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Cowboys of Wild Creek #1
Wrangling Hearts
I was supposed to save the ranch. Not fall for the cocky cowboy next door trying to steal it out from under me.
Beau McLeod has always been an arrogant distraction—full of swagger and infuriating golden boy charm.
The kind of man who gets under your skin… and stays there.
We’ve been rivals since I stole his jeans at the creek and our dads nearly went to blows.
Three generations of Hayes vs. McLeod, and we were raised to keep the feud burning.
Now we’re both chasing the same once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—the Cavendish contract.
It could make or break our ranches. But I need it more. And he knows it.
He sabotages my hay. I let his cattle loose.
We flirt like enemies. Fight like lovers.
Then he kisses me, and everything changes.
Now he’s fixing fences, carrying my burdens, and undoing me—one sexy smirk at a time.
But if I fall for Beau McLeod?
I could lose the only thing I’ve ever fought to protect.
Our family legacy…and my heart.
Beau McLeod has always been an arrogant distraction—full of swagger and infuriating golden boy charm.
The kind of man who gets under your skin… and stays there.
We’ve been rivals since I stole his jeans at the creek and our dads nearly went to blows.
Three generations of Hayes vs. McLeod, and we were raised to keep the feud burning.
Now we’re both chasing the same once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—the Cavendish contract.
It could make or break our ranches. But I need it more. And he knows it.
He sabotages my hay. I let his cattle loose.
We flirt like enemies. Fight like lovers.
Then he kisses me, and everything changes.
Now he’s fixing fences, carrying my burdens, and undoing me—one sexy smirk at a time.
But if I fall for Beau McLeod?
I could lose the only thing I’ve ever fought to protect.
Our family legacy…and my heart.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 17, 2026
This is a new author to me. This wasn't a bad book, but I struggled with some of this. The biggest issue I had was the military aspect with Emmett. As soon as it said he was "retired" from the military at 23, I knew this would be an issue for me. You actually can't retire unless you've served 20 years. You can be discharged, separated, or medically discharged, but not retired. A simple Google search would've given facts on this.
I also had a hard time figuring out how old these characters were. At one point, I felt like it said Claire was 24, but then Beau is talking about him being 35. And I know there isn't a 10+ year age gap, since she was 15, I think, when he went to college?? So maybe Claire is actually 32 in this???
The plot was ok. I don't know that I ever bought into the hate between the two families. Especially since Beau's siblings are pushing him into a relationship with Claire while said feud is supposed to be going on. I don't know, it was just weird.
I did cry towards the end. I did feel Claire's emotions. Same with Savannah's and Tess.
I'm not sure if I'm going to continue the series. I'm intrigued by the rest of the couples, so we'll see.
I also had a hard time figuring out how old these characters were. At one point, I felt like it said Claire was 24, but then Beau is talking about him being 35. And I know there isn't a 10+ year age gap, since she was 15, I think, when he went to college?? So maybe Claire is actually 32 in this???
The plot was ok. I don't know that I ever bought into the hate between the two families. Especially since Beau's siblings are pushing him into a relationship with Claire while said feud is supposed to be going on. I don't know, it was just weird.
I did cry towards the end. I did feel Claire's emotions. Same with Savannah's and Tess.
I'm not sure if I'm going to continue the series. I'm intrigued by the rest of the couples, so we'll see.
May 21, 2026
This is my first book by Nicola Hayes and I really enjoyed it.
This story follows childhood friends Beau and Claire who as children along with their siblings would play pranks on each other with the girls nicking the boys clothes after they went for a naked swim in the lake, to rivals with Beau and Claire all grown their neighbouring ranches with Beau's family into cattle and Claire's family into horses, especially when they had the chance to merge with a company who wanted to expand into a bigger, to lovers still playing pranks on eachother.
This story follows childhood friends Beau and Claire who as children along with their siblings would play pranks on each other with the girls nicking the boys clothes after they went for a naked swim in the lake, to rivals with Beau and Claire all grown their neighbouring ranches with Beau's family into cattle and Claire's family into horses, especially when they had the chance to merge with a company who wanted to expand into a bigger, to lovers still playing pranks on eachother.
March 2, 2026
For less than 300 pages this book covers a lot of plot and is well done! Love a cute short read
September 10, 2025
First i've read of this author and will not be the last. Before I even finished this, I downloaded the next 2 ARCs available in the series. I immediately fell in love with the story, the characters and their relatability. I loved the way the author captured each of their voices so distinctly.
I love a cowboy romance and if the writing isn't well done or the story isn't super unique, they can blend together... toss in a few "y'all's", mention a ranch hand, and a cowboy hat, a snap shirt if you're fancy and you can get lost in the minutia. But the characters were really alive here, they felt like real siblings, and a tight kismet friend group that even time and history couldn't tear apart.
really well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a cowboy romance and if the writing isn't well done or the story isn't super unique, they can blend together... toss in a few "y'all's", mention a ranch hand, and a cowboy hat, a snap shirt if you're fancy and you can get lost in the minutia. But the characters were really alive here, they felt like real siblings, and a tight kismet friend group that even time and history couldn't tear apart.
really well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
Holy smokes I just finished reading the most wonderful cowboy romance book ever by Nicola. Beau and Claire are both great characters with amazing chemistry. I had this book read in a day. This is definitely a book you need to get your hands on right away.
July 20, 2026
Enjoyed this book, the story of Beau and Claire.
As children and teenagers they grew up on adjacent ranches with his and her siblings, enjoying life. Until their fathers fell out about a partnership deal claiming the other's grandparents had done them wrong.
Years later Claire finds herself nursing her mother, and running the ranch.
Beau and Claire are now rivals until he can't stand to watch her struggle.
This book has everything.
Good fun vibes and sparky banter
Romance
Emotion scenes that render you to tears
Slow burn
And big chemistry
It's deep on the emotional pull of the characters with her mom having terminal cancer, and his father being a bit of a bully.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
The author pulls you along in such a way, you think you're part of the character's lives.
I love discovering new indie authors.
Triggers
On page discussion cancer terminal
On page loss of a parent
Grief
Wholly recommend this book.
Kerry Kennedy Author
As children and teenagers they grew up on adjacent ranches with his and her siblings, enjoying life. Until their fathers fell out about a partnership deal claiming the other's grandparents had done them wrong.
Years later Claire finds herself nursing her mother, and running the ranch.
Beau and Claire are now rivals until he can't stand to watch her struggle.
This book has everything.
Good fun vibes and sparky banter
Romance
Emotion scenes that render you to tears
Slow burn
And big chemistry
It's deep on the emotional pull of the characters with her mom having terminal cancer, and his father being a bit of a bully.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
The author pulls you along in such a way, you think you're part of the character's lives.
I love discovering new indie authors.
Triggers
On page discussion cancer terminal
On page loss of a parent
Grief
Wholly recommend this book.
Kerry Kennedy Author
September 15, 2025
4.5 stars.
Oh my did this story take me on a journey, I have changed my mind about characters, felt empathy and openly cried whilst reading this book, I have also felt sad, annoyed, hopeful and happy. I liked how once Beau opened his eyes he never shut them again, and because of this he realised what he truly wanted from life and what he didn't.
These two families were connected in so many different ways, some exposed and some hinted at, I am very much looking forward to finding out what's going to happen next as there are pasts and relationships still to be explored. I am also looking forward to seeing more of Beau and Claire, seeing how the family are doing as well as their business, their plans and what will happen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my did this story take me on a journey, I have changed my mind about characters, felt empathy and openly cried whilst reading this book, I have also felt sad, annoyed, hopeful and happy. I liked how once Beau opened his eyes he never shut them again, and because of this he realised what he truly wanted from life and what he didn't.
These two families were connected in so many different ways, some exposed and some hinted at, I am very much looking forward to finding out what's going to happen next as there are pasts and relationships still to be explored. I am also looking forward to seeing more of Beau and Claire, seeing how the family are doing as well as their business, their plans and what will happen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
okayyyy enemies to lovers GIVE IT TO ME!!! oh wait, BORING. listen, this was good, quick read. i did enjoy the story. i particularly enjoyed the prologue. i think it was a fun introduction to the group and essentially the plot of the story. two families put against each other because of lies and betrayal.
my only issue with this story was the pace of the romance between beau and claire. they were cute for sure; i wish their story was more detailed.
regardless of their pacing, i did enjoy them as a couple… i guess.
beaus dad being a POS throughout the story and then randomly being okay with everything?! wut.
anyways 3/5
my only issue with this story was the pace of the romance between beau and claire. they were cute for sure; i wish their story was more detailed.
regardless of their pacing, i did enjoy them as a couple… i guess.
beaus dad being a POS throughout the story and then randomly being okay with everything?! wut.
anyways 3/5
September 13, 2025
Omg! Not sure what to say, this book left me breathless! There is family feuding hatred death greed and love. A very strong cowgirl and cowboy ( Claire and Beau ) who start as children growing up together then the family feud from fifty years ago causes hatred amongst all the youngsters of both families but Claire and Beau together break the feud and find their HEA. This book was so good I’ve already pre-ordered the others. Great writing in this book it keeps you entranced.
September 15, 2025
“Wrangling Hearts” by Nicola Hayes
-A captivating cowboy romance filled with feuds, passion, and family drama. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Claire and Beau’s love grows from childhood despite decades of bitterness between their families. The story brims with tension, heartbreak, and the fight for a happily ever after.
Richly written, emotional, and unforgettable—this is small-town romance at its best.
-A captivating cowboy romance filled with feuds, passion, and family drama. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Claire and Beau’s love grows from childhood despite decades of bitterness between their families. The story brims with tension, heartbreak, and the fight for a happily ever after.
Richly written, emotional, and unforgettable—this is small-town romance at its best.
May 6, 2026
Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this story so much. Claire and Beau was everything you love in an enemies to lovers, found family and more. This had it all, the longing, the fuel, grief, friends that are family and love. I just loved it all. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in this series. This was my first read of this author and this was written so beautifully. 🤍
May 7, 2026
Loved this book..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My first Nicola Hayes book and I’m on to Weston and Savvy next! I loved this romance and I encourage anyone who likes a true western love story with an excellent storyline and fascinating characters to read about two families who were childhood friends. Wonderful writing! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My first Nicola Hayes book and I’m on to Weston and Savvy next! I loved this romance and I encourage anyone who likes a true western love story with an excellent storyline and fascinating characters to read about two families who were childhood friends. Wonderful writing! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 15, 2025
Holy smokes I just finished reading the most wonderful cowboy romance book ever by Nicola. Beau and Claire are both great characters with amazing chemistry. I had this book read in a day. This is definitely a book you need to get your hands on right away.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed wrangling hearts which was Claire and Beau’s story. It was an engaging read. Love when they start off as kids growing up together. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
December 10, 2025
A very enjoyable read
I really enjoyed Wrangling Hearts. It was a solid storyline with enough spice & mystery to keep it rolling along at a good pace. Totally recommend & can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed Wrangling Hearts. It was a solid storyline with enough spice & mystery to keep it rolling along at a good pace. Totally recommend & can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
May 8, 2026
Great current day cowboy story.
I liked how this story was about a couple who had some challenges in the past but now realized that they can work together and build a life on the ranch.
I liked how this story was about a couple who had some challenges in the past but now realized that they can work together and build a life on the ranch.
November 10, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
November 11, 2025
4.5✨ RTC
February 26, 2026
4/5
My first book by Hayes and definitely not my last! Claire and Beau were so good together! I loved how much they loved each other.
My first book by Hayes and definitely not my last! Claire and Beau were so good together! I loved how much they loved each other.
July 15, 2026
Love
I loved this book, went in not expecting what I got but it was so worth the read! ⭐ Needs more than 5 stars
I loved this book, went in not expecting what I got but it was so worth the read! ⭐ Needs more than 5 stars
March 23, 2026
Cowboys of Wild Creek 1 : Wrangling Hearts
First off, the covers for this series are absolutely beautiful!! This was my first book by @nicola.hayes.author and it was so good! I really enjoyed it. Beau and Claire run rival ranches right next to eachother!! Their families used to be close before a business deal goes bad, now they can't stand eachother and are always in direct competition. No surprise that they would both apply for the same grant to enhance their ranches. As the competition gets heated, so does the romance!!!!!
First off, the covers for this series are absolutely beautiful!! This was my first book by @nicola.hayes.author and it was so good! I really enjoyed it. Beau and Claire run rival ranches right next to eachother!! Their families used to be close before a business deal goes bad, now they can't stand eachother and are always in direct competition. No surprise that they would both apply for the same grant to enhance their ranches. As the competition gets heated, so does the romance!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews