Found in Wild Sage

Juniper View #2

by Claire Cain, Andria Mae (Narrator), Ryan Lee Dunlap (Narrator)

Listening Length: 9 hours and 48 minutes

I’ll do anything to keep my son safe, even marry my stoic doctor boss.

Escaping from an abusive ex and starting fresh in a small town was hard enough. Finding out my ex is trying to get custody of my baby and might actually have a shot at it is a hundred times worse.

I love my son—he’s my whole world. I can’t lose him. When Dr. Declan Ryan, the quiet, gorgeous man I work for suggests we can solve the custody problem by marrying, I’m shocked. Embarrassed.

And fully willing.

I’ve been crushing on this brilliant, kind, handsome man since the moment I met him last summer, but he’s got nothing but professional fondness for me. And if he’s offering to make me look more stable and secure for my son’s future, I can’t say no. I’ll just have to keep my feelings quiet. The trick is, I fall in love with everything about this situation—being near him, his family, and even his adorable little house. He’s dedicated in a way I’ve never dreamed a man could be, and he’s so tender with my son, and me, I can hardly handle it.

How will I ever disentangle myself from this fake marriage when the thing I love most is being his?

I haven’t let myself hope, but when my world tilts yet again, it’s time to ask for what I want.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 26, 2026

Reviews

[Brittany]

I adored this marriage of convenience story! I really felt for both Declan and Evie for all they had both been through. Evie had suffered so much abuse from her ex-fiancé, but Declan had also experienced a betrayal years earlier that continued to influence his view of relationships.

These two were so gone for each other, so in love with each other, but both didn't think the other person had feelings of more than friendship. I loved the way their little family worked, though, and the way Evie knew she could depend on Declan for anything.

The audio book was so much fun! The narrators did an amazing job with the voices and it was a story I didn't want to stop listening to.

I am loving this series so much and look forward to returning to this community and the Ryan family for future novels.

(Marriage of convenience with eventual fade to black/implied intimacy between a married couple.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Chandler (chapterswithchan)]

I love me a marriage of convince, and boy did this deliver! Evie is such a sweet woman who just loves her son. Her drive to take care of him and do her best is so relatable as a mom. One of my favorite parts of this book was how both main characters had such big crushes on each other, but no one knew. Declan was so kind and patient, making it even easier to fall in love with him.

The tension and build up throughout this was very sweet, but I would have loved a little more yearning! I knew there was caring there, but I just wanted a little more of the burning passion. I am enjoying this series and will continue to read about all of the Ryan family!

[Alexandria Williams]

Babes… I am a freaking SUCKER for a marriage of convenience🤌🏾🤌🏾🔥

I’m just going to start it off with Evie owns my heart🥹🥹. As a mom…her desperation to protect Charlie and give him a safe and stable life just hit for me. She’s been through so much but she never stops fighting for her little boy. Then watching her learn that letting someone love and support you doesn't make you weak.

And I can’t forget about Declan. Oh he’s patient (more like secretly waiting for the perfect moment), protective and oh so thoughtful.

But these two? They BOTH had feelings for each other and neither one knew the other felt the same.❤️‍🔥

There were moments where I just want to pull them both to the side and be like…
“YOU. LIKE. EACH. OTHER. NOW PLEASE COMMUNICATE.”😂
I mean Declan’s mom pretty much said it all👏🏾👏🏾. & I won’t go spoiling anything so if you’re curious about her little chat with Evie then you better grab the book.

Declan wasn’t just falling for Evie. He was falling into this whole little family and my heart couldn't handle it.🥹🥹

And I can’t forget about the Ryan family. I WANT A CHAIR AT THEIR DINNER TABLE.😂 The way they welcomed Evie and Charlie into the fold was the found family goodness I live for.

There was some character growth too. Both Evie and Declan have to learn how to communicate, trust, ask for what they want, and actually allow themselves to be chosen.🥹

💍 Marriage of Convenience
👩‍👦 Single Mom
🩺 Doctor MMC
🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Secret Mutual Pining
🫠 Yearning
🛡️ Protective Hero
🌿 Small Town
❤️ Found Family

So babes…If you love a soft hero, a strong single mom and a marriage that starts fake but feels too real… then put this one on your TBR.

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys @clairecainwriter for the #gifted copy!

#FoundInWildSage #ClaireCain #JuniperView

[Haley Taylor]

Found in Wild Sage @clairecainwriter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Fade to black / implied btwn a married couple
Mild and infrequent swearing

This story has so many layers and brought ALL the feels! Evie and Dec both have past trauma to work through and I loved watching them learn to open up and trust one another. The found family aspect of this one was just the icing on the cake and you will absolutely fall in love with Grammy This was my first read by Claire Cain but it definitely won't be my last!

Thank you @clairecainwriter and @bookedwiththeemilys for my gifted copy! All thoughts and feels are my own!

[Kara Adams]

I am LOVING this series so much! Declan and Evie’s story was so tender, and filled with so much yearning and tension. It was delightful and kept me up at night (reading vs. sleeping 🤷🏼‍♀️).

The Ryan family is just amazing. I want all of their stories! Claire left so many breadcrumbs that have me very impatient for the next books 😂. And then I almost forgot there’s usually a little bit of suspense in her books. I was just happily reading along, and then it happened and added a whole new dimension to the story.

Thank you, @clairecainwriter and @bookedwiththeemilys , for letting me be part of the book tour! One of the most fun things over the last month or so has been having other friends try Claire’s books and seeing them love her too. 🥹💕

“I think you underestimate how much I want you, Evie.”

🌿Contemporary Romance
🌿Book 2 In Series
🌿Fade to Black (Frequent Innuendo)
🌿Mild Swearing (No F Words)
🌿CW: Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Violence,

[Coventry Reads]

I am so glad that I was able to listen to this, the second book in the series. The epilogue of the first book gave you a taste of what this book was going to be about and I was so ready to get my hands on this book. So thank you for the ALC.

This story features a doctor and a single mom. There’s workplace romance, since she works as a receptionist at his practice.

Declan is definitely the knight in shining armor who offers to marry her to help her out, but coincidentally he’s already got a massive crush on her. She’s trying to protect her baby and she’s also had a thing for him.

The male voice was perfect with how he read his part for Declan. It was more direct, matter of fact, kind of sterile. And this was perfect because he’s sort of emotionless until a little boy and his mom worm their way into his heart.

This one again left you with an epilogue that hints to the next book. Which makes you excited for who is next.

[Megan Meyer]

Thank you to Booked With Emily and Claire Cann for the opportunity to listen to this ALC! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book from beginning to end. First, let’s talk about the yearning between the FMC and MMC because it was absolutely top-notch! Watching them both slowly come out of their shells, open up, and finally start sharing their feelings for each other was so beautifully done. Their relationship blossomed into such a sweet and heartfelt love story.

But I knew Claire was going to sneak some suspense in there somewhere, and she did not disappoint! The suspense was woven into the story so seamlessly that it added the perfect amount of tension without taking away from the romance. I loved watching everything unfold, and the combination of the emotional connection, yearning, romance, and suspense made this such an enjoyable listen!

[Emily | booksandbedtime]

This is my second book by Claire Cain and I’m officially a fan. I love how she seamlessly intertwines romance along with a touch of suspense and FOUND IN WILD SAGE did this beautifully.

I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience trope and this one with a doctor MMC and all the yearning was so good. There was a twist there at the end that I didn’t see coming.

I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narrators did a lovely job bringing out characters to life.

If you love Catherine Cowles and romantic suspense. And haven’t picked up a Claire Cain book, you need to!

What You’ll Find:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
👶🏼 Single Mom
🔥 Forced Proximity
💖 Found Family
👀 Suspense
❤️‍🔥 Yearning

[Jessica Dowling (jesslostinpages)]

4.5 stars

Found in Wild Sage by Claire Cain was such an incredible listen! While we are first introduced to the main characters in Under Juniper Skies, this easily works as a standalone—the author gives you just enough backstory without slowing down the story.

Watching Declan and Evie’s love story unfold was an absolute joy. They enter a marriage of convenience already harbouring deep feelings for each other, but neither is willing to tell the other. Sure, a single honest conversation could have cleared up half their misunderstandings, but where’s the fun in that?

Declan is guarded and buttoned-up after a past betrayal left him closed off to love. Evie is trying to protect her child from an abusive ex who is suing for custody. When Declan proposes marriage to strengthen her custody case, it sets up a beautiful, healing journey.

Seeing how naturally Declan steps into loving Evie’s little girl is so heart-melting. Ultimately, they both needed each other to heal from years of past trauma.

The narration was top-notch! Narrators Andria Mae and Ryan Lee Dunlap brought Declan and Evie’s personalities to life flawlessly.
I can’t wait for the next installment in the series!

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Alix | IG: ThisBookishMom]

Rating: 4.5/5

[Jaymie Casey]

This was SUCH a sweet story. If you love a good marriage of convenience with ALL the yearning, you will love this! It was fast moving, swoony, and the twist at the end was unexpected!! I am a new Claire Cain fan and will continue the Juniper View series! (Can be read as standalones) I love the show Virgin River, this gave me those vibes!

[Cathi Myers]

Now THAT’S what I call a “marriage of convenience.”

Two people who are definitely the other’s “person”, but who need a little while, and apparently a big nudge to figure that out.

Evie Hansen and Declan Ryan have been working together. He’s the town doctor. She moved to town about a year ago after escaping her abusive ex- who kidnapped her and her previous employer when she tried to leave him. She has now relocated to Juniper View, working in Dr. Decan Ryan’s medical office. Her ex- is out on parole, married now, and has filed for custody of “Charlie” Evie’s sweet little son. Normally, it wouldn’t seem an ex- fiancé with that history would have a chance, but the fact that he’s married (and Evie is not) works in his favor. Plus, his family has deep pockets. Evie is stressed and Dr Ryan wants to know why.

He listens to her conundrum and then just when she is dreading his pity, he suggests in his matter-of-fact manner, “You should get married then.” When she asks him who she should marry, since she’s not seeing anyone, he says, “You could marry me.

And so starts the latest adventure from Claire Cain. She began this new series with the Ryan family in Juniper View with Declan’s older brother the Sheriff [Under Juniper Skies], and now we meet the town doctor and his soon to be family, Evie and Charlie her adorable toddler son.

Found in Wild Sage is deftly developed and full of family and toddler cuteness and some “whoa baby!” moments as the two of them navigate a marriage of convenience between two people who are already VERY attracted to one another – and of course have never mentioned it.

Closed door romance.

Please read “content warning” at the beginning of the book for triggers. There are possible spoilers included there.

Thank you to Claire Cain for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lynn Meeuwissen]

Thank you Booked with the Emilys and Claire Cain for the gifted copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

While listening to this book, I had tears in my eyes multiple times, wow, what a powerful and beautiful story! As a mom, Evie’s fear of losing her son Charlie felt so palpable and her need to finally find safety and stability for both of them touched me deeply.

As if the caring way Declan is always there for Evie and takes responsibility wasn't enough to melt me, his bond with Charlie added another significant layer on top: my heart just burst with love!

The marriage of convenience and slow burn work so well here because Evie and Declan actually have the same problem: they both constantly care for everyone around them, but are much less good at articulating what they themselves need and in doing so, sometimes miss what is happening right in front of them. I really wanted to shout regularly: just talk to each other already! At the same time, I found it beautiful that their growth isn't just about falling (being) in love, but about both finding the courage to be vulnerable, daring to ask for something, and ultimately consciously choosing each other.

Aaaah the Ryan family: I'm sold! I already loved them in book 1, but the way they embrace Evie and Charlie without hesitation, all the playful banter between the siblings, their partners and friends... I just want to pull up a chair at their table. I am looking forward so much to the rest of this series, especially with all the little hints hidden in the book that make me crave more, much more!

I highly recommend the audiobook: Andria Mae and Ryan Lee Dunlap know perfectly how to bring Evie and Declan to life with all their doubts, insecurities, vulnerability, fears and strengths!

[Sarah-Kate]

I was not adequately prepared for Found in Wild Sage by Claire Cain. I went in expecting a marriage-of-convenience romance, but I definitely wasn't prepared for just how much suspense was waiting for me.

Evie is such a sweet character, especially considering everything she's been through. My heart immediately went out to her, and I loved watching her find a place where she was cared for and valued. And Declan? He was gone for her before she even realized it, which made the marriage-of-convenience setup so much fun to watch unfold.

And then there's the Ryan family. I absolutely loved how they welcomed Evie and Charlie into the family and just scooped them up. Their interactions were some of my favorite parts of the book, and now I want to read all of their stories too.

But the suspense! I genuinely was not expecting it to have me on the edge of my seat as it did. There were moments when I was completely invested in trying to figure out what was going to happen next, and more than once I found myself in my feelings. This book managed to give me the slow-burn romance I was looking for while also keeping me turning pages because I needed to know what happened.

And, as always, fever confessions are my favorite. While this one wasn’t a full-on confession of feelings…it still fit those microtrope needs that I love!

If you're looking for your next marriage of convenience romance, a slow burn with plenty of heart, or just your next really great read, you need to pick up Found in Wild Sage.


What I Loved Most
-Declan's love for Evie and Charlie
-The marriage of convenience
-The Ryan family
-Charlie
-The suspense!!
-SLOW BURN

**Thank you Booked With the Emilys and Claire Cain for an advance reader copy of this book!**

[Kelsey]

I fell in love with this series with the first book, Under Juniper Skies, and this book just fed my obsession with Juniper View and the Ryan family. I absolutely love Declan and Evie, and their marriage of convenience love story.

Declan in a stoic, Veteran doctor who moved home and settled into family practice, but doesn't feel settled. Evie is a sweet and strong single mom whose starting over after an abusive past and gets a job at Dec's office. These two are simply the sweetest, the way they each secretly pine for each other, then get into a marriage of convenience while hiding those feelings. They grow together, and learn to trust and communicate, and it's all just so good. And their chemistry is so good.

Charlie is the cutest little baby and the bond he forms with Declan just melted me. And as aforementioned, I am obsessed with the Ryan family. They’re the very best, the way they immediately welcomed Evie and Charlie in without hesitation (I expected nothing less from them, though). Each of them is so lovable and intriguing. And with all the hints to the future books, I don't know whose story I'm looking forward to most.

Since I listened to the audiobook, and also just want to mention how great the narrators did. Andria's voice was somehow delicate and strong, which was perfect for Evie. And Ryan nailed Declan's stoic, seemingly emotionless, tone that somehow filled with emotion for Evie. I don't know, they both were just as flawless as the story itself.

Thank you so much, Claire, for the advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review. With this being the second book of yours I’ve adored, you can officially count me in as a fan! All opinions are my own.

[Debbie]

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @clairecainwriter for a #gifted ALC!

I’ve been a Claire Cain fan for quite a while, so she’s pretty much an automatic yes for me. She always delivers small town romance with a little mystery. And this one gave me the added bonuses of found family and marriage of convenience which are faves of mine.

I’ve been anxiously waiting for Evie and Declan since the first book, watching their yearning go both ways while neither one seemed to have a clue that the other was feeling it. And this was everything I hoped it would be.

Evie is starting over in a new town after escaping an abusive ex, trying to build a safe, happy life for herself and her son. Then said ex decides he wants custody, and might actually have a shot at getting it. Enter Declan, her quiet, gorgeous, ridiculously kind boss, with a solution that sounds completely logical on paper. He says marry me.

I loved watching this fake marriage slowly become not so fake. The tenderness between Declan, Evie, and her son absolutely melted me, and the found family aspect was the cherry on top. Declan was the kind of quiet, caring hero who doesn’t need a grand gesture to prove how much he loves someone. He just SHOWS UP over and over for both Evie and Charlie And I was here for every second of it.

The audiobook was such a treat, too. Andria Mae and Ryan Lee Dunlap did a fantastic job bringing Evie and Declan to life, and their narration really captured all those softer, swoony moments while still giving the story plenty of emotional depth.

Claire Cain continues to prove that if she writes it, I’m reading it.

[Jo|Ruth Reads]

Marriage of convenience is totally a top trope for me... add in that they work together, little Charlie, and the top tier yearning... I was hooked!

Evie is facing a custody battle. With her ex now married, there is a chance he could look like the more favorable placement for her son. When Declan overhears Evie’s predicament, he offers a solution: marry him! She believes he’s stepping in just because he’s a good guy and attached to little Charlie. What she doesn’t understand is that he has had feelings for her for a while. She has been harboring feelings for him as well, but they enter the marriage as only an arrangement for Charlie.When the feelings start amping up, and they both start to fantasize over what it would be like to be really married, it makes it hard to cross the line. What happens when the custody hearing is over and the arrangement is no longer needed? It will take trusting the other with their hearts to reveal their true feelings and risk the outcome.

These two win the award for yearning. As my kids say, it was “top tier.” Wow! I loved how enamored these two were with each other, yet they tried so hard to hide it. The yearning was nearly impossible to handle.

I loved how Declan was so respectful and patient and truly sacrificial in wanting what was best for Evie and Charlie, even if it meant suppressing what he wanted most.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

*Fade to black intimacy, harsh language, suggestive discussions/thoughts. See the authors note for more warnings.

[Marie Girulat]

Thank you to @clairecainwriter and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book.

I loved the first book, Under Juniper Skies, so much that I couldn’t resist diving into this one. I even bought the audiobook to experience it fully. This is the second installment in the enchanting Juniper View series, and it stands beautifully on its own.

Evie and Declan have harbored secret feelings for each other since her arrival in town. Watching their relationship blossom from friends to lovers was such a thrill. Their marriage of convenience revealed the tender, vulnerable sides of both characters. As they grew more comfortable, they opened up about their fears and their feelings. I loved how Evie understood Declan’s need to process things mentally and how Declan’s unwavering devotion made Evie feel truly loved.

Evie’s son, Charlie, was utterly adorable, and his unconditional love for Declan was heartwarming. The moments shared between these characters pulled at my heartstrings.

Once again, Declan’s family, the Ryans, welcomed Evie and Charlie with open arms, creating a loving family she never knew she could have. I love how all the characters in this wonderful family come to life. I hope we get to discover their backstories soon.

Andrea and Ryan, the narrators, delivered captivating performances filled with emotion and humor, truly bringing the characters to life.

We also got a sneak peek of the next book about Finn and Clementine and I can't wait! If you adore small-town settings, big families, and sweet romances, don’t miss this gem. It’s available now.

[Angeline]

4.5 stars

Okay, so I just adored this book. THe story and the characters. Evie and Declan were just the sweetest together and it was so interesting to learn more about them. I have been eagerly awaiting Evie’s book ever since I first saw her in a previous series and it did not disappoint. Found in Wild Sage is the second book in Claire Cain’s Juniper Views series.
Evie and Declan were just perfect together! They both felt so deeply in their own ways. I loved how they tried to consider the other person and looked out for each other. They did need to learn to communicate a little bit better with each other but it fit their character and story. It was sweet to read about them falling for each other and choosing each other.
I loved the growth of the characters. They both had to learn to be brave and reach out to the other person. Their relationship was a slow burn as they worked to understand their feelings while in a marriage of convenience. Charlie was just the sweetest and I love how quickly he connected with Declan.
I loved Declan’s family and the way that they brought Evie into their fold. The family scenes were so sweet. The book was really engaging and I didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed this and I would totally recommend it! Found in Wild Sage is a closed door contemporary romance.
What I loved:
The Ryan family
The way that Declan cares for Evie
Charlie was just the sweetest
Hints of the books to come.

I received a complimentary copy

[Randi Sampson]

Oh my goodness, how I adored Declan and Evie! Seriously, these two completely had my heart right from Declan's matter of fact marriage proposal. The way he so easily stepped in to be there for Evie and her son... oh, my heart! The chemistry between these two was undeniable, but it was definitely that tenderness and caring that kept me captivated. And the pining... oooh, I love mutual pining and this one did it so perfectly! These two both had some past hurts to work through (and needed to work on their communication a bit), but I loved watching them figure it out. As much as I loved these two together, I also loved Declan's sweet relationship with Charlie (her son) and the fantastic dynamic between his family as well... truly, this who story had a beautiful feeling of family... and I absolutely loved everything about it. If you love a tender romance with a MMC who cares deeply, this is absolutely one not to be missed. I loved it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to spend more time with this family!

Found in Wild Sage is a closed-door romance with fade to black and moderate language and innuendo. It is the second book in the Juniper View series. While you may be able to enjoy this one as a standalone, I think those who have read the previous book will get the most out of this story as we do get a little of Evie's history there.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Denice Leong]

Evie, a single mother, marries Declan, her boss in an effort to ensure she'll be granted full custody of her son from her abusive ex. Aside from her little boy Charlie and her good friends Jack and Sam, Evie is used to taking care of everything by herself. Enter Declan who has his own previous relationship wounds to overcome, but comes from a large and loving family. Both Evie and Declan are secretly attracted to each other so the marriage of convenience does become inconvenient at times.

This was my first book by this author and I was surprised how fast they jumped into solving the problem, literally chapter 1! Things moved pretty fast with locking in their marriage which I liked. I also enjoyed how quickly the Ryan family embraced Charlie and Evie into the fold and how we got to see many interactions with them. Such a sweet family that makes you wish you were a part of even with their funny meddling. This is a slow burn, closed door romance and while the beginning jumped right into the deep end, I found Evie and Declan finally fessing up to their feelings took a real long time. Like extra slow burn. That said, once we got there, I appreciated the twists and conflict the encountered.

Charlie is the sweetest toddler ever and the sibling ribbing is the best. But chef's kiss for Declan and his big tender heart especially when he's inebriated. :)

Thanks for the ARC.

[Katie (hiding in the pages)]

I love a fresh take on a modern-day marriage of convenience and Claire Cain totally delivered. Declan and Evie work together, yet each has their reasons to make a marriage work, especially for the safety of her young son, Charlie.

Abuse and betrayal have skewed their views on committed relationships, but the magnetic force of attraction and the need to connect push them together in all the sweet and delicious ways. The character development is delicate, yet the story in its entirety allows for all the emotion and swoon. I loved the zingy interactions and the sparks of banter, and I especially loved the hidden crushes each had for the other. This is mutual pining at its finest!

The whole Ryan family has my heart, but it’s all the soft middles, confused minds, and strong edges of Declan and Evie that really bring the fuel to this tender forced proximity romcom. With small hints of spice, this one does fade-to-black, giving it the perfect (for me) amount of romance.

I was so lucky to get an audio copy and the narration was superb. I’m head-over-heels for the Juniper View small town series and the epilogue gave me stomach flutters in anticipation of what’s next.

Content: mild language; closed door/fade-to-black romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Danielle]

"And then he kisses me. This man was called upon and hallelujah, does he deliver....But this man is unique and he is kissing me like he wants this as much as I do. He is holding me like we're really getting married and I'm HIS.
And I'm kissing him back like he's MINE."

"I promise you, I'm on your side. I'm yours for as long as this lasts, and you'll have my honesty, my friendship, and... whatever else you need."
And I?
Am a goner.

Oh my word this book was the sweetest! Marriage of convenience is a favorite trope and this book did it sooooooooo well. I loved that both characters already had feelings for each other but weren't sure about the other's feelings - it made for such perfect tension and relational dynamics. There was a bit of miscommunication but it was understandable and not drawn out. I also absolutely LOVED the way Declan's family was consistently rooting for and setting them up. The Ryan's are the best family to have in your corner!

There was some tension and emotion to this story, as Evie escaped a violent ex and is trying to keep him from getting custody of their son - hence the marriage. The way Declan loved her son from the beginning and cared for him and Evie was the swooniest! This one had so much chemistry, pining, tenderness, romance, growth, found family, and romance! Seriously - perfection. I loved the characters, the way they fully saw and valued each other as they were, despite their insecurities, living and bringing out the best in each other. And the side characters were wonderful. Now I need the rest of this series! I will be reading them all.

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup)]

Rating: 4.25/5 Stars

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @clairecainwriter for the #gifted copy of this book. 🫶

My Thoughts: Found in Wild Sage is book 2 in the Juniper View series, and I was excited for this story after the first book. I really enjoyed this one so much because of Declan and his beautiful heart. As a lover of marriage-of-convenience romances, I was already invested, but the suspense woven throughout the story made this one even more enjoyable!

I adored Evie in the first book when she took Sam under her wing while trying to escape her old life. She is such a devoted mom to her little boy, and the lengths she’s willing to go to protect him—even considering marrying the handsome doctor she works for—really show just how much he means to her. Though Declan helps Evie with the custody battle, Evie helps Declan believe in love again.

And then there's Declan. Gosh, this man can yearn. He’s been crushing on Evie for the past year she’s worked for him, but he never wanted to rock the boat or risk their working relationship. I like how, bit by bit, Evie broke down Declan's walls around his heart, and he became so different around her and her little boy.

Finally, the Ryan family is amazing, and I would love to have dinner with them some night. They are so supportive of each other and protective. I cannot wait for another book with the Ryan family.

🎧Andria Mae and Ryan Lee Dunlap were new narrators to me, but they did a fantastic job with this book. Dunlap and Andria had the perfect monotone for Declan's voice for the majority of the book, until he started to fall in love. Then his voice changed on the audiobook, and I loved that detail.

What You'll Find:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
👩‍👧 Single Mom
🛡️ Protective Hero
🔥 Forced Proximity
🫶 Found Family
🩷 Care-taking
🥹 Yearning

[Brittany Rolph]

Yup, I can now officially say I am hooked to Claire Cain's writing. This is the second book I've read by her and it will not be my last. I cannot wait to dive into her backlist!! She has such a way with writing characters who feel so real and who you can relate to on so many levels.

First, let me just say, Dec will be your new favorite book boyfriend. TRUST ME. Not only is he SO good, caring, and selfless...he is also so swoony. 🫠 Let's just say he takes care of her when she's sick, and then a moment where he's a bit tipsy he reveals how much he wants her and I was 100% fanning myself and giggling like a little school girl. YUP.

This story tugged on my heartstrings. These two are pining for the other literally the entire book and it was so precious. Evie was such a loving mom and you could feel that. She was willing to do anything for her son. Dec offered marriage like it was no big deal. He was willing to jump in and save her and her son, and 100% be there for them. And the found family aspect in this?! Ugh. I love Dec's mom so much. She is exactly what Evie needed. And she pushed Dec and Evie just enough so they could take off the blinders and realize they truly LOVED each other. The growth between both of them was really well done. Dec learned to communicate SO MUCH, and Evie allowed love to be let into her life again. She learned to trust.

You MUST go read this. OKAY?

[Jen G]

ARC Review
5 Stars

Single Mom
Marriage of Convenience
He Takes Care of Her
Mutual Pining

Wow! I absolutely adored this book. I was immediately drawn to the characters of Declan, Evie and little Charlie, along with the entire Ryan family. They all found a special place in my heart. Watching Declan and Evie fall in love was such a beautiful journey and their chemistry was undeniable. Declan's whole family love Evie and Charlie, claiming them as family right from the beginning and it'll just melt your heart.

If you enjoy walking green flags, you'll love Dec. He is so sweet, caring and incredibly kind. He takes care of Evie when she is sick and loves on her son in the sweetest way.

It was great getting to see characters from the first book in this series make their appearances throughout. Plus, the hints sprinkled throughout about which sibling the next book in the series will be about were great. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Clair has quickly become an auto-buy author for me.

Thank you to the author for this beautiful ARC.
All thoughts are my own.

[Soft and Sinister]

I have been eagerly awaiting this book! I loved the first one and this one did not disappoint. Evie and Declan stole my heart in the first book already and I was absolutely obsessed with their obvious chemistry and yearning. Evie's little boy Charlie was adorable and the way he was so in love with Declan nearly undid me. I really loved the way the Ryan family opened up their hearts and home to Evie and Charlie, especially after everything she went through with her ex and his family.
The suspense in this book was a nice addition and had me hooked.
The narration was done so well! Andria Mae really portrayed Evie so well and this was the first audiobook that I listened to from her and I'm officially a fan. Ryan Lee Dunlap also did a great job with Declan and you could feel the emotions as portrayed in the story.
This was a 4.75 rounded to 5 star listen for me. Thank you to BookedwiththeEmilys and Claire Cain for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Ashley readwithash]

4/5 stars

I loved the first book more in this series, but I still really liked this one! Evie, our female main character marries her boss in an effort to ensure she'll be granted custody of her 15-month-old son Charlie from her abusive ex. This book jumps right in, and our male main character Jack (he's a sweet, hot Doctor) asks Evie to marry him right away. The rest of the book is Evie and Jack 'dating' and slowly realizing how much they truly like each other all the while living out their vows of sickness and health and caring for Charlie.

This found family book is so so sweet and my heart swooned when Evie was very sick, and Jack took care of her. She slowly realized that not every guy is like her abuse ex and Jack can be trusted. This book is a slow (very slow) burn closed door romance. There is one scene at the end that I recommend you read the trigger warnings, but it ends okay!

Read this book if you like:
-single parent
-he takes care of her
-marriage of convivence
-small town
-found family

Overall, I really liked this book and will definitely be reading more by this author!

[Megan Crofton]

I really enjoyed this one. And the narrators were fantastic. They really drew you into the story. And the author wrote a beautiful story full of emotion and grit.

The story started off strong and I loved how Declan just wanted to take care of Evie the best way he knew how. And he was struggling to hide his feelings toward her. I loved Declan and Evie together so much, they fought their feelings for a long time. And they both didn't realize the other has feelings, too. I loved how raw Declan is with Evie and how sweet he was to her son, Charlie. I love that they take care of each other, in different ways. Evie was so sweet and her growth throughout the story was top notch. Her story and trauma was so raw. The author wrote her development beautifully.

The Ryan family was wonderful, but you can tell there are secrets between them. I am curious to see how the series further dives into the siblings and the family. And I love how they allow Evie to just fold into their family. They love her and Charlie deeply.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram]

I’ve been looking forward to Declan and Evie’s story since listening to Under Juniper Skies, and I was not disappointed. I love a good marriage of convenience, and this one was written so well.

Declan and Evie had the sweetest love story characterized by tenderness, sacrifice, and lots of yearning! I loved watching them grow closer as they opened up to each other. They both initially held back their true feelings out of fear, but once they started being honest with one another, I loved how open and direct their conversations were. These two cared for each other deeply, and it was beautiful to see the way they took each other into consideration.

There is something so endearing about Declan. He is kind, gentle, and has the biggest heart! I loved the way he loved Evie and Charlie, wanting to care for, protect, and provide for them. They brought so much joy to his life. I teared up several times at the depth and emotion of it all. Declan absolutely adored Charlie, and it was the cutest thing to imagine. Their relationship was precious, and I melted into a puddle right along with Evie.

The entire Ryan family was wonderful and accepted Evie and Charlie from the start. Their family dynamics were so fun and added so much heart to the story.

I listened to this one on audio and loved it! Andria Mae and Ryan Lee Dunlap were wonderful as Evie and Declan. They captured their personalities so well and added so much warmth and emotion to their sweet, tender love story.

If you love marriage of convenience, a gentle MMC with a huge heart, lots of yearning, and sweet family dynamics, add this one to your TBR!

Found in Wild Sage is a steamy fade-to-black romance with implied intimacy between a married couple.

✨Includes✨
Marriage Of Convenience
Single Mom
Protective Hero
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Caretaking
Mutual Yearning
Boss x Employee
Past Trauma + Healing
Mild Suspense Element
Duet Narration

Thank you Claire and BookedWithTheEmilys for the gifted ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.