Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart (Wyoming Wilde #3)

Jennifer Ryan

Blurb:

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?

Themes: Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

Well ladies all I can say is communication really is the MOST IMPORTANT part of any relationship, and this story proves that in spades! Those of us that have been waiting for this story since the beginning of the series have been wondering just what the big reunion of these two lovers would reveal but damn this story broke and broke my heart and just would not let me go until the last moment. Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite authors of contemporary western setting romance novels, writing about sexy cowboys that are tragic heroes and sassy heroines that tame and tease their hearts. Max Wilde is the last of the wild brothers and while he’s lost his heart one already, he also lost his woman. He thought he was going to grow old with Kenna Baker and then she left him without a backward glance, leaving him confused and alone. He’s since found as much solace as he can in as many women as he can, but the shine has long since worn off that diamond. When Kenna’s world implodes, her new boyfriend murdered right in front of her and her life is suddenly in peril, he brings her to the safety of the family ranch to keep her safe. Kenna broke her heart right along with Max’s and has regretted it ever since, but now there is too much water under the bridge to beg forgiveness and hope for reconciliation. He loathes her and can’t stand to be in her presence, so hiding at his family’s ranch is the worst thing she can do, but the more time she spends in his presence the harder it is for her to hide her secrets or the love she still carries deep in her heart for him. Can two broken hearts heal one another and have another chance at love or will their enemies eliminate them before they ever have a chance to clear the air and heal? Jeez all the feels and the pain in this one literally had me crying so much had to stop reading. Kenna’s past and present colliding leave that poor woman floundering and unsure about every choice she makes. She knows she’s made mistakes, but isn’t quite sure how to fix them as badly as she wants to; her fears and sadness over her breakup with Max cause her to continue to make mistakes when it comes to him until finally, she has no pride left and just gives him every secret in her heart, leaving herself naked and exposed to him. Her present troubles with her brother are an even bigger issue, but damn the emotional pain of her relationship and troubles with Max overshadow even death threats and imminent possible death, that’s how bad it is. I loved seeing her work through her pain and fears until she found a way to cleanse her soul and find her light again so she could come to Max once again offering her love and devotion. Max was an asshole, lets face it, for much of the book. He still loves Kenna, but can’t find it in himself to find any level of forgiveness or understanding in order to hear her out for far too much of the story. Yes, he is determined to keep her breathing and safe, but if he’d just have sucked it up and LISTENED, he would have been able to put them both out of their misery so much sooner. I loved his strength and willingness to protect her from all comers, and of course once he did finally find it in his heart to listen and forgive, he becomes the perfect hero, but just want to slap some sense into him more than once. The passion between them, even when arguing or in the flashbacks, is more than obvious and intensely sensual. I loved it that these two managed to get over themselves and around their obstacles to find their HEA and I cannot wait to see more of them in the coming spinoff of the Wilde cousins. Jennifer Ryan just doesn’t quit and it makes me delirious to know that I get the chance to read her work.