Wilde Cowboy (Love is a Cowboy #1) by Kelly Elliott

 

As the son of a third-generation cattle rancher, it's expected that I would follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and work the family ranch just as they did. However, that wasn't my dream, and thankfully, my parents stood behind me when I told them I wanted to open a sporting goods store in our hometown of River Falls, Colorado. That's my plan, My endgame, and nothing is going to distract me from that goal. Then, I met Vivianne Pennington. It soon becomes clear to me that Vivianne is now a part of my dreams, and when I bring her home for Christmas, my entire family and town of River Falls fall head over heels in love with her. Wilde Cowboy by Kelly Elliott was published on January 20th, 2026. This is the first book of Love is a Cowboy series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Kelly Elliott. So I tried really hard to get into the book and I did finish it. This book is not like a lot of books that I have read so it took me awhile to get through it. It is slow paced and you knew at the beginning of the book that the two main characters were getting together. It's a sweet book and if you need a palate cleaner type of book this would be the book that would do it. I loved the characters in this book even the minor characters. I felt like each character had a reason to be put in the book. The love between Vivianne and Ladd I felt like could have used more then instant falling in love. I felt like both were just there. I wanted more passion between the two characters to show that they do love each other. The plot was sweet and had some extra fluff that was really needed in the book. It's a sweet read with very few spicy scenes. I recommend you check it out. 

Love is a Cowboy Series

1. Wilde Cowboy

2. Wilde Ride (03/03/26)

3.  Wilde Flame (05/26/26)

4. Wilde Hearts (08/18/26)

5. Wilde Night (11/10/26) 

Tropes

Small Town

He Falls First

College Romance 

Texas Wildfire (Texas Heroes #1) by Sable Hunter

 

"I Am My Brother's Keeper" are the words engraved on the plaque awarded to volunteer firefighter/rancher Titan Sloan. Daily he risks his life to save and protect friends and neighbors. When he finds out the person he loves the most is the one he's failed to protect, Titan is fit to be tied. Titan Sloan is a hero, but he's no angel. For years he's secretly been in love with his Captain's wife. When he finds out their marriage is a sham and Makenna is being abused, all hell breaks loose. Texas Wildfire by Sable Hunter was published September 2015. This is the first book in the Texas Heroes series. 

This book was one that I really had a hard time getting into. But I gave it a lot of chances to make it up. Let's first talk about the characters. Makenna is the main female character. She was extremely strong in random parts of the books but yet she was extremely frail in others. A lot of her personality didn't fit those who have been abused as long as she has. So she just didn't fit the picture that I thought she should have. Titan was great but he seemed too perfect and did not have a lot of backstory that helped you see who he was. Though you do get to meet his family, but they are perfect millionaire. He just seemed to perfect. 

The plot of this story had several slow parts that felt like you were trying to trudge though. But then it would pick up and you are like okay this isn't so bad. Book usually take me a day or two to get through but this book I had a hard time picking it up to finish. The smut is pretty clean compare to other books that have I read. Nothing that will make you pretty excited to read just same old things. Don't get me wrong it's a decent book and worth a check. 

Texas Heroes Series in Order

1. Texas Wildfire

2. Texas C.H.A.O.S.

Tropes

Western

Men in Uniform - Firefighter

Small Town

Check out other books in Stoker World.

Quotes That I Like

"Far be it from me to contribute to an erection shortage." Makenna gasped. "Oh, there's nothing short about your erection." Quickly, her eyes darted back to his, needing to remember who she was with. 

"The value of anything is based upon the regard we have for it, what worth it is to us..." 

Outback Hearts (Beyond Reality #1) by Susan Stoker

 

Sam never thought she'd actually be chosen for a reality show --but next thing she knew, she was whisked away to Australia. Dealing with a producer willing to do whatever he had to do make the show a hit, other women ready to cheat and lie to gain the attention of the bachelor, and a camera operator ready to catch her at her worst every time she turned around, absolutely nothing was as simple as it seemed on TV. Not to mention the pigs, killer rattlesnakes and shoveling manure. Sam wasn't sure she was going to make it through filming most days - never mind find true love. Outback Hearts by Susan Stoker was published in May 2014. This is the first book in Beyond Reality series. 

I have grown to love Susan Stoker books so much but can tell this is one of her first books. It took me awhile at first to warm up to the characters and to what was happening in the book. Though Susan Stoker has a way with words that can catch you off guard. She loves to throw in little things throughout the book that may seem very small but end up really important. I really loved this book in the end and loved the two main characters. I love the twist and turns and highly recommend checking out this book. 

Beyond Reality Series in Order

1. Outback Hearts 

2. Flaming Hearts 

3. Frozen Hearts 

Tropes 

Check out other books in order in Stoker World.