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Cover of The Rivals

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The Rivals

by Joan Johnston · Bitter Creek #5

2004 · 416 pages · pocket books

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Forced ProximityForbidden Romance
4.1Goodreads
4.6Amazon

Ratings link to their original sources; spice is sourced from romance.io, Hotlist readers, or clearly marked estimates.

Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️· estimated ⓘ
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What Makes It Hot

💬 Mentioned in 10+ Reddit threads

⭐ Amazon readers rate this even higher than Goodreads

📚 Book 5 of a completed 12-book series

What Might Cool You Off

📊 Readers are divided — ratings range from 4.1 GR to 4.6 AMZ

🔍 Still under the radar — fewer than 1,000 Goodreads reviews

About this book

When a third young woman vanishes in Wyoming—and this one happens to be connected to two of Texas's most powerful feuding families—a determined deputy sheriff finds herself caught between duty and an unexpected alliance with a charming Blackthorne cousin who won't take no for an answer. Sarah Barndollar is used to handling crises solo, but Drew DeWitt's persistence and resources become impossible to ignore as the case spirals into something far darker and more dangerous than anyone anticipated. As they navigate shadowy conspiracies and ruthless enemies together, the chemistry between them sizzles with tension—and the clock is ticking to save lives. Joan Johnston weaves a thrilling tale of two strong-willed people from opposing worlds who might just be exactly what each other needs.

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tensionsmolderingdangerousconflictedmagnetic

Capture the tension of forced proximity and forbidden desire in contemporary Texas—smoky country-pop, sultry R&B, and indie rock with edge. Think dark atmosphere meets magnetic pull: artists like Colter Wall, Hozier, and SZA. Steamy but not explicit. Dangerous alliances and reluctant chemistry.

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💬 Join the Discussion

Feuding families romance : r/RomanceBooks - Reddit

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FMC and MMC from feuding families? : r/RomanceBooks - Reddit

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Feuding families romance : r/RomanceBooks - Reddit

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The Rivals book by Joan Johnston - ThriftBooks

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Books by Joan Johnston and Complete Book Reviews

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Bitter Creek

1The Cowboy2The Texan3The Loner4The Price
5The Rivalscurrent
6The Next Mrs. Blackthorne7A Stranger's Game8Shattered9Sinful10Shameless11Surrender12Sullivan's Promise

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