Outlaw Lake by Maisey Yates is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, making you fall in love with the characters and their journey in such a deep, emotional way. The way the two of them navigate their relationship with all its complexities and unspoken emotions is what truly makes this book stand out. The setting, with the wild-west vibes and the gorgeous rustic backdrop, adds an extra layer of charm that’s hard to resist. Carson’s growth throughout the story, finally realising what’s been in front of him all along, makes for such a satisfying, swoon-worthy romance. Yates does a fantastic job of pulling you in with her beautifully written characters and their slow-burn romance. Overall, it is an absolute must-read for fans of heartfelt westerns romance with deep emotional pulls,

This is the first book in the series that I read (now to do some back tracking) but this was a sweet friends to lovers / its always been you / small town romance. I loved Carson and Perry!

This was a great read! Friends to lovers is a truly underrated trope and I loved it, the tension and yearning was great, the story and the romance was fun and sweet and I loved the characters

A slow burn friends to lovers is not usually something I gravitate towards but this was perfection. The hero was broody and just my type.

Outlaw Lake by new to me author Maisey Yates, published by Kensingron Publishing, is the second book in the Rustler Mountain Series. The previous book is Rustler Mountain and I recommend to read the books in order.
This is Carson and Perry's story.
The Wilder family from Rustler Mountain always had oultaws in the family. And maybe, just maybe Carson could be counted as one.
He and Perry are best friends since age 7, both are secrtely in love with each other. Problem is, secretly.
A beautiful friends to lovers slow burn that gives all the feels.

Outlaw Lake by Maisie Yates is so heartfelt with a slow burn romance that had me hooked from page one, plus I just love a small town setting! Carson and Perry’s friendship is the kind that makes you believe in soulmates. Perry has loved him since childhood, but after years of being just friends she decides it’s time to move on. But watching Carson realize what’s been right in front of him this whole time is so satisfying, yet frustrating in the best way. Nothing beats a brooding hero having a major epiphany about love. I love this series!

This is the first book that I have had the chance to review in quite some time. I have been in a real reading slump - I had struggled to sit down and actually want to read anything. A very inconvenient thing for a book reviewer, I must say....

Well, for the first time in a LONG time, and thanks to Maisey Yates, I have busted out of that slump. I could not put this book down.

Friends-to-lovers, unresolved sexual tension, yearning - all stuff I love! However, the highlight for me was seeing these two realise who they are or should be without the other, and still knowing that they had a connection that could not be ignored. Carson got really deep in those feelings before he realised his truth, didn't he? Perry was a fab heroine - honest, willing to make bold choices without being trigger-happy. Together, I just knew that when these two lit the match, the fire would burn hot and it most definitely did.

There was some lovely, funny moments, and I felt some early Spidey sense as to who may be next on the list to be hit by the love bug (cannot wait for that one!).

So thank you, Maisey Yates!

This was a good romance read. It was not anything special, but there was not anything wrong with the book.