Through the Storm

Owens Wildlife Wardens - Ironvale Ridge #1

by Natalie Parker

TROPES:
-Small Town
-Marriage of Convenience
-Game Warden MMC
-Slow Burn
-Neurodivergent Rep
I never thought I’d get married…let alone to a man I’ve had to pull a gun on.

Twice.

But I also couldn’t have anticipated some sleazy land developer would

threaten to take my home.

If I don’t get married to fulfill some stupid clause in my grandparents’ will…

I’ll lose everything.

Until game warden Wolf Owens steps in and claims to be my fiancé.

Beyond staring down the barrel of my weapon, we barely know each other.

The handsome, stoic man has no reason to help me beyond protecting the

land we both love so much...

Yet from the moment we share our first kiss as husband and wife, this fake

marriage starts to feel very real.

With each heated look…

Every lingering touch…

We grow closer.

Until the only thing I’m afraid of losing is him.

Grab this small town romance featuring a feisty veterinarian

heroine who doesn’t want to need anyone else and a reclusive

man who has never let himself want who find love in the

wilderness and hope in each other.

Genres: Romance, Slow Burn

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2026

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟, 3🌶️

This felt less like reading a romance and more like watching two lonely people finally find their way home.

What I expected to be a sweet marriage-of-convenience romance turned into an emotional, heartfelt story that had me flying through the pages and falling in love with the characters along the way.

Molly and Wolf were such a beautiful pair. I loved how their relationship grew through patience, trust, and genuine understanding rather than instant attraction. Wolf especially stole the show for me. His journey felt authentic, touching, and incredibly rewarding to watch unfold. As a woman in STEM, I also appreciated how thoughtfully the neurodivergent representation was written, with so much care and respect woven into his character.

Between the small-town atmosphere, found family, quiet romance, and touch of suspense, this story had the perfect balance of heart and emotion. It left me completely invested in these characters and eager for more.

This book reminded me that the quietest love stories are often the most powerful.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Natalie Parker and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Jaymie | Girlogic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear I just started this book, how on earth have I finished it already? I need more.

This is my first book by Natalie Parker and I can tell you right now, it won’t be my last.

I genuinely lost track of time with this book. I started it last night and struggled to put it down to go to sleep and once I woke up, I couldn’t wait to go back to it.

I really enjoyed Wolf and Molly.

Their relationship in the beginning is completely for convenience but then they slowly open up to each other and honestly, I was here for it. Their chemistry is soft and something I felt needed to be protected.

Who am I kidding, I just wanted to wrap them both up in giant hugs and protect them from the entire world. I just adored them, their quirks, their innocence and just everything about them.

This is definitely a slow burn but it’s a slow burn that doesn’t drag the book out. It develops at a speed and intensity that the reader doesn’t even realise that they are half way through the book.

Natalie has written a brilliant book. I like how she created complex characters and portrayed them with heart.

My review can’t do justice for how much I enjoyed this book and these characters. I don’t want to give too much away but I definitely recommend just going in blind.

Only reason I gave it four stars is because I feel like a few things weren’t wrapped up and left unresolved holes but they are very minor.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you so much to the author and the author agency for allowing me to arc read.

[The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek · Rating 4 out of 5]

⛈️ Through the Storm ⛈️
(( Spoiler- Free ARC Review))

Title- Through the Storm
Author- Natalie Parker
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Series- Ironvale Ridge Book 1

Trope City-
🐺 Marriage of Convenience
🐺 Neurodivergent Rep
🐺 Game Warden MMC
🐺 Slow Burn
🐺 Virgin MCs
🐺 Small Town

Wolf Owens (MMC) is a neurodivergent Game Warden along with his brothers. He meets Molly (FMC) while writing her a ticket for not having the proper fishing permits. The two meet again while aiming to rescue an injured cat. Circumstances lead them down the aisle and they’re forced to go from enemies to a happy married couple. Plot twist- both of the MCs are virgins. I found that story arc really sweet. The journey these two established adults have to embark on together to overcome trauma, conquer romance and physically connect is a journey I was most happy to be on!

Thank you for gifting me this one, The Author Agency! Happy Pub Day Natalie! 🐺⛈️

[Franjessca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm is the first installment in Natalie Parker’s Owens Wildlife Wardens – Ironvale Ridge Series. After reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book, and I’m glad I did. It has some of my favorite tropes with a memorable storyline, plus characters you can’t help but love, especially how they end up together.

Small Town Romances will always be something I enjoy reading, especially since I live in a small town myself. It’s that feeling of everyone knowing each other and looking out for one another, which is the case in this book. Even though both main characters didn’t meet until the MMC gave the FMC a citation for fishing, they later ended up in a marriage of convenience, which was definitely a twist in the story. I loved how Wolf stepped up to help Molly, and Molly was confused at first, wondering why he would help her. The reason he truly helps her is revealed, and when Molly realizes the marriage is not temporary and Wolf proves he’s there for her completely, it is heartwarming. Seriously, Wolf won me over from the beginning of the book, even if he gave his future wife a citation. He was just following the laws.

Wolf truly was such a sweet soul in this book, and I loved his character. Maybe it’s due to him reminding me of a family member I have, and that is why I felt protective of his character, because I understood him. I loved how Molly helped him after she realized what was going on with him. She was the only one who understood, unlike Wolf’s brothers, who had no clue, which was frustrating to read.

I loved Molly because of her love for animals and her strength to fight back against the developer who kept threatening to take her land, the land she inherited from her grandparents. I was rooting for her to fight back because if there is one thing I will never understand, it is how money-grabbing developers think it’s okay to develop such beautiful land and overcrowd it with real estate or other buildings. I also loved how Wolf was very protective of Molly the whole time in this book, even though Molly could definitely handle herself. She was not someone you wanted to mess with. She did have wildlife protecting her, which will be introduced in this book.

When it came to Molly and Wolf’s relationship, it’s definitely a slow burn. They have to get to know each other, and at times it was frustrating for one of the characters because one of them didn’t communicate like the other, but eventually the one who isn’t communicating realizes what they have to do. There are also the traumas that both have experienced in their lives, and they end up helping one another with those traumas. I loved reading their relationship grow, and how they both didn’t really have prior relationships, so they ended up learning together. These two were definitely meant to meet as they did, and I was here for their happily ever after.

When it came to the ending, it did feel a bit rushed, but it was still enjoyable. Overall, such a great start to a series, and I give it 4-stars. I can’t wait to read the second book. This is definitely not my last Natalie Parker book, especially when this small town romance was much different from other small town romances I’ve read in the last 15+ years.

POV: First Person (Dual POV)

Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy romance stories where it’s set in a small town and the FMC and MMC marry for convenience, and it has a slow burn romance, this is one book you need to add to your TBR.

What to Expect:
♥️Small Town Romance
♥️Marriage of Convenience
♥️Game Warden MMC
♥️Slow Burn
♥️Neurodivergent Rep

I received a complimentary copy of the book from The Author Agency. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm is built on tried and true tropes, but sometimes there's comfort in knowing exactly what you're getting. This story delivers what it promises: a small town (Ironvale Ridge), marriage of convenience romance with heart, heat, humor, and beautifully messy and, in Wolf’s case, unique characters.

The provisions in Molly's grandmother's will are a little outlandish, and the whole "the bank will seize everything if you're not married" part doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But it's a cute little plot device to set up the marriage of convenience, and that’s always a winner in my book. Wolf and Molly THINK they know what they're jumping into with this arrangement, but in reality neither of them has a clue, and that's what makes things interesting.

Being a game warden is more than a job for Wolf Owens. It's his heart. He's always been kind of a well... lone wolf. Watching him realize that he wants to be needed was so good. Molly has a way of making him feel seen instead of exposed, and I absolutely loved his neurodivergent representation.

I'll be honest, I don't always think Molly is patient enough with Wolf, and she can be a little irrational at times. But these are pretty young characters, and it shows in their actions. Twenty-something me probably wouldn't have handled things much better. What I loved was watching their young love blossom and their relationship grow. And… both characters put in the work to overcome their fears. Wolf learns to communicate with words when necessary, and Molly learns to communicate without them when they're not. In the end, Molly becomes the perfect grounding balance to Wolf's neurodivergent perspective.

I also really liked that both Wolf and Molly were inexperienced. It felt like a nice change to read a romance where neither character came into the relationship with a long romantic history. It fit with their characters and made their relationship more special.

The suspense isn't over the top, but it adds another interesting layer to the story and might have you biting your nails for a minute. I liked that the suspense never overshadowed the relationship but instead complemented it, adding a little tension and excitement at the opportune time. I also had a few questions along the way, but the author tied everything up in a neat little bow for me by the end, which I appreciated.

The writing style wasn't always a perfect fit for me, even though the pacing kept me engaged well enough. There was a wobble or two in Wolf and Molly's relationship, but I appreciated that they worked through their issues without a lot of over the top angst. Most importantly, I loved that they earned their HEA and that there was no third act breakup waiting around the corner.

This is just a solid feel good romance that delivers exactly what it sets out to deliver, and sometimes that's exactly what I'm in the mood for. Side note: all of the Owens brothers caught my attention in one way or another, and I'm definitely interested in picking up the rest of their stories when the time comes. In the end, Wolf and Molly earned their HEA, and that's worth 4/5 stars from me.

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺❤️ Learning How to Be Loved ❤️🐺
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Through The Storm completely stole my heart.

This was my first book by Natalie Parker, and it absolutely will not be my last. From the very first chapter, I was completely invested in Molly and Wolf's story. The combination of small-town charm, marriage of convenience, emotional healing, suspense, and beautifully written neurodivergent representation made this one impossible to put down.

Molly was such a wonderful heroine. Beneath her strength and determination was a woman carrying so much grief and loneliness. After losing her grandparents, the only home she's ever known is suddenly at risk, forcing her into a situation she never imagined. What I loved most about Molly was her patience, compassion, and willingness to truly see people for who they are. She never tried to change Wolf. Instead, she took the time to understand him, accept him, and love him exactly as he was.

And then there's Wolf.

Goodness, Wolf completely owned my heart.

His character was layered, vulnerable, protective, and unlike any romance hero I've read before. The neurodivergent representation was beautifully handled and felt incredibly authentic. Watching Wolf learn to trust, communicate, and open his heart while still remaining true to himself was one of the most rewarding character journeys I've read in a long time.

What made this story so special was how much care existed between these two from the very beginning. Their marriage may have started as an arrangement, but the way they consistently showed up for one another made every step of their relationship feel genuine and earned. The slow burn was perfection, building through trust, understanding, and quiet moments that spoke louder than words ever could.

I also loved the added suspense throughout the story. The threat hanging over Molly's land and future added another layer of tension that kept me turning pages while never taking away from the romance. The balance between the danger and the relationship development was incredibly well done, and I found myself equally invested in both.

And can we talk about the Owens family? Their banter, loyalty, and dynamic brought so much life to the story. I loved seeing Molly slowly become part of something bigger, especially after spending so much of her life feeling alone. The found family element added so much warmth and heart to an already emotional story.

Through The Storm is one of those stories that reminds you that love doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes it's found in patience, understanding, and someone choosing to stay. Between the beautiful romance, the suspense, the found family, and Wolf's unforgettable journey, this is a book I'll be recommending again and again.

Thank you to Natalie Parker and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read and review Through The Storm before release. Wolf and Molly's journey of acceptance, healing, and finding a place where they truly belonged touched my heart in ways I wasn't expecting. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Butler thought she had been through it all: first with her mother – albeit only temporarily – then with her grandparents, whom she lost in quick succession as an adult.

The property where she now lives and which she owns is not only important to her, but is also, financially speaking, highly sought after by many buyers from outside the small mountain town where she lives.

The only way to relieve the stress before rolling up his sleeves as a veterinary technician is to head to his special spot by the lake for a spot of healthy fishing.

It’s a pity that, at that very moment, he turns up – Warden Wolf Owen, who has no time for rule-breakers but is invariably drawn in by the passion with which the beautiful stranger comes to life, and to whom he hands a hefty fine.

As fate would have it, their paths will cross again, driven by both their need and their desperation, to the extent that – due to a technicality in her grandparents’ will – she will have to get married within a short space of time in order to gain full ownership of the property.

And who on earth will come to her aid in a matter in which Molly has no faith, yet is determined to keep her most precious inheritance?

It was an up-and-down but enjoyable read.
I didn’t find the neurodivergent aspect in MMC particularly intrusive, but rather a characteristic of an introvert, someone more focused on what doesn’t disrupt their private life and, as we’ve seen, certain aspects of their work.

Whereas Molly, a woman who suffered severe trauma from her earliest childhood, was brought up with ideals and a solid foundation in never letting anyone walk all over her, let alone a man of the law who never compromises on the finer points of day-to-day cases.

An entertaining yet profound read about two characters who are polar opposites but who, at a critical moment, managed to find common ground and adapt to adversity...

But if you want to find out more about their relationship, you’ll have to read it😉

[maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Natalie Parker and TAA for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first novel by Natalie Parker and I absolutely LOVED IT! I cannot wait for the rest of the series and checking out other of Natalie's novels. This stole my heart immediately and I did not want to put it down (Trust me, I almost called out of work to finish it)! The storyline was fast paced, powerful and captivated me from page one! Natalie did a wonderful job at writing neurodivergent rep... it hit really close to home

Molly is such a beautiful and tender character. Her backstory absolutely broke my heart but her character growth was so well written. She is such a patient and compassionate soul. I loved seeing how she treated Wolf and learned to understand him/his quirks. Molly was pure perfection.

Wolf stole my heart. His character was complicated with depth and so much heart. His storyline was gut wrenching but also felt truly healing. His character growth was beautifully done and I loved Wolf so much. I felt like I really connected with the way Natalie wrote his character.

Molly and Wolf's story starts out so abruptly but you can feel their connection immediately. The way they truly took care of each other from the start, even when they didn't know each other, was heartwarming. Their story is truly unlike anything I have ever read before... it's tender and passionate with so much patience and care woven into it. Natalie wrote a truly beautiful love story between these two and I am so thoroughly impressed!

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! Would I reread? Yes! Would I carry on with the series? 100% yes.. I will be counting down the days until book two? Would I like a trophy? Yes!

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

This is marriage of convenience done better than I think I’ve ever read it, certainly the best in a contemporary romance. You know how some books you get to a certain point and you check how many pages you have left? This is not that!

This book is “oh shoot it’s 1 am, how much of the book is left? Ooh, I’m at 60%? Well I can’t stay up to finish even though I want to but that means I still get to spend another 10 chapters with them!"

There were a couple things that made me feel defensive when it came to some of Wolf’s depictions or behaviors, but I know that’s because it’s not my experience of neurodivergence, especially with my autistic family members. However, I can only actually remember one of them now (the day after finishing the book) and as the saying goes – if you’ve met one autistic person you’ve met one autistic person so once I figured out it was me feeling defensive I was able to read that in a different light. I also appreciated that the author hired a sensitivity reader as part of her process for this book.

The relationship development between Wolf and Molly was gorgeous, the family relationship between Wolf and his uncle and siblings was on point and the way they embraced Molly was a dream come true (especially for her as an only child with no living family), and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series.

Note - read the trigger warnings

5 stars is an easy choice, and the spice level for the book overall is a 4, the love scenes are level 5 d.e.t.a.i.l.e.d. but the lovemaking is absolutely a necessary part of the narrative, and is just one (rather small) part of the narrative which is why I say the spice is an overall 4.

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Marriage of convenience
*Slow burn
*Small town
*Hurt/comfort
*Both with trauma
*Neurodivergent rep
*Emotional

Heroine, Molly, is a vet tech and has inherited her grandparents' land but someone has his eyes on it and not willing to back up. Until the stimulation of having to get married within the month before her birthday comes orelse she loses the whole property. Hero, Wolf, a game warden steps in and offers to marry her so she won't lose any of it.
Wolf is a sensitive character and underestimated by his brothers who most of them, and especially his twin, can't understand Wolf's way of interacting. Molly has her doubts too until she sees him and understands him in a way most couldn't. Of course Wolf is mesmerized by Molly and while he can't fully comprehend the new feelings he tries for the best outcome.
All of this while they try to appear as a happy couple so the land developer who is crowding doesn't get a whiff of their arrangement.
But things start to feel complicated and real and threat is looming over. And while complications start to clear, deeper fears due to childhood traumas surface but Wolf and Molly are there for each other.
I really loved how supportive they were and how they tried to overcome their fears.
There was tension, there was banter, there was action and angst. The writing was smooth and the characters lovable.
I recceived this arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3.5/5
💧 Emotional: 4/5

Thank you to Natalie Parker for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading a book by Natalie Parker, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Through the Storm completely pulled me in from the beginning. If life had allowed it, I honestly would not have put this book down.

One of my favorite things about this story was the pacing. This is a slow-burn romance, but it never felt slow. Every moment felt intentional, and the relationship developed naturally without dragging. The romance built steadily, making every interaction, look, and touch feel meaningful.

I also loved the small-town setting and the marriage-of-convenience storyline. Wolf and the FMC had such great chemistry, and watching their fake relationship slowly become something real kept me invested from start to finish.

The neurodivergent representation was another aspect I appreciated, and it added even more depth to the story.

This was a heartfelt romance filled with emotional moments, strong character development, and a perfectly paced slow burn that had me turning pages long into the night.

If you enjoy small-town romances, marriage of convenience, slow-burn relationships, and characters you can’t help but root for, I highly recommend this one.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town Romance.
Molly is a young woman who grew up with her grandparents in a cabin nestled in the mountains, working hard as a veterinarian. Now her grandparents have passed away, and she thought she would inherit the family cabin and continue her quiet life. But everything changes when a real estate agent harasses her, demanding she sell the property after she marries quickly if she wants to keep the only memory of her grandparents. Luckily, Wolf, the game warden she's already threatened twice with his rifle, appears to be her fiancé.
Wolf is a game warden with his brothers, and afterward, he lives a solitary life. His life consists of work and family gatherings, until he meets this beautiful woman who fishes in the river without a permit. After their first encounter, he can't forget her, and their second meeting only intensifies things when he sees how she cares for the injured animals she finds. He, who usually avoids contact, finds himself proposing marriage to her in order to save his family's land from a shady real estate agent.
Will Molly and Wolf have a beautiful love story, or will their sham arrangement remain just that a sham…

I was completely captivated by this magnificent story of two wounded souls brought together by an arrangement that will force them to grow closer and overcome their fears.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following and reading Ms. Parker for a few years. Each time she releases a new one, I know she will deliver a well-written storyline where you can relate to the characters, be entertained, and be intrigued by everything between the pages. Through the Storm is just one of those books. A fake marriage, a little suspense and great family banter make this book one I will reread over and over.
When I started this book late in the evening, I thought I would read a few chapters before bed, but boy, was I mistaken. As I turned the pages, I was pulled in by the uniqueness of the storyline and the characters. Wolf and Molly, although two completely different personalities, complemented one another. Their initial meeting was unusual but both seemed to have an unexpected connection.
Molly and Wolf's history was interesting. She suffered from nightmares and was deathly afraid of thunderstorms. We find out why and it broke my heart. Then we have Wolf, one of four brothers and a twin, who lost his parents when he was younger, and is on the spectrum. What I loved about these two is Wolf's wanting to make the fake marriage work but he is at a loss as to what to do. Here is where this family comes in.
A beautiful story of family, love and healing you will want to pick up and enjoy.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying Natalie Parker has a new forever reader because this book was amazing and I cannot wait for the rest of this series. This is book 1 in the Owens Wildlife Wardens -Ironvale Ridge series. If you're looking for a sweet romance with humor, heart, marriage of convivence, slow burn, with a sexy game warden this is most definitely for you.
In this book we meet Wolf and Molly. I think both if these characters are just the best. Now Molly first meet Wolf when she Hold him at gun point. Which leads to a crazy twist. Now Mollys is living in her grandmother's house due to her passing. There is just one thing Molly didn't know until she was informed. The will had a stipulation which I felt was so wrong, but it helps build up events. Molly's grandmother pretty much said either Molly gets Married or the bank can have everything. Which then put Molly in a tough spot.
Now Wolf Owen was a warden and a very sweet man. He was a man that loved his job and was a lone wolf. He was okay with that being a neurodivergent man. He simply was unique and most didn't understand that.
Then things progressed they got married and both of their world to. I loved how i felt molly scene wolf and I mean really seen him in a way he felt safe and comfortable.
Overall, at the end of the day I felt they grew and overcome so much together. I loved how they felt safe and loved with each other. I can't wait to hear and see more out of wolfs brothers they were fun in this book.

[Paula Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm completely surprised me in the best possible way.

What starts as a marriage of convenience between two virtual strangers quickly becomes a deeply emotional story about belonging, acceptance, and learning to let someone truly see you.

Wolf has spent much of his life feeling like he's standing on the outside looking in. As a neurodivergent hero, he struggles with communication and expressing his feelings, but beneath that quiet exterior is one of the kindest, most generous characters I've read in a long time. The moment Molly needs help, he steps in without hesitation, asking for nothing in return.

Molly has been raised in a loving home by her grandparents, but in order to inherit the property she loves, she must marry. What begins as a practical arrangement slowly grows into something so much more.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Wolf and Molly. Molly recognizes that Wolf experiences the world differently and never tries to change him. Instead, she creates space for him to be exactly who he is while making sure he feels valued, wanted, and loved.

Watching Wolf learn to communicate his needs, trust his feelings, and open himself up emotionally was a beautiful part of the story.

The banter was fantastic, and I especially loved Wolf's relationship with his brothers. The protectiveness, loyalty, and genuine love within their family added so much heart to the story.

This is a slow-burn romance absolutely packed with emotion. There were so many moments that made my heart ache as these two carefully built something real together. The intimacy was intense but incredibly tender, feeling like a natural extension of the emotional connection they were creating.

I was rooting for them to find their way to the love they had been building all along.
A beautiful small-town romance filled with heart, growth, acceptance, and one of my favourite book boyfriends of the year.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for the advanced electronic copy to read and review.

[Sal’s life · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Natalie Parker but it won’t be my last.

I thought I was going to read a standard marriage-of-convenience romance. Instead I read a strong example of two people with barriers and experiences no one else understood, finding their way in a new and unexpected relationship. It became an emotional, heartfelt story that represented neurodivergent intimate relationships in a kind and understanding way.

Molly and Wolf were such a good pairing. I loved how their relationship grew through patience and trust, neither of them having unrealistic expectations, instead they appeared to genuinely understand each other, which appeared to take them both a little by surprise.

Wolf especially stole the show for me. His journey felt real and honest and I really enjoyed watching it unfold. As a mother of neurodivergent adult children, I appreciated how thoughtfully the representation was written, and I could see so much of my son in Wolf.

Wolf’s family all seemed like strong and very different characters, with few boundaries when it came to sharing or caring. They certainly lean into future books in the series and I’ll be keen to read them.

Thank you to Natalie Parker and The Author Agency for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Jessica Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a small town romance. Then the author went and added in a marriage of convenience trope, VIRGIN MCs, and topped it off with neurodivergence rep - that’s all I needed to know to dive headfirst into this book. I immediately fell in love with our smart mouth, tough as nails FMC Molly and our quiet, reserved, intense MMC Wolf. I loved their banter and seeing their relationship grow from marriage of convenience to something real. Seeing Wolf grow as a person and overcome some of his neurodivergent tendencies for Molly and learning to open up and share himself with her was *chefs kiss*. This book legitimately has some of the best, most beautiful, HOT and not overdone spicy scenes I’ve ever read. Extremely well written! I loved that the Owen’s family immediately took to Molly and welcomed her with open arms also giving us that found family trope as Molly has no family left and is for all intents and purposes, alone. The banter between Wolf and his brothers is also top tier. You really get immersed in the family dynamic. I can’t wait to fall in love with the rest of the Owens family! This book easily earned one of my few 5 star reviews from me this year. Thank you to The Author Agency and Natalie Parker for the opportunity to ARC read this book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf + Molly

The slow burn marriage of convenience is going to have you in a chokehold until the last page. Start off on rocky footing because well, Wolf catches Molly fishing and gives her a citation. Off the rip they are not on good terms. Then he needs her help... and the rest is history. They learn to work together and help the animal which was super cool that she had a job that allowed her to care of wild animals.

Wolf and Molly enter into an agreement so, Molly can keep her home and Wolf just wants to help. But what is it he is getting out of it? A whole lot more than he bargained for. Wolf is neurodivergent in a sense.. he had an event occur in his life and it's only amplified his behaviors. Now Wolf is a walking green flag but Molly doesn't 100% understand him like his family does. I think the only thing I didn't care for was Wolf's brothers egging him on at the family event. His brothers knew he was married to her and still flirted to get a rise out of him. I know they meant well but it didn't feel necessary.

I loved the MCs dynamic and how they finally were able to talk and work through their differences.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[The Honest Bookmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've absolutely loved an ARC, but this one had me hooked from the very beginning. The story had just the right amount of suspense to keep me engaged without overshadowing the romance, and I found myself constantly wanting "just one more chapter."

Molly really needed a break, and who would have guessed it would come in the form of Wolf? While there were a few moments where I felt she may have been overreacting, everything came together beautifully in the end. Wolf was easily my favorite part of the book. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I found it easy to understand the way he thought and processed things, which made his character feel especially authentic and relatable.

The spice takes its time getting there, but once it arrives, I was completely invested. 🔥

The ending was exactly what I wanted. Watching both Molly and Wolf face their fears, grow together, and learn how to support each other made for a beautiful and satisfying conclusion. This was a fantastic read, and one I'll definitely be recommending. ❤️

[Courtney Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my honest review and ate it up!

In this story our MMC is a game warden for his family company, working with his 3 brothers. He has always been more introverted and considered "weird" not only by outsiders but his family as well. He is on a check when he meets our FMC while she is fishing. She has a permit but over fished and he gave her a ticket. Doesn't matter that he was attracted to her - she broke a rule. Our FMC is working as a vet tech (really doing the work of the vet with no credit) and living at her grandparents property now that they have both passed. But a land developer wants it - and finds in her grandmother's will that she needs to be married by 25 to inherit. Our MMC happens to be there when she hears this and says they are getting married this weekend. So now they are getting married to save her land. But he's never been in a relationship let alone married and with his lack of social cues is struggling to know how to act. The chemistry is there, they just need to be open with what they want.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm by Natalie Parker is an emotional and heartwarming small-town romance that beautifully blends a marriage-of-convenience trope with themes of healing, trust, and finding home in unexpected places. Set int he backdrop of Ironvale Ridge, we are introduced to the FMC Molly, a young woman in need of a husband to keep her home from a land developer, and the MMC Wolf, a game warden who comes to her aid. What made this novel enjoyable for me was the balance between romance and personal growth that Parker placed in the novel. The characters were relatable, flawed, and easy to root for, making their emotional victories feel earned. Overall, Through the Storm is a promising start to the Owens Wildlife Wardens series that is a sweet, emotional romance filled with heart, hope, and the reminder that sometimes the strongest relationship can weather any storm.

I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!

[Julie Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author

Through the Storm by Natalie Parker
Owens Wildlife Wardens - Ironvale Ridge book 1

Tropes
Marriage of convenience
Slow burn
Small town
Hurt / comfort
Both with trauma
Virgin MC’s
Neurodivergent rep
Emotional
Found family

Molly is a vet tech that is faced with the problem of having to be married before her birthday in a month to save her grandparents’ land. Wolf is a game warden that is a little different, he love the land and the animals that are throughout. Molly and wolf are quite opposite from each other, while he is quiet Molly has a smart mouth. The more time that they spend together the more Wolf opens up and lets Molly in. Moly is alone and Wolf is the only person on her side while Wolf is surrounded by his brother they don’t understand his action because of the neurodivergence. This book has action, banter, love and spice. This is my first book by Natalie Parker and I want the rest of this series to find out more about this family and town.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

Wolf is on the spectrum but Molly appreciates him for who he is and I love that for them both. They struggle a little trying to figure out how a relationship between them works, neither having any real experience being in a couple. Add in some childhood trauma & insecurities on both their parts and it isn’t a smooth road.

But I’m so proud of Molly for her patience and willingness to understand Wolf but to also push when it’s needed. And Wolf for asking for help and stepping up when required. They are just so sweet together, fully embracing each other and slowly creating a home that fits them both.

There’s a bit of a suspense element towards the end, but really the story is about these two falling in love and I could not have asked for anything more. This is the first book of Parker’s that I’ve read but it is a delightful introduction and I can’t wait to see where she goes with Wolf’s brothers.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Debra Ramos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small town romance delives heart, heat, marriage of convenience, heat, humor and a cast of beautifully messy characters. Whar start with the MMC writing the FMC a ticket for fishing without a permit quickly turns into an unexpected and compelling love story with a twist.

I like watching their relationship grow from something convenient into something real and deep. Their journey felt especially meaningful because both character were inexperienced in love adding a layer of tenderness and made every step of their connection feel earned and special. Even, better they both put inthe work to face their fears and grow together.

Te light suspense added an extra layer of intrigue without overpowering the romance, which I appreciated. Thata said, the heavy use of curse words specially the f-word felt a bit excessive for my taste, and the ending feel slightly rushed.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable romance with emotional growth and sweet moments.

Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, heartfelt love story, and I’m officially adding this author to my “must-read again” list! If this book is any indication, this series is going to be something special.

The marriage of convenience trope paired perfectly with the slow-burn romance, and I loved watching Wolf and his feisty veterinarian, Molly, slowly build trust, friendship, and eventually a love that felt completely earned. The small-town setting and wilderness backdrop made everything feel cozy and authentic.

What stood out the most for me was how thoughtfully the author handled Wolf’s neurodivergence. It wasn’t treated as a plot device or something to “fix”—it was simply part of who he is, and seeing him loved, understood, and appreciated for exactly that made this story all the more meaningful.

Sweet, sincere, and full of quiet moments that stole my heart, this was a wonderful start to what I know will be a fantastic series. I can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the ARC. This review is only my opinion.

[Richelle Bocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.


Right from the start I knew I would enjoy this book!  Cue Wolf, the grumpy game warden and Molly the sassy sunshine vet tech. 


This story has excellent banter, authentic neurodivergent rep, enemies to lovers, spice, found family and suspense woven throughout. It had me wanting to read more!


The way Molly and Wolf's relationship evolves both in the quieter sweet moments they showed up for each other as well as the struggles they learned to work through was really well done. I appreciated their love wasn't instant and took time even though the chemistry between the two was there from the beginning. The growth these two experienced over the course of the story both individually and together despite the traumas/fears they experienced was authentically written and had me rooting for them the entire way through!  


Overall I enjoyed Molly and Wolf's story and can't wait to read more in the series!

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm is the first book I've read by Natalie Parker and it was absolutely beautiful! I wasn't sure what to expect outside of the marriage-of-convenience trope, but Molly and Wolf were beautifully written characters, both loners with traumatic pasts who find love and comfort in each other.

To inherit the land left to her by her grandparents, Molly must get married, and Wolf shows up at the right place at the right time and offers to be her husband.

While they are essentially strangers (having only met a handful of times), Molly and Wolf's relationship quickly grows from an arrangement to a full, rich, wonderful romance. The story is full of hope and healing, and I absolutely adored how Molly met Wolf (who is on the spectrum, aka the book's neurodivergent rep) where he's at, never expecting him to change and just let him be exactly who he is. Watching him blossom from the recluse we meet in the beginning of the book to the man he becomes at the end of the story was magic.

I'll definitely be looking out for Wolf's brother's books in the future! I received an advanced copy and voluntairly left a review.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Storm is the first story in the Owens Wildlife Wardens - Ironvale Ridge series. It is a small town romance with great characters.

Wolf works as a game warden. Molly's grandmother left her the property she is living on in her will but she must get married in order to keep it. She works as a vet tech. When Wolf meets Molly he is forced to write her a ticket for improperly fishing without permits. They see each other again when they are trying to rescue a hurt cat. Wolf comes to help Molly so they get married. It is a marriage of convenience but what happens when they start to have feelings?

I loved the strength that Molly's character had. She was determined to keep her property. I loved how Wolf wanted to help her. They were so good together and I loved their instant chemistry. I look forward to more from this talented author.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.

[Dyslexic book dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had more suspense than I expected from the blurb, and it had me hooked throughout. The story balanced suspense with some damn good romance, and Wolf’s neurodivergent representation was excellent. The slow burn of their relationship and the amount of spice felt fitting for this couple.
I loved the way Molly accepted Wolf exactly as he was and never pushed him to open up before he was ready. They both showed up for each other in the quiet moments, building their relationship through understanding and support.
The danger they faced together gave the story more depth and had me holding my breath, wanting to read faster to see how everything would turn out.
I also loved the moments with Wolf’s family and how they took to Molly just as quickly as Wolf did. I cannot wait for more of these brothers’ stories especially when Wolf’s twin gets knocked on his ass by a woman.

[Christina Manzanares · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so special when an MC is neurodivergent. There is a clear honesty behind all their actions and are straight forward with how they feel. It makes things so much more genuine and sweet. I love Wolf and how he is so straight forward but also truly can show so much love even if he doesn't fully understand right away. Molly, while she isn't neurodivergent she still has her oddities from growing up so isolated. I think that isolation makes it so she was able to observe and understand Wolf better than anyone else ever could.

I love the suspense that was tied into this book too. It was a good balance of building a sweet relationship between Wolf and Molly while also keeping the reader guessing. Thankfully everyone was all able to weather the storm in the end.