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The Griffith Brothers #3
Fire Line
LENNON:
Rule number one: Committing crimes is not a group project.
Rule number two: Don’t start fights. Finish them.
Rule number three: Don’t try to hustle a hustler.
I should have walked away. I should have ignored that sweet-talking cowboy.
Good things don’t happen to people like me. Good people stay away from people like me.
But that cowboy wouldn’t leave me alone.
He should have known better. After all, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Carson James:
Rule number one: When you’re holding a grudge, don’t think about how attractive the object of your hatred is.
Rule number two: When you do think about how attractive she is, ignore it. It’ll go away. Probably.
Rule number three: When you’re stealing a car, it helps to have the keys.
That girl was trouble. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her bruised knuckles in the bar.
The last thing I expected was for her to show up on the ranch and bring that trouble to my front door.
I always liked playing with fire, but apparently, so did she. Only time will tell which one of us is going to get burned.
Fire Line is the final book in the Griffith Brothers series. Get ready for a romance jam-packed with lust, heat, and danger.
Rule number one: Committing crimes is not a group project.
Rule number two: Don’t start fights. Finish them.
Rule number three: Don’t try to hustle a hustler.
I should have walked away. I should have ignored that sweet-talking cowboy.
Good things don’t happen to people like me. Good people stay away from people like me.
But that cowboy wouldn’t leave me alone.
He should have known better. After all, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Carson James:
Rule number one: When you’re holding a grudge, don’t think about how attractive the object of your hatred is.
Rule number two: When you do think about how attractive she is, ignore it. It’ll go away. Probably.
Rule number three: When you’re stealing a car, it helps to have the keys.
That girl was trouble. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on her bruised knuckles in the bar.
The last thing I expected was for her to show up on the ranch and bring that trouble to my front door.
I always liked playing with fire, but apparently, so did she. Only time will tell which one of us is going to get burned.
Fire Line is the final book in the Griffith Brothers series. Get ready for a romance jam-packed with lust, heat, and danger.
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2024
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
17 books954 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
September 9, 2024
I don’t know how Maggie did it but each book in this series managed to be so perfect in its own unique way and I am sad it’s over but so glad it exists.
CJ and Lennon were the PERFECT end to this series and they gave everything I could have wanted and more.
They meet in a bar and have a brief, hallway hook-up thinking they’ll never see each other again except that Lennon is the new chef at his ranch’s restaurant and since he’s anti-the expansion of the ranch, any warm feelings for her he might have had that night fly out the window. When he finds out there’s a lot more to Lennon than he thinks though, and she’s put up a tough fight for a long time, he changes his tune and has a lot of making up to do.
Lennon is for the Winter Hamilton girlies!!! She was grumpy and sassy and hid her longing for a family and a place to belong behind an icy exterior and she was perfect!!!! She gave every man who stepped out of line exactly what they deserved and the banter and chemistry she had with CJ was everything.
The Griffith brothers are all exceptional fictional men and CJ SERVED ok. He was giving grumpy, banter, enemies to lovers tension in the beginning and then when he realized he was in the wrong, became the most thoughtful and reassuring man for her.
I love them and this story and this series so so much!!!
CJ and Lennon were the PERFECT end to this series and they gave everything I could have wanted and more.
They meet in a bar and have a brief, hallway hook-up thinking they’ll never see each other again except that Lennon is the new chef at his ranch’s restaurant and since he’s anti-the expansion of the ranch, any warm feelings for her he might have had that night fly out the window. When he finds out there’s a lot more to Lennon than he thinks though, and she’s put up a tough fight for a long time, he changes his tune and has a lot of making up to do.
Lennon is for the Winter Hamilton girlies!!! She was grumpy and sassy and hid her longing for a family and a place to belong behind an icy exterior and she was perfect!!!! She gave every man who stepped out of line exactly what they deserved and the banter and chemistry she had with CJ was everything.
The Griffith brothers are all exceptional fictional men and CJ SERVED ok. He was giving grumpy, banter, enemies to lovers tension in the beginning and then when he realized he was in the wrong, became the most thoughtful and reassuring man for her.
I love them and this story and this series so so much!!!
September 12, 2024
maggie gates i am your biggest fan. when i eventually get out of my awful review burnout i will come back to this
September 4, 2024
I love Maggie Gates.
And I love that the one thing she’s never gonna give you is a cookie cutter FMC.
Lennon, the Griffith brothers restaurants new chef, hustler and Disney villain haired wonder 🖤
CJ, the youngest brother, ranch-a-holic homebody, and possessive protective cowboy with a touch of a-hole in there 🤠
The enemies to lovers was 🔥 I love a good bickering banter.
Forced proximity
“I had nowhere else to go”
Grumpy/grumpy? 🤣
Tattoo coloring
Pool noodle cows
A little mystery plot
I love the Griffith ranch and family, and the cameos from other series, chefs kiss. 🧑🍳
“Pipe down slugger, ain’t nothing that serious”
“There is not a place you can hide on this ranch that I will not find you. Don’t even try to run from me.”
My one small issue is I cannot quite picture CJ physically so I need who y’all are casting as him.
And I love that the one thing she’s never gonna give you is a cookie cutter FMC.
Lennon, the Griffith brothers restaurants new chef, hustler and Disney villain haired wonder 🖤
CJ, the youngest brother, ranch-a-holic homebody, and possessive protective cowboy with a touch of a-hole in there 🤠
The enemies to lovers was 🔥 I love a good bickering banter.
Forced proximity
“I had nowhere else to go”
Grumpy/grumpy? 🤣
Tattoo coloring
Pool noodle cows
A little mystery plot
I love the Griffith ranch and family, and the cameos from other series, chefs kiss. 🧑🍳
“Pipe down slugger, ain’t nothing that serious”
“There is not a place you can hide on this ranch that I will not find you. Don’t even try to run from me.”
My one small issue is I cannot quite picture CJ physically so I need who y’all are casting as him.
September 6, 2024
MAGGIE GATES ATE WITH THIS BOOK
Lennon and CJ are SO FREAKING HOT
the enemies to lovers banter was top tier and I couldn’t stop giggling & kicking my feet over them
I also just love this world. All of the characters, the found family aspect, I feel like these people are real and I just love them with all of my heart
Maggie wrote such a beautiful series and she ended it on such a high note with Fire Line
CJ was so swoony and grumpy and hot…I love that man omg
Lennon was sassy and strong and complex and also hot…I am truly in love with both of them
The character development, this love story, the little romantic suspense aspect…it all made for a book that was IMPOSSIBLE to set down
I’m so sad to see this series end, I can’t recommend these books enough. This series is one of my top favorites of the year. Maggie SLAYED
Lennon and CJ are SO FREAKING HOT
the enemies to lovers banter was top tier and I couldn’t stop giggling & kicking my feet over them
I also just love this world. All of the characters, the found family aspect, I feel like these people are real and I just love them with all of my heart
Maggie wrote such a beautiful series and she ended it on such a high note with Fire Line
CJ was so swoony and grumpy and hot…I love that man omg
Lennon was sassy and strong and complex and also hot…I am truly in love with both of them
The character development, this love story, the little romantic suspense aspect…it all made for a book that was IMPOSSIBLE to set down
I’m so sad to see this series end, I can’t recommend these books enough. This series is one of my top favorites of the year. Maggie SLAYED
September 10, 2024
Book so bad, I had to check if I picked up the right copy or if it was a prank
September 9, 2024
I am actually really sad this series is over. Three books just wasn’t enough. I want more!
Maggie’s writing has a way of drawing you in. Her characters are real, authentic and I love how she is able to write this epic love story that entirely focuses on the main characters but also shines the light on the characters from the previous books. The Griffith family are SO special and there were so many raw and tender moments throughout this book that had me tearing up, and full noise sobbing.
CJ honestly was but of a mystery in the previous two books but I loved learning more about him. A cowboy who belonged to his land, he wasn’t a big fan of the changes going on around him. Despite this, he gave 110% - his loyalty to his family and his work ethic were admirable (though I did want to punch him in the first third of the book…👀)
Lennon was, ugh I just loved her so much. Her story was so intriguing and I just wanted to reach through and hug her. The girl with the zebra hair, she was strong, quick witted, a brilliant Chef with a sassy tongue. She was the most perfect match for CJ and I loved them together so much.
These two together were utter perfection. Their meet cute was so good, started off with a bang! After the small bump in the road, I loved how CJ was not afraid to show Lennon how he felt. He saw her. He saw her as capable, as someone to love. And in turn, she trusted him to give him her emotions and pain. They were opposites in some ways but truly two peas in a pod in others.
I dare say that this may be my favourite of the series. This book was absolutely wonderful and the Griffith family are so special. The bonus epilogue absolutely slayed me, I was NOT ready for that. Found family has been a prominent theme throughout this series and I love how each woman has found their place, alongside a Griffith man.
I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end but also very excited to see what Maggie comes up with next!
Thank you to Maggie and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read and review early. It was an absolute pleasure! ❤️
Maggie’s writing has a way of drawing you in. Her characters are real, authentic and I love how she is able to write this epic love story that entirely focuses on the main characters but also shines the light on the characters from the previous books. The Griffith family are SO special and there were so many raw and tender moments throughout this book that had me tearing up, and full noise sobbing.
CJ honestly was but of a mystery in the previous two books but I loved learning more about him. A cowboy who belonged to his land, he wasn’t a big fan of the changes going on around him. Despite this, he gave 110% - his loyalty to his family and his work ethic were admirable (though I did want to punch him in the first third of the book…👀)
Lennon was, ugh I just loved her so much. Her story was so intriguing and I just wanted to reach through and hug her. The girl with the zebra hair, she was strong, quick witted, a brilliant Chef with a sassy tongue. She was the most perfect match for CJ and I loved them together so much.
These two together were utter perfection. Their meet cute was so good, started off with a bang! After the small bump in the road, I loved how CJ was not afraid to show Lennon how he felt. He saw her. He saw her as capable, as someone to love. And in turn, she trusted him to give him her emotions and pain. They were opposites in some ways but truly two peas in a pod in others.
I dare say that this may be my favourite of the series. This book was absolutely wonderful and the Griffith family are so special. The bonus epilogue absolutely slayed me, I was NOT ready for that. Found family has been a prominent theme throughout this series and I love how each woman has found their place, alongside a Griffith man.
I’m so sad to see this series coming to an end but also very excited to see what Maggie comes up with next!
Thank you to Maggie and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read and review early. It was an absolute pleasure! ❤️
September 14, 2024
Holy Cow (no pun intended!) I am floored by this book. Maggie's ability to write incredibly unique and complex characters is displayed yet again in Fire Line.
It is incredibly hard to create a storyline for true "enemies to lovers" in contemporary romance, and yet Maggie has executed it to perfection. Lennon and CJ were not simply annoyed by one another or prone to bickering. There was true destain for one another through the first act of the book and it was everything I needed and more.
Lennon's character was so well executed. Maggie beautifully toed the line between her lack of trust and desire for love. Lennon demanded respect and fought for herself. I loved seeing her strength contrast with her softness as she began to open up to CJ and the Griffith family.
CJ was a five star cowboy boyfriend. The moment he realized his mistake in antagonizing Lennon he was all in on healing their relationship and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. Watching him go from hating the restaurant and everything it represented, discovering as a reader why it was so meaningful to him, and ultimately his appreciation for it was incredibly well plotted on Maggie's part.
In addition to a perfect enemies to lovers plot, the suspense aspect of this book was fantastic. The way Maggie diverted the reader to multiple suspects throughout the book was perfection. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire story.
I am so sad to be leaving the Griffith Brothers' series, however, this was the perfect ending to their family's story. Each book was so unique in its own way. Maggie has created a truly one of a kind series highlighting six incredibly strong and memorable leads. I cannot wait to see where we will be heading next in the Maggieverse!
It is incredibly hard to create a storyline for true "enemies to lovers" in contemporary romance, and yet Maggie has executed it to perfection. Lennon and CJ were not simply annoyed by one another or prone to bickering. There was true destain for one another through the first act of the book and it was everything I needed and more.
Lennon's character was so well executed. Maggie beautifully toed the line between her lack of trust and desire for love. Lennon demanded respect and fought for herself. I loved seeing her strength contrast with her softness as she began to open up to CJ and the Griffith family.
CJ was a five star cowboy boyfriend. The moment he realized his mistake in antagonizing Lennon he was all in on healing their relationship and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. Watching him go from hating the restaurant and everything it represented, discovering as a reader why it was so meaningful to him, and ultimately his appreciation for it was incredibly well plotted on Maggie's part.
In addition to a perfect enemies to lovers plot, the suspense aspect of this book was fantastic. The way Maggie diverted the reader to multiple suspects throughout the book was perfection. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire story.
I am so sad to be leaving the Griffith Brothers' series, however, this was the perfect ending to their family's story. Each book was so unique in its own way. Maggie has created a truly one of a kind series highlighting six incredibly strong and memorable leads. I cannot wait to see where we will be heading next in the Maggieverse!
September 16, 2024
4.5 starssss
i am so sad this series is over because i love all of these characters SO much.
i need the Griffith brothers (and their wives) injected into my veins.
thank you maggie <3
(i'll just go cry now)
i am so sad this series is over because i love all of these characters SO much.
i need the Griffith brothers (and their wives) injected into my veins.
thank you maggie <3
(i'll just go cry now)
September 8, 2024
MAGGIE DID NOT COME TO PLAY! 🔥 This was PHENOMENAL with a capital P! Like, I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book. This had top tier enemies to lovers banter & insane chemistry between the MCs! I was giggling & kicking my feet the entire time and I didn’t want it to end 😭
I didn’t think anyone could top Ray for me but CARSON JAMES, YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART ♥️ This grumpy, possessive & dirty talkin’ cowboy was absolutely swoon worthy. Watching him go from disliking Lennon to “touch her & you 💀” vibes really had me smiling at my kindle the entire time. He was completely gone for Lennon & I loved how he gave her space to be & learn to trust him and love him. Also the groveling this man had to do? Top tier 🤌🏼
Lennon was an absolute BOSS! She was so sassy & I loved it 🤭 she doesn’t take crap from anyone & she definitely knows how to fight her own battles. She was very hard at trusting people & didn’t allow herself to get attached to anyone but CJ slowly chipped away at her walls and showed her she was worthy of love & all good things. Her character arc was truly amazing 🫶🏻
I also loved the suspense/mystery element Maggie added to the story. The ranch & Griffith family have a special place in my heart & this series coming to an end is definitely bittersweet 🥲 If you love small town, cowboy romance or are looking to get into it & don’t know where to start, I 1000000% recommend adding this series to your TBR! ♥️
Thank you Maggie & team for the ARC! Forever grateful I got to meet the Griffith brothers ✨
Tropes:
- Small town
- Cowboy romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Romantic suspense
- Workplace romance
- One night stand
Final rating:
♾️/⭐️
2.5 🌶️
I didn’t think anyone could top Ray for me but CARSON JAMES, YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART ♥️ This grumpy, possessive & dirty talkin’ cowboy was absolutely swoon worthy. Watching him go from disliking Lennon to “touch her & you 💀” vibes really had me smiling at my kindle the entire time. He was completely gone for Lennon & I loved how he gave her space to be & learn to trust him and love him. Also the groveling this man had to do? Top tier 🤌🏼
Lennon was an absolute BOSS! She was so sassy & I loved it 🤭 she doesn’t take crap from anyone & she definitely knows how to fight her own battles. She was very hard at trusting people & didn’t allow herself to get attached to anyone but CJ slowly chipped away at her walls and showed her she was worthy of love & all good things. Her character arc was truly amazing 🫶🏻
I also loved the suspense/mystery element Maggie added to the story. The ranch & Griffith family have a special place in my heart & this series coming to an end is definitely bittersweet 🥲 If you love small town, cowboy romance or are looking to get into it & don’t know where to start, I 1000000% recommend adding this series to your TBR! ♥️
Thank you Maggie & team for the ARC! Forever grateful I got to meet the Griffith brothers ✨
Tropes:
- Small town
- Cowboy romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Romantic suspense
- Workplace romance
- One night stand
Final rating:
♾️/⭐️
2.5 🌶️
September 8, 2024
Oh I know a cowboy romance absolutely HATESSSS to see me coming and when I tell you the you should not be sleeping on the Griffith Brothers, you better start adding this to your tbr right now!!!
Fire Line is the third and final book in this series and let me tell you — Maggie Gates saved my favorite for last (and that’s saying something because Christian AND Ray from books 1 and 2 🥵).
Protective, grumpy, patient, a lil stubborn and a lot hot, CJ turns into a down bad lover(cow)boy for his girl.
Lennox is also stubborn and grumpy with a huge aversion to vulnerability while she’s searching for peace and a sense of belonging after a tumultuous teenage-early adulthood. She’s fiery, bold, throws punches and is unapologetically herself.
There’s bickering, bantering, and the most swoony groveling and tender moments. Coupled with a little romantic suspense mystery, I simply ate up every part of this book.
The extended epilogue made me very misty eyed and I am still emotionally recovering!!! I highly recommend this series, and while you don’t have to read them all in order, I def would. This family is the ultimate cozy, safe place and seeing their relationships bloom will give you all the feels.
✨Read if you love
- one night stand
- she’s a tattooed chef
- he’s a cowboy
- romantic suspense
- grumpy x grumpy
- found family + real family
- nicknames
- you’re mine vibes
- groveling
- caretaking
- brown eyes appreciation
- one bed
- a cranky horse
- a baby cow!
Thanks so much Maggie and Grey's Promos!
Fire Line is the third and final book in this series and let me tell you — Maggie Gates saved my favorite for last (and that’s saying something because Christian AND Ray from books 1 and 2 🥵).
Protective, grumpy, patient, a lil stubborn and a lot hot, CJ turns into a down bad lover(cow)boy for his girl.
Lennox is also stubborn and grumpy with a huge aversion to vulnerability while she’s searching for peace and a sense of belonging after a tumultuous teenage-early adulthood. She’s fiery, bold, throws punches and is unapologetically herself.
There’s bickering, bantering, and the most swoony groveling and tender moments. Coupled with a little romantic suspense mystery, I simply ate up every part of this book.
The extended epilogue made me very misty eyed and I am still emotionally recovering!!! I highly recommend this series, and while you don’t have to read them all in order, I def would. This family is the ultimate cozy, safe place and seeing their relationships bloom will give you all the feels.
✨Read if you love
- one night stand
- she’s a tattooed chef
- he’s a cowboy
- romantic suspense
- grumpy x grumpy
- found family + real family
- nicknames
- you’re mine vibes
- groveling
- caretaking
- brown eyes appreciation
- one bed
- a cranky horse
- a baby cow!
Thanks so much Maggie and Grey's Promos!
September 7, 2024
CJ is the grumpy rancher who is a massive homebody and just wants to be with his grumpy horse, Anarchy, and work the ranch.
Lennon is on the move constantly, trying to hide from her past. She's the new chef at the family restaurant on the ranch (the restaurant and lodge that CJ is really not happy about).
These two meet at a bar and have a steamy encounter before she rocks up at the ranch for her first day of work. And because CJ is a big old grump of a cowboy, he isn't happy to see her on his family ranch.
The bickering banter begins, and Lennon's past starts catching up with her. Now because CJ was a bit of an ass, he's got some grovelling to do to get back into her good books. And grovel he did 🤭 and when things start going wrong for Lennon, he's right there along side her to help her.
Seeing CJ fall in love and earn her trust was something else 🥹 Lennon refused to take sh*t from anyone and wasn't afraid to put CJ in his place. She fit in perfectly with all Griffith wives 😍
"𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕."
I love the Griffith ranch and family. The bonus epilogue was perfection and the best way to wrap up this series. If you love small town romance, I definitely recommend picking up this series.
Lennon is on the move constantly, trying to hide from her past. She's the new chef at the family restaurant on the ranch (the restaurant and lodge that CJ is really not happy about).
These two meet at a bar and have a steamy encounter before she rocks up at the ranch for her first day of work. And because CJ is a big old grump of a cowboy, he isn't happy to see her on his family ranch.
The bickering banter begins, and Lennon's past starts catching up with her. Now because CJ was a bit of an ass, he's got some grovelling to do to get back into her good books. And grovel he did 🤭 and when things start going wrong for Lennon, he's right there along side her to help her.
Seeing CJ fall in love and earn her trust was something else 🥹 Lennon refused to take sh*t from anyone and wasn't afraid to put CJ in his place. She fit in perfectly with all Griffith wives 😍
"𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕."
I love the Griffith ranch and family. The bonus epilogue was perfection and the best way to wrap up this series. If you love small town romance, I definitely recommend picking up this series.
September 4, 2024
I received this as an ARC and got to read it early and man am I excited for everyone else to have access to it. I found Maggie through Dust Storm, the first book of the Griffith Brother’s series, so this series ending is a little bittersweet to me. 😢
I love CJ, and I think he might be my favorite brother, sorry Christian. This development kind of took me by a surprise as I wasn’t sure what to expect from him after reading the other two books. I expected him to be my least favorite and for him to be a hard personality to digest. Let me tell you, for a moment I thought I was right about him, but boy is he great at groveling.
Lennon is such a spectacular blend and addition to the family. Right from the beginning I felt this sense of protectiveness over her and could not wait to see her personality develop.
Together they were magical and think this might have been Maggie’s best book of the series. I guess saving best for last is true in this case.
That bonus epilogue really got me choked up and I think it wrapped up the series in such a special way. I cannot wait to see what is next!
If you haven’t read the first two, here’s your chance before it comes out on September 9th.
I love CJ, and I think he might be my favorite brother, sorry Christian. This development kind of took me by a surprise as I wasn’t sure what to expect from him after reading the other two books. I expected him to be my least favorite and for him to be a hard personality to digest. Let me tell you, for a moment I thought I was right about him, but boy is he great at groveling.
Lennon is such a spectacular blend and addition to the family. Right from the beginning I felt this sense of protectiveness over her and could not wait to see her personality develop.
Together they were magical and think this might have been Maggie’s best book of the series. I guess saving best for last is true in this case.
That bonus epilogue really got me choked up and I think it wrapped up the series in such a special way. I cannot wait to see what is next!
If you haven’t read the first two, here’s your chance before it comes out on September 9th.
September 14, 2024
Not my favorite of the series, but I’m still gutted this is over 😭
September 5, 2024
I didn’t think anyone could beat Ray but holy moly I think CJ took the top spot! This was a perfect enemies to lovers and the turning point for CJ made him the BEST book boyfriend! Lennon is literally my spirit animal and I loved her so much!
I’m so sad to see this series end but it was an amazing ending with a great couple!
I’m so sad to see this series end but it was an amazing ending with a great couple!
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September 9, 2024GIVE IT TO ME NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
September 10, 2024
me myself and I have come to an unanimous decision that any cowboy written by miss Maggie Gates is a cowboy for me😮💨 I am so upset that this series has come to an end but man oh man did it ever end beautifully!!!
tropes:
- one night stand to enemies to lovers
- grumpy cowboy x grumpy chef
- she’s the outlaw
- he falls first and HARD
- steamy banter
- found family
- romantic suspense
CJ pulled me in (by the belt loop😏) right off the hop and I quite literally am obsessed with this man. he’s a cowboy, he’s a gentleman, but most importantly he’s a grump that’s a huge softie for her. the chemistry he and Lennon have is off the charts (10/10 sexy banter and using his cowboy hat to give them some privacy🥵) but his unconditional love for her was honestly the hottest thing to me. this man easily spoke all five love languages but when he knew that Len needed words of affirmation the most, HE SPOKE FROM THE HEART. the way that he also gave her the smallest of gestures to gain her trust and show his appreciation for her had me melting into a puddle. and don’t even get me started on how he decided to stake his claim for her on the ranch….. LIKE SO HOT I CANNOT EVEN HANDLE IT. and i know there’s a lot of grumpy cowboys out there…. but are there any that will grovel as much as Carson James does???? the answer is no. the fact that this grump insisted on picking her wildflowers day after day and putting them in her hair or leaving her bouquets that he found during his work days at the ranch SENT ME SPIRALLING. Lennon is one lucky lady. but she deserves someone like CJ to make her feel the love that she never had.
Lennon’s character growth throughout the story was so beautiful to see. she’s such a baddie who was dealt a sh*tty hand with her upbringing and traumatic past. sooooo getting to witness the Griffith family take her in with open warms as her walls came crashing down was HELLA emotional for me!!! Momma Griffith once again made me sob like a baby and the way that Maggie weaved in the entire family and all of their hilarious personalities into this final book of the series was done so perfectly well. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more. this is BY FAR one of my all-time favourite cowboy romance series and I cannot wait to reread and visit the ranch again someday in the near future🫶🏻
a special thank you to Maggie Gates and the team at Grey’s Promo for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. i am so so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read all 3 books in this incredible series🥲
theme song: cowboy like me - taylor swift (forever is the sweetest con😭😭😭)
fave quote(s): i simply could not choose less than four lol
“My God, she was beautiful when she was pissed. Then again, I didn’t think she was mad, just scared. She had a habit of reacting to things that scared her by lashing out. But that didn’t scare me in the slightest. She felt safe enough with me to react however she needed to.”
“Wear flowers on your sleeve rather than your heart. You’ve bled enough, darling. Let yourself bloom.”
“I’ll plant you a million wildflowers, so you never open your eyes without seeing your beauty reflected back to you.”
“You deserve every good thing this life has to offer. Bad things happen to good people, but the difference is that good people will have goodness ahead. You, Lennon Maddox, are good. And you’re mine.”
tropes:
- one night stand to enemies to lovers
- grumpy cowboy x grumpy chef
- she’s the outlaw
- he falls first and HARD
- steamy banter
- found family
- romantic suspense
CJ pulled me in (by the belt loop😏) right off the hop and I quite literally am obsessed with this man. he’s a cowboy, he’s a gentleman, but most importantly he’s a grump that’s a huge softie for her. the chemistry he and Lennon have is off the charts (10/10 sexy banter and using his cowboy hat to give them some privacy🥵) but his unconditional love for her was honestly the hottest thing to me. this man easily spoke all five love languages but when he knew that Len needed words of affirmation the most, HE SPOKE FROM THE HEART. the way that he also gave her the smallest of gestures to gain her trust and show his appreciation for her had me melting into a puddle. and don’t even get me started on how he decided to stake his claim for her on the ranch….. LIKE SO HOT I CANNOT EVEN HANDLE IT. and i know there’s a lot of grumpy cowboys out there…. but are there any that will grovel as much as Carson James does???? the answer is no. the fact that this grump insisted on picking her wildflowers day after day and putting them in her hair or leaving her bouquets that he found during his work days at the ranch SENT ME SPIRALLING. Lennon is one lucky lady. but she deserves someone like CJ to make her feel the love that she never had.
Lennon’s character growth throughout the story was so beautiful to see. she’s such a baddie who was dealt a sh*tty hand with her upbringing and traumatic past. sooooo getting to witness the Griffith family take her in with open warms as her walls came crashing down was HELLA emotional for me!!! Momma Griffith once again made me sob like a baby and the way that Maggie weaved in the entire family and all of their hilarious personalities into this final book of the series was done so perfectly well. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more. this is BY FAR one of my all-time favourite cowboy romance series and I cannot wait to reread and visit the ranch again someday in the near future🫶🏻
a special thank you to Maggie Gates and the team at Grey’s Promo for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. i am so so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read all 3 books in this incredible series🥲
theme song: cowboy like me - taylor swift (forever is the sweetest con😭😭😭)
fave quote(s): i simply could not choose less than four lol
“My God, she was beautiful when she was pissed. Then again, I didn’t think she was mad, just scared. She had a habit of reacting to things that scared her by lashing out. But that didn’t scare me in the slightest. She felt safe enough with me to react however she needed to.”
“Wear flowers on your sleeve rather than your heart. You’ve bled enough, darling. Let yourself bloom.”
“I’ll plant you a million wildflowers, so you never open your eyes without seeing your beauty reflected back to you.”
“You deserve every good thing this life has to offer. Bad things happen to good people, but the difference is that good people will have goodness ahead. You, Lennon Maddox, are good. And you’re mine.”
September 14, 2024
Carson James Griffith….
Oh how in love with you I am🥹
I cannot believe it’s over… like pls can I just get an epilogue book with the whole family just being freaking adorable 🥲
The dynamic between Carson and Lennon was just an inferno, the bickering, the come backs? GOLD⭐️Lennon is THAT girl.
but CJ pissed me off and then made me fall MADLY inlove with him and his stupid words and stupid flowers and stupid gentleman ways. UGH 🙄💕
Also the girls>>> I love their relationships with one another and the relationships they have with their brothers in laws🩷 The Griffith men are infact the best set of men I have ever read about, their parents deserve an award 🥇 (aka maggie)
Overall the suspense within the story, the slow hatred to love burn was everything I needed and more. I can
confidently say this was the best book on the series hands down!
I miss them soo much already and can’t wait to see even the slightest snippets of them in any of the future books ☺️
Oh how in love with you I am🥹
I cannot believe it’s over… like pls can I just get an epilogue book with the whole family just being freaking adorable 🥲
The dynamic between Carson and Lennon was just an inferno, the bickering, the come backs? GOLD⭐️Lennon is THAT girl.
but CJ pissed me off and then made me fall MADLY inlove with him and his stupid words and stupid flowers and stupid gentleman ways. UGH 🙄💕
Also the girls>>> I love their relationships with one another and the relationships they have with their brothers in laws🩷 The Griffith men are infact the best set of men I have ever read about, their parents deserve an award 🥇 (aka maggie)
Overall the suspense within the story, the slow hatred to love burn was everything I needed and more. I can
confidently say this was the best book on the series hands down!
I miss them soo much already and can’t wait to see even the slightest snippets of them in any of the future books ☺️
September 7, 2024
Maggie Gates is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
I was so excited for Fire Line, and it did not disappoint! I’ve loved this series and every character, but Lennon and CJ and their storyline have to be my favorite.
This book will have you hooked from the very beginning, and you will never want to put it down. Everyone loves a good enemies to lovers and a little bit of suspense thrown in.
Lennon has been on the run and never wanted to settle down, especially at a ranch. CJ is a grumpy homebody that hates people on his ranch that aren’t family and work hands. The bickering between these two was fantastic. And they love they have for each other by then end is even better.
Thank you so much, Maggie Gates for this ARC! Fire Line comes out soon!
I was so excited for Fire Line, and it did not disappoint! I’ve loved this series and every character, but Lennon and CJ and their storyline have to be my favorite.
This book will have you hooked from the very beginning, and you will never want to put it down. Everyone loves a good enemies to lovers and a little bit of suspense thrown in.
Lennon has been on the run and never wanted to settle down, especially at a ranch. CJ is a grumpy homebody that hates people on his ranch that aren’t family and work hands. The bickering between these two was fantastic. And they love they have for each other by then end is even better.
Thank you so much, Maggie Gates for this ARC! Fire Line comes out soon!
September 11, 2024
INCREDIBLE. AMAZING. HIT AFTER FREAKING HIT. I loved every single moment of this book and every single character. This series as a whole has been incredible. Favourite cowboys FOR SUREEEE
September 13, 2024
boo tomato
September 15, 2024
Maggie Gates got a new fan of her book this summer.
Man she can write cowboy romance like no other
Man she can write cowboy romance like no other
September 9, 2024
Early arc review coming! So freaking good! Lennon & CJ🥹
“What’s that saying? Can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen?”
“You set foot in my kitchen, and you’ll be on the menu. I’m good with knives, cowboy.”
I loved this book. I loved that it felt like actual enemies to lovers. The growth these two go through😭CJ knows how to grovel & knows how to show the love that Lennon needed. He falls first. He falls hard. He falls BIG time. And he loves the same way. Lennon learning to trust CJ was so beautiful to read. She’s also such a badass. I love her so much.
This was bittersweet since it’s the end of this amazing series, & at the same time, it beautifully ties up all the stories.
I’ve loved all Maggie’s book & devour them. This was no different.
“What’s that saying? Can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen?”
“You set foot in my kitchen, and you’ll be on the menu. I’m good with knives, cowboy.”
I loved this book. I loved that it felt like actual enemies to lovers. The growth these two go through😭CJ knows how to grovel & knows how to show the love that Lennon needed. He falls first. He falls hard. He falls BIG time. And he loves the same way. Lennon learning to trust CJ was so beautiful to read. She’s also such a badass. I love her so much.
This was bittersweet since it’s the end of this amazing series, & at the same time, it beautifully ties up all the stories.
I’ve loved all Maggie’s book & devour them. This was no different.
September 10, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This might be one of my favorite found family situations I’ve ever read! Len deserves every amazing and good thing in her life!
This story was such a rollercoaster and Maggie KNOWS how to write emotion! This book had so much angst, I was mad at everyone 😂
Len didn’t know what her drug-dealing brother had planned when she got into the car to drive too young and how it would follow her for the rest of her life.
Meeting people along the way she never felt she deserved, and some she absolutely couldn’t stand, helped her when things finally caught up to her.
Lennon is such a strong and 3 dimensional and forceful FMC. I absolutely loooooved her story and the goodness she receives even though she feels angry and unworthy, pushing away all potential good.
CJ might possibly be the grumpiest MMC I’ve ever read about. But he’s loyal, fierce, protective, strong, and has a mouth!
I’m so thankful to have received this ARC from Maggie in exchange for an honest review!
Absolutely recommend!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This might be one of my favorite found family situations I’ve ever read! Len deserves every amazing and good thing in her life!
This story was such a rollercoaster and Maggie KNOWS how to write emotion! This book had so much angst, I was mad at everyone 😂
Len didn’t know what her drug-dealing brother had planned when she got into the car to drive too young and how it would follow her for the rest of her life.
Meeting people along the way she never felt she deserved, and some she absolutely couldn’t stand, helped her when things finally caught up to her.
Lennon is such a strong and 3 dimensional and forceful FMC. I absolutely loooooved her story and the goodness she receives even though she feels angry and unworthy, pushing away all potential good.
CJ might possibly be the grumpiest MMC I’ve ever read about. But he’s loyal, fierce, protective, strong, and has a mouth!
I’m so thankful to have received this ARC from Maggie in exchange for an honest review!
Absolutely recommend!
September 9, 2024
CARSON JAMES. I could quite literally leave the review there and it should be enough reason for you to read this book. But also this book as a whole is unreal. I don’t know how Maggie’s brain works but it’s magic. The way she can connect all her books and keep timelines and have characters from other books mixed in just BLOWS my mind.
Maggie is also just a queen of bringing the title into the book and making it meaningful. Her titles actually have everything to do with the book and what the characters need out of each other.
CJ is a GRUMP but he’s also such a lover boy and when he falls, he FALLS.
Lennon is a fireball with history to back it up. Her trust has been abused time and time again, and letting someone try again takes a lot of convincing. I loved her from the first chapter.
The suspense in this is also *chefs kiss*. It kept me on my toes. I think this has replaced Cry About It as my favourite Maggie book.
Maggie is also just a queen of bringing the title into the book and making it meaningful. Her titles actually have everything to do with the book and what the characters need out of each other.
CJ is a GRUMP but he’s also such a lover boy and when he falls, he FALLS.
Lennon is a fireball with history to back it up. Her trust has been abused time and time again, and letting someone try again takes a lot of convincing. I loved her from the first chapter.
The suspense in this is also *chefs kiss*. It kept me on my toes. I think this has replaced Cry About It as my favourite Maggie book.
September 18, 2024
4.25/5
okay romantic suspense!!!
i love that i found this series right before this book came out, it let me read the first two and not have that long of a wait for cj and lennon!! romantic suspense is not always my favorite genre because i usually think it’s kinda far fetched. this one was slightly odd but it didn’t take up that much of the plot so i got over it.
at first i thought i wasn’t gonna like this because it kinda had too much assholery. thankfully cj turned it around immediately and we had a great hate to love story. the banter was so, so good and i just loved cj and lennon. lennon is so sweet but also such a badass and i think she deserves only happiness. seeing the griffith family one more time was so bittersweet. i am so happy that they’ve all found love and now they can have the best life on their ranch!!!
i’m thinking a 4.25 or a 4 but this was so good. once i got into the story i was addicted! also the cover is so cute and i kinda want this book physically…
okay romantic suspense!!!
i love that i found this series right before this book came out, it let me read the first two and not have that long of a wait for cj and lennon!! romantic suspense is not always my favorite genre because i usually think it’s kinda far fetched. this one was slightly odd but it didn’t take up that much of the plot so i got over it.
at first i thought i wasn’t gonna like this because it kinda had too much assholery. thankfully cj turned it around immediately and we had a great hate to love story. the banter was so, so good and i just loved cj and lennon. lennon is so sweet but also such a badass and i think she deserves only happiness. seeing the griffith family one more time was so bittersweet. i am so happy that they’ve all found love and now they can have the best life on their ranch!!!
i’m thinking a 4.25 or a 4 but this was so good. once i got into the story i was addicted! also the cover is so cute and i kinda want this book physically…
September 12, 2024
meh
Ugh so this should have hit the spot for me - enemies to lovers, a groveling man, he fell first, cowboy romance, heroine on the run with a past that haunts her
But it just didn’t. I didn’t like it. The haunting past that comes back was perfect. Everything else was just wrong though.
Why is he so mean to her??? He gives no good reason. Even at the end, he’s just like “I didn’t want you here” 🙄
She should not have taken him back after he spills her secret.
The flowers were cute, but sometimes he was overly cheesy. Especially for someone who hated her so much. His switch gets flipped way too fast. The pacing was all off.
The spice was okay, but it often would start out pretty good with the right amount and type of talk, but then the scene would be hella short and undescriptive.
I also realized half way through this that I never read the 2nd book in this series. And that was because the first book was also meh to me. I will not be going back to read the second book.
Ugh so this should have hit the spot for me - enemies to lovers, a groveling man, he fell first, cowboy romance, heroine on the run with a past that haunts her
But it just didn’t. I didn’t like it. The haunting past that comes back was perfect. Everything else was just wrong though.
Why is he so mean to her??? He gives no good reason. Even at the end, he’s just like “I didn’t want you here” 🙄
She should not have taken him back after he spills her secret.
The flowers were cute, but sometimes he was overly cheesy. Especially for someone who hated her so much. His switch gets flipped way too fast. The pacing was all off.
The spice was okay, but it often would start out pretty good with the right amount and type of talk, but then the scene would be hella short and undescriptive.
I also realized half way through this that I never read the 2nd book in this series. And that was because the first book was also meh to me. I will not be going back to read the second book.
September 9, 2024
Good old Maggie Gates, pulls you right in!!
I had read the first two books in this series a while ago, and was worried I would forget about them but NOPE, I was quickly reminded of this wonderful family and why I fell in love with this series including the Griffith brothers!
This book was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and I enjoyed every twist and turn. I especially enjoyed all the nicknames!! A GREAT enemies to lovers book.
Good Ole CARSON JAMES (CJ) was a hot grumpy cowboy and I LOVE HIM.
I also loved fireball LENNON.
I am so sad this series is over!!
Solid 4 star for me!!
A MUST READ COWBOY SERIES!!!!
I had read the first two books in this series a while ago, and was worried I would forget about them but NOPE, I was quickly reminded of this wonderful family and why I fell in love with this series including the Griffith brothers!
This book was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and I enjoyed every twist and turn. I especially enjoyed all the nicknames!! A GREAT enemies to lovers book.
Good Ole CARSON JAMES (CJ) was a hot grumpy cowboy and I LOVE HIM.
I also loved fireball LENNON.
I am so sad this series is over!!
Solid 4 star for me!!
A MUST READ COWBOY SERIES!!!!
September 9, 2024
I was asked why I love to read Maggie Gates. I did not have a well thought out answer then, but I do now. Her books are unique, I know I will be surprised somehow. Her characters are real, I would love to know them in real life.
I am sad there are not any more Griffith Brothers, and I did not want this book to end. I was drawn in from the beginning and was thinking about the story long after the end. I can not say enough about CJ; he is grumpy, and the banter between him and Lennon is perfection. Lennon is everything I love in a FMC Sassy, and strong. She complimented CJ.
I am sad to see this series end, but excited to see what is in our future.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
I am sad there are not any more Griffith Brothers, and I did not want this book to end. I was drawn in from the beginning and was thinking about the story long after the end. I can not say enough about CJ; he is grumpy, and the banter between him and Lennon is perfection. Lennon is everything I love in a FMC Sassy, and strong. She complimented CJ.
I am sad to see this series end, but excited to see what is in our future.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
September 10, 2024
perfect beginning to end. i loved this series so much and the creative use of the title is NOT LOST ON ME. i might be THE ONE WHO ENJOYS IT THE MOST. OUT OF ANYONE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. TRULY.
i’m just sad it’s come to an end 😭😭 wish there was like 3 more brothers !!!!😭😭 getting to see into CJs life was everything i thought it would be. and i don’t know what was up with me today but everything len had to do to get where she needed to be made me cry. the “never been wanted before” bit just STINGS. it’s not ray and brooke but i loved them still. the epilogue was perfect and i want to read books like this forever 🤠🤠
i’m just sad it’s come to an end 😭😭 wish there was like 3 more brothers !!!!😭😭 getting to see into CJs life was everything i thought it would be. and i don’t know what was up with me today but everything len had to do to get where she needed to be made me cry. the “never been wanted before” bit just STINGS. it’s not ray and brooke but i loved them still. the epilogue was perfect and i want to read books like this forever 🤠🤠
September 9, 2024
My man CJ!!!!! 🥹 From the first chapter, I just knew that I was going to love this book. The banter between Lennon and CJ is absolute perfection and I was laughing the entire time. The amount of highlights I have on my kindle is insane because I genuinely loved every single minute of this.
I loved Ray so much in DownPour and I didn’t think he could be beat as my favourite Griffith brother, but CJ has taken the cake 🎂. CJ is a dirty mouthin, grovelin cowboy and had me swooning like a teenage girl. And Lennon - my girl Lennon!!! Top FMC in this series hands down. She was so unique and I loved her confidence. How could one NOT long an FMC who punches cowboys in the face in the first few pages of a book.
The chemistry between the two was perfection and the romantic suspense had me on my toes the entire time. As much as I am sad that this series has come to an end, Maggie did such an amazing job wrapping this series up.
Cowboy romance
Enemies to lovers
He falls first
Workplace romance
Romantic suspense
Small town
One night stand
He’s the cowboy/she’s the outlaw
Banter
I loved Ray so much in DownPour and I didn’t think he could be beat as my favourite Griffith brother, but CJ has taken the cake 🎂. CJ is a dirty mouthin, grovelin cowboy and had me swooning like a teenage girl. And Lennon - my girl Lennon!!! Top FMC in this series hands down. She was so unique and I loved her confidence. How could one NOT long an FMC who punches cowboys in the face in the first few pages of a book.
The chemistry between the two was perfection and the romantic suspense had me on my toes the entire time. As much as I am sad that this series has come to an end, Maggie did such an amazing job wrapping this series up.
Cowboy romance
Enemies to lovers
He falls first
Workplace romance
Romantic suspense
Small town
One night stand
He’s the cowboy/she’s the outlaw
Banter
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