Riding Into Love by M.E. Taylor

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SKU 978-0-3695-1486-8
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Wildhorse Ranch, 1

Love was the last thing she expected to find on the open range.

After a brutal breakup, River Thurston returns home to Montana, hoping hard work will mend what’s broken. Raised on a small family farm, River knows her way around horses and heavy machinery, so landing a job at Wildhorse Ranch feels like a fresh start. The ranch’s wealthy owner, Colby Burke, has his doubts about hiring a woman, but he owes her father a favor, and he always makes good on his debt.

It doesn’t take long for Colby to see that River’s no ordinary ranch hand. Her grit and drive earn his respect… and his attention. River keeps her guard up, but Colby isn’t one to back down. He’s falling fast, determined to prove that love isn’t something to fear, and that sometimes, second chances ride in when you least expect them.


Excerpt:

“All right then. See that stallion right there?” He points to a horse at the back of the pack. “His name’s Linux. He’s not our friendliest horse, but he’s the only spare mount we’ve got. Take him out and head to the northern pasture. I need you to bring in the last group.”

I glance at the animal in question. He’s a beauty. A jet-black stallion, with a mane that rivals the night sky. He’s got an attitude, though, judging by the way he rears back and stomps the ground when one of the other hands approaches him.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Colby watching me, probably thinking I’m gonna back down. No such luck, cowboy.

“I’ll handle him.”

I’m not sure if I’m talking about the horse or the man, but the truth is, they’re not so different. The stallion’s nostrils flare, and the muscles along his flanks tighten, like he’s about to charge.

“Don’t get yourself killed, Thurston.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

I approach Linux with slow, cautious steps. The last thing I need is this bastard knocking me on my ass in front of a bunch of testosterone-fueled men. Not exactly a good start.

The horse stomps the ground, and I can tell by the way his eyes are trained on me, he’s just as stubborn as I am.

“Come on, buddy. Don’t make this hard on both of us.”

I hold a hand out, palm up, and let him come to me. The moment he presses his nose into my skin, I can sense the aggression drain from his body. Maybe he’s not such a tough guy after all.

“Good boy. You and I are gonna get along just fine.”

I pull myself into the saddle and take the reins. The stallion’s ears flick back and forth as he waits for his command, and when I point him toward the pasture, he’s off. I lean low over the horse’s neck and squeeze my legs around his sides. He’s fast, but not nearly as wild as Colby made him out to be.

We race across the field, and the wind slaps against my face, bringing with the smell of fresh earth. There’s no better feeling than riding, especially in the wide-open spaces of the country. Out here, I can really breathe.

A group of cattle is grazing at the far edge of the pasture, and we’re almost to the fence when something catches Linux’s attention. He lets out a snort and comes to an abrupt halt, nearly throwing me from the saddle.

I hold tight, and lean down to whisper in his ear. “Easy, boy. What’s got you all spooked?”

The horse whinnies and rears back. I grab the reins and hold on, but whatever’s going on, he’s not having it. A moment later, I see what’s got him riled up. There’s a rattlesnake a few feet away, and its tail is shaking. Linux drives his hoof to the ground, and the snake lunges forward, hissing as it bares its fangs.

I’ve got two choices. Either I turn the horse around and hope we can outrun the serpent, or I can try to deal with the problem.

The snake coils, readying itself to strike, and I make a decision. There’s no way in hell I’m turning tail and running. I’m not a coward, and if I’ve got any chance of proving myself here, this is it.

I grip the pommel before I hop from the saddle and land a foot away from the snake. The thing is massive, with a thick body and a rattle that shakes in a warning. It’s coiled up, ready to strike, and I know that’s my only chance.

“Sorry, buddy,” I whisper, then grab the creature by the tail.

It snaps its jaw at me, and I jerk back, narrowly avoiding the deadly fangs. With all the strength I’ve got, I whip the snake over my head, and slam it into the dirt. There’s a loud crack, and the rattle goes silent.

I stare down at the carcass, and the adrenaline sinks from my ears down to my toes. Holy shit. Did I really just kill a fucking rattlesnake with my bare hands?

Linux dances away, still agitated by the dead animal, and I grab the reins, tugging the stallion’s face close to mine.

“Easy, boy. It’s dead.”

“Jesus Christ, Thurston! Are you fucking insane?”

Colby’s voice travels up the hill, and I turn to see him riding toward me. He dismounts his horse, and the second his feet hit the ground, he’s storming toward me.

“What the hell was that?”

“What was what?”

“Did you really just kill a rattlesnake?”

“Would you rather I left it to hang out here waiting for one of your horses or cows to wander too close?”

“Of course not, but Jesus. Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?”

“You’re preaching to the choir. My dad taught me how to handle snakes.”

“No shit. You’ve got balls, Thurston. That’s for damn sure.”

“So I’ve heard. Can I go ahead and get these guys in the pasture now?”

He blinks at me, gawking with a stupid grin on his face. I’m used to men gawking at me like that. The look every one of them gets when they realize I’m not the delicate, helpless flower they think I am.

I adjust the reins in my hand and swing myself back into the saddle before settling back into place. Colby’s still staring at me like he’s trying to figure out what planet I came from, but I just kick at Linux’s side and tick him forward. Behind me, I hear the crunch of his boots on dry dirt before he calls out, “You’re not what I expected, River.”

“Good,” I throw over my shoulder. “Would’ve been a shame if I was.”

Series:
/series-wildhorse-ranch/

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 17 ratings)
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5/5
Another great series start!
Written by Andrea R on 26th Jul 2026

Very easy to read and very easy for me to get into. This is the beginning of a series and I will be keeping up with all the releases in it. Must read.

5/5
Unexpectedly Sweet
Written by JeniT on 26th Jul 2026

River needs this fresh start to work. Bring a female ranch hand is not easy yet it’s a job she excels at. Colby hired River as a favor and now he wants her fiercely and forever. She’s not what he expected and he knows she’s got her own demons but he’s not letting her go. It’s a sweet read that realistically details a working ranch and the life it entails. It’s a hard life but a good one and Colby is determined to share it with River. Loved it!

5/5
Riding Into Love!
Written by Mary on 26th Jul 2026

This is the first story in the new "Wildhorse Ranch" and my first story I have read by this author. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed every bit of this story. This is a heartwarming story about Colby and River. I love the characters! She is in Montana trying to bury herself in hard work. He reluctantly gives her a job. She surprises him and he gives her room for more. This is such a good story. It is not overly long but very addictive.

4/5
Good Read
Written by OlgaG on 26th Jul 2026

River arrives back in Montana after a brutal breakup, determined to rebuild her life through hard work rather than heartbreak. She is intent on proving herself without relying on anyone else. Colby is the owner of Wildhorse Ranch. What begins as a reluctant job offer in order to honor a favor to River’s father, quickly shifts as he recognizes River’s talent and resilience. His respect for her forms the foundation of their connection, and the romance grows from shared labor, mutual admiration, and the slow thawing of River’s guarded heart. Will they find that they could have a happy life together and give love a chance?

5/5
Wow
Written by Mistie Best on 26th Jul 2026

I loved this! River is hiding from her past when she shows up on Colby's ranch. Colby knows she's going to be trouble from the minute he meets her! Loved their story!

5/5
Colby and River
Written by Kimmijane on 26th Jul 2026

This book was so charming! I loved how River was totally an animal person and how she was with Linux. I loved Colby! He’s my dream man! lol! He is so protective of River. You’ll love Colby and River’s story!

5/5
A fast-paced, intense and thrilling read set in the West
Written by Fabs on 26th Jul 2026

It’s the perfect introduction to the world of Wildhorse Ranch. It’s a contemporary romance with a fairly explicit erotic element, ideal for those looking for a quick read, featuring a dash of drama from the past, second chances and passionate cowboys. River is a down-to-earth, strong, hard-working heroine who isn’t intimidated by the rough-and-ready Colby’s initial prejudices. For his part, Colby quickly moves from scepticism to respect, and watching him fall head over heels for River’s determination is utterly addictive.

4/5
Friend's Daughter
Written by Maleficent on 26th Jul 2026

Unbeknownst to her River's father calls in a favor and gets her a job as a ranch hand on Colby's Wild Horse Ranch. She has just left an abusive relationship and he is not getting the message. River is more than he expected, she more than excells at the job. It is more than that, Colby is drawn to her more than he should not be. Things heat up fast between the pair but there is still plenty of angst.

5/5
Cowboy romance
Written by DBG69 on 26th Jul 2026

I really enjoyed reading Riding Into Love. The characters are well developed and their chemistry is spot on. The storyline is engaging and held my interest all the way through. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

5/5
Colby & River
Written by Danee on 26th Jul 2026

A delightful story about the ins and outs of life on a ranch. We are taken into the lives of Colby and River. Two great characters, and I found their story to be a second chance at love. From the very beginning, you are glued to your book and can't turn the pages fast enough. A real page-turner and highly recommended reading.

5/5
Second chance at love western romance
Written by itsthejo on 26th Jul 2026

Book 1 of Wildhorse Ranch. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world. 'He’s falling fast, determined to prove that love isn’t something to fear, and that sometimes, second chances ride in when you least expect them.' The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

5/5
Love it!
Written by Diana A on 26th Jul 2026

I loove this story. The details were amazing, they transport me to that place without being boring. The love story was great and they give is the perfect ending.

5/5
Riding Into Love
Written by Stacii on 26th Jul 2026

River and Colby’s story is a hardworking ranch life, strong-willed characters, second chances, protective heroes, small-town charm, and where love grows through patience and partnership, resilience, fresh beginnings, and the courage to trust again.

4/5
Good Story!
Written by C. Sinclair on 26th Jul 2026

Riding Into Love is book one of Wildwood Ranch and a steamy Contemporary Western romance in a nicely written story. Returning home to Montana after a harsh breakup FMC River Thurston is hoping to heal by burying herself in hard work for a time. Because MMC rancher Colby Burke owes her father a favor, and despite doubts he gives River a job, and boy does this cowgirl impress him in short time. I enjoyed this short read that has Colby falling hard for River yet getting past those walls she has put up is going to be a problem, but he hasn’t backed away from a fight yet. A perfectly engaging read!

5/5
Wonderful short
Written by Another world awaits on 26th Jul 2026

Wonderful short read. Sweet and spicy age gap read. Lovely and mainly low angst with a lot of soul. Lovely HEA

5/5
When a Fresh Start Turns Into the Love You Never Saw Coming
Written by C Luna on 26th Jul 2026

Riding Into Love is a heartfelt ranch romance that reminds us healing doesn't always happen where we expect—it sometimes arrives in the form of a quiet cowboy, honest hard work, and a place that slowly begins to feel like home again. River returns to Montana carrying the weight of heartbreak, determined to focus on rebuilding her life instead of opening her heart. I immediately admired her determination and work ethic. She isn't looking for someone to rescue her—she wants to prove herself, earn her place on the ranch, and move forward on her own terms. Watching her regain confidence through hard work and the life she knows so well made her journey incredibly satisfying. Colby Burke is the kind of hero who grows on you more with every chapter. While he's initially unsure about hiring River, it doesn't take long for him to recognize her talent, resilience, and unwavering determination. What I loved most was how his respect for her comes first, allowing their attraction to grow naturally from admiration and shared experiences. Once he realizes she's the woman he wants, his quiet persistence and steady devotion make him impossible not to root for. The ranch setting adds so much charm to the story. From caring for horses to long days of honest work beneath Montana skies, every scene captures the beauty of ranch life while creating the perfect backdrop for a romance built on trust and second chances. The slower pace allows the relationship to unfold in a way that feels genuine and rewarding. One of my favorite aspects of the book is how both River and Colby help each other grow. River learns that protecting her heart doesn't have to mean shutting everyone out, while Colby discovers that the best relationships are built on mutual respect, encouragement, and believing in each other's strengths. Their chemistry is warm, believable, and filled with moments that left me smiling. If you enjoy cowboy romances, hardworking ranch life, strong-willed characters, second chances, protective heroes, small-town charm, and stories where love grows through patience and partnership, Riding Into Love is a wonderful pick. M.E. Taylor delivers a sweet, uplifting romance that celebrates resilience, fresh beginnings, and the courage to trust again. Riding Into Love is a comforting reminder that sometimes the road home leads to a future even better than the one you imagined.

4/5
Enjoyable
Written by Kris08 on 26th Jul 2026

Wildhorse Ranch: Colby and River It’s an age gap romance with a few very standard tropes. Her fathers friend who has asked him to help his daughter as a favour. A stalker ex who doesn’t like (or understand) the word no. The beautiful, capable, and apparently strong MFC, who for some settles on the misogynistic and grumpy older man… Go figure. Desite that, this ranch romance was a fun read. It was a pretty quick read, and was enjoyable, even when I was cringing at the MMC’s antics about doing the ‘right thing’.