Duke

Lucky River Ranch, Book 4

By: Jessica Peterson

Narrated by: Stephen Dexter, Lila Winters

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?

Welcome back to Hartsville, where family is found, love is hard-won, and every cowboy has a story worth telling.

Duke is a standalone romance in the interconnected Lucky River Ranch Series.

©2025 Jessica Peterson (P)2025 Podium Audio

Duke

I love this book so much .. So cute how they where not sure what they wanted and in the end they had a happy ever after.. dislike how her dad was not a fan .

Amazing for this cowboy romance

WOW- Jessica Peterson has done it again. I was over the moon when I got this Advanced Copy! This is the 4th book in the Lucky River Ranch series. Don't let the accidental pregnancy trope stop you from reading this one. I absolutely enjoyed this one and Im not the biggest fan of that trope. This series has just captured my heart and managed to make me love every minute of their "mistake". I thought that She depicted this so well and I wanted to this book to keep going on because I was so invested in their relationship.

I need to grab a shelf trophy... and maybe an audio trophy because Jessica Peterson always has amazing voice narrators.

A blonde man?!

Duke and Wheeler’s story was super sweet and Jessica Peterson had me falling for a blonde MMC, I know, the audacity 😩. He does have some slutty little glasses that he’s a little embarrassed of, which is even more endearing. I listened to the audiobook, and it was FANTASTIC and Duke’s southern accent really put me in their world (having never been to a ranch before lol). I loved the found family in the story, and how we got to see how all the other Rivers brothers couples were doing! ❤️

Read for:
🤠 Blonde MMC
🤠 Nerds unite
🤠 Slutty little glasses
🤠 Cowboy boot company owner x Accountant
🤠 Only one bed
🤠 Snowed in
🤠 Accidental pregnancy
🤠 Daddy issues
🤠 Sex marathons
🤠 Found family

Jessica Peterson completely blew away my expectati

Duke by Jessica Peterson completely blew away my expectations, proving that Duke Rivers is exactly the kind of hero who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Narrated with flawless precision by Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters, this accidental pregnancy, slow-burn romance is a standout addition to the series. Duke is the restless brother who has always dreamed of a life beyond the dusty trails of the ranch, and he finds his perfect match in Wheeler Rankin. As the co-owner of a high-end boot company and best friend to Mollie from book one, Wheeler is a fierce, independent businesswoman who is just as ambitious as Duke, though she carries deep insecurities rooted in a cruel and dismissive family.

Their connection is immediate, with sparks flying from the very first page. While Duke is instantly obsessed and makes it clear he wants to know the woman behind the business deal, Wheeler is terrified of letting someone in. Her past trauma has convinced her that she is "too much" to be loved, leading her to push Duke away even as their flirty banter suggests a much deeper bond. Everything shifts during a business road trip to Colorado when a blizzard leaves them snowed in together. That weekend, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something undeniable, leading to a beautifully written "accidental pregnancy" trope that Jessica Peterson handles with incredible maturity and care.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this story is how Duke handles their situation. He never tries to sway Wheeler’s decisions; instead, he stands by her with unwavering support and patience, proving himself to be a man who is comfortable sitting in his feelings. The communication between them is top-tier, navigating difficult topics and hard conversations without the need for unnecessary third-act angst. Duke’s protectiveness isn't just about grand gestures—it's found in the small moments, like the way he understands her needs without her having to explain them and how he holds space for her while she breaks down her walls.

Ultimately, Duke and Wheeler's journey is one of mutual discovery. While Duke helps Wheeler see that she is worthy of a devoted love, Wheeler helps Duke find his true purpose and a sense of home he didn't realize he was missing. The tight-knit ranch family provides a warm, emotional backdrop to their happily-ever-after, and the glimpse we get of Ryder has me already counting down the days for the next installment. This five-star read is a perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and genuine heart that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

Another beautiful story!

What I LOVE about Jessica Peterson’s writing, especially in the Sawyer and Duke, is how she gives careful consideration to real life circumstances. Particularly with parenthood, she shows not just the beauty but also the frustrations and concerns that actually come with being a parent. But she doesn’t leave the characters in their concerns - she helps them grow in confidence, find support in those around them, and ultimately feel hopeful about their circumstances. I can tell she’s a parent, too, because what she writes is REAL. Thank you!!!

And of course, beyond all that, this is a gorgeous, heartfelt, and hot romance worth every moment of the listen. 💞