Something about summer just makes me want to sit in the sunshine, listen to country music, and read a cowboy romance. Through the Dust by Amber Palmer is the perfect book for that feeling. It’s the second book in a series of standalones, all centered around three sisters on a Texas ranch and the cowboys that put stars in their eyes.
Through the Dust is a grumpy/sunshine age gap romance that follows Lennox, the youngest of the Hayes sisters, home from the rodeo circuit to help out on the family ranch. She loves the ranch and loves the work she does. The only thorn in her side is Bishop, the ranch foreman. Bishop is insufferably grumpy and thirteen years older, but despite his roughness, Lennox has always had a crush on Bishop. It’s a crush she let die out years ago when she realized it was hopeless.
Until one night at a bar changes the nature of their relationship forever. They’ve always fought like cats and dogs, but now there’s real hurt behind it. Bishop and Lennox have to learn to navigate working together on the ranch they both love, while fighting the complicated attraction between them that simply won’t die, no matter how hard they try.
It took me exactly two pages to absolutely fall in love with Lennox’s character. Her raunchy energy is so deeply endearing and I feel like we would totally be friends, and I love when a female main character can make me feel that way so quickly.
And then there’s Bishop. While Bishop is, in some ways, the stereotypical grumpy hero, there’s also a certain depth to his character. His rough-around-the-edges thing guards a cinnamon roll soul, and there’s just a je ne sai quios about his character that was so awesome to read.
Through the Dust is told from both Bishop and Lennox’s perspectives, and this choice was essential for this story. I loved getting to see what these two were really thinking behind all the banter. The banter between them is the cornerstone of their relationship and it kicks off immediately, establishing a dynamic that is both tense and teasing.
This book is filled with cowboy romance tropes in the best possible way. It feels classic and familiar, and of course, incredibly hot. It’s not necessarily a slow burn, per se, but this author absolutely makes these characters work for it. The spice between them is passionate, with just a touch of added kink as a fun bonus.
Through the Dust is a classic love story, set on the backdrop of the Black Springs Ranch, that readers can absolutely rip through. It’s lighthearted and fun, the kind of book that will make your heart happy.
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