What do you think?
Rate this book
Nothing says nice to meet you like a loaded shotgun.
A notorious drug cartel is using Maggie White’s property as a shortcut to transport heroin across Texas. It’s up to undercover DEA agent Ridge Boudreau to stop the deadly shipment, and determine if the shotgun-wielding beauty is as innocent as his heart wants to believe or neck deep in a pack of lies.
A notorious drug cartel is using Maggie White’s property as a shortcut to transport heroin across Texas. It’s up to undercover DEA agent Ridge Boudreau to stop the deadly shipment, and determine if the shotgun-wielding beauty is as innocent as his heart wants to believe or neck deep in a pack of lies.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2020
184 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Ivan
77 books181 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Kathy Ivan can’t remember a time when books and reading weren’t a part of my daily life. I was blessed with a mother who instilled the love of reading in me at a young age. That progressed into a passion for the written word in all forms, which led to my writing. Every day I have new stories and new ideas roaming through my brain, the characters chomping at the bit for their turn to be front and center and have their story told. Today that love of storytelling translates into my desire to write and share my stories with others. I write in many genres, but I’m currently concentrating on romantic suspense and paranormal.
My day job is about as uncreative as it gets. I do medical transcription, spending numerous hours at the computer each day trying to decipher the mumbled, garbled and often unrecognizable words the physicians are dictating, in an effort to make a complete and comprehensive patient record. It’s almost as bad as trying to read their handwriting!
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I’ve lived in various places throughout my youth, from California to Hawaii and back to Florida (Key West), before finally settling in Texas. I make my home outside Dallas, Texas with my spoiled black lab (Missy).
I am a member of Romance Writers of American and the Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA), where I’m an active member; you can find me at the local meetings each month.
That’s about it off the top of my head. I love talking with other readers and writers, so feel free to contact me.
My day job is about as uncreative as it gets. I do medical transcription, spending numerous hours at the computer each day trying to decipher the mumbled, garbled and often unrecognizable words the physicians are dictating, in an effort to make a complete and comprehensive patient record. It’s almost as bad as trying to read their handwriting!
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I’ve lived in various places throughout my youth, from California to Hawaii and back to Florida (Key West), before finally settling in Texas. I make my home outside Dallas, Texas with my spoiled black lab (Missy).
I am a member of Romance Writers of American and the Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA), where I’m an active member; you can find me at the local meetings each month.
That’s about it off the top of my head. I love talking with other readers and writers, so feel free to contact me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 7, 2020
Ridge by Kathy Ivan is the fourth book in a new series called Texas Boudreau Brotherhood. The Boudreau brothers are all adopted children by Douglas and Ms Patti. Ridge is the owner of a Security Company and works part time for the DEA. He was looking for a secret path that drug runners used to move drugs secretly.
The DEA sent Ridge to figure out how or if a local homeowner, Maggie was guilty of helping the drug runners. Ridge only had to meet Maggie once to know that she was a wounded soul like him. Maggie was slow to trust usually, but not with Ridge. Maggie does have a secret, but so does Ridge as he never told her about working for the DEA. Is it possible to fall in love when you do not have all the facts about someone.
Ridge by Kathy Ivan is a romantic thriller. The characters, Maggie and Ridge are fun together. The setting and the overwhelming numbers of Bourdreau boys make the story hotly interesting. Ridge by Kathy Ivan is a good read.
The DEA sent Ridge to figure out how or if a local homeowner, Maggie was guilty of helping the drug runners. Ridge only had to meet Maggie once to know that she was a wounded soul like him. Maggie was slow to trust usually, but not with Ridge. Maggie does have a secret, but so does Ridge as he never told her about working for the DEA. Is it possible to fall in love when you do not have all the facts about someone.
Ridge by Kathy Ivan is a romantic thriller. The characters, Maggie and Ridge are fun together. The setting and the overwhelming numbers of Bourdreau boys make the story hotly interesting. Ridge by Kathy Ivan is a good read.
April 23, 2024
Oh Ridge! He was such a sweetheart. I loved the way he was there for Maggie. There’s just something special about these Boudreau brothers. I was so glad Maggie had Ridge by her side. They definitely were meant to be. 💛
June 12, 2020
This book was full of mystery from the start! The story line is well written as several secrets come to light. Amazing characters, strong family ties and growing attraction help make this a must read. Terrific addition to this wonderful series. Can't wait for more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
September 1, 2023
OMG .... Another great book about the Boudreau Brotherhood. Suspense and mystery from the word go and such a good do not put down to its finished read. Highly recommend
September 5, 2020
Ridge is the fourth book in Kathy Ivan's Texas Boudreau Brotherhood. In it we meet our lead characters--Mary Margaret (Maggie) White and Ridge Boudreau. Maggie is a wealthy, intelligent and independent woman. But, Maggie is a loner and it seems as though she is guarding a secret. Ridge is a DEA agent assigned to bring down the Escondido Cartel. The DEA suspect that Maggie may be involved and Ridge is assigned to go undercover and investigate her. What will Ridge's investigation reveal? Will he discover what Maggie's secret is? To find out, you have to read this contemporary, sweet western romance.
I enjoyed the way Ms. Ivan created her characters. I loved that they were multi-layered and she revealed their dreams, strengths, and vulnerabilities. She allows readers to journey along with her characters as they work out their fears and challenges. I'm fascinated how Ms. Ivan includes different brothers into the story thereby allowing readers to get to know each of the Boudreau brothers. Ms. Ivan masterfully created a two-prong character-driven plot. One prong focuses on Ridge's obsession with bringing down the Escondido Cartel. The second prong focuses on Maggie's obsession with helping battered and abused women and children. She brilliantly weaves these two prongs together to create this suspenseful romance.
I also appreciated Ms. Ivan's use of literary devices such as point of view, dialog, backstory, and descriptive language. Through the dialog and their internal dialog readers are provided an opportunity to get to know them better, to truly understand their personalities and to get their backstories. I also appreciated the way Ms. Ivan differentiated between the dialog between characters and the internal dialog by off setting the text in italics.
I was intrigued with the way she used point of view. She shifted between third person point of view and a dual point of view approach. The third person point of view provides the backstories. In this story, particularly, we learn what lead to Maggie's PTSD. The dual point of view familiarizes readers with their past histories and their dreams and endearing them to her readers. Additionally, Ms. Ivan's use of descriptive language vivid and realistic scenes. This is evident in the scenes describing the night the DEA closed in and apprehended of the drug caravan as they traveled across Maggie's property.
If you want to read a suspense romance then you should read this one. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Happy Reading.
I enjoyed the way Ms. Ivan created her characters. I loved that they were multi-layered and she revealed their dreams, strengths, and vulnerabilities. She allows readers to journey along with her characters as they work out their fears and challenges. I'm fascinated how Ms. Ivan includes different brothers into the story thereby allowing readers to get to know each of the Boudreau brothers. Ms. Ivan masterfully created a two-prong character-driven plot. One prong focuses on Ridge's obsession with bringing down the Escondido Cartel. The second prong focuses on Maggie's obsession with helping battered and abused women and children. She brilliantly weaves these two prongs together to create this suspenseful romance.
I also appreciated Ms. Ivan's use of literary devices such as point of view, dialog, backstory, and descriptive language. Through the dialog and their internal dialog readers are provided an opportunity to get to know them better, to truly understand their personalities and to get their backstories. I also appreciated the way Ms. Ivan differentiated between the dialog between characters and the internal dialog by off setting the text in italics.
I was intrigued with the way she used point of view. She shifted between third person point of view and a dual point of view approach. The third person point of view provides the backstories. In this story, particularly, we learn what lead to Maggie's PTSD. The dual point of view familiarizes readers with their past histories and their dreams and endearing them to her readers. Additionally, Ms. Ivan's use of descriptive language vivid and realistic scenes. This is evident in the scenes describing the night the DEA closed in and apprehended of the drug caravan as they traveled across Maggie's property.
If you want to read a suspense romance then you should read this one. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Happy Reading.
April 20, 2022
Overall Amanda rating: A
So far I am loving this series. The author has done a very good job creating these characters as well as a beautiful setting. I love seeing the characters come to life on the page, no longer just a brief name mentioned in the books prior, but seeing who they really are. I think that my only complaint is that I wish there were more details about the previous people. They are briefly named as present at the big house, and they are all still engaged. There isn't as much time passing between the books. I feel like they are all meeting their mates within days of one another.
Ridge: strong and smart. A good male lead character.
Maggie: I love her spunk and how much she wants to help other people.
Patti: The author wants us to love this character, as well as want her to be our mother. She does that very well. I would love to read a book about her and Douglas.
So far I am loving this series. The author has done a very good job creating these characters as well as a beautiful setting. I love seeing the characters come to life on the page, no longer just a brief name mentioned in the books prior, but seeing who they really are. I think that my only complaint is that I wish there were more details about the previous people. They are briefly named as present at the big house, and they are all still engaged. There isn't as much time passing between the books. I feel like they are all meeting their mates within days of one another.
Ridge: strong and smart. A good male lead character.
Maggie: I love her spunk and how much she wants to help other people.
Patti: The author wants us to love this character, as well as want her to be our mother. She does that very well. I would love to read a book about her and Douglas.
June 16, 2020
What a great read from this author. I was entertained from the start. I enjoyed the whole drug cartel going through Maggie's land. In comes the hero Ridge to try to save the day. Keeping her safe from danger and harm. Or is she just putting up a front and is actually neck deep in the cartel? You will find out in Ridge!!
Guys, this really was a great read that kept my interest until the end. Full of danger, mystery, secrets, family, attraction and good vs bad. I highly recommend this series.
Guys, this really was a great read that kept my interest until the end. Full of danger, mystery, secrets, family, attraction and good vs bad. I highly recommend this series.
February 21, 2022
Ridge and Maggie
Ridge had worked under cover for the DEA. Even most of his family didn't know. They had good Intel that they were going through Shilo county on Mary Margaret White's land. It was too close to Shilo Springs. At first sight he knew she wasn't involved. But he had to prove it. Something wasn't right. She was doing something.
Another great story with people you would love to know.
Ridge had worked under cover for the DEA. Even most of his family didn't know. They had good Intel that they were going through Shilo county on Mary Margaret White's land. It was too close to Shilo Springs. At first sight he knew she wasn't involved. But he had to prove it. Something wasn't right. She was doing something.
Another great story with people you would love to know.
June 16, 2020
Undercover!
Ridge: Wonderful story with lots of surprises and suspense. I loved the whole big family. I liked how Ridge treated Maggie with care even though DEA suspected her for helping a drug trafficking. Ridge knew deep down she wasn't the type. It was a great addition to the series and a good romance.
Ridge: Wonderful story with lots of surprises and suspense. I loved the whole big family. I liked how Ridge treated Maggie with care even though DEA suspected her for helping a drug trafficking. Ridge knew deep down she wasn't the type. It was a great addition to the series and a good romance.
November 9, 2020
Each book has been fun yet with serious problems that bring danger to Shiloh Springs. The family built from fostering boys in terrible situations is so heartwarming and as each finds their soul mates, the romance is off the charts! Real romance, not just short term. Beginning with Rafe, I laughed out loud as he met Tessa and Ridge meeting Maggie is just as much fun. Enjoy!
March 23, 2021
Miss Maggie Mine
This was a mystery inside an unfolding drama with a happy love story sprinkled over the top. The cherry is the humor and witty banter. I couldn't imagine a more deserving couple. I was thrilled to be able to watch (read) along as they found their happily ever after.
This was a mystery inside an unfolding drama with a happy love story sprinkled over the top. The cherry is the humor and witty banter. I couldn't imagine a more deserving couple. I was thrilled to be able to watch (read) along as they found their happily ever after.
July 30, 2023
Once again Kathy did a wonderful job all of her books are just so sweet and heartwarming that I enjoy reading them. They always have some type of twist to them that makes it fun and exciting but you know in the end that the two characters will fall in love or the book just wouldn't end the right way
October 30, 2024
4.5 stars adjusted to 4 GR stars. I really enjoyed this Like the past Boudreau brothers, Ridge is in the law enforcement field as a DEA agent. In the past, it had felt like the stories were very similar to each other, but this one although with at least the one similarity being in the law enforcement field, did have enough differences, where I enjoyed the story and will continue with the series
June 22, 2020
Amazing!
I really love this new series! All these brothers have an interesting story! I couldn't wait to read Ridges story and it did not disappoint! Couldn't put it down! Faint wait for the next!
I really love this new series! All these brothers have an interesting story! I couldn't wait to read Ridges story and it did not disappoint! Couldn't put it down! Faint wait for the next!
August 26, 2020
WOW!
Well written story and well developed characters! Danger and intrigue. Ups and downs! Unexpected surprises! I loved it and had a real hard time putting it down to get anything done !
Well written story and well developed characters! Danger and intrigue. Ups and downs! Unexpected surprises! I loved it and had a real hard time putting it down to get anything done !
February 24, 2021
Drugs, love at first sight, and an Underground Railroad
Ridge owns his own security company and also works for the DEA. His latest case with the DEA is trying to find a drug pipeline that was sending millions of dollars of drugs into the U.S.
Ridge owns his own security company and also works for the DEA. His latest case with the DEA is trying to find a drug pipeline that was sending millions of dollars of drugs into the U.S.
September 3, 2025
An ok read. Pretty much like the previous books. Ridge and Maggie's relationship seemed like they spent more time apart, either physically or emotionally, than they did together.
This one ends with a lead in to the story about Lucas. The narration was kind of boring. Rating: 2.5 Stars
This one ends with a lead in to the story about Lucas. The narration was kind of boring. Rating: 2.5 Stars
July 1, 2020
Another awesome book in this series
November 15, 2020
I love this series and this book just adds to the love
March 19, 2021
Quick read... but... a little dull. It's almost too... nice?
October 22, 2021
Spellbinding
This series is spellbinding. Can't put the books down.The stories are fascinating. Characters have so many layers. Can't wait to read the next book.
This series is spellbinding. Can't put the books down.The stories are fascinating. Characters have so many layers. Can't wait to read the next book.
October 12, 2022
Maggi is no damsel in distress. Ridge is not one to hide from danger. Tackling a drug lord has danger coming their way. Awesome to see them work as a team & the sizzle between them. Fun!
January 30, 2023
A fun read.
July 29, 2023
Another interesting read in this series. Secrets, drug traffickers and undercover ATF hero makes for some interesting situations.
Want to read
November 25, 2023Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 19, 2024
Review of Ridge
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an awesome writer!
I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an awesome writer!
September 19, 2025
Ridge bk 4 (Romantic Suspense series)
This book Follows Ridge and how he finds love and also you will get to learn more about his past in this book.. I have to say that i enjoyed this book a lot and i am looking forward to read the other books in the series.. Each book follows a different brother in the series..
I really like the strong family relationship throughout this book because it was so sweet, cute and amazing to read.. In this book you got to see how much love is in the Boudreau family and how much they would help the town if anyone needed help..
Ridge is so sweet, kind, smart, caring, likes looking out for his family, Owns his own Security company, Always there for anyone that needs help, Goes undercover to Catch bad guys, sassy character, strong, has a big heart with so much love and loves his family..
Maggie is sweet, smart, kind, Strong Character, sometimes she can close herself off from friends Because she has been hurt a lot in the past by her ex, Has no Family, Henry looks out for her and takes care of the security around her house and land, you get to learn more about her past in this book..
Fav characters are:
⦁ Ridge [Owns a Security Company, works Part time at DEA catching bad guys (Undercover)]
⦁ Maggie [ Try's to Help people that have a hard life]
⦁ Shiloh [Ridge's Twin brother, Private Investigator]
⦁ Rafe [Brother to Ridge, Engaged to Tessa, Sheriff]
⦁ Tessa [Engaged to Rafe, School teacher]
⦁ Jill [Best friends with Tessa]
⦁ Brody [Fireman, Ridge's brother, Engaged to Beth]
⦁ Beth [Engaged to Brody, Sister to Tessa, Mother to Jamie]
⦁ Jamie [Daughter to Beth, Tessa's Niece]
⦁ Lucas [Works as a Reporter, Ridge's brother]
⦁ Liam [Works at The family Construction company, Ridge's brother]
⦁ Chance [Ridge's brother]
⦁ Patti [Mum to Boudreau brother's and Daughter, Realtor]
⦁ Douglas [Dad to Boudreau brother's and Daughter, Owns a Construction Company]
⦁ veronica [Ridge's sister]
⦁ Buckeye [Friends with Ridge]
These books are fast reads, with romance and mystery.. This series follows a different Boudreau brother for each book but you will also see the other brothers show up in the books too..
I really liked the relationship between Ridge and Maggie because it was so cute and sweet..
I liked that Maggie had Henry who looks out for her and makes sure the Security is working around her house and land.. I feel sorry for Maggie that she had to find out that her friend Felicia turned her back on her because of a bad guy..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Security Company Owner/Maggie Try's to Help people
⦁ Enemies to Friends to Lovers
⦁ Hero does Undercover work for DEA
⦁ No Steam just Kissing
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Content: Talks of drugs, Talks about Death of a parent, Dark themes, Talks about past Domestic Abuse Heroine helps women that need help get to a save place because they have been hurt
⦁ Heroine has scars
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Possessive hero
⦁ Strong Family Relationship
⦁ Strong friendships
⦁ A bit dark
⦁ Fast read
⦁ Action packed
⦁ Mystery
⦁ Small town
⦁ Dark theme
⦁ Love at first Sight [for him]
⦁ Each book follows a different brother and a Strong Family Relationship
characters I did not like are:
⦁ Felicia [Fell for a bad guy and Maggie's friend]
⦁ Rivera [Bad Guy, Dating Felicia]
This book Follows Ridge and how he finds love and also you will get to learn more about his past in this book.. I have to say that i enjoyed this book a lot and i am looking forward to read the other books in the series.. Each book follows a different brother in the series..
I really like the strong family relationship throughout this book because it was so sweet, cute and amazing to read.. In this book you got to see how much love is in the Boudreau family and how much they would help the town if anyone needed help..
Ridge is so sweet, kind, smart, caring, likes looking out for his family, Owns his own Security company, Always there for anyone that needs help, Goes undercover to Catch bad guys, sassy character, strong, has a big heart with so much love and loves his family..
Maggie is sweet, smart, kind, Strong Character, sometimes she can close herself off from friends Because she has been hurt a lot in the past by her ex, Has no Family, Henry looks out for her and takes care of the security around her house and land, you get to learn more about her past in this book..
Fav characters are:
⦁ Ridge [Owns a Security Company, works Part time at DEA catching bad guys (Undercover)]
⦁ Maggie [ Try's to Help people that have a hard life]
⦁ Shiloh [Ridge's Twin brother, Private Investigator]
⦁ Rafe [Brother to Ridge, Engaged to Tessa, Sheriff]
⦁ Tessa [Engaged to Rafe, School teacher]
⦁ Jill [Best friends with Tessa]
⦁ Brody [Fireman, Ridge's brother, Engaged to Beth]
⦁ Beth [Engaged to Brody, Sister to Tessa, Mother to Jamie]
⦁ Jamie [Daughter to Beth, Tessa's Niece]
⦁ Lucas [Works as a Reporter, Ridge's brother]
⦁ Liam [Works at The family Construction company, Ridge's brother]
⦁ Chance [Ridge's brother]
⦁ Patti [Mum to Boudreau brother's and Daughter, Realtor]
⦁ Douglas [Dad to Boudreau brother's and Daughter, Owns a Construction Company]
⦁ veronica [Ridge's sister]
⦁ Buckeye [Friends with Ridge]
These books are fast reads, with romance and mystery.. This series follows a different Boudreau brother for each book but you will also see the other brothers show up in the books too..
I really liked the relationship between Ridge and Maggie because it was so cute and sweet..
I liked that Maggie had Henry who looks out for her and makes sure the Security is working around her house and land.. I feel sorry for Maggie that she had to find out that her friend Felicia turned her back on her because of a bad guy..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Security Company Owner/Maggie Try's to Help people
⦁ Enemies to Friends to Lovers
⦁ Hero does Undercover work for DEA
⦁ No Steam just Kissing
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Content: Talks of drugs, Talks about Death of a parent, Dark themes, Talks about past Domestic Abuse Heroine helps women that need help get to a save place because they have been hurt
⦁ Heroine has scars
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Possessive hero
⦁ Strong Family Relationship
⦁ Strong friendships
⦁ A bit dark
⦁ Fast read
⦁ Action packed
⦁ Mystery
⦁ Small town
⦁ Dark theme
⦁ Love at first Sight [for him]
⦁ Each book follows a different brother and a Strong Family Relationship
characters I did not like are:
⦁ Felicia [Fell for a bad guy and Maggie's friend]
⦁ Rivera [Bad Guy, Dating Felicia]
October 15, 2020
I wasn't expecting you!
Maggie is awesome, she is feisty, determined, intelligent, driven and has a heart the size of Texas. But she also has secrets, are those secrets Ridge's worst nightmare? He is convinced she is innocent...but can he prove it?
She owned his heart the moment she held a shotgun to his head and whilst he is a protector at heart, Ridge is not sure he can protect her when the DEA bring their latest case crashing down. Should he listen to his head or his heart? He hopes it is the beginning of their future, but if he is wrong it could be the end...for both of them!
I am so glad I risked buying this book after the disappointment of book 3, for me this is the best book of the series so far and this one was well worth it's price.
Maggie is awesome, she is feisty, determined, intelligent, driven and has a heart the size of Texas. But she also has secrets, are those secrets Ridge's worst nightmare? He is convinced she is innocent...but can he prove it?
She owned his heart the moment she held a shotgun to his head and whilst he is a protector at heart, Ridge is not sure he can protect her when the DEA bring their latest case crashing down. Should he listen to his head or his heart? He hopes it is the beginning of their future, but if he is wrong it could be the end...for both of them!
I am so glad I risked buying this book after the disappointment of book 3, for me this is the best book of the series so far and this one was well worth it's price.
June 16, 2025
Ridge owns a security company. He also works undercover for the DEA. He is going undercover to find where drugs are being run through a property.
Maggie is divorced and lives on her big property. She has a secret that could get her arrested for.
While Ridge is getting the information and trying to find the area, he is falling for Maggie. He knows in his heart that she is not involved with the drugs but she is hiding something.
Maggie is freaking out but she can't back out now. Shiloh has shown up and she is just going to have to trust him to help.
When all the truth comes out, will Ridge stay with Maggie?
Maggie is divorced and lives on her big property. She has a secret that could get her arrested for.
While Ridge is getting the information and trying to find the area, he is falling for Maggie. He knows in his heart that she is not involved with the drugs but she is hiding something.
Maggie is freaking out but she can't back out now. Shiloh has shown up and she is just going to have to trust him to help.
When all the truth comes out, will Ridge stay with Maggie?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews