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Glacier Ridge #1
Wild Sanctuary
Prepare to meet your newest small-town obsession with this brand-new series of spicy romances full of suspense and mystery. Perfect for readers who love Catherine Cowles, Elsie Silver and Devney Perry!I swore I’d never come back to Blackstone Creek.
Officially, I’m here to write a feature on Glacier Ridge Ranch for my editor. Unofficially, I’m following a lead. No matter what anyone says, I never believed my father’s death three years ago was just an accident.
I came back to Blackstone Creek for answers. Not for Wyatt Hartley.
He’s still quiet strength wrapped in worn denim and guarded eyes. Still the man who can make my heart race with a single look. And still completely off-limits.
We couldn’t be more different. Wyatt is gruff, guarded, and happiest alone. I’m the girl who fills every silence and refuses to back down, no matter how many times he pushes me away.
Until the night everything changes.
The deeper I dig into my father’s death, the more dangerous this town becomes. Someone is watching me far too closely.
And the closer I get to Wyatt, the harder it is to tell what’s more the truth… or the man I’m falling for all over again.
Age gap
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Mutual pining
Slow burn
Found family
Protective MMC
No third act breakup
Praise for Pamela O’
‘PHENOMENAL. This is literally one of the best books I’ve read.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The chemistry between these two is SO INTENSE! I loved their banter. The pacing was impeccable - just the right amount of plot mixed with spicy scenes!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘If there’s is one thing you need to do this year it’s TO READ THIS BOOK!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ALL THE STARS for this book! Absolutely every single one.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The heat in this book was off the charts!! This was perfection! Their passion jumped off the page! I loved every moment.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Officially, I’m here to write a feature on Glacier Ridge Ranch for my editor. Unofficially, I’m following a lead. No matter what anyone says, I never believed my father’s death three years ago was just an accident.
I came back to Blackstone Creek for answers. Not for Wyatt Hartley.
He’s still quiet strength wrapped in worn denim and guarded eyes. Still the man who can make my heart race with a single look. And still completely off-limits.
We couldn’t be more different. Wyatt is gruff, guarded, and happiest alone. I’m the girl who fills every silence and refuses to back down, no matter how many times he pushes me away.
Until the night everything changes.
The deeper I dig into my father’s death, the more dangerous this town becomes. Someone is watching me far too closely.
And the closer I get to Wyatt, the harder it is to tell what’s more the truth… or the man I’m falling for all over again.
Age gap
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Mutual pining
Slow burn
Found family
Protective MMC
No third act breakup
Praise for Pamela O’
‘PHENOMENAL. This is literally one of the best books I’ve read.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The chemistry between these two is SO INTENSE! I loved their banter. The pacing was impeccable - just the right amount of plot mixed with spicy scenes!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘If there’s is one thing you need to do this year it’s TO READ THIS BOOK!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ALL THE STARS for this book! Absolutely every single one.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The heat in this book was off the charts!! This was perfection! Their passion jumped off the page! I loved every moment.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2026
About the author
Pamela O'Rourke
10 books258 followersPamela is an Irish author of contemporary romance. She's married to her soul-mate, with whom she shares five beautiful children.
In her extremely limited spare time, she loves nothing more than planning what book boyfriend she wants to write about next.
She has a serious Pepsi Max and coffee addiction.
In her extremely limited spare time, she loves nothing more than planning what book boyfriend she wants to write about next.
She has a serious Pepsi Max and coffee addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
September 3, 2026
THIS. THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE SMALL-TOWN ROMANCE 🤌🏻
Ugh, this felt like a warm hug 🥹 And Wyatt??? HOTTTTTTT as FUCK 🥵
I’m already obsessed with this series and I need the rest immediately!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC 💌
Pre-read:
Yee-hawing my way through this ARC 🤠
Ugh, this felt like a warm hug 🥹 And Wyatt??? HOTTTTTTT as FUCK 🥵
I’m already obsessed with this series and I need the rest immediately!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC 💌
Pre-read:
Yee-hawing my way through this ARC 🤠
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i think i’ve discovered a new favorite author who writes my favorite recipe: small town, age gap and a delicious cowboy romance. that author is Pamela O’Rourke. 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑦 had everything i love about small-town romance, with family drama and a suspense plotline running alongside it that was actually done really well. but oh my god, the chemistry between Daisy and Wyatt. it was palpable throughout the entire book that’s principally what made me devour it in record time.
Daisy returns to the ranch where her dad used to work, now owned by Wyatt after the death of his own father in the same accident that killed Daisy’s dad. she initially comes back to write an article about generational ranchers but she’s also there to investigate that accident. i loved that part of the narrative and how the mystery gradually unfolded but what made it even better was the way it paralleled the romance. on the surface, Wyatt seems like he can barely stand being around Daisy. but then you get his chapters and realize how much that man is in agony every time she’s anywhere near him. that was absolutely delicious. i loved this book, i loved Daisy and Wyatt and i’m already looking forward to the rest of the series. Pamela O’Rourke, you’ve got me hooked. i cannot wait to devour the next ones.
𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂
Daisy returns to the ranch where her dad used to work, now owned by Wyatt after the death of his own father in the same accident that killed Daisy’s dad. she initially comes back to write an article about generational ranchers but she’s also there to investigate that accident. i loved that part of the narrative and how the mystery gradually unfolded but what made it even better was the way it paralleled the romance. on the surface, Wyatt seems like he can barely stand being around Daisy. but then you get his chapters and realize how much that man is in agony every time she’s anywhere near him. that was absolutely delicious. i loved this book, i loved Daisy and Wyatt and i’m already looking forward to the rest of the series. Pamela O’Rourke, you’ve got me hooked. i cannot wait to devour the next ones.
𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂
September 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC! All thoughts are my own!
Wild Sanctuary follows Daisy (FMC), an investigative journalist who returns to a tight-knit small town to uncover the truth behind her father's suspicious 'accident’. But digging into the mystery means running straight back into Wyatt Hartley, the brooding local rancher she has spent years avoiding. What follows is a tense mix of small-town murder mystery, heavy mutual pining, and the ultimate game of avoidance.
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ Tragic Accident Resulting in Death
╰➤ Loss of a Parent
╰➤ References to Casual Sex Lifestyle
╰➤ Explicit Language
╰➤ Blasphemous Language
🤍 Tropes 🤍
❤️Romance
👩💼 FMC Journalist
🤠 MMC Rancher
👥 Dual POV
⏳ Past and Present Timelines Running Parallel
🏃♂️ The longest game of avoidance known to man XD
🔥 Slow Burn
Murder Mystery - Whodunit
🏘️ Small Town
The Good:
The Family Dynamic: As an only child, I absolutely adored the banter between Wyatt’s siblings! The secondary characters were incredibly strong and heart-warming.
The Mystery: I really enjoyed the FMC's journalist background and her investigation into her father’s property. This is a solid murder mystery; the plot itself kept me hooked.
The Not-So-Good:
The Avoidance Trope: The main drawback for me was the extreme miscommunication. I struggle with the "lack of communication" trope between two grown adults. Furthermore, the reason keeping them apart didn't feel strong enough in my opinion —the dads' warnings to the MMC didn't make logical sense to me.
The Romance Pacing: Starting the book immediately with the death of a parent felt too heavy for a romance. I think introducing that element a bit later would have worked better. I found myself skimming a lot of the romance and spice because it just didn't click for me.
Major "Icks":
🛑 The constant use of "baby" in the spicy scenes.
🛑 Authors describing "veins" as a turn-on. Just... why?
🛑 Daisy willingly getting into a car with her jerk ex. I almost threw the book!
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, I enjoyed the mystery story far more than the romance, which is rare for me! If you love a small-town whodunit and don't mind a heavy dose of angst/avoidance, this is worth a read.
🤍🤍🤍 Thank you for reading! 🤍🤍🤍
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧ ⋆ ˚｡⋆──────୨୧────── ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
Pre-Read:
I have never read anything by this author so I am excited to get into this one! The synopsis looks really interesting to me. Fingers crossed🤞
Wild Sanctuary follows Daisy (FMC), an investigative journalist who returns to a tight-knit small town to uncover the truth behind her father's suspicious 'accident’. But digging into the mystery means running straight back into Wyatt Hartley, the brooding local rancher she has spent years avoiding. What follows is a tense mix of small-town murder mystery, heavy mutual pining, and the ultimate game of avoidance.
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ Tragic Accident Resulting in Death
╰➤ Loss of a Parent
╰➤ References to Casual Sex Lifestyle
╰➤ Explicit Language
╰➤ Blasphemous Language
🤍 Tropes 🤍
❤️Romance
👩💼 FMC Journalist
🤠 MMC Rancher
👥 Dual POV
⏳ Past and Present Timelines Running Parallel
🏃♂️ The longest game of avoidance known to man XD
🔥 Slow Burn
Murder Mystery - Whodunit
🏘️ Small Town
The Good:
The Family Dynamic: As an only child, I absolutely adored the banter between Wyatt’s siblings! The secondary characters were incredibly strong and heart-warming.
The Mystery: I really enjoyed the FMC's journalist background and her investigation into her father’s property. This is a solid murder mystery; the plot itself kept me hooked.
The Not-So-Good:
The Avoidance Trope: The main drawback for me was the extreme miscommunication. I struggle with the "lack of communication" trope between two grown adults. Furthermore, the reason keeping them apart didn't feel strong enough in my opinion —the dads' warnings to the MMC didn't make logical sense to me.
The Romance Pacing: Starting the book immediately with the death of a parent felt too heavy for a romance. I think introducing that element a bit later would have worked better. I found myself skimming a lot of the romance and spice because it just didn't click for me.
Major "Icks":
🛑 The constant use of "baby" in the spicy scenes.
🛑 Authors describing "veins" as a turn-on. Just... why?
🛑 Daisy willingly getting into a car with her jerk ex. I almost threw the book!
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, I enjoyed the mystery story far more than the romance, which is rare for me! If you love a small-town whodunit and don't mind a heavy dose of angst/avoidance, this is worth a read.
🤍🤍🤍 Thank you for reading! 🤍🤍🤍
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧ ⋆ ˚｡⋆──────୨୧────── ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
Pre-Read:
I have never read anything by this author so I am excited to get into this one! The synopsis looks really interesting to me. Fingers crossed🤞
September 8, 2026
4.5 stars
This story and its characters pulled me in and did not let go. Daisy Monroe has returned to Glacier Ridge Ranch. Her father has passed and the investigative reporter in her has more questions than answers in the three years since his passing.
Going to her childhood summer home, the Harley family welcomes her. This close knit family embraces her as one of their own, but one wants more. Wyatt Hartley has since taken over the ranch, since he lost his father at the same time as Daisy.
Daisy and Wyatt have a long slow burn of a complicated relationship. The yearning, the way Daisy wants to know, and Wyatt is avoiding. The back and forth, the guilt, and when they finally talk it out, we get what we have been waiting for.
I love the mystery we have as well, how quickly Wyatt is on board as he hears of Daisy’s suspicions. The suspense is perfect and while we get some answers, there are more out there to be answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
This story and its characters pulled me in and did not let go. Daisy Monroe has returned to Glacier Ridge Ranch. Her father has passed and the investigative reporter in her has more questions than answers in the three years since his passing.
Going to her childhood summer home, the Harley family welcomes her. This close knit family embraces her as one of their own, but one wants more. Wyatt Hartley has since taken over the ranch, since he lost his father at the same time as Daisy.
Daisy and Wyatt have a long slow burn of a complicated relationship. The yearning, the way Daisy wants to know, and Wyatt is avoiding. The back and forth, the guilt, and when they finally talk it out, we get what we have been waiting for.
I love the mystery we have as well, how quickly Wyatt is on board as he hears of Daisy’s suspicions. The suspense is perfect and while we get some answers, there are more out there to be answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 6, 2026
‘I’m here for answers. And I’m not leaving until I find them.’
Ladies and Gentleman, Pamela O’Rourke is back!! And dare I say, this might be my favourite of her books so far!
I absolutely devoured this, it was one of those stories I couldn’t put down- I was gripped from the first chapter and then even more so towards the end!
Daisy Monroe returns to Glacier Ridge Ranch looking for answers surrounding her father’s death 3 years ago. She spent summers with him there as a child, and the Hartley family who own the ranch became like family to her too.
I loved the Hartley family- they are incredibly close, bicker and banter constantly and always have each other’s backs. I really hope each of them gets their own book in this series.
Wyatt Harley now runs the ranch after the loss of his father in the same accident that took Daisy’s dad. But Daisy and Wyatt’s relationship is complicated and strained, particularly over the past 6 years where they’ve only seen each other briefly at her father’s funeral.
The yearning between these two had me in a chokehold! The back and forth, and then the slow burn which was delicious when it finally boiled over!
This book has a fantastic romance, as well as a mystery running through it that’s solved by the end but there are definitely still plenty of questions still to be answered, and hopefully the rest of the series will provide those answers.
While you’re waiting for your next fix of Glacier Ridge Ranch, I’d highly recommend checking out Pamela’s backlist- her indie books are great reads too!
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.
Ladies and Gentleman, Pamela O’Rourke is back!! And dare I say, this might be my favourite of her books so far!
I absolutely devoured this, it was one of those stories I couldn’t put down- I was gripped from the first chapter and then even more so towards the end!
Daisy Monroe returns to Glacier Ridge Ranch looking for answers surrounding her father’s death 3 years ago. She spent summers with him there as a child, and the Hartley family who own the ranch became like family to her too.
I loved the Hartley family- they are incredibly close, bicker and banter constantly and always have each other’s backs. I really hope each of them gets their own book in this series.
Wyatt Harley now runs the ranch after the loss of his father in the same accident that took Daisy’s dad. But Daisy and Wyatt’s relationship is complicated and strained, particularly over the past 6 years where they’ve only seen each other briefly at her father’s funeral.
The yearning between these two had me in a chokehold! The back and forth, and then the slow burn which was delicious when it finally boiled over!
This book has a fantastic romance, as well as a mystery running through it that’s solved by the end but there are definitely still plenty of questions still to be answered, and hopefully the rest of the series will provide those answers.
While you’re waiting for your next fix of Glacier Ridge Ranch, I’d highly recommend checking out Pamela’s backlist- her indie books are great reads too!
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.
September 21, 2026
4.25⭐️ 2.25🌶️
I love a good small-town romance with a mystery plotline, and I really enjoyed this story! It also happened to be my first cowboy romance 🤠
It was a great palate cleanser that was well written and had me looking forward to picking it back up each time I had the chance. It gave me similar vibes to Catherine Cowles’ books if you enjoy her work, but it doesn’t follow that same recipe that CC’s books do.
We have:
💜 Cozy small town
💜 Mystery
💜 Grumpy x sunshine
💜 Age gap (F26, M35)
💜 Cowboy MMC
💜 Mutual pining
I loved Wyatt and Daisy! I was so giddy as their tension was building 🤭 Their love story was really sweet, and when they finally got together, it was so wholesome 🥹 The best part? There was no third-act breakup, and the age gap was written really well 🙌🏼
Wyatt was such a good MMC: a man of few words, hardworking, protective, and 9 years older. I loved seeing him open up once they finally got together (there’s nothing quite like seeing the stoic, grumpy man finally smile and show his tender side). He absolutely adores Daisy and treated her so well. The spice was stunnnnnning, and you could tell just how much he treasured her 👏🏼
Daisy was a fabulous FMC. She’s a reporter who is desperate to uncover the full story behind her father’s death. She was driven, down-to-earth, and had her head screwed on.
I had an ALC of the audiobook, but I don’t necessarily recommend it. It was dual narration; the female narrator was great, and while I enjoyed the male narrator’s voice, he sometimes had an odd cadence to his lines. But the real downfall was the voice he used for the female characters, which made them sound like children and, as you can imagine, was pretty off-putting.
I think an eyeball read would be the best way to consume this story, and it’s on Kindle Unlimited too. It was honestly such a solid read, I’m so glad I picked it up.
This was the first of five books in the Glacier Ridge Ranch series, and I’ll definitely be reading the rest as they release 🤠
I love a good small-town romance with a mystery plotline, and I really enjoyed this story! It also happened to be my first cowboy romance 🤠
It was a great palate cleanser that was well written and had me looking forward to picking it back up each time I had the chance. It gave me similar vibes to Catherine Cowles’ books if you enjoy her work, but it doesn’t follow that same recipe that CC’s books do.
We have:
💜 Cozy small town
💜 Mystery
💜 Grumpy x sunshine
💜 Age gap (F26, M35)
💜 Cowboy MMC
💜 Mutual pining
I loved Wyatt and Daisy! I was so giddy as their tension was building 🤭 Their love story was really sweet, and when they finally got together, it was so wholesome 🥹 The best part? There was no third-act breakup, and the age gap was written really well 🙌🏼
Wyatt was such a good MMC: a man of few words, hardworking, protective, and 9 years older. I loved seeing him open up once they finally got together (there’s nothing quite like seeing the stoic, grumpy man finally smile and show his tender side). He absolutely adores Daisy and treated her so well. The spice was stunnnnnning, and you could tell just how much he treasured her 👏🏼
Daisy was a fabulous FMC. She’s a reporter who is desperate to uncover the full story behind her father’s death. She was driven, down-to-earth, and had her head screwed on.
I had an ALC of the audiobook, but I don’t necessarily recommend it. It was dual narration; the female narrator was great, and while I enjoyed the male narrator’s voice, he sometimes had an odd cadence to his lines. But the real downfall was the voice he used for the female characters, which made them sound like children and, as you can imagine, was pretty off-putting.
I think an eyeball read would be the best way to consume this story, and it’s on Kindle Unlimited too. It was honestly such a solid read, I’m so glad I picked it up.
This was the first of five books in the Glacier Ridge Ranch series, and I’ll definitely be reading the rest as they release 🤠
August 20, 2026
A massive thank you to boldwood books and NetGalley for this ARC! 😚
I cannot recommend this enough!! I had SO much fun reading it. The mystery was woven into the romance so well and had me hooked the entire time. It was definitely a slow burn, which I don’t usually go for, but somehow I absolutely loved it here.
I loved the pacing, the characters, and especially that feeling of family you get from a good small-town romance. There was so much about love, family, growth, grief and finding home, and I just got so attached to everyone 🥹
And the cowboy… yeah. He had me swooning 🙂↔️ The grumpiness?? The mutual pining?? The FOREARMS??? 😮💨
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book and I’m completely sold on her writing. I’ll for sure be checking out her other books now.
Blackstone Creek has my whole heart and I genuinely cannot wait for the rest of the series because I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this town or these characters 😭🤎
Read this for:
* small-town setting
* romantic suspense
* grumpy cowboy (forearms 😮💨)
* journalist FMC
* mutual pining
* found family
I loved this one so, so much 🤎
I cannot recommend this enough!! I had SO much fun reading it. The mystery was woven into the romance so well and had me hooked the entire time. It was definitely a slow burn, which I don’t usually go for, but somehow I absolutely loved it here.
I loved the pacing, the characters, and especially that feeling of family you get from a good small-town romance. There was so much about love, family, growth, grief and finding home, and I just got so attached to everyone 🥹
And the cowboy… yeah. He had me swooning 🙂↔️ The grumpiness?? The mutual pining?? The FOREARMS??? 😮💨
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book and I’m completely sold on her writing. I’ll for sure be checking out her other books now.
Blackstone Creek has my whole heart and I genuinely cannot wait for the rest of the series because I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this town or these characters 😭🤎
Read this for:
* small-town setting
* romantic suspense
* grumpy cowboy (forearms 😮💨)
* journalist FMC
* mutual pining
* found family
I loved this one so, so much 🤎
September 15, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you to Libro.FM and Boldwood Books for providing me with a gifted ALC copy of Wild Sanctuary. All opinions are my own.
Narrator: Naomi Wood, Darcy Miller
Time: 13 hours 11 minutes
Who knew romantic suspense would be my new obsession, and Wild Sanctuary hit all of the tropes I love to see. The setting pulled me in and I loved that Daisy was coming back to the things in her past in Blackstone Creek.
Her chemistry with Wyatt was perfection and I couldn’t resist the broody, protective vibes. I loved seeing the mystery around Daisy’s father unfold and was definitely surprised by the reveal at the end of the book. I did listen to this one on audio and didn’t love the narration of the female characters’ voices during the MMC pov chapters.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Small Town
* Age Gap
* Slow Burn
* Protective MMC
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️.5
If you’re looking to read romantic suspense or are a fan of Catherine Cowles books then I would definitely recommend Wild Sanctuary.
Thank you to Libro.FM and Boldwood Books for providing me with a gifted ALC copy of Wild Sanctuary. All opinions are my own.
Narrator: Naomi Wood, Darcy Miller
Time: 13 hours 11 minutes
Who knew romantic suspense would be my new obsession, and Wild Sanctuary hit all of the tropes I love to see. The setting pulled me in and I loved that Daisy was coming back to the things in her past in Blackstone Creek.
Her chemistry with Wyatt was perfection and I couldn’t resist the broody, protective vibes. I loved seeing the mystery around Daisy’s father unfold and was definitely surprised by the reveal at the end of the book. I did listen to this one on audio and didn’t love the narration of the female characters’ voices during the MMC pov chapters.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Small Town
* Age Gap
* Slow Burn
* Protective MMC
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️.5
If you’re looking to read romantic suspense or are a fan of Catherine Cowles books then I would definitely recommend Wild Sanctuary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC.
Wild Sanctuary — Pamela O'Rourke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Grumpy x sunshine | Slow burn | Age gap | Forced proximity | Mutual pining | Protective MMC | Found family | No third-act breakup
I really enjoyed this one! The pacing was spot on, and I loved the mystery surrounding the deaths of her father and Wyatt’s father. I did work out the main person behind it quite early on, but there were definitely some of the extra twists that I didn’t see coming.
The family togetherness was one of my favourite parts, and once Wyatt finally stopped being so grumpy and gave in to his feelings… chefs kiss!
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens next in Blackstone Creek — and watching Daisy take more people down as the series continues!
A small-town romance with mystery, suspense, found family and just the right amount of spice. 🔥
Wild Sanctuary — Pamela O'Rourke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Grumpy x sunshine | Slow burn | Age gap | Forced proximity | Mutual pining | Protective MMC | Found family | No third-act breakup
I really enjoyed this one! The pacing was spot on, and I loved the mystery surrounding the deaths of her father and Wyatt’s father. I did work out the main person behind it quite early on, but there were definitely some of the extra twists that I didn’t see coming.
The family togetherness was one of my favourite parts, and once Wyatt finally stopped being so grumpy and gave in to his feelings… chefs kiss!
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens next in Blackstone Creek — and watching Daisy take more people down as the series continues!
A small-town romance with mystery, suspense, found family and just the right amount of spice. 🔥
September 25, 2026
YES 100%! I just saw this book randomly on my suggested reads & went into it blindly. Omg I DEVOURED it! The yearning is unmatched. And add a green eyed grumpy cowboy😮💨
The suspenseful plot twist was crazy too, it was a page turner to see what was going to happen.
I’m so anxious for her next book to come out to see which characters it will be about! Highly recommend❤️
The suspenseful plot twist was crazy too, it was a page turner to see what was going to happen.
I’m so anxious for her next book to come out to see which characters it will be about! Highly recommend❤️
September 9, 2026
I think the thing I enjoyed most about this book was how easy it was to get attached to these characters🥹
Daisy comes back to Blackstone Creek with a reason to be there, but obviously things get complicated when Wyatt is still very much in the picture. And the two of them have SO much history between them. I’m a sucker for characters who clearly still have feelings for each other but spend way too long trying not to act on them, so the mutual pining in this one really worked for me!
The slow burn also surprised me because I normally have very little patience when I know two people are obviously into each other😂 But with Daisy and Wyatt, I actually liked having to wait for everything to unfold. Their history made the tension feel believable rather than just being there because the book needed some tension.
And honestly, I wanted to be part of the Hartley family by the end of this. I loved all the little moments between them and how much they showed up for each other. It gave the book that feeling where you’re not only invested in the couple, but also genuinely care about the people around them.
I also really liked the mystery surrounding Daisy’s dad. It gave the story something extra to keep me wondering what was actually going on, without making the romance feel secondary.
Definitely one of those books where I finished it already wanting to spend more time in Blackstone Creek!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.75/5⭐️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✨ age gap
✨ forced proximity
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ mutual pining
✨ slow burn
✨ found family
✨ protective MMC
✨ no third-act breakup
Daisy comes back to Blackstone Creek with a reason to be there, but obviously things get complicated when Wyatt is still very much in the picture. And the two of them have SO much history between them. I’m a sucker for characters who clearly still have feelings for each other but spend way too long trying not to act on them, so the mutual pining in this one really worked for me!
The slow burn also surprised me because I normally have very little patience when I know two people are obviously into each other😂 But with Daisy and Wyatt, I actually liked having to wait for everything to unfold. Their history made the tension feel believable rather than just being there because the book needed some tension.
And honestly, I wanted to be part of the Hartley family by the end of this. I loved all the little moments between them and how much they showed up for each other. It gave the book that feeling where you’re not only invested in the couple, but also genuinely care about the people around them.
I also really liked the mystery surrounding Daisy’s dad. It gave the story something extra to keep me wondering what was actually going on, without making the romance feel secondary.
Definitely one of those books where I finished it already wanting to spend more time in Blackstone Creek!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.75/5⭐️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✨ age gap
✨ forced proximity
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ mutual pining
✨ slow burn
✨ found family
✨ protective MMC
✨ no third-act breakup
August 8, 2026
Wild Sanctuary is about so much more than romance.
It’s about love, family and growth. It’s about growing pains, grief, and returning to a place filled with memories you thought you had left behind. It’s about chemistry and connection, but it’s also about suspense, secrets, and trusting your gut when something doesn’t feel right.
Daisy returns to Blackstone Creek looking for answers surrounding her father’s death, which means stepping back into the Hartley family’s world and back into Wyatt’s life too.
I loved the history between Daisy and Wyatt. There’s so much emotion wrapped up in their relationship, and the slow build made their connection feel believable rather than rushed. But what really pulled me in was everything happening around them. The family dynamic, the ranch, the mystery and the feeling that there was always something else waiting to be uncovered.
I also became completely invested in the Hartley family and Glacier Ridge as a whole. Knowing this is only the beginning of the series makes me very happy because I am absolutely not ready to leave Blackstone Creek yet.
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but definitely not my last.
Five stars !!
It’s about love, family and growth. It’s about growing pains, grief, and returning to a place filled with memories you thought you had left behind. It’s about chemistry and connection, but it’s also about suspense, secrets, and trusting your gut when something doesn’t feel right.
Daisy returns to Blackstone Creek looking for answers surrounding her father’s death, which means stepping back into the Hartley family’s world and back into Wyatt’s life too.
I loved the history between Daisy and Wyatt. There’s so much emotion wrapped up in their relationship, and the slow build made their connection feel believable rather than rushed. But what really pulled me in was everything happening around them. The family dynamic, the ranch, the mystery and the feeling that there was always something else waiting to be uncovered.
I also became completely invested in the Hartley family and Glacier Ridge as a whole. Knowing this is only the beginning of the series makes me very happy because I am absolutely not ready to leave Blackstone Creek yet.
This was my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but definitely not my last.
Five stars !!
September 4, 2026
Your next small town romantic suspense obsession, with a grumpy cowboy and a mystery to solve 🐎💖✨ Perfect for readers who love Catherine Cowles, Elsie Silver and Devney Perry!
I really enjoyed this one. It had a bit of everything I like in a romance — small town, second chances, a grumpy man, plenty of tension and a little bit of mystery thrown in.
I really liked Wyatt. He’s quiet, grumpy and keeps everyone at arm’s length, but underneath all that he’s very protective. And the chemistry between him and the FMC was so good. You could tell there were still feelings there, even when neither of them wanted to admit it.
I also liked that there was more to the story than just the romance. She’s come back to Blackstone Creek looking into her dad’s death, and the more she digs, the more dangerous things become. That part kept me guessing and gave the story a nice bit of suspense.
The slow burn worked really well for these two, and I enjoyed watching them gradually find their way back to each other.
And can we just appreciate the fact there was no ridiculous third-act breakup? 🙌😂 Always a bonus!
A really enjoyable small-town romance with plenty of chemistry, secrets and a grumpy man who eventually starts letting his guard down.
Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy this kind of romance. 🤎📚
I really enjoyed this one. It had a bit of everything I like in a romance — small town, second chances, a grumpy man, plenty of tension and a little bit of mystery thrown in.
I really liked Wyatt. He’s quiet, grumpy and keeps everyone at arm’s length, but underneath all that he’s very protective. And the chemistry between him and the FMC was so good. You could tell there were still feelings there, even when neither of them wanted to admit it.
I also liked that there was more to the story than just the romance. She’s come back to Blackstone Creek looking into her dad’s death, and the more she digs, the more dangerous things become. That part kept me guessing and gave the story a nice bit of suspense.
The slow burn worked really well for these two, and I enjoyed watching them gradually find their way back to each other.
And can we just appreciate the fact there was no ridiculous third-act breakup? 🙌😂 Always a bonus!
A really enjoyable small-town romance with plenty of chemistry, secrets and a grumpy man who eventually starts letting his guard down.
Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy this kind of romance. 🤎📚
September 7, 2026
When I saw that Pamela was coming out with a new romance AND it was a cowboy romance, I was absolutely sold.
We follow Daisy, who’s back at the ranch her dad worked at her entire life. Under claims that she’s writing an article, which she is, but also because she’s digging in because something about her dad’s death doesn’t sit right with her.
Then we have Wyatt, who’s broody and grumpy and she’s taken their history as a giant no from him. That he’s never been interested when that’s furthest from the truth.
Truly, the way this family comes together and just all of them in general are so well written - legit warmed my heart.
This was a cowboy romance, with an age gap, slow burn, found family, mutual pining, forced proximity, and grumpy x sunshine - so like all of the great tropes combined.
A huge thank you to Pamela and Netgalley for an eARC in return for an honest review.
We follow Daisy, who’s back at the ranch her dad worked at her entire life. Under claims that she’s writing an article, which she is, but also because she’s digging in because something about her dad’s death doesn’t sit right with her.
Then we have Wyatt, who’s broody and grumpy and she’s taken their history as a giant no from him. That he’s never been interested when that’s furthest from the truth.
Truly, the way this family comes together and just all of them in general are so well written - legit warmed my heart.
This was a cowboy romance, with an age gap, slow burn, found family, mutual pining, forced proximity, and grumpy x sunshine - so like all of the great tropes combined.
A huge thank you to Pamela and Netgalley for an eARC in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela O’Rourke for the ARC 💜
This was such an enjoyable small town romantic suspense! I absolutely love a romance with a touch of mystery, and add in some cowboy charm? Even better. 🤠
Daisy saying her engine light is a vibe and that her therapist would have a lot to say about it had me giggling. Those kind of moments were everything and made me love her even more.
Wyatt and Daisy had undeniable chemistry from the very beginning, and I was completely hooked on their story.
This was my first read by Pamela O’Rourke, and it’s safe to say it definitely won’t be my last! If you love small town romance, age gap, and grumpy x sunshine, this one needs to be on your TBR. 💕
Releases September 4th, don’t wait! ✨
This was such an enjoyable small town romantic suspense! I absolutely love a romance with a touch of mystery, and add in some cowboy charm? Even better. 🤠
Daisy saying her engine light is a vibe and that her therapist would have a lot to say about it had me giggling. Those kind of moments were everything and made me love her even more.
Wyatt and Daisy had undeniable chemistry from the very beginning, and I was completely hooked on their story.
This was my first read by Pamela O’Rourke, and it’s safe to say it definitely won’t be my last! If you love small town romance, age gap, and grumpy x sunshine, this one needs to be on your TBR. 💕
Releases September 4th, don’t wait! ✨
September 20, 2026
yea this was a goodie! If you’re craving a small town cowboy romance with suspense this is for you!
Both characters knew each other when they were a little younger, but after an accident she leaves town for 6 years. She’s back in town as a journalist to uncover some answers behind why some local ranches are going under and getting bought by corporations.
Wyatt holds himself back from his true feelings for her due to a promise that was made, and it is sooo good! Daisy thinks he hates her, and when she finds out how he actually feels 🤭🤭
The suspenseful parts were good, and I liked how the story played out. Didn’t see it coming.
The side characters were all super supportive and fun.
I can’t wait to continue this series!
Both characters knew each other when they were a little younger, but after an accident she leaves town for 6 years. She’s back in town as a journalist to uncover some answers behind why some local ranches are going under and getting bought by corporations.
Wyatt holds himself back from his true feelings for her due to a promise that was made, and it is sooo good! Daisy thinks he hates her, and when she finds out how he actually feels 🤭🤭
The suspenseful parts were good, and I liked how the story played out. Didn’t see it coming.
The side characters were all super supportive and fun.
I can’t wait to continue this series!
August 27, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Pamela O’Rourke for this ARC.
Give me a small town romantic suspense and I will devour it! This is my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but it will not be my last. This was a slow burn, but it made the chemistry and love forming between Wyatt and Daisy feel realistic. I normally don’t love slow burns too much, but this was just right!!
The suspense and mystery in this one reminded me of some of my favorite Catherine Cowles books. Just the emotion and feelings those books bring out of me, I loved it!! If you love a small town, grumpy x sunshine, age gap romance with all the suspense to have you on the edge of your seat… this one is for you!!
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Pamela O’Rourke for this ARC.
Give me a small town romantic suspense and I will devour it! This is my first Pamela O’Rourke book, but it will not be my last. This was a slow burn, but it made the chemistry and love forming between Wyatt and Daisy feel realistic. I normally don’t love slow burns too much, but this was just right!!
The suspense and mystery in this one reminded me of some of my favorite Catherine Cowles books. Just the emotion and feelings those books bring out of me, I loved it!! If you love a small town, grumpy x sunshine, age gap romance with all the suspense to have you on the edge of your seat… this one is for you!!
September 14, 2026
4.5⭐️
If you love Catherine Cowles, you NEED to add this one to your TBR!
I loved this so much! The small-town setting, suspense, slow burn, and chemistry between Daisy and Wyatt had me completely hooked.
I’m giving this 4.5 stars because while I absolutely loved the story, the audiobook narration was a little robotic, and when the MMC changed his voice to sound female… I’m sorry, but I CRINGED. It pulled me out of the story a bit.
Overall, such a good romantic suspense read, and I’m absolutely invested in this series. I cannot wait for more from Glacier Ridge Ranch!
Thank you, Libro.fm, for the ALC!
If you love Catherine Cowles, you NEED to add this one to your TBR!
I loved this so much! The small-town setting, suspense, slow burn, and chemistry between Daisy and Wyatt had me completely hooked.
I’m giving this 4.5 stars because while I absolutely loved the story, the audiobook narration was a little robotic, and when the MMC changed his voice to sound female… I’m sorry, but I CRINGED. It pulled me out of the story a bit.
Overall, such a good romantic suspense read, and I’m absolutely invested in this series. I cannot wait for more from Glacier Ridge Ranch!
Thank you, Libro.fm, for the ALC!
Did Not Finish
August 26, 2026DNF at 20%. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with this one. I found the pacing quite slow and felt the story was dragging, so it wasn’t holding my attention. This is very much a personal preference, and I’m sure readers who enjoy a slower-paced story may have a completely different experience.
October 5, 2026
Thank you to Libro.fm for an ALC.
This novel was well-written enough that I was able to overlook the numerous errors within the audiobook’s narration. There were countless editing errors and I absolutely hated the cadence of Wyatt’s voice. Daisy’s narrator should have been the sole narrator for the novel.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ranch setting and the romantic mystery.
This novel was well-written enough that I was able to overlook the numerous errors within the audiobook’s narration. There were countless editing errors and I absolutely hated the cadence of Wyatt’s voice. Daisy’s narrator should have been the sole narrator for the novel.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ranch setting and the romantic mystery.
August 5, 2026
Wild Sanctuary… possibly the best slow burn I’ve ever read. 😭❤️
Pamela knew exactly how to keep me on the edge of my seat right up until the moment they finally cracked. The tension was incredible!
And the romance wasn’t the only thing stealing the show. The investigation had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. Every new clue pulled me in deeper, and I genuinely didn’t see that ending coming.
Brilliant, addictive, and definitely one to add to your TBR!
Pamela knew exactly how to keep me on the edge of my seat right up until the moment they finally cracked. The tension was incredible!
And the romance wasn’t the only thing stealing the show. The investigation had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. Every new clue pulled me in deeper, and I genuinely didn’t see that ending coming.
Brilliant, addictive, and definitely one to add to your TBR!
September 12, 2026
A mystery romance may be my new favorite genre. I really enjoyed this story. The Hartley family is so precious and I can’t wait to get more of them. The way romance was mixed with the plot and mystery was so intriguing. I really enjoyed this adventure. My only wish is for the audiobook, not have a man do the woman’s voice. It’s too off putting. But other than that the narrators were great!
Thank you libro.fm and Boldwood Books for this ALC!
Thank you libro.fm and Boldwood Books for this ALC!
October 2, 2026
A surprising fun story of great character, interesting mystery, fantastic suspense and sizzling chemistry! I really enjoyed this one!
September 17, 2026
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Wild Sanctuary
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Pamela O’Rourke
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 386
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : NetGalley
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 4th Septmeber 2026
I read this book in one sitting i just couldn’t put it down!!!!
I love a good cowboy romance and the added suspense omfg it was my perfect book!
Pamela did such a good job at bringing the past into the present throughout the book without many it feel disjointed or the reader feeling as if the are missing anything.
I loved the romance between Daisy and Wyatt! The yearning omg, i loved it so much! I really enjoyed the Grumpy x Sunshine trope in this one as well, it wasn’t overwhelming and done just right!
The Hartley gang have made a palace in my heart and I’m so excited for what’s to come next!
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Wild Sanctuary
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Pamela O’Rourke
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 386
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : NetGalley
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 4th Septmeber 2026
I read this book in one sitting i just couldn’t put it down!!!!
I love a good cowboy romance and the added suspense omfg it was my perfect book!
Pamela did such a good job at bringing the past into the present throughout the book without many it feel disjointed or the reader feeling as if the are missing anything.
I loved the romance between Daisy and Wyatt! The yearning omg, i loved it so much! I really enjoyed the Grumpy x Sunshine trope in this one as well, it wasn’t overwhelming and done just right!
The Hartley gang have made a palace in my heart and I’m so excited for what’s to come next!
August 7, 2026
OKAY WOW I LOVED THIS! I was fully hooked right from the beginning and loved the balance of romance and suspense. This is a slow burn but it’s well paced so I didn’t mind at all because it was worth it when they finally gave in!
I adore Wyatt and Daisy. I mean, he’s a grumpy cowboy who melts for the sunshine journalist who has returned home to Blackstone Creek. The mutual pining between them was SO GOOD. The way their history was built, the chemistry between them and their journey to building something together.
It was a great start to a new series, setting up this small town and introducing us to loveable side characters making the entire story really enjoyable. I am really looking forward to where the series goes!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: small town, romantic suspense, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, mutual pining, found family, hidden secrets, slow burn.
I adore Wyatt and Daisy. I mean, he’s a grumpy cowboy who melts for the sunshine journalist who has returned home to Blackstone Creek. The mutual pining between them was SO GOOD. The way their history was built, the chemistry between them and their journey to building something together.
It was a great start to a new series, setting up this small town and introducing us to loveable side characters making the entire story really enjoyable. I am really looking forward to where the series goes!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: small town, romantic suspense, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, mutual pining, found family, hidden secrets, slow burn.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the ARC of Wild Sanctuary by Pamela O'Rourke.
Blurb
Officially, I’m here to write a feature on Glacier Ridge Ranch for my editor. Unofficially, I’m following a lead. No matter what anyone says, I never believed my father’s death three years ago was just an accident.
I came back to Blackstone Creek for answers. Not for Wyatt Hartley.
He’s still quiet strength wrapped in worn denim and guarded eyes. Still the man who can make my heart race with a single look. And still completely off-limits.
Daisy isn't just in town to write an article, she wants to find out who is responsible for the death of her beloved father, and his best friend the man she worked for. None other than Wyatt's father.
Wyatt is grumpy. She is sunshine.
He is guarded.
He made a promise to her father.
Not to get involved unless he was going to be her forever man.
He tries hard to resist.
Yet there is no resisting this beautiful woman.
Pamela writes a highly charged and emotional love story, with a hint of mystery and tension.
If you enjoy a book that has all of these elements, then this is for you.
I'd classify it as one of my top 5 reads this year out of 100+ books read.
I hope there will be another book in the series soon.
Kerry Kennedy Author.
Blurb
Officially, I’m here to write a feature on Glacier Ridge Ranch for my editor. Unofficially, I’m following a lead. No matter what anyone says, I never believed my father’s death three years ago was just an accident.
I came back to Blackstone Creek for answers. Not for Wyatt Hartley.
He’s still quiet strength wrapped in worn denim and guarded eyes. Still the man who can make my heart race with a single look. And still completely off-limits.
Daisy isn't just in town to write an article, she wants to find out who is responsible for the death of her beloved father, and his best friend the man she worked for. None other than Wyatt's father.
Wyatt is grumpy. She is sunshine.
He is guarded.
He made a promise to her father.
Not to get involved unless he was going to be her forever man.
He tries hard to resist.
Yet there is no resisting this beautiful woman.
Pamela writes a highly charged and emotional love story, with a hint of mystery and tension.
If you enjoy a book that has all of these elements, then this is for you.
I'd classify it as one of my top 5 reads this year out of 100+ books read.
I hope there will be another book in the series soon.
Kerry Kennedy Author.
August 7, 2026
~ NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW ~
within like 20% I knew that the romance wasn't going to be enough to keep me hooked, luckily the suspense made it manageable. this book had all the elements that normally contribute to my favorite type of romance and yet no e of it was clicking. the broody mmc was just plain dickish, the fmc just wouldn't stand up for herself in any way, and side characters just weren't giving the support that the story needed in order for it to feel like a well rounded actual story.
within like 20% I knew that the romance wasn't going to be enough to keep me hooked, luckily the suspense made it manageable. this book had all the elements that normally contribute to my favorite type of romance and yet no e of it was clicking. the broody mmc was just plain dickish, the fmc just wouldn't stand up for herself in any way, and side characters just weren't giving the support that the story needed in order for it to feel like a well rounded actual story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
6 Years of Pining and Secrets
She came back to Blackstone Creek to uncover the truth about her father's death. She didn't expect the grumpy rancher who'd spent six years trying not to want her to become impossible to resist.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
Wild Sanctuary by Pamela O’Rourke is a small-town cowboy romance with a healthy dose of mystery and romantic suspense, combining a grumpy rancher, years of mutual pining, found family and long-buried secrets into a thoroughly addictive start to a new series.
Told through Daisy and Wyatt's dual first-person POV, the story follows investigative journalist Daisy Monroe as she returns to Blackstone Creek, officially to write an article about Glacier Ridge Ranch and the realities of multigenerational ranching. Unofficially, she's spent the last six months investigating the death of her father, who was killed alongside Wyatt's father in a supposed accident three years earlier. Daisy has never believed that two experienced ranchers simply drove off a road they knew by heart, and it isn't long before suspicious land sales, financial discrepancies and one very powerful local family suggest she might have been right to keep digging.
The romance is *chef’s kiss*. Daisy is the sunshine to Wyatt's grumpy, but she's also stubborn, ambitious, intelligent and determined to get answers, while Wyatt is a hardworking, protective rancher who has spent six years trying desperately to convince himself that wanting Daisy is a Very Bad Idea™. The mutual pining is delicious. Daisy is convinced Wyatt has never seen her as anything more than his best friend's daughter, meanwhile his POV is don't look at Daisy, don't touch Daisy, definitely don't think about Daisy... while thinking almost exclusively about Daisy. 😂 Their shared history also gives the romance some real emotional weight, and I particularly loved the little memories of Wyatt looking after her when she was younger and how some of those moments come full circle later in the story.
Glacier Ridge has such a warm, lived-in feeling, filled with Sunday dinners, sibling teasing, embarrassing family stories and the kind of chaos that made me want to pull up a chair and join them. June, Colt, West, Maggie and Rhett all feel distinct, rather than existing purely to fill out Wyatt's family tree, and watching Daisy slowly realise that these people never stopped considering her family was genuinely lovely. There are also several side-character dynamics being quietly set up in the background and, considering this is only book one, I already have theories about whose romance we're getting next. 👀
I LOVED the mystery surrounding Daisy's father's death. There are enough suspicious details early on to start forming theories, but every answer seems to uncover another question as Daisy follows the trail through financial records, struggling ranches and secrets buried throughout Blackstone Creek. Daisy actually behaves like an investigative journalist. She notices inconsistencies, follows paper trails, interviews people and, occasionally, makes decisions that had me questioning whether investigative journalists possess a functioning sense of self-preservation. I also loved that Daisy's ambition remains an important part of her character throughout the story, rather than disappearing as the romance develops.
Tropes
Age Gap
Forbidden Attraction
Slow Burn
Friends-to-Lovers
Mutual Pining
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Protective MMC
Small-Town Secrets
Murder Mystery
Content Warnings
Death
Murder
Grief
Violence
Gun violence
Threats of violence
Assault
Injury/blood
Emotional manipulation
Trauma
Family betrayal
References to financial exploitation
I'd recommend this to readers who love small-town cowboy romances with an actual mystery to solve, protective grumpy ranchers who are secretly completely gone for their FMC, sunshine heroines with plenty of determination, years of mutual pining, found family and a romance with a darker suspenseful edge. I loved getting to know the Hartleys and Blackstone Creek, and I'll absolutely be continuing the series—especially because there are already a few side characters whose stories I desperately want. 👀
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
She came back to Blackstone Creek to uncover the truth about her father's death. She didn't expect the grumpy rancher who'd spent six years trying not to want her to become impossible to resist.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
Wild Sanctuary by Pamela O’Rourke is a small-town cowboy romance with a healthy dose of mystery and romantic suspense, combining a grumpy rancher, years of mutual pining, found family and long-buried secrets into a thoroughly addictive start to a new series.
Told through Daisy and Wyatt's dual first-person POV, the story follows investigative journalist Daisy Monroe as she returns to Blackstone Creek, officially to write an article about Glacier Ridge Ranch and the realities of multigenerational ranching. Unofficially, she's spent the last six months investigating the death of her father, who was killed alongside Wyatt's father in a supposed accident three years earlier. Daisy has never believed that two experienced ranchers simply drove off a road they knew by heart, and it isn't long before suspicious land sales, financial discrepancies and one very powerful local family suggest she might have been right to keep digging.
The romance is *chef’s kiss*. Daisy is the sunshine to Wyatt's grumpy, but she's also stubborn, ambitious, intelligent and determined to get answers, while Wyatt is a hardworking, protective rancher who has spent six years trying desperately to convince himself that wanting Daisy is a Very Bad Idea™. The mutual pining is delicious. Daisy is convinced Wyatt has never seen her as anything more than his best friend's daughter, meanwhile his POV is don't look at Daisy, don't touch Daisy, definitely don't think about Daisy... while thinking almost exclusively about Daisy. 😂 Their shared history also gives the romance some real emotional weight, and I particularly loved the little memories of Wyatt looking after her when she was younger and how some of those moments come full circle later in the story.
Glacier Ridge has such a warm, lived-in feeling, filled with Sunday dinners, sibling teasing, embarrassing family stories and the kind of chaos that made me want to pull up a chair and join them. June, Colt, West, Maggie and Rhett all feel distinct, rather than existing purely to fill out Wyatt's family tree, and watching Daisy slowly realise that these people never stopped considering her family was genuinely lovely. There are also several side-character dynamics being quietly set up in the background and, considering this is only book one, I already have theories about whose romance we're getting next. 👀
I LOVED the mystery surrounding Daisy's father's death. There are enough suspicious details early on to start forming theories, but every answer seems to uncover another question as Daisy follows the trail through financial records, struggling ranches and secrets buried throughout Blackstone Creek. Daisy actually behaves like an investigative journalist. She notices inconsistencies, follows paper trails, interviews people and, occasionally, makes decisions that had me questioning whether investigative journalists possess a functioning sense of self-preservation. I also loved that Daisy's ambition remains an important part of her character throughout the story, rather than disappearing as the romance develops.
Tropes
Age Gap
Forbidden Attraction
Slow Burn
Friends-to-Lovers
Mutual Pining
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Protective MMC
Small-Town Secrets
Murder Mystery
Content Warnings
Death
Murder
Grief
Violence
Gun violence
Threats of violence
Assault
Injury/blood
Emotional manipulation
Trauma
Family betrayal
References to financial exploitation
I'd recommend this to readers who love small-town cowboy romances with an actual mystery to solve, protective grumpy ranchers who are secretly completely gone for their FMC, sunshine heroines with plenty of determination, years of mutual pining, found family and a romance with a darker suspenseful edge. I loved getting to know the Hartleys and Blackstone Creek, and I'll absolutely be continuing the series—especially because there are already a few side characters whose stories I desperately want. 👀
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 ⭐️♾️
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the review copy of Wild Sanctuary, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Endlessly grateful for the e-ARC from Boldwood Books because Pamela O’Rourke owes me absolutely NOTHING. I’ve just read her debut western romance and I am a woman OBSESSED, yee-fucking-haw!!! 🤠💗
Infinite stars and a whole lot of love for this book. Wild Sanctuary has very quickly cemented itself as one of my top reads of 2026. An instant six-star read and hands-down a favourite of the year!! ⭐️♾️
Honestly, I loved EVERYTHING about this. I’m such a sucker for an age-gap romance, and make it a romantic suspense, I’m your girl!! The tension between Wyatt and Daisy in this was incredible. I had a feeling Wyatt had it bad for Daisy, but I just didn’t realise HOW bad until I got further into the book. That man had the restraint of a saint. I genuinely don’t know how he survived for as long as he did. 😭
Wyatt was the grumpy cowboy of my dreams and I absolutely LOVED him. The auction scene in the bar? I almost levitated. When they almost kissed? I nearly threw my Kindle across the room. Then Daisy’s ex showed up at the most inopportune time, and I nearly threw it across the room for a second time. Lord knows how I survived the actual kiss, the porch scene and their first time together. I was hanging on by a fucking thread, so maybe just slightly understanding how Wyatt felt.
And credit where credit is due, Pamela O’Rourke has a way with words because you could literally FEEL the tension pouring off Wyatt and Daisy whenever they were together. It was so captivating and addictive, and I absolutely ate it up. I could not get enough of them, that I’m already considering a re-read.
I also absolutely LOVED the found family. I’m completely obsessed with the Hartley siblings. The familiarity, the warmth, the banter between them, EVERYTHING. It added so much to the story and really brought that small-town setting charm this had together.
Honestly, I need them ALL to get their own books because I will be front and centre, waiting impatiently and ready to devour every single one. I already have theories about them all too. June and Rhett, maybeee? 👀
And somehow, in the middle of being completely consumed by Wyatt and Daisy’s tension and desperately waiting for them to finally kiss, I almost forgot that Daisy was also trying to solve the mystery surrounding her father’s death. I genuinely did NOT suspect who the villain was, and when everything came to light in those final few chapters, my heart was literally in my throat.
Wild Sanctuary was everything I wanted it to be and more. I laughed, I stressed, I screamed at my Kindle, I fell completely in love with these characters and I am already sitting here wondering what the hell I’m supposed to read next.
Pamela O’Rourke, you owe me absolutely NOTHING. 🤠💗⭐️♾️
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the review copy of Wild Sanctuary, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Endlessly grateful for the e-ARC from Boldwood Books because Pamela O’Rourke owes me absolutely NOTHING. I’ve just read her debut western romance and I am a woman OBSESSED, yee-fucking-haw!!! 🤠💗
Infinite stars and a whole lot of love for this book. Wild Sanctuary has very quickly cemented itself as one of my top reads of 2026. An instant six-star read and hands-down a favourite of the year!! ⭐️♾️
Honestly, I loved EVERYTHING about this. I’m such a sucker for an age-gap romance, and make it a romantic suspense, I’m your girl!! The tension between Wyatt and Daisy in this was incredible. I had a feeling Wyatt had it bad for Daisy, but I just didn’t realise HOW bad until I got further into the book. That man had the restraint of a saint. I genuinely don’t know how he survived for as long as he did. 😭
Wyatt was the grumpy cowboy of my dreams and I absolutely LOVED him. The auction scene in the bar? I almost levitated. When they almost kissed? I nearly threw my Kindle across the room. Then Daisy’s ex showed up at the most inopportune time, and I nearly threw it across the room for a second time. Lord knows how I survived the actual kiss, the porch scene and their first time together. I was hanging on by a fucking thread, so maybe just slightly understanding how Wyatt felt.
And credit where credit is due, Pamela O’Rourke has a way with words because you could literally FEEL the tension pouring off Wyatt and Daisy whenever they were together. It was so captivating and addictive, and I absolutely ate it up. I could not get enough of them, that I’m already considering a re-read.
I also absolutely LOVED the found family. I’m completely obsessed with the Hartley siblings. The familiarity, the warmth, the banter between them, EVERYTHING. It added so much to the story and really brought that small-town setting charm this had together.
Honestly, I need them ALL to get their own books because I will be front and centre, waiting impatiently and ready to devour every single one. I already have theories about them all too. June and Rhett, maybeee? 👀
And somehow, in the middle of being completely consumed by Wyatt and Daisy’s tension and desperately waiting for them to finally kiss, I almost forgot that Daisy was also trying to solve the mystery surrounding her father’s death. I genuinely did NOT suspect who the villain was, and when everything came to light in those final few chapters, my heart was literally in my throat.
Wild Sanctuary was everything I wanted it to be and more. I laughed, I stressed, I screamed at my Kindle, I fell completely in love with these characters and I am already sitting here wondering what the hell I’m supposed to read next.
Pamela O’Rourke, you owe me absolutely NOTHING. 🤠💗⭐️♾️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
☀️ ARC REVIEW ☀️
🌷WILD SANCTUARY (GLACIER RIDGE RANCH, 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I'm a city girl to my core so it takes something truly special to pull me towards small town cowboys. Wild Sanctuary was exactly that! I absolutely LOVED it!! I was fully immersed in Glacier Ridge Ranch and the Hartley family. The story was so atmospheric, capturing the wild beauty of Blackstone Creek and it became a place I wished I could visit.
Wyatt Hartley, grumpy and guarded, owner of Glacier Ridge Ranch, had been suppressing his feelings for his father's friend’s daughter for six years. Six years without touching another woman, restraint hanging on by a thread, building walls so high that every moment with her was one step away from total destruction. The hold she had over him took my breath away. He couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe, couldn't stop thinking about her. He was honoring a promise to her father and Wyatt was nothing if not a man of his word.
Daisy Monroe left town six years earlier, feeling rejected by Wyatt, assuming he only thought of her as her father's little girl. Now a journalist, she was back in Blackstone Creek writing an article about multigenerational ranching families while investigating the death of her father. I loved Daisy's determination and drive, her desire for justice. I could feel every ounce of emotion she experienced throughout, with Wyatt, with her father, with the inherent dangers of looking into a questionable tragedy. She was someone I knew I could have been best friends with.
Six years of yearning, mutual pining between Wyatt and Daisy, built up so intensely that I could feel the tension in my chest. Every glance, every heated stare, every brush of skin, every stolen moment that almost was. And when the last remnant of control fractured, I could feel it EVERYWHERE. When those walls dropped, they cracked wide open. Everything shifted on its axis, raw and real, honest and genuine, sweet intimacy mixed with pure fire. One promise, years of guilt and grief turned into resolve and I was completely swept up by it.
This was a story about grief and memories, pain and hurt, but also hope and understanding. It was about family, including found family, finding the people who have your back unconditionally without asking. I loved the setup for all the Hartley siblings, learning about each of them, their personalities and quirks. I can't wait to read every single one of their stories.
Wild Sanctuary is undoubtedly SMALL TOWN PERFECTION!! Make sure not to miss the epilogue! Bring extra tissues!! 💜
TROPES:
✨️Small Town Setting
✨️Romantic Suspense
✨️Grumpy Cowboy
✨️Journalist FMC
✨️Mutual Pining
✨️Age Gap (9 years)
✨️Found Family
*A million thanks to author Pamela O'Rourke, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC! 🫶
🌷WILD SANCTUARY (GLACIER RIDGE RANCH, 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I'm a city girl to my core so it takes something truly special to pull me towards small town cowboys. Wild Sanctuary was exactly that! I absolutely LOVED it!! I was fully immersed in Glacier Ridge Ranch and the Hartley family. The story was so atmospheric, capturing the wild beauty of Blackstone Creek and it became a place I wished I could visit.
Wyatt Hartley, grumpy and guarded, owner of Glacier Ridge Ranch, had been suppressing his feelings for his father's friend’s daughter for six years. Six years without touching another woman, restraint hanging on by a thread, building walls so high that every moment with her was one step away from total destruction. The hold she had over him took my breath away. He couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe, couldn't stop thinking about her. He was honoring a promise to her father and Wyatt was nothing if not a man of his word.
Daisy Monroe left town six years earlier, feeling rejected by Wyatt, assuming he only thought of her as her father's little girl. Now a journalist, she was back in Blackstone Creek writing an article about multigenerational ranching families while investigating the death of her father. I loved Daisy's determination and drive, her desire for justice. I could feel every ounce of emotion she experienced throughout, with Wyatt, with her father, with the inherent dangers of looking into a questionable tragedy. She was someone I knew I could have been best friends with.
Six years of yearning, mutual pining between Wyatt and Daisy, built up so intensely that I could feel the tension in my chest. Every glance, every heated stare, every brush of skin, every stolen moment that almost was. And when the last remnant of control fractured, I could feel it EVERYWHERE. When those walls dropped, they cracked wide open. Everything shifted on its axis, raw and real, honest and genuine, sweet intimacy mixed with pure fire. One promise, years of guilt and grief turned into resolve and I was completely swept up by it.
This was a story about grief and memories, pain and hurt, but also hope and understanding. It was about family, including found family, finding the people who have your back unconditionally without asking. I loved the setup for all the Hartley siblings, learning about each of them, their personalities and quirks. I can't wait to read every single one of their stories.
Wild Sanctuary is undoubtedly SMALL TOWN PERFECTION!! Make sure not to miss the epilogue! Bring extra tissues!! 💜
TROPES:
✨️Small Town Setting
✨️Romantic Suspense
✨️Grumpy Cowboy
✨️Journalist FMC
✨️Mutual Pining
✨️Age Gap (9 years)
✨️Found Family
*A million thanks to author Pamela O'Rourke, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC! 🫶
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