After losing her fiancé to an IED explosion, sheriff's deputy Dallas Jones planned to start over in Whiskey Gulch. But murder in the quiet Texas town upends her life. To catch the unknown suspect, Dallas partners with Outrider Levi Warren, a former Delta Force operative living with PTSD. Their dogged investigation riddled with gangs, drugs and death threats sparks an unexpected attraction…one they may not survive.
Award-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.
Who would have thought that such a small little town would have so much troubles come it's way- human trafficking, murder, drugs, and now an out of control motorcycle gang. It's a good thing that thanks to Trace Travis, his Outriders, ex Delta Force brothers in arms, have come to experience life outside the military and protect those who need protection in this country.
Deputy Dallas Jones has been in the background of the other stories. Now this is hers. She was an Army MP until her fiancee was killed by an IED. Now she maintains law and order in this small Texas town. While she is out on patrol and checking up on a missing town resident, she did not expect him to tear out of the dark and run right in front of her patrol car. It brings back memories of when her fiancee died, which is when Outrider Levi Warren drives by. He sticks around to make sure she is already, which is a good thing, because now someone is out to get her. They have so much in common as they keep reminding each other.
Another winner from Elle James. Lively banter between engaging characters and fast pace action written in forthright prose make this a very entertaining read. I read an ARC as part of the author's review crew and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I know I am in for a great read with Elle James and Setup at Whiskey Gulch did not disappoint.. The setup of the characters whether they are the main characters, Dallas Jones and Levi Warren, the secondary characters or those scattered throughout the story was done in a way that the book was not only a pleasure to read but immersed you within the story. Everyone needs a neighbor who would be perfect as the head of the neighborhood watch as well as the mother of the neighborhood; Dallas is the lucky one to have such a neighbor. I caught myself smiling because I know I miss that type of neighbor even living in a smaller town myself.
The book has romance woven in with the suspense element. It flowed naturally and I would have been disappointed if that part of the story line wasn’t addressed since Dallas’ and Levi’s chemistry was strong from the get go. They shared a military background and I do believe the military molds many to be the gentleman most would like to know. However, when you have someone who was raised with a strong sense of being protective/caring for others as well as manners such as opening the doors for others, you have a man like Levi. Dallas came to Whiskey Gulch for a very similar reason as Levi, a chance to start over. She has lost someone who she loved. Dallas’ storyline was realistic in the sense that even though time may have passed, it isn’t always easy to forget the past. Sometimes we don’t know how to move on until the right person comes into our lives.
The suspense element of the story kept me from putting it down. I was pulled into the story that I totally ignored everything around me, including the chores. It was totally worth it in my opinion. I thought I knew the outcome but I was surprised by the ending. Elle James caught my attention early in the story and kept it until the last page.
I hope we see more of Whiskey Gulch because I don’t think I want to leave the town anytime soon. It is one of those towns that you would love to move to just to see the book friends I have met. I highly recommend this book. I don’t think you will be disappointed at all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased a copy on the publisher's website.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one. Some of the prior characters do make brief appearance though.
Deputy Dallas Jones is a former military police. She leaves the service after her fiancé dies in an IED explosion. She is pulling the night shift. After grabbing some coffee to sustain her, she is confronted by a woman who is concerned for her husband. Dallas goes to check on him and as she is going around a curve, she briefly looks down when a man steps right in front of her. Even going slow, Dallas hits the brakes and turns to try and avoid the man. Unfortunately she hits him and she can't get a pulse. At the scene, former Delta operative and now current Outrider employee, Levi Warren stops to lend some assistance. I loved this wonderful alpha male. He was gentle, protective and just overall yummy!
What the author puts these two through is a wild ride that kept me up late into the night to try and finish (yes, I started it late in the evening.) But in my defense, with a ATV chase by a motorcycle gang, window smashing, trucks blowing up, a small cabin used for a meth lab burning, I mean how could I put this story down. The action was so intense, I just had to keep turning the pages!!!!
There were some pretty intense scenes along with some very cute and sassy ones! You just have to love Dallas! She is a spitfire. It must have been my tired brain but this author led me on a merry goose chase trying to put the puzzle pieces together here.
This book is written in my favorite dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the character's thoughts really help me to fully understand and connect with the characters for a more enjoyable read.
A word of caution, this is a sexy read. There is a great story here that just has some sexy times.
Elle JamesLoved this book! Firstly I appreciate the cast of characters that the book start off with. When reading a series, I do prefer knowing who the characters are and their standing in the book, especially if you have a series consisting of more than a couple of books (perhaps that will also help authors keep track of their characters).
Secondly, it didn't take 10 chapters to find out what happened to both characters with regards to their past or what they have been through. They were open and honest with each other from the beginning and there was no subterfuge on either party's side. The fast pace of this book had me finish it in a couple of hours which I prefer than spending a whole day reading a book.
The easiness with which Dallas and Levi communicated with each other as well as the way they worked as a team, being happy to watch each other's back was excellent.
After suffering the loss of her fiancé in an IED attack, Dallas chooses not to re-enlist and takes a job as a sheriff’s deputy in Whiskey Gulch. Hoping to find the peace and quite she craves in order to heal. Instead, the usually quiet town of Whiskey Gulch has become a crime riddled town. With motorcycle gangs terrorizing the town, everyone is on alert. Dallas is asked to keep a look out for Harold Sims, but accidentally runs into him when he stumbles out in front of her…thus starting a suspenseful chain reaction.
Recently hired as an Outrider, Levi happens upon Dallas after she struck Harold with her car. Levi offers her a ride to the sheriff’s office to submit a report, make her statement. The sheriff’s office is already short-staffed and losing Dallas due to the ongoing investigation is another loss. The sheriff deputizes Levi to assist with the investigation. But Dallas won’t sit by quietly. She “unofficially” assists Levi with the investigation. The spark between them is instant, but neither is looking for a relationship…
This was another suspense-filled novel in the Whiskey Gulch series. While I truly enjoyed Levi and Dallas, I wish there was a little more depth at the end. It felt a little rushed in order to wrap up the story. Otherwise, a good addition to the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Suspense - check, romance - check and the feeling of family. This small town (Whiskey Gulch) is short handed in Sheriffs department and they are being terrorized my motorcycle gang pushing drugs. Yet its not the same old same old. This motorcycle gang was started as a motorcycle club for people who enjoyed riding. The original leader moved away and got married. Sheriffs Deputy Dallas Jones was an MP in the service, till she lost her fiance. She is on duty and headed out to check on Simms who didn't come home for dinner. He stumbles out in front of her and she hits him. What a start!!! Levi Rider was a Delta Force Operator who is now working with Travis Outrider and comes across Deputy Dallas and the dead Simms. The ground work is laid for the intrigue, suspense, mystery and the blossoming friendship that leads to a steamy good time and HEA. I am like the way this one ended with the mention of more people and the original motorcycle club leader. The compassion of Deputy Dallas for the kids who got in but can't seem to find a way out of the motorcycle club -turned gang. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
The new Setup at Whiskey Gulch book is differently one you should read. It catches your attention from the beginning and keeps your interest all of the way through until the end of the book. There is action, murder, good guys and bad guys, suspense, chase scenes, adventure, mystery, and we can't forget we have loving and romance.
While all of this activity is occurring, Deputy Dallas Jones and Levi Warren determines who murdered Harold, a resident of Whiskey Gulch. Harold was house sitting for local ranchers, the Thatchers, at the Rafter T Ranch while the they were out of town. Also, there is a local motorcycle club (MC), the Snake Syndicate MC, who own land next to the Rafter T Ranch and rumored to be into selling drugs.
Dallas and Levi try to keep things professional but so much action, activity and events occurs, they are thrown together time and time again. This only cause Dallas and Levi to get to know each other better, become. closer, and rely upon and trust each more. Well, if you want to know their whole love story and who murdered Harold, you will have to read the book!
I received a free copy of this book for a honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys western romance and mystery romance books. If you are looking for a good book, then pick this one up, settle back in a nice comfy chair and enjoy yourself a delightful read.
This is the first book in this series that I have read. There was a lot of action, danger and suspense involved in this tale of a motorcycle club gone wrong.
It didn't seem like anyone in this club was too bright, just greedy, dangerous, and evil.
I liked both Levi and Dallas. I liked that Levi respected the job she had done in the military and the job she was doing in the sheriff's department. I also liked that Dallas was not offended every time Levi took the lead in order to protect both her and her job.
They had a great connection. This was a page turner. The sub plots helped keep me from determining how the characters were involved in the murders and drug trafficking. It was fairly obvious who the players were, just not how involved each player was in the plot.
This romantic suspense did end in an HEA. I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
loved returning to Whiskey Gulch. Levi is a total alpha male. Reeling from the changes in his life and what to do for his future. Dallas is a beautiful character. Total badass and moving through life with all her strength with her grief as a constant companion. Watching these two characters come together was heartwarming and awe inspiring. Both attracted but fighting it due to the pain of their past. But their feeling rise like a Phoenix rises from the ashes and their attraction ignites into something strong, unshakeable and beautiful. They work together flawlessly to bring the evil that is permeating their town to justice. Entering this world where everyone knows each other is addictive and heart warming. A place where everyone knows everyone else and they welcome you with a hug and open arms. Elle James has once again knocked it out of the park with this fabulous addition to the world of Whiskey Gulch. Highly recommend. Way more than 5 stars
While this book is the fourth in the series you will have no problem reading it as a stand alone and the list off character's from previous books at the beginning helps with this but as this entire series is so good I would recommend that you read them all anyway
Whiskey Gulch is a small town in Texas that seems to have more than its fair share of troubles luckily it has dedicated policing staff and one of them is Sheriff’s Deputy Dallas Jones she has come to town to rebuild her life after leaving the military police and losing her fiancé to a IED. Her quite life is disrupted when The Snakes a mc arrive in town running drugs and causing general may ham. Luckily with the help of the outriders a group of ex special Op soldiers she will have backup especially one in particular Levi Warren Can these two solve what is happening in their small town and will they give into the attraction between one that neither of them is really ready to face.
Setup At Whiskey Gulch is a fabulous romantic suspense by Elle James. Ms. James has once again provided readers with a well-written book populated with a stellar cast of characters. Dallas Jones is ex-military and now a deputy. Levi is former Delta Force and now works as a part-time ranch hand and part-time Outriders operative. When he finds Dallas at the scene of an accident he offers his services and they work together to find out why the victim was bloody before the accident. Dallas and Levi's story is cover to cover drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading Setup At Whiskey Gulch and look forward to my next book by Elle James. This book is book 4 of The Outriders Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The bodies are piling up in the small town where former MP Dallas is currently a deputy and gets help from Levi, a former Delta and new resident at Whiskey. They both have pasts that make them question a new relationship but as the two work together to solve a biker gang’s involvement with drugs and murder, they can’t deny their connection. The hits and attempts on their lives keep coming and it makes them determined to solve the mystery before more bodies pile up. A great read with suspense, some steam, action and great characters. I liked these two, Dallas an independent strong woman who can hold her own and Levi, a protector through and through and isn’t threatened or intimidated by Dallas’s competency. I loved the no drama between them and how easily they fit together. I did feel like there were some questions that went unanswered but it was still an enjoyable read. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Sheriff’s Deputy Dallas hits the man she is looking for with her car on a deserted road late at night. Levi, newly discharged from the Army, dumped while on deployment and divorced, meets her as he is passing by on the road blocked by emergency vehicles. He has moved there to work for another Delta in protection and security. She is new to the area recovering from her own issues after leaving the Army. She is on administrative leave but teams up with him to investigate what happened that night. They end up killing two members of a drug dealing motorcycle gang that has begun terrorizing the town. Now they both have targets on their backs from the gang seeking revenge. They have to finish the investigation before they both end up dead! Lots of intrigue and action following these two. Very well written and interesting read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
We are back in Whiskey Gulch with a new member of The Outriders, former Delta Force member Levi Warren, and sheriff deputy Delta Jones, former Army MP. Both Levi and Delta have had their hearts broken and a relationship is the least either of them wants. But when Delta accidentally hits a man in a dark road and Levi stops to check what happened, neither expected their lives would change forever. In the midst of the danger, feelings develop. A danger that surrounds the town where drugs and motorcycle gangs are involved. Lives are threatened, including Dallas’s and a determined Levi will do anything, even risk his life, to keep her safe. This engaging action packed story with a strong female and a very alpha male character, was a very good addition to the series. One that always promises wonderful stories. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was a really enjoyable read. I'm still thinking about Dallas and Levi even after finished reading it a few days later. They are each sure of what they don't want, but it's really what is happening. Absolutely loved the line "Sweetheart, you're the target." I don't know what it is, but that just gets to me. Made me smile about all their things that they had in common, it was a never ending list. Love the potential of what is to come in this series, with all the others potentially coming to join the Outriders. There's loads of action in this small town of Whiskey Gulch. This book is about making choices, not just any choices, but the right choices. It was a pleasure to read and it definitely made me smile.
Whiskey Gulch has a small town, slow-paced feel but lately, Whiskey Gulch has become much more dangerous. When Sheriff Deputy Dallas Jones has an accident and can't be officially involved in the investigation Levi Warren former Delta Force and new Outrider working m for Trace Travis volunteers to help. Together Levi and Dallas had no idea what they would encounter, the twist and turns in this investigation quickly turn deadly. This book is prominently a suspense/mystery with the attraction, and romance between Levi and Dallas weaved through the story. I enjoyed reading this book and consider it a good weekend read. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, read it, and have chosen to leave a review.
Fourth book of this series set in Whiskey Gulch. It may seem a quiet town but an unpleasant event triggers a series of incidents that leads the reader to think that actually this small town has really some serious issues. The female and the male hero both come from the military world. Deputy Dallas needs to redeem her dignity after accidentally running over a citizen. Things aren’t quite clear though. Here enters the game a retired delta force who has made it his mission to clear her from all the accusations. The plot is very simple but very structured at the same time. The characters are perfectly made for one another. A small town romance full of suspense, action and love. A fast read with a perfect ending.
I really love this small town series… For a small town Whiskey Gulch sure has lots of trouble brewing and Deputy Dallas Jones finds herself right in the middle of it. First she’s involved in an accident and the victim doesn’t survive. Then she’s put on administrative leave. Now she finds herself teamed up with Levi Warren, who works for Outsider Security and the sexiest man she’s ever seen to uncover the mystery of who’s really behind the death of the man she’s accused of murdering. The harder she tries to deny the feelings for Levi the stronger they become. It’s a mystery and a heart-pounding adventure from the very first page until the last. It’s a must read! “I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Setup at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James is the fourth book in this author's Outriders series. The Outriders' newest recruit, Levi Warren, hasn't been given an assignment yet when the story begins. When he does get that assignment, which turns out to be partnering with and protecting Sheriff Deputy Dallas Jones, they face much danger together. A local motorcycle club has gone rogue and gotten involved in making and selling meth. This storyline is filled with action and suspense. I really like Dallas and Levi and how they don't rush into a relationship. This is a page-turner and an exciting read!
Driving down a dark road looking for a missing man, Dallas Jones, a deputy of the Whiskey Gulch police force accidentally hits him when he walks in front of her car. Levi Warren, ex Delta Force Operative, stops to see if he can help. This incident will changes everything. Now the two of them join forces to find out the man’s killer which leads them to drug dealers, smugglers, motorcycle gangs and murder. I find Dallas and Levi a very charismatic couple that have each other’s backs when needed. Loved this story. This is an amazing, exciting addition to the Outriders series.
The Snakes have started taking over the town and Dallas finds herself trying to find out what is happening. Levi and she work together to understand who is stealing the meth and who is responsible for the death of a friend. Dallas is on leave, sort of, after hitting Henry with her car, causing him to die after his beating from the Snakes. Levi will do anything to keep her safe. With him becoming a temporary deputy to take her place they end up making a great team as the sheriff needs all the help he can get. His old Delta team steps in to help finish the job. Time means nothing when you meet the right one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is so much to love in this book, from the characters, to the way the book is formatted with a list of characters at the start, to the turn-expectations-on-their-heads in attitude to the motorcycle gang and its members. This is Sheriff’s Deputy Dallas Jones’s story, and it starts very unexpectedly as she apparently kills a citizen she’s gone to check on. Enter Levi Rider, an Outrider and the man who both falls for her and has her back. And this book has what might just be my favorite ending of this year so far! It’s a great return to Whiskey Gulch, a suspenseful and tense story, and a book you won’t want to have end.
Dallas has relocated to Whiskey Gulch looking for a new beginning, but it doesn’t get off to a great start when she ends up accidently striking the person she was looking for with her car but the one bright spot is that it brought Levi into her investigation and her life.
Levi’s military background has made him a perfect choice to join the Outriders. Although he and Dallas may not have met under the best of circumstances as they fight for justice they prove that they make great partners both personally and professionally.
Intrigue, action and adventure as two strong characters fight to keep the town safe and find each other along the way.
I thought that this was a great read. There's a raw grittiness to this story that shines a tragically realistic spotlight on this tale, and I felt that made it easy to relate to and connect with. The writing is excellent, and I thought the book read easily. I found Dallas and Levi likable, and I was fast invested in them. A skillfully crafted combination of emotion, drama, action, suspense, danger and thrills will keep your head in the game and your heart on the line as this gripping story unfolds. This is my frank, freely posted review.
4 Stars This is book 4 in The Outriders series and it features Levi and Dallas. Levi us new to The Outriders. With no assignments yet, he temporarily helps the sheriffs department to try and solve a problem between a female deputy, Dallas, and a motorcycle gang. The attraction between Levi and Dallas is slow to burn. Once the flames catch, WATCH OUT!
This is a captivating story line with awesome characters. The actual Outriders have not started their security and protection jobs yet but the action and suspense is top notch! I can’t wait for more!
It’s seems like every time I read a book by Elle James I like it better than the one before, they just keep getting better! I loved Setup at Whiskey Gulch and I loved Levi & Dallas. Part of what I loved was that not only was she a strong woman (typical of Elle), but she was former military, so even though she wasn’t Spec Ops, she & Levi had that in common. And I loved how well they worked together. And, as I always love about Elle’s books, they keep me going to the end, I can’t put it down. Another great book!!
Whiskey Gulch hooked me again! With the fourth book in The Outriders Series Elle James delivers a fast paced jaunt into danger with SETUP AT WHISKEY GULCH and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Dallas is easy to connect with and an interesting character to get to know and follow into danger and back. I enjoyed her.
Levi is a solid addition to the Outriders and his determination to help Dallas stay safe was endearing.
I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a little drama mixed with highly intense intrigue and a satisfying romance.
I like the small town and ex-soldiers in this series. They are all trying to make a life for themselves out of the military. The military was their family, and they have to learn to live with others. Dallas is a deputy and is trying to move on from losing her fiancée to an IAD. When things get tough, she gets help from Levi, who is also ex-military. As they get closer to each other, they have to face a lot of danger from a motorcycle gang. Will Levi lose Dallas? Will they be able to make a go of it if they survive all of this?
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and it was an enjoyable read. It’s got action, danger, suspense, mystery, great characters, a riveting storyline, family, and romance. I really liked both Dallas and Levi’s characters – they had mutual respect for each other as well as a great connection. And even though characters from the previous stories make appearances in this book, it can still be read as a standalone and make sense. I will, however, be going back to enjoy the other books in this series. It’s definitely a page-turner from beginning to end.