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.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Tilly and Cooper. They have known each other for all their lives. Their two families have fueded for years. There is an attraction. They start dating. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I enjoy everything she writes. The perfect mix of romance and intrigue. I look forward to the next addition to this series.

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.

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.

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!

Great start to new adventure and romance. Lots of action setting up new hooks for future books. No real solution to out couples problem with family. Much up in the air

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this book is the first book in the Powder River series. I really loved the characters in this book, and I loved getting to know all the characters. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series. This book has a Romeo and Juliet romance going on, and I normally do not love that in a book I did like in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Canary Street Press) or author (B.J. Daniels) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Terrific start to the new series. In Powder River, two prominent ranching families have been feuding for many years - the McKenna and Stafford families. As the book goes on, the author reveals the reasons for the feud piece by piece as they relate to the story's action. The two main characters, Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford, have been fierce competitors in local rodeos for many years. But current events turn them into partners, and soon the sparks of animosity turn into sparks of a far more dangerous type.

As the book opens, Cooper is returning to the family ranch after two years away. He'd left to escape the memories of being accused of killing his girlfriend. But he's missed his home and is ready to rejoin the family. Shortly after driving onto the ranch property, a rider bursts onto the road in front of him. Barely stopping in time to keep from colliding, Cooper is stunned to discover the rider lying on the road in front of him is Oakley Stafford, Tilly's younger sister, and that she's been shot. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing feud, Cooper is immediately suspected of shooting her himself.

When Tilly finds out about Oakley, she's worried and furious. Her first reaction is that a McKenna shot her sister, but she also wonders what Oakley was doing on McKenna land. After meeting with Cooper and hearing what he observed, she is determined to find out who shot her sister. Nothing will dissuade her, so Cooper offers to work with her. He is just as invested in finding out the truth behind what happened.

A lot is going on in this book, and the action and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. Oakley is in a coma so that no one can get her side of the story. The shooting increases the tension between the two families. Both sides have oldest sons who are hotheaded and secretive, raising questions about what they are involved in. A methane gas company, CH4, is pushing ranchers to allow methane wells on their ranches - some are interested, others are vehemently against it. Holden brings a 12-year-old orphan to the ranch to raise after her mother's death, raising questions about the girl's connection to him. There are secrets involving Holden and Charlotte, including questions about the fates of Charlotte's two husbands.

To top it all off, working together to identify the shooter brings Cooper and Tilly closer than they ever expected to be. It isn't long before they realize that the antagonism they felt when they were younger covered a simmering attraction. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny the growing attraction and feelings between them. With the bad blood between their families, a successful relationship will take some effort. I liked their honest discussions about their feelings and the difficulties they face. Interestingly, there appeared to be more disapproval on one side than the other. I especially enjoyed Tilly's unexpected dinner at the McKenna ranch. Complicating matters, Tilly has had a few dates with Stuart, the town sheriff, and Cooper's best friend. Stuart's jealousy creates more tension and raises a few questions in my mind about one of his former girlfriends.

The story's suspense is good and kept me guessing who the shooter was. As Cooper and Tilly proceed with their investigation, it becomes clear that someone is determined to stop them. I was glued to the pages as they came closer to the who and the why. The shooter came as a complete surprise to me. The final confrontation was an intense chase with an unexpected ending. Justice is a thread left hanging, and it will be interesting to see if it is pursued in later books.

I am intensely curious about Holly Jo, the orphan brought to the ranch by Holden. In the beginning, she isn't a likable child, and Holden has his work cut out for him to adjust her attitude. Interestingly, Cooper is the one who connects with her. I liked his combination of understanding and firmness as he dealt with her. I want to know the backstory of how Holden became her guardian.

Though the mystery of the shooter was solved by the end of this book, other things still need to be addressed. I can't wait for the next book.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

Dark Side of the River is a captivating novel that encompasses a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and intense emotions, all set against the backdrop of a bitter feud between two families. This book truly immerses readers in a whirlwind of emotions, leaving them spellbound from beginning to end.

The author skillfully weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning each page to uncover the secrets hidden within. With a masterful touch, Daniels effortlessly captures the essence of the character's emotions, allowing readers to experience their joys, sorrows, and everything in between.

Exciting romantic suspense. Many interesting characters. Thrilled to see this is the first of a series. I am eager to read more about the two main families. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

B.J. Daniels is one of my favorite western romance authors, and I was happy to be able to read and review an advance reader copy of Dark Side of the River because it's the beginning of a new series. It literally and figuratively starts off with a bang, when Oakley Stafford, is on horseback on McKenna land, being pursued by a lone man on horseback and a helicopter, when she suddenly bursts out of the woods onto the county road and falls from her horse, right in front of Cooper McKenna's pickup, and he barely avoids hitting her. When he rushes to her side he discovers that she's been shot, notices the low-flying helicopter above, and right out of Citizen Kane, hears her utter just one word, "Buttercup," before she loses consciousness, and Cooper calls 911. Who shot her and why is the crux of this romantic suspense/mystery/friends-to-lovers novel and there's no shortage of suspects. Ms. Daniels kept me guessing until the shooter is revealed at the end, making this a very good, very tense, 4-star read.

But that's not all that's going on in this novel. There's also been a long-standing feud between the Stafford and McKenna families, and Cooper was just arriving back in town after a 2-year absence when Oakley was shot. I do wish Ms. Daniels had given us where he'd been for those 2 years away from this small Montana town and his family's very large and successful ranch. Oakley's older sister, Tilly, who has been dating Connor's best friend, Stuart, who is the town sheriff, wants to find out who was responsible for shooting her sister, and she and Connor are soon in danger as well, not just because of the family feud but because of their growing attraction to one another, and because their own lives are also in jeopardy.

As whodunits go, this was a very good one, and although there's a HEA ending, this story is far from over--there are still more than a few loose ends, and I'm very much looking forward to finding out more in the next novel in this series.

As stated at the outset, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

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!

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.

This was a fast paced, action filled book. I love the characters and how different they each are. Some cliff hangers at the end so of course I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book has it all, mystery, suspense, angst and a bitter feud between two families. You can really feel all the emotion flying around the pages. It was a very good book that kept my interest throughout. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.