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Mountain River MC #2

Wolf's Songbird

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A dark, emotional motorcycle club romance tangled in guilt, survival, and the kind of love that cuts deep.

She escaped with her life—now she has to survive the aftermath.

Aspen endured what no one should ever face. But survival came at a price, and the weight of what she did haunts her every day.

She wants to move on.
But Asher won’t let her.

He reminds her of the past, yet he is the only one who brings her peace.

Asher lost everything to protect the one girl he can’t have. Now, he’s crossing lines he swore he never would, sinking deeper into a world he hates, because keeping Aspen safe means sacrificing more than just his morals.

But nothing is as black and white as it seems.

Can two broken souls find a way forward when the past refuses to let go?
Or will the truth shatter what little they have left?

Start reading Wolf's Songbird today—perfect for fans of raw, gritty MC romance with deep emotion, complex choices, and a love worth fighting for.

**Now includes a newly added bonus epilogue—don’t miss this exclusive extra chapter!

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

45 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Cala Riley

61 books763 followers
Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

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5 stars
70 (61%)
4 stars
36 (31%)
3 stars
6 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,988 reviews91 followers
January 10, 2026
Quickie Review: My heart broke for what Aspen and Asher went through when Aspen was kidnapped by the rival mc club that Asher was infiltrating for the FBI. I honestly didn’t care for Aspen in Maggie’s story but as I got to know her and the torment she was battling, I learned to love her. Their romance is definitely a slowburn, but with everything they went through, it’s truly understandable. And I respected them both for not rushing into anything. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Rain and Ridge. 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Nicole.
279 reviews15 followers
January 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Asher and Aspen’s story. For a MC romance it was relatively low angst, or at least what angst there was, was resolved quickly which always makes a read more enjoyable for me. Aspen wasn’t my favorite during book 1 and I didn’t love her at the beginning of this story but she definitely grew on me as she grew throughout the book. Asher is perfect. 😍
Profile Image for Jocelyn Masson.
272 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
Man Cala can write em! I think this is one of their best ones yet. This was a great book to start 2026 off with. Some trauma, some blood, and some healing... ok a LOT of healing. I cant wait to read whats next!
Profile Image for Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) .
1,106 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Wolf’s Songbird by Cala Riley is book two in the Mountain River MC series. This is a slow burn romance between Aspen and Asher, who are recovering from the trauma they experienced. It is an emotional journey as they attempt to heal and let go of the past so they can be together. Can the Wolf persuade his Songbird to take a chance on him.

Aspen is Panther’s foster sister and in book one she made a mistake which resulted in her being taken by rival MC the Ragged Anarchy. Her best friend Maggie escaped with help from Asher and is now in a relationship with Panther. Aspen’s rescue took longer than everyone had hoped but now we find out what actually happened to her.

Asher was an undercover FBI agent trying to take down the MC and fell for Aspen while she was being held. He had done all he could to keep her safe and helped get her back to her brother. Now she’s free, he will do anything to protect her, even if it means leaving the FBI and becoming a prospect at the MC. She is now his priority and he’s determined to help her heal. He knows she needs him as much as he needs her so he’s willingly do whatever it takes to win her and prove he’s a prospect for the right reasons.

While captive she did things to survive and used Asher even though he was the only one to show her any kindness. She feels she has ruined Asher’s life as he has given everything up to stay with her. She thinks he feels obligated to stay so is in denial of her feelings for him. She also hates how she has been with Panther and Maggie. Can she make amends for her actions and bad decisions. Apologising is harder than she thought because she thinks it was all her fault and feels guilty so finding it hard to move on. She struggles with her abandonment issues and keeps reliving her kidnapping nightmare.

He’s paired up with Yak and their interactions are funny especially as Yak never stops talking . He becomes the friend Asher didn’t know he needed and I loved how they gossip like teenagers!! He really likes Panther and how he runs the MC a true brotherhood. The rest of the MC slowly let their guards down and start accepting him as a brother. Asher finds he is loving the MC life and the found family they give him.

I thought Aspen had a real attitude, was very secretive and selfish in book one but thankfully as she starts to work through her issues and heal, she becomes a much nicer person. Asher is fantastic, his patience with her is amazing and he really fights for her. I don’t know how he puts up with her especially when she baits him after he saved her life. He understand her a lot more than she realises as both had sad childhoods and are dealing with the trauma of all they’ve been through. He loves her but could she love him back?

There is some angst and emotional moments as the couple work through everything. We also get
some drama as the Ragged Anarchy are still out for revenge for the attack on them when the Mountain River MC rescued Aspen. The authors also give us teasers about Ridge and Rain, ready for the next book. This is a story about healing and forgiveness, having the love and support of a good man and gaining a family along the way.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,285 reviews207 followers
January 9, 2026
WOLF’S SONGBIRD is the second instalment in Cala Riley’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN RIVER MC, dark, erotic, MC romance series. This is former FBI agent Asher ‘Wolf’ Zimmerman , and Aspen’s story line. WOLF’S SONGBIRD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading books one PANTHER’S MAGPIE for back story and cohesion. Aspen is Panther’s foster-sister.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Asher and Aspen) WOLF’S SONGBIRD focuses on healing and survival. Both Asher and Aspen were victims of the Ragged Anarchy MC. Woking undercover Asher quickly discovers there is more to life than working for the FBI, and becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day, Aspen continues to struggle with the demons from her past, as Asher must convince the Mountain River MC that he is no longer a threat to everyone involved.

The world building focuses on moving on from the past, acceptance and forgiveness. As the MC prepare for their fund raising carnival, someone else is determined to take what doesn’t belong.

The relationship between Aspen and Asher began as a forced proximity when both were trapped by the Ragged Anarchy MC but Asher was determined to protect Aspen with his life, even if it meant leaving behind everything he once thought as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top. Sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the members of the Mountain River MC : MC president Calloway ‘Panther’ Alstone, and Maggie ‘Magpie’ Ellis; Caterpillar, Yak, Ridge, Rain Wilson, Dove, Eagle, and the introduction of Asher’s sister Ashley,and Rain’s father Charles ‘ Mustang’ Wilson. The requisite evil has a familiar face.

WOLF’S SONGBIRD is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance,power and control, healing and survival, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic. WOLF’S SONGBIRD ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.


copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Katy.
1,205 reviews109 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
(I received an ARC for this book)

While this can be read as a standalone, the plot/characters’ story starts in book one of this series. It is recounted in this book.

trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
Trauma plays a large role in this book, includes on page descriptions of events.
kidnapping, hostage situation, assault, loss of loved ones discussed on page, a funeral occurs on page

After feeling the pain in book one through those characters’ eyes, I KNEW my heart was going to be tortured reading Aspen and Asher’s story. But that didn’t properly prepare me! Their shared trauma is just the beginning. They didn’t just build a relationship, they built a true friendship. Full of trust, understanding, and strength. Asher will stop at nothing to make sure Aspen fully understands that her past is not her future. And that he’s not going anywhere. The most beautiful part: their found family standing firm and strong with them. I knew when things felt too good (and things truly felt SO good!) that I needed to brace for impact. (Not that it helped.) Slowly, we were also introduced to the couple for the next book and by the end they became a necessity!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “You looked at me as if you would take all my pain away if you could.”
• “Thank you for being my anchor.”
• “Speak the words and it’s yours. You only need to ask.”
• “You are taking me so fucking good, baby. So fucking good.”
• “I don’t want to live a minute without you.”
• “You are never allowed to leave me. I wouldn’t survive it.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Slow Burn
7/10 Series

This is my review for Panther’s Magpie

Trigger Warnings include:
dubious/nonconsensual sex occurs between MCs during traumatic events while being held hostage after kidnapping
Profile Image for Kayla Hughes.
172 reviews
January 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: A Masterclass in Protective Romance

Wolf’s Songbird is a hauntingly beautiful addition to the Mountain River MC series. If you love a story where the MMC is a silent, lethal protector and the FMC is a survivor finding her strength, this book will absolutely captivate you.

The Dynamics
The chemistry between the leads is the definition of a "slow burn." The MMC is the ultimate stoic alpha he doesn't need to roar to show his power; his devotion to the FMC is written in every protective glance and silent action. He is patient, steady, and willing to wait as long as it takes for her to feel safe.

The FMC is written with incredible depth. Her journey is emotional and raw, making her one of the most relatable and resilient characters in the series. Watching the way she begins to trust the MMC despite her past is heart wrenching and deeply rewarding.

The Writing
Cala Riley excels at building tension. The external MC conflict provides a high stakes backdrop, but the true heart of the novel is the evolving bond between the MMC and FMC. It’s a story about finding light in the darkest of places and the "found family" that stands behind them.

The Tropes
• The Ultimate Protector: The MMC would burn the world down to keep the FMC safe.
• He Falls First: His loyalty to her is unwavering from the very first page.
• Touch Her and You Die: Classic MC energy the MMC is a safe harbor for the FMC, but a nightmare for her enemies.
• Mutual Healing: Both characters carry scars, and seeing them find peace in one another is beautiful.
• Slow Burn Tension: The emotional payoff is earned through every shared moment of growth.

Final Verdict: A gritty, emotional, and powerful MC romance. The connection between the MMC and FMC is unforgettable.
124 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
4.75 stars

This was second story in the Mountain River MC series and we have Aspen and Asher who met in the previous book and were with many questions for them.

Aspen is Panther's sister, and she was kidnapped in the first book with trauma that occurred and she is back at the clubhouse slowly working thru. She has a lot of baggage from her childhood that adds to her character and the development she needs to have. You see major growth for her personally and it is great to see. She becomes very self-aware and it was just great character growth to read.

Asher is the newest prospect, former undercover FED, who helped Aspen out from the kidnapping and has his own challenges to face. He had some moral dilemma to deal with as well and his main goal is that Aspen is safe and happy. We know he came to prospect for the club in the previous book so we have a full idea about his loyalty to the club but we get to see how he grows to respect the club as well as the club respect him.

Asher and Aspen together were great! There was mutual respect despite how it started and the care and caution they both took with each other was impressive and needed for them both. Getting to see how the feelings develop for both of them was fantastic as well. We get to see Maggie and Panther again and we get more of Ridge and River which we know they are coming and this will be explosive I feel.

I did receive an ARC for honest review and I am so blessed to these 2 young ladies!
3,308 reviews70 followers
January 14, 2026
Wolf’s Songbird ( Mountain River MC Book 2 ) 🔥Slow Burn 🔥Forbidden 🔥MC Romance There are some books out there that just resonate with you and touch your heart ❤️ in a way that’s not so easy to put into words. In a way that rarely ever happens. Well I can say with 100% certainty that every time I pick up one of Cala Riley’s romances , it doesn’t matter if it’s part of a series or not . That’s exactly what happens Wolfs Songbird may only be book 2 in the Mountain River MC Series - but it’s no different, in fact it’s just spectacular, it’s utterly addicting and beautiful and emotional to the point I can guarantee it Will pull on all your heartstrings in ways you’ll never ever be expecting Aspen And Asher - this is their journey and let me just say it’s not an easy one by any means . Aspen has been through so much in her life , surviving an unimaginable trauma , something that no one should ever have to endure and the emotional toll that took on her life both physically and emotionally. There are no words that could even start to describe how my heart broke for her , how inside I was cheering for her to finally get the happiness she so clearly deserved. And our MMC Asher - well I just might be equally in love and obsessed with this man . How protective he was of Aspen , the lines he crossed and sacrifices he made to endure her safety . The connection they shared from the very beginning!! The sweetness and love he showed her . These two were such a beautiful couple !!!!
876 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 30, 2025
Asher and Aspen

Tropes:
* MC romance
* Slow burn
* Trauma
* Violence
* Angst

WOW!
Asher and Aspen’s story is wonderfully emotional and very sweet (in a way).
The trauma that they both faced and would break most people, but the way that Asher helped Aspen heal was gorgeous.
I can’t really say he’s a cinnamon roll, but he’s giving full vibes.
Protective, understanding, cautious and super supportive, he’s full book boyfriend material waving full green flags…
Aspen was a little hard to like at the start, but considering her history, it’s understandable that she would be troublesome. What I really liked was her maturity when she was called out and the fact that she took immediate steps to address it.

Their chemistry… well, it was obvious and the spicy scenes were HOT! The trust that they have despite/due to their shared past is amazing. Fully rooting for them the entire way through.

I adore their MC, I adore the characters and I absolutely adore Asher and Aspen together. It was steamy, relatively low angst and with introductions to so many characters, you know this is going to continue to be a stellar series.

Thanks Cala Riley, for the opportunity to read in advance.
Profile Image for ♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎.
893 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 30, 2025
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖠𝗌𝗁𝖾𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖠𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗇
5 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Aspen, she grew up in foster care and never felt like she belonged. She created this image and let people see what she wanted them to. Going to Colorado because she felt like her brother was pulling away from her, lead her into a dangerous situation. One where the nightmares don't go away and panic attacks hit whenever they want.

Asher, he is a lone wolf. Being an undercover federal agent, has made him keep his loved one at a distance to evade danger and to rely on himself. When Aspen ends up at the bar his working undercover at, his entire purpose shifts.

Asher and Aspen's book was amazing. Cala & Riley wrote a lead I had my doubts about, and she turned out to be an amazing lead. Asher's career was his purpose but Aspen becomes his life and he would go to great lengths to protect her. Aspen she dealt with everything that was thrown at her the best way she could.

The chemistry and connection between Asher and Aspen was so good, and the spice 🔥

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

The secondary characters were amazing and I couldn't get enough of it.

Rain & Ridge!

Yak...loved this guy!

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏍️ 🔫🏍️🔫🏍️
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵 🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧
Profile Image for Camryn Williams.
373 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
⋆ᴡᴏʟꜰ'ꜱ ꜱᴏɴɢʙɪʀᴅ | Cala Riley

✨arc review ✨

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tropes- MC Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Prospect & President’s Sister, Found family, Healing





I couldn’t wait for this book and it absolutely did not disappoint this book was just such a good read. I laughed and cried I just couldn’t get enough of Asher and Aspen I love them real bad Cala and Riley did such a good job with this book

Aspen is going through some stuff after being held captive for months. My girl is so strong and I love her so much. I loved watching her heal and work through her trauma throughout the book and seeing her grow she just means so much to me

The chemistry with Aspen and Asher was absolutely incredible. Although Aspen was scared to even be around him because he saw her at her worst moments but she still felt like she needed him because he was a constant in her life during that time. These two was just chef kiss and the pace with this book was also incredible

Asher is the new prospect for Aspens brother mc club but he used to be an FBI agent who was undercover with another club who took Aspen. And I just love him so much he’s just amazing! He’s patience, and caring and would do anything for Aspen even joining her brother club to be close to her

We are two books into this series and it’s just been so good and I can’t wait for more especially the next book I just know it’s going to have me going through it



Thank You Cala & Riley For giving me this arc it was amazing!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
935 reviews16 followers
December 22, 2025
Book 2 in the Mountain River series and I am just here for all of this. I knew going in this would be a tougher book due to the nature of what we learned in Panther’s Magpie book about Aspen. For those that haven’t read it, there are no spoilers here, however I will say, Aspen is the sister to Panther, and she was taken in the very beginning of Panther’s book. So, knowing that she is struggling it makes you appreciate that she is seeing the world a little differently. Aspen grows tremendously in this story, and it is due to so much of the support that Asher gives her. He is a constant that becomes her anchor and the one she turns to when memories become too much. Asher, this man. Honestly this story became him in so many ways. Strength, love, support but so protective. Not only of his sister but also Aspen. He wants to make a difference in the world and would give almost anything to have Aspen at his side. Though he doesn’t feel like he deserves her. Their struggles in this book grab you and hold on while you hope that they will be able to figure it all out and appreciate the love that the other has to give.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,064 reviews67 followers
January 6, 2026
Cala Riley writes a slow-burning, emotional and gutwrenching story of two souls who survive because of one another. One has barely survived being kidnapped by a rival MC and the other has left the life they thought they would be living forever. Page after page, my heart was breaking, yet at the same time, I was hopeful that each of them would find their HEA. This story is filled with heartbreak, betrayal, found family, friendships and a love that was meant to be.
Asher (Wolf) and Aspen did not meet under the best of circumstances; however, he was her saviour, even if she does not see it that way. She is living with nightmares of what she had to endure but it is Asher who is right there by her side. He also has had his life turned upside down. His sole purpose was to serve and protect and now it is to protect Aspen at all costs. The way he made sure that Aspen never felt alone or guilty over what happened to Maggie and the two of them. When Aspen finally lets Asher into her heart, she sees that she is worth the love that he has for her.
I am excited to see what the next book in this series will have in store for us.
Profile Image for Jinane Abou Hassan zahran.
294 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 25, 2025
Wolf’s Songbird is an emotional, raw MC romance that hits hard with themes of survival, healing, and found family. After everything Aspen endured, this story focuses on the aftermath rather than the event itself, showing how survival comes with guilt, fear, and the slow process of learning how to live again. The motorcycle club setting adds depth and grit, but it is the sense of family, loyalty, and protection that truly stands out. Asher becomes Aspen’s steady anchor, giving up everything to keep her safe and letting her heal at her own pace with patience and quiet strength. Their slow burn connection is built on trust, emotional safety, and shared pain, making their bond feel deeply earned. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time, this is a powerful story about broken souls finding comfort, family, and love in the darkest moments. Highly recommended. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for My_Books_In_Nooks.
293 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2025
ARC Review of ‘Wolfs Songbird’ by Cala Riley.

Book 2 of the Mountain River MC series, and it is such a cool continuation of book 1, only this time where it evolves around Asher and Aspen.
Aspen is finally safe and Asher decided to become a prospect.
Aspen has so many things to work through after her experience with Ragged Anarchy, while Adlet is still on the loose. Her character slowly unravels and heals and she opens up more and gives in with her feelings for Asher.
Asher is so patient in letting Aspen go on on her healing journey.
Their slow burn buildup of trust and love is beautiful to read. Their chemistry also a steady and firm, which makes their 🌶️ a hoy to read when they finally take that step.
As we are used from these authors, noting OtT, just right to go either the overall plot.

I seriously love how everything is interconnected, letting the main backstory grow with every book.
5/5⭐️
Profile Image for Kelly Richardson.
318 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 18, 2025
She is broken…or at least that is how she sees herself. She is angry and sad and totally dejected. She feels she should be punished for her mistake, that she not only put her brother and best friend’s life in danger but also hers.

He saw her, he knew he had to help. He was undercover with the FBI and managed to get out her away from the monster that was going to destroy her. He knew he would do anything to protect her, but first she needed healing.

This story is about Asher leaving his career in law enforcement and becoming a prospect with the Mountain River MC…and Aspen trying to find out exactly who she is.

While this is only the second book in the series, and I loved Panther I really LOVE LOVE Wolf aka Asher.

Drama ✅
Angst ✅
Trauma ✅
Violence ✅
Smexy 🔥
HEA ❤️❤️
Family Love ❤️
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
This is the second book in this amazing series, and this is Aspen and Asher’s journey.
A rival MC kidnapped Aspen, where Asher has infiltrated for the FBI, and my heart broke for what they endured, which understandably left them haunted by the past. Asher left the FBI to become a prospect for the Mountain River MC, where he works hard to gain the trust of the club.
No spoilers: this is a must read for all MC lovers; you will not be disappointed!
This is a well written slow burn, raw, gritty, and powerful, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, betrayal, trust, secrets, heartbreak, guilt, survival, sacrifices, trauma, challenges, violence, undeniable chemistry, and unconditional love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Amanda Richard.
130 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
Wolf’s Songbird by Cala Riley

🐺🐺🐺🐺

I was looking forward to Aspen’s book after loving Maggies! I was curious about how much of her relationship with Panther we would see before remembering a certain cop who is prospecting for her brother's club.

I was so excited to see Asher and Aspen’s relationship grow beyond the trauma they endured when Aspen was taken. Asher was truly the perfect boyfriend and brother, both to the club and to Ashley. He is kind, patient, and incredibly attractive.

Watching Aspen work through her trauma was incredible; her resilience was remarkable. I believe that, with time, she could have gotten to a good place with the help of therapy and those around her, but with Asher as her anchor, it really helped bring her back to a healthy space.

As for side characters, I love Yak! After Rain’s and Ridge’s book, can we please get his too?!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,248 reviews61 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
January 6, 2026
Wolf’s Songbird is a gut-wrenching, soul-deep love story that proves Cala Riley knows exactly how to break your heart—and heal it too.

When the writing duo behind Cala Riley released the first book in their brand-new Mountain River MC series, it was instantly clear they’d created something special. Like many others, I couldn’t wait to see how they would spin Aspen and Asher’s story. We knew it would hurt. We knew it would pull no punches emotionally. And somehow, they still delivered more than expected.

Aspen is a heroine shaped by trauma—one that hasn’t stayed in the past but continues to haunt her dreams and waking moments. Her pain is raw, palpable, and written with such care that you feel every crack in her armour. Enter Asher. A man burdened by guilt. A man who once served her physically, but now must prove—to Aspen and to himself—that she is worth everything. That she is more than her scars. That she is his songbird.

Wolf’s Songbird is a beautifully written healing, slow-burn, forbidden love that smoulders rather than explodes. Every glance, every step forward (and backward), every moment of trust earned feels hard-won and deeply emotional. The burn may be slow, but when it ignites, it burns bright.

Cala Riley excels at layered emotion, broken characters, and love that feels earned—and this story is no exception. Aspen and Asher’s journey is painful, tender, and ultimately powerful. If you’re looking for an MC romance that doesn’t shy away from darkness but still delivers hope, connection, and a love worth fighting for, Wolf’s Songbird will stay with you long after the final page.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,114 reviews104 followers
January 6, 2026
As we are getting book two in the Mountain River MC series, and some more information about Aspen and what happened after she was kidnapped by the rival MC. More holes are filled in by Asher, the undercover agent in the rival MC for the FBI.

A lot of healing is happening in this slow burn romance. Aspen and Asher went through a lot, and the emotional toll it took on them, they needed to work through the past before they can have a future.

I was not the biggest Aspen fan in Maggie’s book. But I think I judged her a little too quickly, her story is a little heart breaking. I appreciated that she apologized and took responsibility for her behavior to her family. Taking their relationship slowly also gave them time to appreciate what they had.
I am looking forward to the next couple.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
1,837 reviews24 followers
January 6, 2026
Wow, what a emotional wild ride! So good! I have read the first novel in this series and loved it! This novel did not disappoint. I was so excited to jump back into this series and it did not let me down. I love a slow burn and this novel checked so many boxes for me. From the first chapter this novel reached across the pages and grabbed my heart and attention and held on tight until the very last page. My heart hurt for Aspen and all she had been thru when she was kidnapped. I was so rooting for her as she worked and processed all she had been thru. I loved Aspen and Asher together. Their chemistry was so good! I loved watching them slowly work thru all Aspen had been thru and fall in love. So so good! What a wild and emotional ride! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
717 reviews22 followers
January 6, 2026
We finally get Aspen’s story! After the previous book in the series, where Maggie escapes and goes to Aspen’s brother for help to find her, I have been hoping to get her story.
Being in Aspen and Ashers’ heads throughout the book will take you on a rolleroaster. These two have been through so much together, and the growth from Aspen from the start of the book until the very end was impressive.
We meet her and she is beyond traumitzed from what she’s been through, but by the end she has grown so much, mentally and emotionally.
If you don’t fall in love with Asher by the end of this book, are you even human? He is everything she never could have expected that she so desperately needed. The found family aspect of this book was increadibly heart warming.
What a great followup to Magpie!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
January 14, 2026
When Aspen found herself in the hands of her brother’s enemies she found herself in a battle to survive and the one person that helped her get through that harrowing experience was Asher. She is now back with her brother however everything she went through has changed her and I enjoyed seeing her open her heart to Asher and the MC.

Asher met Aspen when he was working undercover however his mission soon became trying to keep her safe until he could help her escape. The feelings he has for her are deep so he wasn’t about to let her walk out of his life even if that meant leaving his career in law enforcement behind and joining the MC.

The devotion that Asher had for Aspen was inspiring and the evolution of Aspen’s character was inspiring as they take us on action filled and emotional adventure.
Profile Image for Katelynn Seaman.
112 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
Aspen and Asher are chef’s kiss!! These two walked through hell together and they came out on the other side together. Asher was AMAZING he was there for Aspen every second of the way through her therapy and recovery in finding herself again after everything she went through in the first book. I loved Asher from the beginning you could just tell how much he cared for her and wanted to be there for her and when it’s revealed what they went through together in this book it broke my heart. Asher is so patient, kind and loving towards Aspen as she’s working through past trauma and is even willing to leave if seeing him is too much and would keep her from moving forward with her healing. I loved watching them grow together and get their HEA finally.
Profile Image for Brandi.
345 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
This MC romance is a slow burn full of trauma, healing, found family, overcoming your past, and deep bonds.

I wasn't sure how much I would like this book because I really didn't care for Aspen in the first book of this series. I ended up enjoying it more and more with each chapter. She was still quite frustrating in the beginning, but as she started to heal, open up to people, and mature, she became more likable.

Asher was the strong anchor she needed. He never gave up, knew what she needed, and was willing to fight for her. I loved how he and Aspen both found the family they never knew they needed within the club.

This is a major slow burn, but it makes sense with the story. The ending was great yet so emotional. I absolutely cannot wait for Ridge and Rain's story! I need it now!
Profile Image for Becz9966.
216 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026
4.5⭐

Loved it! A rollercoaster of emotions that hit hard.

The messy and difficult reality of trauma is handled with care. It brings an authenticity that is relatable and heart breaking.

Aspen and Asher share a strong connection that jumps off the page. The friendship and trust build beautifully between them as they navigate through the guilt and shame of what they had to do to survive. It's a slow burn but once you hit the spice, it's absolutely divine.

The side characters bring balance to a very heavy plot. Yak is absolutely hilarious and unhinged. The banter between him and his best bud Asher had me cackling.

I'm still hanging for a Meek book but I'm also loving the tension between Rain and Ridge. So bring on book 3!
Profile Image for Louise  O.
863 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2026
Wolf’s Songbird is Book 2 in the Mountain River MC series, and it’s a heavy read. A lot of the emotional weight comes from the history built in Book 1, which really helps ground where the characters are now.

Aspen has been through a lot, and Asher had a front-row seat to all of it. Aspen tried to shut everything out, but with Asher stepping in to help, she’s forced to finally face what she’s been carrying. Asher, meanwhile, has given up his old life and is now fighting for everything he wants knowing it won’t come easy.

While the story is intense at times, I genuinely enjoyed it. Aspen and Asher come out of the storm with a strong bond and a solid foundation to build on, which made the journey worth it for me.

Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,363 reviews18 followers
January 8, 2026
I knew I liked at least one of the main characters in this book at the end of book one. Asher is a good man, loyal, and kind.
I wasn't sure about Aspen though so selfish and bratty in book one. Yes there was trauma and yes now she was in a bad place but still.
What a turn around I really enjoyed how Asher found his place, Aspen found her feelings, her kindness and herself and they found each other.
I also really enjoyed all the lead in for book three. I might have found my new favorite secondary character as well. Yak, who is always yakking is absolutely the funniest claiming Asher as his best friend almost right away and always around when you need a hand or some humor.
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