Member Reviews
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.
This was another touching story in this series. You can’t help but pull for these two as they work through their past. They were meant to be, but sometimes things have to go a certain way to have the end result desired. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
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.
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!
Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart is the third novel in Jennifer Ryan's Wyoming Wilde series, a series I've been happily following, and Ms. Ryan seldom disappoints. Altough part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting at the beginning to get a feel for the Wilde brothers and their family dynamic. This novel gets 4 stars from this reader.
This is Max and Kenna's story, and it's a good one. They fell in love in high school, but have been broken up for the past 3 years due to an orchestrated misunderstanding by a third party, and although Max turned to short, meaningless hook-ups and booze, Kenna, a math teacher, opted to eventually start dating again, but no one could measure up to Max in her eyes.
As the novel opens, Kenna's brother, Kyle, stops by with a small gift for her and to tell her that he's got to disappear for a while, although he doesn't and won't explain why. This opening in the reason I downgraded this novel to a 4-star read rather than a 5-star one. At no point does Kyle seem to realize that whoever is after him will go after Kenna in order to get to him, and he never warns her to protect herself or about the very real danger she's in.
Next, Kenna is out for a date with Marcus, the vice principal at the school where she teaches. He's a nice guy, but again, he's not Max, and no sooner do they sit down at the restaurant when Kenna is honest with him--liking him as a friend and co-worker, but aware that their relationship isn't going anywhere, at least for her. Imagine her shock when he takes her home to find that her door has been kicked open and her apartment ransacked. Unwisely, Kenna enters and is attacked by a masked intruder, demanding to know "where is it?" She has no idea what he's talking about, and in the ensuing struggle, Kenna is injured and Marcus, who tries to defend her is killed. She's shocked by the attack, assumes the intruder just wanted money, and is shocked when not long after that, the FBI becomes involved and they too want to find Kyle, desperately.
When Max hears about the break-in and Kenna's injuries, he rushes to the hospital, even though he believes that Kenna hates him, he's never stopped loving her. Since her apartment is now a crime scene, when she's released from the hospital, she unwillingly takes refuge at the Wilde family ranch. But Kenna is still in danger, has no idea why, and she's still uncomfortable around Max, who initially avoids even being in the same room with her. The danger and suspense don't end here, nor does the fact that Kenna and Max were meant for each other.
That's just the lead in to what is an excellent second-chance novel of romantic suspense, and having read Ms. Ryan's previous novels in this series, I expected nothing less than what this novel delivered--well-drawn characters, danger, deep emotion, some steamy heat and a believeable reconciliation between two very likeable characters, and I'm happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Max and Kenna were a couple until a misunderstanding separated them. Now Kenna is in danger and Max will do everything to keep her safe. Great addition to the Wilde series.
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.
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)
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 netGalley but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
This is another great book from Jennifer Ryan. It draws you in and you can’t put it down. The two main characters are Kenna and Max. They have known each other all their lives. Kenna and Max have history.. max uis trying to do better. Kenna witnessed a murder and Max is protecting her.
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.
A great cowboy romantic suspense.
The mystery starts right away with the book's opening. I think this was a great beginning and got me hooked from chapter one. I really liked the mystery. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The romance was really angsty and romantic too. It's second chance romance between two high school sweethearts. I have become a big fan of second chance romance over the past year so I was super stoked to see how the characters found their way back to each other. It did not disappoint either. I loved Max and Kenna's connection. You could tell they had history and needed to confront their past mistakes. The development of the romance was perfect and I also think they had great chemistry/banter.
The ending could have been wrapped up a little better in my opinion (way a bit long) but otherwise I really enjoyed this one.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Would recommend to fellow romantic suspense & cowboy romance lovers.
ARC received for review
Kenna is the one who got away because of Max being a big dumb man. Half-truths or was it half-lies. Years later she's in danger, and he offers her a safe place to stay. Danger comes knocking but true love wins in the end. Loved seeing his brothers again.
A lovely and heartwarming romance from Jennifer Ryan. I really loved the hero and how he fell for the heroine.
The third installment of the Wyoming Wilde series, a great restart romance that makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series.
Max and Kenna restart their romance after a tragic misunderstanding, hurt feelings and plain ole mistakes. A great relationship story along with Kenna's brother Kyle and his adventures. Will another book be in the series and what about the Wilde cousins?
A lovely and fun romantic novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
A page turner you won’t regret picking up. A great second chance romance. Max and Kenna broke up years before over a misunderstanding. Kenna witnesses a murder and is hurt in the process. Max’s brother, a sheriff, is called to the scene of the crime and when he learns Kenna was hurt, he calls Max. Max takes it upon himself to be Kenna’s protector and brings her and her protection detail to his family ranch. Join them as they work through their still being attracted to each other and overcome the misunderstandings in the past, while keeping Kenna. This is an action filled book, that couldn’t put down until the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to read and review this beautiful story. The book will be published on March 28, 2023.
I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
After a misunderstanding years ago, Max and Kenna broke up a love of a lifetime relationship. Both tried to move on however they couldn’t stop their feelings for each other.
Her brother Kyle shows up at Kenna’s apartment and says he needs to go away for awhile. Little did Kenna know what danger he brought to her doorstep. Kenna is seriously injured and in walks Max wild to protect her.
As Max hides Kenna on his ranch their love returns and begins to grow stronger. Can they work through past hurts and stay alive with danger at every turn?
I just love this another. The story was so beautiful and awesome. A bit a punch in it.
The brothers were sweet.
Such a hot, fun book. I really enjoyed the characters and the steamy story! Love books with cowboys and this is one hot cowboy book!
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.