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Wildflower Canyon #3
The Wild Valley
He thinks I broke his heart.
What he doesn’t know is that he crushed mine.
I’m Sarah Kirk, and this is my story.
Ten years ago, I left Wildflower Canyon with my reputation in shreds and Cade Mercer’s hatred in my rearview mirror. He believed I betrayed him. I couldn’t defend myself—not when the man I loved turned against me.Now I’m back to run my late father’s veterinary practice and clear my name. Cold stares follow me everywhere, but in ranch country with only two vets, they sometimes have no choice but to call me.
Cade makes it clear he wants me gone, especially when his little girl takes a liking to me and I fall hard for her. But when his precious Angus falls sick, to Cade’s chagrin, I’m the only one who can help him.
As Cade and I work together, there is no denying the sparks between us. When we uncover that someone is poisoning his ranch’s future one head at a time, I realize the truth about the past won’t set us free—it will tear us apart.
The Wild Valley is an angsty cowboy romance featuring your favorite
🐎 Cowboy
🐎 Second Chance
🐎 Enemies to Lovers
🐎 Falsely Accused
🐎 Single Dad
🐎 Small Town
🐎 Other Woman Drama
🐎 Betrayal & Grovel
🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian)
🐎 Slow Burn
🐎 Complete Standalone
Content Warning : This book contains themes of assault, trauma, and recovery. You can get a complete list of trigger warnings on the author’s website.
What he doesn’t know is that he crushed mine.
I’m Sarah Kirk, and this is my story.
Ten years ago, I left Wildflower Canyon with my reputation in shreds and Cade Mercer’s hatred in my rearview mirror. He believed I betrayed him. I couldn’t defend myself—not when the man I loved turned against me.Now I’m back to run my late father’s veterinary practice and clear my name. Cold stares follow me everywhere, but in ranch country with only two vets, they sometimes have no choice but to call me.
Cade makes it clear he wants me gone, especially when his little girl takes a liking to me and I fall hard for her. But when his precious Angus falls sick, to Cade’s chagrin, I’m the only one who can help him.
As Cade and I work together, there is no denying the sparks between us. When we uncover that someone is poisoning his ranch’s future one head at a time, I realize the truth about the past won’t set us free—it will tear us apart.
The Wild Valley is an angsty cowboy romance featuring your favorite
🐎 Cowboy
🐎 Second Chance
🐎 Enemies to Lovers
🐎 Falsely Accused
🐎 Single Dad
🐎 Small Town
🐎 Other Woman Drama
🐎 Betrayal & Grovel
🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian)
🐎 Slow Burn
🐎 Complete Standalone
Content Warning : This book contains themes of assault, trauma, and recovery. You can get a complete list of trigger warnings on the author’s website.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2026
841 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Maya Alden
52 books1,145 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
January 18, 2026
Can't find redemption
I cannot suspend disbelief so far to think that a victim of a heinous assault like the main character's would return to claim a home left by a father who actively didn't believe her story, called her awful names and turned a town against her. I also cannot believe that her ex - her attacker's BROTHER - would ever hold ANY appeal to her after *he* also didn't believe her, and ruined her life, to the point she tried to take it. And then not only is he forgiven immediately - but only after he believes her, when he decides to finally ask his brother point blank - then the main character becomes an apologist FOR THE PEOPLE WHO RUINED HER. I... Can't. I'm actually sick over this.
I cannot suspend disbelief so far to think that a victim of a heinous assault like the main character's would return to claim a home left by a father who actively didn't believe her story, called her awful names and turned a town against her. I also cannot believe that her ex - her attacker's BROTHER - would ever hold ANY appeal to her after *he* also didn't believe her, and ruined her life, to the point she tried to take it. And then not only is he forgiven immediately - but only after he believes her, when he decides to finally ask his brother point blank - then the main character becomes an apologist FOR THE PEOPLE WHO RUINED HER. I... Can't. I'm actually sick over this.
January 23, 2026
Me reading this book was just to make sure I can rate it one star, even though I already knew it did deserve it before I even started.
Cade didn’t deserve redemption. There was no way he could redeem himself in my opinion, and he never did. The author chose the simple way of making sure the FMC is a stupid doormat, because she had no problems with forgiving him everything. He deserved to rot in hell along with his brother and father. He should not have got the happy ending, not with Sarah. He should have lived his miserable life with his heifers, bulls, and that stupid bitch Noelle he called his girlfriend for the first half of the book.
Cade made sure Sarah would be treated horribly in their town, he called her names, and she was so damn weak. Because she forgot about it almost immediately after he found out she was telling the truth all along. Sad, isn’t it?
I have to say that I really sympathised with Sarah, she didn’t deserve to have got raped, and I will always stand by it. But to make her such a doormat? Oh, she tried to fight back, especially when Cade talked to her badly, but after he has shown her some tears??? She folded so fucking quickly I couldn’t believe my eyes. GIRL. Your own boyfriend didn’t believe you when you said his brother raped you. Your boyfriend made sure you would be treated terribly by the WHOLE TOWN. Your boyfriend made sure you would never come back. And you didn’t make him crawl to you??? You didn’t make him beg on his knees. Oh, poor Cade just cried a little bit, said he was going to be by your side, and you were fine with it???
Good thing she was clearly aware of being a stupid doormat, because she asks it her friends at some point of the book. And they’re exactly the same doormats as her.
Forgiving a rapist apologist was def a choice. A bad one. 😐 She should’ve a great life with OM who would treat her as a queen.
After the book hit 50%, it was clear that the author is trying to make readers like Cade, and forgive him for what he did. It’s like the main characters did a 180, and I was questioning if I’m reading the right book. All of a sudden Cade is a perfect hero (didn’t like him for even a bit), and Sarah became a weak ass FMC. She lets him kiss her, a few times. Because why not? Body betrayal syndrome kicks in.
Chapters 26 and 27 were the hardest, because Cade cringed me so bad with his stupid ass monologues. Blah fucking blah. Get lost.
”I can only apologize, and that’s good for fuckin’ nothing. And I know that.” I hold her gaze, let her see me, see the torment I feel. “All the girls preferred Landon over me. He was the handsome one. The smart one. The one going places, while I was going to stay right here in Wildflower Canyon. And…I always felt you were above me. You were going to become a vet, while I was going to work the land.” I let out a long breath. “It was easy to believe you wanted him, Sarah, because I knew I was unworthy.” and I oooop
“I love you.” That stops her, and I see her heartbreak. It’s written clearly all over her face, in her eyes. “I know I killed whatever you felt for me. But no matter what the future holds, the one thing I can promise you is that I won’t let you down…ever again.”
whatever you saying darling, just please shut up
Ch32 “I’m too broken, Cade. I’ve tried to move on, but I haven’t had any real relationships. Not ones that last. I can’t commit. I can’t trust. Not the way someone deserves.”
“Then I’ll teach you to trust again.”
you could’ve at least give her some good relationships with other men, because Cade surely enjoyed himself
Then in ch33 she says "I wish Evie were ours," she says.
The ache that rips through me nearly drops me. I step closer, close enough to see her lashes tremble.
"She is," I whisper. "If you want her, she is." and I’ve lost all the respect I ever had for Sarah
No grovelling earlier, no grovelling now, no grovelling ever. Was he even planning on redeeming himself? Because standing by her isn’t it. It’s nothing. And well, he did have a lot to grovel for.
And what’s even worse, the rapist doesn’t get the shit he deserved. It turns out Sarah wasn’t the only girl he raped. There were many of them. So instead of making him suffer, the author chooses his wife to kill him off page. We find out about it in one of the last chapters. That’s it. No karma, easy win for the rapist. Such a shame.
This is probably the most chaotic review ever, but I’m not going to reread it again. I’m so so mad.
———
I’m too angry to write a review rn but I will
———
My first buddy read ever with Capt.
Wish us lots of luck 🫡🤣
Cade didn’t deserve redemption. There was no way he could redeem himself in my opinion, and he never did. The author chose the simple way of making sure the FMC is a stupid doormat, because she had no problems with forgiving him everything. He deserved to rot in hell along with his brother and father. He should not have got the happy ending, not with Sarah. He should have lived his miserable life with his heifers, bulls, and that stupid bitch Noelle he called his girlfriend for the first half of the book.
Cade made sure Sarah would be treated horribly in their town, he called her names, and she was so damn weak. Because she forgot about it almost immediately after he found out she was telling the truth all along. Sad, isn’t it?
I have to say that I really sympathised with Sarah, she didn’t deserve to have got raped, and I will always stand by it. But to make her such a doormat? Oh, she tried to fight back, especially when Cade talked to her badly, but after he has shown her some tears??? She folded so fucking quickly I couldn’t believe my eyes. GIRL. Your own boyfriend didn’t believe you when you said his brother raped you. Your boyfriend made sure you would be treated terribly by the WHOLE TOWN. Your boyfriend made sure you would never come back. And you didn’t make him crawl to you??? You didn’t make him beg on his knees. Oh, poor Cade just cried a little bit, said he was going to be by your side, and you were fine with it???
Good thing she was clearly aware of being a stupid doormat, because she asks it her friends at some point of the book. And they’re exactly the same doormats as her.
Forgiving a rapist apologist was def a choice. A bad one. 😐 She should’ve a great life with OM who would treat her as a queen.
After the book hit 50%, it was clear that the author is trying to make readers like Cade, and forgive him for what he did. It’s like the main characters did a 180, and I was questioning if I’m reading the right book. All of a sudden Cade is a perfect hero (didn’t like him for even a bit), and Sarah became a weak ass FMC. She lets him kiss her, a few times. Because why not? Body betrayal syndrome kicks in.
Chapters 26 and 27 were the hardest, because Cade cringed me so bad with his stupid ass monologues. Blah fucking blah. Get lost.
”I can only apologize, and that’s good for fuckin’ nothing. And I know that.” I hold her gaze, let her see me, see the torment I feel. “All the girls preferred Landon over me. He was the handsome one. The smart one. The one going places, while I was going to stay right here in Wildflower Canyon. And…I always felt you were above me. You were going to become a vet, while I was going to work the land.” I let out a long breath. “It was easy to believe you wanted him, Sarah, because I knew I was unworthy.” and I oooop
“I love you.” That stops her, and I see her heartbreak. It’s written clearly all over her face, in her eyes. “I know I killed whatever you felt for me. But no matter what the future holds, the one thing I can promise you is that I won’t let you down…ever again.”
whatever you saying darling, just please shut up
Ch32 “I’m too broken, Cade. I’ve tried to move on, but I haven’t had any real relationships. Not ones that last. I can’t commit. I can’t trust. Not the way someone deserves.”
“Then I’ll teach you to trust again.”
you could’ve at least give her some good relationships with other men, because Cade surely enjoyed himself
Then in ch33 she says "I wish Evie were ours," she says.
The ache that rips through me nearly drops me. I step closer, close enough to see her lashes tremble.
"She is," I whisper. "If you want her, she is." and I’ve lost all the respect I ever had for Sarah
No grovelling earlier, no grovelling now, no grovelling ever. Was he even planning on redeeming himself? Because standing by her isn’t it. It’s nothing. And well, he did have a lot to grovel for.
And what’s even worse, the rapist doesn’t get the shit he deserved. It turns out Sarah wasn’t the only girl he raped. There were many of them. So instead of making him suffer, the author chooses his wife to kill him off page. We find out about it in one of the last chapters. That’s it. No karma, easy win for the rapist. Such a shame.
This is probably the most chaotic review ever, but I’m not going to reread it again. I’m so so mad.
———
I’m too angry to write a review rn but I will
———
My first buddy read ever with Capt.
Wish us lots of luck 🫡🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
mmc is an SA apologist who believes his brother over the fmc. he treats her like dirt beneath his shoe for 50% of the book, even when he starts to doubt what happened. honestly, in what world am i supposed to believe this man loves her?
after he finally realizes she told the truth, their relationship is rushed and they’re forced together, because of course they are! why on earth would we want their relationship to develop more naturally after everything that the fmc went through. it’s all about the mmc and what HE wants and what HE feels. so dumb. 🙄
after he finally realizes she told the truth, their relationship is rushed and they’re forced together, because of course they are! why on earth would we want their relationship to develop more naturally after everything that the fmc went through. it’s all about the mmc and what HE wants and what HE feels. so dumb. 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Cade is the reason condoms are advertised.
IMO his dad should have read that latex instructions properly. 🤷♀️
Anyways, read Aleksandra’s review for a better explanation.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
IMO his dad should have read that latex instructions properly. 🤷♀️
Anyways, read Aleksandra’s review for a better explanation.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 18, 2026
Mmc doesn’t deserve hea with fmc.
January 22, 2026
4.5 stars for this story and I will promptly explain why.
I don't know how on earth this specific series has got me crying for every single story but the feelings I felt, haven't felt them so much as the rest of this Author's books (except one or two). Did I cry in this one? Of course I did.
My heart ached for the heroine and what she went through and how she became stronger. Does it feel that she's a doormat as she accepts back the hero? I'm not going to lie, yes. But at the same time you feel her strength and how she tries to surpass everything to live a life that she thinks she'll never live. Because at the end if you don't forgive how on earth will you live in peace?
Does the hero grovel? Again I'm not going to lie, no, not really. You feel his devastation when he realises the truth. He's loyal to the fault for the wrong people, his family, and that cost him everything. I gave him the benefit of youth as in 19 with a cold father and a golden boy brother that he has them on a pedestal he was blindsided and fell for the lies. On the other hand after 10 years he should have known better than acting like this.
My only objection in this story is that we could have had a little bit more grovel. Yes he said he was sorry, he tried to stand up for her, he tried to be besides her even though he didn't really believe that he was worthy of her or that she would give him a second chance. But I would have liked her to give him more grief. And the town people that turned their back and called her names or harassed her.
Also I love love love when there's a cute kid in the story and Evie with her little hat and her small cowboy boots that loved animals was cute AF.
I don't know how on earth this specific series has got me crying for every single story but the feelings I felt, haven't felt them so much as the rest of this Author's books (except one or two). Did I cry in this one? Of course I did.
My heart ached for the heroine and what she went through and how she became stronger. Does it feel that she's a doormat as she accepts back the hero? I'm not going to lie, yes. But at the same time you feel her strength and how she tries to surpass everything to live a life that she thinks she'll never live. Because at the end if you don't forgive how on earth will you live in peace?
Does the hero grovel? Again I'm not going to lie, no, not really. You feel his devastation when he realises the truth. He's loyal to the fault for the wrong people, his family, and that cost him everything. I gave him the benefit of youth as in 19 with a cold father and a golden boy brother that he has them on a pedestal he was blindsided and fell for the lies. On the other hand after 10 years he should have known better than acting like this.
My only objection in this story is that we could have had a little bit more grovel. Yes he said he was sorry, he tried to stand up for her, he tried to be besides her even though he didn't really believe that he was worthy of her or that she would give him a second chance. But I would have liked her to give him more grief. And the town people that turned their back and called her names or harassed her.
Also I love love love when there's a cute kid in the story and Evie with her little hat and her small cowboy boots that loved animals was cute AF.
January 19, 2026
Maya Alden channels Susan Fox and Harlequin HP's. Typical irredeemable hero that's lucky to be born with a silver spur on his boot, some evil women that are merely dusted off, and
January 20, 2026
If you are a female, stay the hell out of Wildflower Canyon where the men are rapists, abusers, stupid as crap, misogynists and all around godawful people. Actually everyone in Wildflower Canyon is pretty awful. Cade is just as guilty as Landon. Hate, hate, hate that he gets a HEA and the opportunity to raise a female child. Just NOOOOOOOO.
January 19, 2026
terrible book, there are some things yoi dont come back from. such a sensitive topic like sa was not handled well
January 21, 2026
Why would any sane person still be “in love” with the irredeemable AH that’s the “hero” of this story.
She’s a rape victim and no one believes the town’s golden boy politician (our hero’s brother) could possibly be a rapist. The rapist politician, his evil wife, the land developer vultures, the ranch princesses are all greedy caricatures.
If you get past 55%, it’s readable— he actually believes her but it’s too late to make up for the verbal and emotional abuse he and the town put her through (including her father).
I might have given it 3 stars, but the rape victims deserved more justice than being killed by his evil wife. Death doesn’t equal justice, he needed to face his victims, he needed to admit his crimes—death was too easy.
She’s a rape victim and no one believes the town’s golden boy politician (our hero’s brother) could possibly be a rapist. The rapist politician, his evil wife, the land developer vultures, the ranch princesses are all greedy caricatures.
If you get past 55%, it’s readable— he actually believes her but it’s too late to make up for the verbal and emotional abuse he and the town put her through (including her father).
I might have given it 3 stars, but the rape victims deserved more justice than being killed by his evil wife. Death doesn’t equal justice, he needed to face his victims, he needed to admit his crimes—death was too easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
No Redemption and Weird Writing
As a die hard Maya Alden fan, I was really excited for this release (as I am for all of her releases). I thoroughly enjoyed the other two novels in her Wildflower Canyon series, and the teasers she was sending out in her newsletter got me hyped up!
However, this one fell completely flat for me.
Cade Mercer was completely irredeemable, and I struggle to find ANYONE irredeemable. He spent half the novel with blinders on, going out of his way to make our FMC Sarah's life hell because she dared to tell law enforcement that his brother sexually assaulted her. When he finally does realize she was telling the truth (by finally asking his brother point blank if it was true, which he had somehow NEVER DONE BEFORE) he immediately makes it all about HIM and how HE feels.
You would think that we get a decent grovel after that heavy, heavy crime.... right? Maybe some satisfying karma for our rapist too... right?
WRONG.
Sarah forgives him nearly instantly. Within a few chapters of his revelation, they're already in bed together. No grovel, no apologies, nothing. And our rapist??? Dead before he even gets his day in court! We don't even get to see his reaction to knowing all of his heinous acts are now public knowledge. No, our author decides to focus on his WIFE instead.
Not only does the book feel wholly unsatisfying and lackluster, but the writing style at times felt weird. This wasn't the usual Maya Alden style that I'm used to. There were actually multiple points while reading this where I was questioning if she'd used AI to write certain parts.
The Wild Valley is a really bad and insensitive telling of a really poignant and promising story. Unfortunately, this is a stain on Alden's near perfect history; and it makes me less excited for her next books.
As a die hard Maya Alden fan, I was really excited for this release (as I am for all of her releases). I thoroughly enjoyed the other two novels in her Wildflower Canyon series, and the teasers she was sending out in her newsletter got me hyped up!
However, this one fell completely flat for me.
Cade Mercer was completely irredeemable, and I struggle to find ANYONE irredeemable. He spent half the novel with blinders on, going out of his way to make our FMC Sarah's life hell because she dared to tell law enforcement that his brother sexually assaulted her. When he finally does realize she was telling the truth (by finally asking his brother point blank if it was true, which he had somehow NEVER DONE BEFORE) he immediately makes it all about HIM and how HE feels.
You would think that we get a decent grovel after that heavy, heavy crime.... right? Maybe some satisfying karma for our rapist too... right?
WRONG.
Sarah forgives him nearly instantly. Within a few chapters of his revelation, they're already in bed together. No grovel, no apologies, nothing. And our rapist??? Dead before he even gets his day in court! We don't even get to see his reaction to knowing all of his heinous acts are now public knowledge. No, our author decides to focus on his WIFE instead.
Not only does the book feel wholly unsatisfying and lackluster, but the writing style at times felt weird. This wasn't the usual Maya Alden style that I'm used to. There were actually multiple points while reading this where I was questioning if she'd used AI to write certain parts.
The Wild Valley is a really bad and insensitive telling of a really poignant and promising story. Unfortunately, this is a stain on Alden's near perfect history; and it makes me less excited for her next books.
January 23, 2026
Worst. And. Most. Abusive. Alden. Toxic. Trauma. Tome. Yet. There's. Nothing. Redemptive. As. After. Enabling. Serial. Rape. He. Never. Surrenders. Control. And. Literally. Denies. Consent. A. Lot.
He believed she could lie about rape.
And she let him convince her that was love.
What a bitch.
What a cunt.
She took more blame for the Serial Rapist than his fucking Toxic Enablers like Cade.
And Cade, able to fuck and marry her "best friend" and recognise her toxicity and pretend that he still loves Sarah.
What an abuser.
What a self involved narcissistic asshole.
Even in front of his daughter.
He is cruel and he is twisted.
Thats not a mistake.
Thats not an error in judgement.
Letting him believe its a mistake and not a toxically masculine choice, lets down rape victims all over.
Careful ladies, he literally see her suicide scars and still doesn't believe her.
So he is a misogynist and an ableist.
White Neoliberal Fascist women like Alden are what is called an Empathetic Narcissist.
Only two suicide attempts from him and her still not forgiving him, is redemptive here.
Hes a vile abusive cunt.
He believed she could lie about rape.
And she let him convince her that was love.
What a bitch.
What a cunt.
She took more blame for the Serial Rapist than his fucking Toxic Enablers like Cade.
And Cade, able to fuck and marry her "best friend" and recognise her toxicity and pretend that he still loves Sarah.
What an abuser.
What a self involved narcissistic asshole.
Even in front of his daughter.
He is cruel and he is twisted.
Thats not a mistake.
Thats not an error in judgement.
Letting him believe its a mistake and not a toxically masculine choice, lets down rape victims all over.
Careful ladies, he literally see her suicide scars and still doesn't believe her.
So he is a misogynist and an ableist.
White Neoliberal Fascist women like Alden are what is called an Empathetic Narcissist.
Only two suicide attempts from him and her still not forgiving him, is redemptive here.
Hes a vile abusive cunt.
February 5, 2026
I don't get the hype. I struggled to finish it.
Read
January 19, 2026I find with this author I really like some of her books, others not so much.
I haven't liked the series so far but this one was better.
The issue for me with a redemption/grovel storyline is the Hero needs to upset the heroine in some way. Sometimes that hurt goes too far or is too much.
In this one they are together when they are young, she is 19, i forget but i think he's a similar age.
His brother who is 7 years older manages to get her alone and rapes her. He then tells everyone it was consensual, she had been chasing him for a while.
Sadly for the heroine the Hero's family is influential and the father manages to deal with the cops so there is no rape kit, hospital visit or evidence and she is branded a liar. In a small town this is pretty devastating.
The Hero lacks the maturity or the courage to stand by his girl and he also accuses her of being a liar.
She ends up leaving town.
10 years later after her father's death she returns to take over his vet practice.
Practically the whole town hates her including the Hero and he treats her badly.
He has a girlfriend and is a single dad.
After the heroine originally left town he got drunk and had a ONS with her nemesis and she is pregnant so his father pressures him to marry her.
The wife later drives drunk and dies in a car accident, the baby is in the car but she survived. So he is a single dad.
The girlfriend is the daughter of a neighbouring farmer. He is with her until about 40/50% of the book. At some point he means to call it off but due to stuff happening and needing a plus one for an event doesn't get around to it.
He does say to the heroine later he hasn't been with her since he saw her after her return to town but in the meantime the heroine has to see him cosying up with her.
Whether or not you can forgive the Hero I feel will depend on you as a reader.
He does once he believes stand irrevocably on her side tries to undo the hate he spread around town about her and even backs her with the police investigation and media interest as there were others after the heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine other than public PDA with other woman.
The heroine has struggled with relationships physically and trusting, she has had professional help.
HEA.
Not much detail about the assault but spoilers from the author below.
This story contains sensitive subject matter, including references to rape, sexual assault, victim-blaming, emotional abuse, suicide ideation, and trauma. While these events are never written for shock value, they are integral to the characters’ journeys and healing.
If these are triggers for you, please do not read this book.
Content Warning: This book contains themes of abuse, trauma, and recovery. You can get a complete list of trigger warnings on the author’s website.
I haven't liked the series so far but this one was better.
The issue for me with a redemption/grovel storyline is the Hero needs to upset the heroine in some way. Sometimes that hurt goes too far or is too much.
In this one they are together when they are young, she is 19, i forget but i think he's a similar age.
His brother who is 7 years older manages to get her alone and rapes her. He then tells everyone it was consensual, she had been chasing him for a while.
Sadly for the heroine the Hero's family is influential and the father manages to deal with the cops so there is no rape kit, hospital visit or evidence and she is branded a liar. In a small town this is pretty devastating.
The Hero lacks the maturity or the courage to stand by his girl and he also accuses her of being a liar.
She ends up leaving town.
10 years later after her father's death she returns to take over his vet practice.
Practically the whole town hates her including the Hero and he treats her badly.
He has a girlfriend and is a single dad.
After the heroine originally left town he got drunk and had a ONS with her nemesis and she is pregnant so his father pressures him to marry her.
The wife later drives drunk and dies in a car accident, the baby is in the car but she survived. So he is a single dad.
The girlfriend is the daughter of a neighbouring farmer. He is with her until about 40/50% of the book. At some point he means to call it off but due to stuff happening and needing a plus one for an event doesn't get around to it.
He does say to the heroine later he hasn't been with her since he saw her after her return to town but in the meantime the heroine has to see him cosying up with her.
Whether or not you can forgive the Hero I feel will depend on you as a reader.
He does once he believes stand irrevocably on her side tries to undo the hate he spread around town about her and even backs her with the police investigation and media interest as there were others after the heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine other than public PDA with other woman.
The heroine has struggled with relationships physically and trusting, she has had professional help.
HEA.
Not much detail about the assault but spoilers from the author below.
This story contains sensitive subject matter, including references to rape, sexual assault, victim-blaming, emotional abuse, suicide ideation, and trauma. While these events are never written for shock value, they are integral to the characters’ journeys and healing.
If these are triggers for you, please do not read this book.
Content Warning: This book contains themes of abuse, trauma, and recovery. You can get a complete list of trigger warnings on the author’s website.
January 18, 2026
I struggled a little on how to rate, if it should be 4 or 5. I felt I had to deduct a little because of how the H was acting and for how long after the h came back. I decided on deducting half a star after thinking about the story and the characters.
Spoilers below
H and h are young and in love each others first who had every intention of marrying and being each others last. The H has a older brother away at college who is very loved by the town good boy doing good things. The brother rapes the h in the H’s bedroom and when the h reports it her so called love with everyone around her turns their back and calls her a liar. The H treads her like shit and encourages everyone else to do the same. She is called a whore and liar and basically drove out of town. It’s 10 years later and the h still struggles with relationships and trust. She is now a vet and her Dad who was a vet leaves her everything when he dies and a letter apologizing to her for how he handled things and he knew after she was telling the truth about the rape. She decides to come home to try and figure out how he knew.
The H is now a widow with a little girl and a casual girlfriend and owns majority of the family ranch and works it with grit. The H is horrible to the h when she comes back and tells her to stay away from his daughter and to leave town. His thoughts are not great in the beginning either. Lucky the h meets some people and gets her own tribe that support and believe her. The OW causes drama and is very nasty calling the h slut etc on more than one occasion.
The H starts to internally question his believe that his brother was telling the truth about what happened ( he said they were drunk and she had been trying to get with him for months behind the H’s back). He knew the h and her character but he not only turned his back on her when she needed him the most he actively hurt her and encouraged that same attitude in others because blood is thicker and you protect family. The h is approached by a reporter who wants her to tell her story and finds out that he continues to rape others after her one of his victims dies by suicide.
It all comes to a head when the H sees the h’s reaction to his brother when he shows up. He finally asks him did you rape my girlfriend and from how he answers (still denying) he knows she was telling the truth.
This starts him trying to make things right and this time supporting her and standing against his family. We get some really emotional scenes of the H realizing the dept of his mistakes and a few with the h flat out telling him off for his behaviour. He starts to work on earning back her trust and there is some danger with someone trying to keep the h quiet and tamper with the H’s ranch.
So to a degree I get how tough it would be to believe your brother who you looked up-to could rape your own girlfriend but he had a instinct that she was not lying but he never asked his brother never pushed for answers just flipped a switch and the way she got treated by him and everyone after was another form of abuse. Even how he treated her when she first comes back is awful. That was a difficult thing to get past that he’s now 30 a father a full fledge rancher respected member of the community and he could be so cruel. There was no excuse of being young and hurt. This is where my little reduction comes from and the fact that he was a bit of a coward and he chose to take the easier side of family. The little girl was cute but wish he had no kids that felt like another insult to the h that he had a kid with someone else first like salt in the wound.
It took a little too long for him to break it off with OW he thinks he needs to end it but then the next chapter goes to a party with her.
So those are the things I disliked but overall it was a really great read. I felt the h’s pain and felt connected to her (sexual assault survivor here) character in a lot of ways. I loved the building of characters and descriptions of ranch life and the snapshots into being a vet.
I definitely highly recommend giving this a read. Check the triggers. The topic of sexual assault and bullying (that’s what it was) towards the h were handled with care but with truth which is difficult to pull off.
Spoilers below
H and h are young and in love each others first who had every intention of marrying and being each others last. The H has a older brother away at college who is very loved by the town good boy doing good things. The brother rapes the h in the H’s bedroom and when the h reports it her so called love with everyone around her turns their back and calls her a liar. The H treads her like shit and encourages everyone else to do the same. She is called a whore and liar and basically drove out of town. It’s 10 years later and the h still struggles with relationships and trust. She is now a vet and her Dad who was a vet leaves her everything when he dies and a letter apologizing to her for how he handled things and he knew after she was telling the truth about the rape. She decides to come home to try and figure out how he knew.
The H is now a widow with a little girl and a casual girlfriend and owns majority of the family ranch and works it with grit. The H is horrible to the h when she comes back and tells her to stay away from his daughter and to leave town. His thoughts are not great in the beginning either. Lucky the h meets some people and gets her own tribe that support and believe her. The OW causes drama and is very nasty calling the h slut etc on more than one occasion.
The H starts to internally question his believe that his brother was telling the truth about what happened ( he said they were drunk and she had been trying to get with him for months behind the H’s back). He knew the h and her character but he not only turned his back on her when she needed him the most he actively hurt her and encouraged that same attitude in others because blood is thicker and you protect family. The h is approached by a reporter who wants her to tell her story and finds out that he continues to rape others after her one of his victims dies by suicide.
It all comes to a head when the H sees the h’s reaction to his brother when he shows up. He finally asks him did you rape my girlfriend and from how he answers (still denying) he knows she was telling the truth.
This starts him trying to make things right and this time supporting her and standing against his family. We get some really emotional scenes of the H realizing the dept of his mistakes and a few with the h flat out telling him off for his behaviour. He starts to work on earning back her trust and there is some danger with someone trying to keep the h quiet and tamper with the H’s ranch.
So to a degree I get how tough it would be to believe your brother who you looked up-to could rape your own girlfriend but he had a instinct that she was not lying but he never asked his brother never pushed for answers just flipped a switch and the way she got treated by him and everyone after was another form of abuse. Even how he treated her when she first comes back is awful. That was a difficult thing to get past that he’s now 30 a father a full fledge rancher respected member of the community and he could be so cruel. There was no excuse of being young and hurt. This is where my little reduction comes from and the fact that he was a bit of a coward and he chose to take the easier side of family. The little girl was cute but wish he had no kids that felt like another insult to the h that he had a kid with someone else first like salt in the wound.
It took a little too long for him to break it off with OW he thinks he needs to end it but then the next chapter goes to a party with her.
So those are the things I disliked but overall it was a really great read. I felt the h’s pain and felt connected to her (sexual assault survivor here) character in a lot of ways. I loved the building of characters and descriptions of ranch life and the snapshots into being a vet.
I definitely highly recommend giving this a read. Check the triggers. The topic of sexual assault and bullying (that’s what it was) towards the h were handled with care but with truth which is difficult to pull off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
The formula for her plots is starting to seem too contrived even if I suspend disbelief. There’s always the BBS element in her stories. The betrayal always seems greater than the actual grovel. More time spent on building angst, low key BBS, it is always the FMC gravitating towards the MMC despite being wronged, a lot of justification through internal monologue instead of actual believable actions and dialogue of redemption, something happens to side characters to bring FMC and MMC together and lessen the impact of their main conflict. I guess these are common plot formulas but in some of the author’s books these are not woven together seamlessly and convincingly enough.
The heroine was a rape victim. The rapist was the MMC’s brother. Nobody believed her. Bot even her father. They drove her out of town. Now the premise was she got back because her father left her the house and she wants justice. But she was not doing anything to get that justice which was her reason for moving back. She had to be convinced to talk to the one person who can get her justice. Even then she had to learn about other victims before she decides to speak up. Honestly, though, why would a victim be helping the family of the rapist and the people who did not believe in. Would a rape victim truly associate with the family of her rapist who called her a liar? Would she let her ex, who did not believe in her and supported the rapist and destroyed her credibility and reputation after being raped, kiss her and hug her? If I truly suspend disbelief then maybe it is possible. Maybe. But without the grovel first??!?! Really?!?!
Then there’s a scene in a restaurant where she was denied service and where after she was accused unjustly by the MMCs gf/fling (because you know we need OW drama) and the FMC was so angry she had to confront the MMC because she thought he spread false rumors about her again. But of course when she saw him shirtless she had to notice his body and muscles and feel attraction and almost kiss him. This is the moment where the author writes that they FMC and MMC are able to breathe past their pain. Because the FMC in her anger saw the sweat run down the MMCs muscles. And he said she was a great vet. So they have an electrifying moment where they almost kiss. This is the build up towards the “forgiveness” the little scenes where the FMC has that internal monologue of being attracted to the betrayer and still loving him. BBS. So she has this slip ups where she kisses or has a “moment” with the MMC.
So the rapist has a type the book said brunette and green eyes. But the FMC has auburn hair according to the memory of the MMC when she was assisting her dad she had her auburn hair braided. So was she brunette or did she have auburn hair? This is minor of course but if we are making this a part of the premise it would be nice to have consistency.
At the 60% mark there is still no real grovel from the MMC they dance together. Because that is his way of broadcasting that he now believes her. A dance? Really? At this point it is safe to assume that the FMC has truly forgiven him even if she claims that one dance is not going to make up for the past. The dance should not have happened at all at this point honestly.
I might DNF at this point. Because on top of all this the issue is shifting towards the sabotage of the MMCs ranch.
The heroine was a rape victim. The rapist was the MMC’s brother. Nobody believed her. Bot even her father. They drove her out of town. Now the premise was she got back because her father left her the house and she wants justice. But she was not doing anything to get that justice which was her reason for moving back. She had to be convinced to talk to the one person who can get her justice. Even then she had to learn about other victims before she decides to speak up. Honestly, though, why would a victim be helping the family of the rapist and the people who did not believe in. Would a rape victim truly associate with the family of her rapist who called her a liar? Would she let her ex, who did not believe in her and supported the rapist and destroyed her credibility and reputation after being raped, kiss her and hug her? If I truly suspend disbelief then maybe it is possible. Maybe. But without the grovel first??!?! Really?!?!
Then there’s a scene in a restaurant where she was denied service and where after she was accused unjustly by the MMCs gf/fling (because you know we need OW drama) and the FMC was so angry she had to confront the MMC because she thought he spread false rumors about her again. But of course when she saw him shirtless she had to notice his body and muscles and feel attraction and almost kiss him. This is the moment where the author writes that they FMC and MMC are able to breathe past their pain. Because the FMC in her anger saw the sweat run down the MMCs muscles. And he said she was a great vet. So they have an electrifying moment where they almost kiss. This is the build up towards the “forgiveness” the little scenes where the FMC has that internal monologue of being attracted to the betrayer and still loving him. BBS. So she has this slip ups where she kisses or has a “moment” with the MMC.
So the rapist has a type the book said brunette and green eyes. But the FMC has auburn hair according to the memory of the MMC when she was assisting her dad she had her auburn hair braided. So was she brunette or did she have auburn hair? This is minor of course but if we are making this a part of the premise it would be nice to have consistency.
At the 60% mark there is still no real grovel from the MMC they dance together. Because that is his way of broadcasting that he now believes her. A dance? Really? At this point it is safe to assume that the FMC has truly forgiven him even if she claims that one dance is not going to make up for the past. The dance should not have happened at all at this point honestly.
I might DNF at this point. Because on top of all this the issue is shifting towards the sabotage of the MMCs ranch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
Cade and Sarah were each other’s firsts, but will they be each other’s lasts?
Very slight spoilers …nothing major given away
🐎 Cowboy- Yes mam! Cade, the hero, is a true blue cowboy. He runs a smaller size ranch. He is able to pay the bills and have some left over, but he doesn’t have a disposable income. He has to spend wisely and hope that there will not be drought or Illness running through the herd.
🐎 Second Chance-This is a second chance for Cade and Sarah who were high school sweethearts. They were each other’s firsts in everything (we get some flashbacks to this time) They were supposed to be together forever. But loyalties were tested and Cade chose unwisely, leaving Sarah to fend for herself.
🐎 Falsely Accused-Sarah was accused of betraying her lover, her boyfriend Cade, with his brother Landon. Not only did Cade not believe her allegations against his brother, but her dad and all the townsfolk were against her as well. She was basically run out of town and was taken in by an Aunt in California. Fresh starts aren’t easy when one is plagued by nightmares, loneliness, and a loss sense of worth.
🐎 Enemies to Lovers- Maya keeps this up for more than half of the book. I appreciate a good enemies to lovers story that doesn’t peter out in the first few chapters. In fact, except for a couple of flashbacks, our couple do not get their smexy time until past the 80% mark. Sarah has had 10 years, therapy, and lots of thinking time, a few apologies were not going to make her a pile of goo for the hero!
🐎 Single Dad- Cade is widowed. The best thing to come out of that marriage was little Evie his daughter. She is an innocent sweetie who has no idea about the turmoil these adults around her are going through 😂
🐎 Small Town-Oh it is small alright. People pick sides quickly, and no one was siding with Sarah.
🐎 Other Woman Drama-So we have dead ow drama, sil ow drama, and current sexual partner ow drama. Maya has covered all bases with this one 😂
🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian)-This is a small town, with lots of ranchers.
That means if you have a sick animal, you don’t get to pick your vet. Sarah was up against a lot of people with small minds.
🐎 Slow Burn- The beauty of this story was the slow burn. Our hero and heroine have a lot to work through. They stay enemies for a good chunk of the book. Our hero has some hard truths to face, and Sarah has to get to a point of trust and forgiveness.
🐎 Complete Standalone-You do not need to read the other books in this series. You will get to see some of the previous characters as support, but they enhance the story and do not detract from it. I like seeing previous characters. I just want to make sure they are doing ok!
🐎 Betrayal & Grovel- Sarah was betrayed by those she thought loved her. She had no one in her corner when the unthinkable happened to her. Her Dad rejected her. Her lover, best friend, most likely future husband…rejected her, didn’t believe her, and basically ran her out of town. Her trusting nature also made her a target. In order for Cade to win her back, he has to turn his back on those he used to trust. Not only turn his back on them, but be part of their demise.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but please read the triggers that the author provides. If you like fluffy bunny stories, then this one is probably not for you. Maya does her research, and she handles the topics with care and understanding. However, it could still be an issue for someone who has experienced similar trauma.
When the h had to share parts of herself in the book, I could feel her pain leaping off the pages. She had to overcome so much, and then she was still dealing with the after effects 10 years later. Plus, she had never had her day in court. The love between the couple never went away, but she wasn’t letting Cade get away with an apology, even if it did come with tears. She let him know point blank that he was complicit in some things, and that 10 years later he was no longer a mislead 20 year old. He was 30 and a father. He needed to be better than he was. Her anger and disgust is palpable. Cade eventually gets there, and learns how to be the man he should have been 10 years ago. Although, I am angry with his behavior back then, I can see how it would be difficult to make the choices he did. Plus, it didn’t help that Sarah’s own father was against her as well.
Supporting characters? Heck yeah! Bring them on. It isn’t all doom and gloom for Sarah. When she comes back 10 years later she finds her people, and some of these people are very powerful not only in this small community but the whole state!
If you have been following the Wildflower Canyon series, then you know there is some drama/intrigue going on as well. This story is no exception. There is evil, corruption, and manipulation going on and there will be some things that the reader did not see coming. But fear not, they will be dealt with in the end! I am not big on intrigue with my romance, because sometimes it takes over the story. I never felt that happening in this series. When I read the synopsis of the book , I became very excited. However, after reading the book I was blown away. Of the 3 books so far in this series, I find that this one is my favorite.
I happily received this as an ARC.
Very slight spoilers …nothing major given away
🐎 Cowboy- Yes mam! Cade, the hero, is a true blue cowboy. He runs a smaller size ranch. He is able to pay the bills and have some left over, but he doesn’t have a disposable income. He has to spend wisely and hope that there will not be drought or Illness running through the herd.
🐎 Second Chance-This is a second chance for Cade and Sarah who were high school sweethearts. They were each other’s firsts in everything (we get some flashbacks to this time) They were supposed to be together forever. But loyalties were tested and Cade chose unwisely, leaving Sarah to fend for herself.
🐎 Falsely Accused-Sarah was accused of betraying her lover, her boyfriend Cade, with his brother Landon. Not only did Cade not believe her allegations against his brother, but her dad and all the townsfolk were against her as well. She was basically run out of town and was taken in by an Aunt in California. Fresh starts aren’t easy when one is plagued by nightmares, loneliness, and a loss sense of worth.
🐎 Enemies to Lovers- Maya keeps this up for more than half of the book. I appreciate a good enemies to lovers story that doesn’t peter out in the first few chapters. In fact, except for a couple of flashbacks, our couple do not get their smexy time until past the 80% mark. Sarah has had 10 years, therapy, and lots of thinking time, a few apologies were not going to make her a pile of goo for the hero!
🐎 Single Dad- Cade is widowed. The best thing to come out of that marriage was little Evie his daughter. She is an innocent sweetie who has no idea about the turmoil these adults around her are going through 😂
🐎 Small Town-Oh it is small alright. People pick sides quickly, and no one was siding with Sarah.
🐎 Other Woman Drama-So we have dead ow drama, sil ow drama, and current sexual partner ow drama. Maya has covered all bases with this one 😂
🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian)-This is a small town, with lots of ranchers.
That means if you have a sick animal, you don’t get to pick your vet. Sarah was up against a lot of people with small minds.
🐎 Slow Burn- The beauty of this story was the slow burn. Our hero and heroine have a lot to work through. They stay enemies for a good chunk of the book. Our hero has some hard truths to face, and Sarah has to get to a point of trust and forgiveness.
🐎 Complete Standalone-You do not need to read the other books in this series. You will get to see some of the previous characters as support, but they enhance the story and do not detract from it. I like seeing previous characters. I just want to make sure they are doing ok!
🐎 Betrayal & Grovel- Sarah was betrayed by those she thought loved her. She had no one in her corner when the unthinkable happened to her. Her Dad rejected her. Her lover, best friend, most likely future husband…rejected her, didn’t believe her, and basically ran her out of town. Her trusting nature also made her a target. In order for Cade to win her back, he has to turn his back on those he used to trust. Not only turn his back on them, but be part of their demise.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but please read the triggers that the author provides. If you like fluffy bunny stories, then this one is probably not for you. Maya does her research, and she handles the topics with care and understanding. However, it could still be an issue for someone who has experienced similar trauma.
When the h had to share parts of herself in the book, I could feel her pain leaping off the pages. She had to overcome so much, and then she was still dealing with the after effects 10 years later. Plus, she had never had her day in court. The love between the couple never went away, but she wasn’t letting Cade get away with an apology, even if it did come with tears. She let him know point blank that he was complicit in some things, and that 10 years later he was no longer a mislead 20 year old. He was 30 and a father. He needed to be better than he was. Her anger and disgust is palpable. Cade eventually gets there, and learns how to be the man he should have been 10 years ago. Although, I am angry with his behavior back then, I can see how it would be difficult to make the choices he did. Plus, it didn’t help that Sarah’s own father was against her as well.
Supporting characters? Heck yeah! Bring them on. It isn’t all doom and gloom for Sarah. When she comes back 10 years later she finds her people, and some of these people are very powerful not only in this small community but the whole state!
If you have been following the Wildflower Canyon series, then you know there is some drama/intrigue going on as well. This story is no exception. There is evil, corruption, and manipulation going on and there will be some things that the reader did not see coming. But fear not, they will be dealt with in the end! I am not big on intrigue with my romance, because sometimes it takes over the story. I never felt that happening in this series. When I read the synopsis of the book , I became very excited. However, after reading the book I was blown away. Of the 3 books so far in this series, I find that this one is my favorite.
I happily received this as an ARC.
January 20, 2026
The gut punches and angst in this one were on point, but I've decided to DNF @ 59% because I just can't see redemption for this repugnant cretin given there's no grovel. Oh, and the BBS is making me nauseous already. I'm out.
January 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ You really need to read the trigger warnings before you start this book. Maya always goes to great lengths to protect her readers mental health and if you plan in reading this book you need to be aware of what you are getting into first. Rest assured Maya is the Queen of handling traumatic situations with care and this book is not exception to that.
Maya has listed the tropes for this book as 🐎 Cowboy, 🐎 Second Chance, 🐎 Enemies to Lovers, 🐎 Falsely Accused, 🐎 Single Dad, 🐎 Small Town, 🐎 Other Woman Drama, 🐎 Betrayal & Grovel, 🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian), 🐎 Slow Burn, 🐎 Complete Standalone
This is a tough read but make no mistake it is a book that everyone should read at least once. Sarah and Cade are high school sweethearts and they are each other’s first everything. When Cade’s brother does the unforgivable no one believe Sarah including the love of her life Cade and her father. In fact, Cade goes the extra mile to make sure that everyone in town hates her as much as he does. She leaves under a cloud that she should never have been under to survive what she has been through on her own at the tender age of eighteen.
Despite all that she pulls her life together and becomes a veterinarian. Ten years later she returns to reclaim her fathers practice and her life and the closure she so desperately needs. She is still dealing with the impact of her trauma ten years later, but what haunts her the most is the fact that she was not strong enough to fight for justice and that the woman that came after her are her burden to bear.
Still dealing with the towns and Cade hate she solders on, until she comes face to face with Landon. Cade finally sees for himself what she had tried to tell him ten years ago. The confrontation between Sarah and Cade after his revelation is one of the most power scenes I have ever read and one you are going to have to read twice. The pain and suffering that Sarah has endured was evident before, in this scene it jumps off the page and smacks you in the face. If you love your men grovelling while crying in their knees look no further. Forgiveness does not come easy, and Cade really works for it.
As is the norm with this series you will also get a great cast of characters and many of them, we have met in the previous two books. There is also plenty of drama and a mystery to boot. I did not see any of the twists coming and the ending whoa Nellie it left me breathless. This series is amazing and it keeps getting better and better.
Maya has listed the tropes for this book as 🐎 Cowboy, 🐎 Second Chance, 🐎 Enemies to Lovers, 🐎 Falsely Accused, 🐎 Single Dad, 🐎 Small Town, 🐎 Other Woman Drama, 🐎 Betrayal & Grovel, 🐎 Medical (heroine is a veterinarian), 🐎 Slow Burn, 🐎 Complete Standalone
This is a tough read but make no mistake it is a book that everyone should read at least once. Sarah and Cade are high school sweethearts and they are each other’s first everything. When Cade’s brother does the unforgivable no one believe Sarah including the love of her life Cade and her father. In fact, Cade goes the extra mile to make sure that everyone in town hates her as much as he does. She leaves under a cloud that she should never have been under to survive what she has been through on her own at the tender age of eighteen.
Despite all that she pulls her life together and becomes a veterinarian. Ten years later she returns to reclaim her fathers practice and her life and the closure she so desperately needs. She is still dealing with the impact of her trauma ten years later, but what haunts her the most is the fact that she was not strong enough to fight for justice and that the woman that came after her are her burden to bear.
Still dealing with the towns and Cade hate she solders on, until she comes face to face with Landon. Cade finally sees for himself what she had tried to tell him ten years ago. The confrontation between Sarah and Cade after his revelation is one of the most power scenes I have ever read and one you are going to have to read twice. The pain and suffering that Sarah has endured was evident before, in this scene it jumps off the page and smacks you in the face. If you love your men grovelling while crying in their knees look no further. Forgiveness does not come easy, and Cade really works for it.
As is the norm with this series you will also get a great cast of characters and many of them, we have met in the previous two books. There is also plenty of drama and a mystery to boot. I did not see any of the twists coming and the ending whoa Nellie it left me breathless. This series is amazing and it keeps getting better and better.
Read
January 20, 2026I don’t think I can rate this one. The writing and world building as always is excellent, but the forgiveness I can’t get behind. This is different than just normal betrayal and cheating….it hits harder and goes much deeper with the trauma of SA and the MMC not believing her. Not only did he not believe her when they were young, the way he treated her when she returned was also devastating. Sarah was just too quick to forgive. I know in a novel everything is condensed, but timeline after trauma matters. Especially with how he continued to talk to her wasn’t just nasty, it literally added to the already present trauma.
As much as I liked the writing and book overall, I found it very difficult. This is coming from someone who reads and can separate fiction from reality regularly (cheating and betrayal….bring it on!) I think because there was SA trauma involved and I have a near 19yr old daughter, it made me struggle to accept the outcome. Maybe if the timeline was different and there was more push back from Sarah I could’ve been more objective.
Also how the majority of the town treated her, I really missed them saying their apologies. It was such a big part of the story I really missed how barely anyone rlse told her how sorry they were. Not with pity, but with accountability.
However saying that, it is fiction and the story is Sarah’s story and it’s up to the character to forgive how she wants to forgive.
On a side note a few times during what was meant to be hard hitting dialogue the words are getting diminished by the adding of what comes across as endearments.
E.g….”Sorry? You didn’t bust a fence post, Cade. You. Killed. Me. Sorry doesn’t cut it, cowboy.”
Sarah the FMC was talking about Cade not believing that she was SA’d, ending the sentence like that makes the serious topic and the trauma she was trying to convey feel less severe and takes away the gravity of it.
As much as I liked the writing and book overall, I found it very difficult. This is coming from someone who reads and can separate fiction from reality regularly (cheating and betrayal….bring it on!) I think because there was SA trauma involved and I have a near 19yr old daughter, it made me struggle to accept the outcome. Maybe if the timeline was different and there was more push back from Sarah I could’ve been more objective.
Also how the majority of the town treated her, I really missed them saying their apologies. It was such a big part of the story I really missed how barely anyone rlse told her how sorry they were. Not with pity, but with accountability.
However saying that, it is fiction and the story is Sarah’s story and it’s up to the character to forgive how she wants to forgive.
On a side note a few times during what was meant to be hard hitting dialogue the words are getting diminished by the adding of what comes across as endearments.
E.g….”Sorry? You didn’t bust a fence post, Cade. You. Killed. Me. Sorry doesn’t cut it, cowboy.”
Sarah the FMC was talking about Cade not believing that she was SA’d, ending the sentence like that makes the serious topic and the trauma she was trying to convey feel less severe and takes away the gravity of it.
Read
January 22, 2026MINUS 5 STARS
January 26, 2026
This was painful in such a good way. Haters going to hate, but there are those of us who really appreciate these old-school angsty stories. I really wish people would read the TW’s before reading this book and giving it a horrible review.
January 18, 2026
good book. but…..
Was so excited to get this book. I was hoping the women would be stronger than some of her previous females and really push back on the male. Sarah did that to an extent but she gave in way too easy especially with Cade taking every opportunity to be cruel to her and treating her like garbage..
It was also a repeat with someone trying to kill the cattle.
Having said that I did enjoy the book, the way the women joined together to take care of her and the way the men were also part of that support system. The way she stood up for herself for the other town people and how hard she worked.
I needed Cade to do more,feel more. He realized his brother raped the women he loved, the women he treated so very badly. He should have been more angry at his brother at himself.
Also again, I needed Sarah to be less easy. He ran her out of town! Yet she still loved him after 10 years after all she had been through? Sorry can’t buy that. She should have been angry, he should’ve had to work harder and longer. Hopefully her females get stronger.
Was so excited to get this book. I was hoping the women would be stronger than some of her previous females and really push back on the male. Sarah did that to an extent but she gave in way too easy especially with Cade taking every opportunity to be cruel to her and treating her like garbage..
It was also a repeat with someone trying to kill the cattle.
Having said that I did enjoy the book, the way the women joined together to take care of her and the way the men were also part of that support system. The way she stood up for herself for the other town people and how hard she worked.
I needed Cade to do more,feel more. He realized his brother raped the women he loved, the women he treated so very badly. He should have been more angry at his brother at himself.
Also again, I needed Sarah to be less easy. He ran her out of town! Yet she still loved him after 10 years after all she had been through? Sorry can’t buy that. She should have been angry, he should’ve had to work harder and longer. Hopefully her females get stronger.
January 29, 2026
Recommend. The author handles a traumatic topic with grace. You can’t help but root for the FMC. After such pain she has found the strength to move forward with determination, she is a way better person than I, frequently leading with kindness despite what life has thrown her way.
That being said if you have personal triggers this story is defiantly one where you should review the disclosed warnings before jumping in.
M.A. has penned some amazingly angsty novels. I kept hoping all through Dec and Jan the release date would get pulled forward. I had this all built up in my head from the book synopsis. I think I did myself/ the book a disservice and went in with over hyped expectations. After waiting two months, getting all mad on behalf of heroine I was hoping for more grovel. Which says more about me and my Christmas’s reading slump.
That being said if you have personal triggers this story is defiantly one where you should review the disclosed warnings before jumping in.
M.A. has penned some amazingly angsty novels. I kept hoping all through Dec and Jan the release date would get pulled forward. I had this all built up in my head from the book synopsis. I think I did myself/ the book a disservice and went in with over hyped expectations. After waiting two months, getting all mad on behalf of heroine I was hoping for more grovel. Which says more about me and my Christmas’s reading slump.
January 18, 2026
4.25⭐️
January 19, 2026
Back on the ranch again with Maya Alden and I couldn't be happier. This installment of the Wildflower Canyon series lives up to the other 2 books in the series. As a survivor of zexual assault I had to take a break a couple of times to process but this author did justice to the issue, which is not an easy feat.
The H does not believe that h was @ssaulted by his brother. As a result she endures untold suffering and the brother is allowed to continue to harm others.
“I carry the burden of those other girls, Cade. Now you can, too.” Sarah to Cade after he realizes he was wrong.
And for those who wonder why women choose the bear...
"I’m so sorry. I should’ve—God, I should’ve believed you. I should’ve protected you.” She jerks back, eyes wild with pain. “It wasn’t only you. It was everyone. My father. Your father then. Violet. Why…why is it so hard to trust women when they tell you a man hurt them? Like it’s a foreign concept, like it’s not in the realm of possibility when it happens every second of every day around the world.”
I love that other characters from the series play a significant role in this book. Sometimes it takes a community to tear a victim down and a community to help them to heal. Mav has some choice words for Cade.
“You fucked up, Cade. Bad. Ain’t no use dressin’ it up pretty. But a man’s not measured by the shit he falls into; he’s measured by how he climbs out. You get up, dust off, and set it right, best you can. That’s the only trail worth ridin’ now.” Maverick
Sarah was an exceptionally strong heroine. And strong isn't always instantaneous and loud. Sometimes it's quiet and gained in small steps over years. I appreciated the real take on a survivors journey. It's never perfect, wrought with choices that others can't understand, ie... not fighting harder, running away.
“Fear’s like wildfire. If you don’t face it, it keeps spreadin’." Cade to Sarah after they have reconciled.
And when Sarah finally decides to fight...
“Will you really be okay when I destroy the image of your role model? Will you believe me or him?"
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“That would mean betraying your brother. Your family.”
“No. It means standing by what’s right. Standing with the woman I love.”
Learning to trust again is not easy for Sarah. It comes in pieces, letting little moments in but still holding on the idea that goodness can't last. So when the disappointment inevitably comes it won't be a surprise.
"I don’t resist. It’s nice to be held when the world comes apart. I’ll take the comfort tonight. Tomorrow I’ll remind myself I’m alone. My therapist says that’s a crappy way to live. I say it’s the only."
The moment I related to the most in this book was when the h finally starts telling her story to others. Even those who initially did not believe her. But they do now. It took nearly 20 years in my case for detectives to apologize to me for the way my case was handled - not pursuing suspects, mis-filing the case, losing DNA evidence. Having a detective look me in the eyes and say "I'm sorry. I believe you. This was our mistake." It came 20 years too late but at least it came.
“Talking to Marnie today”—I draw a cleansing breath—“I realized how much I needed to say it out loud to someone who believed me.” My throat tightens with emotion, a good one, like hope. “I feel…lighter. Like maybe the healing has finally begun."
This was an easy 5 star read for me and not just because the story is remarkable, but because the heroine is human - messy, doubtful, broken. For me, the definition of strength lies in the fact that DESPITE those things, still she rose. She fought through years of trauma only to come back to the scene of the crime and face the very people that failed her. And to fight until justice was served.
- ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
The H does not believe that h was @ssaulted by his brother. As a result she endures untold suffering and the brother is allowed to continue to harm others.
“I carry the burden of those other girls, Cade. Now you can, too.” Sarah to Cade after he realizes he was wrong.
And for those who wonder why women choose the bear...
"I’m so sorry. I should’ve—God, I should’ve believed you. I should’ve protected you.” She jerks back, eyes wild with pain. “It wasn’t only you. It was everyone. My father. Your father then. Violet. Why…why is it so hard to trust women when they tell you a man hurt them? Like it’s a foreign concept, like it’s not in the realm of possibility when it happens every second of every day around the world.”
I love that other characters from the series play a significant role in this book. Sometimes it takes a community to tear a victim down and a community to help them to heal. Mav has some choice words for Cade.
“You fucked up, Cade. Bad. Ain’t no use dressin’ it up pretty. But a man’s not measured by the shit he falls into; he’s measured by how he climbs out. You get up, dust off, and set it right, best you can. That’s the only trail worth ridin’ now.” Maverick
Sarah was an exceptionally strong heroine. And strong isn't always instantaneous and loud. Sometimes it's quiet and gained in small steps over years. I appreciated the real take on a survivors journey. It's never perfect, wrought with choices that others can't understand, ie... not fighting harder, running away.
“Fear’s like wildfire. If you don’t face it, it keeps spreadin’." Cade to Sarah after they have reconciled.
And when Sarah finally decides to fight...
“Will you really be okay when I destroy the image of your role model? Will you believe me or him?"
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“That would mean betraying your brother. Your family.”
“No. It means standing by what’s right. Standing with the woman I love.”
Learning to trust again is not easy for Sarah. It comes in pieces, letting little moments in but still holding on the idea that goodness can't last. So when the disappointment inevitably comes it won't be a surprise.
"I don’t resist. It’s nice to be held when the world comes apart. I’ll take the comfort tonight. Tomorrow I’ll remind myself I’m alone. My therapist says that’s a crappy way to live. I say it’s the only."
The moment I related to the most in this book was when the h finally starts telling her story to others. Even those who initially did not believe her. But they do now. It took nearly 20 years in my case for detectives to apologize to me for the way my case was handled - not pursuing suspects, mis-filing the case, losing DNA evidence. Having a detective look me in the eyes and say "I'm sorry. I believe you. This was our mistake." It came 20 years too late but at least it came.
“Talking to Marnie today”—I draw a cleansing breath—“I realized how much I needed to say it out loud to someone who believed me.” My throat tightens with emotion, a good one, like hope. “I feel…lighter. Like maybe the healing has finally begun."
This was an easy 5 star read for me and not just because the story is remarkable, but because the heroine is human - messy, doubtful, broken. For me, the definition of strength lies in the fact that DESPITE those things, still she rose. She fought through years of trauma only to come back to the scene of the crime and face the very people that failed her. And to fight until justice was served.
- ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
I recieved and beta tested this beautifully written book by Maya Alden. Please read the TW ; the plot lines might be disconcerting to anyone
This is not your conventional romance novel! This book is powerfully written with thorough research of Veterinarian skill set, cattle ranching/ ranch life. But what set it aside , is that it discusses a very sensitive and complex issues: Sexual Assault: the truth, the lies, and the consequences thereafter. The plot lines is solid; every chapter is a revelation. The book speaks to you that you want to finish reading in one go. The character development of FMC and MMC is very evident. The side characters are woven seemlessly into the story. A MUST READ!!!!
Thank you, Maya Alden.
This is not your conventional romance novel! This book is powerfully written with thorough research of Veterinarian skill set, cattle ranching/ ranch life. But what set it aside , is that it discusses a very sensitive and complex issues: Sexual Assault: the truth, the lies, and the consequences thereafter. The plot lines is solid; every chapter is a revelation. The book speaks to you that you want to finish reading in one go. The character development of FMC and MMC is very evident. The side characters are woven seemlessly into the story. A MUST READ!!!!
Thank you, Maya Alden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
Unforgivable MMC
Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I haven’t wanted to quit a book halfway in quite a while now, but this one really tempted me. In my opinion the MMCs actions were unforgivable. He behaved terribly toward the FMC and then just did a 180 degree switch, was madly in love with her again, and the FMC just rolled over and took him back. The plot just didn’t sit well with me, but it’s a well written book.
Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I haven’t wanted to quit a book halfway in quite a while now, but this one really tempted me. In my opinion the MMCs actions were unforgivable. He behaved terribly toward the FMC and then just did a 180 degree switch, was madly in love with her again, and the FMC just rolled over and took him back. The plot just didn’t sit well with me, but it’s a well written book.
January 19, 2026
vos decis? difícil todo, no tenia vuelta esto
January 21, 2026
meh.. skip read it after the 50% mark. they all brush it under the rug, she kinda forgot how she was treated and the H said sorry and they had their HEA.
not enough
not enough
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