4.5 Wine Glass #Review of Rough Rider by B.J. Daniels

 

Title:  Rough Rider
Series: Whitehorse, Montana: The McGraw Kidnapping #3
Author: B.J. Daniels
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 256 pages
Published: September 19, 2017 (Harlequin Intrigue)
ISBN-10: 1335721258
ISBN-13: 978-1335721259
 Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

He was sure he could handle one petite PI with an attitude—but he’ll need her help to solve the secret of his missing sister and outwit a ruthless killer 

His family never fully recovered from the kidnapping of his siblings decades ago. Now Boone McGraw finally has a lead on his missing sister’s location, but it means working with feisty private investigator C.J. Knight. Desperate to solve her partner’s murder, C.J. doesn’t believe her case could possibly be connected to the sexy horse breeder’s investigation…until they find themselves running for their lives.

Linda's Thoughts:
“His lips brushed over hers. She let out a sigh of relief and joy and pleasure. He pulled her tighter against him, taking her mouth with his own. She melted into him and the kiss, heart pounding, desire sparking along her nerve endings like a string of lit dynamite.” 

Rough Rider by B.J. Daniels is the consummate finale to the author’s McGraw Kidnapping trilogy. It’s the perfect blend of titillating suspense and romance. For twenty-five years, the case of the McGraw twins kidnapping has remained unsolved. Each of the previous installments has revealed a bit more of what happened that terrible night and of the fate and/or whereabouts of the missing twins. In Rough Rider, it’s Boone’s turn to peel back the mystery’s remaining layers. Romance-wise, he’s going to be a tough nut to crack. Will C. J. Knight, PI, be up to the challenge?

The books in this series can be enjoyed as stand alone reads if you insist. However, if possible, I would suggest that this series be read in order as there’s a mystery encompassing the three books. That said, the author fills in the skeleton of the previous events so newbies need never worry about being lost.

As the story opens, Travers McGraw has sent his second son, Boone, to Butte, Montana, to check out a potential trail to Jesse Rose McGraw, the remaining missing twin. Boone arrives only to discover that Hank Knight, his contact, recently perished in a suspicious hit-and-run. When he ascertains that the deceased private investigator had a partner, C.J., Boone attempts to hire her to get some answers. She refuses, as she’s focused on investigating who killed her partner and why. She doesn’t believe there’s a connection between her partner’s death and the old kidnapping case. She also doesn’t want to acknowledge that there’s strong chemistry brewing between the two of them. But, as she learns that her partner was keeping surprising secrets from her and as the killer targets them both, she agrees to take on the case… 

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Rough Rider:

“Hank Knight asked questions about Jesse Rose and an item that was taken from her crib the night she was kidnapped. His questions led our lawyer to believe Hank had knowledge about the crime and possibly where Jesse Rose is now. I think he got too close to the truth. Too close to the kidnapper's accomplice. And if I'm right then you can help me prove it.” 
--- 

“He noticed her eyes were a rich, warm brown, the same color as his favorite horse.
"Yes?"
He realized he'd been staring. At least he had the sense not to voice his thoughts. He doubted she would appreciate her eye color being compared to that of his horse's hide even if it was his favorite.” 
--- 

“What will your family think, me showing up on their doorstep with my suitcase in hand?"
"I'll carry your suitcase," he said.” 
--- 

“Every woman wants a cowboy.” 

Rough Rider is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller.  The interwoven romance is secondary to the suspense, but quite good.  The couple is great together and their interactions and banter provide a respite from the intense danger surrounding them.  All of B.J.’s books are addictive, well-written and well-plotted. That’s why she’s one of my favorite authors. If you enjoy reading about cowboys and Montana set against a romantic mystery teeming with twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a great series and I highly recommend it. I will add that, even though this book concludes the trilogy, I hope that B.J. gives the twins an HEA like their older brothers sometime down the road.



Suggested Reading Order: 
Dark Horse (Book #1)
Dead Ringer (Book #2)
Rough Rider (Book #3) – Series Finale!