I was too young to understand the beauty of what I held in my arms when she crashed into my world.
Frankie Young was never far from my mind, so when she came back into my life after nearly a decade, it was as if no time had passed.
After we reconnected in more ways than one, there was no denying what we had was extraordinary and, I thought, forever. But when she discovered something I’d been hiding, she gave up on us without giving me a chance to explain.
My lies broke her heart, but her walking away shattered what was left of mine. I thought that was the end for us… until Frankie and I found ourselves bound together for life. While we navigated our new found destiny, not only did we have to fight for each other, but we had to protect our future from someone who didn’t want us to have one together.
The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance. Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.
Wilder and Frankie had a love that was more than a slow burn. It was YEARS in the making. The attraction was apparent from their first interaction and I could see that there was going to be some major obstacles for them to overcome.
I mean, Frankie's Dad was super protective (I understand that better after having read the book), they lived hours apart, their dreams didn't align, and then—of course—there were meddling hands that got involved along the way.
However, once it clicked... WOW! The chemistry was hot, the relationships Frankie built with the Ryder family members were so lovely. I melted a little at the bond she shared with Dixie—it was beautiful.
And that moment near the end with Maverick! I kind of expected it, if I'm honest.
Piper absolutely rubbed me the wrong way right from the beginning, I really didn't like her. She could be absolutely brutal at times, I felt so sorry for anyone who got on her bad side.
There were so many secrets, surprises, and agonising moments that I wondered whether my heart would be able to handle the battering it was getting (newsflash: barely).
All in all though, it was a fabulous story and I am very much looking forward to Mav's story.
Will Wilder and Frankie take advantage of the second chance they are given? 10 years later and a lot of baggage can these two make it work? When they first meet it is sweet and easy between them that soon develops into something intense and sexy. Can they face their own fears and drama to build something lasting? Will the secrets, lies and family drama keep them apart?
I really liked this book, especially the steam level, damn. Frankie and Wilder were smoking hot. I only feel like the book went on a little longer than it should have. The last few chapters dragged for me. 4 stars
Oh, the secrets. The lies. Frankie and Wilder had an almost-shot at young love, but it seemed like it wasn’t meant to be, so they both pined in silence for years. But it was when they got together and worked through the first few secrets that it all began to unravel. And not one single secret was exactly what I thought it would be! It’s not often that I’m surprised like this, so I loved the ride and the attempts to figure out what was truth and what was simply perception without context. It helped that Frankie was no doormat and she matched Wilder in every way. Temper, love, devotion, loyalty. All of it made for a fantastic read that only left me wishing it wasn’t over when I got to the last page. But that’s okay. Because I’m pretty sure Maverick is going to take readers on one heck of a ride, too.
I loved Wilder and Frankie's story. I love these Ryder boys. LOVE THEM!
Wilder and Frankie had an almost instant attraction. They were drawn to each other in their teens. They have some misunderstandings and mishaps that happen, but their love story brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. I was rooting for them the whole book.
Maverick gave me some tears for a small moment in this book. And after everything with him in this book, I can't wait to read his book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A love that spans ten years is usually a strong one. Wilder and Frankie take that long, and multiple chances to be with each other. Their paths first cross as teens and then again in their twenties. Both have dreams and goals, but he has always wanted the best for her.
The misunderstandings, life lessons and actions of others, just make them stronger. I loved their story, and we get a hint of Maverick's future. I am looking forward to reading his book.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ These is book two in The Ryder Ranch Series and it's a beautiful slow burn romance with plenty of twists and turns. Wilder Ryder meets Frankie Young when they are in their teens, both are smitten instantly. But it's summer and Frankie's family is on vacation. Is this a one time encounter? No there will be more but what we come to see is that Wilder and Frankie both put others first,the timing is never on their side and their dreams just don't seem to align. Or do they? There have been secrets and lies or have they all been ? is it possible some of these things have been misunderstandings, miscommunications can Wilder and Frankie work through everything to make what they know they can have last? Anna Brooks does another fantastic job bringing this couple to life. I can't wait for Maverick's story.
Wilder and Frankie’s story is one filled with secrets, road blocks and drama. An accidental meeting has an instant chemistry and attraction lighting up the pages. These two have interference playing a part that has some dreams being filled but the heart remaining empty. However as these two start to find their path together, more family drama will play out. These two take you on a bumpy road to forever filled with passion, heat, revelations and finally understanding. A beautiful romance story that fills your heart and keeps you guessing.
I've read several books written by Anna Brooks; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the second book in the Ryder Ranch Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Frankie & Wilder; it starts when they were teenagers and go into adulthood. I loved the chemistry between them.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Wilder and Frankie have a star crossed lovers past! They meet young,and get torn apart. Years later, they are back…and things are complicated. Wilder is very OTT with Frankie. Some tears, but mostly joy in this story. Can’t wait for the next!
Wilder and Frankie are back together by second chance. I wasn't sure how it was gonna work cause they both have baggage and fears. They definitely have chemistry but is that enough? I will say I was kinda surprised by how much the end of the book seemed drag on but it did all work out.
This is book two in The Ryder Ranch Series and it is Frankie and Wilder's story and it is a must read. Frankie, her twin sister Piper and there parents went on holiday to Warrenville and that is where she bumped into the most handsome and hottest boy thinking that she would never see him again. Wilder lived and worked on the family ranch and he loved what he did and wouldn't want to live any where else but his mind was on the beautiful girl that bumped into him and he didn't know what to do with how he felt and if he would ever see her again as she was probably on holiday. Much to Wilder's surprise Frankie and her family turned up to do a guided tour on the horses on there ranch making Wilder's day. Now years later and Frankie and Wilder have never forgot each other and they meet again and the connection and chemistry between them is just as strong but it never seems to be the right time for them but only time will tell if they will ever get a chance of being together. There are many twists and turns along with betrayal, secrets, insecurity, hope, love and difficult situations that have you turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive that I couldn't put this book down as it kept your attention and on the edge of your seat. Anna Brooks is an amazing author and writer and I absolutely love this book and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just when I thought I was done with this series, it sucks me back in! While the first book was enjoyable, it didn’t necessarily captivate me, but the second installment in this series had me hooked within the first few chapters! Frankie spent summers in the same town as Wilder’s family’s homestead, and when they meet at a local diner, she assumes he’s into her sister because she looks nerdy, and he is enthralled with her. Fate provides them the opportunity to spend time together when her dad takes her horseback riding at his home, and the sparks fly instantly. Things change the next summer, because Frankie’s sister has a child as a teenager, and Wilder’s mom has left, causing the homestead to change courses. The pair see each other, and the feelings are still there from the year before. As the years go by, they end up running into each other often, but things never align, until they do. Frankie has a successful business and ends up running into Wilder and things spark from there. But there are a lot of people determined to keep them apart, on both sides, for reasons they don’t understand. And without spoiling the book, the reasoning behind both sides (yes, they are different), blow your mind! The end of the book gives us the best spoiler for the next book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4 1/2 stars I enjoyed the timeframe of this story taking us from the lead character’s teenage years into their twenties and present time; instead of a prologue then years later situation. It was necessary for the story and explained a lot of the smaller things that connected later on in the story.
The two lead characters, Wilder and Frankie, are both the same age but living different worlds with very different wants out of life. They were both unselfish in that they put others first and cared about the needs of others. They were both hardworking and knew what they wanted and went for it, even if it took a little bit of encouragement for Frankie. I liked both characters enormously from the beginning and was barracking like mad, in my head, for them to get together. The character build-up is one of the main reasons for the extra half a star.
Having the story told from both points of view helped readers see each character’s feelings and learn reasons for why they did things. There certainly were some twists and turns and none more so than the twisted relationships of some of the characters, and I don’t mean in a nasty way, more a mixed-up sense. The story is for most a love story and against many obstacles you find yourself hoping and wishing for that happy ever after for Wilder and Frankie. This is another of the main reasons for the extra half a star.
This slow-burn romance has lots of intensity and raw passion that spills over with emotions. I recommend it to everyone. Although I haven’t read Hunter, I am going to now, then, Maverick, when it releases next.
“Wilder” is the second book in the ‘Ryder Ranch’ series by Anna Brooks. It’s definitely something you can read as a standalone, so don’t worry if you haven’t yet read the first book in the series.
This is a book with an interesting format. It takes place over the span of a decade. The first time the main characters actually meet, they are teenagers still under the control of their respective parents. Wilder loves his family’s life on their ranch, although abandonment by one of his beloved parents has given him some serious issues about trust and believing in the commitment of a woman to a relationship. Frankie has self-esteem issues not uncommon amongst teenage girls. She has big dreams for her future; she wants to travel and make a name for herself in a particular profession. She also has dreams of being with Wilder.
Poor communication, lack of communication, insecurity, unexpected interference by other people, and the inexorable passage of time all take their toll but when Wilder and Frankie are together the chemistry between them remains powerful. They are both such well-developed characters that I quickly became so invested in them getting to some type of happy relationship status together. Wilder becomes such an excellent ‘book boyfriend’ that he sets a high standard many others could aspire to reach!
This is a book that touches the heart in many different ways. It’s about compassion and forgiveness, about young love and mature love, about having patience and about having faith. There is family drama and relationship drama. Several revelations and secrets revealed in the story keep the intensity high. The more of the story you read, the tighter it pulls you in. I thought the ending was excellent and I can’t wait for the next book to be released. Book three will be about Wilder’s brother, Maverick, and it was set up so well in this one that I’m already anxious for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy.
4 1/2 stars I enjoyed the timeframe of this story taking us from the lead character’s teenage years into their twenties and present time; instead of a prologue then years later situation. It was necessary for the story and explained a lot of the smaller things that connected later on in the story.
The two lead characters, Wilder and Frankie, both the same age but living different worlds with very different wants out of life. They were both unselfish in that they put others first and cared about the needs of others. They were both hardworking and knew what they wanted and went for it, even if it took a little bit of encouragement for Frankie. I liked both characters enormously from the beginning and was barracking like mad, in my head, for them to get together. The character build up is one of the main reasons for the extra half a star.
Having the story told from both points of view helped readers see each character’s feelings and learn reasons for why the did things. There certainly were some twists and turns and none more so than the twisted relationships of some of the characters, and I don’t mean in a nasty way, more a mixed-up sense. The story is for most a love story and against many obstacles you find yourself hoping and wishing for that happy ever after for Wilder and Frankie. This is another of the main reasons for the extra half a star.
This slow burn romance has lots of intensity and raw passion that spills over with emotions. I recommend it to everyone. Although I haven’t read Hunter, I am going to now, then, Maverick, when it releases next.
Wilder Ryder was 16 years old the first time he met Frankie Young when her family came to his ranch to ride horses. The two instantly clicked but due to circumstances they didn't see each other again.
Now seven years later Wilder and Frankie meet up again and see that they still share a special connection but their lives are in different places.
Can Wilder and Frankie figure out their differences knowing how much they have always loved each other?
This is another great book in the series and I can't wait for more!
Wilder was dedicated to his family and had never really moved on from Frankie, even though they were both young when they got together the first time. That being said he also felt like he was tied down to the ranch and helping his family succeed, especially after his mom left.
Frankie loved her time on the ranch but after things changed because of what happened with her sister, Piper, she vowed to help Piper the best she could. I loved the name of her bakery and how hard she worked to make something of herself.
There was so much sexual tension between Wilder and Frankie and they had a really hard time denying it. They both were stubborn and didn't seem to hear the other out which created more problems. I got why Wilder didn't want to stand in Frankie's way but it's still something he should have talked to her about.
The accident was a key factor in so many people's lives and in different ways. I think this made everyone realize what was important and what they needed to do. It was interesting to learn about Frankie's parents and all of the secrets that were kept.
The family fights were epic and OMG!!!
I was so happy with how things ended with Frankie and Wilder but the bomb with Maverick was huge!!
A steamy, multiple chance love story, that began as young love and blossomed into a forever kind of love.
Wilder Ryder and Frankie Young met multiple times throughout their youth and those times had a lasting impact on who they became and who they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with into their adulthood.
These two crossed paths over and over and seemed destined to be together, but obstacles keep getting in their way. They have HUGE chemistry together and Wilder is hawt...dang...he's super hot, but is attraction enough to keep them together?
I felt like this second Ryder book is deeper in the feels, but that could be the artist nature of Frankie and the sensitive nature of Wilder. As the second child he's very in tune to his siblings and losing his mother affected them all, but that loss made him dialed in to his feelings and then up front to what he wasn't willing to lose in the future. However, when he let go, which there was only one spot he actually let go...watch out because Wilder is Wild.
Frankie also took on a lot of responsibility at a very young age. Her sister got pregnant very young and Frankie stepped up and helped out raising her niece, but she never lost her shine and started a business, all at the suggestion of a young boy she met long ago.
These two are magical everytime they are together and I love returning to Ryder Ranch to see old friends and meet new ones.
This book was such a great story of finding young love, losing it, second chances, and forgiveness. Wilder and Frankie meet when she clumsily falls into him while on her family vacation and they just keep running into each other, the feelings become strong, but can young love be real? Throughout the book things happen that keep them apart and when they come together again, I loved how Wilder knew exactly what he wanted and refused to settle for less. With so many things trying to keep them apart, insecurities that try to come in between can they make things real or last? Wilder was perfection in every way, he had his vulnerabilities, yet he never wavered in the way he felt or wanted. Frankie knew what she wanted but she always had things in her head, especially her sister Piper, telling her love is a joke nothing lasts. These two have a lot of work cut out for them to get to where they want to be and a lot of family issues to wade through, but I could not stand Piper. Frankie was a sweetheart but too easy to forgive but she was admirable for it, I just don’t think Piper is through wreaking havoc on others’ lives and I hope she doesn’t in the next story. Overall I loved Wilder and Frankie, Wilder’s family, I just don’t see her sister maturing enough to not cause any more problems but I guess people can change and only one way to find out is to see what happens in the next book.
This is a fabulous young love gets a second chance, slow burn romance. As Frankie and Wilder get a chance to navigate the lies of the past that kept them apart, can they find a place together in the future?
Frankie has always been the good girl, doing everything she can to keep peace in the house while growing up. Working hard to create her business that lets her do the two things she loves the most, baking and drawing. She has made a great name for herself. Always being there for her family when they need her. She has one regret from her past that she can't forget, the young man she met so long ago, their instant connection was something you only read about in books.
Wilder is a hard working man that does everything he can for the family ranch business. Working along side his brothers and caring for his family are high on his priorities. Still affected today by the loss of his mother when she left. He knows exactly what he wants and when the opportunity comes knocking on his doorstep, he is willing to do anything to make it happen.
Will Frankie and Wilder get their true second chance? Or will the secrets that just keep popping up ruin all that for them?
A book full of emotions to pull at your heartstrings as these wonderful characters navigate a reunion.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
WOW, the story of Wilder and Frankie is one of those that remains with you even after you close the book and try to go on with your life. They remain there, in the back of your mind and at the bottom of your heart, with their words, their love, their mistakes, the lessons they learnt from what life reserved to them but also with their hope for a better future. Sometimes you need to let go to be able to live at your fullness. Anna Brooks is one of my fav authors and I was already in love with the Ryder Ranch series. After having loved Hunter's book so much, I was a little bit scared that the second one couldn't reach the same level. God I was soooo wrong! These brothers and their women are ruining me and I'm so addicted that I needed to read again the series plus Molly's book, their only sister whose story is told in Break (Guarding Her series #8). I really recommend to read this book if you love small town romance, cowboys, a little bit of angst and twists you do not see coming. I'm already hooked and I can't wait for Maverick to finally go live! Anna, thank you for this new great story.
I loved Frankie and Wilder's story, it had me gripped from the beginning to the end.
Frankie and Wilder met when the were teens, and both had an instant attraction, but with them both still at school they did nothing about it, the following year they met again and Frankie fell off her horse and broke her arm, Wilder felt responsible and took her some flowers, but they went their separate ways again.
nearly a decade later they ran into each other again and this time Wilder was not going to let her go for anything, although they did part, they met again at his brothers wedding reception where she had made the cake, she was involved in a car crash, and from then on they were inseparable.
Throughout the book they had a lot to deal with, lots of drama from both their families, but together they got through it, finally all the lies and secrets were out and they could enjoy life with their babies, I didn't see the last one coming at all.
Once again Anna has done it again with a heart-warming love story, with twists along the way, brilliant 2nd book in this series, cant wait for the next.
Ok, where do I need to go to find a Wilder? So perfectly stubborn and steadfast, knows what he wants, how he wants it, and that drive gets him everything... Well just about everything. Enter Frankie, omg the sweet soul of this chick. I just wanted to hug her and keep her safe from all the b.s. that was seemingly rampant in her life. I loved how she had the spark and followed her dreams and still managed to be the steady, even keeled person for every person in her life. As so often happens, her kindness and sweetness was taken advantage of, which in and of itself could easily be forgiven, but to add lies and layers of deceit on to year upon year, when will they stop always assuming they know better than she does about her life? This was so good on so many different levels and it kept my interest until the very end, I wholeheartedly recommend this one to ANYONE trying to hold everything together, just loved it!
Oh the emotional swoon and raw moments! Wilder takes you on a crazy ride that will have a few bumps and a couple really crazy twists. I am just putting out there, I cannot STAND Piper. Don’t care what her reasons are but a sister should never treat a sister the way Piper treated Frankie. I wanted to rage so many times for her but I LIVED for when Frankie finally laid the law down! That being said, every little moment between Wilder and Frankie was emotional and stunning. Both have their own baggage but mostly Wilder. After what his mother did to him and his family, it is understandable that he is gun shy. There are moments I want to just yell at him because he was going overboard on some aspects but it came from a place of fear and honestly, real love. The banter and push and pull throughout this book was perfect as these two navigate being together regardless of what has been thrown at them. I have to say, I am in love with how Brooks laid the groundwork for the next books and I am dying to get my hands on Mav!
Seeing how Frankie and Wilder's relationship started, to the first time they reconnected, and then to current day was SO GOOD!
The connection that they had at that first meeting was just as powerful as current day. Seeing the passion, the pain, the heartache, the healing, the change that these two went through was wonderful. Watching them learn about each other, inspire each other, love each other, and grow together had me smiling like a fool.
When the big dramatic moment happened (with Brenda, Dixie, and Frankie) I legit gasped, and my hand flew to my mouth. I could not believe what I had read, and my heart broke for Wilder and Maverick.
But then there was everything that happened after that moment, and I fell even harder for these characters.
Loved the story. Loved the characters, and the setting is fantastic.
Oh and that bombshell that was dropped at the end? Oofta. Cannot wait for Maverick's story!
This is the second book in this series and I just knew that it would only get better. Anna has given us yet another 5 star read that was absolutely beautiful. You can't help fall in love with Frankie and Wilder.
Their story started wen they were just 16 years old and even though time passed often apart they knew they were meant for each other. Outside interference and misunderstanding drove them apart but as adults when they found each other nothing could tear them apart.
I swooned at the loved and dedication that Wilder had for Frankie, she definitely felt the same for him. They were absolutely meant to be and I was thrilled getting to see them have their HEA.
I loved the twists and secrets revealed. It kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to know so many truths.
I definitely can't wait to start Mavericks book especially with the bomb drop he had... Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Ladies...
I knew that Wilder was going to be amazing, but his story blew me away. Wilder and Frankie have known each other since they were kids, met by happenstance and fate kept stepping in to bring them together. Both with underlying trust issues, add to that misunderstandings, miscommunication, secrets and lies and you have the makings of a perfect story.
These two are made for each other, they compliment each other and know what the other is thinking, they are each other’s better half. Now if only they can get their crap together and figure it out. Family gets in the way too and stuff that’s been buried comes to the surface, will they have the courage and strength to work together to get their HEA? You will have to read to find out! I can’t wait for Maverick’s story, all I can say is I think it’s going to be epic!
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Wilder and Frankie’s story. These two were drawn to each other as teenagers, but nothing ever came out of the attraction, until they cross paths as adults. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable, and Frankie is no wallflower, she is more that capable of standing up for herself, and they complement each other perfectly. When secrets are unravelled will this be the end of their relationship? No spoilers: - this is a must read you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with lies, secrets, surprises, twists, betrayal, insecurities, loyalty, family, and love, which all leads to an addictive and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I'm telling you that Wilder is all about serendipity with fate stirring the pot in one way or another. Wilder knew that Frankie was it for him, but it just wasn't in the cards when they were younger. They have run into each other through the years, but the timing was never right. Normally, this is one of those things that will get me so frustrated that I can barely finish the book, but Anna Brooks totally did my head & heart in so I just couldn't put it down. Finally, she's back, and Wilder is going to make his move since they never lost that spark they had. Things are happening, and there may or may not be people who are unhappy with them being together but I'll never tell. There are secrets, and betrayals, but all in all, the sweet with heat took center stage so you don't want to take a pass on this story. Anyway, I'm ready for more of this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
A longer story than Hunter and Summer's was, we have so much depth to Wilder and Frankie's romance. The backstories for all the Ryder men are building in this second book. They were all so profoundly impacted by the loss of their mother... and I don't know if I ever want to find out what happened to her, because... who could do that to their kids? Wilder is something special though. If he weren't so very aware and open about what was in his heart the love story between him and Frankie probably wouldn't have worked. And Mav plays a very important role in Wilder's story. The threads are woven together so smoothly. But Frankie is just a gift. To Wilder, to her family, to his.
Very much looking forward to the rest of the Ryder Ranch set. Even if I'm doubtful any of them will surpass Wilder's story.