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Raven Ranch #1
October Winds
October Halloran left her past behind and found happiness in a tiny northern Minnesota town working at a local truck stop. At least she was happy, until Sheriff Jett Raven started asking questions she didn’t want to answer.
Jett didn't buy the story ‘Sarah Banks’ sold the rest of the community. Smitten since the moment he first laid eyes on her, he knew she wasn't who she claimed to be. It wasn't until she stumbled across a dead body that he had a reason to dig into her past, and bring her into his home.
Murdered truckers and attempted kidnappings lead October and Jett to the startling truth. With dozens of girls’ lives on the line, it’s up to October to discover who’s after her and why. It’s up to Jett to keep her alive.
Jett didn't buy the story ‘Sarah Banks’ sold the rest of the community. Smitten since the moment he first laid eyes on her, he knew she wasn't who she claimed to be. It wasn't until she stumbled across a dead body that he had a reason to dig into her past, and bring her into his home.
Murdered truckers and attempted kidnappings lead October and Jett to the startling truth. With dozens of girls’ lives on the line, it’s up to October to discover who’s after her and why. It’s up to Jett to keep her alive.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
116 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Katie Mettner
109 books1,669 followersKatie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
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Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 14, 2017
I have read quite a few of Katie’s books and they just keep getting better with each one I read. This one is my favorite so far.
October is on the run from her past hiding out in the small town of Zansaville living under the assumed name of Sara Banks. She works at a truck stop and lives in an old RV in the woods outside of town. She has spent her whole life in survival mode and now she is trying to get the old RV she lives in ready for the harsh Minnesota winter on her limited income from the truck stop. One the way home one night she runs into Sheriff Raven. The two have an instant connection and soon begin spending more and more time together.
Zansaville is a quiet town with very little crime so when a trucker is found dead in the dumpster of the truck stop the whole community is shocked. Sadly this is only the beginning of what could possibly be something bigger than just a dead trucker. Can Sheriff Raven solve the crimes before it is too late? Is October’s past coming back to haunt her in this crime spree? Will October and Sheriff Raven be able to get past all the obstacles in their way to finally be together?
I really enjoyed this book. I instantly fell in love with the relatable characters and was drawn into the mystery behind what brought October to Zansaville. I found myself cheering Sheriff Raven on the whole time while he was trying to convince October that not only was she worthy of love but that he was in love with her. I mean girl doesn’t want a man to take care of her and fight for the right to love her?
I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it.
October is on the run from her past hiding out in the small town of Zansaville living under the assumed name of Sara Banks. She works at a truck stop and lives in an old RV in the woods outside of town. She has spent her whole life in survival mode and now she is trying to get the old RV she lives in ready for the harsh Minnesota winter on her limited income from the truck stop. One the way home one night she runs into Sheriff Raven. The two have an instant connection and soon begin spending more and more time together.
Zansaville is a quiet town with very little crime so when a trucker is found dead in the dumpster of the truck stop the whole community is shocked. Sadly this is only the beginning of what could possibly be something bigger than just a dead trucker. Can Sheriff Raven solve the crimes before it is too late? Is October’s past coming back to haunt her in this crime spree? Will October and Sheriff Raven be able to get past all the obstacles in their way to finally be together?
I really enjoyed this book. I instantly fell in love with the relatable characters and was drawn into the mystery behind what brought October to Zansaville. I found myself cheering Sheriff Raven on the whole time while he was trying to convince October that not only was she worthy of love but that he was in love with her. I mean girl doesn’t want a man to take care of her and fight for the right to love her?
I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it.
September 5, 2017
Excellent – With a Slightly Different Perspective
October/Sarah lands in Zansaville, Minnesota.
“Zansaville is nothing more than a pit stop on the highway of life. It’s filled with truck stops, old bars, cheap hotels, and on the hill, some of the most expensive homes in the state. The owners believe they’re safe living in the middle of nowhere, but I know the truth––no one is safe.”
Jett is not the run-of-the-mill lawman. When October/Sara asks him if the images of the mountain lion, bear, and tiger on his bear will protect him, Jett answers: “The Native Americans believe it will, but we both know it won’t. I’m Sioux and carry the badge, but no one could say it offers me extra protection. I prefer my bulletproof vest to animal heads on a piece of metal.”
Katie Mettner writes inspirational and romantic suspense. October Winds definitely hits the target on both of those. But Ms. Mettner has outdone herself with October Winds. The book has a grittier edge, and takes the reader on October/Sarah’s adventures with her. Ms. Mettner addresses hard-hitting social issues, like homelessness and human trafficking. I love the slightly different perspective and style. I can’t wait to read Matt’s adventures in the next book.
October/Sarah lands in Zansaville, Minnesota.
“Zansaville is nothing more than a pit stop on the highway of life. It’s filled with truck stops, old bars, cheap hotels, and on the hill, some of the most expensive homes in the state. The owners believe they’re safe living in the middle of nowhere, but I know the truth––no one is safe.”
Jett is not the run-of-the-mill lawman. When October/Sara asks him if the images of the mountain lion, bear, and tiger on his bear will protect him, Jett answers: “The Native Americans believe it will, but we both know it won’t. I’m Sioux and carry the badge, but no one could say it offers me extra protection. I prefer my bulletproof vest to animal heads on a piece of metal.”
Katie Mettner writes inspirational and romantic suspense. October Winds definitely hits the target on both of those. But Ms. Mettner has outdone herself with October Winds. The book has a grittier edge, and takes the reader on October/Sarah’s adventures with her. Ms. Mettner addresses hard-hitting social issues, like homelessness and human trafficking. I love the slightly different perspective and style. I can’t wait to read Matt’s adventures in the next book.
September 5, 2017
This was an incredible book! It dealt with some of the worst conditions a person could find themselves in - homelessness, parental abuse, sex trafficking, and more. Katie handled the story with sensitivity, yet she conveyed the brutal truth of those horrible circumstances through her character, Sarah Banks/October Halloran. There were many great themes throughout the book - how you can run only so far and so long from your past until you're forced to face it, how resilient the human spirit can be, how even the most broken person can learn to love and trust again if the right person comes into their life. Katie made it clear that homeless people matter. It was amazing what Sarah/October did to survive. Her heart, body, and soul had been battered to the point most people would have given up. She was strong, but without Sheriff Jett Raven's help she probably would've perished. She followed her instincts and finally her heart. The descriptions, dialogue, settings, and characters were powerful. I felt like I was there, witnessing the scenes as they unfolded. I also liked the Native American elements to the story.
December 8, 2018
Katie Mettner provides readers with an engaging story in her book, October Winds.
The tale opens with October working at a truck stop, living in the woods, and trying to fix up her trailer before winter comes. Then, she finds a body in a dumpster, but wants her co-worker to say that she found it instead. The story continues with the Sheriff going to see October for more information, but she is very mysterious about her past (calling herself Sarah, for example). I found these details created a thriller-like atmosphere initially and I wanted to learn more about this woman and why she felt she had to hide.
October is later attacked on her way home one night, which deepens her relationship with the Sheriff. She reveals some elements of her past to him, such as a dysfunctional relationship with her mother. I found the tie in to human trafficking interesting as well.
I don't want to spoil any major plot points, but I will say that there are interesting twists that will keep you guessing and entertained, as well as a romantic element as well. 5 stars for this captivating tale!
The tale opens with October working at a truck stop, living in the woods, and trying to fix up her trailer before winter comes. Then, she finds a body in a dumpster, but wants her co-worker to say that she found it instead. The story continues with the Sheriff going to see October for more information, but she is very mysterious about her past (calling herself Sarah, for example). I found these details created a thriller-like atmosphere initially and I wanted to learn more about this woman and why she felt she had to hide.
October is later attacked on her way home one night, which deepens her relationship with the Sheriff. She reveals some elements of her past to him, such as a dysfunctional relationship with her mother. I found the tie in to human trafficking interesting as well.
I don't want to spoil any major plot points, but I will say that there are interesting twists that will keep you guessing and entertained, as well as a romantic element as well. 5 stars for this captivating tale!
September 3, 2017
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest voluntary review.
I enjoyed this new author (for me) and the story was fresh and the characters intriguing. However I found it dragged on a little and its conclusion could have come quicker. I also would have liked a more in depth look into the main characters relationship.
I enjoyed this new author (for me) and the story was fresh and the characters intriguing. However I found it dragged on a little and its conclusion could have come quicker. I also would have liked a more in depth look into the main characters relationship.
September 8, 2017
Well done
Really well done. Adult in bedroom scenes, but the horrors felt real...far more realistic than a tv show. Fascinating storyline and not one I expected from the excerpt, but wonderful.
Really well done. Adult in bedroom scenes, but the horrors felt real...far more realistic than a tv show. Fascinating storyline and not one I expected from the excerpt, but wonderful.
October 21, 2020
“You have to trust someone at some point, October. You can’t live this way forever.”
October has been running a long time, she is basically homeless , unless you can call a dilapidated trailer in the woods home.
Jett is attracted to her strength, her independence and wants to offer her a real home . Home being a person not a place. He wants to love her but she doesn’t know love only hate .
First they have a murder to solve and an attack on October, hijacking trucks, disappearing trucks and human trafficking
I actually won this book in a contest and I’m happy I did, this is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be my last !
October has been running a long time, she is basically homeless , unless you can call a dilapidated trailer in the woods home.
Jett is attracted to her strength, her independence and wants to offer her a real home . Home being a person not a place. He wants to love her but she doesn’t know love only hate .
First they have a murder to solve and an attack on October, hijacking trucks, disappearing trucks and human trafficking
I actually won this book in a contest and I’m happy I did, this is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be my last !
December 22, 2020
October Winds by Katie Mettner
October Halloran is new to the small Minnesota town of Zansaville. She works at a local truck stop and is keeping a low profile. Her life changes the day she found the dead body and meets Sheriff Jett Raven. Shortly after, her life is in danger and Jett is there to protect her. There is a mutual attraction between the two, but due to Octobers past, she has a hard time trusting people. Jett knows he can keep her safe, but will he be able to win her heart?
October is very likable (she) is hiding secrets from her past. I wanted her to be able to find true love and live a happy life. Jett is equally as likable. He is brave and caring, the perfect man for October, if she will open her heart and let him in. With plenty of suspense, murder, danger and romance, I was hooked from the first page until the end.
Overall I found October Winds an emotionally charged powerful story. October's life is very believable, the heart breaking reality of what happened to her left an impression in my heart. Katie Mettner Hit this one out of the park, with attention to detail and engaging dialog. I highly recommend to those who enjoy romantic suspense.
October Halloran is new to the small Minnesota town of Zansaville. She works at a local truck stop and is keeping a low profile. Her life changes the day she found the dead body and meets Sheriff Jett Raven. Shortly after, her life is in danger and Jett is there to protect her. There is a mutual attraction between the two, but due to Octobers past, she has a hard time trusting people. Jett knows he can keep her safe, but will he be able to win her heart?
October is very likable (she) is hiding secrets from her past. I wanted her to be able to find true love and live a happy life. Jett is equally as likable. He is brave and caring, the perfect man for October, if she will open her heart and let him in. With plenty of suspense, murder, danger and romance, I was hooked from the first page until the end.
Overall I found October Winds an emotionally charged powerful story. October's life is very believable, the heart breaking reality of what happened to her left an impression in my heart. Katie Mettner Hit this one out of the park, with attention to detail and engaging dialog. I highly recommend to those who enjoy romantic suspense.
November 16, 2019
Not so mysterious
The first few books that I read by Katie Mettner were fun and silly, but since they were romances it wasn't a big deal. Billing this book as a mystery is a terrible idea, because there's very little mystery to it. Also, rather than letting any suspense build, Mettner gives everything away. Not to mention, the protagonist is an absolute nincompoop. 1 minute she's talking about how she can never trust anybody, and in the very next she is asking somebody she's only met once before she can put her head on his shoulder? Terrible... Absolutely terrible. Too rushed, and written in a far more amateurish manner than the other books I've read by the same author.
The first few books that I read by Katie Mettner were fun and silly, but since they were romances it wasn't a big deal. Billing this book as a mystery is a terrible idea, because there's very little mystery to it. Also, rather than letting any suspense build, Mettner gives everything away. Not to mention, the protagonist is an absolute nincompoop. 1 minute she's talking about how she can never trust anybody, and in the very next she is asking somebody she's only met once before she can put her head on his shoulder? Terrible... Absolutely terrible. Too rushed, and written in a far more amateurish manner than the other books I've read by the same author.
October 13, 2025
Wow, just wow! This book tackles some dark and difficult subjects, but Katie Mettner handles them with honesty, raw emotion, and deep sensitivity, never downplaying their weight. It truly shows how resilient a person can be, no matter what life throws their way and beautifully highlights that people are not defined by their circumstances and that every life, including those often overlooked or struggling with homelessness, truly matters. I also really appreciated the authentic Native representation woven into the story. It all came together to create a powerful, emotional read that left me in tears. Katie Mettner’s storytelling is both compassionate and unforgettable.
February 19, 2022
Engaging story about a homeless woman. The horror of her life and that of other young women is all too real. So sad that these conditions exist, especially when it can come from family members too. As is usual for me I skip the intimate details. I was grateful that the details were spared on the physical injuries. I do look forward to reading the other book in this series. This was my first experience with the author. She provided a copy. I am giving a voluntary review.
May 12, 2021
A homeless woman and the local sheriff fall in love in this murder mystery. October/Sarah helps Jett uncover what is happening in the small town. A good romance and mystery story all wrapped up in one book.
October 3, 2022
I really liked this story! The opening pulled me in and the suspense and romance kept me reading! I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Jett is a heartthrob lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
A good book is not a psychological thrill nor mystery as you can see from the cover. It is a mix of romantic and solving a murder case.
January 19, 2024
Strap your belt for this one….Katie does a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat for this romantic suspense story!! Really 4.5 stars for me!
Story starts out with a girl that works behind the scenes at a truck stop. You come to find out Sarah Banks (aka October Halloran) is on the run and hiding. She has taken shelter in an abandon camper in the middle of the woods in the small town in Minnesota. On her way back to her “home”, she meets Sheriff, Jett Raven. The connection is almost instant and from that meeting, he was curious about her. He knew he’d have to take it slow, to build her trust and he did just that. The moment October met Jett, she knew somehow she could trust him. It took her some time but his character spoke volumes. Their love story is quite the journey. You learn why she’s on the run and how Jett responds is so honorable and swoon worthy. He saw her inner beauty beneath are all exterior scars. October was so incredibly brave and you can’t help but admire her determination and how she used her knowledge. Although very guarded, she never took things for granted. Story takes an interesting turn/twist of events when strange things start happening in their town - don’t worry I’m not putting any spoilers - you need to read it to experience yourself!!
Clean story (language wise) with the heat level that gets noted, in my opinion, is a 2. She is not very graphic or crude although the scenes are open door. Honestly it was all done tastefully as I’m someone that does not need all the details in to what goes on in the bedroom.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Story starts out with a girl that works behind the scenes at a truck stop. You come to find out Sarah Banks (aka October Halloran) is on the run and hiding. She has taken shelter in an abandon camper in the middle of the woods in the small town in Minnesota. On her way back to her “home”, she meets Sheriff, Jett Raven. The connection is almost instant and from that meeting, he was curious about her. He knew he’d have to take it slow, to build her trust and he did just that. The moment October met Jett, she knew somehow she could trust him. It took her some time but his character spoke volumes. Their love story is quite the journey. You learn why she’s on the run and how Jett responds is so honorable and swoon worthy. He saw her inner beauty beneath are all exterior scars. October was so incredibly brave and you can’t help but admire her determination and how she used her knowledge. Although very guarded, she never took things for granted. Story takes an interesting turn/twist of events when strange things start happening in their town - don’t worry I’m not putting any spoilers - you need to read it to experience yourself!!
Clean story (language wise) with the heat level that gets noted, in my opinion, is a 2. She is not very graphic or crude although the scenes are open door. Honestly it was all done tastefully as I’m someone that does not need all the details in to what goes on in the bedroom.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews