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Powder River #1
Dark Side of the River
Grudges run deep between two ranch families. And so do secrets…
There’s no avoiding anyone in Powder River’s small community—not even a bitter rival. For years, Cooper McKenna has been thrown together with Tilly Stafford, competing against her at summer rodeos. With all the bad blood between their families, he never imagined they’d be forced to work together. Then Tilly’s younger sister is shot, and Cooper comes under suspicion.
Determined to get answers, they reluctantly team up, animosity turning to something far more heated—and no less dangerous. Because someone is watching, with a lot to hide and every reason to kill again…
A Powder River Novel
Book 1: River Strong
There’s no avoiding anyone in Powder River’s small community—not even a bitter rival. For years, Cooper McKenna has been thrown together with Tilly Stafford, competing against her at summer rodeos. With all the bad blood between their families, he never imagined they’d be forced to work together. Then Tilly’s younger sister is shot, and Cooper comes under suspicion.
Determined to get answers, they reluctantly team up, animosity turning to something far more heated—and no less dangerous. Because someone is watching, with a lot to hide and every reason to kill again…
A Powder River Novel
Book 1: River Strong
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
239 people are currently reading
2365 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Daniels
512 books1,255 followersB.J. Daniels started her life in Houston, Texas, before her family moved to Montana at age five. She grew up in a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and later on Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Because of her love for Montana, most of her books are set there.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
Born into a storytelling family, all she'd ever wanted to do was write stories. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book, ODD MAN OUT. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels. When she isn't writing, she quilts, boats and. makes rope/fabric baskets. She always reads, loving to lose herself in a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 7, 2024
New author to me. Well developed characters and interesting story with lots of intrigue. I'm not a fan of a lot of things that happen in this book.
September 7, 2025
A lot of loose threads that will probably be tied up in more series' books. Little chaotic. Difficult to really connect with any of the characters. Others may connect better than I did...I enjoyed some of Daniels' other works more than this one.
November 9, 2023
This was actually an okay prequel to this new Western Romantic Suspense series; I liked the worldbuilding and the feud between the two ranches, and a lot of intriguing mysteries were introduced.
But the moral values in this novel were just so off to me! I can‘t believe that in the year of 2023 there is still someone writing about corporal punishment of children as an okay thing to do?! Listen, I get that the child in this book has done something wrong (I‘m a huge animal rights advocate so of course I also think it is terrible that she hit her horse with the reins), but this is a 12 year old kid who has just met this old man who has taken her in and he hits her with his belt?? Sorry, but this book lost all my respect after that. And of course because the morals in this book are terrible, she learns from this and takes better care of her horse, telling the reader he was right in hitting her?? Ew.
The second thing I don‘t approve of is that the FMC and her sister just forgave their brother for accidentally nearly killing both of them and not wanting to press charges and telling everyone their mom will get their brother out of the sheriff‘s investigation. He nearly shot one of them! That is not okay! And it is terrible to tell the reader „you don‘t accuse your own family“ - uh what? If they treat you horribly or put you into danger, of course you tell people about it and not keep it hush hush.
And another, much smaller thing that nonetheless pissed me of was the family insisting the vegan child eating beef if she wants to stay on the ranch. And of course she does (the „man of the house“ has just hit her with his belt, of course she will now do what he says) and of course she likes it because in the logic of this book, vegan = bad? Beef = good? I‘m not even vegan (just vegetarian) but this really ticked me off.
There is a way to show a gritty life on the ranch without the above mentioned things, but if you have to include them, maybe not write about them in a way that condones them?! I had to double check at one point if this was set in contemporary times (it is, there are mobile phones) because the values sometimes read ancient and historical to me.
Will not be continuing this series.
But the moral values in this novel were just so off to me! I can‘t believe that in the year of 2023 there is still someone writing about corporal punishment of children as an okay thing to do?! Listen, I get that the child in this book has done something wrong (I‘m a huge animal rights advocate so of course I also think it is terrible that she hit her horse with the reins), but this is a 12 year old kid who has just met this old man who has taken her in and he hits her with his belt?? Sorry, but this book lost all my respect after that. And of course because the morals in this book are terrible, she learns from this and takes better care of her horse, telling the reader he was right in hitting her?? Ew.
The second thing I don‘t approve of is that the FMC and her sister just forgave their brother for accidentally nearly killing both of them and not wanting to press charges and telling everyone their mom will get their brother out of the sheriff‘s investigation. He nearly shot one of them! That is not okay! And it is terrible to tell the reader „you don‘t accuse your own family“ - uh what? If they treat you horribly or put you into danger, of course you tell people about it and not keep it hush hush.
And another, much smaller thing that nonetheless pissed me of was the family insisting the vegan child eating beef if she wants to stay on the ranch. And of course she does (the „man of the house“ has just hit her with his belt, of course she will now do what he says) and of course she likes it because in the logic of this book, vegan = bad? Beef = good? I‘m not even vegan (just vegetarian) but this really ticked me off.
There is a way to show a gritty life on the ranch without the above mentioned things, but if you have to include them, maybe not write about them in a way that condones them?! I had to double check at one point if this was set in contemporary times (it is, there are mobile phones) because the values sometimes read ancient and historical to me.
Will not be continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
In Dark Side of the River, Daniels gives us a murder mystery frosting on a tale of feuding families and star-crossed lovers. Set in eastern Montana in the present, where ranches are measured in square miles, the story hints at dark deeds and betrayals in the past as well as a current battle over coal bed mining for methane and its impact on the land.
Cooper McKenna returns home after two years of self-imposed exile to immediately be entangled in the shooting of a daughter of the rival Stafford family. The woman spends weeks in a coma, unable to explain what happened. Cooper had left Powder River to get away from the stain of being charged with the murder of a former girlfriend. He was acquitted but not exonerated of the charge.
Succession quarrels among the younger generations of both the McKenna and Stafford families heighten tensions in dealing with the question of allowing methane wells to be drilled on ranch land. The extraction process uses large amounts of scarce water. CH2, the company named itself after the chemical formula for methane, lurks in the background as a profiteering exploiter of the pristine Montana prairie.
Stirred into the mix is a hidden meth lab, a twelve-year-old orphan, and a volcanic love affair between Cooper and Tilly Stafford, the older sister of the girl who was shot.
Even with all the plot possibilities, it is great fun to ride along with Coop and Tilly as they attempt to solve the shooting, settle the mining question, and bring warring clans together. Bring popcorn.
Cooper McKenna returns home after two years of self-imposed exile to immediately be entangled in the shooting of a daughter of the rival Stafford family. The woman spends weeks in a coma, unable to explain what happened. Cooper had left Powder River to get away from the stain of being charged with the murder of a former girlfriend. He was acquitted but not exonerated of the charge.
Succession quarrels among the younger generations of both the McKenna and Stafford families heighten tensions in dealing with the question of allowing methane wells to be drilled on ranch land. The extraction process uses large amounts of scarce water. CH2, the company named itself after the chemical formula for methane, lurks in the background as a profiteering exploiter of the pristine Montana prairie.
Stirred into the mix is a hidden meth lab, a twelve-year-old orphan, and a volcanic love affair between Cooper and Tilly Stafford, the older sister of the girl who was shot.
Even with all the plot possibilities, it is great fun to ride along with Coop and Tilly as they attempt to solve the shooting, settle the mining question, and bring warring clans together. Bring popcorn.
July 22, 2023
Montana has such natural beauty, but there are many who want to exploit and ruin what lies below the surface.
This book kicks off a new series about two feuding families.
B.J. Daniels plants a lot of kernels which I’m anxious to harvest with the subsequent books.
My feelings waffled about the sheriff, not knowing If he was to be trusted or not.
I didn’t care for Holly Jo. Her age is no excuse for acting how she does. The riding scene with Holden served the appropriate attitude adjustment.
Right now I like the McKennas better than the Staffords.
I want to unlock all the secrets Daniels sets up!
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early read.
This book kicks off a new series about two feuding families.
B.J. Daniels plants a lot of kernels which I’m anxious to harvest with the subsequent books.
My feelings waffled about the sheriff, not knowing If he was to be trusted or not.
I didn’t care for Holly Jo. Her age is no excuse for acting how she does. The riding scene with Holden served the appropriate attitude adjustment.
Right now I like the McKennas better than the Staffords.
I want to unlock all the secrets Daniels sets up!
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early read.
August 14, 2023
Past memories
I started this book yesterday morning and finished it after midnight tonight. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. I enjoyed all the ups and downs because ween the two families who have feuding for years. I am anxiously waiting the next book I have already pre-ordered. I am a huge fan of B.J. Daniels and will keep reading her books for as long as she keeps writing them.
We!l recommended for all.
I started this book yesterday morning and finished it after midnight tonight. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. I enjoyed all the ups and downs because ween the two families who have feuding for years. I am anxiously waiting the next book I have already pre-ordered. I am a huge fan of B.J. Daniels and will keep reading her books for as long as she keeps writing them.
We!l recommended for all.
July 26, 2023
THE DARK SIDE OF THE RIVER
B. J. DANIELS
B. J did a fantastic job with this book. She had this book with mystery and suspense and love.
Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford's story
The two families that where holding feud between them. They had alot going on between them. When Cooper McKenna had returned from being gone 2 years. Cooper was heading to the McKenna ranch only to Oakley Stafford come running away from someone and Cooper got on his breaks in time not to hit her. He saved Oakley's life. All she said was buttercup for her last words.
Tilly Stafford was bound to find out who shot her sister. Tilly was seeing the Sheriff and wanted answers. But the Sheriff through alot about finding the person who shot Oakley. But didn't really do anything about it.
What was going on in Powder River was dangerous things going on.
Who shot Oakley?
Will Holly Jo stay apart of the McKenna Ranch life ? Why was she brought to the Ranch by Holden McKenna?
Will the feuding family keep this going?
B. J writes books that keep you intrigued and not able to put down. She is my favorite authors who writes Western Stories.
Please pick up the book and try it I don't think you will regret it.
B. J. DANIELS
B. J did a fantastic job with this book. She had this book with mystery and suspense and love.
Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford's story
The two families that where holding feud between them. They had alot going on between them. When Cooper McKenna had returned from being gone 2 years. Cooper was heading to the McKenna ranch only to Oakley Stafford come running away from someone and Cooper got on his breaks in time not to hit her. He saved Oakley's life. All she said was buttercup for her last words.
Tilly Stafford was bound to find out who shot her sister. Tilly was seeing the Sheriff and wanted answers. But the Sheriff through alot about finding the person who shot Oakley. But didn't really do anything about it.
What was going on in Powder River was dangerous things going on.
Who shot Oakley?
Will Holly Jo stay apart of the McKenna Ranch life ? Why was she brought to the Ranch by Holden McKenna?
Will the feuding family keep this going?
B. J writes books that keep you intrigued and not able to put down. She is my favorite authors who writes Western Stories.
Please pick up the book and try it I don't think you will regret it.
July 11, 2023
Dark Side of the River
By BJ Daniels
Comes out July 25,2023
This is BJ’s new Powder River series. BJ did a great job setting up this series. In this book, she outlines the decade feud that has been going on between the. McKenna’s and the Stafford’s.
This is Tilly Stafford and Cooper. McKenna’s story. But. BJ definitely takes the time to introduce many characters, outlines the feud between the families, and definitely leads room for a lot more intrigue between the other characters.
Tilly and Cooper have always been competitive. You would’ve thought that they were enemies. But are they?
After being gone from Powder River. For quite some time, Cooper comes back and basically starts out as he left. Tilly sister Oakley gets shot and unfortunately for Cooper. He’s the one to find her. Will the suspicions start all over again?
Well, Tilly and Cooper are investigating who shot Oakley. They discover other problems that are going on between their two ranches. All the while they are knee-deep in intrigue and danger, they find out that they really are not enemies!
Will their families except their relationship? Is Oakley OK? You definitely need to read the story to find out the mystery behind these two events. If you like enemies to lovers, this book is for you if you like mystery and intrigue, this book is for you also. I cannot wait until December for the second book to come out
I was given this ARC in return for my honest review.
By BJ Daniels
Comes out July 25,2023
This is BJ’s new Powder River series. BJ did a great job setting up this series. In this book, she outlines the decade feud that has been going on between the. McKenna’s and the Stafford’s.
This is Tilly Stafford and Cooper. McKenna’s story. But. BJ definitely takes the time to introduce many characters, outlines the feud between the families, and definitely leads room for a lot more intrigue between the other characters.
Tilly and Cooper have always been competitive. You would’ve thought that they were enemies. But are they?
After being gone from Powder River. For quite some time, Cooper comes back and basically starts out as he left. Tilly sister Oakley gets shot and unfortunately for Cooper. He’s the one to find her. Will the suspicions start all over again?
Well, Tilly and Cooper are investigating who shot Oakley. They discover other problems that are going on between their two ranches. All the while they are knee-deep in intrigue and danger, they find out that they really are not enemies!
Will their families except their relationship? Is Oakley OK? You definitely need to read the story to find out the mystery behind these two events. If you like enemies to lovers, this book is for you if you like mystery and intrigue, this book is for you also. I cannot wait until December for the second book to come out
I was given this ARC in return for my honest review.
August 10, 2023
A new series from BJ Daniels called Powder River, which is also the name of the town. Dark Side of the River is the first book in the series to date. Two of the large ranches in the area are the family of McKenna and Stafford. They are rivals times two and are constantly blaming the other for everything. However Tilly and Cooper might be unable to stay apart.
Cooper McKenna was coming home for the first time in two years when he saw a rider fall off their horse in front of his truck. Screeching to a halt, he finds it is one of the neighbors, and she has a gunshot wound that is bleeding a lot. This starts one of the mysteries of the story.
There seems to be lots of issues in the books that are going to come up. One problem is the problem with getting minerals out of the area without polluting the area or emptying the nearby wells. There seems to be problems between the McKenna and Stafford families from the past. Then there is the situation up in the mountains on land rarely visited. Once you add in lots of guns, hotheads, and horses, you have a new series with mysteries, love and lots of unknowns. Oh and the sheriff is interesting and he has secrets!
The Dark Side of the River by BJ Daniels is a good read!
Cooper McKenna was coming home for the first time in two years when he saw a rider fall off their horse in front of his truck. Screeching to a halt, he finds it is one of the neighbors, and she has a gunshot wound that is bleeding a lot. This starts one of the mysteries of the story.
There seems to be lots of issues in the books that are going to come up. One problem is the problem with getting minerals out of the area without polluting the area or emptying the nearby wells. There seems to be problems between the McKenna and Stafford families from the past. Then there is the situation up in the mountains on land rarely visited. Once you add in lots of guns, hotheads, and horses, you have a new series with mysteries, love and lots of unknowns. Oh and the sheriff is interesting and he has secrets!
The Dark Side of the River by BJ Daniels is a good read!
September 4, 2023
Cooper and Tilly are rivals with a deep rooted Bad Blood between families. Cooper ends up finding Tilly's sister shot and because of the Rivalry between family he's kind of a suspect especially since it happened on this family's land. As they work together to figure out we could be behind this they come across something much more Sinister at Play but will do what they can to find out the truth.
I really enjoyed this book I like the whole enemies to lovers trope and seeing how they work together to figure out who was behind us. I enjoy that there was plenty going on to keep me interested and this was a pretty good start into introducing something much larger which is one of the things they stumbled upon that may or may not have to do with the sister being shot. Then there's a romance between the two and the whole family rivalry thing. It was clear that some people just wanted it to be over with and some people just can't leave the past behind even if it has nothing to do with their generation. It was just interesting seeing how that part played out especially since it's a big part of what is going on with the story.Overall this is a really good book I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this book I like the whole enemies to lovers trope and seeing how they work together to figure out who was behind us. I enjoy that there was plenty going on to keep me interested and this was a pretty good start into introducing something much larger which is one of the things they stumbled upon that may or may not have to do with the sister being shot. Then there's a romance between the two and the whole family rivalry thing. It was clear that some people just wanted it to be over with and some people just can't leave the past behind even if it has nothing to do with their generation. It was just interesting seeing how that part played out especially since it's a big part of what is going on with the story.Overall this is a really good book I really enjoyed it.
July 29, 2023
A thrilling ride!
B. J. Daniels kept me captivated from the beginning to the end as we tried to solve the mystery of who shot Oakley Stafford. The Stafford’s and the McKenna’s are neighboring ranchers and there has been a feud between the two families for generations. The fact that she was shot on McKenna land heightens the tension between the two ranches. Add to the fact her sister Tilly and family rival Cooper McKenna work together to find the culprit and that brings out long-buried feelings between the two.
I was enthralled with the story and the several twists and turns it took. The growing relationship between Cooper and Tilly had a natural progression, and I liked that they communicated with each other. I can’t wait to see how the family dynamics (in both families) play out as the series continues. Along with the lesser plot lines that were not tied up in this book. I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read the next in the Powder River series. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
B. J. Daniels kept me captivated from the beginning to the end as we tried to solve the mystery of who shot Oakley Stafford. The Stafford’s and the McKenna’s are neighboring ranchers and there has been a feud between the two families for generations. The fact that she was shot on McKenna land heightens the tension between the two ranches. Add to the fact her sister Tilly and family rival Cooper McKenna work together to find the culprit and that brings out long-buried feelings between the two.
I was enthralled with the story and the several twists and turns it took. The growing relationship between Cooper and Tilly had a natural progression, and I liked that they communicated with each other. I can’t wait to see how the family dynamics (in both families) play out as the series continues. Along with the lesser plot lines that were not tied up in this book. I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read the next in the Powder River series. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2024
This is the 1st book in the “A Powerful River Series.” This is an entertaining fast-paced read that has its share of drama, action packed, mystery, mayhem, adventurous page turning, feuding families, murder, secrets, suspenseful, great characters and a plot that held me captive turning page after page. The McKenna’s and Stafford’s are neighboring ranchers and have been feuding for many generations. Cooper McKenna finds himself returning to the small-town of Powder River after he has been gone for years. McKenna is returning home and finds a woman bleeding and hurt. He soon learns that the wounded woman is Tilly Stafford’s sister Oakley. With Oakley being shot on McKenna’s land puts him under suspicion. The two families are working together as emotions are running high with the death of Oakley.
Who shot Oakley and why, with the families working together will the feuding continue or will it cease?
I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Who shot Oakley and why, with the families working together will the feuding continue or will it cease?
I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 31, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.
This is an unforgettable start to a new series. I was enraptured immediately with the mysteries and suspense. There was quite a bit of action here. So many questions and so few answers? Who shot Oakley? Who or what is Buttercup? Is the CH4 involved? Can Stuart and Cooper get back their friendship? These questions and a few more pop up to set the stage for the next story!!!!
This is told in a multiple POV format. Can we just say WOW!!! There were a lot of POVs! Getting that glimpse into all of their thoughts really made for a more enjoyable experience. What better why to start a new series. Getting acquitted with the people of Powder River and the two family ranches really laid down a great foundation for the new series
This was a very slightly sexy read. I highly recommend this book. Now to wait for the second one!!!!
This is an unforgettable start to a new series. I was enraptured immediately with the mysteries and suspense. There was quite a bit of action here. So many questions and so few answers? Who shot Oakley? Who or what is Buttercup? Is the CH4 involved? Can Stuart and Cooper get back their friendship? These questions and a few more pop up to set the stage for the next story!!!!
This is told in a multiple POV format. Can we just say WOW!!! There were a lot of POVs! Getting that glimpse into all of their thoughts really made for a more enjoyable experience. What better why to start a new series. Getting acquitted with the people of Powder River and the two family ranches really laid down a great foundation for the new series
This was a very slightly sexy read. I highly recommend this book. Now to wait for the second one!!!!
August 25, 2024
2 stars only because I finished it. I only finished it because I've enjoyed other BJ Daniels books in the past and I impulsively bought the entire trilogy.
This was painful. The main characters have been enemies since childhood but then somehow decide that they actually liked each other all that time. There's a little bit of a love triangle - I don't care for those. And I noticed what I hope is not a writing quirk of the author - she characters tended to repeat their concerns out loud and in the inner monologue. Totally unnecessary. No wonder this author's books tend to be long for Harlequins.
Also, the narrator was awful. His male voices all sounded the same which makes it hard when there is a love triangle.
Still I enjoyed the overall storyline and I'm curious to see what happens next.
This was painful. The main characters have been enemies since childhood but then somehow decide that they actually liked each other all that time. There's a little bit of a love triangle - I don't care for those. And I noticed what I hope is not a writing quirk of the author - she characters tended to repeat their concerns out loud and in the inner monologue. Totally unnecessary. No wonder this author's books tend to be long for Harlequins.
Also, the narrator was awful. His male voices all sounded the same which makes it hard when there is a love triangle.
Still I enjoyed the overall storyline and I'm curious to see what happens next.
May 16, 2023
Someone shot Tilly’s sister and she fears it might have been underground protesters against a methane drilling operation. Cooper has just come home after years and gets roped into the investigation with Tilly. Although their families are like the Montagues and the Capulets they start to realize their feelings for each other. And they are fighting the attraction. What will happen to them as they investigate and who the heck shot her sister?
This is a who-du-nit and enemies to lovers tale and both aspects are satisfying. At times I felt it lacked some emotional punch and identifying the culprit was less satisfying. I’ve gotta say though that I couldn’t ID them until the end and I do like that in a mystery.
This is a who-du-nit and enemies to lovers tale and both aspects are satisfying. At times I felt it lacked some emotional punch and identifying the culprit was less satisfying. I’ve gotta say though that I couldn’t ID them until the end and I do like that in a mystery.
July 25, 2023
Dark Side of the River (ebook) by B.J. Daniels
This is the first book in the Powder River series, and I can't wait for more. Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford are both strong characters and their families have been feuding for years and they have been competing against each other since they were little. There is attempted murder, suspense, angst, hard feelings, illegal activities, intense family relations, some laughs and tears and a little steam to get us to a HEA. I am looking forward to RIVER STRONG in December.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Romantic Action-packed Great world building Tear-jerker Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Unpredictable Steamy Informative Entertaining Witty Scary Wonderful characters Tragic.
This is the first book in the Powder River series, and I can't wait for more. Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford are both strong characters and their families have been feuding for years and they have been competing against each other since they were little. There is attempted murder, suspense, angst, hard feelings, illegal activities, intense family relations, some laughs and tears and a little steam to get us to a HEA. I am looking forward to RIVER STRONG in December.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Romantic Action-packed Great world building Tear-jerker Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Unpredictable Steamy Informative Entertaining Witty Scary Wonderful characters Tragic.
July 25, 2023
DARK SIDE OF THE RIVER by B.J. Daniels, book 1 of Power River series.
Awesome storytelling and beautifully written characters; the twists and turns were riveting, leaving me on the edge of my seat! DARK SIDE OF THE RIVER’s plot about feuding ranch families keeps everyone on their toes in Powder River’s small community, only to intensify when Tilly Stafford’s younger sister is shot, and Cooper McKenna comes under suspicions. That’s not all! Look out for Daniels’ second book RIVER STRONG soon to be released on December 26, 2023. I received this complimentary advanced copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
Awesome storytelling and beautifully written characters; the twists and turns were riveting, leaving me on the edge of my seat! DARK SIDE OF THE RIVER’s plot about feuding ranch families keeps everyone on their toes in Powder River’s small community, only to intensify when Tilly Stafford’s younger sister is shot, and Cooper McKenna comes under suspicions. That’s not all! Look out for Daniels’ second book RIVER STRONG soon to be released on December 26, 2023. I received this complimentary advanced copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
July 27, 2023
Cooper McKenna is returning to Powder River after being gone 2 years. A horse and rider burst out of the trees and the rider falls off in front of his truck. He stops and finds a woman hurt and bleeding. He calls 911 to find that it's Tilly Stafford's sister and she has been shot. The Staffords and the McKenna have a long-standing feud. Cooper and Tilly grew up competing against each other. They now join up to find who shot her sister and what is going on in their small town. I just love a good suspense story and loved Cooper and Tilly finding their way to each other.
There is a lot going on in each of their families and I can't wait to see what happens next in their small town.
There is a lot going on in each of their families and I can't wait to see what happens next in their small town.
August 12, 2023
This was a painful read as I disliked majority of the characters. It looked like most of them lived in misery and anger.
Hated Tilly's mother the most and her lack of past reveal also didnt help. Her enmity seemed too extreme to me.(Guess it will be revealed in subsequent book(s) but 20 years seems a long time to hold grudges)
The MCs romance was also sudden.I would have prefered reading some of their old interactions instead of being told that there had always been tension between them. I have no idea what they liked about each other to fall in love.
Out of all the characters,Stuart was the only one who had some character growth and redeemed himself.
Hated Tilly's mother the most and her lack of past reveal also didnt help. Her enmity seemed too extreme to me.(Guess it will be revealed in subsequent book(s) but 20 years seems a long time to hold grudges)
The MCs romance was also sudden.I would have prefered reading some of their old interactions instead of being told that there had always been tension between them. I have no idea what they liked about each other to fall in love.
Out of all the characters,Stuart was the only one who had some character growth and redeemed himself.
August 9, 2023
A fantastic start to a new series. I love B. J. Daniels books and couldn't wait to get this one to read. It is a non stop story of hate and love. The hate of two families that have divided Powder River.
It is also about methane gas draining water from one ranch.
Secretive family members.
Murder, Mayhem, Jealousy just to name a few emotions!
Can Cooper and Tilly put an end to this family feud or will it just get worse?
Man I can't wait to see what is up next in this story! I know it will be just as awesome as this story was!
It is also about methane gas draining water from one ranch.
Secretive family members.
Murder, Mayhem, Jealousy just to name a few emotions!
Can Cooper and Tilly put an end to this family feud or will it just get worse?
Man I can't wait to see what is up next in this story! I know it will be just as awesome as this story was!
March 13, 2024
Welcome home
Coop had been gone for 2 years. Why he was coming home. He
didan't know it's about time he guessed. He was enjoying the Montana air and the drive. Ahead of him a horse comes charging onto the road and the rider falls off. He slams on his brakes barely stopping in time. It was Oakland Stafford from the rival family. He called 911 and tried to stop the bleeding. The deputy hearing his tries to blame him. Welcome home.
in,Another wonderful story. Love the characters except for the few you want to punch.
drive a
Coop had been gone for 2 years. Why he was coming home. He
didan't know it's about time he guessed. He was enjoying the Montana air and the drive. Ahead of him a horse comes charging onto the road and the rider falls off. He slams on his brakes barely stopping in time. It was Oakland Stafford from the rival family. He called 911 and tried to stop the bleeding. The deputy hearing his tries to blame him. Welcome home.
in,Another wonderful story. Love the characters except for the few you want to punch.
drive a
September 20, 2023
This book was a definite slow burn as far as the romance aspect, and decent in the action department, but overall took me a lot longer to read than the average book. Just couldn’t get into the book until about halfway through. The sequel will be coming out in a month or two I believe, so hopefully the loose ends will be wrapped up in that. Definitely has “Yellowstone” vibes, but not nearly as dramatic and shocking as the tv show.
October 16, 2023
This book has well developed characters and some intriguingly complex situations. It is frustrating that so many issues will be carried over into following books — at least that is the way it appears. It should be more of a stand alone book. You can carry characters, family feuds, the setting, and underlying issues over to other books, but the main attempted murder that this book is about is not explained. Why did he do it is not answered.
September 24, 2025
Western romances can be hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, this one fell on the “miss” side. While B.J. Daniels is clearly a skilled writer, the storytelling style here felt too jumpy and disjointed, making it hard to stay invested. I also struggled to connect with any of the characters, which left the emotional side of the story flat. The suspense element was decent, but not strong enough to carry the book or make me want to continue with the series.
August 14, 2023
This is an amazing romantic and thrilling story. It's full of twists that keep you in suspense. So much goes on throughout the story, it opens so many questions and has many characters true agendas hidden. It's going to be an addictive series. It does leave a bunch of unanswered questions at the end, but it has sweet ending. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 18, 2023
Grab a coffee and be prepared to not put this book down until you’ve finished it. This is fully developed characters even the secondary ones, you find yourself rooting for them, along for the ride to see what happens. Definitely kept me guessing and I was surprised as to what happened. Highly recommend it, if you have read any of her books, this is a great place to start!!
November 7, 2023
Great Story
This had the best story line. I enjoyed the Stanford’s and McKenna’s feud that has been going on for centuries.
Then a Stafford and McKenna dare to fall in love.
There is so much excitement going on in this book you won’t know what’s going to happen next.
From a Stafford being shot to this marriage proposal to a great many things happening in between.
This had the best story line. I enjoyed the Stanford’s and McKenna’s feud that has been going on for centuries.
Then a Stafford and McKenna dare to fall in love.
There is so much excitement going on in this book you won’t know what’s going to happen next.
From a Stafford being shot to this marriage proposal to a great many things happening in between.
December 5, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the book but was disappointed that the end came a little too soon. It left a lot up in the air. It was a tease so you would buy the next book.
The lead characters were likable while some of the secondary characters were very easy to hate. I will probably buy the next book in the series to find out what is going on.
I enjoyed the book but was disappointed that the end came a little too soon. It left a lot up in the air. It was a tease so you would buy the next book.
The lead characters were likable while some of the secondary characters were very easy to hate. I will probably buy the next book in the series to find out what is going on.
December 29, 2023
Overcoming the feud!
Twists and turns in every chapter weave the mystery of the feud between two families. Can they overcome their past to forge a new history for their families?
A great start to a new series by BJ Daniels, who never disappoints with her Western mysteries. A sure one to add to your TBR list!
Twists and turns in every chapter weave the mystery of the feud between two families. Can they overcome their past to forge a new history for their families?
A great start to a new series by BJ Daniels, who never disappoints with her Western mysteries. A sure one to add to your TBR list!
July 22, 2024
I don't read B.J.Daniels books often, but I think I need to pick up the pace, and start. I really liked these characters and the plot. I'm so looking forward to uncovering the mysteries of these two families and the town they live in. Starting book 2 now. Can't wait for the others to be published.
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