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There's a new man in town, and he's caught the sheriff's eye.

Being new to a small town is never easy, but Cody has chosen to make a home in River Gorge. He plans to keep his head down and build business in his mechanic shop, nothing more. Until he meets the town's much older sheriff.

Eli Barrett is a man who knows who he is, and what he wants. And what he wants is Cody Iverson. But with an election looming, openly loving Cody could mean putting his job on the line.

He can only hope his small West Texas town is ready for a new kind of sheriff. One with a young man on his arm.

This m/m romance was originally available as a free novella. It has been expanded with totally new content to almost double the original word count. ​

129 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2020

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Jacki James

67 books690 followers

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5 stars
592 (43%)
4 stars
475 (35%)
3 stars
229 (16%)
2 stars
49 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Carol.
4,038 reviews147 followers
January 31, 2026
Ripley Ellis never intended to return to Bluebird Ranch. The day his father kicked him out for being gay was the day he shook the dust off his cowboy boots and moved to the city. However, thanks to his homophobic father, the only way he can claim his inheritance is to return. He has to stay for one year, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it. The life of a rancher isn’t an easy one. Reed Warner knows that. He also knows that there is no other life for him. It’s all he’s ever wanted. Now that he’s retired from the rodeo, he’s ready to make his dreams come true. There’s only one problem...Ripley. The sassy city boy just inherited the ranch that Reed was planning to buy. If they can only put aside their differences and work together, they may both find exactly what they’re both looking for.
I'm a long-time reader of Jacki James's books and have always found that her writing is honest and tells the story well. I really liked this one. It was sweet and very believable. What I’ve always loved about the "River Gorge" books is how accepting the small Texas town was. The characters, the businesses, everything. This book has the classic closeted politician, the homophobic mayor and council member, a pastor and church that wants those "horrible" gays (their words, not mine), run out of town. Sound familiar? Then the politician meets a man who makes him want to come out, and the homophobes try to run them both out of town. One of the homophobes is running against the "now-not-so - closeted" politician in the next election...and basically that's your story. Honestly, it "bugged" me, because I was reading a really great series with really great characters in a really great place that was content to just "let folks live". This book I made me feel like I was reading the same book that I had read before, only with different characters. In other words, it was... predictable.

I really liked Eli and Cody as a couple. It was especially good how once Eli realized the extent of his feelings for Cody; he didn’t try to hide them or their relationship for anyone. The election was on the horizon, but whatever happened, they’d just deal with it together. They were going to be a couple no matter what happened or didn't happen, and that was all that really mattered.

There was an almost 15 years age difference between Eli and Cody, but that didn't matter to them either. The two of them are as different as two people could possibly be.... they could truly be called "polar opposites that managed to attract". I found myself really searching for a reason to rate this book higher than 4 stars. I couldn't come up with a higher rating because it felt like I was reading the story only under a different title and a different cover... what I had read before in different books in different series by this author/ If I had selected any of the other books of my over 700 on my shelves I would have read nothing much different. Nothing that hadn't already shown how amazing and accepting the town and people were in several others in the "Men of River Gorge" books.... which I really DO enjoy.

It was great to see some of the other men from some the other books in this series again, Ripley especially. He’ll always be one of my favorites. I adored Reed, Ripley’s guy, no complaints there. Overall, I have to say that the book was a worth the time good read. Jacki James is one of my "if she writes it, I will read it, buy it" authors... so this book certainly won’t stop me from reading any of her other books. I guess i was just expecting a little "more" from this one...but hey, we can't always have we want:)
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,454 reviews407 followers
March 30, 2021
It was okay-ish.
Sweet in the beginning.

Until Eli texted Cody : Hi Cody, this is Eli.
And Cody answered Eli : Hello Eli .

Full stop.

That was annoying af. Who texted your crush like that after a passionate night together?
Eli, for sure... (put a thousand eyerolling emojis here)

(story was sweet, but not too memorable, or maybe I was just not in the right mood for this story)
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,655 reviews55 followers
June 20, 2020
I am loving the town of River Gorge and the men we get to meet.
This time sees the Sheriff, Eli, meet Cody, the new mechanic in town. There's attraction from the moment they see each other but Eli doesn't plan to come out to the town. At least he didn't until he felt this need for Cody.
I love how these two men come together and Cody is so understanding and patient, wanting the best for Eli especially when it comes to the upcoming elections. Eli stands firm once he decides what he wants and is more than willing to fight for Cody. There's a real heat between them when they are together that's equally balanced by the sweetness that develops in their relationship. Friends and family in the town show the softer side of both men, especially when it comes to Eli's niece and nephew.
There's a bit of drama with the elections and the current town mayor and pastor being homophobic. It causes stress and even some damage to Cody's business but Eli is always there, standing strong in his belief of himself and the townspeople doing what's right.
Loving this series and Sheriff's Choice is a great addition. There's fun, heat, love and friendship which combats the negativity of the bad guys of the story. It's definitely a low angst romance and one I highly recommend.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,633 reviews32 followers
June 20, 2020
Big Sexy & Unicorned

I knew the Sheriff had a love story waiting to happen and I am so glad it was Cody. BTW, if I am ever lucky enough to have them over for dinner I’ll make sure dessert is served first. “I have rules for myself, and you break pretty much every one of them.” I love how protective Eli is without being overbearing and aside from Cody’s tattoos—gah—I adore his independence and feistiness. They both care so much about each other and River Gorge has never been safer. The ending was beyond amazing and I am so looking forward to visiting again to see what else is new. Perhaps the newspaper will have more surprises to share. Another delightful addition to this series.
Profile Image for Manfred.
804 reviews50 followers
February 5, 2021
I don't mind if a story is short, but I had a lot of issues with this one.
Honestly the most interesting character here was the cat, the two guys remained bland and didn't really keep me interested.
However, what really turned me off was that the story suddenly just ended, with an insta HEA that left me stunned.
On one page we are in the middle of the story, on the next its over,
like the word count for the story had been reached, or the author had something else planned for the day and just stopped writing...
This was ridiculous and not more than 2.5 stars for me.
Profile Image for Mer.
495 reviews
June 30, 2020
For a novella there was too much going on and everything happened too fast. The writing felt very perfunctory and just left me indifferent in the end.
Didn't help that a lot of the dialog was incredibly cheesy.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
3,027 reviews116 followers
October 27, 2020
3 and 1/2 stars. It’s a lot of insta love and little bit of a rushed plot. However, it’s a sweet story and I liked the sheriff. I like the romance of an older very masculine guy with a younger guy. This is a great book for when you want a quick low angst read.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,328 reviews274 followers
May 23, 2022
River Gorge, TX.
Cody's new in town, a mechanic who took over

the shop, after the other mechanic's retirement. He's dark haired green eyes, tattoos and has Jinxy the cat. He met the Sheriff in line at the coffee shop.
Sheriff Eli, older, hot and a muscled hunk, is running

for Sheriff again, but a homophobe is making life difficult. The men meet again at the new bar opening night, and it was fun, but Cody had one too many drinks, so the Sheriff took him home.

From there, another night they agree to a one-nighter, but the yearning to have it again was strong. Meanwhile they are seeing each other, and in deep mindful thoughts.



These two fit, they are great together and the sex was scorching hot.

Later, Cody overreacts and the men re-define their relationship, and what it means, and how they really feel. I am loving this series. Each book can stand alone.

Hot sexy times, full-bodied characters, and a terrific ending.
ENJOY !

=====
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,767 reviews85 followers
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars.

While I liked the story okay, I felt like I was reading the same story I'd read dozens of times over the years but with different characters. The main reason I've always enjoyed this series is because everybody in River Gorge was so accepting, and there was no real drama with regard to sexualities. That wasn't the case in Sheriff's Choice. It had the closeted politician, homophobic mayor, and the preacher who wanted everybody not as straight as an arrow kicked out of town. It was just too predictable.

I enjoy this author, and have read quite a few of her books. Unfortunately, this one and the one before it didn't blow me away.

Full review can be found at -

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Profile Image for M..
476 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
I am quickly falling in love with this world!

I really loved this no angst short story about Cody (mechanic, owner of shop) and Eli’s (sheriff) relationship. It’s super sweet and I honestly didn’t get enough of those too. I could really go for another short story or two of this couple.

Past couples and other secondary characters from Finding Ripley & Snowflake Kisses make appearances.

SPOILER BELOW
————————
I know the author is releasing Maverick and Donovan’s story next, but I’m curious how the reader will find out who vandalized Cody’s shop & whether Eli wins re-election for sheriff. Will we got more shorts or will be find out in other couples books. *shrug* Maybe I’ll ask that question in her readers group.
492 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2020
So sweet!

Really loved this story. It was sweet but in a real way? If that makes sense? Eli and Cody were such a great couple. I just adored eli. He was firm with Cody when he was drunk and didn't hold his behavior against him or even really tease him too much about it. Even though he originally wanted just one night on the DL he quickly flipped that and even basically came out for/with him in spite of potentially losing his job. Cody just really needed to be loved and accepted for who he was and it made me so happy that he found a place that he was. This whole series has been fantastic and I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
May 11, 2020
I am so happy that the author wrote an expanded version of this story, I had felt it was incomplete when I read the short story in May. I loved how this story showed how much support these men could get even in a small town where you have to deal with small minded people (not that they aren’t everywhere). Eli is such a sweetheart and he jumps right into their relationship not worrying about what others will think. Cody does more worrying but their friends help him to see that he doesn’t need to.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
6 reviews
December 30, 2020
Hoping there will be more!

This is the latest in The Men of River Gorge series and what can I say? Just the best kind of read, no drama , no angst just good guys finding love in a town we all wish we could live in. I've never been disappointed in a Jacki James book. Loved this book, just the right length, loved the series.
1,434 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
One time only, Not!

Living in a country town can be great but not all citizens are open minded. The Sherrif had been married and lived in the city for awhile but moved back to his home town. Everyday this really cute man who is new in town as their mechanic makes his heart beat faster when ordering his cuppa at the local diner.
1,555 reviews
March 26, 2022
Sherrif’s Choice

This was a fun story set in River Gorge! This is about the sheriff, Eli and Cody, the new to town mechanic. It’s pretty much love at first sight, which was great, and there are appearances by people from the previous books, as well as some issues with the townspeople. Alls well that ends well, and we have a cute, romantic HEA!
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,633 reviews32 followers
May 5, 2020
Oh Eli and Cody. I knew the Sheriff had a love story waiting to happen and I am so glad it was Cody. They’re both sexy; Eli with his protectiveness and Cody with his tattoos and his attitude. I really need to visit River Gorge someday as I’d like to have a coffee and visit with everyone at Cap’s.
Profile Image for Marie.
923 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2020
Argh I feel like Jacki didn’t post the full story. I know it was a short story but it was building really well then just sto...

The characters really drew you in and I feel like it would be great to finish Eli and Cody’s story with an end
443 reviews7 followers
July 18, 2020
❤️❤️❤️

This was my first time reading one of the River Gorge books and I have no idea why! This is a great story! Eli and Cody are so sweet together and I love the little added intrigue! I can’t wait to go back and start at the beginning of the series!
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,587 reviews16 followers
February 21, 2022
WOW!! O. M. G. So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! This book covers prejudice and hate crime so insightfully! I couldn't put this book down and read it in just a few hours!
252 reviews
June 22, 2020
Too good to put down!

I loved this as a short story, but I am so glad we got the rest. I can't wait to see who is next for River Gorge.
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews40 followers
July 1, 2020
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
5,531 reviews49 followers
April 12, 2023
Cody Iverson has moved to River Gorge and has taken over the mechanic shop and intends to keep his head down and build up the business. Eli Barrett is the Sheriff and he knows what he wants and that is Cody. However, there is an election looming and openly loving Cody will put his job on the line. Is this small West Texas town ready for a new kind of sheriff? One with a young man on his arm.

I enjoyed this story with passion between the two men and all the politics between the various factions in the small town and how they interacted together. I loved how Eli was determined that if he had to he would change his job if he was voted out of his current role as Sheriff. I loved how it was all concluded and how the haters were all taken down by the electorate. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains MM mature content.

** Please note this story was originally available as a free novella. It has been expanded with totally new content to almost double the original word count.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
2,221 reviews42 followers
July 19, 2025
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

This novella has it all. Small town, a bit of mystery and crime, some crappy town folk who get what’s coming to them, and most importantly - a pretty terrific love story.

River Gorge is changing a lot, but there are still some terrible people, and they’ve made it their mission to make their feelings known. And sweet Cody, the town’s newest addition, has been their target.

But he’s got Sheriff Eli on his side. And, gah! I love a big, bad lawman finding love and embracing himself. He’s a good person, fair and kind, and he deserves to have someone in his corner. Standing by his side and loving him.

It’s a great addition to this series.
Profile Image for Laina Gruver.
1,307 reviews60 followers
June 22, 2020
4.25-4.5 stars

I LOVE this series! I am SOOOO glad Ms James wrote more books about the men in River Gorge.

Sheriff Eli Barrett meets sext mechanic Cody Iverson and they agree to just one night together. However they both know that one time would never be enough. With Eli up for re-election, Cody isn’t so sure making their ‘relationship’ public in such a small town is such a good idea. Eli tries to reassure Cody that he won’t hide who he is and that if he doesn’t get re-elected, Cody is well worth it.

**originally released as a freebie on Prolific Works but has been expanded to TWICE as long and the additions are sooo worth the reread**

*****
POV... multi first person

Standalone or series... series but CAN be read as a standalone

Hangover... slight

Recommend... YES

reread... YES
Profile Image for Tracey.
2,270 reviews
July 15, 2021
I did not care for this book and have now lost interest in the series as a whole. Cody and Eli don't have a lot of chemistry. I don't buy their attraction to one another. It barely seemed like Cody noticed Eli until the plot remembered this was a romance.

I liked the conflict the couple had to overcome. The small town, up to this point in the series, had been mostly accepting of the queer couples. I felt bad that Cody had to deal with a hate crime but was happy he wasn't hurt in the process. Nothing much else happens until the end which feels very rushed. I won't be continuing the series but if you liked that last two books, keep trucking along. I think it'll be worth to finish if this book was good for you.
8 reviews
April 11, 2025
Un peu mieux que les 3 premiers, mais de peu.

Par contre j'ai un problème avec le premier chapitre. À la fin du chapitre, il y a Ripley qui invite Cody a boire un verre au Watering Hole, ils en parlent, et à la toute fin du chapitre:
"That sounds good", I glanced at my watch
On dirait qu'une partie a été supprimée en vitesse et l'auteur a pas pris la peine de changer la phrase, même pas de mettre un point. Parce qu'il regarde sa montre ok, et ensuite? L'information complètement inutile pour finir le chapitre.
Il y avait beaucoup d'intrigues qui se sont toutes terminées en une dizaine de pages vite fait à la fin. Bref, un peu mieux que le reste mais pas à peine passable. Je ne perdrais pas mon temps à lire l'histoire de Landon et Miller.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,115 reviews15 followers
Read
July 9, 2020
Confidence is sexy but a fairytale come true - priceless!

Sheriff Eli didn't know what was coming until out of the blue a simple crash into smithereens his world upside down. Cody moving to a new town always risky but the new friends are ones you without whole life for true keeoers, always there for you. Cody a business owner of the town mechanics is about to gamble big. The risk to heart, safety and future are all on the line! V2 hate crime, S2 romantic more reviews @my2centsbooklover. True romanyic, friendship and not to settle - this is the gift of a book you give to your friends & children when they fly the coop. Do not settle! Find the one!
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,495 reviews21 followers
June 20, 2020
I love this series, and Cody and Eli are one of my favourite couples now! Eli has a lot of love to give and he just meshed with Cody so incredibly well. And I loved just how sure Eli is of Cody and how sweet and protective his instincts are. I had read the earlier version of this novella but I'm glad it was expanded because we got answers to a lot of questions, especially who vandalised the shop. And the ending now has an actual solid resolution. Eli and Cody are super sweet and I can't wait to visit River Gorge again for more HEAs!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews