Wilder Heart

by KT Yarrow

Even the wildest hearts need a place to call home.

Wilder
Freshly released from prison, Wilder goes back to the one place he never thought he’d find home. But Blackwood Ranch is a home in which he doesn’t feel welcome. The ranch, and his brother, thrived in his absence, and Wilder wonders whether he belongs there at all anymore. How does a man find his place in a world that won’t forgive him for his past?

Cash
Cash has called Blackwood Ranch home for seven years, but he’s never truly had a place of his own. He doesn’t realize he’s missing anything until he meets Wilder. He wants to show Wilder that there’s more to life than survival, but getting past the man’s defenses will be a lesson in patience for the both of them.

Genres: Westerns, M M Romance, Slow Burn, Mental Health

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2025

Reviews

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how to rate this book, so ended up middle of the road. The book was ok and I liked both MCs a lot but I think that they got together quite fast for my liking. I wanted just a bit more of tension, more push and pull between them before anything actually happened.
Also, I think that the issues between the brothers lasted for too long. For me, it would have worked better if we saw some tense, maybe even frustrating conversations between them before they made up. Lain not wanting to speak to his brother, even if it was to be angry, didn't make sense to me.
Billy's character was very predicable as well and to be honest not really needed for the plot. Just developing the relationship between Wilder and Cash and Wilder and his brother a bit more would have been fine.
As a side note: if I was given a fiver every time a swear jar is mentioned in a book with a kid, I would be rich by now.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILDER HEART absolutely tore my heart out and then gently pieced it back together. This was my first book by Yarrow but I was sucked into the story from the first chapter and my heart was breaking for what Wilder went through. After killing his abusive father at 18 he's spent the last 8 years in prison before being let out on parole. With nowhere else to go he returns to the ranch his twin brother has been running, but he's not exactly welcome in the small town that hasn't forgotten his crime.

Wilder's loneliness and isolation was so hard to read because it was so obvious how much he wanted to be treated like a human being again, how much he wanted to be trusted, and how much he wanted forgiveness from his brother. He did what he needed to do to protect them but it also irrevocably changed their lives. I was so glad that Cash, the ranch foreman, immediately treated Wilder with respect and gave him the second chance he so desperately wanted. Cash was such a compassionate and empathetic man and the perfect partner for Wilder. They had a slow burn of a relationship as Cash was obviously a bit leery of Wilder at first and Wilder had sky high walls built up, but the more time they spent together working the ranch the closer they grew as friends and then as quiet lovers.

I really loved both the plot and romance of WILDER HEART; it had a surprisingly gentle feel as a read. There's a lot of hurt/comfort and several people treat Wilder badly because of what happened in the past, but it was mostly a story about healing from trauma and moving from surviving to really living. Outside of Cash's support, I also really liked Mary-Beth and the fierce way she stood up for Wilder. Especially because it took a long time for Wilder and his brother to reconcile. I know the situation was incredibly complicated, but I wanted to strangle Lain sometimes.

I don't know where this series might go, but I'd happily read whatever comes next.

Content Warning: recounting of past parental abuse; recounting of prison violence

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Favorite Quotes:

Kissing Wilder felt like coming home. It felt like the open road, like springtime sun through open windows, like the first mile toward forever.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: cowboys, hurt / comfort, slow burn

I'm so happy that I gave this one a chance! Wilder Heart was full of sweet hurt / comfort and a skittish, touch starved character that broke down at the first sign of kindness. I mean, how could I not love everything about this?

Wilder and Cash's story had me caught from early on and I couldn't put this one down! Wilder had been through so much, and he had no idea what was waiting for him as he returned to the family ranch after being in prison. Being in close proximity to his twin brother Lain, who he hadn't seen since the night of his arrest, brought back quite some memories, and neither brother knew how to handle each other.

Lain quickly handed Wilder off to the foreman Cash, and it didn't take long for a connection to form between them. Cash was excellent at reading Wilder and knew when to give him space, slowly earning his trust. There was a lot of sexual tension between them, and their slow burn was full of sweet and romantic moments. I loved how Wilder just melted at the simplest of touches from Cash, and their tentative friends to lovers was so heartwarming to read. Wilder was very skittish, which was only natural considering his past and childhood, which created a bit of push and pull between them.

It was so easy for me to fall for Wilder and Cash, as well as the whole ranch setting. I could effortlessly picture these two cowboys on their horses, herding the cattle. I loved the sense of community and found family, even if there was a bit of discord between some of the characters. It was frustrating at times, seeing the distance grow between Lain and Wilder, and it was a relief once they realised that they needed to talk things out.

I loved this beautiful and gentle romance - Cash and Wilder had my entire heart while reading! KT Yarrow was a new author to me and I'm definitely going to pick up more of this series, I can't wait to go back to Blackwood Ranch. The hurt / comfort and slow burn was amazing, and it was just overall such a heartwarming and sweet read.

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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Arc review⭐️

This deeply emotional and beautifully written story is about Wilder, who returns home to his twin brother, Lain, after serving time in prison. Unsure if he’s still welcome or even belongs anymore.Wilder finds that everything has changed.His brother has turned their once struggling ranch into a thriving business, is married, and started a family.Cash has been working alongside Lain since Wilder left,helping to build up the ranch.Cash never realised he was missing anything in his life until he met Wilder.
Cash shows Wilder strength and patience, determined to show him that he’s not alone and that he is worthy of love and forgiveness.Apart from Wilders personal wounds, he also has the town people to deal with, who hold his past against him, making his journey home even more difficult.
The story shows that the present is worth savouring, even when the past weighs heavy. It explores regret, redemption, acceptance, love, and healing.There were lots of emotions felt when reading this beautiful story.
spice-🌶🌶🌶

[M. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two things I like in romance books in one: cowboy and prison redemption.

The story begins with Wilder coming home from prison for killing his father.
Obviously he struggles a lot at the beginning. Everyone hates him for killing his father but also for other things he did growing up. Townspeople have a long memory when it comes to fuck ups…
There were a few scenes that were difficult to read because the anger toward Wilder was so there on the pages.

His brother Lain is now managing the family ranch and also has a hard time. But his family, wife and daughter, warm up to him and their relationship improves with that.
It was great to see them being a family again eventually.

Cash is the boss of the farmhands. He is one of the few people who tries to look deeper into Wilder from the start. Quite early on he already tries to make Wilder happy with little things.
And obviously they grow closer through that.

The redemption arc was done really great.
Wilder deserves to be happy and to live judgement free.

[Verena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all, I LOVED THIS STORY. I saw it available to arc read, and I took a chance. I am SO glad I did. I loved Cash & Wilder. If you love cowboy romances, 10/10 recommend this one.

I've been crying off and on throughout the entire book. Wilder was such an amazing character. His back story was TOP TIER, and how he got introduced to the story kept me engaged the entire time. And Cash. Don't get me started on him. He is the perfect cowboy and the perfect place for Wilder to land.

After being released from prison, omg that story broke my heart, Wilder goes back to his family ranch. But so much has changed, and so has he, and he doesn't quite feel like he fits anymore. Cash, the ranch foreman, is Wilder's boss... but he becomes so much more.

This story has so much HEART and family dynamics. Lain, Wilder's brother and his family, also have to adjust with Wilder being back on the ranch. And the other ranch hands too. Everything is a part of the story. But there were so many moments where I felt sucker punched with feels.

WILDER HEART was a risk since I've never read this author before. But it was a risk I am SO GLAD I TOOK.

It's also available to read right now, and I'm telling you, if you love a ranch story or a cowboy story... or just a romance where one mc has just had one hell of a time - get to stepping and grab WILDER HEART. It was a 5 star read for me, and I'll definitely be rereading if and when I need a good cry.

reread: 12/27/25

Wilder Heart is definitely one of my favorite books from this year. I just finished rereading it, and it still hits just as hard.

💕Wilder and Cash do something to my spirit. I'm telling you.💕

Wilder, recently released from prison, is working on his family's ranch under foreman Cash. That's how these mcs meet and the romance starts brewing. But there is so much more to this story than the romance.

Wilder's return, and his feelings... oof. He's a great main character. He's been through so much but he just continues to push through. Cash is wonderful as Wilder's boss turn partner.

Cash always trying to help Wilder see his worth. Committed to being there, showing up and loving him. Lord what a man.

So we see these mcs. We see the dynamic of Wilder's relationship with his twin brother Lain, owner of said ranch. We see two scared brothers refusing to communicate. For real though - I love this story. Mary Beth and Annalise are cute side characters too, along with Blaze, the horse.

I really love this book. Perfect for fans of cowboy romances and anyone who loves a good redemption story.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really think this is more a 2.5

It was super slow with nothing happening (and I’m not talking slow burn like romance- that would have been fine). But nothing was really happening and lots of unnecessary details. Then suddenly we get THE scene with the brothers clearing the air and it is like two seconds and then a sickly happy ever after.

I hated Lain for most of the book. And EFF these townspeople. Wilder didn’t deserve that

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Ooof Wilder Heart was sooooo ACHY and I LOVED IT!!! There's just something about cowboys and a tough life, a horse/people whisperer (happily both were in this ), a heart-wrenching redemption arc and HORSES (in this case, befriending a nervous mustang) that always ends up being the most perfect read for me! And I'm very happy to add KT Yarrow to my short list of fine authors who deliver the life, the achingly sweet romance, the big heart moments and the equine love with narrative grace and charm.

The tension in this was so on point! I felt all the anxiety Wilder felt, and my heart was throbbing thinking about this 18yo kid who did what he did to protect his brother and himself, while a whole town just saw child abuse happen, did nothing about it, and then deemed Wilder the problem when in reality he was the victim. And his strained relationship with his twin, Lain, had me on pins and needles from start to finish. Their whole situation was brutal. Their first 18 years inseparable and in survival mode, and then they were completely split apart and having to deal with the next phase of their lives without each other. Ugh i'm still choking up thinking about it, so needless to say i was very emotionally invested in the fate of these twins, just as much as the romance between Wilder and Cash!

And yesssss it was superb in every way i wanted this romance to be. Cash made me feel safe, and for that reason i could imagine how soothing he would be to a raw nerve like Wilder. Everything about their romance unfolded exactly like i wanted it too, and their HEA made me sob...ok lbr i shed a few tears throughout this book and Wilder Heart absolutely earned all the stars for the emotional journey i went through!

Wilder Heart was a deeply affecting read and i'm so happy i had the opportunity to discover KT Yarrow because i thought this was a gorgeous, heartfelt romance that's sure to stay with me for quite a while! Loved this and 100% can't wait for whatever's next for KT Yarrow's cowboys and everything Blackwood Ranch still to come because i am very much a fan of THIS!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Cash and Wilder drew me in from the beginning pages and didn’t let me go until the final one. I was definitely invested in Wilder’s story and the acceptance and understanding he gets from Cash, though I had little to no respect for Lain for most of the book. I understand both were young at the time their life fell apart, but Lain, to me, came across as a wimp, weak and spineless, not at all the close brother he was supposed to be. I didn’t like Lain for most of the story, but did have a slightly improved impression by the end. I had a much better feeling toward Mary-Beth, and I adored Annalise. Wilder’s story and the way he was treated by the townsfolk was so undeserved, if it takes a village to raise a child, this one failed miserably.

I was so gratified that Cash saw behind Wilder’s mask and was able to give him the love and validation he deserved, having his back and making him feel seen for a change. Cash being open to listen, and not judge gave Wilder a chance to share and process things as he worked on trying to fit into life at the ranch as much as he could, given the memories and feelings still present at all times. The wholehearted acceptance from Annalise did much to allow Wilder to start to work his way into a more comfortable existence on the ranch, and Mary-Beth’s easy acceptance of his presence helped also.

Even though Wilder had to face his challenges once he returned to the ranch, and it wasn’t always easy, the book was an uplifting one for me. To see Wilder open himself up to Cash, to finally convince himself that he did deserve love and a place to belong, to regain his sense of home, all brought feelings of great satisfaction to me each time he gained a new milestone in rebuilding his life and to get the HEA he deserved. I thought it was a beautiful story, well written, with endearing characters, and a “hero” to root for, one worth investing the hours in to find his way to a well-deserved love and a promising and fulfilling future.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary review.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight years after being incarcerated for the death of his father, Wilder returns to his family ranch— and to his twin brother, who he has not spoken to since the incident. He is taken under the wing of the ranch’s foreman, Cash, who gives him the opportunity to thrive at the ranch while he reconciles with his past and the loss of his relationship with his brother.

To date, this is quite possibly my favorite book released by KT Yarrow. The plot is relatively simple and predictable, but that doesn’t take away from the sweetness of seeing Wilder learn to appreciate his new freedom and budding relationship with Cash. Conflicts arise throughout the book but Cash is a consistent presence who guides Wilder through tough situations with confidence and care. I really appreciated seeing how earnestly and effortlessly the two characters fell for each other and liked seeing the quiet shows of support that other characters offered them.

For anyone familiar with Yarrow’s early works, this book is very reminiscent of En Quinus. While obviously the setting is extremely different, there are strong parallels between the characters of that story and this book. While I am disappointed that En Quinus is likely never going to be published in full, I did love getting a few glimpses of that original story that this book seems to pull from.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twinkies, EWMN, cascade of stars, melty cheese & grease, Doc McStuffins, hard gummy bears, wooden calf, pureed peaches

I'd say this book has major angst. I'd also say it's heartwarming and cuddly. Overall, I'd say it's well-crafted and a great story. The imagery is richly descriptive and easily visualized.

The major angst is Wilder's. He was recently released from prison after eight years and is trying to learn how to cope with life outside of his confinement. Things have greatly changed from when he first went in. Having no where else to land, he turns to his twin brother at the family ranch for a job and place to live to fulfill his paroled release. But life in his hometown, where he was arrested for murder, is difficult. The town folk remember him as a killer and his subsequent imprisonment. They aren't kind or understanding toward him.

Cash, the Blackwood Ranch foreman, is understandably wary of Wilder. As Cash gets to know Wilder, he learns about the man, who is equally mistrusting, isn't what the world judges him to be. Cash grows to like and trust the man under the intimidating prison tattoos. He wants Wilder to learn to trust him too.

I enjoyed seeing Wilder's tortuous road to self-acceptance and self-confidence. I also enjoyed this book in general. I was enthralled by it. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness….Wilder Heart by KT Yarrow was amazing. I loved Cash and Wilder so much. Wilder….sweet Wilder. I just wanted to wrap him up and protect this precious man. No one had ever been there for Wilder. Not his dad, not his twin brother, not the town. No one until Cash. I can completely understand why Wilder was so hesitant to accept that someone could love him.

Wilder has recently been paroled from prison after murdering his abusive father. He called his twin brother for a place to serve out his parole. They hadn’t spoken in eight years, but Lain agreed that Wilder could come to the ranch. He put Cash in charge of Wilder and wiped his hands. Not wanting to spend time with his brother or really talk with him beyond ranch business.

The parallels between Blaze and Wilder and Cash and Wilder were spot on. As Blaze began to trust Wilder, we could see Wilder begin to trust Cash and open up to him. It was sweet. I was angry at so many people at different times in this book (Billy and Lain in particular). However, the epilogue was great enough that I forgave one of them.

I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof. Well. I definitely choked up at the end. Wilder has spent his whole life fighting basically. Fighting to survive his father and then fighting to survive prison. Fighting to survive parole and living back at the ranch with his brother who won’t speak to him. I felt every inch of Wilder’s quiet determination and silent cries to be seen. And boy, does Cash see him. Cash takes to Wilder almost immediately and decides this is a man who deserves a chance. Who reminds Wilder that he has BEEN failed and not that HE failed. Their love was beautiful and gentle, and when they slow danced outside because Wilder was overwhelmed that the town that turned a blind eye to his suffering was now so accepting??? I cried. It was so beautiful. And when Wilder had that urge to run, Cash came after him every time. I just wish Lain grovelled a bit more at the end, and Billy got more of a comeuppance. But that’s just because by the end of this book I felt supremely protective of Wilder.

I swear to you, KT Yarrow puts crack in her books. They’re all SO GOOD. I don’t even know how to explain how insanely good this book is. You simply HAVE TO READ IT. I’m not above begging.

Thank you KT Yarrow for the ARC. This review is entirely my own.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

I finally entered my cowboy romance era with Wilder Heart by KT Yarrow and I absolutely loved this book. Wilder Heart has the perfect blend of angst and heartwarming romance. The writing was well-crafted and beautifully descriptive.

I loved Wilder so much in this book. He is deeply misunderstood because of his past. All his life he had to survive and look after himself but when he came back home to his twin brother and Blackwood ranch his life as he knew it wasn’t the same. But then he met Cash and he finally realized that he had a place back into his old life.

I loved Cash and Wilder together and I loved how their relationship developed. While everyone in Blackwood ranch judged Wilder for his past, Cash never did and he stood up for Wilder the whole time. Cash slowly earned Wilder’s trust and their relationship developed into something deeper. Cash was so sweet and attentive towards Wilder. Wilder deserved love and kindness and Cash was there to give it to him the whole time.

Overall, I really, really loved this story. This book is about second chances, forgiving yourself and others and finding love and happiness and a better future. The ending was everything and I’m so happy Wilder got the HEA he deserves with Cash.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years in prison this excon needs to find his home again

Wilder Blackwood gets released from prison a few years early and reached out to his only family he has left, his twin brother Laine. There is a lot unsaid between the brothers that they don't want to deal with. So Laine kind of pawns him off on Cash since he is in charge of the farm hands.

Wilder is as skittish as a wild mustang but Cash can see he just needs someone to offer him some kindness. Wilder has to find his footing in this new life. He starts with a wild horse no one can approach. The relationship he builds with this horse is mirrored in the way Cash treats Wilder.

This is a beautiful story of a moments choice can change everything. Some of it better and some of it worse. That faithful night he changed his path as well as his brothers. Can these men find common ground all these years later? Can the building relationship with Cash be the balm to his soul?

I absolutely loved every moment of this story. The animosity from those people who knew him before, the unwavering support and live from Cash, the ability to find home again are all done so beautifully. There are many challenges but in the end family is forever.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was unfortunate that Wilder and Lain had to deal with a neglectful and physically abusive father who did not take care of them after their mother died. Even more unfortunate that no one in their small town paid attention until Wilder is forced to kill their father to defend Lain and in self defense. Wilder does time but the circumstances and his behavior while in prison gets him out early. He asks to come back to the ranch for a job and to have a place to be while on parole. Cash, the ranch foreman, is a solid stand up guy who Lain assigns to handle Wilder. That turns out to be a good thing for both Wilder and Cash. Cash gives Wilder a chance, respect, some space but also care. They get close, become involved and Cash wants to help Wilder see that he is not alone. Lain and Wilder are both damaged by the past. But Lain's wife and daughter also give Wilder a chance. Clyde was a good guy as well among the workers. Wilder's sad life is transformed and put on better footing because of the love of a good man, Cash, and the women in his family who take an interest in him. I really enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*s

Wilder has been thru so much and I wanted to just yell at all of the townspeople that let their childhood reach the state it did. (And there was a moment toward the end that I just wanted to punch one particular selfish old man.)

My heart went out to both of the brothers, living with the consequences of that night and struggling to figure out how to move forward. (I really wish we’d gotten a little more of Lain’s POV. It made me a little angry that things went as far for as long as they did.)

Cash is patient and supportive and good for Wilder. He shows him the love and understanding that he so desperately needs, setting him up for a chance at a good future if he’s willing to trust.

Cash & Wilder’s path to a HEA is not an easy one. There are a lot of 2 steps forward and 1 step back moments for them as they try to work thru Wilder’s adjustment to being out of prison. And having to face his past and his brother again. It’s an emotional story but a satisfying one and I just loved it – every angsty, slow burn, gut punch page.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder Heart is an emotional, beautifully written story about redemption, healing, and finding love after unimaginable hardship. After serving time for protecting himself and his brother from their abusive father, Wilder returns home unsure if he even belongs anymore. The ranch has changed, his twin brother Lain has moved on, and the town still holds his past against him. But Cash — steady, kind, and patient — offers Wilder a chance at forgiveness, love, and a future worth fighting for.

KT Yarrow captures the raw ache of broken family bonds, the painful journey of self-worth, and the tentative steps toward healing with stunning grace. The tension between Wilder and Lain was heartbreaking, while the growing bond between Wilder and Cash — mirrored by Wilder’s gentle work with a nervous mustang — was sweet, soulful, and deeply satisfying.

I felt every bit of Wilder’s anxiety, sorrow, and hope. His story, and the romance that blossoms with Cash, left me in tears more than once. This was a powerful, heartfelt read, and I’m so glad to have discovered KT Yarrow’s gorgeous storytelling. I can't wait to return to Blackwood Ranch and see what’s next for these incredible characters.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in the series (Blackwood Ranch). Boss/coworker. Hurt/comfort. Slow burn. Dual POV. There probably should be content warnings for past abuse and violence.

Returning home after being imprisoned for his father’s murder, Wilder doesn’t expect acceptance, especially from his estranged twin brother, just a place to restart his life. Cash is the Blackwood ranch’s foreman, and as he learns more about Wilder, he sees a hardened survivor hiding a vulnerable heart, and feels an attraction that he can’t deny.

Cash is definitely the swoony, caring main character, and Wilder is likable as well, he certainly doesn’t come across as the prison-hardened man he is expected to be. The slow build to a relationship between Cash and Wilder was nice, and the supportive secondary friends and family characters were a nice breather given the continued judgement that Wilder faced. I had trouble connecting sometimes to the main characters, but the writing was good and as an introduction to a new series it was a solid world build.

[Emilyrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with moments that were heart-warming but also sometimes heart-wrenching too. I spent a lot of the book just wanting to give Wilder a massive hug. I loved his relationship with Cash and how it developed. I also loved his care with Blaze since they seemed like two peas in a pod. It felt like both a slow burn and a story with plenty of steam too. It had good world building and I enjoyed the character development of secondary characters, even when I didn't particularly like those characters at times. Lain annoyed me for a good deal of the book but Mary-Beth and Annalise were brilliant and really brought that family feel to the ranch. Even when I saw some parts coming, I was hooked reading it from start to finish and I'm so glad Wilder finally got his HEA with Cash at the end. This was an emotional mm romance that I'd definitely recommend.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

Wilder Hearts is my first book from this author and it was so good! Wilder was such a sweetheart with a broken past and an unsure future. Cash slowly earned his trust and showed him he deserved love, kindness, a home, and a second chance. The building relationship between them was written so well and I was hooked reading every word.

The side characters were also good, except Lain. While the others didn't owe Wilder anything, Lain was his twin and Wilder deserved better than him. I think he forgave Lain to easily after everything. Mary-Beth was very understanding and sympathetic and Annalise was adorable. I loved the little snippets we got of her with Wilder.

I would love a novella of Wilder's life with Cash and Blaze. I think it'd be really sweet to see how far he's come from the person who came into the ranch after years of being away.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stars! This is intense. Wilder, released from prison returns to the only home he knows and the family he has left, his twin brother, Liam. Liam, has managed to keep the Blackwood Ranch functional and has it on a successful path. The town doesn't accept Wilder and he struggles to feel welcome anywhere. Cash, is the ranch foreman, and has lived there for 7 years. He is hardworking, loyal and actually 'sees' Wilder. This is a tough story of Wilder returning trying ot fit in but feeling he never will. The author, does an excellent job bringing the inttense emotions of everyone, their perceptions, their truths, their prejudices and their lack of compassion. Cash and Wilder, must find their way through the damage to the heart and soul. They are amazing together. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder Heart is a beautiful, emotional story about redemption, healing, and finding where you truly belong. I loved how KT Yarrow handled Wilder’s struggles with guilt and feeling out of place after prison—his pain felt very real without overwhelming the romance. Cash is the perfect steady counterbalance to Wilder’s rough edges: patient, kind, but strong enough to hold his own.

The chemistry between them builds slowly and naturally, and their journey toward trust and love feels earned. The setting of Blackwood Ranch is almost a character itself, offering both a refuge and a reminder of Wilder’s past.

It’s a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that really digs deep into second chances and learning to believe you deserve love. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven MM romances.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between three and four stars for this contemporary romance. It was... fine. I thought it needed a stronger developmental edit, though. There were some relatively minor issues, like the boy raised in an abusive, rural home who went to prison at eighteen (i.e., no indication that he's particularly well-educated or well-read) thinking in terms like "vilified" and "heinous" and "palimpsest," and the less-than-sensitive use of "clean" to mean "STI negative." But there were also bigger-picture things like the friction between the brothers going on forever and then suddenly getting resolved all at once. So, in the end, I'm going with three.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Oh my god it was so good! I love people getting second chances, especially when the reason they needed it wasn’t really their fault to begin with. Wilder did what he had to and spent time in prison for it. No one was willing to help him and his brother against their abusive father. He was such a broken yet hopeful character. He deserved to have someone see him for the good person he was deep down inside and Cash saw it right away. Wilder’s brother Liam made me angry at first because he didn’t want to face anything, but Mary-Beth, Annalise, and Chase helped him realize that he is worthy of love and a home. This was an amazing story and I loved every word. I couldn’t stop reading once I started.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about a convicted felon and the cowboy who helps him regain his confidence and faith in the future. Wilder and Cash are good together, and their journey to love---hiccups and attempted escapes---is still a delight to read. I didn't particularly like the way Wilder's twin Lain behaved, remaining, as he did, in the role of antagonist for most of the novel. It was passive-aggressive at best, and cruel at worst. Thank goodness for Cas, and Mary-Anne, Lain's lovely wife, and their daughter Annalisse, who give Wilder all the emotional he so desperately needs as he returns to society. I haven't fully forgiven Lain even at the end. And what happens to Billy, the intended antagonist, is not nearly enough to satisfy my vengeful heart.

[Tris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more likely 3.5-4 stars but it’s teetering there. I fully enjoyed the story and it has all the right tropes that engaged me. Wilder and Cash were so awfully amazing but i do wish there was more emotional engagement. I really didn’t feel any yearning lovesick twinges whilst reading of them.

Unfortunately Lain was really badly written. I did not like him at all. There were also some really unrealistic events which my mind could not compute.

This book is written in such a way that it sounds like a series but even after reading I could not imagine who the next MC will be to follow on with this book. If there is a second book I like Yarrow and will continue reading their books.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fabulous book that I read from cover to cover one sitting. Life has not been good to Wilder when he tried to do the right thing and he had to pay for something he should not have. Suddenly out of prison he has no where to go except home to Blackwood Ranch and his twin brother who was not happy to see him. Fortunately Cash who has worked at the Ranch saw through the wounded nature of Wilder offering his love, care, and support. A great book about second chance at love but also second chance about life. Cash wit his patience and support helped Wilder find the love he truly deserved. Watching him break down the Jericho walls that Wilder had built up filled my heart. A great read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And a horse who can’t be ridden doesn’t have much value in the ranching business.”
“He doesn’t like being locked in behind a fence,” Wilder said. “He knows he’s trapped.”
“Mm-hm,” Cash agreed, his gaze on Wilder’s profile. “He just needs time to adjust.”

I loved this book. It was a beautiful hurt/comfort romance. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Wilder and Cash. Just out of prison, Wilder returns to the only family and home he has. This story is as much about healing- both for oneself and rebuilding with family-, second chances, and acceptance and love. I liked the way the relationship built between Wilder and Cash. Slow burn and their chemistry sizzled. I loved the role of horses in this book. A very sweet read. 5 stars.