Wilde Flame

Love is a Cowboy #3

by Kelly Elliott

From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.

Blurb coming soon.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Cowboy Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Westerns, Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Contemporary Romance

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

Kelly 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

Reviews

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series & was so excited for this one! Caden & Lilibeth’s story absolutely stole my heart. I love a grumpy cowboy & Caden came with all the closed off wounded vibes. Watching him open up and find a soft spot for Lilibeth just gave me all the feels!

Lilibeth is just the sunshine energy and a character you couldn’t help fall in love with! This best friend’s sister romance came with all the banter, tension, and absolute heat between these two!!

Nothing melts my heart more than a man learning to love again & open himself up to the girl who he is down bad for. This book was just perfection. The emotional and intense connection these two had, and the beautiful story they created absolutely made this one of my faves so far! Plus the lovable side characters and family in this book. Just makes for such a fun ride!

Thank you Kelly Elliott and team for this early arc!! I cannot wait for more from this series!

[nicklein · Rating 3 out of 5]

this didn’t hit like i wanted

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I love me a grumpy, cowboy romance and this one was so good! Caden Wilde was giving Cade Eaton vibes and I was here for it! He was grumpy, bitter, and hurt after a painful breakup with his long term ex. Lilibeth is this happy ray of sunshine who is also his sister’s best friend. Shes just an FMC that you just immediately fall in love with.

Their banter, chemistry, and tension was so good. The accidental pregnancy just added that extra emotional layer. I loved them together. He was so perfect! And that date scene had my heart melting😭

This was my first book by Kelly Elliott and I’ll def be reading the other books in this series! I loved all the characters and the found family!

Cowboy romance
Small town
Grumpy sunshine
Sisters best friend
Accidental pregnancy

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me all the grumpy cowboy romance books! Caden is broken from a previous heartbreak and the last thing he expected was to fall for the bubbly new girl in town, Lilibeth.
Lilibeth and Caden are complete opposites. They got off on the wrong foot which leads to some amazing banter! Caden isn’t looking for anything serious in a relationship and Lili is ready to meet her forever person. The tension between these two comes to a head after being snowed in Caden’s house. They agree on one night, no strings. It sounded like the perfect plan until their night together ends up with an even bigger surprise- a baby.
Lili and Caden’s story was so emotional and beautiful. Lili was so patient with Caden and helped him heal after a breakup that left him jaded in relationships. She didn’t pressure him for anything and loved him for where he was at. I absolutely loved them and I can’t wait to read more of this series!

Releasing 5/26!
Thank you Team Kelly Elliott for the arc!

Read if you love:
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨one night
✨guarded heart
✨surprise pregnancy
✨small town

[Rebecca's Spicy Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC review

I have been SO excited for this grumpy cowboy since we met him in Wilde Ride and Caden and Litibeth's story did not disappoint. Their chemistry, tension, and nonstop banter made their romance both emotional and intense.

Caden is the classic wounded MMC. He's struggling with trust after a long, painful relationship that ended badly. I really enjoyed his character growth...especially those nudges from his amazing family. Lilibeth balanced him perfectly with her optimism and warmth. She’s honestly a FMC that is impossible not to love.

The surprise pregnancy storyline added an extra emotional layer, one that I think Caden really needed in order to break through his own walls.

This series continues to be incredibly sweet with tons of slow burning tension, and full of lovable characters that feel like family. I can't wait to see where River Falls takes us next!

Tropes:
Small town
Cowboy romance
Grump/Sunshine
Accidental Pregnancy
Forced Proximity
Frenemies to lovers
Spice 2/5

*big thank you to Kelly and her team for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Persephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read! 4.5⭐️

Omg, Caden and Lilibeth 🥹 I was SOOO excited for their story when I finished the last book. And I knew I was right when saying this is my favorite in the series. Most people don’t like a surprise pregnancy trope, but I will eat it up EVERY SINGLE TIME! And what’s better than a surprise pregnancy? When the FMC still has her V card 😌 and idk what it is, but anytime I read about the FMC’s pregnancy’s and how the men fall to their knees and cater to them always makes me cry 😭

The banter between Caden and Lilibeth was true frenemies banter and I absolutely loved it! Their tension had me droolingggg. This book was definitely way more spicy than the other ones and I ate it UP.

I loved both MC’s. Caden is a broken hero, my poor sweet man, heartbroken from his ex of 16 yrs that broke up with him because she was pretty much using him. He had some series trust issues, and I loved the growth of his character 🥹

Lilibeth is honestly the sweetest FMC ever. This girl has so much feelings and will speak her mind. There’s no way you can hate her, but she’s just so bubbly and so optimistic about everything. I really really loved her.

Together they made the perfect match! She brought Caden out of his shell and had him realize what real love is. I’m so happy that they both got what they wanted 🥹

Some of the conversations were a bit repetitive, BUT I understand why, because when you have multiple people asking you the same thing, you literally have to keep repeating it lol

I absolutely loved this book, and I am loving this whole series. It is seriously the cutest and sweetest series. It’s the type of series that makes you love each character and feel like your part of their family. And there’s nothing more wholesome than that ❤️

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love isn’t comfortable. It’s messy and beautiful. It’s complicated and easy at the same time. Love takes work, no matter how long you’ve been with someone.”

I have been waiting for the next story in the Wilde Boys series for so long, and this one did not disappoint! I absolutely loved this grumpy/sunshine romance between Caden and Lilibeth. Give me a small-town surprise pregnancy trope with a HEA any day! Add in no third-act breakup, and I’m completely sold.
Caden’s heart is shattered after Rachel — and don’t even get me started on her. I don’t think I’ve disliked a character more! Because of everything he’s been through, Caden is guarded, closed off, and as grumpy as they come… until Lilibeth enters his life. She’s sweet, innocent, and drawn to him from the very beginning, making their connection impossible not to root for.

These cowboys have completely stolen my heart, and I’ve loved following each of their stories. Wilde Flame pulled me in from the very first page and kept me hooked the entire time.

If you love surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine romances, and small-town cowboy vibes, make sure this book is on your list!

Wilde Flame was released on May 26 and is available for purchase and on KU.

Thank you to Kelly Elliott for the ARC and for continuing my love for the Wilde Boys!

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame
By Kelly Elliott

I needed to avoid Lilibeth as much as I could. She was quickly becoming a weakness, and I would never be weak for a woman again. Ever.

“When I’m around her, I feel something completely different and new. It’s nothing like what I felt for Rachel. And it…it makes me feel like I could lose control.”

“The Wilde men do not know how to do small.”

I have fallen in love with Lilibeth and Caden! Lilibeth is the perfect match for our broken MMC Caden. She’s so easy going, happy and in the moment. Caden had his heart broken and was so afraid to give it away again. Only to learn that the love he has with Lilibeth is the one he has been dreaming of. Their story is just so freaking sweet and I love it!

Tropes:
Cowboy Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Surprise Pregnancy
Small Town
Grumpy x Sunshine
Ranch Life

Spice starts at: 23%

Spice: 2/4
Stars: 5/5

Available on Kindle Unlimited

[hellothriftypages · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨
Wilde Flame
Book 3 in Love is a Cowboy Series
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️

“You make something in me feel again, and that scares me, because I’m not sure I’m brave enough to ever give Anyone my heart again.”

“I can’t promise that life will always be easy or perfect, but I can promise that I’ll never leave you because when I look into your eyes, all i see is forever.”

Where do I even begin?! First off, STOP! If you haven’t read Wilde Ride, you need to start there. We first meet Lilibeth and Caden in book one and trust me—you’ll want to see how their story began!

Okayyyy now back to Wilde Flame. I could not put this book down. It was a one day read for me! Filled with so much tension and energy, the lethal looks Lilibeth and Caden gave each other were nothing compared to the burning desire between them. Ahhh and I was here for it all!

I wanted revenge for Caden because of the pain and heartbreak he went through. I felt the conflict he endured trying to guard his heart while also falling so deeply for Lilibeth. And ugh… the way he went from grumpy and guarded to an absolute sweetheart had me melting. I adored Lilibeth and her bright, shining personality. She’s compassionate, honest with her feelings, and never afraid to speak her truth. These two really navigated their emotions and situationship in such a mature and heartfelt way!

I am absolutely falling in love with the entire Wilde family. Seriously, a new favorite family of mine! They love fiercely, protect deeply, and somehow make you feel like part of them while reading.

If you’re ready to laugh, cry, swoon, and feel every emotion in between, definitely pick up Wilde Flame for your next smalltown romance read!

Tropes
•dislike to lovers
•surprise pregnancy
•forced proximity
•healing journey
•grumpy/sunshine

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kelly and her team for the ARC!!

Tropes:
💖Surprise pregnancy
💖Grumpy/sunshine
💖Guarded heart
💖Small town
💖Cowboy
💖Forced Proximity

Caden was a grumpy cowboy that had his heart broken by his first love. He was so hurt he closed his heart off to ever finding love again. I loved how the grumpy Caden slowly started to peel away and beneath the exterior, a softer, sweet Caden came to be. I loved how his walls slowly started to come down for Lilibeth. Lilibeth was such a sweet, lovable FMC but she also has some sass to her!

Once Caden realized he was in love with Lili, he was the sweetest golden retriever to her and I couldn’t get enough of them!! I loved their story so much and cannot wait for the next book which is Ensley’s story!

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Elliott does it again! Wilde Flame is book three in the Love is a Cowboy series, and it delivers the perfect mix of small-town charm, fiery tension, and deep emotional healing.

Caden and Lilibeth have absolute top-tier enemies-to-lovers banter. I loved watching Lilibeth’s bright sunshine totally melt Caden’s broody, protective cowboy exterior. The forced proximity during the snowstorm was packed with chemistry, and when that curveball in the shape of a surprise pregnancy hit, the stakes got so beautifully high.

If you love reading about a grumpy cowboy who falls hard and a resilient heroine who holds her own, you definitely need to pick this one up. It's a gorgeous addition to the Wilde family saga! Highly recommend reading the whole series because you won’t be disappointed.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Elliot does surprise pregnancy right. Caden and Lilibeth start out sniping at each other and somehow end up being the swooniest couple — and honestly, I was here for every second of it.
Caden has been burned before and is not exactly lining up to hand his heart over again, but once he does? Total golden retriever energy, green flags all the way. And Lily is the kind of heroine I love — she knows where he stands, gives him space to process, and never once uses the pregnancy to pressure him. Refreshing doesn’t even cover it.
The family dynamics are peak Kelly Elliot, and this crew did not disappoint. Already counting down to the next sibling’s book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame

Awesome story, about one of the Wilde son’s who was forever hurt by his longtime girlfriend. Determined that he would never let anyone hurt him again, he would never allow himself to get feelings involved, until Lilibeth moved into town starting her business. The intense feelings, trust and respect for each other are just a beginning for these two. The true love of these two, and then their bond with each other, and openness with each other, their bond, and support of family. This is a truly special story.

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame is hands down my favourite in the series! I started it and couldn’t put it down. The storyline is everything I love about a small town cattle ranching family and although this is the 3rd book in the series it quickly became the top one for me!
The author outdid herself with the story telling and her development of the main characters slow burn relationship to a HEA. Caden and Lilibeth- took awhile to see what the reader could see from the first chapter but it sucked you and just kept getting better!!!

I will be sad to see this series end but definitely all in for the next one!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden has had his heart stomped on. He’s grumpy and determined not to let anyone in. But here comes Lilibeth. The chemistry between them is palpable and everyone sees it. I was excited for their journey and was quickly sucked in to this story! I couldn’t read it fast enough and felt the swoon! Gah! I was here for all the feels. I definitely recommend reading these books in order but don’t let this one pass you by!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I finished this book a couple of days ago and I am still thinking about Lilibeth and Caden’s story. I love a grumpy cowboy, and I have had a run lately, but Caden tops them all. The intense emotions, the polarizing feelings from his past heartbreak. Enter the new girl in town, who is his opposite, and watching him fall. The tension, the banter, the first meet going sideways.

These two cannot get it right, it takes some intervention from mother nature, and a plus sign. I loved their journey, plenty of emotion, patience, and heart healing.

Kelly Elliott knows how to write cowboys, big noisy families, and flaws. She can tear our hearts apart and mend them in a few chapters. She gives us small town charm and found families. I am ready for whatever she gives us next.

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

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has become my FAVORITE series - I know I have a few - this series is just one of the greatest family centered series I have read. The way everyone is so connected is amazing to me.

Caden and Lillibeth did not disappoint. Caden was ALL MAN and Lillibeth did not let him push her buttons without her pushing back.

“Like I told you last night, you, Lilibeth, scare the absolute shit out of me.”

The author’s writing style and her characters and the way she knows how to make me cry in every single book - AMAZING! Must read book - six stars. As usual.

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ — Review to be updated

🏆 — a top read of 2026

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who does not love a cowboy love story? I absolutely loved Wilde Flame by Kelly Elliott, the third book in her Love is a Cowboy series! Kelly Elliott has done it again! Wilde Flame is an incredible small-town enemies to lovers/surprise baby 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 enemies to lovers love story, the River Falls, Colorado, and the amazing characters that were introduced, they feel like family! Wilde Flame is a love story between Lilibeth Asher, who owns Wonderland Whimsy and Caden Wilde, who works on his family’s ranch. Caden and Lilibeth always clash with each other when they are around one another. Caden is not looking for love after his long-time girlfriend, Rachel rejected his proposal several years ago. Conversation between Caden and Lilibeth flows so easily, I love the chemistry between them and the easy banter and flirting, and everything that they do together. Caden rescues Lilibeth during a snowstorm after she was thrown from one of Wilde’s horses while helping Emeline. Caden takes her to his home to ride out the snowstorm together. Things change between them, as their relationship changes. As Lilibeth and Caden spend more time together running into each other and spending Christmas night together things continue to change between them. I love the nicknames that Caden uses for Lilibeth, “Flower Child” for her love to have flowers in her hair and “Lili.” Lilibeth soon learns that she is pregnant. I love all the little things that Caden does for Lilibeth, especially their first date and going with her to all her appointments. I love the heart-to-heart conversation that take place in Wilde Flame, especially when Caden reveals the what happened the night he proposed to Rachel, and the conversations with his parents, Vivianne and Ladd. I love the local gossip column, The Daily Dirt and how Lilibeth and Caden are outed in the column, what Caden had to promise to do to delay the revelation. An unexpected plot twist and visitor strengthen their relationship. I love the books that Lilibeth discloses that she is reading, it is one of my favorite parts of the book. I love the description of the nursery, how Caden sketched it before knowing Lilibeth, and how Caden enlists the help of Rhett, Katie, and Jimmy with it. Another favorite part is Caden’s proposal to Lilibeth, the location, and significance of the location, and the description and significance of the engagement ring. I love the ending of Lilibeth and Caden’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. I love the name that they chose for their baby girl, and that Emeline gives birth to a baby boy shortly thereafter. My favorite part of Wilde Flame is the epilogue that describes their wedding day, and the significance of Lilibeth’s wedding dress and hat. I love Caden’s special request for Lilibeth on their wedding day. It perfectly wraps up their love story. Wilde Flame was an amazing small-town frenemies/surprise baby love story; I am so glad that Lilibeth and Caden got their happily ever after. Kelly Elliott definitely does not disappoint her readers with all the feels in Wilde Flame 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 Flame, 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 Flame 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, especially the secrets shared between the women on Lilibeth’s wedding day. 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 Flame. They feel like family and friends. I LOVE the Wilde family and their extended family, especially Vivianne and Ladd, all the interactions between the Caden and his siblings, Ensley, Emeline, and Gatlin and the family dynamic, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love Lilibeth’s friendship with, Moreen, Ensley, and Emeline. 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.

[Jackie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨
🔥Wilde Flame by Kelly Elliott

I have absolutely adored the entire Love is a Cowboy series, and honestly, one of my favorite parts has been getting those tiny glimpses into future stories. Ever since the epilogue in book one, I’ve been impatiently waiting for Caden’s story—and it was SO worth it.

Kelly Elliott has this incredible ability to make a small town feel alive, cozy, emotional, and completely impossible to leave. River Falls continues to feel like home, and every Wilde sibling somehow steals a little more of my heart.

Caden and Lilibeth had the perfect push-and-pull chemistry. The tension, the bickering, the stolen moments… all of it had me kicking my feet and flying through the pages. Beneath Caden’s broody, closed-off exterior was so much hurt and vulnerability, and watching Lilibeth slowly break through those walls felt incredibly emotional and rewarding.

But one of my favorite parts of this story was the love and support from Caden’s family—especially his sister reminding Lilibeth that he was worth it. Those moments added so much heart to the story and made the emotional growth feel even more meaningful. Plus I am a sucker for the tough love sibling dynamic- the type that will fight hard but love harder. I adore this family.

The forced proximity? Snowed in together? A grumpy cowboy who swears he doesn’t do relationships? Kelly Elliott truly knew exactly what she was doing with this one and I ate it up!

I assumed that I was getting a close proximity storyline (which I did!) but I did not plan for the unexpected pregnancy storyline. It completely pulled at my heartstring. Kelly balanced it so perfectly with sass, laughter, emotional moments, and those quiet vulnerable scenes that made me tear up more than once. More than once while reading about the pregnancy from Caden’s perspective I laughed out loud, remembering my own husband trying to understand the many facets of pregnancy.

What I love most about this series is that even with all the swoony romance, the stories are layered with family, healing, friendship, and finding where you belong. Wilde Flame delivered all of that while still feeling soft, heartfelt, and completely addictive.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beautiful book along with the cutest merch package from Kelly Elliott and her team. Thank you so much for trusting me with Caden and Lilibeth’s story—I’m so grateful.

And now… once again… I will be patiently waiting for the next Wilde sibling’s story. 🫶

#KellyElliott #LoveIsACowboy #WildeFlame #SmallTownRomance #Bookstagram

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars- WILDE FLAME is the third instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult LOVE IS A COWBOY erotic, romance series. This is thirty-two year old rancher Caden Wilde,and twenty-nine year old Lilibeth Asher’s story line. WILDE FLAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Caden and Lilibeth) WILDE FLAME follows the building but acrimonious relationship between Caden Wilde and Lilibeth Asher. Caden and Lilibeth have known each other for most of their adult life but Caden was burned by a previous relationship, and believed he would never be ready for another love. Lilibeth Asher has ‘pined’ after Caden for as long as she can remember but Caden’s less than friendly attitude often leaves Lilibeth wondering where everything went wrong. A snow storm would strand our couple together wherein they will act on their feelings, feelings that are not necessarily reciprocal for our story line hero, who would prefer a friends with benefits relationship than anything else but life had other plans from Lilibeth and Caden, and our couple must come to terms with a new direction in life.

The world building focuses on the small town friendships, and the tight-knit Wilde and Asher families. The usual gossips, and a ghost from the past refuse to allow our couple their own happily ever after but Caden considers himself too broken for love,while Lilibeth wants nothing more to love the man who’s afraid to fall.

The relationship between Caden and Lilibeth is an enemies to friends to lovers Lilibeth believes Caden dislikes everything about her but Caden is frightened of his feelings, scared to fall and get hurt again. As our couple must navigate a new path going forward, the past returns demanding a second chance. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we met in the previous instlaments.Caden’s extended family is hoping to see Caden find his own happily ever after, secretly hoping he falls for the woman currently in his life.

WILDE FLAME is a story of betrayal and heart break, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and steamy; the character are charismatic, desperate and dynamic.


Copy supplied for review

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I have been lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for this book!! I am forever grateful to Kelly !! ❤️ This is the third book in the series titled “Love is a Cowboy” and even though it can be read independently, each book is interconnected. I have always been such a huge fan of authors who create a series of books about siblings and each sibling has their own happily ever after! I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for Wilde Ride and meeting the Wilde family, who i adore to death 😍❤️

This is the story of Lilibeth, who recently moved to River Falls to open up her own perfume store, and become best friends with Emeline. In doing so, she ends up meeting all of Emeline’s siblings and parents who welcome her into their home with open arms. All except for one, who is grumpy, rude and goes out of his way to annoy her to the point where she wants to tug her hair out or shake him 😂 Not once did she ever think that Grumpy Mcpants will ever be nice but little by little she starts to realize that maybe there is more than what meets the eye….

As the oldest son of the family, Caden has the responsibility to manage his father’s ranch alongside his uncles, all in equal parts. Since high school, Caden has been dating Rachel and although he got overly excited and proposed when they were 18, he waited patiently for the right time. Two years ago, Caden believed that the time was right and he was ready to propose to Rachel again. What was supposed to be the best night of his life ends up being the worst day ever and he vows to never fall in love again. What he doesn’t expect is that his sister’s new best friend is actually everything that he wants but is too scared to take the leap. Despite having to manage being around her, Caden does everything in his power to not make a move, too scarred from what Rachel did. Until one night, Lilibeth is nowhere to be found and a snowstorm is approaching fast. When he finds her, the closest place to them is his cabin and they are snowed in for a couple of days. What starts off as a one time thing ends up leading to something more, forcing both Lilibeth and Caden to think about what the next steps are going to be….🤭

Without spoiling too much, I abosutely loved reading Caden and Lilibeth’s story!!! I was at the edge of my seat, waiting anxiously to see if Caden would get his head on straight ! I loved reading the tidbits of past characters that we have read about 🤭 I truly cannot wait to read the next book in the series and wonder who it can be 🤭

Rating: 1000000000/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame completely stole my heart. Kelly Elliott truly knows how to write wounded cowboys, and Caden Wilde had me in a CHOKEHOLD from the very beginning. Grumpy, guarded, emotionally shut down, and absolutely determined not to fall in love again? Yup. I was done for immediately.

If you read the earlier books, then you already know the tension between Caden and Lilibeth was brewing for a while. Their constant bickering, the push and pull, the way they got under each other’s skin every single time they were together...it was impossible not to be obsessed with the idea of their story. And let me tell you, it DELIVERED.

Lilibeth is pure sunshine energy in the best way. She’s warm, compassionate, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic about who she is. She balances Caden perfectly because while he’s busy trying to lock everyone out, she crashes through his walls without even realizing she’s doing it. Their chemistry is unreal. The banter, the tension, the lingering looks, the forced proximity during the snowstorm, oh yes, I ate up every second of it.

Caden definitely tested my patience at times. This man was so deep in his trust issues and heartbreak that I wanted to shake him and tell him to get it together already. But honestly? That emotional journey made his growth hit even harder. Watching him slowly soften, open up, and realize what real love actually looks like was such a wonderful character arc. Once this cowboy falls, he FALLS.

And listen...I will never get tired of a surprise pregnancy trope. Add in a grumpy cowboy who suddenly becomes protective and caring? Immediate obsession. The way Caden started showing up for Lilibeth had me fully emotional and SWOONING.

One thing Kelly Elliott always does so well is make the world feel alive. River Falls feels like home at this point, and the Wilde family continues to be one of my favorite fictional families ever. The love, the chaos, the support, the sibling dynamics...it all adds so much heart to the story. I genuinely did not want this book to end.

This was emotional, swoony, messy, heartfelt, and full of tension in the best way. Easily my favorite in the series so far, and now I’m already desperate for the next Wilde story.

What to Expect
Grumpy x Sunshine
Surprise Pregnancy
Frenemies to Lovers
Small Town Romance
Cowboy Romance
Forced Proximity
Wounded Hero
Protective Hero
Found Family
Slow Burn, but still w/ Spice

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could you not fall head over heels for Caden and Lilibeth? Wild Card Baby is a heartwarming, feel-good romance packed with chemistry, humor, family, and all the swoony cowboy charm you could ask for. Caden Wilde is the definition of a grumpy cowboy. Burned by heartbreak years ago, he has convinced himself that love simply isn't worth the risk. He’s content keeping everyone at arm’s length—until his sister’s best friend, Lilibeth, turns his carefully controlled world upside down. Lilibeth is impossible not to love. She is kind, spirited, and full of sunshine, bringing warmth and joy wherever she goes. From the moment these two are thrown together, their chemistry is electric. When a snowstorm leaves them stranded together, the tension they've been trying to ignore finally explodes, leading to some incredibly steamy and unforgettable moments. But when an unexpected pregnancy changes everything, they are forced to confront feelings that run much deeper than attraction. Watching Caden slowly fall for Lilibeth was one of my favorite parts of the story. Beneath his gruff exterior is a fiercely loyal and protective man, and seeing him embrace the possibility of love and family again was both emotional and incredibly rewarding. Lilibeth never tries to change who he is; instead, she accepts him completely and helps him heal from the wounds of his past. Together they balance each other perfectly, proving that sometimes the person you least expect can become exactly what your heart needs. Their journey from friends to lovers is filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laugh-out-loud interactions. The romance feels genuine and natural as their relationship evolves from undeniable attraction into something built on trust, friendship, and love. And then there’s the Wilde family. Every scene with them was a delight. Their closeness, loyalty, and constant support create the perfect backdrop for Caden and Lilibeth's story. They add so much heart to the book and make River Hills feel like a place you'd never want to leave. This was a charming, emotional, and utterly satisfying romance filled with small-town warmth, lovable characters, and all the cowboy swoons. Caden and Lilibeth's story will leave you smiling long after the final page, and it has me even more excited to return to River Hills for the next Wilde family romance. I absolutely cannot wait to see which Wilde sibling steals my heart

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of River Falls’ newest residents, Lilibeth found herself embraced by the community, finding a solid group of friends and being loved by most. Except her closest friend’s oldest brother. From the moment she met the brooding cowboy, they were like oil and water, and their every interaction since has been just as volatile as the last. Until she finds herself trapped in a snowstorm, and is forced to spend days in his cozy house on the ranch, where the fire between them burns too hot, combusting into undeniable lust and chemistry. He insists he will never again be in a relationship, so she agrees that when she goes home, everything ends, only she doesn’t know if her heart will give him up so easily.

Caden thought he had met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, and when he proposed after 16 years together, he was devastated when she not only refused, but made it clear that she had no interest in living the life he had been planning for them. Since then, he has refused to let anyone close, believing all women are the same and will either use him or walk away, until he met Lilibeth, and felt something so strong, he immediately knew he had to push her away. After their snowed in time together, he can’t get her out of his mind, and when fate forces them back together, he will need to decide whether to trust his head or his heart.

I knew going in that this story would be volatile, and boy was it ever! After seeing exactly what Caden’s ex did to him, I can’t blame him at all for closing himself off the way he did, but I knew from his first interaction with Lilibeth that she would be the one to break through. While they seemed like opposites on the surface, underneath it all they both feel so deeply, it was inevitable that them coming together would have seismic results. As much as he tried to deny his feelings, they were clear in every one of Caden’s actions, before and after the snowstorm. When he finally allowed himself to fall, we saw the true depth of what was only hinted at before, and I loved watching Caden love Lilibeth the way she deserved. As always, the Wilde family was heavily featured in the book, and it’s clear how Ladd and Vivianne’s love for each other shines through every one of their children.

[Miancka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame by Kelly Elliott was EVERYTHING I wanted for Caden and Lilibeth and honestly… I ate this book up like fresh pie at a ranch cookout 🤠🔥

I have been SO excited for this grumpy cowboy ever since we met him in Wilde Ride, and his story absolutely did not disappoint. Caden and Lilibeth had the kind of chemistry that crackles off the page. The tension? Delicious. The banter? Top tier. Every interaction between them felt like sparks bouncing around a barn full of gasoline 😭

Caden is the ultimate wounded cowboy MMC. He’s carrying around so much hurt and distrust after a relationship that left scars deep enough to shape the way he sees love. Watching him slowly unravel those walls had my heart in a chokehold. And his family? The gentle pushes, the support, the love? UGH. I adored every second of it.

Then there’s Lilibeth, who was honestly impossible not to love. She brought this warmth and optimism that balanced Caden perfectly. She never felt over the top sunshiney either. She was strong, lovable, emotional, and exactly the kind of woman Caden needed even if he fought it every step of the way.

And the accidental pregnancy storyline?? Listen… that added SUCH an emotional punch to the story. It forced Caden to confront everything he was trying to avoid, and I genuinely think it was the thing that cracked his heart wide open in the most beautiful way 🥹

This series continues to feel like a warm hug wrapped in cowboy boots and slow-burn tension. The River Falls crew feels like family at this point, and every book just pulls me deeper into this world.

✨ Tropes:
🤠 Small Town Romance
🔥 Grumpy/Sunshine
🤎 Cowboy Romance
👶 Accidental Pregnancy
🏡 Forced Proximity
⚡ Frenemies to Lovers
🌶 Spice: 2/5

If you love emotional cowboys, healing hearts, tension-filled chemistry, and small-town romance that leaves you smiling like an idiot at your Kindle, Wilde Flame needs to be on your TBR immediately 💛

Big thank you to Kelly and her team for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 She Makes Him Feel Again Stars!!

Caden Wilde has captured my heart. Of course I’m second in line after Lili! This is book three in this series and I’m so in love with this couple. Having read the first two books, I knew Caden was protecting his heart and now we know the full details. Let’s just say his ex being his ex is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

I love Lilibeth so much. She’s sweet, caring, loving, so independent and has so much love to give to the right person. She’s reasonably new to town but is friends with Ensley and Emeline Wilde so she’s in Caden’s world more than he’d like her to be because she’s making him feel things he doesn’t want to and especially from her. This of course results in some very tense moments between them. I have to say though, I was chuckling a few times because he’s just so cranky and Lilibeth just smiles right back!

Everything changes though after a very snowy couple of days. Caden can be so swoony and the care he takes with Lili is beautiful and sexy and steamy all at the same time. Both of them walked away from the weekend with an understanding; friends is all they can be to each other. However, their hearts and the universe had other plans for them. Needless to say, both of their lives are forever going to be linked and I was slightly giddy because I knew once he and Lili spent more time together, his heart would finally give in to all the feelings bubbling up inside of him!

Ms. Elliott has weaved a story that is beautiful and filled with so much love not only between our H/h but their families as well. There’s so much healing that happens for Caden which is one of the things I love so much about Lili. She’s willing to be vulnerable with him even while trying to protect her heart. I also adore how close Lili is to not only her parents but his parents as well. The love is overflowing in this story and I’m there for every single bit of it. This is a definite must read and based on what we learned in this book, I just know the next book in this series is going to be a doozy of emotions!

[batgirl.fangirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in her “Love is a Cowboy” series. The first book ("Wilde Cowboy") is the parents’ love story and you’ll remember I reviewed that one a few months ago. The second one ("Wilde Ride") is their daughter Emiline Wilde and Levi Tucker’s story. And now this third book is about their son Caden and Lilibeth’s story.

Caden is the oldest son in the Wilde clan. He runs most of the ranch. He’s kept to himself as of late when his long-time girlfriend broke his heart and refused his marriage proposal. He’s been guarded ever snice and no longer believes in forever.

Lilibeth moved into town and opened a perfumery and gift store. She’s made friends and everyone loves her bubbly personality. She seems to run into Caden every time she turns around. His gruffness is annoying, but she refuses to let him dim her light. Slowly, she learns more about why Caden is so standoffish and Caden starts to see that Lilibeth challenges him in all the best ways.

If you enjoy a book that is a enemies to lovers, overcoming past hurt, close proximity, and has a wonderful supportive family with a bit of spice, this is the one for you. The Wilde Family are an extended part of this book and you get to see some of your favorite characters from earlier books.

A few things I loved about the book? Kelly wrote Caden as a grump, but she also made sure we were hurting right along side him. There’s a reason he’s so shut down. Getting to sit beside him and hold his hand while he took a deep look into why he is the way he is and if he wants to stay that way, is a touching journey for readers. And I’ve said it before, Kelly knows how to write strong female characters. Lilibeth may have moved to town to be closer to her parents now that they’re retired, but she runs her own business and doesn’t let anyone get her down—Caden, her parents, or the town gossips who seem to think they know her business.

If you need a book that includes loving family, gorgeous scenery, some tender soul searching, and some romance, grab a copy of this book.

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde Flame absolutely owned me! This one is about Caden Wilde, a rancher who’s still bitter and closed off after getting his heart wrecked years earlier, and Lilibeth Asher, the sunshiney perfume shop owner who somehow gets under his skin without even trying. What starts as constant bickering and tension turns into forced proximity during a snowstorm, and from there it slowly turns into something so much more.

Caden was EVERYTHING to me. Kelly Elliott seriously knows how to write cowboy men in a way that makes me feral, and this man had me gone. He’s grumpy, stubborn, emotionally constipated, and absolutely terrified of falling in love again, but underneath all of that he’s so caring it hurts. The way he takes care of Lilibeth throughout the book without even realizing how deeply he’s falling for her was everything. Once he started softening I was completely done for. I loved Lilibeth so much too! She’s sweet and optimistic without feeling naïve, and she has this warmth about her that completely balances out Caden’s moodiness. I loved how honest she was about her feelings instead of playing games, even when she knew she could end up getting hurt. Plus all of her little flower-child energy just worked so perfectly against Caden’s broody rancher personality. In all honesty, I saw a lot of my own personality in her! The chemistry between them was insane. The tension in this book was so good because these two clearly wanted each other long before they admitted it. And the Wilde family might be one of my favorite fictional families ever. Every scene with them was fabulous, and the ranch itself is such a great setting.

This book made me laugh, stress, swoon, and get emotional. Kelly Elliott really does write some of the best cowboy MMCs, and Caden Wilde absolutely proved that! This was another 5 star read in this series- if you haven't added this to your TBR, what are you waiting for?

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You make something in me feel alive again, and that scares me, because I'm not sure I'm brave enough to ever give anyone my heart again."

Oh boy, Caden Wilde makes you want to shake him and tell him to wake up and see what is in front of him and also tell him it's ok to love again. He made me angry and yet I absolutely adore who he is...lol. 99% of the time he is as steady as a rock but that 1% involves Lilibeth because she rattles him up like no other can.

Lilibeth is just the sweetest. Always positive and sees the best in others even when they are rude to her. This is where Caden would aggravate me because he would get so hot and cold with her and she took it in stride until she was alone and then she would let the tears fall. No matter how he was towards her she couldn't shut her heart down from falling for him.

Even though these two end up snowed in together and start to form a friendship it is obvious how meant to be they are. Caden just needs to get out of his own head and let his heart lead the way. Lilibeth is going to protect her heart at all costs even when that cost is telling Caden while she understands he wants no attachments she wants more and draws a line making their friendship strictly platonic.

Caden's true self really starts to shine upon Lilibeth getting pregnant. He truly is a good man and Lilibeth is the perfect person to bring that out in him. The way he is there for her immediately and wants to take care of her and the baby. He loves her and when his head finally accepts what his heart feels he is all in and will stop at nothing until she is his!

I love these two together. They fit perfectly together. Living the simple life with family, friends, the ranch is ideal for both of them. The way his family welcomes Lilibeth with open arms, I mean other than his siters who are her besties!

I have enjoyed this series so much and cannot wait for Ensley and Gatlin to get their stories!