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Wild Horses on the Mountain: Watchdog Mountain Division Book 8

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Some people fade into the background. Until someone finally sees them.She thinks she's ordinary. He knows she's the person who keeps the whole world from falling apart.Jodie keeps Watchdog running. She's the first voice people hear when they call, the one who knows where everything is, who handles the day-to-day chaos so everyone else can do their jobs. She's competent, reliable, always there when it counts. She's essential, depended on…and somehow still invisible.

When drought threatens the wild horses of Colorado's Sand Wash Basin, Jodie volunteers to help monitor a controversial roundup. Raised on a ranch, she knows horses, and she's never been one to stand by when something needs doing.

What surprises her is when Mac insists he's coming, too.

Mac grew up on a ranch in Alberta, Canada. He knows horses, knows hard country, and knows exactly what he's signing up for. What Jodie doesn't know is that he's been falling for her since his first day at Watchdog. She thinks he's just being Mac. Friendly. Helpful. The guy who shows up for everyone.

She has no idea how much he wants to be her guy.

But as tensions rise between ranchers, wild horse advocates, and federal officials, Jodie discovers that something far more dangerous is happening behind the scenes. Someone has been exploiting the chaos for profit, and they'll do whatever it takes to keep their secrets buried.

With wildfires threatening the drought-stricken countryside and lives hanging in the balance, Mac and Jodie will need every ounce of courage and trust they possess to protect the horses—and each other.

Because sometimes the hardest thing isn't saving someone else.

It's believing you're worth saving, too.

When the law can't protect you, Mountain Division can.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2026

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Olivia Michaels

27 books16 followers

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5 stars
95 (74%)
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25 (19%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Gazelle.
1,089 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2026
Jodie is the one who takes care of everyone at Watchdog, but she rarely feels seen. Mac kept friend zoning himself with Jodie which was cute! I was so glad when Jodie and Mac finally admitted their feelings and how they were able to articulate their feelings, concerns openly and vulnerably with each other. If you could write an ideal relationship into real life this would be it. While these two are working towards HEA there is more to the story! These two go out to assist in a wild horse round-up which brings a lot of "real life" into the story. When ranching meets wild horses there are concerns about land and resources. Also, the long-standing land feud between cows, sheep and horses. A great suspenseful read that I could picture clearly with vivid details. And Goblin stole my heart! I absolutely love a dog who chooses who to trust and love.
505 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2026
I’ve loved this entire series, but somehow, this one is even better than its predecessors! With romance, danger, tension and a compelling story set against the rugged Montana landscape, this book had me hooked from beginning to end.

Jodie is an incredible heroine, always there for everyone else but never quite believing she needs support herself. Mac, in his own quiet way, sees her for who she really is, and I loved watching their relationship develop.

Their romance unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of a Montana drought and the roundup of the wild ponies, adding another layer of tension to an already fascinating story. As the challenges mount and the stakes rise, I found myself completely caught up in the characters’ lives and the events unfolding around them.

What I particularly enjoyed was the way Olivia Michaels skilfully explores the different perspectives surrounding the management of this harsh landscape. It was fascinating to see how issues that might initially seem straightforward are often far more complicated than they appear. Combined with the romantic tension and the suspense woven throughout the story, it made for a thoroughly absorbing read.

It was also wonderful to catch up with old friends from Watchdog and see how they continue to support one another, without hesitation or reservation. That loyalty and camaraderie are such an important part of what makes this series special.

An absolutely brilliant read that kept me turning the pages, with a romance to root for, plenty to think about and the perfect blend of suspense and emotion. I enjoyed every moment and am already impatient for the next instalment!
1,083 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2026
I adored this story. Jodie and Mac were adorable as they danced around admitting their long felt feelings for each other, and their relationship once it began was the kind you dream of. It evolved into open communication even when emotional topics and understanding and support. And the way Olivia addressed the wild horses was perfect in my opinion. From having seen wild horses left to run free in areas, to having seen them penned up, to having seen them fenced in (those faces forever imprinted in my mind), knowing people who've adopted wild horses, and even having heard stories of things that have happened to dishomed horses that hurt my heart having grown up with horses...I felt this story provided a good representation. And the way farmers and ranchers will set aside adverse feelings towards others for the sake of an animal's life brought back so many memories. And Goblin- love that pup and his starring roll in the story. I think I could gush forever on all the things that I loved and related to!
1,429 reviews
October 27, 2026
Josie works as a receptionist at Watchdog Mountain division security.
Thomas “Mac” MacAllistair works also for Watchdog Mountain Division Security.


Jodie and Mac work together at Watchdog Mountain Division Security and their is an attraction and chemistry
slow burn to explosive.
Jodie is involved in an organization overseeing that wild horses are properly rescued and taken care of on
capture.
In the process of overseeing this Jodie feels something is not right with a few missing horses.
Can Jodie and Mac get to the bottom of this mystery?
Can Jodie and Mac have a Happily Ever After?

This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger, some twists and turns and emotions.

Great Job. Olivia Michaels !!!!
Profile Image for Kayleigh Joy.
177 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2026
Just finished the latest book in the series, how does this series keep getting better?!

With A* banter, likeable characters and a great supporting plot. We still have some of our favourite previous characters there too.

She is used to keeping everything going. Likeable and ordinary. She wants to be seen than more than just the receptionist. Her quiet crush on Mac has been going on too long but hes nice to her like everyone...

He friendzones himself when all he wants to do is ask the girl hes been crushing on since day one to dinner.

Book quote:
There she is. Not the embarrassed woman sitting on the side of the trail, or the furious one watching Dale drive away. Just Jodie—funny, dry, a little wicked when she wanted to be.
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,169 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2026
Jodie and Mac

This was very much more than a romance. While fictional, this author brought to the forefront the troubles of sharing land with wildlife. Tho, I don't believe horses are considered wildlife. But they are out there running free and wild on federal lands, and it's a beautiful sight to see.
Jodie and Mac, two perfect characters to champion the wild horses along with many advocacy groups to ensure fair treatment to these majestic animals.
They really saw each other and understood what the other needed. Conversation is most important.
Goblin just made everything better, and people can learn a lot from all God's creatures.
I loved reading Wild Horses on the Mountain. A different feeling coming from this journey and I like it.
Profile Image for Lisa Stainker.
55 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
Olivia Michaels does it again! Another Phenomenal book in the Watchdog Mountain Division.
She weaves a tale of the wild horses on the mountain and truly leaves you wondering the proper balance of man vs. nature. Jodie and Mac go out into the field to observe the gathering of the herd and they find so much more than they ever imagined! They see each other as no one ever has before. You will absolutely love their adventure. Lyons Colorado has the most amazing team of men watching over them. Each one has his own niche in the community and when they come together they can conquer Anything!!



Profile Image for Darcy.
15.1k reviews555 followers
November 7, 2026
It almost felt like there were 2 parts to this one. The first part where Mac and Jodie get together, which wasn't easy due to both of them being awkward and the second part with the horse rescue and all the drama that came with that. I definitely had a bad guy in mind for all the shenanigans happening, turns out I had the wrong guy, which made me happy in the end. I was glad that the bad guy got his by the end, also glad things turned out good with the recue horses, Goblin and for Mac and Jodie.
3,568 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 25, 2026
Olivia Michaels has done it again folks! Wild Horses On The Mountain is a fabulous read. Jodie and Mac's story is a fun read and packed with drama, humor, sizzle, suspense and a little Goblin. I loved this book and it may be my favorite from this talented author. This is book 8 of the Watchdog Mountain Division series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
29 reviews
October 27, 2026
Awesome book! Appreciate all the research the author did on wild horse rescue! Of course, Goblin stole the show. Mac is such a sweetie and the no cursing is amazing! Jodie so deserves someone who can "see" her. No one should be invisible. Thank you Olivia Michaels for a great read! Can't wait to read Ethan and Sandra's story.
Profile Image for Rebekah Carulli Hanson.
1,173 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2026
Outstanding!

Another awesome book in the Watchdog Mountain Division series. This series has it all suspense, action, edge of your seat drama and of course at the heart of it is a love story that will make you laugh and cry and your heart will smile. So looking forward to Embers coming up next.
5,238 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2026
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful stories. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews