Member Reviews
A departure from the previous books in the series were Sarah Carter is the titled law woman character. She along with Dawson are complex characters with intense backgrounds that have shaped their present day. There is plenty of suspense, some of it a bit confusing, and of course the requisite romance...the story dragged for me in some of its parts, but overall had a good plot that came to a satisfying conclusion.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Wind River Lawman is the sixth book in Lindsay McKenna's Wind River series, and is surprisingly set off the Bar C Ranch. But in the case of this novel, the lawman in the title is really the law woman, Sarah Carter, former military, the current county sheriff in Wind River, Wyoming, and the heroine of this novel. When she realizes that her elderly but spry grandmother, Gertie, owner of the largest egg and free-range organic chicken farm in the country, needs help 24/7, and Sarah's duties as sheriff make the constant care of her grandmother impossible, she places an ad for a wrangler with a medical background in the newspaper, thinking she has virtually no chance of finding someone, but she's in for a big surprise, and it's a good one, making this one of my favorite novels in the Wind River series to date, and garnering a 4.5 star rating from this reader.
The very next day, Sarah is shocked to discover that there's been a response to her ad from Dawson Callahan, native Texan and former Navy combat corpsman, who served for over a decade and then returned home to the family ranch, where he's been working as a wrangler since childhood. He's always dreamed of setting out on his own and exploring Wyoming, and when he sees the ad in the Jackson Hole newspaper, the ad sounds like the perfect job for him, so he replies by sending out his resume, and Sarah contacts him and lets him know she'll contact him again in 2 days, which is the time she'll need to vet him and his references, unwilling to leave her beloved grandmother in the care of just anyone. By the time she discovers that Dawson is a much decorated military hero, he's already in Wind River, and a chance meeting in the local feed/hardware/ranch supply store almost lands him the job. When Sarah is suddenly called to the scene of an accident on the highway outside of town, while interviewing Dawson, he rides along, right into a drug cartel ambush, and that's just for starters.
These two military veterans have much in common, and both are unwilling to discuss the secrets they hide as they slowly come to appreciate one another, and the slowly building relationship between Sarah and Dawson, and their growing respect for one another in the face of a great deal of danger, adversity, and injury, all stemming from a domestic violence call that went horribly wrong, was perfectly paced, and beautifully written.
I loved the fact that what could have easily become a tale of insta-lust, didn't, and that Ms. McKenna gave this couple and her readers a chance to really know and understand the depth of each of these characters, something that is increasingly rare in romantic suspense novels these days. It was wonderful getting to know and understand them as they learned to know and understand each other, especially in the face of the Sarah being seriously wounded, as well as becoming the target of a hunt intended to find and kill her as payback for her having to shoot a twisted, drug addicted and violently abusive husband and father. Dawson is the perfect candidate to see to her care, as well as a chance to hide and protect her from danger as she heals from her injuries. And the suspense doesn't end there. The only issue I had with this novel was the length of time it took for Sarah to remain hidden and how slowly the novel moved during the 6 weeks she and Dawson were hiding out, and getting to know one another, and revealing the secrets they've been hiding.
When the action picks up again, this budding romance turns into a hair-raising race to escape from the armed men trying to kill Sarah, and Dawson's attempts to protect and save her. I appreciated the knowledge and research Ms. McKenna exhibited in military tactics, procedures and evasive maneuvers, and the suspense she created. I also liked the fact that although this novel is part of a series, it worked perfectly as a standalone. While the characters at the Bar C Ranch, which have been the setting for most of the earlier 5 books in this series, make an appearance, who they are and why they're at the Bar C doesn't take over this story, nor does it complicate it to the point where readers new to this series would be lost and confused.
All in all, this was a deeply thought out, emotional, and thoroughly engrossing novel, and I highly recommend it. If this is your first read in the series, I also recommend backtracking to read the earlier novels.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are myown.
Anyone who love Western stories with Cowboys and Horses, Ranches. and Farms, needs to pick up Lindsay McKenna's books. This one is just as good as the others. A wonderful love story filled with intrigue and all the sensual images cowboys can bring.
** thank you to the publisher for the ARC.**
Lindsay McKenna is one of the best military romance writers that I’ve come across and some of her books are immensely memorable and have revisited numerous times. Along with badass soldiers, she also writes some great badass cowboy stories.
Book six in the Wind River Valley series, Wind River Lawman”, gives us another glimpse into the life of army veterans, their service and courage, survival and betrayal, and the acclimating into the norm of everyday life.
As her law enforcement career keeps Sarah Carter busy, her search for someone loyal and hardworking to take care of her ever active grandmother brings her in contact with retired Navy medic Dawson Callahan. When Sarah takes a bullet on the job, Dawson steps in to take care of things on the ranch as well as her. And with fate playing the love cards, looks like Dawson and Sarah are destined to be making a future together.
As always, Lindsay McKenna does another great job at a story filled with warmth, support, compassion, courage and love. She gives importance to the trials of war returned vets and with enough support, compassion and empathy, they can lead normal lives.
Received an ARC from Kensington Books/Zebra via NetGalley for an honest review.
I just can't connect with the writing of the author. I tough that this one will be better to read than previous of the series but it was not. The characters were ok well developed, story plot ok but I did this one with the speed read and with skipping some parts. It was too much that they were so much alike, the way they developed connection just the story, not for me. I liked a story with action and suspense especially military, but unfortunately, as I said, the way that author is writing is just not for me. Too many repetitions, too many times the same thing all over again, and everything that happened was almost just too perfect.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
Dawson and Sara are heroes, and are suffering from some PTSD that they thought they both conquered, after coming home from the war. Things change when home becomes its own war zone. Dawson and Sara are written with a wonderful characterization, with suspense, drama, action, and a budding romance between them. The development of their story has so many wonderful moments, it has become a favorite of mine in the series. Although I love all the stories in the series, this one just stayed with me. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington/Zebra Books for the gift of "Wind River Lawman". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!
Wind River Lawman has all the elements need for a really good book to read, I love how Lindsay has mixed all the elements of storytelling into one, I have Dawson and Sarah's and like all the Wind River series, it has Veterans who have served and tells of their stories towards love with a mix of action.
I can't wait for the next Wind River book.
Normally I like this series, but Wind River Lawman fell a bit flat for me. Sarah is a character who I've been looking forward to receiving her own book, so maybe too much anticipation is what killed it. My first complaint is the use of "Lawman" and it doesn't even refer to Sarah, who is the real law person. Sarah is a woman, and I felt like the events in the book just led to the man having to come in and save her (hence the use of Lawman).
The romance felt very quick and Dawson's character felt sort of cheesy. I still love Sarah, though. She is a great character, and I have to admit that Dawson grew on me as the book progressed. I loved Sarah's feisty grandmother and thought she was a great addition to the story.
I gotta admit the part of the blurb where they talk about Dawson being a chicken wrangler was what had me picking up this book. Alas, there wasn't as much story about this aspect as I'd hoped for but it was still a pretty awesome story. It's an action packed adventure story that was hard to put down.
I always enjoy reading a vet's story and both Sara and Dawson had PTSD, so I was glad to see that their romance built up slowly to their HEA.
I received this e-book via NetGalley and the review I am leaving is my honest opinion.
Sarah is the Sheriff in Wind River. She is looking for someone to help her grandmother Gertie with
life around her Chicken/egg business. The duties range from taking Gertie for doctor appointments to helping out with business issues. She also wanted someone with a medical background as she worries about Gertie's health.
Sarah hires Dawson, a Texan who always wanted to live in Wyoming. She'd had him checked into and was impressed so when the interview went well he was hired. One thing, of many, that they have in common is their military background and serving overseas. Then there is the attraction that blossoms almost immediately. Dawson settles in nicely.
Sarah is injured in the line of duty, a very bas gunshot wound to the leg. She will be out of commission for about 6 weeks but she is now in danger as one of the sons of the man she killed in self defense is after her. Her parents and both grandmothers want her to hide with the while she recovers but she would never out them at risk. She knows of a cabin that the Forest Service has and gets permission to use it. Dawson will go with her since he is the best chance for keeping her safe as well as his medical knowledge.
Will the danger find Sarah and Dawson? Will her family be safe?
I have to say that I have read most of this series and I felt this was definitely one of my favorites. I always liked the character of Sarah, a good friend to many and an excellent law officer. She has been a great character throughout the series and I was happy to read her story!
Sarah had a tragic event happen when she was 9, which of course evolved into PTSD and guilt. When it was finally revealed, it just broke my heart! Dawson of course has some PTSD from being overseas.
One thing that has always amazed me about this author is the amount of research she does for her books. Everything is explained so well without you feeling like you are being taught a school lesson.
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This book has a great cast of characters, especially Sarah's grandmother Gertie who refuses to be treated like an old woman and definitely speaks her mind! I loved seeing the trust and feelings develop between these two, as well as respect. I would definitely recommend this book!
While we are back in Wind River we are in a different location. I met the sheriff, Sarah Carter, in previous books but Dawson Callahan is a new characters. Both are really great characters. Dawson has the calm that Sarah needs and Sarah is the strong woman Dawson needs. This has it all. There is danger that through the two together, tension as Sarah is injured, and a budding and slow building romance. Great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Excellent read. It was nice to read a story with a strong female character. Sarah Carter is the sheriff of Lincoln County. Usually it's a pretty easy job but a sudden influx of drugs into the county have really amped things up. To add to her worries she has a spunky grandmother who needs looking after and help on her chicken farm. She needs to find someone that can help with both. That's where Dawson Callahan comes in. Dawson is a former Navy medic and looking for a job after coming to Wyoming. He's always wanted to live there and with this job coming up things are working out. Getting to see and spend time with Sarah on a regular basis is just a bonus.
This book is very well written with strong characters and a nice pace. Definitely one I would recommend.
This is an action packed, intense and suspenseful story. Dawson is strong, smart, caring and charming. Sarah is tough, brave and sweet. Their relationship starts off slowly but picks up in intensity as the story unfolds. They build a bond based on their pasts, which are very similar. The secondary characters add drama and entertainment to the storyline. This book didn't capture my attention as much as the others in the series, but it's a worthy addition.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Wind River Lawman has the same amazing character development, tight plot structure, and slow simmering romance but it also has a much more suspenseful story-line. This time Lindsay McKenna has moved the main focus off of the Bar C Ranch and on the surrounding county with Sherriff Carter at the very center.
I loved this story along with the direction that the series has taken. Also, this would read well as a stand-alone for anyone who is new to the Wind River Series. The Bar C and couples there still make an appearance. Shay’s father is still wreaking havoc, and veterans make up most of the characters but any background that is needed is minor and it is given within the story.
My favorite of the series. It is full of heart, love, and family, who are all brave, tough and as Gertie says possess common sense. Loved it.
This story is the 6th in the Wind River Valley Series, the story of Dawson Callahan and Sara Carter, an intense action filled, plot driven, HEA love story with sizzle.
Fans of the previous books in this series will fall in love with the characters and writing style of this author.
Sara and Dawson, have parallel backgrounds and are both dealing with PTSD, they are both likeable and realistic. The love between Dawson and Sara is a slow build before the sizzle. There are some intense action scenes for fans of action books.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Wind River Lawman is a suspense filled story with danger, a feisty grandmother, and secrets from childhood. It tugs at the heartstrings when the main characters reveal their similar pasts and learn to trust and rely on each other's love for them. I didn't want to put it down. Lyndsay McKenna continues her Wind River series about military veterans with PTSD and the story of one of Wind River's hometown women and the new man in town. Can they survive the dangers that surround them and fall in love or will they be torn apart by their common enemy PTSD.
Sarah Carter is a Marine Corp veteran with PTSD and has come home to live in the Wind River Valley taking over her father's position as Sheriff. Her responsibilities are numerous as sheriff and taking care of her family. The most recent one is finding a wrangler with paramedic experience to take care of her feisty grandmother. Dawson Callahan has come to Wyoming to fulfill a dream he's has since childhood. When he sees the ad in the Jackson Hole paper he applies. Sarah look into Dawson but before she can set up an interview he shows up in Wind River looking for work as a wrangler. When they realize that they['re the same people who've been e-mailing each other about her job the strike up a conversation. An accident call comes in and since no one else is available she deputizes Dawson to come with her. Only its an ambush by a drug cartel who's trying to move into the area. Sarah is slightly injured and Dawson takes care of her. They can't sleep well because of the PTSD they each have and can't stop thinking about each other since there was an instant attraction. They have a job interview and she explains about the job with her grandmother on her organic egg/chicken farm. Sarah sets up an appointment for him to meet Gertie, who immediately starts match making between them and hires Dawson. He's hired and meets the family. Sarah and Dawson get to know each other and he's always wanting to know when she's coming to visit. The start hanging out together fixing fence at her friends ranch. They're all hanging out after supper one evening for a special announcement when Sarah shows up after being at an accident. She's there long enough to hear the news of a baby on the way for her friend and husband and is called away to a domestic situation with the county's unlawful family of abusers/drug dealers house. It goes horribly wrong, where all three of them are injured and she kills the abuser who's high on cocaine. Needing to heal from her near death injury and protection from his sons.. Sarah asks Dawson to help take care of her because she's come to trust him. They hide out in a remote cabin where their connection becomes closer and they reveal their pasts. Dawson's past in the military as a black ops recon soldier has him planning their escape/defense. When the sons make a move to come after Sarah. The two of them along with a specially trained dog head through the woods to safety, When Sarah's injury makes impossible to go further they set up a trap and wait for the bad guys and help to arrive. There's a shoot out. Sarah has healed enough to head back to work and Dawson moves in with her after they make love. A question is asked and accepted and arrangements made with her grandmother for Dawson to continue his job.
Wind River Lawman is the most recent book in the Wind River series by Lyndsay McKenna. I look forward to getting caught up on the series and reading the next installment coming soon. Lyndsay McKenna writes with experience and knowledge of military life and does a fantastic job of showing what the life of a veteran with PTSD is like and how to cope with it. She gives her characters depth and emotion and pasts that are more than meets the eye. She's been a favorite author for years now and I always look forward to her newest books and visiting old stories.
WOW!! This was a great story with intrigue, excitement, romance and a beautiful HEA! I fell in love with Sarah and Dawson and their relationship, although they were both broken people, they were still able to complete each other (corney but true). LOL!! Highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this novel. This was my first time reading from this author and I will definitely be going back for more of her work. I loved the military background and the country background. The romance that bloomed between the characters flowed together and I couldn't wait for the ending when they got together finally. The suspense in the novel was just enough to keep me reading on to see what would happen next.
Wind River Lawman is a well written romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the Wyoming ranch setting. I always enjoy this author’s writing and this book was no exception. I highly recommend. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC. This is my unbiased review.
Wind River Lawman (Kindle Edition) by Lindsay McKenna Book 6 in the Wind River Series and again Lindsay does not disappoint. Thanks to #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. It is always great to visit the Bar C Ranch and all the great vets ... Dawson Callahan is a returning vet who was a Navy medic and Sarah Carter is a vet and the sheriff. She hires Dawson to be a "wrangler" for her grandmother Gertie... There is nonstop action and fun from the beginning .. They both have PTSD and share a tragic loss in their pasts. This is a great love story that has laughs, tears, danger and of course a very HEA. I can't wait for the next book in the series HOME TO WIND RIVER.