ARC Reviews: Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates

February 26, 2025

ARC Reviews: Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates

Every year, thousands of people come through Rustler for the rodeo, historic home tours, old-fashioned candy making demonstrations, sharpshooter shows—and to see the site of the 1800s shootout in which notorious outlaw Austin Wilder was killed by Sheriff Lee Talbot. Now Millie Talbot, the sheriff’s descendant, wants to bring back the town’s Gold Rush Days. But she needs the current Austin Wilder’s support to make her dream a reality. . .

The Wilders are rumored to be as true to their last name as their ancestors. Nonetheless, Austin is agreeable to helping Millie. But he wants something in return. Austin is working to clear his family name by writing the true history of his outlaw ancestors and Millie might just hold the key.

When Millie wrangles Austin into helping plan Gold Rush Days, he figures it’s a chance to get to the truth of the past. . . . But when sparks start to fly between this bad boy and good girl, will either of them come out of it unscathed?

One of my favorite themes is small-town romances. I just love all the history a small town has. How everyone knows everyone else's business or think they do. Who doesn't love a good nosy town.

I found Rustler Mountain to be my kind of book. I really enjoy so much about it. I love the characters and the whole town itself. I felt so bad for Austin. He's seen as a bad boy but there is so much more to him. I don't blame him for being a bit mad at the town and how they feel about him and his family. Austin is a really good guy, and it shows.

He's the perfect other half for Millie. She's slightly uptight and very much a good girl. She needs a bit of wild in her life. I like her and I'm glad she sees the real Austin, not the person others think he is. We all need a little bad with our good.

Together these two work to try and put the past where it belonged, in the past. Sadly, Austin at times couldn't forget about the past and I understood but wanted to push him a little to get over it. As a start to a new series, it's a good one. You'll want the other characters stories right away. So, for me instead of looking at the past, I'm all about the future and the next book.