Billie Wallace has spent her whole life trying to prove she’s more than the Wallace Ranch’s “wild” only daughter. All she wants is a shot at barrel racing—and a purpose beyond crunching numbers in her daddy’s office. But when her very first run ends in disaster, Billie lands flat on her back with Ryder Rivers—her childhood crush, her brother’s best friend, and the town’s notorious heartbreaker—hovering over her.
In all the years she’s known him, Ryder has never entertained Billie’s shameless flirting. But after her fall, he’s suddenly everywhere—showing up to help her when she’s hurt, staring at her across the honky-tonk when she’s trying to move on with a bronc rider, and encouraging her to explore her dream career.
Before either can really register what’s happening, their partnership sparks into much more than just dust and arguments.
Late nights turn into stolen kisses. Stolen kisses turn into something that feels dangerously like forever. Ryder swears he’s not the staying kind, but the way he looks at Billie like she’s the only woman in the world makes everyone start to wonder if he’s ready to stop running…
(ARC Review)
One hard fall in the rodeo ring. One maddeningly gorgeous cowboy. One chance at love she swore she’d never take… and wow, Jessica Peterson absolutely delivered with Ryder.
I have been waiting for Ryder Rivers, and this man did not disappoint. If you know me, you know I love my cowboys, and Ryder? He came in full swing. The youngest sibling, Duke’s twin brother, the one who always tries to be easygoing and not burden anyone with his problems, but underneath all that charm is a guarded man still carrying grief and trying to outrun his feelings. Watching Billie slowly crack through those walls and bring him back to life was one of my favorite parts of this book. Ryder is guarded and stubborn, but once he starts to open up, you see just how thoughtful, tender, and deeply caring he truly is.
And Billie Wallace? She is an absolute firecracker.
“Billie Wallace, you’re many things, but an angel ain’t one of ’em.”
From the moment we meet her, she’s shameless, witty, and completely unafraid to push every single one of Ryder’s buttons. Her flirting is relentless, her sexually suggestive comebacks are hilarious, and I genuinely lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. She’s confident, bold, and knows exactly what she wants, and she’s wanted Ryder her entire life. I loved that she never backed down from that.
What really made their relationship work for me was how naturally everything unfolded. After Billie’s rodeo accident, Ryder suddenly can’t seem to stay away from her, and I loved how gradual that shift felt. It wasn’t rushed or over-the-top; just quiet moments at first. He’s showing up when she needs help, encouraging her dreams, and looking at her in a way he never allowed himself to before.
“Shit like Billie’s wry sense of humor and her bravery and the way she lights up a room. I want to witness it all again, because…well, because it made me feel fully and completely alive for the first time in ages.”
And once that switch flips for Ryder? He’s absolutely done for. Watching him try to pretend he isn’t affected by Billie is almost comical, especially when that possessive streak starts slipping through. For a guy who built his reputation on being the town’s heartbreaker, he doesn’t stand a chance once he finally lets himself feel something real. And when Ryder Rivers falls, he falls hard. Seeing him get completely undone by the wild girl who’s always had his number was incredibly satisfying.
Billie is exactly what Ryder needs, and I loved how well they balanced each other. She challenges him, pushes him, and refuses to let him hide behind his walls. At the same time, Ryder becomes the steady support Billie has always needed, encouraging her to chase her dreams and believe in herself. They created this little bubble together where both of them could heal, grow, and finally admit what everyone else already knew.
“But I can’t, darlin’.” I lick my overly sensitive lips.
“Can’t what?”
“Pretend like I don’t wanna be with you every second of every fuckin’ day.”
And the spice? Talk about H-O-T.
“You taste just right, darlin’. Just fuckin’ right.”
These two are not shy about what they want, and Jessica Peterson absolutely nails the tension and buildup. The dirty talk, the chemistry, and the emotional connection all blend together perfectly, making their romance feel both steamy and heartfelt. Ryder might be broody and guarded, but when it comes to Billie? This man is filthy-mouthed, possessive, and completely gone for her.
I also loved watching Ryder work through his grief in such a realistic way. Seeing a gruff cowboy going to therapy, learning to open up, and choosing vulnerability was incredibly emotional and added so much depth to his character. And Billie was exactly what he needed—someone who challenged him, matched his energy, and refused to let him hide from himself.
“As long as we got each other, we can get through anything. If being with you has taught me one thing, it’s that life’s too damn hard to do on your own. It’s also too damn short to live it only half alive. So live it with me, darlin’. Pretty please.”
The found family in this book also shines. The laughter, the teasing, the warmth between everyone at Lucky River Ranch made this feel like coming home one last time, which made finishing this book even more bittersweet. Watching Ryder with his family, especially seeing his softer side as the youngest brother and favorite uncle, added so much depth to his character.
This was the perfect way to end the series.
Ryder settling down was not on my bingo card, but watching the ultimate commitment-avoiding cowboy get completely undone by wild, fearless Billie was everything I hoped for and more. Their love felt earned, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
I’m honestly so sad to say goodbye to these characters. The Rivers men have completely altered my brain chemistry with their dirty mouths, massive hearts, and cowboy charm, and Ryder was the perfect way to end the series.
And now…excuse me while I impatiently wait for Colt’s story.
Release Date: April 7th, 2026
Thank you to Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC read!