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Montana Justice #1
Restless Hearts: A Montana Western Mystery
REBELS AND REDEMPTION
Years ago, a Montana judge delivered his own brand of justice to teens who needed a second chance. Those rebels are now grown up, grateful and ready to return the favor.
When Blaze McClintock hears her estranged father has been accused of murder, she knows he’s going to need all the help he can get. But asking Jake Horn for a favor all these years later is the last thing she ever wanted to do.
Together Blaze and Jake were like a wildfire when they were teenagers—they burned hot and they left destruction in their wake. That fire is still between them, but has it tamed their restless hearts?
Years ago, a Montana judge delivered his own brand of justice to teens who needed a second chance. Those rebels are now grown up, grateful and ready to return the favor.
When Blaze McClintock hears her estranged father has been accused of murder, she knows he’s going to need all the help he can get. But asking Jake Horn for a favor all these years later is the last thing she ever wanted to do.
Together Blaze and Jake were like a wildfire when they were teenagers—they burned hot and they left destruction in their wake. That fire is still between them, but has it tamed their restless hearts?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 18, 2019
505 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,254 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 104 reviews
March 7, 2023
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Montana Justice series. The beginning of this book I found hard to follow, but once I got my head around everything that was going on in this book I really loved the book. The characters in this book is hard to love because their is so much slowly being founded out. This book is storyline/plot driven. This book is so suspenseful, but the romance really was not much. I did really enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
There are few authors who can weave such involving plots as B.J. Daniels can. Add to that, this is a plot involving a 16 year old mystery and a current miscarriage of justice and you have a fast paced plot with a real good who done it. This book does not give up its secrets until the very end. It keeps you guessing all the way.
After her mom left when she was 16 and never contacted her, Blaze McClintock left home after high school and never looked back. Now, her father, Monte McClintock, has been accused of murder and the community would rather hang him as look at him. She's back, not because she thinks he's innocent, but because he needed to at least have a fair trial. As a PI, she starts looking into the matter and is convinced he is innocent, she only needs to find the evidence to prove it.
Blaze may not trust Jake Horn with her heart, but there is no one she would trust more to help her prove her father is innocent. A year ago Blaze and Jake were as close as they could be, passionately in love, but Blaze just couldn't trust Jake. Jake will do anything to help Blaze and keep her safe from the people who hate her father. He will also do anything to make Blaze admit that she still loves him.
There are few authors who can weave such involving plots as B.J. Daniels can. Add to that, this is a plot involving a 16 year old mystery and a current miscarriage of justice and you have a fast paced plot with a real good who done it. This book does not give up its secrets until the very end. It keeps you guessing all the way.
After her mom left when she was 16 and never contacted her, Blaze McClintock left home after high school and never looked back. Now, her father, Monte McClintock, has been accused of murder and the community would rather hang him as look at him. She's back, not because she thinks he's innocent, but because he needed to at least have a fair trial. As a PI, she starts looking into the matter and is convinced he is innocent, she only needs to find the evidence to prove it.
Blaze may not trust Jake Horn with her heart, but there is no one she would trust more to help her prove her father is innocent. A year ago Blaze and Jake were as close as they could be, passionately in love, but Blaze just couldn't trust Jake. Jake will do anything to help Blaze and keep her safe from the people who hate her father. He will also do anything to make Blaze admit that she still loves him.
April 9, 2020
Good book. Blaze has not been home in many years thanks to her estrangement from her father. But when she learns he was charged with murdering a neighboring rancher, she heads for home. When she first arrives, Blaze believes that Monte is guilty of the murder, but is determined that he have a fair trial. It isn't long before Blaze changes her mind about his guilt and turns her efforts to proving his innocence. Though it pains her to do so, she will even accept ex-boyfriend Jake's help.
Jake hasn't been able to forget Blaze. He's more than happy to help her with her investigation as it gives him the chance to spend time with her. He is determined to do everything he can to prove his love to her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Blaze and Jake. Their previous relationship burned hot, disturbing both with the strength of their feelings. Blaze took advantage of an incident with Jake to break off the relationship. She's not happy at first to discover he was sent by a mutual friend to help her. Though she claims to be over him, there is no doubt about the sparks that still fly between them. But Blaze has trouble trusting Jake's professed feelings after witnessing the disintegration of her parents' marriage. She doesn't believe that love lasts. As they worked together, Blaze's feelings for Jake grew, but she was afraid to acknowledge them. I loved Jake's patience and persistence as he showed Blaze how he felt in many different ways. There were some sweet scenes as he took care of her, and some steamy ones as the sparks between them continued to grow. Jake refused to give in to those sparks without Blaze's admission of her feelings, creating some volatile moments. I liked the conversation between Blaze and Monte that helped put some of her fears to rest, but it was nearly losing each other forever that pushed Blaze past those fears. I liked Jake's big moment, even though it wasn't quite what he'd planned.
The suspense of the story was terrific. I was a little surprised that Blaze believed Monte was guilty when she first came back. But it didn't take long for her to pick up on the clues that Monte was likely protecting someone by pleading guilty. Blaze accepted Jake's help in investigating after realizing that it wasn't going to be easy to discover the truth. Monte was not a popular man, and many were more than willing to believe he was guilty. At the top of that list was the sheriff, who had a long-standing grudge against Monte. The deeper that Blaze and Jake delved into the past, the more suspects they found for Frank's murder. They also stirred up a veritable beehive of trouble, resulting in several attempts on their lives. The tension increased the closer they got to the truth. The final confrontation was intense, with a couple of unexpected revelations. There was also the secondary mystery of what had really happened to Blaze's mother, which drove the sheriff's vendetta against Monte. The resolution of that question was very well done.
I loved the depth of characterization of the people of Saddle Butte. It was interesting to see the number of secrets that were present in this small town and how pulling one thread unraveled so many of them.
Jake hasn't been able to forget Blaze. He's more than happy to help her with her investigation as it gives him the chance to spend time with her. He is determined to do everything he can to prove his love to her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Blaze and Jake. Their previous relationship burned hot, disturbing both with the strength of their feelings. Blaze took advantage of an incident with Jake to break off the relationship. She's not happy at first to discover he was sent by a mutual friend to help her. Though she claims to be over him, there is no doubt about the sparks that still fly between them. But Blaze has trouble trusting Jake's professed feelings after witnessing the disintegration of her parents' marriage. She doesn't believe that love lasts. As they worked together, Blaze's feelings for Jake grew, but she was afraid to acknowledge them. I loved Jake's patience and persistence as he showed Blaze how he felt in many different ways. There were some sweet scenes as he took care of her, and some steamy ones as the sparks between them continued to grow. Jake refused to give in to those sparks without Blaze's admission of her feelings, creating some volatile moments. I liked the conversation between Blaze and Monte that helped put some of her fears to rest, but it was nearly losing each other forever that pushed Blaze past those fears. I liked Jake's big moment, even though it wasn't quite what he'd planned.
The suspense of the story was terrific. I was a little surprised that Blaze believed Monte was guilty when she first came back. But it didn't take long for her to pick up on the clues that Monte was likely protecting someone by pleading guilty. Blaze accepted Jake's help in investigating after realizing that it wasn't going to be easy to discover the truth. Monte was not a popular man, and many were more than willing to believe he was guilty. At the top of that list was the sheriff, who had a long-standing grudge against Monte. The deeper that Blaze and Jake delved into the past, the more suspects they found for Frank's murder. They also stirred up a veritable beehive of trouble, resulting in several attempts on their lives. The tension increased the closer they got to the truth. The final confrontation was intense, with a couple of unexpected revelations. There was also the secondary mystery of what had really happened to Blaze's mother, which drove the sheriff's vendetta against Monte. The resolution of that question was very well done.
I loved the depth of characterization of the people of Saddle Butte. It was interesting to see the number of secrets that were present in this small town and how pulling one thread unraveled so many of them.
April 4, 2020
BJ Daniels delivers an amazing high-stakes, western second-chance romance built around a large Montana ranch with intriguing characters, and a multitude of twists and turns that keep you engaged right from the beginning of the book.
Blaze McClintock returns back home to the family ranch because her father, Monte McClintock, has been accused of murdering his neighbor Frank. Blaze hasn't gone home in years because she hasn't gotten along with her father since her mother left him over 16 years ago. Her mother promised her that she would send for her as soon as she got settled in another place. Why after all those years did she not contact anyone? Jake Horn is still in love with Blaze and has never gotten over her since she left the ranch. The story of these two former lovers starts to bring them back together as they try and clear her father from a murder charge. Everyone in the small town was full of hate and secrets. Now Blaze needs Jake's help to find answers. This time Jake won’t let Blaze leave again without a fight ... even if it means risking his own life.
A fantastic western mystery tightly woven that will keep you guessing through family conflicts, anger, revenge, greed, and love.
Blaze McClintock returns back home to the family ranch because her father, Monte McClintock, has been accused of murdering his neighbor Frank. Blaze hasn't gone home in years because she hasn't gotten along with her father since her mother left him over 16 years ago. Her mother promised her that she would send for her as soon as she got settled in another place. Why after all those years did she not contact anyone? Jake Horn is still in love with Blaze and has never gotten over her since she left the ranch. The story of these two former lovers starts to bring them back together as they try and clear her father from a murder charge. Everyone in the small town was full of hate and secrets. Now Blaze needs Jake's help to find answers. This time Jake won’t let Blaze leave again without a fight ... even if it means risking his own life.
A fantastic western mystery tightly woven that will keep you guessing through family conflicts, anger, revenge, greed, and love.
November 26, 2019
Another hit right out of the gate with this new series by B.J. Daniels. I could not put the book down. The further you read the more her writing sucks you in. You are continously turning the next page to see what is going to happen to next. As you read the store of Jake and Blaze you are wrapped up in their story. You are rooting them on to find a happy ending. But first they have to deal with getting Blaze's dad out of jail and trying to clear his name. There are so many clues as to who has done the killing that happened in the book but it is the least likely suspect that will shock you! That is one of the many reasons I love B.J. Daniel's book. You think you have it all figured out and she throws you for a delightful loop! You have to give this book a chance. You will not be in the least disappointed. This is the beginning of a brand new series, that I now can't wait to read the second book!
March 6, 2024
I really liked this book a lot despite some niggles with the plot. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout the book. I enjoyed this author’s writing style (she is new to me) and I plan to read other books written by her.
Spoiler:
I was really confused about why Lonny was the killer. It didn’t make a ton of sense to me. I also thought it weird that Blaze’s mother would just leave (and plan to take her) instead of working out a custody agreement with the dad seeing as the split is amicable and he’s not a deadbeat. Something else not addressed in the book is the age gap between Allie and Blaze’s dad. I thought it was weird, but maybe that wasn’t the point of the book. I guess I didn’t love it as Allie had been actively cheating on Frank for ages and I hate cheating in any capacity. The author had to set it up this way to make the plot work and to make everyone a suspect in the murder
Spoiler:
I was really confused about why Lonny was the killer. It didn’t make a ton of sense to me. I also thought it weird that Blaze’s mother would just leave (and plan to take her) instead of working out a custody agreement with the dad seeing as the split is amicable and he’s not a deadbeat. Something else not addressed in the book is the age gap between Allie and Blaze’s dad. I thought it was weird, but maybe that wasn’t the point of the book. I guess I didn’t love it as Allie had been actively cheating on Frank for ages and I hate cheating in any capacity. The author had to set it up this way to make the plot work and to make everyone a suspect in the murder
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
Blaze McClintock vowed she’d never return to McClintock Ranch. But now her father has been accused of murdering a neighboring rancher. She came back believing he was guilty, but something just wasn’t right and Blaze is prepared to do anything to discover the truth. Even ask the one man who broke her heart to help her. A year ago, she’d told Jake Horn she hated him and never wanted to see him again. It only took one look at him now to know she hadn’t forgotten how good they were together. Could she deal with her father’s case and ignore the chemistry that still arced between them?
Jake Horn still feels the same passion for Blaze that he did as a teen. He knows he hurt her and he knows she’s built a wall around her heart. But he’s determined to help her. To win her trust and love again. And most importantly, to keep her safe. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but if he was anything, he was determined. He wanted Blaze forever and he wouldn’t settle for less this time.
Blaze and Jake have their work cut out for them. There are lots of people in the county who would love to see her father take the fall for murder. He has plenty of enemies. And the suspect list of who really did the crime gets longer by the minute. As Blaze and Jake investigate, trouble and secrets get stirred up. And it seems someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep those secrets buried.
Nobody writes a mystery better than BJ Daniels. She’s the only author I’ve read that keeps me guessing who done it till the very end. I was hooked on her books after the Montana Hamilton series. This new Montana Justice series promises to be just as addicting. Restless Hearts is filled with a fabulous cast of superbly drawn characters and loads of twists, turns, and surprises. The complex plot moves at a relentless pace and is packed with adrenaline rushing moments, intriguing mystery, and sizzling romance. BJ Daniels is a master storyteller who weaves romance and suspense so flawlessly that neither takes a back seat to the other. Fans of BJ Daniels will be thrilled with this new series.
Jake Horn still feels the same passion for Blaze that he did as a teen. He knows he hurt her and he knows she’s built a wall around her heart. But he’s determined to help her. To win her trust and love again. And most importantly, to keep her safe. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but if he was anything, he was determined. He wanted Blaze forever and he wouldn’t settle for less this time.
Blaze and Jake have their work cut out for them. There are lots of people in the county who would love to see her father take the fall for murder. He has plenty of enemies. And the suspect list of who really did the crime gets longer by the minute. As Blaze and Jake investigate, trouble and secrets get stirred up. And it seems someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep those secrets buried.
Nobody writes a mystery better than BJ Daniels. She’s the only author I’ve read that keeps me guessing who done it till the very end. I was hooked on her books after the Montana Hamilton series. This new Montana Justice series promises to be just as addicting. Restless Hearts is filled with a fabulous cast of superbly drawn characters and loads of twists, turns, and surprises. The complex plot moves at a relentless pace and is packed with adrenaline rushing moments, intriguing mystery, and sizzling romance. BJ Daniels is a master storyteller who weaves romance and suspense so flawlessly that neither takes a back seat to the other. Fans of BJ Daniels will be thrilled with this new series.
November 26, 2019
Blaze is back to her hometown after finding out that her father is being accused of murder. Shes not sure how to feel about it until she gets further into solving the case with the help of Jake. If her father isn't the murderer then who is? As they get closer to finding the truth the towns secrets get exposed and its clear someone wants them to stop looking into things.
So much to love about this book. There was so much mystery surrounding the death and there was plenty of leads the only problem is who had done it? I loved getting to know the neighbors and wondering about motive, I mean the dead dude wasn't exactly the most loved character. I loved that I just couldn't tell who it was and kept changing my mind on who I thought it would be. There was a bit of romance between the main characters which was bound to happen but I really loved the mystery surrounding the whole book. Highly Recommend!
So much to love about this book. There was so much mystery surrounding the death and there was plenty of leads the only problem is who had done it? I loved getting to know the neighbors and wondering about motive, I mean the dead dude wasn't exactly the most loved character. I loved that I just couldn't tell who it was and kept changing my mind on who I thought it would be. There was a bit of romance between the main characters which was bound to happen but I really loved the mystery surrounding the whole book. Highly Recommend!
November 4, 2019
I adored everything about Restless Hearts by D.J. Daniels! It’s the perfect combination of action and intrigue. A phenomenal way to kick off a new series. 📚Coming November 26th!!
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January 10, 2020
This was a joy to read and hard to put down. I like how it starts. For the person in trouble is Blaze's father. Jake Horn is there to protect Blaze from herself. BJ Daniels does a excellent blend of mystery and action. She makes it hard to put the book down as you read this book. Then as you read this book there isn't just one mystery happening there is 2. The answers to both will be a surprise for readers. But it brings closure for Blaze and a answer to a answered puzzle. Its a great blend of mystery and romance. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series. J
June 13, 2020
Ms. Daniels always gives her all when it comes to crafting solid, romantic suspense. I loved Blaze and Jake's story, plus all the twists and turns this book takes. Blaze comes back to her hometown in Montana after being away for a long time. Her father is accused of murder so she helps take over the ranch while he's in jail. A lot of little things just don't add up, so Blaze and Jake set out to find the truth. This is the first book in the Montana Justice series. I can't wait to read them all!
January 18, 2021
This is my second B.J. Daniels book and it was just as good as the first one I read. Once you start reading these books you are hooked, it's a suspense book with just enough romance in it. I never saw the ending coming, it kept me guessing all through the story. A must read for sure for anyone that loves good writing!
March 22, 2020
This was a great book
June 2, 2020
4.75 Stars. This is my first book by this talented author, but certainly won’t be my last. This murder mystery has suspense, a strong list of possible suspects, and intrigue. The author does a good job of balancing the romance with the suspense.
The characters are strong and the plot keeps your interest.
I kept changing my mind on the murderer, though I was able to guess correctly before the big reveal. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, until the author threw in a twist I didn’t see coming.
As for the main couple, Jake is a good book hero, not overly alpha, that has learned from his past mistakes. He is now ready to move forward with Blaze by his side. Blaze is strong-willed and loyal, but not one to forgive easily. Enough information is given on their backgrounds and past relationship to understand them both.
The characters are strong and the plot keeps your interest.
I kept changing my mind on the murderer, though I was able to guess correctly before the big reveal. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, until the author threw in a twist I didn’t see coming.
As for the main couple, Jake is a good book hero, not overly alpha, that has learned from his past mistakes. He is now ready to move forward with Blaze by his side. Blaze is strong-willed and loyal, but not one to forgive easily. Enough information is given on their backgrounds and past relationship to understand them both.
February 2, 2021
I loved this book! This was my second B.J.Daniels book & I’m excited to read the next one
December 5, 2019
Restless Hearts by B.J. Daniels kicks off her new Montana Justice series, and what a great way to do so. While I expected this novel to be romantic suspense, it was light on the romance, but what a mystery/suspense/thriller of a whodunit read it was. It gets 4.5 stars from his reader, primarily because I missed the romance.
Blaze McClintock, a private investigator, hasn't been back to her home at McClintock Ranch in Saddle Butte, Montana, for years, and has barely spoken to her father during that time, but when she learns that her father, Montgomery (Monte) McClintock, is now in jail for murder, is refusing a lawyer, and pleading guilty, after having been found, gun in hand, standing over the dead body of his neighbor, Frank, she has no choice but to return. As if that wasn't enough, one of the buffalo/bison Monte raises, to the dismay of the cattle ranchers around town, has also broken through 2 fences and trampled the young boy who spotted it while riding the fence line, Blaze has sympathies to offer to the boy's family, although unwanted, get her father a good lawyer, and since she doesn't believe her dad killed anyone, she plans on using her investigative skills to find out what actually happened, and clear her father's name. Also in unwelcome attendance, is Jake Horn, also an investigator with whom Blaze was involved years ago--he too is bent on protecting her, rekindling their romance, and solving the murder.
The sheriff in town, Bud Fraser, is only too eager to see Monte in prison, even though there's no actual evidence that the gun he was holding was the murder weapon. His son, LJ, is his deputy, and was once engaged to marry Blaze, but his violent temper was one of the many reasons she left town and ended their relationship. LJ is now engaged to another gal in town, Tawny, but his abusive tendencies haven't changed since Blaze left town.
Once Blaze fails at trying to talk her father out of his guilty plea and finds legal council for him, she and Jake start their own investigation, believing that the reason Monte confessed was to protect someone else, and the two will soon be finding many more suspects, all of whom had good reason to want Frank dead. The sheer number of suspects and their motives for murder is staggering in this small town, which has more scandalous secrets than Peyton Place, but the lies, and the long-held secrets, including why, when Blaze's mother left her husband 16 years earlier, with the promise to call Blaze the day after she left, and come back for her as soon as she was settled, and then was never heard from again, just added more interest, danger, and complexity to this already intricately plotted novel. It has quite a large cast of characters, all of whom have motives for murdering Frank, but I think the ending will surprise you as much as it surprised me.
If you're looking for an engrossing mystery/suspense novel, one that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further. This was one gripping, gritty, page-turner of a novel, and while I'd have liked a little more romance, all-in-all, I couldn't put this novel down, and am happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions mentioned are my own.
Blaze McClintock, a private investigator, hasn't been back to her home at McClintock Ranch in Saddle Butte, Montana, for years, and has barely spoken to her father during that time, but when she learns that her father, Montgomery (Monte) McClintock, is now in jail for murder, is refusing a lawyer, and pleading guilty, after having been found, gun in hand, standing over the dead body of his neighbor, Frank, she has no choice but to return. As if that wasn't enough, one of the buffalo/bison Monte raises, to the dismay of the cattle ranchers around town, has also broken through 2 fences and trampled the young boy who spotted it while riding the fence line, Blaze has sympathies to offer to the boy's family, although unwanted, get her father a good lawyer, and since she doesn't believe her dad killed anyone, she plans on using her investigative skills to find out what actually happened, and clear her father's name. Also in unwelcome attendance, is Jake Horn, also an investigator with whom Blaze was involved years ago--he too is bent on protecting her, rekindling their romance, and solving the murder.
The sheriff in town, Bud Fraser, is only too eager to see Monte in prison, even though there's no actual evidence that the gun he was holding was the murder weapon. His son, LJ, is his deputy, and was once engaged to marry Blaze, but his violent temper was one of the many reasons she left town and ended their relationship. LJ is now engaged to another gal in town, Tawny, but his abusive tendencies haven't changed since Blaze left town.
Once Blaze fails at trying to talk her father out of his guilty plea and finds legal council for him, she and Jake start their own investigation, believing that the reason Monte confessed was to protect someone else, and the two will soon be finding many more suspects, all of whom had good reason to want Frank dead. The sheer number of suspects and their motives for murder is staggering in this small town, which has more scandalous secrets than Peyton Place, but the lies, and the long-held secrets, including why, when Blaze's mother left her husband 16 years earlier, with the promise to call Blaze the day after she left, and come back for her as soon as she was settled, and then was never heard from again, just added more interest, danger, and complexity to this already intricately plotted novel. It has quite a large cast of characters, all of whom have motives for murdering Frank, but I think the ending will surprise you as much as it surprised me.
If you're looking for an engrossing mystery/suspense novel, one that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further. This was one gripping, gritty, page-turner of a novel, and while I'd have liked a little more romance, all-in-all, I couldn't put this novel down, and am happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions mentioned are my own.
November 5, 2019
RESTLESS HEARTS is a western mystery/procedural with aspects of a suspense/thriller. Although I had anticipated more of a romance slant, the romance aspects were very minor and no more than you would typically find in this type of book. Here, Blaze is returning to the town she left behind and the father she has not spoken to in years because he is under investigation/arrest for murder.
Her father was found standing over the dead man with a gun in hand. The sheriff is more than happy to put him away for this crime, believing that this is not his first. Considering that the general feeling in town is one of extreme dislike, owing to the fact that he is raising buffalo in a town of cattle ranches, her father seems set to not receive a fair trial.
As Blaze investigates with the help of Jake, an ex who still has feelings for her, she realizes her father may be taking the blame for someone else. As she gets to the bottom of things, she investigates many potential enemies and uncovers bigger secrets than she could have anticipated.
The mystery/procedural aspects here were really strong- I was completely caught up in the whodunnit nature of the murder. There are a great many negative characters in the book, including corrupt policemen, domestic abuse/violence, and those that attack Blaze/set her father's barn on fire. There's a lot going on in this book, and not all of it is resolved by the end of the story (most of it is).
RESTLESS HEARTS is highly readable with a plot that easily keeps the reader turning pages. I would recommend for people who like PI/procedural stories more than romance or suspense, although the suspense/thriller is strong as well. In terms of the romance, I had some iffy feelings about their relationship owing to the sentiment Jake has that he is going to marry her and she just doesn't know it yet. I hate this kind of bulldozing idea, but the romance was a very small piece of the story, so I am mainly rating according to the mystery.
Overall, this is an engaging read that I would recommend to fans of other murder-mystery books. Please note that I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Her father was found standing over the dead man with a gun in hand. The sheriff is more than happy to put him away for this crime, believing that this is not his first. Considering that the general feeling in town is one of extreme dislike, owing to the fact that he is raising buffalo in a town of cattle ranches, her father seems set to not receive a fair trial.
As Blaze investigates with the help of Jake, an ex who still has feelings for her, she realizes her father may be taking the blame for someone else. As she gets to the bottom of things, she investigates many potential enemies and uncovers bigger secrets than she could have anticipated.
The mystery/procedural aspects here were really strong- I was completely caught up in the whodunnit nature of the murder. There are a great many negative characters in the book, including corrupt policemen, domestic abuse/violence, and those that attack Blaze/set her father's barn on fire. There's a lot going on in this book, and not all of it is resolved by the end of the story (most of it is).
RESTLESS HEARTS is highly readable with a plot that easily keeps the reader turning pages. I would recommend for people who like PI/procedural stories more than romance or suspense, although the suspense/thriller is strong as well. In terms of the romance, I had some iffy feelings about their relationship owing to the sentiment Jake has that he is going to marry her and she just doesn't know it yet. I hate this kind of bulldozing idea, but the romance was a very small piece of the story, so I am mainly rating according to the mystery.
Overall, this is an engaging read that I would recommend to fans of other murder-mystery books. Please note that I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2019
B.J. Daniels has a new series and readers are going to love it!
PI Blaze McClintock is returning to her hometown and family ranch for the first time in years. Not that she really wants to but her estranged father, Montgomery "Monte" McClintock is in jail charged with murdering fellow rancher Frank Anson. The judge who set Blaze on her reformed life's path, after her wild ways got her into enough trouble that she had to face Judge JT Landusky, has sent her home to help her father. Monte wants to plead guilty to the murder but Blaze believes he is trying to protect someone else. The judge also sends bounty hunter Jake Horn to assist Blaze. Oh no! Not Jake Horn! Blaze and Jake had a thing going the previous year until Jake took off to help a "friend." Blaze's heart was broken and she is not real inclined to give Jake a second chance. Then again she never let Jake explain his actions and Jake is determined to make her listen because he loves her. He is also determined to keep her safe. That's a difficult, dangerous job. Arson, buffalo stampedes, break-ins and all kinds of danger.
Restless Hearts by B.J. Daniels is the first book in her Montana Justice series. This book is a super beginning to the series. B.J. Daniels is very talented when it comes to mystery, suspense and romance. This comes through quite clearly in this story. The suspects in the murder case are numerous. Blaze and Jake have so many people to question. This author has really outdone herself with the characters in this story, especially the main ones, Blaze and Jake. The chemistry between Blaze and Jake is off-the-charts. Their ability to get answers is outstanding. I love these two characters. And I loved the suspense of this story. Thrills and chills are awaiting readers of this book.
PI Blaze McClintock is returning to her hometown and family ranch for the first time in years. Not that she really wants to but her estranged father, Montgomery "Monte" McClintock is in jail charged with murdering fellow rancher Frank Anson. The judge who set Blaze on her reformed life's path, after her wild ways got her into enough trouble that she had to face Judge JT Landusky, has sent her home to help her father. Monte wants to plead guilty to the murder but Blaze believes he is trying to protect someone else. The judge also sends bounty hunter Jake Horn to assist Blaze. Oh no! Not Jake Horn! Blaze and Jake had a thing going the previous year until Jake took off to help a "friend." Blaze's heart was broken and she is not real inclined to give Jake a second chance. Then again she never let Jake explain his actions and Jake is determined to make her listen because he loves her. He is also determined to keep her safe. That's a difficult, dangerous job. Arson, buffalo stampedes, break-ins and all kinds of danger.
Restless Hearts by B.J. Daniels is the first book in her Montana Justice series. This book is a super beginning to the series. B.J. Daniels is very talented when it comes to mystery, suspense and romance. This comes through quite clearly in this story. The suspects in the murder case are numerous. Blaze and Jake have so many people to question. This author has really outdone herself with the characters in this story, especially the main ones, Blaze and Jake. The chemistry between Blaze and Jake is off-the-charts. Their ability to get answers is outstanding. I love these two characters. And I loved the suspense of this story. Thrills and chills are awaiting readers of this book.
November 21, 2019
Amazing story, sweet second-chance romance!
If you've never lived in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, then this book will feel like a visit to a foreign country. However, I grew up in such a town, and could easily identify with every little bit of this intricately-layered small town mystery.
Blaze is called back to her hometown to help her father, who stands accused of murder. Already suspected in the decades-old disappearance of his wife, Monte is believed by all to be guilty this time too and when he pleads guilty in court, it looks like an open and shut case. Until Blaze insists on hiring a lawyer, who insists on actual evidence being presented.
Blaze's ex-boyfriend, Jake, was also asked back to help Blaze, and he's not going to let this chance go by without doing everything he can to prove his love to Blaze. Their romance is almost a back-seat story to the murder investigation, but the emotional depth of their interactions affects their every move as their investigation uncovers many long-buried secrets one by one.
Told in multiple third person POV, we're treated to insights from not just Blaze and Jake, but also from Sheriff Bud, Allie, and others involved in this case. This is one of the most invigorating, complex romantic suspense books I've read in a very long time, and the eventual unveiling of all the secrets and unmasking the killers is shocking yet provides all the necessary closure. The HEA was sweetly triumphant and very satisfying.
This book kept me guessing, kept me thoroughly captivated, and kept me glued to my kindle from the first page to the last. I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
If you've never lived in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, then this book will feel like a visit to a foreign country. However, I grew up in such a town, and could easily identify with every little bit of this intricately-layered small town mystery.
Blaze is called back to her hometown to help her father, who stands accused of murder. Already suspected in the decades-old disappearance of his wife, Monte is believed by all to be guilty this time too and when he pleads guilty in court, it looks like an open and shut case. Until Blaze insists on hiring a lawyer, who insists on actual evidence being presented.
Blaze's ex-boyfriend, Jake, was also asked back to help Blaze, and he's not going to let this chance go by without doing everything he can to prove his love to Blaze. Their romance is almost a back-seat story to the murder investigation, but the emotional depth of their interactions affects their every move as their investigation uncovers many long-buried secrets one by one.
Told in multiple third person POV, we're treated to insights from not just Blaze and Jake, but also from Sheriff Bud, Allie, and others involved in this case. This is one of the most invigorating, complex romantic suspense books I've read in a very long time, and the eventual unveiling of all the secrets and unmasking the killers is shocking yet provides all the necessary closure. The HEA was sweetly triumphant and very satisfying.
This book kept me guessing, kept me thoroughly captivated, and kept me glued to my kindle from the first page to the last. I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 18, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Montana Justice series by B.J. Daniels.
I think this was supposed to be romantic suspense but I feel like it was more just suspense/procedural.
Blaze McClintock is back home after her father is accused of the murder of a local rancher. There is a big conflict here concerning his bison/buffalo and how dangerous the local ranchers think they are to the community. I felt like there was a bit of mob mentality at work here and the thoughts of a few coerced a whole bunch of others into actions they really hadn’t thought through.
Blaze believes in her father’s innocence even when the man is willing to sit in jail and take whatever they give him. She knows there is more to the story. As she digs into the past, she gets more and more threats and finds clues she almost wish she had left buried. Her father’s secrets have split a town in half. And she is not sure she can make it all right again.
As she investigates her old flame, Jake Horn, who has never given up on her, is there at every turn supporting her and lending her aid. Eventually, she begins to let him in and sparks do fly.
This book really sucks you in so be ready for a marathon reading experience. I just flew though this and at the end just wanted more. B.J. Daniels always delivers!
If you love romantic suspense, definitely check this one out for sure. This series is going to be one of her best. She only keeps getting better and better!
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.
This is the first book in the Montana Justice series by B.J. Daniels.
I think this was supposed to be romantic suspense but I feel like it was more just suspense/procedural.
Blaze McClintock is back home after her father is accused of the murder of a local rancher. There is a big conflict here concerning his bison/buffalo and how dangerous the local ranchers think they are to the community. I felt like there was a bit of mob mentality at work here and the thoughts of a few coerced a whole bunch of others into actions they really hadn’t thought through.
Blaze believes in her father’s innocence even when the man is willing to sit in jail and take whatever they give him. She knows there is more to the story. As she digs into the past, she gets more and more threats and finds clues she almost wish she had left buried. Her father’s secrets have split a town in half. And she is not sure she can make it all right again.
As she investigates her old flame, Jake Horn, who has never given up on her, is there at every turn supporting her and lending her aid. Eventually, she begins to let him in and sparks do fly.
This book really sucks you in so be ready for a marathon reading experience. I just flew though this and at the end just wanted more. B.J. Daniels always delivers!
If you love romantic suspense, definitely check this one out for sure. This series is going to be one of her best. She only keeps getting better and better!
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.
November 25, 2019
When BJ Daniels begins a new series, I am super excited! This one looks like it'll be another fantastic series that will drawn you in from the beginning because this story did from the first page for me! You think the murder is solved right away because the culprit is standing over the body with the murder weapon right? Ah, not so fast! We have the whole book to find out what really happened and how we get there is so intriguing! Blaze is estranged from her father but she certain isn't going to let him be put away for murder! She is certain he wouldn't commit a crime like that and although she said she'd never set foot in Saddle Butte again, she'll make an exception for this! She's only surprised when Jake Horn shows up too - her boyfriend that broke her heart. He's going to set things right and help Blaze exonerate her father. However, they have to deal with a "small town mentality" that has so many secrets, they don't know where to start! Small towns can be great or they can be.... very difficult to live in! Saddle Butte is the latter! I highly recommend this book but make sure you know that you wont be able to put it down!
November 26, 2019
Well, in my opinion this was more a thriller than a romance, the couple were too involved in searching for the culprit to give the romance a lot of thought, So I was a little disappointed, but I liked it anyway, and I even hadn't guessed who the killer was almost till the end...
Questo, secondo me, piú che un libro d'amore era un giallo e la coppia era molto piú coinvolta nel cercare il colpevole piú che dai loro sentimenti. Quindi in realtá, nonostante mi sia divertita e non abbia indovinato chi fosse l'assasino quasi fino alla fine, sono rimasta un po' delusa.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Questo, secondo me, piú che un libro d'amore era un giallo e la coppia era molto piú coinvolta nel cercare il colpevole piú che dai loro sentimenti. Quindi in realtá, nonostante mi sia divertita e non abbia indovinato chi fosse l'assasino quasi fino alla fine, sono rimasta un po' delusa.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
November 19, 2019
This book is Amazing, one of BJ Daniel's best yet. Lots of twist and turns, keeps you turning the pages. She brings the character's to life and I felt like I was right there with Blaze and Jake on their journey, to find the truth. A few surprises I didnt see coming, this is a must read. Mrs. Daniels you've done it again another best seller, can't wait to take my next journey with you.
August 21, 2019
Not one of my favorite from BJ Daniels, but still a well written and well rounded story. A sweet second chance type romance that will tug at your heartstrings with a bit of family drama thrown in :)
April 21, 2020
Male narrator had a good voice but his female voices were bad Fortunately the story was good enough that I could move past that. Good small town mystery with some romance. I look forward to my next read by B.J. Daniels
January 26, 2021
This review has minor spoilers, but nothing major that will ruin the ending.
This is the first book I have ever read by B.J. Daniels and I will definitely be reading more of her work. There was a little bit of a slow start, but once it got going I could hardly put it down and was reading until 2AM. She built up the suspense well and had me guessing the entire time. Early on I thought I had it figured out and was quickly proven wrong. After that, I didn't have any idea who did what anymore. There were a lot of puzzle pieces to put together and the mystery was well drawn out. There were multiple points of view throughout, but not to the point of confusion. The story moved quickly and the romance between Blaze and Jake was pretty subtle until towards the end. As the story went on, the character development of several characters was evident. Blaze definitely made some changes and grew as a person, forgiving and opening herself up to others.
However, I needed more background explanation on Blaze and Jake. There would be references to when they were teenagers and got in trouble but were both set back on track by the same judge. Apparently they had broken up only a year ago and the last time they had seen each other Blaze had been holding a knife to him....there was absolutely no explanation about why that happened!! Like, what??? Plus, Blaze had been gone from this town for 10 years but everyone immediately knew who she was. Jake seems to be from the same area (population 759) and no one knows him at all. I mean, it didn't say that he was from this town exactly, but they had met at a rodeo and dated as teenagers and were separately seen in the court of Judge WT Landusky when they had gotten into trouble. This makes me think that they were at least from the same general area, but no one, not even her father, knew who he was. Again, like, what??? They apparently dated as teenagers, so how would her dad have never met Jake before?
My other "complaint" would be about the cover. Jake Horn is explained to be of Native American and Irish descent, with long black hair (long enough to pull back in a ponytail) with green eyes. The man on the cover has short black hair and brown eyes. Even if they couldn't find someone who had the features they were looking for, they could have done some computer editing to make him look more like the description in the book. Now, the man on the cover is attractive, so I'm not saying that it's a terrible cover, it's just that he doesn't look like what he's supposed to look like.
All in all, if you like mystery, suspense, and putting puzzles together with a little romance and family drama thrown in, then you will definitely like this.
This is the first book I have ever read by B.J. Daniels and I will definitely be reading more of her work. There was a little bit of a slow start, but once it got going I could hardly put it down and was reading until 2AM. She built up the suspense well and had me guessing the entire time. Early on I thought I had it figured out and was quickly proven wrong. After that, I didn't have any idea who did what anymore. There were a lot of puzzle pieces to put together and the mystery was well drawn out. There were multiple points of view throughout, but not to the point of confusion. The story moved quickly and the romance between Blaze and Jake was pretty subtle until towards the end. As the story went on, the character development of several characters was evident. Blaze definitely made some changes and grew as a person, forgiving and opening herself up to others.
However, I needed more background explanation on Blaze and Jake. There would be references to when they were teenagers and got in trouble but were both set back on track by the same judge. Apparently they had broken up only a year ago and the last time they had seen each other Blaze had been holding a knife to him....there was absolutely no explanation about why that happened!! Like, what??? Plus, Blaze had been gone from this town for 10 years but everyone immediately knew who she was. Jake seems to be from the same area (population 759) and no one knows him at all. I mean, it didn't say that he was from this town exactly, but they had met at a rodeo and dated as teenagers and were separately seen in the court of Judge WT Landusky when they had gotten into trouble. This makes me think that they were at least from the same general area, but no one, not even her father, knew who he was. Again, like, what??? They apparently dated as teenagers, so how would her dad have never met Jake before?
My other "complaint" would be about the cover. Jake Horn is explained to be of Native American and Irish descent, with long black hair (long enough to pull back in a ponytail) with green eyes. The man on the cover has short black hair and brown eyes. Even if they couldn't find someone who had the features they were looking for, they could have done some computer editing to make him look more like the description in the book. Now, the man on the cover is attractive, so I'm not saying that it's a terrible cover, it's just that he doesn't look like what he's supposed to look like.
All in all, if you like mystery, suspense, and putting puzzles together with a little romance and family drama thrown in, then you will definitely like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
(Jake & Blaze): This was a very good small town murder mystery/thriller. I can not and will not in good faith say that this was a romance as there was very little of it. And for those who don't like "sex" 😯🤫 in their romance books, you can relax… it's a slow burn and it's so short, if you blink, you'll miss it. Despite not being exactly what I expected, and the narrator, this book was really freaking good. This small town is all kinds of crazy. Blaze is a PI and on her back to her home town with her ex boyfriend(?), Jake because her father has been arrested for the murder of their neighbor. She hasn't seen her dad in years, blaming him for her mom leaving and not sending for her. They are there to take care of things on the ranch. Right away the author takes you on a journey into a game of "Clue". There's the sheriff who has a vendetta against Blaze's dad, his son is the deputy who is also Blaze's ex from high school. The entire town has a motive for murder and the more the story goes on, the most twisted it gets. In the background there's a small love story between Blaze and Jake. He is madly in love with her but has done something that she can't forget and has blocked him from her heart. While he's there with her, helping to exonerate her father, he's also trying to prove his love. One thing I didn't like was the multiple POV's but this is probably the narrator's fault. His voices were terrible and it was difficult to determine which character was which. It could be totally different without audio. I loved the constant surprises, the plot twists and the skeletons that are literally falling out of the closets. Who says a small town is quiet? Because B. J. Daniels just rocked the hell out of this town. I am shook. Even though I prefer romance and erotica, I would definitely read this author again.
November 27, 2019
An outstanding beginning to a new series. When you begin this book, you automatically think the murder is solved because the culprit is standing over the body with the murder weapon. Don't get ahead of yourself! You have the whole book to find out what really happened and how you get there is intriquing.
Blaze is estranged from her father, but she certainly isn't going to let him be put away for murder. She is certain he wouldn't commit a crime like that and even though she said she'd never set foot in Saddle Butte again, she makes an exception for this. She's only surprised when Jake Horn - her boyfriend that broke her heart, shows up too. He's going to set things right and help Blaze exonerate her father. Unfortunately, they have to deal with a "small town mentality" that has so many secrets, they don't know where to start. Small towns can be great or they can be very trying to live your life in. Saddle Butte definitely falls in the latter catergory. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest,voluntary review.
Blaze is estranged from her father, but she certainly isn't going to let him be put away for murder. She is certain he wouldn't commit a crime like that and even though she said she'd never set foot in Saddle Butte again, she makes an exception for this. She's only surprised when Jake Horn - her boyfriend that broke her heart, shows up too. He's going to set things right and help Blaze exonerate her father. Unfortunately, they have to deal with a "small town mentality" that has so many secrets, they don't know where to start. Small towns can be great or they can be very trying to live your life in. Saddle Butte definitely falls in the latter catergory. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest,voluntary review.
December 5, 2019
B. J. Daniels’ Restless Heart is first book of Montana justice series. It starts with a murder, a town full of suspects, and dangerous twists and turns putting the complex plot on a relentless pace and the adrenaline is practically dripping off the pages, absorbing me into the whodunit mystery. OMG, if you love mystery thrillers, this is the book for you! B.J. Daniels delivers a story that will grab you by the seat of your pants and will not let go. The story begins with Blaze McClintock who returns home after her father is arrested for murder. With Jake Horn’s help, Blaze investigates, unaware that the more they dig up secrets, the more they put themselves in danger. RESTLESS HEARTS is highly flammable that will keep the readers turning the pages to the very end.
November 26, 2019
Well, in my opinion this was more a thriller than a romance, the couple were too involved in searching for the culprit to give the romance a lot of thought, So I was a little disappointed, but I liked it anyway, and I even hadn't guessed who the killer was almost till the end...
Questo, secondo me, piú che un libro d'amore era un giallo e la coppia era molto piú coinvolta nel cercare il colpevole piú che dai loro sentimenti. Quindi in realtá, nonostante mi sia divertita e non abbia indovinato chi fosse l'assasino quasi fino alla fine, sono rimasta un po' delusa.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Questo, secondo me, piú che un libro d'amore era un giallo e la coppia era molto piú coinvolta nel cercare il colpevole piú che dai loro sentimenti. Quindi in realtá, nonostante mi sia divertita e non abbia indovinato chi fosse l'assasino quasi fino alla fine, sono rimasta un po' delusa.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
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