Daring Delaney (Whiskey & Roses 4) by Cassie Colton-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2026

Delaney Henderson thought she’d found her dream life in a five-star kitchen until a dangerous affair with her boss exposed a web of lies, betrayal, and embezzlement that could destroy her. With nowhere else to turn, she escapes to Haven Ranch for a fresh start as the ranch cook, hoping her past stays buried.

David “Mac” Walters, a former Marine, built a quiet life on the ranch, grounded in loyalty, honor, and hard-earned peace. The last thing he expects is the fiery, wounded chef who cooks her way into his heart, and straight through his defenses.

When a devastating accident leaves Delaney vulnerable and pregnant, Mac steps in without hesitation, offering her shelter and protection. But as the heat between them ignites into something deeper, doubts creep in. Mac can’t ignore the years between them, and Delaney fears trusting her heart.

Just when she starts to believe in a future, the past returns, threatening her and her child.

Mac will have to prove he’s strong enough to protect her, brave enough to claim her, and fearless enough to fight for the life they both desire.

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REVIEW:DARING DELANEY is the fourth instalment in Cassie Colton’s contemporary, adult WHISKEY AND ROSES erotic, romantic suspense series, set in the author’s SERENITY SECURITY series, a part of the multi-authored series featuring characters initially introduced by Susan Stoker. This is former US Marine amputee turned rancher David ‘Mac’ Walters, and chef / single mother Delaney Henderson’s story line. DARING DELANEY can be read as a stand alone. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of Daring Delaney cross over with, and run parallel to Convincing Caroline.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Delaney and Mac) DARING DELANEY follows in the wake of the arrival of Delaney Henderson on Henderson Ranch. On the run, in hiding from her ex, Delaney discovers she is pregnant but an early delivery is not what she expected. With the help of is former US Marine amputee turned rancher David ‘Mac’ Walters, and her best friend Rachel, Delaney embarks on a new path forward, and hopefully the love of our story line hero but Mac struggles with his own personal issues, including the loss of his leg, and their seven year age difference, something that figures prominently throughout the story.

Meanwhile, Delaney’s friend Rachel continues to struggle with her relationship with Matthew. Rachel finds herself jealous and envious of Matthew’s friendships and former teammates, and in this, Matthew retaliates with accusations and greed and selfishness, threatening any hopes for a future.

The world building focuses on the team at Henderson Ranch and Serenity Security. When one of their own goes missing, the team struggles with loss but the family of former US military members must work together when Delaney’s past returns, threatening everyone she loves.

The relationship between Delaney and Mac is one of mutual attraction but Mac’s inability to see beyond the present, threatens any hope for a future.Mac sees their age difference as a major deterrent, and the loss of his leg, makes Mac feel ‘less than’, not worthy of Delaney, or someone to love. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful, determined and animated characters including several who cross over from the interconnected series. We are reintroduced to Delany’s friend Rachel, and her fiancé Matthew, as well as Riley, Rebecca, Kassie, Caroline, Julio, Garrett, Doc, as well as Delaney’s ex Ben Hughes.

DARING DELANEY is a story of power and control, intimidation and threats, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, desperate brooding yet their immaturity makes for some questionable decisions.

Also, the preoccupation with the seven year age difference is bewildering, and the silver fox cover model adds to the confusion. At first, I thought, by the way the characters addressed Mac as ‘old man’, there were over twenty years differentiation but seven years is often the norm in many relationships, and only makes for a distraction to the story line premise.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy