3.5 Stars! This is book 2 in the ‘Dark Horse Dive Bar’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are Layla & Jax. They were cute & I liked both characters. They seem to fall in love at first sight and it got nauseatingly sweet and very lovey dovey. I actually had to skim through when they got to talking about how they feel about each other, it was just too much. They talked like that more than necessary which made me want to slap these fictional characters & yell at them because you’ve already told each other how much you love one another, it’s getting too sappy, move on already! But that’s just me & if that’s your jam, you’ll love this book. It’s still an entertaining book with some mystery thrown in along with the overly lovey romance and a huge past betrayal.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Layla is a renowned landscape artist, and is commissioned to paint a scene in Wyoming. She books her stay at the Wilde Ranch, and has an instant connection with Jax, one of the owners. Jax and Layla both have lots of baggage from past relationships, and some of Laylas has followed her, putting her in danger.
I really liked this book, and how Jaxand Layla were able to forge such a deep bond. The only issue I had was Laylas past and her big secret. It dragged out for so long before finding out what it was. But it was really a good book.

Overall it was a good book! Would I read it again? No, but I would recommend it to someone who loves a fast burn. I feel they moved way too quickly and it threw me off.

Jennifer Ryan has done it again! Even though she is dealing with some difficult subjects, both abortion and suicide, she still manages to write a story that pulls you in from the first page. She deals with the difficult topics and how they impact the lives of the characters without making them necessarily the focus of the story, it's more about how the characters are dealing with the aftermath and what their future holds. Max has been betrayed by a woman in his past, so he is not looking for a relationship until he meets Layla. Layla on the other hand has some serious trust issues thanks to her late husband. But there's just something about Max and Layla together that changes everything, if only they can figure out who is after Layla. This book features some of the characters from the previous entry in the series, Wilde Love, but is a standalone romance.

Dare I say I am wild for this one? Or that Jennifer Ryan wrote a winner in my book? (hehe OK that's enough out of me). Suspenseful, sweet and full of surprising characters and real emotional depth, Wilde for You was beautiful. If you like suspense romances, cowboy romances, or have been searching of the feel of a small town hallmark movie but with a bit of edge, this one is for you. Ryan handles hard topics with care, nuance and understanding, and writes a love story that provides hope for anyone who has gone through a hard time.

i’m obsessed this was such a great read Jax & Laylas story was so good such an epic read. i can’t wait to read more by this author

This was the second book in the Dark Horse Dive Bar Series. Jax is the only boy among the 4 Wilde siblings. He is fully devoted to work. While he longs for a solid lasting relationship like his parents and Mason and Lyric have found, he has trust issues with past relationships so he focuses on taking care of the ranch and working at the bar to fill his time. Layla is a painter. We learn early on that she is newly widowed looking for a fresh start, but there were many issues in her marriage. When Layla retreats to the Wilde Ranch to paint and find peace she meets Jax and there is instant attraction. Within a few days they are finding time to hang out more and getting closer. I liked their relationship. One thing I have noticed about Jennifer Ryan is she is great at writing solid relationships with good communication. They have such respect for one another. I love how Jax was always okay when Layla was in the zone painting. There were many small moments that really made this book, and relationship come together. I will say, for me this book felt a bit insta love. They had known each other for two days and were practically together. The suspense and secrets were good throughout the book. I like how not everything was revealed at once. I am really curious who will get the next book in the series. It seems it could be Melody but I am still secretly hoping for Arai, and Masons brother/fbi agent Nick.

Thank you NetGalley, Jennifer Ryan and Avon Harper Voyager for the free eArc in exchange for an honest review!

First Impressions
Wilde for You is the second book in the ‘Dive Horse Dive Bar’ and this book features the sibling “Jax Wilde”. After falling so hard for the first book, I was super excited for this one and couldn’t wait for it to be closer to the publishing date to read it, I just was itching to jump right into it and I have to tell you this author crafted a masterpiece! I loved every single moment of. There is something that is so much deeper to this series and I am all on board for seeing this author write some of her best stuff and having been reading her for hers, her writing has been slowly building into what we see her. The romantic suspense elements were a little bit lower than I normally have seen from her, but I was totally fine with that because the romantic elements themselves were *chef’s kiss* perfection and I honestly want to read it again it was so wonderful and captured my heart so quickly. This is a couple that quickly get on board with each other and don’t fight what they feel. Such a refreshing ideal in a romance, a couple not fighting each other or what they feel, but going all into a relationship.

Summary
Wilde for You is a setup of a story where our heroine, Layla Brock, who is a widow and a world talent of a artist. She is recovering from realizing her husband was not the man she thought he was and trying to move on to a new place. She comes to Wyoming for a fresh start and to find a new way to paint and bring a fresher perspective to her life. She then meets the Wilde family and is instantly drawn to Jax who builds her a beautiful studio and they quickly have a connection neither of them can deny. They both know that this is going fast, but that is worth fighting for. Layla is at first afraid to trust herself with Jax, as she got hurt trusting the wrong man. But Jax has a wild honesty that she is drawn to and only wants more of to be in his presence. And the way that he inspires her art emboldens her spirit in a way that she has never experienced. Jax and Layla will have to fight for their relationship in ways that they didn’t see but can they both jump into the cold water and take that leap of faith of trust in the quick love building between them….

What I Loved
There was so much to adore about this story. Lets talk first about our characters. So first off, we have Layla who is strong and a fighter. There is at first much mystery about her late husband so that really pulls you into that intrigue of wondering who was this man that burned her so badly. I really enjoyed Layla so much. She was a fighter. She fought for the relationship and for herself and what she deserved. She didn’t back down from what mattered to her and what believed in. She has such courage, and when you realize what she has been dealt, you even admire her more for taking a chance on Jax and going after that dream and having faith in a man after being betrayed in the way that she was. Then we have Jax Wilde, who is solid and true and good to the heart. He is a hardworking man, devoted to his family and building their family ranch into what it should be. He is dedicated to protecting those who need it and when he falls for Layla….he FIGHTS hard for her and their relationship. Seeing a man so devoted and dedicated to fighting for her. And when she fights for him but also SEES who he is—-its epic and beautiful in his reaction. The romance was beautiful in every single moment they were together. There were such moments within the story that will instantly capture you attention and have you as the reader living within that moment. There is also the manner in which these two take that leap of faith for each other. That deep devotion such delivers so much dimension to the story. Its a true masterpiece of heart and living your dreams and making the most of the cards that life deals you and leaping at all the good that comes your way. This story will forever hold my heart and soul in so many ways. Jax and Layla had such a beautiful story.

So next I want to talk about the triggering content within the story. I was nervous about this because the author does place a trigger warning page for both miscarriage and abortion and honestly I was scared of what this author would do because y’all know I can’t stand abortion in romance since I have yet to see an author really handle it well. I can tell you Jennifer Ryan handles these elements so brilliantly. You can tell that she was very careful with this and that wherever you side on the abortion matter, you will be okay with how this is handled, it’s done very well. I really appreciated the delicacy. More authors could learn from her example because its a very divisive topic in our society today and loved that Jennifer Ryan understood that and portrayed it so well within this story.

What I Struggled With
Nothing….wish it lasted longer haha I just didn’t want this story to end.

Overall View
Wilde For You is a poignant romance that will uplift your heart and dig deep onto the soul. Its a story of self growth, learning to fight for your happiness and embracing love when it comes your way. An artistry gem of a romance that strikes deep!

Jennifer Ryan is a new author to my list and she doesn’t disappoint. I always enjoy a series that links the characters yet can be read as a standalone (although knowing some of the backstory is helpful).

In this installment, we are introduced to Layla, a successful artist who has been dealt some hard blows. The Wilde Ranch & the Dive Bar reintroduce her to life and, no surprise, love. Jax is the hardworking love interest and the instant fireworks is expected and not surprising. It’s an enjoyable story with the usual twists and turns standard in the genre.

I’m waiting breathlessly for the next installment.

What really had me devoured this book was how it wasn’t merely an insta- love rather a ride full of emotional rollercoaster. It was gritty, breathtaking, and an intense romance with some rocky bumps and twists; allowing us, the readers to see the real chemistry and attraction between these two! I loved it.

Loved this sweet romance and Layla and Jax. This book had romance and also some mystery. Hope there will be more books about the sisters.

I'm a fan of Jennifer Ryan so I knew this series would be good but I didn't know how much I would love everything about this installment in the series.

It is a wonderful story full of strong and lovable characters that you really get to know like friends throughout the story. In that way it is a typical Jennifer Ryan masterpiece but I want to tell you what is different about this book than other romances out there.

One of the highlights for me was the horse, Moon. I'm an animal lover and this story elevated the view on animals in a way of true understanding of their spirit. Layla bonds with the horse immediately and as a painter she is inspired to make her into a work of art. She paints Moon in a way that the soul of this horse leaps off the page and grabs you by the heart.

The story really stands out from others because of the beautiful backdrop of the setting. The views are described with passion from someone who clearly knows what it is like to appreciate the beauty of nature and how it is healing for the soul. It is truly uplifting to read and you can see the images in your head as if you were there.

The descriptions of the paintings that Layla does are so vivid that my only regret while reading this is that I couldn't see them for myself.

All of this that sets this book apart is wrapped up in a wonderfully spun story about overcoming your past and finding your future with someone who will love you unconditionally for all that you are. Layla and Jax have a love that steams off the page and you will devour this with a desire for the next installment to hurry up and come out so you can immerse yourself back in the Dark Horse Dive Bar world.

This story takes place in picturesque Wyoming and is a tale of love, secrets, and second chances. This novel delivers a heartwarming and engaging story. Layla, one of the main characters, is relatable and her motives for a fresh start are something that can be resonate with readers. Jax is also a well drawn character who completely contrasts with Layla's past, which creates a dynamic and intriguing relationship. This is somewhat a slow burn romance, which feels like it adds depth and authenticity to their relationship, making it more satisfying. Their chemistry is palpable, and you can't help but root for their happiness. The theme of second chances and healing is a central element of the story, and it is portrayed beautifully. The character's growth and the support they find in each other make for a touching narrative. At times, the story felt predictable in some of the plot elements and pacing and could have been more dynamic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4/5 stars

At this point, I would only ever be shocked if a Jennifer Ryan novel was anything less than amazing. Because once again, she got me sucked into this story and loving everything about it. I am going to be swooning over Jax and how incredible of a character he is. Always putting his family first, no matter the cost to himself. But he never allows them to feel like they are a burden or as if the ranch and bar is too much work. There was so much depth to his character that was learned as the book went on, and it only made Jax more endearing. He has hurts that he has kept to himself for so long and Layla is a huge part of why he was able to begin opening up and moving past those hurts.

Layla was going through so much. She was repeatedly put through the emotional wringer. So all she was looking for was a quiet escape to work on some commissioned paintings along with some additional art work for a show. And she deserved some quiet time. But what she deserved even more was someone to show her how important she is and how easy to love she is. Along with someone who understands her work and how it is so easy for her to get lost in it. Which is exactly what she got with Jax. He never got upset with her for losing herself and track of time when she was feeling inspired and painting away. More than that, he loved how immersed she became when she was working on a painting.

The romance between Layla and Jax was written so well, I honestly think I would have been good with it being strictly romance. But I'm also a sucker for suspense, so I'm glad that was there as well. When Layla starts having some troubles from someone who clearly has an issue with her, Jax doesn't hesitate to step in and do whatever is necessary to ensure she is safe. I did not expect the ending and I think there were some really good twists along the way as well. I strongly recommend this book along with Jennifer Ryan's other books!

WILDE FOR YOU. by Jennifer Ryan. After reading the first in this series, WILDE LOVE, I couldn't wait for this one. I adore Jax - he is super hunky and an all around great guy. Layla is sweet and kind, and despite having gone through some really tough stuff, still has an amazing outlook on life and her surroundings. Ms. Ryan has included all in this one - there is romance and love, of course, but also danger and mystery. I enjoyed the journey Jax and Layla took - it was open and honest and, I would have liked a bit more on the danger side, it was still a great read. (note - I don't think you need to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but I recommend it). (Received ARC from NetGalley for honest review)

Once again Ryan writes about some tough topics within this book you are dealing with abortion and suicide. Ryan’s novels also include an element of suspense and plenty of romance which she is known for. I couldn’t wait to read Jennifer Ryan’s latest because she is one of my favorite romance writers. It didn’t disappoint and I read it in one night. This is the second in the series of the “Dark Horse Dive Bar” in Wyoming but can be read as standalone. I love her descriptions of Wilde’s Ranch and her paintings. You were able to picture the beautiful and breathtaking scenery in Wyoming. Layla Brock has been commissioned to paint a Wyoming scene for a wealthy LA producer. Her Agent and best friend April booked her stay at the Wilde’s Ranch. When Layla arrived at the ranch, she couldn’t believe the view and couldn’t wait to get started painting. This is a first since her husband’s tragic death. But not only did she find the view of the ranch beautiful, but she fell for Jex Wilde as soon as she saw him. This begins a wonderful romance for two people that have been hurt in their past. When Layla’s house was broken into, car tires were slashed, and her portraits were stolen that is when Jax realizes that someone is treating the woman he loves. Pick up and read this book to find out what happens between Layla and Jax and does Jax find out who is threatening Layla. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another wonderful rom-suspense from one of my all-time favorite authors!

I could barely wait to start Wilde for You, the second book in the Dark Horse Dive Bar series, and honestly, I'm not sorry I dived in ASAP. (Well, except that I now have to wait for the next book...) It was just what I hope for and expect from Jennifer Ryan—a sexy, tension-filled romance with a heaping dose of instalust, undeniable chemistry, and a bumpy course to HEA. I've said it before, but one of the things I love most about Ryan's books is how solid the couple becomes, facing their fears and foes together rather than running away from one another and their feelings. It applies here to Jax and Layla, and it kept a smile on face throughout.

With likable protagonists—both Jax and Layla were kind, loving, and deserving of a happy ending—and a hint of mystery surrounding Layla's past, there was more than enough happening to engage my interest and my heart, and I know that I'll be re-reading this one before too long. And side note for those who haven't read Wilde Love: you can still jump in here if you want but Mason and Lyric have a great story too!

The Dark Horse Dive Bar series has easily become one of my favorite new series of the year. I love a hot and sexy cowboy story but Jennifer Ryan takes steamy rancher romance and elevates it to the next level. Ryan writes emotionally packed stories, adding in the element of suspense, and never shies away from writing about the tough topics.

Layla Brock is attempting to start her life fresh after her husbands tragic death. A very successful landscape artist, she takes a commission in Wyoming for an extremely wealthy LA producer. She finds herself renting a cabin at the Wilde Wind Ranch, owned by the incredibly sexy Jax Wilde. Once the two set eyes on each other there is an immediate sizzle, instant attraction. But, Jax is a workaholic and burning the candle at both ends. Not only does he run and manage the Wilde Wind Ranch, he also oversees the rental cabins on the property and is part owner in the Dark Horse Dive Bar with his three sisters. Both Layla and Jax have a lot of baggage to unload if they want to move into the future.

Jennifer Ryan does an amazing job painting a beautiful picture of the Wilde Wind Ranch; I was able to visualize the scenery and the animals in vivid detail. All of the characters in this series have been relatable and completely lovable. They have flaws but are also so altruistic I can't help but fall in love with each of them. Jax's poor life to work ratio is so relatable, he seriously made me question my life.

I really enjoyed Wilde for You! The characters are so sweet and the romance was everything I wanted. I read this in one sitting and I highly recommend!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyage for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, but reads well as a stand alone. While the characters happen to be well off=they still have heartache and troubles. The entire Wilde family is extremely likeable. Why aren't there more people like this? The setting seems beautiful. Layla is a well known painter and has come to Wyoming because of a commission. Jax is part owner of the ranch where she stays. They have insta chemistry. They both have issues with trust and opening up but they overcome them. I really liked the book. There is a bit of drama and suspense. I think many romance readers will love this book. 4 stars