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Colors Of The Wild
Hiking was supposed to make her bolder, not a witness to a crime.
Fashionista Willow Sinclair is the black sheep in a family of beige-clad, athletically inclined overachievers. Before changing her career path for the fourth time, she’ll need to ditch her serial quitter reputation by proving she’s more than just a flaky influencer.
Swapping her designer tote for a hiking backpack, Willow embarks on the Sinclair family rite of passage—a grueling trek through the Grand Canyon. But her plans take a sharp turn after she unwittingly disrupts a smuggling operation and crashes into Jack, the rugged park ranger who finds her looking more like a damsel in distress than a viable suspect.
Willow is determined to complete the hike, though it seems impossible without accepting Jack’s help at every turn. As they piece together a crime and navigate through perilous trails, Willow begins chipping away at Jack’s rough exterior, and suddenly, there’s a whole lot more than her reputation on the line…
Fashionista Willow Sinclair is the black sheep in a family of beige-clad, athletically inclined overachievers. Before changing her career path for the fourth time, she’ll need to ditch her serial quitter reputation by proving she’s more than just a flaky influencer.
Swapping her designer tote for a hiking backpack, Willow embarks on the Sinclair family rite of passage—a grueling trek through the Grand Canyon. But her plans take a sharp turn after she unwittingly disrupts a smuggling operation and crashes into Jack, the rugged park ranger who finds her looking more like a damsel in distress than a viable suspect.
Willow is determined to complete the hike, though it seems impossible without accepting Jack’s help at every turn. As they piece together a crime and navigate through perilous trails, Willow begins chipping away at Jack’s rough exterior, and suddenly, there’s a whole lot more than her reputation on the line…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 30, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book. The mystery, the swoony romance = perfection.
August 5, 2026
Overview:
Language 🤐: moderate (Hell, Different variations of Ass, damnit, Lord’s name like once or twice, all used more than once)
Romance ❤️🔥: LV 2 kissing only (lightly descriptive, there are some innuendos)
Violence ⚔️: On page gun usage
⚠️there is an authors note that covers the triggers, Sexual harassment, parental favoritism, threats of physical harm ⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Single POV
- Grumpy Sunshine
- Bodyguard
- She wears his clothes
- He takes care of her
- Accident prone FMC
- Protective MMC
- Forced Proximity
My Thoughts:
Oh Willow and Jake! This story was so fun! It had me cracking up. Willows family is a bit crazy as all families are, but man some of the things did crack me up especially the Bonsai if you know you know.
Willow is determined to hike from one end of the Grand Canyon to the other to prove to her athletic family that she’s no quitter and to possibly prove it to herself. This is a journey where she learns how to be brave enough to truly pursue what her passion is.
From the beginning of her journey there is one misadventure after another makes it seem like this was a bad decision from the beginning. When there is more that she is accidentally swept into than what she bargained for she meets Jake. He’s a grumpy broody park ranger whose buttons she can help but push!
Jake is the definition of a swoony protective MMC who has a past that Willow really wants to get to the bottom of.
This book had me laughing and also on the edge of my seat throughout. It also had me wanting to shake Willow at moments for her sometimes stupid wandering choices 😅
I really enjoyed this book it was very entertaining and kept me turning the pages till the end! This was a first by this author for me I’ll definitely be checking her other books.
Language 🤐: moderate (Hell, Different variations of Ass, damnit, Lord’s name like once or twice, all used more than once)
Romance ❤️🔥: LV 2 kissing only (lightly descriptive, there are some innuendos)
Violence ⚔️: On page gun usage
⚠️there is an authors note that covers the triggers, Sexual harassment, parental favoritism, threats of physical harm ⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Single POV
- Grumpy Sunshine
- Bodyguard
- She wears his clothes
- He takes care of her
- Accident prone FMC
- Protective MMC
- Forced Proximity
My Thoughts:
Oh Willow and Jake! This story was so fun! It had me cracking up. Willows family is a bit crazy as all families are, but man some of the things did crack me up especially the Bonsai if you know you know.
Willow is determined to hike from one end of the Grand Canyon to the other to prove to her athletic family that she’s no quitter and to possibly prove it to herself. This is a journey where she learns how to be brave enough to truly pursue what her passion is.
From the beginning of her journey there is one misadventure after another makes it seem like this was a bad decision from the beginning. When there is more that she is accidentally swept into than what she bargained for she meets Jake. He’s a grumpy broody park ranger whose buttons she can help but push!
Jake is the definition of a swoony protective MMC who has a past that Willow really wants to get to the bottom of.
This book had me laughing and also on the edge of my seat throughout. It also had me wanting to shake Willow at moments for her sometimes stupid wandering choices 😅
I really enjoyed this book it was very entertaining and kept me turning the pages till the end! This was a first by this author for me I’ll definitely be checking her other books.
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2026Thank you so much for the e-ARC!
I unfortunately didn’t finish reading the book.
I tried for days but sadly didn’t feel much interest for the characters, specifically the FMC who was the one narrating, and maybe the progress was what bored me.
Maybe it wasn’t the right fit at this time, and maybe it will work for me when I pick it up another time.
Until then, I wish other readers try this book and hopefully it will reach its audience :)
I unfortunately didn’t finish reading the book.
I tried for days but sadly didn’t feel much interest for the characters, specifically the FMC who was the one narrating, and maybe the progress was what bored me.
Maybe it wasn’t the right fit at this time, and maybe it will work for me when I pick it up another time.
Until then, I wish other readers try this book and hopefully it will reach its audience :)
August 8, 2026
It's soo good. And the names? I'm crying bro the names I've seen in the end are so damn funny
July 1, 2026
This was my first book by Cindy Ras and I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading it! The backdrop of the Grand Canyon was so fun, and I felt like I was right there amongst the wild. Willow’s personality had me chuckling out loud several times, and I loved watching her gain confidence in herself to do the hard thing. I love me a good grump, and Jack definitely provided those vibes. Willow and Jack’s chemistry was immediate, and I was here for their slow burn! The cozy mystery had me not wanting to put this one down. I loved reading this one so much that I pretty much immediately picked up one of Cindy’s other books. A great read for this summer that I highly recommend.
May 24, 2026
Colors Of The Wild is a sweet and swoony romance with lots of laughs, plenty of adventure, and a bit of danger mixed in. This story pulled me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down!
Willow is quirky and fun. I was a fan of hers from page one. Her inner dialogue cracked me up! I found her so relatable and endearing. She’s someone I could easily see myself being friends with. I loved watching her confidence grow. She brought so much warmth, flair, and personality to the story.
Jack is such a green flag grump. Like Willow, I found myself itching to know more about the stoic, protective hero who guards his smiles and his heart almost as closely as he guards Willow. There were times I was dying to know what was going on inside his head, but watching him slowly peel back his layers alongside Willow made every new detail about him feel like a win. Every time he opened up or revealed something about himself, I found myself internally cheering right along with her. He is thoughtful, tender, and effortlessly charming. I absolutely adored the way he encouraged and showed up for Willow. He won me over completely.
These two together were romcom perfection! I loved Jack’s dry sense of humor mixed with Willow’s quick comebacks. I laughed, swooned, and grinned like a crazy woman. The adventure/mystery aspect of the story made me even more invested and kept me guessing until the end.
If you love protective heroes, witty FMCs who love to poke the bear, and romance with a side of mystery and adventure, add this one to your TBR!
Includes:
🌵Park Ranger
🌵Social Media Influencer
🌵Grumpy x Sunshine
🌵Protective MMC
🌵Quirky FMC
🌵She Falls First
🌵He Takes Care Of Her
🌵They Give Each Other Nicknames
🌵Hiking Adventures
🌵Forced Proximity
🌵One Sleeping Bag + One Bed
🌵Grand Canyon Setting
🌵Adventure Romance
🌵Cozy Crime Mystery
🌵No 3rd Act Breakup
🌵Closed Door
🌵Single POV
🩷Favorites:🩷
Willow poking the bear
Big Bertha and Marigold
Protective Jack
He takes care of her
Willow’s inner dialogue and quirky sense of humor
Sexy spoon-feeding
Jack’s weakness for sugary coffee
Willow’s deep, dark secret
Jack’s tenderness
Snuggle buritto
Gentle touches and forehead kisses
Universal rules + stabby feelings
Jack giving Willow his tshirt
Top Gun vibes
Dinner + the talk + gray sweater
Kryptonite lists
Morning motivation
Jack supporting Willow
The epilogue
Thank you Cindy for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Willow is quirky and fun. I was a fan of hers from page one. Her inner dialogue cracked me up! I found her so relatable and endearing. She’s someone I could easily see myself being friends with. I loved watching her confidence grow. She brought so much warmth, flair, and personality to the story.
Jack is such a green flag grump. Like Willow, I found myself itching to know more about the stoic, protective hero who guards his smiles and his heart almost as closely as he guards Willow. There were times I was dying to know what was going on inside his head, but watching him slowly peel back his layers alongside Willow made every new detail about him feel like a win. Every time he opened up or revealed something about himself, I found myself internally cheering right along with her. He is thoughtful, tender, and effortlessly charming. I absolutely adored the way he encouraged and showed up for Willow. He won me over completely.
These two together were romcom perfection! I loved Jack’s dry sense of humor mixed with Willow’s quick comebacks. I laughed, swooned, and grinned like a crazy woman. The adventure/mystery aspect of the story made me even more invested and kept me guessing until the end.
If you love protective heroes, witty FMCs who love to poke the bear, and romance with a side of mystery and adventure, add this one to your TBR!
Includes:
🌵Park Ranger
🌵Social Media Influencer
🌵Grumpy x Sunshine
🌵Protective MMC
🌵Quirky FMC
🌵She Falls First
🌵He Takes Care Of Her
🌵They Give Each Other Nicknames
🌵Hiking Adventures
🌵Forced Proximity
🌵One Sleeping Bag + One Bed
🌵Grand Canyon Setting
🌵Adventure Romance
🌵Cozy Crime Mystery
🌵No 3rd Act Breakup
🌵Closed Door
🌵Single POV
🩷Favorites:🩷
Willow poking the bear
Big Bertha and Marigold
Protective Jack
He takes care of her
Willow’s inner dialogue and quirky sense of humor
Sexy spoon-feeding
Jack’s weakness for sugary coffee
Willow’s deep, dark secret
Jack’s tenderness
Snuggle buritto
Gentle touches and forehead kisses
Universal rules + stabby feelings
Jack giving Willow his tshirt
Top Gun vibes
Dinner + the talk + gray sweater
Kryptonite lists
Morning motivation
Jack supporting Willow
The epilogue
Thank you Cindy for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2026
3.5 stars
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳…
The FMC Willow is passionate about fashion and adores colors, which doesn’t exactly mix with her athletics-obsessed family.
Seeing how left out and looked down on Willow felt made me sympathize with her almost instantly.
I absolutely love a protective hero! And Jack did not disappoint. He looked out for Willow both inside and outside the canyon, even shielding her from bullets (and patching her up afterwards, too).
I’m glad the story kept things realistic and showed that all Willow’s problems weren’t magically solved because of the hike. She still worried about informing her parents and still sometimes struggled with self-doubt.
Although, I was a bit surprised that Willow’s dad accepted her decision just like that, without even a little pushback.
While I usually prefer dual POV, the single POV had me right there with Willow, wondering at Jack’s thoughts and emotions. (Loved Willow’s attempts at guessing his last name. The truth was certainly a surprise.)
The mystery had me intrigued. There were a couple plot twists that I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to Cindy Ras for the gifted ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
Favorite Moments
🌵 the tunnel
⛺️ sweet coffee
🌵 feminine wiles
⛺️ Cottonwood Campground
🌵 Giving their relationship a chance
Content Notes:
mention of tattoos, some mild innuendo, use of “sexy,” some mild language, mention of underwear and bras, mention of The Shining, mention of Satan, mention of butts, noticing and awareness, touching, mention of cursing (none specified), murder and death mentioned, blood, some mild violence, references to Twilight, mention of a witch, the FMC thinks about kicking/kneeing a man in the groin, a man touches the FMC’s chin against her will (doesn’t go farther than that), guns and shooting, mention of backsides and “buns,” mention of a dead body, mention of the devil and demons, mention of “a god,” mention of ovaries, mention of “boobs,” a man is shirtless, mention of a woman’s low-cut shirt
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳…
The FMC Willow is passionate about fashion and adores colors, which doesn’t exactly mix with her athletics-obsessed family.
Seeing how left out and looked down on Willow felt made me sympathize with her almost instantly.
I absolutely love a protective hero! And Jack did not disappoint. He looked out for Willow both inside and outside the canyon, even shielding her from bullets (and patching her up afterwards, too).
I’m glad the story kept things realistic and showed that all Willow’s problems weren’t magically solved because of the hike. She still worried about informing her parents and still sometimes struggled with self-doubt.
Although, I was a bit surprised that Willow’s dad accepted her decision just like that, without even a little pushback.
While I usually prefer dual POV, the single POV had me right there with Willow, wondering at Jack’s thoughts and emotions. (Loved Willow’s attempts at guessing his last name. The truth was certainly a surprise.)
The mystery had me intrigued. There were a couple plot twists that I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to Cindy Ras for the gifted ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
Favorite Moments
🌵 the tunnel
⛺️ sweet coffee
🌵 feminine wiles
⛺️ Cottonwood Campground
🌵 Giving their relationship a chance
Content Notes:
mention of tattoos, some mild innuendo, use of “sexy,” some mild language, mention of underwear and bras, mention of The Shining, mention of Satan, mention of butts, noticing and awareness, touching, mention of cursing (none specified), murder and death mentioned, blood, some mild violence, references to Twilight, mention of a witch, the FMC thinks about kicking/kneeing a man in the groin, a man touches the FMC’s chin against her will (doesn’t go farther than that), guns and shooting, mention of backsides and “buns,” mention of a dead body, mention of the devil and demons, mention of “a god,” mention of ovaries, mention of “boobs,” a man is shirtless, mention of a woman’s low-cut shirt
Review of advance copy received from Author
Closed Door ARC Book Review 💜 Colors of the Wild by Cindy Ras ✨ Coming 6/26! ✨
This book is *THE* summer read that’ll pull you out of that reading slump and make you LOL so much!!
Willow loves fashion, especially color analysis… which oddly enough may be one of the things that saves her while hiking rim to rim through the Grand Canyon. She’s witty, quirky, and hilarious.
The other thing that saves her? The very solid chest she runs into before the hike even begins. Enter Jack: broody, grumpy park ranger with an icy heart and a no touch policy. Obviously, Willow sees this as a challenge. 😉 Definite sunshine vs grumpy vibes.
Willow is on this hike to prove to her super athletic family she can do hard things without quitting, but when strange things start happening… creepy hikers, the feeling she’s being watched, and a mysterious secret hidden in her borrowed backpack “Marigold”… things get a little more complicated.
Good thing Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off… because protecting Willow may end up risking more than just her life. It may risk all the walls he built around his heart. 🥹
This story is full of growth, bravery, chasing your passions, hilarious moments, and SO much swoon. You can expect:
✔️ Grumpy vs Sunshine
✔️ Protective “I’ll keep you safe” vibes
✔️ She falls first, and he’s secretly obsessed
✔️ Grand Canyon adventure
✔️ Cozy mystery + suspense
✔️ Forced proximity, one sleeping bag
✔️ Many Willow-isms that will crack you up
✔️ A plant and backpack with large personalities
Also, Cindy Ras has the most beautiful IG account. Seriously, go look. ✨
(Thank you for the ARC!)
This book is *THE* summer read that’ll pull you out of that reading slump and make you LOL so much!!
Willow loves fashion, especially color analysis… which oddly enough may be one of the things that saves her while hiking rim to rim through the Grand Canyon. She’s witty, quirky, and hilarious.
The other thing that saves her? The very solid chest she runs into before the hike even begins. Enter Jack: broody, grumpy park ranger with an icy heart and a no touch policy. Obviously, Willow sees this as a challenge. 😉 Definite sunshine vs grumpy vibes.
Willow is on this hike to prove to her super athletic family she can do hard things without quitting, but when strange things start happening… creepy hikers, the feeling she’s being watched, and a mysterious secret hidden in her borrowed backpack “Marigold”… things get a little more complicated.
Good thing Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off… because protecting Willow may end up risking more than just her life. It may risk all the walls he built around his heart. 🥹
This story is full of growth, bravery, chasing your passions, hilarious moments, and SO much swoon. You can expect:
✔️ Grumpy vs Sunshine
✔️ Protective “I’ll keep you safe” vibes
✔️ She falls first, and he’s secretly obsessed
✔️ Grand Canyon adventure
✔️ Cozy mystery + suspense
✔️ Forced proximity, one sleeping bag
✔️ Many Willow-isms that will crack you up
✔️ A plant and backpack with large personalities
Also, Cindy Ras has the most beautiful IG account. Seriously, go look. ✨
(Thank you for the ARC!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A swoon worthy romance with the perfect blend of adventure and danger? Yes, please! Right from the start, I couldn't help but be drawn into Willow and Jack's story. When Willow set out on a hike through the Grand Canyon to prove to her family she could finish something and make them proud, she certainly didn't expect to find herself accidentally mixed up in a smuggling ring... or to fall for the handsome park ranger helping her survive. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and the mystery and danger kept me turning the pages to see how it all would play out. Willow was sweet and relatable, with witty comebacks that kept me smiling and Jack truly was the perfect protective MMC for her. I couldn't get enough of them together. If you love an outdoors adventure that truly does feel like just the right combination of romcom and mystery, this is absolutely one not to be missed.
Colors of the Wild is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Colors of the Wild is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colors of the Wild by Cindy Ras was SO good! I laughed all the way through.
Jack is your typical broody, protective MMC. But his weakness somehow becomes the inexperienced hiker deterred to finish the hike and prove to herself and her family she can finish something they find appropriate.
Willow is a fun, quirky character with a ton of personality. I loved how much color (pun intended) she brought to the story. The descriptions of the Grand Canyon at sunset had me yearning to see it in person. I would love for her to give me a color analysis any day! I mean, the girl even names her backpack(s)!
The banter and yearning between these two was spot on! The way Willow worked to thaw Jack and get a smile from him was adorable. I enjoyed that this was a closed door, sweet romance without a 3rd act breakup! The story felt wholesome and kept me smiling all the way through.
The added crime solving and shenanigans throughout kept the story going.
Thank you Cindy Ras for the #gifted eARC and the chance to read and provide my honest opinions.
Jack is your typical broody, protective MMC. But his weakness somehow becomes the inexperienced hiker deterred to finish the hike and prove to herself and her family she can finish something they find appropriate.
Willow is a fun, quirky character with a ton of personality. I loved how much color (pun intended) she brought to the story. The descriptions of the Grand Canyon at sunset had me yearning to see it in person. I would love for her to give me a color analysis any day! I mean, the girl even names her backpack(s)!
The banter and yearning between these two was spot on! The way Willow worked to thaw Jack and get a smile from him was adorable. I enjoyed that this was a closed door, sweet romance without a 3rd act breakup! The story felt wholesome and kept me smiling all the way through.
The added crime solving and shenanigans throughout kept the story going.
Thank you Cindy Ras for the #gifted eARC and the chance to read and provide my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colors Of The Wild is a sweet romance mystery, by author Cindy Ras, who I knew from her artistic endeavours but hadn't read before. Having been to the Grand Canyon, I was intrigued to read a book set here. Whether or not you are an outdoors-y person, you'll be pulled into this adventure with lots of laughs and a bit of danger mixed in.
With limited athletic ability, Willow is determined to prove to herself and her family she is not a quitter by trekking across the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim. Her eye for style might just be the thing to help her survive. With a mystery unfolding Willow is forced to admit she needs help from Jack, the rugged park ranger with a frosty demeanour and a stubbornness she just can’t resist poking at every chance she gets.
With the most stunning cover and the perfect blend of romcom charm with a touch of mystery— Colours Of The Wild is a must add to your summer TBR list!
With limited athletic ability, Willow is determined to prove to herself and her family she is not a quitter by trekking across the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim. Her eye for style might just be the thing to help her survive. With a mystery unfolding Willow is forced to admit she needs help from Jack, the rugged park ranger with a frosty demeanour and a stubbornness she just can’t resist poking at every chance she gets.
With the most stunning cover and the perfect blend of romcom charm with a touch of mystery— Colours Of The Wild is a must add to your summer TBR list!
July 14, 2026
Me encanto el libro, tiene todo lo que me gusta y lo que considero la receta al éxito, grumphyXsunshine y algo de misterio.
Partimos de la base de que me encanto el personaje de Willow su personalidad y forma de afrontar las cosas, también me gusto mucho el personaje de Jack.
La idea principal de hacer el recorrido me pareció muy interesante, junto a su pasión por el estilismo y colorimetría, de la cual me identifico mucho, así que fue muy ameno leerlo. Y cuando comenzó toda la trama de misterio y un poco de thriller, me engancho muchísimo mas.
Aparte de las grandes ganas de que quería leer como se iba desarrollando la historia de Willow y Jack.
Siento que mucho de la trama iba un poco por la presión de los padres, así que me hubiera gustado leer un poco mas sobre el desenlace de eso, cuando ella les cuenta que no quería seguir estudiando, y también que el padre respondió muy bien a la situación pero al principio sentí que se lo planteo como alguien bastante firme.
Partimos de la base de que me encanto el personaje de Willow su personalidad y forma de afrontar las cosas, también me gusto mucho el personaje de Jack.
La idea principal de hacer el recorrido me pareció muy interesante, junto a su pasión por el estilismo y colorimetría, de la cual me identifico mucho, así que fue muy ameno leerlo. Y cuando comenzó toda la trama de misterio y un poco de thriller, me engancho muchísimo mas.
Aparte de las grandes ganas de que quería leer como se iba desarrollando la historia de Willow y Jack.
Siento que mucho de la trama iba un poco por la presión de los padres, así que me hubiera gustado leer un poco mas sobre el desenlace de eso, cuando ella les cuenta que no quería seguir estudiando, y también que el padre respondió muy bien a la situación pero al principio sentí que se lo planteo como alguien bastante firme.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5 Stars!
First of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Arc team for this book! All thoughts in this review are my own
This was a cute read! It’s very different from the books I usually pickup, but overall I enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a good summery mix of romance & mystery, this is for you!
✨ She Falls First
✨ One Sleeping Bag
✨ He Protects Her
✨ They Solve a Mystery
✨ No Spice
Jack & Willow both had a lot to overcome throughout the book, and I appreciated that they worked through most of it together! The ending wrapped it all up so nicely!
🌶️ No Spice, Just Kissing
🤬 Mild Language
‼️ Murder, Gunshot Wound, Character held at Gunpoint, Harassment
Overall I’d give it 4/5 stars! I had some trouble getting into it at first, but am happy I stuck it out to the end! This book was quite the adventure! 🎨
First of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Arc team for this book! All thoughts in this review are my own
This was a cute read! It’s very different from the books I usually pickup, but overall I enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a good summery mix of romance & mystery, this is for you!
✨ She Falls First
✨ One Sleeping Bag
✨ He Protects Her
✨ They Solve a Mystery
✨ No Spice
Jack & Willow both had a lot to overcome throughout the book, and I appreciated that they worked through most of it together! The ending wrapped it all up so nicely!
🌶️ No Spice, Just Kissing
🤬 Mild Language
‼️ Murder, Gunshot Wound, Character held at Gunpoint, Harassment
Overall I’d give it 4/5 stars! I had some trouble getting into it at first, but am happy I stuck it out to the end! This book was quite the adventure! 🎨
June 29, 2026
🫑: kisses only
🤬: mild language
-Single POV
I loved this book!! I am so glad I took the chance and went in blind. It was everything I needed at the moment. A fun romcom with adventure, a mystery side plot, self-discovery, and both MCs experienced healing from past hurts. All that to say, it is the perfect package!
Jack and Willow are the typical grumpy X sunshine pair that you just can’t help but love. Willow is cute and spunky, but feels like the black sheep of her family. When she meets Jack, the lonely park ranger, on her quest to prove she CAN hike the Grand Canyon, things get a bit dicey… but in the best ways.
There is fun banter, LOTS of poking the proverbial bear (Jack of course) in hopes of seeing the grumpy ranger smile, and near the end, lots of flirting. SQUEE. 🫠😍
Do yourself a favor and read this book! You won’t regret it. 💖
🤬: mild language
-Single POV
I loved this book!! I am so glad I took the chance and went in blind. It was everything I needed at the moment. A fun romcom with adventure, a mystery side plot, self-discovery, and both MCs experienced healing from past hurts. All that to say, it is the perfect package!
Jack and Willow are the typical grumpy X sunshine pair that you just can’t help but love. Willow is cute and spunky, but feels like the black sheep of her family. When she meets Jack, the lonely park ranger, on her quest to prove she CAN hike the Grand Canyon, things get a bit dicey… but in the best ways.
There is fun banter, LOTS of poking the proverbial bear (Jack of course) in hopes of seeing the grumpy ranger smile, and near the end, lots of flirting. SQUEE. 🫠😍
Do yourself a favor and read this book! You won’t regret it. 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s no secret that I LOVE Cindy Ras and her books! I had the honor of beta reading an earlier draft of this one and had a blast then AND had a blast reading an ARC copy. This story is absolutely delightful! I love my romcoms with a side of murdery vibes and mystery and this delivered on all fronts! Willow our fmc is so hilarious and her personality just shines in this story. She’s sunshine personified and made me laugh out loud the entire book with her witty comebacks and one liners! And then Jack, sweet sweet grumpy Jack. He was the best grumpy mmc, few words, many grunts, but a whole lotta protective energy when the “murdery vibes” get going!
If you love to laugh and also try to solve a mystery while two very lovable characters fall in love, then this book is for you!
If you love to laugh and also try to solve a mystery while two very lovable characters fall in love, then this book is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much! It was such a fun and enjoyable read from start to finish. The mystery kept me hooked, and I was constantly telling myself "just one more chapter" because I couldn't stop reading.
I also loved how much this book made me laugh. Books that can make me genuinely smile always become favorites. While I usually prefer "he falls first" romances, this "she falls first" story completely won me over.
A cozy, engaging romance with mystery, humor, and lovable characters. I highly recommend it!
I also loved how much this book made me laugh. Books that can make me genuinely smile always become favorites. While I usually prefer "he falls first" romances, this "she falls first" story completely won me over.
A cozy, engaging romance with mystery, humor, and lovable characters. I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book is hilarious! I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud—and then tried not to laugh out loud! 🤣
Willow is your classic sunshine character, using humor to distract from herself. Jack is the protective grump with a complicated past.
The mystery aspect only added to the absolute delight that this book is! I will definitely be rereading this one.
Single POV but so worth it!
Epilogue from MMC POV
💋kisses only
🤬 a few minor
Willow is your classic sunshine character, using humor to distract from herself. Jack is the protective grump with a complicated past.
The mystery aspect only added to the absolute delight that this book is! I will definitely be rereading this one.
Single POV but so worth it!
Epilogue from MMC POV
💋kisses only
🤬 a few minor
July 12, 2026
Mr Darcy… the Forest Ranger?!
This story is a new Fav for me! I have never read Cindy Ras before but I will definitely be reading more! What a blast! I giggled my way through this - loving every interaction. Jack is such a broody Darcy type - not mean, just reserved and secretly delighted by Willow. She is such a ray of sunshine with a stubborn streak. I seriously loved it!
Some ‘biblical’ cursing - 25 or so
Just kisses - no spice
This story is a new Fav for me! I have never read Cindy Ras before but I will definitely be reading more! What a blast! I giggled my way through this - loving every interaction. Jack is such a broody Darcy type - not mean, just reserved and secretly delighted by Willow. She is such a ray of sunshine with a stubborn streak. I seriously loved it!
Some ‘biblical’ cursing - 25 or so
Just kisses - no spice
August 16, 2026
Laugh out loud mystery with just the right amount of romance, "Colors of the Wind" is an excellent summer read!
I was cackling through the whole thing, especially the vague references Willow makes that most people seem to miss (our girl is cultured🤣). And the mystery was very well done, just enough clues to make you think you figured it out, then a twist that has you going "WHAT?!?"!
And Jack and Willow's banter is just *chef's kiss*.
Really enjoyed it!!
I was cackling through the whole thing, especially the vague references Willow makes that most people seem to miss (our girl is cultured🤣). And the mystery was very well done, just enough clues to make you think you figured it out, then a twist that has you going "WHAT?!?"!
And Jack and Willow's banter is just *chef's kiss*.
Really enjoyed it!!
July 20, 2026
This is my first book from this author.
A lot of pop culture references.
It doesn't have any spice and that doesn't bother me at all. Instead of swearing, we're saying things like frik and that's a little too PG for me. The story was kind of dull and the FMC was falling in love after 5 days. It seems like this book is for a younger crowd.
A lot of pop culture references.
It doesn't have any spice and that doesn't bother me at all. Instead of swearing, we're saying things like frik and that's a little too PG for me. The story was kind of dull and the FMC was falling in love after 5 days. It seems like this book is for a younger crowd.
August 2, 2026
3/5⭐️
Cute, but weird. Not sure if it's the writing or the need of more editing.
FMC felt very judgy, is this how stylist and other are like? They judge every single person they see? Because this girl was judging every single person she saw, all of them were incapable of chosing "the right color" in her opinion.
Cute, but weird. Not sure if it's the writing or the need of more editing.
FMC felt very judgy, is this how stylist and other are like? They judge every single person they see? Because this girl was judging every single person she saw, all of them were incapable of chosing "the right color" in her opinion.
August 6, 2026
I loved it, the Wit she had and her weird and funny comments. And his protectiveness of her and also him trying not to let her in but can stop it.
The only thing I would have liked is his pov I’m a sucker for dual povs. And also a bit more when she told her family about everything it felt a bit to rushed. I would have liked to see the whole conversation when she told them.
The only thing I would have liked is his pov I’m a sucker for dual povs. And also a bit more when she told her family about everything it felt a bit to rushed. I would have liked to see the whole conversation when she told them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great romance, suspense book by Cindy Ras. Willow and Jack's romance is really sweet. The suspense added had me hooked from the start, and the characters were relatable and really amazing. This was a great book by Cindy Ras. 😊
May 25, 2026
So…..I just devoured this story in a few short hours😭 I love Willow & Jack so much🥹💘🌄 10000000/10✨✨✨✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
AHHH THIS WAS SO GOOD! rtc once I have time (so sorry but I’m busy)
July 4, 2026
Perfect, beautiful, precious, adorable.
This is such a cute book. Sooo good. So sweet. I don't often enjoy single pov. But this one worked so well.
This is such a cute book. Sooo good. So sweet. I don't often enjoy single pov. But this one worked so well.
July 4, 2026
Cindy ras books>>>>>>>>
July 8, 2026
3.25 ⭐
July 9, 2026
Wow. The journey I went on with this book. Willow is hilarious and relentless. The trouble the follows her is hysterical. Then Jack. His patience. This duo was so contagious. Fun adventurous read.
July 22, 2026
delightfully unique
Loved the unique plot and the mystery and danger. I enjoyed the chemistry and character growth. Definitely worth the read!
Loved the unique plot and the mystery and danger. I enjoyed the chemistry and character growth. Definitely worth the read!
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