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Curston Ranch #1
Wild Heart
Alternate cover edition of ASIN: B0BR4RNLSV
Marni has a successful career, beautiful apartment, and a great friend in the city she now calls home. Yet, when her best friend sends her pictures of a wild band of mustangs she saved from being slaughtered, Marni finds herself pulled back to the life she was ripped from at eighteen. The ghosts of her past haunt her, and flashbacks threaten to throw her into crippling fear. Can she save the wild stallion, or will he save her?
Connor never dreamed of the cowboy life, even after coming home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. Self medicating with drinking and sex does little to midigate the flashbacks ruining his life. When the girl he was in love with ten years ago turns back up in town, emotions resurface, and the truth’s of her past bring up a need to protect her at all costs.
With each battling trauma that left them physically and mentally scarred, will time be on their side? Or will Marni once again be forced to leave Connor behind?
Marni has a successful career, beautiful apartment, and a great friend in the city she now calls home. Yet, when her best friend sends her pictures of a wild band of mustangs she saved from being slaughtered, Marni finds herself pulled back to the life she was ripped from at eighteen. The ghosts of her past haunt her, and flashbacks threaten to throw her into crippling fear. Can she save the wild stallion, or will he save her?
Connor never dreamed of the cowboy life, even after coming home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. Self medicating with drinking and sex does little to midigate the flashbacks ruining his life. When the girl he was in love with ten years ago turns back up in town, emotions resurface, and the truth’s of her past bring up a need to protect her at all costs.
With each battling trauma that left them physically and mentally scarred, will time be on their side? Or will Marni once again be forced to leave Connor behind?
240 pages, ebook
First published April 7, 2023
About the author
Lacy Chantell
18 books116 followersLacy Chantell is a new upcoming author. She resides in Kentucky and owns a small business. She is a mom of two toddlers and lives on the family farm with her husband. She loves to read all genres, ride her horses, hiking, pretty much anything outdoors.
Inspiration hits her everywhere she goes for new book ideas and she is excited keep telling stories for others to enjoy.
Romance and Fantasy are her favorite genres to write, and she loves to put her characters through hell for them to get their happy ending in the end.
Inspiration hits her everywhere she goes for new book ideas and she is excited keep telling stories for others to enjoy.
Romance and Fantasy are her favorite genres to write, and she loves to put her characters through hell for them to get their happy ending in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 12, 2024
To be honest, 3 stars is generous😐
The storyline had great potential, but I honestly felt like I was reading something a middle schooler would write 😭 there were so many POV changes with no clue until you read a few sentences in. Booktok failed me on this one 😞
The storyline had great potential, but I honestly felt like I was reading something a middle schooler would write 😭 there were so many POV changes with no clue until you read a few sentences in. Booktok failed me on this one 😞
March 5, 2023
ARC reader review:
This story was fantastic! The omniscient POV was unexpected but at around 25% through the book it had me hooked.
The story follows Marni, who grew up in Wyoming and spent most of her time on her best friends ranch. Unfortunately, Marni’s mommy dearest wasn’t a fan of Marni’s life choices and forced her to take a job in the city, leaving the ranch life behind.
After years of city life, Marni’s bff Tonya contacts her to let her know that she’s rescued a band of wild Mustangs and could use her help caring for them.
Marni reluctantly agrees to drive home for a visit and ends up pulled back into the ranch life and falling in love with the beautiful rescue stallion, who comes to be known as Orion.
But that’s not the only place she finds love.
Tonya’s brother, Connor, is a veteran who is working through his trauma from his time in Afghanistan. And we quickly learn that Marni is his person. The one who can help him overcome those obstacles.
This story ends with a HEA although, I wouldn’t be mad if there was a continuation of their story in another book.
I’m giving ⭐️3 stars⭐️ here because I feel like things were a little rushed in some spots and there could have been more substance worked in to building up to the relationship between both Connor & Marni and Tonya & Hocks.
And secondly because it could use another run through with an editor. If you’re anything like me, nothing pulls my attention from a story line like errors that have slipped under the radar of an editor. There were multiple places where editing was supposed to take place such as words that were supposed to be removed and replaced but both words or phrases ended up in the final copy.
Overall, I really loved the story and the characters! Great work from this author on her debut novel!
P.S. Parker is a total prick and deserves to have his ass handed to him by Connor. Period.
This story was fantastic! The omniscient POV was unexpected but at around 25% through the book it had me hooked.
The story follows Marni, who grew up in Wyoming and spent most of her time on her best friends ranch. Unfortunately, Marni’s mommy dearest wasn’t a fan of Marni’s life choices and forced her to take a job in the city, leaving the ranch life behind.
After years of city life, Marni’s bff Tonya contacts her to let her know that she’s rescued a band of wild Mustangs and could use her help caring for them.
Marni reluctantly agrees to drive home for a visit and ends up pulled back into the ranch life and falling in love with the beautiful rescue stallion, who comes to be known as Orion.
But that’s not the only place she finds love.
Tonya’s brother, Connor, is a veteran who is working through his trauma from his time in Afghanistan. And we quickly learn that Marni is his person. The one who can help him overcome those obstacles.
This story ends with a HEA although, I wouldn’t be mad if there was a continuation of their story in another book.
I’m giving ⭐️3 stars⭐️ here because I feel like things were a little rushed in some spots and there could have been more substance worked in to building up to the relationship between both Connor & Marni and Tonya & Hocks.
And secondly because it could use another run through with an editor. If you’re anything like me, nothing pulls my attention from a story line like errors that have slipped under the radar of an editor. There were multiple places where editing was supposed to take place such as words that were supposed to be removed and replaced but both words or phrases ended up in the final copy.
Overall, I really loved the story and the characters! Great work from this author on her debut novel!
P.S. Parker is a total prick and deserves to have his ass handed to him by Connor. Period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
I received the ARC for this book. I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written. I love the character development with the main characters. The spice was good too. I love how you got to read about basically everything going on around everyone. It get to see what’s going on with ever character and what going on around them. It’s not in 1st person pov and I thought that was interesting and intriguing and made the story even better. I don’t think I could read it another way. It work for this book. Check your trigger warnings please
January 12, 2024
I hate giving low ratings. I believe all authors are artists and it’s unfair to rate their works poorly just because it wasn’t for me.
This book? Was not for me. I couldn’t mesh with the writing style, I felt like the traumas weren’t handled in a realistic way, and it kind of jumped around. I also just felt like it was insta love, despite them knowing each other their whole lives. I just think two broken people would be a bit more broken when starting a relationship.
I’m so bummed. I had such high hopes for this book.
This book? Was not for me. I couldn’t mesh with the writing style, I felt like the traumas weren’t handled in a realistic way, and it kind of jumped around. I also just felt like it was insta love, despite them knowing each other their whole lives. I just think two broken people would be a bit more broken when starting a relationship.
I’m so bummed. I had such high hopes for this book.
February 24, 2023
*This is my review after I finished my ARC copy*
This book tells a great story. A story of finding and healing yourself mixed with some spice. The way Lacy writes keeps the story flowing. No boring chapters. I was hooked from the start of the story and was sad the story ended. I am hoping for a second book in this series.
This book tells a great story. A story of finding and healing yourself mixed with some spice. The way Lacy writes keeps the story flowing. No boring chapters. I was hooked from the start of the story and was sad the story ended. I am hoping for a second book in this series.
March 24, 2023
Wild Heart is a perfect shorter read to bring all the feels and a lovely story. This is a second chance, return to hometown, best friends brother romance and I’m here for it! Toss in former military and you have yourself a great story!
March 12, 2023
I recieved a copy of the book as an ARC. I'll start by saying the story itself is beyond perfect! A nice second chance story with a hint of spice. If you've ever been, were raised with, or raised a horse girl this is a story that will leave you smiling and eating the pages up as quickly as possible. I love Connor and Marni! They are both flawed and scared in their own ways but are perfect for each other.
I will be recommending this book to everyone and I cannot wait to read more stories from Ms. Chantell!
I will be recommending this book to everyone and I cannot wait to read more stories from Ms. Chantell!
March 14, 2023
I would give this book a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) stars. It is a classic small town romance. I do very much enjoy the best friend's brother to lover trope. I can also fully understand seeing an animal's picture and being willing to drop everything to go and take care of it.
I enjoyed how Marni (FMC) and Connor (MMC) both had experienced trauma and were able to help each other through it. Their connection with their horses is also very moving. It shows how therapeutic the love of an animal can be to a person. I love seeing real human emotions being shown in a story instead of flat characters that have had perfect lives. The love scenes were great! (Graphic, so be cautious if considering this for a younger audience.)
This was a very quick and easy read. If you want a happy ending story with a little sadness and hardship to make it interesting along the way, then you would enjoy this book. Thank you for the ARC, Lacy!
I enjoyed how Marni (FMC) and Connor (MMC) both had experienced trauma and were able to help each other through it. Their connection with their horses is also very moving. It shows how therapeutic the love of an animal can be to a person. I love seeing real human emotions being shown in a story instead of flat characters that have had perfect lives. The love scenes were great! (Graphic, so be cautious if considering this for a younger audience.)
This was a very quick and easy read. If you want a happy ending story with a little sadness and hardship to make it interesting along the way, then you would enjoy this book. Thank you for the ARC, Lacy!
Read
September 30, 2023This was a record for me I couldn’t make it past 4% the writing was just bad… I couldn’t push through it was so badly written 🫣
March 20, 2024
overall a very solid first book for a series!! marni, who has had a lot of verbal and physical abuse returns home to find connor, a vet with ptsd who has been in love with her for over a decade
this is the only time i wish a book had more description as the scenes sometimes felt rushed
also the switching of POV took me a while to get used to- there’s not only the two MC but 4+ others who get their moment in inner dialogue (which i did not need parker’s to know he was an ass)
(an animal does die on page)
this is the only time i wish a book had more description as the scenes sometimes felt rushed
also the switching of POV took me a while to get used to- there’s not only the two MC but 4+ others who get their moment in inner dialogue (which i did not need parker’s to know he was an ass)
(an animal does die on page)
Read
April 13, 2023A promising debut! It could have used some editorial tweaking, but there was great chemistry between the characters and the plot was raw and emotional.
August 22, 2024
cute cowboy romance
This was a good ride. My biggest issue was some things seemed under developed or rushed through. I had a good time though!
This was a good ride. My biggest issue was some things seemed under developed or rushed through. I had a good time though!
July 24, 2024
Who doesn’t love a cowboy?! I found Wild Heart while scrolling on TikTok. Not my usual way of finding new reads, but so glad I did! Connor is a complex man who has emotional and physical scars from his time in the war. Marni is the woman he has loved for years BUT never told! She comes back home with some emotional scars of her own!Sparks fly, sweet moments, and some super steamy moments!
May 20, 2025
Not bad
I personally like POV rather than third person. If not I would have given it 4 stars. The writing wasn't bad. But I feel like this is a new author. The writing was a little choppy in some instances. And a little word salad here and there. Not terrible. Umm there was a little too much chaos.
The FMC had a abusive mom, an abusive ex that caused trauma. Then had a toxic coworker. All active in the story.
The MMC had PTSD, and a side piece. It was almost like they were trauma bonding.
It was just a lot. Also, the lack of communication was annoying.
FMC's bff tells her
"once he wants something he's 100% in, so make sure you know what you want before you break his heart"
FMC: what if he only wants a fling?
Where did she get that idea? And why not talk to him?
Also, when you lose your phone, the first thing you say to someone is "call my phone" nope. Here the MC made life difficult
The author forced chaos. She had the characters react in a way involving low intelligence. Or.maybe the author is still in her late teens and early twenties and that why the MC made something big out of nothing.
It was ok. Mediocre.
I personally like POV rather than third person. If not I would have given it 4 stars. The writing wasn't bad. But I feel like this is a new author. The writing was a little choppy in some instances. And a little word salad here and there. Not terrible. Umm there was a little too much chaos.
The FMC had a abusive mom, an abusive ex that caused trauma. Then had a toxic coworker. All active in the story.
The MMC had PTSD, and a side piece. It was almost like they were trauma bonding.
It was just a lot. Also, the lack of communication was annoying.
FMC's bff tells her
"once he wants something he's 100% in, so make sure you know what you want before you break his heart"
FMC: what if he only wants a fling?
Where did she get that idea? And why not talk to him?
Also, when you lose your phone, the first thing you say to someone is "call my phone" nope. Here the MC made life difficult
The author forced chaos. She had the characters react in a way involving low intelligence. Or.maybe the author is still in her late teens and early twenties and that why the MC made something big out of nothing.
It was ok. Mediocre.
February 27, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
This book was fantastic! From the beginning I felt a connection with Marni. The growth she goes through in this book was amazing to witness! Lacy, I give you props! There aren’t many books written in third person that hold my interest and you definitely succeeded in holding me captive with your words! I definitely need more of this world!
This book was fantastic! From the beginning I felt a connection with Marni. The growth she goes through in this book was amazing to witness! Lacy, I give you props! There aren’t many books written in third person that hold my interest and you definitely succeeded in holding me captive with your words! I definitely need more of this world!
February 28, 2023
I received Wild Heart as an Arc. I loved the story, i loved the main female character Marni, her cat Ginger and her relationship with Tonya and her family, rather than her relationship with her own. Her first reintroduction to Connor in the barn where he scared her. The writing made me feel like i was there on the ranch with them fumbling the roping just like Wes, where Marni is so comfortable and forgets the time while working with Orion trying to break him in, and how she deals with Parker after that second time of working with Orion.
The whole bar incident and the riding round the ranch make it feel more real. Finding out that Connor has been in love with her since before she left to go to college, the way she ripped Parker a new one when he showed up uninvited at the ranch and almost got her head kicked in by scaring Orion,
I enjoyed the spice for me its the right lvl of spice.
I love the way Marni gets more confident as she spend more time at the ranch.
The whole bar incident and the riding round the ranch make it feel more real. Finding out that Connor has been in love with her since before she left to go to college, the way she ripped Parker a new one when he showed up uninvited at the ranch and almost got her head kicked in by scaring Orion,
I enjoyed the spice for me its the right lvl of spice.
I love the way Marni gets more confident as she spend more time at the ranch.
February 23, 2023
I love a good small town country romance and Wild Heart did not disappoint. I received an ARC copy and am excited to leave my honest reviews. I was hooked from the start of the book. I loved seeing how
Marni grew into herself by the end of the book. Both Marni and Connor have a lot to work through and together they slowly heal. Marni had a dream of going to the pro rodeo when her mother took that dream away. Marni is someone who did what she was told by her mother and was brought back to love when she went back to the ranch. Connor is a war hero who is dealing with his past. If you we looking for a small town country romance with some drama and spice look no further.
Marni grew into herself by the end of the book. Both Marni and Connor have a lot to work through and together they slowly heal. Marni had a dream of going to the pro rodeo when her mother took that dream away. Marni is someone who did what she was told by her mother and was brought back to love when she went back to the ranch. Connor is a war hero who is dealing with his past. If you we looking for a small town country romance with some drama and spice look no further.
April 20, 2023
I LOVED this book! If you like cowboys, romance and yellowstone you will also love this book! The ending had me in tears and I absolutely can’t wait for the second book.
Did Not Finish
October 20, 2023dnf @ 2%
immediately no. 😂
immediately no. 😂
November 25, 2023
Didn’t finish the book too many incorrect things about Western life. Author should look up a team roping video before writing about it.
February 6, 2025
Too many POV changes without knowing. Story was good, just could’ve been refined.
July 1, 2026
If you’re looking for a romance packed with emotional healing, undeniable chemistry, and characters you’ll be rooting for from beginning to end, Wild at Heart absolutely delivers.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Connor has loved Marni since they were teenagers, but life had other plans. She left for college, he joined the Army, and years later they find themselves reunited on his family’s ranch—both carrying scars from their pasts. Between PTSD, abusive exes, years of unspoken feelings, misunderstandings, and the weight of choosing between the life you’ve always known and the one your heart wants, their journey is anything but easy.
Connor is the perfect grumpy-to-cinnamon-roll hero. Beneath his rough exterior is a fiercely loyal man who would do absolutely anything for the woman he’s loved for years. Watching both Connor and Marni heal, grow, and slowly learn to trust themselves—and each other—was incredibly rewarding.
The story balances heartfelt emotion with drama, humor, swoony romance, and just the right amount of spice. Every conflict felt earned, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the relationship development never felt rushed. Even after reading hundreds of romance novels, this story felt refreshingly original. The plot, character dynamics, and emotional depth stand out in a genre where it can be hard to surprise seasoned readers.
If you love:
* PTSD representation
* Grumpy MMC who is secretly the biggest cinnamon roll
* Best friend’s brother
* Unrequited love
* Healing from trauma
* Protective hero
* Emotional slow-build romance
* Crazy exes and high emotional stakes
…then this book belongs on your TBR.
A few of my favorite quotes:
“They want us to all look like we know Victoria’s secret. Well, let me tell ya, I enjoy a greasy burger as much as the drunk at the bar every evening and I don’t see him squeezing his beer belly into Spanx.”
“Who would complain? Your heart-eyed fans?” Marni teases. “Let them,” Connor coos before brushing his lips against hers.
“You don’t know what he’s capable of… He’d fight them? … Not just fight. He’d win.”
Wild at Heart is a beautiful reminder that sometimes love isn’t about fixing someone—it’s about finding the person willing to heal beside you. This was an easy five-star read, and I can’t wait to read more from Lacie Chantell.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Connor has loved Marni since they were teenagers, but life had other plans. She left for college, he joined the Army, and years later they find themselves reunited on his family’s ranch—both carrying scars from their pasts. Between PTSD, abusive exes, years of unspoken feelings, misunderstandings, and the weight of choosing between the life you’ve always known and the one your heart wants, their journey is anything but easy.
Connor is the perfect grumpy-to-cinnamon-roll hero. Beneath his rough exterior is a fiercely loyal man who would do absolutely anything for the woman he’s loved for years. Watching both Connor and Marni heal, grow, and slowly learn to trust themselves—and each other—was incredibly rewarding.
The story balances heartfelt emotion with drama, humor, swoony romance, and just the right amount of spice. Every conflict felt earned, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the relationship development never felt rushed. Even after reading hundreds of romance novels, this story felt refreshingly original. The plot, character dynamics, and emotional depth stand out in a genre where it can be hard to surprise seasoned readers.
If you love:
* PTSD representation
* Grumpy MMC who is secretly the biggest cinnamon roll
* Best friend’s brother
* Unrequited love
* Healing from trauma
* Protective hero
* Emotional slow-build romance
* Crazy exes and high emotional stakes
…then this book belongs on your TBR.
A few of my favorite quotes:
“They want us to all look like we know Victoria’s secret. Well, let me tell ya, I enjoy a greasy burger as much as the drunk at the bar every evening and I don’t see him squeezing his beer belly into Spanx.”
“Who would complain? Your heart-eyed fans?” Marni teases. “Let them,” Connor coos before brushing his lips against hers.
“You don’t know what he’s capable of… He’d fight them? … Not just fight. He’d win.”
Wild at Heart is a beautiful reminder that sometimes love isn’t about fixing someone—it’s about finding the person willing to heal beside you. This was an easy five-star read, and I can’t wait to read more from Lacie Chantell.
April 8, 2023
Small Town Romance
⭐️4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Age range: New Adult
“I always knew it was horses that would bring you back.”
CreedReads Review:
This story had me from the first page. I don’t normally go for 3rd person POV or omniscient POV. But Lacy wrote this so well and I felt like I was watching the story come to life in my head.
I felt like I was walking in Marni’s shoes and her love for horses! There’s so much more to this story than a wild mustang. It’s the essences of Spirit (but an adult version) mixed with Hope Floats.
The journey the characters take, Marni and Connor….oh Connor…I know this was not meant to be a series, but I really, really, REALLY hope we get another book, maybe T’s story with appearances of Marnie and Connor. PLEASSSSEEEE!!!!
Tropes & Vibes:
- Cowboy
- Spirit meets Hope Floats
- Who did this
- He fell first
BLURB:
Marni has a successful career, beautiful apartment, and a great friend in the city she now calls home. Yet, when her best friend sends her pictures of a wild band of mustangs she saved from being slaughtered, she finds herself being pulled back to the life she was ripped away from at eighteen. Ghosts of her past haunt her. Flashbacks throw her into crippling fear. Can she save the wild stallion, or will he save her?
Connor came home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. He never dreamed of the cowboy life, in fact growing up he watched his sister compete at the local rodeos and have the chance to go pro. He always admired the teamwork of her and her horse. When her best friend's mother whisked her teammate away overnight her pro rodeo dreams came to an end. When she reappears after ten years the emotions he had for the spirited woman resurface.
Their traumas have warped them both and a mix of physical and mental scars make them unrecognizable to one another. Will time be on their side, or will Marni once again leave him behind?
Content Warnings: may be provided by the author, it’s the reader’s responsibility to review and determine if you want to read this story. Your mental health is always more important.
⭐️4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Age range: New Adult
“I always knew it was horses that would bring you back.”
CreedReads Review:
This story had me from the first page. I don’t normally go for 3rd person POV or omniscient POV. But Lacy wrote this so well and I felt like I was watching the story come to life in my head.
I felt like I was walking in Marni’s shoes and her love for horses! There’s so much more to this story than a wild mustang. It’s the essences of Spirit (but an adult version) mixed with Hope Floats.
The journey the characters take, Marni and Connor….oh Connor…I know this was not meant to be a series, but I really, really, REALLY hope we get another book, maybe T’s story with appearances of Marnie and Connor. PLEASSSSEEEE!!!!
Tropes & Vibes:
- Cowboy
- Spirit meets Hope Floats
- Who did this
- He fell first
BLURB:
Marni has a successful career, beautiful apartment, and a great friend in the city she now calls home. Yet, when her best friend sends her pictures of a wild band of mustangs she saved from being slaughtered, she finds herself being pulled back to the life she was ripped away from at eighteen. Ghosts of her past haunt her. Flashbacks throw her into crippling fear. Can she save the wild stallion, or will he save her?
Connor came home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. He never dreamed of the cowboy life, in fact growing up he watched his sister compete at the local rodeos and have the chance to go pro. He always admired the teamwork of her and her horse. When her best friend's mother whisked her teammate away overnight her pro rodeo dreams came to an end. When she reappears after ten years the emotions he had for the spirited woman resurface.
Their traumas have warped them both and a mix of physical and mental scars make them unrecognizable to one another. Will time be on their side, or will Marni once again leave him behind?
Content Warnings: may be provided by the author, it’s the reader’s responsibility to review and determine if you want to read this story. Your mental health is always more important.
April 12, 2023
Need a new epic small town, cowboy romance?? Because look no further, this book is it for you. The dynamic between these two main characters is intense but in the best way.
Marni has gone through some traumatizing stuff that no one should ever have to. But what keeps her grounded in life is her best friend Tonya and the pictures she sends of the family ranch. Tonya swears Marni has a gift, to be able to communicate with a horse, almost like a horse whisperer. So when Tonya rescues some wild Mustangs and encounters one that is very angry and won't let anyone near him she asks Marni for help. Needing to clear her head and missing the ranch life, Marni packs her bags and go on an adventure that surprises even her.
After returning from Afghanistan, Connor isn't fully the same. He has this need to protect and he still has PTSD. But needing the escape he takes over the family business and runs the ranch with his sister Tonya. He hates how his sister keeps rescuing horses when the ranch can't afford it but he understands why. What he didn't realize was his past coming back to him in the form of a beautiful woman that he's loved for years.
Marni and Connor's chemistry wasn't there at first but it slowly bloomed into something epic. The best friend's brother trope usually has the BF not condoning the relationship but I loved how Tonya pushed them into admitting their feelings. Connor has always loved Marni since they were kids and when she was forced to leave it broke his heart that he never got to say goodbye or how he felt. Connor is a true gentleman and his need to protect Marni was incredible. They healed each other from their past trauma/ PTSD and neither one of them shielded the other. Their story was sweet and spicy and I hope to see more from this author in the future. Maybe a spin-off series with Tonya and her love interest.
Marni has gone through some traumatizing stuff that no one should ever have to. But what keeps her grounded in life is her best friend Tonya and the pictures she sends of the family ranch. Tonya swears Marni has a gift, to be able to communicate with a horse, almost like a horse whisperer. So when Tonya rescues some wild Mustangs and encounters one that is very angry and won't let anyone near him she asks Marni for help. Needing to clear her head and missing the ranch life, Marni packs her bags and go on an adventure that surprises even her.
After returning from Afghanistan, Connor isn't fully the same. He has this need to protect and he still has PTSD. But needing the escape he takes over the family business and runs the ranch with his sister Tonya. He hates how his sister keeps rescuing horses when the ranch can't afford it but he understands why. What he didn't realize was his past coming back to him in the form of a beautiful woman that he's loved for years.
Marni and Connor's chemistry wasn't there at first but it slowly bloomed into something epic. The best friend's brother trope usually has the BF not condoning the relationship but I loved how Tonya pushed them into admitting their feelings. Connor has always loved Marni since they were kids and when she was forced to leave it broke his heart that he never got to say goodbye or how he felt. Connor is a true gentleman and his need to protect Marni was incredible. They healed each other from their past trauma/ PTSD and neither one of them shielded the other. Their story was sweet and spicy and I hope to see more from this author in the future. Maybe a spin-off series with Tonya and her love interest.
November 17, 2024
Marni has a successful career, beautiful apartment, and a great friend in the city she now calls home. Yet, when her best friend sends her pictures of a wild band of mustangs she saved from being slaughtered, Marni finds herself pulled back to the life she was ripped from at eighteen. The ghosts of her past haunt her, and flashbacks threaten to throw her into crippling fear. Can she save the wild stallion, or will he save her?
Connor never dreamed of the cowboy life, even after coming home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. Self medicating with drinking and sex does little to midigate the flashbacks ruining his life. When the girl he was in love with ten years ago turns back up in town, emotions resurface, and the truth’s of her past bring up a need to protect her at all costs.
With each battling trauma that left them physically and mentally scarred, will time be on their side? Or will Marni once again be forced to leave Connor behind?
Connor never dreamed of the cowboy life, even after coming home to run the family ranch after his tour in Afghanistan. Self medicating with drinking and sex does little to midigate the flashbacks ruining his life. When the girl he was in love with ten years ago turns back up in town, emotions resurface, and the truth’s of her past bring up a need to protect her at all costs.
With each battling trauma that left them physically and mentally scarred, will time be on their side? Or will Marni once again be forced to leave Connor behind?
April 8, 2023
I adore Lacy Chantell so I was super excited to finally read this one.
Wild Heart is written in an omniscient POV, which is not something you see often, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was a refreshing take, and it was interesting as a reader to know everything that was happening around the characters.
I also really enjoyed getting to experience Marni and Connor's healing journey. I am a sucker for MC's who are able to face their shared trauma and use that healing to grow together. Their love story was beautiful and hit me right in the feels.
If a small town romance with great spice and interesting characters is your thing, give this one a shot.
Trigger Warnings:
- Stalking Behavior
- Narcissistic Behaviors
- Adult Language
- Manipulative Parent
- Mature Sexual Content
- Alcohol
- Sexual Abuse Trauma
- Military PTSD
Wild Heart is written in an omniscient POV, which is not something you see often, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was a refreshing take, and it was interesting as a reader to know everything that was happening around the characters.
I also really enjoyed getting to experience Marni and Connor's healing journey. I am a sucker for MC's who are able to face their shared trauma and use that healing to grow together. Their love story was beautiful and hit me right in the feels.
If a small town romance with great spice and interesting characters is your thing, give this one a shot.
Trigger Warnings:
- Stalking Behavior
- Narcissistic Behaviors
- Adult Language
- Manipulative Parent
- Mature Sexual Content
- Alcohol
- Sexual Abuse Trauma
- Military PTSD
July 7, 2023
I’m obsessed with this book! I have never felt more seen in a book as when Marni escaped her mother’s control.
Marni is a strong business woman who isn’t enjoying life. She walked away from her dreams because of her mom. She rushes home to help her best friend.
Connor is a soldier struggling with PTSD. He working at home and he comes face to face with the girl who he loved from a distance and his sister’s best friend.
They learn to overcome the struggles that come their way and heal while growing together. Marni is able to support Connor and help him find hope again. Connor gives Marni the strength to choose herself and her dreams over her mother’s approval. This is a beautiful love story that shows how you can always come home and seek your dreams. I’m beyond excited to keep reading about the characters in this world and would love more Marni and Connor.
Marni is a strong business woman who isn’t enjoying life. She walked away from her dreams because of her mom. She rushes home to help her best friend.
Connor is a soldier struggling with PTSD. He working at home and he comes face to face with the girl who he loved from a distance and his sister’s best friend.
They learn to overcome the struggles that come their way and heal while growing together. Marni is able to support Connor and help him find hope again. Connor gives Marni the strength to choose herself and her dreams over her mother’s approval. This is a beautiful love story that shows how you can always come home and seek your dreams. I’m beyond excited to keep reading about the characters in this world and would love more Marni and Connor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
Not what I expected
I don’t typically mind third person writing, however, I did not like how back and forth it was between the characters. One sentence it was the third person POV of the main female character. The very next sentence was the third person POV of the main male character. The transitions could have been better. I also read that it had Kaycee Dutton Yellowstone vibes, and it most certainly did not. The only similarities between the Kaycee and the main male character Connor, were that they were in the military. Kaycee loved horses, that was his passion. Connor hated horses. Not exactly the same “vibe”. Also, the main female character had some trauma to overcome and I feel like she overcame her trauma WAY too quickly. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and I don’t recommend it.
I don’t typically mind third person writing, however, I did not like how back and forth it was between the characters. One sentence it was the third person POV of the main female character. The very next sentence was the third person POV of the main male character. The transitions could have been better. I also read that it had Kaycee Dutton Yellowstone vibes, and it most certainly did not. The only similarities between the Kaycee and the main male character Connor, were that they were in the military. Kaycee loved horses, that was his passion. Connor hated horses. Not exactly the same “vibe”. Also, the main female character had some trauma to overcome and I feel like she overcame her trauma WAY too quickly. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and I don’t recommend it.
June 5, 2024
Beautifully written
I'm a sucker for a good cowboy romance anyway, but I absolutely adore this book. It was so easy to connect to each character in a way, but it was also easy to understand the bonds they had with their horses.
Both Marni and Conner have ptsd from completely different kinds of trauma, something they work through together. There's pain, and both characters definitely go through a lot, but this is a beautifully written love story. They knew each other basically their whole lives. Marni was forced away by her mom to follow a "real" career instead of her pro-rodeo dreams, and Conner left for the army. When Marni finds herself back at the ranch of her best friend's family, she also finds Conner. I loved reading their journey towards really finding each other.
I'm a sucker for a good cowboy romance anyway, but I absolutely adore this book. It was so easy to connect to each character in a way, but it was also easy to understand the bonds they had with their horses.
Both Marni and Conner have ptsd from completely different kinds of trauma, something they work through together. There's pain, and both characters definitely go through a lot, but this is a beautifully written love story. They knew each other basically their whole lives. Marni was forced away by her mom to follow a "real" career instead of her pro-rodeo dreams, and Conner left for the army. When Marni finds herself back at the ranch of her best friend's family, she also finds Conner. I loved reading their journey towards really finding each other.
April 9, 2023
I was an ARC reader for this novel and was a little apprehensive about it since this is Lacy's first novel. However all doubt quickly left once I started reading! I quickly got into the story line and became invested in Marni as a character. This book has some sweet and spice mixed in and I couldn't get enough. The return to hometown vibe of the book was wonderful, especially since Marni went back without the need to prove anything to anyone or a motive for revenge or showing people who she's become like I've seen in so many books. I also loved her healing from her abusive relationship and her journey to finding herself again. As an abuse survivor, I cried. It was such a personal connection for me. Great book! I cannot wait to see what Lacy writes next!
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