Midnight Heatwave: A Silver Rapids Novella

Silver Rapids #0.5

by Anastasia Wilder

Charlotte Adler knows her mind and has never been the type to back down from a fight. She also knows that to stay alive, she must keep her secrets and past locked up tight and not to stay in one place for too long, or risk them finding her. So why does she find herself drawn to stay in the small town Silver Rapids, Wyoming working on a cattle ranch of all places? And why, oh why, can she not resist getting to know Maverick Bennett? She’s not the one and done type but what happens when he could be her soul mate?

Maverick is a man with complicated legacy and he’s desperately trying to move on from his troubled past. Coming back home for his best friend’s bachelor party, he just wants to have fun with the guys. He didn’t plan on meeting a glamorous and hypnotic woman who sees beyond the mask he wears for everyone. He doesn’t do relationships, but for this woman, he’s willing to break all of his rules – and maybe even his heart.

In this novella, passions flare like a heatwave and promises burn long past midnight. Welcome to Silver Rapids.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Cowboy Romance

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2024

About the author

Anastasia Wilder is a dark romance author who fell in love with storytelling long before she knew what to do with the worlds swirling in her mind. Drawn to shadows, tension, and the thrill of morally grey desire, she crafts stories steeped in emotion, heat, and danger.

She is the author of Midnight Heatwave and Chasing Snowfall, steamy romances exploring love, redemption, and the secrets lurking behind small-town charm in her Silver Rapids series. Her upcoming Dark Canvas series debuts in early 2026 with Shadows of Light, a seductive blend of art, obsession, and the intoxicating pull of darkness.

Anastasia lives in the Midwest with her husband and two fur babies. When she’s not falling for morally grey heroes, wing leaders, or a certain territorial fae bastard, she can be found skiing, traveling, daydreaming, or swinging in her hammock with a cocktail in hand.

Reviews

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making us wait until Spring is cruel, but I absolutely will devour the novel when it comes out.
Midnight Heatwave is the debut novella from Anastasia Wilder, and it was amazing.
Set in small town Silver Rapids we meet Charlotte and Maverick, along with Quinn, Luke, and the guys during the carnival.
Side note, can I please get a list of what Luke's been buying at the bookstore, for research purposes of course
This was such a quick read, I couldn't put it down and right after the spice happened, Anastasia decided it was best to edge me instead of giving me more.
The friendship between Charlotte and Quinn was so precious

[Witchling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gotta give the author credit for trying, it’s hard to write a debut and put it out into the world. That being said, this needs some serious help. The grammatical errors, crazy ass sentence structure, continuity issues, plot holes and lack of research into some very basic things is scary. I’m being really nice when I say that whoever edited this should be fired. Just fuckin terrible. But, the idea of the plot is fairly solid and there were a couple cute moments that I didn’t mind. I feel like if the author had a better team behind her, she’d have a lot more success.

[Paige (paigersturnspages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay, good fkn god was that SO DAMN GOOD! if you're looking for a sweet and spicy Novella with all the cowboy and western vibes with some 💦💦💦 action, this is the one for you! now I'll be patiently waiting for the next one!

[Monica Zydel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana! This was such great writing. I would have never guessed this was a first book. I am admittedly not a western romance person but it didn’t even matter. I wanted to know more about the conversations between Maverick and Charlotte on their walk home, and more about their backstory which is probably in the next book :) Congratulations on your first publication! Wishing you all the best.

[Erin Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read & intro into the silver springs world and I cannot wait for the rest of the story to unfold!

Congrats Anastasia on your publishing debut ~ you are amazing !!!

[Jess Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

gimmie more!

I cannot waittt to read Chasing Snowfall. This novella was perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Perfect intro to the characters. I already love me some Maverick

[sam | sammylou.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tease!! I can't wait to see what happens in Charlotte and Maverick's book next year!

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hi! If you are the author reading this, please STOP. This review is not positive whatsoever (as you can probably tell from the rating), but if you are still curious, I recommend YOU STAY CURIOUS and leave. I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings and reading this probably will. Please, take care of your mental health first and foremost and if you want any type of real constructive criticism don’t look here.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.











I’m aware this was a prequel novella to set up for the book. But I had issues from jump.

The writing? The only way I can describe it is “cringe”. TikTok phrases were used, weird “cowboy” phrases were thrown in, a “haha so funny” was in there as well, a “ooohh, yummy I rub my tummy” too…I frowned and cringed throughout the whole 63 pages so hard I’ll need Botox. Oh and this man at some point says (after the FMC squirts “it wasn’t a lot like I’ve seen in some of those spice videos” … not even sure how to explain the face I made but yeah, you get the picture.

The characters? Bland af. Sure, it’s just 63 pages, but the way the MCs acted towards each other, as if they’ve known each other for years, made me feel like I, as the reader, should feel that way too, and let me tell you, I didn’t even know why the characters act the way they do, let alone personality traits.
And you mean to tell me, in one single night, well no, not even 8h, NOT EVEN 3h, these two “felt something real”?!?

The setting. Sure, middle of nowhere town with a ranch. A ranch that hires a skinny woman that knows nothing about ranch work…A boss that tells her to “take the day off!” In the middle of the night…A town that after what I believe are 10 years are still pissed with (a teenager when it happened) a guy who fucked up HIS own life, no one else’s, by being a stupid teen… yeaaaah great setting (HUGE S/ just FYI)

And I’m going to stop at that. Han got the live reactions in audio and you guys are lucky I can’t upload those here.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That’s a damn shame. You’re a treasure, Charlotte, and f*** every man who has ever made you feel less than what you deserve.”
This is a cutie little novella packed up with some angst, sass and some cowboysss! I loved this little intro to this town! Charolette is leaving behind a life and finding her way and goes out on the town with her bestie. ( we love some deep rooted female friendships. And Maverick ain’t just no cowboy he’s a skijoring cowboy. (Do a deep dive in TikTok and watch videos because this spot is amazing and I’m so happy to see it represented)

This was solid vibes and good times and I’m looking forward to more of this town! Congratulations on you debut can’t wait to read more!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐
2🌶️

I honestly didn't know where this novella was going to take me, but it definitely took me to a place I want to go on a whole ride to!

This was the perfect intro to Charlotte and Maverick! They gave us mystery and I have so many questions! Not only did they give us mystery that brought on so many questions but they gave us so much chemistry! Chemistry was sizzling 🥵 and it definitely gave us that seduction!

🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

Once they were able to get alone they definitely took the cue from each other and played their cards perfectly! They knew the perfect moves for each other and it worked well for them!

I absolutely cannot wait to see their full book when it is released!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and spicy introduction to Charlotte and Maverick. Charlotte is new in town and going out to the town festival with her friend Quinn. Maverick left town years ago and seldom returns. He's only back for his good friend, Caleb, bachelor party. The guys see the girls at the bucking bull and decide to join in. Maverick is instantly drawn to Charlotte and her to him. They spend the night getting to know each other and he walks her home. Their chemistry is electric and they both know this could be more. They spend the night together with him leaving to go help his dad and she stays in bed.

[Kersten, Vol 1 (Kert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congrats on your debut, Anatasia!

Charlotte is new in town and running from her past. Maverick is home to celebrate with his friend at a bachelor party, but he’s hoping that no one asks him too many questions while he is in Silver Rapids.

Some aspects to look forward to in this novella: small town, insta love, mechanical bull riding, festival, he’s a skier, she works on a ranch.

Looking forward to their full length novel!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.65 ⭐️

This was such a fun little novella, I had a great time!!
Anastasia did a great job setting this up for the next book.

I really liked the FMC already! I am very drown to Charlotte and also filled with questions about how and why she ended up here??

I have a feeling the spice between these two is going to be HOT in Chasing Snowfall 🤭❤️‍🔥

[Amber Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was the perfect set up! Can’t wait for more from Maverick and Charlotte!

[Ava Ly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute prequel Novella! This book is short and sweet, and the perfect introduction to the characters and small town for the next book. We get the background on the one night stand that starts it all!



🌶️

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn into this one. It's a fun novella that introduces the characters for book 1. Cna we talk about the outfit👌

[Alisha Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting off right away I Already felt like I was going out on the town with one of my girls pregaming at the house then walking downtown 👢

🩵Blue fridge ✨ Blonde 👱🏻‍♀️ curls
Night out carnival 🎡
Country club princess 👑
Bull riding 🐂
🌹 rosey-lemon shot 🍸

“To a night we’ll always remember!”

🍭 Cotton candy & lemonade 🍋
🐦“The Bluebird” 🥧
Titties are tittying 👙
Fair food galore: 🍖 chicken sandwich 🍔🍕
🐴 FMC Ranch Hand🐮
Gentleman paid 💸
📚 romance novels
🕺 didn’t get to dance 💃 🥃 @western saloon
Neon sign 🪧
Kneeing a guy in the balls 😆
Garrett’s dad is the Sheriff 👮‍♂️
Brunch 🍴
Make shift dance floor to her favorite song 💘
🎆 from the picnic table in the park
He falls 1st💝
Walked her home ☕️ porch swing 🪻
Mocha ☕️ whipped cream
Wranglers 👖
🎿 instructor
Europe expensive ski resorts 💸
Charity🎗️🏠🔥next town over 🎄
⛓️ Bad boy vibe ❤️‍🔥
💋 cheek
She doesn’t do one night stands and isn’t into hit it or quit it 🚫
🌶️ Moans
Biting 🥵
Perky teardrop pink nipples 💞
❤️‍🔥Pinching nipples
Oberdressed Chambray shirt 👔
He eats 🐱
Squirts 💦
⛓️ Spanking 👏
🤍Lace curtains
Multiple orgasms 💓
🫂Share childhood memories and their loves
His dad needed help 👴
Forehead kisses 😘
“Sweetheart” nickname 💝
☕️ 💐 📝 🚫📝
Txted her 📲

[pinky pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to Anastasia Wilder for this ARC with an exchange of my honestly review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 2/5

I really enjoyed this book so much!!! For being Anastasia's first book, it is so well written that it doesn't feel like if her first book! I'm so gutted that I have to wait till next year for the rest of the story but I know already it'll be so worth it.
I love how it's a insta love but it's like a gentle insta love rather than bam slap insta love if you know what I mean!
I also really like how this first book is the perfect introduction to Charlotte and Maverick's story. I'm so curious what their story is and can't wait for the next book to come out so I get to know them a bit more.
The book is just so well written I'm honestly shocked this is Anastasia's first book!


✔️ insta love
✔️ small town

[Briana Swern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate:3.5 ⭐️

Marked it was four as didn’t give an option and I didn’t want to drop it to a 3.

Charolette is new in town just trying to restart her life. It appears she’s running from something and constantly moving. She’s first, confident and funny! She goes out with her bestie and she meets maverick! I loved how she showed up the boys on the mechanical bull. Maverick and Charolette have a quick connection which leads them to a night together, until he disappears and she doesn’t see him again.

This was a cute novella and intro to the next book. I would typically expect novella to be second so it threw me off and I was a little confused at first. This would not be my typical read but seeing this book everywhere, I wanted to give it a try! I WILL BE reading the next book because now I want to know what happens!!!

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the absolute perfect little tease into Charlotte and Mavericks’s story, that most definitely leaves you wanting more! I can’t wait to see where their story goes after the night they share together.

This is a short and sweet introduction to Charlotte and Maverick! It is an insta love romance story, with a seriously adorable, fun meet cute! I mean the best way to meet a handsome cowboy has be riding a mechanical bull. There are lots of adorable, flirty moments and a few deeply emotional ones that I can’t wait to know more about. Both our main characters have their own struggles and baggage they are battling; which I can’t wait to dive into and see how they overcome them together.

Thank you so so much to Anastasia Wilder for the early copy of your debut novella! Just from this little taste I can tell you are an incredibly talented writer. The ability you have to create relatable, honest characters makes me so excited for spring to come, so I can see what happens next!

[Lauren Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 5 Stars
🌶- Spice Level

Maverick meets Charlotte at his hometown carnival when Charlotte is attempting to ride the bucking bronco machine. He's ridden before for 8 seconds, and it was a tough ride. Charlotte rides for 8, and he's smitten. He rides after for 6 seconds. They hit it off, and he walks her home. Both are still only surface level deep, getting to know each other before they are romping on the sheets. He makes her 💦 and leaves early next morning.

This is a great beginning to an upcoming series following characters in a small town. I can't wait to read more in 2025 as both have some secrets they are keeping from each other. I suspect they will run into each other again soon. 😉

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this introduction to Charlotte and Maverick. I think the immediate meshing of the friend groups/ friends was a great way to meet everyone who will be in the upcoming book at once and see their personalities. The scene with the bull was so fun and the banter flowed so easily between honestly everyone that I felt like I was standing in the background with them. For being an introduction to the novel that is coming later next year, I am excited to see what's next for the couple. I'm interested in seeing what Charlotte is running from and if Maverick is going to move back and how that is going to work out.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Brimstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect novella 👌
I am so excited to see Charlotte and Maverick explode into something so great! I have such high hopes when the full book comes out spring of 2025. I cannot wait!

Charlotte is battling her own demons, and I am so ready to hear the full story.
While Maverick is fighting with his past and future colliding. I think this could be the start of something great and healing for them both 😏

Thank you so much Anastasia Wilder for this ARC Opportunity! Don't leave me hanging too long 🙏

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novellas are always so hard for me to rate. It’s like I was given the smallest taste of a couple. It leaves me with all the questions and no answers. Although I have a few thoughts. I look forward to seeing what the author does with the book.

Their meet cute was sweet but I didn’t get much chemistry between the characters when I was reading. I just wasn’t sucked into their stories much at all.

I think it has potential to go somewhere and the author gave you enough back ended comments by the characters to want to know more.

[Sofi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t really know who this author wants this MMC to be - dark + broody, dangerous, or some regular golden boy down on his luck - but either way, it didn’t come through and I have no idea who he’s supposed to be.

I also didn’t love the writing, and there were def some continuity issues that kind of took me out of the story and that should have been caught in something this short.

That said - I *am* interested in finding out what’s up with the FMCs backstory and where they go from here, so I’ll be continuing.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are introduced to Charlotte and her new best friend Quinn, and how they met and became best friends. On a night out, they meet up with Maverick and his other friends Caleb, Jake, Luke, and Garrett. Between one thing and another on the night out, Maverick ends up walking Charlotte home and staying the night.
If you're looking for a sweet, small-town novella to read before bed, this will fit the bill. It's a great intro to the Silver Rapids Series.

[Sarah Furlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in small town Silver Rapids we meet Charlotte and Maverick, along with Quinn, Luke, and the guys during the carnival.

This was such a quick read, I couldn't put it down and right after the spice happened, Anastasia decided it was best to edge me instead of giving me more.
The friendship between Charlotte and Quinn was so precious.


But what romance novels was Luke getting from Quinn’s bookstore?? 🤨 is there a list?

[Tori Schell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maverick & Charlotte… I’m not the biggest fan of novellas I always feel like it should just be included in the original book before/after and I never understood the point and still don’t… the first two chapters were a little rough to get through; they were like a warm up and a bit sloppy but you could feel the author warming up as you read… then the novella just ended abruptly.. it was kind of one of those “what was the reason?” Moments.

[Karma Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this for a second time brought back all the emotions from the first. I went in with no expectations, but the moment I met Charlotte and Maverick, I was captivated by their secret from the pasts. Their chemistry was incredible, and the ending was a perfect, shocking cliffhanger. Luckily, I can jump right into book two! This is a solid 5/5 stars for the story and a spicy 5—it's exactly how a partner should make you feel. I'm ready to continue my journey in Silver Rapid!

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a great time with this novella and I’m DYING to see what happens next for her debut novel! I genuinely felt like I was watching a fun Hallmark movie but with a lot more spice 😮‍💨 I could totally see myself in this FMC and can’t wait to get to know these characters more throughout this series!