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Whispering Oaks Ranch #3

Reckless Abandon

Not yet published
Expected 15 Jun 26
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Griffin
I never put much stock in fate. That is, until I met Angelina Rossi. She barrelled past all of my defenses without even trying. Five years after I let her slip through my fingers, she showed up in my hometown to take over the local veterinary practice.

Now she’s back in my orbit, on the ranch that I love, and on the arm of my best friend. It’s agony—pure torture in the form of delectable curves and eyes that can bring a grown man to heel with a single glance. 

When Tyler makes the biggest mistake of his life, I offer her a shoulder, but she takes my heart instead. Getting her to marry me is the easy part. Keeping her will be the greatest challenge of my life. 


Angelina
I thought I had everything I ever wanted within my grasp—the house, the husband, the kids, and a career that I loved. When I do turns into I can’t do this, I become an unwitting jilted bride at thirty-seven years old, watching my future turn to dust with three sentences scrawled on hotel stationery.

Enter Griffin Hayes—the best man and, as it turns out, the better man. 

​​​​​​​After a few too many margaritas, one spontaneous wedding in a Las Vegas chapel, and a positive pregnancy test, he’s bound and determined to become my everything, including father to my baby—even if it isn’t his. 

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 15, 2026

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About the author

Willa Kay

10 books184 followers
Author of heartwarming small town contemporary romance, Willa is a voracious reader turned writer living in Kentucky. Originally from Canada, she's a photographer by day, and a mom of two, married to her partner for 16 years. Willa's books blend small town swoon with delicious spice, and complex characters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Emma.
173 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2026
thank you to the author for giving me an arc in exchange for my honest review. from the little i heard about jess in sweet escape, i knew that reading her best friends story was going to hurt, but it was worth it. angelina is such a bright and outgoing women who somehow got stuck with a scumbag of the earth (ie tyler) because of a miscommunication between her a griffin. i just wish that we had to skip tyler!!! he’s an evil man and i wish for him to suffer all the things that he has put out into the world.

but without tyler, we wouldn’t have gotten the epic love story between angelina and griffin. i love how willa writes such amazing men. men that truly care and love their women and that is still evident in this book.

overall, an amazing read. willa always knocks it out of the park for me and this book was no different. if youre ever looking for reads about plus size fmcs, and even mmcs, willa is always the way to go. she writes her characters in such a way that they feel like real people.
Profile Image for Emily 📚🧚‍♂️.
31 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2026
I love a swoony cowboy 🤠
it’s not a surprise to me that this is a 5 star read for me, all of Willa Kay’s books are.
I love plus size representation & a man who falls first 😅
10/10 recommend
Profile Image for H-A.
120 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 10, 2026
Reckless Abandon by Willa Kay
Release date: 15 June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

You know those books where from the very first chapter you’re completely sucked in and on board? Well this goes one step further and grabs you by the throat (I see you, I know you’re into it 👀) in the blooming PROLOGUE!

This is a whirlwind of sexual tension, complicated feelings, hormones, stalwart familial support and throughout it all an extremely down-bad giant cowboy of a man who knows what he wants and is determined to get it.

Oh Griffin Hayes the man that you are. Griffon knows exactly where his future lies and he is not going to let the opportunity to finally be with Angelina slip by. Angelina is a tall, plus sized baddie of a veterinarian who is due to marry someone who is not worthy of her, thankfully the coward stands her up in Vegas and his best friend steps up to the altar and worships her in a way her ex could never. Sounds great already right?! Add in that this is also a second chance romance, she’s his one that got away and she’s pregnant (not his baby) and you know you are in for a tow curling, tear inducing, heart soaring fest of a book.

I loved that what happened in Vegas didn’t stay there but I also love the way both are so cautious with each other's feelings throughout and how inherently ROMANTIC this book is. Yes it’s spicy and impulsive and will keep you all thoroughly entertained but it is also full of gentle little moments, the breaths between the drama where you see two people learn how to love each other.

One of my favourite parts of this book is that you get to hear more about Jess (Jess was Angelina’s best friend who passed away pre this series starting and was married to Griffin’s eldest brother Wilder, mother to Emmy), I have always admired that throughout the series the lost beloved Jessie is never forgotten, even in Sweet Escape which shows Wilder finding love again, Jess is an important part of all of their lives and memories. This was beautifully handled throughout and the author should be proud of how emotionally intelligent her characters are.

This is the last in the Whispering Oaks Ranch series and I’m a little emotional thinking about it because this series is such a home away from home. I feel this book really brings the series to a close in a perfect way, you get to see the futures of Wilder and Liv and Callie and Jaxon unfold almost as if you’ve been invited to family dinner itself. The Hayes family is one I’d love to be part of, they all exude warmth and acceptance in a way the world could use more of. I especially love how they envelope people into the fold and prove that family goes beyond bloodlines.

You will cry. You will swoon. You will fall in love.

“I guess what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. And thank f*ck for that.”



Thank you for welcoming us all to the Whisper Oaks Ranch 🖤

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah M.
29 reviews
May 18, 2026
Reckless Abandon by Reckless Abandon was my first book by Willow Kay, and honestly? I’m already ready to dive into the rest of the series.

This is a small-town, second chance romance with an a grumpy sunshine pairing, a cowboy MMC, a plus size veterinarian FMC, “he falls first,” and a “not his baby” trope that somehow all blended together perfectly.

One thing Willow Kay absolutely excels at is writing plus size female main characters who genuinely love themselves. That sounds simple, but so many authors miss the mark by making self-hatred their entire personality arc. Instead, this book explores what it feels like to lose yourself inside a relationship — to slowly make yourself smaller to fit someone else’s mold — while still allowing the FMC to remain strong, powerful, and deeply lovable the entire time. Watching her rediscover herself felt incredibly relatable and honestly healing in a way I wasn’t expecting.

And Griffin??? That man was DOWN BAD. The level of obsession he had for her had me squealing, giggling, and kicking my feet for most of this book. Every scene with him on the page just worked for me.

My one criticism is that I wanted a little more emotional depth surrounding the failed relationship with the ex-fiancé. Since so much of the FMC’s healing journey stems from the trauma and emotional damage that relationship caused, I think those moments could’ve hit harder emotionally. I understood what the author was trying to convey, but I wanted just a bit more to really pull on my heartstrings and fully elevate her journey of overcoming it.

That said, this was still such a good read. Even though it’s the third or fourth book in the series and includes characters from previous books, I had no problem reading it as a standalone.

The spice? Perfect. Spicy enough to deliver, but it never overshadowed the actual story or emotional development. It enhanced the romance instead of carrying it.

Overall:
⭐️ 4/5 stars
🌶️ 3/5 chili

Note- I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Hailey Howell.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026
ARC reader review:

“I waited five years. What’s two more hours? Welcome home wife”

Griffin Hayes is a true cowboy who took one look at his brother’s wife, Jess, best friend Angelina, and was done for. The weekend they had together was truly like kismet and all the stars aligned for him. After leaving the morning after their weekend of bliss he text Angelina, and it wouldn’t deliver because she had given the wrong number.

Angelina Rossi is a bad a** woman. She takes zero s*** from anyone and is an iconic, plus size fmc, with the coolest job as a vet. Her best friend dies suddenly and in her grieving and thinking Griffin ghosted her, she goes out on a date with Tyler, Griffin’s best friend. Fast forward three years to their Vegas wedding, Angie finds a note from Tyler saying he can’t do this anymore. Instead of sobbing over him, she gets drunk, spends their joint account money on gambling and alcohol, and marries the best man. Griffin means forever no matter what it takes to show Angelina he is serious.

Griffin and Angelina were such a great couple. I loved the yearning in this book, and the never going back after the Vegas wedding. If a second chance, small town, found family, and most importantly not his baby is something that you eat up, this is the book for you.

Willa is so great at pouring her all into these characters and I am so sad to be leaving this story. Thank you for writing real people and real stories, especially for the plus size community. You will feel all the emotions, you will laugh, you will cry, and you will definitely be enchanted by sourdough daddy.

“Your ring? I chuckle darkly. It’s probably still somewhere on the Vegas strip. I f***ed it right off her finger while she was bent over the balcony railing of your honeymoon suite. Right before I slipped mine in its place.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aine_ Murphy97.
46 reviews
May 19, 2026
Reckless Abandon Arc Book Review -
Whispering Oak Ranch #3

Genre - Cowboy Romance
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Vibes -
Griffin gets the gift that keeps on giving one night in Vegas. When he’s supposed to be there for his best friend who’s marrying the woman of griffins dreams. Only for his best friend to flee into the night to Mexico on his honeymoon alone. Angelina is at the bar drowning her sorrows when Griffin role up to be the Tall Dark and Handsome hero of the hour. Long story short Griffin end up marrying his dream girl Angelina and she gets revenge on her ex.

When they come home a beautiful romance blossoms as Griffin must fight to prove he not the same man that ghosted her 5 years ago and he’s not like his best friend who stood her up at the alter. Angelina is heartbroken over her fairytale ending gone down the tubes. Until she discovers she pregnant. Thinking this will drive off Griffin but no. Griffin is overjoyed even tho the baby’s no his! He wants it all with Angelina and the baby a happy family her fairytale.

Over the pregnancy with some sourdough daddy fun, Angelina slowly catches up to Griffin and they fall hopelessly in love and it’s a slow but steady friends to lovers approach on a fling from 5 years that gave Griffin his second chance at love with Angelina. With little highlights from all your favourite characters from book one and two. We see the Hayes family complete. And what a beautiful family it is. This is a perfect story of second chances and grief of a lost best friend that even though they’re gone they’ll be looking after you in spirit all along.

Can’t recommend this book enough, Willas writhing style is so magnetic and special it just sucks you into the story in such a beautiful and empathic way that you can’t help but love all the characters.
Profile Image for Lexa.
69 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
This was such a beautiful and emotional conclusion to the series. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in completely, balancing heartfelt moments, family dynamics, romance, and tension so well that I never wanted to put it down.

What stood out most to me was the relationship between Griffin and Angelina. Their connection felt layered and believable, built through patience, communication, and genuine care for one another. Griffin especially was impossible not to love. The way he showed up consistently, supported Angelina without pressure, and paid attention to even the smallest details made the romance incredibly satisfying to read.

Angelina’s character arc also felt very real. Her fears, insecurities, and hopes were written with so much honesty, especially when it came to family, identity, and figuring out what she truly wanted for herself. I appreciated that the book allowed her to be messy and uncertain at times while still giving her room to grow.

One of my favorite parts of this entire series has always been the Hayes family, and this book reminded me why. The sibling dynamics, group chats, traditions, and unwavering support for one another added so much warmth to the story. Even quieter moments felt meaningful because the relationships were written with so much care.

I also loved how the themes of healing, trust, motherhood, and self-worth were handled. The story acknowledged both the joy and the difficulties that can come with major life changes, which made the emotional moments land even harder.

Overall, this felt like the perfect sendoff for the series. Emotional, romantic, comforting, and full of heart. I finished it feeling completely satisfied while also not quite ready to say goodbye to these characters.
16 reviews
May 16, 2026
Thank you Willa for the ARC!

Wow!! If you love a swoony cowboy with a heart of gold who’s willing to do anything for the people he loves this one’s for you!

Griffin has been pining after Angelina for years, and after her fiancé, who also happens to be griffins best friend, leaves her before their wedding Griffin steps in and the two of them tie the knot. Promise it’s not as sly on Griffins part as it sounds! he’s determined to get the future he’s been dreaming about since the moment he laid eyes on Angie and knows exactly what he wants, So when he finds out she’s pregnant with her ex fiancés baby he doesn’t hesitate to claim them both as his and supports Angie through it all!

The way Griffin just shows up for Angie without being asked and cares so much about her and the baby is so sweet! He is so obsessed and possessive towards them but in the best way! and as all the Hayes brothers are, he is such a green flag! I love how fiercely independent Angie was but it was so nice to see her getting the love she deserved and patiently waited for after everything she went through. And I’ve got to say the sexual tension between the two of them was off the charts!

Another part I loved was how Jess, Wilders first wife and Angies best friend, was spoken about so often, it felt like we really got to know her in this book compared to the previous books and it felt very full circle!

I’ve said It before and I’ll say it again the found family in the Hayes family is the absolute best! The way they all welcomed Angie and immediately claimed her and the baby as family was so heartwarming I just love them so much! and honestly seeing all the Hayes siblings with their respective partners and children was so special, it was so nice to see their family was now pretty much complete

Honestly The absolute perfect round up to the whispering oaks ranch series I can’t recommend enough
Profile Image for Mara.
46 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Autor
May 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I was really eager to find out what Willa had in store for us with our last Hayes sibling, so when I got the ARC I squealed.

Griffin is a big teddy bear and we have been seeing glimpses of his crush on Dr. Angelina Rossi throughout the whole series. I wanted to know what had transpired with them before, because it was clear something had.

But a little miscommunication got in the way and they lost 5 years... It broke my heart, especially since Griffin was totally enamored with her and couldn't think about anyone else. Tyler was a jealous and petty piece of shit since the beginning and no one will change my mind.

The way Jess is present in the story and how their parents are still a part of Angelina's life is precious. I cried my eyes out more than once whenever she was concerned. The fact that Angelina names her baby Jess tore me apart.

I knew that Griffin was a keeper from the get go (he's a Hayes after all), but I couldn't imagine all the ways he cared for Angelina and showed her how important and amazing she is, as a woman, as a human being and as a mother. The sourdough!! 😍😍

And Daddy Griffin is the best Griffin!! The fact that Callie and Liv are expecting at the same time as Angelina is a gift, and I loved the family chats.

I cannot wait to see what Willa brings us next, since it will for sure be memorable, as usual.

100% recommended!
Happy reading!! 🥰🥰
Profile Image for Jovie McCallion.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 18, 2026
Reckless Abandon indeed!
I can't explain the joy I experienced when I found out I was an arc reader for this book.
Not to be sappy but Willa Kay was my first experience in not only small town romance, but also plus size rep in books and honestly she changed my life. I've read every single one of her books now and I have laughed and cryed at every single one. Griffin and Angelina was no different, I was hooked from the first word, and adored the whole journey.
-What happens in Vegas! Yes please!
-Not his baby!? Didn't know I needed this trope!
-lactation kink!! Way sexier than I thought it would be.
As soon as I saw the not his baby trope I was worried about how I'd feel, but I should have known better because these Hayes boys never dissapoint. I will warn you though, they really do get your hopes up when it comes to the male species, best to just enjoy them and then leave them in the book, because no real man could ever live up to how Willa writes a man.
Not only that but an absolute kick ass plus size Fmc, every. Single. Time. Angelina was no exception, head strong and confident, as a plus size woman it's so important to read characters like this, because until recent years we didn't exist in media, Willa writes about fatness with confidence and it's one of my favorite parts of her books.
Whispering oaks has been amazing and I can't wait for Willow valley!
139 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Reckless Abandon By Willa Kay.
⭐️ 4.75/5
🌶 3/5

Arc read.
This is the last book in the Whispering Oaks Ridge series. I have loved every book in this series and this book was no different. We follow Griffin and Angelina in this book. It starts in Vegas when Angelina is meant to get married to Tyler Griffin best friend. Angelina ends up being jilted. Angelina and Griffin end up getting drunk and ends up married. We get to see these two navigate being married when they have had feelings for each other when the first met six years ago. Griffin needs to prove he is all in as Angelina has trust issues after what happened with Tyler. Than she ends up finding out she is pregnant with Tyler's baby and Griffin shows up for Angelina and the baby. I love the found family in this series. I adored the group chat names as well.
It was an amazing book to end a fantastic series.

Tropes
- Marriage in Vegas
- Surprised Pregnancy
- Not his baby
- Plus sized rep
- Found Family


“You really want to pretend we’re in this for the long haul?” “Who’s pretending? I said ‘til death do us part, Angel. If that’s not long haul, I don’t know what is. But if you want a do-over, I’ll promise ‘til death do us part and into the next life, too.”
"My wife is going to ruin me."
Profile Image for Anita D.
61 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
Advanced reader copy review of Reckless Abandon by Willa Kay
🌟🌟🌟.5 – I really liked it
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 – explicit and plentiful.

After a one-weekend-stand several years ago, Angelina and Griffin reconnect in Las Vegas. She was supposed to be getting married. He was supposed to be the best man. They get drunk together in Vegas and get married!

I love/hate how much of a dick Tyler (Angelina’s ex-fiancé) was. At every opportunity he had, he tried to tear Angelina and Griffin apart. However, each time it only brought them closer together. It was so enjoyable to read about a couple who talked about issues, instead of stewing and breaking up.

I adored the quiet moments of grief that Angelina dealt with. Jessie’s insight into how well-matched Angelina and Griffin would be.

The storyline was so wholesome, sweet, and raunchy too. Logical enough for a romance (if that matters to you)!

I sped through this in a few days and was left only with good feels.

Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Willa Kay (via BookFunnel) for the ARC.

Try this if you love:
* cowboys
* big men + big women
* no third act break up
* pregnancy
* accidental? marriage
* ex’s best friend
* best friend’s brother-in-law
Profile Image for Courtney.
88 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026
4.5 Stars
Willa that was a way to kick off the story perfectly. If you thought it was going to be a slow build….you clearly haven’t read enough Willa Kay books. We don’t do anything by halves here.
Straight from the get go I was obsessed with our couple.
Griffin you sexy sexy man! Where are the red flags? Oh that’s right there is literally none! This man could burn down the whole world and I would gladly let him. I’m just saying a man that learns to bake sourdough bread because his pregnant wife is having cravings…I mean literally could do no wrong. Griffin you set the bar for all men and they will never live up to it.
Angelina is my spirit character. I adore her. Through every struggle, every thought, every concern Angelina is a girls girl and one that I would wish to have in my corner. She has such a good heart but honestly after all she endures it is no wonder she protects it.
I am usually not the audience for a “not his baby” trope because it can get really messy really quick, but I knew Willa would handle this trope perfectly. If anyone was going to write this trope and make it work for me…well we just knew it would be this.
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and enjoyed every second of it.
The ending also just hit me straight in the feels. Gosh I cannot believe this is the end of Whispering Oaks Ranch, I will miss it and want to come back and relive it all over again.
My small town, with my beautiful curvy women and incredible cowboys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dara Butler.
280 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 18, 2026
ARC Review: Thank you to Willa Kay for sending me an advanced copy of Reckless Abandon to read and review.

I want to start by saying that Reckless Abandon was the perfect book to wrap up the Whispering Oaks series. Everything really comes full circle with this book. This book was absolute perfection, and I can’t say enough good things about it.

If you love the Not His Baby trope, then this is the book for you. Also, who doesn’t love a Vegas wedding? Griffin Hayes is absolute perfection. He tries different sourdough recipes until he finds the perfect one to satisfy her pregnancy craving. He’s protective and very much a “if he wanted to, he would” kind of man. He’s like 6’7 of long-haired absolute perfection.

I really enjoyed Angelina’s character. She’s strong-willed. She’s the town veterinarian, and she and Griffin have a history that I loved delving into. The group chats between the characters are absolutely hilarious! I love how Callie and Olivia immediately bring Angelina into the fold without batting an eye.
Profile Image for Emily.
32 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I say “I ate this up”, I mean that I devoured this SO quickly that a reread was essential to process what I’d just read 🙈😂

What can I say about our final trip to Whispering Oaks Ranch? Each book/couple/story has been perfection - Griffin and Angelina’s story is no different. I was hooked from the prologue and adored their whole journey.

Griffin has zero red flags and is one hot, hot cowboy, setting the bar for all men (real AND fictional).
🌻 The Best Man who’s been pining for five years
🌻 He worships her ❤️‍🔥
🌻 Claims her baby as his own - he is all in!
🌻 “My Wife”
🌻 He bakes 24 sourdough loaves trying to find the perfect recipe for Angelina’s cravings.

Angelina’s character arc felt authentically real…
Not only do we see her as a headstrong, confident, baddie 💪🏻 we also see her conquer her fears and insecurities:
🌻 Being jilted (nearly) at the alter
🌻 Traversing her conflicting feelings and attraction to Griffin
🌻 Unexpected pregnancy complicated with ex-finance/biological father
🌻 Learning to trust that she has a whole support network that are 100% Team Angelina and she doesn’t have to do everything solo

As usual, the Hayes family are absolutely GOLDEN and I wish I could pull up a chair to their family meals. I’d also LOVE to be BFFs with Callie and Liv - their group chat was 👌🏻🥰

Whilst you could read this as a standalone, I wholeheartedly recommend you read the whole series 🔥 I defy you NOT to love all of the Hayes men and their extended/found families.

A huge THANK YOU to Willa and her team for allowing me an ARC copy!

#advancedreadercopy #arcreader #bookreview #willakay #whisperingoaksranch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Read with PJ.
61 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2026
Book Review: Reckless Abandon by Willa Kay

First of all, thank you for this ARC. Rest assured that all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading Reckless Abandon because it was both emotional and heartwarming. The story between Griffin and Angelina felt realistic, and I liked how their relationship slowly developed as they faced different challenges together. Their connection made me want to keep reading and see how their story would end.

My favorite part of the book was the characters. Griffin stood out to me because he was caring, dependable, and supportive. Angelina was also easy to relate to because she struggled with trust and learning to accept love. I also liked the ranch and small-town setting because it made the story feel warm and comforting.

I think Willa Kay balanced romance, humor, and emotional moments really well. The book was not just about romance, it also explored themes like healing, family, and self-worth. Overall, I found Reckless Abandon to be a sweet and enjoyable read, especially for readers who like small-town romance stories.
Profile Image for sweetest_escape_bookshop.
106 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
Just wow! I love everything Willa writes. I laughed, cried and got angry.

Griffin is introduced to Angel by his brother’s wife. Jess always wanted Griffin and Angelina to be together. Angelina and Griffin had one hot night together. He knew the minute he met her, she was his forever. However, she put her number in his phone wrong and he thought she gave him a wrong number on purpose. And she thought he ghosted her.

Fast forward five years. She’s marrying Griffin’s best friend in Vegas. He leaves her before the alter. By a dang note! I wanted to find Tyler and slap him around. Deep down she knew she wasn’t in love with him but she thought he would give her that perfect marriage and family. Griffin and Angel get drunk and you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. 😆

Boy she gives him a run for his money. She wants an annulment he just looks at those papers. Not happening! Doesn’t sign them. He knows he wants to be her husband forever. He has to prove himself to her. And boy does he. This book is worth every second you spend reading it.
Profile Image for Hannah.
85 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 12, 2026
I'm so sad to see this series end but wow what a book to end it!
In this third book we follow the story of Griffin Hayes and Angelina Rossi from their beginning and how they eventually come together 🥰
From the very start of the book you're pulled into their story and what a spicy prologue you start with 😏
Angelina begins as a strong woman and due to a waste of a boyfriend becomes more of a shell of herself and I love that as time goes on she finds her old self again with the help of her friends and Griffin.
Griffin, you green flag of a man 💚 this is a man who stand by his woman no matter what gets thrown their way and does everything in his power to lift her up and be the best partner/baby-daddy 🤩
I felt a whole range of emotions throughout this from joy to heartbreak to anger and so many scenes that had me blushing 🥵
If you're a fan of second-chance, small town romance with an accidental marriage and a whole supportive family then I beg you to read this! 💕
Profile Image for Sarah.
87 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
I received Reckless Abandon as an ARC from Willa in exchange for my honest opinions.

Reckless Abandon is the third and final book in the Whispering Oaks Ranch series. All three books are interconnected standalones and can be read in any order, but I totally recommend reading them in order for everything to make the most sense.

I have read all of Willa’s books, and I can honestly say that her writing just gets better with each book, and this is the case with Reckless Abandon! I devoured this book in less than a day because I was so excited for Griffin and Angelina’s story. Willa didn’t disappoint. I absolutely loved how we got a glimpse into life once Angelina had the baby, and the epilogue was chef’s kiss. Am I sad that this book was the final Hayes family book? Absolutely, but Willa did an amazing job of ending the series in Reckless Abandon. I’m content with how it ended, and I don’t feel like I need more. I saw the Easter eggs for Before We Break and am super jazzed for that!!
237 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
Griffin and Angelina are a perfect example of what true love is. When they first met Angelina was reluctant to give it a chance since he was a cowboy. They had an unforgettable weekend together and Griffin was in love. After he left and went home he found out that he was given the wrong number he thought she didn’t want to see him again. When she woke up and he was gone and he never reached out she thought he ghosted her but it was a mixup with the phone number.
When she moves to his home town she gets engaged to his best friend.

After 3 year the fiancé leaves her the night before the wedding so Griffin takes that as his chance to be the man that Angelina deserves. After a Vegas wedding they head home to find out that she is pregnant but it’s not Griffins baby. That doesn’t stop him from being the best daddy tho the sweet baby girl.

I absolutely loved this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I wish this series wasn’t over.
Profile Image for Bookish_Winnie.
68 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Willa Kay thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc it did not disappoint! I absolutely fell in love with Lina and Griff like holy moly the spice 🥵 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥I felt every feeling this and struggled with putting it down. When I had to adult life I kept looking at my kindle and the clock like is it time yet can I read now. From the heartache, grief, letting someone in, stepping up, love, banter, spice, and journey was perfection. Willa Kay you know how to write a store and make a person absolutely captivated into a story and making them feel they are smack in the middle. I loved how all the Hayes family is in each story and you get to revisit them as well. Griff is such a rough sexy cowboy but a big teddy bear I fell in love with him myself. He is the apidimi of a great man.

If you haven’t read this series jump on it asap you will not be disappointed in the slightest
Profile Image for Krista Hathaway.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Holy sourdough daddy, Willa does it again. *Reckless Abandon* was such a beautiful ending to this series. This honestly isn’t my typical trope, but Willa Kay completely pulled me in and made me love every second of it.

The Hayes brothers love so fiercely, and Griffin was absolutely no exception. His story had so much heart, emotion, and devotion woven into it. One of my favorite parts of this series has always been the found family aspect, and this book delivered that beautifully. Watching these relationships come full circle made this finale feel incredibly satisfying and emotional.

This book had the perfect balance of tenderness, chemistry, and family bonds, and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time.

❌ - Ex’s best friend
🍼 - Not his baby
🤠 - Cowboy x Vet
🧸 - Plus size FMC & MMC

Profile Image for  Whatkatie.reads .
183 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026
Ok so....I know that I have said this about the previous 2 in this series but I really mean it when I say this one is my favourite 😍
Griffin, you beautiful beautiful man! I don't just mean his looks (I am partial to a man with long hair, and cowboys.....) His utter love and devotion to Angie is something else! The way he steps up for her and spends everyday proving his love even when she doesn't realise it.
I want to give her a massive hug for what she went through but also give her a high five being the bad b*tch she absolutely is and finding the best way to get back at Tyler!
This was such a wholesome read that I just couldn't put down. It made me laugh out loud and cry the happiest tears.
Well done Willa
41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Finally, we get Griffin’s story!!!

This book kicks off with… a bang 👀 and wow, I was not expecting it at all, but I was here for it !

I seriously loved how Griffin kept showing up for Angelina after all those years—even after finding out the baby wasn’t his!! He’s just so down bad for her, and honestly, it made me swoon !

Angelina is also such a badass and absolutely does not tolerate her ex’s crap. Willa Kay always writes strong female characters, and Angelina is no exeption !

And of course, the Hays family is still around causing chaos in the best way possible. They bring so much warmth and banter to the story, and I love how real and messy they still feel as a family.

The ending was super cute and had me swooning hard for Griffin. It wrapped everything up in a really satisfying way and just left me happy.

Overall, this was such a fun return to Whispering Oak Ranch with the Hays family and exactly the kind of vibe I’ve come to expect from this series.

Thank you to @Willa Kay and her team for the eARC !!
Profile Image for Nicole Nielsen.
86 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 12, 2026
Griffin Hayes the man that you are!! Obsessed, possessive, and a man who knows exactly what he wants (his Angel and her baby). Angelina is so independent in her life but always just wanted to be fully loved and taken care of. Griffin steps into that role and married her and shows her what love is supposed to be like.

Griffin is so solid throughout the book, and never lets Angelina down. He puts her first always and keeps all of his promises to her.

Something I really loved about this book is how Willa made Angelina an absolute baddie. Knowing EXACTLY who she was and what she was worth.

Thank you so much, Willa for this ARC!

4.5 stars ✨
Profile Image for Belize Esperanza  Roberts .
897 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
Griffin had me in a puddle from the gods damned prologue im OBSESSED with this man i swear 🥵
And Angie "let it burn" Hayes what a bad bitch you are Tyler was a prick and I'm honestly not against murder when it comes to him I'm surprised Griffin didn'tmurder him.

AGHHH I NEED MORE



Some beautiful quotes below:
“You know it don’t matter one bit whether that baby’s got your DNA or not. You love ‘em right, and everything else’ll come out in the wash." Oh pops you sweetie🥺
"love you with such reckless abandon that my heart can’t even contain it."♥️
Profile Image for Reading_with_AAron.
281 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026
What a way to end a series! I’m totally crying! This book was so beautiful, I loved seeing Griffins fight for the woman he loves and get the HEA he deserved!
I loved seeing all my favorite people in the series again and getting to see the Hayes crew expand so much, I hate that the series is over but am hopeful that we may come back to Whispering Oaks in the future!
Thank you so much to Willa and team for having me along on the arc team I have loved being a part of your journey, can’t wait for what you do next!
Profile Image for Paige.
210 reviews
May 25, 2026
If Mr Griffin Hayes could climb into Angelina Rossi's skin I bet he would! This man yearned FOR 5 YEARS and the second he had a slithering of an opportunity with his girl down he jumped. Honestly, Griffin waves green flags all around and Angelina is such a baddie, her ex got what he deserved and we LOVE that for her. These two matched each other's freak so well. Such a fun read!

Tropes:
💙Cowboy x Veterinarian
💙Plus size FMC + MMC
💙 Pregnancy trope + Not his baby
💙 What happens in Vegas
💙Ex-fiancé’s best friend

Thank you so much to Willa Kay for this lovely arc 💜
Profile Image for Carson Steiner.
30 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Just a feel-good, smutty, floofy, romance from the wonderful world of Oak Ridge! It had all the heart ❤️ and soul of a Willa Kay novel one can always expect, with the spicy 🌶 cherry 🍒 on top of course! I loved seeing all of our favorites come back and be a part of this story and I can't wait for the next phase of this crazy family's journey!
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