REVIEW: Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates

Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates: Rustler Mountain, Oregon has been around for generations and current residents are mostly from the founding families of the area. The most well known are the Wilders and Talbots. History says that Austin Wilder, an outlaw, was shot by Sheriff Lee Talbot in the 1800’s. The town has put on Gold Rush Days, that included the shootout, in the past with many other events that drew tourists in.

Millie Talbot, who is a descendant of Sheriff Lee Talbot wants to bring back Gold Rush Days to help the town. Austin Wilder is the namesake and descendant of the outlaw. His family has always been looked on as more than a bit wild and Austin has been no stranger to a reputation as the town “bad boy”. Millie is able to talk Austin into helping her revive Gold Rush Days. At the same time Austin is doing research to write a book about his family’s past and what really happened. Millie gets pulled into helping him dig through old papers. Will their time together bring the good girl closer to seeing Austin in a different romantic light?

I have always been a big fan of Western romances and Rustler Mountain stands out as outstanding in the sub-genre. The small town adds a special vibe to the story.

Millie is not your typical heroine. She’s a librarian and seems to fit the stereotype with her demure clothes and manner. She has been hurt and called Millie Mouse too many times. This sure hasn’t helped her self esteem.

One wouldn’t expect Austin to be attracted to Millie, but he see beyond her exterior and appreciate her for who she truly is. I was fascinated as Austin drew Millie into his historical search.

This book is one you’ll want to add to your TBR for a fun, entertaining adventure.

Book Info:

Publication: February 25, 2025 | Kensington |

The citizens of historic Rustler Mountain, Oregon, have a history as colorful as the Wild West itself. Most can trace their lineage back to the original settlers, and many remain divided into two outlaws, or lawmen. But none more legendary than the Wilders and the Talbots . . .

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?