Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Did Chasing the Wild meet your expectations for a cowboy romance? If you’ve read other popular books in this genre, like Elsie Silver’s Chestnut Springs series, how does Colt and Layla’s story compare? What elements felt familiar, and what, if anything, surprised you?

2. The age-gap and Layla’s previous relationship with Colt’s son makes their romance feel forbidden. Why do you think that tales of forbidden love continue to be perennially popular in literature?

3. Thinking back on the entire novel, what scene stands out to you the most? What was it about Colt and Layla’s journey that resonated with you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Colt finds healing and a sense of self in the remote wilderness of Devil’s Peak Ranch, particularly at his A-frame cabin. Do you have a “sweet spot” or a place that brings you a similar sense of peace or allows you to be your most authentic self? What makes that place special for you?

2. Layla carries the heavy weight of financial and family responsibilities, which shapes her “good girl” persona. Think about a time when you’ve had to balance personal desires with significant duties. How did that experience shape your decisions or your view of yourself?

3. Colt and Layla’s relationship is initially defined by misunderstandings, as Colt is gruff when he’s feeling protective, and Layla often assumes the worst. Have you ever been in a situation where unspoken assumptions created tension? 

4. For Layla, becoming a veterinarian is central to her identity and independence. How has your own career or a significant personal pursuit shaped who you are?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Layla struggles to manage the financial costs and program requirements associated with her education. What are the risks associated with college and other forms of advanced training becoming more expensive? What are some ways that students and recent graduates could be better supported?

2. The conflict between the Wilders and the Piersons is rooted in a crime committed by Colt’s grandfather. What does this long-standing feud say about how family history and inherited trauma can shape communities? Where do you see similar long-term feuds or unresolved historical injustices impacting society today?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The story includes two five-month time jumps, one near the beginning and one before the final reunion. Discuss how this use of time jumps impacts plot and narrative structure. 

2. The recurring snowstorms act as a plot device to force Colt and Layla together but they also function as pathetic fallacy (when the external setting mirrors the internal state of a character). How does the snowy setting impact tone and mood?

3. Chyannah is a direct foil to Layla. How do their motivations, particularly regarding the Wilder men and the ranch, contrast with one another? What does this contrast reveal about Layla’s character and her emotional journey?

5. Colt’s character arc brings to mind classic “wounded hero” narratives. How does his journey of healing through Layla’s love align with or subvert this traditional trope? Can you think of other stories, like Jane Eyre, that explore a similar dynamic between a guarded, tormented man and a determined, compassionate woman?

6. Towards the end of the novel, Layla notes that she is not interested in having children. Discuss how this detail impacts her characterization.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The book ends with an epilogue in Malta, showing Colt and Layla’s happy future. If you were to write a bonus scene set five years after that epilogue, what would be happening in their lives at Devil’s Peak Ranch? Would they have that dog they talked about?

2. Who would you choose to play Colt and Layla in a movie adaptation of Chasing the Wild? What qualities would those actors need to capture the essence of these characters?