Duke (Deluxe Edition) (Lucky River Ranch, 4)

**Preorder now to receive the limited deluxe edition with designed edges**

One chance meeting on a Texas ranch.

One wild, too-charming cowboy.

One snowed-in night that changes everything.

Wheeler Rankin isn't here for romance--she's come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers--resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend's new flame--sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.

Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small-town life. He's itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.

But passion brings complications--and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler's built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.

Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other's arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?

Duke is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.

Delicious tropes:

  • Best friend's boyfriend's brother
  • Heartbreaker hero
  • Forced proximity
  • Found family
  • Small town
  • Hot cowboys


Praise for Lucky River Ranch:

"I found a new favorite author. I was hooked from the first page." -- Bookworm

"I absolutely ADORED this book. Every single page. There wasn't a single thing I didn't like about it." --The Polished Diamond

"My favorite cowboy series to date." -- Goodreads

"Each book in this series just keeps getting better." -- Amazon

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Published Dec 2, 2025

416 pages

Average rating: 7

4 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

kategryson
Feb 16, 2026
7/10 stars
“Duke” by Jessica Peterson Rating: 4.25⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ First Person, Dual POV Dare I say that Duke is my favorite Rivers brother???👀 While the accidental pregnancy trope is not my favorite, I thought it was really thoughtfully and uniquely executed in Duke. Duke really is the ultimate golden retriever. I loved how kind, supportive, and patient he was with Wheeler as she struggled with her own insecurities that caused her to push him away as well as her incredibly unsupportive and emotionally abusive family (except for her younger brother, Haines). Wheeler’s character and insecurities really struck a chord with me, and her interactions with her family were hard to read. One of my favorite aspects of this book was how when Wheeler and Duke learned of her pregnancy, they took time to consider whether they actually wanted a baby, in addition to discussing if they were financially ready for one. I also appreciated the pro-choice references😊 Duke is a sweet and spicy, heartwarming romance that definitely did not disappoint. I can’t wait to see what Ryder brings to the table. What to Expect: ❄️ Snowed In Together 👶 Surprise Pregnancy 🤠 Cowboy Romance 😍 He Falls First & Hard 🛤️ Small Town Romance 🐈‍⬛🦮 Black Cat x Golden Retriever Vibes ☯️ Opposites Attract

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