Hott Shot by Serena Bell

Beauty salon… and the Beast

QUINN

Working at the family wedding resort wasn’t exactly on my Bingo card. But it’s the only way for my siblings and me to get our grandfather’s inheritance, so here I am, staffing the Hott Spot Spa and Salon front desk. It’s an absurd gig for a man who makes Oscar the Grouch look like a people-person.

Still, I’m a hard worker. I’ve made a fortune off my scientific discoveries, and if I can engineer groundbreaking drugs, I can do anything, right? Not according to Sonya Rossi, the spa’s smoking hot and relentlessly perky manager. My grumpy approach is testing even sunshine-y Sonya’s patience. Meanwhile, I’m not sure whether I want to rain on her parade—or kiss the smile off her face.

Then the universe throws another curveball, putting us under the same roof. The closer Sonya gets, the more I like it—and her. I want to get to know her better and let her see the side of me I never show people. Until now, I’ve only believed in what I can touch, sense, and prove. I definitely don’t believe in love… but Sonya's making me wish I could.

A spicy, grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, under-one-roof, forced proximity standalone romantic comedy set in the beloved small town of Rush Creek.

Want more Rush Creek? Click HERE to check out our posts for Wilder Adventures!

 

 

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, but you will recognise some of the characters if you have enjoyed the Wilder Adventures series – and if you haven't read them, I would highly recommend them too!

Quinn and his male siblings all left town to pursue their interests and make their fortunes, leaving their sister, Hannah (who's married a Wilder), to run the family business with their grandfather. He has now died, and his will has some very strict instructions to follow – or all the land will be going to a local mining company, which will destroy everything.

So, Quinn, a genius scientist whose Biotech business has been researching and finding cures recognised on a world-wide scale, now has to spend time on the reception of the Hott spa. His temporary boss, Sonya, is not at all happy about this. She has been scrimping and saving on the budget so she can employ the last of the people who she had to let go from her mum's salon. The fact that he is a grump, and hides in a lab for a good reason, is not going to help her plans at all. That they also share accommodations is the icing on the cake of this dysfunctional pairing!

Quinn does not understand why Sonya is so invested in a business which is not her own, but as he does start to figure out what is going on, he wants to support her. In fact, he starts to invent products for the spa... or really, for her.

It is a lot of fun watching Quinn remind himself what he loved about home, and how Hannah deserves the support of her siblings – and obviously his burgeoning relationship with Sonya.

Cannot wait for the next installment – in fact, I am just as impatient as I was with the Wilder gang!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Hott Shot is the first book in the Hott Springs Eternal series, which is a spin-off from the Wilder Adventures series. You can still read and enjoy Hott Shot even if you haven’t read the previous series.

Quinn Hott and his brothers have returned to their hometown of Rush Creek, after the passing of their grandfather. Quinn quickly finds out that in order to keep their grandfather’s name, Quinn needs to spend the next two months working at the reception at the family’s spa.

Firstly, I have to say how mad I was when I found out Quinn hadn't returned to Rush Creek for his sister Hannah’s wedding. But he steps up and agrees to play receptionist at Hannah’s spa, even though his business and life was on the other side of the country.

Sonya, the spa manager, has to deal with her new receptionist, Quinn, and the discovery that her previous receptionist had been stealing from the business. I loved the instant chemistry between Quinn and Sonya and how respectful and considerate of each other they are.

Sonya is such a strong independent woman, and it is so sexy that Quinn, who is an intelligent, successful guy, is so strongly attracted to her. Even though on the surface, Sonya and Quinn seem to be very different, they actually work well together. I particularly liked that while there might be problems going on around them, the romance between the couple was fun and low angst.

Hott Shot is a fun, easy to read, adult romance with a dash of spice and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more books about the Hott brothers.

 

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena Bell

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Serena's Splendid Readers

 

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Hott Shot (Hott Springs Eternal #1) by Serena Bell to read and review.

Wilder at Last by Serena Bell

Falling for my frenemy? Out of the question.

Easton

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been giving Hanna a hard time—and she’s been giving it right back. So we’re both shocked to find ourselves on the same side of a project: helping Hanna win the heart of the celebrity chef hired by my family’s business to give summer workshops.

It shouldn’t be a big deal. A wardrobe evaluation. A shopping trip. Maybe some how-to-get-the-guy advice. I’m an expert on matters of the heart—or, at least matters of the mattress.

But as Hanna starts to trust me and open up, I see her differently. She’s not so much blunt as refreshingly honest, not so much a plain Jane in baggy clothes as… deliciously curvy. And hidden under that spiky, steely exterior is a soft heart she doesn’t show anyone.

Suddenly, the project includes ogling Hanna in dressing room mirrors. Offering her kissing lessons. And desperately trying not to give in to the sizzling heat between us.

I have to let her know the plan has changed: I’ll still help her get the guy she wants. I just need to somehow convince her that it’s me.

A steamy, opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers (or is it friends-to-lovers? So hard to tell with these two!), mountain man, small-town rom com.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Wilder Adventures series!
For book one, Make Me Wilder, click HERE.
For book two, Walk on the Wilder Side, click HERE.
For book three, Wilder With You, click HERE.
For book four, A Little Wilder, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The final instalment in the Wilder Adventures series gives us Easton and Hanna’s story. And it starts with Hanna pulling a brilliant prank. We’ve seen them bickering in previous books and it is clear to their friends and family that it is foreplay, but Hanna and Easton don’t realise that.

This is a romance with flirting and fun with off-the-charts sexual chemistry. But I love how deeply Easton and Hanna understand each other, having been friends since childhood and I found it quite emotional at times to see their friendship move to romantic love. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Happy tears. I loved Easton and Hanna, and their love story just made my heart sing.

Wilder at Last is a completely marvellous story and a fantastic ending to the series. But this won’t be the last we see of the Wilder clan as we are getting a spin-off series featuring Hanna’s brothers and I can’t wait.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series – and all ardent fans will be delighted that Easton and Hanna finally get their story. I would recommend that you read them in order to get the full goodness, particularly for this installment.

Though it has been obvious that their love-hate relationship is going to lead somewhere – but only once Easton grows up! But now the arrival of a celebrity outdoorsman chef has Easton thinking it is time to move away from the family business and the teasing.

It is a lot of fun joining them on their kitchen in the wilderness trip, watching Easton develop belief in himself as a leader and feelings for Hanna. Watching how he struggles to come out from under the assumptions of his family is a good reminder of how difficult it is to get a second chance.

Really lovely to catch up with the Wilder family and seeing Hanna and Easton get their chance at making their own way in the business.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I admit I have been waiting for this book since book one. I wasn't sure how Serena Bell was going to tackle the lovable animosity between the two and turn it into a romance.

Who knew that all it took was for Easton to grow up and realize that his life could be more than just Wilder Adventures. Seeing his brothers realize their dreams while still maintaining a close relationship with the family, showed him that he didn't have to stand in the shadows anymore.

Hanna, on the other hand, is a dutiful granddaughter and loves working with Wilder Adventures. She loves the backcountry life and when she finds out the guest cook Wilder Adventures is hosting is looking for a person to assist him in future projects, she jumps at the chance. And it doesn't hurt that the guy is cuter than cute.

As Hanna is not much of a girly girl or serial dater, she turns to her best frenemy, Easton, to help her out. Turns out Easton is not as annoying as he once was, nor is Hanna as Easton believed her to be. Especially when Hanna lets her guard down and Easton sees the real Hanna.

The animosity between them quickly leads to sparks. Both Hanna and Easton reluctantly give in to those moments of heat because they don't trust the spark not to die.

I really think this is one of the better books of the series, and that's saying something because I loved them all.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena Bell

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Serena's Splendid Readers

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Wilder at Last (Wilder Adventures #5) by Serena Bell to read and review.

A Little Wilder by Serena Bell

What happened in Vegas? Definitely didn’t stay in Vegas.

Gabe’s the oldest. Brody’s the bad boy. Clark’s the strong, silent warrior. Amanda’s the girl. And Easton—well, Easton’s the panty melter.

I’m Kane.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a bad job. But usually, I’m not the one people are talking about.

That’s about to change. Because the woman I had a smoking hot one-night stand with in Vegas? The one I should have stayed far, far away from, since women like her are my kryptonite?

She’s the same woman my brother just hired to redesign his fancy new glamping RVs.

I haven’t seen her since Vegas, but the instant I lay eyes on her, I can tell my quiet role as the boy-next-door brother is about to change.

She’s pregnant.

And it’s mine.

A steamy, small-town, accidental pregnancy, one-night-to-forever standalone romantic comedy by the USA Today bestselling author of Sleepover.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Wilder Adventures series!
For book one, Make Me Wilder, click HERE.
For book two, Walk on the Wilder Side, click HERE..
For book three, Wilder With You, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order, as the underlying story of the Wilder family runs through them all.

I am always amazed at how stories which start in Las Vegas pan out – and this one is definitely one of the most entertaining that I have read!

Kane is the Wilder brother who is the good guy, the one who gets taken advantage of, because he is just so good natured – the introduction to him is a perfect example of this. However, one night in Las Vegas, he decided to channel his much freer with love brother and had a fling. Months later he still has not been able to forget her, so when she turns out to be the RV specialist that his brother has just contracted to overhaul their new onsite RVs. What is really unexpected is that she is pregnant... and yes, it his!

Mari is such a fascinating character, suffering from rejection bordering on abuse from her mother as a child, she cannot imagine the life that she discovers when she is included in the Wilder family group. I love how they work hard to be welcoming, but also aware of her becoming overwhelmed. Kane we already know is the good guy, but faced with the woman he could not forget, he is so cautious not to lose her, or their baby. It is impossible not to become invested in the happiness of this new family.

It is really fun watching them fill in the bits which they missed out on with their precipitous start, and most particularly reading about how she plans and achieves her makeovers.

This is such a fun series with lots of variety and I am enjoying seeing the growth of the family as they bring in their loves and make the business even more successful. Looking forward to the next installment!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
This is a story I want to tell everyone to read just so they can read the first few scenes. Because firstly, who does that to a pregnant woman? And secondly, who breaks up with a great guy like Kane like that? It was nuts!

Aside from the first few scenes that had me a bit lost of words, this is a really lovely romance. While Mari doesn’t know where the father of her baby, Kane, is or even who he is, at six months pregnant they meet again and it is clear that they were meant to be together and it would only be a matter of time before they realise it too. It was a joy to see their romance and to see a family be created.

The romance is joyful and full of love, there were also a few times when I cried with our couple. One scene in particular I’m sure many mums reading will be able to relate to. I’m tearing up just remembering it.

A Little Wilder was a pleasure to read, and I’d definitely recommend it to romance lovers.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena Bell

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Serena's Splendid Readers

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Little Wilder (Wilder Adventures #4) by Serena Bell to read and review.

Wilder With You by Serena Bell

Who knew pretending could be so hot?

Clark

It started as a joke. After all, I’d never pretend to date a woman just to get my mom and sister off my back.

I would, however, pretend to date her to get her ex-husband off hers.

Now the two of us, the wilderness warrior and the wedding planner, are stuck sharing a very small tent. I had no idea how fast things would heat up in here, or how hard it would be to keep my hands—among other things—to myself.

I also didn’t guess how quickly the news of our “relationship” would spread to my big, nosy family.

We can’t “break up” yet, because she’s planning my brother’s wedding and I’m his best man. Through venue visits, DIY disasters, and Vegas trips, we’re thrown together, and the chemistry’s off-the-charts. But the kicker is, I feel like she gets me.

Maybe that’s what scares me the most. I’m still reeling from the loss of my wife, and she’s still hurting from her ex’s betrayal. There’s no way this can ever be real.

But what if I’m starting to hope it is?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Wilder Adventures series!
For book one, Make Me Wilder, click HERE.
For book two, Walk on the Wilder Side, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order as they are a lot of fun, and the story is ongoing. However, if you start here (and go back afterwards), you will still get a really lovely romance with plenty of detail to give you the background to catch you up.

I have read a host of fake romance stories, but none have started out like this one, and it is incredibly refreshing, funny, and based on nascent love which neither had been prepared to act on for the sake of propriety.

Clark's wife, Emma, died suddenly, and as her friend, Jessa never thought she could then act on her attraction to him. Cue a number of uncomfortable meetings – but when faced with her ex-husband showing off his girlfriend, Clark cannot help but intervene. What follows is both incredibly sweet and romantic, but also moving, and caring, and also at times very funny.

The Wilder clan all feature large, and there are more revelations for us to enjoy and look forward to more details in the future. Be ready for some good laughs, some real healing from sadness, and a lot of hope for a better future.

I am already looking forward to Kane's story that's for sure!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I highly recommend getting comfy and enjoying this book on an afternoon where you want to get lost in a good book.

Clark and Jessa at first seem to be complete opposites. Clark is part of the Wilders – his family owns Wilder Adventures – and the whole family are wilderness buffs. Jessa is trying new things so as to not appear boring, staid, and a stick in the mud.

Starting with a "fake dating" relationship to becoming reluctant friends to truly enjoying each other's company, you can see how their relationship progresses. These two have issues and boundaries that they each must work out and take their time to do so.

This is a stand-alone book but I highly recommend reading the first two because you get to know the Wilders and the backstories of the people in Clark and Jessa's story.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Wilder With You is the third installment in the Wilder Adventures series gives us Clark’s story. Clark’s wife passed away several years ago and he is feeling pressure from his family to start dating. A spur of the moment decision sees him pretending to be the boyfriend of Jessa, a woman who was in his wife’s book club.

I’m not the biggest fan of fake relationships as a trope but it worked really well here. Jessa and Clarke are insanely attracted to each other and seeing them fall in love while “pretending” to be a couple was sexy and a lot of fun. Dating again is a big deal for Clark and in a mostly light-hearted book, Clark’s grief added an extra depth of feeling.

Clark’s family are a feature in the story, and they quickly adopt Jessa into their clan. One of things I love about this book, and this series, is getting to hang out with the Wilder bunch. They are fun, a little crazy, and full of love. And we get little hint of things that are to come in the future books for the rest of the Wilder brothers.

I’d highly recommend Wilder With You for romcom lovers. It can be read as a standalone but the whole series is so good it is worth your time to read them all.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Serena's Splendid Readers

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Wilder With You (Wilder Adventures #3) by Serena Bell to read and review.

Walk on the Wilder Side by Serena Bell

His best friend’s sister is rocking his boat. In the best way possible.

Brody

What’s a bad boy doing hosting a book club on his boat? Excellent question. All I can tell you is, it’s not going well. I forgot the bug wipes, the extra TP, and the hand sanitizer, we’re out of wine, and… well, I may have made some people angry, if the reviews are any indication. The only way to dig myself out of this hole is to redeem myself by offering the best girls’ nights out in town.

Enter my best friend’s sister. I’ve gone out of my way to avoid Rachel, since despite her good-girl rep, I can’t seem to get her out of my head. Now she’s in my boat… and if I don’t watch myself, soon she’ll be in my bed. Things are going surprisingly well between us… but I know myself, and I’m not this guy. I’m the guy you want for fantasy fulfillment, not the guy you want for forever.

But what if I need this time to be different?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Wilder Adventures series!
For book one, Make Me Wilder, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – each will concentrate on a member of the Wilder family. I would suggest that you read them in order, as the underlying family and business dynamics are core to behaviours which play out in these books. The first book pertained to eldest brother, Gabe – the one that at 15 took on the mantle of head of the family. Next we see Brody, only a year younger, but not given the responsibility at 14, he chose to act out and develop the bad boy persona that now dogs him.

Frustrated that he is not contributing enough to the rebuilding of the family business, Brody is somewhat clutching at straws when he agrees to host book clubs on his boat. The first one does not go well, and once again he faces the disappointment of his older brother. Then a twist of fate brings his best friend's sister to his boat... and the party is definitely not what he expected Rachel to be running. You will certainly laugh through quite a lot of this book!

Rachel did not have the recent events in her life written in her master plan, but she is back home helping her mother whilst she recovers from a broken leg. This puts her right on Brody's boat running a party. She has had a crush on him for years, but unknown to her, her brother, Connor, has been running interference for many years – and isn't planning on stopping now either. But actually, they are both adults now, and whilst she has no intention of staying in their little town, she is keen to experience just what she has been missing.

As they get close, and together face some of the issues that have bothered them for years, they find freedom in each other. Brody gets to live his best life, and Rachel is starting to reconsider whether she could actually change that plan of hers!

A lovely, funny, sexy romance – I am looking forward to the next installment already.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Brody is the bad boy of the Wilder brothers and his reputation is well earned. Rachel, on the other hand, is the good girl, she plans everything in her life and does the right thing and all it got her was a cheating boyfriend, let go from her job, and back living with her parents in her hometown. On the surface you wouldn’t think that Brody and Rachel would go so well together but they balance each other out well and they really understood each other, which I loved.

This is a fun romantic read. Brody’s reaction the first time Rachel hosted a party on his boat selling products for women was brilliant and really set the tone for the chemistry between the couple. I liked that Rachel went for what she wanted even though it was not what others would have expected from her.

I was surprised how many times tears came to my eyes while reading given this is a romcom, but Brody made my heart ache quite a few times. Issues with his reputation and the way people see Brody and how he sees himself had me tearing up repeatedly. Tears aside, there are lots of sweet and fun times in this romance. I found Walk on the Wilder Side to be an easy-to-read romance and it left me feeling good.

 

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Corner of Smart & Sexy

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Walk on the Wilder Side (Wilder Adventures #2) by Serena Bell to read and review.

Make Me Wilder by Serena Bell Release Blitz

This tent is too small for the both of us. And I like it that way.

Gabe

I promised my dad I’d take care of the Wilder family adventure business, including my rowdy co-workers, AKA my brothers.

Now the business is in trouble. Rush Creek has become a spa-and-wedding destination, and the new tourists aren’t interested in getting dirty—at least not in the woods.

Then Lucy comes to town, all blonde hair and silky blouses and spike heels. It’s her job to give Wilder Adventures a makeover. If she gets her way, Wilder Adventures will become Wilder Romantic Adventures.

Lucy hates small towns, getting messy, and anything involving the woods or the water—which pretty much makes her Not My Type.

That doesn’t explain why when I see her, I can’t look away. Why when I touch her, I can’t stop. And why, even though I know no one can talk a city girl into small town life, I’m still trying.

She’s driving me wild. All I can do is make her wilder.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

I’ve been giving Lucy a hard time, but the truth is, she’s doing great. She’s a fish out of water, but she never balks at anything that needs to be done, in or out of the woods.

Right now, she’s doing her damnedest to start a fire using flint and steel, and even though she’s probably struck them together a hundred times without success, she’s still doggedly trying. Everyone else has a passable fire going, even the ironically bearded Iggy.

I kneel beside her and hold out my hands.

“I will never live this down, will I?” she asks.

“Probably not.”

Clark calls from the other side of the clearing. “Luce. You want to try one of the drills?”

Clark fashioned two drills, a hand-drill and a bow drill, to demonstrate how rubbing wood inside a groove can start a fire. He brings them over to where Lucy is crouched, shoulders slumped, and offers them to her.

“You want me to demonstrate again?” he asks.

“I got this,” I tell him.

He cocks his head, considering me. I give him a shut the hell up brotherly look. He retreats, smirking.

Yeah, I know. I don’t usually act this way around women. Any women. And I know I’m going to hear about it later.

But I can’t stay away from Lucy. Like earlier, when I saw her struggling with the water collecting. I’m a fixer—it’s who I am. And those knots needed fixing.

It was a bonus that I got to wrap my body around hers.

Double bonus that she wriggled herself back against me, just a little bit. Like we were both trying to pretend it wasn’t happening.

She got away with the pretending a hell of a lot better than I did.

Here I am again, Mr. Fixer, with the fire-starter.

I still have ulterior motives, too. Not gonna lie. I like being her hero—I have since that first day with the ducks. Sometimes, like when I was cooking fish the other night, or when I was building my shelter earlier, I catch her watching me. With wonder in her eyes.

I’ve had women look at me that way before. But it’s different with her. Having someone I admire so much look at me like that cracks me open.

I feel like I’d do almost anything for that look in her eyes.

Plus, I like to mess with her.

“So, look, you want to put the drill rod in the opening, here—” I murmur. “And then apply just the right amount of pressure.”

I meet her eyes. They’re wide. Her cheeks are pink, too. “You’re doing that on purpose.”

“Of course I’m doing it on purpose. I’m making a point. It’s all about the friction. And the technique.”

“Gabe,” she grumbles, but she traps her soft lower lip between her teeth, and her breath is quick.

“All that rubbing,” I murmur.

I watch the flush cover her throat, and hope the way I’m squatting conceals my raging erection.

“What’s basically happening here is that the two pieces of wood stop knowing where one ends and the other starts. Their molecules mix. And that’s combustion. Heat. Flame.”

On that note, the wood smolders and I tease it to life with my breath, adding tinder, fanning the flames.

Of course, I narrate what I’m doing, too, checking to make sure she’s with me. The flush, and the way she’s torturing that soft lip, tells me she is.

“What did I say?” I tell her. “Stick with me, and you’ll be just fine.”

“Or dead from sexual frustration,” she mutters.

I grin. “Stay patient, baby.”

“You know I only brought one change of underpants, right?”

“I can’t help it if you underestimated me,” I tell her.

She turns a shade pinker, and I get to test out how hard it’s possible to become without being touched.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The story starts off with a very embarrassing scene which ends with marketing professional Lucy taking time off work. She ends up in small town Oregon, for a three-week job to help a local business, Wilder Adventures, with their marketing issues. Problem is. she has been hired by the matriarch of the Wilder family without the knowledge of Gabe, the oldest brother who runs the business.

The scene where Lucy and Gabe meet is so fabulous. It is cute and hot and all I could think was if these guys grow old together, they’ll have a great story to tell the grandkids. Lucy and Gabe have great chemistry from the start, and it only burns hotter the more they spend time together.

Make Me Wilder is so fun and sexy and romantic. I adored it from start to finish. I loved all the flirting and romance between Gabe and Lucy and their adventures had me grinning over and over. I also loved that Lucy, who had always kept people at arm’s length, found friends in this town. Not only did I fall in love with Gabe and Lucy during this story, I fell in love with all the Wilders, their friends, and the town.

As the story came to an end, rather than be sad it was over, I was excited to know that there are more books to come from the Wilder Brothers. I’ve already pre-ordered book two, Walk on the Wilder Side. Make Me Wilder is a fantastic romance in its own right but it is also the beginning of what I’m sure is going to be an amazing series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series and we are in for some fun future installments I am sure! The Wilder family-run outdoor adventure business is suffering from a decline in trade as the town converts to less rough and tough tourists. So the major shareholder and mum of the family brings in a marketing expert from New York City. Cue a whole load of resistance, of opposites attract and totally scary adventures for both Gabe and Lucy.

Lucy has a very no relationships policy, which gets her into unexpected deep water in New York City, so she takes a leave of absence. Thanks to her mum, she ends up with a contract at Wilder Adventures and finds herself bunking in the business HQ sharing Gabe's shower facilities. The set-up is hilarious and guarantees a fun journey for reader and leads alike.

I really liked how both their backstories had an impact on how they react to events. It was easy to understand why they behaved as they did, and how they still couldn't resist their mutual chemistry. It is going to be a lot of fun watching the other brothers find their happily ever afters in the future.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author SERENA BELL writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

Connect with Serena

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Make Me Wilder (Wilder Adventures #1) by Serena Bell to read and review for this tour.