Keep It Wild

The Big Five #5

by Katie West

She’s always looking at the stars.
He stopped looking years ago.

When Sophie arrives in Bryce Canyon to help open a new Root & Rise coffee shop, she’s looking for a fresh start, and maybe a little magic under the darkest skies in the country. What she doesn’t expect is Clay, a grumpy rodeo cowboy with a guarded heart and a reputation for never staying anywhere long enough to call it home.

Clay has spent years drifting from rodeo to rodeo, leaving before anything can start to matter. But when Sophie crashes into his world - sarcastic, copper-haired, and stubborn enough to fight the corporate development threatening the canyon he secretly loves - he starts to wonder if the life he’s built is really living at all.

Under Bryce’s endless sky and otherworldly landscape, some things feel bigger.

Like the wild places worth protecting.
And the kind of love that asks you to stay.

Keep It Wild is the fifth and final interconnected standalone in the Big Five series. Perfect for lovers of:

🌙Small Town Romance
🌙Cowboys
🌙Friends with Benefits to Lovers
🌙Found Family
🌙National Parks
🌙LGBTQ+ Representation

Not familiar with the series? Meet the Big Five - a series of swoony, spicy interconnected standalones set in Utah’s national parks.

🧡 Always Have, Always Will / Zion NP - Best Friend’s Brother, Van Life Vibes, Wedding Setting
☕️ Love You, Mean It / Arches NP - Single Mom x Golden Retriever Park Ranger, Love After Loss, Found Family
❄️ Plan on Me / Canyonlands NP - Slow Burn, Wilderness Therapist x Artist, Recovery & Healing
🍑 All In, No Exit / Capitol Reef NP - Mafia Romance, Vegas to Desert, Arranged Marriage **the Wild Card of the series**
🌙Keep It Wild / Bryce Canyon NP - F*ck Buddies, LGBTQ+ Representation, Rodeo Cowboy

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

Katie West grew up in the suburbs of Ohio and now calls the red rocks of Southern Utah home. She shares her chaotic, love-filled life with two kids, two dogs, a cat, and a very supportive husband - none of whom will ever read her books. When she’s not writing slow-burn romances with a spicy kick, she’s getting lost on bumpy backroads and fueling up on way too much caffeine.

Reviews

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 🧡

Keep it Wild is the final installment in The Big Five series, and it was an absolutely beautiful conclusion to a beautiful series. Sophie and Clay's story had me hooked! The banter between them was very amusing, and it had me laughing constantly. Also, just saying... who doesn’t love a hot, broody, cowboy? One thing that I wasn't expecting was the LGBTQ+ aspect of things this time around. I was pleasantly surprised to see that representation in this series!!!<3 in the end, how everyone and everything came together was absolutely perfect. I couldn't possibly imagine it ending in a better way.

[Sarah Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to share my thoughts 🤭

UPDATE:

WHAT A FINALE!!!!

Thank you Katie for the honor of beta reading this beautiful story. I will forever be honored that you have trusted your dreams with me.

I have read a lot of cowboy romances and have loved every one. They’re broody, dirty and full of rough edges. Clay is no exception, with the addition of terribly sexy forearms 😏 but there is so much more to him than that. He’s layered and complicated and is hiding a pretty big secret. Such a cool twist to your typical cowboy and it was so refreshing. Just like Jack in Love You, Mean It, I will be dreaming about Clay’s forearms and back muscles for the foreseeable future.

I have been waiting this whole series for Sophie’s story and it did not disappoint! She is so fun and interesting and the most determined to save this town she’s fallen in love with. Strong and resilient to a fault at times but soft with animals that need her help.

This was an unexpected wild ride in the absolute best way. A f*ck buddy situation done right with no fluff. Their relationship from the beginning was believable and a little reckless in the way you are when you’re young without a care in the world.

The spicy scenes hit in the best way. Katie really outdid herself with these ones. I had to take a lap after one certain chapter 🥵 IYKYK

The ending was both satisfying and devastating knowing this was the end of The Big Five. Saying goodbye to these characters I’ve grown to love is hard but I know Katie has some more incredible stories just waiting for us all to read.

If you’re a fan of these tropes, pick this book, and this series up immediately. You will not regret it!

☀️Friends with benefits to lovers
🐎 Grumpy Cowboy x Witchy Barista
☀️ Found Family
🐎 National Parks Rep
☀️ Small Town - Bryce Canyon
🐎 Respectful Spice
☀️ Horses and Dogs are better than humans
🐎 Rodeo Nights
☀️ Town who protects each other

[Megan Soria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For the dreamers who still look up at the night sky and believe the stars might be trying to tell us something."

I AM UNWELL

I've never been more devastated to finish a series.
I swear to all that is holy, as I communion this shit with my glass of red and vow that anything Katie writes is pure God damn magic. I will probably be going to hell for offending religion as we know it, but I can not lie.
And KIW did NOT disappoint. Give me a witchy desert barista & grumpy cowboy any day.

Sophie, our sweet moon child finally has her chance to shine. She's introduced in Book 2 LY, MI & WE LOVE HERRR. Our spicy "kitchen witch" can spell any espresso machine into working.

Never settling in 1 place too long, she heads to Bryce Canyon to help Lainey expand Root & Rise.


AND THEN I get to the Epilogue & just lost it all over again when Rowan says "Hey, Uncle Clay?" "Love you, mean it."

If you've been following the Big Five series, then YOU KNOW how emotional & personal it feels to be on this journey with Katie.
It is extremely rare (IMO) to write 5 books & each one be a hit in its own right.
Am I bias? AbsoF*CKinglutely
Addicted? I don't have a problem, you have a problem.
Do I want more? ALWAYS!
I don't know if there's a simplified word for wanting to cheers the shit out of you Katie...

but YOU F*KING DID IT! 5 Books, 5 Hits & we're never gettin off this high. Literally proud (dog)mom moment for this incredible woman cause she truly wrote 1 hell of a series & she's just getting started.
It was written in the stars to share your desert magic with us.
THANK YOU for letting me be apart of your Westworld so excited for what's next!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮.

Keep It Wild by Katie West
5☆

Katie really saved this one for the grand finale and damn, was it worth the wait.

Clay is everything I love in a cowboy romance: broody, rough around the edges, built from the dust on his boots and the sun on his back. And fortunately for me, forearms that deserve their own fan club. But underneath all that—he’s layered and secretly yearns to belong.

𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙃𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙤.

And I’ve been obsessed with Sophie since book two. She’s stubborn, resilient, powered entirely by espresso and brutal honesty, and somehow balances chaotic witchy energy with the softest heart. Her chemistry with Clay was immediate and reckless in the best way. The kind of connection that’s deeply rooted in honesty, understanding, and acceptance. The friends-with-benefits setup was excellent, however, with the chemistry they had, we ALL KNEW it wasn’t going to stay that way for long.

“𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙎𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙚.” 𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙. “𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙮.”

But what made this book hit even harder was how full-circle it felt. The cameos from ALL the characters throughout the series were *𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘧’𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴* perfection. Every appearance felt like seeing old friends again and reminded me why I fell so hard for The Big Five in the first place.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚… 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚.”

And that final chapter—dear Lord. It was everything it needed to be and more. Hopeful, emotional, bittersweet in the most perfect way. You could feel the ache of it ending while already missing these characters before you’d even closed the book. It felt like Katie was saying goodbye right alongside us and honestly—just RUDE 😭

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩.

This series has been chaos, comfort, spice, healing, heartbreak, and found family all wrapped up in dusty boots and sharp banter. Saying goodbye hurts… but what a beautiful way to say goodbye.

*Thank you to Katie West for this arc opportunity.

[Jen’s Book Village · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m the kind of reader that falls hard for a series and wants to devour each book, but I also want to slow down and soak each one in. I’m also the kind of reader that wants to know what happens but gets sad when it’s all over. Why does a great series have to end? Are we sure we can’t get just one more? Will I be okay to just return to these books from time to time like visiting old friends? I guess I don’t have much of a choice.

KEEP IT WILD is the final installment of the Big 5 Series by Katie West and I am reviewing this book as an ARC. I was incredibly excited to read this book, but at the same time, not ready to say goodbye. I don’t usually pick favorites, but right now I’m sitting here trying to figure out if this one might actually be my fave.

This story centers around Sophie, who is new to the Bryce Canyon area, and Clay, a grumpy, quiet cowboy who tends to keep to himself. This story is a good one, with much more than romance. You can find love, found family, some romantic spiciness, ride or die friendships, and strong female characters in KEEP IT WILD. You will feel a connection to these characters, and you will be invested. This story takes place in a small town in the beautiful Bryce Canyon, full of beauty and out of this world sights which West brilliantly makes you envision and feel like you are visiting.

When big developers try to close in on the town and the small, local businesses, like Sophie’s new coffee shop, the town decides to fight back. They band together for what they love and the extended Taylor family, who we have met and grown to love in the first four books in the series, ride into town to support Sophie, their unofficial family member. Talk about a reunion! This fight brings the town together and also brings Sophie and Clay closer to one another, something they had wanted to keep a “no strings attached” kind of situationship.

While KEEP IT WILD can absolutely be read as a standalone, this series as a whole is something really special. Each book holds its own, but together, these books and the characters are unforgettable.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She’s always looking at the stars.
He stopped looking years ago.”

This book was absolutely adorable and I literally could not put it down. I fell in love with Sophie and Clay’s characters pretty much instantly, and that’s not something that happens super often for me. I adored their communication style and understanding between the two, and they really just felt like two halves of the same whole.

The eclectic witchy vibes blending with a stoic cowboy aesthetic was 10000% not something I would’ve ever put on my bingo card, let alone ever thinking that it would work. But this book wove the two so beautifully and seamlessly, that I feel like it really healed something in my soul that I didn’t even realize I needed. I don’t think a book has ever spoken to me this much, and I feel like that’s something super special.

This book was so freaking cute, I’d give it 6 stars if It would let me.

Enjoy some of my favorite quotes
✨
“You’re powered entirely by espresso and spite”
“That is deeply unfair.”
“But accurate.”
✨
But I kept watching him.
Not because I was interested, I told myself. Not because something about him had already gotten under my skin. Just because some people drew the eye.
Like storms. And fires. Like the first star appearing over a canyon that looked too strange and beautiful to belong to earth.
And Clay Davis, for all his coldness, for all the sharp edges he wore like armor, had that same kind of pull.
The kind you noticed before you had the good sense to look away.
✨

🏜️Found Family
🌵Friends with benefits to lovers
🏜️Grumpy Cowboy X Witchy Barista
🌵Small Town
🏜️National Park
🌵Bi rep
🏜️ Horses (duh 😏)
🌵HEA

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You have been staring at the ground for so long you forgot there’s a whole sky up there.”

Have you ever been to a place that just takes your breath away while simultaneously leaving you feeling like you can finally breathe again? A place that leaves you feeling like for the first time, you’re home?

Keep It Wild is that and more!

I can’t believe we are at the end of the Big Five Series but what a way to wrap it up! I’ve been longing for Bryce Canyon since book 1 and I am in awe of the picture Katie paints, not only with the landscape (she nails it btw), but also with her characters.

Sophie and Clay. Just WOW. These two are something special! Sophie is our uber independent, animal rescuing, free spirit. She longs for the next adventure while simultaneously wanting roots she doesn’t think she’ll find. She’s unapologetically herself and when she finds herself the voice of revolution in town; she holds on with both hands.

Clay, this man. He’s is guarded and full of depth. His past keeps him leery and he’s not sure why he’s stayed in one place so long, but also can’t bring himself to leave. He’d rather deal with animals than people until a fiery redhead steps into town and knocks him off his axis.

Sophie and Clay are utterly electric together. The way they are drawn together. The way Sophie makes Clay think. The way they anchor each other in the best ways. The depth in each of these characters blows me away. And the side characters… Everyone needs a Sammy in their life! Please and thank you!

The spice is spicing! HOT DAMN 🥵 Get your fan ready because 😮‍💨. The found family wraps you in a hug and begs you to legally change your name. The ending couldn’t be more perfect!!

This book literally has it all. Rodeo nights, endless starry skies, landscapes that take your breath away, animals, raw emotions, town heart, authenticity, love & depth that leave you in a chokehold. I truly could go on and on about these characters but you’ve got to experience them for yourselves. This series and these characters are embed DEEP in my soul.

Katie, I love you, mean it! I cannot thank you enough for the honor of reading your words and for allowing me to take this journey with you! YOU DID IT BABES!

[brook ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚⋅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC @ 4.75 ⭐️

the thing that honestly stuck out the most to me about this book was just how good the writing style is. without the amount and kind of detail we got from the writing, i can almost guarantee that this story wouldn’t have been nearly as consuming and enjoyable as it turned out to be.

i absolutely loved both of the main characters and felt that all the things that were perfect about them as individuals is exactly what made them so great together. Clay’s ruggedness matched so well with Sophie’s whimsy, just as his seriousness was matched with her lightheartedness. they really made this story what it is!

lastly, coming to the story itself, i thought that this series of events played out perfectly and actually did leave us with a surprising and satisfying conclusion. there was just one point toward the middle of the story where i felt that we could have used an extra chapter from Clay’s perspective, just a little something for him to let the readers in a little bit more before the big reveal to Sophie. the biggest aspect though, of Sophie having to fight for a town that she wasn’t even sure was hers, was handled with so much care and played out for us exactly how it needed to be.

the biggest thanks to Katie for trusting me to read and review your work! i am eternally grateful and hoping to read more from the characters in Bryce Canyon!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer

Meant to write this days ago but life happens..

Anyway, I really loved and enjoyed this story. The final book in The Big Five series that had me adding all the previous books onto my tbr. Cowboy romances have captured my heart as I get myself back into reading and this is just the same. Clay is quiet, brooding, and layered like an onion. I loved Sophie for the witchy barista that she was. She is so caring of everyone and everything no matter what they bring to the table.

Sophie is outgoing, outspoken, lovable, and knows to not have regrets the next day. Clay is so sweet and lets her be her and he's there in the background enjoying her presence. LOVED THAT HONESTLY.

The spice in this book, I loved but wanted a bit more. I did enjoy how open and communicative both characters were that I don't see in every spicy story. It was definitely the main reason I loved the spicy as much as I did.

My favorite theme or role that played in the book was fighting for the town. Sophie was brand new but knew it was worth fighting for even fighting her own battle of if this town was for her aswell. I thought it showed how Sophie loved wholeheartedly and made her character even that much more impressionable.

Definitely recommend but I am going back to read the other 4 books because I need to know the Taylor's even more!!

[Piper Michelle Gosnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying thank you to Katie West for the opportunity to review this book as an ARC Reader!

This is my first book written by Katie West and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I will be going back to read the prior four books in the series.

Keep It Wild is the 5th book in The Big Five series. It takes place in the small town of Bryce Canyon where everyone knows everyone. Barista Sophie begins her new life as the manager of a small coffee shop. She really feels like this is an opportunity for a fresh new start and a way to lay low. She puts trust in the stars and the universe which leads her to rodeo rider Clay. Clay is a brooding, private rodeo rider who has way too many secrets that Sophie wants to unravel. It is supposed to be nothing more than a quick fling, but it has the opportunity to turn into so much more. This is until some corporate investors decide they want to uproot everything that makes Bryce Canyon great. The entire town rallies together and proves why Bryce Canyon needs to stay wild.

This story has romance, found family, past traumas, and shows that it's always good to put your best foot forward. You have to trust the universe and it shall lead you to what you need most.

[Spreading Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a refreshing and fun read! This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I promise you, if you read it as a standalone you are going to want to go back and catch up with these fascinating character's stories!!!

"Something inside me had started whispering that there was more. More life. More risk. More magic."

Sophie's (FMC) journey to find herself and her place in the world was perfectly matched with Clay's (MMC). She seemed like such a free, wild, and interesting woman that you couldn't help rooting for her. Without sharing any spoilers there were some interesting twists and turns that made this love story an unexpected one.

There wasn't as many spicy scenes as some other romance novels, but what was here was hot and not always so vanilla.

Buckle up and settle in to find yourself falling in love with not only Sophie and Clay, but Bryce Canyon, and the entire town's people.

🌙Witchy barista x Guarded Cowboy
🌙Strangers to Lovers
🌙Bi rep
🌙Found family
🌙National parks
🌙Small town

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the end of an area. Keep it wild as the final book in the big five series by Katie West. This book focuses on Sophie and Clay.

Sophie is our witchy barista who sets forth on a new adventure to open another Root & Rise in Bryce. She is looking for a place that feels like home after being a nomad for so long.

Clay is our guarded cowboy. He like Sophie doesn’t stay anywhere long. He doesn’t let anyone get close to him because he’s been burned by love before.

These two have a magnetic connection, that neither one can deny. They start as friends with benefits but it quickly becomes more for Sophie. She is juggling her feelings for Clay as well as saving her new home from developers.

I adored Sophie and Clay’s relationship. I loved how Sophie made Clay feel comfortable in his own self. I was not expecting the dirty mouth on Clay, it’s always the quiet ones.

I am so sad this series is over, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for Katie. Thank you so much for taking me along side you on this journey through the Big Five.

[Kira Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie, girl. You did it again. I knew going into this final book it would be the cherry on top of this series, and it was.

We met Sophie in book 2, and in the finale she opens a branch of the favorite coffee shop Root and Rise in Bryce Canyon, Utah.

Through the process of learning how to make the new town home, she finds more family in Sammy (my favorite side character in the series) and Clay our MMC.

Clay is a shut off, mysterious cowboy that is in Bryce Canyon just for a season or two and plans to leave again soon. But Sophie puts a damper on those plans.

The city learns that a major corporation is trying to buy up most of the main part of town to turn it into a glamping destination. The town must come together to stop the new development and at the helm is our fearless Sophie, joined by our favorites, the Taylor family.

The growth that comes from both main characters is perfect, the ending was perfect, the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. It’s time to start a reread. Thank you for a series that will live rent free in my head.

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

While the plot didn’t capture my interest the way I had hoped, I still really enjoy Katie West’s writing style and storytelling. She creates such unique, layered characters that you get to peel back and truly understand, it’s always worth it. So while the premise didn’t fully hook me, the love story did.

The relationship between Sophie and Clay isn’t all-consuming or overly passionate it’s tender, respectful, patient, and kind. It’s a slow, steady build that feels very natural. West brings you into their hearts and minds, and it’s a treat to watch their individuality shine alongside the partnership they build together.

This is a lighter, quick read, and the side characters were both enjoyable and important to the story. I loved getting to see the Taylor family again. They’re such memorable, lovable characters. I’d definitely recommend this one, especially if you’ve read the previous books.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced reader copy from Author.

Let's take a wild trip to Bryce Canyon with all our furry babies! That's exactly what Sophie did! Sophie known for constantly moving and not settling down felt different as she arrives at Bryce Canyon. She is opening a new coffee shop in the small town. There she meets Clay and the chemistry was immediate! Though Clay is our moody closed off cowboy that we all love. Their one-night stand leads to a friends with benefits relationship. I love the openness of their relationship as they get to know each other.

As a group of large commercial suits comes to town and threatens to take over Bryce Canyon to commercially the tourist business. Sophie and Clay work together to save their town from being commercialize. I love the small town relationship Bryce Canyon has, it's so sweet.

As the final book in the series, this book ended everything sweetly.

[Asher Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review: Keep It Wild ✨

I did not expect to love this one as much as I did.

This book completely pulled me in—I flew through it and honestly didn’t want to put it down. The connection between the characters felt so real, and the way everything built over time made it impossible not to get invested.

I also absolutely loved the way Katie West brings Bryce Canyon to life. The way she describes it gives it such a beautiful, vivid feel that you don’t always see, and it made the setting feel just as important as the story itself. You don’t read books very often that can bring a real national park to life like that, and it’s a big part of why this became one of my new favorite ARC reads.

And the ending?? It hit. Like actually hit emotionally in a way that stayed with me after I finished.

This was one of those reads that just hooks you and doesn’t let go, and I already know it’s going to stick with me for a while 💛

[Laura Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep It Wild was such a cozy, chaotic, and unexpectedly emotional romance. Clay is the ultimate grumpy rodeo cowboy who swears he doesn’t do feelings, while Sophie is this stargazing, witchy sunshine energy that completely flips his world upside down. Their whole “just making out for fun” situation escalating into real feelings was honestly so entertaining to watch unfold.

The setting in Bryce Canyon added so much atmosphere to the story, and I loved all the little details — the coffee obsession, rescue animals, found family chaos, and the bi/pan representation all made the world feel warm and lived in. The banter and tension between Clay and Sophie carried the story perfectly, especially because neither of them expected things to become serious.

This book felt sweet, funny, emotional, and comforting while still delivering romance and chemistry. Definitely recommend for readers who love grumpy cowboy MMCs, found family vibes, and soft chaos romance. Thank you for the ARC!

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep it Wild (The Big Five Book 5)
By @authorkatiewest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I'm struggling to write this review because once it's done, the series is truly over. Sophie has been a favorite character throughout the series. She comes off a brash at first but as we get to know her, we learn she's got a big heart. Especially for the stray animals she takes in. Setting in Bryce Canyon, she's setting up the new coffee shop and putting down some roots.

Clay is a bronc rider and calf roper who doesn't stay in one place for too long. He keeps to himself and doesn't allow himself to get attached.

They can't seem to stay away from each other. It's not love at first site, more like lust and little bit of loathe. But there's something about a broody cowboy with forearms that wont quit. Their romance is respectful and tender while being spicy and open minded.

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am genuinely offended that this series is over.

I’ve been dragging my feet on finishing this one because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the Big Five series but Katie West still managed to make me fall completely in love with Bryce Canyon, a grumpy cowboy and a girl who spends her nights looking at the stars and rescuing every animal she comes across.

Clay was exactly the kind of stubborn man I love reading about, Sophie matched his energy perfectly and the whole book had me wanting to pack up my life and move into a national park immediately. And these two together single handedly kept the heat up in the desert (Iykyk).

The Big Five series has been one of my favorite finds, and closing the final page felt a little like leaving friends behind. I’m not saying I got emotional but I’m also not saying I immediately stared at my bookshelf wondering what I’m supposed to do now while I wait for her next book to release.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

This was such a cozy, sexy, fun read ✨

The story follows Sofie, who moves to town to manage a local coffee shop and catches the attention of Clay, a sexy bull rider. She finds him attractive and propositions a one night stand… and when he says, “Careful what you offer a man like me, Sofie” 👀🔥

What starts as “keeping it wild” slowly turns into something deeper… owning your truth, opening your heart, and going after what you really want 💕

The banter was everything! I was living for the “good girl” and “good boy” 😈 The tension and chemistry was chef’s kiss 👌🏻

Read this for:
✨Small Town Romance
✨One Night Stand
✨Friends with Benefits
✨He Falls First
✨Good Girl/Good Boy

Spice level~ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep it Wild was a slightly less conventional love story. Sophie moves to town to open a new branch of her friends coffee shop and meets the sexy cowboy Clay, queue instant sparks. Where it gets unconventional is that they are open about what they are wanting, Sophie is honest from the start about her past.it takes a bit before we get the same openness from Clay. Overall I felt like this couple really communicated so well. Sure it's less drama if they don't have a misunderstanding but the author finds ways to still bring drama and action and all the emotions. This book can be read as a standalone, I actually read this one first, now I feel the need to go back and read the other 4 because of how much I enjoyed the characters and writing.

[Tasha Thrall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This narrative beautifully captures the essence of love and the fight for a small town. I adore how the bond between Sophie and Clay deepens as they navigate their feelings for each other.

Sophie has spent her life on the move, but now she is ready to establish her roots. She is launching a coffee shop in a small town, celebrating the importance of supporting local businesses. Additionally, she is dedicated to caring for the stray animals in the community.

Clay is not one to easily open up; he prefers to protect himself and those around him. He participates in the local circuit but tends to keep his distance. However, as he connects with Sophie, he gradually begins to let his guard down, revealing his true self only to her.

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author

Firstly, this takes place in a place I've never been. I want to go to all the National Parks here in the US but it's always just been a 'to say I have' sorta thing. But after reading this book I have a new found NEED to see this place.

Now this is book 5 of a series though I have not read the first 4 I had no trouble following along. I will be going back and reading them now tho.

I love Clay and Sophie. Their relationship is so fun and truly felt real. Also like that they're both older, in their 30s. As I'm nearing 40 and my youngest children are turning 18 this year its sometimes... a bit uncomfortable reading spicy books for their ages lol

#indieauthor #arcreader #contemperaryromance #katiewest #keepitwild

[Jessica Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for giving me the honor of being an ARC reader! 📚❤️

This is the last of the Big Five series and I plan on reading the other four ASAP! I want to know the other characters’ background stories if they’re as good as Clay and Willow’s.

This book had me hooked from the start! Rural town, coffee shop, barista with tattoos and wtchy vibes? Right up my alley!

I loved the relationship growth between Willow and Clay - their personal character development just added to the already perfect storyline. Some of my gabrote moments of the book were where they bared their souls to each other without judgement or shame. They appreciate each other exactly how they are.


If you want a cozy, warm, happily ever after, this is for you!

[Kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review ✨

I love Clay, he’s such a big bear! He’s just scared that’s why he keeps to himself! But I’m glad he found his confidence.

Sophie, girl, you was doing a lot for me. She has such an out going personality that it was honestly sweet, she was pushing Clay to express his self (although I wasn’t a fan of how fast she wanted it to be). She’s like that annoying friend that just makes your life better!

I loveeeee their love for animals, I’m such an animal lover, so to see that representation of more than two dogs buttered me up!

They were honestly each other’s puzzle pieces, I think the author did a real good job illustrating that they belonged together!

Thank you so much for this Arc opportunity!!

[Anita Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨ARC Review✨✨

I went into this book never reading the previous books in the series and it reads great as a standalone but I’m sure would be even better as a finale to the interconnected series. It was refreshing to see a character like Sophie who didn’t fit into the traditional box (she didn’t feel a desperate need to settle down and start a family). You really got to see her journey and growth, and I found myself falling for Clay as the story progressed. Strong. Quiet. Dependable. At first I found the “gay BFF” character of Sammy as a cliche, but is it really a cliche if we all know at least one Sammy? Overall it was a fun light read with a HEA, a little spicy, and leaves you with the desire to go look at the stars with your people

[Michelle VanHuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now I have another destination added to my bucket list - putting Bryce Canyon National Park on my travel list and the rest of The Big Five series on my TBR! I want to know more about the rest of this extended Taylor family.

This was a refreshing story about two wanderers, barista Sophie and rodeo rider/trail ride leader Clay, finding each other amid discovering what they truly want and facing that the reason they are ready to settle somewhere is because they finally found someone and somewhere to set themselves for.

I love that they are able to open up to each other and trust each other so soon - instalove or instalust isn't always a bad thing. There is lots of representation of different sexualities and choices of lifestyle throughout this story. There's no third act break up in this one either!

Our FMC, Sophie, moves to Bryce Canyon to open a new location of her friends coffe shop just in time for our MCs along with the cast of locals and other transplants that have settled in Bryce Canyon to face corporate investors that want to buy up and bulldoze and rebuild the downtown area. We get some great community organizing and advocacy as they fight to keep Bryce Canyon wild!

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book in the Big Five series and such a sweet sendoff. I’ve followed this series since book one and loved getting to know this close-knit family and their friends along the way.

This installment is low-angst and focuses more on warmth and connection and finding your place and people. This made it a comforting, satisfying conclusion. I loved that she included LGBTQ+ rep and in the end getting all the familiar characters back together with a glimpse at where they ended up for full closure.

As with the previous books, the writing is beautiful and engaging. Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!

[Mikelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the end of The Big Five! You know when you meet someone and are immediately comfortable and yourself around them? That’s me with Katie West. She is warm, she is funny, she is so damn easy to get along with and lets you be yourself. She really shows that in this series. These characters are relatable, they are warm and funny and inviting and make you feel at home.
Keep It Wild was probably my favorite storyline of the bunch. I’m not generally even a fan of cowboy romances but this cowboy did it for me. I also was a fan of the spice in this, it’s super different from the other books in the best way!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC review***

Keep it Wild was just what I needed. It had small town, found family, great communication and spicy scenes!

Sophie and Clay I felt had great communication that not all main characters have. Their conversations were mature and valid and I really enjoyed that. I think their story could have taken place in any small town so the setting of the book wasn’t as important to their relationship, to me.

The plot was easy to get through and the book length was perfect. I could read a great story within a couple days instead of weeks. I did not read the other books in the series but if they’re anything like Keep it Wild, I will love them as well.

Wonderfully written book.