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Cowboys of Copper Creek #1
The Wild Between Us
Fourteen years ago, I left him bleeding under the stars and told myself it was mercy.
Now I’m back in Copper Creek—the town that remembers everything and the man who never forgave me.
Wyatt Blackwood. My first love. My last heartbreak.
He’s all grown up now—grit, muscle, and control wrapped in a Stetson. The kind of man who could ruin me with a look.
He runs the Blackwood Ranch like a kingdom. I’m the consultant sent to modernize it—his empire, his rules, my intrusion.
He hates every second of it.
I hate how much I still want him.
Every argument sparks. Every touch burns. And one reckless storm night brings everything we buried roaring back to life.
But the secret I’ve kept could destroy him—and the legacy he’s built from the ashes I left behind.
He thinks I left because I stopped loving him.
God help me… I left because I loved him too damn much.
The Wild Between Us is a scorching, emotional second-chance cowboy romance about pride, passion, and the kind of love that can’t be tamed.
Now I’m back in Copper Creek—the town that remembers everything and the man who never forgave me.
Wyatt Blackwood. My first love. My last heartbreak.
He’s all grown up now—grit, muscle, and control wrapped in a Stetson. The kind of man who could ruin me with a look.
He runs the Blackwood Ranch like a kingdom. I’m the consultant sent to modernize it—his empire, his rules, my intrusion.
He hates every second of it.
I hate how much I still want him.
Every argument sparks. Every touch burns. And one reckless storm night brings everything we buried roaring back to life.
But the secret I’ve kept could destroy him—and the legacy he’s built from the ashes I left behind.
He thinks I left because I stopped loving him.
God help me… I left because I loved him too damn much.
The Wild Between Us is a scorching, emotional second-chance cowboy romance about pride, passion, and the kind of love that can’t be tamed.
- GenresCowboy Romance
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
48 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
"So what are we doing?"
"Finding our way back. Or forward. Maybe both."
Wyatt and Ivy
Tropes:
* Small town
* Cowboy romance
* Second chance
* Enemies to lovers
* Found family
Highschool sweethearts Wyatt and Ivy were separated when she ran to save Wyatt, get away from her abusive father and make a life for herself.
You could almost feel the emotions. The heartbreak, the hate, the fear, the sadness… Even when Wyatt was being an absolute a-z, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike him, because both were hurting in their own ways.
The transition from enemies to friends was gorgeous. The confrontation that got them there was brutal, but it was managed so well between the location, the interactions with other people, and the realisation that not all was as it seemed. It drove them to a new relationship that was both simple and full of a new type of tension…
I adored them together. He was hot-headed, moody, possessive and very, very protective. But Ivy tempered him and they were gorgeous.
The ex-boyfriend was a piece of work, absolutely delusional, and very much a stalker. I’m glad that Ivy was written in a way that allowed her to be storng and not rely on Wyatt.
But the biggest transition for me, and the one I loved the most?
Wyatt… grumpy, mean a-z to golden retriever, just for her.
But to close with that teaser for Liam’s story? Can’t wait!
"Finding our way back. Or forward. Maybe both."
Wyatt and Ivy
Tropes:
* Small town
* Cowboy romance
* Second chance
* Enemies to lovers
* Found family
Highschool sweethearts Wyatt and Ivy were separated when she ran to save Wyatt, get away from her abusive father and make a life for herself.
You could almost feel the emotions. The heartbreak, the hate, the fear, the sadness… Even when Wyatt was being an absolute a-z, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike him, because both were hurting in their own ways.
The transition from enemies to friends was gorgeous. The confrontation that got them there was brutal, but it was managed so well between the location, the interactions with other people, and the realisation that not all was as it seemed. It drove them to a new relationship that was both simple and full of a new type of tension…
I adored them together. He was hot-headed, moody, possessive and very, very protective. But Ivy tempered him and they were gorgeous.
The ex-boyfriend was a piece of work, absolutely delusional, and very much a stalker. I’m glad that Ivy was written in a way that allowed her to be storng and not rely on Wyatt.
But the biggest transition for me, and the one I loved the most?
Wyatt… grumpy, mean a-z to golden retriever, just for her.
But to close with that teaser for Liam’s story? Can’t wait!
January 22, 2026
Holy hell. Excuse me while I kick my feet and giggle uncontrollably. The Wild Between Us was SO damn good. This book is a prime example of why I devour second chance romance with elements of enemies-to-lovers. Although, I wouldn't quite say Wyatt and Ivy were enemies. Yeah, they weren't on the best of terms, but they could never be true enemies. There is hurt, saddness, and anger there, but never true hate. Despite what they tell each other. And their chemistry? Holy cow! Mixed with lightning?! Dude! That scene sealed the deal for me. I could not put it down.
What I loved most about The Wild Between Us were the characters and their relationships with each other. Wyatt's parents always loved Ivy. I choose to believe that they hired her firm to play matchmaker and bring these two wounded birds back together. I loved watching his family welcome Ivy back into their fold. Once Wyatt learns the truth about why she left and is able to open his heart once more, I was done. That was when they knew it was inevitable. They were meant to break down each other's walls. They were meant to be together, even if it nearly broke them in the process. Heck, they broke me many times. So damn good!
I need Liam's book immediately. And I cannot wait to watch this series unfold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I loved most about The Wild Between Us were the characters and their relationships with each other. Wyatt's parents always loved Ivy. I choose to believe that they hired her firm to play matchmaker and bring these two wounded birds back together. I loved watching his family welcome Ivy back into their fold. Once Wyatt learns the truth about why she left and is able to open his heart once more, I was done. That was when they knew it was inevitable. They were meant to break down each other's walls. They were meant to be together, even if it nearly broke them in the process. Heck, they broke me many times. So damn good!
I need Liam's book immediately. And I cannot wait to watch this series unfold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
4.25 stars.
This story had such pain, anger and regret in it, one decision tore people apart and left many with a hole in their heart. I felt for everyone and hoped that they would be able to find a way to forgive and to move forward.
The thing that stood out to me the most in this was the Blackwood family, they were a family who once they loved you, made you a part of them, they never let you go, they understood that the truth could have different layers to it, they understood acceptance, bonds, forgiveness and protecting what you loved and what was right. My heart hurt in many places reading this and I teared up a few times too, but seeing these two face their past, listen to the truth, gravitate towards each other time and again, and find themselves was lovely to read - I am really looking forward to book two now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had such pain, anger and regret in it, one decision tore people apart and left many with a hole in their heart. I felt for everyone and hoped that they would be able to find a way to forgive and to move forward.
The thing that stood out to me the most in this was the Blackwood family, they were a family who once they loved you, made you a part of them, they never let you go, they understood that the truth could have different layers to it, they understood acceptance, bonds, forgiveness and protecting what you loved and what was right. My heart hurt in many places reading this and I teared up a few times too, but seeing these two face their past, listen to the truth, gravitate towards each other time and again, and find themselves was lovely to read - I am really looking forward to book two now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2026
An amazing, heartfelt story about true love overcoming obstacles, misunderstandings, best intentions gone wrong, and years apart.
Wyatt and Ivy were childhood sweethearts until she thought she was saving him by leaving without a word. Fourteen years later she is back, with a corporate job, and ideas about improving his cattle ranch. They have both changed so much, but neither really ever got over the other, which causes friction. A storm forces them into close proximity, but the storm is not the only things that rages.
Nicola Hayes writes with great detail, providing readers with a mental picture of the story, scenery, and characters. One of the best cowboy romances I've read in a while. I am so excited to read the rest of the installments in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wyatt and Ivy were childhood sweethearts until she thought she was saving him by leaving without a word. Fourteen years later she is back, with a corporate job, and ideas about improving his cattle ranch. They have both changed so much, but neither really ever got over the other, which causes friction. A storm forces them into close proximity, but the storm is not the only things that rages.
Nicola Hayes writes with great detail, providing readers with a mental picture of the story, scenery, and characters. One of the best cowboy romances I've read in a while. I am so excited to read the rest of the installments in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Omgosh, this book wrecked me in the most emotionally beautiful way. Ivy and Wyatt were so amazing. Poor Ivy ran from Wyatt to get away from an abusive father. But Wyatt didn’t know that. He knew he was heartbroken and hurt. It wasn’t until Ivy went back, having to inject herself into his ranch to modernize it. You could feel his hurt, his anger. And how much he resented her being there. And Ivy was still so in love with that man. It hurt my heart to see how he was towards her, but I couldn’t hate him for it. And to see her hurt knowing she still loved him. These two went through so much. I was so happy when they finally broke down those walls and were able to rebuild. To understand, and be able to move forward together. These two are my heart for 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Wild Between Us” by Nicola Hayes
-An emotionally rich small-town cowboy romance filled with second chances, heartbreak, and healing. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Wyatt and Ivy’s journey from enemies back to lovers is raw, intense, and beautifully earned as long-buried truths surface. Angsty, tender, and deeply satisfying, this found-family romance delivers powerful growth, fierce love, and hope.
Gotta love a good second chance love story.
-An emotionally rich small-town cowboy romance filled with second chances, heartbreak, and healing. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Wyatt and Ivy’s journey from enemies back to lovers is raw, intense, and beautifully earned as long-buried truths surface. Angsty, tender, and deeply satisfying, this found-family romance delivers powerful growth, fierce love, and hope.
Gotta love a good second chance love story.
January 21, 2026
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Wyatt and Ivy are high school sweethearts, who split when she left home to escape her father.
Enemies to friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, but knowing these two secretly just loved each other so deeply that the enemies part was just the frustrations that have been bottled up over the years.
I love this story so much.
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Wyatt and Ivy are high school sweethearts, who split when she left home to escape her father.
Enemies to friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, but knowing these two secretly just loved each other so deeply that the enemies part was just the frustrations that have been bottled up over the years.
I love this story so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
STOP right there. If you’re not putting this romance book in your kindle you’re missing out on a 5/5 star read. I swooned and smiled over the storyline and characters. This book is one fantastic romance book that kicks off a new series I am dying to read by Nicola.
February 15, 2026
An amazingly devastating read.
This book had me in the feels. The mix of heartbreak, found family, second-chance love.
Exquisite writing, I loved the depth of characters and the description of scenes.
This series is starting out strong. I can’t wait to read more.
This book had me in the feels. The mix of heartbreak, found family, second-chance love.
Exquisite writing, I loved the depth of characters and the description of scenes.
This series is starting out strong. I can’t wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun second chance romance that is sweet and sassy all at the same time.
March 5, 2026
Eh. Not bad, but not great.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews