3.5 stars

While the majority of this book is from Felicity’s POV, the author is a genius with her choice to give Bennett’s POV a few times. The story starts with Bennett’s POV but quickly switches over to Felicity. We don’t get his voice again until almost the end…with perfect timing.

Bennett is an amazing cinnamon roll. He just sits back and watches Felicity do her thing while gently trying to keep her safe. To go in all alpha would not have gone over well with tough, independent Felicity and he knows that. But he doesn’t seem to take a backseat to appease her, he seems to enjoy watching her work and marvel at her strength and intellect.

As Felicity gets to know Bennett, you can see her falling in love. These two are so cute together! The secret looks and non-verbal understanding are spot on for a couple you just know will go the distance. This couple had to deal with only one blanket, graduating to only one bed later in the book. They have forced proximity and an accidental wedding along the way, too. While I wouldn’t say this is a rom-com, it is a lot of fun.

For those who have read this author’s previous works, you know she had a big gap between published works. While this is officially listed as the first book in a series, she has on her website that it is also book #3 in her Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series. Don’t fret if you haven’t read those books, she has a handy who’s who at the beginning of the book and points you to which book the characters are from. Regardless, I’m happy to see this author putting her work out there again.

Frankly, this book bamboozled me and I DNF'd it at 20%. Why on earth would Katie Ruggle start a new series ("Beneath the Wild Sky") but have it be about one of the sisters from her previous Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series, which already has two books in it? Indeed, why not just make this book the next one in that series? Is this book a rewrite/rebrand of Into the Fray, listed as book #3 in that series but seemingly never released? Even the overarching plot is the same - their bail-jumping mother putting up their house as collateral etc. - so this book seems to take place at about the same point in the timeline as In Her Sights. Truly baffling.

My breaking point however was when the FMC in this book walked into a coffee shop in a small town and immediately met Lou, the star of Ruggle's OTHER romantic suspense series, Search & Rescue. Before you can blink, she's friends with all 4 FMCs of that series and they're inserting themselves into her investigation into a local meth dealer. Excuse me while I sit down, because my head is spinning.

The cherry on top - the MMC goes from stalker to helper so suddenly you don't even realise it, and seemingly for no good reason other than the author decided "ok time to end that conflict now". I was annoyed, confused and frankly uninvested.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC but I have to question - what on earth is going on with Katie Ruggle right now?

Such a great read! I loved the cast of characters and I know there are tropes, but I haven't read this particular PI/person of interest before. It was fun and I am looking for more by this author!

Katie Ruggle’s The Scenic Route is a fast-paced, contemporary romance that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Rocky Mountains. The story follows Felicity Pax, a bold and fearless bounty hunter, and Bennett Green, a charming private investigator. Their electric chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, making for an laugh out loud read filled with witty banter and steamy tension.
Felicity is a heroine that readers will root for—independent, adrenaline-seeking, and driven by her mission to track down her estranged mother who has disappeared with a small fortune. Enter Bennett, assigned to shadow her, and the plot quickly thickens. The tension between them builds, making their enemies-to-lovers dynamic incredibly entertaining. Ruggle excels at crafting sharp dialogue that showcases Felicity’s frustration with Bennett, especially as she attempts to shake him off while navigating quirky mountain towns. Ruggle's vivid descriptions of the wild terrain and charming towns bring depth to the narrative, making the characters' journey feel immersive.
It is satisfying to see Felicity and Bennett's relationship develop as they face challenges together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension builds to a satisfying climax. I love how her sisters personalities added to the story. Bennett makes a great book boyfriend!
In conclusion, The Scenic Route is a fun, action-packed read filled with humor and romance. With its strong-willed heroine and charismatic hero, this book is sure to entertain fans of romantic comedies. Whether it's Felicity's determination to stay ahead of Bennett or their undeniable chemistry, this is a journey well worth taking. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an enjoyable weekend read!

First off, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this read! This was exactly what I was hoping for in a light-hearted weekend read and I really fell in love with the romance. As someone who always enjoys an opposites-attract love story, this book and Felicity and Beckett's love story was everything to me. I loved the way they met in the hotel and how the Felicity's bounding energy contrasted Beckett's more calm patience. Highly recommend if you're looking for an easy-going romance!

This story was adorable. A private investigator and a bounty hunter teaming up together? Ummmm, yes please! I always love a good opposites attract story and Beckett and Felicity are definitely opposites. Very entertaining and as someone who loves watching true crime documentaries, please sign me up for the murder club!

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book! I have already purchased my own physical copy to add to my library!

Katie Ruggle’s The Scenic Route is a fast-paced, sizzling romance that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the Rocky Mountains, complete with witty banter, steamy tension, and a hearty dose of adventure. Felicity Pax, a bold and fearless bounty hunter, and Bennett Green, a stubborn but irresistibly charming private investigator, make for an electric duo whose chemistry jumps off the page from their very first encounter.

Felicity is the kind of heroine readers will love rooting for: she’s fiercely independent, adrenaline-seeking, and driven by her job, which constantly pushes her into the kind of danger she thrives on. Her latest mission, however, is more personal than usual—her estranged mother has disappeared with a large sum of money, and Felicity is determined to track her down like any other skip. Enter Bennett Green, the PI assigned to shadow her, and things quickly get complicated.

Ruggle does a fantastic job at building the tension between Felicity and Bennett. Their banter is sharp and laced with humor, which makes their enemies-to-lovers dynamic incredibly fun to watch. Felicity’s frustration with Bennett is palpable, especially as she tries to shake him off her tail while navigating through quirky mountain towns and wild, breathtaking landscapes. Bennett, for his part, is a perfect foil—patient, grounded, and more than capable of matching Felicity’s energy, even when she’s leading him on what he assumes is a wild goose chase.

The plot is fast-paced, blending action with romance in a way that keeps the story moving. While the book focuses on the steamy tension between the two leads, there’s also a solid mystery woven throughout. Felicity’s chase to find her mother takes unexpected turns, and as she uncovers deeper layers to the situation, she finds herself relying more and more on Bennett. Their partnership—initially begrudging—evolves organically as they tackle obstacles and threats together, and it’s satisfying to watch their mutual respect and affection grow.

One of the standout aspects of The Scenic Route is the vivid, rugged backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Ruggle uses the wild, unpredictable terrain to heighten the sense of adventure and create the perfect setting for Felicity and Bennett’s unconventional romance. The descriptions of mountain towns, trails, and remote locations add depth to the story and make the characters’ journey feel real and immersive.

The romance itself is a slow burn, which works well given the antagonistic dynamic between Felicity and Bennett in the beginning. Ruggle skillfully teases out their attraction, allowing their relationship to build naturally as they face challenges together. When things do heat up, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and the tension that’s been simmering finally reaches a satisfying boil.

If there’s a slight downside, it’s that some of the plot points—particularly around Felicity’s personal mission—can feel a bit predictable, and the resolution of the mystery isn’t quite as surprising as it could be. However, this is easily forgiven thanks to the strength of the characters and the fun, light-hearted nature of the story.

Final Thoughts:
The Scenic Route is a delightful romantic adventure that delivers both excitement and heart. With its strong-willed heroine, charismatic hero, and captivating setting, Katie Ruggle has crafted a story that’s as fun as it is steamy. Fans of action-packed romances with a good dose of humor will find themselves thoroughly entertained. Whether it’s Felicity’s determination to stay ahead of Bennett or the undeniable chemistry between them, this is a romance that’s well worth the ride. Four stars for a breathless, fun-filled journey through the Rockies!

I liked the premise of a stalker and I was in desperate need of a rom com to break up the heavier books I have been reading, but this was a little less com than I expected. But to make up for that, I guess, it was quite adorable. Not quite closed door, but not really spicy either.

Felicity being a bounty hunter gave me vibes of Stephanie Plum, but she is so much more competent. Felicity and Bennett, who I kept thinking Austen, are a matched pair.

I absolutely loved the scene where they laughed and laughed together. It really sold me on them as a couple. A little bit of danger, a little bit of overprotective love interest and many cute situations to get themselves out of. Come on how many times can you get kicked out of your lodging in one town.

A quick fun read.

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

loved this romance and interesting that she meet him at the hotel . She ends up working with him with the airline. she is fighting her feelings for him. He is trying to not become attached to her too. They are slowly having a good working relationship and figuring out themselves and their heat.

I enjoyed the authors previous books in the series but the tone in this one seemed different. The cover made it seem cutesy and the language came across as a lark and not a book involving murder. The main characters were nice enough and the book moved along at a good clip but not sure it hooked me enough to be interested in the other sisters

Such a wonderful love story full of hope, adventure, and a great plot! Felicity and Bennett were such a fun pairing and I loved their banter and connection!

The hooks for these books are hilarious and they draw me right in. Katie Ruggle has quickly become an auto read author, she writes with so much humor, spice and the story lines are great. This book was no different and I ate up every word.

The Pax sisters are back & I am so excited! I love these bounty hunting sisters, they are a hoot! This story does not disappoint. Felicity & Bennett’s chemistry is wonderful. They are funny, spicy, and focused on their prey. This story is full of all the good stuff, humor, romance, suspense, and action. Not only that, but we get to back to Simpson and catch up with that group! Just an FYI: this is actually book 3 of the Bounty Hunter books. I know it says book 1, but the first two books are a different series, but it is still the same Pax sisters. I cannot wait for the next one!

personally, i found this book not as interesting as i hoped. plot was engaging and interesting, especially mystery and murder club meetings. but, everything else wasn’t as great. both characters were sweet but had weird personalities. i didn’t notice when stalking was turned into help? it happed so fast. she was irritated by him and then next page they were together. i think it was just me but i was so confused with their relationships.

i definitely think third pov fit this storyline. and even though this book didn’t have me hooked, writing was relatively easy and enjoyable to read.

Felicity Pax is a thrill-seeker, a bounty hunter who lives for the adrenaline rush. So, when her estranged mother disappears with a small fortune, Felicity doesn’t hesitate to take on the case herself. But she’s not the only one on the hunt. Bennett Green, a private investigator hired by an insurance company, is hot on her mother’s trail, looking to recover a valuable necklace allegedly stolen by her. What starts as a high-stakes game of cat and mouse through the rugged Rockies soon becomes something more as Felicity and Bennett realize they’re uncovering a much bigger mystery. Forced to work together, they form an uneasy alliance, and Felicity finds herself torn between staying ahead of the game or embracing this unexpected adventure with Bennett by her side.

Katie Ruggle’s new series offers a thrilling escape with plenty of action, quirky humor, and rugged heroes to keep you hooked. Felicity is a strong, likable character, surrounded by a colorful and entertaining supporting cast. There’s a nice balance of humor and mystery throughout, making it an enjoyable read. The romance is definitely in the spotlight, with familiar tropes like insta-love and the classic “just-one-bed” scenario making an appearance. Most of the story is told from Felicity’s perspective, but it does leave Bennett feeling a bit underdeveloped, especially in the first half of the book where his dialogue is pretty sparse.

This is the first book in a new series, but it’s also part of a larger universe Ruggle has created, with a handy reference section at the beginning to help new readers get their bearings. Fans of her previous works will likely enjoy the return of familiar faces, but as someone new to Ruggle’s world, I found it a bit challenging to fully engage. The story assumes a lot of prior knowledge and dives right into the action, which made it feel a bit disjointed for me, almost like I was stepping into a side quest of a larger adventure. It’s a quick and fun read, but it didn’t fully capture my attention. I imagine it will be more enjoyable for those already familiar with Ruggle’s universe, but as a newcomer, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book.

I’m afraid this book couldn’t hold my attention. I tried many times but just had to give up and DNF.

This is a fast paced story about a bounty hunter named Felecia, who ends up being partnered with the handsome mountain man, enigmatic bounty hunter Bennett, searching for their quarry in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Felecia and Bennett are separately after the same guy, so they team up. They don’t expect to have exciting adventures or start falling for each other!
This is a well written romance that really takes you away, 4 stars.

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle is a wild ride through the Rockies, packed with heart-pounding adventure, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of quirky humour and banter. Why settle for a boring date when you could be scaling the heights of a mountain man? Don’t judge… we all want this.

Felicity Pax is not your average bounty hunter! She's a thrill-seeker who lives for the chase. But when her estranged mother pulls a disappearing act with a bag full of cash, Felicity takes on the most personal case of her career. Enter Bennett Green, a grumpy but irresistibly hot PI who’s been assigned to shadow her every move. Bennett might be 99% sure Felicity’s leading him on a wild goose chase, but that other 1%? It's pure, unadulterated curiosity—and maybe a touch of attraction.

As Felicity drags her reluctant partner through quirky mountain towns and breathtaking landscapes, it becomes clear that there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And while Felicity is determined to stay one step ahead of the annoyingly attractive PI, she soon realises that Bennett might just be the unexpected ally she never knew she needed.

A story with a mix of action, mystery, and romance that had me engaged. Felicity and Bennett’s dynamic is electric—full of banter, tension, and undeniable chemistry that turns up the heat in more ways than one. And the quirky humour sprinkled throughout adds a delightful twist to this high-stakes adventure.

The Scenic Route is your perfect escape. Between the rugged mountain settings, the scruffy heroes, and the irresistible romance, this book will have you hooked from the first page to the last.

Thank you to the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, The author Katie Ruggle and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book is published as the first book in a series, but it’s important to note that it’s a spinoff series. The book starts off with an overview of all the previous characters that a reader would have known. I read this book as a standalone, and while that’s possible, almost every side character already had their story - so I would recommend going back and starting with all the previous books.

This was a quick fun read. It has very small town vibes, and we see the MCs fall in with a group of locals (from the previous series) while they stake out and try to bring in a criminal for a bounty. There’s lots of hijinks, mishaps, and funny happenings - anyone who enjoys reading heist romances would probably love this story.

I did love how independent and self sufficient the FMC was, and that the MC believed in her and trusted her to do her thing, rather than being over protective.