What do you think?
Rate this book
She’s The One. The one who got away.After a steamy encounter at the rodeo, I thought I’d never see her again. I’ve been given a second chance when I discover she’s the new doctor in town. I do everything I can to make her mine, but she resists. It makes no sense, until I learn the truth of her past. I won’t let her escape again, even if I have to handcuff her to my bed.
These short reads are MF with a guaranteed spicy HEA. While they are standalone, it’s best to read them in order.
Tropes for Colt Small Town, Cowboy, He Falls First, Town Sheriff, Town Doctor, Mistaken Identity, One Night Stand
These short reads are MF with a guaranteed spicy HEA. While they are standalone, it’s best to read them in order.
Tropes for Colt Small Town, Cowboy, He Falls First, Town Sheriff, Town Doctor, Mistaken Identity, One Night Stand
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
275 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Vale
239 books2,541 followersA USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.
You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com
You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 16, 2025
This is book two in the series, and it delivers beautifully with second chance romance, small town, insta-love, a tight band of siblings, and so much more.
I love how easily Molly and Colt’s story flowed — no unnecessary drama, just two people finding their way back to each other.
One thing that remains constant in this series is the Wilder siblings and their bond. Their relationship is so heartwarming and adds so much depth to the story.
It’s a solid 4-star read for me.
Thank you to the author and Grey Promotion for the ARC.
I love how easily Molly and Colt’s story flowed — no unnecessary drama, just two people finding their way back to each other.
One thing that remains constant in this series is the Wilder siblings and their bond. Their relationship is so heartwarming and adds so much depth to the story.
It’s a solid 4-star read for me.
Thank you to the author and Grey Promotion for the ARC.
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Fast, Fiery, Protective Cowboy Romance With a Shot of Suspense
Colt brings all the speed, heat, and “claim his woman” energy you expect from this series, wrapped in small-town charm and a touch of danger. Colt and Molly’s connection sparks instantly at the rodeo—one steamy, stolen moment in a closet that should’ve been the beginning of something… until life derails their plans and he never makes it back to her.
Six months later, fate throws them together again when Molly arrives in town as the new ER Chief and Medical Examiner. Colt wastes absolutely no time trying to explain, reconnect, and stake his claim. He’s the definition of a possessive, protective hero, determined to make up for lost time and even more determined not to let her slip away again.
What sets this novella apart is the added tension from Molly’s past—and her chaotic sister, whose appearance threatens everything Molly has worked so hard to build. The mix of romance, family drama, and a touch of suspense keeps the story moving at a satisfying, binge-worthy pace. Colt and his brothers stepping in with their fierce loyalty adds heart (and a little heat) to the story’s edges.
Expect instalove, a sheriff hero with a single-minded devotion, toxic sibling drama, strong family dynamics, and a cliffhanger that sets up the next Wilder adventure. A fun, spicy, quick read perfect for fans of protective cowboys and high-octane chemistry. 🤠🔥
Colt brings all the speed, heat, and “claim his woman” energy you expect from this series, wrapped in small-town charm and a touch of danger. Colt and Molly’s connection sparks instantly at the rodeo—one steamy, stolen moment in a closet that should’ve been the beginning of something… until life derails their plans and he never makes it back to her.
Six months later, fate throws them together again when Molly arrives in town as the new ER Chief and Medical Examiner. Colt wastes absolutely no time trying to explain, reconnect, and stake his claim. He’s the definition of a possessive, protective hero, determined to make up for lost time and even more determined not to let her slip away again.
What sets this novella apart is the added tension from Molly’s past—and her chaotic sister, whose appearance threatens everything Molly has worked so hard to build. The mix of romance, family drama, and a touch of suspense keeps the story moving at a satisfying, binge-worthy pace. Colt and his brothers stepping in with their fierce loyalty adds heart (and a little heat) to the story’s edges.
Expect instalove, a sheriff hero with a single-minded devotion, toxic sibling drama, strong family dynamics, and a cliffhanger that sets up the next Wilder adventure. A fun, spicy, quick read perfect for fans of protective cowboys and high-octane chemistry. 🤠🔥
December 11, 2025
The Cowboys of Devil's Ditch series by Vanessa Vale delivers steamy, small-town cowboy romance with plenty of heat, heart, and rugged charm across Trig, Colt, and Bray. Each book features alpha heroes from the rugged Devil's Ditch ranch—Trig's brooding intensity, Colt's protective loyalty, and Bray's playful dominance—paired with strong heroines who match their fire. I loved the consistent world-building, family ties, and spicy dynamics that make the series addictive.
Vale's writing excels at quick-burning chemistry and emotional depth beneath the scorching scenes, with each installment standing strong on its own while building the overarching ranch saga. The heroes' vulnerabilities and the heroines' independence add relatable layers to the escapism.
While the insta-lust and possessive tropes are signature to Vale's style, the fresh character arcs and escalating stakes keep things engaging without feeling repetitive. Pacing is fast and fun, though some plots could delve deeper into emotional conflicts.
Overall, this series is a sizzling treat for fans of cowboy romance with dominant men and empowered women. I’m rating it 4 stars and recommend binging all three for maximum satisfaction.
Vale's writing excels at quick-burning chemistry and emotional depth beneath the scorching scenes, with each installment standing strong on its own while building the overarching ranch saga. The heroes' vulnerabilities and the heroines' independence add relatable layers to the escapism.
While the insta-lust and possessive tropes are signature to Vale's style, the fresh character arcs and escalating stakes keep things engaging without feeling repetitive. Pacing is fast and fun, though some plots could delve deeper into emotional conflicts.
Overall, this series is a sizzling treat for fans of cowboy romance with dominant men and empowered women. I’m rating it 4 stars and recommend binging all three for maximum satisfaction.
October 12, 2025
The second novella in Vanessa Vale’s Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch series and this time round it’s the turn of local sheriff Colt Wilder. Colt had already met his Waterloo in the shape of Molly at a rodeo, but he lost her before he had little more than a taste. Now months later fate plays her hand once again and shines favourably on Colt when he meets the towns new doctor, yep, you’ve guessed it, but Molly is a woman with secrets and isn’t about to make things easy for the sheriff.
As with the first book this novella was an equally short and spicy but don’t let that put you off. For all it’s brevity its packed full of content including identity theft, evil twins with dastardly deeds in mind and a lawman with a bad case of instalove. The cliffhanger from the first book was tied off which was a bit of a surprise as I had expected that plot line to arc across the series. If you’re a fan of found family, quick paced romances in a small-town setting, then pull up a chair and spend a little time with the Wilders of Montana as they meet their destinies one at a time.
As with the first book this novella was an equally short and spicy but don’t let that put you off. For all it’s brevity its packed full of content including identity theft, evil twins with dastardly deeds in mind and a lawman with a bad case of instalove. The cliffhanger from the first book was tied off which was a bit of a surprise as I had expected that plot line to arc across the series. If you’re a fan of found family, quick paced romances in a small-town setting, then pull up a chair and spend a little time with the Wilders of Montana as they meet their destinies one at a time.
December 10, 2025
Trig is the first book of the Cowboys of Devil's Ditch series. Its tropes include runaway bride, instalove, snowed in together and mistaken identity. This was a good shorter story and if you like small town cowboy romance, this is a series you want to read. This is a good steamy story about Ellie who is rescued by Trig after her car breaks down in a snow storm. She is running away from an awful situation her father put her in. Trig to the rescue!
***Colt is book two of the series. This is a small town romance between Colt, a sheriff and Molly, who is the town's new doctor. This is another great story that includes instalove and one of my favs, "he falls first" trope.
***Bray is book three. This story includes the tropes: damsel in distress, fake boyfriend and best friend's older brother. This is a spicy yummy story where Bray "falls first" for her his girl Katie. She asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend after another guy keeps bothering her. But to him, there's no pretending. I hope to read more from this series very soon.
***Colt is book two of the series. This is a small town romance between Colt, a sheriff and Molly, who is the town's new doctor. This is another great story that includes instalove and one of my favs, "he falls first" trope.
***Bray is book three. This story includes the tropes: damsel in distress, fake boyfriend and best friend's older brother. This is a spicy yummy story where Bray "falls first" for her his girl Katie. She asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend after another guy keeps bothering her. But to him, there's no pretending. I hope to read more from this series very soon.
December 9, 2025
2.5 stars. Okay unfortunately I did not enjoy this one as much as the first. I love a posessive man and the fact they had instant attraction across the arena, had a one night stand only to find each other 6 months later through work.
The story just didn't grip me as much and it was inconsistent, there was things he had told her earlier on in the book and then later she would act like it didn't. E.g. when they reconnected at the coroner's office, he told her his name was Colt Wilder then later in the book she said to him "i don't even know your first name" even though he had told her prior. There was also another instance where he said he had 8 siblings then later when he told her again she was so shocked as if he hadn't already told her.
*Second chance
*Sheriff x doctor
*Insta love
*He falls first
The story just didn't grip me as much and it was inconsistent, there was things he had told her earlier on in the book and then later she would act like it didn't. E.g. when they reconnected at the coroner's office, he told her his name was Colt Wilder then later in the book she said to him "i don't even know your first name" even though he had told her prior. There was also another instance where he said he had 8 siblings then later when he told her again she was so shocked as if he hadn't already told her.
*Second chance
*Sheriff x doctor
*Insta love
*He falls first
October 8, 2025
These Wilder brothers sure are something! Colt is the County Sheriff and knows how to use his handcuffs and to up the steam factor with some panty melting dirty talk.
Colt saw Molly across the rodeo arena and had a steamy connection in a closet, but life got in the way of meeting her later that night as they had agreed. Fate brought her to his hometown as the ER Chief and Medical Examiner, so he meets her once again 6 months later and wastes no time claiming his woman.
In addition to the steam and insta-love, Molly has a dangerous person from her past who continues to show up to make her life difficult. This adds a dash of suspense to this novella’s storyline.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Colt saw Molly across the rodeo arena and had a steamy connection in a closet, but life got in the way of meeting her later that night as they had agreed. Fate brought her to his hometown as the ER Chief and Medical Examiner, so he meets her once again 6 months later and wastes no time claiming his woman.
In addition to the steam and insta-love, Molly has a dangerous person from her past who continues to show up to make her life difficult. This adds a dash of suspense to this novella’s storyline.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
October 31, 2025
Dual POV, Spicy, Novella, ONS, Instalove, Second Chance, Small Town, Protective Possessive MMC, He Falls First, Sheriff x Doctor
Colt meets Molly at a rodeo where the two share a hookup with a promise to meet up later that night only for his brother to get hurt and cause him to ghost her. When he walks into the hospital and see's the new town doctor is Molly he decides he'll go anything to explain the situation to her and make her his. Only her sister Missy shows up with her usual chaos threatening to take away everything Molly has built for herself, but Colt and his brothers step in with a promise to handle it all. Expect family dynamics, a very possessive and protective mmc, a toxic sibling with an addiction, and a cliff hanger ending.
Colt meets Molly at a rodeo where the two share a hookup with a promise to meet up later that night only for his brother to get hurt and cause him to ghost her. When he walks into the hospital and see's the new town doctor is Molly he decides he'll go anything to explain the situation to her and make her his. Only her sister Missy shows up with her usual chaos threatening to take away everything Molly has built for herself, but Colt and his brothers step in with a promise to handle it all. Expect family dynamics, a very possessive and protective mmc, a toxic sibling with an addiction, and a cliff hanger ending.
September 29, 2025
Book two in the Wilder siblings instalove series brings Colt and Molly together for their quick read HEA. These two have a chance encounter in a cupboard at the rodeo. Their connection is instant, and their chemistry sizzling. But life gets in the way, and they have no way to reconnect. Until fate throws them back together when she is assisting in one of Colt's investigations.
I love how certain these Wilder men are that they've found their 'one'. Nothing will deter them from claiming and keeping their instalove connection.
This is another steamy, fun and super satisfying quick read from VV.
I love how certain these Wilder men are that they've found their 'one'. Nothing will deter them from claiming and keeping their instalove connection.
This is another steamy, fun and super satisfying quick read from VV.
October 7, 2025
Cowboy romance.
Molly is a young medical examiner who came to work in a small town after her sister pulled another scam. However, she didn't expect to see Colt, the magnificent cowboy who never showed up for the post-rodeo appointment. While she's determined to avoid him, she ends up handcuffed in the back of his car.
Colt is a sheriff in a small town. Six months ago, he met the woman of his unhappy life. He couldn't keep their appointments and lost her. So when he finds out that she's the hospital's new doctor, he knows he'll do anything to keep her.
Will Molly and Colt have a beautiful story…
Molly is a young medical examiner who came to work in a small town after her sister pulled another scam. However, she didn't expect to see Colt, the magnificent cowboy who never showed up for the post-rodeo appointment. While she's determined to avoid him, she ends up handcuffed in the back of his car.
Colt is a sheriff in a small town. Six months ago, he met the woman of his unhappy life. He couldn't keep their appointments and lost her. So when he finds out that she's the hospital's new doctor, he knows he'll do anything to keep her.
Will Molly and Colt have a beautiful story…
October 8, 2025
A hot sheriff runs into the one-night stand he hasn’t been able to forget, and it is on from there! She’s pissed, he’s bound and determined to make it right, make her his, and never her let her go, and all she’s got on her mind is how long she can stay in the little town she’s landed in before her past forces her to go. It’s adorably sexy in that instalove way, I absolutely love that Colt knows the woman he loves so well he never doubts her and could recognize her anywhere, and I’m really digging this girl squad that is being built as another one of seven brothers falls and his mom and his sister fold her right into their little group.
October 21, 2025
Between his large family and the small town of Devil’s Ditch, Sheriff Colt Wilder has is hands full with caring for both. When his eyes land on Molly at a rodeo event he attends while helping his brother Trig, it is love a first sight. They have a moment together and he misses his chance to meet up with her later when Trig is injured and feels the loss. While investigating a death back home, he finds her working at the local hospital and has to work at getting her to realize he didn’t ghost her. Another fun read from Vanessa Vale whom from which I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
I love an Insta-love read. Vanessa Vale does this trope so well. She combines great spice, emotional moments, wonderful characters and intrigue all in fast-paced great quick reads.
Colt sees a woman at the rodeo and they end up in a closet. A misunderstanding leads to him not knowing anything about her. But six months later, while investigating a possible murder, there she is. The medical examiner Molly Simon. Molly has to keep running from place to place to avoid her sister. She has feelings for Colt but she's afraid. This was hot right out of the gate. This sheriff has a filthy mouth and handcuffs. Your safe word is rodeo. 😉
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Colt sees a woman at the rodeo and they end up in a closet. A misunderstanding leads to him not knowing anything about her. But six months later, while investigating a possible murder, there she is. The medical examiner Molly Simon. Molly has to keep running from place to place to avoid her sister. She has feelings for Colt but she's afraid. This was hot right out of the gate. This sheriff has a filthy mouth and handcuffs. Your safe word is rodeo. 😉
🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 26, 2025
This second novella in The Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch series is fantastic. I wasn’t expecting a continuation of the original storyline but the way the author is intertwining these stories is really interesting. Technically they could be standalone but I don’t think that is the best reading experience. The story of Colt and Molly had me hoping they could make it work. After a chance meeting and then seeing each other again after 6 months in a completely new place…fate, right? I couldn’t put this one down.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my honest review.
December 5, 2025
Colt is the sheriff of Devil’s Ditch. Molly is the newest ER doctor and medical examiner. And they have a past. A one night stand, where Colt knew right away that she was the one for him, but they don't even exchange names.
It takes Colt a lot of convincing to get Molly to understand that she's the one for him. She has a lot of baggage that she doesn't want to drag Colt into. But the alpha sheriff isn't having any of that. He's determined to protect her. I love the protectiveness of the Wilder men.
I’m not always an instalove fan, but Vanessa writes them so well!
Thank you Greys Promotions for my copy of this book.
It takes Colt a lot of convincing to get Molly to understand that she's the one for him. She has a lot of baggage that she doesn't want to drag Colt into. But the alpha sheriff isn't having any of that. He's determined to protect her. I love the protectiveness of the Wilder men.
I’m not always an instalove fan, but Vanessa writes them so well!
Thank you Greys Promotions for my copy of this book.
December 10, 2025
A few hours of hot and steamy chemistry, and Colt never thought he would see the one who got away. Colt is the handsome sheriff in Devil's Ditch, and oh boy, he will win us over. Molly is the new doctor who doesn't take any crap, but she's been through a lot, too. When Colt and Molly run into each other again, he will do whatever it takes to prove to her that they belong together. When Molly's past comes back to haunt her, she knows she will have to run again. But she didn't expect Colt and him to fight not only for her but for her freedom. Can she trust it and fall madly in love?
October 7, 2025
These insta loves are wearing off on me. That or I'm starting to really love this family. Add to this short the second chance aspect and I'm a goner. Loved Colt and Molly. Got irritated with Molly and her hidden secrets. But I'm glad she trusted Colt to take care of her. Cannot wait for the next brother to fall!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
October 8, 2025
Well what can I say...Vanessa does it again.
Colt is the very masculine, hot Sherriff who thought he lost his chance at finding true love, his connection. Surprise, Surprise!!! Guess who shows up to turn his life upside down...hmmm...I wonder.
This book has all the feels that Vanessa is so good at bringing into play.
Colt is book 2 in the Cowboys of Devils Ditch series.
Grab it fast
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
Colt is the very masculine, hot Sherriff who thought he lost his chance at finding true love, his connection. Surprise, Surprise!!! Guess who shows up to turn his life upside down...hmmm...I wonder.
This book has all the feels that Vanessa is so good at bringing into play.
Colt is book 2 in the Cowboys of Devils Ditch series.
Grab it fast
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
October 8, 2025
Quick insta love. He’s the town sheriff, she’s the new doctor in town that doubles as a medical examiner. They first meet at the rodeo where Trig hurt his knee. Six months later they meet back up completely by coincidence. The autopsy of Ellie’s dad from book 1 is how they both meet again. This book has more in it than the last one. Mistaken identity, evil twin, a set up. It ends really abruptly.
October 8, 2025
Second book in the Cowboys of Devils Ditch series, and we get the law enforcement brother, Colt (which I was looking forward to). Insta at the rodeo. Instant connection in every sense of the words lol. While Colt keeps law and order, Molly heals people as the new head of the ER. They have perfect chemistry, but someone from Mollys past is trying to ruin it all. Loved it! Bring on the next brother!
October 10, 2025
Loved this!
I loved this story of Colt and Molly! They met at the Rodeo and had one night together. Then they got separated and didn't have each others information. Months later, they run into each other at the hospital. Molly now lives and works in Devil's Ditch. Their chemistry is fire. They some issues to overcome. Colt won't let Molly down. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Bray's story!
I loved this story of Colt and Molly! They met at the Rodeo and had one night together. Then they got separated and didn't have each others information. Months later, they run into each other at the hospital. Molly now lives and works in Devil's Ditch. Their chemistry is fire. They some issues to overcome. Colt won't let Molly down. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Bray's story!
October 11, 2025
A fabulous love story that you will not be able to put down!! On the run from her twin sister, Molly goes from job to job to stay a head of her trouble making sister Missy!! When she meets Colt at a rodeo there is an instant connection but they do not see each other again until she gets a job in Devil's Ditch!! Grab this book and enjoy the journey this couple go through and the shenanigans her twin sister gets her into!! Loved this book and can't wait for Bray's book next!!
October 16, 2025
Colt met Molly six months ago, but due to an unfortunate incident, he never got her name. Thank God fate brings her to Devil’s Ditch, where he finally gets the chance to tie her down.
The plot was fast-paced but their insta-love story never felt too rushed. I loved that scene when Colt realizes the truth behind the strange incidents. Lol, what an interesting “evidence”!
This was another amazing novella from this small town series.
The plot was fast-paced but their insta-love story never felt too rushed. I loved that scene when Colt realizes the truth behind the strange incidents. Lol, what an interesting “evidence”!
This was another amazing novella from this small town series.
October 18, 2025
Molly and Colt ❤️
Another winning story at Devils ditch!! I totally loved the story of Molly and her twin sister and Colt as the sheriff. I really love how each one of these brothers know their future wife with just one look! It’s a family trait! and it was the same for Molly and Colt ate the Rodeo! Interesting story how the twin sister was an addict and tried to ruin mollys life. Glad she got caught . Always live the HEA endings. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Another winning story at Devils ditch!! I totally loved the story of Molly and her twin sister and Colt as the sheriff. I really love how each one of these brothers know their future wife with just one look! It’s a family trait! and it was the same for Molly and Colt ate the Rodeo! Interesting story how the twin sister was an addict and tried to ruin mollys life. Glad she got caught . Always live the HEA endings. I can’t wait to read the next one.
November 26, 2025
This is book 2 and another short insta love but this time with a second chance trope. I liked Molly and Colt, they had a quick hookup and planned to meet up again when colt had to suddenly leave due to trip getting hurt and they had no way of contacting each other again. These two had loads of chemistry and colt wasn’t letting her get away again or let anyone between them. Thank you to Greys Promotion for the Arc!
December 2, 2025
I have been a Vanessa Vale fan for a long time.
Whether she writes alone or in a duo, her stories always pull me in and it's so hard to put her stories down!
Trig, Colt and Bray make up the cowboys in the first three books of the series!
Each one of these men endeared themselves to me!
I can't choose a favorite, can you?
If you're ready for some heat and insta-love, start with these three and then, yes, you know, keep it going!
Whether she writes alone or in a duo, her stories always pull me in and it's so hard to put her stories down!
Trig, Colt and Bray make up the cowboys in the first three books of the series!
Each one of these men endeared themselves to me!
I can't choose a favorite, can you?
If you're ready for some heat and insta-love, start with these three and then, yes, you know, keep it going!
September 28, 2025
The Wilder men story continues with Colt, and despite fact is a short novella, is full of passion and great characters. Everything happens so fast💥💥. The story doesn't have too much action, but it's nice anyway. I hope to see more of Molly and Colt in the next books. The b3d scene is k!nky and 🥵🥵🥵. Love a man who knows what he wants.
Love💖💓💕
Milena
Love💖💓💕
Milena
October 3, 2025
This is a second chance cowboy romance. Colt meets Molly at a rodeo. One look at each other and things go from zero to sixty just like that. Then he gets a call and tells he will meet her at his hotel later. When she shows up, he isn't there. Two years later, he she her again. Can he explain what happened? Will he get a second chance?
October 7, 2025
I loved Colt even more than I loved Trig! I do love a small town sheriff romance though. The story is more novella size but it makes it such a fun and easy read. Although this story is short it is SPICY just like all of the books in this series and it has some great twists. It is definitely perfect to read right before bed, and definitely NSFW!
October 15, 2025
They met at a Rodeo and had one hot night together and then they got separated mostly because they didint have each others information. Months later, they run into each other at the hospital. Molly now lives and works in Devil's Ditch. Their chemistry is fire and extremely hot, but he waste no time to make her his.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews