A romantic suspense, "Dark Horse" contains many elements of the famed Lindberg kidnapping with a dash of romance thrown into the mix to make it more interesting.

A family divided by grief but also mourning together, B.J. Daniels captured a family's anguish of losing people they love. Whether they are alive or dead, they are sorely missed.

I can't write more without giving spoilers, so I will just end here. A short and easy read, "Dark Horse" will keep you interested from beginning to end. It is Rated T for Teens due to violence.

For a number of years now, I have been reading and enjoyed B.J. Daniels romantic suspense books. I love cowboys, I love mystery and romance it okay too, so slapping those three things together is a recipes for something great. So when I heard that she had a new series coming out, I knew I had to check it out.

Like most of her novels, I was dragged in right from the first page. The tone of the entire book is set up from that first character introduction. I wanted to know more right away, but knew that I had to wait, to see all the little clues laid out over the course of the book to see exactly what happened and how the current events would unfold.

As far as characters go, I can’t say that I absolutely loved any of them. They all had their quirks which made them both enjoyable and annoying at times. Then there were some characters that I felt didn’t get enough attention, though perhaps they will play bigger roles in the rest of the series, and I wanted to know a bit more about them. I did enjoy the two main characters, Nikki and Cull. One thing I wish I could have seen more of was Nikki working on the book. I get that she was doing research for her book about the kidnapping, but even so, I felt like it would have been nice to see her work on writing a bit, not just interview people and take minimal notes.

The mystery aspect of the book was by far my favorite part. I always try to work things out and figure out who did it before it gets revealed, but as always, Daniels lays so many different clue trails throughout the book that I wasn’t able to guess who. Then when it was revealed I wondered how I missed the evidence that would have told me the who, how and why of it all.

The romance part of this book was nearly non-existent, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes romantic suspense books can focus too much on the romance and forget that there is a mystery side to the story. This was not the case with Dark Horse, and I would say about 1% of the book was romance and even then it was very light.

I did have one small issue, and it had nothing to do with the content of the book, but more than the file I had of it was corrupted, so I was unable to read the last page or two. I doubt I missed anything big, but would be nice to know exactly how it ended, so I’ll have to be on the lookout for a physical copy of it next time I’m at the bookstore so I can get the whole story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. While I didn’t absolutely love everything about it, I still gobbled it up in nearly one sitting and really liked the mystery part of the story. I will continue on with the series to see how the rest of the story turns out. If you are looking for a books that heavy on the mystery and light on romance, then this book may be for you.

I liked this book because it drew me in the with secret that the family held. Then the mention of kidnapped twins was more icing on the cake. It read well and the story line flowed. Without saying to much I was surprised at the ending.

B.J. Daniels has another hit with the first book in the new Whitehorse Montana Series. Nikki St.James is an true crime writer who takes on the mystery of the kidnapping of the McGraw twins which happened some 25 years ago. The family has mixed feeling about Nikki coming into their lives and their home. Who's secrets will she bring to light? Will they find out why Nikki picked this crime to uncover? Does she maybe have a personal interest in this case? So many mysteries all tied together in one brilliantly written book! It's been awhile since I've read a Harlequin Intrigue, but this book got me hooked. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley for so graciously gifting me this book to review.

This was okay. Interesting plot but everything seemed to move way too quickly. She just happens to find key pieces of evidence, happens to hear comments, happens to be with a character who needs to spill her guts...

And then we have the romance. Meh. There was no real spark or heat. It's as if the author tossed in that bit because oh of course we need the dark brooding alpha male and the beautiful mysterious woman getting together and discovering love.

I was curious about the book as soon as I read the list of characters in the front of the book. I was already trying to figure out who the kidnapper was of the babies that was behind the whole story and am waiting for the next 2 installments of the Whitehorse series from BJ Daniels to find out who was behind it. The book had me hooked from the first with all that was going on with the family and the crime writer, Nikki. You were wondering you was plotting with who and what would happen next. As with any good book series you were left wondering who the mastermind behind the kidnapping 25 years ago. There was even the added plot of an attempted murder. Cull and Nikki made a great team working together and of course fell in love in the process. Waiting for the next book to learn more about who the bad guy is. A great western suspense.

“Remember what I told you about family secrets.” People will kill to keep them, she thought now as she looked at Marianne McGraw. The woman’s rocking didn’t change as Nikki stepped deeper into the room.”

Dark Horse by B.J. Daniels is the hair-raising, heart-rending debut in her new suspense-packed Whitehorse, Montana: The McGraw Kidnapping trilogy. I’ve been excited to read this book since reading the sneak preview that was previously included in Outlaw’s Honor. That chilling snippet actually gave me goose bumps at the time and the picture in my mind of the woman in the rocker holding those baby dolls has remained with me since. I’m happy to report that this full-length book did not disappoint!

As Dark Horse begins, we meet Nikki St. James, a successful true crime author. Nikki is determined that her next case will involve unraveling the heart-breaking disappearance of two babies from their crib twenty-five years ago. Nikki has a close-to-her-own-heart ulterior motive in pursuing this particular story as Nikki’s father was tried and convicted of the twins’ kidnapping. Nikki’s mother still firmly believes that Nikki’s father was innocent. Nikki is bent on both clearing her father’s name and giving the family answers.

Nikki has reached out to the twins’ father, Travers McGraw, and he has given Nikki carte blanche in her investigation. She will be staying at the McGraw’s horse ranch and will have full access to whatever she needs. The rest of the family, including Cull McGraw, our hero, are less than impressed. Cull has no patience for dealing with yet another reporter. He’s worried about his ailing father’s health and plum tired of the constant household quarrels. Even so, the desire of the entire family to move on from the ghosts that have haunted them for a quarter of a century is palpable.

There is a clean romance included, but it seems superfluous to the who-done-it. There is little build-up to the development of the relationship and it seemingly happens overnight. That said, I liked both the characters and their HEA is warmly satisfying.

As with her other books, B.J. simultaneously develops multiple plotlines. In Dark Horse, B.J. has interwoven a subplot centering around Whitehorse’s sheriff. It will be interesting to see where B.J. takes this…

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dark Horse:

“Don’t you want to know the kind of woman I am?” When he said nothing, she continued. “I’m like your father. When I start something I finish it.”
Cull seemed to consider that before he turned toward her, his lips quirking into a grin as his eyes blazed with challenge. “Is that right?”
Before she could react, he grabbed her and dragged her to him. His mouth dropped to hers in a demanding kiss as he pushed her back against the barn wall.
---

“I have a suspicious mind, and murder is kind of my business.”
---

“The first thing we’re going to do is buy you a pair of cowboy boots, woman.”
She laughed. “That’s the first thing?”
Cull dragged her into another kiss, this one hotter than the last.
“Maybe not the first thing.”

I can’t wait to read the rest of this trilogy and to see the mystery finally solved. In addition, the other McGraw’s brother’s stories are begging to be told. One brother, Ledger, is in love with a woman married to an abuser. AND the other brother, Boone, is unhappy and downright ornery; He will need a special woman to grab his attention and fix his attitude.

A plethora of tense and downright creepy moments along with the intense desire to discover what happened twenty-five years ago kept me turning the pages into the early morning hours. My primary focus remains on the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question surrounding the kids’ disappearance, and, if they are still alive, where they are today. If you enjoy thrilling western romantic suspense, I would encourage you to check out B.J. Daniels’ books. Each one has been a winner and Dark Horse is no exception.


Suggested Reading Order:
Dark Horse (Book #1) – Cull McGraw’s story!
Dead Ringer (Book #2) – Ledger McGraw’s story coming Sept 2017!
Rough Rider (Book #3) – Boone McGraw’s story coming Oct 2017!

Another amazing mystery, suspense by the amazing B.J. Daniels. The secrets, mystery, suspense and danger will keep you on the edge throughout the book. You will not be able to put this book down till you finish it. Some romance but this is mainly a mystery.

Daniels is one of my favorite authors. This title will not disappoint any of her regular readers.

FINAL DECISION: Much more mystery/romantic suspense than romance, I enjoyed this book for what it is -- an introduction to the mystery of the disappearance of the McGraw twins. The romance was a nice addition, but certainly did not carry the story.

THE STORY: True crime writer Nikki St. James to write about (and intending to solve) the kidnapping of the McGraw twins. It has been twenty-five years since they disappeared and although some believe that the twins are dead and that the mother and her lover committed the crime, Nikki wants to prove there is another explanation. Nikki has gotten the father to agree to talk, but his eldest son, Cull McGraw, doesn't trust Nikki and wants to protect his family. Sparks fly and old secrets present new dangers.

OPINION: This book is really a mystery book with a side of romance. I thought the mystery is well set out and very intriguing. In fact, the mystery is my favorite of the B.J. Daniels books I have read so far. I thought the entire set up was creepy and definitely a well constructed and interesting conflict. I felt like I was in the middle of an Agatha Christie book with all the suspicious characters and secrets.

The book really is focused on Nikki as the "detective" of the story. She has her own secrets which have sent her into the investigation of the twins' disappearance. Cull is the dutiful eldest son who falls for Nikki. There really isn't much else about their characters, but there was enough to keep me in the game as I was far more intrigued by the mystery than the romance.

This is a short category romance so things happen quickly and I was impressed that the mystery itself was so well set out.

I look forward to the next book in the series with another romance (but knowing Daniels' style, there will be more about the mystery than the romance and that's okay).

WORTH MENTIONING: This book does NOT resolve the mystery of the kidnapping of the twins in its entirety. There are some answers, but clearly there is much more to learn. That is the overarching story so you will have to read the rest of the series for that to be resolved.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DARK HORSE is the first book in the Whitehouse, Montana: The McGraw Kidnapping series. I haven't read the other Whitehouse, Montana books so I don't know how closely related the series are. I didn't feel that I missed anything, however, in starting with this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

3.5 to 4...

I'm not sure exactly what happened with Dark Horse, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I think it might have been because things seemed a little rushed. It just seemed like there wasn't enough time for either Nikki or Cull to change their opinions about each other... but that's just me.

Other than the rushed romance, I kind of enjoyed the mystery behind Dark Horse. It was an interesting premise and it wasn't solved by the end of this first book. Because of that, I might just have to check out Dead Ringer, just to see how the mystery progresses.

If you are familiar with Harlequin's Intrigue & Suspense series, you know to not expect much in the romance departments as it tends often to get a backseat to the intrigue of the story playing out. Sometimes an author may surprise us in giving us characters that are well developed and a sweet romance playing out. In Dar Horse by B.J. Daniels, the romance did take a backseat, but for me, I still enjoyed it.

Wow! What a riveting, fast-paced drama that had me on the edge of my seat from the first word to the last centering around the 25-year-old unsolved kidnapping of the McGraw twins. I felt an instant connection to Nikki St. James, true crime writer who is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and loved her attraction and chemistry with Cull McGraw who was seven when the twins disappeared.

I just couldn't put the book down with the twists, turns, danger, secrets, family drama, and so much more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next. Dark Horse is a must read for fans of this genre.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

When I was in my teens, I was a huge fan of any Harlequin novel and I actually had them delivered to the house. I didn’t start reading Harlequin Intrigue until 1993 or 1994. They became some of my favorite Harlequin books. Unfortunately, I stopped receiving the novels and moved onto other publishers. When I got an email from NetGalley that had Dark Horse as available, I jumped on it.

I couldn’t get into this story after the first couple of chapters. There was so much going on in the book that I couldn’t keep things straight in my head. There were too many storylines and I felt that there were plot holes that did not get discussed in the book. Like who Kitten’s father was. It was stressed over and over that Travers wasn’t her father. I would have thought that the father would have been revealed at some point in the book. Or the relationship that Patricia had with the lawyer and/or the ranch foreman. What also bugged me was that Frieda knew who was shooting at her and Nikki and she didn’t tell anyone. Other than Cull seeing a man with a rifle driving away…..nothing was mentioned about it again. Talk about wanting to rip your hair out.

Seeing that this is a series, I am sure that my concerns will be answered but it is still frustrating. As a reader, I want answers to questions that I have in the book. If there are one or two things left unanswered but you know that they will be in the next book, great. But when many plotlines are left unanswered, it frustrates me to no end.

I thought the romance between Cull and Nikki was nonexistent. They didn’t spend any time alone together and he was very resentful of her dredging up old memories. Then bam, he kisses her and bam, they’re in love. Instalove is great in certain situations but in this one…no. What I did like is that there was no sex. Besides one bone-tingling kiss, nothing sexual. It was a refreshing change of pace for me.

I did like Nikki but I do feel that she should have been more upfront with Cull and Travers about certain things. If you want to know what, you need to read the book. She was very spunky and she was a go getter. She also set in motion another set of events that was separate from the twins kidnapping. Events that made me cheer when certain characters got what they deserved.

Cull had been through a lot with his siblings’ kidnapping. He also had to deal with his mother’s eventual descent into madness. So, I wasn’t surprised when he was very against Nikki staying at the house and doing the book. Like I said above, the romance between him and Nikki was a surprise. It shouldn’t have been because, hello, this is a Harlequin Intrigue novel.

The end of the book was interesting. Cull and Nikki’s plotline was wrapped up in a satisfactory way. The kidnapping storyline was kind of wrapped up. I can’t go anymore into that other than to say I was pretty surprised at who the kidnapper turned out to be. It was not who I thought it was. All other plotlines were left as is and I do hope that they are addressed in book 2. Speaking of book 2, I want to read it. I want to find out what happened to the twins and because it is Ledger’s story.



My Summary of Dark Horse: 3 stars

Dark Horse had the potential to be a gripping romance/mystery/suspense novel. Instead, it has holes in the plot, a nonexistent romance, and underdeveloped characters. I am giving Dark Horse a 3-star rating though because I can see the potential in it. I am looking forward to reading book 2 to see if anything has been resolved from book 1.

Will I reread: Maybe

Will I recommend to family and friends: Maybe

Age range: Older Teen

Why: Violence, mild language. No sexual situations other than a kiss

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Cull and his brothers are rough around the edges for sure. They are amazing guys just been through alot and trying to cope. Each has demons of the night the twins were kidnapped and their mom was lost forever. Each has secrets as well. All are burdened with loss and pain. But none expected what really happened and neither will you. I had a feeling about one involved only because it is the first person you would think about especially when you look at the present and how horrible that person is to others but not all of the involvement.

Cull is the oldest and the most protective of everyone. He doesn’t want to see anyone in pain and needs to let go of the hope the twins are out there. He sees his dad in pain and suffering health wise but doesn’t know what to do. Him and his brothers are close but also closed off on some things. They are just trying to get through the anniversary of the kidnapping but that is impossible with Nikki in town. And his dad is the one who asked her to come. At first they are all a wall to her. But circumstances change and Cull does what he can to help her.

He also becomes attracted to her but is afraid to show it. They are opposites and he is afraid that she will harm his family. Nikki is tenacious and smart but has been burned by men so wary of Cull. The attraction between the two is obvious and as they get to know one another they become friends and support each other. they even respect one another and want what is best for Cull’s family. but each is afraid to admit their feelings. They will give us some sexy scenes, heated moments and danger as well but not the admission of feelings. They almost lose something wonderful because of it.

A fast paced story full of danger and a mystery that draws you in and keeps you dangling to the end. Secrets revealed, truths told and love is found as what happened to the twins is figured out and it isn’t what you would think.

OK, I consider this fair warning, that I wish I had before starting “Dark Horse”. You will *not* find out who done it.

If you come to this book for a light romance, you will be happy, but if you want to know what happened to the kidnapped twin siblings of Cull McGraw, you are apparently going to have to wait for another episode!

It’s hard not knowing what happened to family members, in fact, it’s a personal hell that none of the McGraw family has escaped from or expects to any time soon. The McGraw twins were kidnapped 25 years ago and never found either alive or their bodies. There is no closure for the family only more unanswered questions… and the consequences of that single event so many years ago.

Now a woman with a reputation of finding answers and solving unsolvable crimes is staying at the McGraw ranch looking into the twins’ disappearance. Nikki is good at what she does, there’s no doubt about that. Yet this time she has a personal agenda, one that no one on the ranch can know about.

Cull McGraw has no intention of trusting or helping this upstart crime reporter. He doesn’t trust her as far as he could toss her. His father’s been taken in by innocent eyes, but not him. Oh, she’ll be around the ranch but he’ll be keeping close watch on her every minute. There’s something off about this woman, she has secrets of her own and Cull intends to discover what they are… and if they involve his family.

I’ve read B. J. Daniels’ work for years and I never tire of her gift for storytelling. She effectively brings us back to a tragic event years later. The dust has settled, the people moved on, reluctantly while the memories hold them back. But there’s more beneath the surface and this group of stories will give us answers, romance and perhaps finally a happy ending… but that is yet to be seen. I won’t call these stories cliffhangers, for they are not truly – but they do continue the overarching story throughout them all. I’d strongly suggest that you settle in for the long haul on this series, I’ve no doubt that it’s going to be well worth the time.

I enjoyed Nikki and Cull’s interactions. There doesn’t always have to be trust for there to be attraction – one is natural, the other earned. Watching these two work the case, discover truths and deal with each other was entertaining with a mixture of sad and happy moments. If you enjoy Mystery, Romantic Suspense or Contemporary Romance then you’ll be quite happy with Dark Horse. Just plan on picking up Dead Ringer and Rough Rider in September and October… you know you have to get the entire story. I’d recommend this story and encourage you to follow what is to come. And if you collect Harlequin stories, you might find the series relating to this new series somewhere in your bookshelves.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I have read many books by BJ daniels and I can honestly say she is one of my favorites

B.J. Daniels takes readers to Whitehorse, Montana to explore the tragic McGraw kidnapping. 25 years ago, Cull McGraw's twin baby siblings were stolen from their home, an event that threw his family into chaos. His mother doesn't speak anymore and is isolated in a psych ward, and his father's health is slowly declining. As the 25th anniversary of the kidnapping approaches, the family is prepared for the media and crazies to bombard their lives once again.

Travers McGraw allows Nikki St. James into his home with the hope that the case can be solved. The true-crime writer has a desire to know the truth, too. Everyone is against her poking where she doesn't belong, but the need to exonerate her father is stronger than the danger. This tense drama escalates as Nikki digs deeper into the case and turns up previously unknown information. But the truth of what truly happened to the twins that night remains just out of reach.

I was a little surprised that the case wasn't completely solved by the end of the novel. Instead, as the series continues will readers be able to see the whole and final truth of the kidnapping. If that means I have to read through two more romances, I'm game! B.J. Daniels makes it so that you almost forget you're reading a romance because there's just as much suspense to keep the story going. I'm eager to get to the bottom of this mystery while I enjoy the scenery on the way there!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

Whitehorse, Montana. Small town, big-sky, wide-open farm country, cowboys and horses. Twenty-five years ago, something terrible happened in this town. Travers and Marianne McGraw were a beautiful young couple, with three young sons and a set of newborn twins, living in a huge mansion that Travers built for Marianne. One night, the twins are kidnapped. A ransom was paid, but the twins were never returned. This tragedy has haunted everyone who was in the mansion that night, until this day.

Nikki St. James is a true-crime writer, successful mystery solver and bestselling author. She has come to Whitehorse to research the McGraw Twins kidnapping. And she has a secret of her own. In order to find out what happened to the twins, Nikki has to face the animosity and skepticism of the entire McGraw family and assorted witnesses. Well, maybe not everybody. Cull McGraw, the handsome eldest son, was seven years old at the time of the kidnapping. He really wants to put an end to his fathers hopeless search for the twins, and he is willing to help Nikki, but will the truth be worth it?

Dark Horse is suspenseful and enticing for any reader who loves a good unsolved mystery. While some characters are given a great deal of attention, others receive only cursory mentions. That doesn't necessarily correlate with their relevance or interest in the story. In particular, I had issue with Marianne's insanity, the stepmother Patricia's b*tchiness, and the stepsister Kitten's brattiness. All seemed extreme to the point of caricature. The romance between Nikki and Cull is a garnish that does not overshadow the mystery. I found this book to be entertaining but not enough to pursue further instalments in this series.

This book was received as an ARC on NetGalley.