I was hooked at dragons, but had never really read a western. The author did a great job using vocabulary and scenic descriptions to transport the reader into the wild west, but with cattle that set everything on fire and cowboys who ride dragons! I read this book in two days and could not set it down. I would call it a cozy fantasy- just enough tension to keep the story moving but slow enough to get to sit down with the family and enjoy a Griffin steak and some grello! give this book a try, you will not be dissapointed! I hope we will get to meet up with this family again in the future and hear more about their story!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge by Juliette Caruso is an almost perfect cozy romantasy. The setting remind me a little bit of the wacky world of Meg Bannon’s The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Dawn Ridge is home to spontaneously combusting armored cows, sexy dragon riding cowherds, and a cast of characters that really feel like family. The premise is that Cassia, a professional chef left for dead in the wilderness, is rescued by Aevrin, who’s basically a walking green flag in leather. He gives her space to heal, flirts respectfully (if a little too naively), and lets her set the pace

This book is not trying to be epic fantasy or political intrigue or even particularly high-stakes adventure. Instead, it offers a warm, gently magical romance with big feelings, fire-breathing livestock, and the kind of found family dynamics that make you feel like you’ve been invited to dinner at the cozy ranch house down the way. The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge is the fantasy equivalent of sipping spiked cider by a crackling fire while a very hot man in flannel chops wood outside. (Except, in this case, the man is probably wearing leather and also riding a dragon.)

Things I loved: Aevrin. Good lord, cinnamon rolls wish they were as gooey inside as this dragon rancher. He is an absolute sweetheart without being boring. I also love the setting, one part fairyland, one part frontier, one part Wild West, it was so unique and unusual. I can confidently say I have never read a book like this before. And of course, the romance, which was so tender and warmhearted.

Things I didn’t: Well, the romance. Not all of it though! But it did seem a tad too insta-lovey for something marketed as a slow burn, and I hate insta-love. Also, Cassia’s whole insecurity ish. I’m all for characters with emotional baggage, but the whole “I have to push him away for his own good” trope is not my favorite, especially when it is so nonsensical, and especially especially when it’s paired with characters who otherwise seem very capable of communication. Cassia was too hot and cold for me to truly enjoy, which was the only low point in an otherwise wonderful read. I also feel like the description of Aevrin and a grumpy rancher was oversold. Shy and awkward and maybe a little gruff, sure. But not grumpy or grouchy or anything of the like, which was a shame because I love me a grump.

I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5, because this books is truly a cozy romantasy gem. It’s not going to blow your mind with plot twists or reinvent the romantasy genre, but that’s not its goal. This is the kind of fantasy you curl up with when you want heart over high stakes. If you’re looking for gritty adventure, look elsewhere. But if you want gentle magic, soft romance, and a cowboy who rides dragons? You’ve come to the right ranch.

Perfect for fans of: Found family, slow burns, dragons cozy fantasy, magical homesteading, Meg Banner, dragon-riding himbos, and cinnamon rolls in chaps.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story was cosy, it had dragons, and it was so sweet it’d rot your teeth!

I think it was a little too sweet for me, he was so besotted with her from the off… she’s it for him but he barely knows a single thing about her. And she’s so reserved with him that it even had me wondering whether she actually felt as strongly as he did never mind him!

It all just falls into place at the end as it does with these kind of stories, I don’t want to spoil anything though. So if you’re here for cosy predictability, very low stakes then this is the book for you. It’s a good pallet cleanser I’d say.

🐉 The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge by Juliet Caruso — Review

Genre: Fantasy Romance / Small-Town Cowboy (with Dragons!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)

Imagine a small-town cowboy romance… now add dragons. Yep, that’s the vibe of The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge—a sweet, slightly magical romance set on a dragon ranch (because normal cows are clearly passé).

Cassia, the heroine, is discovered gravely ill near Aevrin’s family ranch. She’s obviously hiding a dangerous secret, but Aevrin and his wonderfully warm, dragon-wrangling family take her in. She repays them the best way she knows how—through her cooking—and gradually becomes part of the family. This is very much a found family story, with Cassia slowly healing from a painful, isolated past thanks to the kindness (and dragons) around her.


Cassia and Aevrin’s chemistry is soft and endearing—definitely more of a slow simmer than a fiery inferno, but I liked that about it. Their connection feels genuine, and the domestic moments—especially in the kitchen and around the ranch—were lovely to read. And there's a little spice thrown in.

That said, I found the final third of the book didn’t hold me as tightly. Oddly enough, it’s when the plot picks up—secrets revealed, danger unfurls—but the romantic tension had already been mostly resolved, so the momentum fizzled a little for me.

Still, this was an imaginative and heartfelt read. The premise is charming, the dragons are a fun twist, and the emotional beats (especially around healing and trust) land nicely. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

For me, this is the epitome of a cozy romance. Adorable main couple? Check. Boisterous family that doesn’t steal the show, but instead supports the main couple? Check. A strong sense of place and time combined with good world building? Check. A plot that allows the main characters to talk, flirt, have emotions and fall in love? Check.

But it also has the things that make any story good. Logical plot progression, a world that feels real and solid under the character’s feet. A sense of whimsy and joy — basilisk eggs in the morning, cowboys who ride dragons instead of horses and use crossbows instead of guns; magical fruits and veggies as well as peas and carrots. A heroine with a good heart, skills and strengths, and even weaknesses that make her feel like a real person, and a love interest with a personality who may not have the finest manners or the biggest billfold, but is kind, considerate, moral and loving.

This is just an adorable, sweet book. If you like western themed romances (without slavery, the suffering of indigenous peoples, or colonization), fantasy romances, or just want a light and fluffy romance, this one is decidedly worth a read. And I have hopes there will be more in the future set in this wonderful world.

Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the Publisher for the ARC.

You know I love a good cowboy romance, but the mix with fantasy worked SO well. Dragons instead of horses? That was already enough for me to start reading. I liked the cozy feeling of the ranch, and how everything felt a bit slower and peaceful compared to usual fantasy books. Still, it had magic, danger, and a romance that kept things interesting. Cassia and Aevrin were both sweet and kind to each other, and I enjoyed watching how their bond grew with time. It was slow, but not boring. The family of Aevrin was really one of the best parts. They brought humor and warm feelings, and made Cassia feel part of something again. That found family part was really touching, and made the whole story feel more emotional and real. I wanted to know more about the magic and how everything worked. But overall, it still pulled me back in quickly. I would totally read more from this series, especially if it follows other members of the family. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

4.5 stars
this was such a fun read! it's like a cowboy version of romantasy and i just know that any more books in this world/setup are gonna be good. the world building was done well and i liked the characters

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

3.75 stars

Going into this book based on the blurb, I expected a bit more of the fantasy (considering it had dragons) but it was mainly a country romance based in a fantasy world - not that I'm complaining of course.

The story was quite fast paced, which I liked, and the characters were all pretty likeable as well as consistent in the writing. The plot was low stakes and I liked seeing the romance develop between Aevrin and Cassia, and also seeing Cassia gradually start trusting more. And of course, I will always love a found family trope.

Overall, quite an enjoyable read.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

3.5 stars.

This was an enjoyable, easy to read book, but it wasn't amazing. It's an interesting world, with dragon ranchers; the dragons are like horses or cattle dogs, not the animal being ranched which I really liked. It's a small town and an isolated ranch for the main settings, and a frontier Wild West-esque time setting. There are hints at the greater world but not enough to really have a proper picture of what the main character, Cassia, has come from. We get a lot of confusion and fish-out-of-water from her as she settles in at the Ranch in this far-flung frontier of the Empire. Thankfully this never really felt like a way to info dump the reader.
The characters were mostly pretty fun. For the most part Cassia was very consistently written. She slowly developed as she settled and grew more comfortable at the ranch. She has trauma and I'm glad this wasn't magically fixed just by finding the Riveker family. Each of the family members had a distinct personality, and it was easy to remember who was who (which is pretty important with a big cast).
My main issue was that it didn't delve into the development of the romance enough for me. It was VERY insta-love, with a lot of internal dialogue from both main characters about how attractive the other person is and how they shouldn't be thinking that (this got old pretty quick, but I was glad it was mutual). The sex scenes also felt like a bit much in this story. I actually think a more fade-to-black deal would have worked better.
The other half of my issue was, I believe, because the author was also trying to shoehorn in some drama. The drama was the reason for Cassia being left for dead and I won't spoil the details. But this book was trying to be a cosy fantasy, so the stakes weren't there, and for the drama to be properly effective, for me to care about it, it needed to have STAKES. I would have preferred if Caruso picked either the romance OR the drama. Pick one, develop it deeper, and chuck the other. This book would have been much improved without that particular drama.
The ending felt very rushed, and the climax of the drama felt disappointing (due to lack of stakes and how fast it started and was then over).
Overall, I liked the world, and I liked the characters. I would definitely read more books set in this world and about the family/ranch. I want more dragons.

The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge is a gentle, low-stakes romantasy that blends the charm of a frontier western with a soft layer of magic—and, of course, dragons. With its cozy atmosphere and likable leads, it’s a light read for those who enjoy a softer touch in their fantasy romance.

Cassia, a professional cook on the run, ends up at the ranch of Aevrin, a dragon-riding cowboy with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold. The worldbuilding is quietly satisfying—dragons are used in ranching due to the rocky terrain and fire resistance, and healing magic is worked into the story with thoughtful little touches. Despite this, the plot could easily have been lifted from a historical western romance.

The pacing is very slow, especially in the first half. There’s a lot of domestic detail—cooking, cleaning, and small-talk—which gives it a slice-of-life feel but leaves the story with little forward momentum. The chemistry between Cassia and Aevrin is slow-building (a first kiss around the halfway mark), and their emotional reserve makes the sudden shift to open-door intimacy shortly after feel a bit abrupt.

If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy-western with dragons, gentle pining, and a minimal-steam love story that blooms late, this may be just the thing. But readers wanting a stronger plot or more early romantic tension might find it a bit too subdued. 
It’s a warm, sweet dragon-western with likable characters and solid worldbuilding—but a little more spark and narrative drive would have taken it further.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect blend of romance for any reader who loves a cowboy/rancher romance and a fantasy romance with dragons and other mythical creatures.

Juliette has created something special by bringing these two genres together, and I'm so here for it!

There were times the characters wound me up - miscommunication frustrates me in real life and so it winds me up when I read it, I find myself wanted to reach into the book and giving both MCs a good shake on the shoulders - for Cassia I wanted to shout 'YOU CAN TRUST HIM, JUST TELL HIM WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!', and to Aevrin I wanted to shout 'GO FOR IT, SHE'S INTO YOU TOO AND YOU BEING ALOOF IS CONFUSING HER!' :D

The 'threat' of Cassia's history was wrapped up nicely and neatly, I was so relieved this didn't become something dark and sinister, it stayed in line with the cozy pace and prevented any real concern for Cassia suffering again.

Thank you so much for the ARC, I enjoyed this ride and can't wait to find my bonded dragon and travel to Dawn Ridge! XD

*****Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge by Juliette Caruso in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely loved how simply and gently Aevrin and Cassia’s love story unfolded. The idea of ranch life centered around dragons instead of horses was brilliant. I just wish we had seen even more dragons! I also would have loved more scenes with Kazeic. I’m really hoping to read the stories of the other characters too. I’d love to return to Dawn Ridge.

If you're in the mood for a cowboy romance with a fantasy twist, this one is for you! It’s a delightful mix of cozy and adventurous, with a romance that’s as sweet as it is swoon-worthy. Cassia and Aevrin’s relationship had such a gentle, heartfelt dynamic (one that felt genuinely earned). Aevrin is the kind of MMC I can’t get enough of: patient, kind, and truly devoted. There’s a bit of spice, plenty of charm, and an interesting fantasy component!

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Juliette Caruso for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review!

A cozy cowboy romantasy book was something I didn’t realize I needed until reading this! The plot was plotting, the romance was romancing, and the sprinkles of spice were just right. We have sassy dragons, found family, and cowboys! Everything about this book was chefs kiss. It exceeded my expectations and I’ll be thinking about Dawn Ridge and the characters until further notice.

I see your cowboy romance and I’ll raise you a
COWBOY DRAGON RIDER ROMANCE 💖🤠 Loved loved loved!

Cassia is running from a past she wants to avoid and Averin is a cowherd on his family’s ranch who just wants to do the best for his family. When their paths cross suddenly and Cassia finds herself working for her stay on the ranch the two can hardly keep away from each other.

Throw together:
Cowboys
Dragons
Forced Proximity
Found Family
and you have the recipe for a really fun, short and sweet romance.

I loved the magic and world building in this book with it being placed in an early western setting. I enjoyed the concept of dragon bonding and would love to see that idea taken further (perhaps in future books?). There is so much potential and so many hints of an extended world to come. PLUS the Riveker Ranch has been set up similarly to other series in the genre with multiple siblings living and working on the ranch. Meaning there is totally an opportunity to expand the world with books featuring rest of the Riveker crew.

In all it was a fairly short, but fun read with just enough spice. And i will absolutely be keeping an eye for more to come in this series 🤞🏻

4.25 ⭐
What a cozy read! This is just what I needed to break up the more, slightly stressful, books I've been reading recently 😅 Why are there not more dragon-riding cowboy romances?! And these cows/bulls that are fire-breathing/heat generating for both fast carriage transport and extra dangerous bull riding scenarios?! Love it!

I loved that it had just the right amount of world-building so that it didn't feel like an epic fantasy but I could still feel the world in which the story took place. When I read the synopsis I thought the MMC was going to be grumpy, and the FMC sunshine, but honestly, he was such a cinnamon roll, which was PERFECT. Being shy doesn't make one grumpy. His dragon was grumpy though, in case you really wanted that vibe.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

TLDR; An incredibly fantastical, cozy western romance complete with mythical creatures, grumpy cowboys that ride dragons, and a damsel in distress. Perfect for readers looking for cozy slice of life romances!

This world is easily one of the most charming I’ve encountered in fantasy romance. Somehow melding magical realism with historical western romance, all I could think was how incredible this world would be in a video game! I love the setting so much!

As for the story, this is definitely cozy, with low stakes and external conflict. It was honestly such a fun slice of life, getting to know the characters in both cute and heartfelt moments. Both of the MCs are endearing and I loved their friends to lovers arc. Averin is a serious, slightly grumpy, super hunky cowherd that’s soft for only his gal and his dragon. Cassia is a sweetheart with secrets that uses caretaking and cooking to show she cares. Together they were adorably dorky!

The romance was equal parts cute, funny, and hot tension. I loved that Averin fell first and was so endearingly awkward about his feelings. The smut was well done: both caring and hot!

Definitely recommend this one to those that love unique takes on classic romance genres, cozy slice of life, and dragons!

Per the publisher’s request:
* You can find my reviews on: Instagram, my blog, Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Amazon
* IG review and blog to be posted 7/23/25, release day post to be posted 7/730/25, Amazon review on release day, review sites (Goodreads & StoryGraph) posted 7/15/25

Do you love cowboy romance but want it to be fantasy coded? In this book the cowboys ride dragons and look after Armor plated, fire breathing cattle.
I loved that fantasy was interwoven through this whole story which gave it that extra element.

This is a gorgeous cosy romance with found family at its heart. The love story between Aevrin and Cassia is sweet and beleive able and I hope there will be more books in this series

🐉💘 you had me at dragon-riding cowboy lol. The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge serves up the perfect blend of fantasy charm and western heat. Aevrin is the gruff, brooding cowboy of dreams who just happens to ride a dragon and Cassia? A stubborn, skilled cook on the run with secrets simmering under the surface. Their chemistry is cozy, spicy, and absolutely addictive. Between shared chores, rain-soaked tension, and dragon-fueled rescues, this book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed in a romantasy. Yeehaw and take my heart. 🐎🔥 comes out this month!!
#westernfantasy #romance #fantasy #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

I wasn’t too sure going into this what to expect, as I generally don’t have any interest in cowboys or Western-styled worlds, but the dragon element was just too tempting and I had to see what was going on! The dragons weren’t really in any way pivotal to this story, and could easily have been regular horses, but they made for fun flavouring (actually this is my feeling about the world as a whole; that’s a heck of a lot of worldbuilding to do for a few minor elements that barely affect the story. Perhaps there are more books planned that might make more use of the really interesting world??). The romance itself is the main focus and it’s super cute - a practical woman and a sweet himbo rancher who seem instantly made for each other. The characters definitely read younger than the book sets them at; Aevrin especially felt VERY young for his age, more like a sheltered 19 year old farmboy than the supposedly responsible 26 year old rancher he was supposed to be - this didn’t put me off but just wasn’t what I was expecting. The stakes are incredibly low - this is just a cute cosy time with an almost sugary-wholesome plot. I will say that the writing could really do with a polish (my copy editor fingers were twitching at all those uncapitalised “miss Cassia”s and that wasn’t all, but for a sweet little comfort read, this hit the spot.