A review by roksyreads
Sunsets & Showdowns by Maz Maddox

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

As a Centaur without honour, West Klelbor lives the life of a ghost, keeping to the shadows where his infamous name is less likely to find him trouble. It’s safer for his brother, Cal, to believe him dead. He’s maintained the lie for several years, and intends to do so for the rest of his days—until a mysterious stranger finds West at the far reaches of civilization with a warning: Stallion Ridge is in danger. West must face his ghosts and confront the very real threats to his brother’s life, but West’s past isn't the only thing haunting him. Gin, a deadly dragon beholden to his new master, longs for redemption. Gin is sent into the wild with one mission: claim the head of the infamous Pale Horse of Death. But the sly Centaur won’t make Gin’s hunt easy, nor will he let Gin escape with his heart intact. 

Sunsets & Showdowns is the adventurous, captivating, and emotional finale of the Stallion Ridge series. The seventh novel sees the culmination of the overarching plot points that have carried through from their early foundations in book one, Heartache & Hoofbeats, with the ultimate battle to ensure the thriving community of Stallion Ridge continues to be a safe haven for shifters and humans alike. With a focus on familial duty, shame, and redemption, this is one of the heavier stories of the series, emotionally speaking, but the romance, adventure, and the finale is well worth the tears that might threaten. The pacing may be a little fast for some towards the end, but the resolution felt realistic and I especially appreciated a glimpse at the characters’ ultimate HEAs from a new perspective. This series is definitely going on a list of my all time favourites.