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Some have it all.
Hunter Yates truly does.
He’s humble and kind, even though he has it all. It’s his small town roots that keep him grounded. He’s a simple man from a small town with a heart of gold. Perfection carved from beauty.

As he sets off in the world, it’s his humble beginnings that keep his boots planted on the ground. Hunter finds himself amidst a toxic relationship. He struggles to get out of it, but it’s his heart that keeps him from letting go.

All he ever knew were the ways of Sweetwater Ranch, until the day he left for college. The world is a brutal place and his heart and soul are one and the same with the wild country. A ranch boy, who has everything, but gives everything at the same time.

When it’s time to decide, does he go with his heart, or the worries of everyone else?

Unknown Binding

Published April 1, 2017

158 people are currently reading
416 people want to read

About the author

H.J. Bellus

98 books2,710 followers
USA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.

Website: http://authorhjb.com/
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Email: hjbellus@gmail.com

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5 stars
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95 (28%)
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33 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsaye Dombrowski.
440 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2017
Hunter is just a dreamboat! Born and raised on his ranch, Sweetwater, it's the only thing he knows. Hard work is what makes his life go on but while in college, Hunter has realized he misses the hard work that comes from working with his hands.
Answering an ad from the bulletin board Hunter meets Dave, a grumpy old man who seems shut off to the world. Working for him is no simple task but for some reason Hunter keeps going back.
On his way home, he comes across a beautiful auburn haired woman, Teale, with a flat. Changing her tire and following her into town, finding his second job at the local mechanic shop that is run by Teale's dad. From then on, she has consumed his every thought.
Going thru the semester with school, Dave, the job at Frank's, and Teale is leaving Hunter exhausted. But Dave has worked his way into Hunters heart, caring very deeply for the man. And taking Teale home to the ranch, feels like everything is falling into place, life is right. So much so that he buys a ring, imagining their life in the future.
But if we have learned anything it's that life likes to kick us when we're down...life can't always be that good, right?
Knowing that parts of this book are a true story (make sure you read the Dedication!) make this book almost a learning tool for anyone. Live life to the fullest, never take it for granted, and remember those that try to push back against you, are probably the ones who need you most.
I can't wait to see what HJ Bellus has in store for us next. This cliffhanger is kind of killing me!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
December 15, 2017
💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/15/2017)! 💝

Blurb:
Some have it all.
Hunter Yates truly does.
He’s humble and kind, even though he has it all. It’s his small town roots that keep him grounded. He’s a simple man from a small town with a heart of gold. Perfection carved from beauty.

As he sets off in the world, it’s his humble beginnings that keep his boots planted on the ground. Hunter finds himself amidst a toxic relationship. He struggles to get out of it, but it’s his heart that keeps him from letting go.

All he ever knew were the ways of Sweetwater Ranch, until the day he left for college. The world is a brutal place and his heart and soul are one and the same with the wild country. A ranch boy, who has everything, but gives everything at the same time.

When it’s time to decide, does he go with his heart, or the worries of everyone else?
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,289 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2017
So the highest you can give is 5 stars but it deserves much more. I will say this book does have a cliffhanger, but do not let that stop you from reading this amazing Book! Everyone must meet Hunter. He is amazing...Passionate, trustworthy, selfless, humble everything adds up to Hunter. This is a soul stopping heart grabbing book. One for everyone to read. A romance for everyone to be jealous of. Hunter is the man of every woman's dreams. A must read by HJ Bellus!
Profile Image for Tiffany Willams.
583 reviews31 followers
April 30, 2017
"The hardest things in life end up being the most rewarding."

Heartwarming. Spellbinding. Addicting.
That's what this book was for me.

This story was a breath of fresh air because it's unlike the norm.
There was so many dynamics within the pages; So much depth.
Knowing that this is based off of a true story made it even that more powerful.

Hunter Yates is such a beautiful man.
Not only is he humble to the fullest, but he befriends a man knowing how much of a challenge it was going to be.
Dave is complicated, but you can't help but want to love him too. His body is failing him, but his spirit is still there. Hunter brings out more and more of this older man. It's truly amazing watching this friendship unfold.

"He may be the crudest man I've ever met with an unkind heart, but he's my friend."

This story is not only about friendship, but love as well.
Teale is fun, and yet, mysterious. You want to know everything about her, but she hides her past demons well.
Hunter is her perfect center. He calms her, and shows her how wonderful life can be.

"I believe in the ways of the world. I was put on this world to love her."

I became very emotionally involved in this book. Dave reminded me so much of my grandparents in how much he was set in his ways, and refused help when he needed it the most.
But I can't even begin to describe how much I loved what Hunter did for him!

This story took on so many turns within its pages. I smiled, I laughed, I got a little teary-eyed, and I got angered (in the best way)...That ending though!!!!!

HJ Bellus keeps getting better and better with each story she writes!!
I can't wait until the conclusion of this duet!!!! I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!!

"Sometimes the nastiest of wounds turn out to be the prettiest scars."
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,014 reviews79 followers
May 15, 2017
This book was great and a lot different than most. I loved how Hunter was compassionate and selfless. He grew up with a sense of thoughtfulness and caring. Dave is a sad old man that has taught Hunter a lot about life. I can't w a it to find out what will happen. The romance between Hunter and Teals is very sexy
Profile Image for Katie Stern.
47 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2017
AS a huge fan of H.J. Bellus I couldn't wait to read Wild Country and I can honestly say it didn't disappoint.
Wild Country is based on a true story of a young man who lived his life on a ranch before going off to college. Set on making his way by dedication and hard work instead of using his families money Hunter ends up making some choices in his life that will forever change him. When Hunter decided to answer a call for a job on a farm he is in for more than he bargains for.
Life never goes as predicted and Dave knows this the hard way. A gruff and stubborn old cuss has done things his way for far too long. But now that is no longer possible and having to rely on someone else especially a stranger is something new. You never know just how much someone can affect your life or the effect you have on theirs.
Enter Teale broken from a past and trying to move on and heal Teale ends up working at her father's garage. After a change meeting with Hunter he too ends up working at her father's garage and a friendship blossoms into something more but the past is just around the corner and catching up soon.
In a cliff hanger of a book Wild Country brings us the lives of three individuals who end up tied together by the big heart and soft soul of Hunter Yates. I can't wait to read the next book and see where the road takes them.

Profile Image for Krystle.
172 reviews
April 29, 2017
This book is unlike anything Bellus has put out before. This book is based on a true story and ends with a cliffhanger.

Hunter is a good ole boy with the biggest heart. His raw emotions are what make this book this book truly remarkable.
Hunter is a college student who goes looking for a job (ends up with two) and ends up a modified caretaker for a canky old man, Dave.
Dave and Hunter's relationship drew me in from the start and I loved reading about their interactions more than the "love story" part of ths book. Dave has no one, until Hunter enters his life. As time goes on their relationship grows and it is truly magical to read about.

Teale the love interest in this book. She is broken,running away from something, hiding something, but has a good heart. Oh, and she loves dick jokes. She is the first female led character, that I haven't immediately liked.

Bellus, this book is amazing and I can't wait to read more of Hunter's story.
If you haven't read anything by Bellus before, this is the book to start with.
Profile Image for Danielle Pullen.
442 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2017
I have been following HJ Bellus for several years and have devoured all her stories. She has made me laugh so hard that I almost choke or pee myself. She has made me ugly cry. But with Wild Country she has truly left me astounded. This is the hardest review I have written for any of her works.

Hunter and Dave's story is awe-inspiring. While both men can be extremely stubborn, they are able to have a mutual respect for each other. Dave is an elderly man living alone on a huge ranch near Hunter's college. Hunter answers an ad asking for help on the ranch. It takes months for Hunter to break through a little bit with Dave but in the end it worth it. Hunter embodies what a real cowboy should be. His heart knows no boundaries. And he is able to be there for Dave in ways no one else has been. He is Dave's friend, advocate and family.

While there is a beautiful love story going on between Hunter and Teale, the real focus is on Hunter and Dave.

This story has made me look into my heart and soul. It has made me reevaluate what is important in life; the relationships we make and cultivate and care for over the years. It hasn't only stretched the writing ability of HJ Bellus but has stretched my capacity as a reader.
Profile Image for Kathy.
33 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2017
As an avid reader I hate to see a really great book end and in the case of Wild Country that goes double because it ended in a cliffhanger!!!!! Yes, that comment deserves the 5 exclamation points the same way this book deserves the 5 stars. It is HJ Bells at her best.
I will freely admit that I am a great fan of this author. Each of her books is unique -- no cookie cutter formula for this author. In Wild Country she steps out even further because the book is based on a true story. It is the story of a young man with a huge heart who thrives on hard work and a grumpy old man who gives new meaning to the word stubborn. Watching their relationship develop, knowing it really happened, served to renew my faith in mankind.
Yes, there is also romance in the book. It, too, is well developed and I truly can't wait for the second book to find out how this story ends. June cannot come fast enough!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
61 reviews
May 2, 2017
HJ Bellus never disapoints!!! This is a heartwarming story based on actual true events. It just reminds us that even the best laid plans for what we want in life are not written in stone & sometimes the paths we take may lead us to something we never even thought possible. Something bigger & better than we ever imagined.
Hunter Yates is truly an amazing human being & gives me faith again!!!
This is book 1 of a 2 book series & must be read together. So well written, it just sucked me in & definitely can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!!
If you've ever lost faith, Wild Country will give you it back!!! Definitely a must read!!!
71 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2017
HJ Bellus has done it again!!!! As a caretaker to my elderly Mom, It's not always easy to deal with the issues that come with being a Caretaker. Hunter is the kind of person the world need more of!! Such a caring beautiful story that covers so much!! And the fact that it's based on a True Story makes it even more wonderful in my book. Teale obviously has some issues that make me want to sit outside of HJ Bullus's house to find out what happens next!!! I'm addicted!!! Hunter is dealing with so much in his young life with Teale and Dave.......I can't wait to see what happens!! A MUST READ!!!!
Profile Image for Diane Holtry.
676 reviews52 followers
May 8, 2017
If it's possible to put the heart and soul of country (country folk/country ways/country living) on the pages of a book, then HJ Bellus has done it with Wild Country!
The hard working, kind hearted, selfless helping hand of Hunter Yates is the epitome of all that country entails. He loves Jesus, his family, his family's ranch and his pickup truck. He doesn't like his hands to be idle, always looking for a way to stay busy, keeping a strong work ethic both in the classroom and at work. He's not afraid to get dirty and the things he does for Dave is more than most people would do for their own loved one's, let alone a complete stranger.

Teale is quick with her sharp tongue and even quicker with her lead foot on the gas pedal. Her past is just that .. it's hers and hers alone and it's in the past. Only nothing ever stays in the past and she's about to have her present and past come crashing together. Her banter with Hunter was entertaining and kept me laughing with each turn of the page. Her pain from her past is apparent but her unwillingness to expose what the cause of the pain is, only keeps me guessing as to what could have happened to her.

Dave's character was a hard one to read. The little bit we learn about him had me sad, heart broken and sometimes mad for the demeanor in which he uses with people. But sometimes walls are built to protect us while others keep people from reaching out to lend a hand or even a smiling face. The relationship of employer and employee are blurred and what is revealed is both heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time.

The ending is a cliffhanger, so be warned that HJ Bellus will have you laughing and crying and wanting to throw your ereader or book at times... but I promise it will be worth the ride!
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
April 29, 2017
Wow I literally just threw my kindle at that ending it leaves you screaming and wanting more! Hj Bellus is just being so cruel to us but in a good way! Let's talk about Hunter the dream guy of any woman's desires. Hunter is sweet, sexy determined and loves hard. I loved this book you feel Hunters feelings deep in your soul and get crushed when he does. I can't wait to hear more about Hunters story. I won't go into details about the book just read it you won't be disappointed at all. Hunter will take your breath away. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Lindsey Ward.
28 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
Excellent!!

This book was simply amazing. I love books that are true life. Definitely recommend it. Can I have book 2 right meow?
Profile Image for Vicky.
57 reviews
May 4, 2017
All I can manage to say right now is WOW!! I have been with this author since before her first book was published and she NEVER fails to surprise me. (In a good way of course). This book is freaking awesome. It's based on a true story and is so well written. You can feel every emotion of each and every character. I LOVE Hunter. He is an unselfish, good hearted, amazing college boy whom, even though he doesn't have to or need to works two jobs while attending college, and is the most kind-hearted and loving guy you will ever meet. He falls in love with a girl who has a secret past. He works for a stubborn, stuck in his ways, recluse of an old man. The bond in which he and Dave share is undeniably complicated yet, beautiful. You will be emotionally challenged and will laugh, curse, and cry. The emotional roller coaster that HJ takes you on will have you wondering how she could get through writing this story. The only thing I regret is that I didn't wait on the second part to Hunter's story before reading this because I can not wait to see where his, Teale's, and Dave's lives take us next.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,727 reviews
August 31, 2017
Hunter Yates is in college studying agriculture before it's time to return to run the family farm - something he's looking forward to. Hunter is kinda the perfect guy - good looking, good manners, smart, easy going and a hard worker. He doesn't want his family footing the bill for his college, so he picks up a couple of part time jobs. One is for an crotchety (to put it mildly) rancher and the other at a garage where he meets and starts dating the owner's daughter. Hunter isn't sure why he puts up with Dave, but he's learned from his family that everything has a reason and the old man doesn't have anyone else. And he knows why he puts up with Teale, even though she won't tell him about her past. This is a wonderful story that kept me reading to find out what happens next. And then BAM! A cliffy!!! I really hate cliffhangers and books that should be one whole book that are broken up (which is why this is getting 4 instead of 5 stars.) But I am anxious to read the next book - I sure didn't see that coming!
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
December 2, 2017
Sweetest Romance and a gem of a Cowboy

Hunter Yates will win your heart. He doesn't have a flaw until he walks.....but is he at fault or Teale.....oh my this is a huge whirlwind romances with sugar, spice and everything nice and then shock, betrayal? And a cliff hanger....I mean off the cliff you are hanging on a two...searched ng for the next book. If you even think you want to read this you must get both books now...there is no way you will be able to walk without knowing the next part. I hate I mean hate cliff hanger book ...wold normally not even review them. This book has so many complex I cities, moving moments, incredible insight that its a great book to have. A perfect gift for parents for children's off to college trying gain the right path, best friends so they know they have each others back...the list is endless.

More reviews please check my blog out my2centsbookreviews.com thanks

Profile Image for Natasha.
648 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2017
Hunter Yates is what all of us ladies should dream about and want. His soul is beautiful inside and out, yet he thought he needed to keep his hands busy. So what does most ranch kids do, they get another job all the while going to college full time. He stumbles into Dave's life when all honestly Dave needed a Hunter in his life. Dave wasn't ready for someone to come in and help him, but it was the best thing for him. As Hunter gets in a rhythm of working for Dave he stops to assist a lady on the side of the road with a flat tire. Teale has a past that she is not ready to share, if she ever shares. Hunter just gave her more than she bargain for- love and trust. Yet is it enough for them?

This whole book is beautiful and honorable to a life of hard work and dedication. Can't wait for book two :)..

Go see my VLOG review on Etheljo.com
3,790 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2017
I don't even know what to say about this story. It was amazing. It is a love story of sorts, between Hunter and Teale, but more than that it is a story of friendship between Hunter and Dave.

Hunter meets Teale by chance and they begin seeing each other. Teale is closed off and won't tell Hunter anything about her past. But they are perfect for each other and Hunter figures eventually he will wear her down.

Meanwhile, he answers a help wanted ad since he is away at college and bored since he is used to living on a farm and always being busy. The ad is very vague and when he gets to Dave's house, I don't know what made him stay instead of running for the hills. Some of the descriptions of what he did for Dave were unbelievable and I would have a hard time doing them for my own family, let a lone a stranger.

Hunter had a heart of gold and loves to take care of everyone. Dave was gruff and mean, but I did feel sorry for him because I can see how easy it can be to turn bitter when you are all alone, even if you caused yourself to be alone.

The ending surprised me and I will be starting book two immediately. I took a star off for the cliffhanger, but at least the second book is out already, so I'm not too upset.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,389 reviews41 followers
May 7, 2017
10 BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY STARS!! This book is so beautifully written with passion, love, patience, drama and amazing characters. Hunter is a college student full of sweetness, hotness and a caring soul. Teale is beautiful with a secretive past and so different from Hunter, but these two are drawn to each other. Hunter takes a job helping a elderly man named Dave with his ranch outside of town. Dave has no family so Hunter ends up taking care of him and becomes his adoptive family. I loved the interaction of Hunter and Dave. This book will hit all your emotion buttons, so be ready. I love H.J. Bellus, she is one of my favorite authors of all times. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
155 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2017
Raw, heartbreaking yet so beautiful! Like pieces of a puzzle watch them all fall into place and form the wonder of Wild Country.

OMG! I'm always left in awe of how talented HJ Bellus is. Her stories make me feel a mix of emotions I feel the pain, joy and sorrows that Hunter & Dave go through.

Hunter, Such a beautiful, courageous, selfless soul all shaped into a strong young man who willing helps others out of the kindness of his own heart.

I fell in love with Hunter and Dave's story, heartbreaking, honest & yet it makes you feel good that there are still good people out there willing to help others. I laughed, cried and then laughed some more!

Can't wait for the next book. Heidi you've done it again 5+stars
Profile Image for Lisa.
802 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2017
Phenomenal read!
Bellus sucked me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until it was 2 am. I couldn't put it down and am left with a serious book hagover. I cannot stop thinking about the sweet, good-hearted, sexy country boy who has captured my heart.
Hunter Yates really is the perfect man! The relationship he formed with Dave melted my heart. His determination to make it on his own had me admiring him. While he isn't looking for a relationship, when Teale walks into his life, he can't help but love her.
Teale has a painful past that we can't help but hope she over comes.
Wild Country is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, causing some serious soul searching on my part. This story is absolutely phenomenal and I cannot wait for the next in this duet!
Profile Image for Nina Traweek.
60 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2017
I got this book for my honest review...

We meet Hunter as he is a kid loving ranch life and everything that comes with it. Flash forward a few years and Hunter is in college and far from the ranch he loves but is deciding to make the best of it. He misses ranch life so much that when he comes across an ad for a farm hand he jumps at the chance. There he meets the most grumpy old man and through every mean insult and micro managing Hunter grows to care for the old man. While at the same time he meets Teale, she a free spirit, but has secrets. Hunter knows somethings amiss with her but falls anyway. I won't give anymore away but know this is Part 1 and there is more to Come! HJ has done an amazing job with this book and I seriously can't wait for pt 2!
1,018 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2017
The cover, the country cowboy story and the true story part is what got me wanting to read this heartwarming story!! What amazing story this was Hunter is just a sweetheart at 20yrs old just gives his all and doesn't expect anything in return!! Hunter goes to work for the old cranky man Dave!!! This friendship with Dave is trying, testing and fun at times for Hunter and what he does and goes through for Dave!! Then there's Teale and Hunter these two are truly made for one another!!
Then bam that ending left me like no, what???
Lucky for me part 2 Back Country had come out so l am off to find out what happens..........
Profile Image for Ebf.
207 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2017
It is quite the find when you find a story that sucks you in and is also based on a true story. H.J. Bellus brought such a wonderful story to us and gave many touching and moving moments. What a an amazing soul Hunter is and I am so glad I have been able to learn his story. The relationship he has with his family and Dave has been a fantastic gift. How he balances so much in his life and feels for everyone he cares about. I can't wait to read the rest of this story and see how his relationship with Dave and Teal turns out!!!!
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.📖💛.
2,235 reviews
May 12, 2017
OMG...A cliffhanger??? What, I totally wasn't expecting that. This was such a wonderful story. Hunter is such an amazing man and a rare gem. He doesn't take advantage of his families wealth, instead he takes on 2 jobs while in college. He helps out a cranky old man, Dave. Love Dave he is ornery in every way possible. Then he works at a garage helping out but then falls for the owners daughter. Teale is a strong female character however she is hiding from her past and keeping Hunter in the dark.

Excited to see what happens in book 2.
Profile Image for Sandy House.
337 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2020
This is a very heartwarming story. Hunter Yates is a 20-year-old college student looking for a part-time job which is how he meets Dave. Dave is a very stubborn older timer who has to have things done his way which is the only right/correct way to get the job done. Hunter gives his all to help Dave with absolutely no expectations in return. This does end in a cliffhanger but fortunately, the next book Back Country is available. Trust me you won't want to put this down or wait to read the conclusion.
Profile Image for Isabella Bazz.
425 reviews6 followers
May 4, 2017
This book was given to me for honest opinion. Sweet hunter and his loving heart, leaves home to study. Teale, she is an amazing young lady with so much love to give, but she has secrets. Will this be HEA? Well Its a cliffhanger and we will find out in book#2 to see what happens to hunter and Teale. This is definitely 5 star book. It's very enjoyable, and I look forward to reading book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,661 reviews
May 4, 2017
Jesus, HJ Bellus! You sure do know how to leave us on the edge of our seat, all the way through this book. I don't think I've ever read a book where I was afraid to turn to the next page. What a truly beautiful human being Hunter is. Inside and out. He makes all the people around him want to be better and want to help others. My favorite line from this book is: "Nothing that beautiful leaves scars." I'm hoping this will ring true in book 2.
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