2.5 stars.

While Maggie Gates's "Dust Storm" is a quick and easy forced proximity city woman x cowboy romance, I must admit, I was ultimately disappointed in it. First of all, it is too long for such a simple story that lacks development and growth from the characters. I had some major trouble with the characters here. I will say that Cassandra isn't the kind of main character who is harsh because of her circumstances or because of the moniker of "black cat," though the author tries to pass her off as such. Cassandra's just a huge jerk and is extraordinarily unlikable. She's mean to Christian (at first, before they start, well, you know), she's mean to the people on the ranch, she's mean to the people in town, and she's even mean to Christian's two daughters, who are 13 and 11 years old. She always says over and over and over that she's not a kid person, but really, it seems like she's just not a PEOPLE person in general! Let me compare: I also don't want kids, and don't particularly like them, either, but I would never, EVER be mean or rude or disrespectful to someone else's children, especially in front of them! Cassandra claims she's speaking to them like they are adults, but I do the same thing and manage not to be an a**h0le to them! Her personality makes it excessively hard to root for her throughout the book, even when awful things happen to her. She shows very little growth by the book's end. Because of this, I didn't really *want* Christian to be with her, especially after what he went through losing his wife. Their connection felt extremely surface-level at best. Their relationship felt purely physical, nothing more, and the steam isn't particularly well-written. Unlike Cassandra, Christian is actually a wonderful character. He's caring, attentive, loves his kids, and can be a little grumpy, but nothing to indicate that he's a total chauvinistic slime. He grew his hair out so he could practice hairstyles for his girls. THAT made me swoon. He deserved SO MUCH MORE than creepy ol' Cassandra. This is the sort of book that goes viral online and then doesn't live up to its expectations. I am bummed about this one. There are other, much better cowboy novels out there to read (Lyla Sage, Zea Kayleigh Galan, Elsie Silver, Paisley Hope, Bailey Hannah, Victoria Wilder, etc).

Thank you to NetGalley, Maggie Gates, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Come for the grumpy single dad cowboy, stay for the razor-sharp banter and the city-girl-on-a-cattle-ranch chaos. Dust Storm kicks off the Griffith Brothers series with all the slow-burn tension, small-town charm, and stubborn personalities you crave in a cowboy romance. Maggie Gates delivers whip-smart dialogue, surprising tenderness, and a heroine who can handle a dust storm—and kick up one of her own. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and small-town romance with grit and heat. Saddle up. This one’s a keeper.

Give me all the cowboy romances!!

But give me chemistry I actually like between characters. I felt like our two main characters had the chemistry of water and oil to be honest. In fairness to Christian, I think I just disliked Cass (which kudos to the author, you made me actively hate her for the majority of the book!) which made the reading experience fine but not the great cowboy romance feel I was hoping to get.

Christian was cool though, I liked him and his girls, and the premise was actually really well done so there's that!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Pro- the cover, small town, single widower dad Christian.
Cons - I'm a girls girl and Cass was just not. I love a black cat fmc but she was so unnecessarily mean. Sorry!

okay this is very much not the book for me… i draw a very hard line at being mean to kids. i am all for grumpy/bitchy/black cat FMCs but cassandra is a whole new level of awful i have never read before.

im pretty disappointed as this is my first book of maggie’s and i was super thrilled to finally be giving her a try but i just cannot force myself to sit through an FMC THIS mean to everyone and i simply cant find it believable that any man (especially a cowboy) would fall for someone who is disrespectful to him and his family.

ill most likely give other books of hers a try in the future because i believe you should give authors a few tries before completely counting them out but i am just completely baffled by this one.

i love maggie gates' other books, and this is my least favorite in the series i think. the FMC was so unlikeable, i couldn't root for her!!!

“Kings, tyrants, and gods couldn’t resist you, darling. How could I?”

Dust Storm is everything I want in my cowboy romances! Give me strong fmc paired with a stoic, single girl-dad cowboy any day! Cass is the perfect amount of sharp, skeptical, and scrupulous with hidden layers of softness that make her irresistible. Christian is the attentive, reliable, loving straight-shooter that’s perfect for her. Don’t let the “nice guy” qualities fool you, though, because the man knows how to take control. 🥵 The heat is delicious, and the heart is abundant. I adore the Griffiths!
—

this and that:
♡ black cat x golden retriever
♡ boss women
♡ cowboy x city girl
♡ dual pov
♡ girl dad
♡ he braids hair
♡ open door spice
♡ opposites attract
♡ pet cows
♡ ranch life
♡ single parent
♡ whiskey and ice cream

triggers:
☞ bullying
☞ death of a loved one (spouse x parent)
☞ infidelity (not MCs)
☞ paralyzation (not MCs)

Is anyone surprised, but we are back again with another cowboy romance. What can I say I love them. To say I was excited for this was an understatement. Dust Storm by Maggie Gates has been on my radar for a while thanks to TikTok. Big thank you to Berkley for providing me an arc to read and review for its re-published debut.

I’m here to tell you folks the internet did not disappoint. I loved this book, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. But before I tackle that enjoy my review of Dust Storm:


4 ⭐️ which at first was a shock to me. Because when I first started this I didn’t think this would go higher than a 3. The reasoning for that falls with our MFC Cass. Cass in the nicest way possible is a witch. She’s cold, emotionless and at times extremely unlikable. There were several points where I was wondering would she ever turn it around. Just have patience folks cause she does and her growth and development is worth every struggle in the beginning.

Meanwhile, our MMC Christian was perfection from beginning to end. He is patient, kind and loyal. He’s also not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Watching him take care of family, the ranch and his slow burn relationship with Cass was beautiful. Overall, If you are looking for a swoon worthy single dad cowboy then Christian is your guy.

Overall, this book was a journey. At times not an easy one, but I promise it’s worth the ride. Maggie Gates has a new fan for life and I can’t wait to read Rays story next. Again thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for prime an arc to read and review.

I really wanted to love this book, but still there was something that didn’t click for me. It was enjoyable and a nice read, however I couldn’t actually connect with the main characters for most of the story. It was like there wasn’t enough depth at some points that ended up making the story quite shallow when it could have been much more. Considering the synopsis, I thought it had everything to be a big hit, but it didn’t deliver as I expected.

The main characters were somewhat entertaining and their dynamics were fun. However, there was still something else missing that I couldn’t quite out my finger on it. There were moments that I felt like time passed too fast and others it was too slow. It didn’t have a proper rhythm to the pace of the story and the developments between the characters, so it kind of felt scrambled and confusing in some parts.

It wasn’t my first read by Maggie Gates and I know I actually adored the previous read I had from her. So, this wasn’t a complete miss for me, but I still felt like it could have been better. I will most likely give her another shot, because I know she can be a good author. And besides, this book ended on a somewhat cliffhanger for one of the side characters and I’m very curious about his story. It might not be the best, but I’m still looking forward to the next installments in this series.

infinite stars- i have never laughed so much reading a romance book and this was just the best time ever

Elisie Silver girlies are going to freak out then they get ahold of this one! Love, Love, Loved this streamy cowboy romance.

This book was hot yall!! We have cowboys. We have single dads of girls. We have a tough as nails FMC city girl coming in like a tornado. These two were like gasoline and fire at the beginning. Cass had so much fight in her. She was borderline rude to Christian and his girls. But once we learned a little more about what Cass was going through I understood her behavior a LITTLE more. Christian on the other hand was drawn to her from the jump. He liked her fire. He liked that she got under his skin. He tried to convince himself he didn't have time for anything with her but when they connected OMG it was so hot. The chemistry and slow burn between them was GREAT! I liked watching all of Cass's armor come off and how she started being their for the girls. How she started being their for Christian. How she was able to picture her life here and realize her worth. She deserved to be worshipped- and Christian was happy to do it.

Cassandra can't believe that this is what her life has come to. She has been dropped off at a cattle ranch by her fiance who can't seem to want to get rid of her fast enough. She knows NO ONE and refuses to adjust her style to this place. Somehow she ends up rooming with her host- Christian- who is so hot it is infuriating. Everything about him irks her. She is ready to battle him at every chance she gets because that is what she is used to. She is used to defending herself and standing up for herself. She is a lawyer for crying out loud. But then she realizes that Christian is trying to get to know her. The things he is doing for her have no strings. He wants her to be a part of his life. What that looks like in the long run neither of them know. Cass has never felt drawn to be a mom or maternal but finds herself warming up to his girls and their charm. She finds herself defending them when they need it. She finds herself willing to do anything to make these girls and this man smile. So when tragedy strikes, Cass doesn't hesitate. She does what she can. She helps. She stays. She realizes she is actually her to stay. This is her life now and she likes that she can still wear her stilettos to the office.

Christian doesn't have time for distractions. He doesn't have time period. He is the sole provider for his two girls. He has people who help him while he is running the ranch. But that is it. No time for women. But then Cassandra comes into his life. And he can't stop thinking about her. This city girl with an attitude so long you can't see where it ends. She's got tough nails and sassy mouth. And he wants to wipe it off and distract her with something. But he doesn't do casual. He finds himself liking her spirit and her work ethic and her looks and everything. He can't fight this attraction anymore but he needs to know that she is in it for longer than a quickie. When things happen it is unlike anything he has experienced. She makes him FEEL. And they are slowly getting into a routine. She is starting to open up and man is it not the most beautiful thing to witness. What he has realized is that Cass protects who and what she loves. And him and his daughters are getting a lot of protection from her. When tragedy strikes unexpectedly- Christian doesn't even have to ask- she is there for him. She takes care of him and the girls. She becomes everything to him. He just has to make sure she stays because he can't picture a life without her.

This was a wonderful intro to a new world and new characters. I liked the loathe to lovers situation here. I liked watching these two people fight it and then of course that moment when they can't anymore. As much as I hated the tragedy- I am intrigued by how that is all going to transpire in book 2. I would definitely recommend this one for some cowboy/city girl fun!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)

5⭐️ this is definitely one of my new favorite cowboy romance books!!

I’ve honestly had this book on my radar for a while and I’m so mad at myself for not reading it sooner. We follow our fmc Cassandra who is a publicist in New York. She ends up being sent to work at a caddle ranch after a a very public issue with one of clients. She ends up working on the mmcs ranch. Christian is a single dad two girls and now Cassandra’s boss.

The characters in this book were everything!! I loved Cassandra, she starts off a little cold but seeing her open up and melt around Christian and his kids was everything! Christian and his dad bod!! I would just like to appreciate that we finally have a cowboy romance where the mmc is not ripped lol. He is such an amazing dad and so caring towards Cass. He literally grew out his hair to learn to do his daughters 😭

Absolutely obsessed with this book and immediately jumping into the next one!

🐮 cowboy romance
🐮 single dad
🐮 workplace romance
🐮 forced proximity
🐮 dad bod appreciation
🐮 spicy

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkey publishing for the e-arc!

2 very disappointed stars.

I genuinely have never hated a fmc more in my life. why was she so mean TO THE KIDS? and well everyone?
im surprised she didn’t full on fist fight a child for looking at her.
i got so much ick from this. cass was just so unlikable. she was the main character but felt like she should have been one of those horrible side characters everyone loves to hate.

i loved the mmc, he was a sweetheart.. like hello?? growing his hair out so he could learn how to do all the hairstyles his 2 young daughters wanted because their mom passed away?? 😭😭😭
thats simply the only reason this book is gettinf 2 stars from me.


i will be reading book 2 eventually as that was the one i was most excited for.. but damn. this was not it.

4 ⭐️

This series from Maggie Gates is one I’ve heard about for years and it definitely lives up to the hype! The first book in the Griffith brother series really sets the bar high- Cassandra and Christian were perfect main characters and their chemistry was goooooood.

Cassandra is fleeing from a work disaster when she is exiled to the Griffith Brother ranch in Texas to work some magic for the ranch. She’s driven and such a girl boss but is cold as hell. Christian is a widower raising his two girls while trying to run his family ranch and keep everything together. While these two seem like an unlikely pair, the more time they spend together, the more they realize their attraction to each other. I felt they complimented each other perfectly. Christian really was such a softie and he brought out the softer side in Cass.

This book is perfect for cowboy romance lovers or honestly anyone who loves a good romance, funny characters, and interconnected stories (to come)!

Thanks NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC!

Dust Storm is the first book in The Griffith Brothers series written by Maggie Gates.

Title originally published in 2024, being re-released in October 2025 with a new cover and extended epilogue.

What to expect:
*Single dad
*Small town ranch life
*City girl x Country boy

I was worried about reading this book after reading some of the reviews. However, I LOVED IT!!

Not everyone wants to give birth to a child and the FMC proved that it is possible to fall in love, be a stepmom, and live a very productive, and happy life, without ever giving birth to a child of your own. Add in a MMC that has a dad bod, and loves to fix his daughter’s hair, perfection!!

No OW/OM drama, no third act breakup, guaranteed HEA. The extended epilogue made me cry so hard, but it was so sweet!! Absolutely fantastic book!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Christian (MMC) & Cassandra (FMC)

This book was pure sunshine and sass with just enough heat to make me blush. The tension is ridiculous. And the slow-burn romance is the kind that makes your chest ache in the best way. The writing sparkles with personality. It’s heartfelt and funny and full of those little emotional punches that sneak up on you. I loved the family dynamics, the small-town texture, and the way the story never rushed the romance. It let it breathe, even in all the mess. I didn’t expect to get so wrapped up in this, but it grabbed me from the first page. And now I want every Griffith brother’s story, immediately.

Honestly and truly I am feral for a cowboy romance. Maggie Gates definitely delivered. This was my first of her books and I was hooked!! The banter between Cassandra & Christian was addictive and watching Cassandra thaw Christian’s stoic demeanour was so satisfying. If there’s anything I love more than cowboy romance- it’s SINGLE DAD cowboy romance. There’s something about the tenderness shown from the gruff cowboy towards his kids that absolutely kills me. The forced proximity, the slow burn, the opposites attract all made for a seriously good time! Can’t wait to finish the rest of this series :)

I saw "Cowboy Single Dad Small Town" and immediately knew I needed to read it 🫡

I read this book so fast, could not put it down. And I'm a sucker for 'he falls first' stories. And the spice? *chefs kiss* *fans myself thinking back on it*
Cassandra - the FMC
Christian - the MMC

Cassandra is the kind who takes NO prisoners, she's definitely someone you.... eventually warm up to but I think her really ruffling the readers' feathers just shows how good the writing is.
She's a classic "city girl" who slowly warms up to the small town, Christian, and his daughters.

Ohhhhh Christian, the man you are - *swoons*, I mean he's a girl dad with the biggest heart and his daughters are HIL-ARIOUS they added so much to the story.
Absolutely loved!

-Opposites Attract
-Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Single Dad/Cowboy
-Found Family
-Small Town

Single dad and small town cowboy romance?? My all time favorite I must say.
This is my first Maggie Gates book and let me just say I absolutely loved every minute of it. The flow is perfect and grabs you till the end!
Cassandra is definitely a grow to like her type of person she annoyed the living daylights out of me in the beginning but then as she slowly started to open up and let her feelings show it became pretty clear the type of person she is and why she has such a hard exterior. Also he ex fiancée is a piece of hot garbage and glad he is gone!
Then we have Christian who is a single dad that was widowed and has two girls who are the sweetest and most adorable. He invites cass to live with him and with time they start to develop a lot of chemistry and feelings for each other.
I loved how patient Christian was with cass and how open she became after realizing how safe and trusting she was of Christian. And I have to say the relationship between cass and the girls melted my heart. I love how she learned to become a kid person and helped them gain their own confidence as well.
I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!