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Love is a Cowboy #2
Wilde Ride
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26From 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
Expected publication March 3, 2026
239 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Elliott
107 books6,544 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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February 15, 2026ARC 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
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emeline and Levi.
These two were a long time coming. Having grown up together and always being drawn together. As friends during that time. Even if she felt more.
Life had different plans for them. Different paths they needed to walk. When they do find their way back to each other it’s during a time of grief and loss.
Levi has to work through things while protecting his son at the same time. Emeline is trying to be friends and keep her feelings to herself.
Everyone knows that they like each other. That they should be together and are just waiting for it to happen.
As time passes and they become closer finally they can’t deny the pull. Once they decide to give in they are all the way in. The commit and find true love and happiness.
I loved how these two took care of each other. How they pushed each other and just knew what the other needed. They had genuine love and care for each other.
Rhett was such a ray of sunshine. This little boy captured everyone’s heart including mine. He was so young and happy and just caring. I loved how he embraced the world and grew in it. All while being strong and vulnerable as only a loved child could be.
This was such a great second book to the series and I can’t wait for the rest of them! Kelly hit it out of the park again with this series so far!!!
These two were a long time coming. Having grown up together and always being drawn together. As friends during that time. Even if she felt more.
Life had different plans for them. Different paths they needed to walk. When they do find their way back to each other it’s during a time of grief and loss.
Levi has to work through things while protecting his son at the same time. Emeline is trying to be friends and keep her feelings to herself.
Everyone knows that they like each other. That they should be together and are just waiting for it to happen.
As time passes and they become closer finally they can’t deny the pull. Once they decide to give in they are all the way in. The commit and find true love and happiness.
I loved how these two took care of each other. How they pushed each other and just knew what the other needed. They had genuine love and care for each other.
Rhett was such a ray of sunshine. This little boy captured everyone’s heart including mine. He was so young and happy and just caring. I loved how he embraced the world and grew in it. All while being strong and vulnerable as only a loved child could be.
This was such a great second book to the series and I can’t wait for the rest of them! Kelly hit it out of the park again with this series so far!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Kelly Elliott
Wilde Ride (Love Is A Cowboy Series #2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶
The second book in the series and Kelly has knocked this book out of the park. The book is just as amazing as the first book, its about Levi and Emeline. Some of the tropes for this book are below:
💓 Cowgirl
💓 Single Dad
💓 Best friends younger sister
💓 Small Town
💓 Veterinarian MMC
Let's start off with my favorite guy who stole the show in the book, Rhett Tucker, Levi's 6 year old son. I just loved him and his interactions with everyone in the book was amazing. The love and care we see between Levi and Rhett just melts your heart.
The first meeting between Rhett and Emeline was so cute and funny, his definitely going be a heartbreaker.
Emeline was just an amazing and independent woman, that you couldn't help but root for her happily ever after, with the guy she had a crush on for years.
I definitely need the rest of the series, a very highly recommended book to read.
Thank you Kelly Elliott for giving me this amazing opportunity to read this ARC, and to give my honest review, I just loved it.
Wilde Ride (Love Is A Cowboy Series #2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶
The second book in the series and Kelly has knocked this book out of the park. The book is just as amazing as the first book, its about Levi and Emeline. Some of the tropes for this book are below:
💓 Cowgirl
💓 Single Dad
💓 Best friends younger sister
💓 Small Town
💓 Veterinarian MMC
Let's start off with my favorite guy who stole the show in the book, Rhett Tucker, Levi's 6 year old son. I just loved him and his interactions with everyone in the book was amazing. The love and care we see between Levi and Rhett just melts your heart.
The first meeting between Rhett and Emeline was so cute and funny, his definitely going be a heartbreaker.
Emeline was just an amazing and independent woman, that you couldn't help but root for her happily ever after, with the guy she had a crush on for years.
I definitely need the rest of the series, a very highly recommended book to read.
Thank you Kelly Elliott for giving me this amazing opportunity to read this ARC, and to give my honest review, I just loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review!
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliott is a childhood crush, single dad romance that will have you swooning. A beautiful story that has you feeling all the emotions. Elliott has a way of making you fall instantly in love with the characters. I’m obsessed with single dad romances and this one is for sure a must read.
The sweet and tender Emeline Wilde, thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, Levi Tucker. That was until he walked into her barn years later. And all those feelings were back in full force. Levi, is back home and brought his son, Rhett. He has dealt with a cheating wife and losing his daughter. He’s not looking for love, just a new life for him and his son. But the feelings he gets by being around Emeline, makes him think maybe all the grief was actually a good thing because it brought him to Emeline. We follow along as Levi and Rhett get settled into their new normal with the help from the sweet Emeline and family.
This series is so sweet and so emotional. The family aspect of this series is heartwarming.
Highly recommended.
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliott is a childhood crush, single dad romance that will have you swooning. A beautiful story that has you feeling all the emotions. Elliott has a way of making you fall instantly in love with the characters. I’m obsessed with single dad romances and this one is for sure a must read.
The sweet and tender Emeline Wilde, thought she had moved on from her childhood crush, Levi Tucker. That was until he walked into her barn years later. And all those feelings were back in full force. Levi, is back home and brought his son, Rhett. He has dealt with a cheating wife and losing his daughter. He’s not looking for love, just a new life for him and his son. But the feelings he gets by being around Emeline, makes him think maybe all the grief was actually a good thing because it brought him to Emeline. We follow along as Levi and Rhett get settled into their new normal with the help from the sweet Emeline and family.
This series is so sweet and so emotional. The family aspect of this series is heartwarming.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story sort of flew by. I didn’t even realize we were in the middle of a slow burn until I saw the page that I was on when Levi finally decides to make his move. Seriously. I happened to glance and was shocked, since it sure didn’t feel like I’d already spent this much time with him and Emeline!
Beyond already wanting more of this series, I can confirm that someone needs to get himself some serious humiliation for the desperate way he’s hiding his feelings for a happy woman. For real. I didn’t just adore the build between Levi and Emeline. I found myself wishing I already had the (hopefully) next tale in this series because I look forward to his necessary grovel and humbleness when he sees that his grumpiness is hindering things.
So, yeah. I already want more. This does deal with some heavy events and does deal with learning to live again, but I think that’s part of the beauty in this story. I have a feeling this whole series is going to find some healing that people didn’t know they needed, too.
Beyond already wanting more of this series, I can confirm that someone needs to get himself some serious humiliation for the desperate way he’s hiding his feelings for a happy woman. For real. I didn’t just adore the build between Levi and Emeline. I found myself wishing I already had the (hopefully) next tale in this series because I look forward to his necessary grovel and humbleness when he sees that his grumpiness is hindering things.
So, yeah. I already want more. This does deal with some heavy events and does deal with learning to live again, but I think that’s part of the beauty in this story. I have a feeling this whole series is going to find some healing that people didn’t know they needed, too.
February 14, 2026
Let’s start with my favorite side character Rhett he had my heart from page one. He is definitely going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up. I absolutely loved when Rhett and Emeline met for the first time.
“‘I’m Rhett Tucker, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Are you dating anyone?’….’I wasn’t asking for you, Dad. I was asking for me.’”
Emeline is so real in this book. I loved watching her grow and put herself out there. Seeing her struggles just made her real. Emeline is just so relatable with having a crush on her brother’s best friend.
Watching Levi work through his personal loss and watching how careful Emeline was not to over step just made me love these two.
I find it so funny that everyone knew Emeline had a crush on Levi when they were younger except him. I just loved how their relationship worked out because it was real authentic they were both at the same spot the whole time but they were both growing towards each other in their relationship!
“‘I’m Rhett Tucker, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Are you dating anyone?’….’I wasn’t asking for you, Dad. I was asking for me.’”
Emeline is so real in this book. I loved watching her grow and put herself out there. Seeing her struggles just made her real. Emeline is just so relatable with having a crush on her brother’s best friend.
Watching Levi work through his personal loss and watching how careful Emeline was not to over step just made me love these two.
I find it so funny that everyone knew Emeline had a crush on Levi when they were younger except him. I just loved how their relationship worked out because it was real authentic they were both at the same spot the whole time but they were both growing towards each other in their relationship!
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February 15, 2026Wilde Ride (Love is a cowboy #2) Kelly Elliot
I think Rhett Tucker stole the show or rather book. He was absolutely adorable six year old. Some of the things he would say, but kids are like that. This son and dad duo melted my heart!
Emeline Wilde (25) and Levi Tucker (32) were a long time coming from the childhood crush she had on him and him always feeling drawn to her. Seven years is a large gap of time and the feelings still hadn’t gone away for Em. I loved the rich history since they all grew up together and that Levi and Rhett had somewhere to land and loved ones to wrap them up after the loss and pain. Making this a slow burn that really didn’t feel slow with them establishing that friendship. Another great book in the series and love that I feel like we got to see some of what is coming for the next book.
Do I recommend, yes if you enjoy
Single Dad
Small Town
Cowboy with Tragic Past
Childhood Crush
Found Family
7 Years Age Difference
Veterinarian MMC
I think Rhett Tucker stole the show or rather book. He was absolutely adorable six year old. Some of the things he would say, but kids are like that. This son and dad duo melted my heart!
Emeline Wilde (25) and Levi Tucker (32) were a long time coming from the childhood crush she had on him and him always feeling drawn to her. Seven years is a large gap of time and the feelings still hadn’t gone away for Em. I loved the rich history since they all grew up together and that Levi and Rhett had somewhere to land and loved ones to wrap them up after the loss and pain. Making this a slow burn that really didn’t feel slow with them establishing that friendship. Another great book in the series and love that I feel like we got to see some of what is coming for the next book.
Do I recommend, yes if you enjoy
Single Dad
Small Town
Cowboy with Tragic Past
Childhood Crush
Found Family
7 Years Age Difference
Veterinarian MMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
- Childhood crush
- Small town
- age gap (25-32)
- Single Dad
I really enjoyed this one, and it was amazing getting to return to the Wilde family. Emeline and Levi’s history added so much depth to their story. Knowing she’d had a crush on him since she was fourteen made their relationship feel extra meaningful once they finally found their way to each other.
I loved Emeline as a character, especially her bond with Rhett. Watching her relationship with Levi’s son grow was one of the sweetest parts of the book. Levi was such a devoted father, and seeing him with Rhett added a lot of heart to the story.
It felt so good to revisit the Wildes, and this book reminded me why I love this family so much 🤍
(Em is my fav Wilde sibling 🥹🤍)
Thank you to the author and the team for the ARC. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this early, and this review reflects my honest opinion 🤍
- Childhood crush
- Small town
- age gap (25-32)
- Single Dad
I really enjoyed this one, and it was amazing getting to return to the Wilde family. Emeline and Levi’s history added so much depth to their story. Knowing she’d had a crush on him since she was fourteen made their relationship feel extra meaningful once they finally found their way to each other.
I loved Emeline as a character, especially her bond with Rhett. Watching her relationship with Levi’s son grow was one of the sweetest parts of the book. Levi was such a devoted father, and seeing him with Rhett added a lot of heart to the story.
It felt so good to revisit the Wildes, and this book reminded me why I love this family so much 🤍
(Em is my fav Wilde sibling 🥹🤍)
Thank you to the author and the team for the ARC. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this early, and this review reflects my honest opinion 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
🐴 ARC REVIEW 🐴
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliot
Releasing March 3rd
🧡 Single Dad
🧡 Brothers Bestfriend
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 High School Crush
🧡 Cowboy Romance
I’m speechless after reading this book. It was so amazing and I wasn’t ready for it to end! This was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster. Levi is dealing with grief and loss and being a single dad to his son Rhett. Both father and son have a huge support system to help them when they get home. Emeline is such a sweet soul. She is kind and patient and loves helping underprivileged children. She has loved Levi since she was 14 and when he returns home, she discovers all of those feelings never left. This was an incredible book about healing and family and friendships. I cannot wait for the next book in the Love is a Cowboy series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Wilde Ride by Kelly Elliot
Releasing March 3rd
🧡 Single Dad
🧡 Brothers Bestfriend
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 High School Crush
🧡 Cowboy Romance
I’m speechless after reading this book. It was so amazing and I wasn’t ready for it to end! This was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster. Levi is dealing with grief and loss and being a single dad to his son Rhett. Both father and son have a huge support system to help them when they get home. Emeline is such a sweet soul. She is kind and patient and loves helping underprivileged children. She has loved Levi since she was 14 and when he returns home, she discovers all of those feelings never left. This was an incredible book about healing and family and friendships. I cannot wait for the next book in the Love is a Cowboy series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author, Kelly Elliot. for an ARC of this. I absolutely adored this book!! I honestly loved everything about this book. I loved Emeline and Levi as a couple and Rhett was just the sweetest! This is a single dad, age gap, brother’s best friend, small town romance where she falls first and he falls harder. A lot of different tropes but they all work together. Emeline has always had a crush on Levi, but he just saw her as his friend…his best friend’s little sister. It’s been seven years and he’s back home looking for a fresh start with his son and in the process of divorcing his wife…never liked her!! The years apart made the yearning perfect. This book will give you all the feels and leave you wanted more. It was such a sweet ending, but I genuinely could have read more about Emeline and Levi. I can’t wait to read more from this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spending time with the Wildes has become my new happy place. You will absolutely fall in love with Emeline—she’s so much like her mother, Vivienne. It’s clear from the start that she loves deeply and has a huge heart. Levi has returned home after experiencing a significant loss and is embarking on a fresh start with his son, Rhett. You’re going to adore Rhett—Kelly writes children so beautifully, and you’ll want to give this little boy a big hug. Some of his one-liners are absolute gems, and I can’t wait to see more of him in future books. The friendship aspect of this story is so heartfelt, and you can truly feel the depth of those bonds. I’m completely smitten with this family and can’t wait to dive into all their stories—this series is going to be incredible!
February 15, 2026
Wilde Ride…what can I say, Kelly takes you on one in the second installment of her Love is a Cowboy series.
We meet the youngest Wilde sibling Emeline, and her oldest brothers best friend Levi.
Emeline may have had what she thought was an unrequited crush. However, when Levi moves back to town with his son, the crush does not seem so one sided.
Kelly explored the complexities of grief and tragedy with such kindness and grace. Levi has been through it and he is truly just trying to make the best life for his son and himself.
Emeline is the friend we all wish we had. She is kind, empathetic, and truly wants the best for those around her.
As Levi and Emeline explore feelings, both old and new, the most beautiful things happen. This Wilde Ride will have you enjoying every chapter.
We meet the youngest Wilde sibling Emeline, and her oldest brothers best friend Levi.
Emeline may have had what she thought was an unrequited crush. However, when Levi moves back to town with his son, the crush does not seem so one sided.
Kelly explored the complexities of grief and tragedy with such kindness and grace. Levi has been through it and he is truly just trying to make the best life for his son and himself.
Emeline is the friend we all wish we had. She is kind, empathetic, and truly wants the best for those around her.
As Levi and Emeline explore feelings, both old and new, the most beautiful things happen. This Wilde Ride will have you enjoying every chapter.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE ROMANTIC BOSNIAN BLOG REVIEW
*ARC review* MUST READ!
So I knew this new series was going to be good but this book, blew me straight to Colorado and on the very exact farm! This book will shatter you and yes I cried lots of tears during this and honestly, I was just s engrossed in the story that I forgot I was reading. A lot of things that took me by surprise too. Now I have a FULL REVIEW on my Blog -> CLICK HERE
Come hang out with me on my BOOKSTAGRAM
*ARC review* MUST READ!
So I knew this new series was going to be good but this book, blew me straight to Colorado and on the very exact farm! This book will shatter you and yes I cried lots of tears during this and honestly, I was just s engrossed in the story that I forgot I was reading. A lot of things that took me by surprise too. Now I have a FULL REVIEW on my Blog -> CLICK HERE
Come hang out with me on my BOOKSTAGRAM
Review of advance copy
Waited for this one, as we got a sneak peak from the last book Kelly had with the Wildes. This had me hooked the whole time and I was completely captivated. From the way she just took in Rhett and how she expressed her self. Levi, heartbreak following him and Rhett. But a new change of life came into play, leaving them in happiness. The end!!!! The ending! Literally melted my heart and brought nothing but happiness.
To say I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series would be an understatement!!!
To say I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series would be an understatement!!!
February 15, 2026
A very enjoyable read.
Finally the boy (who is now a man) has come back to town, with lots of ‘baggage’, he’s not looking for relationships, hookups - nothing but a safe and stable place to raise his son, and get away from his train wreck of an ex-wife. Too many bad memories, home and stability is what he needs.
He meets up with his buddy Caden - back on the ranch he spent so much of his life on, surprised to find all
The extended family still around, one in particular - Emeline - now grown up and stunning. Uh-oh…
Finally the boy (who is now a man) has come back to town, with lots of ‘baggage’, he’s not looking for relationships, hookups - nothing but a safe and stable place to raise his son, and get away from his train wreck of an ex-wife. Too many bad memories, home and stability is what he needs.
He meets up with his buddy Caden - back on the ranch he spent so much of his life on, surprised to find all
The extended family still around, one in particular - Emeline - now grown up and stunning. Uh-oh…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelly Elliott brings the best in single dad and brother's best friend romance to life with Levi and Emeline's story. Not only did she give her readers characters they find themselves falling in love with right along side them, she also gives us an adorable little boy, Rhett, who can steal the show and leave them with a smile on their faces. Add in the family dynamics of the Wilde clan and you have a series that will need to be read and re-read again and again. Cannot wait for more in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by Kelly Elliott.
I devoured it in one day!!
Emeline is so sweet and always reaches for her dreams. She uses the ranch to better the lives of the people in her town.
Levi had dreams for his life until one decision led to many years of heartache with happiness sprinkled in. He protects the people who are important to him.
I loved the small town setting. The town connection between families is so heartwarming.
This does have a couple of heavy topics that are handled with care and compassion, but check TWs.
I devoured it in one day!!
Emeline is so sweet and always reaches for her dreams. She uses the ranch to better the lives of the people in her town.
Levi had dreams for his life until one decision led to many years of heartache with happiness sprinkled in. He protects the people who are important to him.
I loved the small town setting. The town connection between families is so heartwarming.
This does have a couple of heavy topics that are handled with care and compassion, but check TWs.
Review of advance copy
The first of the Wilde Kids gets her HEA and its so much fun to read it. It has some sad moments in it, particularly the reason Levi came back to River Falls. But reading their story was incredible. This single dad, friend’s best sister love story covers everything that’s typical for a small town romance. I love how the story continues with the kids. I absolutely adore that the series started with the parents.
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February 14, 2026Review coming soon.
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