Stirring up the Sheriff

Wildhorse Ranch Brothers #3

by Leslie North

Moving back to Lockhat Bend wasn’t easy for Marianne Stanton. But the smart and sassy firecracker has come with a plan. She’s going to turn her Aunt’s old Honky Tonk into a sleek and successful brewery in the heart of Lockhart Bend. Proving that while her life didn’t go as planned, she could still take the town that judged her harshly as a child by storm. She’s set out to win the upcoming Battle of the Brews at the county festival. The plan is to do it solo...no matter what the annoyingly hot town sheriff has to say. 


Sheriff Trent Wild has a dream—a dream that his favorite honky tonk will never change. For years he can kick back with a cold one and listen to country crooning on the jukebox as couples two-stepped their way around the floor. It’s a dream that’s in peril since master brewer Marianne came back to town, all grown up—and looking damn good—to burst his bubble. Now Trent needs to persuade Marianne that the Honky Tonk is perfect as it is...and that he could be perfect for her, too. 


What starts off as a welcome back to town quickly becomes a battle of wills. Marianne and Trent will find themselves fighting for their separate dreams until a cherry chapstick flavored kiss proves juicier than expected. Now they’ll have to decide if living the dream is worth missing out on the love of a lifetime.


Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2017

About the author

New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

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Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stirring up the Sheriff was an enjoyable read and a nice conclusion to the Wildhorse Ranch Brothers series.

Marianne Stanton has purchased her Aunt's Honky Tonk bar with the intention of converting it into a brewpub. She plans to enter the Battle of the Brews at the county festival and prove once and for all that she's successful despite her life not turning out as she once hoped. Trent Wild wants nothing more than for life to stay just as it is, including his favorite town bar. So when Marianne comes to town with plans to change things, he quickly tries to dissuade her from her plans. Soon they're fighting an attraction neither of them expected while still hoping their individual dreams come to fruition.

Marianne is an incredibly strong person and knows exactly what she wants in life. She has a lot riding on making the brewpub successful and sees it as her last shot at making her dreams come true. After going through a tough divorce, she wants to focus solely on getting the brewpub off the ground and doesn't feel she has the time or energy for a relationship. Trent is very easy going and likes to take life as it comes. He likes that Lockhart Bend is a pretty consistent town and enjoys being the sheriff.

Marianne and Trent had great chemistry right from the start. Trent brings out a side in Marianne that she hasn't seen in a long time. She becomes more confident and open to the possibility of being happy. The sexual tension between them was great and that poker game was intense. The roadblock to their relationship however felt pretty forced and it seems like it was simply inserted for drama. Thankfully it's dealt with fairly quickly, but it wasn't a believable issue in my opinion.

Overall, Stirring up the Sheriff was a quick, satisfying read and nicely wrapped up the Wildhorse Ranch Brothers series. I definitely recommend the books if you're looking for some quick fluff to read (each book generally only took me an hour or so to read).

** I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great romance that had you turning the pages and wanting more right up til the very end. Marianne Stanton has just returned to her home town after leaving her ex Husband behind in Denver and making a fresh start. Now the new owner of her Aunty’s old bar she wants to reinvent the Honky Tonk Bar and bring it into the future but she is getting grief from the local Sheriff who is sexy and charming but she’s not in interested in any relationship after her Ex but she is very tempted. Trent Wild is the local Sheriff and in between his job and looking out for his brothers and keeping them out of trouble his new interest is the sexy new comer in town who wants to reinvent the Honky Tonk Bar and we keep butting heads over it but the longer we are together I realise it could be good for the town and they chemistry is off the charts and now they are dating but it’s not all smooth sailing to get to there HEA and there are twists and turns along the way. Do they get their HEA or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars.

OMG I have so much dislike for both characters and their friends/ family it's untrue.

Marianne Stanton buys her Aunt Celia's pub in small town Lockhart Bend. She has decided to change it from a Honky Tonk Bar to a brewpub. Editorialising, how does she even know if people want a brew pub? Apparently she wants to grow her own ingredients, although she has a fully stocked pub so I'm not sure where that came from.

Trent Wild is the local sheriff, he also happens to live next door. Their relationship starts off rocky, especially when Trent tells Marianne that no-one will come to the pub if she rips out all the traditional features and changes the appearance too much. First, I thought Marianne was an idiot for basically trying to make a small town bar into a City brewpub overnight. Second I thought she was extra stupid to completely redecorate as well. Especially because she was removing everything wholesale and replacing it with things that would look out of place. But I also thought Trent was an interfering overbearing guy who liked to mansplain things to Marianne at every opportunity.

The two of them seemed to go from arguing to sex to love in about five minutes flat. No reason why either of them should love each other, frankly I thought they were both pretty unlovable. And don't get me started on the irritating, interfering friends!

I felt overall that this was one of those novellas that didn't really know which market it was aiming at and kind of missed all of them. There was a lot of teasing and brushing up against each other, but it wasn't erotica. There was the small town setting but we didn't really get a flavour of the small town life. There was the brewpub thing, but honestly Marianne didn't really seem that into it and certainly didn't seem to know much about running a business. There was a bit of drama which fizzled out very quickly and an ex-husband story that went nowhere.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, sweet, sexy and emotionally exciting opposites attract small town romance. Was a short yet engaging summer afternoon relaxing in the sun with a cold drink listing to nature around you read.

Welcome back to Lockhart Bend with the third Wildhorse Ranch Brother Sheriff Trent Wild. He is a sweet, sexy and fun loving alpha male who loves his small town and its history and tradition. Marianne Stanton reluctantly moves back home to buy out her Aunts Honky Tonk and reopen it as a brewery in the heart of Lockhart Bend. She is fun, sassy and a mystery Trent is itching to solve.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Marianne and Trent. Marianne has moved to Lockhart Bend after buying her aunt's Honky-Tonk. She is outside the Honky-Tonk trying to get some rocks placed when the box they are in bust open. Trent walks up and hears her cussing. She doesn't notice him at first. When she does, she introduced herself as Marianne Stanton. She said that she knew he was Sheriff Wild, and her aunt had talked a lot about him. He asked if she could help her but she said that she didn't need any help with the rocks. She starts to put them in the box they had been in but he said that they would just fall out again. He asked where she wanted them and she said along the edge of the flowerbed to keep the dirt from getting on the sidewalk. They end up talking about what she was going to do with the Honky-Tonk and he was not too happy with her plan. He tells her that there were new bars that opened outside of town. He said that he had told her aunt that he would watch over her. She tells him that she hadn't asked them to watch over her., she could take care of herself. They talk a little bit more and then he leaves after telling her that he would see her again. Marianne is working in the Honky-Tonk when she hears a car door shut. She walks to the door and looks out. She sees Trent walking up and then she sees a woman with him. She is a little upset when she sees the woman but then thinks it doesn't matter. She said to Trent, "Sheriff Wild, what do I owe the pleasure?" "Don't act so surprised to see me." He grinned, I told you I'd be around to lend a helping hand." She opens the door and invites them in. When they get in, Trent gives her a package. She asked, "What is this?" He said, "It is a little welcome present." He tells her that it is a package of yellow rose seeds and she can plant them the next spring. He then introduced the woman with him as his brother Trevor's girlfriend Sabrina. Marianne gives Trent and Sabrina a tour of what she has done so far. When Sabrina sees the pile of stuff that Marianne is wanting to throw away, she goes crazy and asked if she could have it. Trent tells Marianne why Sabrina wants the stuff. Sabrina asked when she was going to open and when Marianne told them, Sabrina gives Trent a look. Marianne wants to know what is going on. Sabrina tells her that they had just left City Hall and they had a problem and needed a new place to hold the next meeting. Sabrina wanted to know if they could have it there. When Marianne said she didn't know if it was a good idea, Trent tells her that it would be a good way to get to know the people of the town. She finally agrees to have the meeting there. Things happen between Marianne and Trent. He starts to spend time with Marianne. She doesn't trust herself with Trent so she just wants to be friends. The more time that Marianne spends with Trent, the more she falls for him. Trent comes by the Honky-Tonk to talk to her about a contest that he thinks she should enter. They end up messing around and she thinks that she saw someone watching them. She decides to enter the contest but on the day of the contest, things go wrong for her. She is told she needs to take herself out of the competition because of some pictures of her and Trent. She knows now that things for her are over in Lockhart Bend. She tells Trent that they are over and he is not happy about it. She gets a visit by a man and he offers her a job if she wants it. When she tells Trent about what she is planning to do, he asked if she is just going to give up on them. She tells him that her dream was over and it would be better this way. She goes on the interview and when she was asked a certain question and she gives her answer, she realized that she doesn't want to give up. She gets a call from someone from the contest and asked if she would be interested in working with them She is told that if she did, then the company would give her some start-up money and she would be working with them only. Marianne is shocked by the news and asked if she could think about it. She takes the offer and then goes to talk to Trent. Trent had not been the same since he and Marianne broke up and he is shocked to see her standing there. She tells him what happened and the deal she took.
Will things with the Honky-Tonk work out?
Can Marianne and Trent work things out?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, this brother really is outgoing and not afraid to go after what he wants, even if that's the new lady in town.
She's really got no chance, but it's going to take a while for Trent to bring her around to his side of things.
She's been burnt before.
But he's one determined sheriff, lol.
This had a few twists, but I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two opposing forces set off a storm in Leslie North's Wild Dream. It doesn't take a rocket science to figure out how the journey ends, Marianne has had her share of disappointments and bias in her young life. From gossiping small towners and shattering heartaches, but her true strength lies in her spirit. Determination and skill have gotten her through. So when a hunk of a roadblock gets in her way. It's on. Wild Dream proves that even the most written off underdogs, can win the game. Any story that empowers female spirit is a winner in my opinion.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne is moving into Lockhart Bend as the owner of her aunt's old Honky Tonk bar and she's going to turn it into a new brewery for her brewing skills. Sheriff Trent Wild decides to check out his favourite Honky Tonk bar and it's new owner. The woman he discovers there is a woman he'd liked to know until he learns what her plans are for the Honky Tonk, craft beers are not what the town and the Honky Tonk are about, and he's not keen on making changes. They have many squabbles, but there's also lots of chemistry which they can't deny. It's a good story and a fun read, I enjoyed it very much.

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars I loved Trent and Marianne story, their connection was real problems and all. I enjoyed all the character interaction and the well written storyline. The Wildhorse Ranch Brothers series has been a fabulous series and I am so glad I found this wonderful author. I would recommend this story and series.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North gives you a steady flow of steam that will keep you turning the pages. The writing is great and the story is fantastic!

I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the Wildhorse Ranch Brothers and the main characters are Sheriff Trent Wild of Lockhart Bend, and the town’s newest resident and his new next door neighbour, Marianne Stanton, who has bought out her Aunt Celia’s Honky Tonk. It has been closed for over a year and needs a lot of refurbishment to get it ready to open again. Celia asked Trent to keep an eye out for her niece and when he comes across her at the site, he finds her to be very stubborn in her belief of what the town wants, even though she hasn’t been there in years and her own aunt, who was well loved, couldn’t keep it running. She does however brew some wonderfully tasting and unusual beers and he suggests she open a Brewhouse. That is what she did with her ex-husband and she barely escaped from him and he kept all of the equipment she would need back in Denver. She has no wish to get in contact with him as that would allow him to know where she is and she hasn’t got the money for the renovations a Brewhouse would need. She doesn’t want anyone else telling her what is best and what she should do, she wants to do it all by herself.

She finds the sheriff really attractive but very opinionated, and wants nothing to do with him. Trent finds he is drawn to her and could see himself being with her after a long time of thinking he would be alone. He thinks that he is helping her with his suggestions, but all they are doing is breaking down her confidence in herself and what she is trying to do. Finding out they are neighbours when she smells a delightful BBQ over the fence between their homes, has her coming over to say hello and more. He introduces her to the competition just outside of town and she begins to realise that she may have to talk to her ex at least and when she has the funds, to complete her original ideas of a Brewhouse for the town. At least it isn’t too late to try and change a little. Trent suggests a competition at a big fair coming to town, to showcase her products, with the hope of winning funding, but her ex-husband knows where she is and catches some images of her and Trent, using them to destroy her dreams! A hard time for Marianne and her hopes for her new business, but talent such as hers can never truly be held back, if only it can get to the right people. Trent and Marianne’s relationship takes a knockback when she loses hope in her new venture and looks elsewhere for work and a new start, only to find out the support the town will give her, if only she allows it. A HEA ending in the end, but hard fought for. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding the Right One . . .

Marianne Stanton wants a new look for the Honky-Tonk, but just bringing it up to code may be enough to “break the bank”. However, she is out in the dirt planning flowers to make it look good. Everybody loves roses, right? This was a happy place in the past. She wants to bring those days back, rebuild the bar and maybe rebuild her own life at the same time after her marriage ended a year ago. She didn’t know anyone here anymore. She missed having a special someone, but her ex was definitely not what she wanted! The two of them never really fit together very well. Maybe getting a dog would help?

Sheriff Trevor Wild had promised Cecelia he would drop by to check on her niece at the Honky-Tonk. He walked up just in time to see the bottom of her box of rocks for the garden drop down and a loud curse following as a big rock fell on her toe. She was jumping around and still steadily cursing about roses and rocks and dirt. He smiled and cleared his throat, then stared when she turned to him. She was gorgeous, even with the dirt smeared on her face! And she was stubborn, resisting his offer to help place the rocks but he helped a little anyway. He talked about her starting a restaurant, but she was firm about bringing back the Honky-Tony like it was in the past. Pretty soon, she has him starting to change his mind and agree with her. And just maybe he is tired of being alone and is ready to start something with the beautiful, stubborn lady. She seems like she might be ready for that too…

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Marianne is returning to the small town she was born in with determination and a plan. That plan will put her on the opposite side of the debate with the local sheriff, Trent, who likes things just as they’ve always been. When Marianne buys the local honky tonk bar from her aunt, she plans to reopen it as a brewery pub. She is talented at brewing beer and plans to sell her stock to the locals, as well as running her newly designed pub.

She’s out to prove a point that the small-town gossip was wrong about her back then, and she can stick to something and be successful. Unfortunately, she didn’t really consider that what she wanted to build here in this small town doesn’t really have a small-town audience. And one stubborn, opinionated neighbor who happens to be the sheriff will remind her of that fact… constantly.

Trent and Marianne make an interesting pair. Their bickering and sexual tension drive them both and provide an interesting feel to their story. Some outside drama, a bit of a challenge, and learning how to compromise will move this story alone. I had fun here, and that’s the entire point of romance. If you love a well-written, steamy, clash of wills type of romance, then you’ll have a good time with Wild Dream.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent likes being sheriff of Lockhart Bend. When he meets Marianna, he finds her irresistible, but he thinks her plans to reopen the honky tonk in town. He wants to help her, but he just keeps stepping in it and making her mad. Will they be able to learn to communicate with each other in order to find a happily ever after?

Marianne starts the story with a lot of baggage. Her ex treated her terribly and she is wary of any man that tries to tell her what to do. She learns to trust that Trent has good intentions and is willing to listen. Trent starts the story positive that he knows what's best for Lockhart Bend and maybe even Marianne. He learns to communicate better and to listen to her concerns. They are a pretty good couple by the end. The author does a little bit of skipping over details or having things happen off the page because this is a short story that needs to focus on the main couple. I thought it was a nice addition to the series.

I thought the story was a little boring at times and lacked some of the emotion of some of the author's other stories. I knew what was going to happen almost from the beginning and that took away some of the excitement.

This is a contemporary story set in small town Texas. This is a story between two full grown adults with careers and past histories. I think this can be read without reading the other stories in the series. I will read more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Leslie North's "Wildhorse Ranch Brothers" series and this is Trent and Marianne's story.
Marianne had found a way to escape Denver and her abusive ex husband, she had bought her aunt Celia's failing honky tonk bar in the sleepy town of Lockhart Bend. Marianne's dream was to restore the bar to it's former glory, and being a brewer, brew her own beers from plants grown in her own garden, only one problem, she didn't have the funds to do it and the interfering sheriff, who was her next door neighbour, had told her that the town had moved on since she used to visit as a child and no one wanted an old fashioned honky tonk bar now.

Sheriff Trent Wild was immediately smitten by the beautiful woman with the dark, curly hair but he was walking on egg shells, it was obvious that she had been hurt by someone and he wanted to knock his lights out, it was obvious that she was passionate about her aunt's bar but when he tried to offer advice she blew her top, she had escaped one controlling man she wasn't about to get involved with another.
Trent knew that with Marianne's brewing skills she could open a brew bar and eatery which he knew the locals would love, all he had to do was convince Marianne.
This story follows Marianne and Trent's journey, the highs and the lows and their blossoming love affair leading to their HEA.
A quick enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Dream is the third book in Leslie North's series, Wildhorse Ranch Brothers. While this pretty much works as a standalone I would recommend reading this series in order. I really loved the world building through the series of Wildhorse Ranch and the small town nearby.

Wild Dream is the story of Sherriff Trevor Wild, whose identical twin brother runs the WIldhorse Ranch and found love in book one. Trevor is the the more laid back and easy going of the twin brothers (his bro is grumpy and serious), which seems at odds with Trevor's job as the sheriff, which he loves.

Trevor has been aware of Marianne, who has taken over her beloved aunt's dive bar and is looking to revamp it to make it a nice little brew pub with some of the old atmosphere it used to have. She's had a nasty divorce from a manipulative ex, which has made her wary and very serious. The exact opposite of Trevor.

Trevor is enchanted by Marianne, but to be together these two need to work hard and Marianne has a lot of demons to face, or else she could well break Trevor's heart. I loved Trevor's story. I loved the insight to the Wild family and I really enjoyed the ups and downs and ups again as Marianne embraces a new life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Stanton is the new resident and beer brewer in Lockhart Bend, Texas. She's taken over her aunt's closed honky tonk with plans to return it to its glory days.

She's certainly caught the eye of Sheriff Trent Wild. With both his twin, Trevor, and their younger brother, Charlie, in relationships, he's the odd man out. Something he's ready to remedy.

Marianne has fled Denver to get away from her ex-husband. She has big plans to change the town’s honky tonk bar and make it even better. However Sheriff Wild seems to have a great deal of opinions and suggestions on the matter. She let her ex-husband, Simon, take her ideas and present them as his own while making her feel stupid. She's vowed not to let that happen again.

Trent has put his foot in his mouth more than once with Marianne. In trying to help her succeed, he wants her to change her plans to what he "knows" will work without considering her background or finances. As she becomes more and more important to him, he's learned to temper his comments and suggestions. Will it be too little too late?

Just when things begin to look like Lockhart Bend will accept her and she can succeed, Simon slithers back into the picture...

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Joy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent Wild the sheriff of Lockhart Bend has watched his brothers find love. His twin Trevor runs the family farm. Trent knows everyone in town. He promised the former owner of Honky Tonk he would keep a eye on the place and new owner. Marianne bought the Honky Tonk from her aunt. Her aunt asked Sheriff Trent to keep an eye on her niece. Marianne was looking to start over after her horrible divorce she was trying to recover from her ex. She was not looking for anything. She met the handsome sheriff. She was stubborn. He was give her suggestions. He told her about the competition coming up in town. The winner gets help starting their business. The more time they spent together the harder it was to stay away from each other. They were getting close in the business when someone started taking pictures through the window. During the contest Marianne was expected to win but someone posted pictures of her and she was disqualified. Marianne was hurt and upset she wanted to be alone. This was her start over and she got caught up. A man from a brewing company still wanted to help her. Marianne has a choice to make will Sheriff Trent lose her. Sheriff Trent doesn’t want to let her go. What will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Getting The Life They Deserve -
Marianne was only looking to start a new life after her painful divorce, so the last thing on her mind was getting into a relationship with another man. Trent was happy being single and concentrating on his job as the small town Sheriff, but he felt a connection with Marianne that he had never felt with anyone. Even though Marianne tried everything to keep Trent at arms length, fate kept bringing them together, so she decided to give in and accept the inevitable.

Unfortunately, just as they settled into their relationship and Marianne thought she could finally get the happiness she wanted, her ex-husband threw a wrench into their lives and caused Marianne to hightail it out of dodge. However, she realised after she left, that she not only had people who supported her and wanted her to succeed, but she also had Trent, who wanted them to have a life filled with happiness.

This was an absolutely fantastic, well written story, that draws you into the lives of the characters and makes you want to live in the same town that they live in. Grab a copy of this book and indulge yourself for a few enjoyable hours.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marianne Stanton comes to town after purchasing the Honky Tonk bar from her Aunt, who is off to enjoy life. She is fleeing an ex-husband and wanting to put a particularly difficult time in her life behind her.

Marianne knows what she wants from life, or perhaps she thinks she does, and then she meets the equally strong willed Sheriff Trent Wild. She has secrets that she is not ready to share and a vision that she needs to fulfil on her own, her way. Trent is a pretty easy going guy, taking life as it comes and appreciating the friendly town of Lockhart Bend and the residents which includes his twin brother Trevor.

Marianne and Trent have great chemistry which is apparent from the start. Trent bringing out a hopeful and confident demeanour in Marianne, but as she has a stubborn streak a mile wide, this brings its own challenges to the relationship.

Overall, a good read which can be devoured in an afternoon and the final book in the series. Good to catch up with the other two brothers from the previous books as well.

Would have enjoyed more depth, but guess that defeats the 'read in a day' genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ravenblackbird74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes the things you least expect to go together end up being perfect.” Wild Dream is a discovery with the characters Leslie North has created. Marianne sees her move to Lockhart Bend as both a last option and the possibility to create a new life for herself. Although she’s left behind a bad marriage, Marianne still hasn’t yet moved beyond her reactions that bring back painful memories. Then, there is Trent who is Lockhart Bend’s sheriff. While he is dedicated to helping the community of Lockhart Bend, he and Marianne seem to miscommunicate whenever he tries to make supportive suggestions for her new business venture. Still, they are able to workaround some issues and develop a loving relationship. Where Trent only wants to help Marianne, she needs to learn for herself that she can stand on her own, and welcome the support of her new friends. Ultimately, it will take Marianne stepping away from her new home to realize how much she has grown and how much she loves Trent.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love reading a Leslie North work. And while this is part of a series, it can stand alone. I read the entire Wildhorse Ranch Brothers series and enjoyed each book.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne just escaped from a bad marriage. Forget about love and relationship. She doesn’t trust any man. When her aunt retires, she takes over the brewery that carries her happy childhood memory. It gives her a fresh start. Local sheriff Trent thinks this confident beautiful woman does not understand their little town has outgrown her memory. But her knowledge in beer brewing, her cooking, and her hardworking win him over. He has been faithfully supporting her ever since. Marianne has the deepest fear of her ex-husband, a symptom of an abused woman. She shies away from help, because that’s how her ex took over her life and chipped away her dream. But she desperately needs support. One woman can’t do everything, especially trying to win over the town with her brewery. Trust is hard to come by. She easily blows up and runs away when things don’t go smoothly. Can she realize her dream is within reach and Trent is there to support her every step of the way? The story is heart-warming. I enjoy seeing the characters from prior stories in this series come back to support Marianne.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off great! I really enjoyed Trent and Marianne's interactions; they argued with each other but also had an obvious attraction brewing. My favourite scene has got to be the lip balm scene. Oh God, that was sensual and spicy without being vulgar or crude, and I absolutely loved it!

The plot was simple, cute, but lacked in drama near the climax. The main characters didn't get their chance to grovel/make it up to each other properly. The minor antagonist was captured off-screen, which was the reason why we didn't get to have closure after all the stuff we learned about him.

Also, I loved that Sabrina played more of a role in this book. I was pleasantly surprised when all the previous book characters made a few cameos in this.

If you're looking for something low-key, fun, and sensually spicy that will make you root for the MMC, you're in the right place. Wild Dream (like the previous books in the series) is definitely going to make you feel things.

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series of the Wildhorse Ranch brothers. We finally are getting Trents story.

Trent is the town sheriff, and always on the lookout for keeping his community safe. he made a promise to Cecelia to keep an eye out for her granddaughter, Marianne who is coming to town to reopen her old bar. He is smitten with her right away. Marianne is running from her own dark past, and struggles to do everything herself.

The two spar with each other, with humor, and laughter. Its not without heartache, as Marianne struggles to find herself and stand on her own two feet after a really sad history with her ex husband. Everyone seems to be rallying around to help Marianna, but she's not very good at accepting help.

These two have a fun witty connection throughout the book. You get to see how patient and kind Trent is trying to be to support Marianne any way he can.

If you are looking for some chemistry, laughter, witty, romance with a side of beer......come join us now!

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne returned to Lockhart Bend buying the Honky-Tonk from her aunt to in hopes of escaping her ex-husband and getting a fresh start. He had stripped her of her mind and soul. She was looking to build something that was all her's on her own. The biggest problems she brought from that relationship were not to trust or depend on men for anything as they will normally try to control you. As she prepared the bar for reopening, she became acquainted with Sheriff Trent Wild. In the beginning she thought he was trying to dissuade her from reopening the opening the bar instead of helping, but eventually after a few sharp barbs, they got be on the same page. She was a brewer at heart, and he convinced her to enter a brew in the upcoming location festival contest. The prize money would allow her to transfer the bar to a whole new level if she won. A well written story of a young woman trying to reclaim her life after an abusive situation with some spellbinding surprises a must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent is the Wild brother that I’ve been most looking forward to reading. There was just something about the teasing lawman that drew me in. Watching the way he coaxed Marianne to trust him and the way he supported her dreams for the Honky Tonk – before she even realized she had them – made my happy heart sigh. Marianne, on the other hand, was so guarded that even as the reader I had a hard time connecting with her. She was so determined to do it her way, by herself, that it was hard to sympathize with such a lack of good sense. And while I understand her ex left deep scars and ingrained patterns in her behavior, I felt like his presence didn’t really benefit the book; it just kind of left me irrationally frustrated. However, I adored seeing the victory Marianne and Trent were able to grasp from the rubble it looked like everything was about to turn into. Now I’ve gone and fallen in love with all the Wild boys just in time for the series to be over.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an entertaining and engaging enemies to lovers romance. Trent and Marianne always seem to be at odds, at least at first, with him often critical of her intent to re-open the Honky Tonk she purchased from her aunt. He sees her as being out of her depth, not really doing her research or really caring about what the town wants or needs. She sees him as arrogant, bossy and not at all helpful like he says he is trying to be whenever she sees him. They certainly create a lot of sparks whenever they are near each other, and inevitably those sparks combust. They each have their secrets, their doubts and insecurities when it comes to relationships and neither expect the deeper feelings that they feel toward each other. Can these two opposites, or perhaps I should say adversaries since they seem to enjoy filing each other up, build a future together? You will need to read this engaging book to find see how their story develops.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series and am sad to say goodbye to Lockhart Bend.
It is Sheriff Trent Wild's turn to find love.He does with Marianne Stanton.It is not an easy ride,but they get there in the end.
Marianne has come to Lockhart Bend to make a fresh start and wants to re-open her aunt's old place the Honky-Tonk,but finds out its not as easy as she thought.
Trent wants to help her,but also tells her,her original plans might not work.
Marianne realises he is right and they work together along with his family to make it a success.The chemistry between them is explosive and they give into it eventually.They start to fall in love.
Marianne's past catches up to her and ruins everything.
Trent and Marrianne eventually get through all the obstacles and to a happily ever after
I loved the meet cute between them and could not put the book down until the last page.
There was laughter,tears,steam,
family banter and support and a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne has run from her old life to Lockhart Bend. She bought the Honky Tonk from her aunt as a last chance to get her life back on track. She had a plan and was set on doing everything herself. That way she didn't have anyone else to rely on and no one to let her down.

Trent gave his word to Celia that he'd look in on her niece. One look and he was hooked but the woman just wouldn't take any help. Not being one to give up at the first hurdle he keeps turning up and offering help.

A strong willed woman determined to do things her own way having been betrayed by someone she should have been able to trust. An equally strong willed man hard wired to help and look out for those in his community. Especially those he considers family. Can these two individuals make things work or will trouble from Marianne's past ruin everything?

The last of the Wild brothers to find their HEA. Just brilliant!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sasha Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey folks, just finished this sizzling romance and, trust me, it's a real page-turner! 📚💕 Marianne Stanton, our leading lady, has moved back to her hometown leaving her past (and her ex-husband) behind in Denver. She's now the proud owner of her aunt's old bar - the Honky Tonk Bar. She's got big plans to revamp it and bring it into the future 🍻🔮

But guess what? Our local heartthrob Sheriff isn't making things easy for her. He's charming and oh-so-tempting, but Marianne is in no mood for love after her recent split 💔

Enter Trent Wild - our sexy Sheriff who's busy keeping his brothers out of trouble while also being irresistibly drawn towards Marianne. Their chemistry? Off the charts! 💥

They're butting heads over the bar but as they spend more time together, Trent sees how good this could be for their town. And yes - they're now dating! But their journey to happily ever after isn't going to be a smooth ride 🎢

Expect plenty of twists and turns as you dive into their story! 🌪️🌈.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.