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scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good, fast-paced suspense story with some romance along for the ride. Jinx's ranch is in trouble. After her father's death, it was just her to run the ranch. She already kicked her cheating husband to the curb and is in the process of divorcing him. The trouble is, TD wants at least half the ranch. He also wants Jinx back. TD is a violent, obsessed man who will do anything to get what he wants. He made it impossible for Jinx to hire and keep local ranch hands, so she advertised out of state for wranglers.
Three wranglers from Montana showed up at her door. Twin brothers, Angus and Brick Cardwell Savage, and their cousin, Ella Cardwell, were sent by their mother. Dana had been a friend of Jinx's mother, though Jinx didn't remember the connection at first. Angus remembers Jinx very well, especially an event from their childhood. He was curious to see how that nine-year-old spitfire turned out.
The suspense and action were intense from the beginning. TD's intentions are evident from his first appearance. He will either win Jinx back or kill her, and he isn't all that picky about which one it is. Now, TD isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but what he doesn't have in brains he makes up for with devious persistence. Once Jinx and the others have the cattle on the trail to the high meadow, TD and his buddies aren't far behind. Jinx and the others know that he is coming for them, which makes for a tension-filled trip. I was as antsy as they were as I waited for TD to make his first move. As each attempt that he made was foiled, TD's anger and obsession grew. I was on the edge of my seat during that last night, as TD made his attempt. I liked the steps that Jinx, Angus, and the others took to give them an edge. Matters are complicated by TD's girlfriend, who has taken steps to cut out her competition. The events on the mountain don't go his way and leave TD even more determined to get what he wants. There are a couple of twists leading up to the final confrontation, and it is a nail-biter as Jinx faces two enemies. I did like the way it turned out.
The development of the relationship between Jinx and Angus wasn't as intense as the suspense. There was no doubt that the two of them noticed each other, but neither was interested in a relationship. Angus was recently burned in his love life, and Jinx isn't interested in a new relationship when she hasn't yet gotten rid of the old one. However, Angus can't help feeling protective, and that makes Jinx feel safer. Both feel the stirrings of attraction, but Angus realizes that Jinx has too much going on to be in the right place for him to pursue her. I loved the last chapter and Jinx's arrival at Cardwell Ranch after several months apart. I liked that they made the effort to get to know each other during that time. I laughed out loud at Dana's reaction.
I also really liked the development of the secondary characters. Brick and his charm and competitiveness were intriguing, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. Ella's clear-sighted view of those around her helped me see things I might have missed. I'm also interested in her worry about her mother, as I remember reading Stacy's story many years ago. The author's descriptions of TD's "minions" showed each of them with the weaknesses that made them susceptible to his pressure on them.
Three wranglers from Montana showed up at her door. Twin brothers, Angus and Brick Cardwell Savage, and their cousin, Ella Cardwell, were sent by their mother. Dana had been a friend of Jinx's mother, though Jinx didn't remember the connection at first. Angus remembers Jinx very well, especially an event from their childhood. He was curious to see how that nine-year-old spitfire turned out.
The suspense and action were intense from the beginning. TD's intentions are evident from his first appearance. He will either win Jinx back or kill her, and he isn't all that picky about which one it is. Now, TD isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but what he doesn't have in brains he makes up for with devious persistence. Once Jinx and the others have the cattle on the trail to the high meadow, TD and his buddies aren't far behind. Jinx and the others know that he is coming for them, which makes for a tension-filled trip. I was as antsy as they were as I waited for TD to make his first move. As each attempt that he made was foiled, TD's anger and obsession grew. I was on the edge of my seat during that last night, as TD made his attempt. I liked the steps that Jinx, Angus, and the others took to give them an edge. Matters are complicated by TD's girlfriend, who has taken steps to cut out her competition. The events on the mountain don't go his way and leave TD even more determined to get what he wants. There are a couple of twists leading up to the final confrontation, and it is a nail-biter as Jinx faces two enemies. I did like the way it turned out.
The development of the relationship between Jinx and Angus wasn't as intense as the suspense. There was no doubt that the two of them noticed each other, but neither was interested in a relationship. Angus was recently burned in his love life, and Jinx isn't interested in a new relationship when she hasn't yet gotten rid of the old one. However, Angus can't help feeling protective, and that makes Jinx feel safer. Both feel the stirrings of attraction, but Angus realizes that Jinx has too much going on to be in the right place for him to pursue her. I loved the last chapter and Jinx's arrival at Cardwell Ranch after several months apart. I liked that they made the effort to get to know each other during that time. I laughed out loud at Dana's reaction.
I also really liked the development of the secondary characters. Brick and his charm and competitiveness were intriguing, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. Ella's clear-sighted view of those around her helped me see things I might have missed. I'm also interested in her worry about her mother, as I remember reading Stacy's story many years ago. The author's descriptions of TD's "minions" showed each of them with the weaknesses that made them susceptible to his pressure on them.
especbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I like BJ Daniels' work. I've been reading books by this author for years. This one was enjoyable, though there were minor points that didn't quite click for me. So, not bad, but not the best in the author's library.
mommasaystoread's review against another edition
4.0
Ambush Before Sunrise makes me think of those spaghetti Westerns we used to watch on Saturday afternoon. And there I go, dating myself again. Anyway, my point is it's easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys. If I closed my eyes, I could practically see the good guys in their white hats and the black-hatted baddies lurking and scheming nearby. We even have a gray hat or two in there to keep things interesting.
Knowing who the bad guys were didn't diminish the fun at all. The pacing is spot on for a Western. There's plenty of action and danger and lots of intrigue as TD connives while Patty manipulates. The way that relationship works and lengths they're both willing to go certainly keep the pages turning. And of course, there's a romance in there too with a swoony cowboy and a strong heroine who doesn't exactly need saving, but she could use a little help.
From what I've seen, the Savage brothers come from another story written by BJ Daniels, but if I missed something, I didn't notice it. The characters are developed, the story is engaging, and the intrigue was everything it should be.
Knowing who the bad guys were didn't diminish the fun at all. The pacing is spot on for a Western. There's plenty of action and danger and lots of intrigue as TD connives while Patty manipulates. The way that relationship works and lengths they're both willing to go certainly keep the pages turning. And of course, there's a romance in there too with a swoony cowboy and a strong heroine who doesn't exactly need saving, but she could use a little help.
From what I've seen, the Savage brothers come from another story written by BJ Daniels, but if I missed something, I didn't notice it. The characters are developed, the story is engaging, and the intrigue was everything it should be.
kristinasshelves's review
3.0
Jinx has inherited her family’s ranch after the passing of her father and is determined to keep the rancher lifestyle despite her father’s insistence that she sell the property and make a new life for herself. She is also in the midst of a nasty divorce with T.D., a ne'er-do-well who is trying to sabotage Jinx at every turn. T.D. has his sights set on gaining half of the ranch while taking revenge on Jinx in whatever way necessary. Jinx is moving her herd for the summer and enlists the help of old family friends, including Angus. Jinx is certain she knows Angus from an encounter in their childhood, but cannot recall the instance. A great cast of minor characters is featured, along with some that are a headache.
Ambush Before Sunrise is published under Harlequin’s Intrigue imprint, which releases romantic suspense. I would describe the genre of this particular book as a western soap opera, with a subtle romantic subplot. This was my first experience with a western book and a cowboy romance. I’m still open to trying more of this type of book, but I’m not sure its a trope/setting combination for me. If this is a type of story you enjoy, I definitely recommend checking out this book. I felt more invested in the side characters and in particular Angus’ cousin, Ella. I’m hoping she gets to be the focal point of her own book in the future.
I received an ebook of this title from the publisher via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
Ambush Before Sunrise is published under Harlequin’s Intrigue imprint, which releases romantic suspense. I would describe the genre of this particular book as a western soap opera, with a subtle romantic subplot. This was my first experience with a western book and a cowboy romance. I’m still open to trying more of this type of book, but I’m not sure its a trope/setting combination for me. If this is a type of story you enjoy, I definitely recommend checking out this book. I felt more invested in the side characters and in particular Angus’ cousin, Ella. I’m hoping she gets to be the focal point of her own book in the future.
I received an ebook of this title from the publisher via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
robinlovesreading's review
5.0
It should be just another cattle drive for JoRay "Jinx" McCallahan. Not only does Jinx need a couple more hands for the drive, she must contend with her soon-to-be ex-husband T.D.Sharp. Not only is Jinx divorcing T.D., she has a restraining order on him. Well, as far as he is concerned, that is just another piece of paper. Jinx is his and he has no problem trying to prove that to her.
There is a small part of him that wants the money that would come his way if he got the ranch that Jinx owns, but the bigger part of him wants her back. He still loves her and wants her to give him another chance. Meanwhile there is a love triangle of sorts. Patty Conroe is in love with T.D. and Jinx is in the way. To extend this story of unrequited love, there is Wyatt Hanson, T.D.'s best friend, and he is in love with Patty.
The catalyst in all of these "love" feelings - Jinx She is in the way with T.D. and Patty, and Wyatt is there to catch Patty should T.D. get out of the way. Sound confusing? It really isn't, as characters and motives becomes all too clear in the first two chapters. These chapters lay the groundwork for jealousy, deviousness, revenge and danger.
Meanwhile Angus Savage is a wrangler hired by Jinx for the cattle drive. They knew one another as kids, and Angus is more than drawn to Jinx now. The drive is full of peril, but it soon becomes apparent that Jinx and Angus are drawn to one another. This comes as a surprise to Jinx after all she is dealing with when it comes to T.D.
What a fast-paced story! Not because it is less than 300 pages, but due to the intensity when it comes to T.D.'s dark side and Patty's manipulative plans when it comes to Jinx. B.J. Daniels is a name I see quite often so I rather surprised myself after realizing this is the first book I've read by her. When another of her books came to NetGalley I snatched that one up as I loved this book and the crafty style of writing Daniels employed. I don't read westerns often, but this book, with romance and suspense, proved to be a fantastic read.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
There is a small part of him that wants the money that would come his way if he got the ranch that Jinx owns, but the bigger part of him wants her back. He still loves her and wants her to give him another chance. Meanwhile there is a love triangle of sorts. Patty Conroe is in love with T.D. and Jinx is in the way. To extend this story of unrequited love, there is Wyatt Hanson, T.D.'s best friend, and he is in love with Patty.
The catalyst in all of these "love" feelings - Jinx She is in the way with T.D. and Patty, and Wyatt is there to catch Patty should T.D. get out of the way. Sound confusing? It really isn't, as characters and motives becomes all too clear in the first two chapters. These chapters lay the groundwork for jealousy, deviousness, revenge and danger.
Meanwhile Angus Savage is a wrangler hired by Jinx for the cattle drive. They knew one another as kids, and Angus is more than drawn to Jinx now. The drive is full of peril, but it soon becomes apparent that Jinx and Angus are drawn to one another. This comes as a surprise to Jinx after all she is dealing with when it comes to T.D.
What a fast-paced story! Not because it is less than 300 pages, but due to the intensity when it comes to T.D.'s dark side and Patty's manipulative plans when it comes to Jinx. B.J. Daniels is a name I see quite often so I rather surprised myself after realizing this is the first book I've read by her. When another of her books came to NetGalley I snatched that one up as I loved this book and the crafty style of writing Daniels employed. I don't read westerns often, but this book, with romance and suspense, proved to be a fantastic read.
Many thanks to Harlequin Intrigue and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
allingoodtime's review
3.0
This one will have to be another addition to the good, the bad, and the ugly. There were things I enjoyed about this story, for sure. Unfortunately, there were quite a few things that drove me nuts. The first being that, although I initially believed this to be a standalone story, I could tell almost right away it was somehow connected to a series. And boy is it! There seems to be a few series by this author that deal with the Cardwell family. Do you need to read them to read this? Nope. I understood what was happening perfectly. But I did feel that I was missing out on some of the deeper emotions and/or meaning with those from the Cardwell family that came to help Jinx.
One of the things I loved was the sweetness between Jinx and Angus. While I didn’t feel high chemistry, there was definitely an attraction and, more importantly, a respect for one another. They both felt the pull but knew it wasn’t the time or place to act on those feelings. Yet, when they were alone together, they were so open and honest and it gave me hope for their future.
Now, I’m going to admit that the biggest thing that drove me nuts may be something others will greatly enjoy. I have no issues with multiple points of view, especially in romance. I love seeing things from both angles…or more than 2 if there are more than 2 people in the relationship. But there are six points of view in this story. SIX! And only two of them are falling in love. The depth into which the author goes into the minds of Jinx’s ex-husband, his girlfriend, and the man in love with his girlfriend was just too much for me. I don’t mind knowing the motivation of the bad guy in a suspense, but it almost seemed like there as also a justification for their actions. Like the reader would somehow find forgiveness for the awful things these characters were doing if we could just understand where they were coming from. Ugh! No! Too much for me.
Which reminds me, I wanted to give a trigger warning on this one. Jinx’s ex, T.D., is truly a terrible human and is very aggressive with women. Not only physically, but also sexually and in verbal ways. Because the author did an amazing job writing these scenes, it could prove to be too intense for some readers.
I look back on that last paragraph I wrote and realize that I do think this author is a great writer. She is able to paint a picture with her words and that’s a beautiful talent to have. But, until the end of this story, I didn’t feel the suspense. I knew Jinx’s group was in danger intellectually, but didn’t feel the danger like I would have liked. Now, like I said, the ending did have that feeling for me. But I expected it more throughout.
Will I try out another of this author’s works? Probably. Most likely something from the beginning of her writing of the Caldwell family. I know others who greatly enjoyed this story, feeling as though they were revisiting old friends. So who know? It’s surely a decent read, it just didn’t hook me as I had hoped it would.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
One of the things I loved was the sweetness between Jinx and Angus. While I didn’t feel high chemistry, there was definitely an attraction and, more importantly, a respect for one another. They both felt the pull but knew it wasn’t the time or place to act on those feelings. Yet, when they were alone together, they were so open and honest and it gave me hope for their future.
Now, I’m going to admit that the biggest thing that drove me nuts may be something others will greatly enjoy. I have no issues with multiple points of view, especially in romance. I love seeing things from both angles…or more than 2 if there are more than 2 people in the relationship. But there are six points of view in this story. SIX! And only two of them are falling in love. The depth into which the author goes into the minds of Jinx’s ex-husband, his girlfriend, and the man in love with his girlfriend was just too much for me. I don’t mind knowing the motivation of the bad guy in a suspense, but it almost seemed like there as also a justification for their actions. Like the reader would somehow find forgiveness for the awful things these characters were doing if we could just understand where they were coming from. Ugh! No! Too much for me.
Which reminds me, I wanted to give a trigger warning on this one. Jinx’s ex, T.D., is truly a terrible human and is very aggressive with women. Not only physically, but also sexually and in verbal ways. Because the author did an amazing job writing these scenes, it could prove to be too intense for some readers.
I look back on that last paragraph I wrote and realize that I do think this author is a great writer. She is able to paint a picture with her words and that’s a beautiful talent to have. But, until the end of this story, I didn’t feel the suspense. I knew Jinx’s group was in danger intellectually, but didn’t feel the danger like I would have liked. Now, like I said, the ending did have that feeling for me. But I expected it more throughout.
Will I try out another of this author’s works? Probably. Most likely something from the beginning of her writing of the Caldwell family. I know others who greatly enjoyed this story, feeling as though they were revisiting old friends. So who know? It’s surely a decent read, it just didn’t hook me as I had hoped it would.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
onebookmore's review
4.0
Way back in the early 2000s, when I bought my very first e-reader, the first book I downloaded was B.J Daniels Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch. I remember being so excited to read my first digital book and loving the romance between Dana and Hud!
Now, seventeen years later, I’m reading Ambush Before Sunrise and am taken on another suspenseful and romantic adventure. And the best part? Two of the major characters, Angus and Brick, are Dana and Hud’s now-adult sons!!
Ambush Before Sunrise is the story of Jinx McCallahan, a woman struggling to maintain her family ranch. With a soon-to-be ex-husband terrorizing her, a herd of cattle to move, and no workers willing to get in the middle of a toxic, and potentially dangerous, domestic battle, Jinx hires a motley crew including twins Angus and Brick and their cousin Ella.
Angus has plans to return home to help run Cardwell Ranch with his family. However, when he hears that Jinx is in trouble and needs some hired hands, he doesn’t hesitate. Jinx needs help, and Angus always wondered what happened to the feisty beauty he met as a boy. What Angus doesn’t know is that Jinx has an ex who isn’t ready to let her or her ranch go, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he deserves.
This is a quick-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed story filled with dynamic characters and a little bit of romance. Jinx is a strong and likable protagonist. Brave in the face of danger, smart, and fiery, she compliments Angus’s strong, quiet, and calming personality. I also like the history Angus and Jinx have. This old connection brings them closer and helps them to let go of their misgivings and fears.
The romance that develops between Angus and Jinx is sweet and true. They have a mutual respect for each other, and they feel a connection from the start. I like how the romance starts slow and then blooms into a lovely relationship built on trust, respect, and admiration.
The minor characters are as well-developed as Angus and Jinx and include Angus’ fun and charming twin Brick, their sharp and kind cousin Ella, the lovable cook Max, and the sinister T.D. and his equally shady friends. The character development and the fast-paced plot are the highlights of the story.
I also liked the reference to Caldwell Ranch. Though it isn’t important to know the characters’ references, it is fun to see some old names and read about their connections to the characters in this story. I’m excited to read more about this wonderful family in future books! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://onebookmore.com/2020/05/14/arc-review-ambush-before-sunrise-by-b-j-daniels/
Now, seventeen years later, I’m reading Ambush Before Sunrise and am taken on another suspenseful and romantic adventure. And the best part? Two of the major characters, Angus and Brick, are Dana and Hud’s now-adult sons!!
Ambush Before Sunrise is the story of Jinx McCallahan, a woman struggling to maintain her family ranch. With a soon-to-be ex-husband terrorizing her, a herd of cattle to move, and no workers willing to get in the middle of a toxic, and potentially dangerous, domestic battle, Jinx hires a motley crew including twins Angus and Brick and their cousin Ella.
Angus has plans to return home to help run Cardwell Ranch with his family. However, when he hears that Jinx is in trouble and needs some hired hands, he doesn’t hesitate. Jinx needs help, and Angus always wondered what happened to the feisty beauty he met as a boy. What Angus doesn’t know is that Jinx has an ex who isn’t ready to let her or her ranch go, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he deserves.
This is a quick-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed story filled with dynamic characters and a little bit of romance. Jinx is a strong and likable protagonist. Brave in the face of danger, smart, and fiery, she compliments Angus’s strong, quiet, and calming personality. I also like the history Angus and Jinx have. This old connection brings them closer and helps them to let go of their misgivings and fears.
The romance that develops between Angus and Jinx is sweet and true. They have a mutual respect for each other, and they feel a connection from the start. I like how the romance starts slow and then blooms into a lovely relationship built on trust, respect, and admiration.
The minor characters are as well-developed as Angus and Jinx and include Angus’ fun and charming twin Brick, their sharp and kind cousin Ella, the lovable cook Max, and the sinister T.D. and his equally shady friends. The character development and the fast-paced plot are the highlights of the story.
I also liked the reference to Caldwell Ranch. Though it isn’t important to know the characters’ references, it is fun to see some old names and read about their connections to the characters in this story. I’m excited to read more about this wonderful family in future books! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://onebookmore.com/2020/05/14/arc-review-ambush-before-sunrise-by-b-j-daniels/
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