Homicide at Whiskey Gulch

This enjoyable read was well written, engaging and offered up an enticing blend of romance and suspense. I really liked Trace. He was a genuine good guy and it was very easy to feel and fall for him. If I'm honest my feelings about Lily were more ambivalent. It wasn't that I didn't find her likable and I loved the pairing with Trace but I just didn't agree with all her choices and actions. The storyline grabs and hold your focus with its skillfully crafted combination of danger, action, tension, emotion and drama. all together a very good read. I'm electing to post a forthright review.

Trace, the only child of a wealthy Texas rancher, knows that he’s expected to take over the family business. When his dad decides his high school sweetheart, Lily, isn’t good enough for him...that’s it! He enlists in the Army with plans to eventually take Lily with him. Wanting the best for Trace, Lily lies to Trace and tells him she been cheating on him with Matt—the town bad boy. Enraged, he leaves and pushes himself in the Army to eventually become a member of the Delta Force. Trace only returns when he receives word that his father has been murdered. He’s shocked to learn that all the ranch hands have left and his mom and Lily have been left with more than they can handle. Lily, Trace’s high school sweetheart, has lived a life trying to make up for the sins of her parents. Feeling that her family’s criminal record would hinder Trace in reaching his dreams, she makes the ultimate sacrifice for him...she lets him go. Although her heart was in the right place, her lies will eventually come back to bite her in the butt! But working side by side to keep the ranch going after Trace’s dad’s murder, is almost more than she can handle. The series is off to a great start. I enjoyed the storyline, characters, mystery, and surprises. While I thought Lily was a strong woman, I thought she was also a bit of a hypocrite. She went on and on about deserving a man who would “fight” for her, but then goes on to say she did the right thing by lying to Trace. Otherwise, I loved them as a couple. I can’t wait to see if any of his other Delta buddies show up on the ranch. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Homicide At Whiskey Gulch is a phenomenal romantic suspense by Elle James. Once you pick this book up you aren't going to want to put it down so fill your cup and find a comfy spot. Ms. James has provided readers with a well-written book. The characters in this story are spectacular and just make this tale even better. Trace, a Delta Force Master Sergeant, is just returning from a mission that went sideways when he's met with the news his father has been murdered. Lily is Trace's ex and has been living with his parents and helping on the ranch for a year when Trace returns for his father's funeral. Trace and Lily's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action, suspense and unexpected twists. I loved this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Elle James. Homicide At Whiskey Gulch is book 1 of The Outriders Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.