From the moment he first laid eyes on her, he knew she was someone he’d never be able to forget...
Ella Daniels has spent the last few years building a quiet, steady life for herself and her daughter in Silverspur Springs. She’s worked hard to move on from the past and after taking the time to heal, she has no intention of letting anyone close enough to shake the fragile peace she’s finally found. Especially not Cole Wild... her brother’s best friend and the man who’s always lingered in the corners of her mind. Cole Wild left town years ago, chasing a dream of professional baseball. When an injury ends his career early, he moves home to help his brothers run the family ranch. It’s always been the plan. The ranch is more than just a legacy. It’s his roots and his home. And everything about it reminds him of her. When he sees Ella again, she’s all grown up, heartbreakingly beautiful, and he knows he can’t walk away. To Cole, Ella is worth the wait. But to Ella, love has always come with a cost. As the pull between them grows stronger, she must decide if she’s willing to risk her heart for a chance at something real–something lasting. Because sometimes, love is wild and it shows up when you least expect it... And sometimes, it stays for good.
Cali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes. In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
This book packed in all of my favorite tropes and I absolutely devoured this book!
Ella has been THROUGH IT, but doesn’t let that get her down. She has little sweet little girl Chloe to care for and she is so strong doing it on her own. She had a crush on her brother’s best friend when they were younger but he left town to play professional baseball.
Cole Wild shows back up in town and isn’t shy about his attraction to Ella. This man is the very definition of a green flag man. Not just book boyfriend material, but book husband. He is willing to take things slow with Ella and be her friend first. But their chemistry is out of this world good so it doesn’t take long for their relationship to become more.
He shows up for Ella and Chloe every chance he gets and truly cares for them. He wants Ella to succeed and is so supportive of her dreams. Like I said, green flags all around! Ummm also, he lets HER tie HIM up…yeah, it’s hot AF.
I ate this story up, I truly left no crumbs and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
What to expect: Single mom Brother’s best friend Cowboy romance Heroine with a past Childhood friends Protective MMC Hurt/comfort
Thank you Cali and team for the eARC opportunity for this surprise release!
Three years ago Ella Daniels had just lost her parents, found out she was pregnant, and was planning on divorcing her husband. She moved back to her hometown, Silverspur Springs, to raise her daughter with the help of her best friend and brother. Over the last few years, Ella built a nice and quiet life for her and her daughter. After her divorce, she swore off relationships. She was just fine with it being her and her daughter. That is until her childhood crush, Cole Wild, comes back into town. Cole Wild left Silverspur Springs to chase his dreams of playing professional baseball. After multiple injuries, he finds himself retiring a year earlier than he expected and heading back to his hometown to help his brothers with their family ranch. When he sees Ella again, his heart skips a beat. She’s grown and breathtakingly beautiful. But there are shadows behind those normally bright blue eyes. Cole is determined to find out what or who put them there. And he’ll do everything possible to show her that she is safe with him. That she can trust him. However long it takes.
Love Me Wild is such a sweet cowboy romance! I loved Ella and Cole’s story! Ella went through a lot and I felt for her. But she was strong and she was able to build a nice life for her and her daughter. I loved that she had a supportive friend to help her raise her daughter. Cole was such a sweetheart. He helped Ella build her confidence back up after her ex tore it down. He also immediately embraced Ella’s daughter. I loved how much he cared for them and how he was willing to wait for Ella no matter how long it took. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
I am sitting here in awe of how much I love this book. When I saw Cali’s announcement that she was releasing a cowboy romance I knew it was going to be good, but it blew my expectations out of the water. I completely devoured this one and loved every second of it. I am in love with Cole Wild and the man that he is and no one will ever change my mind.
This is such a beautiful and sweet story about finding yourself and finding love in the next chapter of your life after your life takes an unexpected turn.
Cole Wild is patient, kind, sweet, my gosh.. I could go on and on. Ella is damaged and trying to find herself again for her and her daughter. When Cole returns to town and sees Ella after years of being away, he knows that he needs to get to know her again. The two of them form a friendship and Cole becomes her safe place. His patience with her and unmatched. He becomes her safety net and their love story is truly one of my favorites by Cali.
You absolutely need to read this one, you will not be disappointed!!
What to expect: Cowboy romance Single mom Childhood friends Brother’s best friend Protective MMC Hurt / comfort
Let me introduce you to your newest cowboy obsession- Cole Wild! Cali decided to give us the best possible surprise with this release! Ella is a single mom that you just want to give a big hug. She’s been through so much and is so strong for her daughter, Chloe. She isn’t looking for a relationship but when her brother’s best friend, Cole, moves back home, he slowly breaks down her walls. Cole is the sweetest green flag of a man! He is so patient with Ella and loves her daughter from their first meeting. This was a slow burn but Cole had me swooning from the beginning. When Ella finally gives in to her feelings for Cole, their chemistry is hot and undeniable! The mouth on this man 😮💨 I absolutely ate this one up!! I really hope this will be a series because I can’t wait for more of this small town.
Thank you Cali for the arc!
Read if you love: ✨cowboy romance ✨single mom ✨brother’s best friend ✨heroine with a past ✨childhood friends ✨protective MMC ✨hurt/comfort
I have read some amazing books this week with incredible FMCs that I will be thinking about for some time. Love Me Wild by Cali Melle was a wonderful journey of opening your heart again to the right person and finding your place in the world. I swooned while reading about our MCs getting their second chance and truly experiencing a deep and connecting love. I adore stories where a MC is returning home, back to their roots. There is something about being where you belong that makes everything else fall into place.
Ella has had to deal with some major things in her life. Broken and hurt, she never lets that keep her from providing a wonderful life for her daughter. Being a mother myself, I understand the strength it takes to put on a brave face for your children, even if you are screaming on the inside. Ella’s resilience and strength was incredible to read about. When her brother’s best friend moves back home, she puts her walls up even further, as she has no interest in a relationship or to be hurt again.
Cole has other plans. Moving back home was the right move to make after his baseball career ended due to an injury. Everything about his family’s ranch reminds him of Ella though and he is going to make up for lost time. He never pushes himself on her, but shows up for her and her daughter constantly. I loved how this man is a doer not a talker. He doesn’t tell Ella the things he is going to do for her, he just does them. He is content in being her friend first and foremost, but his actions make it difficult for Ella to not fall for him.
Cali Melle, welcome to your cowboy romance era! This book is charming, filled with tension, and hearts slowly learning to trust again. Beyond our MCs, the supporting characters are amazing, especially Wyatt, Ella’s brother. He is supportive of her and only wants to see her happy. Definitely hope to see more of him and others, perhaps this book is the beginning of an interconnected series? I cannot say enough about how good this book is and I highly recommend people to read it.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🌻Cowboy Romance 💎Single Mom FMC 🌻Brother’s Best Friend 💎Coming Home 🌻Childhood Friends to More 💎Protective MMC 🌻Second Chance Romance 💎Healing from Past
Cali is in her Cowboy Era!!!! Cole and Ella’s story is such a sweet romance, and you just fall in love with them from the first page. Ella is determined to build a safe and loving home for her daughter, Chloe. Chloe, Ella’s daughter, will steal your heart the way she’s the sweetest little girl ever. And her relationship with Cole is adorable, and I love the way Cole treats her like his own. Ella’s world revolves around Chloe, and the last thing she wants is to let anyone else in, especially after her ex-husband gave her trust issues and scars that run deep. Enter Cole Wild, her brother’s best friend. Cole just retired from baseball altogether and has come back to work his family ranch. This man is everything you want in a book boyfriend. He’s protective and patient and obsessed with Ella and has been for a while. When they meet up again, sparks fly, and the chemistry these two have is off the charts. Cole never rushes or pushes Ella for their relationship. He starts with a friendship and lets Ella take the lead. He understands Ella’s fears and shows her that he won’t let her down. He always shows up and always puts her first and shows her that she can trust him. I truly hope we get to see Cole’s brothers’ books because I know their books are gonna eat. I mean, Cowboys, hell yeah!!! I love the relationship that Cole has with his brothers and how they support him and Ella. I also love that Ella has people in her corner that will be there for her and Chloe. This book is heartwarming and such an adorable story that you will be head over heels in love with this couple. This book will make you believe in love and always know that love will find you when you least expect it— but when you need it the most. Run and go read this book; you won’t be disappointed.
🧡🩵Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion🩵🧡
Ella… I just wanted to hug her the entire time. You can really feel how hard she’s worked to build a safe, quiet life for herself and her daughter, and why she’s so scared to let anyone mess that up. She felt *so* real to me, and I loved watching her slowly open her heart again. And Chloe?? Ugh, her little girl is literally the cutest thing ever. Every scene with her just melted my heart.
And then there’s Cole… oh my GOD. Cole Wild is the biggest green flag ever. The way he shows up, the way he cares about Ella, his patience, his devotion… I was completely gone for him.
Like this moment??
“Cole,” I breathe his name, my heart pounding against my rib cage. “You came.” The corners of his mouth lift. “You called.” Ugh I ate that up!!!
And THEN this scene—
“Ella, darlin’,” he breathes, his face contorting. “Are you sure this is what you want?” Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth, I nod. “I want this,” I admit, letting out a shallow breath. “I want you.” I pause, his gaze penetrating mine. “Love me, Wild.” Ugh I love when the title of a book is included in a scene
I also really loved Wyatt. The supportive brother energy?? We need more of that. You can tell how much he truly cares about Ella.
The romance is such a soft, emotional slow burn. It builds so naturally, and you can feel their history in every interaction. When it finally comes together, it just hits in the best way.
Overall, this story felt like healing. It’s about trust, taking risks, and letting yourself have something good even when it’s scary. Sweet, emotional, a little angsty, and full of heart.
I’m so thankful I got the chance to read this early it was such a special experience 💛
“He's tearing down my walls, one paintbrush and pink toy truck at a time.”
A big thank you to Cali for the arc 💖
I have loved every book I’ve read by Cali (I’ve been reading through her backlog this year) her hockey romance books being some of my favorites. When she surprised us with a cowboy romance, I was beyond excited. Cali definitely delivered 🤠
Ella is a single mom, she returned to her hometown after finding out she was pregnant and leaving her troubled marriage. Her world revolves around her two year old daughter Chloe, making sure she’s safe and loved. She tends not to let anyone in or even ask for help, being hurt in the past has made it hard for her to trust. Cole recently retired from playing baseball, he’s now back in town and helping his brother’s on the family ranch. These two seeing each other again after years, you could immediately feel the sparks.
I loved this book so much 🥹 these two were truly meant to be, I loved watching their relationship unfold. They started off with the sweetest friendship, though you could feel that it was more especially on Cole’s end at first. I loved that Cole was patient with her, never pushing or overstepping, going at Ella’s pace and being okay with it. Chloe was the absolute cutest, I adore her! I also love a brother’s best friend trope, Wyatt being supportive was a breath of fresh air. He wanted what was best for his sister, even if that was his best friend. I’m really hoping there will be more to come, as I loved so many of the side characters 💖
I could go on and on, but please go read this! Cali’s writing is amazing, Cole is exactly what the world needed 🤠
A swoony, heart-stealing cowboy romance where he falls first—and never looks back.
If you love a hot cowboy, a best friend’s little sister trope, and a story packed with emotion, then Love Me Wild by Cali Melle is pure five-star perfection.
Ella is a heroine you instantly root for—a devoted single mum who returned home after a painful marriage, determined to build a safe, loving life for her two-year-old daughter, Chloe. Her world revolves around her little girl, and understandably, letting anyone else in is the last thing on her mind. Her trust has been broken before, and those scars run deep.
Enter Cole—ex-baseball player turned rugged rancher, her brother’s best friend, and the boy she once crushed on as a teenager. Now all grown up and back home running the family ranch with his brothers, Cole is everything you want in a cowboy hero: protective, patient, and completely gone for Ella from the start. And yes—he falls first, and he falls hard.
What makes this story so special is the way their relationship unfolds. It’s not rushed; instead, it gently builds from friendship into something deeper, layered with history, longing, and undeniable chemistry. Cole understands Ella’s fears and never pushes—he simply shows up, again and again, proving he’s someone she can trust.
And then there’s Chloe—who will absolutely steal your heart. Her presence adds such warmth and tenderness to the story, and watching Cole naturally step into her world is enough to make you swoon.
The supporting cast adds even more depth, from Cole’s brothers (hello future book excitement 👀) to Ella’s protective brother and close-knit circle, creating a rich, small-town feel that wraps around you like a hug.
This is a heartwarming, emotional cowboy romance about healing, second chances, and finding love when you least expect it—but exactly when you need it most.
Tropes: Single Mom Small Town Cowboy x Painter Second Chance Vibes Brother's Best Friend Former Professional Baseball Player
I adore a good cowboy/small-town romance! Plus a single mom and second-chance vibes—I'm completely in love!
After losing her parents tragically and discovering she's pregnant, Ella finally makes the decision to leave her cheating husband. She's on a mission to reclaim her life and provide a better future for her daughter. Now, she just needs to convince herself that she's also worthy of love.
Cole is ready to leave his baseball career behind before causing permanent damage to his shoulder. While it's bittersweet, he's eager to return to his cowboy roots and work with his brothers again. Falling in love with his best friend's sister—and the girl he's had a crush on for years—is just the cherry on top 🤭
Cole is truly perfect! He's supportive, understanding, and an incredible person. He knew he loved Ella and wanted her, but he understood she needed time. He was willing to be with her in any way he could—and even helped her gain recognition for her art. Beautiful😭😭
I was so heartbroken by Ella's backstory and everything she's endured 💔 Watching her reclaim her life, her confidence, and fall in love was truly beautiful!
I do have to say, Ella going radio silent during that third-act breakup annoyed me. While I understood her reasons, I felt it was completely unfair to Cole and incredibly heartbreaking as well.
Although this book is a standalone, I would honestly love to see the rest of the characters get their happily-ever-afters too!
ARC Review ✨ First I would like to say a big thank you to Cali for letting me be a part of this ARC Team! Rate: 4/5⭐️ Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ; -Single Mom -Brothers Best Friend -Slow Burn -Secondish Chance
In this book you get to follow Ella and Cole! Ella is a single mom trying to keep her little bumble intact. Cole is going home and the last person he thought he would bump into is Ella. We get to find out if Ella lets down her walls long enough to let Cole in or is he in a losing battle? These two were the cutest and honestly add Cole to your book boyfriends list because the moment he called her Darlin I was done for lol My favorite take away is the right person loving you will help you grow and blossom into something you never thought you could ever get to be and Cole was that for Ella. His patiences with her and the encouragement he gave melted my heart because everyone needs that kind of love from a partner.
Side notes: -Remi 😂
Fav Quote: •”You don’t have to apologize, darlin’. You can run into me any day” •“You’ve gotta stop looking at me like that”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍
When Cali announced her surprise release I was so excited!
Ella Daniel’s has had a tough life. After her parent’s death she ended up in a loveless marriage and pregnant. She ends the marriage and moves back to Silverspur Springs.
Cole Wild left to play professional baseball, but his career ends sooner than he wanted. He decides to move back to Silverspur Springs to help his brothers on the ranch.
Cole never pursued Ella because she’s his best friend’s sister. This time he’s not afraid to express his attraction toward Ella.
Cole is a walking talking green flag. Ella is hesitant to start anything with Cole but he is patient and doesn’t rush anything. He allows them to start as friends and go from there. He also helps Ella see her self-worth and grow her confidence while also supporting her dreams.
Their chemistry was on fire. I especially enjoyed when he let her tie him up! This is a must read, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Cali for the eARC!!
What to expect: Cowboy romance Single mom Brothers best friend Protective MMC Hurt/comfort Heroine with a past Childhood friends
Ella was warm and kind, albeit a bit guarded. She had a lot of anxiety and doubt, both about others and herself, but her development was focused on her learning to take charge of her life.
Cole was a green flag personified. He was self-assured and honest, and would go to bat for the people he cared about. Most of all, he was respectful and caring, and his faith in Ella was unshakable. I had to keep removing his quotes from the Favorite Quotes slide because I was running out of space.
Chloe was so cute and sweet, and I wish there was more of her. The scene with her and Cole bonding my favorite in the whole book.
The general plot—a FMC who is jaded from past experiences, and an MMC who shows her she’s worthy—was a little cliché and cheesy, but still sweet.
TW: domestic abuse (off-page), emotional abuse (not between main characters), death of parents (off-page), heart attack (off-page), references to infidelity
This is the perfect cowboy, best friend’s little sister and single mom! Cali packed a story filled with emotion and self growth.
Ella is a single mom who returns home after a painful marriage and finding out she is pregnant. She is determined to make sure her little girl has the best life. Ella doesn’t plan on letting anyone in as her trust has been broken before.
Cole is Ella’s brother's best friend and he happens to return home. As a teenager she did have a crush on him and now she is all grown up. The way their relationship unfolds is so special. It was a slow start to their relationship but it was built on friendship, history and lots of chemistry. Cole definitely understands Ella’s past and is taking that into consideration for how they are moving. Cole has such a tender heart.
Ella and Cole seemed so natural together in their relationship. I love how supportive he is of her. These two are so cute together.
I would love to see more cowboy romance from Cali!
Love Me Wild by Cali Melle Release Date: 3/27/2026
This book is absolutely amazing. It's safe to say Cali is one of my favorite authors and I've been dying for her to write a cowboy romance. She delivered, Oh boy did she deliver.
I devoured this book Cole and Ella are so perfect for eachother. Cole is such a loving and caring man. His patience and understanding for Ella and her past was beautiful. Helping her dreams come true and helping her over come the obstacles on that path made me so happy. Cole just has this insane aura surrounding him. I loved every second of it.
Cole is returning home after retiring from his career and Ella is also returning home after her marriage ended. She is a single mother to an amazing little baby girl. Cole knows before he even returns that his heart is set on Ella. Patience and persistence gets him just that. I hope this book leads to a series, I wish for nothing more. If you haven't read this yet, I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR and giving it a chance.
We have a surprise release!!! This book will forever live rent free in my mind! I became obsessed with this book from the start. The storyline and the characters were absolute perfection. Every book by Cali Melle I've read I have loved and I am glad to say you are one of my favorite authors.
Ella is a single mom of a very adorable and sweet little girl named Chloe. Ella decided to move back to her hometown when she found out she was pregnant refusing to raise a child in a loveless and troubled marriage. Ella has lived her life revolving it around Chloe making sure Chloe is save, loved and has everything she needs. Cole returns to their hometown after retiring from baseball and helps Ella's brother on the family ranch. The sparks between Ella and Cole are unmatched!
I loved this book so much! Cole and Ella's relationship was so perfect! I love that Cole loved Chloe so much and she isn't even his daughter it melted my heart. 🥹 This book was a slow burn but it was so worth it! I admired how much of a strong and independent woman Ella was! Thank you so much for giving us this surprise release! 🩷 It was everything I needed and more!
This was a great slow burn between Cole and Ella. The build up was great. Their connection kept growing and growing as they spent more time together. They really got together to know each other before jumping into anything. I liked that they never rushed into anything, and they just enjoyed spending time with one another. They wound up having a pretty special relationship in the end.
Cole was an amazing hero. He was so respectful and understanding of Ella not ready for certain things in their relationship. He took his time with her while wooing her all at the same time. He became such a support for both Ella and Cole that it wasn’t hard to see why they fell in love with him.
There were so many cute scenes with Chloe throughout the book that was just an extra bonus to the story and romance.
Ella's whole world collapsed at once when she found out she was pregnant by her cheating ex-husband at her parents' funeral. And a run-in with Cole, her childhood crush and brother's best friend, does little to help her headspace. Three years later, she's managed to build a new life for herself and her daughter when Cole returns to town after retiring from baseball, and suddenly he's everywhere
Read if you like: -Single Mom -Brother's Best Friend -It's Always Been You -Small Town
I enjoyed Love Me Wild. I think my favorite thing about it was seeing Elle chase of dream of painting. Not that I have any artistic talent, but it was a very relatable side of her and so satisfying to watch Cole support her. And my second favorite was definitely Ella's daughter charming Cole and his brothers on the ranch. His two brothers are going to fall like dominoes now that he and Ella are together.
If Cali is writing it, I am reading it! Being apart of her team is incredible for so many reasons, but this surprise book drop - MIND BLOWN.
It has so many of my favorite tropes in it. It’s vulnerable and feels so authentic to the way some single moms handle their lives. I LOVED that he knew what he wanted & it never wavered - while also giving her the space AND support she needed to know she could do whatever she wanted. He was always just there and such a steady supportive presence.
Ugh it was just beautiful. And the familial support, without any drama or over-the-top reactions *chefs kiss*
I was so excited to read this surprise release cowboy romance, I woke up early and finished before work started! A quick, sweet read with lots of heart. Ella is doing her best to heal from a rough few years and raise her daughter. Her brother’s best friend, Cole, comes back to town after an injury ended his baseball career, he’s just what she needed…even though she doesn’t realize it. There’s just something about a kind, honest man who wants nothing else but to protect and love the woman of his dreams, and is patient and supportive as he waits for her to realize their love. Emotional, tender, and swoony, this cowboy romance is one to pick up. Thanks to the author for the eARC
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 4.5⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Oh Cali.
You always write the most down bad men who will do nothing but protect and be patient with the fmc.
Cole was no exception, and i had heart eyes the entire time.
I loved Chloe. She was the cutest little thing. Curious and loved her pink truck.
And Ella. She escaped a truly distressing relationship and came of the other side so much stronger, but not without a bit of baggage to show up when she least expects it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5/5⭐️ Cole is an incredibly patient man. I loved how he remains by Ella’s side while she adjusts to the idea of them being together. It was also extremely sweet to see how Cole interacted with cute Chloe.
I enjoyed seeing how Ella progressively moved away from being fearful to having the courage to follow her dreams, with Cole supporting her all the way. There is no need for us to do it all on our own, and I loved that simple reminder!
Cali has officially entered her Cowboy Era, and I am here for it!! 👏
I absolutely devoured Cole, Ella and Chloe!! The pull between Cole and Ella was so strong from the very beginning. I adored the way he continuously showed up for Ella and Chloe.
Ella was such a fierce Mama! Her strength and resilience, I honestly just wanted to give her a big hug! Cole had me swooning left and right. I’m dying for more!
If you're looking for a sweet read with a hint of spice, this is it!
Ella's still trying to heal from her past when Cole comes back into her life and even though she tries fighting it, they are clearly meant to be.
This is about Ella becoming a better version of herself that she was always meant to be and Cole being along for the ride. Not to mention the bonus of Chloe, an adorable little girl who makes the story sweeter. ❤️
Love Me Wild surprised me in the best way. Cali Melle delivers a romance that’s equal parts tender, chaotic, and deeply heartfelt. What stands out most is the chemistry — it’s electric without ever feeling forced, and the emotional tension keeps the pages turning fast.
💖 What I Loved
• The characters feel real — flawed, stubborn, and trying their best. Their growth is gradual and believable. • The banter is sharp, and the intimate moments are written with care rather than cliché. • The pacing stays strong, especially in the middle!
I have loved Cali’s work for some time. She has a way of writing characters that I just connect with and love.
This is her first Cowboy and she didn’t disappoint. It was small town and all the wonderful things of her normal books while adding in that cowboy charm.
This found family and building a family was really fun and cute. I loved that even though some harder topics are touched on and talked about it’s done in a way that brings light to it. Helps the topic feel less heavy and you less alone.
Who would’ve thought that Cali Melle would write a swoony cowboy romance? SHE DELIVERED!!!
I ate this book up and recommend everyone to download it ASAP!!!! You get a single mom who is starting over. A retired baseball player, always was a cowboy returned home to find his childhood friend is back.
The TENSIONNNNNN is thick with these two and when the spice HITS it Is TOP TIER!!!! We get hit with the “good boy” *in a puddle*
Thank you Cali Melle for giving me the opportunity to read Love Me Wild in Advance!
I was so excited for this surprise Cali Melle release! So excited for this new Cowboy Era for her.
Love Me Wild was a quick and fun read. Ella Daniels and Cole Wild were childhood crushes who finally had the opportunity to be so much more. I truly enjoyed their reconnection. Cole was perfect for Ella and building her confidence back up.