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Men of Montana #1
A Dark Valley
Natalie
This was supposed to be my happily ever after.
He was supposed to be my forever.
That picture perfect life changed in an instant when I found myself on the brink of death at his hands.
All I know now is that I need to get out of here, escape this town, this living hell. Find a place that no one knows me. A place where I can start over. A new beginning.
Pine Valley. My new beginning.
Will this be the start of something new, better, the one thing I’ve always wanted in life. Friends. Family. Love.
I will overcome the hell I have been through and come out on top, or will I?
Grant
I am an emotionally damaged thirty five year old with no social life and enough work to spread between six people. When and how did I let my life come to this?
I knew dad’s cancer was gonna take him from me soon and he would be joining mama like he was been wanting to for many years. The thought of being alone sending a chill through me.
Would life really be worth it at the point?
That thought crossed my mind many times until I met the new girl in town. She was scared and had been hurt. And I have an overwhelming urge to protect her at all costs.
Will I succeed? Or will I lose her like every other person in my life?
This was supposed to be my happily ever after.
He was supposed to be my forever.
That picture perfect life changed in an instant when I found myself on the brink of death at his hands.
All I know now is that I need to get out of here, escape this town, this living hell. Find a place that no one knows me. A place where I can start over. A new beginning.
Pine Valley. My new beginning.
Will this be the start of something new, better, the one thing I’ve always wanted in life. Friends. Family. Love.
I will overcome the hell I have been through and come out on top, or will I?
Grant
I am an emotionally damaged thirty five year old with no social life and enough work to spread between six people. When and how did I let my life come to this?
I knew dad’s cancer was gonna take him from me soon and he would be joining mama like he was been wanting to for many years. The thought of being alone sending a chill through me.
Would life really be worth it at the point?
That thought crossed my mind many times until I met the new girl in town. She was scared and had been hurt. And I have an overwhelming urge to protect her at all costs.
Will I succeed? Or will I lose her like every other person in my life?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2023
92 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 6, 2023
This is my honest ARC review 🖤
Natalie escapes death and her ex fiancé, and hopes for a fresh start in Montana. When she’s looking for a job in a law firm, she literally runs into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. Grant is in finalizing his dad’s last wishes and will, and is immediately smitten with the new girl in town. If only everything stayed so easy going for Natalie.
This fast paced story is really sweet, and I loved how much and quickly Grant adored Natalie. Natalie truly had it easy coming to Montana meeting the man of her dreams, a great friend, and the perfect job.
The love story was really sweet, and I thought the little hints of what was coming was interesting.
I did think the part where Grant fell off the face of the earth for two whole months was a little strange. “The Men of Montana” is a little vague and could be 100 other books set in Montana, but also I kinda get it because Montana is a vibeeee.
Overall I did love the characters, the suspense, spice, and the happy ending! Grant was a sweetheart 🤍
Natalie escapes death and her ex fiancé, and hopes for a fresh start in Montana. When she’s looking for a job in a law firm, she literally runs into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. Grant is in finalizing his dad’s last wishes and will, and is immediately smitten with the new girl in town. If only everything stayed so easy going for Natalie.
This fast paced story is really sweet, and I loved how much and quickly Grant adored Natalie. Natalie truly had it easy coming to Montana meeting the man of her dreams, a great friend, and the perfect job.
The love story was really sweet, and I thought the little hints of what was coming was interesting.
I did think the part where Grant fell off the face of the earth for two whole months was a little strange. “The Men of Montana” is a little vague and could be 100 other books set in Montana, but also I kinda get it because Montana is a vibeeee.
Overall I did love the characters, the suspense, spice, and the happy ending! Grant was a sweetheart 🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
This book was captivating from the first page. Love a good romance with a touch of thriller! I am excited for part 2!
September 14, 2023
cheesy
First half of book was pretty good.
Nat was very emotional and I would say “ weak” but it was understandable considering what she been through, but book going forward I realised this behaviour wasn’t due those events, she’s just very weak female character , crying about smallest things, telling everyone she meets what happened because according to her she can explain it because they already see bruises , we’ll just because people see them, doesn’t mean you have to spill them all the beans, seems more like attempt to get pity from others.
Grant lost important person and was lost, ignored couple messages and what she does, she runs away!!
Really?! If he meant so much to her , she could’ve tried go to his home and talk!! But no, she packs her stuff and runs away and on top of it all he’s at fault because he ignored her calls and messages.
And just to make it sadder she wasn’t eating because how heart broken she was . Cmon really?….
While I though first half book was pretty good, other half was terrible , I couldn’t wait to finish reading this book.
Male character too perfect, no one is that perfect no matter how well raised , female wear and pathetic with traumatic experience and instead of becoming strong women who survived hell, she just finds “strong” men and continues be weak and dependent on others.
Definitely not book for me
First half of book was pretty good.
Nat was very emotional and I would say “ weak” but it was understandable considering what she been through, but book going forward I realised this behaviour wasn’t due those events, she’s just very weak female character , crying about smallest things, telling everyone she meets what happened because according to her she can explain it because they already see bruises , we’ll just because people see them, doesn’t mean you have to spill them all the beans, seems more like attempt to get pity from others.
Grant lost important person and was lost, ignored couple messages and what she does, she runs away!!
Really?! If he meant so much to her , she could’ve tried go to his home and talk!! But no, she packs her stuff and runs away and on top of it all he’s at fault because he ignored her calls and messages.
And just to make it sadder she wasn’t eating because how heart broken she was . Cmon really?….
While I though first half book was pretty good, other half was terrible , I couldn’t wait to finish reading this book.
Male character too perfect, no one is that perfect no matter how well raised , female wear and pathetic with traumatic experience and instead of becoming strong women who survived hell, she just finds “strong” men and continues be weak and dependent on others.
Definitely not book for me
September 17, 2023
Oh the suspense in this book had me screaming!!
Natalie barely escapes with her life from her now ex-fiancé. So you start out jumping right into the suspense. I was happy to see she took her life back and didn’t hide away in herself. That is how she finds herself in a small town in Montana. Wanting to start fresh in a new place…or so she thinks.
Grant, this sweet cinnamon roll MMC. I don’t know who I felt more heartbreak for, Natalie or Grant. This man has had his share of loss and heartbreak in his life. I think that is why they find each other. I loved how he was with Natalie and showing her how she deserved to be treated by a man.
I gotta say it did take me sometime to get into their story. Nothing against the writing, just had a little harder time getting into them. But I will say once I did, I couldn’t put it down.
.
.
.
4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation‼️
Natalie barely escapes with her life from her now ex-fiancé. So you start out jumping right into the suspense. I was happy to see she took her life back and didn’t hide away in herself. That is how she finds herself in a small town in Montana. Wanting to start fresh in a new place…or so she thinks.
Grant, this sweet cinnamon roll MMC. I don’t know who I felt more heartbreak for, Natalie or Grant. This man has had his share of loss and heartbreak in his life. I think that is why they find each other. I loved how he was with Natalie and showing her how she deserved to be treated by a man.
I gotta say it did take me sometime to get into their story. Nothing against the writing, just had a little harder time getting into them. But I will say once I did, I couldn’t put it down.
.
.
.
4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation‼️
September 13, 2023
Y’all I don’t think I have read a romance thriller quite like this in a loooong time. C.J McCauley you had my heart racing, breaking, screaming for joy and stopping all together. I am in love with this book!
At first I was nervous to read it, started like a normal romance book and then BAM hits you with the thriller and it just KEEPS GOING! I am so impressed this is her first ever book and I am honored to read it! I will gladly tell anyone and everyone I have a first edition copy of her first book! I give this my first 5 ⭐️ out of the month!
At first I was nervous to read it, started like a normal romance book and then BAM hits you with the thriller and it just KEEPS GOING! I am so impressed this is her first ever book and I am honored to read it! I will gladly tell anyone and everyone I have a first edition copy of her first book! I give this my first 5 ⭐️ out of the month!
March 15, 2025
THERE ARE NO TWANGY ACCENTS FROM MONTANA. Anywhere along the Rockies do not have twang, and if they do, they’re not born there or they’re faking it. #1 pet peeve in cowboy romance books when they’re not based on the south.
There are quite a few spelling/ grammatical errors. At one point, Natalie says image to withhold, I should be uphold.
Overall the book was okay, but kinda meh. It was definitely insta lust which didn’t help the tension or characters chemistry. Didn’t get interesting really until 85% in or so.
There are quite a few spelling/ grammatical errors. At one point, Natalie says image to withhold, I should be uphold.
Overall the book was okay, but kinda meh. It was definitely insta lust which didn’t help the tension or characters chemistry. Didn’t get interesting really until 85% in or so.
September 4, 2023
All I can say is OMG! This is such a great book, I could not put this down. The plot is amazing! Romance meets suspense. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. For sure a must read. A new love developed twists come into play and you question if a happy ending will happen. This new author hit this book out of the park and we need to keep an eye on them. Cannot wait for book #2!!!
December 1, 2023
So much of this book felt rushed. A lot of skipped time between events. I was annoyed with the male character. He fell fast but then just up and left the relationship. He wanted to protect her but kept “brushing off” the warning signs. I kept thinking more would happen and then it just didn’t. By the end I just wanted to finish it. The beginning was good, then everything just seemed meh.
September 19, 2025
This is very well written story about being a survivor. There are a lot of triggers in the story so those need to be noted permitting people that can’t handle domestic abuse. However, the main character was a very strong, willed female that found her way through and ended up with a heavily ever after.
October 18, 2025
So good!!!
I really enjoyed this story about Natalie and Grant. Natalie left her home due to an assault by her ex. She lands in Pine Valley where she meets Grant. There was drama, hurt, loss of family members but there were also joy and laughter. Natalie meets coffee shop owner Talley, attorney Ethan and hot cop Wade. Please read this. I know you will enjoy it!!!.💗
I really enjoyed this story about Natalie and Grant. Natalie left her home due to an assault by her ex. She lands in Pine Valley where she meets Grant. There was drama, hurt, loss of family members but there were also joy and laughter. Natalie meets coffee shop owner Talley, attorney Ethan and hot cop Wade. Please read this. I know you will enjoy it!!!.💗
March 7, 2026
I’m not one for dark romance, but I liked the fact that the dark part wasn’t about the main characters’ love story!
It was a very quick read, a good sign in my book!
I think my only criticisms are the insta lovey part and how immature Keith was. But, I know he was written that way for a reason!
Overall, I really enjoyed it and will definitely read the next one!
It was a very quick read, a good sign in my book!
I think my only criticisms are the insta lovey part and how immature Keith was. But, I know he was written that way for a reason!
Overall, I really enjoyed it and will definitely read the next one!
September 8, 2023
I absolutely loved reading a well written story by a small town author! The plot leaves you on edge for 90% of the book! Love, pain, thriller and some mystery keep you wanting to read until the end. It was sooooo hard to put down before bed. I highly recommend this book to all the book lovers!
September 8, 2023
awesome story
I read lots of romance books of all kinds, this one was great , wonderful story and the chemistry between the 2 main characters was great and lots of secondary people to end up in other books
I read lots of romance books of all kinds, this one was great , wonderful story and the chemistry between the 2 main characters was great and lots of secondary people to end up in other books
September 11, 2023
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I generally prefer a good story line with lots of explicitly spicy scenes thrown in however this one had me hooked from Chapter 1.
A sweet romance cultivated during a time of starting over and learning how to heal from trauma. For it being this authors first book, I’m genuinely impressed and intrigued for the next book in the series.
A sweet romance cultivated during a time of starting over and learning how to heal from trauma. For it being this authors first book, I’m genuinely impressed and intrigued for the next book in the series.
September 13, 2023
great read
First time author, that did an amazing job putting romance and suspense together. Kept your attention the entire book and wanting to read more. Cannot wait for future books!
First time author, that did an amazing job putting romance and suspense together. Kept your attention the entire book and wanting to read more. Cannot wait for future books!
November 24, 2023
5 stars
Ugh. I read this book in one sitting. I dont know what it is about a good loving hard working cowboy romance that just gets me literally every time. I knew from the moment I started that I was hooked and needed answers. Ugh, so good. Got me out of my book slump
Ugh. I read this book in one sitting. I dont know what it is about a good loving hard working cowboy romance that just gets me literally every time. I knew from the moment I started that I was hooked and needed answers. Ugh, so good. Got me out of my book slump
January 10, 2024
Holy smokes! This book was amazing! The last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat! Absolutely loved this story and the suspense at the end. Small town author did not disappoint. Highly recommend reading this!
October 9, 2025
3/5⭐️
This wasn’t so bad. When I saw that it was a small town romance with a little bit of suspense, I immediately downloaded it to my kindle. This author’s writing wasn’t exactly my favorite but I did enjoy the story.
This wasn’t so bad. When I saw that it was a small town romance with a little bit of suspense, I immediately downloaded it to my kindle. This author’s writing wasn’t exactly my favorite but I did enjoy the story.
December 16, 2025
Unbelievable, from beginning to end. If you are a survivor of DV, this MAY piss you all the way off.
The idea is there, but the pacing and execution is not. I did enjoy the characters on their own, but the insta-every relationship, was bonkers.
The idea is there, but the pacing and execution is not. I did enjoy the characters on their own, but the insta-every relationship, was bonkers.
September 8, 2023
This new author is amazing! One of my favorite books of the year! I really am hoping for a part 2 😁
September 10, 2023
A definite page turner. I couldn't put it down! Great read
September 26, 2025
true love
Wonderful story. Wish his dad hadn’t passed so soon.
Why do you put the rate page before the extended epilogue. You can get back to comment.
Wonderful story. Wish his dad hadn’t passed so soon.
Why do you put the rate page before the extended epilogue. You can get back to comment.
September 28, 2025
sweet
This was great and wasn’t t all what I was expecting. It was predictable at places but so well done that it doesn’t really matter. A great read
This was great and wasn’t t all what I was expecting. It was predictable at places but so well done that it doesn’t really matter. A great read
October 21, 2025
Awesome love story!!!
Great story line. Not too much sex. Not too much violence, just enough to keep you glued to the pages. Lots of smiles and tears. I really hated it to end.
Great story line. Not too much sex. Not too much violence, just enough to keep you glued to the pages. Lots of smiles and tears. I really hated it to end.
November 27, 2023
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. With so few reviews on Goodreads (and wasn’t even listed in StoryGraph) I wasn’t sure what I was in for - if it’s good, why is there so little traction, right? Wrong. Just enough spice, engaging story that I finished and was just happy having finished a good book.
September 18, 2023
After enduring the trauma caused by her abusive ex fiancé Natalie takes the first flight she can to start fresh somewhere else.. this lands her in the tiny town of Pine Valley. It’s love at first site for the hard to get rancher Grant.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel! I love a good small town romance this one checked off all the boxes for me! The small town charm, cute cafe, cowboy, spice, action/ suspense, and some heartbreaking moments.. ugh those tugged at my heart strings! The chemistry between Nat & Grant was undeniable.
And the HAE was well rounded!! Looking forward to reading more for C.J!
I enjoyed reading this debut novel! I love a good small town romance this one checked off all the boxes for me! The small town charm, cute cafe, cowboy, spice, action/ suspense, and some heartbreaking moments.. ugh those tugged at my heart strings! The chemistry between Nat & Grant was undeniable.
And the HAE was well rounded!! Looking forward to reading more for C.J!
February 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews