What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackstone Rangers #1
Blackstone Ranger Chief
A bride walks into a bar …
No, it wasn’t the start of a bad joke. Damon isn’t sure what’s going on, but the moment the mysterious woman in the wedding dress saunters into the local watering hole, his bear immediately knows: she’s his mate, the one fate intended for him. But a troubled past has left scars on his heart and soul, and claiming the runaway bride could only end tragically for both of them. He does his best to stay clear of her, but he can only control his animal--and his desire for her--for so long.
A bear walks into her life …
After jilting her groom at the altar, human Anna Victoria is starting fresh in the shifter town of Blackstone, Colorado. While she already feels at home, not everyone is welcoming. Chief of the Blackstone Rangers Damon Cooper obviously doesn’t want her around, not after she made a fool of herself that first night they met. But then, why did he agree to hire her as his secretary if he can’t stand her? She knows that if she wants to keep this new life, she’s going to have to play nice with the boss--and ignore the crush she seems to be developing on Damon, despite his rough and gruff exterior.
They clash at every turn--and soon are unable to resist the sizzling attraction brewing between them. However, her runaway bride act wasn’t a mere case of cold feet--she’s been hiding a sinister secret all this time. Will she be able to keep the truth from coming out, or will she have to make another escape before her past catches up with her?
No, it wasn’t the start of a bad joke. Damon isn’t sure what’s going on, but the moment the mysterious woman in the wedding dress saunters into the local watering hole, his bear immediately knows: she’s his mate, the one fate intended for him. But a troubled past has left scars on his heart and soul, and claiming the runaway bride could only end tragically for both of them. He does his best to stay clear of her, but he can only control his animal--and his desire for her--for so long.
A bear walks into her life …
After jilting her groom at the altar, human Anna Victoria is starting fresh in the shifter town of Blackstone, Colorado. While she already feels at home, not everyone is welcoming. Chief of the Blackstone Rangers Damon Cooper obviously doesn’t want her around, not after she made a fool of herself that first night they met. But then, why did he agree to hire her as his secretary if he can’t stand her? She knows that if she wants to keep this new life, she’s going to have to play nice with the boss--and ignore the crush she seems to be developing on Damon, despite his rough and gruff exterior.
They clash at every turn--and soon are unable to resist the sizzling attraction brewing between them. However, her runaway bride act wasn’t a mere case of cold feet--she’s been hiding a sinister secret all this time. Will she be able to keep the truth from coming out, or will she have to make another escape before her past catches up with her?
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 8, 2020
1928 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
April 27, 2021
Is this book ever a surprising little gem! I’ve been interested in trying out small town shifter romances for a while, but I hadn’t been able to find any that grabbed my attention. They all sound too cheesy or sweet or unintentionally ridiculous for my liking. This book is just the right amount of sweet and funny with just a hint of suspense. While Damon knows the instant he sees that gorgeous runaway bride shooting back tequila shots in a bar that she’s his mate, things aren’t immediately easy for them. He tries to push her away, even though the bear inside him roars that she’s his destiny.
There’s a lot of humor in this book, but not so much that the characters don’t have deep and tragic backstories. The book is quite short, but we still have plenty of time to delve into why Damon is pushing Anna Victoria away. Anna Victoria isn’t without her own secrets, and the reason she left her fiance at the altar isn’t as simple as you’d expect.
All in all, this was a great first in a series (though I suspect that this is a spin-off series, I’m going to have to do some digging!). I’m looking forward to the second book, where Gabriel will finally meet his mate--who is clearly the new baker at the bakery who bakes those pies he’s so addicted to! XD Ahhh so cute
There’s a lot of humor in this book, but not so much that the characters don’t have deep and tragic backstories. The book is quite short, but we still have plenty of time to delve into why Damon is pushing Anna Victoria away. Anna Victoria isn’t without her own secrets, and the reason she left her fiance at the altar isn’t as simple as you’d expect.
All in all, this was a great first in a series (though I suspect that this is a spin-off series, I’m going to have to do some digging!). I’m looking forward to the second book, where Gabriel will finally meet his mate--who is clearly the new baker at the bakery who bakes those pies he’s so addicted to! XD Ahhh so cute
September 25, 2021
3 stars
Simple story. Easy pass time.
Simple story. Easy pass time.
July 12, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Excellent start to a wonderful new series in Blackstone.
Shifters galore , old friends and new to entertain and enjoy.
Damon and Anna Victoria make some serious sparks , good job it’s set in Winter or they would be a fire hazard.
Tension and passion in spades. What’s not to love.
May 28, 2022
This one was just ok for me. I should have really liked it, a shifter only town filled with quirky characters, but it was a bit blah. Anna Victoria came off as dumb, Damon weird. I more enjoyed their friends than them.
November 14, 2020
Fabulous PNR & Narration🎧📚🎧 A Heartfelt Delight!
Blackstone Ranger Chief: Blackstone Rangers Book 1
By: Alicia Montgomery
Narrated by: Tara Langella
This is a fabulous paranormal shifter romance, it is my first book written by Alicia Montgomery, I enjoyed her writing style and the wonderful storylines and characters she created. They are fascinating and imaginative, yet realistic and easy to connect with, well technically shifters are humans too, well for the most part, the other part of them is their animal within and what they shift to. I loved that there are several types of shifter in this book, lions, tigers and bears, oh my! LOL! It adds to the story and the world building, which is awesome. This book grabbed my attention right from the start, yes, a bride did walk into a bar and it was not a joke, especially to Damon Cooper, a bear shifter, who realizes that bride is his intended mate. I adored the two lead characters, secondary characters were awesome too. Anna Victoria was on the run from her old life, she got into her car and drove, she stopped in the small town of Blackstone, Colorado, not knowing it was a shifter town. Damon Cooper is the Chief of the Blackstone Rangers, he wants nothing to do with Anna Victoria even if she is his intended mate, it is for her own good. He fears his inner demon is too dangerous and he vows to keep his distance but keeping his distance gets complicated when she becomes his new secretary. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, some angst, action, thrilling and suspenseful moments as well as heartfelt and emotional ones and a wonderful slow burn, enemies to lovers type romance. Alicia Montgomery, thank you for this fabulous story, I am looking forward to checking out more of your work, I hope more of it comes to audio soon.
I listened to the fabulous, soon to be released, audiobook edition, Tara Langella is the perfect narrator to bring these characters and their story to life. She does an awesome job portraying the characters, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters emotions and projects them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
Thank you @PinkFlamingoProductions @AudiobookObsession #TheFlock #AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
Blackstone Ranger Chief: Blackstone Rangers Book 1
By: Alicia Montgomery
Narrated by: Tara Langella
This is a fabulous paranormal shifter romance, it is my first book written by Alicia Montgomery, I enjoyed her writing style and the wonderful storylines and characters she created. They are fascinating and imaginative, yet realistic and easy to connect with, well technically shifters are humans too, well for the most part, the other part of them is their animal within and what they shift to. I loved that there are several types of shifter in this book, lions, tigers and bears, oh my! LOL! It adds to the story and the world building, which is awesome. This book grabbed my attention right from the start, yes, a bride did walk into a bar and it was not a joke, especially to Damon Cooper, a bear shifter, who realizes that bride is his intended mate. I adored the two lead characters, secondary characters were awesome too. Anna Victoria was on the run from her old life, she got into her car and drove, she stopped in the small town of Blackstone, Colorado, not knowing it was a shifter town. Damon Cooper is the Chief of the Blackstone Rangers, he wants nothing to do with Anna Victoria even if she is his intended mate, it is for her own good. He fears his inner demon is too dangerous and he vows to keep his distance but keeping his distance gets complicated when she becomes his new secretary. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, some angst, action, thrilling and suspenseful moments as well as heartfelt and emotional ones and a wonderful slow burn, enemies to lovers type romance. Alicia Montgomery, thank you for this fabulous story, I am looking forward to checking out more of your work, I hope more of it comes to audio soon.
I listened to the fabulous, soon to be released, audiobook edition, Tara Langella is the perfect narrator to bring these characters and their story to life. She does an awesome job portraying the characters, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters emotions and projects them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
Thank you @PinkFlamingoProductions @AudiobookObsession #TheFlock #AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧
November 11, 2021
Absolutely delightful small-town PNR
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
First I must praise the extraordinary narrator Tara Langella. She is nearly as talented as Amanda Ronconi, which is extremely high praise coming from me. Tara Langella perfectly brings all the characters to life, imbuing them with humor and emotions. She is amazing at female and male voices, and she makes every character sound distinctive.
I have very high standards for paranormal romance, and I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the writing. While the story set-up is somewhat unoriginal, the details of the small-town atmosphere and the lovable characters more than made up for a cliché plot. The hero was not my favorite; the guy being grumpy and damaged was fine, but him saying some very mean words to the heroine was problematic for me.
This book is a vivacious, fun, small-town PNR. I love it so much that I am going to listen to every audiobook by Alicia Montgomery that is narrated by Tara Langella. It is a slow burn with a few excellently steamy love scenes.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession and the Flock VIP Review Team, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
First I must praise the extraordinary narrator Tara Langella. She is nearly as talented as Amanda Ronconi, which is extremely high praise coming from me. Tara Langella perfectly brings all the characters to life, imbuing them with humor and emotions. She is amazing at female and male voices, and she makes every character sound distinctive.
I have very high standards for paranormal romance, and I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the writing. While the story set-up is somewhat unoriginal, the details of the small-town atmosphere and the lovable characters more than made up for a cliché plot. The hero was not my favorite; the guy being grumpy and damaged was fine, but him saying some very mean words to the heroine was problematic for me.
This book is a vivacious, fun, small-town PNR. I love it so much that I am going to listen to every audiobook by Alicia Montgomery that is narrated by Tara Langella. It is a slow burn with a few excellently steamy love scenes.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession and the Flock VIP Review Team, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
July 15, 2020
Borrowed From KINDLE UNLIMITED
Title: Blackstone Ranger Chief
Series: Blackstone Rangers #1
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author:Alicia Montgomery
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger
Genre:#PRN
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
••••••••••••••
💢 What a thrilling start for this series, your gonna love it. Definitely you must read this.❤️❤️
🔹️ Anna Victoria Hall is a runaway bride from Albuquerque, NM. She left the church ran to her car and drove absentmindedly down the freeway. Finally, she couldn’t drive any longer she see’s a bar, it didn't matter where she was, she just wanted to get drunk. She left him at the altar but then there’s more to this story.
🔹️ Damon Cooper is a Chief of the Blackstone Rangers and a BearShifter. When he was in the military, he was the commander of many men. But this time it was to their deaths. He tried to save the men. But he couldn't people were running scared trampling him as he was fighting to go through them, he had to get to his men. His bear wouldn’t take no more, he came out, it was a disaster. Since then his Bear was hard to handle, he couldn’t go place anymore. A Ranger in the mountains was perfect for him. Every blue moon heGo with the guys on a weekday to the bar. This night Was unbelievable. This woman comes in full blown wedding dress sits at the bar, drinking. When men try to talk to her Damon’s Bear goes bonkers, Damon went bonkers she was his MATE.
☄️ This review is my own opinion, this author is one that I love to read her books.
Title: Blackstone Ranger Chief
Series: Blackstone Rangers #1
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author:Alicia Montgomery
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger
Genre:#PRN
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
••••••••••••••
💢 What a thrilling start for this series, your gonna love it. Definitely you must read this.❤️❤️
🔹️ Anna Victoria Hall is a runaway bride from Albuquerque, NM. She left the church ran to her car and drove absentmindedly down the freeway. Finally, she couldn’t drive any longer she see’s a bar, it didn't matter where she was, she just wanted to get drunk. She left him at the altar but then there’s more to this story.
🔹️ Damon Cooper is a Chief of the Blackstone Rangers and a BearShifter. When he was in the military, he was the commander of many men. But this time it was to their deaths. He tried to save the men. But he couldn't people were running scared trampling him as he was fighting to go through them, he had to get to his men. His bear wouldn’t take no more, he came out, it was a disaster. Since then his Bear was hard to handle, he couldn’t go place anymore. A Ranger in the mountains was perfect for him. Every blue moon heGo with the guys on a weekday to the bar. This night Was unbelievable. This woman comes in full blown wedding dress sits at the bar, drinking. When men try to talk to her Damon’s Bear goes bonkers, Damon went bonkers she was his MATE.
☄️ This review is my own opinion, this author is one that I love to read her books.
April 19, 2021
Rating: 3 stars
What I Liked: I thought this was a perfectly fine and enjoyable shifter romance. The writing was engaging and I thought the story flowed quite well.
I liked both main characters and I liked the dynamic between them. I particularly enjoyed the first part of the story when they were still dancing around their feelings, that was quite fun. They had decent chemistry and I thought the sex scenes were well written.
What I Didn’t: The suspense plotline wasn’t as well worked out for me as I would have liked.
Also, I read this without reading any other books by this author but I did feel whilst reading it I might have benefitted from reading her books about the dragon shifters, which feature in this book, as there were a lot of characters I felt like I ought to know. I think this is probably a really tricky one for writers of series of this kind, but it can make a story harder to follow when the author wants to fit in characters from their other books where they don’t necessarily need to be.
Overall: I had fun reading it, it was quite sweet and sexy and it was nothing complicated.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you’re looking for an easy to read bear shifter, soulmate romance set in a small town.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Warnings:
What I Liked: I thought this was a perfectly fine and enjoyable shifter romance. The writing was engaging and I thought the story flowed quite well.
I liked both main characters and I liked the dynamic between them. I particularly enjoyed the first part of the story when they were still dancing around their feelings, that was quite fun. They had decent chemistry and I thought the sex scenes were well written.
What I Didn’t: The suspense plotline wasn’t as well worked out for me as I would have liked.
Also, I read this without reading any other books by this author but I did feel whilst reading it I might have benefitted from reading her books about the dragon shifters, which feature in this book, as there were a lot of characters I felt like I ought to know. I think this is probably a really tricky one for writers of series of this kind, but it can make a story harder to follow when the author wants to fit in characters from their other books where they don’t necessarily need to be.
Overall: I had fun reading it, it was quite sweet and sexy and it was nothing complicated.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you’re looking for an easy to read bear shifter, soulmate romance set in a small town.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Warnings:
August 22, 2021
Once I read the opening line "A bride walks into a bar …", I had to know why she was walking around in a wedding dress and why she was in a bar dressed like that. What a story. She had actually left the groom at the alter! I couldn't blame her for doing that once I learned why.
The funny thing was that she didn't know she had stopped in a shifter town. Or have any idea that her mate was in the bar.
After staying in the town for a while, she made many friends and even got her first ever job. When you are a pampered rich woman, you don't need to work. But the job she got was for the Chief of the Rangers, Damon Cooper, who was the grumpiest man she had ever met. But she tolerated his attitude because she really needed a job so she could stay in the town she had come to love.
I liked the slow building attraction between Anna Victoria and Damon. She fought her feelings for all she was worth. How could she be attracted to such an unlikable man? l liked that she snapped back at him when he shouted at her. But Damon and his bear wanted her from the first moment he saw her. She was his.
The twist toward the end was wonderful and left me with a smile.
I can't stop thinking about this story and highly recommend it to fans of shifter romance. I loved this world and I am sure you will too.
The funny thing was that she didn't know she had stopped in a shifter town. Or have any idea that her mate was in the bar.
After staying in the town for a while, she made many friends and even got her first ever job. When you are a pampered rich woman, you don't need to work. But the job she got was for the Chief of the Rangers, Damon Cooper, who was the grumpiest man she had ever met. But she tolerated his attitude because she really needed a job so she could stay in the town she had come to love.
I liked the slow building attraction between Anna Victoria and Damon. She fought her feelings for all she was worth. How could she be attracted to such an unlikable man? l liked that she snapped back at him when he shouted at her. But Damon and his bear wanted her from the first moment he saw her. She was his.
The twist toward the end was wonderful and left me with a smile.
I can't stop thinking about this story and highly recommend it to fans of shifter romance. I loved this world and I am sure you will too.
May 15, 2024
This book was extremely predictable and I am in support of predictability…to an extent. Unfortunately, the formula didn’t give me that tension I need in a story to punch it to a four star. Overall, a sweet and low-angst shifter story.
Want to read
April 24, 2021‼️⭐️⭐️Free on Amazon today, with or without KU 4/24/21 ⭐️⭐️‼️
June 10, 2021
Quick and easy reads. No big surprises but a fun story.
November 18, 2022
Okay book. Sweet hero. I like when groveling doesn’t involve cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
Quick and totally predictable read. I would normally rate it a 2.5…but it was exactly what I was looking for 😂
Want to read
April 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/22/2021)! 🎁
May 13, 2022
I really hate leaving less than stellar reviews, but this one just wasn't for me. So that being said, here is my honest opinion. (Sorry in advance.)
Let me start out with the things I did like because there were a few things. Plus, it'll make me feel like I'm not bad-mouthing this author's hardwork.
First, I loved the characters. They were loveable, funny, and you could feel the way they cared for each other. Second, the overall story was good. It was a little predictable, but that's okay. Third, it had just the right amount of angst. I didn't feel stressed, anxious, or irritated by the characters or their situations which is a plus for me.
Now for the less than stellar part... First, it wasn't edited well. I really feel like a good once over for grammar and content editing would benefit this book. There were quite a few grammar issues in the beginning, and some awkward sentence structure that really made it hard to stay "in the story". It was rather distracting.
Secondly, there were several parts where I felt like the author may have edited out sections of the scene because the text didn't make sense. That meant I had to go back and reread a section over (sometimes 2 or 3 times) then when it still didn't clear up my confusion I just moved on. Specifically the part where Anna Victoria is told (paraphrasing) "you'll do as I say or you're ruined...I'll bring in my finance companies and repo all your stuff... your car, THIS HOUSE, your credit cards, all of it" but all I could think was the house didn't belong to Anna Victoria at all - it belonged to a friend and the house had been in that friend's family for generations.
Third, I really wanted more chemistry, lust, chase, and sexual tension between Anna Victoria and Damon. There were a couple of good lead ins that just fell flat, and he is supposed to be a super hot, tormented, jealous, possessive shifter. It's like a rule somewhere that says those super hot fictional characters get super hot fictional sex, but this book broke the rule.
Fourth, the conversations between characters are meant to be followed, and a couple of times I couldn't tell who said which line, the commentary didn't follow what the characters new about each other at that point in the story, or they were out of left field. I don't ask for much, but I do need it to make sense, and be consistent. Otherwise, I get lost, bored, or both.
Last, the end of the story really didn't pull me into the next book. I had a feeling it was being set up, but it wasn't crystal clear. I actually came to GoodReads to look up book 2 just to make sure it was Gabriel's book and my hunch was right. Either way, it just didn't make me thirsty for book 2 which is a shame because I loved Gabriel in this book, and he deserves a moment to shine.
I did finish the book but it took DAYS, and it's a short story. I say this because I dislike when people leave crummy reviews but they didn't finish the book. I finished it, I just didn't feel that it redeemed itself.
I also have to say... please don't take this to mean I don't think you should try it. You may not agree with me at all, and that's ok! If you do decide to give it a go, I hope it's right up your alley!!
Let me start out with the things I did like because there were a few things. Plus, it'll make me feel like I'm not bad-mouthing this author's hardwork.
First, I loved the characters. They were loveable, funny, and you could feel the way they cared for each other. Second, the overall story was good. It was a little predictable, but that's okay. Third, it had just the right amount of angst. I didn't feel stressed, anxious, or irritated by the characters or their situations which is a plus for me.
Now for the less than stellar part... First, it wasn't edited well. I really feel like a good once over for grammar and content editing would benefit this book. There were quite a few grammar issues in the beginning, and some awkward sentence structure that really made it hard to stay "in the story". It was rather distracting.
Secondly, there were several parts where I felt like the author may have edited out sections of the scene because the text didn't make sense. That meant I had to go back and reread a section over (sometimes 2 or 3 times) then when it still didn't clear up my confusion I just moved on. Specifically the part where Anna Victoria is told (paraphrasing) "you'll do as I say or you're ruined...I'll bring in my finance companies and repo all your stuff... your car, THIS HOUSE, your credit cards, all of it" but all I could think was the house didn't belong to Anna Victoria at all - it belonged to a friend and the house had been in that friend's family for generations.
Third, I really wanted more chemistry, lust, chase, and sexual tension between Anna Victoria and Damon. There were a couple of good lead ins that just fell flat, and he is supposed to be a super hot, tormented, jealous, possessive shifter. It's like a rule somewhere that says those super hot fictional characters get super hot fictional sex, but this book broke the rule.
Fourth, the conversations between characters are meant to be followed, and a couple of times I couldn't tell who said which line, the commentary didn't follow what the characters new about each other at that point in the story, or they were out of left field. I don't ask for much, but I do need it to make sense, and be consistent. Otherwise, I get lost, bored, or both.
Last, the end of the story really didn't pull me into the next book. I had a feeling it was being set up, but it wasn't crystal clear. I actually came to GoodReads to look up book 2 just to make sure it was Gabriel's book and my hunch was right. Either way, it just didn't make me thirsty for book 2 which is a shame because I loved Gabriel in this book, and he deserves a moment to shine.
I did finish the book but it took DAYS, and it's a short story. I say this because I dislike when people leave crummy reviews but they didn't finish the book. I finished it, I just didn't feel that it redeemed itself.
I also have to say... please don't take this to mean I don't think you should try it. You may not agree with me at all, and that's ok! If you do decide to give it a go, I hope it's right up your alley!!
April 23, 2023
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
I couldn’t stand her name Anna Victoria- her name is too freaking long 😂
H-Damon- bear shifter & chief ranger
h- Anna Victoria- Human- running away from her wedding.
So she leaves the guy in the alter & runs away to this town that is known for shifter. She goes into a bar where she meets Damon & instantly feels the attraction & his best recognized her as his mate. He is afraid of hurting so treat her like 💩. She is looking for a do over, starting fresh & over in a new town so she lets him treat her like crap. Then in a matter of few words he apologized & he tells her she is his mate & she accepts it & believe everything he tells her. I didn’t like it!
I couldn’t stand her name Anna Victoria- her name is too freaking long 😂
H-Damon- bear shifter & chief ranger
h- Anna Victoria- Human- running away from her wedding.
So she leaves the guy in the alter & runs away to this town that is known for shifter. She goes into a bar where she meets Damon & instantly feels the attraction & his best recognized her as his mate. He is afraid of hurting so treat her like 💩. She is looking for a do over, starting fresh & over in a new town so she lets him treat her like crap. Then in a matter of few words he apologized & he tells her she is his mate & she accepts it & believe everything he tells her. I didn’t like it!
July 23, 2020
A new series set in Blackstone Mountain. I loved every minute of it. Damon and Anna Victoria’s story is a very sweet one. It’s also nice to have cameo appearances from characters from the original Blackstone Mountain series. Can’t wait for the next installment.
July 8, 2020
Spin off of Blackstone Mountain series.
YES!!! Loved this story about a growly grumpy bear and the Mate that loves him better.
YES!!! Loved this story about a growly grumpy bear and the Mate that loves him better.
July 4, 2022
Perfect little bit of reading if you just need a light fluffy shifter romance. Insta love a bit quick but classic of fated mates I guess, still very much enjoyed it
July 31, 2020
This new series of Ms. Montgomery’s takes us back to a familiar location – Blackstone. The author created a wonderful and detailed shifter town named Blackstone for another of her series. This enjoyable tale is another fun and entertaining book from Ms. Montgomery that has love, action, drama, and danger in it.
The story starts when a bride who walks into a bar and this isn’t a bad joke it’s how and where our two lovebirds met. Damon is a bear shifter and Anna Victoria is human. Shifter and human couples are generally problematic for the two parties involved. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the leading lady Anna Victoria. It’s a mouthful and just doesn’t flow smoothly but that just might be me. Either way the book is a quick and easy book to read.
Damon was a broken bear after his service in the military ended. He hadn’t felt anything for anyone for a very long time so the attraction to the pretty petite bride in white was a bit of a shock. Victoria is still shaken after leaving her so called fiancé at the altar. She’s had a number of shocks in her life the last several days. So, driving until she has to stop and stretch her legs sees her tossing back tequila shots until she is totally drunk.
Anna Victoria and Damon are trying to find their equilibrium. Anna Victoria has to find her place in the “real world” for the first time. Damon is trying to do the same but carrying baggage from his military days and an incident that broke the man and bear. He’s struggling to contain himself and his bear. He is fearful that something might trigger an episode that will release an out of control bear on innocent people. In order for these two to find their HEA they are going to have to face Anna Victoria’s shady ex-fiancé and themselves. Can Damon really keep himself and his bear in control? Where and what is Anna Victoria going to do – stay or leave and if she stays what’s she going to do with herself? Will she be safe with Damon or in danger? How is Ann Victoria going to fend for herself? Can she find something in Blackstone or will she to look elsewhere? This short, sweet, and easy read will offer you some feels good times. So get a drink or a snack and pile yourself in your favorite comfy chair and read your copy of Blackstone Ranger Chief.
***I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book***
The story starts when a bride who walks into a bar and this isn’t a bad joke it’s how and where our two lovebirds met. Damon is a bear shifter and Anna Victoria is human. Shifter and human couples are generally problematic for the two parties involved. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the leading lady Anna Victoria. It’s a mouthful and just doesn’t flow smoothly but that just might be me. Either way the book is a quick and easy book to read.
Damon was a broken bear after his service in the military ended. He hadn’t felt anything for anyone for a very long time so the attraction to the pretty petite bride in white was a bit of a shock. Victoria is still shaken after leaving her so called fiancé at the altar. She’s had a number of shocks in her life the last several days. So, driving until she has to stop and stretch her legs sees her tossing back tequila shots until she is totally drunk.
Anna Victoria and Damon are trying to find their equilibrium. Anna Victoria has to find her place in the “real world” for the first time. Damon is trying to do the same but carrying baggage from his military days and an incident that broke the man and bear. He’s struggling to contain himself and his bear. He is fearful that something might trigger an episode that will release an out of control bear on innocent people. In order for these two to find their HEA they are going to have to face Anna Victoria’s shady ex-fiancé and themselves. Can Damon really keep himself and his bear in control? Where and what is Anna Victoria going to do – stay or leave and if she stays what’s she going to do with herself? Will she be safe with Damon or in danger? How is Ann Victoria going to fend for herself? Can she find something in Blackstone or will she to look elsewhere? This short, sweet, and easy read will offer you some feels good times. So get a drink or a snack and pile yourself in your favorite comfy chair and read your copy of Blackstone Ranger Chief.
***I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book***
May 8, 2022
Damon is the chief of the Blackstone Rangers hanging out with his friends at the local bar. He hates crowded people which makes his beast anxious. As a woman wearing enters the bar, he cannot help but to notice how beautiful she looks even if she does not want to talk to any person. His bear immediately recognizes his mate but Damon struggles to control the beast from claiming her since she came at the bar. Damon wants to stay clear of Anna despite of being in the same building with her. It also did not help his beast how the male employees keep looking at his attractive mate. He struggles to maintain his distance to protect her even if his own self wants the opposite thing to do. An unexpected kiss that they share, the guilt that still haunts the bear, and an unknown future to spend with her. The plot is well-written and I love the personality of the characters. I love how they have a HEA epilogue and
April 25, 2021
Nope
After the third time the female talks to herself, addressing herself by her full name in less than 3 pages, I was done. Anna Victoria Hall. (Insert eye roll here). Yes. I remember because she repeated it THREE TIMES! I couldn’t read more of that. Plus she thinks about her jilted fiancé by his full name. Who does that? It makes the book more impersonal, and the characters less relatable- at least, to me.
Also, side rant, but I’m getting tired of reading about the female main character having blonde hair and blue eyes and bronze/tan skin. Stop it. Most of the world’s population of women do NOT have blonde hair or blue eyes and they are STILL GORGEOUS! Can I have more of those women? Eastern Indian women, for example, are some of the most beautiful women in the world, in my opinion. THOSE are the eyes my imaginary heroes fall into, not just blue eyes. America’s standard of beauty is warped. And most of the people reading these books likely have hair a color other than blonde and eyes a color other than blue. And of course they’re some kind of damsels in distress with a hidden backbone they either develop when the man helps them “discover” their worth or they reveal their stubborn side which just happens to turn the alpha male on to no end...yet they still need a tall dark and handsome man to save them. If the man can be dark, why can’t the woman? Why does she have to be barely 5 foot? Why can’t she be 5’7” or 5’10” or taller?
I find myself rolling my eyes when the woman has this description now. Sometimes I DNF those ones just on that alone. Shallow of me? I don’t care.
Sorry. Rant done.
After the third time the female talks to herself, addressing herself by her full name in less than 3 pages, I was done. Anna Victoria Hall. (Insert eye roll here). Yes. I remember because she repeated it THREE TIMES! I couldn’t read more of that. Plus she thinks about her jilted fiancé by his full name. Who does that? It makes the book more impersonal, and the characters less relatable- at least, to me.
Also, side rant, but I’m getting tired of reading about the female main character having blonde hair and blue eyes and bronze/tan skin. Stop it. Most of the world’s population of women do NOT have blonde hair or blue eyes and they are STILL GORGEOUS! Can I have more of those women? Eastern Indian women, for example, are some of the most beautiful women in the world, in my opinion. THOSE are the eyes my imaginary heroes fall into, not just blue eyes. America’s standard of beauty is warped. And most of the people reading these books likely have hair a color other than blonde and eyes a color other than blue. And of course they’re some kind of damsels in distress with a hidden backbone they either develop when the man helps them “discover” their worth or they reveal their stubborn side which just happens to turn the alpha male on to no end...yet they still need a tall dark and handsome man to save them. If the man can be dark, why can’t the woman? Why does she have to be barely 5 foot? Why can’t she be 5’7” or 5’10” or taller?
I find myself rolling my eyes when the woman has this description now. Sometimes I DNF those ones just on that alone. Shallow of me? I don’t care.
Sorry. Rant done.
July 13, 2020
Blackstone Ranger Chief is the first book in the Blackstone Rangers series, connected to the Blackstone Mountain series. Anna Victoria walks into a bar wearing her wedding dress, looking for a new future far away from home. She doesn’t expect to find Damon or true friendship and while Damon is extra grumpy towards her, she’s starting to see potential. Everything changes when he confesses a secret, but will her past threaten their future together?
It felt so good to be back on Blackstone Mountain! I loved Damon and Anna Victoria’s story, their romance, and their drama! Both characters were flawed and their pasts had hurt them, but I loved how they slowly found peace and comfort and even happiness with one another. Anna Victoria is sweet and kind, and I liked that she recognized that her past lead to a spoiled life, but I loved that she was willing to work hard. She had something to prove to herself, but she still seemed genuine. Damon is a bit (okay, a lot) of a grump when we first meet him, but he has good reason. My heart ached for him, but I loved his transformation in this book to being a little more laid back and less of a workaholic. I enjoyed them together. I thought they made a great team, in and out of the bedroom, and I loved how they supported one another so easily. The drama in this book isn’t too extreme, but between the uncertainty of her past and the path that Damon and Anna Victoria took to love, I was on the edge of my seat and excited to see what would come next! This is going to be an exciting series!
It felt so good to be back on Blackstone Mountain! I loved Damon and Anna Victoria’s story, their romance, and their drama! Both characters were flawed and their pasts had hurt them, but I loved how they slowly found peace and comfort and even happiness with one another. Anna Victoria is sweet and kind, and I liked that she recognized that her past lead to a spoiled life, but I loved that she was willing to work hard. She had something to prove to herself, but she still seemed genuine. Damon is a bit (okay, a lot) of a grump when we first meet him, but he has good reason. My heart ached for him, but I loved his transformation in this book to being a little more laid back and less of a workaholic. I enjoyed them together. I thought they made a great team, in and out of the bedroom, and I loved how they supported one another so easily. The drama in this book isn’t too extreme, but between the uncertainty of her past and the path that Damon and Anna Victoria took to love, I was on the edge of my seat and excited to see what would come next! This is going to be an exciting series!
July 9, 2023
The couple: Damon and Anna Victoria
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Blackstone Rangers
Length: 181 pages
Plot: Anna Victoria shows up in the local bar one night, in a wedding dress, ordering way too much liquor. Damon notices her right away but wants to stay away for reasons of his own. However, he can't leave her drunk, on the side of the road, in a strange town, so he takes her home. She leaves the next morning but quickly makes friends with people in the town. One of her new friends gets her a job as Damon's new assistant. He can't seem to stop being ruder to her, though, and she just can't figure out why. That's only one of her problems though; she still has a fiance to deal with.
Commentary: I liked this one, although I was confused at the beginning (and this is the first book in the series, so I wasn't sure if it was connected to another series or not). There were a lot of things that weren't clear in that opening scene - I think I just didn't understand who was who and what they were and what they were doing and why they were having the reactions they did. Once that all settled out, it was better. But also, the idea of his "beast" was a little confusing as well. It seemed to be different from the bear inside of him but it wasn't explained until much later in the story.
I didn't like how it took other people to point out to Damon that Anna Victoria didn't take off with the fiance willingly - that was a little sad for me. I hope he made that up to her!
Next book in the series: Blackstone Ranger Charmer
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Blackstone Rangers
Length: 181 pages
Plot: Anna Victoria shows up in the local bar one night, in a wedding dress, ordering way too much liquor. Damon notices her right away but wants to stay away for reasons of his own. However, he can't leave her drunk, on the side of the road, in a strange town, so he takes her home. She leaves the next morning but quickly makes friends with people in the town. One of her new friends gets her a job as Damon's new assistant. He can't seem to stop being ruder to her, though, and she just can't figure out why. That's only one of her problems though; she still has a fiance to deal with.
Commentary: I liked this one, although I was confused at the beginning (and this is the first book in the series, so I wasn't sure if it was connected to another series or not). There were a lot of things that weren't clear in that opening scene - I think I just didn't understand who was who and what they were and what they were doing and why they were having the reactions they did. Once that all settled out, it was better. But also, the idea of his "beast" was a little confusing as well. It seemed to be different from the bear inside of him but it wasn't explained until much later in the story.
I didn't like how it took other people to point out to Damon that Anna Victoria didn't take off with the fiance willingly - that was a little sad for me. I hope he made that up to her!
Next book in the series: Blackstone Ranger Charmer
July 8, 2020
Blackstone Ranger Chief by Alicia Montgomery is the first book in Blackstone Rangers series. a shifter romance story of Damon and Anna Victoria..Damon is a bear shifter,ex-military and now a ranger chief, But a troubled past has left scars on his heart and soul.. but the moment the mysterious woman in the wedding dress saunters into the local watering hole, his bear immediately knows: she’s his mate, the one fate intended for him. , and claiming the runaway bride could only end tragically for both of them. He does his best to stay clear of her, but he can only control his animal--and his desire for her--for so long. Anna Victoria human and a runaway bride,After jilting her groom at the altar,she wanted a fresh start in the shifter town of Blackstone, Colorado. she feel at home there but not everyone is welcoming the ranger chief doesnt want her there not after she made a fool of herself that first night they met.They clash at every turn--and soon are unable to resist the sizzling attraction brewing between them. However, her runaway bride act wasn’t a mere case of cold feet--she’s been hiding a sinister secret all this time. Will she be able to keep the truth from coming out, or will she have to make another escape before her past catches up with her? read to find out! an intriguing,interesting,enjoyable and steamy shifter romance story that you will enjoy reading! I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book
April 5, 2021
Damon is the chief of the Blackstone Rangers.
Having served in the Middle East and now retired from service he is still haunted by his actions and is having trouble with his bear side that he refers to as demon. Damon has been through some traumatic experiences and feels that both him and his animal are broken beyond repair...........
Along comes a beautiful woman, named Anna Victoria, who is wearing a wedding dress and proceeds to sit down at the local bar she begins drinking tequila and of course with that kind of drink ... :) who doesn't remember much after.
Granted Anna is on the run and she fears he former fiance and what he could do if he catches her....
Damon is (for reasons we soon learn about) so annoyed by this stranger.... Only time will tell as you read this wonderful story. Characters pull you in and with the perfect mixture of sexy times,angst,character growth and danger you are kept on or near the edge of your seat until the warm fuzzy HEA.
This book is all about overcoming difficulties and transforming into something better. I really and truly enjoyed this story........ and you might also :) Afterall don't even the damaged deserve HEA's..
Having served in the Middle East and now retired from service he is still haunted by his actions and is having trouble with his bear side that he refers to as demon. Damon has been through some traumatic experiences and feels that both him and his animal are broken beyond repair...........
Along comes a beautiful woman, named Anna Victoria, who is wearing a wedding dress and proceeds to sit down at the local bar she begins drinking tequila and of course with that kind of drink ... :) who doesn't remember much after.
Granted Anna is on the run and she fears he former fiance and what he could do if he catches her....
Damon is (for reasons we soon learn about) so annoyed by this stranger.... Only time will tell as you read this wonderful story. Characters pull you in and with the perfect mixture of sexy times,angst,character growth and danger you are kept on or near the edge of your seat until the warm fuzzy HEA.
This book is all about overcoming difficulties and transforming into something better. I really and truly enjoyed this story........ and you might also :) Afterall don't even the damaged deserve HEA's..
May 1, 2021
Shifters? Check! Alpha male? Check! Broody book boyfriend? Check! Strong female? Check! Addictive romance and start to a series you'll be hooked on? Double check! I love this book so much. I love shifters stories. And this start to this series already has me hooked. Damon is a man running from a tragic past. He has experienced things that make him guarded. He is the chief ranger at Blackstone and he likes his life the way it is, with his rules. Then one night he meets a woman in a wedding dress and that all changes. Anna is running from a future she didn't choose. She ends up by chance in Blackstone. Soon she is learning about shifters and how to be independent. She ends up getting a job as Damon's secretary and he is anything but easy to work for. She slowly starts to break down his walls whether he likes it or not. If you like enemies to lovers, a push and pull romance this is your jam. I know it's mine. Especially when danger is around the corner and the suspense had me addicted. I have heard this narrator before and I love her. She did not disappoint. I was so involved I forgot it was one narrator! A must read/listen for paranormal romance fans.
September 29, 2023
Forgive yourself and move forward
Damon came home from war still battling memories of the horrors that cost him friends. Even the beast inside him would give him no peace. Until she came in the bar dressed in a wedding gown, Anna Victoria. Anna Victoria had her own demons to battle and she had run as hard and fast as she could to get away from a father that would have traded her to a man who was the personification of evil itself to save himself. In the end, she couldn’t let either man control her future. So she ran. Right into the arms of a shifter. Never having been around many shifters, Anna Victoria was a be nonplussed to find her self in a town full of shifters, who were nothing life she had been told.
They cared and would stand by her no matter what. Damon knew the minute he saw her she was his mate but was afraid to the beast inside him would hurt her.
There is a good tale here with characters from previous books drifting in, romance, a bit of spice and a touch of mystery. Easy to follow, an HEA and characters you will want to visit in other books in Blackstone Mountain group.
Damon came home from war still battling memories of the horrors that cost him friends. Even the beast inside him would give him no peace. Until she came in the bar dressed in a wedding gown, Anna Victoria. Anna Victoria had her own demons to battle and she had run as hard and fast as she could to get away from a father that would have traded her to a man who was the personification of evil itself to save himself. In the end, she couldn’t let either man control her future. So she ran. Right into the arms of a shifter. Never having been around many shifters, Anna Victoria was a be nonplussed to find her self in a town full of shifters, who were nothing life she had been told.
They cared and would stand by her no matter what. Damon knew the minute he saw her she was his mate but was afraid to the beast inside him would hurt her.
There is a good tale here with characters from previous books drifting in, romance, a bit of spice and a touch of mystery. Easy to follow, an HEA and characters you will want to visit in other books in Blackstone Mountain group.
September 21, 2020
This book was a simple & cute story, it was predictable & not unique (I felt like I've read similar stories to this in the past), but it's just a cute mindless read, that you don't have to focus real hard on. The flow was decent, though it read more like a novella (though it says it's 181 pages), with a lot of missing background (world building) or stuff to give the characters more dimension. It doesn't take place in some future world or alternate universe (sort of thing) that needs a lot of explaining, but it did need something to help ground a reader in order to sink into the story better. Damon/Chief and Anna Victoria were sort of flat as main characters go, and really didn't get me to attached to them. I have to say, her name, Anna Victoria, totally annoyed me! Her name alone was a reason not to think of her as a good heroine. I felt like the book as a whole, could have been improved on in order to give me motivation to give it a higher star rating. It does have a Happy for Now ending, to give a lead up into the series. I did go ahead & pick up book 2, cause I like the secondary character, Gabriel, better than the main characters in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews