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Love is a Cowboy #2
Wilde Ride
From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.
Emeline
Seven years.
That’s how long it’s been since I last came face-to-face with Levi Tucker. He’s my older brother’s best friend, and the man I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. Now he’s back in River Falls, along with his young son, Rhett, and suddenly they’re woven into both my personal and professional life.
The last thing I expected was the wild, undeniable pull between Levi and me to turn something strictly professional into something deeply personal. But Levi’s past is closing in, and this time, I refuse to walk away. I’m ready to fight for the life and the love I want, because both Levi and Rhett Tucker are worth the battle.
Levi
Tragedy brings my son, Rhett, and me back to River Falls, Colorado. After losing my daughter in a devastating car accident and watching my marriage fall apart, returning home feels like my last chance to start over.
When I’m roped into volunteering at the Wilde Family’s summer camp for underprivileged kids, the last person I expect to fall for is my best friend’s younger sister. For the first time, I can see a future filled with love and happiness for my son and me. Yet when my soon-to-be ex-wife reappears in River Falls, everything I’ve begun to build is suddenly at risk.
Will the past destroy our second chance, or will true love finally get its happily ever after?
Emeline
Seven years.
That’s how long it’s been since I last came face-to-face with Levi Tucker. He’s my older brother’s best friend, and the man I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. Now he’s back in River Falls, along with his young son, Rhett, and suddenly they’re woven into both my personal and professional life.
The last thing I expected was the wild, undeniable pull between Levi and me to turn something strictly professional into something deeply personal. But Levi’s past is closing in, and this time, I refuse to walk away. I’m ready to fight for the life and the love I want, because both Levi and Rhett Tucker are worth the battle.
Levi
Tragedy brings my son, Rhett, and me back to River Falls, Colorado. After losing my daughter in a devastating car accident and watching my marriage fall apart, returning home feels like my last chance to start over.
When I’m roped into volunteering at the Wilde Family’s summer camp for underprivileged kids, the last person I expect to fall for is my best friend’s younger sister. For the first time, I can see a future filled with love and happiness for my son and me. Yet when my soon-to-be ex-wife reappears in River Falls, everything I’ve begun to build is suddenly at risk.
Will the past destroy our second chance, or will true love finally get its happily ever after?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2026
About the author
Kelly Elliott
113 books6,598 followersKelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
A cowboy, single dad, age gap, brother's best friend, friends to lovers, childhood crush, small town, minor OW drama story. Please check trigger warnings as it has some sensitive subjects that may affect you.
I loved Emeline and her positive attitude even when her crush felt unrequited. And I loved Levi and his calm way even though he went through a lot. I read their relationship building and I felt cozy inside. There were some intense moments but I would say it's a low angst story. I'm not going to lie I would have liked a little bit more tension to make my heart flutter but I feel content after finishing it.
The side characters were there to make the story even more interesting. Levi's son was the sweetest and I'm pretty sure the next story will be Caden and Lilibeth. I can't wait to see his grumpy ass falling in love.
A cowboy, single dad, age gap, brother's best friend, friends to lovers, childhood crush, small town, minor OW drama story. Please check trigger warnings as it has some sensitive subjects that may affect you.
I loved Emeline and her positive attitude even when her crush felt unrequited. And I loved Levi and his calm way even though he went through a lot. I read their relationship building and I felt cozy inside. There were some intense moments but I would say it's a low angst story. I'm not going to lie I would have liked a little bit more tension to make my heart flutter but I feel content after finishing it.
The side characters were there to make the story even more interesting. Levi's son was the sweetest and I'm pretty sure the next story will be Caden and Lilibeth. I can't wait to see his grumpy ass falling in love.
February 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This book was so good. It definitely hit me in my feels. This was such a perfectly done story about family, heartbreak, healing, and second chances! This was definitely a slow burn, but the chemistry between these two made it so worth the wait!!
I absolutely loved Emeline & Levi. They were so good for each other & she was just the most perfect piece for Rhett & Levi’s family.
The friend/family group in this book was just a breath of fresh air and such a loyal one. The way they all cared for each other was everything! The friend & sibling banter had me laughing & I just loved this entire story!
Thank you Kelly Elliot for this early reading opportunity! I am so excited for more from this series!!
This book was so good. It definitely hit me in my feels. This was such a perfectly done story about family, heartbreak, healing, and second chances! This was definitely a slow burn, but the chemistry between these two made it so worth the wait!!
I absolutely loved Emeline & Levi. They were so good for each other & she was just the most perfect piece for Rhett & Levi’s family.
The friend/family group in this book was just a breath of fresh air and such a loyal one. The way they all cared for each other was everything! The friend & sibling banter had me laughing & I just loved this entire story!
Thank you Kelly Elliot for this early reading opportunity! I am so excited for more from this series!!
March 5, 2026
This is Book 2 in the Love is a Cowboy series, and you can absolutely read it as a standalone. But if you want the full Wilde family experience, I definitely recommend starting with Book 1, which tells the love story of the Wilde parents. Now we’re getting to see the next generation and all the kids fall in love… and I’m obsessed. 🥹🏡
Levi is the ultimate cowboy single dad protective, steady, and carrying so much grief on his shoulders. But when it comes to Emeline and his son, his softer side completely takes over. The way he loves fiercely and wholeheartedly melted me. Watching them finally stop running and choose each other felt so earned and emotional. 🥹🤍
Thank you to the author for the eARC before release day, all thoughts are my own. 🤍
Levi is the ultimate cowboy single dad protective, steady, and carrying so much grief on his shoulders. But when it comes to Emeline and his son, his softer side completely takes over. The way he loves fiercely and wholeheartedly melted me. Watching them finally stop running and choose each other felt so earned and emotional. 🥹🤍
Thank you to the author for the eARC before release day, all thoughts are my own. 🤍
March 4, 2026
5⭐️
'Kelly is the undisputed, definitive queen of Cowboy Romance, and this book is a prime example as to why. Saddle up for a return ride alongside the Wildes, your next favourite fictional family' - The British Bibliophile
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 📖 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐼𝐸𝑊 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
Wilde Ride is the second book in Kelly Elliott's new small town romance series, 'Love is a Cowboy', but is the first read featuring one of the Wilde children of the two main characters from the prequel read and first book in the series, Wilde Cowboy.
All books in this series are standalones, which means they can be read in any order, though it is recommended to read it in release order to avoid spoilers.
The series began with the aforementioned prequel read, Wilde Cowboy, with Ladd (Wilde) and Vivianne's story, taking us through the 80s, 90's and into their present with their children and next generation of Wildes. Kelly chose to give us their story first instead of giving us the parent's story after we've read all of the children's, which is the usual way for family saga reads.
By giving us their story first, we have the true feel and complete picture of the series, and the families within it, right from the start.
Now that we've arrived with the first of the Wilde children to get their own book--though it isn't the eldest going first--, we indeed have that full picture and are stepping into this book with comfortable familiarity and a warm welcome back to all things Wilde.
It has been seven whole years since the two of them were last around one another, now the time has come for their long-awaited reunion.
Emeline Wilde has spent the last seven years thinking about one man who captured her heart and held her love without even knowing it. A man who so happens to be her brother's best friend. He's come back home to River Falls, but he isn't alone. His six year old son, Rhett, is at his side. The two of them effortlessly and naturally find a place within her life, both in the professional and personal senses, as well as within her heart. Levi slides right back into the space kept especially for him, and Rhett creates his own space in it where at last, he'll have the motherly love always meant for him.
Levi Tucker returns to the small town with tragedy in his wake. Mourning the loss of his other child, his daughter, in a heartbreaking car accident, he's also dealing with the breakup--albeit long overdue--of his marriage. Through the bad, however, comes some good. By returning to River Falls, he's landed with the perfect chance to start over in the place that has always been home to him. One that he never should have left. Never wanted to leave, if not for unforeseen circumstances and duty in doing the right thing.
Soon enough, Levi finds himself an active--unwilling yet willing--participant-come-volunteer at the Wilde family's annual summer camp for underprivileged children. With it, he knows what to expect. What he did not expect, was to end up falling head over boots for his best friend's little sister. Someone who was never on his romance radar, in the past or the present, but remains firmly on it now that his eyes have been opened to exploring the new feelings he finds himself with. At long last, he finds himself with the rare opportunity to seek out an obtainable future of happiness for both himself and Rhett.
That happiness comes under threat when one of his tragedies following along in his wake, his soon-to be ex-wife, makes her unwelcome appearance in River Falls. Now everything that Levi has been working on and building since his return, is at risk of decimation.
The past has a chance at destroying Levi and Emeline's second chance together, but the chance at a happily ever after is not going to go down without a fighting chance.
When Kelly announced this series and the titles within it, I quite literally did a happy shimmy in my seat. Out of everything she writes, it's her cowboys that first captured and have managed to hold my heart in such a vice like grip, I've no intention of attempting to wriggle free. Whatever she possesses and puts into her cowboy romance main male characters, female main characters, thier friends, families and their stories? She's tapped into something no one else has, for me and my reading tastes, ever managed to come close to doing in the almost thirteen years that I have been reading her work. River Falls is the latest fictional place, housing the latest fictional cowboys (and girls), that has me just as entranced as I was back in the days of Layton, Whitley and the gang from her Broken series.
Choosing Emeline as the first Wilde to get a book was a move, that I thought, was a different one than usually taken by authors when writing family sagas where every parent and then children of the parents have their own book and story. A pleasantly different change of direction, to clarify. Usually it's the eldest child first, eventually working towards the youngest. A small change by Kelly, but it changes things up just enough to make it a notably enjoyable one. Especially since if we had gone in chronological order of the siblings, we would be waiting longer have Emeline's story, and hers was definitely the right one to go first. After all, she did wait seven years for Levi, I'd say that more than earns her the place of her story being front and centre in the cue.
Speaking of Levi...oh how I adore this traumatised, honourable, fiercely loyal, protective, respectful and fragile-hearted man. Aside from giving us everything we love in a Kelly Elliott cowboy, I appreciated her giving him many open vulnerabilities. Verbal and emotional. She's switched up the roles here of the female main character being the pursued and vulnerable, to the main male character in Levi, being the one who is so instead. He's the one being pursued by Emeline. He's the one being crushed on. He's the one who's taking it slow/wanting only friendship at first. He's the one being honest in saying how he feels when the concept of love comes into play regarding a certain person while still being respectful because, of course, its Levi. Is he still portrayed as handsome? Yes. Muscular from hard work not in the gym? Yes. Does he still "deliver" in the way we readers love from our fictional men to their ladies? Yes. He's a beautifully balanced character and as such, immediately won me over.
Talking about ladies or rather, his lady, Emeline... she puts the 'wild' in Wilde! She displays the Wilde family loyalty, passionate work ethic and genuine admiration for the ranch and fiery (at times) temperament while balancing the fire with smile-inducing sweetness. Her character flaw that makes her as human as a fictional character could be? She's insecure. There are many things that she's worried and anxious about--which are all valid arguments if you have ever been in her shoes before in your own lives--, which at times led to uncharacteristic (for her) actions and/or words directed to, at or about someone or herself. Naturally, this is expected from a character who feels things to such an emotional depth, which is something that I myself can relate to. She is an admirable combination of both the best qualities of Ladd and Vivienne, which is probably why I love her so much.
It will be interesting to see the other parts of Ladd and Vivienne in their other children when the time comes for us to read their individual stories.
After finishing Wilde Cowboy and bestowing upon it a well-deserved 4.5 stars, I knew within my gut that the next book that would come along would rank higher for me personally. Which, as you can see, it did. Prequel reads usually rank lower for me regardless of the author, anyway.
Wilde Ride was everything I love about Kelly and more. More how? I can see her growth. How much stronger, deeper, inclusive, emotionally charged, to just touch the surface, that her stories and characters have become. This was a read that boasted inclusivity in spades from LGBT rep, indigenous cultural rep and education, grief rep, female empowerment through her female main character and of course, a blended family with the message that families are not born, but made and can be made through the most beautiful of ways. Rhett and Emeline's bond? My heart grew ten sizes bigger reading about it.
Honourable mentions of course go to--without spoiling anything--, the use of unrequited love, Levi and Caden's friendship, THAT first kiss and probably most notably with it being dripped throughout the book to my deep appreciation, Caden and Lilibeth. If you've read Wilde Ride, you'll know why I had to give an honourable mention to these two. Oh, their story is going to be F.U.N!
Kelly gives me reason to be proud of her all the time, any time I see her share anything about her life with us be it writing-related or about her personal life, but its reads like these that make that pride continuously swell. If this combined with book one is the general indicator of how the rest of the series is going to go, I'm calling it now that this is going to be up there among the top series (for me) that she has ever written.
Mark my words.
Until next time, stay Wilde!
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝐺 𝐸 𝑁 𝑅 𝐸 𝑆 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝑇 𝑅 𝑂 𝑃 𝐸 𝑆 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Friends to Lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Single Father
⠀⠀⠀↳ Age Gap
⠀⠀⠀↳ Brother's Best Friend
⠀⠀⠀↳ Small Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cowboy MMC
⠀⠀⠀↳ Childhood Crush
⠀⠀⠀↳ She Fell First
⠀⠀⠀↳ Family Saga
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 📖 𝑇 𝑅 𝐼 𝐺 𝐺 𝐸 𝑅 𝑆? 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Child loss -- not seen on page, referenced
⠀⠀⠀↳ Divorce
⠀⠀⠀↳ Entrapment via pregnancy
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑃𝑅𝑂𝑉𝐼𝐷𝐸𝑅 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Kelly Elliott/Kelly's PA - ARC Team
'Kelly is the undisputed, definitive queen of Cowboy Romance, and this book is a prime example as to why. Saddle up for a return ride alongside the Wildes, your next favourite fictional family' - The British Bibliophile
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 📖 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐼𝐸𝑊 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
Wilde Ride is the second book in Kelly Elliott's new small town romance series, 'Love is a Cowboy', but is the first read featuring one of the Wilde children of the two main characters from the prequel read and first book in the series, Wilde Cowboy.
All books in this series are standalones, which means they can be read in any order, though it is recommended to read it in release order to avoid spoilers.
The series began with the aforementioned prequel read, Wilde Cowboy, with Ladd (Wilde) and Vivianne's story, taking us through the 80s, 90's and into their present with their children and next generation of Wildes. Kelly chose to give us their story first instead of giving us the parent's story after we've read all of the children's, which is the usual way for family saga reads.
By giving us their story first, we have the true feel and complete picture of the series, and the families within it, right from the start.
Now that we've arrived with the first of the Wilde children to get their own book--though it isn't the eldest going first--, we indeed have that full picture and are stepping into this book with comfortable familiarity and a warm welcome back to all things Wilde.
It has been seven whole years since the two of them were last around one another, now the time has come for their long-awaited reunion.
Emeline Wilde has spent the last seven years thinking about one man who captured her heart and held her love without even knowing it. A man who so happens to be her brother's best friend. He's come back home to River Falls, but he isn't alone. His six year old son, Rhett, is at his side. The two of them effortlessly and naturally find a place within her life, both in the professional and personal senses, as well as within her heart. Levi slides right back into the space kept especially for him, and Rhett creates his own space in it where at last, he'll have the motherly love always meant for him.
Levi Tucker returns to the small town with tragedy in his wake. Mourning the loss of his other child, his daughter, in a heartbreaking car accident, he's also dealing with the breakup--albeit long overdue--of his marriage. Through the bad, however, comes some good. By returning to River Falls, he's landed with the perfect chance to start over in the place that has always been home to him. One that he never should have left. Never wanted to leave, if not for unforeseen circumstances and duty in doing the right thing.
Soon enough, Levi finds himself an active--unwilling yet willing--participant-come-volunteer at the Wilde family's annual summer camp for underprivileged children. With it, he knows what to expect. What he did not expect, was to end up falling head over boots for his best friend's little sister. Someone who was never on his romance radar, in the past or the present, but remains firmly on it now that his eyes have been opened to exploring the new feelings he finds himself with. At long last, he finds himself with the rare opportunity to seek out an obtainable future of happiness for both himself and Rhett.
That happiness comes under threat when one of his tragedies following along in his wake, his soon-to be ex-wife, makes her unwelcome appearance in River Falls. Now everything that Levi has been working on and building since his return, is at risk of decimation.
The past has a chance at destroying Levi and Emeline's second chance together, but the chance at a happily ever after is not going to go down without a fighting chance.
When Kelly announced this series and the titles within it, I quite literally did a happy shimmy in my seat. Out of everything she writes, it's her cowboys that first captured and have managed to hold my heart in such a vice like grip, I've no intention of attempting to wriggle free. Whatever she possesses and puts into her cowboy romance main male characters, female main characters, thier friends, families and their stories? She's tapped into something no one else has, for me and my reading tastes, ever managed to come close to doing in the almost thirteen years that I have been reading her work. River Falls is the latest fictional place, housing the latest fictional cowboys (and girls), that has me just as entranced as I was back in the days of Layton, Whitley and the gang from her Broken series.
Choosing Emeline as the first Wilde to get a book was a move, that I thought, was a different one than usually taken by authors when writing family sagas where every parent and then children of the parents have their own book and story. A pleasantly different change of direction, to clarify. Usually it's the eldest child first, eventually working towards the youngest. A small change by Kelly, but it changes things up just enough to make it a notably enjoyable one. Especially since if we had gone in chronological order of the siblings, we would be waiting longer have Emeline's story, and hers was definitely the right one to go first. After all, she did wait seven years for Levi, I'd say that more than earns her the place of her story being front and centre in the cue.
Speaking of Levi...oh how I adore this traumatised, honourable, fiercely loyal, protective, respectful and fragile-hearted man. Aside from giving us everything we love in a Kelly Elliott cowboy, I appreciated her giving him many open vulnerabilities. Verbal and emotional. She's switched up the roles here of the female main character being the pursued and vulnerable, to the main male character in Levi, being the one who is so instead. He's the one being pursued by Emeline. He's the one being crushed on. He's the one who's taking it slow/wanting only friendship at first. He's the one being honest in saying how he feels when the concept of love comes into play regarding a certain person while still being respectful because, of course, its Levi. Is he still portrayed as handsome? Yes. Muscular from hard work not in the gym? Yes. Does he still "deliver" in the way we readers love from our fictional men to their ladies? Yes. He's a beautifully balanced character and as such, immediately won me over.
Talking about ladies or rather, his lady, Emeline... she puts the 'wild' in Wilde! She displays the Wilde family loyalty, passionate work ethic and genuine admiration for the ranch and fiery (at times) temperament while balancing the fire with smile-inducing sweetness. Her character flaw that makes her as human as a fictional character could be? She's insecure. There are many things that she's worried and anxious about--which are all valid arguments if you have ever been in her shoes before in your own lives--, which at times led to uncharacteristic (for her) actions and/or words directed to, at or about someone or herself. Naturally, this is expected from a character who feels things to such an emotional depth, which is something that I myself can relate to. She is an admirable combination of both the best qualities of Ladd and Vivienne, which is probably why I love her so much.
It will be interesting to see the other parts of Ladd and Vivienne in their other children when the time comes for us to read their individual stories.
After finishing Wilde Cowboy and bestowing upon it a well-deserved 4.5 stars, I knew within my gut that the next book that would come along would rank higher for me personally. Which, as you can see, it did. Prequel reads usually rank lower for me regardless of the author, anyway.
Wilde Ride was everything I love about Kelly and more. More how? I can see her growth. How much stronger, deeper, inclusive, emotionally charged, to just touch the surface, that her stories and characters have become. This was a read that boasted inclusivity in spades from LGBT rep, indigenous cultural rep and education, grief rep, female empowerment through her female main character and of course, a blended family with the message that families are not born, but made and can be made through the most beautiful of ways. Rhett and Emeline's bond? My heart grew ten sizes bigger reading about it.
Honourable mentions of course go to--without spoiling anything--, the use of unrequited love, Levi and Caden's friendship, THAT first kiss and probably most notably with it being dripped throughout the book to my deep appreciation, Caden and Lilibeth. If you've read Wilde Ride, you'll know why I had to give an honourable mention to these two. Oh, their story is going to be F.U.N!
Kelly gives me reason to be proud of her all the time, any time I see her share anything about her life with us be it writing-related or about her personal life, but its reads like these that make that pride continuously swell. If this combined with book one is the general indicator of how the rest of the series is going to go, I'm calling it now that this is going to be up there among the top series (for me) that she has ever written.
Mark my words.
Until next time, stay Wilde!
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝐺 𝐸 𝑁 𝑅 𝐸 𝑆 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝑇 𝑅 𝑂 𝑃 𝐸 𝑆 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Friends to Lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Single Father
⠀⠀⠀↳ Age Gap
⠀⠀⠀↳ Brother's Best Friend
⠀⠀⠀↳ Small Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cowboy MMC
⠀⠀⠀↳ Childhood Crush
⠀⠀⠀↳ She Fell First
⠀⠀⠀↳ Family Saga
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 📖 𝑇 𝑅 𝐼 𝐺 𝐺 𝐸 𝑅 𝑆? 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Child loss -- not seen on page, referenced
⠀⠀⠀↳ Divorce
⠀⠀⠀↳ Entrapment via pregnancy
┏━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┓
⠀ ⠀ ⠀📖 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑃𝑅𝑂𝑉𝐼𝐷𝐸𝑅 📖
┗━━*︎.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*︎━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Kelly Elliott/Kelly's PA - ARC Team
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars
Wilde Ride is Emeline Wilde’s story. Book two in the Love is a Cowboy series, and Kelly Elliott has given us another exceptional small town romance.
Emeline (Em) has been in love with Levi since her teens, but he took another path and married another. He has now returned home, with his son Rhett to start over. What starts as a visit to the Wilde’s has him now volunteering for their summer camps and back in the path of Emeline.
This story had me all up in the feels, from the laughter at Emeline and Levi’s first lunch at the cafe to Rhett stealing my heart. That boy has the charm at age six! The almost tears learning about Levi’s family while he has been away from River Falls. Then there is the banter, this family can bring it.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Wilde Ride is Emeline Wilde’s story. Book two in the Love is a Cowboy series, and Kelly Elliott has given us another exceptional small town romance.
Emeline (Em) has been in love with Levi since her teens, but he took another path and married another. He has now returned home, with his son Rhett to start over. What starts as a visit to the Wilde’s has him now volunteering for their summer camps and back in the path of Emeline.
This story had me all up in the feels, from the laughter at Emeline and Levi’s first lunch at the cafe to Rhett stealing my heart. That boy has the charm at age six! The almost tears learning about Levi’s family while he has been away from River Falls. Then there is the banter, this family can bring it.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
March 10, 2026
4.5⭐️
March 5, 2026
3.5 stars. While this was cute, it didn't have the impact I was looking for. This is an unrequited love story. With a single father to a son, and a deceased daughter coming back to his hometown. The h has been in love with him since she was 14. He comes back to town after seven years about to divorce his ex. There's a lot of kid talk surrounding this book. With camp for orphaned children run by the h etc. The H Levi's son takes a significant part as well. So while this book is a romance I found myself more interested in Levi's son Rhett's happiness. So if a kid centered book isn't your thing you probably won't enjoy this. It ended up being wholesome and sweet. And even though the ex comes back and tries to insert herself at 80%. The H Levi wasn't having it. Why he loved his ex originally I have no idea. He knew she got pregnant on purpose, but still chose to stay with her. It even comes out that she cheated on Levi and their deceased daughter Brooke's paternity was in question. The part needed better writing because it was just a little too vague for my liking.
Safety: no cheating. death of a child
Safety: no cheating. death of a child
March 28, 2026
Wilde Ride
Such a fun, back to your hometown story, when Levi moves home with his son, Rhett. Coming back to his family and friends and lose who love him and will show his son the love and support he deserves as well. This is an eye opening and heart warming story for many people who deserve their HEA. Beautiful story.
Such a fun, back to your hometown story, when Levi moves home with his son, Rhett. Coming back to his family and friends and lose who love him and will show his son the love and support he deserves as well. This is an eye opening and heart warming story for many people who deserve their HEA. Beautiful story.
March 4, 2026
LIVE March 3rd
𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆
By Kelly Elliott
🤠💙 𝓐ℛ𝓒 ℛ𝓔𝓥𝓘𝓔𝓦 🤠💙
A sweet, romantic, emotional small town story with a backdrop of a beautiful family-run ranch where healing from loss, coming home, second chances, and a family who always has your back will steal your heart.
Tragedy brings Levi back to River Falls. He and his son, Rhett, come home to start a new life. But he and Emeline Wilde have a history. They grew up together. Levi and Emeline’s brother, Caden, are best friends. Levi has never looked at Emeline as anything but Caden’s little sister. Until now.
Much of this story revolves around Wonder in the Wilde Summer Camp, the camp for underprivileged kids that Emeline runs. This storyline will definitely tug at your heartstrings. Levi helps volunteer as he’s a veterinarian and will eventually take over his dad’s practice. Rhett finds his happy place and new friends at the camp. And Levi finds that he and Emeline could be much more than friends.
As Levi struggles with starting a new relationship after his last one blew up, Emeline worries her heart is going to get broken because she’s so in love with Levi. Their emotional ride will definitely pull you in. And? Nothing but green flags!
Emeline’s siblings are introduced in this book, including her older sister, Ensley, and her two brothers, Caden and Gatlin. Emeline and her friends’ group texts are priceless. Best friends ever! Her parents and grandparents are also part of the story and I highly recommend reading “Wilde Cowboy,” book 1 in this series, the origin story of the Wilde family to learn more about them.
The HEA for this couple may bring a few happy tears. Their found family. The continual support of family and friends. Their deep heartfelt love.
Looking forward to book 3 where I think Caden Wilde is going to meet his match. Can’t wait!
#bestfriendslittlesister
#agegap
#singledad
#ranchlife
#newrelease
𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆
By Kelly Elliott
🤠💙 𝓐ℛ𝓒 ℛ𝓔𝓥𝓘𝓔𝓦 🤠💙
A sweet, romantic, emotional small town story with a backdrop of a beautiful family-run ranch where healing from loss, coming home, second chances, and a family who always has your back will steal your heart.
Tragedy brings Levi back to River Falls. He and his son, Rhett, come home to start a new life. But he and Emeline Wilde have a history. They grew up together. Levi and Emeline’s brother, Caden, are best friends. Levi has never looked at Emeline as anything but Caden’s little sister. Until now.
Much of this story revolves around Wonder in the Wilde Summer Camp, the camp for underprivileged kids that Emeline runs. This storyline will definitely tug at your heartstrings. Levi helps volunteer as he’s a veterinarian and will eventually take over his dad’s practice. Rhett finds his happy place and new friends at the camp. And Levi finds that he and Emeline could be much more than friends.
As Levi struggles with starting a new relationship after his last one blew up, Emeline worries her heart is going to get broken because she’s so in love with Levi. Their emotional ride will definitely pull you in. And? Nothing but green flags!
Emeline’s siblings are introduced in this book, including her older sister, Ensley, and her two brothers, Caden and Gatlin. Emeline and her friends’ group texts are priceless. Best friends ever! Her parents and grandparents are also part of the story and I highly recommend reading “Wilde Cowboy,” book 1 in this series, the origin story of the Wilde family to learn more about them.
The HEA for this couple may bring a few happy tears. Their found family. The continual support of family and friends. Their deep heartfelt love.
Looking forward to book 3 where I think Caden Wilde is going to meet his match. Can’t wait!
#bestfriendslittlesister
#agegap
#singledad
#ranchlife
#newrelease
March 3, 2026
Title: Wilde Ride
Series: Love is a Cowboy #2
Author(S): Kelly Elliott
Genre: Romance (Cowboy) 🤠🐴
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Publishing Co.: K. Elliott Enterprises, Inc
Length: 345 pages/ 23 chapters
Rating: 5 ⭐️ / 2.5 🌶️
Trigger Warnings:
Death of family member (no spoilers here sorry)
PTSD/ Trauma
Divorce
Grief
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🩷 Brothers Best Friend
🐴Small Town Romance
🤠 Single Dad
🩷 Age Gap
🐴 Friends to Lovers
🤠Childhood Crush
🩷 Found Family
🐴Slow Burn
🤠 Second Chance
WHOA! Grab the tissues for this one book besties, because this book definitely lives up to its title! Wilde Ride, book 2 of Ms. Elliot’s Love is a Cowboy series, will put you through it. I’ve personally declared if Ms. Elliott writes it, I MUST read it! Her storylines and character development grab you from page one to the turn of the last page, leaving you wanting more.
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book 1, Wilde Cowboy (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️).
Levi Tucker (mmc) is a single dad (6-year-old son Rhett 🥰) and looking to rebuild his life after the unimaginable. Will moving home to River Falls help him and his son move on? Oh, and be prepared for Rhett to steal your heart!
Emeline (Em) Wilde (fmc) has had a crush on Levi (her brother’s best friend) for years. Now that he’s moved back to River Falls, will she finally get her chance of an HEA with Levi? Or will his traumatic past stand in the way?
Wilde Ride literally grabs you from page one and puts you through it, but I promise you it’s so worth it.
Em and Levi’s story is filled with emotional trauma, healing, friendship, and love.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment of the Love is a Cowboy series. Caden & Lilibeth 🥰
I'd like to thank Ms. Elliott for an advanced copy of Wilde Ride ( Love is a Cowboy, #2) in exchang for an honest review.
Series: Love is a Cowboy #2
Author(S): Kelly Elliott
Genre: Romance (Cowboy) 🤠🐴
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Publishing Co.: K. Elliott Enterprises, Inc
Length: 345 pages/ 23 chapters
Rating: 5 ⭐️ / 2.5 🌶️
Trigger Warnings:
Death of family member (no spoilers here sorry)
PTSD/ Trauma
Divorce
Grief
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🩷 Brothers Best Friend
🐴Small Town Romance
🤠 Single Dad
🩷 Age Gap
🐴 Friends to Lovers
🤠Childhood Crush
🩷 Found Family
🐴Slow Burn
🤠 Second Chance
WHOA! Grab the tissues for this one book besties, because this book definitely lives up to its title! Wilde Ride, book 2 of Ms. Elliot’s Love is a Cowboy series, will put you through it. I’ve personally declared if Ms. Elliott writes it, I MUST read it! Her storylines and character development grab you from page one to the turn of the last page, leaving you wanting more.
This can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book 1, Wilde Cowboy (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️).
Levi Tucker (mmc) is a single dad (6-year-old son Rhett 🥰) and looking to rebuild his life after the unimaginable. Will moving home to River Falls help him and his son move on? Oh, and be prepared for Rhett to steal your heart!
Emeline (Em) Wilde (fmc) has had a crush on Levi (her brother’s best friend) for years. Now that he’s moved back to River Falls, will she finally get her chance of an HEA with Levi? Or will his traumatic past stand in the way?
Wilde Ride literally grabs you from page one and puts you through it, but I promise you it’s so worth it.
Em and Levi’s story is filled with emotional trauma, healing, friendship, and love.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment of the Love is a Cowboy series. Caden & Lilibeth 🥰
I'd like to thank Ms. Elliott for an advanced copy of Wilde Ride ( Love is a Cowboy, #2) in exchang for an honest review.
March 3, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 4⭐️ I love a good Cowboy and single dad! Emeline has had a crush oh her brother’s best friend, Levi, for a long time but he was in a relationship. When he got married and moved to the city she figured it was time to get overcome the crush. Levi’s marriage crumbled when they lost their daughter but it may have been done even longer than that. He’s heading back to his hometown to make a life for him and his son. The longer he’s home the more he’s discovering this is where he truly belonged all along. He wasn’t ready to start a new relationship but Emeline Wilde might just change his thoughts on that. She’s always been special to him but he never saw her that way. The more time he spends around her and the more he she’s the way she treats his son the more he’s drawn to her. Emeline could be exactly what Levi and his son need.
Rhett is the absolute sweetest little kid. I love seeing him find his happiness again back in River Falls. Levi and Rhett both deserved so much better than what they had before they came back. It made me so happy that Emeline finally admitted her feelings to Levi and the way they all just became such a happy little crew. She stepped in for Rhett and she showed Levi exactly what he deserved. I also really loved that Emeline’s family were all instantly accepting of their relationship and even pushing it especially Caden since Levi is his best friend! Overall I really enjoyed this one!!
Tropes:
✨Single Dad
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Small Town Romance
✨She Falls First
✨Childhood Crush
Rhett is the absolute sweetest little kid. I love seeing him find his happiness again back in River Falls. Levi and Rhett both deserved so much better than what they had before they came back. It made me so happy that Emeline finally admitted her feelings to Levi and the way they all just became such a happy little crew. She stepped in for Rhett and she showed Levi exactly what he deserved. I also really loved that Emeline’s family were all instantly accepting of their relationship and even pushing it especially Caden since Levi is his best friend! Overall I really enjoyed this one!!
Tropes:
✨Single Dad
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Small Town Romance
✨She Falls First
✨Childhood Crush
March 18, 2026
If you love a small-town romance that mixes heartache with swoon-worthy moments, Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliott delivers exactly that.
This story leans hard into the emotional side of romance, following a single dad, Levi, who’s carrying heavy grief and Emeline, who’s been quietly in love with him for years. Add in the fact that Levi is Em’s brother’s-best-friend tension, and you’ve got a relationship that feels both inevitable and completely off-limits—which makes it all the more addictive.
Levi isn’t your typical carefree cowboy hero. He’s broken, guarded, and trying to rebuild his life after devastating loss, which gives the story a deeper, more emotional edge. Emeline balances him out perfectly—she’s strong, patient, and willing to fight for the love she’s always wanted, even when it gets messy.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what really stood out was the healing journey. This isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about learning how to live again after loss, letting go of guilt, and taking a chance on happiness when it feels risky.
BUT WE ALL KNOW it wouldn’t be a Kelly Elliott book without a little drama (hello, ex-wife complications 👀), and while some parts are predictable, it fits the comforting, feel-good vibe that small-town romance fans crave.
Wilde Ride is an emotional, trope-filled ride with just the right mix of angst, sweetness, and swoon. Perfect if you love single dad romances, forbidden love, and second chances that actually feel earned.
This story leans hard into the emotional side of romance, following a single dad, Levi, who’s carrying heavy grief and Emeline, who’s been quietly in love with him for years. Add in the fact that Levi is Em’s brother’s-best-friend tension, and you’ve got a relationship that feels both inevitable and completely off-limits—which makes it all the more addictive.
Levi isn’t your typical carefree cowboy hero. He’s broken, guarded, and trying to rebuild his life after devastating loss, which gives the story a deeper, more emotional edge. Emeline balances him out perfectly—she’s strong, patient, and willing to fight for the love she’s always wanted, even when it gets messy.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what really stood out was the healing journey. This isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about learning how to live again after loss, letting go of guilt, and taking a chance on happiness when it feels risky.
BUT WE ALL KNOW it wouldn’t be a Kelly Elliott book without a little drama (hello, ex-wife complications 👀), and while some parts are predictable, it fits the comforting, feel-good vibe that small-town romance fans crave.
Wilde Ride is an emotional, trope-filled ride with just the right mix of angst, sweetness, and swoon. Perfect if you love single dad romances, forbidden love, and second chances that actually feel earned.
March 3, 2026
5 Stars
Wilde Ride is book two in Kelly Elliott’s Love is a Cowboy series and this time she brings us Emeline and Levi.
Emeline has been in love with Levi Tucker for as long as she can remember. The last time she saw him was her high school graduation and he shattered her world by telling her he was proposing and going to be a father. Now, seven years later, he’s back with his six year old son, Rhett, in tow and ready to take over his father’s vet practice. It’s been a long seven years, but after his marriage falls apart and losing his little girl, moving back to River Falls makes everything feel right.
This book is full of emotions and will take you on the best ride. After all these years, Levi is finally really seeing Emeline for the first time. After being honest with himself, he finally admits there’s always been some underlying feelings there. She’s so perfect for him and she’s amazing with Rhett, who honestly, steals the show in this one lol. Wilde Ride is everything I love in a small town, brother’s best friend romance and so much more. Kelly sets up the next story in this series perfectly. I absolutely CANNOT wait for Caden and Lilibeth’s story.
Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Wilde Ride is book two in Kelly Elliott’s Love is a Cowboy series and this time she brings us Emeline and Levi.
Emeline has been in love with Levi Tucker for as long as she can remember. The last time she saw him was her high school graduation and he shattered her world by telling her he was proposing and going to be a father. Now, seven years later, he’s back with his six year old son, Rhett, in tow and ready to take over his father’s vet practice. It’s been a long seven years, but after his marriage falls apart and losing his little girl, moving back to River Falls makes everything feel right.
This book is full of emotions and will take you on the best ride. After all these years, Levi is finally really seeing Emeline for the first time. After being honest with himself, he finally admits there’s always been some underlying feelings there. She’s so perfect for him and she’s amazing with Rhett, who honestly, steals the show in this one lol. Wilde Ride is everything I love in a small town, brother’s best friend romance and so much more. Kelly sets up the next story in this series perfectly. I absolutely CANNOT wait for Caden and Lilibeth’s story.
Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
February 18, 2026
ARC read! Thank you Kelley Elliot!
This book was so cute and sweet. Just like book 1, this story was so heartwarming. Again, it is such a breath of fresh air when there isn’t a 3rd act breakup, and just good vibes! I love the friendship and chemistry between Emeline and Levi. My heart broke for Levi and the loss that he went through. But he was an excellent father to Rhett. That little boy is just the CUTEST! Emeline is one of the sweetest FMC’s but also had a backbone and I loved that! I love how this author doesn’t shy away from serious things that can happen in life with loss and grief. Not only did parts of Levi and Rhett’s story make me sad, but other parts made me smile because they finally got the happiness that a single father and son deserve. Emeline was a perfect match for them both! She was supportive and loving. Infact her whole family was so supportive and loving and I loved that so much 🥹 if you’re looking for a cute small town romance with the cowboy vibes, no 3rd break up and a HEA, then this one is for you ❤️
This book was so cute and sweet. Just like book 1, this story was so heartwarming. Again, it is such a breath of fresh air when there isn’t a 3rd act breakup, and just good vibes! I love the friendship and chemistry between Emeline and Levi. My heart broke for Levi and the loss that he went through. But he was an excellent father to Rhett. That little boy is just the CUTEST! Emeline is one of the sweetest FMC’s but also had a backbone and I loved that! I love how this author doesn’t shy away from serious things that can happen in life with loss and grief. Not only did parts of Levi and Rhett’s story make me sad, but other parts made me smile because they finally got the happiness that a single father and son deserve. Emeline was a perfect match for them both! She was supportive and loving. Infact her whole family was so supportive and loving and I loved that so much 🥹 if you’re looking for a cute small town romance with the cowboy vibes, no 3rd break up and a HEA, then this one is for you ❤️
March 4, 2026
Wilde Ride was a phenomenal read, I’m so in love with River Falls. This small town is absolutely adorable. Emeline and Levi story was beautifully written. You can see it from the very beginning that these two share a connection. When Levi returns back to his hometown with his adorable son Rhett. Everything changes for the better for all of them. They both carry lots of scars. But with some help from family and friends they can continue healing. Emeline love of horses. The way she connects with them is beautiful to see. As well as how she is with the kids at her camp. The chemistry between Emeline and Levi was very intense. It was great to see how their relationship blossomed. And a Rhett added lots of cuteness.
You’ll see lots of love, laughter, healing, lots of Wilde family (siblings & parents) and so much more. This was truly such a great story and can’t wait to come back to River Falls.
Arc was provided for honest review.
You’ll see lots of love, laughter, healing, lots of Wilde family (siblings & parents) and so much more. This was truly such a great story and can’t wait to come back to River Falls.
Arc was provided for honest review.
March 6, 2026
It was a Wilde ride for sure
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliot tells the story of rediscovering hope and love after experiencing loss. As the first book in a heartfelt series set in the countryside, the story follows the main character Emeline living her dream on her family’s ranch. When Levi returns home seeking healing for himself and his son, their lives intertwine and things change for Emeline. Their connection grows stronger with each scene, and the supportive family relationships add depth to the story, making readers believe that challenges can be overcome. Emeline is smart, beautiful and loves everything with her whole heart. Levi is handsome, sexy and loving father who gives off the hottest single dad vibes in the country. I love that Emeline and Levi grew up together and even though they went different ways, fate found a way for them to come together. I am looking forward to embarking on the rest of this series. This was a great way to bring together their story.
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliot tells the story of rediscovering hope and love after experiencing loss. As the first book in a heartfelt series set in the countryside, the story follows the main character Emeline living her dream on her family’s ranch. When Levi returns home seeking healing for himself and his son, their lives intertwine and things change for Emeline. Their connection grows stronger with each scene, and the supportive family relationships add depth to the story, making readers believe that challenges can be overcome. Emeline is smart, beautiful and loves everything with her whole heart. Levi is handsome, sexy and loving father who gives off the hottest single dad vibes in the country. I love that Emeline and Levi grew up together and even though they went different ways, fate found a way for them to come together. I am looking forward to embarking on the rest of this series. This was a great way to bring together their story.
Review of advance copy
If you need a feel good story with a single dad and the best friend's sister that has always loved him, then this read is for you.
This story is Levi and Emeline have known each other for years and there has always been a connection. I felt like Levi didn't want to see or admit the way he had feelings for Emeline. Emeline being the sister of Levi's best friend, he always cared for her and never wanted to see her any other way.
When life throws him a harsh curve in life, he comes home to find that all things are the same but different.
I liked Emeline, but she never moved on from her crush. I felt like she knew there was something bigger between them.
These two do have a connection and I liked reading this story. The way Em always pinned for Levi was sweet. And I was so happy that he saw what was right in front of him all along.
Kelly gives you the small town sweet romance with very little drama that will have you feeling good when reading this.
This story is Levi and Emeline have known each other for years and there has always been a connection. I felt like Levi didn't want to see or admit the way he had feelings for Emeline. Emeline being the sister of Levi's best friend, he always cared for her and never wanted to see her any other way.
When life throws him a harsh curve in life, he comes home to find that all things are the same but different.
I liked Emeline, but she never moved on from her crush. I felt like she knew there was something bigger between them.
These two do have a connection and I liked reading this story. The way Em always pinned for Levi was sweet. And I was so happy that he saw what was right in front of him all along.
Kelly gives you the small town sweet romance with very little drama that will have you feeling good when reading this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
Pub date March 6
After a failed marriage and the devastating loss of his daughter in a car accident, Levi moves back to River Falls with his son, Rhett, hoping for a fresh start.
Emeline is Levi’s best friend’s little sister—and she’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. When Levi begins working at the Wilde family summer camp, the two can no longer ignore the undeniable pull between them.
I completely fell in love with Levi—especially the way he loves and protects his son. Watching the bond grow between Emeline and Rhett melted my heart, and the chemistry between Levi and Emeline felt both natural and deeply emotional.
This small-town romance delivers all the feels, plenty of heart, and just a touch of 🌶️ to keep things interesting.
I can’t wait to continue reading about the Wilde family and see what’s next for River Falls!
TROPES ✨ 🤍 Single Dad 🏡 Small-Town Romance 💞 Brother’s Best Friend
🖤Age Gap
Pub date March 6
After a failed marriage and the devastating loss of his daughter in a car accident, Levi moves back to River Falls with his son, Rhett, hoping for a fresh start.
Emeline is Levi’s best friend’s little sister—and she’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. When Levi begins working at the Wilde family summer camp, the two can no longer ignore the undeniable pull between them.
I completely fell in love with Levi—especially the way he loves and protects his son. Watching the bond grow between Emeline and Rhett melted my heart, and the chemistry between Levi and Emeline felt both natural and deeply emotional.
This small-town romance delivers all the feels, plenty of heart, and just a touch of 🌶️ to keep things interesting.
I can’t wait to continue reading about the Wilde family and see what’s next for River Falls!
TROPES ✨ 🤍 Single Dad 🏡 Small-Town Romance 💞 Brother’s Best Friend
🖤Age Gap
March 21, 2026
Wilde Ride was an incredible read that completely captivated me; I just couldn't put it down. My desire to learn more and keep reading was constant. It was an emotional journey, yet it also provided plenty of laughs.
Emeline has had a crush on her brother's best friend since childhood. After seven years apart, she hopes that seeing him again won't reignite those old feelings.
Levi has faced a tragic situation with his family and is now ready to move forward with his son. He returns to his hometown to work alongside his father and begins to see his best friend's little sister in a new light.
Emeline has had a crush on her brother's best friend since childhood. After seven years apart, she hopes that seeing him again won't reignite those old feelings.
Levi has faced a tragic situation with his family and is now ready to move forward with his son. He returns to his hometown to work alongside his father and begins to see his best friend's little sister in a new light.
April 17, 2026
Good plot. Bad writing
March 25, 2026
Levi and Rhett have my entire heart. I adored these two and getting to be along for the ride of them moving back to River Falls. The emotions I felt while reading and learning their history nearly had me in tears. I loved Emeline’s character as well and loved getting to see her crush on Levi ramp back up after years of him being away. Seeing Levi begin to see Emeline as more than his best friend’s little sister was everything- that attraction shown through so fast and as much as he tried to ignore it there was no use. I loved their chemistry and while the romance was great, the grief and emotional parts were handled so well. I enjoyed getting to see Emeline help Levi and Rhett find a semblance of normalcy while back home. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and loved seeing their relationship come together. 🥹
April 3, 2026
Childhood crush.
Starting life over after loss.
One little boy ready to live his cowboy dreams.
Kelly, I don’t know what you put in this book but I’m convinced it is pure crack. I adore your writing! The way Emeline, Levi, and Rhett have woven their way into my heart is a way they will never leave. This story is something purely magical!
From the way the tragedy that brings Levi home tore at my soul. To the way Emeline fights to keep the camp legacy. To the way a little boy strives to start over, and holds onto the memory of someone special. I will never forget these characters. I couldn’t devour this book fast enough!
Emeline is such a strong FMC who has a heart of gold! I couldn’t get enough her of her vision for her special summer camp. I want to volunteer at her camp so bad! Not only striving to give orphans in town a special experience, but also wanting a camp for kids with autism and special needs, oh my soul! She’s pure sunshine and grit. I love her!
Levi, this man has been through it - the unimaginable, but he’s also incredible. The way he loves Rhett is on a level that leaves you swooning. The chemistry between Emeline and Levi, so worth the wait. Wholly genuine and true to its core. Emeline and Rhett, their relationship gutted me in the best ways! I mean, his pick up lines out do his dad’s! 🥹
This book has it all. Heartbreak and answers, healing, second chances, legacy, and all the feels! The Wilde Family is something incredible and I hope they don’t mind adding an additional family member because I’m submitting my adoption papers asap!
Starting life over after loss.
One little boy ready to live his cowboy dreams.
Kelly, I don’t know what you put in this book but I’m convinced it is pure crack. I adore your writing! The way Emeline, Levi, and Rhett have woven their way into my heart is a way they will never leave. This story is something purely magical!
From the way the tragedy that brings Levi home tore at my soul. To the way Emeline fights to keep the camp legacy. To the way a little boy strives to start over, and holds onto the memory of someone special. I will never forget these characters. I couldn’t devour this book fast enough!
Emeline is such a strong FMC who has a heart of gold! I couldn’t get enough her of her vision for her special summer camp. I want to volunteer at her camp so bad! Not only striving to give orphans in town a special experience, but also wanting a camp for kids with autism and special needs, oh my soul! She’s pure sunshine and grit. I love her!
Levi, this man has been through it - the unimaginable, but he’s also incredible. The way he loves Rhett is on a level that leaves you swooning. The chemistry between Emeline and Levi, so worth the wait. Wholly genuine and true to its core. Emeline and Rhett, their relationship gutted me in the best ways! I mean, his pick up lines out do his dad’s! 🥹
This book has it all. Heartbreak and answers, healing, second chances, legacy, and all the feels! The Wilde Family is something incredible and I hope they don’t mind adding an additional family member because I’m submitting my adoption papers asap!
March 22, 2026
OMG a new cowboy series to obsess over…and this one has ALL of my favorite tropes! Wilde Ride was sooo delicious and sweet and swoony and I can’t wait to be addicted to this whole world. If you love a single dad, brothers best friend, friends to lovers and age gap…this is your book! Excited for Wilde Flame coming soon!
🤠Single Dad
🤠Friends to Lovers
🤠Small Town
🤠Cowboy Single Dad
🤠Brother’s Best Friend
🤠Age Gap
🤠Cowboy
From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.
🤠Single Dad
🤠Friends to Lovers
🤠Small Town
🤠Cowboy Single Dad
🤠Brother’s Best Friend
🤠Age Gap
🤠Cowboy
From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.
March 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!
🐴single dad
⛺️grief
🐶brother’s best friend
🐱childhood crush
🏔️returning home
💖age gap
🐴single dad
⛺️grief
🐶brother’s best friend
🐱childhood crush
🏔️returning home
💖age gap
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who does not love a cowboy love story? I absolutely loved Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliott, the second book in her Love is a Cowboy series! Kelly Elliott has done it again! Wilde Ride is an incredible small-town brother’s best friend/single father/age gap love story, which filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. It is my FAVORITE book that I have read recently. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver incredibly written love stories that I LOVE to read, and she continues to be a must-read author for me. I love this incredible brother’s best friend love story, the River Falls, Colorado, and the amazing characters that were introduced, they feel like family! I loved meeting the children of Vivianne and Ladd Wilde, the parents to the characters who we met in Wilde Cowboy. Wilde Ride is a love story between Emeline Wilde, who runs the equine side of her family’s River Falls Ranch and camp director of the Wonder in the Wilde Summer Camp and her brother Caden’s best friend, Levi Tucker, veterinarian and single father to six-year-old, Rhett. Levi relocated back home to River Falls following the death of his two-year-old daughter, Brooke and the end of his marriage to Caroline. Levi has not been back to River Falls much in the last seven years. Emeline had a crush on Levi from middle school through high school, but Levi did not show any interest because of their age gap and the fact that she was his best friend’s sister. Levi is not looking for love, he is looking to get his life back on track and a stable life for Rhett. Levi will be taking over his father’s veterinary clinic when he retires. Emeline invites Rhett to join the summer camp for underprivileged children and residents at River Falls Haven, the local orphanage so that he can meet new friends. Emeline’s mother, Vivianne convinces Levi to volunteer and talk about animals. Conversation between Levi and Emeline flows so easily, I love the chemistry between them and the easy banter and flirting, and everything that they do together. I love Emeline’s relationship with Rhett. As Emeline and Levi spend more time together on the ranch and with the summer camp things continue to change between them. I love that Levi still uses his childhood nickname for Emeline, “Em.” I love all the little things that Levi has always done for Emeline. I love when Emeline admits to Levi that she has always loved him, but she does not expect him to feel the same way. She just wanted him to know at her family’s suggestion. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that take place in Wilde Ride, especially when Levi reveals the what happened the night that Brooke died in a car accident. I love the local gossip column, The Daily Dirt and how Emeline and Levi have become the focus of the column, which leads to a plot twist that Levi needs to resolve. Another favorite part is Levi’s proposal to Emeline, Rhett’s excitement, the description of the engagement ring, and how her family knew about the proposal. I love the ending of Emeline and Levi’s love story, and the changes that take place so that they can have a life together. I love the changes that they are each willing to make to have a life with one another. My favorite part of Wilde Ride is the epilogue that takes place two months later, and all the surprises that it reveals. It perfectly wraps up their love story. Wilde Ride was an amazing small-town brother’s best friend/age gap love story; I am so glad that Emeline and Levi got their happily ever after. Kelly Elliott definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Wilde Ride and has once again delivered an amazing story filled with everything that I have come to love about and expect from her books. Who does not love hot sexy cowboys, strong, passionate females, big loving families, and caring friends, who always support each other? I love how Kelly develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend and how she always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy cowboy. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. I love the storyline of Wilde Ride, the romance, and the family dynamics, it was such an enjoyable book to read. Another favorite part of her book is how she incorporates the picture on the cover and the title of the book into the love story. I am not sure how she continues writing my favorite books that I love to read. I love that Kelly chooses dialogue that stays true to her characters. Wilde Ride is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, plot twists, and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story as well as moments that make me laugh. Kelly Elliott continues to prove that she is an incredible storyteller. I love that she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. I love all the characters in Wilde Ride. They feel like family and friends. I enjoyed meeting Vivianne and Ladd’s children, all the interactions between the Emeline and her siblings, Caden, Ensley, and Gatlin and the family dynamic, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love Emeline’s friendship with Kate, Moreen, and Lillibeth. I love the descriptions of River Falls. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved every moment. Highly recommend this beautifully written love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
March 7, 2026
Author Kelly Elliott has started a new cowboy-themed series set in a small town, and I am totally enjoying these stories. First up were parents Ladd and Vivianne, and now we are seeing their four children get their own stories.
Daughter Emeline is featured in Wilde Ride. She has taken after her mom and grandmother with her love of horses and the ranch. Her story circles around her childhood/teenage crush coming back to town as a single dad, fresh from a divorce, and looking to start anew. Old feelings come crashing to the surface, and Emeline needs to navigate these waters carefully. Levi Tucker has held a place in her heart for years. He’s her brother’s best friend, and he is not ready for a new relationship. At least that is what he thinks!
I found a delight to read. The Wilde’s are an amazingly close-knit family who genuinely care about each other. It is that caring nature that draws people to them, especially Levi Tucker and his son, Rhett. One of the things I enjoyed most about Wilde Ride was how it followed up the first book, Wilde Cowboy. Vivianne’s dreams about giving back to the community are realized and brought to fruition. The summer camps for underprivileged kids are a huge part of this story, and this is how Levi and Emeline get to spend more time together.
The town of River Falls is the perfect backdrop for Emeline and Levi to discover their feelings for each other. I loved how their relationship grew from friendship and their common interests. It happened at a wonderful pace, keeping me engaged and interested in its progression. Levi having a son added another element the pair needed to navigate, and Emeline’s caring nature made it easy for Rhett to want her in his and Levi’s lives. Rhett is a wonderful character, full of vim and vigor and just enough sugar to make him adorable.
The angst level is low in Wilde Ride, but the buildup of feelings and sexual tension between Levi and Emeline keeps things interesting. Levi’s ex-wife brings a little drama to the table, but nothing they can’t handle. This is a sweet romance with a very happy ending. The end comes with a little happy twist, but it wasn’t totally surprising to me. I actually felt that the book may go that way.
I feel like the author has totally set up the next book with Caden and Lilibeth, but I honestly don’t know. I haven’t looked ahead to see, but I truly hope they are up next. Their relationship promises to be a fiery one. Caden needs someone to help him get over the supposed love-of-his-life, and I really think Lilibeth is up to the task. She doesn’t let Caden get to her, and he needs someone to see past all his defence mechanisms and to be there for him. Someone who is ready to accept the love that he has to give.
Daughter Emeline is featured in Wilde Ride. She has taken after her mom and grandmother with her love of horses and the ranch. Her story circles around her childhood/teenage crush coming back to town as a single dad, fresh from a divorce, and looking to start anew. Old feelings come crashing to the surface, and Emeline needs to navigate these waters carefully. Levi Tucker has held a place in her heart for years. He’s her brother’s best friend, and he is not ready for a new relationship. At least that is what he thinks!
I found a delight to read. The Wilde’s are an amazingly close-knit family who genuinely care about each other. It is that caring nature that draws people to them, especially Levi Tucker and his son, Rhett. One of the things I enjoyed most about Wilde Ride was how it followed up the first book, Wilde Cowboy. Vivianne’s dreams about giving back to the community are realized and brought to fruition. The summer camps for underprivileged kids are a huge part of this story, and this is how Levi and Emeline get to spend more time together.
The town of River Falls is the perfect backdrop for Emeline and Levi to discover their feelings for each other. I loved how their relationship grew from friendship and their common interests. It happened at a wonderful pace, keeping me engaged and interested in its progression. Levi having a son added another element the pair needed to navigate, and Emeline’s caring nature made it easy for Rhett to want her in his and Levi’s lives. Rhett is a wonderful character, full of vim and vigor and just enough sugar to make him adorable.
The angst level is low in Wilde Ride, but the buildup of feelings and sexual tension between Levi and Emeline keeps things interesting. Levi’s ex-wife brings a little drama to the table, but nothing they can’t handle. This is a sweet romance with a very happy ending. The end comes with a little happy twist, but it wasn’t totally surprising to me. I actually felt that the book may go that way.
I feel like the author has totally set up the next book with Caden and Lilibeth, but I honestly don’t know. I haven’t looked ahead to see, but I truly hope they are up next. Their relationship promises to be a fiery one. Caden needs someone to help him get over the supposed love-of-his-life, and I really think Lilibeth is up to the task. She doesn’t let Caden get to her, and he needs someone to see past all his defence mechanisms and to be there for him. Someone who is ready to accept the love that he has to give.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5⭐
*Single Dad
*Small-Town Romance
*Brother’s Best Friend
*Age Gap
Levi comes back to his home town of River Falls after losing his daughter in a tragic car accident that lead to the downfall of his marriage. He moves in with his parents hoping for a fresh start for his son Rhett and himself.
Emeline is the younger sister of Levi’s best friend and is in charge of the summer camps for her family’s ranch (amongst other things). She has been in love with Levi since she was a kid and with Levi volunteering to work the summer camps, the two of them are spending more time together.
-----------------
I enjoyed the plot in general, but I do love a single dad x sibling’s best friend story. 💕
I liked the aspect of her being in love with him since she was younger and him not really having a clue even though he was always kind to her. His whole situation with Caroline was bonkers, but it was a well-developed backstory. When she shows back up later in the book, the confrontation wasn’t too rushed and we got to see that end get tied up. While there were days/weeks skipped over (summer camp), I thought the book was well paced.
I do wish we would have seen Emeline’s conversation with her sister and mom in the kitchen from her POV as well as the conversation Levi had with Caroline from his perspective… Caroline being responsible for what is revealed toward the end didn’t make a lot of sense to me… I’m trying to be vague not to spoil it 🤣
I loved all the characters!
Emeline and Levi were very lovable, and I am excited to read the other books in this series. I think we know who is pairing up next, but I do want to see Moreen get a brother and a bakery 😂
Rhett was adorable and missing his sister and mother made me sad. I love it when there is a kid in series like this because they add a different perspective to things going on.
For the romance, I did feel the chemistry between Emeline and Levi. I didn’t love how she confessed her love, and he said he wasn’t in love with her, but he feels more for her than friendship. He also came to her cabin after camp and said he didn’t want to be alone and implied to his parents this was more physical than anything else. I get hesitation, but let’s just write it that way instead of him making it seem like he is just with Emeline because she has a warm body.
I would have also liked to see more flirting between Emeline and Levi. Her brother suggests she shows him how she feels, but we don’t get to see them interact much at the camp and I think we could have seen more flirting during that week or just in general. Nothing really happened with them romantically until almost 60% into the book.
The writing was better than the prequel, but I still feel like there was a lot of telling (info dump) and not enough showing. There are a good number of conversations where the information could have been condensed or presented differently (Someone asks a question, it is answered and then the question is asked and answered again…) I don’t know there are just too many words in some of the chapters.
All this to say this was a solid 3.5 for me 😊
*Single Dad
*Small-Town Romance
*Brother’s Best Friend
*Age Gap
Levi comes back to his home town of River Falls after losing his daughter in a tragic car accident that lead to the downfall of his marriage. He moves in with his parents hoping for a fresh start for his son Rhett and himself.
Emeline is the younger sister of Levi’s best friend and is in charge of the summer camps for her family’s ranch (amongst other things). She has been in love with Levi since she was a kid and with Levi volunteering to work the summer camps, the two of them are spending more time together.
-----------------
I enjoyed the plot in general, but I do love a single dad x sibling’s best friend story. 💕
I liked the aspect of her being in love with him since she was younger and him not really having a clue even though he was always kind to her. His whole situation with Caroline was bonkers, but it was a well-developed backstory. When she shows back up later in the book, the confrontation wasn’t too rushed and we got to see that end get tied up. While there were days/weeks skipped over (summer camp), I thought the book was well paced.
I do wish we would have seen Emeline’s conversation with her sister and mom in the kitchen from her POV as well as the conversation Levi had with Caroline from his perspective… Caroline being responsible for what is revealed toward the end didn’t make a lot of sense to me… I’m trying to be vague not to spoil it 🤣
I loved all the characters!
Emeline and Levi were very lovable, and I am excited to read the other books in this series. I think we know who is pairing up next, but I do want to see Moreen get a brother and a bakery 😂
Rhett was adorable and missing his sister and mother made me sad. I love it when there is a kid in series like this because they add a different perspective to things going on.
For the romance, I did feel the chemistry between Emeline and Levi. I didn’t love how she confessed her love, and he said he wasn’t in love with her, but he feels more for her than friendship. He also came to her cabin after camp and said he didn’t want to be alone and implied to his parents this was more physical than anything else. I get hesitation, but let’s just write it that way instead of him making it seem like he is just with Emeline because she has a warm body.
I would have also liked to see more flirting between Emeline and Levi. Her brother suggests she shows him how she feels, but we don’t get to see them interact much at the camp and I think we could have seen more flirting during that week or just in general. Nothing really happened with them romantically until almost 60% into the book.
The writing was better than the prequel, but I still feel like there was a lot of telling (info dump) and not enough showing. There are a good number of conversations where the information could have been condensed or presented differently (Someone asks a question, it is answered and then the question is asked and answered again…) I don’t know there are just too many words in some of the chapters.
All this to say this was a solid 3.5 for me 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who doesn’t love a good cowboy romance? Wilde Ride is the second installment in the Love is a Cowboy series by Kelly Elliott. Each book can be read as a standalone in the interconnected series, but as always I recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it. No major trigger warnings.
Levi Tucker and Emeline Wilde are both from the small-town of River Falls, a town where everyone knows everyone and people are close-knit. Levi and Emeline practically grew up together seeing as Levi is her brother Caden’s best friend. Emeline has had a long time crush on Levi and when he leaves town to marry someone else, she is crushed. Now, years later Levi is back with his son, trying to start over after a failed marriage and the loss of his young daughter. Neither are prepared for the feelings that quickly start to develop when they see each other again, but who knows, maybe this is just what fate had in store for them.
What a sweet story. Levi has all the vibes of a protective cowboy but with the maturity of being a father. After the loss of his daughter and the ending of his marriage, Levi’s return home feels like the right thing to do. His little boy Rhett is loving having family and friends close by where he can play and grow, but most importantly be loved. Starting over is hard, but Levi is up to the task, and he of course has help in the form of the Wilde family. He just wasn’t expecting to fall in love with his best friend's little sister. Emeline, the same Emeline that has always been there, now though she is all grown up and a force to be reckoned with. Em loves the life she has built on her family’s ranch, she is close to those that she loves and can do something that feeds her soul. When Levi returns to town, all the feelings she thought she had gotten over come flooding back and she must learn once again that Levi isn’t for her. Unless he is? He doesn’t look at her like a kid sister anymore, he looks at her with…affection? Together they start to build a relationship that they both have long waited for.
What a smile this book left me with. Little Rhett is the cutest little fella of all time and his quick connection to Em sealed the book for me. Levi was a little slower on the take, but that is more understandable with his past relationship and loss. When he finally makes his decision though, nothing can stop him from getting what he wants, and what he wants is Em. I so enjoyed reading this book. Caden is a character and I really hope he gets his own story. He's a grump with a heart of gold and deserves a bit of happy. For readers that enjoy a sweet cowboy romance, this is the book for you.
4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
Tropes:
🧡Single Dad Romance
🧡Age Gap
🧡Best Friends Sister
🧡Small-Town Romance
Levi Tucker and Emeline Wilde are both from the small-town of River Falls, a town where everyone knows everyone and people are close-knit. Levi and Emeline practically grew up together seeing as Levi is her brother Caden’s best friend. Emeline has had a long time crush on Levi and when he leaves town to marry someone else, she is crushed. Now, years later Levi is back with his son, trying to start over after a failed marriage and the loss of his young daughter. Neither are prepared for the feelings that quickly start to develop when they see each other again, but who knows, maybe this is just what fate had in store for them.
What a sweet story. Levi has all the vibes of a protective cowboy but with the maturity of being a father. After the loss of his daughter and the ending of his marriage, Levi’s return home feels like the right thing to do. His little boy Rhett is loving having family and friends close by where he can play and grow, but most importantly be loved. Starting over is hard, but Levi is up to the task, and he of course has help in the form of the Wilde family. He just wasn’t expecting to fall in love with his best friend's little sister. Emeline, the same Emeline that has always been there, now though she is all grown up and a force to be reckoned with. Em loves the life she has built on her family’s ranch, she is close to those that she loves and can do something that feeds her soul. When Levi returns to town, all the feelings she thought she had gotten over come flooding back and she must learn once again that Levi isn’t for her. Unless he is? He doesn’t look at her like a kid sister anymore, he looks at her with…affection? Together they start to build a relationship that they both have long waited for.
What a smile this book left me with. Little Rhett is the cutest little fella of all time and his quick connection to Em sealed the book for me. Levi was a little slower on the take, but that is more understandable with his past relationship and loss. When he finally makes his decision though, nothing can stop him from getting what he wants, and what he wants is Em. I so enjoyed reading this book. Caden is a character and I really hope he gets his own story. He's a grump with a heart of gold and deserves a bit of happy. For readers that enjoy a sweet cowboy romance, this is the book for you.
4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
Tropes:
🧡Single Dad Romance
🧡Age Gap
🧡Best Friends Sister
🧡Small-Town Romance
March 12, 2026
WILDE RIDE is the second instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult LOVE IS A COWBOY erotic, romance series. This is veterinarian and single father Levi Tucker, and rancher Emeline Wilde’s story line. WILDE RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emeline and Levi) WILDE RIDE focuses on the return of Levi Tucker to his home town of River Falls, Colorado. Approximately eight years earlier, Levi married his pregnant girlfriend and moved away to raise his family somewhere else. Fast forward to present day, Levi has returned, with his six year old son, and an impending divorce on the horizon but Levi never expected to find himself pulled towards, Emeline Wilde, a woman he sees as nothing more this his best friend’s younger sister. Emeline fell in love with Levi Tucker when she was fourteen years old but Levi was older, and our heroine watched from the sidelines as Levi fell in love with someone else. Working together at the Wilde Family’s summer camp meant time spent together but when Emeline professed her feelings for Levi, our hero announced he wasn’t ready for anything else.
The world building follows several pathways including the Wilde Family summer camp for underprivileged kids; Levi’s need to move on from the demons of his past; the nosy and gossipy townsfolk who have no problem getting involved in everyone’s life;Emeline’s heart break when she realizes Levi doesn’t feel the same way; and Emeline’s brother Caden who continues to struggle with a past betrayal.
The relationship between Emeline and Levi is a best friend’s younger sister; a potentially forbidden relationship in the face of a lifelong friendship but a relationship that is perfect when all is said and done. Emeline has been in love with Levi for as long as she can remember but Levi’s marriage imploded, and he is struggling to move on from the death of his daughter. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Emeline’s siblings: Gatlin, Ensley, and Caden; Levi’s son Rhett; perfumer Lilithbet, as well as the Wilde parents Ladd and Vivianne, and several townsfolk who may or may not have an ulterior motive.
WILDE RIDE is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emeline and Levi) WILDE RIDE focuses on the return of Levi Tucker to his home town of River Falls, Colorado. Approximately eight years earlier, Levi married his pregnant girlfriend and moved away to raise his family somewhere else. Fast forward to present day, Levi has returned, with his six year old son, and an impending divorce on the horizon but Levi never expected to find himself pulled towards, Emeline Wilde, a woman he sees as nothing more this his best friend’s younger sister. Emeline fell in love with Levi Tucker when she was fourteen years old but Levi was older, and our heroine watched from the sidelines as Levi fell in love with someone else. Working together at the Wilde Family’s summer camp meant time spent together but when Emeline professed her feelings for Levi, our hero announced he wasn’t ready for anything else.
The world building follows several pathways including the Wilde Family summer camp for underprivileged kids; Levi’s need to move on from the demons of his past; the nosy and gossipy townsfolk who have no problem getting involved in everyone’s life;Emeline’s heart break when she realizes Levi doesn’t feel the same way; and Emeline’s brother Caden who continues to struggle with a past betrayal.
The relationship between Emeline and Levi is a best friend’s younger sister; a potentially forbidden relationship in the face of a lifelong friendship but a relationship that is perfect when all is said and done. Emeline has been in love with Levi for as long as she can remember but Levi’s marriage imploded, and he is struggling to move on from the death of his daughter. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Emeline’s siblings: Gatlin, Ensley, and Caden; Levi’s son Rhett; perfumer Lilithbet, as well as the Wilde parents Ladd and Vivianne, and several townsfolk who may or may not have an ulterior motive.
WILDE RIDE is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
March 18, 2026
I have read my fair share of cowboy romances, and this series has become one of my all time favorites as well. I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an advanced copy of this book and I am absolutely in love with Kelly Elliott’s style of writing! I have always loved reading the friends to lovers trope and Kelly truly excelled throughout the whole book. I love that you get a flashback between these two and you can already tell Emeline’s feelings for Levi 😍
Anyways, this is the story of Emeline Wilde, the youngest daughter of Vivianne and Ladd, who always had a crush on Levi Tucker, her older brother’s best friend. However, she was always content with being his friend and when it was her graduation, she was happy to see Levi. Levi gives her a gift she loves and ends up telling her that his girlfriend is pregnant, and they are getting married. Emeline is devastated and wishes him the best, as well as being the last time she sees him. Seven years later, Emeline is thriving in her family’s ranch and the succession of her summer camps. She is busy setting up this year’s camp when she gets an unexpected visitor on the ranch. Not once did she think she was going to see Levi again, and here he was, in front of her, still looking handsome as ever.
Levi thought he had his whole life planned out when out of nowhere, his girlfriend Caroline told him she was pregnant. He decided to step up and marry her, going along with her plans and leaving their small town. Seven years later, he is back in River Falls, alongside his son Rhett after a devastating loss in their family. He is in the process of getting a divorce from Caroline and hoping that Rhett can join the summer camp to give him some sort of normalcy/routine. What he didn’t expect to see was Emeline, looking gorgeous, and knocking the breath out of him. However, he keeps reminding himself that he is going through a divorce, he has a son, he is mourning and that is his best friend’s little sister.
This is the story of two people who have been friends for a while, grew up together and realizing that the love of your life has been in front of you this whole time. I loved how Rhett fully embraced Emeline and just loved her from the start, especially with Emeline making him her little helper during the camp season. Although this book does have a few trigger warnings, like the loss of a child, Kelly truly does an amazing job writing such a beautiful love story. Of two people who have been on their own journeys figuring out their lives, and realizing that family and each other are the ones fighting for ❤️ I cannot wait to read the next book in this series 🙂↕️
Rating: 10000000/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Anyways, this is the story of Emeline Wilde, the youngest daughter of Vivianne and Ladd, who always had a crush on Levi Tucker, her older brother’s best friend. However, she was always content with being his friend and when it was her graduation, she was happy to see Levi. Levi gives her a gift she loves and ends up telling her that his girlfriend is pregnant, and they are getting married. Emeline is devastated and wishes him the best, as well as being the last time she sees him. Seven years later, Emeline is thriving in her family’s ranch and the succession of her summer camps. She is busy setting up this year’s camp when she gets an unexpected visitor on the ranch. Not once did she think she was going to see Levi again, and here he was, in front of her, still looking handsome as ever.
Levi thought he had his whole life planned out when out of nowhere, his girlfriend Caroline told him she was pregnant. He decided to step up and marry her, going along with her plans and leaving their small town. Seven years later, he is back in River Falls, alongside his son Rhett after a devastating loss in their family. He is in the process of getting a divorce from Caroline and hoping that Rhett can join the summer camp to give him some sort of normalcy/routine. What he didn’t expect to see was Emeline, looking gorgeous, and knocking the breath out of him. However, he keeps reminding himself that he is going through a divorce, he has a son, he is mourning and that is his best friend’s little sister.
This is the story of two people who have been friends for a while, grew up together and realizing that the love of your life has been in front of you this whole time. I loved how Rhett fully embraced Emeline and just loved her from the start, especially with Emeline making him her little helper during the camp season. Although this book does have a few trigger warnings, like the loss of a child, Kelly truly does an amazing job writing such a beautiful love story. Of two people who have been on their own journeys figuring out their lives, and realizing that family and each other are the ones fighting for ❤️ I cannot wait to read the next book in this series 🙂↕️
Rating: 10000000/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
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