Sunsets & Showdowns

Stallion Ridge #7

by Maz Maddox

West Klelbor is a ghost.

A Centaur without honor, West has kept to the shadows out of reach from the nefarious legends surrounding his name. His brother Cal believes he is long dead, and West has been careful to maintain the lie for the past several years to keep him safe.
When a mysterious stranger warns West that Stallion Ridge is in danger, West has to wrestle with his own ghosts to confront the very real threats against his brother’s life.

But West’s treacherous past isn't the only thing haunting him.

Longing for redemption and beholden to his new master, the deadly Dragon Gin is sent into the wild to claim the head of the infamous Pale Horse of Death. Unfortunately, the sly Centaur isn’t going to make his hunt easy.

Nor is he going to let Gin escape with his heart intact.

This is the final book in the Stallion Ridge series. The series must be read in order.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Shapeshifters, Dragons, Enemies To Lovers

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2022

About the author

Maz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.

Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.

When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to really think about this one before I review it. It was definitely a choice....

********************
Ok, I literally had to sleep on it because I've never felt so conflicted about a book 😂 I know I've questioned character behaviour and decisions before, but that's more so because my neurodivergent brain doesn't understand the situation, the social behaviour, or I just can't relate to it and I hope that by mentioning what has me confused about a character, then someone may shine a light on why it actually makes sense! This book though..... I'm going to warn again that there is a hefty spoiler in my review so if you don't want to see it please don't read it!!!

First though, I'm even more convinced, following my review of the previous book, that this is not actually a romance series. It's a love letter to the town of Stallion Ridge and the MCs are just showing us Stallion Ridge through their eyes whilst they meet their mate/partner. I've kept saying that the relationships are all pretty instalust/instalove, and honestly I feel like it's because we're not supposed to be concerning ourselves with their relationships too much. We're supposed to be falling in love with the character that is the town! All of the character growth and development is seen with the town transforming from a small community in the middle of nowhere, to a thriving and ever expanding haven for shifters and humans to live harmoniously together. It's basically an ideological town where no one's differences or disabilities matter, they make the community stronger and everyone is welcome as long as they abide by the values and beliefs of the town. I'd love to go live in Stallion Ridge!

I do wish we'd gotten an epilogue though because the story pretty much ends! I want to see how Stallion Ridge recovered from the final showdown; I wanted to see the aftermath and how certain people emotionally heal from the loss they suffered. I wanted to see Jack and Gideon actually settled down in Stallion Ridge, and I wanted to know what came of the allegations against Jack, Sky and West.

I loved the POV that was used for this book though. I love how the book begins and ends with Jack - I adored his and Gideon's short stories that are the prequel to the Stallion Ridge series, and I was always dissatisfied that they didn't get their HEA, so to have it now was perfect! We also get this story through the eyes of four people: Jack, Cal, West and Gin; and it just felt like the perfect ending was being built with no loose ends...

Second warning that this is the big spoiler, so please stop reading if you don't want to know!!! I just can't finish my review without talking about the biggest point of contention that I have!

Ok, you've been sufficiently warned so I now feel no guilt if I spoil this series for you!

Why the FUCK was Seb killed off??? He was an MC of one of the books, the ONLY book to feature a poly relationship, and he literally only just got mated to his two loves! It made no sense to me, and even after sleeping on it I still can't figure it out. Yes, he was haunted by what he'd done, but he never even got the chance to try and work through it now that he had Lucas and Elliott, he was just killed? Did it add emotional impact and trauma to the climax of the whole series? Yes, it did. But why get me so attached to a main character in the series just to kill him so unneccesarily? I have never questioned an author's choice in their plot before (unless it's a 1 star book and I just don't understand why the entire thing was published....) so this is new territory for me. I don't feel like the author owed us anything, or that they don't know their own characters, but I honestly don't understand why this choice was made. Seb's book was actually the only book in the whole series that I rated 5 stars, granted it was more because of Thayer who was outside of the relationship, but still! It felt to me like because Seb was part of an MMM relationship, it was ok to kill him because the other two still had each other? I don't consider a poly relationship to mean you have a spare partner if one dies or leaves! I also felt cheated that we didn't get to see the aftermath and what this death does to Lucas and Elliott. Is their grief going to bring them together, or is it going to drive them apart? Can they stay in Stallion Ridge after all of the emotional pain and trauma, or are they going to leave for good? There was just so much left unsaid and Seb deserved so much more than what he got after the life he'd been forced to live. There was also no after note from the author explaining or mentioning Seb at all so I'm even more flummoxed!

So yes, for me this is not a romance series because essentially the romance was minimal with all of the MC's - it was pretty much all instalove or all the falling in love had been done off page - and for me you can't call it a romance and kill one of the MC's. That's a romantic tragedy and I will die on my hill for that - my hill that is, in fact, located in the birthplace of Shakespeare, so romantic tragedies are something I've been learning about since I was a teeny child 😂

I did genuinely love this series though, Seb dying aside, and I really did fall in love with the town of Stallion Ridge and it's inhabitants. I just wish the ending had been slightly different and also more...

This review also made me laugh whilst I was writing it because it reminded me of one of those recipe websites where you get a lifestory about broccoli before you eventually make it to the extremely brief recipe at the very end 😂😂😂

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brute & the delicate


After a day of finishing this book I’m still high on the aftermath, just can’t get enough of the Stallion Ride books.

Gin- the beautiful and respectful quiet one with broken honour and with a heart of samurai, on mission.

West- the ragged legendarily cowboy with broken honour, full of regret, cocky attitude and a revenge.

The romance: two different man with hard life, bonding from deep understanding of honour and vows. Started from enemies, matching in fight, became temporary allies, they’re gravitating to each other, fell for each other with the knowledge they can’t be together in the future.

The plot closes the open lines from the previous books and gives a beautiful frame for the series.

Multiple pov ( hello Cal)
Cameos!!
Enemies to lovers
Two alphas oh lálá
Amazing chemistry, hot scenes

This was the ending we was waiting for ( I wasn’t waiting for it to end just saying).
Everyone comes together to the final. I hope there will be a bonus short, because some things in the end just can’t be true.

I won’t spoiler this book. If you already read the previous books, you know our heroes in the best hands in Maz’s. If you haven’t, this series one of the best I can recommend. I discovered Stallion Ridge exactly 1 year ago and binge read them in days. Couldn’t put down, reading still my eyes tried to escape from my head and wasn’t able to read more. Each book is unique each book is epic and every character different, diverse and interesting. Love them all. Can’t explain how much I will miss them.

I received this ARC from Gay Romance Review, and this is my honest review.

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killing off a main character from a previous book, who already had what seemed like an HEA, in a romance series, was certainly a choice 😬 I feel like I needed to say that first, as a warning. He wasn't a character I personally had any particular feelings about, not one of my favorites, but wow, I'd be upset if he or his romance was. Especially because I cannot figure out any reason for it. He could've just been injured and saved, and the story, the themes, the character growth, the everything would be exactly the same. It sort of upsets me just on principle.

Anyway, in some ways, this was better for me than some of the previous books, in some ways, worse.

I liked the brother reconciliation!

As a Jack & Gideon fan, I loved getting to see more of them. (If you haven't read the short story collection about them, do yourself a favor and go do that. It's my favorite of all the books in this series, and it's technically not even a book.)

This was the final book, so I liked that everything was wrapped up well, including some little callbacks about different characters/couples and plotlines.

I have mixed feelings about the romance. There was some chemistry and angst, but it was still quite instalove-y for my taste and believability.

I also have mixed feelings about the centaur MC because I love uncommon supernaturals, but there wasn't much to it other than occasionally shifting in order to run. I suppose that's how a lot of the supernaturals in this series have been though.

One fairly big issue I had was, I feel like the whole thing about Gin having to kill West because he was loyal to Leo would have fallen apart if West had just told him that Leo was sex trafficking children. I really don't think Gin would've been ok with that. And West could have very easily told him that instead of just vaguely saying Leo was bad.

There were some little things that sort of took me out of the story. Like, West kept chewing up some medicinal leaves and putting them on people's open wounds, which seems just as likely to cause an infection as to provide any benefit. And how, at one point, a character said something like, "When I started, it was the Wild West of railroads!" which makes no sense in a series set in a Wild West-inspired fantasy world.

Then, of course, there was the character death I mentioned.

Anyway, not a bad series. I read the whole thing because I got enjoyment from it, even if I had more issues with this book. In most ways, this finale wrapped things up nicely.

*Rating: 3 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*

Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-6 in Maz Maddox's Stallion Ridge Series. Anyone who likes the Old West but with supernaturals, worlds accepting of LGBT+ people and relationships, mlm romance that's sweet and sexy and a touch angsty, likeable characters, and series with different couples in each book but connected stories.

More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Sammy Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end has finally come for our Stallion Ridge Hero’s to fight one last battle and what a great one to end on. This series has been one crazy ride and I’m so sad that we are at the end. Our brave heroes have already fought many a scary bad guy and found love a long the way, but here we are at the reveal of the ultimate boss in our game. After Sky’s very scary dream we know what a challenging time our found family must face. It will probably not surprise some of you who are end boss is. He turned up out of nowhere and offered Stallion Ridge a chance to good to pass up, the railways line! They thought he was just seen the worth of the town, when really, he just painted a target on everyone’s favourite town. I didn’t like the man from the start so I was glad I could openly dislike the man. We learn at the start who our bad guy is, give it up for Leo. He has set in motion a set of events which he can’t and won’t stop. He is just poor evil in my book!

At the end of Sky’s book, we were introduced to who one of our main characters would be and I may have quietly squealed when I saw West’s name. After all that we have heard about him I really wanted to meet the man himself. It comes as no surprise to us all that he isn’t dead at all, just in hiding. When he learns that his brother needs him, he races of to reach Stallion Ridge. On West’s tail is Gin, Leo’s bodyguard and one bad ass dragon. I’m only glad that he got his own story, and he was a good match for West. He is sent the kill West, by order of Leo. West and Leo have a past, and that past is complicated to say the least. It ended bad and now the each want the other dead.

West is known by many names and has several bounties on his head. He moves in the shadows and the shady towns, causing havoc on the way. He changed when he was sent to war, and it led him down a dark path. He did things he wasn’t proud of and that led to him crossing paths with Leo. He has had a tough time of things, but thru it all he is still a proud Centaur. He doesn’t want to disappoint his brother, so he prefers to let him think he is dead. You can see how much he loves him, and their reunion is one we all want for Cal. West has travelled a road he wishes he didn’t, but at least he is trying to be a better person.

Gin, like West, we didn’t really know much about. He is Leo’s bodyguard, and he helped our gang to save Lucas when he was on his rampage. It is then that we learn that he is dragon and that his fire is a cleansing flame. When he catches up to West, we really see that her morals are ruled by honour. He will not fight West until he makes the first move. Despite leaving his home, his values have not changed. His backstory is sad when we learn about what happened to his family. That led him to leave his home and travel on boat to the new world. He meets Leo not longer after arriving and pledges to guard him. Is this something he now regrets? He knows some of what his employer does but is surprised when he learns all his dirty dealings.

There first fight gets side tracked and then leads them on a mission together before West will fight him. The sparks are all over the place when these two are together and I’m glad they got to meet away from Leo’s influence. He got to see who West truly is and how much they have in common. They are more alike than they think.

There is changing POV is this book so we can see what is going on in Stallion Ridge. It made sure that we learn all of what’s happening and see how our heroes are already preparing for what is to come. I have fallen in love with all the characters in this town and I’m glad I picked up this series to read. It has all the aspects I love in this series and each book just gets better and better.

The last battle really is a fight for their survival, I’m glad that they have an amazing town and group of friends beside them. We really get to see what everyone can do in their shifter forms and I’m glad that all the people we meet are all involved in this epic battle. I may have cried by eyes out at one bit, but I sought of thought that he may happen. We knew that there would be loss, but it still didn’t stop the tears. The ending was the best send off for this series and the battle didn’t disappoint. I loved that Jack’s POV starts and ends this book for us. He was the man the story really starts with, so it was only right that it ends with him. I’m glad I finally got to see him get his HEA Gideon and Cal gets a surprise of his own. Also, a fight was mentioned at the end that I so want to see. Jesse, you have balls of steel to accept that fight, but I would love to see who won.

We leave the town of Stallion Ridge a bit worse for wear, sad, but also happy. All the men we met fought hard to get to where they are and I’m glad they all, well nearly all, get that HEA. This book, like all the others, sent me through every emotion there is, but I knew our heroes were very safe in Maz Maddox hands. I read the series through before I picked up this one and it made a good send off for our boys and the citizens of Stallion Ridge. Farewell and we hope I get to revisit you all in the future. I just hope that we get a bonus between Cal and Jesse. After you read the book, you will understand why I want to see them again. Thank you again Maz Maddox for creating Stallion Ridge and all its inhabitants. I’m off to read about dinosaurs now!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything this author writes, including this book. It probably would’ve been my favorite because I love that they were all together. BUT I don’t feel it was necessary to kill Seb. It makes me feel like the only reason he was in a throuple was so that he could be killed and we wouldn’t have to feel as bad for his partners. I was really hoping the rocks would work some magic and bring him back, maybe without the runes.
It ruined the series for me a bit. Their happy ending was done. You can’t mess with a character after their HEA has happened. That has to go against some romance code somewhere, right?
They even talked about a vacation after the fighting was over. Way to rip out my heart.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Stallion Ridge #7
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

After the ending of the previous book, I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this one to find out how West will save Stallion Ridge. From the very beginning, I was hooked on this story. West is a very interesting and troubled centaur who feels like he has let his brother down. West was a deadly fighter and could be heartless when he needed to be, but he also was extremely protective of his family.

Gin has been another mysterious character in this series. He has been Leo’s bodyguard and has helped contain Lucas when he was a rampaging Manticore. Like West, he also is struggling with his past actions or lack thereof. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Gin is possessive of what he considers his. It's always the quiet ones who surprise you.

These two had a very intense relationship filled with sword fights, giant beasts, and some kinky sexy times. Their relationship was also very emotional because they had to accept their pasts and present actions, and sometimes go against their ideas of honor to do the right thing. I just loved these two and their enemies-to-lovers relationship.

For the battle at Stallion Ridge, it was as action packed and intense as I was expecting, also very emotional, which was a bit expected after all of Sky’s warnings. I think this was a great ending for this series, even if it was a bit sad. I do hope she writes more short stories within this world though because I am not ready to let these men go.

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review.*

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. What an ending, to a brilliant series. Everyone comes together, and I hugged my Kindle when I'd finished. The whole series must be read, this is not a standalone. Each and every story and character has to be read to appreciate the ongoing story fully. I totally recommend the whole weird and quirky series.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nooooo! Why Seb? Been looking forward to the end and what happens when West rides. Glad that Sky returned. I liked both Gin and West, they had similarities and were honor focused. It was a little boring with just the two of them, so I was happy when the rest of the gang met up. Gutted about Seb, I loved his redemption story. Was less interested about Cal and Jesse, than Jack and Gideon. Because finally! Was hoping for more Q and Gunnar because they're my favorites. Great series.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

West and Gin
We return to Stallion Ridge where a war is brewing and Cal knows he’s desperately in need of help. West has done awful, terrible things. But the absolute worst thing he has ever had to do is face his brother Cal.

This story!!!! It broke my heart. There were tears. I have loved this series from the beginning. This book was a wonderful ending to the Stallion Ridge saga. I enjoyed seeing all the shifters in their power and glory. The redemption most of them went through was delightful. The romances of such diverse characters was probably my favorite part. The satisfaction of seeing an evil character brought to his end was great.

It’s fitting that the series started with Cal and ends with him reunited with his brother West. Next to Marybell and Scarlet, Gin may have become my favorite.

If you haven’t got the idea by now, this series is very special to me.

I received an arc of this book.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series, so much I bought the entire set. I waited patiently until they arrived to read the last one as I wanted to do a physical read instead of reading it on my ebook....
And now I regret my purchase.

Killing off a main character who already had their own BOOK, who got their HAPPY ENDING, was certainly a choice. I absolutely loved his redemption story and when he died, at first, I wasn't worried. It's a magical world. It's like, 2 chapters until the end. They can bring him back SOMEHOW, you know?

It was fine and dandy until they wrapped him in linen and BURNED HIM. I don't think I've ever raged as hard as I did. Like, what the actual fuck. They talked about going on vacation after this was done. They talked about living a full life together and now....Ugh. I don't even understand because it wouldn't have changed the story in any way, shape or form. THIS HAPPENS IN THE LAST CHAPTER IN THE BOOK. It would have changed NOTHING about the story!

I messaged the author with ?!?!!? and she responded it hurt her too to do it. Uhm, THEN WHY DO IT!? Also, the fact that there's no trigger warning about a main character death or anything, so it irked me even more. I probably wouldn't have picked this one up if I knew. I'd have left it at 6 books and carried on with my life.
This whole series just feels tarnished to me and I won't ever pick it up again because I know he DIES.

Yes, I'm leaving this vague in case someone does want to read this and good for you. I just.... I can't. You can definitely find out which character dies through other reviews. I'm sorry but this put me off this author for forever.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so good. It’s a beautiful addition to an amazing series (definitely start with the first book if you haven’t already, you’ll want to get to know the characters and the events that have led up to where this story begins). West and Gin fit together beautifully, and they’re both compelling characters, but I’d be lying if I said West wasn’t my absolute favorite, both here and in the series overall. He’s complicated, nobler than he thinks he is and just so deeply lovable– I just wanted all the good things for him. I’m not sure I’m ready for this series to end, but this book pretty much delivers everything you’d want from all its heroes.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series! While Gin and West happened fast for enemies to lovers, the change felt real. The battle was awful and sad. I’m actually mad about certain death. I was not expecting anything like that happening and it tarnished the end for me a bit.

But I love this town and the found family they made.

[Ulrike Apel · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story is damn good.

To the point where she kills a beloved main character without reason. To whom she dedicated a whole book.

That was it for me, this author is an absolute no-go from now on

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was rude.

Why? You didn’t have to do all that. You know exactly what you did, too, but everybody else has to read it to figure it out because I’m not spoiling it.

If I gotta sob uncontrollably, so does everyone else. I don’t make the rules.

This book was a lot. And I still feel like I missed something because I’m missing some novellas. I wish there would’ve been a tiny bit more about West and Gin, especially at the end. Just a little bit more of them together, and everyone in general at some level of peace, would’ve been nice.

The mechanics were really…not great. At one point, in the middle of a scene, POV changed for a moment and it really threw me off because it was a fairly deep/important moment and I had to reread it an embarrassing number of times to make my brain process it. But, as usual, the story was good enough to help me slay the brain demon and enjoy things.

The book gets a 3.5/5. Like the others, it needs some spit shine, but man it was g o o d.

The series gets all of my love forever and a 4/5. The world was interesting, the overarching story was intense and wonderful, the characters were top tier, the lore was fantastic, and the vibe was perfect. I’ve never read anything like this. I am LIVING for shifters that aren’t Wolverine/Deadpool clones. I love that they’re living their lives like everybody else and thriving without all being immortal or almost impossible to unalive. I love a world where all love is celebrated and considered commonplace. I’m here for all of it. The imagination and effort put into this series is truly a marvel and I stayed swept up in the fantasy. I need about 20 spin-offs, though, because I require each and every amazing character get a HEA. They deserve it.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be back once I get my heart settled 😌 💓

"Find love in strength and honor"
This is the final book in the series and I hesitated to flip that final page
I don't wanna go 😭
From the first book to this last one - this journey has been nothing but spectacular
Vivid characters that burrow deep in your heart - become family
Imaginative stories that transported the reader - feel like a participant, not an observer
I am truly going to miss this cast

"No matter what has brought you here, what demons are behind you, today we fight for what is right and just"

The final showdown at Stallion Ridge
Gin has sworn to protect one side (trying not to spoil)
And West the opposing
Problem here?
They are Yin and Yang to each other - on and off the battlefield
Both had pasts they were running from
Both had honor and loyalty - even if West questioned his
Both feel the pull towards the other

This book brings the series to a complete close
It was filled with action, revelations, sacrifice, heartbreak, family, and the sweetest of romances
My words can not do this book or this series justice

I want to thank the gang at Stallion Ridge for letting me share in their journeys
I will miss all of you

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book for the series which has been fun and exciting to read each one. The author does a fantastic job with the scenes and characters bringing them together in the story.
Marshall Jack was looking forward to ending his day but it wasn't to be so quick when he's arrested and the story progresses from there with lots covered in the book which includes the whole town.
Gin (a dragon) worked for the bad guy although he didn't know it as a bodyguard.

As West (a Minotaur shifter) finds his stirring pot had caught the ear of someone he didn't want known. An action and drama scenes are big in this as West and the others fight to save the town. West and Gin are enemies but learn to fight bad creatures and end in a truce. Sexy switching scenes included with a wax play scene. A brilliant ending for the book with West and Gin getting their HEA not without a little more dramas with ol Leo.
An amazing series to read which features unusual shifters with action and dramas into a fantastic series, yah I’d recommend to be read in order to understand the storyline to what happens

[Roksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Centaur without honour, West Klelbor lives the life of a ghost, keeping to the shadows where his infamous name is less likely to find him trouble. It’s safer for his brother, Cal, to believe him dead. He’s maintained the lie for several years, and intends to do so for the rest of his days—until a mysterious stranger finds West at the far reaches of civilization with a warning: Stallion Ridge is in danger. West must face his ghosts and confront the very real threats to his brother’s life, but West’s past isn't the only thing haunting him. Gin, a deadly dragon beholden to his new master, longs for redemption. Gin is sent into the wild with one mission: claim the head of the infamous Pale Horse of Death. But the sly Centaur won’t make Gin’s hunt easy, nor will he let Gin escape with his heart intact.

Sunsets & Showdowns is the adventurous, captivating, and emotional finale of the Stallion Ridge series. The seventh novel sees the culmination of the overarching plot points that have carried through from their early foundations in book one, Heartache & Hoofbeats, with the ultimate battle to ensure the thriving community of Stallion Ridge continues to be a safe haven for shifters and humans alike. With a focus on familial duty, shame, and redemption, this is one of the heavier stories of the series, emotionally speaking, but the romance, adventure, and the finale is well worth the tears that might threaten. The pacing may be a little fast for some towards the end, but the resolution felt realistic and I especially appreciated a glimpse at the characters’ ultimate HEAs from a new perspective. This series is definitely going on a list of my all time favourites.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic conclusion to the series. It had all the love and adventure of the previous books. West and Gin were the main characters here, and each had gone through so many hard times and deserved happiness - thought that was something neither expected to ever find.
The characters from the previous installments showed up, and they were all just as wonderful as ever. There were moments that made me smile, others that made me cry, and at least a scene or two that broke my heart. But above all, there was love and camaraderie, the hope that good would triumph over evil, and a love that was meant to be. I appreciate how the author has turned the Wild West into a world with humans and supernatural beings interacting together. This is a favorite series, and I recommend every book. What an amazing ride it has been!

[Claudia the Night Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not believe you did this, Maddox! You know what and know that I am upset, and you will never be forgiven.

A perfect ending to a fantastic series. This book was a roller coaster throughout, and I loved it so hard, except for a certain part that I will forever be mad about.

West is hell bound on taking down his ex’s criminal empire, he’s faced down countless outlaws, taken down trains, and gone through hell, but he’s finally met his match when a samurai dragon is sent to kill him. Back in Stallion Ridge with Cal and his deputies, Leo has been revealed to be a crazy evil tycoon who intends on taking over the world, and it’s going to take everyone to take him down. As well as having all our favorite characters from the past books, we get awesome new characters like West, the long-lost thought dead brother of Cal, come back from the dead to save Stallion Ridge and seduce a quiet yet rather kinky dragon chained by honor to his master Leo. So much goes on in this book I could not put it down. The fighting to loving of West and Gin, preparations for war, and a bittersweet ending. 5/5 a perfect ending.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need more stars for this author. This amazing series, can NOT be over. West, has history, and he showed up in time and proved, he's a rock star! He is on a mission. to save his brother Cal. Gin, bodyguard to Leo is sent on a mission. Leaving Leo, goes against Gin's moral directive, but he does as he's asked. Stallion Ridge, hooked me from the very first story and each successive one just verified that Maz, should never stop writing. Gin and West are an enigma, but they work. Maz, pulls you in from the very first word and keeps you captive and enthralled to the end! Sunsets & Sundowns is a fantastic series ending. It answers a lot of questions and leaves us with pain, but content karma has done her deed. It was good to see old friends and make new ones. WELL DONE! I received an ARC and am happily leaving a review, hoping for a spin-off?

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been amazing! I can't believe it will be the last one!! West and Gin were amazing. West is Cal's brother who we have heard a lot about throughout the series who we were told was dead but it was kind of foreshadowing something else. Gin works for Leo and is his bodyguard and was sent to kill West. It is obviously a match made in heaven. But this book, like the rest, will make you laugh and it will make you scream. It is just an amazing book. I don't want to spoil it, just read it! I will say that you do need to read the other books in the series first ( not just because they are awesome but because it has an ongoing plot and recurring characters). Definitely hope we see more in this world in the future.

[Midori · Rating 4 out of 5]

* From, let’s kill each other TO let’s team up and kill this beast. Jealousy + sex is always the best 🔥
* I wept when the two brothers were reunited, it was a very very touching moment
* I want to say that Marybelle is the star in the stallion ridge series.
* Finally a happy ending for jack and gideon, gahd i love them so much.
* I’m taking away 0.5 star because Of SEB. My heart hurts, until the end I was hoping you know…
* Another 0.5 star ive taken away because of sky, well itz just me wanting to know if he and victor will be staying now at stallion ridge for good. Are they?
*** all in all this was a Fantastic read, i wish Maz will still create short stories with the stallion ridge boys with their adventure in the future ❤️

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book of the Stallion Ridge series went out with a bang.

We are introduced to Cal’s mysterious brother, West. (FINALLY)

He returns to Stallion Ridge to right a wrong and hooks up with Gin, Leo’s right hand man. Which is a match up I never would have expected.


Sunsets and Showdowns is filled with Maz’s humour and her gift for bringing unique characters to life. Every other page, I was laughing or I was gripped with a sense of fear. There’s no in the middle with this series.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants fun times, and heartbreaking times. It’s not for the faint of heart.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of the series

I can't believe this is the end. I want more. More time with everyone. More time with West and Gin. More time with with the good that was lost. More time to see the positive changes that are happening to this great town and wonderful characters.

I have truly enjoyed this series and all of the wonderful characters with in it. I think this was a good edition to the world. I feel like there was so much build-up and then it was done. I would have liked a little more detail and time concerning the big ending that me to happen.

This is a great series that you really need to read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I do now that this series has ended?!? I loved it. The world-building and sheer creativity were awesome. My favorite thing in a series is when we get to follow different characters, and I loved all these characters and how they found their mates. All of the books in this series had great balances of love and suspense in their plot lines, which was very much appreciated.
I would happily read more in this universe but all good things have to come to an end eventually :’)
An entertaining, humorous series with a surprisingly twisty ending. I enjoyed it very much.

RIP Sebastian, that was cruel (although kind. Although cruel. Although kind. I can’t make up my mind!).

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

My title says it all. This book and the whole Stallion Ridge series are just P-H-E-N-O-M-E-N-A-L! The characters are lovable, complex, and intriguing. I have never seen such a gathering of unique individuals as those from Stallion Ridge, and yet they all work fantastically together. Although I hate to see the series end, Maz brought us another wonderful, emotional, and wildly entertaining story to send it off. I was not disappointed, and it was great to see all my favorite characters again. Thank you!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to review the series as a whole and I would give it a solid 4 stars overall. It's not that they were particularly amazing but I was thoroughly entertained by them. The concept was interesting. The world-building was pretty good and I really liked the fantasy crossed with old west.

Some of the stories seemed rushed or not fleshed out enough for my liking, like Mack's. And Cody's pairing seemed way off and I really didn't believe the connection between the two. Wade was done dirty but I liked Scarlet's novella well enough.

It was really good, simple escapism for me to be honest.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m seriously sad this is done. The heroes have to fight one last time and we get cameos of everyone. A war is starting and it’s all hands-on deck. Loved West and Gin!! Just wish there was more, that the stories could keep going on. Overall, fantastic! The story was really well written, the pacing was smooth, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this series. The Jesse & Cal ending was well worth the reading of this whole series. As for Jack & Gideon, their intertwined story was intense and loaded with chemistry. The plot of this was loaded with twists and turns and had just the right level of heat with the villian's final justice met out perfectly as his duplicity throughtout clouded all the citizens of Stallion Ridge. In the end Right always wins out. This is my honest review of the ARC I received.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely but bittersweet ending! It was awesome to read about everyone and meet West! But my heart and THAT ENDING! That were two, am I right? I hope we have like a little novella about those two you know whats! LOLOL

This was an amazing series and such an awesome world/universe. Thank you Maz Maddox!