When twenty years of friendship meets the possibility of forever, will they finally take the leap from best friends to soulmates?
Carson Wilder and Perry Bramble’s story is a love that stands the test of time
Title: Outlaw Lake by Maisey Yates
Publish Date: September 30, 2025
Series: Rustler Mountain (Book 1)
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
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The Story
Tourists may flock to Rustler Mountain, Oregon for its Wild West reenactments, but for locals, the feuds between the outlaws and the lawmen are still very much alive in this swoon-inducing contemporary western series from New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates—perfect for fans of Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver, Jennifer Ryan, and Robyn Carr.
Carson Wilder and Perry Bramble have been best friends forever, starting with their painful childhoods. As far as romance, Carson always knew he wasn't good enough for her. And by the time they were grown, their bond was too important to risk messing up. Now, Carson is grieving the death of his wife. And like always, Perry is his rock. He can't imagine life without her. But he may have to.
Perry has loved Carson since she was seven years old. He never showed a hint of interest in her beyond friendship, but two decades later, he's still the most important person in her life. Maybe too important. Inspired by the diary of an ancestor who left everything behind to come west as a mail-order bride, Perry stuns Carson with a decision: She's moving to a neighboring city to expand her florist business—and to find love and start a family.
Carson hates the idea, but he'll do anything for Perry's happiness. He'll even help get her historic home fixed up for sale. She can stay with him at his ranch house on Outlaw Lake in the meantime. What ensues are dinners filled with laughter, dating app disasters—and Carson wondering why he'd look for another woman when the one he loves is right here. His answers may lie in the letters he finds from the man who married the mail-order bride… But can he finally gather the courage to be true to his wild heart—before it's too late?
My Review
Outlaw Lake is everything a small-town, friends-to-lovers romance should be—emotional, full of heart, and impossible to put down.
Carson and Perry's story gripped me from the start. Their deep-rooted friendship, combined with years of unspoken love, creates a tension that's both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Watching Carson wrestle with grief, realization, and his feelings for Perry was beautifully done. And Perry? Her strength and determination to finally choose herself had me cheering for her every step of the way.
What I loved most was how Yates handled Perry's long-held feelings. Watching her endure Carson's marriage while keeping her feelings hidden showed incredible strength. Her decision to finally prioritize her own dreams—both for her business and for love—felt like such a powerful character moment. And the way the ancestor's diary inspired her journey was beautifully woven throughout the story.
The dating app scenes provided perfect moments of levity—watching Carson's increasingly jealous reactions to Perry's matches was equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. It's the classic "you don't know what you have until you're about to lose it" dynamic, but Yates makes it feel fresh and genuine.
This isn't just a story about falling in love—it's about recognizing the love that's been there all along. Maisey Yates balances humor, heartbreak, and hope perfectly. Every scene at Outlaw Lake felt like a love letter to taking brave leaps toward the life you deserve.
Fans of Elsie Silver and Robyn Carr will absolutely devour this book. Five shining stars from me!
Fans of Lyla Sage or Jennifer Ryan will love this — browse my Western Romance recommendations or read more by Maisey Yates.
Character Spotlight
💔 Carson Wilder – A rugged, loyal rancher carrying the heavy weight of grief and guilt. Protective to his core, but emotionally guarded, Carson's journey is about learning that letting someone in doesn't mean losing—sometimes it means finally winning the life you never thought you deserved.
🌸 Perry Bramble – A florist with deep roots in Rustler Mountain, and a heart just as deep. She's loving, dependable, and endlessly strong—but tired of waiting for her own life to start. Perry's choice to finally put herself first is bold, brave, and completely inspiring. Her heart has always belonged to Carson… but this time, she's choosing herself first.
Together, their story is a tender blend of new beginnings, unspoken love, and the realization that sometimes the person you've needed all along has been standing right beside you.
Friends-to-Lovers Done Right
The friends-to-lovers trope can be challenging to execute authentically, but Yates delivers it flawlessly. The foundation of genuine friendship between Carson and Perry makes their romantic evolution feel natural and earned. There's no instalove here - just the slow burn realization that the person you've cherished as a friend might be your forever love.
The grief element adds emotional complexity without overshadowing the romance. Carson's journey through loss and healing feels realistic and adds depth to his character arc. His inability to see what's right in front of him isn't about being oblivious—it's about being afraid to risk the one relationship that's sustained him through everything.
Carson and Perry feel like real people with genuine struggles and growth. Their chemistry builds naturally from years of friendship, making every romantic moment feel earned and authentic.
My Final Thoughts
This book hit every emotional note perfectly - the yearning, the friendship, the slow burn romance, and the deeply satisfying payoff. It's the kind of story that reminds you why small-town romance exists: to show us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is reach for what we've always wanted but never dared to claim. If you're looking for a contemporary western romance that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the transformative power of finally choosing yourself—and letting yourself be chosen—Outlaw Lake should be at the top of your TBR list.
Join the Conversation
Have you read Outlaw Lake? Are you a fan of friends-to-lovers romances? What's your favorite Maisey Yates book? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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More from the Rustler Mountain Series
If you loved this book, be sure to check out the other Rustler Mountain novels for more swoony contemporary western romance!
Love contemporary western romance?
Check out my other reviews of western romance or browse more contemporary romance! 🤠💕
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