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Sterling's Montana #3
Just His Luck
He thought the past was finally behind him
Shade Sterling has carried a torch for Lizzy Conners since senior year of high school. But the timing never felt right for them, especially since his ex-girlfriend, Ariel, disappeared without a trace years ago. Now, with their ten-year class reunion approaching, Shade is tired of waiting. Determined to move on with his life and take a chance with Lizzy, he’s all in…until a car is dredged up from a local pond and Ariel’s remains are found inside.
As the newly appointed sheriff, Lizzy must investigate every single lead—including the ones that point right to Shade. She knows she can’t let her heart get in the way of an investigation, but she can’t accept that Shade is guilty. Now if she can only prove it—both to the town out for justice and to herself.
Shade Sterling has carried a torch for Lizzy Conners since senior year of high school. But the timing never felt right for them, especially since his ex-girlfriend, Ariel, disappeared without a trace years ago. Now, with their ten-year class reunion approaching, Shade is tired of waiting. Determined to move on with his life and take a chance with Lizzy, he’s all in…until a car is dredged up from a local pond and Ariel’s remains are found inside.
As the newly appointed sheriff, Lizzy must investigate every single lead—including the ones that point right to Shade. She knows she can’t let her heart get in the way of an investigation, but she can’t accept that Shade is guilty. Now if she can only prove it—both to the town out for justice and to herself.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2019
324 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,257 followersB.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 4, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense/Thriller, and this is the third book in the Sterling's Montana series. This is a real who did it book, and I love it. Right before the 10 year class reunion for a small private high school a girl that went missing during a Senior Class Dance is found died. Everyone knows someone from the High School her, and this book is looking at all the people from that class to find out who did it. I found this book to be like a Thriller with a little did of Romance. I really love the action and the suspense in this book. I also loved that we hear a little bit for the died girl through out the book. The characters in this book is so good. I feel this book is a great mix of storyline and character driven going on in this book. Great read and I loved it a lot.
May 28, 2020
It was just OK for me ... I think I'm in the minority on this one.
The overall series was good though.
The overall series was good though.
August 27, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Ohoooo, I am really liking this book! A mystery from ten years ago, a long smothering relationship that is about to catch fire and the ghost of the victim providing commentary throughout. Definitely not your usual B.J. Daniels Romantic-Suspense. And, a whole cast of suspects, each with a really good reason to off Ariel Matherson.
Shade Sterling, as Ariel's ex-boyfriend, was Suspect #1 in her disappearance after a graduation party ten years ago. After her remains are found, he's the #1 suspect in her murder, even though they were over months before that night and Shade wanted nothing more than to date Lizzy Conners, one of Ariel's best friends. Except, Ariel didn't have friends, more like enemies she just kept really, really close. Ariel kept them close because she knew all their secrets.
Lizzy Conners had a crush on Shade Sterling her senior year of high school, but he belonged to Ariel and Lizzy wasn't about to poach Ariel's guy, Lizzy had secrets too. Now, ten years later, Lizzy is the newly elected Sherriff and Ariel's remains have just been found in a local pond. With the 10 year reunion coming up everyone who knew Ariel is a suspect, especially Shade, which means that Lizzy and Shade will have to put their attraction on the backburner, again.
Ohoooo, I am really liking this book! A mystery from ten years ago, a long smothering relationship that is about to catch fire and the ghost of the victim providing commentary throughout. Definitely not your usual B.J. Daniels Romantic-Suspense. And, a whole cast of suspects, each with a really good reason to off Ariel Matherson.
Shade Sterling, as Ariel's ex-boyfriend, was Suspect #1 in her disappearance after a graduation party ten years ago. After her remains are found, he's the #1 suspect in her murder, even though they were over months before that night and Shade wanted nothing more than to date Lizzy Conners, one of Ariel's best friends. Except, Ariel didn't have friends, more like enemies she just kept really, really close. Ariel kept them close because she knew all their secrets.
Lizzy Conners had a crush on Shade Sterling her senior year of high school, but he belonged to Ariel and Lizzy wasn't about to poach Ariel's guy, Lizzy had secrets too. Now, ten years later, Lizzy is the newly elected Sherriff and Ariel's remains have just been found in a local pond. With the 10 year reunion coming up everyone who knew Ariel is a suspect, especially Shade, which means that Lizzy and Shade will have to put their attraction on the backburner, again.
June 7, 2019
Fantastic conclusion to the series, and one that sucked me in from the very first pages. Shade is the youngest of the three Sterling brothers and was not much of a presence in the first two books. He works the ranch side. The first sight of him in this book is as he is riding the ranch property and thinking about how much he loves it. His attention is caught by the flashing lights of police cars near the edge of his property. His curiosity brings him to the site just as a familiar vehicle is dragged from the pond.
Lizzy is the newly elected sheriff, and the discovery of this murder happens on her first day on the job. Complicating matters is that Lizzy knew the victim quite well and had been among the last people to see Ariel alive, along with the other members of their graduating class. Ariel disappeared the night of their graduation, and no one had seen or heard from her since then. Now it will be up to Lizzy to investigate all the possibilities, including those pointing at Ariel's ex-boyfriend, Shade Sterling.
Shade and Lizzy have a complicated history. They knew each other in high school, where each had crushed on the other. Lizzy tried to keep her feelings buried because Shade belonged to her friend Ariel. Shade had had feelings for Lizzy for months before graduation and broke up with Ariel, though Ariel refused to admit it. Though Lizzy and Shade shared one hot kiss on graduation night, Ariel's disappearance made Shade reluctant to pursue anything with Lizzy. They soon went their separate ways, and fate kept them from doing anything in the intervening years. Ten years later, Shade is ready to take a chance, until Ariel's body is discovered and their worlds are thrown into turmoil. Now they have to tamp down any feelings they have for each other until the investigation into Ariel's murder is complete.
I liked how the relationship between Shade and Lizzy developed. Lizzy's instincts tell her that Shade is innocent, but she has to remain impartial. This is difficult for both of them as the investigation overlaps the planning for their 10-year class reunion. As it becomes horrifyingly clear that one of their classmates is a killer, Shade becomes very protective of Lizzy, while Lizzy quickly comes to depend on Shade's level head. Just as Shade pictures a future with Lizzy, he receives some startling news that may throw a crimp in his plans. Will Lizzy be willing to accept his changed circumstances, or will it end things before they start? I really liked how this part was handled, with heart and maturity. It also gave them a chance to get to know each other more deeply. The ending was romantic in an amusing way and perfect for the two of them.
The suspense of the story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. The more that came out about Ariel, the more suspects in her murder were added to the investigation. It was a frightening look into the long-ranging effects that a bully can have on someone's life. This was emphasized by the inclusion of Ariel's thoughts as she followed along with the investigation. It added an extra layer to the complexity of everything that Lizzy had to consider in her investigation. The intensity increased as the classmates gathered for their reunion at Sterling's Guest Ranch. There were so many twists and turns that I was kept guessing throughout, with the final twist being completely unexpected.
Lizzy is the newly elected sheriff, and the discovery of this murder happens on her first day on the job. Complicating matters is that Lizzy knew the victim quite well and had been among the last people to see Ariel alive, along with the other members of their graduating class. Ariel disappeared the night of their graduation, and no one had seen or heard from her since then. Now it will be up to Lizzy to investigate all the possibilities, including those pointing at Ariel's ex-boyfriend, Shade Sterling.
Shade and Lizzy have a complicated history. They knew each other in high school, where each had crushed on the other. Lizzy tried to keep her feelings buried because Shade belonged to her friend Ariel. Shade had had feelings for Lizzy for months before graduation and broke up with Ariel, though Ariel refused to admit it. Though Lizzy and Shade shared one hot kiss on graduation night, Ariel's disappearance made Shade reluctant to pursue anything with Lizzy. They soon went their separate ways, and fate kept them from doing anything in the intervening years. Ten years later, Shade is ready to take a chance, until Ariel's body is discovered and their worlds are thrown into turmoil. Now they have to tamp down any feelings they have for each other until the investigation into Ariel's murder is complete.
I liked how the relationship between Shade and Lizzy developed. Lizzy's instincts tell her that Shade is innocent, but she has to remain impartial. This is difficult for both of them as the investigation overlaps the planning for their 10-year class reunion. As it becomes horrifyingly clear that one of their classmates is a killer, Shade becomes very protective of Lizzy, while Lizzy quickly comes to depend on Shade's level head. Just as Shade pictures a future with Lizzy, he receives some startling news that may throw a crimp in his plans. Will Lizzy be willing to accept his changed circumstances, or will it end things before they start? I really liked how this part was handled, with heart and maturity. It also gave them a chance to get to know each other more deeply. The ending was romantic in an amusing way and perfect for the two of them.
The suspense of the story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. The more that came out about Ariel, the more suspects in her murder were added to the investigation. It was a frightening look into the long-ranging effects that a bully can have on someone's life. This was emphasized by the inclusion of Ariel's thoughts as she followed along with the investigation. It added an extra layer to the complexity of everything that Lizzy had to consider in her investigation. The intensity increased as the classmates gathered for their reunion at Sterling's Guest Ranch. There were so many twists and turns that I was kept guessing throughout, with the final twist being completely unexpected.
August 15, 2019
Meh. I didn't expect such a soap opera. And the romance went from to 60 way too fast.
August 30, 2019
This is the third book in the Sterling’s Montana series by B.J.Daniels.
Daniels is an author I am very familiar with considering my obsession with all things Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. My library at home is jam-packed with a metric ton of these titles alone. So, when I requested this title, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed and I was right in my assumption.
I find it humorous that Slade Sterling is on the cover of this book. I wouldn’t exactly consider him the main character. He is indeed among one of the most important secondary characters, yes. Lead, to me, goes to Sheriff Lizzy Connors. It would have been nice to have her and Slade on the cover together. But who doesn’t like a handsome cowboy on the cover of their novel, right?
I didn’t realize this until I was almost at the end, but this book had a taste of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Similar, but different. In the Christie book nearly everyone dies, even the killer at one point. (Of course, that person wasn’t really dead and came back to life to off all the guests.) Not everyone gets killed in Daniel’s book, but they make a significant dent in the population of this Montana town.
I have to admit that I had no clue whodunit. Everyone seemed to hate Ariel and had a similar motivation to kill her. I am surprised she wasn’t done in much earlier in her life considering how she treated everyone. And her mother seemed almost clueless to the witch she had become. We all know someone who can smile their sweetest smile while twisting the knife in your back. That was Ariel. Not a nice gal. And she was blackmailing everyone. I am not sure why exactly. She had it all. She was rich, popular and could get any guy she wanted.
In a normal investigation by the Sheriff’s office, Lizzie would not have been able to investigate considering she was the previous best friend of the victim and stole away the victim’s boyfriend on the night of her death. They tried to justify it by saying their office was small and they didn’t have the manpower or money to outsource this investigation. But still, I am baffled. She should have been at least assigned another person to assist her who wasn’t involved. Lizzy’s sounding board was Slade, who had an equal motivation to kill Ariel considering she broke up with him on the night of her death and loudly proclaimed he was the father of her baby. Neither fact was true but that girl had the gift of manipulation.
Once you dive into this novel, you will not want to put it down. So set aside an entire day and soak it all up. You won’t be disappointed. Great book. The romance wasn’t as prevalent as the mystery but that is okay with me when the mystery is so good.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Daniels is an author I am very familiar with considering my obsession with all things Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. My library at home is jam-packed with a metric ton of these titles alone. So, when I requested this title, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed and I was right in my assumption.
I find it humorous that Slade Sterling is on the cover of this book. I wouldn’t exactly consider him the main character. He is indeed among one of the most important secondary characters, yes. Lead, to me, goes to Sheriff Lizzy Connors. It would have been nice to have her and Slade on the cover together. But who doesn’t like a handsome cowboy on the cover of their novel, right?
I didn’t realize this until I was almost at the end, but this book had a taste of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Similar, but different. In the Christie book nearly everyone dies, even the killer at one point. (Of course, that person wasn’t really dead and came back to life to off all the guests.) Not everyone gets killed in Daniel’s book, but they make a significant dent in the population of this Montana town.
I have to admit that I had no clue whodunit. Everyone seemed to hate Ariel and had a similar motivation to kill her. I am surprised she wasn’t done in much earlier in her life considering how she treated everyone. And her mother seemed almost clueless to the witch she had become. We all know someone who can smile their sweetest smile while twisting the knife in your back. That was Ariel. Not a nice gal. And she was blackmailing everyone. I am not sure why exactly. She had it all. She was rich, popular and could get any guy she wanted.
In a normal investigation by the Sheriff’s office, Lizzie would not have been able to investigate considering she was the previous best friend of the victim and stole away the victim’s boyfriend on the night of her death. They tried to justify it by saying their office was small and they didn’t have the manpower or money to outsource this investigation. But still, I am baffled. She should have been at least assigned another person to assist her who wasn’t involved. Lizzy’s sounding board was Slade, who had an equal motivation to kill Ariel considering she broke up with him on the night of her death and loudly proclaimed he was the father of her baby. Neither fact was true but that girl had the gift of manipulation.
Once you dive into this novel, you will not want to put it down. So set aside an entire day and soak it all up. You won’t be disappointed. Great book. The romance wasn’t as prevalent as the mystery but that is okay with me when the mystery is so good.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 1, 2020
Part of the Sterling's Montana series in which Shade Sterling toys with the notion of letting new Sheriff Lizzy Conners know that he's always wanted to get together with her. While the timing may not have been good in the last 10 years, it's still isn't. Not when Lizzy has just been elected sheriff and the girl they both knew in high school is discovered in her car at the bottom of a pond. Everyone thought she just left town, but the evidence now reveals she was murdered, but by whom?
Lizzy is certain one of their classmates at the private Progressive school they all attended might be the murderer, but who and doesn't that place all of them in danger, particularly as their 10-year reunion approaches? Shade has offered to host it at his ranch, and when he does all manner of attacks occur, killing some and injuring others.
Then just about the time Lizzy thinks she's figured out who killed whom, and Shade makes his move and she agrees to date him, she is attacked. Will Shade find and rescue her in time or will he, too, lose his life in the effort?
Lizzy is certain one of their classmates at the private Progressive school they all attended might be the murderer, but who and doesn't that place all of them in danger, particularly as their 10-year reunion approaches? Shade has offered to host it at his ranch, and when he does all manner of attacks occur, killing some and injuring others.
Then just about the time Lizzy thinks she's figured out who killed whom, and Shade makes his move and she agrees to date him, she is attacked. Will Shade find and rescue her in time or will he, too, lose his life in the effort?
August 13, 2019
Shade Sterling helps to run the family ranches. Elizabeth “Lizzy” Conner was a local deputy soon to be the local sheriff. They can't forget the passionate kiss they shared 10 years ago. When their past comes up from it's watery hiding place, will past and its secrets keep them apart? It'll be Just His Luck to fall in love with the woman who thinks he's her number one suspect.
Lizzy Conner was just elected sheriff and its her first day on the job. When a call from a construction site comes in about what they've found in a local pond. Shade Sterling is taking a ride around the family ranch and is drawn to the edge of the property to see what all the commotion the neighboring pond. Both are shocked to see the baby blue high end SUV and especially the body inside. The entire senior class's past secrets start to come out just before their 10 year high school reunion. The classmate they thought had just disappeared just to cause them all trouble after a graduation party is now a murder victim. It's up to Lizzy to solve the murder of the young woman everyone thought was her best friend. Finding Ariel's body brings back everyone's bad, memories of the young woman. Shade is Lizzy's number one suspect because the victim was his ex-girlfriend. The school that the two of them plus 12 others graduated from gives the sheriff many suspects. As she talks to each, Lizzy realizes that everyone had a secret that Ariel knew and used against them. She must shift through everyone's alibi from 10 years before. Shade offers to help her investigate the case but Lizzy can't accept, because he's her number one suspect. As the investigation progresses Ariel's own secrets are revealed along with the sheriff's classmates. Shade gets a call from a former girlfriend who has a couple of surprises in store for him. Shade confides in the woman who was like a mother to the brothers. The littlest surprise immediately catches his heart and a test reveals a truth. Lizzy and Shade get closer as they move toward their 10 year class reunion. With not solving the case before the reunion, Lizzy uses it as a chance to talk to her classmates/suspects. Secrets come to light including the reason Shade asks Lizzy to come up to the Sterling family's guest ranch. An unhappy deputy works against the new sheriff and tries to solve the case. Lizzy gets advice from her mentor the former sheriff. Lizzy leaves her competition in charge while she's at the reunion. When classmates start to get hurt it's up to Shade and Lizzy to figure out who is behind it. Meanwhile, a classmate who's a state trooper goes for help. Things go from bad to worse when the it turns into the reunion from hell. It sends some of the others to make the decision to leave. Lizzy goes to investigate and is captured. Shade must track the murderer and Lizzy through a unexpected blizzard. A confrontation in one of the guest cabins leads to injury and death. Everyone thinks that the case has been solved, but Lizzy can't shake a feeling she's missed something. Shade must spend months in Arizona. Shade and Lizzy talk nightly while he's gone. And going on their first date leads the sheriff to a revelation and a confrontation. Lizzy comes out to the ranch to meet an important person in Shade's life. Lizzy and her aunt clear up a miss understanding. An engagement and wedding take place. Lizzy has a talk with the former sheriff and a new member of the Sterling family is on the way.
The last book in the Sterling's of Montana series has Just His Luck has suspense, romance, murder, love, blackmail that spans years. An unforgettable kiss, a group of young adults with secrets that come back to the surface with finding of the class bully who disappeared. B.J. Daniels brings a unique perspective to this book by having commentary by the victim. Ms. Daniels keeps you on the edge trying to figure out who murdered the class bully. As always a Daniels book is a great read, over to fast but you can't wait for the next one.
Lizzy Conner was just elected sheriff and its her first day on the job. When a call from a construction site comes in about what they've found in a local pond. Shade Sterling is taking a ride around the family ranch and is drawn to the edge of the property to see what all the commotion the neighboring pond. Both are shocked to see the baby blue high end SUV and especially the body inside. The entire senior class's past secrets start to come out just before their 10 year high school reunion. The classmate they thought had just disappeared just to cause them all trouble after a graduation party is now a murder victim. It's up to Lizzy to solve the murder of the young woman everyone thought was her best friend. Finding Ariel's body brings back everyone's bad, memories of the young woman. Shade is Lizzy's number one suspect because the victim was his ex-girlfriend. The school that the two of them plus 12 others graduated from gives the sheriff many suspects. As she talks to each, Lizzy realizes that everyone had a secret that Ariel knew and used against them. She must shift through everyone's alibi from 10 years before. Shade offers to help her investigate the case but Lizzy can't accept, because he's her number one suspect. As the investigation progresses Ariel's own secrets are revealed along with the sheriff's classmates. Shade gets a call from a former girlfriend who has a couple of surprises in store for him. Shade confides in the woman who was like a mother to the brothers. The littlest surprise immediately catches his heart and a test reveals a truth. Lizzy and Shade get closer as they move toward their 10 year class reunion. With not solving the case before the reunion, Lizzy uses it as a chance to talk to her classmates/suspects. Secrets come to light including the reason Shade asks Lizzy to come up to the Sterling family's guest ranch. An unhappy deputy works against the new sheriff and tries to solve the case. Lizzy gets advice from her mentor the former sheriff. Lizzy leaves her competition in charge while she's at the reunion. When classmates start to get hurt it's up to Shade and Lizzy to figure out who is behind it. Meanwhile, a classmate who's a state trooper goes for help. Things go from bad to worse when the it turns into the reunion from hell. It sends some of the others to make the decision to leave. Lizzy goes to investigate and is captured. Shade must track the murderer and Lizzy through a unexpected blizzard. A confrontation in one of the guest cabins leads to injury and death. Everyone thinks that the case has been solved, but Lizzy can't shake a feeling she's missed something. Shade must spend months in Arizona. Shade and Lizzy talk nightly while he's gone. And going on their first date leads the sheriff to a revelation and a confrontation. Lizzy comes out to the ranch to meet an important person in Shade's life. Lizzy and her aunt clear up a miss understanding. An engagement and wedding take place. Lizzy has a talk with the former sheriff and a new member of the Sterling family is on the way.
The last book in the Sterling's of Montana series has Just His Luck has suspense, romance, murder, love, blackmail that spans years. An unforgettable kiss, a group of young adults with secrets that come back to the surface with finding of the class bully who disappeared. B.J. Daniels brings a unique perspective to this book by having commentary by the victim. Ms. Daniels keeps you on the edge trying to figure out who murdered the class bully. As always a Daniels book is a great read, over to fast but you can't wait for the next one.
September 27, 2019
Just His Luck is the third novel in B.J. Daniels' Sterling's Montana series, which I've been following since its inception, and so far this novel, which is billed as romantic suspense, is my favorite, and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader, because I've deducted 1/2 star in what would otherwise be a 5-star review for the lack of romance in this novel.
The novel opens as one of the central characters in this novel, Ariel Matheson, is tied to the steering wheel of her car as it is rapidly sinking into the pond during the night of her high school graduation party, and, of course, we aren't told who is behind her death. Her disappearance from town, and her death by drowning in her graduation gift, a baby blue SUV, remains a mystery for the next 10 years, most people assuming she simply left town, at least until her car is discovered at the bottom of the pond, and hauled out of there, with little more than Ariel's skeleton inside. But this isn't the last you'll see or hear of her, since her spirit is one of the narrators of this novel.
Ariel's high school was small, private and special, and her graduating class numbered only 13 students, all of whom are shocked when they discovered that Ariel never left town at all--she was murdered, and her list of enemies was pretty much everyone in her graduating class. She was the spoiled, manipulative, wealthy, bullying and blackmailing leader of the pack among her classmates, but which one of them killed her?
One of the characters most surprised by this discovery is Ariel's former "best friend," the new sheriff in town, Lizzie Connors, the discovery of Ariel's SUV, happening on the day she's sworn into office, and, taking a page from one of Agatha's Christie's most famous novels, And Then There Were None, there is no shortage of suspects, all of her former classmates had reason to hate her, because Ariel, while popular, had made most of their lives miserable, telling lies, turning one person against the other, manipulating, bullying, blackmailing and even fat-shaming others.
Ariel's boyfriend at the time, Shade Sterling, betrayed Ariel at that graduation party--Ariel saw him kiss Lizzie, and Ariel stormed out of the partyn, never dreaming that her life was about to end. Her classmates were all planning to spend graduation weekend at Sterling's Guest Ranch, high in the mountains, where a weekend of fun events had been planned. Many wondered if they should continue on with that plan in light of Ariel's death, but they finally agree, and it doesn't take long for Lizzie and Shade to act on their 10 year attraction to one another, one that has apparently survived the 10 years since that one kiss. But if you're expecting a whole lot of romance in this novel, you won't find it here, because once everyone has gathered at that mountain top retreat, old wounds are exposed, old rivalries are revealed, the snow starts falling, and then the dead bodies start piling up, all in one taut and suspenseful guessing game of a mystery novel that certainly had me guessing until the very end.
I've known how good a writer B.J. Daniels is for years, but although mysteries have propelled some of the action in her novels, this one was a standout for this reader, and although Lizzie and Slade eventually get their HEA ending, there are a number of other obstacles in the way of their romance, and yes, I'd have appreciated a little more time spent on that, but even when you think the killer has been found, and you've solved the mystery, trust me, you haven't. This was one heck of a mystery novel, and I highly recommend it, not just to romance readers, but to mystery buffs as well. Although part of a series, this novel works perfectly as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The novel opens as one of the central characters in this novel, Ariel Matheson, is tied to the steering wheel of her car as it is rapidly sinking into the pond during the night of her high school graduation party, and, of course, we aren't told who is behind her death. Her disappearance from town, and her death by drowning in her graduation gift, a baby blue SUV, remains a mystery for the next 10 years, most people assuming she simply left town, at least until her car is discovered at the bottom of the pond, and hauled out of there, with little more than Ariel's skeleton inside. But this isn't the last you'll see or hear of her, since her spirit is one of the narrators of this novel.
Ariel's high school was small, private and special, and her graduating class numbered only 13 students, all of whom are shocked when they discovered that Ariel never left town at all--she was murdered, and her list of enemies was pretty much everyone in her graduating class. She was the spoiled, manipulative, wealthy, bullying and blackmailing leader of the pack among her classmates, but which one of them killed her?
One of the characters most surprised by this discovery is Ariel's former "best friend," the new sheriff in town, Lizzie Connors, the discovery of Ariel's SUV, happening on the day she's sworn into office, and, taking a page from one of Agatha's Christie's most famous novels, And Then There Were None, there is no shortage of suspects, all of her former classmates had reason to hate her, because Ariel, while popular, had made most of their lives miserable, telling lies, turning one person against the other, manipulating, bullying, blackmailing and even fat-shaming others.
Ariel's boyfriend at the time, Shade Sterling, betrayed Ariel at that graduation party--Ariel saw him kiss Lizzie, and Ariel stormed out of the partyn, never dreaming that her life was about to end. Her classmates were all planning to spend graduation weekend at Sterling's Guest Ranch, high in the mountains, where a weekend of fun events had been planned. Many wondered if they should continue on with that plan in light of Ariel's death, but they finally agree, and it doesn't take long for Lizzie and Shade to act on their 10 year attraction to one another, one that has apparently survived the 10 years since that one kiss. But if you're expecting a whole lot of romance in this novel, you won't find it here, because once everyone has gathered at that mountain top retreat, old wounds are exposed, old rivalries are revealed, the snow starts falling, and then the dead bodies start piling up, all in one taut and suspenseful guessing game of a mystery novel that certainly had me guessing until the very end.
I've known how good a writer B.J. Daniels is for years, but although mysteries have propelled some of the action in her novels, this one was a standout for this reader, and although Lizzie and Slade eventually get their HEA ending, there are a number of other obstacles in the way of their romance, and yes, I'd have appreciated a little more time spent on that, but even when you think the killer has been found, and you've solved the mystery, trust me, you haven't. This was one heck of a mystery novel, and I highly recommend it, not just to romance readers, but to mystery buffs as well. Although part of a series, this novel works perfectly as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 26, 2019
3.5/5⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Just His Luck is the Third book in the Sterling's Montana series by B.J Daniels. If this is your first book in the series let me point out that even though it's labeled a Romance it is not much of one. Yes, there's a connection between the main characters that quickly gets explored at the end of the book, but at it's core this is a western mystery / thriller. That is how each book in the series has been so it's exactly what I expected when I dived into this one.
Just His Luck has three main characters, the sheriff Lizzy, Shade Sterling, and the point of view of the ghost of a girl murdered ten years ago. I know, it's odd, let's move on. Lizzy's first day as sheriff brings the discovering of a girl she went to school with ten years ago, also Shade's ex-girlfriend, Ariel. Lizzy has to find out who murdered her from their small graduating class and Shade is her number one suspect but almost everyone has a motive. Shade has crushed on Lizzy for as long as he can remember but the timing has never been right, with being a suspect and other surprises popping up in his life, now is still not the right time, but he's done waiting. When Lizzy and her former classmates end up stranded at the ranch in the middle of a blizzard she has to figure out who the killer is before more people die.
"Lizzy should be very careful though. I'd hate for anything bad to happen to her before she discovers the truth. After all, there's a killer out there who's a lot closer than little Lizzy knows."
I enjoyed the characters, except for Ariel's point of view. I felt it unnecessary and little hokey. Besides that aspect, I found the story interesting and the mystery was very layered. I had no idea who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end. However, it did feel a little all over the place and was a bit confusing at times keeping track of which former classmate was up to what. The light romance story line between Lizzy and Shade was a bit forced in my opinion. I don't understand how they could have feelings for ten years and with nothing actual standing in their way not act on it. Then bam they are in love, yet they hadn't been close friends in the meantime. It didn't make much sense but was cute nonetheless.
"He would do whatever he had to because in his heart Lizzy was already his. His hope. His dream. His future."
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Just His Luck is the Third book in the Sterling's Montana series by B.J Daniels. If this is your first book in the series let me point out that even though it's labeled a Romance it is not much of one. Yes, there's a connection between the main characters that quickly gets explored at the end of the book, but at it's core this is a western mystery / thriller. That is how each book in the series has been so it's exactly what I expected when I dived into this one.
Just His Luck has three main characters, the sheriff Lizzy, Shade Sterling, and the point of view of the ghost of a girl murdered ten years ago. I know, it's odd, let's move on. Lizzy's first day as sheriff brings the discovering of a girl she went to school with ten years ago, also Shade's ex-girlfriend, Ariel. Lizzy has to find out who murdered her from their small graduating class and Shade is her number one suspect but almost everyone has a motive. Shade has crushed on Lizzy for as long as he can remember but the timing has never been right, with being a suspect and other surprises popping up in his life, now is still not the right time, but he's done waiting. When Lizzy and her former classmates end up stranded at the ranch in the middle of a blizzard she has to figure out who the killer is before more people die.
"Lizzy should be very careful though. I'd hate for anything bad to happen to her before she discovers the truth. After all, there's a killer out there who's a lot closer than little Lizzy knows."
I enjoyed the characters, except for Ariel's point of view. I felt it unnecessary and little hokey. Besides that aspect, I found the story interesting and the mystery was very layered. I had no idea who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end. However, it did feel a little all over the place and was a bit confusing at times keeping track of which former classmate was up to what. The light romance story line between Lizzy and Shade was a bit forced in my opinion. I don't understand how they could have feelings for ten years and with nothing actual standing in their way not act on it. Then bam they are in love, yet they hadn't been close friends in the meantime. It didn't make much sense but was cute nonetheless.
"He would do whatever he had to because in his heart Lizzy was already his. His hope. His dream. His future."
3.5 stars
August 8, 2019
Ten years ago Ariel Matheson disappeared the night of her high school graduation party. She wasn't heard from for ten years. Then she was heard from, so to speak, in a very dramatic way. Her car, with bones and some identifying objects, was discovered in a local pond by a man doing excavation for a new building. The rope tied around the steering wheel was proof positive that Ariel was murdered. Lizzy Connors is starting her first day as the newly elected sheriff of Whitehorse, Montana. Nothing like starting her first day on the job with a cold case murder, especially since she was friends with the murder victim and was at the graduation party where Ariel was last seen racing away from it in her SUV. And just when Lizzy had just reconnected with Shade Sterling who she had a crush on in high school. Strange things start happening after this gruesome discovery. Who killed Ariel Matheson and will this discovery whet the murder's appetite?
Just His Luck by B.J. Daniels is the third book in her Sterling's Montana series. Once again this author has whipped up a page-turner of a thriller. The story has loads of suspense, with twists, turns and lots of surprises. The two main characters, Lizzy and Shade have a relationship that B.J. Daniels develops in a very different way in this story. Her use of the murder victim's observations and remarks makes for a unique point of view. I really liked the different style in this book. Fans of murder mysteries and suspense will enjoy reading this book.
Just His Luck by B.J. Daniels is the third book in her Sterling's Montana series. Once again this author has whipped up a page-turner of a thriller. The story has loads of suspense, with twists, turns and lots of surprises. The two main characters, Lizzy and Shade have a relationship that B.J. Daniels develops in a very different way in this story. Her use of the murder victim's observations and remarks makes for a unique point of view. I really liked the different style in this book. Fans of murder mysteries and suspense will enjoy reading this book.
November 20, 2019
I was looking forward to this new book by B.J. Daniels but I was disappointed with it.
The beginning grabbed me right away with a woman being murdered by drowning her in her car. Just before this happened, she had left a party very angry. There was speculation on where she went but she was finally forgotten about. Until her car was pulled out of the water 10 years later - right before their class reunion.
The murder investigation was Lizzy Connor's first case as the new sheriff. It was going to be particularly hard for her to determine who the murderer was since she had known all the suspects. And she'd had feelings for one of the men on the suspect list for years. Among the suspects were all the students from the victim's class. Even with it being a small class of only 12 students, it was hard to keep track of them all. Finding out about them 10 years ago as well as currently, was too drawn-out. I didn't have the patience for the teenage drama. Everyone in the class hated the victim but were afraid of her so they did whatever she wanted. That made them suspects but murderers? The romance between Lizzy and Shade just didn't work for me. We were told they had loved each other for years but I didn't feel it. And why wait 10 years to do anything about it?
I have really enjoyed other books by this author so I was surprised at how much I didn't like this one.
The beginning grabbed me right away with a woman being murdered by drowning her in her car. Just before this happened, she had left a party very angry. There was speculation on where she went but she was finally forgotten about. Until her car was pulled out of the water 10 years later - right before their class reunion.
The murder investigation was Lizzy Connor's first case as the new sheriff. It was going to be particularly hard for her to determine who the murderer was since she had known all the suspects. And she'd had feelings for one of the men on the suspect list for years. Among the suspects were all the students from the victim's class. Even with it being a small class of only 12 students, it was hard to keep track of them all. Finding out about them 10 years ago as well as currently, was too drawn-out. I didn't have the patience for the teenage drama. Everyone in the class hated the victim but were afraid of her so they did whatever she wanted. That made them suspects but murderers? The romance between Lizzy and Shade just didn't work for me. We were told they had loved each other for years but I didn't feel it. And why wait 10 years to do anything about it?
I have really enjoyed other books by this author so I was surprised at how much I didn't like this one.
July 1, 2019
This was by far my favorite book in the series! I loved the characters and the mystery! BJ Daniels knows how to write a romantic suspense and I love how she writes multiple characters and their thoughts. Some people might not enjoy how she introduces several characters and keeps "all those balls in the air" but I love it! It adds so many dimensions to the story and makes it multi-faceted. Although the main characters are Shade Sterling and Lizzy Conners (the new sheriff), who have known each other from high school, there are many other characters involved in the suspense because a dead body is found at the beginning of the book and it's a member of their high school class who has been dead for 10 years and their whole class are suspects! Conveniently, they are having a class reunion so Sheriff Lizzy will try to find out who killed Ariel during the reunion and if THAT doesn't make for some great suspense, I don't know what does, because the killer isn't done killing! I loved Shade's character too because he gets to go through some personal "stuff" in his life which makes for some interesting reading!
September 2, 2019
Like the rest of this series, Just His Luck is more mystery than romance. We have a missing girl turned murder victim, and her body is found just in time for the high school reunion. A reunion that is full of possible suspects. Of course, our romantic couple, not that I felt a lot of romance with this one, is included in that suspect list. That's one of the places I ran into problems with this one. Yes, Lizzy is sheriff, but investigating this murder is a huge conflict of interest on its own even though the finger isn't pointed at her. She knew the murder victim too, plus, there's the fact that she's fooling around with Shade, who has plenty of reasons to be considered a suspect. We also have a bit of the supernatural with sections from the dead girl's point of view. Not a past point of view, nope, we get the present, as in a ghost, which was a bit unexpected, and didn't really fit. To sum it up, the mystery was okay, the romance - well, it wasn't really much of a romance, and hearing from the ghost just felt unnecessary. Too many things didn't work for me in this one, which is shame because the mystery certainly had potential.
September 12, 2019
WOW what a great book..i know it took me a few days to read but was busy over the weekend and didn't get to. But this book seems there is a twist with each new page of the book! Shade's life is turned upside down when they find the remains of his ex girlfriend that disappeared 10 years ago the night of their high school graduation! He is the main suspect but the newly elected Sheriff Lizzy knows he could not have done it. See the ex they found Ariel was mean to everyone in their small class..she was a big time bully of all. It is time for their reunion and things keep happening. We think it is solved when something happens at the reunion but is truly not solved for several months later and it is on a lark that it is. Along with all this going on Shade has someone from his past come forward to tell him a big secret. This book I just can't not say enough. B. J. Daniels is so great at drawing you in with a story and keeping you turning the pages as you have to see what happened!
August 14, 2019
Lizzy Conners is the new Sheriff in town. She is proud of the fact that she has come this far in 10 years. Unfortunately, on her first day as Sheriff, she is called out to the lake where a construction crew has found a submerged van. When Lizzy sees the SUV, she knows immediately, that it's the van of her best friend, Ariel, who disappeared on HS Graduation night. What a way to start a job!
Shade Sterling last saw Ariel on Graduation night when she left in a huff because she was furious that he was dating Lizzy and, would not get back together with her.
This investigation brings out a lot of small town secrets and, renews the feelings that Lizzy and Sterling have never resolved.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride that you will thoroughly enjoy!
Shade Sterling last saw Ariel on Graduation night when she left in a huff because she was furious that he was dating Lizzy and, would not get back together with her.
This investigation brings out a lot of small town secrets and, renews the feelings that Lizzy and Sterling have never resolved.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride that you will thoroughly enjoy!
September 17, 2019
Although I never read the first two titles I will be going back to do so now. I really enjoyed this last title in the series and but I think that I would have loved it even more if I would have read the first reads. I loved the characters and the setting and I could not put it down. Romance and mystery are full in this great read!
June 5, 2020
This book grabbed me immediately. I loved all the twists and turns. There is romance, but just a touch. I always look forward to reading a book by this author. Shade and Lizzy's story sure kept me engrossed to the end.
October 8, 2019
I always thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARCs I recieve, but I really need to thank Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me a chance to fall in love with B. J. Daniels' books. I'd never read anything by her until I was granted the ARC for Stroke of Luck, the first in this series. Now, I'm officialy hooked on her books. Anyway - my review.
Shade's the youngest of the Sterling brothers and hasn't ever had much luck in the love department. His true love, Lizzy Conners, has always seemed out of reach. His second chance love in college ended suddenly and he pretty much wrote off long term relationships after that. Of the three brothers, I think I liked Shade the most, which is odd, because the youngest tends to be spoiled or bratty. Shade, on the other hand, was pretty content with his life and how things had worked out. Sure, he wanted love and a family, but he wasn't in a rush to find it, either. He was more than willing to wait for Lizzy and I thought that was sweet.
I was happy to see that Lizzy was Shade's love interest in this book. We meet her in one of the other two novels and I really liked her character then. It made me doubly happy to see that she'd won the election for sheriff. She's a strong-willed character, determined to get what she wants, including Shade. However, her drive isn't off-putting like it can sometimes be. She has her insecure moments and I think that's the difference right there. Often, she questions whether she's right for the job or not, only to prove to herself and others that she's the exact person they need.
The mystery was a good one as well. I love nothing better than a cold case so, when Shade's ex-girlfriend's body is found ten years after her disappearance, I was all in. Just His Luck had all my favorite mystery tropes combined into one. A group of possible murderers confined to a small area, no way to reach outside help, no one really knowing who the bad guy is. I couldn't tell you why this old school approach is so addictive to me, but it's really my favorite kind of mystery. In the end, I had pegged pretty much everyone for the murder aside from the actual murderer. Which, honestly, isn't that much of a shock since I can't ever figure these things out.
While I'm sad to see this series end, I'm also excited because now I can move on to other series by this author. Seeing she's as prolific as she is, I won't be without something to read for a very long time to come. And that's a beautiful thing.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Shade's the youngest of the Sterling brothers and hasn't ever had much luck in the love department. His true love, Lizzy Conners, has always seemed out of reach. His second chance love in college ended suddenly and he pretty much wrote off long term relationships after that. Of the three brothers, I think I liked Shade the most, which is odd, because the youngest tends to be spoiled or bratty. Shade, on the other hand, was pretty content with his life and how things had worked out. Sure, he wanted love and a family, but he wasn't in a rush to find it, either. He was more than willing to wait for Lizzy and I thought that was sweet.
I was happy to see that Lizzy was Shade's love interest in this book. We meet her in one of the other two novels and I really liked her character then. It made me doubly happy to see that she'd won the election for sheriff. She's a strong-willed character, determined to get what she wants, including Shade. However, her drive isn't off-putting like it can sometimes be. She has her insecure moments and I think that's the difference right there. Often, she questions whether she's right for the job or not, only to prove to herself and others that she's the exact person they need.
The mystery was a good one as well. I love nothing better than a cold case so, when Shade's ex-girlfriend's body is found ten years after her disappearance, I was all in. Just His Luck had all my favorite mystery tropes combined into one. A group of possible murderers confined to a small area, no way to reach outside help, no one really knowing who the bad guy is. I couldn't tell you why this old school approach is so addictive to me, but it's really my favorite kind of mystery. In the end, I had pegged pretty much everyone for the murder aside from the actual murderer. Which, honestly, isn't that much of a shock since I can't ever figure these things out.
While I'm sad to see this series end, I'm also excited because now I can move on to other series by this author. Seeing she's as prolific as she is, I won't be without something to read for a very long time to come. And that's a beautiful thing.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 6, 2022
Thoughts: I'm not one for negative reviews (usually I just wouldn't say anything) but I just can't hold this one in. The premise interested me but it fell way off the mark. A classmate found dead in a pond 10 years after she went missing, and the small senior class of a dozen or so people are all suspects? Sign me up! Sounds like the movie Clue or Agatha Christie's book And Then There Were None. But that's where the similarities end. This story was so outlandish that I'm surprised I finished it. I don't like giving negative reviews and I really wanted something positive to say about this but I've got nothing. Even the most interesting part -- the reunion up on the mountain at a secluded ranch where the killer starts enacting revenge -- was just too improbable. The main characters make so many unrealistic (i.e. terrible) choices that it was impossible for me to suspend my disbelief. And the level of drama throughout the novel just made the story even more outlandish. Plot holes galore and twists that don't make sense abound in this story. And if you're listening to the audio -- just don't. The narrator does a terrible job of portraying the female voices that I honestly could barely stand to listen. Let's not forget the non-existent chemistry between the two main characters, Slade and Lizzie. The narration constantly mentions how much they're interested in each other, even after 10 years of not seeing one another (despite this supposedly being a small town), but they have so few actual scenes together until the last third of the book that the author has to literally tell you they're into each other over and over again -- they aren't around each other enough for readers to see it for themselves. This one was just not worth the hours of audio I spent listening to it.
July 17, 2021
Just His Luck is the third installment in the Sterling’s Montana series. I have to say if I could give this story more than 5 stars I would. I couldn’t put this book down I needed to keep reading to figure out who this killer was that after 10 years they were not done killing. Shade and Lizzy were separated due to a killing of a young woman. Shade was in a relationship with Ariel but he broke it off with her because he was interested in someone else. Finally when he had the courage he kissed Lizzy but something happened that night and now nearing their 10th year high school reunion she was found. It was Lizzy’s first day as the Sheriff and her first case to solve was the murder of her so-called best friend. They all thought that Ariel had left the night of their graduation party no one knew that she was in the bottom of a pond dead. Now Lizzy is going to have her hands full trying to figure out who from her graduating class killed her. There were about 13 people that she needed to investigate but as she does things start to happen to her. Ariel was the mean girl in school the girl that everyone wanted to be and had the looks and got what she wanted. What intrigued me even more about this story was that there were sections that Ariel’s thoughts were incorporated into the story. Lizzy and Shade had a long journey before they could be together and finally get their first date. Shade had his own problems that he was going to have to deal with. A ex girlfriend was going to be coming back into his life and was going to drop a bomb on him. But in the end happily ever after would happen but twists and turns of who the murderer was going to happen first.
I totally recommend this read and I will have to go back to read the first and second book.
I totally recommend this read and I will have to go back to read the first and second book.
July 26, 2019
I received an Advanced Ready Copy of this book for an honest review. Just His Luck is the conclusion to the Sterling’s Montana series. It was really a great wrap up. Written in a style that I don’t think we have ever seen from B. J. Daniels before, it created a unique spin to a decade old mystery.
Shade Sterling takes care of the family ranch. We hadn’t read much about him in the previous books. He loves his ranch, loves the land and he’s loved Lizzy Conners for a very long time – since high school. A spiteful girlfriend, her disappearance, timing – nothing was right for Lizzy and Shade. A ten year class reunion brings together old friends. Shade decides it’s time to make his move with Lizzy and see where it goes but the discovery of his former girlfriend’s body disrupts everyone’s lives.
B.J. Daniels uses Ariel’s (Shade’s high school girlfriend) voice and spirit to tell the story of ten years ago, Lizzy, the sheriff and Shade try to piece together who killed Ariel after she disappeared on graduation night. The story brings all the old friends together again and little by little, the clues fall into place, people finally start talking to Lizzy and Shade. Can they find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt? Can they finally get their romance going?
The story has great characters, great romance and a great mystery all told in page-turning story that will keep you fully engaged in Shade and Lizzy’s lives.
I would recommend this book if you want good romantic suspense.
Shade Sterling takes care of the family ranch. We hadn’t read much about him in the previous books. He loves his ranch, loves the land and he’s loved Lizzy Conners for a very long time – since high school. A spiteful girlfriend, her disappearance, timing – nothing was right for Lizzy and Shade. A ten year class reunion brings together old friends. Shade decides it’s time to make his move with Lizzy and see where it goes but the discovery of his former girlfriend’s body disrupts everyone’s lives.
B.J. Daniels uses Ariel’s (Shade’s high school girlfriend) voice and spirit to tell the story of ten years ago, Lizzy, the sheriff and Shade try to piece together who killed Ariel after she disappeared on graduation night. The story brings all the old friends together again and little by little, the clues fall into place, people finally start talking to Lizzy and Shade. Can they find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt? Can they finally get their romance going?
The story has great characters, great romance and a great mystery all told in page-turning story that will keep you fully engaged in Shade and Lizzy’s lives.
I would recommend this book if you want good romantic suspense.
March 21, 2020
Ten years ago, Shade Sterling had a very public breakup with the girl he’d already broken up with. That’s not news long even in their small town. But it seems she’s been dead just inside town limits all this time. Making matters worse new sheriff, Lizzy Connor is the girl Shade wanted then and now, plus she was the dead woman’s best friend.
Though dead, Ariel Matheson is very much an active character for this outing, not via flashbacks but in the here and now. The suspect pool has many secrets they don’t want spilled, even after ten years…some could have quite the impact on current lives. The prevailing thought is ‘how like Ariel to ensure she’s the topic at this weekend’s reunion!’
Shade’s determined to help Lizzy solve the case so they can perhaps move forward with a relationship away from the cloud of Ariel the Bully hanging over their heads. Meanwhile, one of the deputy’s has issues working for a woman, especially one half his age and Shade has another shock from his past to deal with.
For this reader’s taste the outing was more rapidly and evenly paced than its predecessors. Also, I liked the story and getting a broader look at some of the other residents. However, though both Shade and Lizzy made appearances in the earlier books neither had big roles, yet somehow their relationship seemed to come from thin air.
Rating: 4.25stars
Though dead, Ariel Matheson is very much an active character for this outing, not via flashbacks but in the here and now. The suspect pool has many secrets they don’t want spilled, even after ten years…some could have quite the impact on current lives. The prevailing thought is ‘how like Ariel to ensure she’s the topic at this weekend’s reunion!’
Shade’s determined to help Lizzy solve the case so they can perhaps move forward with a relationship away from the cloud of Ariel the Bully hanging over their heads. Meanwhile, one of the deputy’s has issues working for a woman, especially one half his age and Shade has another shock from his past to deal with.
For this reader’s taste the outing was more rapidly and evenly paced than its predecessors. Also, I liked the story and getting a broader look at some of the other residents. However, though both Shade and Lizzy made appearances in the earlier books neither had big roles, yet somehow their relationship seemed to come from thin air.
Rating: 4.25stars
February 24, 2019
I was anticipating the final story in the Sterling Montana series although not much was revealed about Spade in the first two books, we were introduced to Lizzy in the second story. It can be read as a standalone book.
She's elected sheriff after Sid retired and is recuperating from a hit and run accident. Approaching her 10th HS reunion and her first day on the job, a body is found in a car at the bottom of a pond. The hands appear to have been attached to the steering wheel with role and DNA identifies it as a schoolmates who disappeared on graduation night. Now the reunion takes on a different spin as a memorial.
Shade dated the deceased and Lizzy was a close friend. They went to a small private school so all classmates are suspects. The murder and suspense occur shortly after the classmates father at Shade's family's isolated guest ranch. The deceased appears in the story narration which takes some getting used to. I actually found it distracting and disruptive to the story.
As usual, there is a twist to the story and it makes for a surprising ending. I would have given it 5stars except for the deceased narrative.
I received a free ARC eBook from the publisher Harlequin Intrigue and Net Galley for my honest review.
She's elected sheriff after Sid retired and is recuperating from a hit and run accident. Approaching her 10th HS reunion and her first day on the job, a body is found in a car at the bottom of a pond. The hands appear to have been attached to the steering wheel with role and DNA identifies it as a schoolmates who disappeared on graduation night. Now the reunion takes on a different spin as a memorial.
Shade dated the deceased and Lizzy was a close friend. They went to a small private school so all classmates are suspects. The murder and suspense occur shortly after the classmates father at Shade's family's isolated guest ranch. The deceased appears in the story narration which takes some getting used to. I actually found it distracting and disruptive to the story.
As usual, there is a twist to the story and it makes for a surprising ending. I would have given it 5stars except for the deceased narrative.
I received a free ARC eBook from the publisher Harlequin Intrigue and Net Galley for my honest review.
July 24, 2019
A terrific conclusion to the series, this book like the previous ones, has wonderful characters, and a riveting plot. Ariel Matheson, school bully, disappeared ten years ago, after she left their high school graduation party. Everyone assumed she had taken off in a fit of rage, especially since her father was going to jail, but on Lizzie Conners first day as sheriff, her body is found in her car at the bottom of a pond at the edge of the Sterling Ranch. With their 10th year graduation reunion coming up, was the body found by coincidence or design? Lizzie and Shade Sterling had kissed the night of the party, but both felt guilty after Ariel disappeared, even though Ariel and Shade had broken up months before. Ever since, their timing was never right, but now Shade wants to at least date Lizzie. However, he is one of her suspects, as are the entire members of their class. Everyone has secrets, including Lizzie, which she didn't even know about. And another complication show up in town. This is a page-turning, hard to put down mystery/romance with lots of twists and turns. In some ways it reminded me of And Then There Were None by writer Agatha Christie.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
August 11, 2019
Just His Luck by BJ Daniels is the third book in the series called Sterling’s Montana. Shade Sterling is the main character and is everything a modern day cowboy should be HOT, thoughtful and caring. He works the family ranch with his brothers and has carried a torch for Lizzie Connors. Lizzie is the new sheriff and on her first day gets a cold case from 10 years ago. A girl in their HS class disappeared graduation night, but has been found in the bottom of a pond. It is definitely murder and no one in their class is above suspicion. Shade because he was the ex that she loudly broke up with that night. Lizzie because she was one of the friends that were treated horribly.
So what happens? Just what you would expect, they all go to Shade’s family’s cabins to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, and one of them is a killer. Things get totally out of hand and people die. Meanwhile Shade has another surprise fall in his lap. All the details hold Lizzie and Shade apart. Just His Luck by BJ Daniels was a fun romantic thriller with some interesting twists that kept you guessing until the end.
So what happens? Just what you would expect, they all go to Shade’s family’s cabins to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, and one of them is a killer. Things get totally out of hand and people die. Meanwhile Shade has another surprise fall in his lap. All the details hold Lizzie and Shade apart. Just His Luck by BJ Daniels was a fun romantic thriller with some interesting twists that kept you guessing until the end.
August 27, 2019
Since having read the ones before this I had to get into this one also. This author has some of the best storylines with this one being no exception.
Class reunions can be good or not so good but in this one Shade wants it to be one to remember. Going to go for it, Lizzy is the one not forgotten. A second chance romance is one that I greatly enjoy but this one will have a kick to it in the form of a murder mystery.
Of course there is a road block when it comes to these things that deal with romance but this one involves Shade getting the lime light thanks to whom was found. I like that she is the sheriff too puts a different perspective on this.
The way this unfolds the author will have you held hostage from the beginning following every bit so not to miss a clue if you are like me and play detective too trying to guess who done it. We also are given not so predictable at times to throw us for a loop. Rooting for these two you do hoping they finally get their chance.
The timing was superb with everything as it should be when reading this so that when you come to the end of this one you think once again these could be a mini tv series lol.
Class reunions can be good or not so good but in this one Shade wants it to be one to remember. Going to go for it, Lizzy is the one not forgotten. A second chance romance is one that I greatly enjoy but this one will have a kick to it in the form of a murder mystery.
Of course there is a road block when it comes to these things that deal with romance but this one involves Shade getting the lime light thanks to whom was found. I like that she is the sheriff too puts a different perspective on this.
The way this unfolds the author will have you held hostage from the beginning following every bit so not to miss a clue if you are like me and play detective too trying to guess who done it. We also are given not so predictable at times to throw us for a loop. Rooting for these two you do hoping they finally get their chance.
The timing was superb with everything as it should be when reading this so that when you come to the end of this one you think once again these could be a mini tv series lol.
October 9, 2019
This was a riveting and suspenseful mystery. There were so many moving parts. The crime was intriguing. The characters were all interesting. Daniels really has a knack for making characters stand out as individuals and throwing in twist after twist to keep a reader hooked.
The romantic subplot was considerably less interesting. It contributed to the story fairly well for most of it, to the extent that I didn't really mind it. Toward the end of the book, however, when the suspense plot wraps up and there's still three more chapters of romantic subplot to go, it gets a bit tedious. It starts to feel like the longest epilogue known to man. This book could have and should have ended a lot sooner.
The author has a tendency to repeat and recap which I found a bit annoying at first. After a while, though, I really started to appreciate it because the mystery was so layered and tangled up. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and it makes me want to seek out the others in the series.
The romantic subplot was considerably less interesting. It contributed to the story fairly well for most of it, to the extent that I didn't really mind it. Toward the end of the book, however, when the suspense plot wraps up and there's still three more chapters of romantic subplot to go, it gets a bit tedious. It starts to feel like the longest epilogue known to man. This book could have and should have ended a lot sooner.
The author has a tendency to repeat and recap which I found a bit annoying at first. After a while, though, I really started to appreciate it because the mystery was so layered and tangled up. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and it makes me want to seek out the others in the series.
September 20, 2019
Class reunion
Share Sterling has had a thing for Lizzy Connors since high school. After waiting the years he has decided that he is going to ask Lisa for a date until something happens to make impossible for now.
Missy Connors has just won the election to become Sheriff in the county. On her first day a vehicle is found in the pond right outside of town. The body within it is that of Ariel, a girl in her graduation class who had disappeared ten years ago.
It is the week of their high school reunion and all the former classmates still live in the area. It is Lizzie's job to find out who murdered the deceased.
The reunion is on Sterling Mountain and when people start dying it starts a string of events that keep turning the page to find the killer. It is interesting to read the thoughts of the dead girl as the book progresses. Another good story by a great author B.J. Daniels. Well recomended
Share Sterling has had a thing for Lizzy Connors since high school. After waiting the years he has decided that he is going to ask Lisa for a date until something happens to make impossible for now.
Missy Connors has just won the election to become Sheriff in the county. On her first day a vehicle is found in the pond right outside of town. The body within it is that of Ariel, a girl in her graduation class who had disappeared ten years ago.
It is the week of their high school reunion and all the former classmates still live in the area. It is Lizzie's job to find out who murdered the deceased.
The reunion is on Sterling Mountain and when people start dying it starts a string of events that keep turning the page to find the killer. It is interesting to read the thoughts of the dead girl as the book progresses. Another good story by a great author B.J. Daniels. Well recomended
March 27, 2019
Lizzy is the new Sheriff in town. On her very first day, a car is found in a pond. A classmate, Ariel, had went missing ten years ago and come to find out she was tied to the steering wheel and the car pushed into the pond. Shade is a rancher and has liked Lizzy since their senior year but life kept getting in the way. Now that Ariel has been discovered it’s time to move on and he wants Lizzy. But first she has to find out who killed Ariel and with the ten year reunion coming up, it’ll be the perfect time to question everyone. Will the all survive the reunion or will the killer get their revenge?
This is one nail biter of a story. Suspense, action, and mystery. One if the best suspenseful stories I have read in a while. Totally shocked and on the edge of my seat the whole time.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
This is one nail biter of a story. Suspense, action, and mystery. One if the best suspenseful stories I have read in a while. Totally shocked and on the edge of my seat the whole time.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
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