#BookReview: Rescue at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels - 5 Wine Glasses!

Title: Rescue at Cardwell Ranch 
Series: Cardwell Ranch #5
Author: B.J. Daniels 
Format: eBook/Paperback, 224 pages
Published: May 20th 2014 by Harlequin (first published January 1st 2014)
ISBN: 0373697643 
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle | B&N
Source: Author
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 5/5

The highly anticipated continuation of the   Cardwell Ranch Collection read by more than  2 MILLION!

Saving her once was risky. Rescuing her again may be fatal. 

When Hayes Cardwell arrived in Big Sky, Montana, for his brother's wedding, the Texas P.I. didn't expect to play hero. But ever since he saved her from a brutal abductor, he can't get McKenzie Sheldon out of his mind and heart. As passion blindsides him, Hayes vows to protect the beautiful business owner from once again becoming the target of a killer intent on finishing the job. 

McKenzie was drawn to Hayes from the moment she awoke and saw the tall, dark cowboy who'd rushed to her rescue like some Western fantasy. With his lean, sexy looks and fierce protective instincts, the gun-shy bachelor is already lassoing her heart. But can he protect her from a danger that's much closer than they think…a killer hiding in plain sight who's about to spring a final trap?

Thoughts:
I discovered B.J. Daniels a couple of years ago and have been oh so hooked on her books since!  She writes truly phenomenal romantic mysteries with handsome, rugged cowboys.  Rescue at Cardwell Ranch is another incredible nail-biter that I couldn't put down!  Her characters are realistic and the plot was filled with danger, intrigue and romance.  The suspense started building from the first page and didn't let go until the end.

I connected with both of these characters right away.   Our heroine, McKenzie, runs a real estate firm not far from Big Sky, Montana.  While on a late night grocery run, she is brutally targeted by a serial killer in the dark, empty parking lot and would have been a goner for sure if it had not been for Hayes Cardwell who came to her rescue.  Unfortunately, her attacker is not done with her yet. 

McKenzie is an independent, hard-working, self-sufficient woman.   She's a strong character, but even a woman of steel can break and not think clearly under these circumstances.  Our hero, Hayes, is an angel wearing cowboy boots!  Hayes works as a private investigator back in Texas.   He's flown to Montana to put a stop to his brother's plan to open a restaurant there.  But... when he meets McKenzie, his plans change.  He's handsome, supportive and could be the backbone that McKenzie needs if she will accept his offer to help.  

It wouldn't be a BJ book without a romance and BJ nestles a sweet and savory love affair prominently in the midst of the dangerous situation.  Who doesn't dream of a sexy cowboy?  “I want you, too, Hayes Cardwell, and that isn't the beer talking."  They were so close she could see the shine of his dark eyes in the starlight. Without another word, he swept her up in his arms and carried her into the cabin.”  The sexual tension was interwoven through much of the book and offered a welcome respite from the stalker's persistent onslaught.   BJ's romance is not chaste.  It's sensual, but not erotic, and is a perfect fit within the story.  “She had to laugh. "You're making me hungry."  "Me, too." His gaze locked with hers, making it clear it wasn't just barbecue he was hungry for.”

Rescue at Cardwell Ranch can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading every book in this series as they are all fantastic and contain interconnected characters.

I experienced a dream vacation in Montana a few years ago and when I read BJ's books, I'm transported back there.  I smell the flowers, can envision the huge snowdrifts and enjoy deep gulps of the clean, crisp Montana air - all within her stories.   BJ Daniels is beyond question a master storyteller.  Her writing is first rate and just flows.   Rescue at Cardwell Ranch has it all!  A beautiful setting, thrilling suspense, well-drawn characters, non-stop action and a story that will keep readers guessing right up to a very satisfying ending.  Buy it!