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Ross Campbell had a thing for Callie Jones when they were growing up, but she was one of the “Jones girls,” from the richest family in the county, far above him, untouchable. Now Ross, deputy for a corrupt county sheriff, finds Callie stranded in the pouring rain on the side of the road–on her wedding day.

Ross gallantly gives her a ride, but when the wedding is a disaster, Ross is the rock that keeps Callie standing. Her high-school crush has grown up to be a gorgeous, hard-bodied man, as considerate and charming as he is attractive.

When Callie’s life turns upside down, it’s Ross who’s there to help her up. But can they make something out of nothing, and can Ross survive the machinations of River County’s longtime sheriff?

Book 5 of Riding Hard.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2018

210 people are currently reading
894 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Ashley

215 books7,330 followers
NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.

Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.

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5 stars
306 (45%)
4 stars
262 (38%)
3 stars
92 (13%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Alison.
3,690 reviews145 followers
May 14, 2019
Three and a half stars.

Not sure why it's taken me nearly a year to read this, started it, put it down and I've only just picked it up again.

This fifth book in the Riding Hard series features Ross Campbell, the brother who has become a deputy sheriff. On patrol one day, Ross comes across a car with a flat tire at the side of the road, complete with bride who turns out to be Callie Jones. The Jones family are wealthy and influential, way above the boisterous Campbell boys, Ross always had a soft spot for Callie when they were at school but he was too nervous ever to ask her out. Ross takes Callie to the church for her wedding, only to discover that the groom didn't bother to wait!

Can Callie and Ross overcome the prejudices of their small town and have a romance?

Set against danger in a small town from gangs and an unscrupulous sheriff, this was a fun romance with just a dash of suspense. Once I got reading I really enjoyed the romance between these two unlikely characters and the young boy/man Manny who they try to pull onto the straight and narrow.
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,873 reviews52 followers
August 22, 2018
FINAL DECISION: Sweet and gentle, I loved this story. After a bunch of angst and drama filled installments, I loved that this is just two people getting to know one another. Yes, there is a dramatic closing set regarding the drug dealers in town, but the heart of of the story is two people discovering one another apart from their town reputations.

THE STORY: Ross Campbell is the "rebel" in the family, turning away from the family stunt business to work in law enforcement. He rescues a damsel in distress when her car goes off the road during a rainstorm. She's on the way to her wedding and she happens to be Callie Jones, the girl Ross had a crush on in high school. When the wedding doesn't happen, Callie turns to Ross as a calm in her crazy day.

OPINION: I loved this story. Ross is such a sweetheart. There is a bunch of external drama, but Ross and Callie are pretty stable people. These two are perfect for one another from the start and there isn't a lot keeping them apart except for them getting to know one another and understand what each wants from the relationship.

The story felt like a sweet spring breeze -- refreshing and cleansing with a joy. I loved these characters and how normal most of their relationship is. Yes, there is some external drama, but the two of them are centered and have such normal problems.

In fact, my only disappointment was that I would have liked to see how these two worked out some of their issues that were raised (Ross' career, Callie's horse rehab project) since those were important parts of the story.

This was a character centered story where the relationship was far more developed than the plot and I prefer a book with these tendencies. Of all the Campbell brothers, Ross is my favorite.

WORTH MENTIONING: Next up are the Malorys and we get a little preview in this book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ROSS is the fifth book in the Riding Hard series. The romance here is a standalone although the series deals with characters in a small town so there is a lot of overlap of characters. Readers also get an update on the prior couples in the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

 This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,303 reviews34 followers
August 21, 2018
Ross is the fifth book in the Riding Hard series by Jennifer Ashley. It can be read as a standalone, but as the previous books are about Ross' brothers it can't hurt to know their stories too.

Ross Campbell had a crush on Callie Jones from when they used to go to school together. He never worked up the courage to let her know so nothing ever came of it. He still lives in the same town, he's all grown up, and he's the deputy sheriff.

Callie hasn't lived in town for a while, but she returns for her wedding. It's a miserable rainy day and whatever can go wrong does go wrong. Not least her fancy car having a flat tire on the way to the church. Ross is on his rounds when he sees that somebody is having car trouble so he stops to help. He is very surprised when he sees the beautiful Callie all dressed for a wedding and getting soaked in the rain. He offers her a ride to the church, the whole time not being able to get over that he still finds her irresistible! She is an hour late for her wedding and the groom didn't bother waiting! When Callie discovers she's been left at the altar she is furious and humiliated so she quickly turns around and gets back in Ross' car. She tells him to drive and drive he does.

And that is how our hero and heroine find themselves in each other's lives again. Callie is surprised at how well Ross has filled out, and even more surprised that she finds herself wanting to kiss him. Surely it's just a rebound thing? Or maybe not?

A romance develops quickly between Ross and Callie with both accepting that it doesn't have to be leading to anything, it can just be what it currently is, a hot, steamy, romance that brings them both happiness. That happiness might end up short lived though when Ross in his capacity as deputy sheriff finds himself messing with some big-time crooks. Callie and Ross haven't had a chance to tell each other how they feel towards the other, and now maybe they won't get the chance.

This was a nice steady read, good characters, and I found Ross to be extremely lovable. It made me sad when he didn't realise his true worth. The excitement of his dealing with gangsters was a highlight of the book and the way he tried to deal with his predicament was brilliant, he's definitely not your average deputy sheriff. He and Callie were perfect for each other and watching their romance develop was great. I think I might just be tempted to go back and read all the other brother's stories now!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,157 reviews23 followers
August 22, 2018
In The Stars!!!

Ross Campbell, deputy sheriff of the department has always been in love with Callie Jones. He thought she was out out of his lead cause she was one of "Jones girls".

Callie Jones found herself in particular situation on the day of her wedding. She was stranded in the rain and the one person she never expected to come to her rescue did. The boy she had a crush on growing up, Ross Campbell.

They were spending a lot of time together and the crush they bothfelt for each other in the past was developing into something more. Ross made her feel like she was the center of his world which she never had with her ex-fiancé.

Speaking of the latter what a piece of BLEEP. For him to have the audacity to ask Callie for help after what he did to her was laughable. Her response to him and her so called friend was fitting.

To see her go after her dreams in spite of all the obstacles was a delight treat. Liked the bond the lovebirds had with the teenager, Manny. The young boy was mixed up with some dangerous people who wanted to harm Ross.

He thought he could protect the cop even with his good intentions, his plan backfired. Ross found himself in danger thanks to someone who was supposed to protect the community.

Love catching with with the Campbells, their friends and meeting new characters. This series keeps getting better with each book. Can't wait for more.

ROSS is the fifth book in Jennifer Ashley's RIDING HARD series. It was heartwarming, captivating and oh so breathtakingly alluring. Marvelous job by Jennifer Ashley. Two thumbs up!
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
938 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2018
This is a dream come true...Ross the youngest of roughneck "Campbell Boys" finally gets a chance with Callie, one of rich and popular "The Jones Girls". He dreamed of her but she was untouchable and way out of his league in high school. Now he's a Sheriff's Deputy, deciding to risk his life helping people instead of risking his life to entertain them on a trick horse. He's a good honest cop that people realize they can trust in contrast to the very corrupt County Sheriff.

When we meet Callie she's on her way to her wedding to a big deal stockbroker Devon, to be the picture perfect trophy wife aiding her big shot husband in making deals. Devon is not the most patient guy and Callie always seems to be late. She's late to her wedding because her two sisters forgot to pick her up. Then she gets a blow out on the way and lands in a ditch just as it starts to rain. You find yourself pulling for her from the onset. Ross rescues the damsel in distress, gets her to the wedding only to find she's been stood up by the groom. He's taken off to seal a deal that was business he included in their honeymoon plans. Ross again comes to the rescue taking her home.

And thus begins the tale of the cop and the debutante's love story. Yum. We discover there's more going on it town, meet a lovable juvenile delinquent and begin to see the unraveling of so many buried town secrets. I love how Jennifer takes her characters on a journey of growth with such richness. People learn to be brave, show forgiveness, gain maturity and open their hearts to love. Ross is a caretaker, caring for the people of the town as well as his family and those he loves. Callie finds that she can stand on her own, discover what she really wants to do with her life and her family can respect her for her choices. Along this journey we get moments of humor, heartbreak, kidnappings, corruption and payoffs. I loved every moment of this delightful tale. Thank you Jennifer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this story. Everything you write is a winner.
Profile Image for Anna-Marie Buchner.
931 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2023
Hmmmm one of the "Jones Girls"

Why do people put labels on people. Ross has always had a crush on Callie BUT she was off limits, out of reach and she was a "Jones Girl". Well now they are adults and Ross comes to the rescue when Callie ends up in a ditch on her wedding day, gets her to the church late only to find out her fiancé ditched her at the alter because she was late. What a duchebag. Oh and lets not forget Manny OMG I loved his character. Good story of two people taking it slow and getting to know each other. Yeah so much for taking it slow LOL. Manny always in Ross's face about Callie and he better ask her out or he better marry her. I loved that Manny was trying so hard to protect Ross and I loved that Callie stepped up and helped Manny get out of the bad life he was heading towards. Ross also in he's own way was trying to keep Manny out of trouble. Great story. Towards the end it got a little dicey when Ross was kidnapped by the head Drug Pin, but Carter and his friends came to the rescue.
One thing I didn't understand seriously, why would anyone say this will force Hennessey to retire. OMG he's a freaking crock and his ass should be arrested and thrown in jail. Really people, he was on the take.

Okay now to the Malory Brothers. Kyle's story is next. I'd say this should be interesting LOL.
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
648 reviews21 followers
August 24, 2018
I received an ARC and I voluntarily leave my honest review!
Ross, the final Campbell brother, and the youngest didn't disappoint. I had concerns he would be on the bland side but he was anything but and I think he may just be my favourite now
This author has such great character development so that Ross was able to hold his own near his older stunt riding brothers, he really was able to command your attention and keep it.
Callie was great and I loved how mature and responsible she was, even being the token "rich girl" in the community, she strapped on her big girl pants and dealt with things. She wanted to help others and I liked how she was with Ross. They had great chemistry together.
We of course get to see the other brothers and keep updated on all the baby news etc which is nice. I loved Manny and how he wanted to help Ross and was so happy that he finally got a chance to prove himself, thanks to Callie.
This being the last Campbell brother, I'm happy to see the series will continue and some of the secondary characters will have their own books, really looking forward to those, especially Ray!
Overall a great addition to the series!
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
July 7, 2019
Luckily Deputy Ross Caldwell just happens by and rescues habitually late Callie Jones on her way to her wedding and even prevents a crime as he hurries to get her to the church as close to on time as he can... given the givens. But Callie's fiancé is angry and she's humiliated to get to the church and he's gone.

Ross liked Callie in high school even though she was a year ahead but she and her two sisters were not only the prettiest girls in the county they're the richest. Though the years haven't slaked Ross' desire for Callie, he's convinced he's lost his chance. She is in a wedding dress after all.

What Ross doesn't now is Callie always liked him as much as he liked her. Now that she's been humiliated in front of the town and even her best friend has abandoned her, Ross stands as Callie's friend, kickstarting the gossip mill as that tentative friendship blossoms to romance amid clouds threatening to turn the idyllic town into a criminal haven.
Rating 4stars
Profile Image for Lori.
322 reviews
August 22, 2018
Ross is the fifth book (and final Campbell brother) in the Riding Hard series by Jennifer Ashley. I loved it. I have to admit it was my favorite. I think what I liked best about it was that although there was a bit of suspense in the plot, it was a true love story. The main focus of the plot was the two main characters finding each other and learning about each other.

Ross and Callie are both well developed characters. While Ross could have faded into the background with his 4 older brothers who are all about the crazy, he never did. He took front and center and stayed there. Ross was just cool.

Callie could have had a few wimpy moments, but never did. She stood strong and never looked back. Callie was a perfect fit for Ross. They just worked as a couple.

I received this as an ARC but was not required to leave a review. I choose to leave a review because it was wonderful
Profile Image for Khadzino.
28 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Honestly Manny made the whole series for me. He was an absolute joker and I really liked his character. Very funny and childish but really just wanted a decent home and food. What he really need was love and I'm glad Ross gave that to him. There was really nothing special about Ross and Callie relationship if I am honest. Typical characters that noticed each other in school but never thought to do anything about it.

Ray was the real hero for me in this book! Like I said in the previous review I am really looking forward to the Malroy books. We know that Kyle is after Callie's friend vet but I am wondering who they have Ray! It was good to see all the brothers together with their brood of kids.

Did have some funny moments but I like to finish a series even if it is the usual bland books.

Profile Image for Terry Sasada.
1,216 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2018
How can you not fall in love with this story. It was like Ross and Callie were always meant to be only they had to wait for their moment in time. Ross is the last of the Campbell men to be single and his first love from high school needs a ride to her own wedding. As fate would have it the wedding did not happen and Ross is there to help Callie. This is their story, and Callie is there for Ross when he needs her. It was great having the brothers coming together and catching up with them and their growing families. It was hard to put the book down, it has eveything to make it a great book. Love the HEA, hope to have more Campbell family in the furture.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,151 reviews
October 10, 2021
Ross started out saving Callie, the damsel in distress. I did be think this book was going to take me down the road I eventually traveled.

There was a bit of angst, a bit of drama, but not as much as I expected. I liked both Ross and Callie, and appreciated Luke's addition to the story.

The small town drug and corruption story added some danger and suspense to Ross and Callie's romance. The story of the ex and why he did what he did was totally unexpected.

I listened to the audio book and thought the narrator did a good job, but I enjoy Eric G. Dove's work anyway. Some excitement, suspense, a twist, and an HEA.
1,213 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2018
I enjoyed this contemporary romance from Jennifer Ashley. Ross is a cop who helps Callie when her wedding day doesn’t go as planned. They soon find themselves drawn together.

There was a slight mystery mixed in with the romance. I liked the way it all blended together. This is the fifth book in the series and while I wasn’t lost since I haven’t read the first four, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other stories first. Jumping in here, I had a hard time keeping everyone straight.

I received a review copy as part of the Regency Review crew.
Profile Image for Melinda Hennies.
1,211 reviews
July 8, 2019
One Hot Sheriff

Ross rescues Callie who is late for her wedding stuck in the rain. When Callie arrives at Church her future husband has left. Ross gives her a ride home. They meet again and find they have things in common. Sallie wants to stay and open a business for abused horses. Ross is by her side and suggests he run for Big Sherrif job. When Ross is kidnapped Callie pulls out her big guns and has Ross's ex co workers and family and friends help find him. Ross professes his love and future with Callie.
Profile Image for Kimberly Risher.
18 reviews
July 26, 2018
Oh my goodness!!!!!! This was so so so good! I devoured this book! I’ve been waiting for His story since he was introduced in Adam’s book. Introduced to a few new people, a couple that leave me wanting to know their stories too. It was fun and draws you in and won’t let you put the book down until you are finished and want the next one to come out tomorrow. Or today. I’m not picky. Loved this book!

*i received an ARC, in return I am giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
679 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2018
Love this series!

The last of the Campbell brothers has met is match in feisty Callie Jones. Helping Callie get to her wedding when her car breaks down during a rain storm, Ross's life is about to be turned upside down. I fell in love with Manny the young delinquent! I just wanted to hug him and take him home!
Profile Image for Tammy Rolle.
360 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2018
The deputy and the debutante

Love me some Campbell boys. Deputy Ross and Callie Jones, an explosion destined to happen. Stood up by her high society finance, Callie turns to bad boy Ross Campbell for comfort and the fireworks begin. He's the last of the Campbell brothers to take The plunge, but gratefully not the end of takes from River Bend.
2,817 reviews57 followers
August 25, 2018
This is a great addition to the Riding Hard Series. Ross has chose protect others than do tricks for a living. When he pulls up behind a vehicle with a flat tire his life chances for the better. The wedding dress might not be for him, but the woman just might be if he can continue to protect and serve and stay alive when a drug dealer wants him dead.
Profile Image for Robin.
618 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2019
Ross is my favorite Campbell brother. He doesn't want to be a hero, his actions and his emotions are natural. When Callie is stood up at the altar, he is just there for her. He keeps trying his best to straighten out a kid with a tough life, one who doesn't trust easily, but clearly respects Ross. And those story lines mesh smoothly and create a warm emotional, satisfying story.
934 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2018
Loved it

Truly, truly love Ross. Callie's car sliding into the ditch was the best thing to happen to her. Ross and Callie are great together. I'm assuming Ross' run for Sheriff will continue in Kyle's book.
772 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2018
Ross was the ‘good brother’ which only kinda showed. He alludes to some being picked on but it’s not really flushed out. I liked him and Callie together. And manny was a lot of fun even if everyone is a jerk to him.
11 reviews
September 4, 2018
I read this book as it was the next in the series. It was a great book. I enjoyed it very much and will wait for the next two to come out.

I woukd recomend it to anyone, it was easy reading and very enjoyable. I loved the series cant wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Linda Bass.
77 reviews
September 13, 2018
Fun to read

This. Book was a real joy to read, bright,quick wit,I found myself laughing out loud several times.I am a great lover of fun books among
all I read,you..will.enjoy this book I am sure.of it..
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,010 reviews
June 16, 2019
I like how the story stays in 1 book. The cowboy hooks up with the woman of his dreams, he woos her. There’s a bit of nail biting drama and they declare their love and get hitched. Story done. Tho they do pop up in the next book which is cool
1,246 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2021
Good series

I really enjoy reading about the Campbell brothers and the loves of their lives. Callie has to be one of my favorites so far. I look forward to reading more stories and expanding to other families in Riverbend.
380 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2018
Excellent

Always love the cowboy stories. Girl dumped on her wedding, rescued, rescued by the handsome sheriff deputy. What more is needed for a goodbye story.
Profile Image for Lady.
25 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2018
I would read this book 2 or 3 times, just for the crazy driving alone. But you can feel the love emanating from each of these stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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