4 Wine Glass #Review of Luck of the Draw by B.J. Daniels

 

Title: Luck of the Draw
Series: Sterling’s Montana #2
Author: B.J. Daniels
Format: Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Published: May 21st 2019 by HQN Books
ISBN: ASIN B07GLTW864
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

He may get a second chance at his one true love--if someone doesn't kill her first

When Garrett Sterling leaves for a horseback ride through his family's sprawling Montana property, he's expecting a relaxing break from the construction at the Sterling guest ranch. What he gets is something far more sinister. It all happened so fast that it's hard for Garrett to sort out the facts. But two things are certain: someone is dead and the killer knows there was a witness.

When a woman from his past emerges as a key piece of the investigation, Garrett is determined to uncover what really happened that day, how she's involved--and why everything she's ever told him is a lie. 

Linda's  Thoughts:

“I really doubt it’s a stroke of luck that she’s turned up in your life again.”

Luck of the Draw by B.J. Daniels literally opens with a bang. While taking a break from overseeing renovations at the Sterling’s Montana Guest Ranch by taking a horseback ride, Garrett Sterling witnesses a woman being abducted and what appears to be her murder on the other side of a deep ravine. He reports it to the authorities who investigate and discover that there has indeed been a murder – but the body is that of her abductor. So, what happened to and where’s the woman?

Hours after the abductor’s body is found, an unidentified woman who had been in a car crash is taken to the local hospital. Garrett is summoned to the hospital to possibly identify her as the woman he had seen in the altercation. Instead, he comes face-to-face with the woman who had broken his heart. It quickly becomes clear that the woman is in danger and Garrett is determined to keep her safe.

This is the story of Garrett and Joslyn, a woman from his past with secrets. Garrett first met Joslyn when he was in law school. She was the love of his life and he had planned to marry her. But, then, she disappeared without a trace. Garrett searched for her to no avail. He was so broken up that he quit school and came back home.

This is the second installment in B.J.’s Sterling’s Montana series which revolves around the three Sterling brothers: Will, Garrett and Shade.  If you haven’t read the first book, there is no need to worry. Luck of the Draw works perfectly well as a standalone. That said, the first book is fabulous and does a fine job of introducing the main characters. If you can spare the time, I’d recommend reading the series in order.

I loved Garrett. He’s strong, steady and responsible. Joslyn was harder to warm up to. It doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy their story. It’s just that Joslyn had some making up to do. Garrett’s family are understandably worried that Joslyn is only using him and will break his heart again.

A  fun supporting character returns from the first book. Dorothea raised the boys after their mother died and still figures prominently in their lives. She sees conspiracy theories everywhere and is constantly casting spells against perceived evil.

Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Luck of the Draw:

 “If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s what a woman can do to a man’s common sense. Admittedly, I never thought it would happen to you.”
--- 
“I have a huge favor, but I should warn you up front it’s not just dangerous. It’s illegal.”

His friend laughed. “Don’t sugarcoat it on my account.”
--- 
“I was in love with a ghost.”

Luck of the Draw is a second chance at love murder mystery with an original plot and wonderful characters. B.J.’s book are automatic-reads for me. They never fail to be page-turners that captivate and keep me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy thrilling tales of suspense paired with a bit of romance set amid gorgeous, raw scenery, you will definitely want to check out this series!



Suggested Reading Order: 
Stroke of Luck (Book #1)
Luck of the Draw (Book #2)
Just His Luck (Book #3) – Coming Aug, 2019!