Wild As You: Book 2 in the Mercenary Ranch Series

Mercenary Ranch #2

by Shelby Storme

Maverick Holstrom has never been one to let go easily. But then again, most people don’t know just how fragile life can be. He knows he needs to let Ashleigh go, though. Everyone knows it.

Cue Cheyenne Harris, the wild, full-of-sunshine barrel racer who’s had her sights set on him for a while. With eyes the color of gemstones, a smile that rivals the sun, and a confidence that can’t be matched, she just might be what he needs to leave Ashleigh in the dust.

But things are a little more complicated than that.

Cheyenne’s got baggage…and a little bundle on the way, thanks to her two-timing snake of an ex. After an unexpected turn of events leaving her quite literally homeless, she finds herself with a gorgeous, broody roommate—Maverick—who is too perfect to be real.

In fact, things are so perfect she begins to contemplate settling down… But when danger comes knocking at Mercenary Ranch, threatening her newfound family, Cheyenne must make a choice. Stay...or run.

Can Maverick let go of his past and save his future? Or will Cheyenne leave Maverick in the rear view for good?

Genres: Small Town Romance, Westerns, Romance

498 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Lizl Kuschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Mercenary Ranch Series
Well, well, well… The first book in the series was super good. This one was even better! I’m a sucker for captivating cowboy romance. This is a must read.
I absolutely love the chemistry between the characters. The friendships, love, mischief, understanding and shared sense of humour. The frustrating moments (which are many) drove me mad as hell for Maverick & Cheyenne. Don’t forget about the (all but charming..) Ashleigh. Joh, I never despised a character like this girl! Cash won points on mouthing that madam!
The writing style & storyline keeps you so intrigued, I finished the book in day. I love how all the feelings come to life. It’s a book full of emotions. Absolutely beautifully done!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this book, and normally pregnancy tropes aren’t totally my deal but this was SOOOO well written I couldn’t get enough of this story! Dual POV and the chapters alternate between the two MCs.

Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, fast burn, touch her and 💀 vibes, small town romance, not his baby pregnancy, and some found family

Cheyenne is bubbly, sassy, confident, but has a heart of absolute gold. Maverick is grumpy, broody, but loves so so hard. Both have difficult pasts that try and make their relationship difficult but they overcome it so well!

I think one of my favorite parts of this was that although they had a few difficulties, you got to see their POV rationalizing it from their past traumas and none of it was caused by miscommunication.

This book made me laugh and tear up a bit and I was so sad to finish it because I couldn’t get enough of it!

I can’t wait for book 3 in the series!

[Amy Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Scars are beautiful in their own way. They show strength. Endurance. Resolve. They show that whatever tried to kill you failed. That's pretty impressive if you think of it that way". This is my favorite quote in the whole book. This is something that doesn't just apply to the book, but when you read the quote and take it to heart, you can see that we all have our own scars that help tell our story. Our scars make us stronger.

Shelby's characters feel like real people. They aren't perfect, they have flaws. This is what makes her characters so relatable. And because they are so relatable, you just want to keep reading and being with them. When I finish her books, I always feel a bit sad because I don't get to hang out with my "friends". This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Wild As You is book two in the Mercenary Ranch Series. I was so excited for this book. We get to learn more about Mav and Cheyenne. Maverick is book boyfriend goals, he cooks, he cleans, he rides, he is smoking hot...what else can you want? Cheyenne is a wild, free spirit, strong and feisty FMC.
When you first meet Cheyenne in Forever After All, I wasn't sure she was the one for Mav. But, once you get to know her, you will see why she and Mav are meant for each other. Two imperfect people helping each other to become their best selves. Now that we have learned about Mav and Ryder, it's time to find out Cash's story!

[Rilee O · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/5
2🌶️/5

This story had me in my feels hard! I can never pass up on a small town cowboy story and this certainly delivered! Maverick and Cheyenne’s chemistry was 😍 and the overall character interactions really made the story enjoyable (especially if you read book 1 first). There are many frustrating moments but it is able to highlight how our traumas can affect us! Shelby is excellent at illustrating the small town charm of the Mercenary ranch boys and their families, I feel like I’m there with them! This book is a beautiful story of opposites attract, growing from pain and overcoming obstacles together! Another amazing read from this series! I can’t wait for Cash’s story!

[Tasha's Book Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️: Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual: MMC & FMC

💛 Personal Overview:

Get ready for another irresistible dose of small-town cowboy romance that will leave you grinning from ear to ear! In the second book of The Mercenary Ranch Series, Maverick and Cheyenne's love story takes center stage, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster of emotions you won't want to miss.

Cheyenne shines like a beacon of sunshine, while Maverick proves that softness and strength can coexist in the most unexpected ways. Their love is a delightful mix of opposites attracting, and you'll find yourself rooting for them with every turn of the page.

But it's not just about the romance—this book is a celebration of love and support from all corners, even the ones you least expect. So, resist the urge to skip ahead to the happy ending because every detail, whether good or bad, is crucial to Cheyenne and Maverick's journey.

Shelby's knack for bringing characters to life is truly remarkable, making her an automatic addition to any must-read list. "Wild as You" doesn't just deepen our connection to old favorites; it introduces us to new faces that are bound to steal our hearts.

With its irresistible charm and unputdownable plot twists, this book is a joyride from start to finish. And if the teaser for Cash's story is anything to go by, we're in for a wild adventure in the next book!

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

Wild as You - Shelby Storme

4.5/5⭐️
2/5 🌶️

✨✨✨✨✨✨
Wow are these cowboy romances just sucking me in every time I read them lately! This book had me feeling all the emotions and at some points tears in my eyes! This book follows Maverick and Cheyenne’s journey for love. It is the most heartbreaking but also beautiful love story for these two. Even with all the bumps they got their happy ending that had me smiling and feeling all the happy feelings! Mav and Chey both had some pretty terrible childhood trauma that made life as an adult difficult. But with finding light in each other they learn they can have it all together.

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Small Town
~ Touch her and you 💀
~ Not His Baby Pregnancy
~ Grumpy x Sunshine
~ Opposites Attract
~ Cowboys
~ Emotional Rollercoaster
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.

✨What are you reading this weekend?

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[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd have to say that Wild As You is one of the best books that I've read since I started doing ARC reading. It was so good from the first page to the very last page!

It had everything; sweet scenes, lots of emotional scenes, and just the right amount of spice, I loved how it leaned more towards a sweet romance instead of a steamy one, it fit the story perfectly. Another thing I loved was all the country music references in both the story and the chapter titles.

My favorite character from Wild As You is Maverick. He's the perfect book boyfriend. I loved how he took an interest in the romance books that Cheyenne loves to read and that he loves to cook and bake among all the other little things that he did for Cheyenne. And like me, he's uncomfortable in large crowds.

One of my favorite scenes was the one when Maverick brought Cheyenne the special cake he made for her when she was in the bathtub, it was a really sweet moment between the two of them but I won't say more than that to avoid spoiling it for anyone who hasn't read the book yet.

I LOVED this book and will definitely be reading the first book in Shelby's Mercenary Ranch series and can't wait to read Cash's story! 🙂

*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Red Riding Hood Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild as You

⭐️: 5
🌶️: 3

✨ grumpy/sunshine
✨ surprise pregnancy
✨ small town
✨ cowboy
✨ opposites attract
✨ slow burn
✨ medium spice
✨ multi POV
✨ HEA

Wild as You is the second book in the Mercenary Ranch series. I was soooo looking forward to Maverick’s story and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint. Maverick and Cheyanne both have a troubled past but each have so much love to give. Though Mav and Chey are opposites in nearly every way they complete each other so beautifully. I loved their growth and how hard they both worked to overcome the obstacles they faced.

I love how real everything about this small town, rodeo romance is. Shelby Storme excels at bringing her characters to life. I can feel the charm, hospitality, and manners that come with these southern gentlemen, I can hear the drawl, and I can see Aunt Violet keeping them all in line.

This technically could be read as a standalone but I would absolutely recommend reading Forever After All first because Maverick’s introduction there is so important and even though it’s not his story you learn so much about who he is.

[Samantha Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I realized how much of a sucker I am for small town cowboy romances until I read Wild As You & Forever After All! I just fell so hard into these that I read them both in a matter of days

Since this is posted specifically for Wild As You, I have to seriously commend Shelby for creating such wonderfully likable characters and a story that makes you fully immersed and invested in it. The growth of the characters, the charm, the believability, likeability, realness, and everything in the details are what bring this story to life. It’s a great example of showing the reader, not just telling. Both books are easily a standalone but should be read together (in order) so you can get more insight into the next MC. I was instantly interested in Maverick from Forever After All (though not his story) and loved reading his story in Wild As You. Both him and Cheyenne had me swooning and holding my heart feeling their story come to life. Steamy but sweet this book was just as good as the first. Can’t wait to read what’s next in the Mercenary Ranch series!

Thank you to Shelby Storme for letting me an arc reader for this book! I highly recommend!

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written and put your emotions in high demand. I mean, one minute, I was crying, the next laughing hysterically, swooning, and then crying again.
If you love your book boyfriends to be a bit broken, man of little words but when he speaks,it speaks volumes. He's supportive, caring, a great cook, hard working, and all-around Cowboy, then Maverick is for you!!
Cheyenne has had a hard life, traveling with her dad with the Rodeo. She's a spitfire, though, and isn't afraid to use a cattle prod on you if you deserve it. She's also a runner, especially when things get rough
Her and Maverick have so much of a connection. It's shown so many times throughout the book. She's supportive when his past comes back to haunt him, and he's traumatized all over again.
He's the same way with her. He's willing to help her and support her as well.
He's a broken man with a family who loves hard and will do anything to protect the ones they love!!!
This book brings so much and packs a punch!! I wish I could give it more then 5 stars cause it soooooo deserves it!!
This book is the chef's 👄 and deserves all the love in the world!!

[Kellie Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEART-WRETCHEDLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. This book is heart wretchedly beautiful that I could not fall in love with Cheyenne‘s and Maverick’s love story. Chey and Mav are two broken souls that need a love that can last forever. At times, my heart cried out in pain for both of these beautiful souls because life was downright cruel to them. Cheyenne is the sunshine to Maverick’s darkness and they balanced each other so perfectly. Both of them have so many flaws that at times, I just wanted to whack some sense into them. Thank you thank you thank you so much Shelby for writing this beautiful book that has become one of my new favorite books. I cannot wait to get my hands on your other books. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to have this advance reading copy. If you absolutely love a swoon worthy cowboy who’s willing to do anything for his beautiful sunshine, you need to get this booked today because you won’t be disappointed.

[rissys.bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ Small town/ Cowboy
~ Found Family
~ Grumpy/Sunshine

4.5/5

✨ My Thoughts ✨
I really enjoyed this one a lot. I loved being back in this world with the characters. I love the humor so much. I was giggling a lot throughout the book. The banter was really good. I enjoyed reading both MCs stories and watching them grow.
*Possible Spoiler* This story does contain an accidental pregnancy but it isn't his baby. It is a trope I haven't read before but I didn't mind it all. *Possible Spoiler over* I loved seeing the MCs work together through their trauma. I think the story flowed really well. I am excited to see what happens next in this world.

Wild as You is book 2 in The Mercenary Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading book one first just to get an idea of who everyone is. This story is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is available now.

I want to thank Shelby for an e-arc of this book. These are my own true thoughts.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

🌶️🌶️

We turned back to The Mercenary ranch to hear Mav and Chey’s story. I liked both characters in book one with Mav as a main supporting character and Chey briefly featuring.

This story is all about them and i loved them both as characters. Their trauma and its impact was beautifully described in the book. Both Chey and Mav work hard to try and overcome their trauma together and sometimes it gets complicated. I loved how their relationship developed.

The story is well paced and I read it in less than 24 hours so i definitely enjoyed it. The accidental pregnancy trope is never my favourite but it was written well (but that’s a me issue and this one is at least different from the usual).

For me it was not the plot which I loved it was the characters. I can’t wait for Cash’s story when it’s released.

[Nicole Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly wonderful
Maverick and Cheyenne have been through hell when they finally collide - and the hits aren’t done yet. Getting to ride along with them as they went through a roller coaster of ups and downs was an absolute privilege. I cannot recommend this book enough to give it the praise that it actually deserves.
A word of caution: this is a very heavy read emotionally. Please be wary of your triggers - your mental health comes first.
I loved that, while this could be read as a standalone, you get to see most of your favorite characters from book 1 in this one (there are a couple spoilers so reading Forever After All is highly recommended). Particularly, you get to see a lot more from Cash - and I’m so excited that he will be getting him own book.
I absolutely adored Maverick and Cheyenne - and I’m sure that you will too.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Shelby. This book is about Maverick and Cheyenne. Maverick has had a very hard life. He suffered a great loss when he is a kid. That makes him a loving quite man. Cheyenne finds out that her boyfriend is a cheater. One night she decides to go out with her friends which include Maverick. These two hit it off. But things change when there is a fire at Cheyenne's trailer. It brings back memories for Maverick. Things get interesting between Cheyenne and Maverick but will Cheyenne be able to break through his hard shell and bring out the man she knows is hiding over that shell. I absolutely loved this storyline and these characters. It was a gripping lovable storyline from beginning to end.

[Rebecca Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put me through an emotional roller coaster. This is the second book in the Mercenary Ranch series featuring Maverick and Cheyenne. This book dove deep into the backgrounds of each main character and pulled on those heart strings. Maverick is this stoic closed off sexy cowboy, who has no idea that this wild child barrel racer is chasin’ him. Maverick had my heart this whole book in the way he chose to stay by her and love her unconditionally. The scene where Cheyenne goes into labor has such a hold me. The angst and uncertainty had me reading faster so that I could figure out if everything was okay.

There were some spicy scenes in this book but nothing overly descriptive. However I feel that may change a little when we get to the third cowboys story!

[Clare Kae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild As You is pure sunshine and love and everything good about the world all bottled up together in one epic tale. Maverick is THE boyfriend of all book boyfriends, choosing goodness and love over all the darkness he feels beneath the surface time and time again. Cheyenne is "whiskey and wildflowers", with a blinding goodness and stubborn will to go for exactly what she wants out of life. For someone who does not usually read Rodeo Romances, I can freely admit that my heart and soul entirely belongs to this story, to each and every one of Shelby Storm's masterfully crafted words, and the epic love that she has created. I cannot recommend this story enough for anyone who loves to have their heart twisted and soothed, broken and mended all between the pages of a book.

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally a top read this year. Omg. This book was fantastic!

Maverick. When I tell you I’ve read so many books with amazing and swoon worthy mc’s.. Maverick here is a favorite omg. He was the best. He had me blushing. This book was emotional. My hurt heart so much for him.

The story is so good. The healing is just amazing. The chemistry between Mav & Cheyenne was so beautiful. I loved them both. Cheyenne is a strong & feisty fmc. She was great!

This is a slow burn. Just pure romance. Honestly I recommend this book so much. It was beautiful, and emotional. I loved it so much. ♡

𝒮𝒽𝑒'𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝒹𝒻𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.

[Miriam_Reads94 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. I am speechless after finishing that book. If you loved Ryder and Charlie's story, buckle up because Maverick and Cheyenne are 10 times better. She is a strong and independent girl used to running from her problems, and he is a quite shy stick to the same routine sensitive guy. They both have a pretty traumatizing childhood, and they find the ability to bond over that. She definitely falls first, and he is too blind to see it, but when he finally catches up, he falls hard. Its definitly an opposites attract romance. If you like cowboys, rodeo's, sassy MFC and shy guys definitly check this book out.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart hurt for both Maverick and Cheyenne throughout this book! This two were put through the wringer and had to fight to get their HEA. While I did get aggravated at the two of them on occasion I genuinely loved seeing their relationship develop. Their communication was very up and down and I wanted to shake them at times but they both worked through it and came out stronger on the other side. I loved the ease they had with each other and how they just fit plus they had great chemistry. Not his baby is one of my favorite tropes and Mav is the epitome of “he didn’t have to be”. I can’t wait to read more from Shelby!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can’t get enough of Shelby’s writing. With her making you feel like you’re right there in the story with the characters. The endless amount out chocolate and chips I ate with this book . She has earned herself a life time reader . Be ready with the highlighters or sticky notes cause the amount of perfect quotes from Mac and Chey . And you get to see a different side of cash in this one . Love love love this book . Add it to your summer tbr as I’m over here counting down the days to learn more about my man cash

[Novels & Needles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

🌻 Small town
🌻 Opposites attract
🌻 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌻 Unexpected pregnancy - Not his kid

Oh Maverick and Cheyenne, I love them 😫 my heart couldn’t take how hard they worked in their relationship to get what they both wanted, it was refreshing.

Honestly this series just keeps getting better and better, I don’t see how Shelby can top it each time but she certainly lives up to the hype and does, without fail. The way she manages to convey the true heartbreak of her characters is just *chef’s kiss*

I’m desperate for Cash’s book now!!

[Chloe Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was easily one of my favourite reads and I wish I could constantly go back and reread it for the first time over and over again. The chemistry was amazing and the characters will make you swoon but it also shows so many different sides to them as people and shows real emotions and tugs on your heart strings. This book was well written and executed. I would highly recommend reading it, you won’t regret it. Maverick and Cheyenne will have you wanting so much more

[dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a small town cowboy romance between Maverick and Cheyenne. Although the book dives into some tough subject matter at times, I found myself not really caring as I did not connect to either of the main characters. The story was a little too insta-love for my liking and I thought that Maverick and Cheyenne had major communication issues that made it hard for me to root for either of them. But I liked a lot of the other side characters, especially Charlie and Cash.

[Nina F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seem to be in a cowboy/pregnancy era, but you won't find me complaining. I loved Wild as You so much!
I don't know if it's the great writing or the captivating characters and their chemistry, but this is the second book I read by Shelby Storme, and I think I'm at the point where I'll just have to accept I've found myself another favorite author. I can't wait to see what comes next!

✔️ Cowboy Hero
✔️ Surprise Pregnancy
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Small Town

[Max Anderson-Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Wild as You’ by Shelby Storme deserves every one of its five stars! From its captivating storyline to its vivid characters and sizzling romance, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. Storme's writing style is beautifully descriptive, transporting you into the heart of this cowboy romance. Whether you're a fan of romance novels or not, ‘Wild as You’ is sure to leave you breathless and wanting more. Highly recommended!

[Amanda Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I could love MCs more than Shelby gave us Mav and Chey!!! These two are absolutely perfect for eachother! The way that Chey helps heal Mav and in turn that heals her is amazing!! Mav is such a perfect “touch her and SEE WHAT HAPPENS” We love a MMC that supports his FMC until he can’t help but step in… Can’t wait for more!!!

[Stephanie Jepsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved their story. I didn’t read the first 1 but I was still able understand everything! I also loved that their is a little boy named Cason very close to my sons name Casen. Can’t wait to read Cash’s story. I will also be going to read the first 1!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. I fell in love with Maverick and Cheyanne. Actually all the characters stole my heart. The story had me squealing at points and sad during others. I started here and now need to go back and read the first in the series.

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to ARC read this amazing book and I just fell in love! Getting to know Mav and Cheyenne was super cool! Seeing why Mav is so quiet was probably one of the saddest parts. This read is definitely a 10/10