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The Outriders #1
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch
Someone murdered his father.
He’s home to set things right.
The moment he learns his father has been murdered, Delta Force soldier Trace Travis knows he must return home. But finding resourceful Lily Davidson, his high school sweetheart, helping his mother in the wake of the tragedy leaves him shaken. As old desires and deceits come flooding back, Trace partners with Lily to find his father’s killer—and overcome the circumstances that have always kept them apart.
He’s home to set things right.
The moment he learns his father has been murdered, Delta Force soldier Trace Travis knows he must return home. But finding resourceful Lily Davidson, his high school sweetheart, helping his mother in the wake of the tragedy leaves him shaken. As old desires and deceits come flooding back, Trace partners with Lily to find his father’s killer—and overcome the circumstances that have always kept them apart.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2020
220 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
686 books1,207 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 1, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch is book 1 in the new series The Outriders by Elle James and a great start to this series!
Trace and Lily were sweethearts but Lily knew Trace needed to leave Texas so she lied to him so he would go. Now 11 years later Trace, an Elite Delta Force soldier needs to return home after his father is murdered and to help his mother with the family ranch. What he doesn’t expect is to see Lily working at the ranch…
Sparks are flying again, trust issues, revealing secrets and through this all trying to find out who and why his father was murdered...
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch is book 1 in the new series The Outriders by Elle James and a great start to this series!
Trace and Lily were sweethearts but Lily knew Trace needed to leave Texas so she lied to him so he would go. Now 11 years later Trace, an Elite Delta Force soldier needs to return home after his father is murdered and to help his mother with the family ranch. What he doesn’t expect is to see Lily working at the ranch…
Sparks are flying again, trust issues, revealing secrets and through this all trying to find out who and why his father was murdered...
December 25, 2020
This was my Christmas afternoon read.
Trace has been summoned home from the military to his family ranch. His father has been murdered and his life will change.
Great suspense, I had no idea who the murderer was.
Trace's high school sweet heart is living on the ranch helping his mother....awkward, as he loves to hate her. She lied 11 years ago and he needs to learn why.
In the meantime someone is out to hurt the ranch and kill them off.
Wonderful story, I was glued to my kindle and loved every moment.
Trace has been summoned home from the military to his family ranch. His father has been murdered and his life will change.
Great suspense, I had no idea who the murderer was.
Trace's high school sweet heart is living on the ranch helping his mother....awkward, as he loves to hate her. She lied 11 years ago and he needs to learn why.
In the meantime someone is out to hurt the ranch and kill them off.
Wonderful story, I was glued to my kindle and loved every moment.
January 3, 2021
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch begins The Outriders series, and this one looks to be a fun, entertaining ride if this first story is any indication of what is to come.
On one level, I completely understood Lily’s young mindset’s decision to lie to Trace in order to “set him free” from what she (and his father) considered her bad family background. On another, well, I wish she’d stood up to Trace’s dad at his side to show daddy just how wrong about her he was… but it’s not my story to tell. Her decision changed their lives, and who really knows now if it was for the better or not. Yet, they had to deal with what happened in their past before they had any chance at all of a future together.
Trace’s father has been murdered with no suspects or real clues in sight. He’s returned home to the ranch that caused such tensions and arguments between father and son to help his mother and find the killer. He never expected to see the woman who’d broken his heart and set his life on a far different path at the ranch helping his mother. A Delta Force soldier has inner strengths not seen in others, it’s what makes those men and women in the Special Forces a step apart from others. And within his anger, surprise, and grief Trace had to put aside what once was and deal with them now. Soon there will be more questions than answers, and eventually, the truth will have to be told in order to free two hearts to heal and love again.
I enjoyed my time with this family, these friends immensely. Homicide at Whiskey Gulch sets up the rest of the series in many ways, but it also gives us a really good starting place with a couple that I often shook my head at or wanted to give them a good, stern talking to at the very least.
Lily confounded me at times. And without saying too much right now, I couldn’t wrap my head around how she got to have those opinions about Trace not fighting for her when it was she who lied to send him away forever. As much as I liked Lily for Trace – there were moments when her actions just annoyed me. But then, we humans are often illogical creatures, that’s a fact.
The secondary characters make Homicide at Whiskey Gulch come alive, and I’m looking forward to the stories of the men we’ve met so far. I had fun, and if you enjoy a really good Romantic Suspense, then you’ll want to pick up Trace and Lily’s story real soon.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch begins The Outriders series, and this one looks to be a fun, entertaining ride if this first story is any indication of what is to come.
On one level, I completely understood Lily’s young mindset’s decision to lie to Trace in order to “set him free” from what she (and his father) considered her bad family background. On another, well, I wish she’d stood up to Trace’s dad at his side to show daddy just how wrong about her he was… but it’s not my story to tell. Her decision changed their lives, and who really knows now if it was for the better or not. Yet, they had to deal with what happened in their past before they had any chance at all of a future together.
Trace’s father has been murdered with no suspects or real clues in sight. He’s returned home to the ranch that caused such tensions and arguments between father and son to help his mother and find the killer. He never expected to see the woman who’d broken his heart and set his life on a far different path at the ranch helping his mother. A Delta Force soldier has inner strengths not seen in others, it’s what makes those men and women in the Special Forces a step apart from others. And within his anger, surprise, and grief Trace had to put aside what once was and deal with them now. Soon there will be more questions than answers, and eventually, the truth will have to be told in order to free two hearts to heal and love again.
I enjoyed my time with this family, these friends immensely. Homicide at Whiskey Gulch sets up the rest of the series in many ways, but it also gives us a really good starting place with a couple that I often shook my head at or wanted to give them a good, stern talking to at the very least.
Lily confounded me at times. And without saying too much right now, I couldn’t wrap my head around how she got to have those opinions about Trace not fighting for her when it was she who lied to send him away forever. As much as I liked Lily for Trace – there were moments when her actions just annoyed me. But then, we humans are often illogical creatures, that’s a fact.
The secondary characters make Homicide at Whiskey Gulch come alive, and I’m looking forward to the stories of the men we’ve met so far. I had fun, and if you enjoy a really good Romantic Suspense, then you’ll want to pick up Trace and Lily’s story real soon.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
January 3, 2021
Trace, the only child of a wealthy Texas rancher, knows that he’s expected to take over the family business. When his dad decides his high school sweetheart, Lily, isn’t good enough for him...that’s it! He enlists in the Army with plans to eventually take Lily with him. Wanting the best for Trace, Lily lies to Trace and tells him she been cheating on him with Matt—the town bad boy. Enraged, he leaves and pushes himself in the Army to eventually become a member of the Delta Force. Trace only returns when he receives word that his father has been murdered. He’s shocked to learn that all the ranch hands have left and his mom and Lily have been left with more than they can handle.
Lily, Trace’s high school sweetheart, has lived a life trying to make up for the sins of her parents. Feeling that her family’s criminal record would hinder Trace in reaching his dreams, she makes the ultimate sacrifice for him...she lets him go. Although her heart was in the right place, her lies will eventually come back to bite her in the butt! But working side by side to keep the ranch going after Trace’s dad’s murder, is almost more than she can handle.
The series is off to a great start. I enjoyed the storyline, characters, mystery, and surprises. While I thought
Lily was a strong woman, I thought she was also a bit of a hypocrite. She went on and on about deserving a man who would “fight” for her, but then goes on to say she did the right thing by lying to Trace. Otherwise, I loved them as a couple. I can’t wait to see if any of his other Delta buddies show up on the ranch. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Lily, Trace’s high school sweetheart, has lived a life trying to make up for the sins of her parents. Feeling that her family’s criminal record would hinder Trace in reaching his dreams, she makes the ultimate sacrifice for him...she lets him go. Although her heart was in the right place, her lies will eventually come back to bite her in the butt! But working side by side to keep the ranch going after Trace’s dad’s murder, is almost more than she can handle.
The series is off to a great start. I enjoyed the storyline, characters, mystery, and surprises. While I thought
Lily was a strong woman, I thought she was also a bit of a hypocrite. She went on and on about deserving a man who would “fight” for her, but then goes on to say she did the right thing by lying to Trace. Otherwise, I loved them as a couple. I can’t wait to see if any of his other Delta buddies show up on the ranch. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
December 15, 2021
Lily the liar
On the whole this was a great story but I really got irritated wit Lily being quite happy to leave Trace miserable and upset with and about Matt, she cared more about her ego than his and Matt’s peace of mind.
On the whole this was a great story but I really got irritated wit Lily being quite happy to leave Trace miserable and upset with and about Matt, she cared more about her ego than his and Matt’s peace of mind.
December 27, 2020
Elle your writing in this was amazing. I was pulled in at the first page and kept right through to the last one. Trace Travis was 18 yrs old when he got into a fight with his father James Travis about the girl Travis was seeing. Travis didn't want to work the ranch if his father had control of it so he and his father saw things in a different way and Lily Davidson broke up with him so he could get his security clearance with the army. Lily told him she fell in love with another man and it was just a way to get him to leave for the Army Basic Combat and in the Army made an incredible soldier and was the Master Sergeant in the Delta Force. He had been all over and while there he tried to forget Lily and what she did to him and couldn't. A couple of his teammates were hit while on a mission in Afghanistan and he went to the hospital with them. He got a ride to the hospital and when he arrived he was asked if he could be spoken to in private and he said whatever you can say to me you can say in front of my team. Then the Captain told him his father had been murdered and he was needed at home. The reason Trace got this news was because of Lily calling and letting them know what had happened so he could come home for the funeral and his mother needed him.Trace Travis had a lot to deal with when he got home and he took care of things like his father would have wanted him to do.Lily Davidson was with Trace's mother and father for a while and cleaned the house and worked in the barn.Irish was a Delta Force soldier and came to help Trace on the Ranch couldn't do much. Trace put him as Security of the Ranch.Matt Hennessey was in the Marine Corp. and half-brotherRoy was the Foreman of the ranch.When Trace made the call about his Father was murdered that Lily put in to him to come home his mother needed him.Trace came home and took over the ranch and was determined to come to the bottom of who killed his father. Things happened like Lily getting in the barn, Trace and Matt got in a fight and Trace got shot at. That is when Trace said that it was a buddy system that was to be used at all times.This was a book that was very intriguing and keeps you in suspense till the very end. Elle this was a Fantastic book and I recommend Elle 's book to be read if you love protecting family and homestead.
July 26, 2022
This was a great start to a series. The book starts out with Trace deployed overseas. He was a Master Sergeant in the Delta Force for the Army. He had joined the Army after he and his father had gotten into a fight. Trace always knew he was expected to take over the family ranch at some point. He also knew if he stayed around the ranch his dad would always tell him what to do and who to date. His father didn’t like his girl friend Lily. His girl friend knew he wanted to go into the Army and was afraid he wouldn’t get his security clearance if they were together. She didn’t grow up with the best of parents. She also knew his dad didn’t approve of her, and didn’t want to get between a father and son. She lied and said she was dating and soon to be married to Matt the town bad boy. At the end of a mission that didn’t go the way it was suppose to he was greeted by a Chaplin. Anyone who has been around the military, knows it is never good news if the Chaplin is there to talk to you. He finds out his father has passed. Trace quickly finds out that his father was murdered. The action and suspense of this book kept me flipping to the next page to find out what was going to happen next. Trace came home and found out his ex girl friend was working for his parents. She was the only one that didn’t run away from the family when his father died. Everyone else that worked the ranch ran and hid. She stayed and took care of his mother. She had a gun and wasn’t afraid to use it. Someone wanted to harm this family. There were several suspects, and by the end of the book I was wrong on who I thought was behind all the trouble. I also enjoyed reading as Trace and Lily reconnected. His mom wanted the two together so she kept pushing them together. Loved her. This was an excellent book!
February 14, 2021
Trace Travis is in the army when he receives word that his dad was murdered. He returns home to help his mom with the funeral and the ranch but he isn't sure he wants to stay. The ranch isn't really what he wants, he long ago separated himself from the ranch and his father's controlling ways.
Lily is from the other side of the tracks and 11 years ago she told one colossal lie that helped to push Trace away. It worked but not that he is back that lie threatens to break her heart all over again. But before they can hash out the past they have to find a killer that is still on the loose and gunning for the Travis family.
This was a second chance love story complete with surprises and a mystery. Lily is tough, she has had to be but she has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion. She just needs to believe in herself a bit more. Trace is all alpha male and a bit stubborn and bullheaded to boot. He doesn't have a clue and it takes his mom to nudge him in the right direction.
This was a quick read and one that kept me reading. I am looking forward to reading about the rest of Trace's team who plan to come to work at the ranch.
Lily is from the other side of the tracks and 11 years ago she told one colossal lie that helped to push Trace away. It worked but not that he is back that lie threatens to break her heart all over again. But before they can hash out the past they have to find a killer that is still on the loose and gunning for the Travis family.
This was a second chance love story complete with surprises and a mystery. Lily is tough, she has had to be but she has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion. She just needs to believe in herself a bit more. Trace is all alpha male and a bit stubborn and bullheaded to boot. He doesn't have a clue and it takes his mom to nudge him in the right direction.
This was a quick read and one that kept me reading. I am looking forward to reading about the rest of Trace's team who plan to come to work at the ranch.
January 1, 2021
A great start to a new series when Trace comes home from duty after his father has been murdered and runs into his first love Lily, a love he never got over. Lily is helping his mom at the ranch and has been there for a year w/o Trace knowing and now he is home. Their reunion is tense as she has a secret, a big lie she told him years ago to set him free of her. They both have never gotten over the other and being in close proximity has stirred all the good and bad feelings....can they find their way to each other and find the person responsible in the murder.
I enjoyed this read with some steam, second chances, secrets, forgiveness, betrayals and suspense. The story flowed nicely, the characters were great and even though there was some drama between Trace and Lily, it wasn’t over the top. Only thing I couldn’t understand is how they didn’t notice the wound on the murderer as it was played up to be significant. Otherwise it was a great read and I can’t wait for the next.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
I enjoyed this read with some steam, second chances, secrets, forgiveness, betrayals and suspense. The story flowed nicely, the characters were great and even though there was some drama between Trace and Lily, it wasn’t over the top. Only thing I couldn’t understand is how they didn’t notice the wound on the murderer as it was played up to be significant. Otherwise it was a great read and I can’t wait for the next.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
June 21, 2022
I enjoyed this Intrigue and have started the second book already! Whiskey Gulch is experiencing a sudden change that brings Trace back home to Texas. With his father dead and his mom alone on the ranch, he has no choice but to help pick up the pieces. What takes him by surprise, besides his father's murder, is that the only ranchhand left to work is none other than his ex-girlfriend, Lily.
Lily knew it was only a matter of time before the Army sent Trace home. His father was dead and he'd want to be home for the funeral, so all Lily could do was pray he left as quickly as he came. She didn't want him to find out that she'd lied to him all those years ago before he left for the service.
While it was easy to pick out the murderer, I still enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamics between Trace and Matt, the man he thought had stolen Lily from him, and how much Rosalynn, Trace's mom, cared for everyone, but especially Lily. If you like a Texas whodunit with the promise of more from Whiskey Gulch, don't miss this series opener!
Lily knew it was only a matter of time before the Army sent Trace home. His father was dead and he'd want to be home for the funeral, so all Lily could do was pray he left as quickly as he came. She didn't want him to find out that she'd lied to him all those years ago before he left for the service.
While it was easy to pick out the murderer, I still enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamics between Trace and Matt, the man he thought had stolen Lily from him, and how much Rosalynn, Trace's mom, cared for everyone, but especially Lily. If you like a Texas whodunit with the promise of more from Whiskey Gulch, don't miss this series opener!
December 5, 2020
Eleven years ago, Trace Travis left behind Texas, Lily Davidson, the girl he believed had cheated on him, and his father’s Texas ranch where he felt he didn’t have a place. He joined the Army and became an elite Delta Force soldier.
When his father is murdered on the ranch, he is called back from deployment for the funeral and to help his mother. Trace never expecting to find Lily working at the ranch. Just seeing her has him both wanting her and being mad at her for what she had done to him.
Now not only do they have to deal with feelings , but also with the fact that someone wants Trace dead. The who and the why is a big unknown.
The story if filled with mystery, family dynamics, romance and second chances. Will they be able to not only figure out who is the murderer before someone else gets hurt?
This was a good introduction to the series and the characters whom I suspect will have a story of their own.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
When his father is murdered on the ranch, he is called back from deployment for the funeral and to help his mother. Trace never expecting to find Lily working at the ranch. Just seeing her has him both wanting her and being mad at her for what she had done to him.
Now not only do they have to deal with feelings , but also with the fact that someone wants Trace dead. The who and the why is a big unknown.
The story if filled with mystery, family dynamics, romance and second chances. Will they be able to not only figure out who is the murderer before someone else gets hurt?
This was a good introduction to the series and the characters whom I suspect will have a story of their own.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 9, 2023
I love a good second-chance story with strong men and women. Trace couldn't get along with his dad and decided to go to the Army. He thought Lily would wait for him to get settled and then she would join him. Wrong! Lily tells him that she isn't interested in going with him and is going to marry someone else. Eleven years later, Trace comes home because his father has been murdered and Lily is there with his mother keeping their ranch together. Lily knows it is time to move on. She knows that Trace will never forgive her for breaking his heart all those years ago. Trace still loves Lily and isn't sure why she isn't married. When they go looking for his father's killer, Trace and Lily discover that their love is just as strong as it was before. Will they find the killer? Will they survive and have a life together?
December 25, 2020
This is one book I read non-stop. I finished it in one sitting.
I liked Lily, but didn't agree with her decision about Trace. Then to try and maintain what she did after he returned was just wrong. Especially since she was not the only person involved.
I did like all of the characters except for the guy that wanted to purchase the ranch. He seemed kind of smarmy. I liked Trace and Lily together. They actually liked each other and respected one another's skill set. I liked both Matt and Irish.
This was a good mystery that had a nice amount of action and suspense. The story was fast paced. The romance was sweet and had a touch of steam. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the Outriders series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I liked Lily, but didn't agree with her decision about Trace. Then to try and maintain what she did after he returned was just wrong. Especially since she was not the only person involved.
I did like all of the characters except for the guy that wanted to purchase the ranch. He seemed kind of smarmy. I liked Trace and Lily together. They actually liked each other and respected one another's skill set. I liked both Matt and Irish.
This was a good mystery that had a nice amount of action and suspense. The story was fast paced. The romance was sweet and had a touch of steam. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the Outriders series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 31, 2020
This strong kickoff to a new series by Elle James is sure to please! With the first book in The Outriders series we meet Delta Force soldier Trace Travis and some of his team in HOMICIDE AT WHISKEY GULCH. The plot was attention grabbing, the characters a joy to get to know and the reunion of first loves did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more in the series!
Trace is strong-willed and determined and that's exactly what he needs to face the murder of his father and seeing the one that got away upon his arrival home.
Lily is sweet and tenacious and though she has secrets from her past, she doesn't take any gruff from Trace about her past decisions.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced mystery mixed with a happily ever after.
Trace is strong-willed and determined and that's exactly what he needs to face the murder of his father and seeing the one that got away upon his arrival home.
Lily is sweet and tenacious and though she has secrets from her past, she doesn't take any gruff from Trace about her past decisions.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced mystery mixed with a happily ever after.
January 12, 2021
First in the Outriders series, in which Delta Force soldier Trace Travis comes home after his father's murder, determined to find out who killed him. When he learns he has a half-brother, the man he thought had married Lily Davidson, the woman he loved, life immediately gets even more complicated.
He seeks help from one of his Delta Force buddies and while he takes care of the ranch, these interesting characters learn more about each other even as Trace and Lily continue to doubt that their past feelings are something that can be experienced again.
Or can it? After all, his widowed mother wants grandchildren, but will it be Trace and Lily who can give her grandbabies, or will Irish do the honors?
He seeks help from one of his Delta Force buddies and while he takes care of the ranch, these interesting characters learn more about each other even as Trace and Lily continue to doubt that their past feelings are something that can be experienced again.
Or can it? After all, his widowed mother wants grandchildren, but will it be Trace and Lily who can give her grandbabies, or will Irish do the honors?
July 24, 2022
Secrets!
Homicide at whiskey Gulch: an amazing story of surprises, suspense, heroes and romance. She might have broken his heat before he left for life in the Military but he will always live her. Trace wasn't expecting to be called home. When he found out someone murder his father he knew he had to go back. His life was with his Delta Force teammates but he still missed home. When he drove on to the driveway he was not expect guns being pointed at him or anyone else. When his mom realize who it was she was so happy to see him. He had so many questions he didn't know where to start and he was not expect to see the one female that broke his heart. It was a great story with lots of excitement.
Homicide at whiskey Gulch: an amazing story of surprises, suspense, heroes and romance. She might have broken his heat before he left for life in the Military but he will always live her. Trace wasn't expecting to be called home. When he found out someone murder his father he knew he had to go back. His life was with his Delta Force teammates but he still missed home. When he drove on to the driveway he was not expect guns being pointed at him or anyone else. When his mom realize who it was she was so happy to see him. He had so many questions he didn't know where to start and he was not expect to see the one female that broke his heart. It was a great story with lots of excitement.
June 30, 2024
Whiskey Gulch Ranch has been in the family for many, many years. Trace loved the ranch and his family but his dad and him did not see eye to eye. Always bickering. Things always had to be in control of his father. So he decides to join the Army. His girl Lily really loved Trace a lot. But her family is on the wrong side of the tracks and she figures Trace would not get in the Army because of her. She decides to lie to Trace and breakup. Boy, that is an understatement! Well, Trace gets in the Army and does really well. Going on 12 years and he gets a disturbing message. He returns home to help and guess who is there on his family’s Ranch? None other than LILY! What is she doing there? Well it is time for these two to meet again. Fireworks anyone?
January 28, 2021
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy post military Harlequin Intrigue Romance: Homicide at Whiskey Gulch (The Outriders Series book 1) by Elle James and this review was given freely.
This second chance at love story is full of angst with a touch of irony and a hint of steam but ultimately ends with a twist and formation of the Outrider security service.
At odds with his controlling father and dumped by his childhood sweetheart Lily Davidson , Master Sergeant Wade "Trace" Travis leaves Whiskey Gulch Ranch, Texas and becomes a Delta Force member only to be called home when his father is murdered.
I purchased a copy of the steamy post military Harlequin Intrigue Romance: Homicide at Whiskey Gulch (The Outriders Series book 1) by Elle James and this review was given freely.
This second chance at love story is full of angst with a touch of irony and a hint of steam but ultimately ends with a twist and formation of the Outrider security service.
At odds with his controlling father and dumped by his childhood sweetheart Lily Davidson , Master Sergeant Wade "Trace" Travis leaves Whiskey Gulch Ranch, Texas and becomes a Delta Force member only to be called home when his father is murdered.
January 13, 2022
Homicide at Whiskey Gulch was a fast pace read that got you going from the first page in chapter one until the last page of the last chapter. When you love someone so much and you know that person has to get from under a relative that wants better things for you so you tell a very bold face lie to get him to go. So way is it so hard when he comes home on an emergency leave after the death of his father to breath or anything else , but just wanted to run to him and let nature take over but when a real threat comes to close to home and animals well you have to take the bull (steer ) by the horns and find out the truth before its to late to welcome happiness back in their lives for ever.
September 5, 2022
Harlequin Interigue Series The Outsiders will have you looking for your OWN COWBOY. I just finished up book #1 Homicide at Whiskey Gulch in this exciting series that literally will have you glued to what ever you are sitting on until you are finished the last page. If you love Cowboys and second chances on love plus trying to solve who and way someone would want to kill Trace Travis father. Now home Trace and some of the SPECIAL DELTA FORCE men that came to help along with Traces Mother and his ex girlfriend to keep the ranch going without anything or anyone getting hurt from unknowns that want to see the ranch fail to sell cheap.
December 7, 2020
This book is a great start to a new series. Trace is a Delta and in Afghanistan when he gets told that his Father has been murdered. He goes home and the first person that he runs into is his former girlfriend, Lily. Right before Trace left for the Army, Lily told him a lie and broke up with him. Trace and his Father didn't get along, but he wants to find the murderer and make him pay. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review and I loved it. It has lots of romance, suspense, mystery and action. I recommend it to everyone.
December 14, 2020
Trace gets recalled from service in Afghanistan to his hometown because his father is murdered. He returns to find Lily, his highschool sweetheart and heart breaker looking after his mother. Mixed emotions don't begin to describe the situation. Add in a murderous felon who knocks Lily out in the barn and Trace finds his protective instinct. I'm not gonna reveal the twist in the tale. You've got to read the book to really appreciate it. Fantastic writing from Elle James as usual. Looking forward to the new books in the series.
December 27, 2020
This enjoyable read was well written, engaging and offered up an enticing blend of romance and suspense. I really liked Trace. He was a genuine good guy and it was very easy to feel and fall for him. If I'm honest my feelings about Lily were more ambivalent. It wasn't that I didn't find her likable and I loved the pairing with Trace but I just didn't agree with all her choices and actions. The storyline grabs and hold your focus with its skillfully crafted combination of danger, action, tension, emotion and drama. all together a very good read. I'm electing to post a forthright review.
January 2, 2021
Yeah! Another intriguing and exciting series from Elle James. This first in the series has a complicated relationship between Trace Travis and Lily Davidson. Trace, a Delta Force soldier, comes home after his father is murdered. Trace puts plans into place to keep his family’s very large ranch going and find his father’s murderer. Also, what will Travis and Lily do with their second chance opportunity? Great start to this new series. Recommend for anyone ready to start a new intriguing romance series.
February 7, 2022
And so it begins....
Trace is summoned back to the family ranch and he has to face not only the loss of his father but the also past that haunts him and a future he fears.
We see so many sides to Trace in this book, the confident special forces leader, the heart broken son, the spurned lover, the determined investigator, the jealous brother and a man out to win the heart of the woman he loves....every one of them will sweep you off your feet.
Wrongs are righted, hearts are healed and a new company is formed. A fantastic start to this new series...I loved it!
Trace is summoned back to the family ranch and he has to face not only the loss of his father but the also past that haunts him and a future he fears.
We see so many sides to Trace in this book, the confident special forces leader, the heart broken son, the spurned lover, the determined investigator, the jealous brother and a man out to win the heart of the woman he loves....every one of them will sweep you off your feet.
Wrongs are righted, hearts are healed and a new company is formed. A fantastic start to this new series...I loved it!
April 29, 2022
First in the Outridrrs series, brings Trace Travis home from deployment to bury his father. His father had been murdered and the Whiskey Gulch ranch is now Trace's responsibility. A lot of surprises ensue, including finding his teenage love working at the ranch. Lily has become a strong, beautiful woman who has helped carry the load for Trace's mother. With a newfound family member and a combat buddy at loose ends, the inspiration for the Outriders Security and Investigation firm strikes and the story will continue.
December 4, 2020
What an exciting beginning to Elle James new series! Homicide at Whiskey Gulch is book #1 in Ms. James Outriders series. Delta Force Soldier Trace Travis is called home from deployment to attend the funeral of his murdered father, James Travis. There he is reunited with his high school sweetheart Lily Davidson. I really liked how determined they both were to find James' killer and how they discovered some truths that lead them back together. Neither one has ever stopped loving the other.
December 14, 2020
Trace has to leave his Delta Force team when he gets notice that his father has been murdered, and he's needed back home. The last person Trace expects to see is the girl that left him eleven years ago to marry someone else. With a murder out there targeting the ranch, no one is safe.
This book has plenty of suspense, intrigue, and romance along with a few curves you may not suspect.
Good afternoon or weekend read!
This book has plenty of suspense, intrigue, and romance along with a few curves you may not suspect.
Good afternoon or weekend read!
January 16, 2021
Trace and Lily
Trace is a Delta Force operator and was summoned home, because his father
Was murdered on the family ranch.
Lily is helping, on the ranch and was Trace’s high school sweetheart
That broke his heart.
Now that Trace is back home to find his father’s killer, lily and his relationship
Is being tested.
They eventually solve the murder and work out their differences.
Great start to a new series and looking forward to the next book.
Trace is a Delta Force operator and was summoned home, because his father
Was murdered on the family ranch.
Lily is helping, on the ranch and was Trace’s high school sweetheart
That broke his heart.
Now that Trace is back home to find his father’s killer, lily and his relationship
Is being tested.
They eventually solve the murder and work out their differences.
Great start to a new series and looking forward to the next book.
February 3, 2021
Amazing!
Trace & Lily’s story is so good! They were high school sweethearts, but Lily broke up with Trace when he went into the Army. When he came back 11 years later after his father is murdered, she is working with his mother. There are unresolved feelings they are trying to deal with, with reasons why they really broke up, trying to run the ranch, and trying to figure out who killed Trace’s dad. Elle James wrote a fabulous and exciting book.
Trace & Lily’s story is so good! They were high school sweethearts, but Lily broke up with Trace when he went into the Army. When he came back 11 years later after his father is murdered, she is working with his mother. There are unresolved feelings they are trying to deal with, with reasons why they really broke up, trying to run the ranch, and trying to figure out who killed Trace’s dad. Elle James wrote a fabulous and exciting book.
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