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Are a dead woman’s secrets

enough to kill for…?

Hank Savage has always believed his old girlfriend was murdered. Now he’s come home to Cardwell Ranch and, with the help of PI Frankie Brewster, is determined to find the killer. Trying to keep their feelings at bay, Hank and Frankie quickly learn that every lead reveals a life steeped in secrets—and danger. And that someone from Hank’s past will do anything to keep the truth from being revealed.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2019

491 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Daniels

517 books1,263 followers
B.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.

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5 stars
371 (58%)
4 stars
177 (27%)
3 stars
70 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Anita.
2,683 reviews225 followers
July 16, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Wonderful mystery plot. Great fast developing romance. B.J. Daniels has been hit or miss for me for the past few years. Her last book, Steel Resolve, was fantastic and this one is just a good. Having one of my favorite couples, Dana and Hud Savage, around again is also just great. Seeing the Savage kids get their own stories, I love it. I can't wait for the next one.

Hank Savage, oldest of the Savage children, had a falling out with his parents three years ago over Naomi, the woman Hank loved, but his parents had reservations about. After Hank and Naomi argue, she commits suicide, or so the coroner and Sheriff Hud Savage decide. Hank disagreed, insisting she was murdered. Hank leaves the Cardwell. Now he's back to find out what really happened.

Francesca "Frankie" Brewster is the PI Hank has hired to find out the truth and she is determined to find out what really happened to Naomi, for no other reason but that, maybe, it would give Hank closure and help him move on with his life. That Frankie finds herself drawn to the cowboy is something she just has to try and ignore. As they ask questions that someone doesn't like, it becomes apparent that Hank didn't know Naomi as well as he thought he did.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,823 reviews127 followers
July 21, 2019
Iron Will - B.J. Daniels (HI #1869 - Aug 2019)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 2)

Are a dead woman’s secrets

enough to kill for…?

Hank Savage has always believed his old girlfriend was murdered. Now he’s come home to Cardwell Ranch and, with the help of PI Frankie Brewster, is determined to find the killer. Trying to keep their feelings at bay, Hank and Frankie quickly learn that every lead reveals a life steeped in secrets—and danger. And that someone from Hank’s past will do anything to keep the truth from being revealed.

Very good book. Hank Savage left his home in Big Sky after the death of his girlfriend and a blowup with his father. Hank was certain that his girlfriend was murdered, but his father, Marshal Hud Savage, agreed with the coroner that Naomi committed suicide. Haunted by the certainty that he was right, Hank enlists the help of PI Frankie Brewster to help him discover the truth. To disguise their intentions, Hank and Frankie pretend to be a couple.

I liked both Hank and Frankie. Hank is a good man, honorable and loyal. It was his love for and loyalty to Naomi that made him stand up to his father regarding her death. He is also stubborn, which is what kept him away from Big Sky for so long. He misses his home and his family and his life as a rancher. Frankie is an excellent PI with a talent for reading people and asking the right questions. She feels a bit guilty for deceiving Hank's parents about their relationship, but it is part of the job.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hank and Frankie. There are sparks between them from the start that grow hotter with each passing day. The show that they put on for his parents becomes all too real as those sparks burst into flame. But Frankie isn't too sure that Hank has moved past his grief for Naomi enough to start living again. She is also a bit wary of the speed of their feelings, as her previous relationship also happened fast and did not end well. Hank is surprised by his feelings for Frankie, but he can't deny the strength of them. I liked his sensitivity to her fears, and his willingness to be patient as she works through them. I also liked his protectiveness when someone from her past made an unwelcome appearance.

The suspense of the story was excellent. For every question that they asked and got an answer to, more questions appeared. It quickly became evident that Naomi was not the girl that Hank thought she was. The closer they came to uncovering the truth, the more determined someone was to stop them. There was the added complication of someone from Frankie's past ending up in the middle of the investigation. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as Frankie had to use every trick in her book to save herself and Hank. I loved the resolution and seeing Hud have to eat a little crow. I like him, but he should have had more trust in Hank's knowledge of Naomi.


Bonus book included:

Justice at Cardwell Ranch


Series: Cardwell Ranch (Book 2)
Montana Mystique (Book 4)

CARDWELL CHARM WAS ALL HE'D EVER NEEDED...UNTIL NOW

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch...and trouble isn't too far behind. As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.

Very good book. Jordan has come back to Big Sky to investigate the truth behind his best friend's suicide while they were in high school. The day he arrived one of his high school friends who might have known something was murdered. Liza Turner is tagged to investigate and soon finds that there are troublesome secrets coming to light. Even though he's a suspect, Liza is attracted to Jordan. Her instincts tell her that he is not the murderer but that he can be dangerous to her heart.

I really liked both Liza and Jordan. Liza is doing a great job as deputy. She remembers Jordan from the whole will problem six years earlier and not in a good way. Though she doesn't trust him at first, she quickly realizes that he has changed for the better. When he explains why he is in Big Sky and how it might impact her murder investigation they start working together to investigate. Liza also discovers that she is very attracted to Jordan, but doesn't expect him to stay around. I liked Liza's intelligence and the way she was able to put things together.

Jordan was great too. I loved the way that he had changed for the better. He had been devastated by his friend's suicide, and when he found out it may have been murder he had to come back and check into it. He was attracted to Liza right away and found himself looking for any excuse to be with her. Investigating how the suicide and then murder were connected gave them a lot of time together. I loved the way he accepted the fact that he was going to have to earn people's trust and how hard he worked to do so. I liked the way that he respected Liza's job as deputy but still wanted to protect her. The mystery of the suicide and murder was well done and had a tense ending.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,938 reviews433 followers
July 20, 2021
Hank Savage lost his girlfriend Naomi to suicide three years before, and he left Big Sky, Montana. However, Hank never believed she killed herself, even though they had a bad argument before her death. Hank is back in town and this time he is more than determined to find out what happend to Naomi. He brings someone with him, however. She is a PI named Francesca "Frankie" Brewster and Hank has hired her to find out what happened to Naomi. As Hank's father is the Marshal and it was in part to Naomi's death ther Hank left, he brings Frankie in as his girlfriend, keeping their investigation as a secret.

As Hank's relationship with his parents is strained, particularly with his father Hud, he and Frankie need to act like they are in love. However, everyone around them, especially Dana, Hank's mother, can see something is off about Hank's new "girlfriend". Meanwhile, the more time Hank and Frankie spend together unearthing secrets and clues, the more they find themselves quite drawn to each other. Will Hank be able to get past the hurts of his past and find a chance at love with Frankie?
Profile Image for Sandi.
415 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2023
Always enjoy the narration of Corey M. Snow on Daniels' books. Frankie and Hank encounter their share of danger as they work to uncover the death of Naomi. Lots of moving parts that make for an interesting read.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,161 reviews88 followers
August 31, 2020
(Part of Harlesquin Intrigue #1869 – August 2019)
Hank Savage is home after three years with P.I. Frankie Brewster in tow. Hank’s more than happy to let his parents think Frankie’s there in a romantic capacity but she’s really there to work. Hank’s still haunted by thoughts his old girlfriend Naomi didn’t kill herself no matter what the supposed facts his father, Hud, wrote in his official police reports.

Given the little Hank told Frankie, she’s skeptical about the case but a glance at her phone and persistent calls she’s getting, settle it. She’s taking the case! Frankie would rather be honest with the Savages and tell them she and Hank are looking into Naomi’s death instead of pretending to be lovers.

Meeting the Savage family, Frankie feels guilty and worries their deceit will increase the wedge between Hank and Hud. As they investigate Frankie uncovers Naomi’s secrets but Hank doubts Frankie’s findings until it appears their questions have someone upset enough to run them off the road, into the rocks and rushing river below.

Meanwhile, Hank’s family notices Frankie and Hank’s relationship isn’t the love affair they’re pretending it is. But it could be as they start to look at each other differently. Hank notices Frankie’s nervousness whenever her phone rings. And Frankie’s mystery man is enraged when discovers her location and plots to show her his unhappiness.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for Chanel Sharp.
225 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2020
Mom and I have not exactly read that many BJ Daniels. (Not that we don't like them; but that we just have not gotten around to reading that many, especially considering how many BJ Daniels has written.) The point is that this is Mom's and I's first BJ Daniels were the hero and the heroine did grow up together or where previously in a relationship before the book started so it was really fun getting to read about characters, written BJ Daniels, that did have past history. May we say she writes both really well.
Hank is very interesting in that he completely believe the ex-girlfriend/fiancé did not commit suicide, but was murder which is why he brought Frankie, a PI, home with him. Mom and I first like how when starting the book we truly do believe that his girlfriend is a nice, quiet girl and it is really interesting watching Frankie uncover who she really was and truly surprising it is. (Very well written.) We also like how Frankie and Hank story and relationship with each other is basically a bit of a replay on Hank's relationship with his girlfriend, yet how Hank get to do right this time.
Over all this was a very well written Harlequin, one of BJ Daniels less crazy sauce book and will definitely reread this book when we get the chance.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
June 29, 2019
Hank Savage left Big Sky, Montana three years ago after the death of his long-time girlfiend, Naomi. He believes she was murdered so had a falling-out with his father, Hud Savage who is the sheriff of Big Sky after Sheriff Savage agreed with the coroner's ruling that Naomi committed suicide. Hank hasn't been back since then. Now he is returning with the P.I., Frankie Brewster, who he hired to investigate what really happened. Their plan is to pretend to be a couple to throw off everyone so it is not realized that they are investigating. Frankie is a talented P.I. who knows how to ask the right questions. Those questions lead to danger for Hank and Frankie. Add in that Hank and Frankie find themselves attracted to each other and you have another twist in their investigation. Frankie is doing her job a little too well. It may cost them their lives.

Iron Will is the second book in author B.J. Daniels' Caldwell Ranch:Montana legacy series. This series deals with the children of Dana Caldwell Savage who we met a number of years ago (2013) in Crime Scene at the Caldwell Ranch. Dana's children have now left Big Sky but in this series they are returning for various reasons. B.J. Daniels fascinates with lots of twists and turns, action and surprises. This storyline has some very surprising revalations. I always like the author's characters. In this case she delivers a likeable couple; both of whom are strong, caring characters. So far this series has been full of intrigue and an interesting look into the Savage family dynamic. Romantic Suspense fans are going to love this book!
771 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2021
Iron Will is the second installment in the Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy. This was an excellent read that I read in one sitting. It had everything that I love it had suspense and mystery. Hank and Frankie were going back to Hank’s hometown he was certain that his ex-girlfriend had been murdered. Frankie and Hank were undercover they were pretending to be in a relationship when in reality they were about to uncover a murder. Frankie was a recognized Private Investigator and pretty darn good in her field of expertise. Hank is going to be surprised with all the secrets that his dear Naomi was keeping from him. He really had no idea who she really was but all he knew that was they were not meant to be together. Now as for Frankie she had her own little problem that was going to be following her and make some trouble. Frankie and Hank were meant to be together but they needed to allow themselves to be free and not live in the past. Frankie had good reason to break her relationship with her ex and Hank knew that he didn’t want what Naomi wanted at that moment. Now Hank and Frankie can be happily ever after as soon as they are able to overcome their journey and come out in the end safe.

I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Gloriana.
115 reviews213 followers
March 10, 2021
I got this one as part of my Ripped Bodice Galentine's gift box from a very good friend, and it did not disappoint! I haven't read too many cowboy romances, but those I have read I've loved (especially the Lorelei James's Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys series, which I devoured a few years ago). I don't know if the fascination stems from the ruggedness of the lives of the ranchers and how foreign a world it seems to be, or from how the presence of the great outdoors is fetishized with the land being part and parcel of the main character's love stories, but I do know that I can't wait to dive into Ms. Bev's cowboys series next.

This one was a lovely romantic suspense that really brought the feels with an economy of words that I appreciated. Short and sweet, but also thrilling and romantic, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride through the Montana backwoods.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,269 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2022
Nice to return to the Savage family and Montana. In this one, Hank has returned to investigate the death of a former girlfriend 3 years ago. Her death was ruled a suicide and caused discord between he and his father, marshall Hud Savage. He knew of her fear of heights so there's no way she'd commit suicide as facts surmised.

With him he brings Frankie Brewster, PI, but posing as his girlfriend. As they work to uncover the truth, the situation escalates when her former fiancee tracks her down to bring her back home. As true facts unfold of the events leading up to Naomi's death, the danger for Hank and Frankie increases. Full of mystery, suspense and a bit of romance: all in all a great read!
1,141 reviews
July 24, 2019
Another great book

Frankie Brewster is a private investigator hired by Hank Savage to find out if his girlfriend had been murdered three years before. She pretends to be Hank’s girlfriend to ease his Parent’s minds that he has moved on. They soon find themselves in plenty of danger with Hank’s father, the sheriff, threatening to put them in jail.

Great story and characters that face life’s challenges in adult ways. I really enjoyed this book and read in one day.
440 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2021
Hank was back at his home, wondering why he had come back. (You see his love of his life had died 3 years ago, and he was bringing a private investigator to get to the truth). And she found out the truth and it didn't take her all that long. As things progress they realize there is an attraction between them.

It all works our, everything works well

and B.J. istill love reading your books!
Profile Image for Kelly.
420 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2019
Wonderful continuation in the Cardwell Ranch series. Hank comes home to try and find out what happened to his former girlfriend. He brings along Frankie, a PI, to help him figure it all out. Along the way some sparks fly. Loved the story, hope there's more books in this series!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.
689 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2019
Iron Will

Hank came back to Big Sky to prove to himself and everyone else that his girlfriend had not committed suicide. He hired a PI to act as his girlfriend while they investigated said demise. The closer they came to soon by the case, but he more trouble found them, and the hotter it got between them......
616 reviews15 followers
June 11, 2021
This story has lots of elements: suspense, lost love, new love, family drama, murder and kidnapping. The book is not just one story. There are at least three intertwined stories, and they all keep you turning the pages until everything is resolved. This was an easy read but it definitely keeps your interest. I recommend this to anyone who likes books written by BJ Daniels and a good mystery.
128 reviews
March 20, 2024
A page turner:

I have rated the second book of the series ( Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy ) a five star. I just love the twist and turns of the plot of the story. Who done it and why ? The excitement , the fear, and most of all love, romance, family and the lord. I'm looking forward to reading the next book of this series.
745 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2022
Good read. Hank hired PI Franikie and brought her to Montana. Hank's previous girlfriend committed suicide three years before, but did she? Drug dealers and missing money add to the tale. Eventually HEA
1,131 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
Another good read from Daniels. I liked these characters and the plot of this tale. In this story you don't know who the bad guy was until almost the end. I liked it better when it's a mystery. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
1,833 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2019
Amazing

You'll find everything you could possibly want in a really good read on this story.Mystery,thrills,suspense and a really enjoyable love interest.Next book please.
10 reviews
September 16, 2019
Great Book

I love reading books by B.J. Daniels. This book had suspense, romance, and cowboys. All the things I like in a book.
Profile Image for Debra Shutters.
745 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story! It has romance, suspense, intrigue and mystery. I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading to find out what was happening and how it ends. I recommend this book!!!!!
Profile Image for Glenda.
745 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2020
Wonderful plot. Hank was totally in the dark about Naomi.
Profile Image for Cathie McManus.
1,465 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2021
Han came back because he didn't believe Naomi killed herself. He hired Frankie to find the evidence and the truth. Trouble comes from two different directions.
29 reviews
December 3, 2021
Review

Hooray!! Loved the plot , the characters and all in between. Literally could not put this book down read until the wee hours of the morning!
52 reviews
December 16, 2021
Another wow

Loved it from start to finish, crime, drama, romance and everything in between. Would highly recommend as I could not put it down
Profile Image for Linda.
1,202 reviews25 followers
May 5, 2022
Well done mystery with the weather and landscape playing a pivotal role in the story. As usual, BJ Daniels writes a tight story, great with mystery and suspense and characters that you remember.
383 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2022
Iron Will

A story of blind trust that comes apart as the truth is sought. There is a lot of emotional trauma throughout the story. Very well written and enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Rebecca Delio.
1,117 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2022
Lovely Story

I really enjoyed reading this story, I am sorry especially at her ex’s death, but I wasn’t writing the story, I will be reading more stories by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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