When her phone dies in Yellowstone, she might just find a real connection.Ember Hollis is addicted to her phone and chasing relevance when a sudden microburst floods her Yellowstone campsite and waterlogs the one thing she can’t live without. Forced offline, she collides with Ridge a rugged, very hot park ranger with cowboy roots, muscles for days, and no cell phone at all.
As the wilderness strips away the filters, Ember is forced to face herself. And while the park buzzes over a legendary wolf returning to Yellowstone for her mate, Ember discovers a deeper love—one that leads her not just to a man, but back to Christ. A Clean, No-Spice Christian Romcom!
I have so much I could say about this book, but I’ll try to keep it short (though that’s hard when you love a book this much). I absolutely adored this story! This is only my second book by Cassandra, but it’s definitely my favorite so far. Her writing is just chef’s kiss. I caught myself smiling so many times while reading. Ember and Ridge… I seriously love them. Ember is a total city girl who’s basically glued to her phone, and she ends up spending some time in Yellowstone. That’s where she meets Ridge, a very handsome Christian park ranger who completely stole the show for me. He’s easily my favorite character. Watching Ember and Ridge spend time together and seeing the way things slowly start to change for Ember was so good. I liked Ember from the beginning, but by the end of the book I absolutely loved her. Honestly, do yourself a favor and read this book. I really don’t think you’ll regret it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! And thank you so much to Cassandra for letting me read this ARC!
I love Cassandra Joelles writing so much 💖 I am so happy and honored that I got to be a part of her ARC Team and receive this ARC copy to review. I absolutely loved it. 6⭐️ read for me. It was absolutely relatable for me....made me really take a look at myself and see how I am guilty of always being distracted by my phone. Like Ember did...I need to take a step back and listen to what God is saying to me.💖 But anyways lets talk about the book shall we....In this beautiful, funny, rom com story we meet a social media influencer named Ember who travels to Yellowstone for a brand deal and to impress some lame influencer guy named Graham. While on her trip she meets the ruggedly handsome park ranger named Ridge who helps her discover herself, love and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 💖 Its absolutely perfect 👌😘💖 Here is One of my favorite quotes: "Repent. Jesus said to ‘take up your cross and follow’ Him. We are to turn away from our sinful lives. Have no other idols before God. No more lying, adulterous, deceitful, slanderous ways that get so many.” “I’ve never committed adultery.” I shook my head, not understanding his point. “Jesus said, just looking with lust is committing adultery in your heart. Just thinking of a sin is committing it. Like I said, the only man to ever be on earth who was sinless was Jesus.”- Ridge💖
Thank you Cassandra for this beautiful and amazing story!! You are one of my favorites and one that I can totally trust to deliver such perfect faith themed stories. 💖
Such a fun read, and well written. The characters had great development and dealt with real world issues. The storyline of the FMC’s addiction to her phone and social media is so applicable to today.
Thank you to Cassandra Joelle for the pleasure of receiving an ARC of A Ranger, A Wolf and a Really Bad Tent. This is your best one yet!
Ember Hollis is trying to get her internet crush’s attention by posting photos on Instagram that will wow him. She’s addicted to her phone and can’t help herself to look when she gets a new notification. She likes the feeling of being chosen, seen, preferred. She’s a rep for an outdoor clothing company and decides to go camping for the first time to get some good shots for her to model the clothing. She purchases a cheap tent and heads to Yellowstone National Park.
Ridge is working in Yellowstone as a ranger and has to monitor a wolf that is being tracked from New Mexico up north to Yellowstone in search of something. He soon finds Ember set up to camp along a trail that might have bears and warns her. Ember realizes she has no cell service and doesn’t know how she will survive without WiFi.
When a fast storm blows through and tears up Ember’s tent and car, Ridge brings her to the work cabin to figure things out. They have a strong physical attraction to each other but he wants to wait to see what God wants for him first. Ember is very focused on her looks and her followers and only cares about herself. Her time in Yellowstone is definitely not what she thought it was going to be.
Fave quote: “God can forgive you because of your mistakes and you need to accept His love and grow from it. It’s never too late to change.”
I’ve never been someone obsessed with their phone or social media but I definitely know a lot of people who are, especially on IG. Like Ember, they are fueled by how many likes, comments, views, and followers they have. They have to get the aesthetic shots.
I loved this story and how Ember matured and developed as time went on. Cassandra Joelle writes from her heart and shares her faith while adding comedy and spice-free romance. I’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone and I felt like I was right there with the animals and smell of pine trees! I also loved what she did with the wolf coming back. This is another book to add to your collection and to share with your besties.
Thank you to Cassandra Joelle, for the ARC! It was an honor to read your newest book. Well done!
Cassandra Joelle’s A Ranger, a Wolf, and a Really Bad Tent is the kind of book that shows up with charming chapter titles and immediately announces, “Relax, I’m here to be a good time.” It’s a light, outdoorsy romance with a strong faith thread, set against the very unforgiving reality of Yellowstone (where nature does not care about your brand deal). The story follows Ember, a Denver-based social media influencer who’s chasing validation, engagement, and a shiny new “influencer life” that looks a lot better on a screen than it does in the wild.
Ember’s first big brand partnership being… hiking gear… is both hilarious and painfully fitting, because she’s wildly underprepared and still convinced she can knock out a quick overnight trip like it’s a content errand. She’s glued to her phone, fueled by likes, and determined to prove she’s thriving, even when she’s clearly flailing. That contrast between curated confidence and real-life chaos is a big part of what makes the early chapters entertaining, especially once she realizes Yellowstone is not exactly built around WiFi, skincare routines, or convenient recharge stations.
What really got me is how much this book leans into personal growth without getting preachy or melodramatic. Ember’s relationship with technology is treated like what it is: an addiction wrapped in shiny packaging. Watching her wrestle with identity, validation, and the fear of being unseen was more thoughtful than I expected from a story with this title (which I mean as a compliment).
Ridge is the attractive park ranger stationed at the national park and he is a faith-driven man which is written as something lived and practiced, not used as a prop, and the theme of grace shows up in a way that feels consistent with who he is.
By the end, this is a satisfying “reset your life” story: less about instant perfection and more about learning humility, boundaries, and what matters when the noise gets turned off.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ahh, this is another fun Christian romcom to add to my favorites list!
The story follows Ember, who's stranded in Yellowstone after an extreme weather event. I LOVED the setting. The initial camp setup creates a brief low-stakes survival feel, and there are also great themes of appreciating the beauty of God's creation. The wildlife aspects are fun too - especially the ranger's wolf tracking mission!
The clean romance is an interesting journey. Ridge is such a sweet guy - and a total outdoor enthusiast! Ember is basically his opposite in every way. Certain aspects of their attraction felt a bit too instant for my preferences, but I still really enjoyed seeing how things progressed and found myself rooting for a sweet ending!
Most of all, I appreciated the prominent faith content. There are SO many discussions of salvation through Jesus and learning to follow Godly convictions. Ember's process of overcoming her attachment to social media/modern technology also presents a great message.
If you're interested in adult romances with beautiful settings, character growth, and strong Christian themes, I'd definitely recommend this!
*Content to note* Brief discussions of saving physical intimacy for marriage (no sexual details). Character considers her mildly-revealing clothing choices (skintight jeans, etc.) Brief scene of side character dealing with depression.
**Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary e-ARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.**
5/5 🌟 because this story really convicted me to do better in my walk with the Lord and not obsess over social media. We've all been there, haven't we? Looking for validation, encouragement, friendship, love, adoration, likes, follows, popularity, the list goes on and on. And where do we look for these things and find them at a superficial level? Social Media of course. It's so easy to run to, to crave. But in reality, it will not give us what we need most, a love that lasts, that feels secure, that feels safe, sure. The only true friend any of us could ever have is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Who gives us grace upon grace, and loved us enough to die in our place to pay for our sin debt. Praise God He rose again, conquering death, so that we might live and someday be with Him in glory. Amen! Ember and Ridge needed each other to see and solidify these things, which was good to see. Faith content was excellent Romance: kisses only, there is body noticing also. (Its a romcom after all) CW: none really, there is a storm that comes through and destroys all of her stuff, but no harm to humans, mentions of bears eating on a deceased buffalo but no gory details. Thank you @cassandrajoelle for giving me this ARC, and getting this preorder shipped to me before release day. I love it! March 10th is release day!
Cassandra Joelle's books have quickly become ones that I very much look forward to reading. Not only are the covers absolutely adorable, but the stories inside are just as good too... with unique storylines, laugh out loud moments, swoon worthy romance and stories that ultimately always keep God at the center. This one was no exception. To say Ember and Ridge are complete opposites would be an understatement. She's a social media influencer whose life revolves around her phone, and he's a park ranger who doesn't even have one. The dynamic and chemistry between these two was great, but more than anything I really loved seeing Ember's growth throughout this story... not only with her phone addiction (which unfortunately is a topic that I think so many are going to be able to relate to... even if not quite at the same level), but also her relationship with God. If you love a romance that is both unapologetically Christian and that will keep you smiling, this one is it!
A Ranger, A Wolf, and A Really Bad Tent is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of A Ranger, A Wolf, and a Really Bad Tent by Cassandra Joelle, and it was such a charming and heartfelt story.
Set against the beautiful wilderness of Yellowstone, this romance follows Ember Hollis, a woman who is constantly connected to her phone and the online world. When a sudden storm floods her campsite and leaves her without the one thing she relies on most, she’s forced to slow down and face life offline. That’s when she meets Ridge Sawyer, a rugged park ranger who lives a completely different kind of life.
What I loved most about this story was the setting and the message. The Yellowstone atmosphere feels vivid and peaceful, and the themes of stepping away from constant noise and rediscovering what truly matters are woven beautifully into the story. Ridge is the kind of steady, grounded hero that fits the setting perfectly.
The book also includes a meaningful faith element, showing Ember’s journey not only toward love but also toward a deeper spiritual connection.
If you enjoy clean romance, nature settings, and faith-centered stories with heart, this is a lovely read.
“If God can forgive you of your mistakes, you need to accept His love and grow from it. It’s never too late to change”
“Sometimes we send smoke signals to God, and we don’t even know it”
Ridge and Ember are complete opposite. She’s an influencer whose lives revolves around her phone and social media, while he’s a ranger who loves nature and doesn’t even have either of both.
What I most loved about this story was Ember’s growth throughout the book with the help of Ridge. From coming into terms with her phone addiction (which is a topic some can relate with) to strengthening her relationship with God and repairing bonds with her loved ones. On the other hand, Ridge was inspiring. He reminded me the impact we can have on the people around us and also to seek God’s guidance for everything.
Also, I enjoyed the scenery. After this book, I think I wanna visit Yellowstone park one day.
* This is a closed-door Christian romance * Thanks the author for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.
If you love nature, romance, and faith themes; this book is for YOU!🩷✨🥹
While Ember strives to grow her followers on social media and grain attention from her celebrity crush; Ridge stays far away from the online world, working as a ranger to connect with nature and listen to the Lord’s guidance for his life.
When a storm takes place in Yellowstone, causing Ember’s car to be crushed, tent to be ruined, and cellphone left not working, she takes Ridge up on his offer to help figure things out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the growth of each of the characters. It has encouraged me to take a step back from my phone myself, and be present in my day to day adventures.
This might have been my first Cassandra Joelle book, but it certainly will not be my last!🩷
Thank you, Cassandra Joelle, for the ARC. You are beyond talented, and I am very excited to see how God continues to use your writing talents.
This book was like a breath of fresh air--literally! Cassandra's settings never disappoint, and this book was no exception. And now I have an itch to go out West that I can't afford to scratch! Ridge--like all of Cassandra's MMCs--was an absolute angel. Where do I find a man like that?! I absolutely adored every second in his pov. But we all know the real star of the show was Ember. This is only the third book of Cassandra's that I've read, but I still can say confidently that Ember is her most relatable FMC. I may not be an influencer, but I think everyone in this generation understands a phone addiction. How many of us would also instinctively reach for our phone even though it's dead dead? But the best part of this book was that Ember's arc was SO realistic and SO beautiful. And the way her and Ridge ended up together?! UGH, just perfection! Thank you for blessing me with another ARC, and for blessing the world with another amazing Christian romcom!
I want to thank Cassandra Joelle for gifting me this beautiful ARC.
This was such an amazing story. I used to love hiking, and life took me away from that for a while, but reading this reminded me of how peaceful and beautiful being in nature can be.
I haven’t been to Yosemite, but it is now on my bucket list. The description of the setting made you feel like you are right there in the mountains, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation.
I loved the way Ridge demonstrated his faith by simply being Christ like in a way that encouraged others. He didn’t pressure anyone or force his beliefs on others. It was really beautiful to see.
I also loved the wolves. The way they connected to Ridge & Embers relationship was incredibly meaningful. This story left me with such a hopeful feeling. It reminded me that nothing is impossible with God, and that sometimes healing, love, and faith can be found in the most unexpected places.
This book is the epitome of a swoony love story. Ember wants more than anything to be a social media influencer. She’s very sporadic in her planning and decides on a whim to go tent camping in Yellowstone National Park in hopes to get more followers and to help get ratings on her clothing sponsorship. Ember’s camping excursion does not go as planned. Through a series of unfortunate events Ember meets park ranger, Ridge. Ridge is a man after God’s own heart. He loves being in nature, having no social media, no cell phone and just a simple way of life - everything opposite of Ember. If you want to know Ember and Ridge’s story, I highly recommend you read this book! Themes: *clean romance *Christian romance *no spice *forced proximity *forgiveness *opposites attract *second chances *God’s grace *nature
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this Clean Christian Romcom and it was absolutely so much fun! The Yellowstone setting was perfect! Especially since I love it there! And the story of Ember getting stranded and meeting Ranger Ridge was cozy, adventurous, and just a little chaotic in the very best way!
This light, clean romcom was easy to get through and genuinely so funny, especially the whole terrible tent situation! I also loved the Christian elements! They felt natural and added a meaningful touch to the romance! Overall, this book is such a sweet, uplifting read that left me smiling, and wanting to get back into the park!
I absolutely loved this book 🫶 It was such a cute yet genuinely inspiring read. Ember’s growth throughout the story was beautifully written, watching her develop and step into her strength felt so real and empowering. And Ridge… wow. He wasn’t just inspiring to the people in the story, but to me as a reader too. Their journey together was heartwarming, uplifting, and left me smiling long after I finished. 💛
This book started out a little slow for me but picked up quickly. I loved the path that the female main character Ember had and the lessons she learned as the book progressed through the help of the main male character, Ridge. The message of God throughout was a good reminder of what He does in our real lives today. It was a sweet short read and I have loved reading the books Cassandra keeps putting out!
I was given the opportunity for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
ARC Review: Cassandra Joelle did it again! The love story between Ridge and Ember and the growth and patience seen in both character’s waiting for God’s plan hit close to my heart! I especially enjoyed watching the transformation in Ember’s character from beginning to end and the reality of various idols in our lives and how they can lead us astray and away from the Lord. I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
this was by far one of my favorite books by her, such a cute read! the characters, the faith, the growth, i seriously couldn’t have asked for more in a book! the changes Ember made for herself was inspiring & the patience Ridge had shown her was swoon worthy. Cassandra is quickly becoming my favorite author for christian romance! so excited to read more of her writing 🩷
3.85 rounded up to 4 A sweet and light contemporary Christian romance. I would have loved to see more depth or insight into Ember's growth, but overall it is a good story. It reflects real people and struggles, and it is impossible not to fall for Ridge (he is the standard! 🤧). The portrayal of his faith was inspirational and beautiful.
ARC review: This is a quick read because it is so good I couldn’t put it down! So appropriate for the technological times we live in. It really made me think about the time I spend on technology and want to slow down and simplify my life. But it is also a great, God-centered love story!
ARC REVIEW A Ranger, A Wolf, and a Really Bad Tent is a sweet romance. This would be a good fit for someone looking specifically for Biblical-based Christian Romance. The characters frequently discuss faith themes and self-improvement based on their values. I truly enjoyed the ending!
This is the best one yet! The setting is perfect for spring and takes the reader on a wonderful journey of self discovery and growth. Ember and Ridge were both well fleshed out characters and their story, along with Raya's, was beautiful to watch unfold.