Overall Grade: A

Tropes: single dad MMC; single mom FMC; one night stand to more; small town romance; “who did this to you”

In the third installment of Jessica Peterson’s Lucky River Ranch series, Sawyer presents a refreshingly uncomplicated romance that thrives on genuine connection rather than manufactured conflict. Unlike its predecessors, Cash and Wyatt, this novel offers a narrative where the central strife between characters remains delightfully low, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the authentic development of a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

The story begins with a chemistry-fueled one-night stand between Ava, a divorcée emerging from a relationship with a man who failed to be a true partner, and Sawyer Rivers, the most responsible of the Rivers siblings. What elevates this narrative beyond the typical romance framework is Peterson’s thoughtful exploration of partnership. The central tension revolves around Ava’s gradual realization that Sawyer represents everything her previous relationship lacked—an active participant who acknowledges and uplifts her without expecting more than he is willing to offer. For Sawyer, the journey involves releasing his grip on traditional relationship labels and allowing someone to care for him after a lifetime of caring for others. Their mutual acceptance of these realizations unfolds with a natural ease that feels both satisfying and earned.

Peterson’s choice to pair a single father with a single mother creates immediate common ground, reinforcing the partnership theme that runs throughout the novel. Their shared understanding of parenthood’s challenges establishes an underlying connection that makes their growing bond all the more believable. This dynamic provides fertile ground for exploring how genuine partnership can heal the wounds left by previous relationships where balance and reciprocity were absent.

Sawyer himself emerges as perhaps the most compelling Rivers brother yet. Through his character, Peterson thoughtfully interrogates the concept of “weaponized incompetence” by presenting its antithesis—a man almost excessively capable who requires another’s perspective to recognize his own need for support. His solidity never translates to tedium, particularly as Peterson skillfully balances his caretaking public persona with his confidently dominant private one. This multidimensional characterization creates a romantic lead who feels both aspirational and authentically human.

The true magic of the Lucky River Ranch series continues to be the rich tapestry of relationships that extend beyond the central romance. The brotherhood among the Rivers men, their connections to their partners, and their integration into the broader Hartsville community create an immersive small-town experience that enhances the romantic narrative. Peterson demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how community shapes individuals and relationships, illustrating the truth behind the adage that “it takes a village” through the warmth and complexity of these interconnected relationships.

Sawyer stands as a testament to Peterson’s ability to craft romances that feel both emotionally satisfying and refreshingly grounded in reality. For readers who appreciate small-town settings, authentic character growth, and relationships built on genuine partnership rather than dramatic conflict, this third installment in the Lucky River Ranch series delivers a compelling and heartwarming reading experience that leaves one eagerly anticipating the remaining stories—particularly Duke’s forthcoming tale.

In love and romance,

Professor A