Blurb:

Ensley

Ten years ago, my world shattered when I lost not only my best friend, but the man I loved. Colt’s brother was my best friend, and his death took two people from my life in a single moment. One I lost to tragedy, and one I lost to grief.

I waited for Colt to come home and grieve with the rest of us after his brother’s death, but after the first year passed, it became painfully clear he wasn’t coming back to River Falls.

I did what I had to do to keep moving forward. I pushed every thought of Colt out of my mind. If only my heart had known how to loosen its grip on him. Instead, I poured myself into building a career as a farrier, supported my family’s ranch, and watched one sibling after another find their happily ever after while I stood still, holding on to someone who wasn’t there.

Eventually, I realized that if I was ever going to find my own happiness, I had to stop waiting for it. I had to take control of my future.

And just when I finally believed I had everything figured out, Colt returned to River Falls, and my carefully built life fell apart all over again.

Colt

After ten years away, I’m back in River Falls, not entirely sure where I fit anymore.

I left after my brother took his own life, drowning in guilt and convinced I was responsible. I couldn’t face my family. I couldn’t face Ensley. So, I ran and stayed gone far longer than I ever intended.

I told myself time would make it easier. It didn’t.

The moment I see Ensley Wilde sitting in a chair beside my father’s hospital bed, everything I buried comes rushing back. Including the guilt I’ve never managed to outrun.

For years, we’ve all carried our own version of what happened to Grady, and the guilt that came with each version. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it be enough to heal what’s broken between us, or will it destroy what’s left entirely?

Can I earn my parents’ trust again?

And more importantly… is there still a chance to win back Ensley Wilde’s heart, and the life I left behind? Can I finally give her the future she’s always dreamed of?

Dear Reader,

Before you begin this story, I need to let you know that it deals with the sensitive subject of suicide.

If you need emotional support or have a loved one you think may need it, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

There is also an organization to help as well called, Reasons To Stay.

(Wilde Hearts is the fourth book in the Love is a Cowboy series. While each book can be read as a stand alone, I highly suggest reading them in order for a better reading experience.)

https://kellyelliottauthor.com/books/wilde-hearts/

*****

Review:

This was a such a fast read for me. It sucked me in and before I knew it I was almost done. I totally was in with Ensley on the mad-at-Colt train because that man did her dirty. I get that he was young and dealing with a lot of grief and guilt and all but running out on her … whew. And once we get his side of things, it makes it a little better but I’m not sure I would have been so quick to forgive 🙂

They were dealing with a lot of heavy things tho. And, as someone who hasn’t experienced it that closely myself, I felt like it was handled with care? I see every POV, including Grady’s, and it is heartbreaking. I do wish that there had been discussion of getting professional help, even at their current situation, because I feel like there needed to be some resolution for a lot of their feelings. But they are there for each other and help every way they can.

I appreciate the big, loving family that is the Wildes. They are supportive and caring and open. The love and advice they give each other is powerful and I like that they believe in Colt enough to give him the chance to explain things. But now I am definitely looking forward to Gatlin’s story because even with his big heart there’s a bit of an ornery streak and I gotta know who is gonna bring him around!