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RECKONING : A SMALL TOWN BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE
I had a one-night stand with a grumpy billionaire cowboy and now I’m pregnant.
Brock Steele is exactly the kind of man I avoid.
Rich. Controlling. Infuriatingly gorgeous.
The kind of small-town legend women fall into bed with and regret before sunrise.
I’m the veterinarian stuck working on his ranch after saving his million-dollar horse in front of half of Midland.
We fight constantly about his horses.
About the way he watches me like he’s one bad decision away from ruining us both.
Then one night turns into tequila, tension, and his mouth on mine against a barn door.
After that, everything changes.
He brings me coffee before sunrise.
Defends me like I already belong to him.
Looks at me soft enough to make me forget he’s still off-limits.
When I realize I’m falling for him, someone starts coming after me.
Now there’s a positive pregnancy test in my bathroom… and if his family finds out, they won’t just ruin me.
They’ll come for our baby too.
RECKONING is a steamy opposites-attract off-limits billionaire romance. It's book two in the Stay Wild Series and can be read as a stand-alone, with a happy-ever-after ending.
Recommended for mature readers only.
Brock Steele is exactly the kind of man I avoid.
Rich. Controlling. Infuriatingly gorgeous.
The kind of small-town legend women fall into bed with and regret before sunrise.
I’m the veterinarian stuck working on his ranch after saving his million-dollar horse in front of half of Midland.
We fight constantly about his horses.
About the way he watches me like he’s one bad decision away from ruining us both.
Then one night turns into tequila, tension, and his mouth on mine against a barn door.
After that, everything changes.
He brings me coffee before sunrise.
Defends me like I already belong to him.
Looks at me soft enough to make me forget he’s still off-limits.
When I realize I’m falling for him, someone starts coming after me.
Now there’s a positive pregnancy test in my bathroom… and if his family finds out, they won’t just ruin me.
They’ll come for our baby too.
RECKONING is a steamy opposites-attract off-limits billionaire romance. It's book two in the Stay Wild Series and can be read as a stand-alone, with a happy-ever-after ending.
Recommended for mature readers only.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 24, 2026
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. She has a way of pulling you into the story and making it easy to connect with the characters and their emotions.
In Reckoning, book two in the Stay Wild series, we follow Brock and Ariel. Brock is the grumpy cowboy ranch owner and Ariel is the veterinarian who works on his ranch. After a one-night stand changes everything, these two have to navigate an unexpected surprise pregnancy while dealing with all the feelings and uncertainty that come with it.
I really enjoyed both Brock and Ariel. Brock may come across as gruff, but I loved watching his softer side emerge as the story progressed. Ariel was easy to root for, and I appreciated her strength and independence. The chemistry between them felt natural, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
What stood out most for me was the author’s writing. It flowed so easily and kept me invested from beginning to end. Between the small-town ranch setting, the emotional moments and the romance between Brock and Ariel, this one kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy grumpy cowboys, surprise pregnancies, small-town romance and plenty of heart, I definitely recommend picking up the Stay Wild series.
In Reckoning, book two in the Stay Wild series, we follow Brock and Ariel. Brock is the grumpy cowboy ranch owner and Ariel is the veterinarian who works on his ranch. After a one-night stand changes everything, these two have to navigate an unexpected surprise pregnancy while dealing with all the feelings and uncertainty that come with it.
I really enjoyed both Brock and Ariel. Brock may come across as gruff, but I loved watching his softer side emerge as the story progressed. Ariel was easy to root for, and I appreciated her strength and independence. The chemistry between them felt natural, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
What stood out most for me was the author’s writing. It flowed so easily and kept me invested from beginning to end. Between the small-town ranch setting, the emotional moments and the romance between Brock and Ariel, this one kept me turning the pages.
If you enjoy grumpy cowboys, surprise pregnancies, small-town romance and plenty of heart, I definitely recommend picking up the Stay Wild series.
July 20, 2026
1.5⭐️
If you don’t want to get spoiled, don’t read the description of the book. A certain event/trope that is mentioned happens at the end of the book, so it’s probably gonna be more enjoyable if you go in blind.
Also the type of the relationship “one night stand” that is mentioned in the description, isn’t really what happens at the book… it’s not a 1 time thing
The book wasn’t bad, it started out very good actually, but for its length, it was very slow paced. I needed the events of the book to happen in a more reasonable timeline than all of them happening in the span of two weeks. The couple started with a nice tension but that got lost in the process…
I liked that the main characters were mature and reasonable and I liked both of the povs and their way of thinking. But the mystery plot and the revelation of who did what and the way it was revealed did nothing to impress me and it wasn’t for me.
Overall it had great potential but it didn’t meet the expectations I had when I started it.
I have to admit though, that all of the books in this series are guilty pleasure reads for sure!
If you don’t want to get spoiled, don’t read the description of the book. A certain event/trope that is mentioned happens at the end of the book, so it’s probably gonna be more enjoyable if you go in blind.
Also the type of the relationship “one night stand” that is mentioned in the description, isn’t really what happens at the book… it’s not a 1 time thing
The book wasn’t bad, it started out very good actually, but for its length, it was very slow paced. I needed the events of the book to happen in a more reasonable timeline than all of them happening in the span of two weeks. The couple started with a nice tension but that got lost in the process…
I liked that the main characters were mature and reasonable and I liked both of the povs and their way of thinking. But the mystery plot and the revelation of who did what and the way it was revealed did nothing to impress me and it wasn’t for me.
Overall it had great potential but it didn’t meet the expectations I had when I started it.
I have to admit though, that all of the books in this series are guilty pleasure reads for sure!
June 19, 2026
Another excellent book by Victoria Arden. Brock Steele was a playboy billionaire ranch owner with an expensive and injured horse named Titan. Dr. Ariel Hart was the veterinarian hired to care for the animals on the ranch, as well as maintaining her own practice in a building on the ranch. Both had intense personalities, were used to being in control, and were shut off emotionally from others. There was so much tension in this story that it bleeds onto the pages. Tension from waiting for Titan to heal, the uncertainty of the relationship status between Brock and Ariel, and the relationship between Brock and his father, a mean old tyrant. There was also implied danger from an unknown person who wanted the vet to leave the ranch and Brock’s life and left threatening messages to scare Brock and Ariel. Corporate pressure, family pressure, small town pressure…the world building and character development were excellent.
I liked the premise of the story and the pacing. The plot had lots of suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what might happen next. There were lots of twists in this sometimes-scary story. The cover model was gorgeous and had an intensity about him, just like Brock did in the book. Brock’s favorite horse, Titan, was the catalyst for the story, and Titan’s presence was deftly woven throughout the story. Titan was appropriately named and was really a reflection of Brock. Like Titan, Brock was fierce, mean, and broken. Ariel helped heal both Titan and Brock. A beautiful story with an ending that was a satisfying wrap up of loose ends. This may be an enjoyable book for readers that enjoy intense and complicated suspense stories full of deep emotions, family drama, tension, revenge, mistrust, betrayal, and redemption.
I liked the premise of the story and the pacing. The plot had lots of suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what might happen next. There were lots of twists in this sometimes-scary story. The cover model was gorgeous and had an intensity about him, just like Brock did in the book. Brock’s favorite horse, Titan, was the catalyst for the story, and Titan’s presence was deftly woven throughout the story. Titan was appropriately named and was really a reflection of Brock. Like Titan, Brock was fierce, mean, and broken. Ariel helped heal both Titan and Brock. A beautiful story with an ending that was a satisfying wrap up of loose ends. This may be an enjoyable book for readers that enjoy intense and complicated suspense stories full of deep emotions, family drama, tension, revenge, mistrust, betrayal, and redemption.
June 19, 2026
This book is emotional, addictive, and absolutely overflowing with grumpy cowboy tension 👀🖤🤠🔥
A veterinarian who refuses to be intimidated?
A billionaire cowboy who always gets his way?
A one-night mistake that changes EVERYTHING??
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
The FMC was SUCH a fantastic heroine 👀✨
Independent. Smart. Stubborn.
She's dedicated to her work, stands her ground, and refuses to back down—even when she's facing one of the most powerful men in town.
And honestly??
I loved watching her challenge Brock at every turn.
Then there's Brock Steele.
And WOW 👀🔥
Gruff. Protective. Completely gone for her before he's willing to admit it.
This man might be a billionaire ranch owner, but underneath all that confidence is someone who would do absolutely anything for the people he loves.
Watching him slowly unravel was EVERYTHING.
The chemistry between these two was SO good.
Because they're constantly butting heads.
Arguing.
Challenging each other.
And somehow turning every disagreement into undeniable tension.
The banter.
The sparks.
The emotional moments.
Every interaction had me completely invested.
AND WOW 🖤🤠🔥
The surprise pregnancy storyline raised the stakes even higher.
Because suddenly it's not just about attraction anymore.
It's about family.
Protection.
And deciding how much you're willing to risk for the people who matter most.
Then add in the small-town setting, ranch life, family drama, and a suspenseful threat hanging over everything...
AND I COULDN'T STOP TURNING PAGES.
✨ If you love:
• cowboy romance
• surprise pregnancy
• grumpy/sunshine vibes
• billionaire cowboy
• small-town romance
• protective MMCs
This one is emotional, swoony, addictive, and packed with cowboy romance goodness 🖤🤠🔥✨
A veterinarian who refuses to be intimidated?
A billionaire cowboy who always gets his way?
A one-night mistake that changes EVERYTHING??
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
The FMC was SUCH a fantastic heroine 👀✨
Independent. Smart. Stubborn.
She's dedicated to her work, stands her ground, and refuses to back down—even when she's facing one of the most powerful men in town.
And honestly??
I loved watching her challenge Brock at every turn.
Then there's Brock Steele.
And WOW 👀🔥
Gruff. Protective. Completely gone for her before he's willing to admit it.
This man might be a billionaire ranch owner, but underneath all that confidence is someone who would do absolutely anything for the people he loves.
Watching him slowly unravel was EVERYTHING.
The chemistry between these two was SO good.
Because they're constantly butting heads.
Arguing.
Challenging each other.
And somehow turning every disagreement into undeniable tension.
The banter.
The sparks.
The emotional moments.
Every interaction had me completely invested.
AND WOW 🖤🤠🔥
The surprise pregnancy storyline raised the stakes even higher.
Because suddenly it's not just about attraction anymore.
It's about family.
Protection.
And deciding how much you're willing to risk for the people who matter most.
Then add in the small-town setting, ranch life, family drama, and a suspenseful threat hanging over everything...
AND I COULDN'T STOP TURNING PAGES.
✨ If you love:
• cowboy romance
• surprise pregnancy
• grumpy/sunshine vibes
• billionaire cowboy
• small-town romance
• protective MMCs
This one is emotional, swoony, addictive, and packed with cowboy romance goodness 🖤🤠🔥✨
June 19, 2026
When Titan plays matchmaker
“I just lie here with this woman asleep on my chest.
I think: I am in serious trouble.
I think: Good.”
The kind of story you want to wrap around you like the warmest blanket on a cold evening. Engaging side characters, the stoic alpha male who you would give up everything for, the courageous veterinarian who is driving hard for her dreams, and of course a child and animals thrown in to round out all the deliciousness. Truly a wonderful story full of heart and plenty of heat. The outside duplicity made me steam for them -the nerve of his father 😡but the ending is so sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I just lie here with this woman asleep on my chest.
I think: I am in serious trouble.
I think: Good.”
The kind of story you want to wrap around you like the warmest blanket on a cold evening. Engaging side characters, the stoic alpha male who you would give up everything for, the courageous veterinarian who is driving hard for her dreams, and of course a child and animals thrown in to round out all the deliciousness. Truly a wonderful story full of heart and plenty of heat. The outside duplicity made me steam for them -the nerve of his father 😡but the ending is so sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2026
RECKONING is an emotional, tension-filled romance that completely pulled me in from the start. Brock and Ariel are wonderfully complex characters whose feelings run deep, making their relationship feel authentic and compelling from the very first page. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it's the emotional depth and vulnerability that truly make this story shine.
I loved the small-town setting, the suspense woven throughout the plot, and the way Titan the horse became such an important part of the story. Between family drama, danger, redemption, and romance, there was never a dull moment. Victoria Arden delivers a captivating story filled with heart, intensity, and unforgettable characters.
An excellent read that kept me invested until the very satisfying ending.
I loved the small-town setting, the suspense woven throughout the plot, and the way Titan the horse became such an important part of the story. Between family drama, danger, redemption, and romance, there was never a dull moment. Victoria Arden delivers a captivating story filled with heart, intensity, and unforgettable characters.
An excellent read that kept me invested until the very satisfying ending.
June 20, 2026
Good read, needs more editing on details
This was a good, overall, read. That said, it does need another round at editing, the details matter. Details like timelines, how long Red worked there, numerous times we are told 11 years, once much later it’s suddenly 20. Conversations that didn’t happen are referred to, so possibly some scenes and conversations were edited out but references to them are still there making no sense and causing confusion. It’s some details that need fixing.
Now overall, a good storyline. This was mostly enjoyable, some of those details are annoying but if you push through them it’s a nice enough story.
This was a good, overall, read. That said, it does need another round at editing, the details matter. Details like timelines, how long Red worked there, numerous times we are told 11 years, once much later it’s suddenly 20. Conversations that didn’t happen are referred to, so possibly some scenes and conversations were edited out but references to them are still there making no sense and causing confusion. It’s some details that need fixing.
Now overall, a good storyline. This was mostly enjoyable, some of those details are annoying but if you push through them it’s a nice enough story.
June 18, 2026
Loved this one. There was more intensity of feelings than what I normally read in romance books. It just seemed to me that the main characters displayed a depth of feeling from the very beginning not just for each other but for everything. They felt very real like I could go to their town and Brock’s ranch and Red would say “Hey there, haven’t seen you in awhile” then point me in the direction of the clinic or whichever paddock Ariel was working in and Brock was watching her.
Very worth the read
Very worth the read
July 14, 2026
A love story told and simple honest lines
I have never read a Victoria Arden book before this one. It was marvelous I kept sneaking in pages whenever I could because I was so engaged. The characters are well developed. The plot is creative.. The tone is honest it was an enjoyable read.
Brock and Ariel story had me engaged from the beginning. I’m not gonna make the mistake of not reading any more of Victoria’s books!
You really need to read this book and you will be captivated too! Thank you, Miss Arden! You have a faithful reader now.
I have never read a Victoria Arden book before this one. It was marvelous I kept sneaking in pages whenever I could because I was so engaged. The characters are well developed. The plot is creative.. The tone is honest it was an enjoyable read.
Brock and Ariel story had me engaged from the beginning. I’m not gonna make the mistake of not reading any more of Victoria’s books!
You really need to read this book and you will be captivated too! Thank you, Miss Arden! You have a faithful reader now.
June 18, 2026
Brock and Ariel is a steamy opposites-attract off-limits billionaire romance story. These two come together due to her being the vet who saved his horse. When someone comes after her he will do anything to protect her. But when she’s pregnant how will he be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2026
Opposites attract, one night stand, and a pregnancy. What more could you ask for? Ariel and Brock had me glued to my seat. The arguing they did. Their back and forth. And then one tequila formed night helped two pink lines surface. I loved the intensity between these two. They were hot and spicy. Throw in some suspense, and you’ve got an awesome story.
July 20, 2026
What a fantastic read! I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Brock is the ultimate grumpy cowboy billionaire, and I loved seeing his protective side come out as the story unfolded. The romance had amazing chemistry, the suspense kept me guessing, and the emotional ending was perfect. I can't wait for the next book in the Stay Wild series!
June 21, 2026
This is the second book in the Stay Wild series. It’s a very good, one night stand, opposites attract romance. Brock and Ariel’s relationship shouldn’t work but, somehow does. I enjoyed this steamy billionaire romance. I am voluntarily leaving this review
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews