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The West just got Wilder! Meet the cowboys of Devil’s Ditch Montana, one steamy, instalove story at a time.This is Shep's story - The mechanic and the case of mistaken identity
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
257 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Vale
184 books2,550 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
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 5, 2025
Well...this story was everything that a Vanessa Vale story is about.
Hot Cowboys, spice, instalove and family. It also has a twist I wasn't expecting!
No spoilers but Yee Haw this is one you definitely want to read.
Oh who am I kidding...you need all those Cowboys of Devils Ditch 🔥🔥
Grab this one...grab the whole damn series and take these boys for a ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Hot Cowboys, spice, instalove and family. It also has a twist I wasn't expecting!
No spoilers but Yee Haw this is one you definitely want to read.
Oh who am I kidding...you need all those Cowboys of Devils Ditch 🔥🔥
Grab this one...grab the whole damn series and take these boys for a ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
November 28, 2025
I am FOAMING AT THE MOUTH. I am DELIRIOUS. Vanessa Vale really threw me into a virgin auction and said “good luck, sweetheart,” and honestly??? I THRIVED.
Shep might actually be the most dangerously obsessed, blue-collar, cowboy-mechanic fantasy man to ever exist. The way this man LOCKED ONTO FRANKIE the second he saw her?? I stopped breathing.
Shep:
This man was supposed to be having a normal Saturday night. Maybe a beer. Maybe a laugh. But no. Fate said: “Here, sir, have the woman you’re going to ruin your life over.”
And Shep said:
“SOLD. Mine. Claimed. Everyone back away.”
He buys her specifically to save her, and then turns around and becomes the filthiest, softest, most devoted man alive. I was SWEATING.
And then. AND THEN.
Monday morning she walks into HIS SHOP.
As HIS NEW MECHANIC.
HIS EMPLOYEE.
THE GIRL WHOSE V-CARD HE JUST BOUGHT.
I ascended. I saw actual light.
Shep is the perfect mix of protective caveman + tender wounded hero + blue-collar daddy energy that should honestly be illegal.
He fixes cars.
He fixes hearts.
He tries to fix the situation but ends up just FALLING HARDER.
He’s like “how do I own her without being her boss???” and I’m like SIR PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU, NEVER STOP.
Frankie:
OH MY GIRL.
She is fierce, capable, brilliant with her hands, and walks into the shop ready to hold her own. And the CHEMISTRY???
From the minute they lock eyes at the auction, the connection is ELECTRIC.
Frankie and Shep together = molten lava levels of tension.
The forbidden desire.
The “I’m your boss but also I cannot stop thinking about your mouth.”
The “you deserve someone who worships you and that someone is ME.”
I was MELTING.
The Tropes Were SERVED:
• Small Town ✔️
• Cowboy ✔️
• Blue Collar KING ✔️
• Mechanic hero (hello, my weakness) ✔️
• VIRGIN AUCTION (Vanessa I see you and I support this chaos) ✔️
• Mistaken Identity ✔️
• Boss/Employee forbidden fever DREAM ✔️
FINAL VERDICT:
Obsessive.
Addictive.
Filthy.
Sweet.
SPICY AS HELL.
“SHEP” is one of those novellas that hijacks your brain and does NOT give it back. Frankie and Shep’s chemistry is instant wildfire, the pacing is perfect, and the HEA is pure, delicious cowboy bliss.
Vanessa Vale, please take my wallet, my sanity, my entire life at this point.
I am officially a resident of Devil’s Ditch and NOT COMING HOME. 🤠🔥
Shep might actually be the most dangerously obsessed, blue-collar, cowboy-mechanic fantasy man to ever exist. The way this man LOCKED ONTO FRANKIE the second he saw her?? I stopped breathing.
Shep:
This man was supposed to be having a normal Saturday night. Maybe a beer. Maybe a laugh. But no. Fate said: “Here, sir, have the woman you’re going to ruin your life over.”
And Shep said:
“SOLD. Mine. Claimed. Everyone back away.”
He buys her specifically to save her, and then turns around and becomes the filthiest, softest, most devoted man alive. I was SWEATING.
And then. AND THEN.
Monday morning she walks into HIS SHOP.
As HIS NEW MECHANIC.
HIS EMPLOYEE.
THE GIRL WHOSE V-CARD HE JUST BOUGHT.
I ascended. I saw actual light.
Shep is the perfect mix of protective caveman + tender wounded hero + blue-collar daddy energy that should honestly be illegal.
He fixes cars.
He fixes hearts.
He tries to fix the situation but ends up just FALLING HARDER.
He’s like “how do I own her without being her boss???” and I’m like SIR PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU, NEVER STOP.
Frankie:
OH MY GIRL.
She is fierce, capable, brilliant with her hands, and walks into the shop ready to hold her own. And the CHEMISTRY???
From the minute they lock eyes at the auction, the connection is ELECTRIC.
Frankie and Shep together = molten lava levels of tension.
The forbidden desire.
The “I’m your boss but also I cannot stop thinking about your mouth.”
The “you deserve someone who worships you and that someone is ME.”
I was MELTING.
The Tropes Were SERVED:
• Small Town ✔️
• Cowboy ✔️
• Blue Collar KING ✔️
• Mechanic hero (hello, my weakness) ✔️
• VIRGIN AUCTION (Vanessa I see you and I support this chaos) ✔️
• Mistaken Identity ✔️
• Boss/Employee forbidden fever DREAM ✔️
FINAL VERDICT:
Obsessive.
Addictive.
Filthy.
Sweet.
SPICY AS HELL.
“SHEP” is one of those novellas that hijacks your brain and does NOT give it back. Frankie and Shep’s chemistry is instant wildfire, the pacing is perfect, and the HEA is pure, delicious cowboy bliss.
Vanessa Vale, please take my wallet, my sanity, my entire life at this point.
I am officially a resident of Devil’s Ditch and NOT COMING HOME. 🤠🔥
January 5, 2026
Shep and Frankie
Frankie or Francesca what is she going to do her rents past due not her fault the job she was hoping to get turned her down and it's winter she works two jobs and her brother running of with rent money is just one more lousy thing that's happened to her so when her friends say they know away to make some extra cash well she hasn't got much choice. Shep I run the only garage for miles and I'm a Wilder all my brothers are coupling up and having babies I just want a night out with friends and maybe a good time but what I get dragged into makes me reconsider the people I hang out with then I see her and know she's mine Francesc. Frankie that job I thought I lost turns out I'm finally going to get a chance to prove I'm good with cars and it won't go to waste unfortunately my weekend quick cash fix is now my new boss I'm homeless and just want a chance. Shep she could have told me now I know and I'll do what it takes to keep her and take away all her hurt. Another short romance by the Author maybe not my most favorite in the series it seemed a little rushed with the ending and I wasn't a fan of how the met especially since those evil Trouts seem to be up to something again and there getting away with it. So that's the only reason it's not my favorite but it's still a good read older guy virgin troupe.
Frankie or Francesca what is she going to do her rents past due not her fault the job she was hoping to get turned her down and it's winter she works two jobs and her brother running of with rent money is just one more lousy thing that's happened to her so when her friends say they know away to make some extra cash well she hasn't got much choice. Shep I run the only garage for miles and I'm a Wilder all my brothers are coupling up and having babies I just want a night out with friends and maybe a good time but what I get dragged into makes me reconsider the people I hang out with then I see her and know she's mine Francesc. Frankie that job I thought I lost turns out I'm finally going to get a chance to prove I'm good with cars and it won't go to waste unfortunately my weekend quick cash fix is now my new boss I'm homeless and just want a chance. Shep she could have told me now I know and I'll do what it takes to keep her and take away all her hurt. Another short romance by the Author maybe not my most favorite in the series it seemed a little rushed with the ending and I wasn't a fan of how the met especially since those evil Trouts seem to be up to something again and there getting away with it. So that's the only reason it's not my favorite but it's still a good read older guy virgin troupe.
November 29, 2025
Frankie's luck had hit rock bottom. Her brother had skipped town with the rent money, and her landlord was kicking her out. With nothing left to lose, she put her most prized possession – her virginity – up for auction at the Trout ranch. Luckily, the highest bidder was the charming Shep Wilder. But little did they know, their lives were about to get a whole lot more complicated – Shep owned the garage where Frankie had just scored a new job, and he’d been expecting his new hire, Frankie to be a man, not the girl he’d fallen for.
Shep Wilder, the strong and silent type, has finally fallen under Cupid's spell, and boy, is it a wild ride! As the quieter brother, Shep's been flying under the radar, but it turns out he's got a dirty mouth and a heart of gold - especially when it comes to Frankie, who has never known the love of a real family. With the Wilders she has definitely hit the jackpot! Now, I'm still waiting for the Trout family to get their comeuppance - their dirty deeds can't go unpunished forever, right? With two books left in the series, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some serious justice or payback depending on which brother delivers.
Shep Wilder, the strong and silent type, has finally fallen under Cupid's spell, and boy, is it a wild ride! As the quieter brother, Shep's been flying under the radar, but it turns out he's got a dirty mouth and a heart of gold - especially when it comes to Frankie, who has never known the love of a real family. With the Wilders she has definitely hit the jackpot! Now, I'm still waiting for the Trout family to get their comeuppance - their dirty deeds can't go unpunished forever, right? With two books left in the series, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some serious justice or payback depending on which brother delivers.
November 7, 2025
Another brilliant, he falls first and hard, quick read from VV. Shep is not a born Wilder, but the instalove bug catches him all the same. He is Wilder to his very heart.
The premise of story is that Frankie is down on her luck. She is about to be evicted and is over-working herself to stay afloat. Her friends introduce her to the idea of selling her v-card at a party. She agrees out of desperation. Shep ends up at said party out of curiosity. Instalove strikes. Shep will pay whatever is needed to claim his woman.
The passion side of things is fun. Shep is a dirty talking, dominant lover. He gets a little giddy at being Frankie's first and only. But underneath it all is a lovely story for Frankie. She finds herself secure and loved and with a family. Things are looking up for her and she is able to set down roots.
Fun and steamy addition to the Wilder family series.
The premise of story is that Frankie is down on her luck. She is about to be evicted and is over-working herself to stay afloat. Her friends introduce her to the idea of selling her v-card at a party. She agrees out of desperation. Shep ends up at said party out of curiosity. Instalove strikes. Shep will pay whatever is needed to claim his woman.
The passion side of things is fun. Shep is a dirty talking, dominant lover. He gets a little giddy at being Frankie's first and only. But underneath it all is a lovely story for Frankie. She finds herself secure and loved and with a family. Things are looking up for her and she is able to set down roots.
Fun and steamy addition to the Wilder family series.
November 28, 2025
I love a sweet short story where the couple fall in love with little to no drama. As per the past six couples this was insta love. Shep tries to stay away from her but the pull is to strong. I like Shep. He steps up not only to save the girl but to claim her even when he thinks he shouldn't. He deserves his HEA also so claiming her is a must. Frankie hasn't had the easiest life. I like how she was willing to work and prove herself.. even in a male dominated field. I'm very happy for these two.
*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*
November 30, 2025
Loved this!
I loved this story of Shep and Frankie! He went out with friends and expected to go to the local bar. That was not what was on the menu for that night. At a house party he meets Francesca, and that was it, she was the one. Turns out, Monday morning, Frankie is his new mechanic. And she's good too. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! They are quick great reads that bring the heat. I can't wait to read about Buck next!
I loved this story of Shep and Frankie! He went out with friends and expected to go to the local bar. That was not what was on the menu for that night. At a house party he meets Francesca, and that was it, she was the one. Turns out, Monday morning, Frankie is his new mechanic. And she's good too. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! They are quick great reads that bring the heat. I can't wait to read about Buck next!
November 11, 2025
Shep finds his The One in a most unusual setting and his possessive caveman streak comes out declaring ‘Mine’.
The novella length story is spicy with an instant connection between the main characters. These Wilder siblings fall hard and fast with plenty of sizzle in their relationships.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
The novella length story is spicy with an instant connection between the main characters. These Wilder siblings fall hard and fast with plenty of sizzle in their relationships.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
November 11, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Oh my, this was definitely not a conventional meet-cute. But just like his other brothers, Shep knows that Frankie is the one, from the moment he sets his eyes on her.
If you love a quick read with an insta-love plot, you will absolutely love this whirlwind romance between Shep and Frankie.
Oh my, this was definitely not a conventional meet-cute. But just like his other brothers, Shep knows that Frankie is the one, from the moment he sets his eyes on her.
If you love a quick read with an insta-love plot, you will absolutely love this whirlwind romance between Shep and Frankie.
November 13, 2025
Get ready to fall in love with the next Wilder brother!! Shep meets Frankie at a virgin auction!! Frankie has a shitty past and family and needs money fast!! Fall in love with this couple and the journey this couple go through to get to their HEA!! Highly recommend this quick but satisfying love story!! The Wilder brothers seems to get wilder by the book!!
November 23, 2025
I loved this! It’s a rather scandalous beginning, all that Wilder instalove magic, and the fact that Frankie is a mechanic, yes please. With a strong female lead doing whatever she has to, to survive, the guy she lost her virginity to becoming her boss, and so much mine, this is just a really fun quick read.
November 30, 2025
This was my least favorite of the series. It gave me the ick and felt like a departure from the rest of the series that was look at her and die. I was hoping Shep was going to be more protective of Frankie. It didn’t stop me from reading it because I have loved this series but I was not thrilled.
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.
November 12, 2025
okay
Not my favourite of the series as the pimping aspect of the story spoilt the story for me. Didn’t like the rich getting richer off of others misfortunes and no retribution. Story was just okay.
Not my favourite of the series as the pimping aspect of the story spoilt the story for me. Didn’t like the rich getting richer off of others misfortunes and no retribution. Story was just okay.
November 13, 2025
What a way to meet my new mechanic Frankie!
I liked this book. It was fast paced, kept me interested and it has an interesting twist to the storyline. If you want sexy and a happy ending, this book is for you.
I liked this book. It was fast paced, kept me interested and it has an interesting twist to the storyline. If you want sexy and a happy ending, this book is for you.
November 14, 2025
In true Wilder style, Shep finds his insta-love when she takes a chance at earning some quick cash in the worst place possible. And we all know how irresistible those Wilder’s are. His Cherry (aka Frankie) never stood a chance.
November 16, 2025
Shep is book 7 in the Cowboys of Devil’s Ditch by Vanessa Vale 4.5 stars
This series is an insta love, small town romance with the Wilder family.
Up next is Shep, thinking he’s going to the bar with friends, but ends up at a virgin auction. When he sees Frankie…all bets/bids are off…she’s his! Come Monday morning…it turns out she is his new mechanic!!
This series is an insta love, small town romance with the Wilder family.
Up next is Shep, thinking he’s going to the bar with friends, but ends up at a virgin auction. When he sees Frankie…all bets/bids are off…she’s his! Come Monday morning…it turns out she is his new mechanic!!
November 19, 2025
Shep finally met his match and I couldn’t be happier for him.
He isn’t born a wilder but he is a wilder through and through when it comes to finding his one true love.
If you want a sexy, happy and fast ending this one is the right book for you.
He isn’t born a wilder but he is a wilder through and through when it comes to finding his one true love.
If you want a sexy, happy and fast ending this one is the right book for you.
November 12, 2025
cute Quick Read
I loved how he wanted her even when he didn't know her then stepped to the plate bought her at an auction the proceeded to hire her to work for him.
I loved how he wanted her even when he didn't know her then stepped to the plate bought her at an auction the proceeded to hire her to work for him.
November 14, 2025
My least fav of the series. Really, what virgin woman wants to have sex for the first time on a table and have a bunch of horny guys watching? What guy would want to do that to her? GROSS!
November 19, 2025
Great book
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review I'll never understand. Especially when I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review I'll never understand. Especially when I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
December 3, 2025
It was pretty good but like the rest it seems it just feels like its not finished. It
December 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I love a quick read and this one was probably one of my favorites in the series. Shep mistaking Frankie as a new guy he hired at his shop was amazing. Frankie was fierce. I love them.
I love a quick read and this one was probably one of my favorites in the series. Shep mistaking Frankie as a new guy he hired at his shop was amazing. Frankie was fierce. I love them.
December 14, 2025
short and sweet. Shep is not like the other Wilder brothers but still a good read. loved their chemistry and so glad there is two more to go
December 14, 2025
Shep is one dirty-talking cowboy!
After her friends talk her into going to a "party" where the girls sell themselves for money, Frankie doesn't see any other option to get the money she needs in order to start saving again after being evicted. Enter Shep, who's friends drug him along and took one look at Frankie and proclaimed her as his. Turns out, she's also his new mechanic at the shop and now doesn't know how to act around her. But one thing's for certain, Frankie's his, now he just needs her to get on board with that.
Frankie and Shep get their happy ending in this standalone novella in a series.
I hadn't realized Shep wasn't a born Wilder, but he sure was a Wilder through and through when it came to finding his true love! I also love how much his brothers love him and look out for him, but also know when you know you found the one, you don't fight it. And it looked like Colt was right, but also a bit wrong, for how long it took them. I'm glad that Frankie found a family that will love her, and I do hope the two of them will tell Colt or Hayes how they met to help take down the Trout family. The more I learn about them, the more I want to see them suffer from someone in the Wilder family without the family suffering.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After her friends talk her into going to a "party" where the girls sell themselves for money, Frankie doesn't see any other option to get the money she needs in order to start saving again after being evicted. Enter Shep, who's friends drug him along and took one look at Frankie and proclaimed her as his. Turns out, she's also his new mechanic at the shop and now doesn't know how to act around her. But one thing's for certain, Frankie's his, now he just needs her to get on board with that.
Frankie and Shep get their happy ending in this standalone novella in a series.
I hadn't realized Shep wasn't a born Wilder, but he sure was a Wilder through and through when it came to finding his true love! I also love how much his brothers love him and look out for him, but also know when you know you found the one, you don't fight it. And it looked like Colt was right, but also a bit wrong, for how long it took them. I'm glad that Frankie found a family that will love her, and I do hope the two of them will tell Colt or Hayes how they met to help take down the Trout family. The more I learn about them, the more I want to see them suffer from someone in the Wilder family without the family suffering.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews