Freeing the Wild by Paisley Hope

Healing, hope, and a cowboy who shows up when it matters.

Freeing the Wild is my favorite in the Silver Pines series so far. Cassie and Haden’s story feels more grounded than the earlier books, with the Ashby family settling into the background so the romance has room to unfold. I appreciated the focus on their growth as individuals and as a couple.

Cassie, a rising country star, returns to Silver Pines after a traumatic incident on tour. Her mom and sister live on the ranch, and it gives her a quiet place to catch her breath. It’s not her first time there. She and Haden shared one unforgettable night during her earlier visit, and seeing him again brings all of those emotions back to the surface. Haden wants a simple life with his horses and his land, yet Cassie’s return shifts everything in a way he didn’t expect.

Their connection builds through snowstorms, neighbors-to-lovers moments, and meaningful conversations. Cassie’s nightly request for Haden to “tell me something real” became one of my favorite parts. Those scenes reveal who they are behind the music career and the cowboy calm, and they carry so much emotional weight.

Haden is steady, supportive, and layered with his own struggles. His complicated relationship with his father adds depth without overshadowing the romance. Most importantly, he gives Cassie space to heal. He stands beside her without making her recovery about him, and she ultimately finds her strength on her own terms. That balance made their relationship feel honest and earned.

The cameos from past characters were a nice touch. Papa Dean remains one of my favorites. His humor and wisdom add warmth to every scene he’s in. The ranch itself feels like a safe place for Cassie, a little pocket of Kentucky calm where she can reset and figure out what she wants.

There is also a grand romantic moment near the end that involves music. It is heartfelt and absolutely swoon-worthy, and I loved how it tied Cassie’s journey back to her art.

The only thing that didn’t fully work for me is that the story felt a bit long, and a few of the spicy scenes started to repeat themselves. Haden’s family situation also wrapped up a little more neatly than I expected. Even so, the epilogues provided a sweet look into the future, and I finished the last page smiling.

Freeing the Wild is heartfelt, hopeful, and centered on healing in a way that resonated with me. Cassie and Haden have a tender connection that grows into something steady and real. This was a lovely addition to the Silver Pines world, and I’m already excited for Olivia and Asher’s story.

If this sounds like your kind of story, you can grab a copy here or request it form your local library.