Book Review: Burn the Wild (Runaway Ranch #3) by Lucy Score
When I first picked up Burn the Wild, the third installment in Lucy Score’s Runaway Ranch series, I was immediately drawn to its blend of romance and the rugged allure of cowboy culture. The concept of a cowboy falling for a country singer promised a riveting escape, and I couldn’t wait to delve into Ford and Reese’s journey. Though it certainly had its ups and downs, I found myself enjoying this read more than I’d anticipated—even with a few personal qualms that scratched at the back of my mind.
From the get-go, the chemistry between Ford, a reformed manwhore with a painful past, and Reese, a talented but troubled country singer, sizzled off the pages. Their relationship is ripe with depth as both grapple with their respective darkness—Ford tracing the shadow of an ex-girlfriend who left him shattered, and Reese battling her own demons of alcoholism and toxic relationships. This backdrop gives their romance gravitas, allowing readers to witness two people with scarred hearts navigate the challenging terrain of love and healing.
While I appreciated the steamy dynamics of “dislike to friends with benefits to lovers,” I must admit that my usual aversion to love interests with an ex lingering in the background gave me pause. Ford’s memories of Savannah, especially how deeply they impacted his ability to engage with Reese, left a bitter aftertaste—one that I find a bit hard to swallow in romance novels. However, Lucy Score managed to pull it off in a way that softened the blow. Ford’s evolution from being an initial jerk to a sincere partner was satisfying, especially as he came to understand that Reese wasn’t simply a rebound or a second choice.
What stood out to me in Score’s writing was her evocative style. The descriptions of the ranch, the characters’ emotional landscapes, and of course, the moments of humor, made the reading experience immersive. Pacing was just right; the slow burn of the romance felt natural and allowed for character growth without feeling dragged out.
Memorable quotes reverberated through me, such as when Ford reflects on the love he never thought would come again: “Around her, I don’t own any part of my heart anymore. I don’t even own myself. She does.” This perfectly encapsulates the heart of the story, and for someone like me who loves a well-crafted love story, those sentiments were intoxicating.
However, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. The subplot with Ford’s ex-girlfriend felt a bit forced, merely serving as a device to prop up Ford’s character development without adding meaningful conflict. While her brief appearance may have been intended to create tension, I found it kind of unnecessary, even cringe-worthy.
Ultimately, Burn the Wild is a captivating exploration of love, redemption, and how the right person can help you mend your broken pieces. With an age gap romance, a blend of past heartaches, and a promise of HEA (happily ever after), this book will likely resonate with readers who adore nuanced romantic arcs. If you’re a fan of stories where characters rise from the ashes of their pasts to find solace in each other, this one’s for you.
In conclusion, despite some hiccups along the way, this book left me smiling and reminded me that love, in all its messy glory, is worth fighting for. Lucy Score has a gift for creating characters that feel real, and this installment is no exception. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
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