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Ransom Canyon #6
Indigo Lake
Two families long divided by an ancient feud. Can a powerful love finally unite them?
Blade Hamilton is the last of his line. He's never even heard of Crossroads, Texas, until he inherits land there. Riding in on his vintage Harley-Davidson, Blade finds a weathered ranch house, an empty prairie and a dark river that cuts a decisive path between the Hamiltons' land and that of their estranged neighbors.
When Dakota helps a stranger on the roadside, she isn't prepared for the charisma of the man on the motorbike—or for the last name he bears: Hamilton, of her family's sworn enemies, representing all she's been raised to loathe. The problem is, it looks like Blade is in town to stay, and there's something about his wolf-gray eyes she just can't ignore.
Lauren Brigman feels adrift. Unhappy in work and unlucky in love, she knows she ought to be striving for more, but she's never truly at peace unless she's at home in Crossroads. If the wider world can't satisfy her, is home truly where her heart is?
Blade Hamilton is the last of his line. He's never even heard of Crossroads, Texas, until he inherits land there. Riding in on his vintage Harley-Davidson, Blade finds a weathered ranch house, an empty prairie and a dark river that cuts a decisive path between the Hamiltons' land and that of their estranged neighbors.
When Dakota helps a stranger on the roadside, she isn't prepared for the charisma of the man on the motorbike—or for the last name he bears: Hamilton, of her family's sworn enemies, representing all she's been raised to loathe. The problem is, it looks like Blade is in town to stay, and there's something about his wolf-gray eyes she just can't ignore.
Lauren Brigman feels adrift. Unhappy in work and unlucky in love, she knows she ought to be striving for more, but she's never truly at peace unless she's at home in Crossroads. If the wider world can't satisfy her, is home truly where her heart is?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2017
662 people are currently reading
1876 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
111 books2,509 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 15, 2019
Not entirely bad but hardly satisfying
Spoilers
To my astonishment, the leftover sense of disappointment I had from the last installment in the Ransom Canyon series, Wild Horse Springs, tempted me to not only skip reviewing this one, but to skip reading it at all. But my curiosity, a small sense of duty, and years of loving Thomas’ work combined into a force I couldn’t deny, so I read it.
My overall impression: meh.
Oh, a quick word of advice—don’t read this book immediately after reading a dark, gritty thriller like Sandra Brown’s work. Give yourself some distance between the two, because, while both romances, they have vastly different tones. I read Seeing Red the day before I read this, and going from Brown’s unapologetic bluntness to Thomas’ fanciful purple prose is seriously jarring.
That said, it could be just the jarring change of tones, but at times this book seemed almost like it wanted to be poetry instead of a novel. I suppose it could just be a romance being a romance, but there was a lot of cheese, and characters said things I can’t imagine a person in real life saying without laughing. In those moments, it felt fake and cheap.
The book carried a sense of finality, as though it was the last full-length Ransom Canyon book. There’s a Ransom Canyon holiday novella due out in October, I believe, but the next project after that seems to be something new; I’m not sure if it’s a new series or a stand-alone novel. But I didn’t notice any mention of this being the “series finale” or “conclusion” in any marketing, so perhaps Thomas just needs to clean the palate with something different for a while. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I think most of the sense of finality came from Lauren and Lucas getting their HEA at last and all the talk of the gypsy house that started it all. Their relationship, if it could be called that, began in the first book and remained up in the air throughout the series, until now, and it felt as if storylines were getting tied up in neat bows. Except there are still characters we don’t have closure on, like Tim O’Grady and Thatcher (from previous books). I could probably live without Tim’s HEA, I’m not attached to him. He wasn’t as annoying here as in Wild Horse Springs, but he still got on my nerves, just like he got on the sheriff’s. I liked Thatcher, though, and would be very interested to see where—and with whom—he ended up. Oh, and I’d totally be down for Maria Davis and Wes Whitman’s story. She’s blind and he’s so shy he hardly speaks (which reminds me of one of my favorite Thomas heroes, Carter McKoy from Texan’s Wager). They’d have an interesting journey.
In this installment, in addition to Lauren and Lucas, we saw newbies Blade Hamilton and Dakota Davis get together. We also saw some scenes from Dan Brigman’s point-of-view, and I’m not sure they were entirely necessary. But Blade and Dakota were entertaining and fully developed. I thought there’d be a little more to the feud between their families, but what there was served its purpose and made their getting-to-know-each-other hilarious. Although, did we ever find out why there weren’t any pictures of Hamilton women? If the explanation is there, I missed it.
As for Lauren and Lucas… *sigh* As a character, Lauren was a thorough disappointment, and I feel that their journey to love was a mess. Thomas kept putting it off and putting it off, and now… I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I’m not satisfied at all. It doesn’t feel…earned. For twelve years Lauren’s mooned after Lucas, who pushed her so far away that they became strangers as adults. Lauren was never content, always feeling emotionally lost, never “finding herself,” never knowing what she wanted to do with her life, and somehow that became Lucas’ fault. She seemed to blame him for not loving her back, as if being with him was her only purpose for living. I have major problems with that. I believe people need to love themselves and be content in who they are as individuals before they can fully apply themselves to loving others, and never once did I feel Lauren liked herself at all. She was like an automaton going through the motions of life, doing what she thought she was supposed to do, not finding passion in anything except being moderately obsessed with Lucas and could-have-beens. She became a writer because she’d been told she was good at it, not because she loved doing it (or at least that’s the impression I got). Then Lucus shows up and finally seems resigned to being with her, and she acts as though that fixed everything, like she’s perfectly happy now because he’s finally paying attention to her. It was such horse doo-doo.
Speaking of doo-doo, I don’t mean to be at all disrespectful to the Apache language, but every time Dakota called her grandmother “Shichu,” all I heard in my head for the rest of the page was, “I shichu not.” You know, cause it sounds like “shit you.”
Anyway.
The suspense subplot was good, except one thing—the fires had nothing to do with the drug-running. They only started because one of the thugs was poking around where he shouldn’t have been and somehow his cigarette started the first fire. Then he started the other barn on purpose to make it look like…well, that they were started on purpose. And the man who died in the fire? Just a drifter who’d snuck into the barn for a dry place to sleep. Completely unrelated and useless. I was angry when I read those explanations, because they were incredibly cheap and lazy. Thomas couldn’t think of anything else? Anything relevant? It undermines the entire plot. “Oh, those things that seemed super important? Yeah, didn’t matter whatsoever.”
Overall, Blade and Dakota’s story was cute and fun, but Thomas seemed to just want Lauren and Lucas to be together already so she could be done with them.
Could this be read as a stand-alone? Not if you want Lauren and Lucas’ interactions to make any sense.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
Spoilers
To my astonishment, the leftover sense of disappointment I had from the last installment in the Ransom Canyon series, Wild Horse Springs, tempted me to not only skip reviewing this one, but to skip reading it at all. But my curiosity, a small sense of duty, and years of loving Thomas’ work combined into a force I couldn’t deny, so I read it.
My overall impression: meh.
Oh, a quick word of advice—don’t read this book immediately after reading a dark, gritty thriller like Sandra Brown’s work. Give yourself some distance between the two, because, while both romances, they have vastly different tones. I read Seeing Red the day before I read this, and going from Brown’s unapologetic bluntness to Thomas’ fanciful purple prose is seriously jarring.
That said, it could be just the jarring change of tones, but at times this book seemed almost like it wanted to be poetry instead of a novel. I suppose it could just be a romance being a romance, but there was a lot of cheese, and characters said things I can’t imagine a person in real life saying without laughing. In those moments, it felt fake and cheap.
The book carried a sense of finality, as though it was the last full-length Ransom Canyon book. There’s a Ransom Canyon holiday novella due out in October, I believe, but the next project after that seems to be something new; I’m not sure if it’s a new series or a stand-alone novel. But I didn’t notice any mention of this being the “series finale” or “conclusion” in any marketing, so perhaps Thomas just needs to clean the palate with something different for a while. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I think most of the sense of finality came from Lauren and Lucas getting their HEA at last and all the talk of the gypsy house that started it all. Their relationship, if it could be called that, began in the first book and remained up in the air throughout the series, until now, and it felt as if storylines were getting tied up in neat bows. Except there are still characters we don’t have closure on, like Tim O’Grady and Thatcher (from previous books). I could probably live without Tim’s HEA, I’m not attached to him. He wasn’t as annoying here as in Wild Horse Springs, but he still got on my nerves, just like he got on the sheriff’s. I liked Thatcher, though, and would be very interested to see where—and with whom—he ended up. Oh, and I’d totally be down for Maria Davis and Wes Whitman’s story. She’s blind and he’s so shy he hardly speaks (which reminds me of one of my favorite Thomas heroes, Carter McKoy from Texan’s Wager). They’d have an interesting journey.
In this installment, in addition to Lauren and Lucas, we saw newbies Blade Hamilton and Dakota Davis get together. We also saw some scenes from Dan Brigman’s point-of-view, and I’m not sure they were entirely necessary. But Blade and Dakota were entertaining and fully developed. I thought there’d be a little more to the feud between their families, but what there was served its purpose and made their getting-to-know-each-other hilarious. Although, did we ever find out why there weren’t any pictures of Hamilton women? If the explanation is there, I missed it.
As for Lauren and Lucas… *sigh* As a character, Lauren was a thorough disappointment, and I feel that their journey to love was a mess. Thomas kept putting it off and putting it off, and now… I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I’m not satisfied at all. It doesn’t feel…earned. For twelve years Lauren’s mooned after Lucas, who pushed her so far away that they became strangers as adults. Lauren was never content, always feeling emotionally lost, never “finding herself,” never knowing what she wanted to do with her life, and somehow that became Lucas’ fault. She seemed to blame him for not loving her back, as if being with him was her only purpose for living. I have major problems with that. I believe people need to love themselves and be content in who they are as individuals before they can fully apply themselves to loving others, and never once did I feel Lauren liked herself at all. She was like an automaton going through the motions of life, doing what she thought she was supposed to do, not finding passion in anything except being moderately obsessed with Lucas and could-have-beens. She became a writer because she’d been told she was good at it, not because she loved doing it (or at least that’s the impression I got). Then Lucus shows up and finally seems resigned to being with her, and she acts as though that fixed everything, like she’s perfectly happy now because he’s finally paying attention to her. It was such horse doo-doo.
Speaking of doo-doo, I don’t mean to be at all disrespectful to the Apache language, but every time Dakota called her grandmother “Shichu,” all I heard in my head for the rest of the page was, “I shichu not.” You know, cause it sounds like “shit you.”
Anyway.
The suspense subplot was good, except one thing—the fires had nothing to do with the drug-running. They only started because one of the thugs was poking around where he shouldn’t have been and somehow his cigarette started the first fire. Then he started the other barn on purpose to make it look like…well, that they were started on purpose. And the man who died in the fire? Just a drifter who’d snuck into the barn for a dry place to sleep. Completely unrelated and useless. I was angry when I read those explanations, because they were incredibly cheap and lazy. Thomas couldn’t think of anything else? Anything relevant? It undermines the entire plot. “Oh, those things that seemed super important? Yeah, didn’t matter whatsoever.”
Overall, Blade and Dakota’s story was cute and fun, but Thomas seemed to just want Lauren and Lucas to be together already so she could be done with them.
Could this be read as a stand-alone? Not if you want Lauren and Lucas’ interactions to make any sense.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
July 20, 2017
4.5 stars. Indigo Lake by Jodi Thomas is #6 in the Ransom Canyon series, and what can I say but that I loved this visit to Crossroads Texas. Its another one of those places I'd love to live or ... at least visit.
We have ourselves a bit of feud between the Hamilton and Davis family, it seems there has been some bad blood in the past and if Grandmother is to be believed its best that they don't approach each other. However Blade really likes the pint sized Dakota and if anything he is about to put that feud to bed.
We also catch up with Lauren and Lucas and Tim and that other one Ryan, all linked together by a happening when they were teens. We've watched the attraction between Lucas and Lauren wax and wane, and wondered whether they will ever find their way together. Plus Tim and Lauren are best friends and might even enjoy sleeping with each other. I ask you! Where is all this going!
Something very fishy is going on at Ryan's ranch, there a few bodies and something that just does not seem right. Dan Brigman is sheriff and he wants to find out just what it is. So before we know it Blade is sworn in as a deputy with little pay and an eighteen hour day or more.
This is a place where you can expect shootings and danger. We're talking a good cowboy story. Where people are locked up in the local jail for their own safety and the town looks after them.
I loved the humor and the turn of phrase that makes this series so fun to read. All that I expected was there. I was just sorry I couldn't get to visit with all the beloved people of the town, but I hope to make the acquaintance of some of them next time. There sure needs to be a #7 and more!
And delighted to see that Jodi says she is going to have a story for Dakota's sister, who happens to be blind. Yay. Going to be an October happy read.
We have ourselves a bit of feud between the Hamilton and Davis family, it seems there has been some bad blood in the past and if Grandmother is to be believed its best that they don't approach each other. However Blade really likes the pint sized Dakota and if anything he is about to put that feud to bed.
We also catch up with Lauren and Lucas and Tim and that other one Ryan, all linked together by a happening when they were teens. We've watched the attraction between Lucas and Lauren wax and wane, and wondered whether they will ever find their way together. Plus Tim and Lauren are best friends and might even enjoy sleeping with each other. I ask you! Where is all this going!
Something very fishy is going on at Ryan's ranch, there a few bodies and something that just does not seem right. Dan Brigman is sheriff and he wants to find out just what it is. So before we know it Blade is sworn in as a deputy with little pay and an eighteen hour day or more.
This is a place where you can expect shootings and danger. We're talking a good cowboy story. Where people are locked up in the local jail for their own safety and the town looks after them.
I loved the humor and the turn of phrase that makes this series so fun to read. All that I expected was there. I was just sorry I couldn't get to visit with all the beloved people of the town, but I hope to make the acquaintance of some of them next time. There sure needs to be a #7 and more!
And delighted to see that Jodi says she is going to have a story for Dakota's sister, who happens to be blind. Yay. Going to be an October happy read.
May 17, 2020
This is a series that I am thoroughly enjoying the more and more I read of it. You have Ransom Canyon which is where all of the novels in this series are based but this series is more following different characters who live in the Canyon in each novel. Sometimes there are some crossovers and sometimes not. You might get 'cameos' of other characters from previous novels crop up at some point. This is a series that you can dip in and out of as and when you choose.
In this story we follow Blake Hamilton as he returns to town to inspect the land and house that he has inherited. His family has a past here in Ransom Canyon that he is now about to figure out. There is a long standing 'fued' between his family next door that started decades previously. Even though we are following Blake's side of the story, we are following the story on the 'other side of the fence' also with Dakota who meets Blake for the first time when he comes to inspect his land.
What I loved the most was the romance and conflict between the Hamiltons and the family on the other side of the 'feuding fence'. Clearly, there is a past between the two families but also, clearly, there is a lot of chemistry between Blake and Dakota that only time will tell.
This is not a story that I could binge read from book 1 to the very end. I find the stories can be very 'samey' when you get to this book in the series. That doesn't mean that it isn't good. It is. I have found that I need to pick up the next novel in the series, read that and then leave the series a bit before I dip into the next one.
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
In this story we follow Blake Hamilton as he returns to town to inspect the land and house that he has inherited. His family has a past here in Ransom Canyon that he is now about to figure out. There is a long standing 'fued' between his family next door that started decades previously. Even though we are following Blake's side of the story, we are following the story on the 'other side of the fence' also with Dakota who meets Blake for the first time when he comes to inspect his land.
What I loved the most was the romance and conflict between the Hamiltons and the family on the other side of the 'feuding fence'. Clearly, there is a past between the two families but also, clearly, there is a lot of chemistry between Blake and Dakota that only time will tell.
This is not a story that I could binge read from book 1 to the very end. I find the stories can be very 'samey' when you get to this book in the series. That doesn't mean that it isn't good. It is. I have found that I need to pick up the next novel in the series, read that and then leave the series a bit before I dip into the next one.
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
July 18, 2024
Indigo Lake
3 Stars
The focus is on Blade Hamilton, an ATF agent who has recently inherited his family's land, and soon discovers the decades-old feud with the neighboring Davis family whose current descendent, Dakota, presses all his buttons. There is also closure for Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes as they finally decide whether their future lies together or apart. All of this is against the backdrop of an illegal smuggling operation and a couple of mysterious barn fires.
Series note: Due to references to past events and characters, the series should be read in order.
Sadly, the amazing combination of charming romances, quirky characters and intriguing suspense plots that characterized the first few books of the Ransom Canyon series is missing from this book (and to a lesser extent from the previous installment).
Of the two relationships developed in Indigo Lake, Dakota and Blade's lives up to its potential while Lucas and Lauren's is disappointing. Dakota and Blade, two lonely people who fall in love against their better judgment, are a sweet couple. They have strong chemistry and some of their scenes are adorable. The only problem is the feud theme, which is more farcical than fervent.
In contrast, Lucas and Lauren's romance fizzles completely. Neither Lucus nor Lauren have lived up to the potential established in book #1. Lucas's ambition and self-absorption have undermined his hero status, and Lauren is a whiny shadow of the shy yet courageous teen from the start of the series. The fact that Lucas and Lauren weakens their connection. At this point, it is virtually impossible to care one way or another if they end up together. Thomas dragged out their relationship for too long and it shows.
The suspense plot is the weakest in the series thus far. Most of the action takes place off-page, which diminishes the tension and excitement. The arsonist plot is resolved as an afterthought and the possibility of intrigue vanishes into nothingness.
The remaining three books are all Christmas-themed with newish characters. Perhaps there will be closure for Tim and Thatcher in these stories but it does not seem likely. As such, I am putting the series on pause and may read on if I need a Christmas book for a challenge.
3 Stars
The focus is on Blade Hamilton, an ATF agent who has recently inherited his family's land, and soon discovers the decades-old feud with the neighboring Davis family whose current descendent, Dakota, presses all his buttons. There is also closure for Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes as they finally decide whether their future lies together or apart. All of this is against the backdrop of an illegal smuggling operation and a couple of mysterious barn fires.
Series note: Due to references to past events and characters, the series should be read in order.
Sadly, the amazing combination of charming romances, quirky characters and intriguing suspense plots that characterized the first few books of the Ransom Canyon series is missing from this book (and to a lesser extent from the previous installment).
Of the two relationships developed in Indigo Lake, Dakota and Blade's lives up to its potential while Lucas and Lauren's is disappointing. Dakota and Blade, two lonely people who fall in love against their better judgment, are a sweet couple. They have strong chemistry and some of their scenes are adorable. The only problem is the feud theme, which is more farcical than fervent.
In contrast, Lucas and Lauren's romance fizzles completely. Neither Lucus nor Lauren have lived up to the potential established in book #1. Lucas's ambition and self-absorption have undermined his hero status, and Lauren is a whiny shadow of the shy yet courageous teen from the start of the series. The fact that Lucas and Lauren weakens their connection. At this point, it is virtually impossible to care one way or another if they end up together. Thomas dragged out their relationship for too long and it shows.
The suspense plot is the weakest in the series thus far. Most of the action takes place off-page, which diminishes the tension and excitement. The arsonist plot is resolved as an afterthought and the possibility of intrigue vanishes into nothingness.
The remaining three books are all Christmas-themed with newish characters. Perhaps there will be closure for Tim and Thatcher in these stories but it does not seem likely. As such, I am putting the series on pause and may read on if I need a Christmas book for a challenge.
August 6, 2017
I remember the 1st book I ever read by Jodi Thomas, Texas Rain, that sealed the deal and I've been reading her books ever since. Now fast forward 12 years and I'm still amazed by her delivery and talent in telling a story.
Indigo Lake is just marvelous. This series has stolen my heart just as her other books before have done.
Dakota and Blade's story is magical, spiritual, and could very well end a feud, generations in the making.
The gypsy house still haunts 4 individuals who suffered such great loss one night, years ago.
Question is, will Lauren, Lucas, and Tim let it destroy them or will they finally reveal what actually happened and expose Reid Collins for the lie he told so long ago?
Even if you've never read any of the other Ransom Canyon books, this one you could pick up and never be lost. Each book could be a standalone, because of her eloquent way of explaining the past, you would never be left in the dark.
The mystery incorporated in Indigo Lake is truly addictive, with a huge surprise twist.
The love of the townspeople for one another is infectious. So enjoy this trip back to Ransom Canyon or if it's your 1st visit, get ready to fall in love with these Texan's who always roll out the welcome mat.
Indigo Lake is just marvelous. This series has stolen my heart just as her other books before have done.
Dakota and Blade's story is magical, spiritual, and could very well end a feud, generations in the making.
The gypsy house still haunts 4 individuals who suffered such great loss one night, years ago.
Question is, will Lauren, Lucas, and Tim let it destroy them or will they finally reveal what actually happened and expose Reid Collins for the lie he told so long ago?
Even if you've never read any of the other Ransom Canyon books, this one you could pick up and never be lost. Each book could be a standalone, because of her eloquent way of explaining the past, you would never be left in the dark.
The mystery incorporated in Indigo Lake is truly addictive, with a huge surprise twist.
The love of the townspeople for one another is infectious. So enjoy this trip back to Ransom Canyon or if it's your 1st visit, get ready to fall in love with these Texan's who always roll out the welcome mat.
July 19, 2017
The Hamilton-Collins feud is settled as we meet several new characters in the series. At the same time two of the original characters in the series finally get their HEA. In typical Jodi Thomas fashion a large group of characters fill the pages with danger, tension, and romance. I loved seeing the new characters as I also got to visit with some old friends. A good addition to the Ransom Canyon series. It can stand alone but is more fun if you start at the beginning.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 26, 2018
It took me days to finish this book because I kept putting it down. I need to admit, after attempting four of them, that these books are not for me and stop trying. The only characters I like are the sheriff and Brandi. The storylines are rather ridiculous and full of problems, and the pacing is uneven.
I know these are popular books, and I'm glad so many readers enjoy them. I won't be reading any more from this author anytime soon.
I know these are popular books, and I'm glad so many readers enjoy them. I won't be reading any more from this author anytime soon.
June 15, 2018
Loved this book, I have always loved Jodi Thomas' deft characterizations and engaging plots. This book had both. Now, I need to go back and read the rest of the series. Great mystery, too.
I also especially enjoyed the bonus book in the back, a historical romance. Love Ms. Thomas' historical voice especially.
I also especially enjoyed the bonus book in the back, a historical romance. Love Ms. Thomas' historical voice especially.
February 1, 2018
Gpod story. Sonetimes i got confused with who was who.
July 12, 2019
This entertained me nicely and I really liked the setting.
August 27, 2017
I loved the story and characters. Could not put the book down.
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed this romance which starts out as a revisiting of the old family feud scene but quickly grows beyond it. We get suspense, arson and a woven storyline. Plenty of good characterisation as a newcomer arrives in a small town. This is an adult Western romance with excellent setting description.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
July 18, 2017
I love going back to Crossroads, Texas and seeing what’s new with the people we’ve met in previous Ransom Canyon series books and meeting new ones. Indigo Lake introduces readers to Blade and Dakota – two people who don’t think love will ever find them. Blade is a man whose job takes him in every direction so he’s never put down roots. He plans to sell the ancestral home (he didn’t know about until recently) he’s inherited and move on. Dakota’s life revolves around her job, studying, and taking care of her older sister and grandmother. She doesn’t have time for a relationship. And besides, their families are in a feud! It was fun watching these two become important to each other. It was also fun seeing Lauren Brigman’s life progress in a way she didn’t dare hope. I thought it was very sweet (in a good way) how Jodi Thomas made that happen. Of course, there are the usual quirky characters and inept criminals who added the element of suspense as well as humor to the novel. I enjoyed it all and wonder if there will be more to come in the Ransom Canyon series. I hope so!
Note: Included at the end of this book is the Ransom Canyon series introductory novella Winter’s Camp.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Note: Included at the end of this book is the Ransom Canyon series introductory novella Winter’s Camp.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
November 14, 2017
There were too many plot strands involved in this book for me. I didn't feel that any one was well-developed nor were the characters and their relationships developed as well as they could have been.
May 5, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Indigo Lake is part of the Ransom Canyon series by Jodi Thomas, set in contemporary West Texas, focusing on the lives of the cowboys farmers and locals
In this the 6th book in the series we enter into the relationship between the Hamiltons and the Davies, a feud that has been going for a few generations.
This is seen through the perspective of Blade Hamilton who is investigating a house that has been left to him by his father who he never knew.
While going to the house during a storm his bike falls into the river and is reluctantly helped by Dakota Davies, a young woman who is having to look after her blind sister and grandmother since the death of her parents.
In addition to this the major suspense part of the novel focuses on a couple of barn fires that occur on a farm where unusual events are happening recently including staff losing their jobs, new people moving in and strange people moving around at night.
In addition we have Lauren Brigman’s relationship triangle continuing as she is unsure of who she should be with the Lawyer, the writer or someone else.
While the reading of Indigo Lake was fairly quick, this may be because as the 6 book in the series it feels like putting on a comfy pair of slippers that fit just right even though they a a bit damaged. Or, if Indigo Lake is very well written.
Unfortunately I would have to go with the first as while all the usual elements of previous books in the Ransom Canyon series are there, it seems to have lost something. Now is that because this is a usual rising or falling of standards that happen in most series, or if this will become a series which falls in quality only time will tell.
So, Like all the other books in the Ransom Canyon series can be read on its own apart from minor spoilers if you read the books out of order.
Indigo Lake is not one I would recommend to read as the first book you read in the series, however for Readers of the Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series. Indigo lake, the sixth book still worth reading.
.
Indigo Lake is part of the Ransom Canyon series by Jodi Thomas, set in contemporary West Texas, focusing on the lives of the cowboys farmers and locals
In this the 6th book in the series we enter into the relationship between the Hamiltons and the Davies, a feud that has been going for a few generations.
This is seen through the perspective of Blade Hamilton who is investigating a house that has been left to him by his father who he never knew.
While going to the house during a storm his bike falls into the river and is reluctantly helped by Dakota Davies, a young woman who is having to look after her blind sister and grandmother since the death of her parents.
In addition to this the major suspense part of the novel focuses on a couple of barn fires that occur on a farm where unusual events are happening recently including staff losing their jobs, new people moving in and strange people moving around at night.
In addition we have Lauren Brigman’s relationship triangle continuing as she is unsure of who she should be with the Lawyer, the writer or someone else.
While the reading of Indigo Lake was fairly quick, this may be because as the 6 book in the series it feels like putting on a comfy pair of slippers that fit just right even though they a a bit damaged. Or, if Indigo Lake is very well written.
Unfortunately I would have to go with the first as while all the usual elements of previous books in the Ransom Canyon series are there, it seems to have lost something. Now is that because this is a usual rising or falling of standards that happen in most series, or if this will become a series which falls in quality only time will tell.
So, Like all the other books in the Ransom Canyon series can be read on its own apart from minor spoilers if you read the books out of order.
Indigo Lake is not one I would recommend to read as the first book you read in the series, however for Readers of the Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon series. Indigo lake, the sixth book still worth reading.
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August 15, 2017
Crossroads, Texas - The place I would love to visit since it feels like I know the town and its quirky citizens. There's a special, nearly poetic style, that the author has written the entertaining stories of lives and loves of the Crossroads folks. Each story is filled with drama and trouble, loving and laughs, and I have grown to care for many of the characters portrayed in the series like they were my friends.
This book, what seems to be the ending of the series, finally wraps up what started at the very beginning, Lauren Brigman's story. I was so happy that she finally found her place, some peace of mind and got her wishes and dreams fulfilled. Like most of the time when a book has more than one love story, I was yearning for more details on each romance, but regardless, Lauren's future seems bright and happy.
The Hamilton-Collins feud and its solution is an entertaining part of the tale. Blade Hamilton is a mysterious alpha male that gets Dakota's attention immediately. The back and forth, the banter, the sexual tension, and Blade's role with the Collins women was delightful and charming, it even had me laughing out loud as grandma puts everyone on their place.
With a fluent flow and lyrical tone to the story, the readers are allured into small town living, with all the drama and trouble, even crimes and gun fights, relationships and flirtations, it entails. The series has been an epic, idyllic array of tales, and I am looking forward to the holiday novella that will wrap up the lovely stories from the Ransom Canyon
~ Four Spoons
This book, what seems to be the ending of the series, finally wraps up what started at the very beginning, Lauren Brigman's story. I was so happy that she finally found her place, some peace of mind and got her wishes and dreams fulfilled. Like most of the time when a book has more than one love story, I was yearning for more details on each romance, but regardless, Lauren's future seems bright and happy.
The Hamilton-Collins feud and its solution is an entertaining part of the tale. Blade Hamilton is a mysterious alpha male that gets Dakota's attention immediately. The back and forth, the banter, the sexual tension, and Blade's role with the Collins women was delightful and charming, it even had me laughing out loud as grandma puts everyone on their place.
With a fluent flow and lyrical tone to the story, the readers are allured into small town living, with all the drama and trouble, even crimes and gun fights, relationships and flirtations, it entails. The series has been an epic, idyllic array of tales, and I am looking forward to the holiday novella that will wrap up the lovely stories from the Ransom Canyon
~ Four Spoons
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley
Wonderful continuation of the Ransom Canyon series by one of my favorite western authors, Jodi Thomas. Indigo Lake picks up where the last book in the series, Wild Horse Springs , left off. My only disappointment is that there wasn't the depth to Blade as to some of the other characters and the storyline was a little more predictable.
Dakota has her life planned out and it doesn't include a man - especially not Blade, who is a Hamilton and the family her family has had a feud with for several generations. He fits right into the town even though he just planned to pass through and gets more than he bargained for but so does she or does she?. Many of the characters we've met before are back front and center and gave me a feeling of returning home.
There are family and friends - some estranged, enemies, good guys and bad, horses, ranches, businesses, small town happenings, vivid descriptions of the land, secrets, injuries, reminisces, laughter, humor and love. There are a few happily ever afters in the offing and some closure with enough loose ends to bring us to the next book in the series or so I'm hoping.
Thomas' stories always take me to small town America and creates characters that I get to know on several different levels. I look forward to reading many more books that she pens whether in this series or others.
Book provided by NetGalley
Wonderful continuation of the Ransom Canyon series by one of my favorite western authors, Jodi Thomas. Indigo Lake picks up where the last book in the series, Wild Horse Springs , left off. My only disappointment is that there wasn't the depth to Blade as to some of the other characters and the storyline was a little more predictable.
Dakota has her life planned out and it doesn't include a man - especially not Blade, who is a Hamilton and the family her family has had a feud with for several generations. He fits right into the town even though he just planned to pass through and gets more than he bargained for but so does she or does she?. Many of the characters we've met before are back front and center and gave me a feeling of returning home.
There are family and friends - some estranged, enemies, good guys and bad, horses, ranches, businesses, small town happenings, vivid descriptions of the land, secrets, injuries, reminisces, laughter, humor and love. There are a few happily ever afters in the offing and some closure with enough loose ends to bring us to the next book in the series or so I'm hoping.
Thomas' stories always take me to small town America and creates characters that I get to know on several different levels. I look forward to reading many more books that she pens whether in this series or others.
August 23, 2017
Another Ransom Canyon Romance that made me wonder if this is the last of the batch, now that there's closure between a particular handsome lawyer and the Sheriff's daughter (no giveaway here). The focus remains primarily on Blade Hamilton, who's come back to the Indigo Lake area to check out the ranch house he's inherited. Across the lake is another house, this inhabited by a crazy-smart grandmother who knows all about the long-standing feud between the Hamilton's and the Davis's, and her two granddaughters. Maria stays mostly in the kitchen, creating magical dishes. Dakota is trying to make a go of it selling houses to anyone arriving in Crossroads, Texas. When she meets Blade, she's sure he's just another dangerous Hamilton. Dangerous, how? To her heart, she suspects.
Blade is an ATF agent and when tragedy strikes a nearby ranch, Sheriff Brigman enlists his help in finding out who set the fires, who the dead guy is and why a second body suddenly shows up. Then Blade, too, is shot. Questions abound even as the sparks between Blade and Dakota become more obvious. But he's not likely to stick around and she has no intention of leaving her blind sister or her crazy-like-a-fox grandmother.
The denoument of this tale is filled with excitement and, finally, the answers to the new as well as previous questions that have hung around since the first of this series. A great summer read.
Blade is an ATF agent and when tragedy strikes a nearby ranch, Sheriff Brigman enlists his help in finding out who set the fires, who the dead guy is and why a second body suddenly shows up. Then Blade, too, is shot. Questions abound even as the sparks between Blade and Dakota become more obvious. But he's not likely to stick around and she has no intention of leaving her blind sister or her crazy-like-a-fox grandmother.
The denoument of this tale is filled with excitement and, finally, the answers to the new as well as previous questions that have hung around since the first of this series. A great summer read.
November 10, 2019
Indigo Lake by Jodi Thomas is the sixth book in her Ransom Canyon Series. I read it as a stand-alone book and had no trouble keeping up with it. As a matter of fact, I could not put it down. This is not a historical romance which Jodi Thomas is known for writing, but a contemporary romantic suspense. The story of three ranches, two of which were involved in a feud for over one hundred years, and the third ranch which was possibly the instigator of the feud. But the feud is long over with remaining suspicions and stories about the people involved. Why then are people dying? Jodi Thomas writes stories that are so believable with characters that are so realistic that you can put yourself right into the characters themselves. Indigo Lake is no different. I was hooked from the first page until the end. And what to my surprise, but there was a bonus novella introducing the Ransom Canyon Series. I must read the rest of this series but will read the rest in order.
Ms. Thomas, thank you for your stories, your entertainment and just the great enjoyment anyone gets from your books. Please keep writing. You have such a gifted talent. I will eventually read every book you have written if at all possible. Thank you again.
February 17, 2019
Lagi2 seri Ransom Canyon memunculkan tokoh2 baru yang menjadi pelaku cerita romansa utama: Blade Hamilton & Dakota Davis. Walaupun d awal diceritakan bahwa keluarga Hamilton-Davis ini berseteru brtahun2, namun hal ini tidak menjadi inti dari konflik pasangan ini. Kasus yang melibatkan Reid Collins, salah satu dri 4 remaja yg dlu mengalami kecelakaan di Rumah Gipsi milih Yancy Grey, menjadi fokus seluruh cerita d buku keenam Ransom Canyon. Sayang sekali, seperti kisah di buku2 sebelumnya, pelaku kasus kali ini lagi2 tidak tersembunyi di antara para tokoh yang diceritakan. Pembaca hanya bisa pasrah diberi informasi dari Dan, Blade, Lucas, & tokoh lainnya mengenai apa yg sebenarnya terjadi di ranch milik Collins. Bahkan ad diselipkan kemunculan tokoh baru di tengah2 penyelesaian kasus.
Kisah Dan-Brandi dari buku sebelumnya masi berlanjut di sini walau kadarnya sedikit. Sementara konflik Lauren-Lucas-Tim yg membingungkan semakin jelas arahnya kali ini. Cukup menyebalkan juga karena Lauren-Lucas sama2 menggenggam ego masing2 walaupun jelas2 saling menyukai. Sementara Tim.. Well, ide tentang dia berhubungan dengan Lauren sejak awal membuatku jengah karena terasa hanya dimanfaatkan saja oleh anak perempuan Dan ini.
Overall 3*/5 hanya karena ada kejelasan kisah Lauren-Lucas. Untuk kisah Blade-Dakota terasa flat saja tanpa konflik yg terlalu dalam.
Kisah Dan-Brandi dari buku sebelumnya masi berlanjut di sini walau kadarnya sedikit. Sementara konflik Lauren-Lucas-Tim yg membingungkan semakin jelas arahnya kali ini. Cukup menyebalkan juga karena Lauren-Lucas sama2 menggenggam ego masing2 walaupun jelas2 saling menyukai. Sementara Tim.. Well, ide tentang dia berhubungan dengan Lauren sejak awal membuatku jengah karena terasa hanya dimanfaatkan saja oleh anak perempuan Dan ini.
Overall 3*/5 hanya karena ada kejelasan kisah Lauren-Lucas. Untuk kisah Blade-Dakota terasa flat saja tanpa konflik yg terlalu dalam.
October 8, 2018
E-Reader. Romance
Blade Hamilton decided to visit a farm he inherited, in a small town, Indigo Lake, Texas. He rode hs vintage Harley Davidson bike to get there.
He helped a stranger on the side of the road, Dakota Davis. Her family & the Hamilton's have been fueding for many years.
Blade is on a two week vacation & works FTA, as federal agent. But does not tell people that he is Federal Agent.
He saw Dakota Davis drving the families old pick truck fast because it started to rain & didn't want the family supplies wet.
There was a small bridge she had to cross over to get home. And Blade decided follower her across that small bridge, but the bridge too weak & he & his bike went into the water wth a lot of mud. He climbed back out without his bike. Dakota stopped & she took him to home. He helped her to all of supplies out of the rain. He met her blind sister & her strange, but loving Grandmother.
Dakota & Blade start having feelings for each other. Will there be love?
There is so much more to this story. Too many characters to list. But I will tell you two people were murdered at the Bar W Ranch.
You need to read this book! I hope you will enjoy this book!
Blade Hamilton decided to visit a farm he inherited, in a small town, Indigo Lake, Texas. He rode hs vintage Harley Davidson bike to get there.
He helped a stranger on the side of the road, Dakota Davis. Her family & the Hamilton's have been fueding for many years.
Blade is on a two week vacation & works FTA, as federal agent. But does not tell people that he is Federal Agent.
He saw Dakota Davis drving the families old pick truck fast because it started to rain & didn't want the family supplies wet.
There was a small bridge she had to cross over to get home. And Blade decided follower her across that small bridge, but the bridge too weak & he & his bike went into the water wth a lot of mud. He climbed back out without his bike. Dakota stopped & she took him to home. He helped her to all of supplies out of the rain. He met her blind sister & her strange, but loving Grandmother.
Dakota & Blade start having feelings for each other. Will there be love?
There is so much more to this story. Too many characters to list. But I will tell you two people were murdered at the Bar W Ranch.
You need to read this book! I hope you will enjoy this book!
December 22, 2017
This Sixth in the Ransom Canyon Series takes us back to the four teens we met in book one on the anniversary of that fateful night 12 years later making them 27 and 28-year-olds. Lauren, unhappy with her job, has returned to Crossroads to regroup; Tim O’Brien, a successful e-book writer has come back to his lake-front cottage next door. Reid Collins has assumed control of his family’s ranch slowly bleeding it dry and has just fired his bunkhouse ranglers en mass. Lucas Reyes has left his law practice in Houston to help his ranch foreman father move out of the family’s home on Collin’s ranch. The four meet up near that haunted house and the story begins with a bang as Lucas lays Reid out cold with a single punch in the parking lot of the nearby truck stop.
Add Blade Hamilton, a federal agent who returns to his ancestral home ranch just inherited and never before seen unaware that his family has nourished a feud with his neighbour, Dakota Davis for so long that neither family remembers its initial cause.
Quite a few balls to juggle at once and not a book to try to read independently of the series. Ends with quite a bang.
Includes a prequel book for the series.
Add Blade Hamilton, a federal agent who returns to his ancestral home ranch just inherited and never before seen unaware that his family has nourished a feud with his neighbour, Dakota Davis for so long that neither family remembers its initial cause.
Quite a few balls to juggle at once and not a book to try to read independently of the series. Ends with quite a bang.
Includes a prequel book for the series.
March 17, 2020
Two families long divided by an ancient feud. Can a powerful love finally unite them? Blade Hamilton is the last of his line. He's never even heard of Crossroads, Texas, until he inherits land there. Riding in on his vintage Harley-Davidson, Blade finds a weathered ranch house, an empty prairie and a dark river that cuts a decisive path between the Hamiltons' land and that of their estranged neighbors. When Dakota helps a stranger on the roadside, she isn't prepared for the charisma of the man on the motorbike—or for the last name he bears: Hamilton, of her family's sworn enemies, representing all she's been raised to loathe. The problem is, it looks like Blade is in town to stay, and there's something about his wolf-gray eyes she just can't ignore. Lauren Brigman feels adrift. Unhappy in work and unlucky in love, she knows she ought to be striving for more, but she's never truly at peace unless she's at home in Crossroads. If the wider world can't satisfy her, is home truly where her heart is?
July 31, 2017
I love the stories that Jodi Thomas tells. She keeps you wanted more stories and makes it hard to put down the one you are reading. In INDIGO LAKE we see the ending of a story of two people that we have followed since they were fifteen years old. Lauren Bridgman, the Sheriff's daughter, and Lucas Reyes have been fighting their attraction, well Lucas has been anyway for years. He was determined not to let anything get in the way of his college or law school dreams especially Lauren but he could not get her out of his mind or heart.
Blade Hamilton has come to see what his father, whom he had never met, left him after he died. It was a run down Ranch and house that no one had lived in in years but it was now his. The most exciting thing about the trip was to meet his neighbor Dakota Davis and learn of the feud between their families. This is a very exciting book and a wonderful story.
Blade Hamilton has come to see what his father, whom he had never met, left him after he died. It was a run down Ranch and house that no one had lived in in years but it was now his. The most exciting thing about the trip was to meet his neighbor Dakota Davis and learn of the feud between their families. This is a very exciting book and a wonderful story.
November 3, 2017
1.5 stars. Will someone please explain to me how Maria, a character in this book, whom is totally blind, prepares fruit, and cans jams and jellies for a living! Being an avid canner myself for many years I can't possibly imagine how to do this safely in any shape matter or form for myself without getting seriously burned or making the eater seriously ill. If you have ever canned anything think about closing your eyes and going through the whole process! No matter how the other senses take over when sight lost I believe in canning it is a sighted process. Yah lets measure the correct headspace with our fingertips at 220 degrees, make sure it is a quarter inch. I personally could not find any thing even googling "canning for the blind".
August 3, 2018
I read six books almost solely for Lucas. I loved all the other characters along the way and had some good laughs, but Lucas stole my heart in the very first book. I waited patiently for Lauren and Lucas to have their spotlight.... but it never really happened. I LOVE Jodi Thomas books and am never actually disappointed, but this one left me wanting just a little more from Lauren and Lucas. It might be different if the build up hadn’t gone on for five previous books, but the quickly wrapped up happily ever after left me wanting. Otherwise, a good book that kept me intrigued until the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2017
I think Jodi Thomas melts real people in one of those big outdoor pots and pours them on to a page, boots, spurs and all. She writes phrases that simply pops the people off the page to become your best or worst friend. The characters just get better and better in this series. Dakota and Blade are excellent first timers in Crossroads.
Indigo Lake isn't the best Jodi Thomas plot, but the Crossroad traveler will love it best. Finally, (and very well done) Lucas and Lauren come to the perfect place in their lives.
Thank you, Jodi, for another great read.
Indigo Lake isn't the best Jodi Thomas plot, but the Crossroad traveler will love it best. Finally, (and very well done) Lucas and Lauren come to the perfect place in their lives.
Thank you, Jodi, for another great read.
September 18, 2017
Dakota Davis & Blade Hamilton
Lauren & Lucas
What a good story that intertwined a new storyline with a recurring one. Reid Collins is in over his head and the mystery of what is going on at his ranch is at the crux of it. Blade Hamilton has come to Crossroads to check out the land he has inherited. He needs Dakota's help and ends up hanging around the Davis household while he helps Sheriff Dan figure out the fires and murder investigation. A lot going on in this story and it made it go so much faster than I wanted it to.
Thankfully Lauren and Lucas finally get together!!
Lauren & Lucas
What a good story that intertwined a new storyline with a recurring one. Reid Collins is in over his head and the mystery of what is going on at his ranch is at the crux of it. Blade Hamilton has come to Crossroads to check out the land he has inherited. He needs Dakota's help and ends up hanging around the Davis household while he helps Sheriff Dan figure out the fires and murder investigation. A lot going on in this story and it made it go so much faster than I wanted it to.
Thankfully Lauren and Lucas finally get together!!
July 28, 2018
Excellent story. Hero's been drifting his whole adult life, with a mom who's never been very motherly, and an absent dad. Then dad dies and leaves hero the family ranch. A ranch he never knew about. The heroine lives on the next ranch and their families have been enemies for about a century so she's leery of him. And this is only the beginning. The drunk son of one of the big ranch owners has trouble and is firing all the cowboys and hiring a bunch of thugs. The barns on his ranch burn down, and the hero is asked to help investigate. It's good stuff and I liked it a lot.
November 11, 2018
Indigo Lake 3 stars
About time we got Lauren's story!! And let me tell you it wasn't all that great I mean I appreciate closure but after waiting 12 years it was a disappointment no grand romance. The humor in the series is why I keep reading them and the fact they're really quick easy reads. Dakota's family was great especially crazy g-ma!!
Winter's Camp 3 stars
This edition had a bonus story! the beginnings of the Kirkland family and familiar family names in the town of Crossroads.
About time we got Lauren's story!! And let me tell you it wasn't all that great I mean I appreciate closure but after waiting 12 years it was a disappointment no grand romance. The humor in the series is why I keep reading them and the fact they're really quick easy reads. Dakota's family was great especially crazy g-ma!!
Winter's Camp 3 stars
This edition had a bonus story! the beginnings of the Kirkland family and familiar family names in the town of Crossroads.
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