Good guys and bad guys . . . myth and legend . . . gold and ranching. That’s what historic Rustler Mountain, Oregon, is made of, complete with feuding families descended from outlaws and lawmen. A century later, their grudges still hold—but for a new generation, when opposites attract, it might be time to surrender . . .

From killers to courtesans, the Hancock family has what might be called an eclectic history. But they’ve managed to leverage it into something respectable, creating the popular Hancock Wild West Show. The event features reenactments and trick riding—the latter performed by clever, charismatic Jessie Jane Hancock.

Jessie is usually unflappable, but lately something’s needling her—and it’s not just her annoying attraction to exasperatingly sexy Flynn Wilder, whose great, great, great, great, great grandfather was betrayed by Jessie’s just-as-many-times-great grandfather. It’s the upcoming mayoral election. Specifically, the unopposed candidate: Danielle LeFevre, mean girl, all-around awful person, and Flynn’s not-so-beloved half-sister. Jessie wants to keep Danielle from winning . . . and the only person who bothers Flynn more than she does is Danielle.

“I want you to be my first man.” Jessie Jane is hot enough to make him hallucinate, but her request is very real. Jessie wants to run for mayor, and she wants him by her side as her fake boyfriend. A Hancock is dating a Wilder. An outsider against the status quo. A drama their town will devour. Flynn always knew Jessie was a wild card, but bringing down his corrupt stepfamily is a temptation he can’t resist. Just like the vexing spark between him and Jessie. And once that fire catches, the real showdown begins . . .

Titles in the Rustler Mountain series include:  Rustler Mountain ~ Outlaw Lake ~ Lonesome Ridge ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Lonesome Ridge
Series:  Rustler Mountain #3
Author:  Maisey Yates
Published:  February 24, 2026
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Lonesome Ridge is the third title in the Rustler Mountain series, and I’m loving this quirky small town and its residents as well.  These folks know how to hold on to a generational grudge, and it’s about to get even hotter when Jessie and Flynn team up to oust one entitled, mean girl from her seat of power.  But this couple is going to have to rethink the rules when their fake relationship turns into something neither expected… real feelings that just might muddy up this election, or could give them the forever love they each deserve.

I loved everything about Lonesome Ridge. Maisey Yates always delivers characters who touch my heart and make me laugh or cry (sometimes both at once).  There is depth to both Jessie Jane and Flynn that emerges as their story not only shows their attraction to each other but also their insecurities.  Their families do not see them clearly and often don’t allow them to have their own voice.  Watching them grow individually, finally accepting themselves exactly as they are, no longer worried about others’ false conceptions of them, did my heart good.  Separately, they’ve become strong, together they are a powerhouse to be reckoned with.  Their story is well-written, emotional, passionate, with a touch of intrigue, and a whole lot of heart.  If that sounds like your kind of small town romance, then you’d love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust.  It is my choice to leave a review and share my personal opinion about this book.*

If you enjoy this author’s work, please visit our Maisey Yates page for other titles you may have missed over time.

This title is available at Amazon