Wrangled Hearts: A single mom, grumpy sunshine western romance

by Aquila Thorne

After eight years in Wolf Creek, single mom Ella Shaw had almost convinced herself she and her daughter were finally safe. But when ghosts from her past begin closing in, she realizes some nightmares never stay buried.

With danger stalking her every move and old secrets threatening everything she's built, Ella is faced with an impossible run again... or finally stand and fight.

Jake Brennen buried his wife years ago and swore he'd never risk his heart again. The quiet life on his ranch—and keeping his beautiful neighbor at arm's length—has always felt safer than loving someone he could lose.

But when Ella's world begins to unravel, walking away is no longer an option.

As enemies close in and the truth about Ella's past threatens to destroy her future, Jake will do whatever it takes to protect the woman he loves and the little girl who has quietly claimed a place in his heart.

Because this time, running won't be enough.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Born in Southern Ontario, Aquila was raised on the outskirts of a small town. With nothing to do, she took to reading historical romance novels and vowed to write a book of her own one day. Fast forward 28 years and she did just that with her first Contemporary Romance titled Moonlit Night and a Series to follow. She still lives in that small town where she was born, her escape is within the pages of her writings

Reviews

[Teleri Anoram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting this newest addition to the Changing of the Guard series and had high hopes after the Christmas story which bridged the two series. The dynamics between Jake and Ella were wonderful and I liked the blossoming of their relationship and inclusion of Nora. There were a couple of continuity gaps which can be fixed with a little editing (these were easy to overlook). I wish we got even more of Jake’s backstory because there is definitely more to learn. There was a happy ending,but it is clear that we won’t see the finality of it until we finish this series. I was also a bit disappointed that so much of this volume was excerpts from prior books to get people grounded with the backstory. IMO you should read the prior series-and even if you didn’t it would have been ok to just jump in.

Bottom line, I enjoyed the story just wanted more!!!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Ella's story was a good read.
Their story is a cross-over from Changing of the Guards series with the MacGallan family and the bridge Christmas story that will bring you here. If you've read it you already know all of Ella's back story and the start of Jake's and can skip the chapters at the start of the book that may give the feel for the family dynamic. If you haven't read the series and the bridge Christmas story then, honestly you're missing out but the chapters from the prior series will give you a little, tiny feel.

Ella and Jake are neighbors and for 4 years have had their eyes on each other but have never really spoken much since Jake is standoff-ish and Ella is guarded and hiding with her 8 year old daughter, Nora. Ella's found family, or part of it lives in the main lodge and she and Nora live in her house on the vast property they all own. Ella thought her ex-fiancé had died, but when doubts arise at the same time danger comes to their home, she realizes she was wrong. Mikhail has found them. Jake along with his brother, Caleb, who shows up interestingly right before the danger approaches, tries to keep Ella and Nora safe (but do we really trust Caleb?). This becomes a huge plot twist that I could not believe with more twists that followed!

Realizing this is a new series I took a point off since I didn't understand why Ella wouldn't have gone to her brothers sooner than they did. However, it kind of works. I also expected a little more decisiveness at the end since this is their story and I didn't feel it was really all that finished.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read once I got past my annoyance at the start of the book. I know that this book is tied to the Savior series. Honestly I wouldn’t have read it if it wasn’t because I loved that series.

But the fact that the first 20% of the book recapped 2 chapters from each of those books annoyed the heck out of me. The author could have stated don’t read this without reading the other series or at worst given me a few pages of wrap up. Reprinting the other chapters from each book came off as lazy to me.

So while I wanted to know what happened to Ella, Nora and Jake I started this book annoyed. Then I got more annoyed when Ella refused to move to the lodge knowing her house was unsafe. Also how we skipped so quickly to Ella and Jake being involved.

Otherwise, I was good with how the story proceeded after Mikhail arrived. I will say the McClellan clan doesn’t disappoint and that’s what I liked most about the book. How Ella’s brothers and sisters came to her defense and how sturdy Jake was.

Ella and Jake get their HEA in this romantic thriller. We also get the set up for Book 2 Caleb and Lana which I will most likely read.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Patricia Monica Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Ella🥰

Jake Brennen life wasn’t easy. After loosing his wife and daughter in a car accident, he went in hiding in Wolf Creek. He was done with love. But when Ella Shaw showed up in the little house near his ranch, all bets were off. Because not only Ella had a daughter Nora, she was also in hiding for her father’s in-laws, Alexei Petrova. Together, they will find trust, love and affection for each other’s. A long road to recovery for both of them but love doesn’t care where it starts. Sometimes, it is in chaos.

Wolf Creek series is the continuation of the Changing of the Guard series. But set in Wolf Creek, Alberta. Many characters from the previous series are still in this book and i highly recommend reading them first. I really enjoyed reading this book and Ella and Jake story is one of redemption and survival.
5⭐️

[Mikaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I never thought cowboys and mafia could both be in a book and be this good.

It has great characters, great descriptions and some parts will break your heart for a few seconds to quickly rebuild it.

•If you are sensitive to drowning and resurrection be careful while reading.
It’s not for long, but it’s still there. It’s not super detailed and dramatic, but if you are sensitive it can be good to know•

I just loved the book, how strong the FMC is, and her sweet daughter. And the brooding MMC who rebuild himself. Just perfection 👌

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad we finally got Ella and Nora's full story. She has been in hiding from her ex's family for years and had hopes of never being found. Jake, her neighbor, is a grump, with reason and even though he is pretty much reclusive, he does pitch in, albeit reluctantly, to help Ella when needed. There are a few twists just past midway that brings the story to a whole new level -- something that I would never have guessed.

I definitely like the direction this is heading and look forward to the next in series.

[Tiffany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a new series!!

Love this book. The suspense just kills me as it rips out my heart to then put it back together… will they? Won’t they? Just have to read to find out.

Love Jake and all his broodiness. Nora is darling and Ella is the whole package. Let’s not forget those crazy MacGallans!! Oh and a must to read the Changing of the Guard Series first to find out about the MacGallan Clan!!

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aquila Thorne is awesome.

Ella is trying to figure things out when all of sudden her ex, her ex's family along with all of her family are thrown at her. Everyone wants to make decisions for her and her daughter except Jake. He lets her make the decisions. When her ex's dad comes after them it all hands on deck to protect her daughter. Maybe with their lives. Great read involving the Mafia and Bratva. Can Jake and Ella have something normal?

[Dawn Meece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys, if you haven’t read this series, you need to go read the first series and everything book after that because let me just say that oh my God this is such an amazing series. I’ve read all of them and this is the new one in the Wolfcreek series and it was amazing. You have Ella and Jake. They are the main characters you got lots of angst, chemistry, and tension. So many good things and let’s just say you will not want to put this book down until you finish it.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a tragedy Jake had a hard time connecting to anyone, he preferred to be alone, even from his attractive neighbor. But circumstances and family helped him to overcome everything and he have to help or sit on the sideline. It helps, if you read the books about her family before, but it is not necessary. You read about all the beloved characters from former books. All in all a good story with family, friends, action and love.

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Why is Ella hiding? What are her secrets. And who is Jake who watches her from across the way? How is the mafia involved?. So much intense action.Even more intense secrets. But secrets are meant to be discovered and who will survive when they do?Read it and you will hooked for the whole series.

[Nicole Elshoff]

absolutely LOVED this book! western romance meets Russia mafia?? those are two things id have never considered made sense together but this book was fantastic! cant wait to see what happens next with Jake, Ella, and Nora and of course Caleb and Mikhail!

[Kim Bunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella's story continues and family still circles protection around her and Nora. Enter Jake to round out the storyline. Past and future collide and the past is what was always feared. Suspense and action are woven in this adventure.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of this author, and this new series connected to the Irish mafia family was fantastic. Ella will do anything to protect her daughter while hiding from her husband and his Russian mafia family. Jake has feelings for Ella but keeps her at arm’s length. Meanwhile, someone is watching her, and Jake’s brother shows up, offering to help protect Ella and her daughter. With the support of Ella’s family and plenty of twists and turns, I absolutely loved it.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella and Jake and all the twists and turns! I love their story and who could forget about little Nora and the dog Scout! Nora ended up in one wild adventure!