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Wyoming Wilde #3

Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart

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New York Times  bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns to the Wyoming Wilde series as the third Wilde brother finds himself entangled with his ex-girlfriend after she’s witness to a murder and the killer’s next target. Perfect for fans of authors like Maisey Yates, Joanne Kennedy and Carolyn Brown as well as Diana Palmer, Linda Lael Miller, and BJ Daniels.
They’re tough, tenacious, and sometimes tormented; they’re the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills. And when Max Wilde reunites with his lost love, he’ll do anything to keep her safe and in his arms… Max Wilde lived up to his last name and then some. Years ago, he fell hard and fast for Kenna Baker, thinking they had a love that would last for all time. When a horrible misunderstanding drove them apart, Max thought his chance to find the kind of love his brothers have is gone forever. He changed his bad boy ways, but he never got over the one who got away. Now, their lives have collided once again, as Kenna is the only witness to a murder and needs a place to hide while in protective custody. Max is determined to keep her safe on the ranch, and also maintain an emotional distance, but as they spend more time together, the lies and half-truths that once drove them apart are also uncovered, bringing them closer than ever. Kenna has always laid claim to Max’s heart—and soul—but will he be able to save her…and their love...before it’s too late?

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 28, 2023

76 people are currently reading
2438 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Ryan

50 books1,883 followers
Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,457 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2023
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Wyoming Wilde Series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I really love the characters in this book. I loved the beginning of this book, but I felt the ending was super long winded. I really feel that the book could have been wrapped up better. This book was full of action, suspense, and romance which I loved. I enjoyed the mix of romance and action in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Avon Books) or author (Jennifer Ryan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,831 reviews463 followers
October 3, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this read although there was a lot of repetition in some conversations that were bugging me. 4.5 Stars!
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This book is a part of a series, but can definitely be read on its own. These two characters have a deep love that has been burning for years which is evident in the way Ryan depicts them. Lies forced them apart but they will have to figure it out sooner than later. With forced proximity, it is tough for them to stay apart.

Hurt mixed with passion and love runs the gambit through this story. Family ties are wound through as well so they truly need to find themselves and quick.

Ryan builds a credible love connection with Kenna and Max that makes your heart burst with joy. Suspenseful situations with a streak of violence bring out the protectiveness in Max that is truly heartwarming and sincere. Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart is engrossing, tough to put down, and packed with action.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read although there was a lot of repetition in some conversations that were bugging me by the end. I really need to go back and read the other stories too! These Wilde boys are awesome!

* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/max-wildes-c...
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,589 reviews784 followers
March 28, 2023
Each of the books in the Wyoming Wilde series features a Wilde brother and their romance. While they work as a standalone, this book does contain mild spoilers regarding the other siblings.

Years ago, a terrible misunderstanding and tons of miscommunication drove Max and Kenna Baker apart. When his brother, a local law officer, informs Max that Kenna is in the hospital, he drives there to be by her side. When he learns she is in danger, he takes her home to his ranch. The story that unfolds had suspense and offered a delicious second chance romance.

Kenna, a schoolteacher, is sweet, and I felt sorry for her. She messed up and knows it and now she is in this awkward position. From the start we know she still has feelings for Max. Max wants to protect her, but feels rejected and angry about their breakup. These two had a lot of fences to mend and I found myself all in. Despite wanting to smack them both on the back of the head, Gibbs (NCIS TV SERIES) style when all was revealed.

The suspense angle was interesting from Kenna’s brother being involved to the players. In this case, that story was served as a side and the catalyst for reuniting our couple in this forced proximity romance. Family meddling and farm life added to the tale and gave it the perfect small-town charm I love.

Fans of second chance romances, grumpy/sunshine romances and small-town romances will want to scoop Max Widle’s Cowboy Heart up. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,346 reviews71 followers
February 21, 2023
I was excited to continue with the Wyoming Wilde series. This is the third book and features the sons of a Wyoming rancher each finding love. Max Wilde fell in love with Kenna Baker while in high school. Their romance continued long distance while she got her teaching degree. Three years ago, after she returned to town, everything fell apart. As the story begins Kenna is injured when she walks into a robbery at her home. It turns out that her brother took something and the person who wants it back thought he left it with her. Max’s brother Hunt is a local police officer and alerts Max to Kenna’s attack. With Kenna needing police protection Max invites her to stay on the ranch.

The romance and mystery move along fairly quickly. There isn’t the typical miscommunications. I’ve only read this series by the author so not sure if it is typical for her but she resolves the mystery fairly early around the 62 percent point. This is earlier than in the previous book. In the last one I commended it for allowing the opposite of a rushed ending. There is something nice to getting time after coming together. But this one stretches a bit long. There are two intimate scenes a few pages apart, which I seldom complain about, but they were almost identical in action. Also Kenna (who I really like) is recovering from injuries, and can’t leave the ranch house during most of the story. So there isn’t tons for them to do. I kept waiting for a twist or something more.

I recommend the series as I enjoy a bit of mystery in my romances. I also like the open door intimacy and honest communication. This one includes appearances by the brothers and their spouses so catching up to with those characters is nice too. The ending leaves the series open for continuation with a female cousin who owns a bar. I’d return for that Wilde story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for a review. (3.5 Stars)
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,060 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2023
Max Wilde lost the love of his life three years ago. Kenna Baker was Max's love and now she struggles each day without him.
Kenna's brother puts her life in to jeopardy and she needs a safe place to hide. Hunt suggests she stay at the ranch where it will easy to protect her; of course Kenna and Max don't want to be around each other.
Kenna knows she made a mistake 3 years ago and would love to let Max know it's her fault they broke up. Max doesn't want to be around her at an time. As danger seems to close in can these two finally talk and get their lives back on track?
I've read all three books and really enjoyed them all. Ms. Ryan books are great romantic suspense books.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,714 reviews1,125 followers
April 13, 2023
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
Max Wilde’s Cowboy Heart is the third installment in the series, and I am pretty sure its just a trilogy so this is the finale, but we did get hints for the next series or at least I am crossing my fingers on that. I have to say that this book is my favorite of the trilogy actually. I absolutely loved this one so dearly. In fact, once I picked this one, I couldn’t put it down. I was so gravitated towards this book and I became so easily immersed into this novel. This author definitely did some magic wonder with this one here. I will say that I adored this one in every way. She definitely delivered a kick ass romance to finish off the trilogy while also giving her readers teasers for upcoming books. And I am not going to lie, this book will tear your heart out! Its full of so much heartfelt emotion, and I loved every single moment that we get with this one here. This romance is a second chance and the type of second chance where a couple deserves to find their way back to each other while also there being lots of danger surrounding them as well.

Summary
The story starts off with our heroine, Kenna Baker. Max Wilde and Kenna were once sweetheart and had a epic love but then something tore them apart out of a misunderstanding. Now its been years later, and Kenna is a local teacher and working on moving on with her life even though her heart will always belong to Max Wilde. But when her brother disappears with a message that he is on the run from someone, she doesn’t think much of it until she comes home from a date, her home ransacked, and her date murdered right in front of her trying to protect her. Now she has a target on her back, her brother is on the run from criminals and FBI, and she is forced to be living in the same home as Max Wilde when his brother tries to do some matchmaking and with her life in danger, there is little that Max or Kenna can do about it. While trying to figure out what her brother is up to and who is behind everything, Max and Kenna are forced to hash out the past and come to terms with what happened and find a way to come back together as the truth becomes reveals fully to them and they rediscover a love for each other that never died…


My Outlook
My heart…this story delivered everything for me and more! This is probably one of the best books by this author I have read in a while. I am not sure exactly what it was about this book but everything in it just clicked perfectly for me. From the beginning I was hooked into this story and I just couldn’t put it down. But also the story had me in ALL of my feels and I was so swept away by this romance and all the emotion that was so smoothly delivered on this one here. I was cheering on Max and Kenna all the way through. You just know from the beginning that there is so much more to the story because they each blame themselves for the breakup when it was so much more than that. And once the truth of what really happened comes to the surface, my heart broke for these two. Throughout the trilogy we have known what a beautiful love story these two have had and seeing them finally get their justly HEA was so satisfying. I adored seeing them lay everything out on the table and really embrace what they have together.

Now as for the plot of the story, there is actually so much happening in this book and my heart really broke for the heroine. We have the plot happening with her brother who discovered something he shouldn’t have, and hid it away because it could be dangerous for ANYONE to actually have possession of. And then we have the trauma that Kenna faces losing a good friend but also having to be a prisoner on the Wilde ranch while the FBI tries to find her brother and the ones hunting him. The ending really tore me up but I wonder if the author has plans for the brother? I am kinda hoping she finds a way to bring him a HEA, it might be we never learn about what truly happens with him but I am kinda hoping this isn’t the last time we see him. Then we also have a teaser with the Wilde’s cousin as there seemed to be something between her and the MC biker, and I am like going to explode because is this author going to do a MC themed series or something? Because I would be completely down for that.

Overall View
I found Max Wilde’s Cowboy Heart to be a heart wrenching romance that delivers on the country charm atmosphere, the fierce family bonds, a epic love story that deserves a happy ending and enough heart to satisfy any romantic reader! UTTERLY SATISFYING!


Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:5
Ending:5
Overall View: 5



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Profile Image for Elizabeth.
747 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2022
Max Wilde’s Cowboy Heart
By Jennifer Ryan

I LOVE Max Wilde! The last of the Wilde brothers to find his HEA. Although he once thought he had it, and lost it forever, through unfortunate circumstances it could be possible to get it back! Max is gentle, honorable, swoon worthy, and downright hot!!!

Kenna feels like her life is spiraling. She’s dating, but no one can replace the love she lost with Max. He hates her, and she doesn’t blame him as their breakup 5 years ago was all her fault. When a date with a friend and fellow teacher goes horribly and fatally wrong, she is suddenly thrust into the orbit of Max again. She knows her brother has something to do with it and though he’s disappeared, he contacts her with an old code they used as kids. She’s a target and needs to be under FBI protection. Max won’t let her go anywhere but where he can see her and protect her too.

This book starts with a bang and doesn’t let go until the end. The anguish Max and Kenna go through due to a misunderstanding is heart wrenching. There were a few times when I wanted to smack them upside the head and say “TALK”. But they finally do, and more importantly they listen to each other. Then together, they work to get their lives back in sync.

Max and Kenna’s story was built beautifully, introducing the characters, and building the suspense and action along the way. I was invested in each of their stories and loved getting to see Max’s brothers and their wives again. You don’t need to read the previous books in the series to enjoy Max Wilde’s Cowboy Heart, but you’ll love Chase and Hunt’s stories too! I received an arc of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,707 reviews22 followers
March 29, 2023

If you follow me then you know that I'm not a huge fan of second, chances romances. Well, unless they are kids and break up then. They haven't yet had a chance to grow and enjoy anything in life. So getting back together is okay with me. But breaking up because of a misunderstanding I hate. Of course, I love books by Jennifer Ryan, so I was willing to read it.

I'm so glad I did. Do I feel like they broke up because of a stupid reason? Yes! A hundred times yes. These two cares so much about each other that they really aren't moving on. Oh, they play at life without really living. It' what makes their who situation so sad.

I have to tell you that I really liked Max. His family has been a favorite of mine since the beginning of the series. They all went through some crap and came out the other side. I've enjoyed reading about them and seeing how their lives have changed. Because Max's story was last all the family members (including their father) has grown. The only person who was still locked away since the beginning of the series is Max. It's time for his demons to go and him to be happy.

I also really enjoyed Kenna and didn't really blame her for her reaction to what happened. What I did blame her for was not talking about it with Max when she realized what was going on. Of course, if she did there would be no book, so I guess things worked out for the best. Plus, they were able to grow a bit and experience life.

When Kenna needed him, Max was there for her even when he didn't want to be. It's not that he wanted anything to happen to her it was only that being so close to her was killing him. Max and Kenna both are the sweetest people who really do care about each other.

There are moments in this book that I wanted to scream at them to get their acts together. And then other times when I found myself tearing up. That's what I love about reading books by Jennifer Ryan, she always makes me feel something.

If you haven't yet read this series, then you are missing out. Start it in the beginning and enjoy. In fact, start it from the series right before it so you can see how this one all starts. Both series is perfect for a summer read.

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ARC received for an honest review
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,288 reviews28 followers
March 28, 2023
There is a lot I loved about this book. Kenna and Max work very well together. The fact that they had to live together years after their break up because of threats to her life set things up perfectly. It was great how much Max’s family was working to push these two together, knowing that they both had deep feelings. I loved all of that. I didn’t love that this book seemed to have a lot of filler. Some chapters could have been cut with no detriment to the overall story.

From the previous book, I have been intrigued by the characters in Blackrock Falls. They are cousins of the Wilde men and it seems we’ll get a lot of good stories out of the bunch. But the last few chapters of this book seemed like they were strictly there for the setup of a new series. I knew I still had a ways to go to finish the book and kept waiting for something else to happen with Max and Kenna. I’ll accept that they needed some closure when it came to a previous friend who had instigated their break up, but other than that these are wasted pages. They took me from being all in on this couple and their story to losing interest because not a lot was happening.

The beginning of this book took off pretty quickly. It kept me engaged in the plot and the characters. I’ve read a lot of this author’s books and felt as though the middle of this book was firmly what I’ve come to expect from her. A lot of love, angst, working things through, with suspense thrown into the mix. It works well for me. While I loved seeing more of Kenna and Max together in those last chapters and getting the wrap-up of this family, it was just too drawn out.

I’d still recommend this story if you’re a fan of romance with some suspense thrown in. I’m still greatly looking forward to whatever series is going to spin off of this one. But I was excited about that even before the last bit of this book.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,438 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2023
Ugh! Why did I hope this one would be better than book 2?
Here’s how the story went.
Early chapters - Max: I’m alone, woe is me, life sucks for me, I love Kenna but she hates me, woe is me . Kenna: I’m alone, I’ll never love someone like I love Max, but I’ll never have him, he hates me, woe is me woe is me
Brief interruption, home robbery and vandalism and murder of Marcus, injuring Kenna
Next chapters: Max: see early chapters above. Kenna: see early chapters above.
Finally, a chapter where Max and Kenna realize we love each other still. Us, readers, finally find out why they broke up. And I’m thinking, we’re they both 13 yo when this happened because this is all so incredibly immature. Are they still 13 yo? Who doesn’t just communicate like adults instead of being pathetic and crying and avoiding and assuming the whole time!? Ugh! So aggravating!
Next chapters: Max: I love her, my life is amazing, she’s my forever. Kenna: I love him, my life is amazing, he’s my forever.
Brief interruption: Kenna gets shot and survives, the FBI no longer need to guard her, killer killed, Kyle killed(?)
Last chapters: Max: see next chapters above. Kenna: see next chapters above.

This book was so boring I began skimming and it just doesn’t redeem itself at all. Save yourself and don’t read this book, or the series for that matter. Just read reviews to find out what happened. It’ll be a thousand times faster and probably more entertaining.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,703 reviews
March 26, 2023
This was a sweet, yet spicy, second chance romance with a touch of suspense and danger thrown in. Several years ago, there was a misunderstanding between Max and Kenna and she broke up with him while calling him a cheat and a liar. Neither of them has recovered from the heartbreaking break up. After Kenna's life is endangered, she and Max are thrown back into one another's orbit making it difficult for both of them to function.

It was sad to see the discomfort between Kenna and Max when they are first around each other. It's awkward and painful. Given the history the two apparently had together, you have to wonder what happened to tear them apart. Of course, the real concern at the moment is the potential threat to Kenna's life.

When Kenna is "forced" to stay at Max's ranch, the "forced proximity" definitely takes over. The two of them have to figure out how to be around each other. I was pulling for the two of them to figure out their relationship issues - - and I wasn't the only one. Kenna's family and Max's family both just wanted them to find happiness and were convinced they'd find it with one another if they could solve their previous difficulties.

This was a good addition to the Wyoming Wilde series. I hope there will be more books since there are still other characters whose stories I'd like to see a story about.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
4,127 reviews21 followers
March 26, 2023
Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart is the last of the Wilde brothers’ stories. While Max thought he would find his HEA first even though he is the youngest, it turns out to be the last of the three brothers. While this story could be a stand-alone, there are hints at his true love in the first two books. Now it is time for the family especially Chase and Hunt to do a bit of meddling to get Max and Kenna back together after a terrible breakup three year ago.

Jennifer Ryan has written a fast paced slow bun romance with as much danger and intrigue as where in Chase’s and Hunt’s stories. Family is so much a part of this story not just the Wilde’s but Kenna’s family too. It was amazing to see how the good could come from the bad as Max and Kenna face lost, heartache and forgiveness in their lives.

When the actually danger ends there is several loose ends that need tying up before the actual book is finished. Plus an insightful look into the brother’s cousins’ lives. Along with them is one biker that has made a previous appearance, then does so again in this book. Hope that he will receive his own story along with a female Wilde cousin. This makes for an amazing read while piquing the curiosity for more from this Wyoming family.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3,549 reviews40 followers
March 3, 2023
This latest addition to the series , can be read as a stand alone, though this reader would highly recommend reading the previous stories for greater enjoyment of the series.
This one belongs to Max Wilde and Kenna Baker. Years ago, these two were sweethearts planning a life together. But a night of misunderstandings and a woman’s lies, leaves them heartbroken. When the trust is broken because of someone else’s lies, each goes their separate ways. Even years after the break up , the yearning is still there.
When Kenna is attacked in her apartment and someone in her company is murdered, Max runs to her side. In the midst of a brother’s disappearance, the FBI’s involvements and their protection of Kenna, these two get a second chance. But will they survive the danger?
I have to confess that as action and romance packed as was the first two thirds of the book, the last third went a little flat. I kept on expecting some action or revelation, which never occurred.
That said, I enjoyed spending time with the three Wilde brothers and “visiting” with the characters of previous stories.
For me , it was more of a 3.5 story but I have a great deal of respect for this author, and will give it a 4 stars rating.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Julie Eichelberger-Ford.
871 reviews12 followers
February 2, 2024
Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart is the third in the Wyoming Wilde series but can also be read as a stand alone. This is a second chance at first love romantic thriller. Kenna and Max were high school sweethearts who thought that their love would last forever but one misunderstanding with the aid of outside influences ended their relationship. Now Kenna is a teacher who is trying to find a way to move on from Max and a date with a fellow teacher/coach from school ends with Kenna being attacked by an unknown intruder in her apartment and her date being murdered. When the Feds put her in protective custody, Hunt who is a local law enforcement suggests she stay at his family ranch. Max has been trying to get over Kenna for years but nothing works and when she is hurt he rushes to the hospital where he learns that his brother suggests she stay with Max. They try to avoid each other but life and family keep throwing them together and as they spend time together, old feelings and reasons for their break-up are revealed which gives them a second chance at happiness. This story is filled with danger, intrigue, romance and wonderful characters that are engaging and relatable. This is a story that is hard to put down until the very last page.

I won this book in a Goodreads contest but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Profile Image for Susan.
183 reviews10 followers
March 11, 2023
This is the 3rd installment of the Wilde series and the second one I have read in the series. This novel can be read alone but I highly recommend picking up all of the books in the series to complete the family picture.

Max and Kenna were previously very much in love until a misunderstanding tore their love apart. They are reunited when Kenna's life is in danger and Max can't resist the pull to Kenna to help protect her. Kenna's brother is at the heart of the turmoil which adds a great dynamic to the already tight knit family that the Wilde's have. Family is definitely a recurring theme in this series. It creates some of the most heartwarming scenes that this author is known for in the Wilde novels.

I was drawn in by the suspense just like in the other novels in the series. This one really draws you in and keeps you rooting for Max and Kenna through the entire book. Jennifer Ryan has a talent for creating extremely likable characters that you want to know as best friend and then makes you want to meet the whole loving family.

Ms. Ryan, you have a fan for as long as you are writing!
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,756 reviews37 followers
March 23, 2023
This is the third book in this series and you do not need to read the first two books to be caught up with anything. I will say for me though I did enjoy the first and second books more than I did this one. Max and Kenna had dated for years and everyone just thought that they would end up together when one night they broke up. This is explained in the story but I felt it took a while to get to. After that, neither one of them can move on and after a few years they both seem to be lost but trying to move forward. On a night when she ends a date before it really had gotten started she and her date surprise a bugler that is in her apartment who after a struggle kills her date and she ends up in the hospital. This is where Max comes back in and after she is released they slowly begin to work out their issues. You also have the part about why someone was in her apartment and what they were looking for. This part of the story for me seemed to have dragged on somewhat. The characters were good and for me, it was an okay story I still like the first two books better but that is just me. I received this book from Netgalley.com
140 reviews
January 16, 2023
This is the third installment in a series, but the first that I’ve read. Characters from the first two books were players in this book, yet in such a way that I felt I wanted to read their stories. I didn’t feel a bit lost; this definitely stands on its own.

I couldn’t get enough of the first half of this book! The main characters Kenna and Max are easy to root for, highly likable, good people.

The suspense storyline was fairly well wrapped up about 60% through, leaving the remainder solely for Kenna and Max to grow closer towards their happily ever after. This aspect thoroughly confused me, as I kept waiting for a plot twist that never came. While not disappointing, it certainly was a change of pace from the normal format that romantic suspense typically follows.

Overall an easy read, and made me want to pick up the earlier books of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for granting access to a digital ARC in exchange for my opinion.
212 reviews
March 11, 2023
Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart is the third novel in Jennifer Ryan's Wyoming Wilde series. I've read Surrendering to Hunt, which I absolutely loved. This book is good, but not quite as good as Hunt and Cyn's book. This book follows Max and Kenna and their second chance at love. They broke up three years earlier and both have been devastated in different ways by the breakup. The reason I give this book 4 stars and not 5 is because a couple that was together for as long as they were should know how to communicate and wouldn't let the relationship go with that misunderstanding between them. One of them should have forced the issue and that was frustrating to me, even though the author doesn't spend too much time on this part of the storyline. The suspense part of this book is really good and I did really enjoy that part and it was a 5 star book. I can highly recommend this book with 4.5 stars that I am rounding up to 5. Well done.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2023
Max and Kenna were high school sweethearts who broke up due to a disagreement fueled by a jealous friend. Flash ahead years later and Max is called by his brother when Kenna's injured and her date murdered after an assault and break-in at her apartment.

He's never stopped loving her and figuring out who's after her due to her brother's actions, becomes a full time job. As she recuperates from her injuries at his family's ranch under FBI guards, they mend fences and grow closer.

Can Max keep her safe from unknown evil? Will they be able to forgive and forget to move forward in a new relationship? You'll want to read this one to reconnect with the Wilde family and root for this couple. Jennifer Ryan's description of her characters has them come alive. It's a wonderful story of love, trust, commitment, and family.

Although I received a free ARC eBook all thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,510 reviews42 followers
March 22, 2023
An enjoyable and exciting visit to the Wilde’s of Wyoming. Believing that Max Wilde cheated on her, Kenna Baker has gone on with her life. She loves teaching and her students. She has tried dating, but it doesn’t work out for her and when she witnesses the murder of her colleague, it almost destroys her life. She is injured during the attack and tormented with guilt over the loss of her friend, when Max arrives at the hospital. He insists she stay at the ranch while his brother, Officer Hunt Wilde, begins the investigation. Kenna now knows that Max never cheated on her, but is it too late for them? Max believes that Kenna still wants nothing to do with him, but he needs to know that she is safe. Will their time together at the ranch make a difference? Heartfelt emotion as Kenna, Max and his family work to end the threat against her. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
251 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2022
I received this ARC From Netgalley and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. This is the third in the Wyoming Wilde series. I have always enjoyed Ryan’s romances and will be the first to purchase them for my collection. I did find that while I enjoyed this story it wasn’t her best out of the three brothers. I really bonded with Chase and Hunt and their problems but with Max I didn’t get that same relationship. The main part of the mystery was solved about ¾ through the book, so the rest of the story was just the going back and forth on Max and Kenna’s relationship. I will say that you were pulling for both Max and Kenna to get back together throughout the story. What I really did enjoy was the bonding that went on with the three brothers and how they were there for each other. A light and easy read with a touch of suspense and plenty of romance.
439 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2022
Love all the Wilde books, but this one may be me favorite so far!
When Kenna's brother appears at her apartment to tell her he is leaving and that he is in danger, she has no idea what is going on. That is until she and her date are attacked in that same apartment, and danger hovers around her there after. The only place Sherrif Wilde knows to be safe is the farm, with her ex, Max. There is a lot that was left unsaid between Max and Kenna when they broke up, and a lot that has happened since. The chemistry is still there, but can they overcome the past to have a future? And, can she stay alive long enough to say what she needs to tell him?
Love all the characters, like a visit with old friends. Can't recommend this book enough. Completely enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.,
1,650 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2023
You need to read about Max and Kenna!

If you want a cowboy romance mixed with some very good romantic suspense you need to start with Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart because there are so many twists and turns to the story and that makes it a book is very hard to put down.

There is so much history between Max and Kenna that when she needs protection, Max helps because she can identify the guy that murdered her date when they interrupted a burglary looking for something that her genius brother may have left at her apartment.

Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart will make you laugh and then shed a few tears reading about Max and Kenna with family and friends. Now I want to read about Max’s cousins and The Dark Horse Dive Bar.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,141 reviews31 followers
April 12, 2023
Max Wilde’s Cowboy Heart is the third book in Jennifer Ryan’s Wyoming Wilde series. Kenna Baker was once Max Wilde’s lady, that is until he was found in a compromising circumstance with his friend Brittany. Although Max denied wrongdoing, the evidence was strongly overwhelming and the relationship done.

However, when Kenna becomes the target of a mysterious break in and her date winds up dead trying to protect her, it is Hunt Wilde, Max’s sheriff brother, who comes to her rescue and places her in protective custody at his family’s ranch.

This well woven story pulls together industrial espionage, self sacrifice, second chances, and the lengths one will go to to protect a loved one. This is a very exciting read, it will not disappoint someone looking for thriller aspects to the story. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
Profile Image for Shel.
699 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2024
Max and Kenna's story is one of broken hearts, danger and what a family can heal. The story is a second chance romance as well as a forced proximity tale. Kenna is put in danger and suffers a loss because of her brother's actions. Max's brother, a police officer, is there to help her after an attack. while it is a tragedy, he sees an opporunity to help her and his brother reconnect by offering her a safe place at the family ranch.

Throughout the story they are searching for her brother, Kyle and the threating people after her. Secrets are kept, answers are found to the initial break-up and a long lost relationship is mending.

Ther are heartfelt conversations and some truly epic take-downs. The love between them is sizzling and truely everlasting. I really enjoyed the Wilde family and this tale.

I won this in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you Jennifer and Goodreads!
Profile Image for Colleen.
188 reviews
November 15, 2025
A very sweet and simple romance. The story starts out where the loving couple had a bad fight/argument. Kenna assumes the worst of her longtime boyfriend/fiance, Max, when the scene is set, and Max is set up, by a jealous, conniving, manipulating female. A nasty break-up occurs. Kenna and Max both date during the separation but neither is happy with the people they date. Of course, all of them fall short of matching the ex-mate. Kenna's brother drops by unexpectedly to tell Kenna he has to disappear for a bit. He's very hush-hush and secretive about the why and where he's going. Later that evening, Kenna is brought home by her date only to find her house has been broken into and ransacked. Unfortunately, the perpetrator is still inside. A struggle ensues and the date, Marcus, is murdered in front of Kenna. The rest of the story unfolds from there on the predictable side.
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,619 reviews140 followers
February 13, 2023
Max hasn’t seen Kenna for years but when his brother calls to tell him she’s been injured and someone is trying to kill her he takes it upon herself to be her protector. This is a cute second chance romance and although it’s the third book in the series and they are cameos by characters from the first two books it is easy to follow along and can be read as a standalone. Jennifer Ryan in my book it’s one of the best romance writers and when it comes to contemporary romance she is one of my go to authors in this book is a great reason why. If you’re out the romance you will not be disappointed by max Wiles cowboy heart by Jennifer Ryan I received this book from the deli but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
Profile Image for Traci Westling.
424 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2023
The third in this series with Max & Kenna started out fast & kept moving well with pieces of their past failed relationship being reveled slowly… the ongoing suspense regarding Kennas MIA brother has the plot thickening with Kennas injuries & mindset in front and center. Once they address how the 3 year misunderstanding happened & things start to shape up between Max &’Kenna , the book shifts to emotional conversations and then the romance is returning.. plenty of scenes in late half of book are long overdue situations & once the suspense of the brother is revealed
The book slowly , very slowly wraps up with an overdue HEA that felt drawn out a bit but I’d still highly recommend this book !!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,433 reviews24 followers
March 23, 2023
This is the third book in the Wyoming Wilde series and just like any of Jennifer Ryan's other books, it doesn't disappoint! Max and Kenna have a long history with one another but it's not until Kenna is forced to stay with Max because she's in danger that they truly reconnect. Technically, I'd classify this as romantic suspense but it's obviously much more of a romance. But in my book, how can you go wrong with a good romance featuring a hot cowboy? While this is book three in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. However, it does update readers on the earlier couples which is always enjoyable in a series.
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