Wild in Her Heart: A Short Story (Hidden Trails: Sweet Sapphic Romance #4)

The vast wilderness of Whispering Pines National Park is Riley Carter’s next big challenge. As a wildlife photographer, she’s traveled the world chasing the perfect shot, but capturing the park’s elusive bears could be the career-making project she’s been waiting for. Bold and fearless, Riley isn’t one to back down from risk—until one close call puts her at odds with the park’s fiercely dedicated conservation officer.

Taylor Hayes has spent years protecting Whispering Pines, safeguarding both its wildlife and the people who pass through. The last thing she needs is an impulsive photographer ignoring the rules and endangering the very creatures she’s sworn to protect. But when an emergency forces Taylor to turn to Riley for help, their uneasy truce takes an unexpected turn.

As they navigate the delicate balance between human impact and wildlife conservation, Riley and Taylor begin to see each other in a new light. Their differences, once an unbridgeable divide, start to feel like pieces of a puzzle that fit together in ways neither expected.

But when Riley takes one risk too many—and Taylor’s trust is shattered—their growing connection faces its greatest test. With a bear cub’s life hanging in the balance, they must set aside their doubts and work together. Can they trust each other—and their own hearts—before it’s too late?

Wild in Her Heart is a slow-burn sapphic romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of Whispering Pines National Park. Featuring a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a high-stakes conservation conflict, and an opposites-attract love story, it blends outdoor adventure, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry. With a fierce, rule-following park ranger and a bold, risk-taking wildlife photographer, this story is perfect for readers who love wilderness settings, tension-filled partnerships, and love stories rooted in mutual respect and understanding.