Good book about two people scarred inside and out. Stuart became the sheriff of Powder River after his father's death. But a recent attack left him doubting his abilities to carry out his job. He considers resigning and leaving Powder River, which also means leaving Bailey behind.

Bailey was assaulted twelve years earlier by an unknown rancher. She never told anyone about the attack but spent the years since then searching for him. She feels that she might be closing in on him when a young woman who resembles her turns up dead.

The suspense of this story kept me intrigued from start to finish, as did the developing relationship between Stuart and Bailey. They've known each other all their lives, and Stuart has been in love with her for years. Bailey has feelings for him, too, but until she can get past the attack, she can't find a way to move on. She knows that Stuart is there for her and frequently shows up at his house late at night, looking for comfort. He knows she is running from something and is determined to be there when she is ready to share.

The murder of the woman, Willow, is the catalyst that drives Bailey to confess all. Her pain, fear, and anger leap off the page as she describes what happened to Stuart. Although previously ready to resign, Stuart won't quit until he finds justice for her. They join forces to continue her investigation and grow closer as they spend more time together. I liked seeing their walls begin to drop and their understanding of what each has experienced strengthen their feelings. But even if she survives, will Bailey be able to put the past behind her and accept the love Stuart longs to give her?

The suspense of the story was great. The intensity escalates quickly from Bailey's feelings of being watched and the discovery of Willow's body. The twists and turns as suspects came and went and threats intensified kept me guessing to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a twist I didn't see coming.

There are also continuing threads that run throughout the series. Holly Jo, Holden McKenna's ward, begins settling into her new life. Puppy love creates some complications and lessons learned. Charlotte Stafford hasn't returned to Powder River or responded to anyone who tries to contact her, while Holden continues waiting for her to return. CJ Stafford is in jail, awaiting trial, and trying to figure out how to get out of it. Other characters from previous books appear as we catch up on everyone's lives.

This is a gripping and suspenseful romance novel that will captivate fans of intense, small-town mysteries and second-chance love stories, particularly those who enjoy stories about overcoming trauma, seeking justice, and finding redemption in the face of danger and uncertainty.

River Wild by B.J. Daniels
Everyone has a secret. Some of them are deadly…
Some scars can’t be hidden. Sheriff Stuart Layton has plenty of those, courtesy of an attack that left him doubting himself as a lawman. But in Bailey McKenna he recognizes a different kind of hurt. That unspoken understanding has him opening his door to the mysterious, elusive young woman again and again, hoping she’ll tell him what she’s running from.
Bailey has spent years searching for the rancher who put her through hell. She never saw his face, but she’s convinced he’s somewhere in Powder River. Now, suddenly, she has terrifying proof of how close he is. This time, Stuart is by her side, determined to protect her—and find retribution for himself. But will that be enough to fend off a killer waiting to finish what he started?
This is Bailey McKenna and Sheriff Stuart Layton's story.
BAILEY MCKENNA HADN’T realized it was so late. She looked up from her laptop, surprised to find that some of the library’s lights had already been turned off, leaving pockets of darkness. She loved libraries, their smell, their solitude, the silence as heavy as the books lining the walls.
Seeing that the doctor was waiting for a reply, he shrugged and said, “As well as can be expected. Life goes on. I have a job to do.” She didn’t like his comment, he noticed at once. “Keeping busy helps. I just had a kidnapping case, a thirteen-year-old.”
He had saved one life, though, and had done his job to the best of his ability, which he didn’t feel was saying much.
When a woman is murdered in town who bears a striking resemblance to Bailey, she's running scared, and she comes to Stuart and finally confesses what those deep secrets are.
This book has danger, suspense , romance and family drama!
River Wild by B.J. Daniels is a 4 star book.
I recommend you read these books in the order they were written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dark Side of the River (Powder River Book 1)
by B.J. Daniels

River Strong (A Powder River Novel Book 2)
by B.J. Daniels

River Justice (A Powder River Novel Book 3)
by B.J. Daniels

First, in order to avoid character confusion or bewilderment, B.J. Daniels Power River series is a series I highly recommend you read in the order in which they were written. There's a lot of backstory in this novel, and in my opinion, it's backstory you should have prior to the beginning of this novel.

Second, a major part of this novel may prove to be a trigger for some readers, as it deals with an off-screen, 12-year-old abduction, rape, mutilation, and murder, and the possibility of it happening again.

What I did like about this novel is that the characters are well thought out, their individual personalities and issues are well-examined, though not often easily explained. This is at its heart, a romance novel with more than one unrequited love between 2 couples, and I enjoyed how the story unfolded. There's a little bit of everything in Ms. Daniels latest novel, romance, mystery, suspense, murder, past criminal activity, a second chance at love, and while there's an HEA ending, it also has a bit of cliffhanger ending. All in all, a very good, engrossing, and complex read.

I voluntarily read an advanced ready copy of the novel. The opinions stated are my own.

Sheriff Stuart Layton is tasked with the investigation into a local woman, Willow, who was found dead in the river. He was planning on resigning after a previous incident that eft him feeling not worthy of protecting his citizens. Now after the murder and the current threats against the woman he loves, Bailey McKenna, he has no choice but to find the woman’s killer or Bailey could be next. Bailey’s father is still dealing with the loss of the woman he loved, but will Caroline Stafford ever return to her family and him? There are several moving parts to this twisted story as Caroline’s son is in prison and using any means possible to be released, no matter who he has to threaten. When Stuart finally learns why Bailey is so worried, his primary concern is finding out who is targeting her and who most likely killed Willow. The family dynamics between the McKenna and Stafford families as well as the other local ranchers is interwoven into the mystery surrounding Caroline’s leaving, Willow’s murder and Bailey’s continued and personal pursuit of the killer. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I really enjoyed this book. It was romantic and suspenseful. I read the books in this series and I'm really glad I did. The ending was better than I expected. I look forward to reading the next one. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Bailey McKenna harbors many secrets and frequently visits Sheriff Stuart Layton's house at night. They sit together, share beers, and Stuart patiently waits for her to reveal the reasons behind her troubled demeanor. Stuart has harbored feelings for Bailey for many years, and although she appears to reciprocate, her past is filled with secrets

When a girl is murdered who bears a striking resemblance to Bailey, she realizes it's time to confide in Stuart about an incident from 12 years prior. She had narrowly escaped being killed at her father's barbecue, unable to identify her assailant who was shrouded by a hood. Having spent 12 years searching for him, she entrusts Stuart with a list of suspects, and together, they embark on a mission to find the man before Bailey becomes his next victim.

This story unfolds with gripping suspense, keeping the reader on edge. It also offers a chance to reconnect with the lives of the other McKenna's and the Stafford family members.

Powder River and the two main families are quite the engaging tale. I have enjoyed all of the books so far and am looking forward to the next one. I really enjoyed getting to know the main couple in this one. Lots of trauma. Many nail-biting moments. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

One thing I like the most about this authors stories is that they are a blend of crime, suspense, and cowboy romance. I was looking forward to this one because it has the Sheriff as a lead and Bailey, the McKenna daughter. I knew it was going to be a good one due to the foreshadowing in the last book.

I love the way these two characters work off of each other. I did get a bit annoyed with Bailey as she stretched the truth for so long and kept a huge secret for years. Instead, she chooses to become a jerk and shut off from everyone. But patience and love is the key and once the truth comes out, the suspense cranks up!

Daniels plies us with murderous crime and suspense sequences that crank up the tension. The ending is wild and while I want to say it was unexpected, it was more of an anticipation. Something was just not right with some of those people she was dealing with.

The romance is sweet and mostly closed door but these two are beautifully matched and Daniels delivers on the push/pull that tugs your heartstrings. Stuart is a sweetheart!

With her trademark Montana stories, River Wild is an awesome blend of the things we love in a cowboy romance. If you have read the other stories in the series, you will not want to miss this one!! That ending will leave you wondering what’s to come!

Another great book from B J Daniels. Interesting story line and characters. I am looking forward to the next installment. I hope it is soon.

Another awesome addition to this series. Finally we hear all of Bailey's story. What made her into the woman she is and why so different from the girl she once was?
When the body of a local girl is discovered in the river, everyone has the same reaction....she looks just like a young Bailey. But, Bailey's reaction is more than Sheriff Stuart expected, and he knows Bailey is keeping something important from him. When her secrets come out, and things start getting really dangerous for Bailey, will she trust him enough to help her? Will he finally be able to love her the way he has wanted almost all his life?
Lots of action, family drama, romance, and secrets. A must read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.