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Love Grows Wild
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Winter Renshaw comes a small-town slow burn about a writer who returns to her roots and the farmer who helps her grow.
Wren Jensen thought she had it all—until she was left at the altar and left with nothing but writer’s block. Out of options, she packs up her five-year-old son and heads back to her hometown of Colton Valley, hoping the quiet countryside will inspire her again.
Hunter McCrae wanted that property for himself. The last thing the grumpy farmer expected was a single mom moving in next door—or how much she’d unsettle his carefully guarded solitude.
Wren isn’t looking for love. Hunter isn’t looking for neighbors. But with every stolen glance and shared moment, the walls they’ve built start to crack.
She’s haunted by heartbreak. He’s married to his solitude. Neither is ready to risk it all.
But sometimes love doesn’t follow rules. It grows wild, right where it’s not supposed to.
Wren Jensen thought she had it all—until she was left at the altar and left with nothing but writer’s block. Out of options, she packs up her five-year-old son and heads back to her hometown of Colton Valley, hoping the quiet countryside will inspire her again.
Hunter McCrae wanted that property for himself. The last thing the grumpy farmer expected was a single mom moving in next door—or how much she’d unsettle his carefully guarded solitude.
Wren isn’t looking for love. Hunter isn’t looking for neighbors. But with every stolen glance and shared moment, the walls they’ve built start to crack.
She’s haunted by heartbreak. He’s married to his solitude. Neither is ready to risk it all.
But sometimes love doesn’t follow rules. It grows wild, right where it’s not supposed to.
300 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2026
11 people are currently reading
2674 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 16, 2026
★★★.5
Love Grows Wild was a quick cozy small town single mom romance. Wren, our FMC, and her young son move back to her hometown after her fiancé leaves her at the alter. She’s a romance author who’s currently struggling with writer’s block. The MMC, Hunter, was a stoic, all-work-no-play, grumpy farmer who was upset when he realized the property he thought was promised to him, gets bought by a single mom. The main characters both had past traumas and insecurities that we see them struggle with throughout the story.
This was a good romance. It was easy to follow along with their story. I enjoyed the sort of push and pull the main characters went through. It was obvious from the beginning they had feelings but because of past insecurities we see them both fight against said feelings. I wouldn’t necessarily say this was slow burn because it honestly felt like their relationship grew quickly. It almost felt like the book focused a bit more on their physical relationship rather than the emotional. I think if they had grown their connection, especially as neighbors, a bit more before they decided to get physical with each other, it would’ve shown a more organically growing relationship between them. I also didn’t really care for any of the side characters (besides her son of course). One of the characters (don’t want to spoil but you’ll know who when you read) annoyed me with how they played the main characters. Overall, their story was heartfelt and comforting.
I think Love Grows Wild is a perfect book for those who enjoy a small town, cozy, feel good romance. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed this story thoroughly.
Thank you to the author, the publisher & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Love Grows Wild was a quick cozy small town single mom romance. Wren, our FMC, and her young son move back to her hometown after her fiancé leaves her at the alter. She’s a romance author who’s currently struggling with writer’s block. The MMC, Hunter, was a stoic, all-work-no-play, grumpy farmer who was upset when he realized the property he thought was promised to him, gets bought by a single mom. The main characters both had past traumas and insecurities that we see them struggle with throughout the story.
This was a good romance. It was easy to follow along with their story. I enjoyed the sort of push and pull the main characters went through. It was obvious from the beginning they had feelings but because of past insecurities we see them both fight against said feelings. I wouldn’t necessarily say this was slow burn because it honestly felt like their relationship grew quickly. It almost felt like the book focused a bit more on their physical relationship rather than the emotional. I think if they had grown their connection, especially as neighbors, a bit more before they decided to get physical with each other, it would’ve shown a more organically growing relationship between them. I also didn’t really care for any of the side characters (besides her son of course). One of the characters (don’t want to spoil but you’ll know who when you read) annoyed me with how they played the main characters. Overall, their story was heartfelt and comforting.
I think Love Grows Wild is a perfect book for those who enjoy a small town, cozy, feel good romance. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed this story thoroughly.
Thank you to the author, the publisher & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance audio for the audio ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Audiobook Review
Love Grows Wild by Winter Renshaw
This was my first book by Winter Renshaw, and it definitely won’t be my last! I absolutely loved this small-town romance. The story had such a cozy, heartfelt vibe that made it easy to get swept up in the characters and their journey.
The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Their performances really helped capture the emotions and chemistry between the characters, which made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of small-town romances with great narration, this one is definitely worth the listen. I’m excited to check out more from this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Audiobook Review
Love Grows Wild by Winter Renshaw
This was my first book by Winter Renshaw, and it definitely won’t be my last! I absolutely loved this small-town romance. The story had such a cozy, heartfelt vibe that made it easy to get swept up in the characters and their journey.
The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Their performances really helped capture the emotions and chemistry between the characters, which made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of small-town romances with great narration, this one is definitely worth the listen. I’m excited to check out more from this author!
February 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.
This is the perfect romance. There’s nothing about this one that doesn’t feel right, and everything about it is kind of perfect. This is a book about two people who have been through hard things, survived, and then found themselves growing into a beautiful new normal together. If you read one romance this year, let it be this one.
This is the perfect romance. There’s nothing about this one that doesn’t feel right, and everything about it is kind of perfect. This is a book about two people who have been through hard things, survived, and then found themselves growing into a beautiful new normal together. If you read one romance this year, let it be this one.
March 24, 2026
How did a 'left at the alter' romance writer determined to get back to her small town roots, lick her wounds and give her her young son a world where he can grow up free, curious and away from the concrete jungle he was born into, somehow find the most intense, standoffish, stubborn man around to fall for? That's the slow-burning question, but also the perfect way to suck me into her journey to a find new life for herself and her little boy.
Wren Jensen had grown up in Colton Valley- a beautiful, down to earth place where everyone knows your name, but also your business. She may not know her new neighbor's name....yet, but he's is on her radar now, making other grumps look friendly, welcoming and charming. He's wily, strong and capable, but prefers his peace and solitude more than anything, until now.
Hunter McCrea may not say so, being a man of few words and all, but in the privacy of his own mind, he's attracted like crazy to this fiesty, Audi- driving single mom, and is drawn to her sweet little boy more than he could ever say, but he doesn't want to be.
Wren sees something other than the outer, hard shell Hunter puts out there when he comes to her rescue more than once
....and she might even be intrigued enough to take a chance and open her heart again- how can she resist this enigmatic man?
Who would've thought a small town farmer could be so smolderingly hot, yet gruffly swoonworthy at the same time? Me!! After meeting Hunter McCrea in Winter Renshaw's Love Grows Wild, I know he's most definitely all that and a whole lot more. With great secondary characters, a warm hometown setting, the tension and trifecta of Wren, Hunter and her charming five year old son, this book will melt your heart and bring a smile to your face- it's the perfect feel good, opposites attract, romantic story- the kind this author does so well.
* My thanks to Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for this early copy of Love Grows Wild, which was my pleasure to read and honestly review.
Wren Jensen had grown up in Colton Valley- a beautiful, down to earth place where everyone knows your name, but also your business. She may not know her new neighbor's name....yet, but he's is on her radar now, making other grumps look friendly, welcoming and charming. He's wily, strong and capable, but prefers his peace and solitude more than anything, until now.
Hunter McCrea may not say so, being a man of few words and all, but in the privacy of his own mind, he's attracted like crazy to this fiesty, Audi- driving single mom, and is drawn to her sweet little boy more than he could ever say, but he doesn't want to be.
Wren sees something other than the outer, hard shell Hunter puts out there when he comes to her rescue more than once
....and she might even be intrigued enough to take a chance and open her heart again- how can she resist this enigmatic man?
Who would've thought a small town farmer could be so smolderingly hot, yet gruffly swoonworthy at the same time? Me!! After meeting Hunter McCrea in Winter Renshaw's Love Grows Wild, I know he's most definitely all that and a whole lot more. With great secondary characters, a warm hometown setting, the tension and trifecta of Wren, Hunter and her charming five year old son, this book will melt your heart and bring a smile to your face- it's the perfect feel good, opposites attract, romantic story- the kind this author does so well.
* My thanks to Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for this early copy of Love Grows Wild, which was my pleasure to read and honestly review.
February 19, 2026
After being left by her fiancé on their wedding day, author Wren returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son, Atticus. Battling writer’s block, she’s hoping a change of scenery will help her find her spark again.
Wren has been disappointed by too many men to even consider a new relationship. She’s strong, fierce, and independent - and determined to stay that way.
Enter Hunter: her broody farmer neighbor who wants the property she’s just bought. Known as the town’s most eligible bachelor, Hunter has no interest in romance, only his farm. That is, until he meets Wren.
They try to keep their distance, but the pull between them is undeniable. As Wren spends more time with Hunter, her inspiration slowly returns. She begins writing letters to him, and soon a story starts to form - one inspired by her new life, her healing, and him.
“𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡.”
This story gave me butterflies, the yearning was so good. It was beautiful and emotional in all the right ways. I absolutely loved this small-town, grumpy x sunshine, found-family romance.
Thanks to Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐
Wren has been disappointed by too many men to even consider a new relationship. She’s strong, fierce, and independent - and determined to stay that way.
Enter Hunter: her broody farmer neighbor who wants the property she’s just bought. Known as the town’s most eligible bachelor, Hunter has no interest in romance, only his farm. That is, until he meets Wren.
They try to keep their distance, but the pull between them is undeniable. As Wren spends more time with Hunter, her inspiration slowly returns. She begins writing letters to him, and soon a story starts to form - one inspired by her new life, her healing, and him.
“𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡.”
This story gave me butterflies, the yearning was so good. It was beautiful and emotional in all the right ways. I absolutely loved this small-town, grumpy x sunshine, found-family romance.
Thanks to Winter Renshaw and NetGalley for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐
February 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it gripped me from the start. The dual POV was great as I found I was really able to connect with both the characters and understand their feelings. I found this to be a cosy read that I wanted to be wrapped in. I do love a small town romance and this had everything I wanted in it. There was a little bit of spice but not enough to take it away from the main story line which was good as it gave a chance to really get into the story.
March 25, 2026
I absolutely adored this audiobook. It had everything I look for when it comes to a small town romance and I enjoyed every moment of it. I believe this is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and it will certainly not be the last. :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A love that heals the heart.
Sweet, complicated, tragic and above all else, healing and super romantic, LOVE GROWS WILD from Author Winter Renshaw is a beautiful story where two people want the same piece of land in the hope it will bring about a sense of peace and healing in their lives. It represents a new beginning to both of them, albeit in different ways.
For Wren and her son Atticus, it was a new start they both badly needed. Being left on the morning of her wedding may not have upset Wren as much as it should have, but it hurt Atticus more because her ex-fiancé had been such a huge and promising part of his young life as a father figure, and as a parent, I cried for the wee fella because I felt the betrayal in his eyes would’ve been huge😭. I’m eternally grateful that our own son stepped up to become an amazing and loving stepdad to a beautiful baby boy, now a funny 3-year-old who we’ve have claimed as our first grandchild. Wren missed the smiles her son no longer gave, and she also missed the creativity of her author mind. They both needed to begin anew;
“I’m excited for this new chapter,” ... “It’s the perfect size for the two of us, and with all that space, Atti can actually touch grass instead of growing up in a concrete jungle.”
Hell’s teeth, I was excited for them until I got to know about Hunter’s personal demons and his motivation for buy the land off his neighbour, and they too were heart-breaking 💔. Perhaps even more so. I couldn’t fathom the tragedy his family had suffered and understood why his need to complete a promise made was so (huge/important). Even before he’d met Wren and realised the failure of the landowner to honour their gentlemen’s agreement, we saw only a glimpse of what it meant to him;
“I’ve got personal ties to that property, to that house and those grounds and that section of river. I made a promise to someone a lifetime ago, someone near and dear to me, and I’ll be dam(m)ed if I break it.”
Completing this promise would’ve meant a new start for him moving forward and although I knew we would be getting an HEA out of LOVE GROWS WILD, I was completely gutted for him and what the landowner had done in cutting him out of the opportunity to purchase it.
All this heartbreak so far and I was only a couple of chapters into the book!!!! Then Ms Winter treats her readers to the chemistry between them, both trying to deny it a place in their lives. Hunter’s reluctant and stoic yet supportive interactions with Atticus gave my heart the warm fuzzies – this grumpy cowboy trying to remain aloof to the neighbours who have stolen his quiet and solo existence, while failing spectacularly.
I adored every moment I spent reading this poignant book. I loved seeing the vulnerability from Wren as she journalled her thoughts, along with watching Hunter’s heart being pried wide open by his new neighbours. I thought that anything growing in the wild needs to be tough and resilient to survive, and that love growing between Wren and Hunter, and between Hunter and Atticus was resilient indeed. Even if the two people involved carry enough baggage between them that could run the risk of burying it under the weight of misunderstandings or hiding behind a wall of protection around their hearts.
Ms Winter always brings together a story that is unputdownable. It will always leave me thinking about it long after I’ve finished it and I will always recommend it as guaranteed great reading. 5-healing-slow-burn-romantic-Stars💖🌿✮*
Sweet, complicated, tragic and above all else, healing and super romantic, LOVE GROWS WILD from Author Winter Renshaw is a beautiful story where two people want the same piece of land in the hope it will bring about a sense of peace and healing in their lives. It represents a new beginning to both of them, albeit in different ways.
For Wren and her son Atticus, it was a new start they both badly needed. Being left on the morning of her wedding may not have upset Wren as much as it should have, but it hurt Atticus more because her ex-fiancé had been such a huge and promising part of his young life as a father figure, and as a parent, I cried for the wee fella because I felt the betrayal in his eyes would’ve been huge😭. I’m eternally grateful that our own son stepped up to become an amazing and loving stepdad to a beautiful baby boy, now a funny 3-year-old who we’ve have claimed as our first grandchild. Wren missed the smiles her son no longer gave, and she also missed the creativity of her author mind. They both needed to begin anew;
“I’m excited for this new chapter,” ... “It’s the perfect size for the two of us, and with all that space, Atti can actually touch grass instead of growing up in a concrete jungle.”
Hell’s teeth, I was excited for them until I got to know about Hunter’s personal demons and his motivation for buy the land off his neighbour, and they too were heart-breaking 💔. Perhaps even more so. I couldn’t fathom the tragedy his family had suffered and understood why his need to complete a promise made was so (huge/important). Even before he’d met Wren and realised the failure of the landowner to honour their gentlemen’s agreement, we saw only a glimpse of what it meant to him;
“I’ve got personal ties to that property, to that house and those grounds and that section of river. I made a promise to someone a lifetime ago, someone near and dear to me, and I’ll be dam(m)ed if I break it.”
Completing this promise would’ve meant a new start for him moving forward and although I knew we would be getting an HEA out of LOVE GROWS WILD, I was completely gutted for him and what the landowner had done in cutting him out of the opportunity to purchase it.
All this heartbreak so far and I was only a couple of chapters into the book!!!! Then Ms Winter treats her readers to the chemistry between them, both trying to deny it a place in their lives. Hunter’s reluctant and stoic yet supportive interactions with Atticus gave my heart the warm fuzzies – this grumpy cowboy trying to remain aloof to the neighbours who have stolen his quiet and solo existence, while failing spectacularly.
I adored every moment I spent reading this poignant book. I loved seeing the vulnerability from Wren as she journalled her thoughts, along with watching Hunter’s heart being pried wide open by his new neighbours. I thought that anything growing in the wild needs to be tough and resilient to survive, and that love growing between Wren and Hunter, and between Hunter and Atticus was resilient indeed. Even if the two people involved carry enough baggage between them that could run the risk of burying it under the weight of misunderstandings or hiding behind a wall of protection around their hearts.
Ms Winter always brings together a story that is unputdownable. It will always leave me thinking about it long after I’ve finished it and I will always recommend it as guaranteed great reading. 5-healing-slow-burn-romantic-Stars💖🌿✮*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“You could’ve kissed me. And I would’ve kissed you back. Soft. Slow. Like the world was holding its breath just for us.”
Sweet and heartwarming, Love Grows Wild is a breath of fresh country air. After a failed relationship and writer's block, Wren Jensen moved back to her hometown in Colton Valley with her 4 year old son. When she bought the farmhouse on the riverfront that her neighbor, Hunter McRae, had his eye on, they were instantly at odds. The tension between them ran deep, both with a lifetime of stories that drove their actions. Hunter liked to control everything in his life, but what would happen if his heart took over and that was the one thing he couldn't control?
Wren and Hunter had an undeniable connection yet neither of them was looking for a relationship. I loved how Hunter showed up for Wren, fighting for her, rescuing her, being there for her without being asked. Hunter became Wren's inspiration for writing again while they surrendered to the attraction simmering between them, lines blurring into something messy and complicated, something possibly real.
I loved Hunter, the classic grumpy farmer who kept others at a distance but who loved fiercely and had a heart of gold. My heart broke upon learning why the land was so important to him, the feelings he kept hidden inside under a veil of solitude as they weighed heavy on his soul. He was exactly the kind of man every woman should have by her side, one who loves her unconditionally, wanting her, desiring her, all of her, including her imperfections.
Wren was the strong, independent firestorm Hunter needed to challenge everything he thought he knew about himself. I loved her resilience and her strength, her love for her son, a wide-eyed little boy filled with love and curiosity. She consumed Hunter's thoughts, their connection raw, vulnerable and charged with emotions but they both had mile-high walls around their hearts holding them back. I was completely immersed in their story, in the hope and heartbreak, in the unspoken words, in the secrets and unfulfilled promises. I felt like I was sitting on my porch swing in Colton Valley, glass of wine in hand, watching it all unfold.
Love Grows Wild is for anyone who has been told they're too complicated, too messy, simply too much. It's about dreams and possibilities, fears and insecurities, trust and healing, never settling for less than you deserve, loving someone and being loved in return. I loved how this novel reflected on Winter's real-life story and I can honestly say it's one of my favorites that she's written.
“You’re mine,” I tell her, my hands cradling her face. “I’ve been trying to tell you that from the start.”
✨️Small-Town Romance
✨️Grumpy / Sunshine
✨️Single Mom
✨️City Girl x Country Boy
4.5⭐️
*Special thanks to author Winter Renshaw, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!
Sweet and heartwarming, Love Grows Wild is a breath of fresh country air. After a failed relationship and writer's block, Wren Jensen moved back to her hometown in Colton Valley with her 4 year old son. When she bought the farmhouse on the riverfront that her neighbor, Hunter McRae, had his eye on, they were instantly at odds. The tension between them ran deep, both with a lifetime of stories that drove their actions. Hunter liked to control everything in his life, but what would happen if his heart took over and that was the one thing he couldn't control?
Wren and Hunter had an undeniable connection yet neither of them was looking for a relationship. I loved how Hunter showed up for Wren, fighting for her, rescuing her, being there for her without being asked. Hunter became Wren's inspiration for writing again while they surrendered to the attraction simmering between them, lines blurring into something messy and complicated, something possibly real.
I loved Hunter, the classic grumpy farmer who kept others at a distance but who loved fiercely and had a heart of gold. My heart broke upon learning why the land was so important to him, the feelings he kept hidden inside under a veil of solitude as they weighed heavy on his soul. He was exactly the kind of man every woman should have by her side, one who loves her unconditionally, wanting her, desiring her, all of her, including her imperfections.
Wren was the strong, independent firestorm Hunter needed to challenge everything he thought he knew about himself. I loved her resilience and her strength, her love for her son, a wide-eyed little boy filled with love and curiosity. She consumed Hunter's thoughts, their connection raw, vulnerable and charged with emotions but they both had mile-high walls around their hearts holding them back. I was completely immersed in their story, in the hope and heartbreak, in the unspoken words, in the secrets and unfulfilled promises. I felt like I was sitting on my porch swing in Colton Valley, glass of wine in hand, watching it all unfold.
Love Grows Wild is for anyone who has been told they're too complicated, too messy, simply too much. It's about dreams and possibilities, fears and insecurities, trust and healing, never settling for less than you deserve, loving someone and being loved in return. I loved how this novel reflected on Winter's real-life story and I can honestly say it's one of my favorites that she's written.
“You’re mine,” I tell her, my hands cradling her face. “I’ve been trying to tell you that from the start.”
✨️Small-Town Romance
✨️Grumpy / Sunshine
✨️Single Mom
✨️City Girl x Country Boy
4.5⭐️
*Special thanks to author Winter Renshaw, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 24, 2026
Winter Renshaw, how have I not read one of your books until now? Love Grows Wild is one of the most utterly charming, enchanting and addictive romances I've read is some time, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.
The heroine, Wren, is a 39-year-old romance writer who, after being left at the altar on her wedding day, when her fiancé tells her he's going back to his ex-girlfriend. She is also suffering writers' block, decides to take her adorable 4-year-old son, Atticus, and return to her midwestern hometown, hoping to find some inspiration there, and does she ever!
She purchases a 220-acre farm and farmhouse, not knowing that her nearest neighbor, Hunter McCrae, had been promised that property for years--he was born in that farmhouse, and Wren soon learns from an old school friend, Natalie, with whom she reconnects, that he's a love 'em and leave 'em type of guy, and not someone she should get involved with. Hunter is attracted to the pretty new face in town from the moment he first sees her, but he doesn't do a thing about it until her car gets stuck in mud, and he manages to get her out, and it's not the last time he'll come to help her.
Like Hunter, Wren isn't looking for a new romance either--she's a strong-willed, fiercely independent woman, and she has no intention to getting involved with someone new, especially since her hurt extends to the pain felt by her young son, who was ready to call her ex-fiancé his dad. But, after being rescued more than a few times by Hunter, the relationship between these two neighbors slowly beings to evolve.
To tell you more would spoil this read for you, so I'll just mention that Hunter and Wren are two characters who, thanks to dual narration, work their way into your heart in the best way. Little Atticus is an absolute charmer, and a nod to Ms. Renshaw, who clearly loved reading To Kill a Mockingbird as much as did this reader, when she chose to name him Atticus.
What she has given us is a sad, sweet, steamy, tug at your heartstrings romance I'll not soon forget, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you Ms. Renshow, for this wonderful novel.
And thank you to Netgalley, for allowing me to read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The heroine, Wren, is a 39-year-old romance writer who, after being left at the altar on her wedding day, when her fiancé tells her he's going back to his ex-girlfriend. She is also suffering writers' block, decides to take her adorable 4-year-old son, Atticus, and return to her midwestern hometown, hoping to find some inspiration there, and does she ever!
She purchases a 220-acre farm and farmhouse, not knowing that her nearest neighbor, Hunter McCrae, had been promised that property for years--he was born in that farmhouse, and Wren soon learns from an old school friend, Natalie, with whom she reconnects, that he's a love 'em and leave 'em type of guy, and not someone she should get involved with. Hunter is attracted to the pretty new face in town from the moment he first sees her, but he doesn't do a thing about it until her car gets stuck in mud, and he manages to get her out, and it's not the last time he'll come to help her.
Like Hunter, Wren isn't looking for a new romance either--she's a strong-willed, fiercely independent woman, and she has no intention to getting involved with someone new, especially since her hurt extends to the pain felt by her young son, who was ready to call her ex-fiancé his dad. But, after being rescued more than a few times by Hunter, the relationship between these two neighbors slowly beings to evolve.
To tell you more would spoil this read for you, so I'll just mention that Hunter and Wren are two characters who, thanks to dual narration, work their way into your heart in the best way. Little Atticus is an absolute charmer, and a nod to Ms. Renshaw, who clearly loved reading To Kill a Mockingbird as much as did this reader, when she chose to name him Atticus.
What she has given us is a sad, sweet, steamy, tug at your heartstrings romance I'll not soon forget, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you Ms. Renshow, for this wonderful novel.
And thank you to Netgalley, for allowing me to read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 23, 2026
I needed this book. It was just what I needed after reading a lot of darker books. This is a nice, cozy, small-town romance. With a grumpy farmer and a mostly happy romance writer who is down on her luck. She has not had a lot of good fortune in the romance department in real life. Though she has an adorable 5-year-old son, the relationship with the father is not existent, and the man she almost married broke both her heart and her son's. So she decided to pick up and move from the big city to her hometown, not far from her mom and step-dad. In a town with 4 restaurants and a lot of farm land. Of course, it is a small town, so everyone knows everyone else's business. Her neighbor happens to be the surly Hunter who wanted her land and is a bit bitter about it. Neither person is looking for love, but you know that no one gets to decide when that's going to come knocking.
I just found this to be super sweet, especially with the incorporation of Wren's son. A lot of times, we see these romance novels with children, and they are a background character only mentioned when convenient, but this guy is front and central and an important part of everyone's lives. I did have a moment where I thought I was going to be angry and disappointed in this book, because my least favorite trope is a miscommunication one. I am happy that the whole situation got ironed out rather quickly and didn't go any further. I found myself getting so angry when that came up. Anyway, there are some spicy scenes in this one, and it isn't an instalove. I like that Hunter and Wren had a decent build-up to friendship before admitting to liking each other.
Our narrators do a great job. I love Natalie Naudus, and she will never do anything but a perfect job in my opinion. She does great at all of the voices, and I love how she voices Atticus. I think that this is my first Lee Samuels book, but he also does a great job, and they complement each other well.
If you love a small-town romance with a HEA where not everything goes right, then you'll need to give this one a shot.
I just found this to be super sweet, especially with the incorporation of Wren's son. A lot of times, we see these romance novels with children, and they are a background character only mentioned when convenient, but this guy is front and central and an important part of everyone's lives. I did have a moment where I thought I was going to be angry and disappointed in this book, because my least favorite trope is a miscommunication one. I am happy that the whole situation got ironed out rather quickly and didn't go any further. I found myself getting so angry when that came up. Anyway, there are some spicy scenes in this one, and it isn't an instalove. I like that Hunter and Wren had a decent build-up to friendship before admitting to liking each other.
Our narrators do a great job. I love Natalie Naudus, and she will never do anything but a perfect job in my opinion. She does great at all of the voices, and I love how she voices Atticus. I think that this is my first Lee Samuels book, but he also does a great job, and they complement each other well.
If you love a small-town romance with a HEA where not everything goes right, then you'll need to give this one a shot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wren and Hunter are two people you can’t help but want to see find a happily ever after. Both have given up on love and relationships, choosing instead to protect their hearts from further pain and loss. Hunter is stunned to learn he has a new neighbour after waiting years to buy the property that meant so much to his family. Still he doesn’t hold a grudge toward Wren or her young, very inquisitive son, Atticus. He steps up to help Wren when needed because that is what neighbours do in a small community, though he reluctantly admits to himself that he is very attracted to the beautiful author. After years of living alone and devoting his time and energy to his farm, is he willing to think about a relationship with his new neighbour?
After many years away, Wren has made the choice to return to her home town after a particularly hard ending to her last relationship. She hopes that being near family and country living will give her son more stability and ease some of the pain the past year has brought. Hunter is very much the embodiment of one of the heroes she writes about. He is grumpy, gruff, far too handsome and has a good heart that he does his utmost to hide. But she knows the difference between reality and fiction and her past has shown her that men are fickle, unreliable and unwilling to choose her for the longterm. She is determined to stand on her own, and be the best mom she can be to Atticus. That doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy Hunter’s company, she just has to keep her heart out of it.
The slow development of trust and connection between Wren and Hunter, the sparks between them combusting, and the realization of their feelings are all fascinating. Little Atticus is adorable and certainly helps bring his mom and Hunter together. I love the small town setting of this book. The gossip, the friendships and feuds, and the community support when it counts make this book compelling and enjoyable.
After many years away, Wren has made the choice to return to her home town after a particularly hard ending to her last relationship. She hopes that being near family and country living will give her son more stability and ease some of the pain the past year has brought. Hunter is very much the embodiment of one of the heroes she writes about. He is grumpy, gruff, far too handsome and has a good heart that he does his utmost to hide. But she knows the difference between reality and fiction and her past has shown her that men are fickle, unreliable and unwilling to choose her for the longterm. She is determined to stand on her own, and be the best mom she can be to Atticus. That doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy Hunter’s company, she just has to keep her heart out of it.
The slow development of trust and connection between Wren and Hunter, the sparks between them combusting, and the realization of their feelings are all fascinating. Little Atticus is adorable and certainly helps bring his mom and Hunter together. I love the small town setting of this book. The gossip, the friendships and feuds, and the community support when it counts make this book compelling and enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Grows Wild by Winter Renshaw is everything I love in small town romance! What can be more romantic than a romance author moving back to her home town with her little boy and finding the love of her life with her very grumpy farmer neighbor? It was full of deep feels and slow burn goodness and complex dynamics with haunted pasts changing to bright future.
❤️small town romance
❤️ grumpy sunshine
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ single mother
❤️ romance author× farmer
After being jilted on her wedding day, romance author Zoey needs a fresh start to remove her inspiration block. As per her parents' idea, she buys a river side farmland with a beautiful house and moves in with her four year old son Atticus. She didnt know her neighbor Hunter wanted this land..for a promise he had made. He is salty over losing the land. But even in middle of the gruelling planting season, he cannot get the city beauty out of his mind.
Hunter is as grumpy and brooding as you can imagine. His farm is his life. A heartbreaking tragedy has shaped him and he is not ready for love. Wren's land held a lot of meaning to him. Once he got over his initial resentment and judgement, he slowly fell for Wren's sweetness and fierceness. She sparked a fierce protectiveness in him. Now Wren feels all her romance author fantasies are coming true through Hunter. A lonely farmer who is a perfect gentleman to everyone but prickly to her yet saving her and helping her...she is actually helpless. But he has history and baggage. Ans she has been hurt so many times by unfulfilled promises. Her boy is her everything and she wont let anyone to hurt his hopes. Not even the romance novel worthy Hunter. They had to work through miscommunication and misunderstanding before they could find their happily ever after. I loved the small town with the beautiful nature. This is the kind of love story that makes your heart ache and sing.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
❤️small town romance
❤️ grumpy sunshine
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ single mother
❤️ romance author× farmer
After being jilted on her wedding day, romance author Zoey needs a fresh start to remove her inspiration block. As per her parents' idea, she buys a river side farmland with a beautiful house and moves in with her four year old son Atticus. She didnt know her neighbor Hunter wanted this land..for a promise he had made. He is salty over losing the land. But even in middle of the gruelling planting season, he cannot get the city beauty out of his mind.
Hunter is as grumpy and brooding as you can imagine. His farm is his life. A heartbreaking tragedy has shaped him and he is not ready for love. Wren's land held a lot of meaning to him. Once he got over his initial resentment and judgement, he slowly fell for Wren's sweetness and fierceness. She sparked a fierce protectiveness in him. Now Wren feels all her romance author fantasies are coming true through Hunter. A lonely farmer who is a perfect gentleman to everyone but prickly to her yet saving her and helping her...she is actually helpless. But he has history and baggage. Ans she has been hurt so many times by unfulfilled promises. Her boy is her everything and she wont let anyone to hurt his hopes. Not even the romance novel worthy Hunter. They had to work through miscommunication and misunderstanding before they could find their happily ever after. I loved the small town with the beautiful nature. This is the kind of love story that makes your heart ache and sing.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
November 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wren shows up in Colton Valley with her son, ready to hit reset on life (an idea I fully supported until the finale zipped by faster than a tractor on a country road). Winter Renshaw delivers a small-town slow burn that mostly hits the right notes: the writing is straightforward with a cozy vibe, the pacing feels natural, and the romance simmers just enough to keep you interested without flipping to full-blown obsession.
Hunter McCrae is the textbook mysterious farmer-next-door: quiet, steady, and carrying enough emotional baggage to start his own moving company. Their relationship builds slowly and realistically, wrapped in fields of wildflowers and everyday tenderness. If you like your romance like Alice Clayton’s easy to read with some bite, then this'll hit that sweet spot.
But here’s where things get bumpy. When Hunter believes hurtful rumors without so much as a heart-to-heart with Wren, all the careful relationship-building takes a stumble. Ghosting Wren like a bad episode of a teen drama felt a little unearned for a guy who’s supposed to be a solid rock. And when they finally reconnect? Instead of hashing out the real issues, a kiss quietly acts like a clean slate and Wren just goes along with it like nothing happened. That part felt rushed and left me wanting more mature, honest communication.
Overall, it is a warm, slow-burn romance that gets cozy and real but slips a bit on conflict resolution. Worth it for the journey, but don’t expect a perfect ending, it's more like a “we’ll talk about it later” kind of wrap-up.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for the digital arc!!
Wren shows up in Colton Valley with her son, ready to hit reset on life (an idea I fully supported until the finale zipped by faster than a tractor on a country road). Winter Renshaw delivers a small-town slow burn that mostly hits the right notes: the writing is straightforward with a cozy vibe, the pacing feels natural, and the romance simmers just enough to keep you interested without flipping to full-blown obsession.
Hunter McCrae is the textbook mysterious farmer-next-door: quiet, steady, and carrying enough emotional baggage to start his own moving company. Their relationship builds slowly and realistically, wrapped in fields of wildflowers and everyday tenderness. If you like your romance like Alice Clayton’s easy to read with some bite, then this'll hit that sweet spot.
But here’s where things get bumpy. When Hunter believes hurtful rumors without so much as a heart-to-heart with Wren, all the careful relationship-building takes a stumble. Ghosting Wren like a bad episode of a teen drama felt a little unearned for a guy who’s supposed to be a solid rock. And when they finally reconnect? Instead of hashing out the real issues, a kiss quietly acts like a clean slate and Wren just goes along with it like nothing happened. That part felt rushed and left me wanting more mature, honest communication.
Overall, it is a warm, slow-burn romance that gets cozy and real but slips a bit on conflict resolution. Worth it for the journey, but don’t expect a perfect ending, it's more like a “we’ll talk about it later” kind of wrap-up.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for the digital arc!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Grows Wild is a small-town contemporary romance full of charm, quiet healing, and unexpected chemistry. From the very first pages, there’s a comforting, grounded atmosphere, one where the characters have just as much to tend to in their hearts as they do in their fields.
The story follows Wren Jensen, a writer who thought she had it all until she was left at the altar and hit with a crushing case of writer’s block. With nowhere else to go, she returns to her hometown of Colton Valley with her five-year-old son, hoping to find peace, stability, and maybe a little inspiration in the simplicity of rural life.
Enter Hunter McCrae, a gruff, solitary farmer who values his quiet routine and has zero interest in new neighbors, especially not one who disrupts his carefully cultivated solitude. And definitely not one who brings warmth, stories, and a presence he can’t seem to ignore.
What begins with shared silences and cautious glances slowly grows into something deeper. Neither of them is looking for love, she’s healing, he’s fiercely independent, but somehow, against their better judgment, something starts to take root.
What stood out:
🌾 The small-town setting and the natural, unhurried pacing that makes the romance feel organic.
🌾 The emotional growth of both Wren and Hunter, as two wounded people learning to trust again.
🌾 The balance between tenderness, quiet moments, and a slow burn tension that lingers beautifully.
Overall: Love Grows Wild is a comforting, heartfelt read that blends slow burn romance, rural charm, and personal growth. Perfect for readers who love stories where love blooms gently, alongside healing and second chances. 🌿📚
The story follows Wren Jensen, a writer who thought she had it all until she was left at the altar and hit with a crushing case of writer’s block. With nowhere else to go, she returns to her hometown of Colton Valley with her five-year-old son, hoping to find peace, stability, and maybe a little inspiration in the simplicity of rural life.
Enter Hunter McCrae, a gruff, solitary farmer who values his quiet routine and has zero interest in new neighbors, especially not one who disrupts his carefully cultivated solitude. And definitely not one who brings warmth, stories, and a presence he can’t seem to ignore.
What begins with shared silences and cautious glances slowly grows into something deeper. Neither of them is looking for love, she’s healing, he’s fiercely independent, but somehow, against their better judgment, something starts to take root.
What stood out:
🌾 The small-town setting and the natural, unhurried pacing that makes the romance feel organic.
🌾 The emotional growth of both Wren and Hunter, as two wounded people learning to trust again.
🌾 The balance between tenderness, quiet moments, and a slow burn tension that lingers beautifully.
Overall: Love Grows Wild is a comforting, heartfelt read that blends slow burn romance, rural charm, and personal growth. Perfect for readers who love stories where love blooms gently, alongside healing and second chances. 🌿📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a failed relationship and a long battle with writer's block, Wren Jensen is trying to break a streak of bad luck. She buys a farmhouse in her hometown and moves to Colton Valley with her four-year-old son. There, she finds inspiration in the country life and in her stoic farmer neighbor, Hunter McRae.
Hunter keeps to himself but commands attention when he enters a room. He's almost somber in parts, and it's obvious he's carrying the weight of something that wears at him. As a way of coping, he carefully controls every aspect of his life. But he doesn't expect the wave of emotions he experiences whenever Wren is near. It takes him a while to decipher his feelings, but he never denies she was always "his" from the start.
Both have huge walls around their hearts and it takes some time to break through those emotional barriers even after the physical chemistry ignites between them. I loved Hunter and how reliable he is. He's a textbook hero that makes you sigh, even with all his frowns and grumpiness. And Wren is a strong character. She is fiercely independent yet vulnerable. I enjoyed seeing the building relationship between Wren and Hunter. I also loved the building bond between Wren's son and Hunter.
This book is not just a heartwarming romance, it's a story about healing, never settling, and trust. It's about letting your guard down even when you're terrified of the unknown. And most importantly, it's about loving someone for exactly who they are and knowing you are being equally loved in return.
/I received an advanced edition of this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book or content of my review./
Hunter keeps to himself but commands attention when he enters a room. He's almost somber in parts, and it's obvious he's carrying the weight of something that wears at him. As a way of coping, he carefully controls every aspect of his life. But he doesn't expect the wave of emotions he experiences whenever Wren is near. It takes him a while to decipher his feelings, but he never denies she was always "his" from the start.
Both have huge walls around their hearts and it takes some time to break through those emotional barriers even after the physical chemistry ignites between them. I loved Hunter and how reliable he is. He's a textbook hero that makes you sigh, even with all his frowns and grumpiness. And Wren is a strong character. She is fiercely independent yet vulnerable. I enjoyed seeing the building relationship between Wren and Hunter. I also loved the building bond between Wren's son and Hunter.
This book is not just a heartwarming romance, it's a story about healing, never settling, and trust. It's about letting your guard down even when you're terrified of the unknown. And most importantly, it's about loving someone for exactly who they are and knowing you are being equally loved in return.
/I received an advanced edition of this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book or content of my review./
March 18, 2026
I really enjoyed Love Grows Wild. It felt like a soft, emotional small-town romance with just the right mix of heartbreak, healing, and hope.
Wren was easy to care about from the start. After being left at the altar, she moves back home with her son Atticus, trying to rebuild her life and get her spark back. Hunter, the grumpy farmer next door, seems closed off at first, but it quickly becomes clear that he is carrying a lot of pain too. I liked how their relationship didn't happen too fast. It grew slowly through quiet moments, awkward tension, and small acts of care that made it feel real.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Hunter's bond with Atticus. Those scenes gave the story so much warmth and heart. The emotional side of the book was strong, especially because both Wren and Hunter were dealing with old wounds and learning how to trust again. The small-town setting also added a cozy, peaceful feeling that worked really well with the story.
The only small issue I had was that the ending felt a bit too quick compared to the slow build of the rest of the book. I wanted a little more time with the final resolution. Still, the story was sweet, touching, and easy to get lost in.
Overall, this was a comforting romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a satisfying slow-burn feel. If you like grumpy farmer heroes, single-mom heroines, and love stories about second chances and healing, this is a really nice read.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC copy.
Wren was easy to care about from the start. After being left at the altar, she moves back home with her son Atticus, trying to rebuild her life and get her spark back. Hunter, the grumpy farmer next door, seems closed off at first, but it quickly becomes clear that he is carrying a lot of pain too. I liked how their relationship didn't happen too fast. It grew slowly through quiet moments, awkward tension, and small acts of care that made it feel real.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Hunter's bond with Atticus. Those scenes gave the story so much warmth and heart. The emotional side of the book was strong, especially because both Wren and Hunter were dealing with old wounds and learning how to trust again. The small-town setting also added a cozy, peaceful feeling that worked really well with the story.
The only small issue I had was that the ending felt a bit too quick compared to the slow build of the rest of the book. I wanted a little more time with the final resolution. Still, the story was sweet, touching, and easy to get lost in.
Overall, this was a comforting romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a satisfying slow-burn feel. If you like grumpy farmer heroes, single-mom heroines, and love stories about second chances and healing, this is a really nice read.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tropes:
🧡single mom
💚returning to hometown
🧡city woman x country man
💚older main characters ( late 30s/early 40s)
🧡romance author x farmer
💚dual pov
I absolutely adore Winter Renshaws books. It’s been a minute since she’s written anything so I was excited to see this one. Love Grows Wild is a small-town contemporary romance That is heartwarming and i absolutely loved Wren and Hunter
Wren Jensen is a single mom to her 4 year old son Atticus and has just recently moved back to her hometown after being left at the altar. She needed a fresh start and to be able to write again thought being near family and the country air would help her.
Hunter McCrae is the the grumpy and misunderstood farmer that lives next door, He has his own share of hurt and heartache and often prefers the solitude life then being around people, especially nosy neighbors who are sunshine and rainbows.
Wren and Hunter had a connection yet neither of them was looking for love or even a relationship.
The tension between them was thick at times, and they have chemistry that is off the charts.
Wren is fiercely independent, solely relying upon herself but the way Hunter just kept proving to her that she was his person was just not only showing up for her , but showing up for Atticus too. The bond Hunter shared with him was special
If you love a small town feel good romance or need a little something to clean your pallet definitely give this a read.
🧡single mom
💚returning to hometown
🧡city woman x country man
💚older main characters ( late 30s/early 40s)
🧡romance author x farmer
💚dual pov
I absolutely adore Winter Renshaws books. It’s been a minute since she’s written anything so I was excited to see this one. Love Grows Wild is a small-town contemporary romance That is heartwarming and i absolutely loved Wren and Hunter
Wren Jensen is a single mom to her 4 year old son Atticus and has just recently moved back to her hometown after being left at the altar. She needed a fresh start and to be able to write again thought being near family and the country air would help her.
Hunter McCrae is the the grumpy and misunderstood farmer that lives next door, He has his own share of hurt and heartache and often prefers the solitude life then being around people, especially nosy neighbors who are sunshine and rainbows.
Wren and Hunter had a connection yet neither of them was looking for love or even a relationship.
The tension between them was thick at times, and they have chemistry that is off the charts.
Wren is fiercely independent, solely relying upon herself but the way Hunter just kept proving to her that she was his person was just not only showing up for her , but showing up for Atticus too. The bond Hunter shared with him was special
If you love a small town feel good romance or need a little something to clean your pallet definitely give this a read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Coming home
I loved this story it was an emotional, messy at times, grumpy / sunshine story about a man that wasn’t great with words but knew just how to express his feelings with actions, plus a woman that wanted the kind of love she writes about in her romance novels.
Wren has been through enough heartbreak and decides to pack up her house and take her young son back to the small hometown she grew up in.
Moving back after 20 years she happens to buy a house that her gorgeous neighbour, Hunter has a connection with and had wanted to buy.
They meet and are both instantly attracted to each other.
All the women in the county know Hunter isn’t interested in a relationship and once he shows an interest in Wren she is warned by many.
He’s smitten and is willing to wait for as long as it takes for her to come around to the same feelings he has.
However, there is jealousy and nastiness for them to overcome first.
Will they let it destroy what they are slowly building?
This was a steamy at times romance novel which I enjoyed, finding the characters loveable, especially Wren’s little boy Atticus.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Lee Samuels & Natalie Naudus whose performances were perfect for this story, they brought this story to life which made for a great listening experience.
Thank you to Winter Renshaw, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
I loved this story it was an emotional, messy at times, grumpy / sunshine story about a man that wasn’t great with words but knew just how to express his feelings with actions, plus a woman that wanted the kind of love she writes about in her romance novels.
Wren has been through enough heartbreak and decides to pack up her house and take her young son back to the small hometown she grew up in.
Moving back after 20 years she happens to buy a house that her gorgeous neighbour, Hunter has a connection with and had wanted to buy.
They meet and are both instantly attracted to each other.
All the women in the county know Hunter isn’t interested in a relationship and once he shows an interest in Wren she is warned by many.
He’s smitten and is willing to wait for as long as it takes for her to come around to the same feelings he has.
However, there is jealousy and nastiness for them to overcome first.
Will they let it destroy what they are slowly building?
This was a steamy at times romance novel which I enjoyed, finding the characters loveable, especially Wren’s little boy Atticus.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Lee Samuels & Natalie Naudus whose performances were perfect for this story, they brought this story to life which made for a great listening experience.
Thank you to Winter Renshaw, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Read
November 25, 2025Wren regresa a Colton Valley buscando un nuevo comienzo para ella y su hijo después de un año que les arrebató más de lo que imaginaba. Lo que encuentra es una vida más simple, un hogar con historia y un vecino que despierta en ella todo lo que creía dormido. Hunter McCrae es reservado, firme y marcado por pérdidas que han dejado huellas profundas, pero también es el hombre que aparece cuando ella lo necesita, incluso antes de que se atreva a pedir ayuda. Entre campos interminables, una casa que vuelve a sentirse propia y la ternura inesperada de ver a su hijo sonreír otra vez, Wren descubre que la calma también puede enamorar. Y mientras Hunter intenta mantener las distancias, ambos van construyendo un vínculo que crece con la misma fuerza que las flores que comienzan a rodear su nueva vida.
__
Me gustó todo excepto el final, porque lo sentí muy apresurado y justo cuando debían hablar y aclarar las cosas no lo hicieron. No tiene sentido que Hunter le creyera a Natalie en lugar de a Wren, que no fuera a aclarar la situación de inmediato y que incluso la dejara en visto. Y cuando por fin va a verla, se le olvida todo lo que tenía que decir y solo la besa y Wren lo acepta como si nada. Esto hace que no sepa qué calificación ponerle.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
__
Me gustó todo excepto el final, porque lo sentí muy apresurado y justo cuando debían hablar y aclarar las cosas no lo hicieron. No tiene sentido que Hunter le creyera a Natalie en lugar de a Wren, que no fuera a aclarar la situación de inmediato y que incluso la dejara en visto. Y cuando por fin va a verla, se le olvida todo lo que tenía que decir y solo la besa y Wren lo acepta como si nada. Esto hace que no sepa qué calificación ponerle.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a great read, and I was hooked from the first chapter!
This story follows Wren & Hunter. Wren is a single mom who packs up with her son, moving from the city to her small hometown, hoping that a change of scenery will help with her writer's block and give them both a fresh start. Here we find Hunter, the grumpy cowboy who likes his peace and quiet, and also is working through a lot of his own history and trauma. He does have a lot in history and seeing everything he went through in life and all that he is trying to deal with was so heartbreaking but also really helped show why he acts the way he does and how he reacts towards Wren in the beginning. Seeing the relationship between him and Wren grow and evolve was so beautiful and heartwarming to read. I love that these two characters feel so real and have backgrounds that anyone can relate to. Plus, seeing their relationship grow and evolve was so great to read. There’s a bit of everything in this book: tension, tears, spice, and growth. All of the emotions were felt, and I loved every minute of it!
If you’re looking for a cute, easy-to-read contemporary romance with:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Single mom
- Small town
- Cowboys
- Tension
- Slowburn
- Spice
This is definitely a book to check out!
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows Wren & Hunter. Wren is a single mom who packs up with her son, moving from the city to her small hometown, hoping that a change of scenery will help with her writer's block and give them both a fresh start. Here we find Hunter, the grumpy cowboy who likes his peace and quiet, and also is working through a lot of his own history and trauma. He does have a lot in history and seeing everything he went through in life and all that he is trying to deal with was so heartbreaking but also really helped show why he acts the way he does and how he reacts towards Wren in the beginning. Seeing the relationship between him and Wren grow and evolve was so beautiful and heartwarming to read. I love that these two characters feel so real and have backgrounds that anyone can relate to. Plus, seeing their relationship grow and evolve was so great to read. There’s a bit of everything in this book: tension, tears, spice, and growth. All of the emotions were felt, and I loved every minute of it!
If you’re looking for a cute, easy-to-read contemporary romance with:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Single mom
- Small town
- Cowboys
- Tension
- Slowburn
- Spice
This is definitely a book to check out!
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Grows Wild is a heartfelt slow burn, small town romance about a single mom that pulls at your emotions. It was my first book by Winter Renshaw, but definitely not my last.
After being left at the altar, romance author Wren Jensen decides she needs a fresh start. She moves back to her small hometown with her adorable son Atticus, hoping it will reignite her creativity and inspire her to start writing again.
Hunter McCrae is the grumpy, single farmer living next door—her only neighbor for miles. He loves his quiet life on the farm, but everything changes when he meets Wren.
The chemistry between Wren and Hunter sizzled, and I loved how tender he was with Atticus. It felt like they were building a genuine, solid relationship based on openness and honesty about their intentions. However, that all changed when miscommunication and rumors started to come between them. They had a fight, and suddenly everything was perfect again after Hunter kissed Wren—like that single moment resolved everything. The ending felt rushed and left some issues unaddressed, which detracted from the overall emotional depth of their story.
Overall, this was a charming contemporary romance, and I was hooked from the very first page. I’ll definitely be exploring more of Winter Renshaw’s books.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
After being left at the altar, romance author Wren Jensen decides she needs a fresh start. She moves back to her small hometown with her adorable son Atticus, hoping it will reignite her creativity and inspire her to start writing again.
Hunter McCrae is the grumpy, single farmer living next door—her only neighbor for miles. He loves his quiet life on the farm, but everything changes when he meets Wren.
The chemistry between Wren and Hunter sizzled, and I loved how tender he was with Atticus. It felt like they were building a genuine, solid relationship based on openness and honesty about their intentions. However, that all changed when miscommunication and rumors started to come between them. They had a fight, and suddenly everything was perfect again after Hunter kissed Wren—like that single moment resolved everything. The ending felt rushed and left some issues unaddressed, which detracted from the overall emotional depth of their story.
Overall, this was a charming contemporary romance, and I was hooked from the very first page. I’ll definitely be exploring more of Winter Renshaw’s books.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A sweet, soulful country romance
Wren bought the farm that Hunter has been waiting years to purchase, so he's inclined to dislike and distrust her from the start. Wren had no idea of its importance to her neighbor, but she's not in the market for a grumpy farmer anyway so there's no reason to wonder about the source of his animosity. Still, these two can't quite keep out of each other's ways, until their lives are so intricately entangled that they can no longer hide their simmering chemistry.
This book took a while to grow on me, but the leisurely pace really suits the characters, both of whom have endured enough emotional trauma to make them extremely cautious about trusting anyone. The author does an exquisite job of developing each character's own voice, showing rare vulnerability and emotional depth while also allowing for intense passion and focused introspection.
The descriptive prose in this book is next level. Whether she's describing a young boy or a local bar, this author brings life to the page and makes the reader feel they have a front-row seat to each scene. Nor does the book shy away from the difficult subjects, addressing childhood loss with deep compassion and reverence, and balancing the two opposing viewpoints of Wren's career as a novelist and how she develops her sources of inspiration.
Beautifully written, compelling characters, heartwarming HEA all around. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary small-town romances.
Wren bought the farm that Hunter has been waiting years to purchase, so he's inclined to dislike and distrust her from the start. Wren had no idea of its importance to her neighbor, but she's not in the market for a grumpy farmer anyway so there's no reason to wonder about the source of his animosity. Still, these two can't quite keep out of each other's ways, until their lives are so intricately entangled that they can no longer hide their simmering chemistry.
This book took a while to grow on me, but the leisurely pace really suits the characters, both of whom have endured enough emotional trauma to make them extremely cautious about trusting anyone. The author does an exquisite job of developing each character's own voice, showing rare vulnerability and emotional depth while also allowing for intense passion and focused introspection.
The descriptive prose in this book is next level. Whether she's describing a young boy or a local bar, this author brings life to the page and makes the reader feel they have a front-row seat to each scene. Nor does the book shy away from the difficult subjects, addressing childhood loss with deep compassion and reverence, and balancing the two opposing viewpoints of Wren's career as a novelist and how she develops her sources of inspiration.
Beautifully written, compelling characters, heartwarming HEA all around. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary small-town romances.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**3.5 Stars**
This book started off on a good note and I founf myself invested, but over time I became less engaged. Wren moves back to her hometown following her break up on her wedding day. Hunter is a farmer and business man who owns all of the land around Wren's new home. Hunter is standoffish and grumpy but over and over he shows up and "rescues" Wren. Wren is an author trying to get over her writer's block and Hunter is providing all of the inspiration.
I really liked Hunter and how much he cared for Wren and Atticus and how he went out of his way to do things for Wren. I really liked Atticus, but felt just kind of meh about Wren, though I am not sure why. I would have liked to see more of a build up and connection when it came to Hunter and Wren. I feel like a lot of their relationship was physical. There was drama added in to the story but it didn't really seem to serve any purpose and I wasn't a fan of the type of drama, and they both moved on from it really easy. I feel like some parts of the story needed to be developed more as well. Overall the book was just ok for me.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book started off on a good note and I founf myself invested, but over time I became less engaged. Wren moves back to her hometown following her break up on her wedding day. Hunter is a farmer and business man who owns all of the land around Wren's new home. Hunter is standoffish and grumpy but over and over he shows up and "rescues" Wren. Wren is an author trying to get over her writer's block and Hunter is providing all of the inspiration.
I really liked Hunter and how much he cared for Wren and Atticus and how he went out of his way to do things for Wren. I really liked Atticus, but felt just kind of meh about Wren, though I am not sure why. I would have liked to see more of a build up and connection when it came to Hunter and Wren. I feel like a lot of their relationship was physical. There was drama added in to the story but it didn't really seem to serve any purpose and I wasn't a fan of the type of drama, and they both moved on from it really easy. I feel like some parts of the story needed to be developed more as well. Overall the book was just ok for me.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Grows Wild Here was such a good book. I loved listening to it right from the start. It pulled me in immediately and turned out to be such a sweet love story. I loved the hardworking man next door who was taken with her from the beginning. The story between the two of them had me rooting for them almost right away.
I also loved that she had such supportive parents, and her little boy was just precious. One of my favorite parts was how much he cared for her son from the very beginning. Their relationship was so sweet and honestly one of the best parts of the book.
When she found the carvings in the closet connected to Ben, I originally thought Ben might have been his best friend. I didn’t realize at first what that connection really meant, and when it all came together, it explained so much. That part added even more depth to the story for me.
Of course, there were people trying to get in the way, including the ex-best friend acting like she still had good intentions and the awful ex. But through it all, they fought for each other, and that made their story even more beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #NetGalley
I also loved that she had such supportive parents, and her little boy was just precious. One of my favorite parts was how much he cared for her son from the very beginning. Their relationship was so sweet and honestly one of the best parts of the book.
When she found the carvings in the closet connected to Ben, I originally thought Ben might have been his best friend. I didn’t realize at first what that connection really meant, and when it all came together, it explained so much. That part added even more depth to the story for me.
Of course, there were people trying to get in the way, including the ex-best friend acting like she still had good intentions and the awful ex. But through it all, they fought for each other, and that made their story even more beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #NetGalley
December 4, 2025
This book was so good!
It was a sweet, steamy romance filled with swoonworthy moments. It was also not afraid to bring out emotional punches.
Hunters backstory absolutely broke my heart. When you hear it, it makes his whole character and his actions make sense. His family went through a tragedy and his parents ran away from the feelings instead of feeling them. Though he was 16 at the time this still made an impression on him and still does years later. When we meet him he has no idea how to use his words to express what he’s thinking or feeling. But he quickly learns how to show them in other ways. And he does this by showing up, even when he’s not asked to, over and over again. It makes for very cute moments.
Wren is one strong and independent woman. After she is jilted and her(and her son’s) world implodes. She manages to take them back to her hometown where she plans to grow roots and heal. And heal she does. It’s a bit cliche to say Hunter helped her heal. But he did. Through every doubt and insecurity her ex gave her, he shows up and shows her how wrong her ex was. It’s truly healing to see a character who just wants to be the one someone chooses finally get chosen!
It was a sweet, steamy romance filled with swoonworthy moments. It was also not afraid to bring out emotional punches.
Hunters backstory absolutely broke my heart. When you hear it, it makes his whole character and his actions make sense. His family went through a tragedy and his parents ran away from the feelings instead of feeling them. Though he was 16 at the time this still made an impression on him and still does years later. When we meet him he has no idea how to use his words to express what he’s thinking or feeling. But he quickly learns how to show them in other ways. And he does this by showing up, even when he’s not asked to, over and over again. It makes for very cute moments.
Wren is one strong and independent woman. After she is jilted and her(and her son’s) world implodes. She manages to take them back to her hometown where she plans to grow roots and heal. And heal she does. It’s a bit cliche to say Hunter helped her heal. But he did. Through every doubt and insecurity her ex gave her, he shows up and shows her how wrong her ex was. It’s truly healing to see a character who just wants to be the one someone chooses finally get chosen!
December 8, 2025
Stuck with writer's block and wanting some fresh air, Wren packs up, and along with her 4 year old son, they move back to her small town hometown, where she buys an old country house in the middle of no where. Well, not quite nowhere. There is one other home nearby that belongs to Hunter, the broody farmer who doesn't talk much but is always there to help anyone in the community when needed. He's secretive about his past, so has that mysterious vibe going on. Neither are looking for love. He's too busy running his farm, and she's tired of falling for the wrong men. But neither can deny the attraction. There are laughs. There are tears. There is a cute little fellow who is just itching to be a cowboy/farmer. There is spice. There is charm. There are some jerks. There is a little backstabbing/betrayal. (And/or assumed betrayal.) Wonderfully written characters. This is one of those romances that the couple both are adamant about not getting serious. Not getting emotions involved... until they realize it's too late for that. Wren's son Atticus, was always stealing the scene. Easy to read. Story flows smoothly. It is a well written story. Alternates POVs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So I switched several times between a 4, 3 or 2 ⭐️ rating but in the end I stuck with two. My reasoning for this is that the narrative between the two main characters was completely indistinguishable. If there wasn't a name above each chapter, I would have had no idea who's chapter it was. The writing was bland and the characters were awful. The mmc being completely controlling and possessive and no matter how much you try to emphasize that it is romantic - this level of controlling behaviour is NOT! There are red flags everywhere. From punching someone because fmc is called a "smut" writer, to keep reiterating that someone you have just met is yours (both vocally and physically)!
The whole town is full of juvenile imbeciles that never seem to have grown up. I find this almost insulting of small town populations. The only characters that MAY have had some depth weren't really written about.
Some of the chapters were way too short and I felt like I was just flipping in and out at supersonic speed.
As a side-note: Chapter 14 - how would she turn the tv on if she had no power? This detail bugged me immensely!
The whole town is full of juvenile imbeciles that never seem to have grown up. I find this almost insulting of small town populations. The only characters that MAY have had some depth weren't really written about.
Some of the chapters were way too short and I felt like I was just flipping in and out at supersonic speed.
As a side-note: Chapter 14 - how would she turn the tv on if she had no power? This detail bugged me immensely!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wren Jensen thought her life was settled until she was left at the altar and hit with writer’s block that wouldn’t budge. With few options left, she moves back to Colton Valley with her five-year-old son, hoping the quiet and familiar surroundings will help her find her footing again. What she does not expect is Hunter McCrae, the grumpy farmer next door who wanted the property for himself and prefers his solitude untouched.
Wren is focused on rebuilding her life, not falling in love, and Hunter has no interest in neighbors or complications. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore what is growing between them. I loved the slow burn romance and especially Hunter’s bond with Atticus. There is solid spice, and while miscommunication is not usually my favorite trope, it worked here because it came from real insecurity and fear. Wren struggles to believe she deserves the kind of love she wants, and Hunter has to face that loving again is worth the risk, even after loss.
Thank you, Winter Renshaw, Montlake and NetGalley for opportunity to read this the ARC!
Wren is focused on rebuilding her life, not falling in love, and Hunter has no interest in neighbors or complications. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore what is growing between them. I loved the slow burn romance and especially Hunter’s bond with Atticus. There is solid spice, and while miscommunication is not usually my favorite trope, it worked here because it came from real insecurity and fear. Wren struggles to believe she deserves the kind of love she wants, and Hunter has to face that loving again is worth the risk, even after loss.
Thank you, Winter Renshaw, Montlake and NetGalley for opportunity to read this the ARC!
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars 🌟
This story started off great and I loved the push and pull between the independent, upbeat romance author and her grumpy, closed off farmer neighbour.
I enjoyed how he was extremely busy and yet, despite himself he still found ways to help Wren and her son. He did it without fuss or fanfare.
I was also delighted that these were two characters in their late thirties/early forties. I expected their life experiences to come through and for them to have a more mature approach to circumstances.
But, and here’s the rub…although I did enjoy this, the romance is cozy, there isn’t much drama or angst really which is sometimes nice in a small town romance but there also wasn’t much development at first of their friendship, I did feel their porch chats weren’t enough for me… I wanted more of that slow burn, push and pull and I felt their first intimate encounter was mis-placed and wasted! I felt some things just weren’t developed enough within the story.
A sweet story and I would read another if we go back to this small town and perhaps now we know the other characters it will have more about it.
This story started off great and I loved the push and pull between the independent, upbeat romance author and her grumpy, closed off farmer neighbour.
I enjoyed how he was extremely busy and yet, despite himself he still found ways to help Wren and her son. He did it without fuss or fanfare.
I was also delighted that these were two characters in their late thirties/early forties. I expected their life experiences to come through and for them to have a more mature approach to circumstances.
But, and here’s the rub…although I did enjoy this, the romance is cozy, there isn’t much drama or angst really which is sometimes nice in a small town romance but there also wasn’t much development at first of their friendship, I did feel their porch chats weren’t enough for me… I wanted more of that slow burn, push and pull and I felt their first intimate encounter was mis-placed and wasted! I felt some things just weren’t developed enough within the story.
A sweet story and I would read another if we go back to this small town and perhaps now we know the other characters it will have more about it.
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