Wild & Free

Emerald Falls Novels #2

by C.N. Rudy

Cassie
I will never give my heart or my trust to a man again.
It's a vow I made after my heart was shattered, and I've stuck to it for ten years. I keep my attachments light, and I never let myself fall.
And then Wylder Gallo moves into my spare room, invading my space and my mind. And as the tension grows, I decide to be reckless.
I proposition him to be my friend... with benefits.
Oh, and did I mention he's my best friend's brother?

Wylder
When I find my world crumbling around me, I'm sent back to my hometown of Emerald Falls. I've allowed those white pills to control my life for too long, and it's time to face the consequences. I'm told to fix the image, and keep a low profile.
I've let down my family, my band mates, and my fans. And now I'm stuck with a roommate who doesn't want me there.
Cassie Azevedo is a fiery woman and emotionally unavailable. But from the moment I meet her, she has me mesmerized.
When she helps me through one of my lowest moments, it bonds us. And when she suggests a situation that will benefit both of us, who am I to refuse?
But when my worlds collide, I'm forced to make a decision.
Music and fame, or her?

* This is book two of an interconnected standalone series. Please check trigger warnings at the start of the book before reading. Subject matter covered in this series includes serious topics and is considered 18+. *

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

C.N. Rudy is originally from Calgary, Alberta, and now resides in Edmonton with her husband and their cats. She has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember, and is thrilled to finally be living her dream.
Growing up, she struggled with her mental health, which carried into adulthood. After a journey of self growth through therapy, she is finally ready to share her stories. Her ultimate goal in life is to raise awareness and start the conversation surrounding mental illness. She's extremely passionate about writing romance novels that also include themes of mental health & trauma, and she hopes that through these stories, she can make someone in this world feel seen.

Reviews

[Caitlin H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild and Free: Book 2 in the Emerald Falls Series
4.5 stars

We met Cassie in book one as Lyla’s roommate turned best friend. She’s fierce, beautiful, and loyal. But because of her past, she refuses to let a man anywhere near her heart and always keeps things casual.

Enter Wylder, who we only hear briefly mentioned in book one. Another girl in their friend group has an older brother. He is a rockstar struggling with addiction, home after rehab to heal before going back on tour. It just so happens that after Lyla moved out, Cassie has a spare bedroom for Wylder to stay in.

I loved getting to know Cassie and Wylder on a deep level, and how their relationship as roommates grew and changed throughout the book. Emerald Falls was such a perfect atmosphere for them to heal. They broke down each others walls and became the best versions of themselves surrounded by the people of this sweet mountain town and the friends and family that made it home. While parts of the book felt heavy, a lot of it was also hopeful, lighthearted, and had you believing in romantic happy endings.

The mental health representation is one of my favorite parts of the books in this series, and you can tell that it all comes straight from the heart. A lot of these topics are hard to talk or write about, but CN Rudy does it so beautifully. Make sure you read the trigger warnings!

Getting little moments of past main characters Lyla and Parker was so sweet, and I loved how it tied into Cassie and Wylders story so well. The way that the side characters stories are built up makes me excited to see who the next book will be about. My fingers are crossed that a certain friend finally gets another shot at love!

Thank you to CN Rudy and Luna Literary Management for an eARC!

[Jenessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

🏔️Wild and Free 🏔️
Book #2 Emerald Falls Series

Wylder is a rockstar spiraling down the wrong path, lost in addiction.
Cassie is a strong willed woman who’s spent her whole life protecting her heart.

When they become roommates, they don’t just learn to rely on each other, they find someone they can finally trust their heart with. 💚✨

This book… wow. You can feel how much heart the author poured into it. I thoroughly loved how their struggles were portrayed with so much honesty and humanity. Cassie and Wylder’s relationship was so wholesome I could NOT stop reading. And their chemistry? I mean… yessss 🥵🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved seeing familiar faces from Emerald Falls, plus a few future characters (or at least I hope so because I’m fully invested 🤞🏻😍).

This story took me through so many emotions as we followed their journey to healing, recovery, and trust.

I don’t think my review does it justice, but this series is one I’ll recommend because the characters are just so raw and real. 🫶✨

Thank you again to the author for the chance to read and review this book early, it was truly a privilege.

[Morgan | bookish_morgano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so these characters had me in the feels. Wylder is such a softie and made me wanna give him a hug so many times. The dedication to his feelings for her made me love falling in love all over again.

Cassie is our little trauma girlie who’s scared to fall again and her growth in this just made me so proud of her. Being vulnerable and taking that leap.

There are definitely some triggering topics in this book so please check before jumping in.

I read this without reading book 1 and didn’t have any issues following along.

Add to TBR if you like:

Best Friend's Brother
Forced Proximity
Friends with Benefits to love
Rockstar MMC
Curvy & Sassy FMC
Addiction Rep


No OW/OM drama. No cheating. Consent King.

TW topics below: (spoiler warning)













Abortion, addiction - pills, withdrawal, anxiety around family support and panic surrounding paparazzi

[Spinster Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read that had a lot of big feels, tough topics, and a sweet romance. It is thoughtfully written and has characters who are fun to read & get under your skin in a good way, an "I want to know more about them" way. I really enjoyed it.

Wylder is a famous musician.

Cassie is working multiple jobs with dreams of opening a catering business.

They meet when his sister (and her best friend) asks her to let him room with her when he has to return to their hometown because of some unfortunate press. She reluctantly agrees. It is not a meet cute. She has very set ideas about him. He is struggling and feels like a failure. It is not good. He shares with her. She listens. She starts to see him. They grow closer. They both don't let setbacks destroy him. He moves forward. They grow even *closer*.

Wylder is living with addiction and is starting recovery. Like in real life, it is not a quick process and there is no magic fix. I really liked seeing his truth and the window into his thoughts & feelings. He feels so deeply and doesn't always know what to do with those feelings and the overwhelm is real. And dangerous.

Cassie is a woman who is dealing with some past relationship pain and has closed off her heart. I enjoyed seeing her learn how to open back up and let love in.

I really appreciated how addiction and recovery were portrayed & discussed because so often people like to make it pretty & easy for people to digest because people don't like to be uncomfortable. And real recovery is uncomfortable. And messy. And not perfect. And that is okay.

I definitely recommend reading. Definitely check the content warnings as heavy topics are covered. I would note that there is some conversation around pregnancy termination that may be difficult and may give judgey vibes.

I received this book as an ARC and am so grateful for the opportunity. This had zero impact on my review.

[Kylie Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH. I love this story even though I'm a dark romance girlie.

Contemporary is not usually my jam but I couldn't resist another C.N Rudy title. I feel explicably connected to Cassie and her story through accepting love again. I too have found my own way through falling in love again, and I know what it's like to be scared and do it anyway. I also relate to Wylder, having shook my own addiction 14 years ago, I know what that shadow feels like to carry, I also know what it's like to find home in a person, and this book just brought all of this full circle for me in so many ways. Bravo! I'd pick up another C.N Rudy book anytime but you can still miss me with most contemporary so that says a lot.

[Cazlovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wylder is a rockstar whose stage anxiety leads to an opioid addiction. Sent back to his hometown to get clean, he struggles through sobriety while facing his past. There, he runs into Cassie, his sister’s best friend and the last person he expects to help him. Hurt by her ex, Cassie is only looking for a one-night distraction—but as Wylder’s recovery continues, things quickly become more complicated.

Although this book tackles some heavy topics, it’s also surprisingly light-hearted and beautiful. Watching Cassie and Wylder’s friendship slowly grow into something deeper was incredibly heart-warming—especially as they both tried to deny their feelings for so long. I closed the book hoping this isn’t the end, because I’d absolutely love a third book focused on Emma and Theo.

[hellothriftypages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild and Free
Book 2 in The Emerald Falls Series
Rating: 5✨
Spice: 3🌶️

Author C.N. Rudy has quickly become one of my favorite indie authors. Wild and Free delivered the perfect smalltown read and completely captured my heart. With ride or die friendships, heartfelt depth between two beautiful souls, heated spice, and a powerful journey of self-worth and discovery, this book was a true page turner I could not put down!

Cassie and Wylder come from very different worlds, yet their connection is undeniable. Wylder, a rock star struggling with addiction, finds himself rooming with his sister’s best friend. Cassie is sweet and strong, but fiercely guarded with her heart and she unexpectedly becomes Wylder’s light and anchor during his darkest moments.

What I love most about C.N. Rudy’s books is the heart and soul she pours into her writing. This story isn’t all sugar and spice. She doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, and you truly feel the emotions and struggles these characters face. The themes of addiction and heartbreak are handled with care while still remaining raw, real, and unfiltered.

This series absolutely has my heart and I cannot recommend this book enough. Do yourself a favor and make Emerald Falls your new favorite smalltown series!

Tropes
•small town romance
•addiction rep
•rockstar/bookseller
•best friends brother
•forced proximity
•found family

[Stacey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, heartfelt read! Even though Cassie was set on not liking Wylder, the kindness she showed him while he worked through his addiction was so well done. This story is really about trust, trusting others and learning to trust yourself. Emotional, sweet, and completely unputdownable.

[s.elle.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very intense read

This is a romance, but is filled with trauma, addiction, and healing. The themes are very mature and intense, and are definitely the main plot for most of the book, over and above the romance.

[Shealeigh Brandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy, heartfelt, spicy small mountain town romance set in my home province of Alberta. I really loved the mental health representation, and can’t wait for more in this series!

[Becca B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you will find inside this book:
* Best Friend's Brother
* Forced Proximity
* Friends with Benefits
* Rockstar MMC
* Curvy & Sassy FMC
* Addiction Rep

Rating: 4.5 stars

🌸 Characters: Wylder and Cassie are both broken and imperfect people who are dealing with their own traumas. Wylder is our Rockstar MMC — dealing with addiction and anxiety. He ends up getting himself in to some trouble and moves back to Emerald Falls to recover. He is protective, funny, and both similar, yet different from our FMC. Cassie is our strong-willed bad B FMC who had her own past heartbreak and has now built the walls around her heart as a means for protection. She is fiery, strong, independent and has such a caring heart. So when Wylder becomes her new roommate, she doesn’t expect him to break those walls down.

🎸 Brief Summary: Wyler struggles with addiction throughout his rockstar career and when it becomes too much and he lets down his bandmates, fans and family, he returns home to Emerald Falls for a lifestyle change. He is told to fix his image and keep a low profile. When he meets Cassie - a fiery woman who has kept her heart protected for the last decade - something changes. He becomes her roommate and invades her space (as she puts it). She proposes to be FWBs — and soon, he consumes her heart. Cassie must heal those parts of her she locked away and Wylder must make a choice. Music and fame — or her?

🌸 Thoughts: this is my first C.N. Rudy book. I didn’t read the first Emerald Falls book, but that was okay because this could be read as a standalone. She really delivered with this one.
Welder and Cassie’s love is messy and they both make mistakes along the way but it was what was needed for their growth both separately as people and together in their relationship. It was clear there was some intense sexual tension between them from the beginning and C.N. Knocked it out do the park for me with the fiery burning passion.
I really enjoyed how C.N. wrote her characters full of depth and the real life struggles of depression, anxiety and addictions. It isn’t an easy subject to convey through emotions in text without the possibility of coming across as flat or lacking in the emotional empathy, but I felt the she respectfully handled the immense pain and frustration that comes with anyone experiencing a mental heath crisis or addictions.

[Emilie [Vitals and Villains] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Luna Literary and the author for providing me with an early copy of this book. All thoughts in this review are my own. I loved returning to Emerald Falls after enjoying the first book in the series so much and this book was a great follow up!

I'll start by saying how much I enjoyed the depiction of addiction. I work as a nurse and see the rougher parts of addiction daily. This story did a beautiful job of humanizing addiction and showing the reasons people struggle with the disease. The highlight for me though was the happiness and love shown to Wylder throughout his recovery and seeing someones light come back to them. That aspect of addiction is often the part that I don't get to see.

Cassie and Wylder's love story made me swoon and kick my feet in the air. Seeing them build a friendship and then fall together was beautiful. Wylder was so thoughtful, IRL husband's should take notes on these acts of service!

The platonic friendships in this series are also a highlight! Of course I love the girl gang and their hang outs but I think the male relationships really shine. I wish that men opening up to each other, giving hugs, and talking about therapy didn't delight me so much 🤷‍♀️ I'm just a girl who loves non-toxic masculinity.

The only negative in this book for me was how quickly the "dislike" between the two main characters was resolved. It started off seeming like there was going to be a lot of tension in the forced proximity but almost immediately and seemingly out of nowhere they were friends and having heart to hearts. I felt like either the dislike shouldn't have been there at all or it could have been explored further.

I'm looking forward to the next books in the series and returning to Emerald Falls! I'm invested in these characters and they are written in a way that makes them feel like I know them. If you like small-town, Canadian romances, this series is definitely worth picking up

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️✨️ARC Review✨️✨️

Wild & Free is book two in C.N. Rudy’s Emerald Falls Novels series and it is clear from the first chapters that a lot of thought and care went into shaping this story. Rudy does not shy away from the realities of addiction, showing both the hard, uncomfortable raw moments and the quieter more hopeful ones. That honesty gives Wylder’s journey real weight and makes his struggle feel grounded rather than romanticised or just slotted in for plot.

Cassie and Wylder’s relationship is charged from the start, I did feel the transition from distaste to hot and heavy, on Cassie's part, happened very quickly. While the chemistry is undeniable, I would have loved a little more space for that tension to simmer before it boiled over. That said, once they do connect, their emotional push and pull works well with the friends-with-benefits set-up and the looming complications of fame, family and past wounds they are both still healing from.

One of the standout strengths of this book is the relationships beyond the main romance. The friendships feel lived-in and genuine and I especially loved the dynamics between the male characters. Men who are not afraid to show care, love, and physical affection will always win me over and Wild & Free delivers that beautifully, in a way that feels genuine in a quiet comforting way. It isn't over the top, just real friendships between people with a history and clear love for each other through good times and bad.

Overall, this was an emotionally charged read with strong themes of recovery, vulnerability and learning to trust connection again after being burned. Readers who enjoy angsty romance, found family dynamics, and flawed but loveable characters will find a lot to love in this instalment of the Emerald Falls series.

I really enjoyed the set up for the next book and can't wait to see what happens.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie & Wylder
OMG! Y'all this book was so beautiful and absolutely amazing all the way around. I absolutely love the raw and complex characters and how you get to see a side to addiction know one every really sees & to see it done with such care and the respect it deserves was so beautiful to see. I absolutely love Cassie and her strength and the way she carries herself in true take no crap attitude and seeing her growth and her willingness to be vulnerable and honest with her self and with Wylder. Also I really appreciate the way she steps up for him and became a safe space for him. Wylder my dude! Ugh I just love him so much and felt like my heart was bleeding for him and everything he dealt with, but watch him grow and be vulnerable and honest with himself and the way he was dealing with everything was so refreshing, he really redeemed himself in the best way & I love how patient he was with Cassie and slowly worked to bring down her walls.

5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all this dives deep into the world of addiction and what can drive someone to the point. It's real and raw and complex and everything in between. It shows that no matter what happens in life you can ALWAYS fight your way back and change course just like the seasons change so can you! 
Now give me book three 😂😂

[Lexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story explores some heavy themes, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before starting.

Wylder is a musician who hits a low point and is forced to return home to regroup. With limited options, he ends up staying with the female main character, setting the stage for a slow, emotionally driven story about healing, trust, and support.

What stood out most to me was the strength of the relationships in this book. The female main character is grounded, practical, and deeply compassionate. She offers stability without trying to fix everything, allowing Wylder the space to open up at his own pace. Their connection develops naturally, built on safety, patience, and genuine care rather than instant attraction.

The side characters add a lot of warmth and depth, especially the presence of a strong support system that reinforces the theme of recovery and growth. The author handles sensitive topics thoughtfully, and I appreciated how realistically emotional struggles were portrayed.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, character-driven romance about showing up for one another, personal growth, and finding your footing again when life knocks you down.

*Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC this book. All opinions are my own.

[Alana Lewis-Haynes (Smut Lover Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to C.N. Rudy for providing me with an ARC for an honest review

C.N. did something that is hard to do. She gave us a second book that really punches you in the gut and wows you with how much she has grown as an author. Second books in a series are so hard to get right but Wild & Free really blew me away!

Wylder and Cassie are both broken and imperfect people who are dealing with their own traumas. Their love is messy and they both make mistakes along the way but it was what was needed for their story. The growth and friendship that they experienced together is what brought so much chemistry to their relationship. The sexual tension between them was fiery and intense! This book was spicer which needed to happen. These two characters were both confident and commanding with each other which of course meant they would be that way in the bedroom!

C.N. Rudy knows how to write a book that has characters full of depth and the real life struggles of depression, anxiety and addictions. It's hard to read this story and not have tears in your eyes from what these characters have dealt with. I am obsessed with Wylder and Cassie. They have my whole heart and I adore their love story. You can't help but root for their happy ending!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't good words to describe my utter love of this story but I'm going to do my best here...

Wild & Free is a romance novel about healing yourself and becoming strong enough and vulnerable enough for your partner. Both MCs have their own demons to work through and move past. They are complex humans with different backgrounds who find safety and peace within the heart of the other.

The writing is so well done! You will have a hard time putting down this book. There is so much depth and emotion in this story. You will find yourself wanting to know what happens next constantly. It is a pretty quick paced story with lots going on in every chapter.

There are heavy themes in Wild & Free that are directly addressed on page. I would very much recommend checking your triggers. Some of the triggers in the book: substance use disorder, violence, paparazzi following characters, depictions of anxiety/depression, abortion, and more.

Wild & Free is the second book in the Emerald Falls series. It is not necessary to read the first book (Broken & Torn) prior to reading this one, but you should definitely read both in my opinion!

[Amber Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story this was. If you are looking for a story full of heart then Wild & Free is the story for you. I did not want to put this down once I started reading.
Wild & Free introduces us to, Wylder; a rockstar dealing with the fallout of his addiction. In an attempt to fix his career and deal with his addiction away from the public eye, he returns to his hometown of Emerald Falls. Enter our FMC Cassie; best friends with Wylder’s sister who agrees to let Wylder stay with her. What starts off as a rocky roommate situation soon blooms into friendship. Cassie becomes the light that Wylder needs to battle his addiction. Cassie has her own demons and together they learn to trust each other and heal together. I adored the characters in this series. There is lots of spicy scenes in the story and I think it beautifully showcased how the relationship between Wylder and Cassie transformed from a “friends with benefits” situation to something much more.
The story was well-paced. The romance felt organic and never forced. Subjects such as mental health and addiction were written so honestly and I felt every emotion that the characters were feeling.

[Kayla Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this romance. Our MC is a recovering addict, and our FMC has a fortress around her heart but their reluctant friendship slowly melts into something hot, intense, and so easy to root for. The banter, the chemistry, and the MC's mouth is filthy in the best way and our FMC absolutely leans into it.
But what really stood out to me is that this book isn't just spice. It handles difficult topics with care and gives a raw, realistic look at addiction and recovery. The side characters are lovable in that way where you want every single one of them to get their own story.
I'm fully prepared to spend the next few months begging C.N.
Rudy to let me ARC the next book in this series.
And I might be a little extra grateful because I won a goodies bundle before I even got the ARC! Thank you to C.N. Rudy for the gorgeous art and extras, and to @lunarliteraryagency for the ARC!
As someone from southern Alberta who grew up loving the Rockies, I loved that this story is set right here at home. It made the whole world feel that much more real and special.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler-free review

4.5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

Oh, this book is as beautiful and heartbreaking as the first one. It’s going to break you and put you back together at the same time🩷

I loved how the author actually showed on the page how Wylder dealt with his addiction. He didn't just magically get clean. I loved seeing him fighting for himself and Cassie being there for him. I think I loved this the most: the way they supported and never gave up on each other.

And I feel I just have to mention that this book is much spicier than the first one... that was hot🔥🥵

I know I already said this in my previous review, but the author has a real talent! She manages to pack so much into her books while them being under 300 pages👏

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
• Small town
• Addiction & trauma rep
• Rockstar MMC
• Found family
• Best friend's brother
• Friends with benefits
• Dual POV
• Forced proximity

Thank you lunaliterary.management and C.N. Rudy for my first ever ARC!

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first messge to CN Rudy, "OMG I'm halfway through and it's just so real, raw, emotional and full of anguish but also beauty and light 😭." I finished this book in a single day, I could not put it down! It had me in tears and beartbreak but also tears of love and happiness! If you haven't read anything by CN Rudy, let me tell you, she writes about real life, mental health challenges from depression and anxiety, bipolar and addiction.

10 years ago Cassie's heart was shattered, the trauma she went through on her own made her promise herself to never trust a man again with her heart.

Wylder, a famous musician, had his world crumbling down due to fame, the pressures and drug addiction. He experiences true rock bottom.

Together they learn to trust and heal the broken parts of themselves. This book is 6 stars for me!! So freaking amazng!!!

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this one brings alllll the feels. Oh my heart. I love Wylder & Cassie so much. Wylder’s struggles are so raw, and I just wanted to give him the biggest hug. Cassie might not have been his biggest fan when he first showed up, but she shows up for Wylder over and over again. There’s a vulnerability that exists between these two, and they see each other in ways no one else does. I loved watching them become each other’s safe space. I loved Cassie’s sass and Wylder’s determination. I loved getting to see the rest of the found family we’ve come to love in Emerald Falls. This one has banter, sweet, swoony moments, spice (I mean the mouth on this man?!)...it’s all just so good. I adored watching two people who deserve the world get their happily ever after. All the love for Wylder & Cassie!

[ARC review]

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I like my romances a bit gritty, packed full of emotions and hardships, where the characters work through hardships and come out stronger, together. This one fit the bill. After time in rehab, Wylder, a struggling musician, goes back to his hometown to stay with his sister and her best friend.. Cassie, also struggling to overcome some hurt from past relationships, tries to distance herself from her new roommate but their chemistry is too strong. They form a strong bond that goes from friends with benefits to more. Their romance was a true partnership, built on trust over time with spicy, passionate moments. Their character arcs were honest and imperfect, deep and complex, and I adored how they were there to help each other through their toughest times. 4.25 stars
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.

[Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always CN Rudy wrote a beautiful book. Her writing with such heavy topics is done well. I can’t put into words how much I love this book and her writing!
Both Cassie and Wylder both have their demons to work through. Wylder is a recovering addict,he moves in with Cassie after he has done rehab. CN Rudy writes about his addiction so well that you feel like you are apart of the story. Cassie fights for him and helps him through his addiction all while dealing with her own trauma.
The spice is much more spicer than her first book but again written perfectly!
I definitely cried a lot while reading this one but honestly I cried during both books CN Rudy has wrote!
I can’t wait to see who in Emerald Falls is the focus of her next book Peace & Quiet.

[Tiffani Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴.

𝘞𝘺𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘔𝘊 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳, 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘔𝘊 𝘸𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful and powerful read by C.N Rudy! Wylder and Cassie’s story is one that is real, raw, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. The pair both have struggles of their own that they’re going through and to watch their walls come down one by one and let each other in was absolutely beautiful. They have amazing chemistry and let me tell you they bring the heat. Their story is full of heart, heavy themes, and it’s one of my favorite reads. It was so good to be back in Emerald Falls and I can’t wait to see what C.N Rudy has planned next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Cierra and Luna for allowing me to ARC read this incredible masterpiece!

[Jami Meckfessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories don’t just tug at your heart — they heal it.

Wild & Free is about hitting rock bottom, feeling completely lost, and then slowly finding your way back… not just to yourself, but to a love that feels like home.

This book beautifully captures the magic of finding someone who sees you, supports you, and loves you when you’re still learning how to stand again. The emotional depth, the vulnerability, and the connection had me hooked from start to finish.

Raw! Hopeful! Comforting!

An absolute 5 ⭐️ read that reminds you love can find you even when you feel broken — and sometimes, home is a person.

[Leah Richmond~ Chapterbooks_andcoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I have been waiting for Wylder and Cassie's story since book one.

Wylder is our Rockstar MMC. He deals with addiction and anxiety, so when he gets himself into some trouble he moves back home to Emerald Falls. His roommate?

Cassie, our strong willed FMC. Cassie had her share of heartbreak in the past so she has a fortress built around her heart. She definitely doesn't expect anyone to infiltrate it...especially not her new roomate.

I literally love these two. I love the friendship built, the trust in one another, the fierce protection for eachother, and their chemistry. The give and take. The tension. It's all done so well. This is such a great small town romance.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wylder and Cassie have a complex story one fill with drama and trauma. It is filled with highs and lows, and mistakes. It is who they are together that allows them to heal. The demons they battle, the friendship and eventually trust leads to “with benefits”, then more.

I had a hard time putting this book down, Wylder is a recovering addict, with a very filthy mouth! Cassie has walls around her high and deep, it was going to take a special person to make them crack. I love the way they banter and the chemistry is perfect.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Alexandrea Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!! That's all I can think of writing this review: I need more! I need a bonus scene or an epilogue for Wylder and Cassie’s story! I fell in love with them, and I am not ready for their story to end!

I don't think you can read this book without falling in love with Wylder and Cassie. They are both broken in different ways. They both have a lot of healing to do, emotionally for Cassie and both physically and emotionally for Wylder. This story beautifully brings them together and has them heal each other. This story handles some really tough topics beautifully! I want to forget I read it so I can read it for the first time again!