, abrupt and full of the stinkiest kind of cheese.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; assumed condom use (but there were no actual sex scenes); no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; slight violence; no murder.
Welcome to Crossroads, TX, where intrigue meets true love. Sheriff Dan Brigman finds a blue rhinestone cowgirl boot in the middle of the road and goes in search of its owner. Singer Brandi Malone is drifting through town and running from her family and her past, but Dan makes her feel wild and free. Dan's daughter Lauren is a struggling author missing her small town roots when she gets a call to come home to help out a friend. She reconnects with her old lover Tim and her first love Lucas Reyes. Meanwhile, a troubled kid named Thatcher is in a load of trouble when he comes to the aid of a little girl and winds up in jail then attacked by her abusers. Texas Ranger Cody Winslow has been chasing death for a long time, but once It's finally in his grasp, a park ranger named Tess Adams saves his life...then takes it over. All of these Crossroads friends and family's stories converge as they lean on one another through good times and bad.
Mmmm...sigh. I just couldn't get into this book whatsoever. The stilted and formal writing combined with the lack of chemistry between any of the characters had me wishing the end would come quickly. It was unfortunate that Ms. Thomas focused on so many MC's during the story, as it was tough to connect with any of them enough to really root for them to make it. And the romantic scenarios bordered on the silly…Brandi and Dan's ridiculous meeting and "wild" love affair, Lauren "breaking up" with Tim, who she wasn't dating, by telling him she doesn't want to be friends with benefits anymore and lamenting the relationship between she and Lucas that never really happened, and Cody happily letting Tess literally take over his life while he's laying in a hospital bed…did I mention that they spent about 1 hr in each other's company before that point? Then we have Thatcher the jailbird's story, which was just a means to tie everything in together. But the worst part was the ending. It was rushed, abrupt and full of the stinkiest kind of cheese.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; assumed condom use (but there were no actual sex scenes); no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; slight violence; no murder.
June 2, 2024
Wild Horse Springs
3 Stars
Once again, there are several overlapping plotlines in this installment of the Ransom Canyon series. Sheriff Dan Brigman, who has given up on love, finds it again in the most unlikely place. Cody Winslow, a former Texas Ranger suffering from PTSD, meets a sexy park ranger, who shows him life is worth living. Thatcher Jones finds himself in trouble with the law while Lauren Brigman, Tim O'Grady and Lucas Reyes are at a crossroads in their friendship.
Series note: Due to the recurring characters, it is recommended that this series be read in order.
Jodi Thomas's Ransom Canyon series is an absolute delight. However, Wild Horse Springs isn't as engaging as the previous books.
To begin with, Dan and Brandi's romance is rather bland and their chemistry is non-existent. This is disappointing as he is such a wonderful man and my expectations for his HEA were high.
The second couple, Cody and Tess, are far more compelling. Their snarky banter is fantastic, and Cody's interactions with Tess's scouts are hysterical.
Thatcher is, as always, the highlight of the book. One cannot help but smile at his witty humor and incredible heart. In contrast, the Lauren, Tim and Lucas show is more than a little annoying. First, Lucas's behavior, both past and present, relegates him to asshat territory; thus, Lauren's continued preoccupation with him is pathetic. Second, the changes in Tim's characterization are unwarranted. He has always been there for Lauren and deserves better... hopefully, he will get it.
The suspense plot is one of the best aspects of the book. The villains are particularly nasty, and the final showdown is intense and exciting.
Despite its ups and downs, Wild Horse Springs is an entertaining read overall and I look forward to my sojourn to Ransom Canyon.
3 Stars
Once again, there are several overlapping plotlines in this installment of the Ransom Canyon series. Sheriff Dan Brigman, who has given up on love, finds it again in the most unlikely place. Cody Winslow, a former Texas Ranger suffering from PTSD, meets a sexy park ranger, who shows him life is worth living. Thatcher Jones finds himself in trouble with the law while Lauren Brigman, Tim O'Grady and Lucas Reyes are at a crossroads in their friendship.
Series note: Due to the recurring characters, it is recommended that this series be read in order.
Jodi Thomas's Ransom Canyon series is an absolute delight. However, Wild Horse Springs isn't as engaging as the previous books.
To begin with, Dan and Brandi's romance is rather bland and their chemistry is non-existent. This is disappointing as he is such a wonderful man and my expectations for his HEA were high.
The second couple, Cody and Tess, are far more compelling. Their snarky banter is fantastic, and Cody's interactions with Tess's scouts are hysterical.
Thatcher is, as always, the highlight of the book. One cannot help but smile at his witty humor and incredible heart. In contrast, the Lauren, Tim and Lucas show is more than a little annoying. First, Lucas's behavior, both past and present, relegates him to asshat territory; thus, Lauren's continued preoccupation with him is pathetic. Second, the changes in Tim's characterization are unwarranted. He has always been there for Lauren and deserves better... hopefully, he will get it.
The suspense plot is one of the best aspects of the book. The villains are particularly nasty, and the final showdown is intense and exciting.
Despite its ups and downs, Wild Horse Springs is an entertaining read overall and I look forward to my sojourn to Ransom Canyon.
February 18, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
You shouldn’t cuss, mister. We heard you way back in the canyon yelling out words I’ve seen written but never knew how to pronounce.
The manager said once that drunks were like fish – they smelled if left out overnight.
You do have a death wish, don’t you? I’ve already told you I’m not the kind of girl who does well on dates… All right, but it’s been my experience that I am terrible when it comes to men. My prom date brought me home at nine, then went back to the dance.
I’m not sure the two losers who broke into my cell had a clear plan. They might have been hired killers, but they looked like they were paid in quarters.
‘About our marriage.’ Her smile was so sweet he knew it was poison. ‘ I don’t believe in divorce, Ranger Winslow, so I guess I’ll have to make myself a widow.’ He tried to smile, but he wasn’t sure she was kidding.
My Review:
Wild Horse Springs was packed with a cavalcade of odd and quirky characters. Written from a third person POV, I frequently smirked at Ms. Thomas’s use of wry humor and amusing observational details. I enjoyed this entertaining and eventful tale with several active storylines and unsolved crimes. The small town was unusually bustling with activity and appeared to have suddenly become a hotbed of crime, and unfortunately for the sheriff, just when he’d finally found a possible love interest with a feisty singer who was passing through. The writing was entertaining, enjoyable, and easy to follow.
You shouldn’t cuss, mister. We heard you way back in the canyon yelling out words I’ve seen written but never knew how to pronounce.
The manager said once that drunks were like fish – they smelled if left out overnight.
You do have a death wish, don’t you? I’ve already told you I’m not the kind of girl who does well on dates… All right, but it’s been my experience that I am terrible when it comes to men. My prom date brought me home at nine, then went back to the dance.
I’m not sure the two losers who broke into my cell had a clear plan. They might have been hired killers, but they looked like they were paid in quarters.
‘About our marriage.’ Her smile was so sweet he knew it was poison. ‘ I don’t believe in divorce, Ranger Winslow, so I guess I’ll have to make myself a widow.’ He tried to smile, but he wasn’t sure she was kidding.
My Review:
Wild Horse Springs was packed with a cavalcade of odd and quirky characters. Written from a third person POV, I frequently smirked at Ms. Thomas’s use of wry humor and amusing observational details. I enjoyed this entertaining and eventful tale with several active storylines and unsolved crimes. The small town was unusually bustling with activity and appeared to have suddenly become a hotbed of crime, and unfortunately for the sheriff, just when he’d finally found a possible love interest with a feisty singer who was passing through. The writing was entertaining, enjoyable, and easy to follow.
February 9, 2017
Originally reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com
WILD HORSE SPRINGS, the fifth entry in the Ransom Canyon series by Jodi Thomas, is an interesting look into life in small town Crossroads, Texas. The plot is full of colorful characters, mystery, and several delightful romances. It all starts with a blue cowgirl boot.
Romance #1: Sherriff Dan Brigman, a single father, is very lonely since his only daughter, Lauren, moved out to be on her own. While on duty, Dan finds the fancy blue boot in the middle of the road. After searching for its owner, the boot is eventually reunited with country singer Brandi Malone, who is booked for a few weeks at a local bar. Brandi , who is very secretive about her past, is immediately attracted to Dan, but both have to decide if they can put their pasts behind them and commit to a new relationship.
Romance #2: Lauren Brigman, Dan’s daughter, went to law school but has decided that she would rather be a writer. She misses her hometown dearly, and returns home when a situation develops that involved some of her high school friends. This requires that she meet up with Tim, her friend with benefits, and Lucas, her unrequited long-time crush.
Romance #3: Texas Ranger Cody Winslow is seriously injured in an accident on his ranch. Park
Ranger Tess Adams finds him and gets him to the hospital. While Cody recovers, Tess takes care of things on his ranch.
All three romances come together in a mystery involving a young man named Thatcher who, while attempting to help a young, apparently abused girl, ends up in jail. The mystery plays out primarily at the end of the book, and it drives the mostly satisfying conclusion of the book. A few things are left unsettled, obviously to be carried over to the next book in the series.
WILD HORSE SPRINGS held my attention from start to finish. It is well written, and the pace is steady until you get to the somewhat frantic conclusion. The characters are all likeable and realistic, and their storylines are interesting. The problem with the book, however, is that there are too many romances going on. Instead of the two usual main characters, there are many main characters. While each is important to the plot, it is difficult for the reader to get invested in any of their individual stories.
Romance #1, Dan and Brandi, is probably the main romance if there is one. It is very sweet, emotional and engaging, but it lacks depth. Romance #2, Lauren/Tim/Lucas, started in one of the earlier books, and even though their relationships were fully explained, I felt like I was missing something by not having read the previous books in the series. I also felt like I am going to have to read the next book to see how this romance plays out. Romance #3, Cody and Tess, was a bit unbelievable. Cody and Tess met for the first time when Tess found him lying injured on the ground after he off of a cliff. In just a couple of days, she was taking care of his financial business. I imagine this storyline will also play out in a future book.
All in all, however, I enjoyed my trip to Crossroads Texas. I enjoyed getting to know all of the main characters and watching them fall in love. The sex, when it happens, takes place behind closed doors and is left to the imagination of the reader which I prefer. The mystery of the little girl adds much needed depth to the story and it is well-written. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, but I hope the author concentrates on just one romantic couple instead of several so that we can really get to know them. That’s the main thing that is missing in WILD HORSE SPRINGS.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
WILD HORSE SPRINGS, the fifth entry in the Ransom Canyon series by Jodi Thomas, is an interesting look into life in small town Crossroads, Texas. The plot is full of colorful characters, mystery, and several delightful romances. It all starts with a blue cowgirl boot.
Romance #1: Sherriff Dan Brigman, a single father, is very lonely since his only daughter, Lauren, moved out to be on her own. While on duty, Dan finds the fancy blue boot in the middle of the road. After searching for its owner, the boot is eventually reunited with country singer Brandi Malone, who is booked for a few weeks at a local bar. Brandi , who is very secretive about her past, is immediately attracted to Dan, but both have to decide if they can put their pasts behind them and commit to a new relationship.
Romance #2: Lauren Brigman, Dan’s daughter, went to law school but has decided that she would rather be a writer. She misses her hometown dearly, and returns home when a situation develops that involved some of her high school friends. This requires that she meet up with Tim, her friend with benefits, and Lucas, her unrequited long-time crush.
Romance #3: Texas Ranger Cody Winslow is seriously injured in an accident on his ranch. Park
Ranger Tess Adams finds him and gets him to the hospital. While Cody recovers, Tess takes care of things on his ranch.
All three romances come together in a mystery involving a young man named Thatcher who, while attempting to help a young, apparently abused girl, ends up in jail. The mystery plays out primarily at the end of the book, and it drives the mostly satisfying conclusion of the book. A few things are left unsettled, obviously to be carried over to the next book in the series.
WILD HORSE SPRINGS held my attention from start to finish. It is well written, and the pace is steady until you get to the somewhat frantic conclusion. The characters are all likeable and realistic, and their storylines are interesting. The problem with the book, however, is that there are too many romances going on. Instead of the two usual main characters, there are many main characters. While each is important to the plot, it is difficult for the reader to get invested in any of their individual stories.
Romance #1, Dan and Brandi, is probably the main romance if there is one. It is very sweet, emotional and engaging, but it lacks depth. Romance #2, Lauren/Tim/Lucas, started in one of the earlier books, and even though their relationships were fully explained, I felt like I was missing something by not having read the previous books in the series. I also felt like I am going to have to read the next book to see how this romance plays out. Romance #3, Cody and Tess, was a bit unbelievable. Cody and Tess met for the first time when Tess found him lying injured on the ground after he off of a cliff. In just a couple of days, she was taking care of his financial business. I imagine this storyline will also play out in a future book.
All in all, however, I enjoyed my trip to Crossroads Texas. I enjoyed getting to know all of the main characters and watching them fall in love. The sex, when it happens, takes place behind closed doors and is left to the imagination of the reader which I prefer. The mystery of the little girl adds much needed depth to the story and it is well-written. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, but I hope the author concentrates on just one romantic couple instead of several so that we can really get to know them. That’s the main thing that is missing in WILD HORSE SPRINGS.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
February 6, 2017
Series Ransom Canyon,book #5 "Wild Horse Springs" by Jodi Thomas
I have started reading this author again after some time apart. "Awesome stories that you want to read all in one setting BUT you put it down to savor those larger then life characters that Jodi puts in her stories. I loved this one with Dan Brigman the sheriff and Brandi Malone a beautiful young woman who sings from her heart.
There is a lot of adventure and mystery in this one and you are going to have so much fun coming along for the journey...
I had not read others in this series but you can bet your boots -I will be going back to find some.
Thanks Jodi for your amazing stories.
I have started reading this author again after some time apart. "Awesome stories that you want to read all in one setting BUT you put it down to savor those larger then life characters that Jodi puts in her stories. I loved this one with Dan Brigman the sheriff and Brandi Malone a beautiful young woman who sings from her heart.
There is a lot of adventure and mystery in this one and you are going to have so much fun coming along for the journey...
I had not read others in this series but you can bet your boots -I will be going back to find some.
Thanks Jodi for your amazing stories.
October 5, 2017
***goodreads first reads winner****
I’m not sure why my review never posted for this but let’s try again.
It was absolutely phenomenal!! Never have I enjoyed a book more. Author Jodi Thomas is a truly gifted writer and I loved the fact that I was immediately sucked into her world. With every word I read I felt more and more like I was there. I could smell the grass, feel the sun on my face etc. it was truly a amazing read.
I’m not sure why my review never posted for this but let’s try again.
It was absolutely phenomenal!! Never have I enjoyed a book more. Author Jodi Thomas is a truly gifted writer and I loved the fact that I was immediately sucked into her world. With every word I read I felt more and more like I was there. I could smell the grass, feel the sun on my face etc. it was truly a amazing read.
March 16, 2017
Welcome to Crossroads, TX where there just seems to be so much happening! The main story line in Wild Horse Springs is the sheriff in town, Dan Brigman. Dan has been divorced for years and since his wife left, he just hasn't dated, much to the chagrins of the women in town. But he's be busy raising his daughter and being the law to worry about a relationship. Plus no one has really ever caught his eye until Brandi Malone.
Brandi has never been one to stay in one place for long, so what could a little fling with the local sheriff hurt.
This book is full of competing stories with Dan's daughter Laura and a local kid, Thatcher, who gets involved with a town mystery. I read this book without having read the other books in the series and I though I enjoyed the book, I feel as if I would have enjoyed the book more having known these characters in the previous books, with more of their backstories.
If you like small town romance reads, this is a series that you will you will definitely want to check out! 4 Stars.
Brandi has never been one to stay in one place for long, so what could a little fling with the local sheriff hurt.
This book is full of competing stories with Dan's daughter Laura and a local kid, Thatcher, who gets involved with a town mystery. I read this book without having read the other books in the series and I though I enjoyed the book, I feel as if I would have enjoyed the book more having known these characters in the previous books, with more of their backstories.
If you like small town romance reads, this is a series that you will you will definitely want to check out! 4 Stars.
February 14, 2025
Warmed my cowboy loving heart
August 6, 2017
Another book I hated to have end, it was like a bunch of stories (3 of them romance) going on all at once, with characters you really care for, and the author has them all moving along and flowing together so smoothly and she wraps them all up at the end not leaving you hanging.
Do not miss this one, and I'm actually going to be looking for other books by this author.
I won an e book copy of this book from Goodreads and a big shout out THANK YOU to them, I really enjoyed the hours totally lost in this book.
Do not miss this one, and I'm actually going to be looking for other books by this author.
I won an e book copy of this book from Goodreads and a big shout out THANK YOU to them, I really enjoyed the hours totally lost in this book.
February 15, 2017
From the opening sentence of the book, you walk into the small town life, the slower pace, the caring, and nosy neighbors, the community that will always back you up. And it is so easy to get lost on the pages, the drama, trouble, and life of the characters as they are trying to find their way forward. It is like visiting old friends for those who are following series, as things pick up from where it was left off in the last installment. I'm sure you could read this story as a stand-alone, but to get the nuances and the past that has molded their lives to come to this point they are now in, I would recommend reading the series from the start. There are several main characters in the book, they all get their chance to tell the events from their point of view, giving vivid and rich images of the fall and winter in the Crossroads, Texas.
Dan Brigman, the lovable sheriff of the town has been in the previous stories of the series and has always been one of my favorite characters. With his smart, caring, solid character he has kept the town safe, and in my opinion, no one deserves a chance of love as much as he does. And Brandi Malone was the perfect match for him. I enjoyed their story and the attraction and adoration they have for each other. The thought of the sheriff having a wild affair made me smile, and root for them to make it work.
His daughter, Lauren Brigman, with the love triangle that has been developing since high school between her, Tim, and Lucas gets more fire again.
Young Thatcher is in a middle of all the drama and trouble developing in town, one of the characters that always brought a smile to my face with the witty dialog and observations.
One of my favorite storylines in the book was the two rangers, park ranger Tess and Texas ranger Cody. The humorous undertones, the sparks flying as they bicker and quarrel, yet the obvious connection bringing them to each other's arms again and again.
I truly felt I had had a lovely and lively visit with good friends as I finished the book. The action, turmoil, crimes giving more spice to the story and bringing the characters together, while the romance and attractions building the relationships moving the plot forward. The stories always leave me wanting more and looking forward to visiting the Ransom Canyon again, finding out how life is treating the good folks of Crossroads, Texas. An epic saga of life, loving and living.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Dan Brigman, the lovable sheriff of the town has been in the previous stories of the series and has always been one of my favorite characters. With his smart, caring, solid character he has kept the town safe, and in my opinion, no one deserves a chance of love as much as he does. And Brandi Malone was the perfect match for him. I enjoyed their story and the attraction and adoration they have for each other. The thought of the sheriff having a wild affair made me smile, and root for them to make it work.
His daughter, Lauren Brigman, with the love triangle that has been developing since high school between her, Tim, and Lucas gets more fire again.
Young Thatcher is in a middle of all the drama and trouble developing in town, one of the characters that always brought a smile to my face with the witty dialog and observations.
One of my favorite storylines in the book was the two rangers, park ranger Tess and Texas ranger Cody. The humorous undertones, the sparks flying as they bicker and quarrel, yet the obvious connection bringing them to each other's arms again and again.
I truly felt I had had a lovely and lively visit with good friends as I finished the book. The action, turmoil, crimes giving more spice to the story and bringing the characters together, while the romance and attractions building the relationships moving the plot forward. The stories always leave me wanting more and looking forward to visiting the Ransom Canyon again, finding out how life is treating the good folks of Crossroads, Texas. An epic saga of life, loving and living.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars and loved it. Wild Horse Springs by Jodi Thomas is #5 in the Ransom Canyon series, and I loved it. Jodi Thomas has a gift for setting her story in Texas and bringing them to life. Her characters are ordinary, heroic, loveable and I just want to live there among them. There is always a bit of a danger in writing a small town story, there are so many out there, I get bored by them at times. Not so with this series, so entertaining.
We meet some much loved characters and some new ones, in Wild Horse Springs. I love the way the author introduces a character and then tells their journey over a number of books. She has done this with Don Brigman the sheriff and his daughter Laura and her friends Lucas and Tim. And That or Thatcher Jones has been around a little while too, a character with a big heart. We also get to meet a few new characters - Brandie a singer on the road, with a deep sadness in her soul and a hurting heart. Also there are Cody and Tess - Rangers but of different kinds who kind of spark it off in unusual circumstances.
I loved the 'hook in' as Dan Brigman finds a wonderful boot in the snow and goes in search of his Cinderella. He might seem a bit boring and predictable but he has been alone long enough and when he finds the owner of the boot perhaps he might meet his match.
The delightful Thatcher Jones is in trouble - again and enjoying the hospitality of the town jail, while all his needs are being met by the townsfolk who are looking after him. However there might be someone looking for him that doesn't look on him so benignly.
I loved the humor in the book, one time I just put the book down and chuckled and chortled. I'll say it again Jodi Thomas has a gift for writing characters that just worm their way into my heart, they are such fun.
There is plenty of action, resolution for some loves but not for others. An extremely well written book, and ... am waiting impatiently for Lauren to go off and find herself. #6 can't come soon enough.
We meet some much loved characters and some new ones, in Wild Horse Springs. I love the way the author introduces a character and then tells their journey over a number of books. She has done this with Don Brigman the sheriff and his daughter Laura and her friends Lucas and Tim. And That or Thatcher Jones has been around a little while too, a character with a big heart. We also get to meet a few new characters - Brandie a singer on the road, with a deep sadness in her soul and a hurting heart. Also there are Cody and Tess - Rangers but of different kinds who kind of spark it off in unusual circumstances.
I loved the 'hook in' as Dan Brigman finds a wonderful boot in the snow and goes in search of his Cinderella. He might seem a bit boring and predictable but he has been alone long enough and when he finds the owner of the boot perhaps he might meet his match.
The delightful Thatcher Jones is in trouble - again and enjoying the hospitality of the town jail, while all his needs are being met by the townsfolk who are looking after him. However there might be someone looking for him that doesn't look on him so benignly.
I loved the humor in the book, one time I just put the book down and chuckled and chortled. I'll say it again Jodi Thomas has a gift for writing characters that just worm their way into my heart, they are such fun.
There is plenty of action, resolution for some loves but not for others. An extremely well written book, and ... am waiting impatiently for Lauren to go off and find herself. #6 can't come soon enough.
February 6, 2017
Book #5 of the series Ransom Canyon; Wild Horse Springs, takes up where the last book Ransom Canyon left off.
This book, started out with a couple of twists that made me keep reading and waiting to find out what was going to happen next. You have Dan Brigman; sheriff of Crossroads, Texas. Brandi Malone, singer, someone with lots of secrets. Dan and Brandi meet after the sheriff found a blue boot in the middle of the road. Will there be love?
Then you have Lauren Brigman; daughter of Dan Brigman; college grad; went to law school but isn't practicing law. She is home after receiving a phone call concerning another citizen of Crossroads that is in trouble. Who is in trouble; why are they in trouble and who also comes back to Crossroads because of this trouble.
This book kept me going; there were twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I had to keep reading to find out who, what, where, and why and was still left wanting more. Jodi Thomas manages with every book to keep you involved and at times shaking your head; wondering why; and how is that going to turn out. Some questions were answered; concerning love; and the why. I was left wanting more of this town and so glad that the next book will be coming out in July; so that maybe I can get more answered or be left with more questions.
This book, started out with a couple of twists that made me keep reading and waiting to find out what was going to happen next. You have Dan Brigman; sheriff of Crossroads, Texas. Brandi Malone, singer, someone with lots of secrets. Dan and Brandi meet after the sheriff found a blue boot in the middle of the road. Will there be love?
Then you have Lauren Brigman; daughter of Dan Brigman; college grad; went to law school but isn't practicing law. She is home after receiving a phone call concerning another citizen of Crossroads that is in trouble. Who is in trouble; why are they in trouble and who also comes back to Crossroads because of this trouble.
This book kept me going; there were twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I had to keep reading to find out who, what, where, and why and was still left wanting more. Jodi Thomas manages with every book to keep you involved and at times shaking your head; wondering why; and how is that going to turn out. Some questions were answered; concerning love; and the why. I was left wanting more of this town and so glad that the next book will be coming out in July; so that maybe I can get more answered or be left with more questions.
February 25, 2017
I hadn't previously read about the town in the Ransom Canyon series and if you have, you might enjoy this tale more. We see a series of vignettes about people's lives and gradually they tie together to form a portrait of the residents as a whole. I like that various age groups are visited.
To start, the sheriff, not overworked, finds a blue boot with high heels and rhinestones in the road. This is so unusual that it's easy to track down the owner; a visiting stage singer. She seems like a nice person and the sheriff, a single parent, decides he might get to know her or at least protect her from the drunks after her act. For her part, the lady thinks life on the road isn't as much fun as it used to be ten years ago, and she could break her no-men rule. Then other incidents take the sheriff's time, like unruly teen lads, a riding accident in rough country and so on.
Enjoy this contemporary romance tale where life happens at a slower pace, but plenty happens just the same. The overall effect is like a soap opera without the heavily contrived plots, with nicely written descriptions and personal growth.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
To start, the sheriff, not overworked, finds a blue boot with high heels and rhinestones in the road. This is so unusual that it's easy to track down the owner; a visiting stage singer. She seems like a nice person and the sheriff, a single parent, decides he might get to know her or at least protect her from the drunks after her act. For her part, the lady thinks life on the road isn't as much fun as it used to be ten years ago, and she could break her no-men rule. Then other incidents take the sheriff's time, like unruly teen lads, a riding accident in rough country and so on.
Enjoy this contemporary romance tale where life happens at a slower pace, but plenty happens just the same. The overall effect is like a soap opera without the heavily contrived plots, with nicely written descriptions and personal growth.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
January 29, 2017
The Ransom Canyon series continues with Wild Horse Springs. Even if you have not read the series, you will love the stories woven throughout the book. Jody has the ability to capture my attention in the first chapter and I am hanging on the edge of my seat wanting to know what will happen next. I read the book in two days.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a captivating story, romance and characters that you fall in love with.
Sexual content: 2-3, There are physical scenes but most of the action is behind closed doors. Definitely chemistry between the characters that sizzles on the page
Violence: some physical fighting, gun fight, and one beating (although not described in detail, it was heartbreaking)
Alcohol: some of the scenes were in a bar where Brandi was the singer
I received this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a captivating story, romance and characters that you fall in love with.
Sexual content: 2-3, There are physical scenes but most of the action is behind closed doors. Definitely chemistry between the characters that sizzles on the page
Violence: some physical fighting, gun fight, and one beating (although not described in detail, it was heartbreaking)
Alcohol: some of the scenes were in a bar where Brandi was the singer
I received this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 6, 2017
You all know I love romance and I was looking forward to Wild Horse Springs. There is a lot more packed into this story than the synopsis would lead you to believe. I think fans of this series will enjoy this return to Ransom Canyon. Unfortunately, I just didn't enjoy the story. While I did finish it, I had a hard time connecting with it. Part of that could be because I haven't read any of the other book sin the series. I felt like there were a lot of back stories with the characters that I was missing.
I felt like the story was all over the place. There were too many story lines and points of view. I didn't like the "love triangle" between Lauren, Lucas and Tim. I didn't feel like it really added to the story. Dan and Brandi were supposed to be the main romance, but I didn't buy into it. I felt like I needed more of them together. The story line with the two rangers was kind of stalkerish and weird.
As I said I think fans of the series will enjoy this one. I didn't think that this did well as a stand alone. But, give it a shot. You may like it. It just wasn't for me.
I felt like the story was all over the place. There were too many story lines and points of view. I didn't like the "love triangle" between Lauren, Lucas and Tim. I didn't feel like it really added to the story. Dan and Brandi were supposed to be the main romance, but I didn't buy into it. I felt like I needed more of them together. The story line with the two rangers was kind of stalkerish and weird.
As I said I think fans of the series will enjoy this one. I didn't think that this did well as a stand alone. But, give it a shot. You may like it. It just wasn't for me.
February 22, 2017
Another great entry in the Ransom Canyon series. This time we focus on Sheriff Dan Brigman and Brandi Malone, a singer, who knocks Dan's socks off in the bar (and eventually in his bed, too!) The trio of Lauren, Lucas and Tim are here, too, though their respective relationships remain fraught with issues yet to be resolved.
In this story, Sheriff Dan has several crimes to try to solve: the fire in the bar that threatens Brandi, the beating of Thatcher by a pair of deadbeats (one after he loses an ear), and the identity of a little girl Thatcher claims to be in danger. Also part of the story is a relationship between a Park Ranger and a Texas Ranger, currently on leave, after barely surviving a fight with drug dealers that left him nearly dead. All exciting, all interwoven in a story that continues to pull me in and keep me prisoner as surely as if Sheriff Dan had arrested me, locked me in a cell door and tossed away the key. I can hardly wait for the new installment. Will it resolve Lauren's love life? I hope so.
In this story, Sheriff Dan has several crimes to try to solve: the fire in the bar that threatens Brandi, the beating of Thatcher by a pair of deadbeats (one after he loses an ear), and the identity of a little girl Thatcher claims to be in danger. Also part of the story is a relationship between a Park Ranger and a Texas Ranger, currently on leave, after barely surviving a fight with drug dealers that left him nearly dead. All exciting, all interwoven in a story that continues to pull me in and keep me prisoner as surely as if Sheriff Dan had arrested me, locked me in a cell door and tossed away the key. I can hardly wait for the new installment. Will it resolve Lauren's love life? I hope so.
February 5, 2017
Step into the magical world Jodi Thomas has continued to engulf her readers in, with another spectacular Ransom Canyon book. Wild Horse Spring delivers mystery, romance, new and old loves found. But are they??? Grab you some free time, your favorite beverage, and settle in for a truly wonderful romantic mysterious adventure. But you'll be frustrated when you finish and the next book isn't right beside you to begin.
July 23, 2017
This is a fun contemporary romance with the plus of a mystery and touch of danger. Dan is a great character who brought smiles to my face from the very first pages.
Dan is a respectable lawman whose wife walked out on him years ago. At least he had his wonderful daughter, Lauren, to watch over, raising her on his own and even allowing her to study and work at the sheriff’s office. Dan hasn’t had much to do with women since. When he finds a sparkly, fancy cowgirl boot in the road he wonders what it would be like to meet the kind of wild woman who would wear those boots. He tracks her down and finds Brandi Malone mesmerizing the locals with her singing in a local tavern. It is lust, if not love, at first side.
Thatcher, a young man who has been adopted by the town as an abandoned boy, has been accused of shop lifting and assault. He didn’t steal the groceries but was really returning them. But he did punch the grocer and he is not going to tell the sheriff the rest of the story. Lauren gets word that Thatcher is in jail and feels she must come home to watch over him and get matters straightened out. Because things look dicey, Lauren calls on the one lawyer she is sure she can count on, at least for law, if not for commitment. Lucas is a successful lawyer but was Lauren’s cowboy, high school sweetheart before college and life took them on separate paths. There is still a strong ember between them but they are both a little gun-shy feeling abandoned by the other.
Cody Winslow is haunted by his last gun fight as a Texas Ranger. He has not been able to out run his demons and nightmares. Riding hard along the canyon at night he ends up thrown from his horse into the canyon. Lucky for him, Tess, a park ranger, and her handful of 5 and 6 year old campers, find him and get him aid. Now Tess is taking charge of his house while he is healing in the hospital and Cody is thinking he might have something to live for if he can just keep hold of this bossy, strong minded woman.
All three character lines converge as the book progresses and drug thugs try to kidnap Thatcher from jail. Thatcher is actually protecting a little girl but didn’t want to tell Dan about it until it was clear the child is in more danger.
I have read historical romances by Ms. Thomas and enjoyed them a lot. She writes with reasonable, well flowing plots that include a little mystery, a good dose of humor, likeable characters and sweet to sassy romance. I was, of course, rooting for the HEA for Dan and Brandi, Cody and Tess, and Lauren and Lucas. The relationships that resolve are sweet and heartwarming. I recommend this as a fun romance for readers of contemporary romance and for mystery readers who like romance.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley; my rating 4.25.
Dan is a respectable lawman whose wife walked out on him years ago. At least he had his wonderful daughter, Lauren, to watch over, raising her on his own and even allowing her to study and work at the sheriff’s office. Dan hasn’t had much to do with women since. When he finds a sparkly, fancy cowgirl boot in the road he wonders what it would be like to meet the kind of wild woman who would wear those boots. He tracks her down and finds Brandi Malone mesmerizing the locals with her singing in a local tavern. It is lust, if not love, at first side.
Thatcher, a young man who has been adopted by the town as an abandoned boy, has been accused of shop lifting and assault. He didn’t steal the groceries but was really returning them. But he did punch the grocer and he is not going to tell the sheriff the rest of the story. Lauren gets word that Thatcher is in jail and feels she must come home to watch over him and get matters straightened out. Because things look dicey, Lauren calls on the one lawyer she is sure she can count on, at least for law, if not for commitment. Lucas is a successful lawyer but was Lauren’s cowboy, high school sweetheart before college and life took them on separate paths. There is still a strong ember between them but they are both a little gun-shy feeling abandoned by the other.
Cody Winslow is haunted by his last gun fight as a Texas Ranger. He has not been able to out run his demons and nightmares. Riding hard along the canyon at night he ends up thrown from his horse into the canyon. Lucky for him, Tess, a park ranger, and her handful of 5 and 6 year old campers, find him and get him aid. Now Tess is taking charge of his house while he is healing in the hospital and Cody is thinking he might have something to live for if he can just keep hold of this bossy, strong minded woman.
All three character lines converge as the book progresses and drug thugs try to kidnap Thatcher from jail. Thatcher is actually protecting a little girl but didn’t want to tell Dan about it until it was clear the child is in more danger.
I have read historical romances by Ms. Thomas and enjoyed them a lot. She writes with reasonable, well flowing plots that include a little mystery, a good dose of humor, likeable characters and sweet to sassy romance. I was, of course, rooting for the HEA for Dan and Brandi, Cody and Tess, and Lauren and Lucas. The relationships that resolve are sweet and heartwarming. I recommend this as a fun romance for readers of contemporary romance and for mystery readers who like romance.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley; my rating 4.25.
September 11, 2017
It started with a fancy-tooled cowgirl boot. This exciting, emotional novel is a treat to all who love Jodi Thomas’ novels. She writes of characters who are flawed just as her readers are, who are broken but not beyond repair. Whether broken in body or heart, most look at themselves with a too-critical eye. This reader finds a little of herself in each character in this fifth offering in the Ransom Canyon series.
Sheriff Dan saw the boot standing upright on the highway line and picked it up, thinking he would ask around for the owner as it is custom tooled. His search led to a country-western singer at one of the two local nightclubs. He and Brandi want to get to know each other for just the time she is in town. Dan hasn’t had a date in years, having raised his daughter Lauren after his wife left. Brandi doesn’t pick up guys wherever she goes. They both simply want to enjoy the time she is in Crossroads, Texas and they will both have memories to take out and look at in the months and years to come.
Lauren has lived in Dallas since leaving college, and has not hit the big time as her daddy thinks. She would rather move back to their little hometown where everyone knows everyone else. Her best friend Tim calls her to come back to visit, as a once-homeless teen they had mentored has been arrested for robbery and assault. Thatcher admits to hitting the owner of a truck stop, but maintains that he was returning the goods for someone else. He refuses to give away the identity of the little girl with the red coat as the men where she lives promise to take it out on her. Lauren calls their old friend Lucas, now an attorney in Austin. As love triangles go, Lauren has been trying to let Tim down easily, as she doesn’t love him in the way he needs. She had her heart broken by Lucas, and won’t fall for him again. At least until she sees him.
Cody is a Texas Ranger who was shot and left for dead a couple years ago; he’s barely put back together, unable to return to work yet – if ever. One night he is riding full-out on a half-wild horse, caring little about whether he is tossed into the canyon at Wild Horse Springs. When he lands at the bottom and is trying to decide if he can crawl out of the canyon or die there, several little girls surround him. Then comes Tess, a park ranger, who has the girls on a star gazing trip. She is a take-charge woman, trying to patch him up until medivac arrives. What she does to organize his house and care for his horses is more than many wives would.
This delightful novel is a unique blend of romance, humor, crime, arson, even some wild west gunfire as these folks’ lives intersect. The characters are very likable, easy for this reader to be invested in. There are many moments of spicy daydreams and a few moments of said dreams coming true. The people of Crossroads are honest, hardworking folks who are willing to pull together to find bad guys or help those in need. The sheriff works around the clock far too often, but he has a child to find, a young kidnapped man to, an arsonist and the men who threatened to harm the child. I highly recommend this novel, particularly to those who enjoy women’s fiction in the new west with liberal helpings of humor, suspense, and romance.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway and here is my honest review.
Sheriff Dan saw the boot standing upright on the highway line and picked it up, thinking he would ask around for the owner as it is custom tooled. His search led to a country-western singer at one of the two local nightclubs. He and Brandi want to get to know each other for just the time she is in town. Dan hasn’t had a date in years, having raised his daughter Lauren after his wife left. Brandi doesn’t pick up guys wherever she goes. They both simply want to enjoy the time she is in Crossroads, Texas and they will both have memories to take out and look at in the months and years to come.
Lauren has lived in Dallas since leaving college, and has not hit the big time as her daddy thinks. She would rather move back to their little hometown where everyone knows everyone else. Her best friend Tim calls her to come back to visit, as a once-homeless teen they had mentored has been arrested for robbery and assault. Thatcher admits to hitting the owner of a truck stop, but maintains that he was returning the goods for someone else. He refuses to give away the identity of the little girl with the red coat as the men where she lives promise to take it out on her. Lauren calls their old friend Lucas, now an attorney in Austin. As love triangles go, Lauren has been trying to let Tim down easily, as she doesn’t love him in the way he needs. She had her heart broken by Lucas, and won’t fall for him again. At least until she sees him.
Cody is a Texas Ranger who was shot and left for dead a couple years ago; he’s barely put back together, unable to return to work yet – if ever. One night he is riding full-out on a half-wild horse, caring little about whether he is tossed into the canyon at Wild Horse Springs. When he lands at the bottom and is trying to decide if he can crawl out of the canyon or die there, several little girls surround him. Then comes Tess, a park ranger, who has the girls on a star gazing trip. She is a take-charge woman, trying to patch him up until medivac arrives. What she does to organize his house and care for his horses is more than many wives would.
This delightful novel is a unique blend of romance, humor, crime, arson, even some wild west gunfire as these folks’ lives intersect. The characters are very likable, easy for this reader to be invested in. There are many moments of spicy daydreams and a few moments of said dreams coming true. The people of Crossroads are honest, hardworking folks who are willing to pull together to find bad guys or help those in need. The sheriff works around the clock far too often, but he has a child to find, a young kidnapped man to, an arsonist and the men who threatened to harm the child. I highly recommend this novel, particularly to those who enjoy women’s fiction in the new west with liberal helpings of humor, suspense, and romance.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway and here is my honest review.
July 2, 2026
Cody didn't know the right things to say to a woman he'd like to get to know. He felt like he was still in grade school where relationships were concerned and most of them were in middle school.
Oof. This is just bad. It's not just that all three of the "romances" progressing in this book share that very definite grade school/middle school angst--or even that the plot machinations often run very, very thin (one requires a park ranger to have a group of 9-year-olds in a remote canyon at night in a snowstorm, ostensibly for stargazing, but others involve any scene touched by the character Thatcher Jones) or the fact that, despite the book's title (the name of Cody's ranch), Cody's storyline was dropped entirely in the otherwise anticlimactic ending--but rather that these pages show no sign of proofreading whatsoever. The typos, missing words, extra words, wrong words, and continuity issues are rampant to the point of distraction and make this almost unreadable. Just to scratch the surface:
* "... Dan might never see his wild, beauty again." [Why the comma after "wild"?]
* "Even thought the cookies were stale and the tea was imaginary, she pretended...."
* "He wasn't just relieving the night he'd been shot..." [instead of "reliving"]
* "'[Pearly] might have forgotten to call Pop or Weathers to inform them.'" [Lauren's speaking but apparently forgets she's talking to Weathers.]
* "Shorty's body felt more like mush then muscle."
* "He sounded relived and tired."
* "... we all need to put our heads together and figure out how help Thatcher."
* "... the glow from the deck lamp was enough to see."
* "'My father was good man, but distant.'"
* "'Me, too,' was all she all she had time to say...."
* "If he kissed him much longer...." [referring to main heroine kissing main hero]
* "Now and then he said something to Thatcher that had obviously been met for her to hear."
* "... but he was hard man to understand."
* "The hell he'd lived thought that night in the mud...."
* "'Close your eyes, honey, and don't open them until I tell you, too.'" ["you to" should've been the creepy command]
* "... but maybe soon the building of the new houses and the baseball courts and the town square would be finished...." ["baseball courts"? WTF]
* "'I want to think every one of you for your help.'"
Etc. Fortunately, there's no Acknowledgments section, because anyone who might've been thanked there for editing would just look bad at their jobs.
First line:
"Dan Brigman had been sheriff for half his life."
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