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Wild Heart Ranch #3
Savior Complex
Love isn't something I get to wish for. Ten years ago, my nephew was sold to traffickers, and it was my fault. I spent the next decade doggedly searching for him in the most awful places imaginable, unable to stop until I knew he was safe.
I finally track him down to Wild Heart Ranch, an equine therapy center in the heart of Texas with a secret mission to help victims of trafficking. While I get to know the funny, strong, disturbed man my nephew has become, I find comfort and companionship in Levy, the ranch's tattooed, pierced, much younger equine therapist.
My usual one-night-stand protocol isn't holding up, and I can't find it in myself to care. We're kindred spirits, Levy and I, both of us having survived so much. Falling into bed with him is as easy as breathing.
Believing that we both deserve love, however, is the hard part.
Savior Complex is a hot age-gap romance that features a silver fox with a past, an equine therapist with imaginative piercings, and one helluva family reunion.
I finally track him down to Wild Heart Ranch, an equine therapy center in the heart of Texas with a secret mission to help victims of trafficking. While I get to know the funny, strong, disturbed man my nephew has become, I find comfort and companionship in Levy, the ranch's tattooed, pierced, much younger equine therapist.
My usual one-night-stand protocol isn't holding up, and I can't find it in myself to care. We're kindred spirits, Levy and I, both of us having survived so much. Falling into bed with him is as easy as breathing.
Believing that we both deserve love, however, is the hard part.
Savior Complex is a hot age-gap romance that features a silver fox with a past, an equine therapist with imaginative piercings, and one helluva family reunion.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
222 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 22, 2023
3.75**** stars
Yeah well, looking at all these characters and what they’ve been through —together and individually— I feel it’s kinda their prerogative.
While his brother Bram is more of a clinical psychiatrist, Levy offers equine therapy on Wild Heart Ranch —horse therapy. He also often works with some of the survivors they rescue from trafficking.
I loved that, in contrast to the two first book in the series, there is more work with the horses involved here (naturally) - so this book has at least a tiny more ranch-feel to it. It’s what I kinda missed before. But I guess we all got that in spades in Rebel Sky. *lol
Javier, Ant’s uncle, who we meet for the first time at the very end of “Good Behavior” is so much more one could’ve initially anticipated. He not only never gave up hope to find his nephew some day, he practically went on a search of his own and made a name for himself in his vigilante ways and saved a lot of people out of human trafficking as well. So he’s in pretty good company there at Wild Heart.
Javier’s and Levi’s romance starts with hookups —in the name of sexual healing. But evolves quickly into something way more. Javier has been through a lot these past year and finally finding their Antonio and learning little by little of Ant’s horror almost breaks him. And Levy still works through the day when years ago his parents died in a horrible car accident while he and Bram survived in the backseat.
It’s a lot to process for the both of them. And for the reader as well. But once again I’m glad that Kelly Fox can write such heavy topics, make you feel deeply for the characters but doesn’t drag you down into an angst-fest.
And man, Javier and Levi were fire together. And I almost light up myself conjuring up an image of Levi —heavily tattooed and pierced. *drooling
And don’t get me started on this little excursion with the lace panties. Hooootttttt!! —“Tattoos and lace. There is no better combination,” he growls
⇢ Honestly, this one was a bitch to rate and this is why: The build up for Ant’s story and character arc was once again strong, maybe even a bit too strong for this not being his story yet! And as much as I loved to follow this it sadly took the spotlight off Levi & Javier quite a bit in the second half and especially towards their HEA they didn’t feel as important anymore as they deserved. (That’s my only complaint but one I cannot leave unmentioned.)
But regardless that I finished this book feeling a bit disappointed, I'm excited for Ant’s book —and taking a deeper look into Eric as well. July cannot come fast enough.
And maaaan, my heart! They are absent in practically ever other book, so I immediately went all *heart-eyes-emoji when suddenly Odd & DeShaun showed up at Wild Heart. It was so good to see them again.
*Please heed TWs!
************
Wild Heart Ranch Series
Book 1 - Sworn Enemy - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Good Behavior - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Savior Complex - 3.75 stars
Book 4 - Anti-Hero - 4.25 stars
Spin-off to the Rebel Sky Ranch series with references to the Guardians as well as the Mobsters + Billionaires series
What—and I cannot stress this enough—the fuck?
“Is everyone here absolutely insane?”
Yeah well, looking at all these characters and what they’ve been through —together and individually— I feel it’s kinda their prerogative.
While his brother Bram is more of a clinical psychiatrist, Levy offers equine therapy on Wild Heart Ranch —horse therapy. He also often works with some of the survivors they rescue from trafficking.
I loved that, in contrast to the two first book in the series, there is more work with the horses involved here (naturally) - so this book has at least a tiny more ranch-feel to it. It’s what I kinda missed before. But I guess we all got that in spades in Rebel Sky. *lol
Javier, Ant’s uncle, who we meet for the first time at the very end of “Good Behavior” is so much more one could’ve initially anticipated. He not only never gave up hope to find his nephew some day, he practically went on a search of his own and made a name for himself in his vigilante ways and saved a lot of people out of human trafficking as well. So he’s in pretty good company there at Wild Heart.
Javier’s and Levi’s romance starts with hookups —in the name of sexual healing. But evolves quickly into something way more. Javier has been through a lot these past year and finally finding their Antonio and learning little by little of Ant’s horror almost breaks him. And Levy still works through the day when years ago his parents died in a horrible car accident while he and Bram survived in the backseat.
It’s a lot to process for the both of them. And for the reader as well. But once again I’m glad that Kelly Fox can write such heavy topics, make you feel deeply for the characters but doesn’t drag you down into an angst-fest.
And man, Javier and Levi were fire together. And I almost light up myself conjuring up an image of Levi —heavily tattooed and pierced. *drooling
“Is that why you got all of your intimate piercings? Because they bring you more pleasure?” “In the right hands, yes.”
And don’t get me started on this little excursion with the lace panties. Hooootttttt!! —“Tattoos and lace. There is no better combination,” he growls
⇢ Honestly, this one was a bitch to rate and this is why: The build up for Ant’s story and character arc was once again strong, maybe even a bit too strong for this not being his story yet! And as much as I loved to follow this it sadly took the spotlight off Levi & Javier quite a bit in the second half and especially towards their HEA they didn’t feel as important anymore as they deserved. (That’s my only complaint but one I cannot leave unmentioned.)
But regardless that I finished this book feeling a bit disappointed, I'm excited for Ant’s book —and taking a deeper look into Eric as well. July cannot come fast enough.
And maaaan, my heart! They are absent in practically ever other book, so I immediately went all *heart-eyes-emoji when suddenly Odd & DeShaun showed up at Wild Heart. It was so good to see them again.
*Please heed TWs!
************
Wild Heart Ranch Series
Book 1 - Sworn Enemy - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Good Behavior - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Savior Complex - 3.75 stars
Book 4 - Anti-Hero - 4.25 stars
Spin-off to the Rebel Sky Ranch series with references to the Guardians as well as the Mobsters + Billionaires series
July 12, 2023
2.5 stars but rounding up for the audio
There was a 50% chance this would be a hit but sadly it was the 50% that was a miss.
I just got bored, nothing really wrong with the book, thank god there were less tears that weren’t warranted but I think the way the instalove was done in this book wasn’t my favorite.
I hope Ant’s book is better.
There was a 50% chance this would be a hit but sadly it was the 50% that was a miss.
I just got bored, nothing really wrong with the book, thank god there were less tears that weren’t warranted but I think the way the instalove was done in this book wasn’t my favorite.
I hope Ant’s book is better.
June 4, 2023
Whatever magic Kelly brewed with Guardians, she has with this series too. I love all of these interconnected series, but Guardians was special. This one is too, but the focus on the hurt comfort and healing from past trauma just makes it all so much deeper.
Add in Kelly’s talent for really vivid characters and a massive found family, I just adored this book. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about bringing in someone new into this established group, but Javier was a perfect tie in to the long run of Ant’s story progression, and I love how sweet he and Levy are with each other.
I’m just happy to enjoy a book again, as there have been so few this year. I can’t wait for Ant’s book.
Add in Kelly’s talent for really vivid characters and a massive found family, I just adored this book. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about bringing in someone new into this established group, but Javier was a perfect tie in to the long run of Ant’s story progression, and I love how sweet he and Levy are with each other.
I’m just happy to enjoy a book again, as there have been so few this year. I can’t wait for Ant’s book.
June 12, 2023
If you want a 286-page long prequel to Ant and Eric's story, then this is the book for you! 😄👊
I'm not gonna lie, I ain't even mad, this worked for me.
I'm in it for Ant's book and I can't wait for his love story with Eric, so this was a really solid foundation for everything that's about to come in Anti Hero.
As far as the MCs Javier and Levy go, I'll say they're a solid, good couple, much better than Bram and Nacho. Levy is more endearing than his brother and the chemistry between him and much older Javier is very palpable.
They start out having sex just to let off steam, but they quickly start having feelings for each other, and that wasn't even the main part of the story, they were always in the background as a couple, but it worked for me, because I wasn't that interested in them anyway. Oops? 😀
🌶️ The spice was really good, sex scenes and the dialogues between the sex scenes worked for me, the visuals definitely worked with Levy being a thick, muscled guy and Javier being a taller and broader silver fox.
"You've got a perfect ass," he whispers against my lips, squeezing said ass.
"You should see my thighs. Strong and thick."
Well, I'm a sucker for strong thighs, so there's that.
"I dont think I've ever had a man look so satisfied in that position. He makes the quietest little noises of happiness as he slides up and down on me, and I feel like the tastiest boy he's ever had".
Damn. 😏
"Horses are all about the vibes. Considering I got fucked really well last night, my vibes are immaculate."
Well, look at that equine therapist being good at his job! 😄
Levy and Javier's love story is almost non-existent, so I can't rate it more than 2.75⭐, but I'll round it up to 3⭐, even though you're not getting what you want with this book, but it worked for me, so at this point I'm really hoping that Anti Hero delivers, I want Ant's story to be as good as Sworn Enemy was.
I loved seeing other couples again and damn, I really have to read Anders' story!
August 25, 2023
Not my favorite 🤷♀️ I feel like all Kelly Fox's series just get more tangled up in each other with each book. Not that I don't love seeing my faves like Hopper but it's a bit much.
This is Levy and Javier's romance, but I kept forgetting since it was so heavily about Ant which on one hand okay bc Javier is his uncle and they are being reunited after ten years but wouldnt it have made more since to have Ants book first then the uncles becuase am I just going to have to reread all this info again in the next book . Sorry I digressed but Ant was more of a star character in this book than the actual couple.
I'm torn because as a story it was solid but as a romance between Levy and Javier's it was lacking in my opinion.
This is Levy and Javier's romance, but I kept forgetting since it was so heavily about Ant which on one hand okay bc Javier is his uncle and they are being reunited after ten years but wouldnt it have made more since to have Ants book first then the uncles becuase am I just going to have to reread all this info again in the next book . Sorry I digressed but Ant was more of a star character in this book than the actual couple.
I'm torn because as a story it was solid but as a romance between Levy and Javier's it was lacking in my opinion.
May 29, 2023
I was fortunate enough to get an early copy of this gem and I simply loved it. I'm a huge fan of Kelly Fox's work: her conversational writing style, her humor, which is sometimes of the gallows variety, her vivid, sympathetic, and loveable characters, and her body-positive, super-steamy sex scenes. I feel like I know these people...her characters have become a part of my life.
In Savior Complex, she kicks things up another notch in the Wild Heart Ranch series, where the cast fights against the human traffickers. Somehow, despite the themes of the book, it manages to be tender, hopeful, and yes, romantic.
Please note there are some scenes of graphic violence on-page, though those who are on the receiving end definitely deserve much worse. The over-arching story doesn't overshadow the romance between Javier and Levy, though, and they are scorching hot together.
You could try reading this book as a standalone, but I think that since it picks up at the end of the previous book, you'd do better to at least read the first two of the Wild Heart Ranch series, though there are appearances by fan favorites from the Wrecked: Guardians and Billionaires + Mobsters series, along with the Rebel Sky series. I'd recommend reading everything the author has written in order of publication for maximum enjoyment, but even if you don't take that path, you'll probably end up reading them all at some point because they're just that good.
I cannot WAIT for the next book, because Ant and Erik have been dancing around each other since they met in Sworn Enemy.
By the way, I think Savior Complex is even better than Sworn Enemy. If you know, you know.
In Savior Complex, she kicks things up another notch in the Wild Heart Ranch series, where the cast fights against the human traffickers. Somehow, despite the themes of the book, it manages to be tender, hopeful, and yes, romantic.
Please note there are some scenes of graphic violence on-page, though those who are on the receiving end definitely deserve much worse. The over-arching story doesn't overshadow the romance between Javier and Levy, though, and they are scorching hot together.
You could try reading this book as a standalone, but I think that since it picks up at the end of the previous book, you'd do better to at least read the first two of the Wild Heart Ranch series, though there are appearances by fan favorites from the Wrecked: Guardians and Billionaires + Mobsters series, along with the Rebel Sky series. I'd recommend reading everything the author has written in order of publication for maximum enjoyment, but even if you don't take that path, you'll probably end up reading them all at some point because they're just that good.
I cannot WAIT for the next book, because Ant and Erik have been dancing around each other since they met in Sworn Enemy.
By the way, I think Savior Complex is even better than Sworn Enemy. If you know, you know.
May 26, 2023
What a ride!
This book covers so much ground. It’s gritty with plenty of action and a beautiful age gap romance between two wonderful men in Javier and Levy. Men who know the importance of communication so there’s no dramatic turns in their relationship. There is plenty of sizzling chemistry between them and so many steamy times balanced with some sweet and tender moments to show the depth of the connection they have. Levy finally gets his yearned for HEA with a man who understands him and his work and just loves and accepts him for the person he is.
The found family members and others involved in stopping the trafficking operations are once again working together to rescue and reunite where possible the trafficked children. My heart was breaking at times and then laughing out loud (thanks to some cameo’s) at others. Ant Is featured heavily and it’s a joy to see the growth within him as he embraces the broken parts of himself and accepts how he is both mentally and emotionally. His and Erik’s story is up next and boy is that going to be interesting!
I loved every moment of this entertaining engaging book and it certainly had me oohing and ahhing as all of the elements of the perfectly paced plot came together. With this series Kelly Fox certainly knows how to keep her readers invested in the outcome as the ride gets wilder and wilder.
This book covers so much ground. It’s gritty with plenty of action and a beautiful age gap romance between two wonderful men in Javier and Levy. Men who know the importance of communication so there’s no dramatic turns in their relationship. There is plenty of sizzling chemistry between them and so many steamy times balanced with some sweet and tender moments to show the depth of the connection they have. Levy finally gets his yearned for HEA with a man who understands him and his work and just loves and accepts him for the person he is.
The found family members and others involved in stopping the trafficking operations are once again working together to rescue and reunite where possible the trafficked children. My heart was breaking at times and then laughing out loud (thanks to some cameo’s) at others. Ant Is featured heavily and it’s a joy to see the growth within him as he embraces the broken parts of himself and accepts how he is both mentally and emotionally. His and Erik’s story is up next and boy is that going to be interesting!
I loved every moment of this entertaining engaging book and it certainly had me oohing and ahhing as all of the elements of the perfectly paced plot came together. With this series Kelly Fox certainly knows how to keep her readers invested in the outcome as the ride gets wilder and wilder.
May 27, 2023
Kelly… KELLY what are you doing to me?!?!
I’m honestly not a cryer when it comes to books. I just don’t find the emotion overwhelming in that way most of the time. However this book had me tearing up MULTIPLE times. I already knew that it was going to be a deep emotional story and I might be a little biased because this is already one of my very favorite shared worlds but this hit me so hard!
This story was crafted with such care and love the words just flew off the page and created a movie in my mind that I couldn’t get enough of. Javi’s pain and grief was so visceral and his need to take care of someone paired with Levy’s longing for a partner and fear of abandonment was just magic together. I did hope to see Javi take Ant and Levy to Mexico but I’m thinking it may happen during Ant’s book at some point maybe.
The topics that Wild Heart deals with are painful themselves and watching Ant in particular start to heal and accept that his past took something from him that he won’t ever get back was both devastating and beautiful. I am so in love with the world and the characters that Kelly Fox has created I cannot wait for more!!
I’m honestly not a cryer when it comes to books. I just don’t find the emotion overwhelming in that way most of the time. However this book had me tearing up MULTIPLE times. I already knew that it was going to be a deep emotional story and I might be a little biased because this is already one of my very favorite shared worlds but this hit me so hard!
This story was crafted with such care and love the words just flew off the page and created a movie in my mind that I couldn’t get enough of. Javi’s pain and grief was so visceral and his need to take care of someone paired with Levy’s longing for a partner and fear of abandonment was just magic together. I did hope to see Javi take Ant and Levy to Mexico but I’m thinking it may happen during Ant’s book at some point maybe.
The topics that Wild Heart deals with are painful themselves and watching Ant in particular start to heal and accept that his past took something from him that he won’t ever get back was both devastating and beautiful. I am so in love with the world and the characters that Kelly Fox has created I cannot wait for more!!
May 29, 2023
Le sigh 😌 I loved it 🥰
I really wanted Erik and Ant’s book after reading the last one but have to say this was the perfect set-up for their story that comes next.
I loved seeing Levy and Javier get their well deserved HEA, especially after hearing their stories.
Loved seeing some of the good ole gang again. Never a dull moment with Anders and Hopper on board.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really wanted Erik and Ant’s book after reading the last one but have to say this was the perfect set-up for their story that comes next.
I loved seeing Levy and Javier get their well deserved HEA, especially after hearing their stories.
Loved seeing some of the good ole gang again. Never a dull moment with Anders and Hopper on board.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2023
First off - THAT COVER IS SMOKIN HOT! As for the story within - Wow! Javier & Levy, sizzling chemistry, great connection, good communication - it's everything around them that hits the fan & they dive in together. No spoilers, but there's also Erik & Ant, cameos out the wazoo, action-packed adventures of the rescue variety, hot water, hot times, high emotions, heartache, heartbreak & reunification. This is the grittier of Kelly's series, but equally as amazing & humorous, full of love & found family & fighting for life, physical, emotional, mental. Life. Fantastic story-telling, awesome characters, collaborations, cameos - one wild ride for all involved. Can't wait to see how the rest plays out, it promises to be quite entertaining, educational, emotional and exhausting lol. Can't wait!!
June 7, 2023
When I tell y'all this book wrecked me. I was crying by the end of Chapter 1 and continued doing so throughout the book. I love the way Kelly writes about hard topics with empathy and just the right amount of humor. Javier and Levy are no different. Their story is angsty without being heartbreaking. This was a one sitting read (which is a HUGE accomplishment as of late) with me wanting to dive right back in. I didn't think a series could get better than the Guardians. I was wrong.
I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my honest review.
July 19, 2023
Savior Complex is the third book in the Wild Heart Ranch series by Kelly Fox. It's the story of Javier and Levi. Levi is Bram's (book 2) brother.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, exciting, thrilling, full of feels and very well written.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, exciting, thrilling, full of feels and very well written.
June 25, 2024
This book was just okay but j feel that it lacked in the romance department. Most of the book was spent with one MC reuniting with his long lost nephew.
It was boring in my opinion.
It was boring in my opinion.
June 29, 2023
Probably my least favorite so far - I didn’t feel like Levy got his time to be developed as a character because this was just set up for Ant (like all the books were)
May 27, 2023
Ahhhh. (That was a sigh of satisfaction.) I’m writing this review moments after finishing this book, so I’m currently riding the endorphin high of the happy ending.
I just loved Javier, the smooth bastard (see chapter 7 and 8 for evidence of this). And Levy too, sweetheart wrapped up in bad-boy tattoos that he is. The two of them together are swoon-worthy perfection. I love LOVE love a romance between adults - people that are aware of their needs and feelings, and are honest about them with themselves and each other. That confidence and honesty? So hot.
One thing about Kelly’s writing that keeps me coming back, is that she paints these characters so vividly that I feel it all, the connection, the joy and excitement, as well as the hurt.
That brings me to the next bit - please carefully read and consider the warnings at the beginning. I did not think this would be a challenging read for me, but it was, and I was suprised by that.
Parts of this story were difficult for me to get through - Ant’s past trauma and the emotional fallout as Javi and Levi witness it, Ant’s offhand remarks, and some of the violence in the action scenes were challenging for me and I almost gave up on this book at several points.
The romance aspect of this story was absolutely lovely though, and was what ultimately made me pick this book back up and kept me going till that very satisfying conclusion. I’m very glad I kept going till the happy ending.
I just loved Javier, the smooth bastard (see chapter 7 and 8 for evidence of this). And Levy too, sweetheart wrapped up in bad-boy tattoos that he is. The two of them together are swoon-worthy perfection. I love LOVE love a romance between adults - people that are aware of their needs and feelings, and are honest about them with themselves and each other. That confidence and honesty? So hot.
One thing about Kelly’s writing that keeps me coming back, is that she paints these characters so vividly that I feel it all, the connection, the joy and excitement, as well as the hurt.
That brings me to the next bit - please carefully read and consider the warnings at the beginning. I did not think this would be a challenging read for me, but it was, and I was suprised by that.
Parts of this story were difficult for me to get through - Ant’s past trauma and the emotional fallout as Javi and Levi witness it, Ant’s offhand remarks, and some of the violence in the action scenes were challenging for me and I almost gave up on this book at several points.
The romance aspect of this story was absolutely lovely though, and was what ultimately made me pick this book back up and kept me going till that very satisfying conclusion. I’m very glad I kept going till the happy ending.
December 8, 2024
This was probably the most emotional Kelly Fox book I’ve read.
Ant’s uncle, Javier, has been looking for him for 10 years. He finally tracks him to Wild Heart Ranch. To say that their reunion was emotional, is an understatement. When Javier meets Levy, he’s immediately attracted to him and wants him for a night.
Levy is practicing his equine therapy and doing his best to support everyone around him. When he meets Javier, he instantly knows that he has to be careful because it would be way too easy to get hurt.
I can’t even explain how much I loved the fact that they both agreed to sleep with each other once, neither of them hesitated to communicate that they wanted more!
I loved that aside from their relationship and story, we get to learn a lot more about Ant and who he wants to be. The family reunion brought me to tears and I can’t wait to read his book!
Ant’s uncle, Javier, has been looking for him for 10 years. He finally tracks him to Wild Heart Ranch. To say that their reunion was emotional, is an understatement. When Javier meets Levy, he’s immediately attracted to him and wants him for a night.
Levy is practicing his equine therapy and doing his best to support everyone around him. When he meets Javier, he instantly knows that he has to be careful because it would be way too easy to get hurt.
I can’t even explain how much I loved the fact that they both agreed to sleep with each other once, neither of them hesitated to communicate that they wanted more!
I loved that aside from their relationship and story, we get to learn a lot more about Ant and who he wants to be. The family reunion brought me to tears and I can’t wait to read his book!
July 7, 2023
This one checked all my boxes: characters developed? - yep; interesting plot with action? - yep; writing is smooth without holes? - yep; Questions answered? - yep. The fact that the author explored trauma-induced change in the brain and did an excellent job just added to the story. I think this one is my favorite in this series so far.
August 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Was not expecting it, but this one was my favourite of the series so far 🥰
Narrator: Declan Winters
Was not expecting it, but this one was my favourite of the series so far 🥰
Narrator: Declan Winters
June 25, 2024
4.45⭐
Loved it again, this time with an audiobook. Onto the next!
Loved it again, this time with an audiobook. Onto the next!
June 7, 2023
In a series that has multiple ties between the books but which the author also kind of wants to offer as a stand-alone, it can be difficult to set the scene for readers. Fox solves the problem here by dropping us right in the middle of an action scene that excellently explains the driving force that brings this cast together without a lot of unnecessary info-dumping. It starts us off with a literal bang and sets the vibe perfectly, highlighting a world of those willing to do “bad” in the service of a much greater good.
The immediate aftermath of this action scene is where the romance arc of this book comes into play, in an emotionally charged reunion between the newer hero and his nephew, an important recurring character in this series. Javier would have never met Levy in less tragic circumstances, but this is definitely a series in which the romance provides a welcome counterpoint to the reminder that the bad in this fictional world is also very much alive in the real world. The initial attraction between these characters is mostly surface-level, but it leads to incredibly hot flirting and even hotter spicy moments. I always enjoy characters with emotional intelligence, so I appreciated Levy’s honesty about his needs. In that same vein, I adored Javier’s more hesitant honesty about his unexpected response to those needs, which was possibly the hottest thing of all.
Though this book can nominally act as a stand-alone, the through-line of Ant’s character evolution is the link that draws this series together and is best appreciated in order. This installment features lots of warm, fuzzy moments during important recovery elements, even when they aren’t always easy. However, Fox presents a fascinating “nature versus nurture” conflict in how Ant’s path may diverge from that of others this crew has rescued over the years. The acceptance of the morally gray is real in this book, as this found family faces the dilemma of how best to care for Ant, regardless of whether his current state is a result of personal history or neurodivergence. (Look, he’s either a mini Anders or a mini Hopper, and both versions are equally entertaining and terrifying.) Luckily, Mama Bash doesn’t live too far away, and she continues to be a lovely guiding force in Fox’s intricate shared world (while also being quite possibly the scariest person in it).
The romance and external conflicts of this story nicely intertwine regarding the roles which both Levy and Javier play when it comes to the darker themes of this series. Fox acknowledges and highlights the systemic issues that lead directly to the characters’ overall mission without getting preachy, and even non-romance authors can use Fox as an example of how to craft combat scenes that highlight the primary and second heroes’ contributions without bogging down the reader in gratuitous, extended violence. Though Levy and Javier come at this fight from opposite directions, I found the way they identify each other as kindred spirits as hot and swoony as my delight in the equally dramatic and compelling external story arc.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The immediate aftermath of this action scene is where the romance arc of this book comes into play, in an emotionally charged reunion between the newer hero and his nephew, an important recurring character in this series. Javier would have never met Levy in less tragic circumstances, but this is definitely a series in which the romance provides a welcome counterpoint to the reminder that the bad in this fictional world is also very much alive in the real world. The initial attraction between these characters is mostly surface-level, but it leads to incredibly hot flirting and even hotter spicy moments. I always enjoy characters with emotional intelligence, so I appreciated Levy’s honesty about his needs. In that same vein, I adored Javier’s more hesitant honesty about his unexpected response to those needs, which was possibly the hottest thing of all.
Though this book can nominally act as a stand-alone, the through-line of Ant’s character evolution is the link that draws this series together and is best appreciated in order. This installment features lots of warm, fuzzy moments during important recovery elements, even when they aren’t always easy. However, Fox presents a fascinating “nature versus nurture” conflict in how Ant’s path may diverge from that of others this crew has rescued over the years. The acceptance of the morally gray is real in this book, as this found family faces the dilemma of how best to care for Ant, regardless of whether his current state is a result of personal history or neurodivergence. (Look, he’s either a mini Anders or a mini Hopper, and both versions are equally entertaining and terrifying.) Luckily, Mama Bash doesn’t live too far away, and she continues to be a lovely guiding force in Fox’s intricate shared world (while also being quite possibly the scariest person in it).
The romance and external conflicts of this story nicely intertwine regarding the roles which both Levy and Javier play when it comes to the darker themes of this series. Fox acknowledges and highlights the systemic issues that lead directly to the characters’ overall mission without getting preachy, and even non-romance authors can use Fox as an example of how to craft combat scenes that highlight the primary and second heroes’ contributions without bogging down the reader in gratuitous, extended violence. Though Levy and Javier come at this fight from opposite directions, I found the way they identify each other as kindred spirits as hot and swoony as my delight in the equally dramatic and compelling external story arc.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
June 11, 2023
I tasted this slowly, in homeopathic doses.
I love this series and I loved Levy and Javier's book. There was no way not to fall in love with both of them, especially with Levy, so in need of care and affection, so open to giving himself, even with fear.
The story followed the style of the previous book, with a greater focus on the development of the main characters, with appearances by characters from other series and books, and an action scene to top it off. I confess that I would like to see more action, not harrowing or heavy things, but I really like the action scenes created by the author.
Here we see Levy, who died at the end of the first book and in book 2, a therapist, who despite his job, deals with his own trauma and insecurities, and Javier, Ant's uncle, who spent 10 years looking for his trafficked nephew and must deal with what was done to him and his guilt for being part of the world that took his nephew away from his family.
The book could be longer, I wouldn't mind, I'd read it calmly, because despite working on heavy topics, such as trafficking and sexual exploitation of adults and children, the author managed to talk about the subject in a serious way, without diminishing such a theme. terrible and at the same time make it possible for us to read, without activating triggers, as has already happened in readings of some books that I have already read out there.
The book features appearances by characters from other series, such as the Bash twins (Books 2 and 4) and Wimberley staff, who are from the Wrecked: Guardians series; Hopper from the Mobsters + Billionaires series (Book 4); Luke and Sparrow (Book 2), Warwick, Colt and Joaquin (Book 4), Desi and Wyatt (Book 3), from the Rebel Sky Ranch series.
I've been waiting for Erik's story, since the first book, I kind of wanted it to be with Ant and when it was confirmed I was very happy. In anticipation of a longer book with more action for these two, and of course a lot of romance, from the beginning preferably. It would be nice too, if the series didn't end with them, there could be more books. A dream. Please.
I love this series and I loved Levy and Javier's book. There was no way not to fall in love with both of them, especially with Levy, so in need of care and affection, so open to giving himself, even with fear.
The story followed the style of the previous book, with a greater focus on the development of the main characters, with appearances by characters from other series and books, and an action scene to top it off. I confess that I would like to see more action, not harrowing or heavy things, but I really like the action scenes created by the author.
Here we see Levy, who died at the end of the first book and in book 2, a therapist, who despite his job, deals with his own trauma and insecurities, and Javier, Ant's uncle, who spent 10 years looking for his trafficked nephew and must deal with what was done to him and his guilt for being part of the world that took his nephew away from his family.
The book could be longer, I wouldn't mind, I'd read it calmly, because despite working on heavy topics, such as trafficking and sexual exploitation of adults and children, the author managed to talk about the subject in a serious way, without diminishing such a theme. terrible and at the same time make it possible for us to read, without activating triggers, as has already happened in readings of some books that I have already read out there.
The book features appearances by characters from other series, such as the Bash twins (Books 2 and 4) and Wimberley staff, who are from the Wrecked: Guardians series; Hopper from the Mobsters + Billionaires series (Book 4); Luke and Sparrow (Book 2), Warwick, Colt and Joaquin (Book 4), Desi and Wyatt (Book 3), from the Rebel Sky Ranch series.
I've been waiting for Erik's story, since the first book, I kind of wanted it to be with Ant and when it was confirmed I was very happy. In anticipation of a longer book with more action for these two, and of course a lot of romance, from the beginning preferably. It would be nice too, if the series didn't end with them, there could be more books. A dream. Please.
August 19, 2023
Another mission, two deserving men... Wild Heart Ranch.
Javier, on cover, our silver fox, has
searched ten years for his nephew Ant/Antonio. He's an awesome protector. Ant has been saved by Charlie and the men, and is recouping at the ranch.
Levy, tattooed, pierced and strong
brother to Bram, is head of equine therapy at the ranch. Helping to heal souls.
We open with an operation from human trafficking,
and then, a handsome stranger is there when they meet for Sunday dinner. Aunt's Uncle, Javier. Many tears are shed, he's given a background check, because Charlie's crew was ever watchful and protective. We find out Javier has done many things while on his search, and has made quite a name for himself.
We get back stories and details. There is more investigating on going. There are plans for more self defense classes and the ranch's hard work, too. Ant is becoming more trusting.
Deep conversations by all, plus the visit by Ant's family is super emotional.
Ant details his killing tendencies and recovery, while Javier and Levy are moving forward on their feelings and desire for each other. The one-nighter wasn't enough.
Their sexy times are carnal and hot.
The starfish story was interesting and fitting, to see a way to reach an outcome on the missions ahead.
The rescue plan took shape, all were ready, as they were wiping out the bad guys, saving kids and then their luck ran out, with one of their own bleeding.
There's resolution, but we know more and want more. More hard core men and more heroism.
ENJOY !
=====
June 11, 2023
I was rather intrigued levy in the previous book in the series and when Javier rocked up at wild heart I was excited to see where this was going to go.
Levy has so much more depth to him than I thought and I really wanted to hug him, I mean no one does hurt/ comfort and found family like Kelly. I really felt for Javier and levy they had so much hurt/trauma to deal with but they helped heal each other. These two are rather sweet together. They have a huge role in helping any heal and adjust. While this isn’t ants story he does feature heavily and for that reason I don’t feel this is a true standalone to get the best understanding of the ongoing work at wild heart I think you need to read the series as a whole. There’s a lot more heat and violence with the human traffickers in this one and it brings out a few more familiar faces from Kelly’s past series’s. I personally loved this but if you haven’t read wrecked guardians, billionaires and mobsters or rebel sky you may just think that 80% of them are psychopaths but if you really know them you know they are amazing (or maybe I have issues??) while levy and Javier are smoking hot together and their spicy scenes had me melting. Ant kinda steals the show for a little while in this book. While he is more of a side story at this point he is an important part of levy and Javier lives. Like I say they play a huge part in putting any back together even if the boy is what would happen if Anders and Hopper could make babies together. I honestly don’t think this over shadows the main story as ant is part of the ongoing storyline in this series.
Kelly as always has sprinkled her magic and now I’m sat impatiently waiting for ant and Erik to have their moment in the spotlight
Levy has so much more depth to him than I thought and I really wanted to hug him, I mean no one does hurt/ comfort and found family like Kelly. I really felt for Javier and levy they had so much hurt/trauma to deal with but they helped heal each other. These two are rather sweet together. They have a huge role in helping any heal and adjust. While this isn’t ants story he does feature heavily and for that reason I don’t feel this is a true standalone to get the best understanding of the ongoing work at wild heart I think you need to read the series as a whole. There’s a lot more heat and violence with the human traffickers in this one and it brings out a few more familiar faces from Kelly’s past series’s. I personally loved this but if you haven’t read wrecked guardians, billionaires and mobsters or rebel sky you may just think that 80% of them are psychopaths but if you really know them you know they are amazing (or maybe I have issues??) while levy and Javier are smoking hot together and their spicy scenes had me melting. Ant kinda steals the show for a little while in this book. While he is more of a side story at this point he is an important part of levy and Javier lives. Like I say they play a huge part in putting any back together even if the boy is what would happen if Anders and Hopper could make babies together. I honestly don’t think this over shadows the main story as ant is part of the ongoing storyline in this series.
Kelly as always has sprinkled her magic and now I’m sat impatiently waiting for ant and Erik to have their moment in the spotlight
June 12, 2023
Savior Complex - book three in the Wild Hearts Ranch series is the falling fast romance I needed. Truly. Javier and Levy are perfection, and I loved watching them fall.
Plus, I'll admit, I love a good later in life love story. Throw in body positivity, and I'm like a cat in the warm patch of sunlight.
Levy is an equine therapist at the ranch, and through his other work of helping rescue people who have been traff!cked, he meets Javier. Javier is doing the same thing in Mexico, but he started because he was looking for his nephew Ant, who was rescued in book one and now lives on the ranch.
Levy and Javier fell so fast. The neediness and needing to be needed. The piercings. The outdoor showers. All of it was just *chef's kiss* it just felt so natural for them to gravitate toward each other. Not like a wild fire, but a longtime slow burn.
This book also set the stage for Ant's story, which is the next book in this series. Holy HELL is it going to be good. I love a good revenge story. Like my motto:: *I believe in holding grudges, I'll heal in hell*
I love Kelly Fox and her stories and these men on the ranch. I love their found family and their continued mission of doing their best to do good. I can't wait for AntiHero and whatever else comes next!
Absolutely 10/10 recommend!!
Plus, I'll admit, I love a good later in life love story. Throw in body positivity, and I'm like a cat in the warm patch of sunlight.
Levy is an equine therapist at the ranch, and through his other work of helping rescue people who have been traff!cked, he meets Javier. Javier is doing the same thing in Mexico, but he started because he was looking for his nephew Ant, who was rescued in book one and now lives on the ranch.
Levy and Javier fell so fast. The neediness and needing to be needed. The piercings. The outdoor showers. All of it was just *chef's kiss* it just felt so natural for them to gravitate toward each other. Not like a wild fire, but a longtime slow burn.
This book also set the stage for Ant's story, which is the next book in this series. Holy HELL is it going to be good. I love a good revenge story. Like my motto:: *I believe in holding grudges, I'll heal in hell*
I love Kelly Fox and her stories and these men on the ranch. I love their found family and their continued mission of doing their best to do good. I can't wait for AntiHero and whatever else comes next!
Absolutely 10/10 recommend!!
June 6, 2023
This story started out so strong. Lots of insta-lust which made the progression of their relationship a bit abrupt for me. However, Javier and Levy had great chemistry so I could roll with it.
Two things I couldnt get over though were the pacing and some story choices by the author.
On the issue pacing, the story started super strong but started to drag around the middle bits and never quite got there again.
On the story, I felt we had more "Ant moments", "Ops moments" and "supporting /returning characters from other series moments" than page time for the main protagonists of this story. I love revisiting all my people from all over Kelly Fox's series' but I picked this book because of Levy & Javier and unfortunately, they didn't get their time to SHINE in the second half of the book (unlike Bram and Nacho who did in the previous book).
Simply put, I just wanted more of Levy and Javier and it seemed like all of that other stuff got in the way.
So yeah, this book had SO much potential, but it got side tracked midway and never got back on track.
Hopefully Ant's book is more focused.
***eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review. All Thoughts / Opinions expressed are my own.***
Two things I couldnt get over though were the pacing and some story choices by the author.
On the issue pacing, the story started super strong but started to drag around the middle bits and never quite got there again.
On the story, I felt we had more "Ant moments", "Ops moments" and "supporting /returning characters from other series moments" than page time for the main protagonists of this story. I love revisiting all my people from all over Kelly Fox's series' but I picked this book because of Levy & Javier and unfortunately, they didn't get their time to SHINE in the second half of the book (unlike Bram and Nacho who did in the previous book).
Simply put, I just wanted more of Levy and Javier and it seemed like all of that other stuff got in the way.
So yeah, this book had SO much potential, but it got side tracked midway and never got back on track.
Hopefully Ant's book is more focused.
***eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review. All Thoughts / Opinions expressed are my own.***
June 7, 2023
I feel like my Kelly Fox reviews get repetitive because I am just SUCH a fangirl. I ended up spreading my reading of the review copy over a few days because of life and also because it was just so good i wanted it to last!
I absolutely adore how large the cast of characters is now (please, please go back and read at least the Wrecked: Guardians series and Rebel Sky ranch series AT LEAST before you read this one; you CAN drop in and just pick up enough context clues to figure stuff out but it's waaaay better if you know everyone) and the Hopper cameo was *chef's kiss* amazing. I love how Ant's character and background are developed and cannot wait to see him get his happy ending eventually. And then of course the main story: Levy and Javier. Javier fits right in with the rest of the crew and I love how fast he fell and changed his mind about the course of his life. He and Levy just can't resist the pull between them and I always love watching big strong men get just clobbered with emotions and quickly embrace them. The heat is HOT (Helloooooo piercings), the love is strong, the banter is impeccable, and the bad guys always get what's coming to them... In other words, another perfect Kelly Fox book.
I absolutely adore how large the cast of characters is now (please, please go back and read at least the Wrecked: Guardians series and Rebel Sky ranch series AT LEAST before you read this one; you CAN drop in and just pick up enough context clues to figure stuff out but it's waaaay better if you know everyone) and the Hopper cameo was *chef's kiss* amazing. I love how Ant's character and background are developed and cannot wait to see him get his happy ending eventually. And then of course the main story: Levy and Javier. Javier fits right in with the rest of the crew and I love how fast he fell and changed his mind about the course of his life. He and Levy just can't resist the pull between them and I always love watching big strong men get just clobbered with emotions and quickly embrace them. The heat is HOT (Helloooooo piercings), the love is strong, the banter is impeccable, and the bad guys always get what's coming to them... In other words, another perfect Kelly Fox book.
June 7, 2023
When the boys roll up and realize the sexy silver fox waiting for them is none other than the uncle searching for Ant for the last decade, it sets the scene for a HEA. And that is just what the author delivers, not just for Ant reuniting with his family but also for the MC’s of this story Javier and Levy. Men who have been dealt a bad hand in the past and don’t see themselves ever getting a HEA of their own. Maybe just a happy for now. As Javier slowly works to regain the connection he lost with Ant, Levy tries to reign in his growing feelings for Javier. Which is an absolute lost cause, b/c the spark between the two men ignited right from the beginning. The human trafficking storyline that brings all the books together in an arc remains, but with the help of Anders , Omar, Hopper, and cleanup from our favorite crew in Wimberley the bad guys get what’s coming to them. Ant really starts coming into his own in this book, and Mama Bash not so subtly puts the men in their places regarding his new proclivity towards violence. I am so looking forward to his and Eric’s book. Javier and Levy really grew together in this book and deserve the HEA they long for.
June 7, 2023
All the feels
The third book in Kelly Fox's Wild Heart series somehow exceeds every expectation. Fox gives us moments from characters we already know and love, brightens the spotlight on the main pair for the next book, and never loses focus on this book's central characters and their romance.
This is not a romance that centers the main characters at the expense of all else. Instead, Fox brings us directly into their full, busy world, just as Javier is brought into Levy's (& Ant's) world. It's clear that each person's choices affect all the others around them and that family dynamics (found or not) can't be ignored.
While there is a LOT of story going on - fighting human trafficking, dealing with family reunification, running a horse ranch and therapy business - this romance is ultimately a quiet, gentle one. It's the calm eye in the center of everything else going on, both for Levy and Javier and for the reader. The peace and healing that take place will leave readers as breathless and emotionally satisfied as the action.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CW - discussions of trauma, including losing parents and human trafficking
The third book in Kelly Fox's Wild Heart series somehow exceeds every expectation. Fox gives us moments from characters we already know and love, brightens the spotlight on the main pair for the next book, and never loses focus on this book's central characters and their romance.
This is not a romance that centers the main characters at the expense of all else. Instead, Fox brings us directly into their full, busy world, just as Javier is brought into Levy's (& Ant's) world. It's clear that each person's choices affect all the others around them and that family dynamics (found or not) can't be ignored.
While there is a LOT of story going on - fighting human trafficking, dealing with family reunification, running a horse ranch and therapy business - this romance is ultimately a quiet, gentle one. It's the calm eye in the center of everything else going on, both for Levy and Javier and for the reader. The peace and healing that take place will leave readers as breathless and emotionally satisfied as the action.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CW - discussions of trauma, including losing parents and human trafficking
June 6, 2023
First off, I absolutely LOVE the cover model, Wander!! It took a bit for me to see him as Javier but it definitely worked for the story because D*MN is he hot and I can totally see why Levy wanted him so bad right from the start...lol!!!
I loved this story in that we got more of Ant's background, and we got to more fully experience what a survivor goes thru during their capture. It was heartbreaking and so very hard to read, and I definitely cried along with everyone else. I also love that we got to see the reunification of survivor with their family. It was truly amazing!!
I could keep going along these same lines because I felt like this story was more about Ant than Levy & Javier. I know we needed this story so when we do finally get to Ant's story things will make sense and I adore the way Javier & Levy came together, I just feel like it could've been explored more.
I truly love all of Ms. Fox's stories because she always writes with such passion and emotion and always finds a way to have laughter amongst tragedy and hard times.
I loved this story in that we got more of Ant's background, and we got to more fully experience what a survivor goes thru during their capture. It was heartbreaking and so very hard to read, and I definitely cried along with everyone else. I also love that we got to see the reunification of survivor with their family. It was truly amazing!!
I could keep going along these same lines because I felt like this story was more about Ant than Levy & Javier. I know we needed this story so when we do finally get to Ant's story things will make sense and I adore the way Javier & Levy came together, I just feel like it could've been explored more.
I truly love all of Ms. Fox's stories because she always writes with such passion and emotion and always finds a way to have laughter amongst tragedy and hard times.
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