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Whispering Oaks Ranch #1
Sweet Escape
Falling in love once is a blessing, twice is a miracle.
Wilder: I thought I had everything until I lost it all. Jess was my best friend, the mother of my child, and the only woman I ever saw a future with. When she died, I let the grief consume me, unable to see a way out of the depths I’d crawled into in the wake of her passing. All that was left of her was our daughter Emmy Lou and the threadbare memories I clung to for comfort. When it got harder to live without her, I decided to return home to Oak Ridge, Kentucky — to the ranch where I grew up and the family who wouldn’t hesitate to help me pick up the pieces. But fate or something deeper had other plans, and on the way back, I met the sweetest distraction. Olivia Sullivan isn’t for me, but now she’s carrying my baby, and I can’t seem to deny this innate connection that draws me to her.
Olivia: I never put much stock in fate or superstition until a series of unfortunate events had me boarding a flight from Colorado to Oak Ridge, by way of Nashville, and put me in the path of Wilder Hayes — the broken cowboy with the sweetest little girl, and the son of my family’s biggest rivals. Our chemistry is as undeniable as the baby that binds us. But Wilder is a broken man, and his grief might be too much for us to overcome. Wilder’s heart isn’t mine for the taking, no matter how much I want to help him put the pieces back together.
Content This book contains heavy themes of grief and loss, as well as sexually explicit content.
Wilder: I thought I had everything until I lost it all. Jess was my best friend, the mother of my child, and the only woman I ever saw a future with. When she died, I let the grief consume me, unable to see a way out of the depths I’d crawled into in the wake of her passing. All that was left of her was our daughter Emmy Lou and the threadbare memories I clung to for comfort. When it got harder to live without her, I decided to return home to Oak Ridge, Kentucky — to the ranch where I grew up and the family who wouldn’t hesitate to help me pick up the pieces. But fate or something deeper had other plans, and on the way back, I met the sweetest distraction. Olivia Sullivan isn’t for me, but now she’s carrying my baby, and I can’t seem to deny this innate connection that draws me to her.
Olivia: I never put much stock in fate or superstition until a series of unfortunate events had me boarding a flight from Colorado to Oak Ridge, by way of Nashville, and put me in the path of Wilder Hayes — the broken cowboy with the sweetest little girl, and the son of my family’s biggest rivals. Our chemistry is as undeniable as the baby that binds us. But Wilder is a broken man, and his grief might be too much for us to overcome. Wilder’s heart isn’t mine for the taking, no matter how much I want to help him put the pieces back together.
Content This book contains heavy themes of grief and loss, as well as sexually explicit content.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
455 people are currently reading
2209 people want to read
About the author
Willa Kay
10 books137 followersAuthor of heartwarming small town contemporary romance, Willa is a voracious reader turned writer living in Kentucky. Originally from Canada, she's a photographer by day, and a mom of two, married to her partner for 16 years. Willa's books blend small town swoon with delicious spice, and complex characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
August 24, 2025
⋆˚࿔ review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
4⭐️
I love books that just gives me the feels!
This was so good me and the pregnancy trope goes like this 🤞
The book was so perfectly written the grief, the romance, and the conflicts
One thing I really loved about this is that the author didn’t demonize the dead wife because most books with that trope do that. This one didn’t he still loves but also loves livie and that so heartwarming to see.
Livie was perfect she was so sweet, and thoughtful my heart did hurt for her at some point because how much she loved him, and her fear he wasn’t going to love her back. She was still so kind to him.
I’ve been on a streak lately of reading actually good written fictional men 🤭
Wilder was thoughtful and sweet no matter how many times he did nice and thoughtful stuff I was still smiling like a fool.
I love how his fear was portrayed and I love that he overcame it.
Livie and Emmy were the sweetest duo every time they were mentioned, I was grinning so hard.
Livie and wilder were just perfect for each other they did have conflicts, but resolved with great communication which I loved. Their chemistry was chefs kiss 💋
Overall this was just the sweetest book and I had an amazing time reading it.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I think this one might be a better beach read, it just looks so adorable 🏖️
4⭐️
I love books that just gives me the feels!
This was so good me and the pregnancy trope goes like this 🤞
The book was so perfectly written the grief, the romance, and the conflicts
One thing I really loved about this is that the author didn’t demonize the dead wife because most books with that trope do that. This one didn’t he still loves but also loves livie and that so heartwarming to see.
Livie was perfect she was so sweet, and thoughtful my heart did hurt for her at some point because how much she loved him, and her fear he wasn’t going to love her back. She was still so kind to him.
I’ve been on a streak lately of reading actually good written fictional men 🤭
Wilder was thoughtful and sweet no matter how many times he did nice and thoughtful stuff I was still smiling like a fool.
I love how his fear was portrayed and I love that he overcame it.
Livie and Emmy were the sweetest duo every time they were mentioned, I was grinning so hard.
Livie and wilder were just perfect for each other they did have conflicts, but resolved with great communication which I loved. Their chemistry was chefs kiss 💋
Overall this was just the sweetest book and I had an amazing time reading it.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I think this one might be a better beach read, it just looks so adorable 🏖️
August 28, 2025
let's put our clown costumes back on,,,,,,
i really really thought this was going to be the book that broke the dead wife curse NOPE! At first until 30 percent i allowed it and thought it was getting less and less but Jesus after 60, 70, 80 STILL HAVEN'T STOPPED AND IT GET WORSE AND WORSE INCREASING TALKING, THINKING ABOUT HER ALL THE TIME LIKE COME ONNNN. i was like f*ck Jess at this point
And the worst point is he kept having sex with her and saying swoon worthy sentences, WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK ? All this back and forth, cold and hot while SHE HAS A HARD PREGNANCY IS ACTUALLY MADE ME HATE HIM MORE.
The book starts with FMCs 3 year long bf cheating on her with her bff while she was waiting to get married to him. Girl be so fucking real at least even the grounds apparently she didn't have bfs why not also make her have dead lover she loved deeply or just broken up because long distance etc. Why in big 2025 we still write FMC like this ?
at 90 percent MMCs brothers talk to him saying you are hurting her let her go then he is suddenly like oh i won't, i hated him
She constantly feels bad and i got mad at her too GIRL STAND UP TALK TO HIM AND BREAK UP FOR GODS’S SAKE
i am not kidding you, book ends with them going to Jess grave saying i think you sent her to me....................................................
Quotes
Even if I wanted to, my grief wouldn’t let me. The constant, dull ache is a reminder of everything I lost. One night changed my entire life, and I’ll never be able to get it back. It wouldn’t be fair to put that burden on a new relationship.
Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t had anything but self-induced manual orgasms in months.
Girl be so fr.
It’s not enough; I want more of her. It was a mistake to push her away all those weeks ago; I see that now. It’s clear she’s still grappling with the news and everything that came before, so I won’t pressure her. I can be patient.
So, how do I reconcile the past with the future that’s staring me in the face? Olivia is in my life now; she’s giving me a second chance. I won’t take it for granted, but deep down, I know I won’t be enough for her. I can’t give her what she needs— what she deserves. I can’t love her. But can I let her go?
He says this at 30 percent ish, i had such high hopes.
Being with Olivia is as easy as breathing. Or maybe it’s so much more than that. I’ve spent the last two years gasping for air, and she’s like the first breath of spring after endless winter, so potent I don’t know how I lived without her.
“Just… feel. Fuck, Liv. You make it so I can breathe again, and you don’t even know you’re doing it. You have no idea what that means to me— what you mean to me. I think… you might be my best friend.”
Like see these sentences ? its so cruel
A part of me wishes it were true— wishes I could be tied to Wilder by more than just the child growing inside me, but I know that’s impossible. Wilder’s heart is locked down tight, and Jess took the key to her grave.
This is halfway in
I step up beside him, intending to greet him with a kiss, but he turns his face at the last second, and my lips land on his cheek instead. My face falls, and I take a step back, a pit forming in my stomach.
Instead of taking his place beside me, he drags his plate toward her. Tears spring to my eyes at the harsh sting of rejection. He can’t even stand to sit beside me, how the hell am I supposed to stay here?
I hated him so much at this point this is after his brother to stop tagging her along, and he loved her, and she is close to birth at this point.
I’m a broken man; I’m too broken to love her, to love any woman. Olivia deserves someone who can give her the world, and I can’t even give her my heart. I want to. Fuck, do I want to, but part of my heart is buried six feet deep, and the rest is barely beating, if only for Emmy and Gracie.
then a magic happens he supposedly grovels, but we don't see it just half a paragraph of this
The daisies keep showing up, but so does Wilder. Every day he asks me if I’ll move into his room, and every day I tell him I need more time. On days when he isn’t up at the crack of dawn, he brings me breakfast in bed. On those other days, he leaves a mason jar of cold brew in the fridge with a sticky note directing me to my breakfast. Sometimes it’s something simple like cereal or pastries. Other days, it’s overnight oats full of honey and chocolate chips. He knows I often struggle with decision paralysis, and he’s taken it upon himself to help with that. He’s slowly chipping away at my resolve, one sweet gesture at a time, anticipating my needs before I even have to ask.
Like wtf ??
“No. Don’t say anything. I know you can’t. It’s okay. I just… needed you to know. I think I’ve loved you for a while. I think I’d love you even if we weren’t having a baby together. That’s enough for me. I don’t need to hear it back.” He repositions us until I’m flush against his side and buries his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. “I can’t give you what you need.” It’s a quiet confession, one that should break me, but it doesn’t. I know it’s coming from a place of fear. I don’t speak, waiting for him to continue.
i needed her to GET UP
I don’t love Jess any less because I've fallen for Olivia… but it’s different. With Olivia, there was an instant connection, an inherent draw that pulled me toward her. It knocked me on my ass before I could even give voice to what it was I was feeling. Jess and I… we just were.
“Everything. You’re everything to me, Livie. You, Emmy, and Gracie. Nothing else matters. I could lose everything else tomorrow and survive. But you, our family, and the life we’re creating together— that loss would break me in a way I won’t ever come back from.”
This was good i guess idc
i really really thought this was going to be the book that broke the dead wife curse NOPE! At first until 30 percent i allowed it and thought it was getting less and less but Jesus after 60, 70, 80 STILL HAVEN'T STOPPED AND IT GET WORSE AND WORSE INCREASING TALKING, THINKING ABOUT HER ALL THE TIME LIKE COME ONNNN. i was like f*ck Jess at this point
And the worst point is he kept having sex with her and saying swoon worthy sentences, WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK ? All this back and forth, cold and hot while SHE HAS A HARD PREGNANCY IS ACTUALLY MADE ME HATE HIM MORE.
The book starts with FMCs 3 year long bf cheating on her with her bff while she was waiting to get married to him. Girl be so fucking real at least even the grounds apparently she didn't have bfs why not also make her have dead lover she loved deeply or just broken up because long distance etc. Why in big 2025 we still write FMC like this ?
at 90 percent MMCs brothers talk to him saying you are hurting her let her go then he is suddenly like oh i won't, i hated him
She constantly feels bad and i got mad at her too GIRL STAND UP TALK TO HIM AND BREAK UP FOR GODS’S SAKE
i am not kidding you, book ends with them going to Jess grave saying i think you sent her to me....................................................
Quotes
Even if I wanted to, my grief wouldn’t let me. The constant, dull ache is a reminder of everything I lost. One night changed my entire life, and I’ll never be able to get it back. It wouldn’t be fair to put that burden on a new relationship.
Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t had anything but self-induced manual orgasms in months.
Girl be so fr.
It’s not enough; I want more of her. It was a mistake to push her away all those weeks ago; I see that now. It’s clear she’s still grappling with the news and everything that came before, so I won’t pressure her. I can be patient.
So, how do I reconcile the past with the future that’s staring me in the face? Olivia is in my life now; she’s giving me a second chance. I won’t take it for granted, but deep down, I know I won’t be enough for her. I can’t give her what she needs— what she deserves. I can’t love her. But can I let her go?
He says this at 30 percent ish, i had such high hopes.
Being with Olivia is as easy as breathing. Or maybe it’s so much more than that. I’ve spent the last two years gasping for air, and she’s like the first breath of spring after endless winter, so potent I don’t know how I lived without her.
“Just… feel. Fuck, Liv. You make it so I can breathe again, and you don’t even know you’re doing it. You have no idea what that means to me— what you mean to me. I think… you might be my best friend.”
Like see these sentences ? its so cruel
A part of me wishes it were true— wishes I could be tied to Wilder by more than just the child growing inside me, but I know that’s impossible. Wilder’s heart is locked down tight, and Jess took the key to her grave.
This is halfway in
I step up beside him, intending to greet him with a kiss, but he turns his face at the last second, and my lips land on his cheek instead. My face falls, and I take a step back, a pit forming in my stomach.
Instead of taking his place beside me, he drags his plate toward her. Tears spring to my eyes at the harsh sting of rejection. He can’t even stand to sit beside me, how the hell am I supposed to stay here?
I hated him so much at this point this is after his brother to stop tagging her along, and he loved her, and she is close to birth at this point.
I’m a broken man; I’m too broken to love her, to love any woman. Olivia deserves someone who can give her the world, and I can’t even give her my heart. I want to. Fuck, do I want to, but part of my heart is buried six feet deep, and the rest is barely beating, if only for Emmy and Gracie.
then a magic happens he supposedly grovels, but we don't see it just half a paragraph of this
The daisies keep showing up, but so does Wilder. Every day he asks me if I’ll move into his room, and every day I tell him I need more time. On days when he isn’t up at the crack of dawn, he brings me breakfast in bed. On those other days, he leaves a mason jar of cold brew in the fridge with a sticky note directing me to my breakfast. Sometimes it’s something simple like cereal or pastries. Other days, it’s overnight oats full of honey and chocolate chips. He knows I often struggle with decision paralysis, and he’s taken it upon himself to help with that. He’s slowly chipping away at my resolve, one sweet gesture at a time, anticipating my needs before I even have to ask.
Like wtf ??
“No. Don’t say anything. I know you can’t. It’s okay. I just… needed you to know. I think I’ve loved you for a while. I think I’d love you even if we weren’t having a baby together. That’s enough for me. I don’t need to hear it back.” He repositions us until I’m flush against his side and buries his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. “I can’t give you what you need.” It’s a quiet confession, one that should break me, but it doesn’t. I know it’s coming from a place of fear. I don’t speak, waiting for him to continue.
i needed her to GET UP
I don’t love Jess any less because I've fallen for Olivia… but it’s different. With Olivia, there was an instant connection, an inherent draw that pulled me toward her. It knocked me on my ass before I could even give voice to what it was I was feeling. Jess and I… we just were.
“Everything. You’re everything to me, Livie. You, Emmy, and Gracie. Nothing else matters. I could lose everything else tomorrow and survive. But you, our family, and the life we’re creating together— that loss would break me in a way I won’t ever come back from.”
This was good i guess idc
September 8, 2025
"Sweet Escape" is a beautiful romance story that made me cry happy tears. This book is about second chances and finding love when you think your heart is too broken.
Wilder Hayes lost his wife Jess, who was also his best friend. Now he lives alone with his little daughter Emmy Lou. He feels so sad that he decides to go back home to Kentucky to his family's ranch. He wants to heal his broken heart.
But life has different plans for him. He meets Olivia Sullivan, a woman who is going to have his baby. At first, Olivia doesn't want to fall in love, but slowly she starts caring about Wilder and Emmy Lou.
This book gave me so many emotions! I felt sad for Wilder's pain, but I also felt happy watching him fall in love again. The romance is slow and beautiful. Wilder and Olivia talk to each other and solve their problems together, which I really loved.
This book will make you laugh, cry, and feel warm inside. I finished reading it with a big smile on my face.
Wilder Hayes lost his wife Jess, who was also his best friend. Now he lives alone with his little daughter Emmy Lou. He feels so sad that he decides to go back home to Kentucky to his family's ranch. He wants to heal his broken heart.
But life has different plans for him. He meets Olivia Sullivan, a woman who is going to have his baby. At first, Olivia doesn't want to fall in love, but slowly she starts caring about Wilder and Emmy Lou.
This book gave me so many emotions! I felt sad for Wilder's pain, but I also felt happy watching him fall in love again. The romance is slow and beautiful. Wilder and Olivia talk to each other and solve their problems together, which I really loved.
This book will make you laugh, cry, and feel warm inside. I finished reading it with a big smile on my face.
August 24, 2025
Now, I knew what I was signing up for: an accidental pregnancy romance. And those almost never work for me. Why? Because the “accidental” part usually comes with choices that make me question the characters’ relationship with basic sexual health. That’s just a personal no-go, so I can’t fault the book for being what it promised.
What I can fault is how much Olivia grated on me. I tried to root for her, I really did, but half the time she was so whiny I wanted to hand her a juice box and a nap. And Wilder… lord. I get that he’s grieving, I get that losing Jess broke him, but the way he treated Olivia was downright mean. He was all “you’re mine” one minute, then “we can’t be together, I’ll always love my wife” the next. Over and over again. Push, pull, repeat. It gave me emotional whiplash and made me want to yell “pick a lane, cowboy.”
And let’s talk about the little details. Olivia supposedly needs a seatbelt extender on a plane, but then she magically finds cowboy boots that fit over her calves? Please. As a plus-size woman, I want receipts. Which brand? Which store? Because I’ve been chasing that miracle my whole life.
Oh, and Olivia’s parents? Unnecessarily awful. Their hostility felt cranked up for drama’s sake, and instead of adding tension, it just made me roll my eyes.
In the end, if accidental pregnancy romances are your jam, you might enjoy this one more than I did. But between a frustrating hero, a heroine who tested my patience, and some eyebrow-raising realism gaps, this book wasn’t my sweet escape.
What I can fault is how much Olivia grated on me. I tried to root for her, I really did, but half the time she was so whiny I wanted to hand her a juice box and a nap. And Wilder… lord. I get that he’s grieving, I get that losing Jess broke him, but the way he treated Olivia was downright mean. He was all “you’re mine” one minute, then “we can’t be together, I’ll always love my wife” the next. Over and over again. Push, pull, repeat. It gave me emotional whiplash and made me want to yell “pick a lane, cowboy.”
And let’s talk about the little details. Olivia supposedly needs a seatbelt extender on a plane, but then she magically finds cowboy boots that fit over her calves? Please. As a plus-size woman, I want receipts. Which brand? Which store? Because I’ve been chasing that miracle my whole life.
Oh, and Olivia’s parents? Unnecessarily awful. Their hostility felt cranked up for drama’s sake, and instead of adding tension, it just made me roll my eyes.
In the end, if accidental pregnancy romances are your jam, you might enjoy this one more than I did. But between a frustrating hero, a heroine who tested my patience, and some eyebrow-raising realism gaps, this book wasn’t my sweet escape.
July 18, 2025
ARC Review ❤️!
This book was f--- GOOD. And I don’t say that lightly. Every single scene pulled me in deeper — whether it was the male lead radiating warmth, confidence, and that rare emotional depth, or the female lead, who was so effortlessly sweet and genuine it hurt a little. Add a ridiculously lovable family dynamic, the kind that feels both idealistic and somehow still grounded, and you’ve got a story that wraps around your heart without asking permission.
But what really did it for me was the balance. This book doesn’t just go heavy on the romance or the spice — it does both, and it does them well. The sweet moments are so pure, you’ll want to pause and breathe them in. But then, out of nowhere, the tension hits you — the kind that makes you feel like you’re interrupting something you shouldn’t be seeing. The chemistry is so thick, so intense, you’ll start to feel like a third wheel.
The age gap? Handled with care, depth, and maturity. It never felt like a gimmick. It made sense. It added complexity, not drama for drama’s sake.
And the accidental pregnancy? Honestly, it was woven into the story with intention and heart. It wasn’t just a plot twist — it was part of the emotional journey, and it worked beautifully.
There’s no way to explain this book with logic, because what it makes you feel goes far beyond that. I laughed, I melted, I definitely blushed. I found myself highlighting entire paragraphs just so I could go back and re-live them.
It’s the kind of book that makes you forget time, ignore your phone, and let the world fade away.
It didn’t just meet my expectations — it devoured them.
This book was f--- GOOD. And I don’t say that lightly. Every single scene pulled me in deeper — whether it was the male lead radiating warmth, confidence, and that rare emotional depth, or the female lead, who was so effortlessly sweet and genuine it hurt a little. Add a ridiculously lovable family dynamic, the kind that feels both idealistic and somehow still grounded, and you’ve got a story that wraps around your heart without asking permission.
But what really did it for me was the balance. This book doesn’t just go heavy on the romance or the spice — it does both, and it does them well. The sweet moments are so pure, you’ll want to pause and breathe them in. But then, out of nowhere, the tension hits you — the kind that makes you feel like you’re interrupting something you shouldn’t be seeing. The chemistry is so thick, so intense, you’ll start to feel like a third wheel.
The age gap? Handled with care, depth, and maturity. It never felt like a gimmick. It made sense. It added complexity, not drama for drama’s sake.
And the accidental pregnancy? Honestly, it was woven into the story with intention and heart. It wasn’t just a plot twist — it was part of the emotional journey, and it worked beautifully.
There’s no way to explain this book with logic, because what it makes you feel goes far beyond that. I laughed, I melted, I definitely blushed. I found myself highlighting entire paragraphs just so I could go back and re-live them.
It’s the kind of book that makes you forget time, ignore your phone, and let the world fade away.
It didn’t just meet my expectations — it devoured them.
July 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I swear, Willa never lets me down 💓 this is a story of loss, grief, friendship and love. Wilder, a broken man, finds his world unexpectedly rocked by Olivia and vice versa. Their growth together and as individuals was so sweet. I love that Willa is diving into a cowboy romance series now.
Wilder’s nickname for Olivia was not my fave (I found it just a bit cringe) but that was barely a blip on my radar in comparison to the rest of the story. Highly recommend, especially if you love hot, dirty mouthed cowboys.
I swear, Willa never lets me down 💓 this is a story of loss, grief, friendship and love. Wilder, a broken man, finds his world unexpectedly rocked by Olivia and vice versa. Their growth together and as individuals was so sweet. I love that Willa is diving into a cowboy romance series now.
Wilder’s nickname for Olivia was not my fave (I found it just a bit cringe) but that was barely a blip on my radar in comparison to the rest of the story. Highly recommend, especially if you love hot, dirty mouthed cowboys.
August 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
One of the things I loved most about Sweet Escape was the representation of the FMC. She is a curvy, beautiful woman who is completely adored by the MMC. Wilder’s devotion to Olivia and the way he constantly tried to make her feel comfortable in her own skin was heartwarming. His daughter was absolutely precious and added so much to the story, along with his family who welcomed Olivia with open arms and fully supported their relationship.
On the flip side, there were a few parts that did not work as well for me. Some of the miscommunication dragged things out longer than necessary, and while the spice was fun, there was a lot of it which at times slowed the pacing of the story.
Tropes & Vibes:
• Accidental pregnancy
• Healing through grief together
• Single dad with the sweetest little girl
• Small town romance
One of the things I loved most about Sweet Escape was the representation of the FMC. She is a curvy, beautiful woman who is completely adored by the MMC. Wilder’s devotion to Olivia and the way he constantly tried to make her feel comfortable in her own skin was heartwarming. His daughter was absolutely precious and added so much to the story, along with his family who welcomed Olivia with open arms and fully supported their relationship.
On the flip side, there were a few parts that did not work as well for me. Some of the miscommunication dragged things out longer than necessary, and while the spice was fun, there was a lot of it which at times slowed the pacing of the story.
Tropes & Vibes:
• Accidental pregnancy
• Healing through grief together
• Single dad with the sweetest little girl
• Small town romance
January 19, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
save a horse ride a cowboy i guess
🩷 smalltown cowboy romance
🤍 single dad
🩷 accidental pregnancy
🤍 friends to lovers
🩷 found family
sweet escape is one of the sweetest, most wholesome romance books i’ve ever. i love the pregnancy trope so much because it’s so freaking adorable and olivia and wilder were exactly what i was looking for. not only were they strangers tied together, but they became friends first before anything else. the book perfectly describe how grief can consume a person, but it can also be the driving force to start over again. this book was hilarious and emotional at the same time as the characters’ push and pull constantly played with my feelings. wouldn’t have it any other way though.
save a horse ride a cowboy i guess
🩷 smalltown cowboy romance
🤍 single dad
🩷 accidental pregnancy
🤍 friends to lovers
🩷 found family
sweet escape is one of the sweetest, most wholesome romance books i’ve ever. i love the pregnancy trope so much because it’s so freaking adorable and olivia and wilder were exactly what i was looking for. not only were they strangers tied together, but they became friends first before anything else. the book perfectly describe how grief can consume a person, but it can also be the driving force to start over again. this book was hilarious and emotional at the same time as the characters’ push and pull constantly played with my feelings. wouldn’t have it any other way though.
October 9, 2025
I love all kinds of books with this trope, it's one of my favorite ones. This is one of my reasons for picking the book. I have never read any books by Willa Kay, and I am glad that I did it. Now, she has become one of my favorite authors.
Wilder and Olivia met on an airplane and later on they had the hottest one-night stand. They thought they would never see each other again, but when she finds out that she is pregnant, she knows she has to tell him. Surprisingly for me, he didn't react the way I expected it. He was a single dad, but he was really excited about the prospect of having another child with this beautiful woman. Even though he lost his wife and he was still grieving, he felt mesmerized by Olivia. He still wanted her with the same passion as on their hot night.
Olivia was such a nice woman. Even though she was expecting his child, she never pressured him to take responsibility. She knew he had lost his wife and felt that she would never replace her. She felt the burning connection between them, but she was a realist and knew he wouldn't love her, because of his wife. The good thing is, she hoped that one day she would find a good man who would love her with everything he has. But Wilder surprised her. Towards her, he felt protective, caring, and she was seeing the glint in his eyes when it came to her.
The mutual desire between them was passionate and not long after they succumbed to it. Their love scenes were everything that I dreamed of. It was so steamy and spicy and I loved it. There was some kink in those scenes, which made them even more perfect for each other. One thing is for sure... Wilder did have a dirty mount, and he was bossy in the bedroom, which was incredibly hot 🥵. From that moment on, they didn't let go of each other.
I loved reading "Sweet Escape" and I will definitely continue with the series and this author's books ♥️.
Wilder and Olivia met on an airplane and later on they had the hottest one-night stand. They thought they would never see each other again, but when she finds out that she is pregnant, she knows she has to tell him. Surprisingly for me, he didn't react the way I expected it. He was a single dad, but he was really excited about the prospect of having another child with this beautiful woman. Even though he lost his wife and he was still grieving, he felt mesmerized by Olivia. He still wanted her with the same passion as on their hot night.
Olivia was such a nice woman. Even though she was expecting his child, she never pressured him to take responsibility. She knew he had lost his wife and felt that she would never replace her. She felt the burning connection between them, but she was a realist and knew he wouldn't love her, because of his wife. The good thing is, she hoped that one day she would find a good man who would love her with everything he has. But Wilder surprised her. Towards her, he felt protective, caring, and she was seeing the glint in his eyes when it came to her.
The mutual desire between them was passionate and not long after they succumbed to it. Their love scenes were everything that I dreamed of. It was so steamy and spicy and I loved it. There was some kink in those scenes, which made them even more perfect for each other. One thing is for sure... Wilder did have a dirty mount, and he was bossy in the bedroom, which was incredibly hot 🥵. From that moment on, they didn't let go of each other.
I loved reading "Sweet Escape" and I will definitely continue with the series and this author's books ♥️.
August 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 spice
First, I want to thank Willa for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC.
Sweet Escape is the kind of romance that grabs you by the heart from page one and doesn’t let go. Willa Kay delivers an emotional, slow-burn cowboy romance that balances a spicy chemistry with raw, soul-deep vulnerability.
This is Wilder and Olivia’s story—two people carrying heavy pasts who collide in a way neither expects. Wilder is still grieving the loss of his wife, Jess, and that grief is written into every part of him. He’s guarded, stubborn, and so afraid to let himself love again. Olivia, on the other hand, is resilient, compassionate, and quietly determined to protect her own heart. When their worlds intersect, it’s messy, intense, and impossible to walk away from.
I loved how this story didn’t rush their connection. Yes, there is an initial spark that is instant (and yes, spicy), but what makes this book shine is how the relationship grows through trust, honesty, and facing some tough emotions.
Family is a huge part of the story, and it adds so much depth. Wilder’s family provides warmth and stability, reminding him that healing doesn’t have to be a solo battle. Olivia’s family background helps explain her guarded nature, making her choices feel real and grounded.
Sweet Escape is more than just a romance—it’s a heartfelt exploration of grief, second chances, and the bravery it takes to love again. if you are looking for a heartfelt, spicy cowboy romance with characters facing the kind of real-life trauma this book is for you.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 spice
First, I want to thank Willa for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC.
Sweet Escape is the kind of romance that grabs you by the heart from page one and doesn’t let go. Willa Kay delivers an emotional, slow-burn cowboy romance that balances a spicy chemistry with raw, soul-deep vulnerability.
This is Wilder and Olivia’s story—two people carrying heavy pasts who collide in a way neither expects. Wilder is still grieving the loss of his wife, Jess, and that grief is written into every part of him. He’s guarded, stubborn, and so afraid to let himself love again. Olivia, on the other hand, is resilient, compassionate, and quietly determined to protect her own heart. When their worlds intersect, it’s messy, intense, and impossible to walk away from.
I loved how this story didn’t rush their connection. Yes, there is an initial spark that is instant (and yes, spicy), but what makes this book shine is how the relationship grows through trust, honesty, and facing some tough emotions.
Family is a huge part of the story, and it adds so much depth. Wilder’s family provides warmth and stability, reminding him that healing doesn’t have to be a solo battle. Olivia’s family background helps explain her guarded nature, making her choices feel real and grounded.
Sweet Escape is more than just a romance—it’s a heartfelt exploration of grief, second chances, and the bravery it takes to love again. if you are looking for a heartfelt, spicy cowboy romance with characters facing the kind of real-life trauma this book is for you.
July 22, 2025
ARC Review: Let me say this was my first Willa Kay read and I’m officially hooked. You get a little back story of the 2 main characters right from the beginning and how they both overcome there past. I was hooked after the very first scene, if I had time to read this in one sitting I would have.
Olivia is a plus size baker who was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. Wilder is a widower father of a toddler trying to navigate life after the loss of his wife 2 years prior.
One night stand turns into surprise pregnancy turns into friendship then they become significant others!
Olivia is a plus size baker who was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. Wilder is a widower father of a toddler trying to navigate life after the loss of his wife 2 years prior.
One night stand turns into surprise pregnancy turns into friendship then they become significant others!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
Absolutely loved every part of this book! 😍 Wilder is so beautifully broken. He held my heart from page one. Olivia was such a strong FMC and knew exactly what he needed when he needed it. The chemistry between them was perfection. One of my favorite small town romances I have read to date.
August 22, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - ONS, insta-attraction, single dad, widowed MMC, grief (on going, takes place throughout the book), age gap, cowboy romance, curvy FMC, ADHD rep, accidental pregnancy, family rivalry, strangers to friends to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy × sunshine, one-bed, second chance at love, steamy, small town, emotional, HEA
TW - preeclampsia, death of partner, survivor's guilt, death of sibling, complicated childbirth.
MIGHT HAVE SPOILER, warning ahead of time
OMFG WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THIS BOOK!!! I didn't read the blurb or anything, and just went headfirst into this book, and it was exactly what I was looking for - family rivalry, angst, and drama. It was sweet, emotional, touching, loving, and unputdownable. I cried while reading the prologue - that's how well the one chapter (intro) was written.
The book begins with Wilder and Olivia meeting on the same flight. Wilder has a terrible fear of flying, and he finds the perfect distraction in the form of a gorgeous, curvy, mascara-smudged Olivia, who has recently caught her cheating boyfriend. Their connection is immediate, and although they only expect to share one unforgettable night together, things take an unexpected turn when Olivia gets pregnant.
A 'my girl', infamous audiobook scene, and fuck it moment all in the first few chapters— damn, this book set the bar high from the start.
Wilder, this man broke my heart, but he also took it away with him 😭. I love curvy girl books, especially when the MMC is body positive, and Wilder, my man, was just what I needed. He healed something within me. The way he was so reassuring and loving towards her and her body was refreshing to read in a world full of petite MCs. Possessive and jealous Wilder was my favourite of all, OOH I LOVED THOSE MOMENTS.
Olivia, this girl was so sweet and amazing. Her selflessness and caring attitude made her unique. Oh, and reading her sassy side was a bonus I didn't know I needed until it happened. I hated reading her pain. She was a loving and kind person who always put others before herself, and she truly didn't deserve what was happening to her. The ADHD representation was so well written.
Olivia and Wilder together were just PERFECT!! Those small moments where they struggled with their thoughts and guilt killed me. He wasn't ready to move on or for change, but he still stood up and tried. She wasn't ready for the new chapter, yet she did. These two were strong enough to go with the flow because it wouldn't have been easy. And the way these two could read each other without words told so much about their chemistry.
Their story wasn't rushed; it was smooth with its ups and downs, with gradual friendship, a lot of spice, and so much care and chemistry. Their domestic life was so well written that I could feel their warmth.
Two mature characters, who not just worked on themselves but also as a unit - what else do you need to make a book perfect? Everything about this book was healing.
Grief takes time, and it was good to see Wilder work through it. His family's support and Olivia's care made him realise that he could love her and still hold Jess's memory with him. His emotional turmoil was tough to read, but seeing Olivia deal with it selflessly and loving him regardless showed what a beautiful person she was.
OH, AND THIS BOOK WAS SPICY TOO!!
Side plot and characters -
1. Family was the core of this book, and watching the Hayes family bond was just beautiful. The Sullivan family was different from the Hayes family, but their side of the story helped explain a lot about them.
2. Olivia's bond with Emmy was just adorable. I couldn't have chosen a better mother-figure for Emmy. Their cute moments melted my heart.
3. Olivia and Ruby's bond came out of the blue, but it was the most affectionate and real friendship. I can't wait for Ruby's book.
4. Evie, or better known as Wilder's mom, was a balm I didn't know I needed until she spoke—her words, actions, and behaviour were truly something one could embrace.
5. I truly believed that Jess chose Olivia for Wilder, and I wished we had got to meet her before she was gone.
6. Griffin and Jaxon intrigued me throughout the book, and I can't wait for their stories.
___________________________________
'Love doesn't have to be once in a lifetime' - this quote stuck with me, and reading Wilder getting that second chance with Liv was pure bliss.
I bawled my eyes out in 10% of the book, damn those were some emotionally charged, heartbreaking chapters. I have said this in multiple reviews, but if a book makes me cry and feel all its emotions, it immediately becomes one of my favourite books. The epilogue made me cry with happiness. In all this book made me cry A LOT!!
The bonus epilogue with a glimpse of the next book had me so excited.
Definitely recommended. A must-read if you want to cry, feel loved, and also want an accidental pregnancy book.
Overall 5/5 ♾
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - ONS, insta-attraction, single dad, widowed MMC, grief (on going, takes place throughout the book), age gap, cowboy romance, curvy FMC, ADHD rep, accidental pregnancy, family rivalry, strangers to friends to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy × sunshine, one-bed, second chance at love, steamy, small town, emotional, HEA
TW - preeclampsia, death of partner, survivor's guilt, death of sibling, complicated childbirth.
MIGHT HAVE SPOILER, warning ahead of time
OMFG WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THIS BOOK!!! I didn't read the blurb or anything, and just went headfirst into this book, and it was exactly what I was looking for - family rivalry, angst, and drama. It was sweet, emotional, touching, loving, and unputdownable. I cried while reading the prologue - that's how well the one chapter (intro) was written.
The book begins with Wilder and Olivia meeting on the same flight. Wilder has a terrible fear of flying, and he finds the perfect distraction in the form of a gorgeous, curvy, mascara-smudged Olivia, who has recently caught her cheating boyfriend. Their connection is immediate, and although they only expect to share one unforgettable night together, things take an unexpected turn when Olivia gets pregnant.
A 'my girl', infamous audiobook scene, and fuck it moment all in the first few chapters— damn, this book set the bar high from the start.
Wilder, this man broke my heart, but he also took it away with him 😭. I love curvy girl books, especially when the MMC is body positive, and Wilder, my man, was just what I needed. He healed something within me. The way he was so reassuring and loving towards her and her body was refreshing to read in a world full of petite MCs. Possessive and jealous Wilder was my favourite of all, OOH I LOVED THOSE MOMENTS.
Olivia, this girl was so sweet and amazing. Her selflessness and caring attitude made her unique. Oh, and reading her sassy side was a bonus I didn't know I needed until it happened. I hated reading her pain. She was a loving and kind person who always put others before herself, and she truly didn't deserve what was happening to her. The ADHD representation was so well written.
Olivia and Wilder together were just PERFECT!! Those small moments where they struggled with their thoughts and guilt killed me. He wasn't ready to move on or for change, but he still stood up and tried. She wasn't ready for the new chapter, yet she did. These two were strong enough to go with the flow because it wouldn't have been easy. And the way these two could read each other without words told so much about their chemistry.
Their story wasn't rushed; it was smooth with its ups and downs, with gradual friendship, a lot of spice, and so much care and chemistry. Their domestic life was so well written that I could feel their warmth.
Two mature characters, who not just worked on themselves but also as a unit - what else do you need to make a book perfect? Everything about this book was healing.
Grief takes time, and it was good to see Wilder work through it. His family's support and Olivia's care made him realise that he could love her and still hold Jess's memory with him. His emotional turmoil was tough to read, but seeing Olivia deal with it selflessly and loving him regardless showed what a beautiful person she was.
OH, AND THIS BOOK WAS SPICY TOO!!
Side plot and characters -
1. Family was the core of this book, and watching the Hayes family bond was just beautiful. The Sullivan family was different from the Hayes family, but their side of the story helped explain a lot about them.
2. Olivia's bond with Emmy was just adorable. I couldn't have chosen a better mother-figure for Emmy. Their cute moments melted my heart.
3. Olivia and Ruby's bond came out of the blue, but it was the most affectionate and real friendship. I can't wait for Ruby's book.
4. Evie, or better known as Wilder's mom, was a balm I didn't know I needed until she spoke—her words, actions, and behaviour were truly something one could embrace.
5. I truly believed that Jess chose Olivia for Wilder, and I wished we had got to meet her before she was gone.
6. Griffin and Jaxon intrigued me throughout the book, and I can't wait for their stories.
___________________________________
'Love doesn't have to be once in a lifetime' - this quote stuck with me, and reading Wilder getting that second chance with Liv was pure bliss.
I bawled my eyes out in 10% of the book, damn those were some emotionally charged, heartbreaking chapters. I have said this in multiple reviews, but if a book makes me cry and feel all its emotions, it immediately becomes one of my favourite books. The epilogue made me cry with happiness. In all this book made me cry A LOT!!
The bonus epilogue with a glimpse of the next book had me so excited.
Definitely recommended. A must-read if you want to cry, feel loved, and also want an accidental pregnancy book.
Overall 5/5 ♾
August 22, 2025
Sweet Escape by Willa Kay
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you Willa for the ARC to read and review. Olivia and Wilder had me in stitches with their meet cute and the humorous banter they share. It’s an instant connection that leads to a life changing event and a whole lot of emotions to overcome. I love their story so much. I can’t wait to continue on with The Whispering Oaks series with book 2.
Tropes/What to expect:
Ferrier Cowboy + single dad
Baker
Surprise pregnancy
Small town
Rival families
Plus size FMC + ADHD rep
Overcoming grief
Loss of loved ones
+ check authors content warnings.
Book overview:
Falling in love once is a blessing, twice is a miracle. Wilder: I thought I had everything until I lost it all. Jess was my best friend, the mother of my child, and the only woman I ever saw a future with. When she died, I let the grief consume me, unable to see a way out of the depths I’d crawled into in the wake of her passing. All that was left of her was our daughter Emmy Lou and the threadbare memories I clung to for comfort. When it got harder to live without her, I decided to return home to Oak Ridge, Kentucky — to the ranch where I grew up and the family who wouldn’t hesitate to help me pick up the pieces. But fate or something deeper had other plans, and on the way back, I met the sweetest distraction. Olivia Sullivan isn’t for me, but now she’s carrying my baby, and I can’t seem to deny this innate connection that draws me to her.
Olivia: I never put much stock in fate or superstition until a series of unfortunate events had me boarding a flight from Colorado to Oak Ridge, by way of Nashville, and put me in the path of Wilder Hayes — the broken cowboy with the sweetest little girl, and the son of my family’s biggest rivals. Our chemistry is as undeniable as the baby that binds us. But Wilder is a broken man, and his grief might be too much for us to overcome. Wilder’s heart isn’t mine for the taking, no matter how much I want to help him put the pieces back together
#bookstagram #booktok #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindle #kindleunlimited
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you Willa for the ARC to read and review. Olivia and Wilder had me in stitches with their meet cute and the humorous banter they share. It’s an instant connection that leads to a life changing event and a whole lot of emotions to overcome. I love their story so much. I can’t wait to continue on with The Whispering Oaks series with book 2.
Tropes/What to expect:
Ferrier Cowboy + single dad
Baker
Surprise pregnancy
Small town
Rival families
Plus size FMC + ADHD rep
Overcoming grief
Loss of loved ones
+ check authors content warnings.
Book overview:
Falling in love once is a blessing, twice is a miracle. Wilder: I thought I had everything until I lost it all. Jess was my best friend, the mother of my child, and the only woman I ever saw a future with. When she died, I let the grief consume me, unable to see a way out of the depths I’d crawled into in the wake of her passing. All that was left of her was our daughter Emmy Lou and the threadbare memories I clung to for comfort. When it got harder to live without her, I decided to return home to Oak Ridge, Kentucky — to the ranch where I grew up and the family who wouldn’t hesitate to help me pick up the pieces. But fate or something deeper had other plans, and on the way back, I met the sweetest distraction. Olivia Sullivan isn’t for me, but now she’s carrying my baby, and I can’t seem to deny this innate connection that draws me to her.
Olivia: I never put much stock in fate or superstition until a series of unfortunate events had me boarding a flight from Colorado to Oak Ridge, by way of Nashville, and put me in the path of Wilder Hayes — the broken cowboy with the sweetest little girl, and the son of my family’s biggest rivals. Our chemistry is as undeniable as the baby that binds us. But Wilder is a broken man, and his grief might be too much for us to overcome. Wilder’s heart isn’t mine for the taking, no matter how much I want to help him put the pieces back together
#bookstagram #booktok #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindle #kindleunlimited
August 16, 2025
ARC reading ✨ 4⭐️
Questo libro sembra carino e coccoloso ma in realtà è un gran pugno nello stomaco. Wilder ha perso la moglie e ha una bambina piccola da leggere, e già dal prologo credetemi, avrete un nodo in gola che non so se mi sia ancora passato dopo aver finito di leggere. Perché è una storia di perdita, ma anche di nuovi inizi. Anche se sapete che non sono una fan del trope delle famiglie rivali, perché di solito le motivazioni sono parecchio stupide (guess what). Olivia è meravigliosa, la adoro, mentre su Wilder ho parecchie remore, soprattutto perché non si capisce mai cosa voglia. Penso sia la parte di questo libro che non mi abbia del tutto convinta, il bel cowboy tenebroso che in realtà un momento prima flirta spudoratamente con Olivia e poi quello dopo si tormenta per la perdita della moglie, anche se sono passati due anni dalla sua morte. Forse non sono riuscita a empatizzare del tutto con lui, ma so che la loro è una crescita vera e propria per tutto il libro, anche se avrei preferito che la “pace” nella mente di lui fosse arrivata prima.
Questo libro sembra carino e coccoloso ma in realtà è un gran pugno nello stomaco. Wilder ha perso la moglie e ha una bambina piccola da leggere, e già dal prologo credetemi, avrete un nodo in gola che non so se mi sia ancora passato dopo aver finito di leggere. Perché è una storia di perdita, ma anche di nuovi inizi. Anche se sapete che non sono una fan del trope delle famiglie rivali, perché di solito le motivazioni sono parecchio stupide (guess what). Olivia è meravigliosa, la adoro, mentre su Wilder ho parecchie remore, soprattutto perché non si capisce mai cosa voglia. Penso sia la parte di questo libro che non mi abbia del tutto convinta, il bel cowboy tenebroso che in realtà un momento prima flirta spudoratamente con Olivia e poi quello dopo si tormenta per la perdita della moglie, anche se sono passati due anni dalla sua morte. Forse non sono riuscita a empatizzare del tutto con lui, ma so che la loro è una crescita vera e propria per tutto il libro, anche se avrei preferito che la “pace” nella mente di lui fosse arrivata prima.
July 13, 2025
4,25 ⭐️
This book was the perfect balance between a great storyline and good spice.
Olivia is a plus size girl that just walked in on her (now ex)boyfriend and her best friend cheating. She runs away to move back to her family. In the plane she meets Wilder, widow and single dad. They hook up and there is a surprise pregnancy.
This story is about grief, trust, friendship. Building up your life after traumatic experiences. I loved that the FMC is plus size and you read about certain struggles, but it’s not the main focus on the story and it’s not sexualized.
Some parts were a little too slow for me. But that’s literally the only thing I would have liked to see different. Other than that I loved it. And I am definitely going to read more from this author! ❤️
This book was the perfect balance between a great storyline and good spice.
Olivia is a plus size girl that just walked in on her (now ex)boyfriend and her best friend cheating. She runs away to move back to her family. In the plane she meets Wilder, widow and single dad. They hook up and there is a surprise pregnancy.
This story is about grief, trust, friendship. Building up your life after traumatic experiences. I loved that the FMC is plus size and you read about certain struggles, but it’s not the main focus on the story and it’s not sexualized.
Some parts were a little too slow for me. But that’s literally the only thing I would have liked to see different. Other than that I loved it. And I am definitely going to read more from this author! ❤️
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. There were some mistakes that made me confused and the MMC was very wishy washy and there were just some details that were left out or didn’t add up to me. Those are the reasons this book is only 4 stars. The MMC kept thinking about how he’s convinced he will never let her go and in the next chapter talking about how he can’t ever love her. It felt contradictory.
Wilder was very swoon-worthy and so sweet! I enjoyed reading every sweet moment between him and Olivia. Especially the parts with Emmy Lou! It was just so sweet! I definitely want to read Wilder’s siblings stories! I can’t wait!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Wilder was very swoon-worthy and so sweet! I enjoyed reading every sweet moment between him and Olivia. Especially the parts with Emmy Lou! It was just so sweet! I definitely want to read Wilder’s siblings stories! I can’t wait!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
November 5, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Couldn’t stop myself from reading this one when I saw a post about it from the author on my feed!
Really has everything I love. The accidental pregnancy trope. Single dad. Small town.
I thought it was a great book. Grief is portrayed in this book. A parent’s grief and a partners grief. You see how it affects people differently but also similarly.
The love story was so heart warming. They really were pushed together by a force to be together. Lots of healing and growth.
I can’t wait for the next book because it’s about the book obsessed cowboy brother of the MMC in this book 😏 sooo another thing I love 🤭 excited for it!
Couldn’t stop myself from reading this one when I saw a post about it from the author on my feed!
Really has everything I love. The accidental pregnancy trope. Single dad. Small town.
I thought it was a great book. Grief is portrayed in this book. A parent’s grief and a partners grief. You see how it affects people differently but also similarly.
The love story was so heart warming. They really were pushed together by a force to be together. Lots of healing and growth.
I can’t wait for the next book because it’s about the book obsessed cowboy brother of the MMC in this book 😏 sooo another thing I love 🤭 excited for it!
October 7, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. Wilder & Olivia were the perfect pair from the get go and I love a FMC who just says everything how it is & doesn’t let the man put her down. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
July 31, 2025
Sweet Escape was my first book by Willa Kay--it's sweet (obviously lol), and has great representation w/ neurodivergence, grief, and plus size. I really liked the small town and found family we got between Olivia and Wilder's family.
Wilder, a single dad & widow, is definitely still struggling with the grief of losing his wife/best friend two years ago. He's a big family guy, close with his parents and multiple siblings. He's also a hot rancher so double points for that! I really liked how caring he was with Olivia; he could tell what she needed without her having to ask and then he just acted. Competence and action are so hot! Wilder in #girldad mode made me melt a few times & his daughter definitely stole the show.
As for Olivia, confident plus size girlie. She is pure sunshine and candy; I really liked how sure she was in her choices and the author's representation of ADHD with her was spot on (coming from an auDHD person myself).
Where the story didn't work for me, was the back and forth on grief and moving forward as well as "your mine" but "we can't be romantically together cause I still love my wife". I'll admit, I already struggle with the widow trope in romance books because it's usually either too much lingering on the past or zero emotion over losing loved one and neither of those ever fit well imo. However, this one somehow did both??? Wilder's inner-monologue was a lot of "I wish I could love her but my heart was already given away" but then his actions were the exact opposite. He was very flirty and forward with Olivia from the moment they met and after that when he found out she was pregnant, he was non-stop mixed signals. By the time he finally let himself embrace a new love/life and express that all in words to Olivia, the story was ending.
A couple other things that unfortunately dropped my rating--Olivia's ex showing up out of the blue in a tiny bar in a tiny town (felt like a plot device that didn't fit and didn't actually do anything) and Olivia's parents (don't even get me started on that ridiculousness!)
I really wanted to love this book as it has some of my all time favorite tropes; overall it just didn't hit for me like I had hopped. Fans of this author already might have different view than I though.
Thank you so much to the author for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.
Wilder, a single dad & widow, is definitely still struggling with the grief of losing his wife/best friend two years ago. He's a big family guy, close with his parents and multiple siblings. He's also a hot rancher so double points for that! I really liked how caring he was with Olivia; he could tell what she needed without her having to ask and then he just acted. Competence and action are so hot! Wilder in #girldad mode made me melt a few times & his daughter definitely stole the show.
As for Olivia, confident plus size girlie. She is pure sunshine and candy; I really liked how sure she was in her choices and the author's representation of ADHD with her was spot on (coming from an auDHD person myself).
Where the story didn't work for me, was the back and forth on grief and moving forward as well as "your mine" but "we can't be romantically together cause I still love my wife". I'll admit, I already struggle with the widow trope in romance books because it's usually either too much lingering on the past or zero emotion over losing loved one and neither of those ever fit well imo. However, this one somehow did both??? Wilder's inner-monologue was a lot of "I wish I could love her but my heart was already given away" but then his actions were the exact opposite. He was very flirty and forward with Olivia from the moment they met and after that when he found out she was pregnant, he was non-stop mixed signals. By the time he finally let himself embrace a new love/life and express that all in words to Olivia, the story was ending.
A couple other things that unfortunately dropped my rating--Olivia's ex showing up out of the blue in a tiny bar in a tiny town (felt like a plot device that didn't fit and didn't actually do anything) and Olivia's parents (don't even get me started on that ridiculousness!)
I really wanted to love this book as it has some of my all time favorite tropes; overall it just didn't hit for me like I had hopped. Fans of this author already might have different view than I though.
Thank you so much to the author for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.
August 12, 2025
Sweet Escape is book one in the Whispering Oaks Ranch series and is the story of Olivia and Wilder. This is a strangers to lovers, small town, accidental pregnancy romance with aspects of grief, longing and realizing love isn't always once in a lifetime.
Wilder is headed to his hometown to move back to be with his family to help raise his young son after the devastating loss of his wife. Olivia is running home after catching her boyfriend and best friend in bed together, on her birthday. Olivia and Wilder meet on an airplane on their way back to their respective hometowns. When there is a problem with the plane, they choose to share their night together and drive back the next day. For the first time since losing his wife, Wilder feels something for this amazing woman fate has brought to him.
As fate continues to play her hand, Olivia discovers she is pregnant and that Wilder happens to live in her hometown. Fearing the worst, Olivia breaks the news to Wilder that he is going to be a father again and his joy takes her by surprise. As they navigate their tenuous friendship, Olivia discovers that there is much more to Wilder than she thought and the feelings she has for him goes beyond the friendship they have begun to build. Wilder's guilt over his wife's death keeps him at arms length from Olivia but his feelings for her can't be denied even when he can't come to terms with how they conflict with his love for his deceased wife.
This is a book about love after loss, fate, found family and making a life of your own choosing even when it is hard and when it hurts. Olivia's ADHD representation was well done and explained well and the way Wilder helped her through the rough moments she couldn't see herself through was beautiful. You can feel the love between the characters and their family's and I loved how Wilder's family embraced Olivia, even with the feud between their families erupts. The family dynamics with Olivia's parents was well written and realistic in how it was portrayed and the resolution was perfect. This is a heartfelt book full of angst, love and everything that make love worth it when Wilder and Olivia get their HEA.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wilder is headed to his hometown to move back to be with his family to help raise his young son after the devastating loss of his wife. Olivia is running home after catching her boyfriend and best friend in bed together, on her birthday. Olivia and Wilder meet on an airplane on their way back to their respective hometowns. When there is a problem with the plane, they choose to share their night together and drive back the next day. For the first time since losing his wife, Wilder feels something for this amazing woman fate has brought to him.
As fate continues to play her hand, Olivia discovers she is pregnant and that Wilder happens to live in her hometown. Fearing the worst, Olivia breaks the news to Wilder that he is going to be a father again and his joy takes her by surprise. As they navigate their tenuous friendship, Olivia discovers that there is much more to Wilder than she thought and the feelings she has for him goes beyond the friendship they have begun to build. Wilder's guilt over his wife's death keeps him at arms length from Olivia but his feelings for her can't be denied even when he can't come to terms with how they conflict with his love for his deceased wife.
This is a book about love after loss, fate, found family and making a life of your own choosing even when it is hard and when it hurts. Olivia's ADHD representation was well done and explained well and the way Wilder helped her through the rough moments she couldn't see herself through was beautiful. You can feel the love between the characters and their family's and I loved how Wilder's family embraced Olivia, even with the feud between their families erupts. The family dynamics with Olivia's parents was well written and realistic in how it was portrayed and the resolution was perfect. This is a heartfelt book full of angst, love and everything that make love worth it when Wilder and Olivia get their HEA.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 8, 2025
This book was so many things. It was emotional, healing, painful, intense, sad, hopeful, joyful, and gorgeous. I am in love.
Liv/Livie/Olivia is a baker extraordinaire with ADHD who is heading back to her hometown after finding out her boyfriend & her best friend are scum.
Wilder is a single dad widower living in a sea of grief who works as a farrier and is preparing to move back to his hometown to be near family & work on his family's ranch.
They meet on a plane. Plane has to emergency land. They share a hotel room. In a very, VERY grown up way. They share a car rental to Nashville. Also in a very grown up way. They agree (because he says) to part ways and never speak again because it isn't like they'll ever see each other, right? Spoiler alert, they see each other again. Right after she finds out she is pregnant thanks to their grown up fun times.
Livie is so amazing. She is going through a rough time but she is still her beautiful, bright, fun self. Her executive dysfunction and decision paralysis are so relateable. She is so willing to love and desperately wants to be loved in return. She has a lot to work through with her family and it is not easy. But she stays strong & sets boundaries. Hero.
Wilder is a beautiful, broken man who is doing his best but deserves to feel joy again. He loves his daughter with his whole soul and needs to learn how to love Livie and not allow his fear of losing her rob him of a future. His journey is difficult and emotional. Keep the kleenex close.
Their stories are complicated and they both have pain & fear they have to work through. Trusting and trying is hard. And is beautifully portrayed through these two.
Willa's writing is so magnificent. My brain adores the characters she writes and how she crafts stories. It is easy to immerse myself in the world she has written and for my heart to connect with the people & emotions.
I received this as an ARC and while I am beyond grateful, this had no impact on my review. My review is based entirely on the quality of the story.
Liv/Livie/Olivia is a baker extraordinaire with ADHD who is heading back to her hometown after finding out her boyfriend & her best friend are scum.
Wilder is a single dad widower living in a sea of grief who works as a farrier and is preparing to move back to his hometown to be near family & work on his family's ranch.
They meet on a plane. Plane has to emergency land. They share a hotel room. In a very, VERY grown up way. They share a car rental to Nashville. Also in a very grown up way. They agree (because he says) to part ways and never speak again because it isn't like they'll ever see each other, right? Spoiler alert, they see each other again. Right after she finds out she is pregnant thanks to their grown up fun times.
Livie is so amazing. She is going through a rough time but she is still her beautiful, bright, fun self. Her executive dysfunction and decision paralysis are so relateable. She is so willing to love and desperately wants to be loved in return. She has a lot to work through with her family and it is not easy. But she stays strong & sets boundaries. Hero.
Wilder is a beautiful, broken man who is doing his best but deserves to feel joy again. He loves his daughter with his whole soul and needs to learn how to love Livie and not allow his fear of losing her rob him of a future. His journey is difficult and emotional. Keep the kleenex close.
Their stories are complicated and they both have pain & fear they have to work through. Trusting and trying is hard. And is beautifully portrayed through these two.
Willa's writing is so magnificent. My brain adores the characters she writes and how she crafts stories. It is easy to immerse myself in the world she has written and for my heart to connect with the people & emotions.
I received this as an ARC and while I am beyond grateful, this had no impact on my review. My review is based entirely on the quality of the story.
July 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
Wilder and Olivia😭
What a journey this book was, such a beautiful story with amazing grief and mental health representation!
Wilder absolutely broke my heart, the things this man has been through but kept going for Emmy😭😭
I really liked that when he originally had the one night stand he didnt talk himself out of it, he didnt feel guilty, he just followed his attraction and enjoyed his time with Olivia.
Then when she announces that she’s pregnant he’s so happy to be a dad again and is ready to support in anyway he can!
I know that there is some guilt and he feels like he can’t love Olivia how she deserves but he doesn’t just sit in his guilt all the time and just adores her! He’s always honest and open about his attraction for her.
I love when he finally allows himself to love again and is all in with her🥹
The scene where he thought he’d lost her broke me😭 the whole birth scene had me sobbing😭
I adore Olivia! The way she cares for Emmy instantly, doesn’t try and insert herself or act like her mum but loves her. Emmy is the cutest kid ever!!
She’s so patient with Wilder and is so accepting of the fact that he can’t love her the way she loves him but understands that his actions show how much he cares and thats all she can ask for! I think they’re so good for each other🥹
Olivia deserves the world honestly and i’m so happy that her and Wilder found each other
I love the whole Hayes family, especially their relationship with Emmy and how they embrace Olivia. I’m so excited for Ruby’s and all the brothers stories!
This was my first book by Willa Kay and now I can’t wait to go back and read her previous series!
Thank you Willa for the ARC🫶🏻
Wilder and Olivia😭
What a journey this book was, such a beautiful story with amazing grief and mental health representation!
Wilder absolutely broke my heart, the things this man has been through but kept going for Emmy😭😭
I really liked that when he originally had the one night stand he didnt talk himself out of it, he didnt feel guilty, he just followed his attraction and enjoyed his time with Olivia.
Then when she announces that she’s pregnant he’s so happy to be a dad again and is ready to support in anyway he can!
I know that there is some guilt and he feels like he can’t love Olivia how she deserves but he doesn’t just sit in his guilt all the time and just adores her! He’s always honest and open about his attraction for her.
I love when he finally allows himself to love again and is all in with her🥹
The scene where he thought he’d lost her broke me😭 the whole birth scene had me sobbing😭
I adore Olivia! The way she cares for Emmy instantly, doesn’t try and insert herself or act like her mum but loves her. Emmy is the cutest kid ever!!
She’s so patient with Wilder and is so accepting of the fact that he can’t love her the way she loves him but understands that his actions show how much he cares and thats all she can ask for! I think they’re so good for each other🥹
Olivia deserves the world honestly and i’m so happy that her and Wilder found each other
I love the whole Hayes family, especially their relationship with Emmy and how they embrace Olivia. I’m so excited for Ruby’s and all the brothers stories!
This was my first book by Willa Kay and now I can’t wait to go back and read her previous series!
Thank you Willa for the ARC🫶🏻
August 3, 2025
ARC Review: Thank you so much to Willa Kay for sending me a copy of Sweet Escape to read and review.
Sweet Escape was such a good book! There were moments of laughter and joy where I found myself smiling. Then there were emotional moments filled with heartbreak and grief where I found myself in tears.
If you don’t believe in fate, this book will turn you into a believer. Wilder is a man two years into his grieving journey after losing his wife. He doesn’t believe that his heart can love someone again. His daughter is his main priority, and he doesn’t falter when he learns that he’s going to be a dad again.
Olivia is returning home after experiencing the biggest heartbreak of her life. She wasn’t looking for love when it found her. Wilder builds her up and fixes what her ex broke.
The emotional journey that this book took me on was incredible. The emotional growth that Wilder experienced was a joy to watch unfold. I loved watching Olivia experience what it’s like for a real man to love her and show up for her. There was just the right amount of angst. It wasn’t overwhelming, and it needed to be there for the characters’ journey.
Sweet Escape was such a good book! There were moments of laughter and joy where I found myself smiling. Then there were emotional moments filled with heartbreak and grief where I found myself in tears.
If you don’t believe in fate, this book will turn you into a believer. Wilder is a man two years into his grieving journey after losing his wife. He doesn’t believe that his heart can love someone again. His daughter is his main priority, and he doesn’t falter when he learns that he’s going to be a dad again.
Olivia is returning home after experiencing the biggest heartbreak of her life. She wasn’t looking for love when it found her. Wilder builds her up and fixes what her ex broke.
The emotional journey that this book took me on was incredible. The emotional growth that Wilder experienced was a joy to watch unfold. I loved watching Olivia experience what it’s like for a real man to love her and show up for her. There was just the right amount of angst. It wasn’t overwhelming, and it needed to be there for the characters’ journey.
July 21, 2025
This is my first book by Willa, and although it's not a 5 ⭐️ read for me. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I absolutely love the relationship between Olivia and Wilder. And the backfires have all the emotions rising, the grief and mental health struggles really hit home for me and its 4eally well written.
The only reason I dropped a star was because there were so many "girls" - Emmy girl, pretty girl, Livvy girl, baby girl... it started to get a little annoying but thats just my opinion.
The sibling heart-to-heart! ❤️❤️❤️. Adorable! And definitely something that siblings will do.
overall definitely worth the read.
Thank you Willa for letting me read this in advance. 🥰.
I absolutely love the relationship between Olivia and Wilder. And the backfires have all the emotions rising, the grief and mental health struggles really hit home for me and its 4eally well written.
The only reason I dropped a star was because there were so many "girls" - Emmy girl, pretty girl, Livvy girl, baby girl... it started to get a little annoying but thats just my opinion.
The sibling heart-to-heart! ❤️❤️❤️. Adorable! And definitely something that siblings will do.
overall definitely worth the read.
Thank you Willa for letting me read this in advance. 🥰.
August 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4.5 ⭐️ but had to round up for all the feels it gave me 🥺
Tropes
Strangers to friends to lovers?
Plus size FMC
Single parent MMC
Grief/Loss of a loved one
Surprise baby
Second chance love
Mental Health Rep FMC
Fav Quotes
Wilder reflecting
Being with Olivia is as easy as breathing. Or maybe it’s so much more than that. I’ve spent the last two years gasping for air, and she’s like the first breath of spring after endless winter, so potent I don’t know how I ever lived without her.
Liv to Wilder
“I’m not asking you to love me back. I’m begging you to let yourself be loved.”
This review might jump around alil cuz I have so many things to say and am terrible at organizing my thoughts so apologies in advance!
Wilder and Olivia
These two lost souls find comfort (both emotionally and physically) in each other on a plane/car ride home and their instant connection is palpable. While neither is reallly open to any new relationships at the time - Liv due to a bad breakup and Wilder being a single parent of a 2 year old after losing his wife - they find themselves enjoying each others company for a night before returning home (separately) to their same small hometown.
Their one night together brings on a new set of challenges as we find out Liv is pregnant! With their families actually being farm rivals they have plenty of external obstacles as well as personal. Wilder coping with his grief for his first wife while taking care of their daughter Emmy and Liv fighting her insecurities about her worth and handling her mental health
Truly this was one of the first books to make me feel scene as someone who with anxiety and depression and childhood ADHD with still current effects. I related to Liv more times than I ever expected. To see her decision paralysis as a front runner of a side effect and watching Wilder handle her needs with care while also reminding her that she is worth it as she is was beautiful.
As I have not personally lost any (human) family I did feel like I couldn’t 110% empathize with Wilder but the way his grief was shared and how he continues to live with her memory in his heart and his actions was wonderfully portrayed. His #1 priority for 99% of the book was his daughter Emmy and making sure to always be present for her and his family after her comes home and reconnects with them again.
Wilder and Olivia made me believe in love all over again. Their growth together and internally was so inspiring and their chemistry was amazing from start to finish. I won’t go into the spice of this story but there are plentyyyy of moments that are sure to sweeten your read! I found the major theme of this story to be about growing past grief and accepting ourselves and life as it comes because there is no going back, no changing the past and the only way is forward. We are all worthy of love no matter our insecurities or our fears. So grab your tissues and be ready to hug alllll your loved ones after you tackle Wilder and Olivia’s fantastic love story.
4.5 ⭐️ but had to round up for all the feels it gave me 🥺
Tropes
Strangers to friends to lovers?
Plus size FMC
Single parent MMC
Grief/Loss of a loved one
Surprise baby
Second chance love
Mental Health Rep FMC
Fav Quotes
Wilder reflecting
Being with Olivia is as easy as breathing. Or maybe it’s so much more than that. I’ve spent the last two years gasping for air, and she’s like the first breath of spring after endless winter, so potent I don’t know how I ever lived without her.
Liv to Wilder
“I’m not asking you to love me back. I’m begging you to let yourself be loved.”
This review might jump around alil cuz I have so many things to say and am terrible at organizing my thoughts so apologies in advance!
Wilder and Olivia
These two lost souls find comfort (both emotionally and physically) in each other on a plane/car ride home and their instant connection is palpable. While neither is reallly open to any new relationships at the time - Liv due to a bad breakup and Wilder being a single parent of a 2 year old after losing his wife - they find themselves enjoying each others company for a night before returning home (separately) to their same small hometown.
Their one night together brings on a new set of challenges as we find out Liv is pregnant! With their families actually being farm rivals they have plenty of external obstacles as well as personal. Wilder coping with his grief for his first wife while taking care of their daughter Emmy and Liv fighting her insecurities about her worth and handling her mental health
Truly this was one of the first books to make me feel scene as someone who with anxiety and depression and childhood ADHD with still current effects. I related to Liv more times than I ever expected. To see her decision paralysis as a front runner of a side effect and watching Wilder handle her needs with care while also reminding her that she is worth it as she is was beautiful.
As I have not personally lost any (human) family I did feel like I couldn’t 110% empathize with Wilder but the way his grief was shared and how he continues to live with her memory in his heart and his actions was wonderfully portrayed. His #1 priority for 99% of the book was his daughter Emmy and making sure to always be present for her and his family after her comes home and reconnects with them again.
Wilder and Olivia made me believe in love all over again. Their growth together and internally was so inspiring and their chemistry was amazing from start to finish. I won’t go into the spice of this story but there are plentyyyy of moments that are sure to sweeten your read! I found the major theme of this story to be about growing past grief and accepting ourselves and life as it comes because there is no going back, no changing the past and the only way is forward. We are all worthy of love no matter our insecurities or our fears. So grab your tissues and be ready to hug alllll your loved ones after you tackle Wilder and Olivia’s fantastic love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
While I enjoyed aspects of this book, I think ultimately it was not for me.
I felt the MMC Wilder was very hot and cold, constantly sending mixed signals. He was so openly flirty with Olivia, from the get go. But he would constantly tell her he couldn't love again after the loss of his ex wife. I can totally understand that, but I felt he would say he couldn't love again, but then flirt and show open affection toward her. It was confusing to me.
This was my first read from this author, and although it wasn't my favorite, I was interested in the other characters in the book, so I think I'll give another book of hers a try!
I felt the MMC Wilder was very hot and cold, constantly sending mixed signals. He was so openly flirty with Olivia, from the get go. But he would constantly tell her he couldn't love again after the loss of his ex wife. I can totally understand that, but I felt he would say he couldn't love again, but then flirt and show open affection toward her. It was confusing to me.
This was my first read from this author, and although it wasn't my favorite, I was interested in the other characters in the book, so I think I'll give another book of hers a try!
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