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Wild Heartlands #2
Wild Lies
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Discover the next steamy, small-town cowboy romance from K A James...
A cowboy with a secret . Welcome to Wild Heartlands. Indulge in a new steamy small-town series. Perfect for fans of the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver.
I’ve been living a double life. By day, I’m Kade Wilde, running my family’s ranch. By night, I ride bareback broncos in secret—something I promised my dad I’d never do. But nothing makes me feel more alive than the rush of the arena… except maybe Chloe Lawson.
She walks into my life like a spark I can’t ignore—newly single, fiery, and completely unaware of the chaos she’s about to stir. One charged look across a bar, a few reckless words, and she’s asking me to be her fake wedding date this weekend. She’s a mix of vulnerability and desire and I can’t say no. She doesn’t know me, but she needs me.
It was only meant to be temporary. But our connection quickly feels so real, and the way she slips into my world makes me believe there could be more. She has to leave at some point unless I can give her a reason to stay. Because she sees me—the man I try to hide and I can’t resist her, even if it burns everything I’ve promised to protect.
Praise for KA James:
'What a way to kick start this series! I cant wait for the rest of it!' Reader Review
'So beautifully written and an amazing love story' Reader Review
'This is a beautifully written second chance cowboy x country star romance, one where we see the cowboy hung up on old feelings and heartbreak he hasn't gotten over yet. We see their love rekindle in the most lovely and delicous way!' Reader Review
A cowboy with a secret . Welcome to Wild Heartlands. Indulge in a new steamy small-town series. Perfect for fans of the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver.
I’ve been living a double life. By day, I’m Kade Wilde, running my family’s ranch. By night, I ride bareback broncos in secret—something I promised my dad I’d never do. But nothing makes me feel more alive than the rush of the arena… except maybe Chloe Lawson.
She walks into my life like a spark I can’t ignore—newly single, fiery, and completely unaware of the chaos she’s about to stir. One charged look across a bar, a few reckless words, and she’s asking me to be her fake wedding date this weekend. She’s a mix of vulnerability and desire and I can’t say no. She doesn’t know me, but she needs me.
It was only meant to be temporary. But our connection quickly feels so real, and the way she slips into my world makes me believe there could be more. She has to leave at some point unless I can give her a reason to stay. Because she sees me—the man I try to hide and I can’t resist her, even if it burns everything I’ve promised to protect.
Praise for KA James:
'What a way to kick start this series! I cant wait for the rest of it!' Reader Review
'So beautifully written and an amazing love story' Reader Review
'This is a beautifully written second chance cowboy x country star romance, one where we see the cowboy hung up on old feelings and heartbreak he hasn't gotten over yet. We see their love rekindle in the most lovely and delicous way!' Reader Review
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
K.A. James
7 books110 followersKA James is the author of contemporary billionaire romances that bring the heat, the heart, and a billion reasons to fall.
She writes steamy stories with swoon-worthy heroes and the heroines who keep them on their toes.
When she’s not crafting happily-ever-afters, KA works in Human Resources and escapes into the stories playing like movies in her mind.
KA James lives near London, England, with her fluffy Bichon Frisé, Mia, who has perfected the art of stealing the spotlight.
Be sure to follow along on one of the below channels:
Join KA’s Facebook group: KA’s Rule Breakers
Instagram: kajamesauthor
Facebook Page: KA James
Tiktok: kajamesauthor
She writes steamy stories with swoon-worthy heroes and the heroines who keep them on their toes.
When she’s not crafting happily-ever-afters, KA works in Human Resources and escapes into the stories playing like movies in her mind.
KA James lives near London, England, with her fluffy Bichon Frisé, Mia, who has perfected the art of stealing the spotlight.
Be sure to follow along on one of the below channels:
Join KA’s Facebook group: KA’s Rule Breakers
Instagram: kajamesauthor
Facebook Page: KA James
Tiktok: kajamesauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The concept of the story is what drew me in, but it didn't really delivered. While the setting was absolutely beautiful and I do love the fake dating trope, this was rushed and didn't have the emotional depth that was needed.
Chloe is in Montana to attend her sister's wedding. On the outs with her parents, freshly out of work and a recent break-up, she just wants to get it over with.. Enter Kade, a man she feels an immediate connection with and whom she asks to be her date to the wedding.. Pretending to be in a real relationship and spending time together leads to real emotions, but she's leaving soon. Is there a chance for them to have a future together?
Their story had potential, but everything happened way too quickly. She just met the man and she immediately asked him to be her date and he actually showed up, seriously?? I absolutely love the fake dating trope, but I need some build-up first and this didn't have any.. They had this instant connection and the progression of their relationship was way too fast because of it. The timeline of this book is literally two weeks, I can get behind a lot of things, but this was really pushing it. I didn't feel the chemistry and while I did find it sweet that he felt like he can trust her with his biggest secret, I do think she shouldn't have known before his family. I love how supportive he was and always there for her, but it felt a little weird, considering how little they knew each other.. A lot of scenes that could've been emotional and deep got overtaken by smut and I hated it. It was still a solid three star read until the conflict, that was so unnecessary and stupid. Everything that happened felt dramatic and over-the top, at least to me it did..
It was a quick read though and if you don't mind the instant love, this would be something you would enjoy. I, unfortunately, needed more depth and tension.
Also, I wish we had more scenes with Kade's family, to truly see their dynamic.
The setting was the best part, the creek, the ranch, the rodeo and the town!!
Even though this wasn't the win I was hoping it would be, I'm still very interested in Wyatt and his story, especially if it's with the person I think it is...
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
Chloe is in Montana to attend her sister's wedding. On the outs with her parents, freshly out of work and a recent break-up, she just wants to get it over with.. Enter Kade, a man she feels an immediate connection with and whom she asks to be her date to the wedding.. Pretending to be in a real relationship and spending time together leads to real emotions, but she's leaving soon. Is there a chance for them to have a future together?
Their story had potential, but everything happened way too quickly. She just met the man and she immediately asked him to be her date and he actually showed up, seriously?? I absolutely love the fake dating trope, but I need some build-up first and this didn't have any.. They had this instant connection and the progression of their relationship was way too fast because of it. The timeline of this book is literally two weeks, I can get behind a lot of things, but this was really pushing it. I didn't feel the chemistry and while I did find it sweet that he felt like he can trust her with his biggest secret, I do think she shouldn't have known before his family. I love how supportive he was and always there for her, but it felt a little weird, considering how little they knew each other.. A lot of scenes that could've been emotional and deep got overtaken by smut and I hated it. It was still a solid three star read until the conflict, that was so unnecessary and stupid. Everything that happened felt dramatic and over-the top, at least to me it did..
It was a quick read though and if you don't mind the instant love, this would be something you would enjoy. I, unfortunately, needed more depth and tension.
Also, I wish we had more scenes with Kade's family, to truly see their dynamic.
The setting was the best part, the creek, the ranch, the rodeo and the town!!
Even though this wasn't the win I was hoping it would be, I'm still very interested in Wyatt and his story, especially if it's with the person I think it is...
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
Currently Reading
May 28, 2026℧ ♡☆𐚁Back in my cowboy era℧ ♡☆𐚁!!!!!!!
May 26, 2026
3.5⭐
First of all, thank you to KA James for providing me with an ARC of Wild Lies 🤍
I love a good cowboy romance, and this one definitely delivered! Even though it’s the second book in the Wild Heartlands series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Kade and the way he cared for Chloe. Their relationship developed a little fast, but I still found their connection really sweet, especially because both of them had already given up on love.
KA James writing style was light and easy to read, and I really liked how natural the smut felt — nothing overly forced or awkward. The story did feel a bit too long at times, but once I reached the final chapters, I couldn’t stop reading!
Overall, this was a great first experience with the author and I’m definitely excited to continue the series 🤠✨
First of all, thank you to KA James for providing me with an ARC of Wild Lies 🤍
I love a good cowboy romance, and this one definitely delivered! Even though it’s the second book in the Wild Heartlands series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
I really enjoyed the characters, especially Kade and the way he cared for Chloe. Their relationship developed a little fast, but I still found their connection really sweet, especially because both of them had already given up on love.
KA James writing style was light and easy to read, and I really liked how natural the smut felt — nothing overly forced or awkward. The story did feel a bit too long at times, but once I reached the final chapters, I couldn’t stop reading!
Overall, this was a great first experience with the author and I’m definitely excited to continue the series 🤠✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 2 ⭐️
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I tried to push through and finish it, but I ended up DNFing this book just before 70% through.
Normally, I don't write reviews of books I DNFed because it doesn't feel fair to rate a book without getting the whole story. However, I do have positive things to say about it, and I can definitely see how a lot of readers will love this book, so I wanted to touch on that.
The premise of this book is what truly enticed me about it and why I wanted to read it. I love faking dating and cowboy romances, so this book was right up my alley. I absolutely loved the setting of the story and the characters; it was beautifully described. The story also made me feel a lot of emotions towards some of the characters in the book, and there was a lot of anger towards the family. The author's writing style also works really well, and the setting and atmosphere were very well done.
At the beginning of the book, I was really pulled into the story and was excited when I got to meet all the characters, and I couldn't stop reading. I also love fake dating, so it was really exciting at this point. However, after a while, I started struggling to connect to the characters at a deeper level, and I couldn't see or feel any of that deeper emotional connection between Chloe and Kade. The transition between fake dating and loving each other also felt very insta-love to me, and I typically like a bit of a slow burn more. The plot also fell flat for me, and there wasn't much that piqued my interest or kept me interested past 35%. I pushed through to give it a fair shot and see if I could better connect with Chloe and Kade, and see that deeper connection later on in the story. However, it just didn't work for me.
If you love cowboy romances, fake dating, good writing, and beautiful atmosphere, then you will probably love this book. However, it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I tried to push through and finish it, but I ended up DNFing this book just before 70% through.
Normally, I don't write reviews of books I DNFed because it doesn't feel fair to rate a book without getting the whole story. However, I do have positive things to say about it, and I can definitely see how a lot of readers will love this book, so I wanted to touch on that.
The premise of this book is what truly enticed me about it and why I wanted to read it. I love faking dating and cowboy romances, so this book was right up my alley. I absolutely loved the setting of the story and the characters; it was beautifully described. The story also made me feel a lot of emotions towards some of the characters in the book, and there was a lot of anger towards the family. The author's writing style also works really well, and the setting and atmosphere were very well done.
At the beginning of the book, I was really pulled into the story and was excited when I got to meet all the characters, and I couldn't stop reading. I also love fake dating, so it was really exciting at this point. However, after a while, I started struggling to connect to the characters at a deeper level, and I couldn't see or feel any of that deeper emotional connection between Chloe and Kade. The transition between fake dating and loving each other also felt very insta-love to me, and I typically like a bit of a slow burn more. The plot also fell flat for me, and there wasn't much that piqued my interest or kept me interested past 35%. I pushed through to give it a fair shot and see if I could better connect with Chloe and Kade, and see that deeper connection later on in the story. However, it just didn't work for me.
If you love cowboy romances, fake dating, good writing, and beautiful atmosphere, then you will probably love this book. However, it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🩵 Blurb-
I’ve been living a double life. By day, I’m Kade Wilde, running my family’s ranch. By night, I ride bareback broncos in secret—something I promised my dad I’d never do. But nothing makes me feel more alive than the rush of the arena… except maybe Chloe Lawson.
She walks into my life like a spark I can’t ignore—newly single, fiery, and completely unaware of the chaos she’s about to stir. One charged look across a bar, a few reckless words, and she’s asking me to be her fake wedding date this weekend. She’s a mix of vulnerability and desire and I can’t say no. She doesn’t know me, but she needs me.
It was only meant to be temporary. But our connection quickly feels so real, and the way she slips into my world makes me believe there could be more. She has to leave at some point unless I can give her a reason to stay. Because she sees me—the man I try to hide and I can’t resist her, even if it burns everything I’ve promised to protect.
🩷 Review -
I enjoyed the first book in the series and Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I'm loving all the small town, cowboy romance novels that are around at the moment and Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I loved the small town place setting in the story and the chemistry between Kade and Chloe was off the charts and I wanted them to have their happy ending. The author's writing had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood books, the author KA James and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
I’ve been living a double life. By day, I’m Kade Wilde, running my family’s ranch. By night, I ride bareback broncos in secret—something I promised my dad I’d never do. But nothing makes me feel more alive than the rush of the arena… except maybe Chloe Lawson.
She walks into my life like a spark I can’t ignore—newly single, fiery, and completely unaware of the chaos she’s about to stir. One charged look across a bar, a few reckless words, and she’s asking me to be her fake wedding date this weekend. She’s a mix of vulnerability and desire and I can’t say no. She doesn’t know me, but she needs me.
It was only meant to be temporary. But our connection quickly feels so real, and the way she slips into my world makes me believe there could be more. She has to leave at some point unless I can give her a reason to stay. Because she sees me—the man I try to hide and I can’t resist her, even if it burns everything I’ve promised to protect.
🩷 Review -
I enjoyed the first book in the series and Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I'm loving all the small town, cowboy romance novels that are around at the moment and Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I loved the small town place setting in the story and the chemistry between Kade and Chloe was off the charts and I wanted them to have their happy ending. The author's writing had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood books, the author KA James and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Wild Roots and I was looking forward to more of the Wilde family! I really enjoyed Kade and Chloe's love story, it was a little fast for me, but I love how immediately Kade felt deeply for Chloe and supported her in front of her family and was there for her when she had no one else. Chloe also supported Kade with his riding. I like that with their instant connection, they were able to trust each other with their secrets.
I was cheering Chloe on the entire time, it broke my heart that she never had approval or love from her parents and how much she hid from them. I am glad she finally told them how she felt and walked away to find what she really wanted. While it was quick, I love how she decided to stay in Coldwater not just for Kade, but also to start fresh and do photography that was closer to what she wanted. I was very upset Kade acted the way he did in the 3rd act breakup so I am glad that Chloe made him grovel a bit, but I loved seeing them come back together.
I wish the story was a little longer to get more into depth with the characters, but the story was still a fun, fast paced cowboy romance and I am looking forward to Wyatt and Gracie's story next!!
**Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and KA James for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was cheering Chloe on the entire time, it broke my heart that she never had approval or love from her parents and how much she hid from them. I am glad she finally told them how she felt and walked away to find what she really wanted. While it was quick, I love how she decided to stay in Coldwater not just for Kade, but also to start fresh and do photography that was closer to what she wanted. I was very upset Kade acted the way he did in the 3rd act breakup so I am glad that Chloe made him grovel a bit, but I loved seeing them come back together.
I wish the story was a little longer to get more into depth with the characters, but the story was still a fun, fast paced cowboy romance and I am looking forward to Wyatt and Gracie's story next!!
**Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and KA James for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this one! I flew through it in a single day because it was such an easy and addictive read. I absolutely loved Chloe and Kade together. This is definitely an insta love romance, but honestly sometimes it is nice to read a story where the couple just knows from the start. Their chemistry was there immediately, and I loved how protective Kade was over Chloe the entire book.
The cowboy and ranch vibes continue to be one of my favorite parts of this series. There is just something so comforting and fun about this setting, especially mixed with the lighthearted tone and the fake dating trope. I also really liked getting to see more of Chloe’s family situation because it made me root for her even harder.
My biggest complaint is honestly the same as the first book. I just wanted more. More time with the characters, more depth, more everything because I enjoyed it so much. I already cannot wait for Maggie and Wyatt’s story, but I also desperately need books for Gracie and Reed, and even Autumn too.
Overall, this was a sweet, quick, feel good cowboy romance that left me smiling. Also where exactly do I find my own Kade to accidentally fall in love with? 😂
I really enjoyed this one! I flew through it in a single day because it was such an easy and addictive read. I absolutely loved Chloe and Kade together. This is definitely an insta love romance, but honestly sometimes it is nice to read a story where the couple just knows from the start. Their chemistry was there immediately, and I loved how protective Kade was over Chloe the entire book.
The cowboy and ranch vibes continue to be one of my favorite parts of this series. There is just something so comforting and fun about this setting, especially mixed with the lighthearted tone and the fake dating trope. I also really liked getting to see more of Chloe’s family situation because it made me root for her even harder.
My biggest complaint is honestly the same as the first book. I just wanted more. More time with the characters, more depth, more everything because I enjoyed it so much. I already cannot wait for Maggie and Wyatt’s story, but I also desperately need books for Gracie and Reed, and even Autumn too.
Overall, this was a sweet, quick, feel good cowboy romance that left me smiling. Also where exactly do I find my own Kade to accidentally fall in love with? 😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Advanced Reader Copy recieved from Netgalley.
I rated this 4.5 stars.
Wild Lies by KA James is the upcoming second book in the Wild Heartlands series. As my very first cowboy romance, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, I was hooked right from the start—so much so that I actually went back and read the first book in the series, Wild Roots.
The story follows Chloe Lawson, a 28-year-old photographer attending her sister's wedding in Clearwater. Newly single and recently unemployed, she dreads seeing her parents and being made to feel like a failure yet again. Then there is Kade Wild, a 31-year-old cowboy and secret rodeo rider. After a brief encounter when Chloe accidentally turns up at the wrong ranch, they cross paths again at a bar where she is being harassed. Stepping in to help, Kade agrees to accompany her to the wedding as her date.
KA James does an amazing job of building rich layers of detail without getting bogged down in over-description, keeping the pace perfectly engaging. Watching the character arcs develop throughout the story was incredibly satisfying. Seeing Chloe finally stand up for herself was a total "about time, girl!" moment, signaling a massive, hard-earned shift in her confidence and her future.
I rated this 4.5 stars.
Wild Lies by KA James is the upcoming second book in the Wild Heartlands series. As my very first cowboy romance, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, I was hooked right from the start—so much so that I actually went back and read the first book in the series, Wild Roots.
The story follows Chloe Lawson, a 28-year-old photographer attending her sister's wedding in Clearwater. Newly single and recently unemployed, she dreads seeing her parents and being made to feel like a failure yet again. Then there is Kade Wild, a 31-year-old cowboy and secret rodeo rider. After a brief encounter when Chloe accidentally turns up at the wrong ranch, they cross paths again at a bar where she is being harassed. Stepping in to help, Kade agrees to accompany her to the wedding as her date.
KA James does an amazing job of building rich layers of detail without getting bogged down in over-description, keeping the pace perfectly engaging. Watching the character arcs develop throughout the story was incredibly satisfying. Seeing Chloe finally stand up for herself was a total "about time, girl!" moment, signaling a massive, hard-earned shift in her confidence and her future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just finished Wild Lies and this honestly gave me everything I want from a small-town cowboy romance.
Secretive cowboy MMC?
Fake dating?
Small-town tension?
A man quietly down bad while pretending he has everything under control? Yeah, I was immediately invested.
Kade had such strong “broody cowboy with emotional baggage” energy the entire book and I loved him for it. The double life aspect with the rodeo added a lot more depth to his character than I expected, and it made the story feel more emotional underneath all the chemistry.
Chloe was also really easy to root for. She’s newly single, trying to figure herself out again, and the connection between her and Kade felt natural from the start instead of forced.
The fake wedding date trope was done so well too because you could tell almost immediately neither of them were treating it as fake anymore. The tension, the longing, the protective cowboy energy… it just worked.
And if you love Elsie Silver/Chestnut Springs vibes, this definitely fits into that same comfort-romance category with lots of steam and heart.
If you like:
🤎 cowboy romance
🤎 fake dating
🤎 small-town settings
🤎 emotionally unavailable men secretly obsessed
🤎 protective MMCs with secrets
then definitely pick this one up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Secretive cowboy MMC?
Fake dating?
Small-town tension?
A man quietly down bad while pretending he has everything under control? Yeah, I was immediately invested.
Kade had such strong “broody cowboy with emotional baggage” energy the entire book and I loved him for it. The double life aspect with the rodeo added a lot more depth to his character than I expected, and it made the story feel more emotional underneath all the chemistry.
Chloe was also really easy to root for. She’s newly single, trying to figure herself out again, and the connection between her and Kade felt natural from the start instead of forced.
The fake wedding date trope was done so well too because you could tell almost immediately neither of them were treating it as fake anymore. The tension, the longing, the protective cowboy energy… it just worked.
And if you love Elsie Silver/Chestnut Springs vibes, this definitely fits into that same comfort-romance category with lots of steam and heart.
If you like:
🤎 cowboy romance
🤎 fake dating
🤎 small-town settings
🤎 emotionally unavailable men secretly obsessed
🤎 protective MMCs with secrets
then definitely pick this one up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
May 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Booke for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
1.5 ⭐️ 3🌶️ did not meet expectations
Wild Lies by KA James is a small town/cowboy romance with a fake dating trope. You can expect dreamy landscapes and a lot of spicy scenes.
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this! The concept is similar to a lot of small town romance stories but the execution didn’t hit the mark for me. I feel like the characters lacked depth, the instalove was hard to get my head round. Even when something isn’t realistic, if it can make me FEEL like it could be a reality for the characters then I can be on board with that. This wasn’t the case. Kade’s big secret was meant to be high stakes but it didn’t come across that way for me. I also feel like the storyline with Chloe’s parents was a bit immature. The whole cruel parents storyline is something I expect in a children’s book, where you don’t question how that could be the case. This is exactly the opportunity the author had to add dimension to her characters and help us understand Chloe’s backstory.
Overall I would recommend this book to readers wanting an easy/chill read with lots of spice.
📚Tropes:
- fake dating
- small town
1.5 ⭐️ 3🌶️ did not meet expectations
Wild Lies by KA James is a small town/cowboy romance with a fake dating trope. You can expect dreamy landscapes and a lot of spicy scenes.
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this! The concept is similar to a lot of small town romance stories but the execution didn’t hit the mark for me. I feel like the characters lacked depth, the instalove was hard to get my head round. Even when something isn’t realistic, if it can make me FEEL like it could be a reality for the characters then I can be on board with that. This wasn’t the case. Kade’s big secret was meant to be high stakes but it didn’t come across that way for me. I also feel like the storyline with Chloe’s parents was a bit immature. The whole cruel parents storyline is something I expect in a children’s book, where you don’t question how that could be the case. This is exactly the opportunity the author had to add dimension to her characters and help us understand Chloe’s backstory.
Overall I would recommend this book to readers wanting an easy/chill read with lots of spice.
📚Tropes:
- fake dating
- small town
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reviewer: NetGalley ARC Review
If you are looking for a quintessential rodeo gentleman/bronc rider, look no further. This was the ultimate easy weekend read that didn't require a mountain of deep thinking and sometimes, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
KA James delivers a story that is soft, spicy, and hits in all the right places. The pacing was a highlight for me; it didn’t drag, and I appreciated that the author avoided the trap of excessive internal dialogue. It gets straight to the point and keeps the momentum moving. James’s writing style feels fresh and effortless, making it a breeze to fly through in a single sitting.
The only thing holding me back from a full 5-star "chef’s kiss" rating was the craving for a bit more. I would have loved to see a deeper dive into the family dynamics and a few more rounds of snappy banter to really elevate the chemistry.
That said, if you’re looking for a book to pick up on a lazy Sunday when you want high heat and low stress, this is absolutely the one to grab.
If you are looking for a quintessential rodeo gentleman/bronc rider, look no further. This was the ultimate easy weekend read that didn't require a mountain of deep thinking and sometimes, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
KA James delivers a story that is soft, spicy, and hits in all the right places. The pacing was a highlight for me; it didn’t drag, and I appreciated that the author avoided the trap of excessive internal dialogue. It gets straight to the point and keeps the momentum moving. James’s writing style feels fresh and effortless, making it a breeze to fly through in a single sitting.
The only thing holding me back from a full 5-star "chef’s kiss" rating was the craving for a bit more. I would have loved to see a deeper dive into the family dynamics and a few more rounds of snappy banter to really elevate the chemistry.
That said, if you’re looking for a book to pick up on a lazy Sunday when you want high heat and low stress, this is absolutely the one to grab.
May 8, 2026
I’ve been struggling if I should rate this 3 or 4 stars. On the one hand, I skimmed many parts of this book. On the other hand, I did think it was a cute story if you’re looking for something quick.
This novel is definitely an instant love at first sight novel where the girl is getting a moving truck and uprooting her life after knowing a guy for a week. The man is a golden retriever in public but a beast in the bedroom. If that sounds like a perfect Saturday read for you, do it!
I liked Kade for the most part. Near the end his little tantrum (“I never want to see you again”) made me roll my eyes because that’s such a childish thing to say. Otherwise I like how he is a gentleman and wants to protect and take care of Chloe. Cute.
Like I stated, the instant love was a bit hard to believe. Some things were just a bit too convenience, such as Chloe scoring a job, apartment, and truck in a single afternoon.
Overall, a quick read that made the afternoon fly by.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is definitely an instant love at first sight novel where the girl is getting a moving truck and uprooting her life after knowing a guy for a week. The man is a golden retriever in public but a beast in the bedroom. If that sounds like a perfect Saturday read for you, do it!
I liked Kade for the most part. Near the end his little tantrum (“I never want to see you again”) made me roll my eyes because that’s such a childish thing to say. Otherwise I like how he is a gentleman and wants to protect and take care of Chloe. Cute.
Like I stated, the instant love was a bit hard to believe. Some things were just a bit too convenience, such as Chloe scoring a job, apartment, and truck in a single afternoon.
Overall, a quick read that made the afternoon fly by.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
KA James has completely pulled me into my small-town cowboy romance era and I’m absolutely loving it.
After reading and loving Wild Roots, I couldn’t wait to dive into Wild Lies, and it did not disappoint. This story had everything I enjoy in a romance: emotional tension, strong chemistry, banter, spice, and characters you genuinely want to see happy.
Kade and Chloe were so easy to root for. Their connection felt natural from the beginning, and the fake wedding date storyline added the perfect amount of tension and vulnerability. I especially loved the small-town atmosphere and the balance between emotional moments and lighter, flirty scenes.
KA James has a writing style that makes the story incredibly easy to fall into. The pacing kept me hooked, and I found myself constantly wanting “just one more chapter.”
If you enjoy cowboy romances with heart, chemistry, and emotional depth, I definitely recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and KA James for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading and loving Wild Roots, I couldn’t wait to dive into Wild Lies, and it did not disappoint. This story had everything I enjoy in a romance: emotional tension, strong chemistry, banter, spice, and characters you genuinely want to see happy.
Kade and Chloe were so easy to root for. Their connection felt natural from the beginning, and the fake wedding date storyline added the perfect amount of tension and vulnerability. I especially loved the small-town atmosphere and the balance between emotional moments and lighter, flirty scenes.
KA James has a writing style that makes the story incredibly easy to fall into. The pacing kept me hooked, and I found myself constantly wanting “just one more chapter.”
If you enjoy cowboy romances with heart, chemistry, and emotional depth, I definitely recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and KA James for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wild Lies is a tense, emotionally charged romance that leans into secrets, mistrust, and messy relationships. The story keeps a constant sense of uncertainty, where you’re never fully sure who’s being honest or what’s going to fall apart next. That tension is what drives most of the book.
The romance is built on attraction mixed with suspicion, which makes every interaction feel a bit loaded. The main characters have strong chemistry, but it’s tangled up in lies and emotional baggage, so nothing feels simple between them. That push-and-pull kept me engaged even when the story slowed down.
The pacing is steady, though a few sections felt repetitive with the same conflicts being revisited. Still, the emotional stakes and character dynamics help carry it through.
It’s a solid read if you like romance with deception, complicated trust issues, and relationships that are more volatile than stable.
The romance is built on attraction mixed with suspicion, which makes every interaction feel a bit loaded. The main characters have strong chemistry, but it’s tangled up in lies and emotional baggage, so nothing feels simple between them. That push-and-pull kept me engaged even when the story slowed down.
The pacing is steady, though a few sections felt repetitive with the same conflicts being revisited. Still, the emotional stakes and character dynamics help carry it through.
It’s a solid read if you like romance with deception, complicated trust issues, and relationships that are more volatile than stable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wild Lies by K.A. James is a gripping, emotionally charged read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story unfolds with a steady build of tension, blending romance, secrets, and unexpected twists in a way that makes it hard to put down. The character dynamics are particularly compelling—there’s a strong emotional depth that brings both the vulnerability and intensity of their relationships to life.
I especially appreciated how the book explores themes of trust and deception without feeling predictable. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the narrative shifted in a way that kept me fully invested. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing both the plot and the emotional stakes to develop naturally.
Overall, this is a captivating and engaging read that will appeal to fans of dramatic, twist-filled romance.
I especially appreciated how the book explores themes of trust and deception without feeling predictable. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the narrative shifted in a way that kept me fully invested. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing both the plot and the emotional stakes to develop naturally.
Overall, this is a captivating and engaging read that will appeal to fans of dramatic, twist-filled romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chloe is in town for her sister's wedding. She's the black sheep of the family and doesn't want them thinking she has also failed by turning up without a plus 1. In comes Kade Wilde 😍🤠
The way these two had banter right from the get go 👌🏼Kade being the soft golden retriever Chloe needed 👌🏼
I love the way @kajamesauthor writes a small town romance and gives us everything we want especially with how short the books are, I feel as though everything is just right. Although saying that, I would be so happy if this was about 100 pages more and maybe the beginning of Kade & Chloe's meeting/ relationship could have been more detailed.
I absolutely loved Wild Roots & Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I feel very lucky to be able to read this early and have been given the EARC by @netgalley @boldwoodbooks
Add to your TBR & Goodreads 🩷🫶🏼
The way these two had banter right from the get go 👌🏼Kade being the soft golden retriever Chloe needed 👌🏼
I love the way @kajamesauthor writes a small town romance and gives us everything we want especially with how short the books are, I feel as though everything is just right. Although saying that, I would be so happy if this was about 100 pages more and maybe the beginning of Kade & Chloe's meeting/ relationship could have been more detailed.
I absolutely loved Wild Roots & Wild Lies certainly didn't disappoint. I feel very lucky to be able to read this early and have been given the EARC by @netgalley @boldwoodbooks
Add to your TBR & Goodreads 🩷🫶🏼
April 30, 2026
This was my first book by this author and it was a very quick read but unfortunately fell flat for me. The story happens over a 2 week period and the main characters feel an instant connection but I never felt it between them- I think because there was too much telling and no showing so it wasn’t very believable. And every time I thought they might be about to have a slightly deeper conversation and we’d get to feel more of their connection it just went in to another spicy scene- there were too many of them that didn’t add anything to the story.
There were also a few plot holes and inconsistencies that pulled me out of what was happening. Overall this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for the ARC.
There were also a few plot holes and inconsistencies that pulled me out of what was happening. Overall this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe llega a Montana para la boda de su hermana con la idea de pasar desapercibida y regresar a su vida cuanto antes. No quiere escuchar las criticas de sus padres, ni hablar de todo lo que ha cambiado en su vida. Pero un error la lleva al lugar equivocado y ahí conoce a Kade.
Kade no esperaba que alguien como Chloe apareciera y mucho menos que lo hiciera sentir algo que nunca había experimentado. Desde el primer momento hay algo que lo atrae, así que cuando ella necesita ayuda para enfrentar una situación incómoda, decide ayudarla.
Ella no planea quedarse y él tiene razones para no involucrarse demasiado, pero hay cosas que no se pueden controlar.
Kade no esperaba que alguien como Chloe apareciera y mucho menos que lo hiciera sentir algo que nunca había experimentado. Desde el primer momento hay algo que lo atrae, así que cuando ella necesita ayuda para enfrentar una situación incómoda, decide ayudarla.
Ella no planea quedarse y él tiene razones para no involucrarse demasiado, pero hay cosas que no se pueden controlar.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A really sweet cowboy romance.
This a really cute insta love story- we meet Chloe our FMC who has come to the small town of Coldwater for her sisters wedding. Chloe is going through a hard time and on her first night in town locks eyes with Kade, our MMC at the local bar. Kade's family owns a ranch in town, but this cowboy has a secret not even his family know. In one night a surprising connection between the two forms and as they spend more time together anything goes.
In my opinion this is a really light hearted, sweet insta love story. For anyone looking for something sweet this is definitely for you.
This a really cute insta love story- we meet Chloe our FMC who has come to the small town of Coldwater for her sisters wedding. Chloe is going through a hard time and on her first night in town locks eyes with Kade, our MMC at the local bar. Kade's family owns a ranch in town, but this cowboy has a secret not even his family know. In one night a surprising connection between the two forms and as they spend more time together anything goes.
In my opinion this is a really light hearted, sweet insta love story. For anyone looking for something sweet this is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Wild Lies is a book about a cowboy secretly riding Broncs and a photography learning to stand up for herself with her family who have a whirlwind romance in a 10 day timespan. This book is perfect for romance readers who love cowboys and are looking for a shorter read.
I did enjoy that this book was a shorter romance. However, I had a hard time with the 10 day timespan from meeting to moving to the same town. The ending conflict was a bit frustrating with Kade expecting so much from someone he only met 10 days prior.
Despite the time frame, I did enjoy the book overall and am always looking for new small town romance stories to read.
Wild Lies is a book about a cowboy secretly riding Broncs and a photography learning to stand up for herself with her family who have a whirlwind romance in a 10 day timespan. This book is perfect for romance readers who love cowboys and are looking for a shorter read.
I did enjoy that this book was a shorter romance. However, I had a hard time with the 10 day timespan from meeting to moving to the same town. The ending conflict was a bit frustrating with Kade expecting so much from someone he only met 10 days prior.
Despite the time frame, I did enjoy the book overall and am always looking for new small town romance stories to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgally for the ARC!
I didnt read book 1 but that didnt ruin the story, I just feel some of the other caracters journey would have made more sense.
Kade and Chloe's story was lovely. Chloe had definitely had a tough time with her parents, they were a disgrace! This isn't just another cowboy story, it felt deeper. Kade with his secret rodeo gig but with a family Chloe could only dream for.
It was a steady, easy quick read. I do feel Chloe let Kade back in too easily but such a daft mistake she made, lies never end well!
Cute, firey, characters, dream setting with a touch of spice, what more could you ask for.
I didnt read book 1 but that didnt ruin the story, I just feel some of the other caracters journey would have made more sense.
Kade and Chloe's story was lovely. Chloe had definitely had a tough time with her parents, they were a disgrace! This isn't just another cowboy story, it felt deeper. Kade with his secret rodeo gig but with a family Chloe could only dream for.
It was a steady, easy quick read. I do feel Chloe let Kade back in too easily but such a daft mistake she made, lies never end well!
Cute, firey, characters, dream setting with a touch of spice, what more could you ask for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Are you craving a LOVE at first sight trope? This is the book for you! KA James has done a fantastic job at capturing all the sparks, the passion, the what ifs, the can I do this and the could this be the one. She wrapped it all up in to a feel good, romantic and spicy page turning story about taking chances and following your heart no matter how crazy it may seem to the outside world.
Bravo KA James! I cannot wait to read more of your stories. I truly fell in love with Kade and Chloe.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC
Bravo KA James! I cannot wait to read more of your stories. I truly fell in love with Kade and Chloe.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an ARC from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. I love a good small town romance with cowboys so this book was right up my alley. I enjoyed the read overall. However, the timeline was super rushed between the main characters meeting and the events occurring. Like the events occurring in 2 weeks felt way too hasty and almost not really believable. I’d definitely read other books from this author and the other books in this series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 3, 2026
This book was cute for the cowboy ranch vibes. But I just feel that sadly they jump into the story way too quickly.
This one felt like it was trying to lean into the whole love at first sight trope, but it just came across pretty icky and instalusty for me. I also felt like the plot was a bit lacking in this one compared to book one.
Some parts I liked and some characteristics I liked, it just felt pretty surface level attraction for me. I feel like the books need to be longer to create a deeper connection.
This one felt like it was trying to lean into the whole love at first sight trope, but it just came across pretty icky and instalusty for me. I also felt like the plot was a bit lacking in this one compared to book one.
Some parts I liked and some characteristics I liked, it just felt pretty surface level attraction for me. I feel like the books need to be longer to create a deeper connection.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book for an arc read and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
I am absolutely OBSESSED! Completely devoured this book!
This was such an easy read with lots of twists and turns. I adore Kade and Chloe. New favourite cowboy romance couple!
I went into this book not even knowing that it was the second book in the series but that didn’t stop the book flowing for me. It has made it so much easier and I will now immediately be adding book 1 to my TBR.
If you love fake dating, yearning, and sexy cowboys with moustaches this one is definitely for you!
I am absolutely OBSESSED! Completely devoured this book!
This was such an easy read with lots of twists and turns. I adore Kade and Chloe. New favourite cowboy romance couple!
I went into this book not even knowing that it was the second book in the series but that didn’t stop the book flowing for me. It has made it so much easier and I will now immediately be adding book 1 to my TBR.
If you love fake dating, yearning, and sexy cowboys with moustaches this one is definitely for you!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wild Lies made me think of this: “Some people chase comfort. Others chase the kind of life that makes them feel alive.” That quote fits Kade so well and the way he maneuvered through life. But when he met Chloe, everything slowly changed, and for the first time, he finally found a place where he wanted to settle. I really liked how the story flowed—smooth, emotional, and so easy to get invested in. Such a likeable read.
May 10, 2026
ARC from NetGalley
If you love a western romance, this book is the right place. The male main character has a secret from his family he only tells girl he is playing fake relationship with. The female lead is attending her sisters wedding post breakup and losing her job, only to have to see her estranged parents who make her feel like a failure whenever possible. As unrealistic as the plot may seem, it is still a good read with personal growth and of course romance.
If you love a western romance, this book is the right place. The male main character has a secret from his family he only tells girl he is playing fake relationship with. The female lead is attending her sisters wedding post breakup and losing her job, only to have to see her estranged parents who make her feel like a failure whenever possible. As unrealistic as the plot may seem, it is still a good read with personal growth and of course romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC ❤️
This book was cute and sweet with a side of angst. The romance was instalovey but I'm not mad at it. 😊The plot was pretty straightforward and the wiritng was easy to read. But the nickname "buttercup" reminds me of an old man, I couldn't stop cringing at it 🤣
Overall, a simple sweet read. Great to read as a palate cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC ❤️
This book was cute and sweet with a side of angst. The romance was instalovey but I'm not mad at it. 😊The plot was pretty straightforward and the wiritng was easy to read. But the nickname "buttercup" reminds me of an old man, I couldn't stop cringing at it 🤣
Overall, a simple sweet read. Great to read as a palate cleanser.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wild Lies is a sweet and spicy small-town romance with strong cowboy vibes that was such an easy, enjoyable read. I loved that the chemistry between Chloe and Kade sparked early on, with their relationship continuing to grow naturally from there. One of my favourite parts was how they both felt unfulfilled in their careers, and alongside finding love, they also discovered paths they were genuinely passionate about. Thank you NetGalley and KA James for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book delivers everything you can possibly want from a cowboy romance story, it contains secret identities, baggage abd chemistry. Kade tries to balance his double life, that adds tension to the story. Chloe is strong, vulnerable and honest, this makes her perfect for Kade.
This book is heartfelt, with strong chemistry and emotional conflict that keeps you reading.
This book is heartfelt, with strong chemistry and emotional conflict that keeps you reading.
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