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Stallion Ridge #1
Heartache & Hoofbeats
Like all centaur shifters, Sheriff Calhoun is the epitome of honor. He protects his small town of Stallion Ridge and its people from any threat large or small. When word comes in that the notorious Iron Bandits are making a play for a train in his territory he’s both livid and invigorated. If anyone can bring these thieves to justice it’s him and his crew. What he did not expect was having a charming, whiskey-eyed outlaw dumped in his lap that challenged everything he thought he knew.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2018
97 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Maz Maddox
44 books693 followersMaz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 4, 2020
3.5 Hearts!
Good ole western fun, full of bad guys and stand offs and a lawman with a heart of gold and a criminal with the best intentions.
Centaur shifter Sheriff Cal, takes pride in upholding the law, so it’s no surprise when he and his fellow deputies interrupt a train robbery. Their prize? Jesse, who claims he’s just a transient helper to the notorious Iron Bandits and not an active participant ever, in the murder of many innocents.
However, the sheriff only sees guilt by association despite Jesse’s noble reasons for robbing the rich, and Cal has no choice but to alert the higher authorities that he has one of their most wanted. While waiting for a verdict, Jesse isn’t going to take his dire situation lying down. What ensues is a push pull that’s full of goading, teasing, manipulating, all of which slowly changes shared disdain to lust to actual feelings.
So expect some pretty darn hot UST which eventually, very nicely morphs into some pretty darn hot smexy. Um, human with centaur proportions anyone?? You know exactly what I’m saying...
Overall, the banter and the back and forth between Jesse and Cal (and all the other characters) were entertaining fun as Jesse knows just how to push everyone’s buttons and gets himself into quite the hairy situations. Throw in some angsty background for both Jesse and Cal, and they connect on their mutual hurts and long for some mutual comfort.
Thus, if you like fantastical creatures (that also include various shape shifters, a merman, and a Minotaur) with your realistic settings, mixed with the wild wild west, then I think this will suit your fancy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Good ole western fun, full of bad guys and stand offs and a lawman with a heart of gold and a criminal with the best intentions.
Centaur shifter Sheriff Cal, takes pride in upholding the law, so it’s no surprise when he and his fellow deputies interrupt a train robbery. Their prize? Jesse, who claims he’s just a transient helper to the notorious Iron Bandits and not an active participant ever, in the murder of many innocents.
However, the sheriff only sees guilt by association despite Jesse’s noble reasons for robbing the rich, and Cal has no choice but to alert the higher authorities that he has one of their most wanted. While waiting for a verdict, Jesse isn’t going to take his dire situation lying down. What ensues is a push pull that’s full of goading, teasing, manipulating, all of which slowly changes shared disdain to lust to actual feelings.
So expect some pretty darn hot UST which eventually, very nicely morphs into some pretty darn hot smexy. Um, human with centaur proportions anyone?? You know exactly what I’m saying...
Overall, the banter and the back and forth between Jesse and Cal (and all the other characters) were entertaining fun as Jesse knows just how to push everyone’s buttons and gets himself into quite the hairy situations. Throw in some angsty background for both Jesse and Cal, and they connect on their mutual hurts and long for some mutual comfort.
Thus, if you like fantastical creatures (that also include various shape shifters, a merman, and a Minotaur) with your realistic settings, mixed with the wild wild west, then I think this will suit your fancy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
dnf
March 8, 2021Typos, missing words and incorrect punctuation can accumulate into a critical mass that renders text into gibberish. As of 4%, this book required way too much effort from me as I struggled to figure out what the text was SUPPOSED to say, versus what was actually there on the page.
I borrowed it from KU; if I'd spent money on it I would have returned it for a refund.
Why do authors do this to themselves? Treat their work like it's garbage, disrespect their readers... You usually only get one chance to lure in a new reader. Maz Maddox blew that chance with me.
I borrowed it from KU; if I'd spent money on it I would have returned it for a refund.
Why do authors do this to themselves? Treat their work like it's garbage, disrespect their readers... You usually only get one chance to lure in a new reader. Maz Maddox blew that chance with me.
May 22, 2018
I am usually not one to read books about wild west but I really enjoyed this one. The writing style was compelling, the teasing banter and smexy innuendos made up for a lot of sexual tension between Cal and Jesse. This story is more of an enemies to friends to lovers kind of thing. It was a slow process for them interspersed with humor and witty remarks showing feature character traits of both MCs.
Jesse, the charmer and unrepentant teaser, got in with the wrong crowd and in the end got caught. He is the type of person that sees everything in positive light and tries to find a way out of any sticky situation he found himself in. All through the book we see how he deals with trouble, his sense of honor, yes he has one even being a "bandit". There are many occasions that he surprises me.
Cal, or the mighty Centaur, is a shifter sheriff who upholds the law and has a hard time with his prisoner because he spikes the feelings so unexpected that Cal does not know how to deal with them. It takes an internal battle every time to engage in Jesse's games because in the beginning, it's what they are, just games. But later it turns into something more deep and profound.
The town of Stallion Ridge is not your usual place. It's filled with mythical creatures some even I haven't heard about and it was a joy to explore for me. The descriptions were bright and I loved the relationship the townsfolk had with each other. They had each other's back.
Cal and Jesse were f**cking hot together. I loved how strong and possessive Cal was, and Jesse even though falling in love with him played him like a fiddle. I loved them together both in bed and out. But more than anything I loved their sweet unguarded moments that showed how much they cared for each other.
The ending was epic. I loved it. The whole aspect of danger, shootout and all the grizzly details were awesome. It actually reminded me a little bit of Jordan L. Hawk's writing style and that is a high praise for me since I love her books! Some things I did not expect to happen and that made it even more exciting. I love to be surprised in the end. I am happy to say that Cal and Jesse had their HEA but there are still things to do in Stallion Ridge. I loved this first book and I hope the next will be here soon!
**The ARC was kindly provided by the author for my honest review**
Jesse, the charmer and unrepentant teaser, got in with the wrong crowd and in the end got caught. He is the type of person that sees everything in positive light and tries to find a way out of any sticky situation he found himself in. All through the book we see how he deals with trouble, his sense of honor, yes he has one even being a "bandit". There are many occasions that he surprises me.
Cal, or the mighty Centaur, is a shifter sheriff who upholds the law and has a hard time with his prisoner because he spikes the feelings so unexpected that Cal does not know how to deal with them. It takes an internal battle every time to engage in Jesse's games because in the beginning, it's what they are, just games. But later it turns into something more deep and profound.
The town of Stallion Ridge is not your usual place. It's filled with mythical creatures some even I haven't heard about and it was a joy to explore for me. The descriptions were bright and I loved the relationship the townsfolk had with each other. They had each other's back.
Cal and Jesse were f**cking hot together. I loved how strong and possessive Cal was, and Jesse even though falling in love with him played him like a fiddle. I loved them together both in bed and out. But more than anything I loved their sweet unguarded moments that showed how much they cared for each other.
The ending was epic. I loved it. The whole aspect of danger, shootout and all the grizzly details were awesome. It actually reminded me a little bit of Jordan L. Hawk's writing style and that is a high praise for me since I love her books! Some things I did not expect to happen and that made it even more exciting. I love to be surprised in the end. I am happy to say that Cal and Jesse had their HEA but there are still things to do in Stallion Ridge. I loved this first book and I hope the next will be here soon!
**The ARC was kindly provided by the author for my honest review**
December 13, 2021
Um xerife centauro e um ladrão de trem. Darei minha opinião hj em forma de meme
zz-dnf
June 29, 2021DNF @ 26%
It's just a hot mess grammatically. And wrong words everywhere! Stalk for stock. Drive for derive. Plotting beasts instead of plodding beasts. And it feels less like typos and more like my husband's "mute points." (Yes, I married him anyway.) ((😂 I kid, I kid. We can't all be word nerds.))
Otherwise, I was kinda digging the plot/romance. It's an easy read, lightweight but in an interesting setting, and I'm pretty sure it's building up to some smoking hot sex, but for whatever reason, "plotting beasts" appears to be my line in the sand.
It's just a hot mess grammatically. And wrong words everywhere! Stalk for stock. Drive for derive. Plotting beasts instead of plodding beasts. And it feels less like typos and more like my husband's "mute points." (Yes, I married him anyway.) ((😂 I kid, I kid. We can't all be word nerds.))
Otherwise, I was kinda digging the plot/romance. It's an easy read, lightweight but in an interesting setting, and I'm pretty sure it's building up to some smoking hot sex, but for whatever reason, "plotting beasts" appears to be my line in the sand.
May 28, 2024
2.75 stars
OK, I need to get the following off my chest: just because a word exists, it isn't necessarily the word that's correct for the situation. Case(s) in point...
--Someone may be able to derive strength from their surroundings, but most likely don't drive strength from them.
--Most large beasts can be plodding but very few are probably plotting.
--If a sacrifice has been in vein, I had better be seeing blood. Otherwise, you'd best be discussing a sacrifice being in vain.
--Any shuttering needs to be accompanied by the sound of shutters being clapped closed. If there's body movement, it's shuddering.
--In the past, people rode across the land, but now we drive on a road. (Yes, "...the bandits road through..." I almost stopped reading at this point.)
And finally, the n'est plus ultra:
--There is no such thing as a piss ant . It's one word. Pissant. Dammit.
I'm really not trying to be mean. I just can't stand when an interesting idea is hijacked by bad editing. Or non-editing. Or bad beta-reading. Whichever the case was here. I apologize to the friends I have who have loved this story. I don't think I can read more in the series.
Although, all that being said, the sex scenes were hella hot. So. There is that at least.
OK, I need to get the following off my chest: just because a word exists, it isn't necessarily the word that's correct for the situation. Case(s) in point...
--Someone may be able to derive strength from their surroundings, but most likely don't drive strength from them.
--Most large beasts can be plodding but very few are probably plotting.
--If a sacrifice has been in vein, I had better be seeing blood. Otherwise, you'd best be discussing a sacrifice being in vain.
--Any shuttering needs to be accompanied by the sound of shutters being clapped closed. If there's body movement, it's shuddering.
--In the past, people rode across the land, but now we drive on a road. (Yes, "...the bandits road through..." I almost stopped reading at this point.)
And finally, the n'est plus ultra:
--There is no such thing as a piss ant . It's one word. Pissant. Dammit.
I'm really not trying to be mean. I just can't stand when an interesting idea is hijacked by bad editing. Or non-editing. Or bad beta-reading. Whichever the case was here. I apologize to the friends I have who have loved this story. I don't think I can read more in the series.
Although, all that being said, the sex scenes were hella hot. So. There is that at least.
January 13, 2021
3.5 stars
An enjoyable start to a new series. It was lacking in some world-building, and I had a few issues throughout, but I'm intrigued enough with the characters and the writing style to give the next one a go. Considering this was one of Maz Maddox's earlier works, and how much I enjoyed Smash & Grab I'm hoping things smooth out in the next one.
An enjoyable start to a new series. It was lacking in some world-building, and I had a few issues throughout, but I'm intrigued enough with the characters and the writing style to give the next one a go. Considering this was one of Maz Maddox's earlier works, and how much I enjoyed Smash & Grab I'm hoping things smooth out in the next one.
July 11, 2021
Love this. I was expecting something light and fluffy like the Relics series, but I was pleasantly surprised it was so much more. There are funny moments with Jesse, the bandit that was captured by Cal, the town centaur Sheriff, but there are also plenty of serious and heartfelt moments. Jesse wish is always to escape the gallow, using any means necessary. He is a charming fellow and a total flirt.
Cal is an honorable and lonely man. He is the only centaur living in a town he vow to protect. He is supposed to send Jesse to the gallow, but as he learned more about the young man, Cal was feeling torn between his duty and his desire. Cal is planning to have both, if only Jesse trust him to do things right.
I grown to love this quirky town filled with magical beings. There are so many side characters that I can't wait to explore. I love Cal and Jesse so much. One is a lawman, another is a criminal. They shouldn't have fall for each other, but they did and it was glorious how much they willing to sacrifice themselves for the other.
Cal is an honorable and lonely man. He is the only centaur living in a town he vow to protect. He is supposed to send Jesse to the gallow, but as he learned more about the young man, Cal was feeling torn between his duty and his desire. Cal is planning to have both, if only Jesse trust him to do things right.
I grown to love this quirky town filled with magical beings. There are so many side characters that I can't wait to explore. I love Cal and Jesse so much. One is a lawman, another is a criminal. They shouldn't have fall for each other, but they did and it was glorious how much they willing to sacrifice themselves for the other.
November 10, 2021
3.75 stars
April 2, 2022
Wow
Talk about the unexpected, this book sucked me in and didn't let go. O!d timey westerns aren't my jam, but this one was lovely.
Jesse was a part of a bandit gang that was robbing trains and Cal was a centaur who was a sheriff, and along with his gang of small town law pals, was not to let that happen there.
Things happen, sparks fly, a heck of a lot of other beings like merman people, wraiths, lamia, minotaurs, skinchangers, and others show up, and then the showdown that occurs because Jesse fell for the sheriff and stops being a bandit.
There are reasons why Jesse started robbing and Cal made it safe for him to leave that life.
Not gonna lie, this needed editing but it was not bad enough to hinder my enjoyment.
Talk about the unexpected, this book sucked me in and didn't let go. O!d timey westerns aren't my jam, but this one was lovely.
Jesse was a part of a bandit gang that was robbing trains and Cal was a centaur who was a sheriff, and along with his gang of small town law pals, was not to let that happen there.
Things happen, sparks fly, a heck of a lot of other beings like merman people, wraiths, lamia, minotaurs, skinchangers, and others show up, and then the showdown that occurs because Jesse fell for the sheriff and stops being a bandit.
There are reasons why Jesse started robbing and Cal made it safe for him to leave that life.
Not gonna lie, this needed editing but it was not bad enough to hinder my enjoyment.
September 2, 2020
February 8, 2021
4 Stars
Series Review:
All these books are quick, sweet reads that have uncomplicated plots and focus mostly on romance and sex. They sometimes have a touch of heaviness but are still overall light and fun. Each one focuses on a different couple, though I do recommend reading them in order.
It was hard for me to fully believe all the romances since most happened very quickly (I felt more chemistry in some than others), but I still enjoyed them. They were all sweet and cute and steamy.
I liked how, as I got to know individual characters better with each book, the town started to feel more real and alive and filled out. Characters felt more distinct than they did at first.
I loved the western + fantasy combo! There isn't much world-building, but this is set in an alternate Old West world where supernatural beings and LGBT+ people and relationships are both mostly accepted by society. (There were some people who were against supernaturals.)
I also loved all the uncommon supernaturals! Each book had at least one supernatural, including a centaur, manticores, a phoenix, a sphinx, a satyr, and more.
Overall, a fun and cute Weird West romance series! (Though there's still one book left at the time of writing this, so it's not quite over yet!)
Review (This Book):
This was so fun!
Jesse and Cal were great together. I believed and felt their attraction and chemistry, even if the romance was a touch instalove-y. And I definitely felt their sexual tension. *fans self* Those first two sex scenes were hot. It's not often that I enjoy sex scenes before the romance really happens, but with all that chemistry they had and all the feelings they secretly had just from what they'd learned of each other in those few days... Plus there was so much great tension woven into the scenes that made me want them to just get it on already as much as they wanted it.
And the angst! Each thinking the other didn't have real feelings. It didn't last long but was delicious while it did.
They were both likeable characters on their own too. Jesse, the charming outlaw just trying to help his family. Cal, the tough but fair and goodhearted sheriff.
I also loved that one of them was a centaur! He also had a human form and mostly shifted to run or fight, but still.
Overall, this was fun, sweet, steamy, and a touch angsty with an Old West setting, easily likeable characters, and a cute romance I really enjoyed!
*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some plot/world elements and character/relationship backgrounds.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West but with supernaturals, worlds accepting of LGBT+ people and relationships, mlm romance that's sweet and sexy and a touch angsty, likeable characters, and series with different couples in each book but connected stories.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Series Review:
All these books are quick, sweet reads that have uncomplicated plots and focus mostly on romance and sex. They sometimes have a touch of heaviness but are still overall light and fun. Each one focuses on a different couple, though I do recommend reading them in order.
It was hard for me to fully believe all the romances since most happened very quickly (I felt more chemistry in some than others), but I still enjoyed them. They were all sweet and cute and steamy.
I liked how, as I got to know individual characters better with each book, the town started to feel more real and alive and filled out. Characters felt more distinct than they did at first.
I loved the western + fantasy combo! There isn't much world-building, but this is set in an alternate Old West world where supernatural beings and LGBT+ people and relationships are both mostly accepted by society. (There were some people who were against supernaturals.)
I also loved all the uncommon supernaturals! Each book had at least one supernatural, including a centaur, manticores, a phoenix, a sphinx, a satyr, and more.
Overall, a fun and cute Weird West romance series! (Though there's still one book left at the time of writing this, so it's not quite over yet!)
Review (This Book):
This was so fun!
Jesse and Cal were great together. I believed and felt their attraction and chemistry, even if the romance was a touch instalove-y. And I definitely felt their sexual tension. *fans self* Those first two sex scenes were hot. It's not often that I enjoy sex scenes before the romance really happens, but with all that chemistry they had and all the feelings they secretly had just from what they'd learned of each other in those few days... Plus there was so much great tension woven into the scenes that made me want them to just get it on already as much as they wanted it.
And the angst! Each thinking the other didn't have real feelings. It didn't last long but was delicious while it did.
They were both likeable characters on their own too. Jesse, the charming outlaw just trying to help his family. Cal, the tough but fair and goodhearted sheriff.
I also loved that one of them was a centaur! He also had a human form and mostly shifted to run or fight, but still.
Overall, this was fun, sweet, steamy, and a touch angsty with an Old West setting, easily likeable characters, and a cute romance I really enjoyed!
*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some plot/world elements and character/relationship backgrounds.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West but with supernaturals, worlds accepting of LGBT+ people and relationships, mlm romance that's sweet and sexy and a touch angsty, likeable characters, and series with different couples in each book but connected stories.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 11, 2018
What a ride! First there were werewolves, then dragons, and now it's a centaur, and maybe a minotaur, to add to the list of my fictional boyfriends! The world of Stallion Ridge is fantastical in the best way. Set in an Old West style era, Sheriff Calhoun, a magnificent, honorable, straight-as-an-arrow (well, maybe not straight) centaur is in charge of protecting the good folks of Stallion Ridge from the depredations of criminals like the Iron Bandits, and after the criminals attack a train near the town, Sheriff Cal and his deputies capture Jesse, one of the bandits. Jesse is charming, wickedly handsome and brash, but his criminal past catches up with him once he's arrested by Cal, and sees himself in a heap of trouble when he realizes he won't be able to escape punishment and might hang for his crimes. The story is well developed, with subplots that create fully fleshed backgrounds for each of the main characters, making them engaging and interesting, and worth emotional investment. There's no cookie cutter characters here, each man is intriguing and likable, and even the secondary characters are so entertaining, I can't help to wish for stories involving them, like the ever interesting and fascinating Scarlett, and the laconic Sky. Cal and Jesse's relationship is mercurial, both men have to constantly fight with what their heads and hearts are telling them, with Jesse having to choose between freedom or hanging, and Cal between his feelings for the criminal or his honor as a lawman. Their interactions are also full of humor and sass, and when things turn physical WHOOSH! It's on fire! I really enjoyed this book, the world building is well done, and the characters are lovable and I just can't wait for more.
March 25, 2021
Heartache & Hoofbeats was ok. Not great, but ok. Then again, after reading this author's
COMPLETELY AWESOME DINOSAUR SHIFTER SERIES
, and seeing just how far she has come as a writer, maybe it isn't all that surprising that her earlier stuff isn't as well written. We all have to start somewhere and while Heartache & Hoofbeats didn't really do it for me, I'll trip anyone I need to in order to get my greedy paws on the next dinosaur one.
For Heartache & Hoofbeats, I'd have loved some better world building and relationship development. It's pretty inadequate, as is the romance. We go from attraction to 'I'll risk my job and livelihood for you' to forever in a blink of an eye and I didn't really buy it. I might continue the series, though, just to see how it progresses. Maybe.
For Heartache & Hoofbeats, I'd have loved some better world building and relationship development. It's pretty inadequate, as is the romance. We go from attraction to 'I'll risk my job and livelihood for you' to forever in a blink of an eye and I didn't really buy it. I might continue the series, though, just to see how it progresses. Maybe.
December 29, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
When I first started reading Heartache and Hoofbeats, I laughed like an idiot. All I could imagine was the old children’s cartoon BraveStarr and that comparison isn’t meant to be flattering. But once I got past my initial chuckles, I was able to settle down and enjoy parts of the story in a big way. Cal and Jesse are definitely a hot couple and have many an intense encounter, often against cell bars and other western paraphernalia. It’s faintly ridiculous, but they do work together on most levels and they are quite fun to read about. Jesse isn’t as well developed as Cal, but neither suffer excessively from being flat or boring. Cal’s backstory adds a lot to his character and offers a hint of darker and more serious aspects to this world of shifters and mythical creatures.
My biggest annoyance with Heartache and Hoofbeats was the obviousness of it all. There was no subtly here. Every aspect of the plot felt telegraphed and lacking in much artistry. You can spot the plot points a mile a way and if it can happen, it will. Coincidence is too kind a word for the utter predictability of it all. And while it can be argued a lot of books have this same problem, Heartache and Hoofbeats just felt a bit heavy handed about the whole thing.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
When I first started reading Heartache and Hoofbeats, I laughed like an idiot. All I could imagine was the old children’s cartoon BraveStarr and that comparison isn’t meant to be flattering. But once I got past my initial chuckles, I was able to settle down and enjoy parts of the story in a big way. Cal and Jesse are definitely a hot couple and have many an intense encounter, often against cell bars and other western paraphernalia. It’s faintly ridiculous, but they do work together on most levels and they are quite fun to read about. Jesse isn’t as well developed as Cal, but neither suffer excessively from being flat or boring. Cal’s backstory adds a lot to his character and offers a hint of darker and more serious aspects to this world of shifters and mythical creatures.
My biggest annoyance with Heartache and Hoofbeats was the obviousness of it all. There was no subtly here. Every aspect of the plot felt telegraphed and lacking in much artistry. You can spot the plot points a mile a way and if it can happen, it will. Coincidence is too kind a word for the utter predictability of it all. And while it can be argued a lot of books have this same problem, Heartache and Hoofbeats just felt a bit heavy handed about the whole thing.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
August 10, 2021
3.5 stars~
Centaurs, Minotaurs, Bandits and Sheriffs in one book! I really like this concept and I have been holding it out because I wasnt a huge fan of western. This is very cute, i mean how can you read western without horses and what a better way to spice it up by making the horse to be a centaur (horse shifter). We have Jesse who was a member of the Iron Bandits, got caught by the law enforcement based in Stallion Ridge. He was then held captive and Jesse had to work out his way of redemption while escape from his captivity by gaining trust and form alliance. Theres insta-lust, prison/captive romance and kick-ass-shifter-battles. I was a bit disappointed with how things went especially for his family but I know im gonna see more of it in the next book.
I didnt like how Cal was being depicted as the sexy being and it seemed like everyone just want to have a piece of him. He was being relied on by everyone as the guy who takes charge but in Jesse's presence, everything about that just flew out of the window. So that was a huge disappointment for me. The world building was a bit dull with a few snips of other beings here and there. Overall, I still enjoyed the story and would definitely give this series another try in the second book.
Centaurs, Minotaurs, Bandits and Sheriffs in one book! I really like this concept and I have been holding it out because I wasnt a huge fan of western. This is very cute, i mean how can you read western without horses and what a better way to spice it up by making the horse to be a centaur (horse shifter). We have Jesse who was a member of the Iron Bandits, got caught by the law enforcement based in Stallion Ridge. He was then held captive and Jesse had to work out his way of redemption while escape from his captivity by gaining trust and form alliance. Theres insta-lust, prison/captive romance and kick-ass-shifter-battles. I was a bit disappointed with how things went especially for his family but I know im gonna see more of it in the next book.
I didnt like how Cal was being depicted as the sexy being and it seemed like everyone just want to have a piece of him. He was being relied on by everyone as the guy who takes charge but in Jesse's presence, everything about that just flew out of the window. So that was a huge disappointment for me. The world building was a bit dull with a few snips of other beings here and there. Overall, I still enjoyed the story and would definitely give this series another try in the second book.
November 7, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a lot of fun. Not as much fun as the RELIC series because. Dinosaur shifters? It doesn't get better than that!
Cal is a centaur. Jesse is not. Cal is a sheriff. Jesse is a train robbing bandit. Who gets caught by Cal, and so the story progresses from there.
Its hot; there's some steamy moments and for those wondering if we get to read about sex with a centaur, while he's a centaur .
There's the obligatory fight scene with centaur vs minotaur (not as entertaining as the dinosaur ones but still good) but I did kind of miss the shifter 'mating' quirks we saw in RELIC which absolutely made that series for me. Maybe centaurs don't have any beyond the whole honour thing...
Nonetheless, a fun, quick read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This was a lot of fun. Not as much fun as the RELIC series because. Dinosaur shifters? It doesn't get better than that!
Cal is a centaur. Jesse is not. Cal is a sheriff. Jesse is a train robbing bandit. Who gets caught by Cal, and so the story progresses from there.
Its hot; there's some steamy moments and for those wondering if we get to read about sex with a centaur, while he's a centaur .
There's the obligatory fight scene with centaur vs minotaur (not as entertaining as the dinosaur ones but still good) but I did kind of miss the shifter 'mating' quirks we saw in RELIC which absolutely made that series for me. Maybe centaurs don't have any beyond the whole honour thing...
Nonetheless, a fun, quick read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 2, 2022
am i proud of this? no. will i continue reading this series? yes.
May 29, 2018
This was quite nice.
I'm always up for centaurs, and the added western aspect made me even more excited.
Cal, a centaur, is the Sheriff of Stallion Ridge, a small town in the middle of nowhere. Jesse is an outlaw, part of a group of bandits that Cal and his team want to bring down, and when Jesse is captured he faces a death sentence. He could save his own life is he talks, but it's not quite as easy as that...
Jesse and Cal are instantly attracted to one another, but their respective jobs on different sides of the law keep them apart - for a while. I enjoyed reading about them, as well as the rest of the characters, especially the other deputies of Cal's team.
The one thing I wish there had been more of was world-building. There's centaurs, minotaurs and what boils down to nagas, mermaids and other shapeshifters, and while there are small hints how they tie into history and society it wasn't explored in the depth I was hoping for.
There's many hints to this being first in a series, with many interesting side characters that share glimpses into their histories, ghosts and feelings. My favourites were the other deputies Gunner, Mack and Cody, and Seb, the town drunk who drinks to forget the runes carved into his skin.
I also was a bit wary of how some of the characters are treated, namely Sky and Scarlet. Sky is native American and for some reason, is mainly adressed as "the native" instead of simply using his name. He doesn't seem to live in the town and is more plot device than anything else, only showing up when they need him to perform his native magic or his support in battle. Scarlet is a sex worker at the local pub and a drag queen. Pronouns wildly switch between he and she and for the longest time I wasn't sure if he was trans or not, and I'm still not exactly sure. At one point he's said to be "not a real man".
Because of that, the actual rating is closer to 2.5 than 3 stars.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I'm always up for centaurs, and the added western aspect made me even more excited.
Cal, a centaur, is the Sheriff of Stallion Ridge, a small town in the middle of nowhere. Jesse is an outlaw, part of a group of bandits that Cal and his team want to bring down, and when Jesse is captured he faces a death sentence. He could save his own life is he talks, but it's not quite as easy as that...
Jesse and Cal are instantly attracted to one another, but their respective jobs on different sides of the law keep them apart - for a while. I enjoyed reading about them, as well as the rest of the characters, especially the other deputies of Cal's team.
The one thing I wish there had been more of was world-building. There's centaurs, minotaurs and what boils down to nagas, mermaids and other shapeshifters, and while there are small hints how they tie into history and society it wasn't explored in the depth I was hoping for.
There's many hints to this being first in a series, with many interesting side characters that share glimpses into their histories, ghosts and feelings. My favourites were the other deputies Gunner, Mack and Cody, and Seb, the town drunk who drinks to forget the runes carved into his skin.
I also was a bit wary of how some of the characters are treated, namely Sky and Scarlet. Sky is native American and for some reason, is mainly adressed as "the native" instead of simply using his name. He doesn't seem to live in the town and is more plot device than anything else, only showing up when they need him to perform his native magic or his support in battle. Scarlet is a sex worker at the local pub and a drag queen. Pronouns wildly switch between he and she and for the longest time I wasn't sure if he was trans or not, and I'm still not exactly sure. At one point he's said to be "not a real man".
Because of that, the actual rating is closer to 2.5 than 3 stars.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
January 3, 2024
Wow! A totally different twist on a shifter series, centaur, lamia, mermen and the like. Where the shifters are half human body above the waist, but a mythical creature on the lower half. And this is all set in the wild wild west of old. Well done!
April 1, 2025
Enjoyed this so much!!
There was a lot going on so it really kept my attention even though it's the first book in the series and there's a lot of information being given about the setting, the world and the characters which usually distracts me until later in a series.
I loved how sneaky Jesse was with all of his scheming, but Cal was adorable with how he got all heart eyed over him. I also loved the shifted fight, and the speaking in the old Centaur language!
I'm very keen to see what happens next with all of these characters.
There was a lot going on so it really kept my attention even though it's the first book in the series and there's a lot of information being given about the setting, the world and the characters which usually distracts me until later in a series.
I loved how sneaky Jesse was with all of his scheming, but Cal was adorable with how he got all heart eyed over him. I also loved the shifted fight, and the speaking in the old Centaur language!
I'm very keen to see what happens next with all of these characters.
August 25, 2018
This was a fun read. The honorable centaur Sheriff Calhoun and the bandit Jesse may have been on opposite sides of the law but their journey from enemies to lovers was hilarious and touching. The uniqueness of the shifters in the town of Stallion Ridge also made the story very entertaining. The showdown at the end with the Iron Bandits was well done. Looking forward to reading Cooper's story.
August 29, 2022
I'm rounding up even though this book needs a good edit. I'm rounding up for a kick-butt centaur sheriff and his crew in the small town of Stallion Ridge.
September 12, 2025
Cal, a grumpy but honorable centaur-shapeshifter sherrif catches a mischevious human outlaw called Jesse, and brings him to a jail in Stallion Ridge. He tries to keep distance from him, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that Jesse has good intentions and was just caught up in some bad stuff. The two men connect easily, and now Cal has to find a way to save his little troublemaker without going against law and honor.
I thought the style of writing was very fitting for Wild West setting. Romance was a little insta and some things happened way too conveniently, but I loved both main and side characters and I enjoyed learning more about them. And good old western is totally my jam; we get guns, stand offs, law and outlaws, cowboys, chase, etc. Add magic and shapeshifters and I loved it to bits.
I could probably nitpick and I'll admit that I was pondering between giving this 4 or 5 stars, but then I saw author's note that this is their first book and, honestly? For a first book, this is amazing. Rich, imaginative world with characters who are realistically flawed, yet lovable.
I am so happy that the next book follows Cooper and Gunner, because I like our mysterious, poker-faced cowboy in black Gunner way too much. :)
°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-wild west
-enemies to lovers (sherrif x outlaw), opposites attract (grumpy x mishievous/flirty)
-shapeshifters; Cal is a centaur, but there are other types of shapeshifters too.
-Jesse is 22 years old; Cal is around 5 years older, perhaps?
*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse:
-Kinks/sex notes:
-Other:
・possessiveness and protectiveness (mostly from Cal)
I thought the style of writing was very fitting for Wild West setting. Romance was a little insta and some things happened way too conveniently, but I loved both main and side characters and I enjoyed learning more about them. And good old western is totally my jam; we get guns, stand offs, law and outlaws, cowboys, chase, etc. Add magic and shapeshifters and I loved it to bits.
I could probably nitpick and I'll admit that I was pondering between giving this 4 or 5 stars, but then I saw author's note that this is their first book and, honestly? For a first book, this is amazing. Rich, imaginative world with characters who are realistically flawed, yet lovable.
I am so happy that the next book follows Cooper and Gunner, because I like our mysterious, poker-faced cowboy in black Gunner way too much. :)
°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-wild west
-enemies to lovers (sherrif x outlaw), opposites attract (grumpy x mishievous/flirty)
-shapeshifters; Cal is a centaur, but there are other types of shapeshifters too.
-Jesse is 22 years old; Cal is around 5 years older, perhaps?
*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse:
-Kinks/sex notes:
-Other:
・possessiveness and protectiveness (mostly from Cal)
February 16, 2019
Received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
I wasn't sure going in how much I'd enjoy a western era story, but thought the shifter aspect would add enough spark, and I was right. This was a great read. I loved the change up from the typical shifter trope and modern setting. Cal and Jesse were so good for each other. Jesse bring excitement to Cal and Cal adds a foundation for Jesse. I loved Jesse and I really appreciate how he didn't angst over his morals or crimes. Not in an evil way, but more in an "I own it" way. Cal was great as well, but in a different way. I also enjoyed the way he tried to fix things and how he committed to Jesse even if no one else (or himself) fully understood. The supporting characters were all great. The big showdown was well done. As were the twists. I didn't see either coming so points to the author there. I'm a little sad the side story about Cal and his brother wasn't resolved but I'm hoping it will be one day. I've very interested in the next book, which is great because I have it lined up next.
I wasn't sure going in how much I'd enjoy a western era story, but thought the shifter aspect would add enough spark, and I was right. This was a great read. I loved the change up from the typical shifter trope and modern setting. Cal and Jesse were so good for each other. Jesse bring excitement to Cal and Cal adds a foundation for Jesse. I loved Jesse and I really appreciate how he didn't angst over his morals or crimes. Not in an evil way, but more in an "I own it" way. Cal was great as well, but in a different way. I also enjoyed the way he tried to fix things and how he committed to Jesse even if no one else (or himself) fully understood. The supporting characters were all great. The big showdown was well done. As were the twists. I didn't see either coming so points to the author there. I'm a little sad the side story about Cal and his brother wasn't resolved but I'm hoping it will be one day. I've very interested in the next book, which is great because I have it lined up next.
March 10, 2021
I didn't care what this book was about. Popped up in my kindle recommendations and saw the centaur. Blurb confirmed centaur and fit with a group challenge. I like uniqueness, so a western supernatural story and m/m romance at that, was just what I needed. For the most part its pretty confined. The sheriff catching one of the bandits and the bandit trying to escape jail. It felt very loosely like a prison romance. I liked all the characters, except for Jack and Cody, but by the end I liked them too. Curious about Seb and Scarlet. Looking forward to reading Gunner's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
Loved it!! A refreshing new shifter series with lamia's, centaurs, minotaurs and other fantastic beasts. Set in an old western type town complete with cross-dressing saloon girls and outlaws.
5 stars
5 stars
December 4, 2023
4.5 stars
March 26, 2021
This series is just perfect. I started every book waiting for the other shoe will drop and finally I’d got bored. Never happend! Every book in this series is unique, balanced and keep me on my toes💜
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