“This woman may have the capacity to drive me crazy, but she also holds the power to make me sane.” —Callahan Woods

3.75🌟

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This book was a fiery, emotional ride, equal parts romance, wildfire realism, and small-town charm. The wildland firefighter setting was refreshingly detailed. And the author didn’t just sprinkle in fact; she built a whole infrastructure that made the world feel lived-in and intense.

Callahan worships women but avoids commitment, until Prescott—aka Scottie—rolls into town as the new EMT. Their chemistry sparks instantly, especially when they’re thrown together on a fire site, and things get steamy. Like, unsanitary-in-real-life-but-fictional-hot steamy. 🔥🧨🚑🚒

Their romance follows the classic arc, giddy beginnings, a miscommunication-fueled fallout, and a deeply satisfying reunion, but that middle stretch infuriated me. They’d already built something real and then let it spiral because neither of them could just communicate. Be serious. You’re grown adults! And the way Prescott had to sacrifice herself and carry the weight of her past? Unfair. She deserved more. Sure, I wanted Cal to grovel a little more in his apology to Scottie—but the way he showed up for her went beyond words. I loved how he fought for her, not just with her. Watching them stand by each other and choose to fight through the mess, no matter the circumstances, was genuinely beautiful.

The author absolutely nailed the portrayal of nature and the firefighting world. The way she described the jagged mountains, the constellations glowing in the dark, the sunrise breaking over the horizon, it was mesmerizing. I could practically feel the wind, see the stars, smell the smoke. It was like being dropped right into the heart of it all. And the firefighting setup? WHOA. The glossary, the infrastructure, the flow charts was cinematic.

Along with it, massive kudos to Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas for narrating this story. Their duet performance was smooth, emotionally rich, and completely immersive. The way they brought Cal and Scottie to life felt effortless, every emotion hit exactly where it needed to.

And yes, King and Xander showing up as Cal’s besties was never got old. I’m so curious about their stories. There was definitely a little tease between Xander and Teddy (Cal’s married sister 👀), but since the next book is King’s, I’m pulling rank and diving in first. So yeah, Protect is up next. And I’m already sprinting toward it like it owes me emotional compensation. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️

“I usually have my guard up, reinforced and sky-high. Rock and ice. But Gwen has blasted right through.” —Sebastian Rousseau

“You’re my limes, Bash. I’m the tequila. You and me? We’re gonna spend the rest of our lives making margaritas, okay?” —Gwen Dawson

Ugh. Pfttt. I’m so conflicted about this book. I didn’t hate it, but I definitely didn’t love it either. I wanted to like it way more than I actually did, but it left me underwhelmed. And dare I say… this is not the series wrap-up I hoped for—not like Chestnut Springs nailed theirs. hufttttt.

Wild Card made me skeptical, because ex-boyfriend’s dad and a hefty age gap? That’s a lot. But surprisingly, the tropes were handled well and created a deliciously messy setup that added tension to every forced proximity moment. While it lacked some of the signature banter and flirtiness I usually expect from Elsie Silver, the story was undeniably bingeable and the emotional communication, despite its bumps, felt genuine.

Bash’s character was a rollercoaster of heartbreak. From missing out on raising a son he didn’t know existed, to being with a wife who didn’t want kids (or just didn’t want them with him), to discovering Gwen had dated said son. It was one gut-punch after another. His moral compass and work ethic were solid, and I truly wanted him to find peace. But he had moments of immaturity that made me side-eye him hard (like the “I saw her first” scene, dude really?). Gwen, on the other hand, didn’t leave much of an impression. She wasn’t annoying, but she wasn’t compelling either. I did appreciate her effort to help Bash and Tripp reconnect, but as a romantic lead, she felt flat.

Their relationship leaned heavily into insta-love territory one airport night and suddenly they’re emotionally tethered for months. And might I wanna say too, that the wrong number kinda thing feel so dumb, like what kind of shit joke is that!?! The chemistry just didn’t land for me, and their meet-cute felt oddly out of character, like they were temporarily possessed by different versions of themselves. And the whole ex-boyfriend’s dad setup was rather surprisingly fine. Elsie handled the taboo edge with enough nuance to keep it bearable—even compelling at times. I was ready to roll with the bumps, the tension, the mess. But then both main characters pulled the most childish, brainless moves imaginable, and it tanked the vibe. Like?? The story was already walking a tightrope. Why add more chaos to something that wasn’t perfect to begin with? Be serious. I was rooting for them, and they fumbled hard.

Despite everything, the romance was still tolerable. Soft moments like the raccoon feeding scene and the surprise breakfast added a touch of warmth. And the bowling gang plus the girls’ night out is also a total breath of fresh air. Those scenes gave the story a much-needed dose of charm and levity.

Along with it, major shoutout to Connor Crais and Megan Wicks for narrating this book. They understood the assignment. Their voices carried the emotional weight with so much nuance and chemistry, it felt like the characters were living in my ears. Every beat landed, every line felt intentional, and I was fully locked in.

Overall, I devoured this series and loved every messy, heartfelt second. Each couple brought a unique mix of tension, charm, and emotional payoff that made it impossible to stop reading. Small-town romance lovers, this one’s for you. ⛰️🩷🧡💚💜

“I’ve spent a lifetime thinking I don’t like talking. It turns out I just needed the right person to talk to.”

Oh. Wow. Elsie Silver has done it again. I spent most of the read spiraling in doubt—doubting the book, doubting myself, doubting everything. Like?? What do you mean this was supposed to be undoubtful Be serious myself.

Wild Side is Elsie Silver at her best, blending grief, love, and found family into a small-town romance that’s both emotionally raw and irresistibly tender. I wanted to adore this book and was ready to slap a 4.75 on it and call it a day. But I think 4.5 stars will have to do. Not because it disappointed me, not because it made me mad… just because there was something in there that felt off. Like, it didn’t belong. iykwim.

Tabitha is a spitfire: strong, sharp, and fiercely independent, radiating eldest daughter energy as she navigates loss and healing. Her journal entries added depth and vulnerability that made me want to wrap her in the biggest hug. She’s the kind of heroine who feels real, messy, guarded, but full of heart. Rhys is the ultimate looks can kill you but a cinnamon roll MMC, steady, secretive, and quietly devoted. Their chemistry starts off a little instalusty, but the slow-burn payoff is so worth it. What begins as a marriage of convenience to care for Milo, a three-year-old boy left behind by tragedy, slowly transforms into something deeper and more intimate. The way their upbringings shaped how they cared for Milo was beautifully explored, and the found family vibes? Immaculate. Their friend circle was supportive, lovable, and full of hilarious banter that balanced the emotional weight of the story. 💚

Watching them open up, clash, and eventually find comfort in each other was incredibly satisfying. Beneath all the tension is a man who would do anything for the woman and child he loves, and a woman terrified of letting herself be loved that deeply. I loved how Tabby stood her ground and stayed by Rhys’s side when he was at his lowest. Her stubbornness wasn’t just strength, it was love, and it made me want to cry and wrap her in the biggest hug. And Rhys? I wanted to scream at him, shake him for lashing out at her. But honestly, who wouldn’t crack under the pressure of an injury and everything else? Still, I was so relieved they reconciled quickly. That moment hit hard in all the right ways. All the heartbreak, all the healing, it was worth every page. I finished the book feeling both shattered and stitched back together yet again. 🥹🫶🏻

Everything about this book was so unpredictable, I couldn’t help but love it even more. I expected it to give me a hard time and honestly, I was doubtful at first. I braced myself for miscommunication tropes, for Tabitha finding out Rhys is Wild Side to be the big elephant in the room, and most of all, for a third-act breakup drama. But to my surprise, none of that happened. I was shocked, relieved, and completely smitten by the end. This book isn’t just a romance, it’s a story of healing, commitment, and choosing each other over and over again. I adored every page.

Along with this, massive props to Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor for narrating this book. My favorite pairing absolutely nailed it and understood the assignment. Their voices carried the emotional weight with so much nuance and chemistry, it felt like the characters were breathing in my ears. Every beat landed, every line felt intentional, and I was fully immersed from start to finish.

And don’t even get me started again on that teaser for the next book. Bash and Gwen’s encounter was scorching, like, blisteringly intense from the first moment. The taboo-tinged banter was absolutely feral. It’s only made me more obsessed. The chaos, the tension, the drama brewing beneath it all… I’m losing it. Already sprinting straight into emotional ruin they’re about to unleash. Damn yes, Wild Card is 100% my next descent into feral feelings. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️

“I can’t stop the fighting now. No more lonely nights in hopeless towns, no more empty promises or lies. Just the way you love my wild eyes. It’s the only thing that matters. Only home I need to know.”

4.5🌟

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Okay, so this one turned out better than I expected—especially after book one left me completely confused. Sure, this one had its moments of confusion too, but I’m glad most of it cleared things up and made the story easier to follow.

Wild Eyes is Elsie Silver doing what she does best, healing hearts one single dad romance at a time. Sure, I still torn between giving this a 4- or 5-stars review. It’s not perfect because there some things that infuriates me, but it’s heartfelt, healing, and full of warmth. Elsie’s writing continues to deliver emotional depth and character-driven magic, and I couldn't love it more.

Weston is the kind of character who radiates warmth and optimism, even while quietly battling his own insecurities. Watching him raise Ollie and Emmy with so much love and devotion was genuinely heart-mending. His bond with Skylar unfolds through slow-burn tension, emotional vulnerability, and the kind of once-in-a-lifetime love that feels both tender and earned. Skylar’s journey is just as powerful. She’s tired of living as the curated starlet version of herself and finally starts reclaiming her identity, artist, woman, human. Her growth is steady and beautifully written, especially in how she connects with Ollie and Emmy. I do wish we got more scenes of her with the kids, and the separation arc could’ve lingered longer for emotional payoff. Still, their found family moments were pure gold. 🧡

West and Skylar’s relationship is built on friendship, trust, and shared vulnerability. They open up to each other in ways that feel intimate and real, and their chemistry—while slow to ignite—is full of tension and heart. The way West shows up for Skylar, not just as a lover but as her safe place, made their romance feel deeply comforting. At first, I couldn’t connect with Skylar beacuse she felt distant, hard to grasp. But the deeper I got into her story, the more I sobbed, cried, wept for her. The scandal that happens to her had gutted me in the worst possible way. And then came the third-act breakup, and I wanted to scream. I was so angry, so heartbroken, so torn between hating her and hugging her. The second separation scene? I wanted to throw my device across the room, but instead I just sat there shattered. And West… this man. He deserves every ounce of joy the universe can offer. So does Skylar. Their pain, their healing, their love was all worth it by the end. I closed the book feeling wrecked and whole at the same time. 🥹🫶🏻

Along with that, huge kudos to Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood for narrating this book. These two absolutely nailed it. Their voices brought so much emotional depth and chemistry, it felt like the characters were breathing in my ears. Every beat, every pause, every line hit exactly where it needed to. Also, I would highly recommend you to listen to its audiobook because this provides us an actual singing part, like yes!! a total singing with the background music in it!??! It’s such a cool, immersive touch that elevates the whole experience. Huge props to Alyssa Brigiotta for making that magic happen.

And don’t even get me started on that teaser for the next book. Rhys and Tabby’s banter was already brewing in book one but then book two casually drops the bomb that they’re married?! I’m losing it. The chaos, the tension, the potential drama and I couldn’t be more curious or eager. Already bracing for the emotional whiplash they’re about to serve. Hell yes, Wild Side is 100% my next emotional freefall. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️

“I want a wild love. I want this feeling I have with you where it hurts to breathe when you get too far away, where my skin itches uncontrollably when you look at me. Where thinking feels overrated because we both know nothing, and no one will ever feel like this. Like us.”

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Well, uhm, I’m a bit confused about this one. I wanted to love it more than I actually did. It didn’t disappoint me, but it also didn’t sweep me off my feet the way Elsie’s other books usually do.

Wild Love had me hooked from the first page, yes, Elsie Silver’s signature swoon-worthy style never misses. Ford & Rosie serve childhood frenemies, secret pining, and grumpy/sunshine chaos with banter so sharp it practically sparks. Ford’s awkward sarcasm and Rosie’s relentless teasing made their dynamic fun and flirty, and the dual POV added that extra layer of emotional pull, especially watching Ford fall hard.

That said, while the first half felt like a 4.5-star read, the second half lost some steam. While Ford being labelled as grumpy, I failed to see his grumpiness. Like... sure he was grumpy but only for a certain circumstance, the rest of it he seems a lot softer than he appears to be. The third-act breakup didn’t quite land, and the chemistry bcs sometimes it leaned more argumentative than emotionally deep. The “he’s loved her for 10+ years” angle felt a bit shaky given their decade-long distance. But Ford’s role as a dad to Cora, while sweet in theory, didn’t fully connect Rosie’s bond with her on the other hand felt more genuine. 🩷

The plot didn’t really do much—no big turning point, no emotional climax, and the conflict wrapped up so fast it felt like the story skipped a beat. But the character arcs are where the magic lived. The way they connected, grew, and intertwined made it worth the read. Elsie’s writing kept me turning pages and highlighting like a maniac. Even with a few bumps, I had a great time and will absolutely keep devouring her books.

Along with this, major shoutout to Zachary Webber and Vanessa Edwin for narrating this book. These two understood the assignment. Their voices carried the emotional weight of the story with so much nuance and chemistry, it felt like the characters were living in my ears. Every moment hit harder, every line felt intentional.

Okay, this series might not hit Chestnut Springs levels of magic YET. But it’s Elsie Silver, so of course i’m still invested. We didn’t get much of a tease for what’s coming next, so, guess I'll had to find out huh? So yes, Wilde Eyes is 100% my next spiral. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️

“Fuck all that. Wreck my plans. Obliterate them. You’re my dream. None of it matters compared to you.”

3.75🌟

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I picked this one on a random bcs the cover was cute and the blurb seem appealin. It was a total blind reading, and honestly? I had such a great time. sometimes impulse picks hit just right. 🫶🏻

Lena’s feeling lonely this holiday season since her friends are settling down, and she’s stuck wondering if she still matters. Cue a trip home and a surprise reunion with Gavin, her brother’s best friend who’s been quietly pining for her for years. Gavin’s been through it, bounced around foster homes, never felt like he belonged until Auggie’s family took him in and gave him a sense of home. That’s why he never made a move on Lena: he didn’t want to risk the only family he had.

I adore Gavin and Lena together. The tension is palpably scorching, the banter is fun, and the chemistry was good. Sure, there might be some cheesy convos, but it was all worth the while. Lena’s flirty, fun, and secretly aching for connection. Gavin’s sweet, grounded, and filthy mouthed in the best way. 🥵🔥 They’re opposites, but their loneliness clicks into something tender and electric. The third-act drama brings emotional chaos (yes, I raged up), but they talk it out and the resolution is so satisfying. And the epilogue? Pure perfection. Years later, they’re settled, in love, and building a life together. I was choked up all over again. Not to mention the bonus epilogue. My heart could burst from its tenderness and warmness of its content🥹❤️

Also, I fully expected Auggie—Lena’s brother—to go full protective sibling mode when he found out Gavin had been secretly in love with her for years. I was bracing for the face-punch, the dramatic fallout, the “stay away from my sister” trope. But nope! Instead, we got the kind of quiet, supportive moment that made my heart ache. Auggie didn’t just accept it, he championed it. He made sure Gavin was the right person for Lena, then pushed him to speak up before it was too late. That kind of love and loyalty? Beyond everything. 🥺🫶🏻

Likewise, a huge shoutout to Patrick Zeller and Samantha Brentmoor for narrating this book. They brought the characters to life with such authenticity and emotional depth, making the entire story feel vivid, grounded, and impossible to pause. Their delivery was perfectly attuned to the characters’ arcs, elevating every moment with care and precision. 🎧✨

And yes, some readers might’ve found this one frustrating, and that’s okay because some elements just aren’t for everyone. But for me, it still hit in a way that felt satisfying and worth the read. You might wanna give it a shot if any of this sounds like your vibe. 🎄❄️🎅🏻🤶🏻

Overall, this book was such a delight. I’m officially diving into more of this author’s work. Her other titles are already on my tbr, especially the oaks sister series 👀 but I’m holding off till it’s complete so I can binge the whole thing in one chaotic, emotionally unhinged sitting.

3.75🌟

Well, this is a quick cowboy-christmas romance to read to fill your spare time. Girllll this was so cute romcom christmas movie coded so muchhh.

She hates Christmas so much she made a list of 25 reasons why, while he’s determined to fix every single one just to make her fall in love with it again. The result? Peak romcom chaos with full-on holiday movie vibes. 🎄💥 This story is sweet, funny, and heartwarming with just the right touch of spice. As he slowly unravels the pain behind her holiday hatred, every gesture he makes starts to sparkle. Their chemistry builds with warmth and charm, turning a list of disasters into a love story worth celebrating. 💚

Also, a massive shoutout to Aaron Shedlock and Sofia Lette for their magnetic duet performance. Their voices blended seamlessly, capturing every emotional beat with precision. Aaron's fun and playful tone nailed Johnny's dorky and sunshine-y personalities and Sofia brought Isabel to life with strength, and just the right edge.

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Okay, maybe it didn’t hit quite as hard as book one or two—but I still enjoyed it and cherished every moment. It gave me just enough heart, heat, and chaos to keep me hooked.

Sexy Dirty Cowboy delivers a sizzling, right-paced romance packed with banter, tension, and emotional depth. Rem is a charming ex-club member trying to outrun his past, ends up under protection after agreeing to testify. While Whitney is a tough, rule-loving officer, is assigned to babysit him. From the moment they meet, it’s chaos: mistrust, wit, attraction, and nonstop bickering that slowly morphs into explosive chemistry.

They couldn’t be more different, yet their connection is undeniable. Whitney tries to resist falling for the man with a criminal past, while Rem works hard to prove he’s changed. Their banter is sharp, hilarious, and emotionally loaded. And, oh boy, when the tension finally snaps? The steam exceeds expectations. The story balances sweetness, suspense, and a twisty ending that genuinely surprises. 💙

One thing I deeply appreciated was how patient and compassionate Rem was with Whitney. He held back from going full alpha-mode—not because he couldn’t, but because he respected her need for control. He saw her strength, honored it, and never tried to overpower it. That kind of restraint? Sexy as hell. And when Whitney finally realized that, when she saw how much he valued her independence and still wanted her anyway, she couldn’t help but lean in. Their dynamic was tender, balanced, and so emotionally grounded it made me want to scream. 😩🫶🏻

Along with it, a huge kudos to Tor Thom and Stella Hunter for their magnetic duet performance. Their voices blended seamlessly, capturing every emotional beat with precision. Tor's deep, resonant tone nailed Rem’s grit and quiet vulnerability, and Stella brought Whitney to life with warmth, strength, and just the right edge. Together, they match every twist and emotional arc with pitch-perfect delivery.

Overall, this series gave me all the enjoyable vibes I was craving. No regrets binge-reading and honestly, I might’ve liked it even more than its protégé, the Buck Cowboys series. The found family theme isn’t as loud here, but it’s still present in the way each character connects with new support characters on each book rather than each couple across the books. It’s subtle but still hits. Every installment delivers emotional whiplash in the best way: sweet, swoony, chaotic. If you’re into cowboy romance with heart, heat, and a dash of drama, this series is it. 🐎🐂🧡🩷💙

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Well. This was something and everything. I thought it would break me—and it did, but in the best way possible. I was relieved, I was glad, I was emotionally wrecked in all the right ways. I wanted to love it as much as the first book… and I failed miserably, because this one had me weeping crying sobbing smiling grinning all at once.

Ride Dirty, Cowboy is a deeply emotional, sexy, and socially resonant story that hits harder than expected. We meet Addie and Kai on the worst day of their lives, her boyfriend and his best friend, Sunny, dies in a car accident with Kai behind the wheel. Though the crash wasn’t his fault, Kai carries the guilt, silently watching over Addie while she wrongly believes he resents her. What unfolds is a slow-burn romance built on grief, guilt, and the aching need for healing. 🩷

Addie, a strong and passionate Aboriginal journalist, joins the US rodeo circuit and finds herself face-to-face with Kai the stoic, loyal, and quietly wrecked by emotion bull rider. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their banter was scorching. This book is angstier and sexier than Talk Dirty, Cowboy, but in the best way. Kai’s nickname “Frost” melts away as he opens up, showing just how deeply he feels and how fiercely he loves. And yes, his dirty talk as chef’s kiss as Bowen's.

Beyond the romance, Elle Thorpe weaves in powerful commentary on racism and identity, especially through Addie’s experience navigating prejudice in the States. The story doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but it also gives space to sit in the feelings—grief, longing, and the weight of survivor’s guilt. Addie being idolized as the grieving girlfriend adds another layer of emotional complexity that makes the story hit even deeper. With a steady pace, heartfelt friendships, and characters that feel real and raw, this book delivers a punch of heart and heat. Kai and Addie’s journey is unforgettable—equal parts tender, painful, and beautifully earned. 🥹

What I cherished most about this book was how patient Kai was with Addie. He never rushed her, never pushed, just stood by her and believed in her every step of the way. That kind of quiet loyalty was so very beyond everything. Sure, I was mad at the way Addie handled things, especially when she stepped back because she thought she was the reason Kai lost his parents. His father forced him to choose, and he chose her. And Addie, thinking she was in the way, let him go out of love. That kind of sacrifice was breaking my heart. But the reconciliation was worth every ounce of pain. Kai and Addie are by far my favorite couple. I love Bowen and Paisley too, don’t get me wrong—but Kai and Addie just hit different. 😭🫶🏻

Along with that, a massive appreciation to Tor Thom and Sofia Lette for their magnetic duet performance. Their voices blended seamlessly, balancing dual POVs with emotional precision. Every beat landed exactly where it needed to.

And don’t even get me started on that epilogue. I was screaming in panic and confusion. Rem absolutely stole my heart with his chaotic bestie energy. The way he blurted out Addie’s real feelings to Kai? ICONIC. He was the emotional bridge between two stubborn souls—Addie with her walls, Kai with his quiet selflessness—and it was EVERYTHING. But that final scene was borderline criminal. What was that arrest about?! I’m feral with curiosity and already sprinting to next book immediately. Saddle up, I’m galloping into Sexy Dirty Cowboy like it stole my emotional stability. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️🐎