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Wild Hearts
Trust can't live in the same space as secrets and lies.
Wren Murphy is seeking a fresh start when she returns to Blue Haven for university. But she's keeping more than one secret that could blow her world apart. She's not the same girl who summered in the beach town for the last five years.
Brady Willis' dream has always been to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pro-surfer. But now his family is imploding after a TropSets Surf Fest scandal, and he's reassessing what's important in his life. Wren Murphy. His sister's best friend. The one that got away.
Brady's determined to win Wren back. Easier said than done when she won't even look him in the eye.
Can Wren learn to trust again? And will Brady convince her that he's the one she's meant to be with?
Wren Murphy is seeking a fresh start when she returns to Blue Haven for university. But she's keeping more than one secret that could blow her world apart. She's not the same girl who summered in the beach town for the last five years.
Brady Willis' dream has always been to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pro-surfer. But now his family is imploding after a TropSets Surf Fest scandal, and he's reassessing what's important in his life. Wren Murphy. His sister's best friend. The one that got away.
Brady's determined to win Wren back. Easier said than done when she won't even look him in the eye.
Can Wren learn to trust again? And will Brady convince her that he's the one she's meant to be with?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
47 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 9, 2023
Thank-you to the author for an ARC copy of this amazing book!
I had trouble putting this one down! It was a rollercoaster ride if emotions.
I laughed. I cried. I wanted to back-hand a few characters! 😂
I also loved that it was set somewhat local to me. It gave me an attachment pretty early on.
There's some VERY sensitive topics in this book so please consider these carefully before reading!
These include r@pe, drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity and others. Please message me if you want more information on these.
This book wasn't your usual college romance story, it was quite dark and not at all light-hearted. Which made for an incredible read, but was quite heavy.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I had trouble putting this one down! It was a rollercoaster ride if emotions.
I laughed. I cried. I wanted to back-hand a few characters! 😂
I also loved that it was set somewhat local to me. It gave me an attachment pretty early on.
There's some VERY sensitive topics in this book so please consider these carefully before reading!
These include r@pe, drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity and others. Please message me if you want more information on these.
This book wasn't your usual college romance story, it was quite dark and not at all light-hearted. Which made for an incredible read, but was quite heavy.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 27, 2023
I recieced an ARC to this book and as soon as I started reading it I had trouble putting it down! This book made me go through so many emotions, I laughed, I cried, I was hooked throughout!
I felt and still do feel so emotionally connected with Wren!
There are heavy topics in this book so check trigger warnings before reading, but J.L. Skye has written them in such a very respectful!
Her writing style is absolutely phenomenal for a debut author! She is so descriptive and i really had a movie playing in my head whist reading!
If you love second chance, best friends brother, secret relationship and found family then you NEED to give this book a read!!!
I felt and still do feel so emotionally connected with Wren!
There are heavy topics in this book so check trigger warnings before reading, but J.L. Skye has written them in such a very respectful!
Her writing style is absolutely phenomenal for a debut author! She is so descriptive and i really had a movie playing in my head whist reading!
If you love second chance, best friends brother, secret relationship and found family then you NEED to give this book a read!!!
July 29, 2023
A sweet small town beach romance of second chances and finding yourself again after hardships.
This was such a good book. I loved the small town aspect. The found family was incredible. Spice wasn’t too steamy but great for the story. Fun beach read that deals with some heavier topics so check warnings before you jump in!
This was such a good book. I loved the small town aspect. The found family was incredible. Spice wasn’t too steamy but great for the story. Fun beach read that deals with some heavier topics so check warnings before you jump in!
May 19, 2023
Thank you for sending me this awesome ARC to read, so happy to have connected with you over on Tik-Tok and now on here.
This book covers a lot of heavy topics, please check the trigger warnings before reading this one.
I loved Brady and Wren, the strength between both of them, together and separately was inspiring. Wren has gone through the unimaginable and Brady has also been through the wringer and we get to see how they put themselves back together.
So much heartache and pain in this book, but also a lot of happiness that comes as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and it was set in Australia which I absolutely loved reading about and recognising the areas.
I’m excited to read the next book in the series as the side characters played such a big role in this book that I can’t wait to see how they all end up.
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢
* Second chance romance
* Best friends brother
* Slow burn
* Friends to lovers
* Trauma
This book covers a lot of heavy topics, please check the trigger warnings before reading this one.
I loved Brady and Wren, the strength between both of them, together and separately was inspiring. Wren has gone through the unimaginable and Brady has also been through the wringer and we get to see how they put themselves back together.
So much heartache and pain in this book, but also a lot of happiness that comes as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and it was set in Australia which I absolutely loved reading about and recognising the areas.
I’m excited to read the next book in the series as the side characters played such a big role in this book that I can’t wait to see how they all end up.
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢
* Second chance romance
* Best friends brother
* Slow burn
* Friends to lovers
* Trauma
May 1, 2023
I received an ARC for this book and went into it blind which I’m so happy I did. I wish I had a group of friends that cared as much as Wren and Brady had. This book has a found family with peers that felt like a warm hug. Dealing with difficult topics (PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS) in a loving and thoughtful way made the experience understanding. Although I’m not the biggest fan of miscommunication or just having a conversation to help move forward I think that this book actually did it in the right way. It’s first love, second chance, best friends brother all in a little town in New South Whales. Can’t wait for the next one
July 3, 2023
I received an ARC of Wild Hearts by JL Skye, and did I need to take a breath or two when I finished it!
Before I say anything more about this book, I cannot stress this enough - check the ⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️. It deals with some very heavy topics, including but not limited to: r@pe, drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity and marriage breakdown, cancer and parental death.
Wild Hearts is a small-town college / surfing romance set in the fictitious town of Blue Haven on the north coast of NSW, Australia. This is the first book of what will be a series.
It’s a second-chance, best friend’s brother romance between Wren, a summer holiday import to the town, and Brady, a lifelong Blue Havener and avid surfer.
It’s got some other popular tropes too - secret relationship and found family, as well as healing from trauma.
Without going into too much detail or spoilers, Wren and Brady have a brief relationship while she is still in high school. But things don’t go to plan. When Wren returns once more to Blue Haven, this time permanently to attend university in the town, Brady is hopeful that they can rekindle things…but Wren is not the same girl she was last summer.
This book doesn’t just delve into the individual traumas of Wren and Brady, but it introduces us to a large group of supporting characters, with all their teenage and early adult flaws, and a lot of issues of their own they are dealing with. One thing I think this book does exceedingly well is to show the reality of new adults, who are still navigating their way out of the self-centredness of their teen years. The way the characters speak and act reflects this and it feels really authentic. I was really invested in the lives of a number of the side characters, which bodes well for the future of the series.
The setting of Blue Haven is described so beautifully that I could picture myself there, watching the girls serve ice cream at What’s The Scoop, or heading up to Glasson’s Point to drink with their friends.
I did find the subject matter in this book to be quite heavy, and not just for the main characters, but the traumas that other characters experience are full-on as well. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of heavy emotions and traumatic events. It’s definitely something to be aware of when going into the book. This is NOT a lighthearted college romance. It gets very dark at times. Again, PLEASE be aware of triggers should you decide to read this book!
One of my biggest rating criteria for any romance is the slap test. I love when I feel the urge to slap a character and tell them to get their shit together and sort out their drama. This means I am fully invested in the story. And this book delivers on the slap test! Not just with the two main characters, but with multiple side characters as well.
If you are a fan of emotional reads and characters who deal with trauma and mental health issues, this book will deliver. But again - PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
Before I say anything more about this book, I cannot stress this enough - check the ⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️. It deals with some very heavy topics, including but not limited to: r@pe, drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity and marriage breakdown, cancer and parental death.
Wild Hearts is a small-town college / surfing romance set in the fictitious town of Blue Haven on the north coast of NSW, Australia. This is the first book of what will be a series.
It’s a second-chance, best friend’s brother romance between Wren, a summer holiday import to the town, and Brady, a lifelong Blue Havener and avid surfer.
It’s got some other popular tropes too - secret relationship and found family, as well as healing from trauma.
Without going into too much detail or spoilers, Wren and Brady have a brief relationship while she is still in high school. But things don’t go to plan. When Wren returns once more to Blue Haven, this time permanently to attend university in the town, Brady is hopeful that they can rekindle things…but Wren is not the same girl she was last summer.
This book doesn’t just delve into the individual traumas of Wren and Brady, but it introduces us to a large group of supporting characters, with all their teenage and early adult flaws, and a lot of issues of their own they are dealing with. One thing I think this book does exceedingly well is to show the reality of new adults, who are still navigating their way out of the self-centredness of their teen years. The way the characters speak and act reflects this and it feels really authentic. I was really invested in the lives of a number of the side characters, which bodes well for the future of the series.
The setting of Blue Haven is described so beautifully that I could picture myself there, watching the girls serve ice cream at What’s The Scoop, or heading up to Glasson’s Point to drink with their friends.
I did find the subject matter in this book to be quite heavy, and not just for the main characters, but the traumas that other characters experience are full-on as well. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of heavy emotions and traumatic events. It’s definitely something to be aware of when going into the book. This is NOT a lighthearted college romance. It gets very dark at times. Again, PLEASE be aware of triggers should you decide to read this book!
One of my biggest rating criteria for any romance is the slap test. I love when I feel the urge to slap a character and tell them to get their shit together and sort out their drama. This means I am fully invested in the story. And this book delivers on the slap test! Not just with the two main characters, but with multiple side characters as well.
If you are a fan of emotional reads and characters who deal with trauma and mental health issues, this book will deliver. But again - PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
November 6, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
I loved this book! I did not want to put it down. It’s so easy to read, the plot is great!
I love Wren, her strength and how she handled what she’s going through felt real and was beautiful written. Wren is beautiful and I found her character very easy to connect to.
Brady, our surfing, caring man! He’s been through a lot and it was so good to see his character develop!
This was definitely a slow burn but its so worth the wait! It’s also best friends brother (one of my favourite tropes)!
I love the chemistry between Wren and Brady!
I loved the pacing of this book, it wasn’t a slow read, it’s easy to read, you feel a connection to the characters, it has amazing side characters and I can’t wait to read there stories!
I definitely recommend this book! Do check the trigger warnings before reading
I loved this book! I did not want to put it down. It’s so easy to read, the plot is great!
I love Wren, her strength and how she handled what she’s going through felt real and was beautiful written. Wren is beautiful and I found her character very easy to connect to.
Brady, our surfing, caring man! He’s been through a lot and it was so good to see his character develop!
This was definitely a slow burn but its so worth the wait! It’s also best friends brother (one of my favourite tropes)!
I love the chemistry between Wren and Brady!
I loved the pacing of this book, it wasn’t a slow read, it’s easy to read, you feel a connection to the characters, it has amazing side characters and I can’t wait to read there stories!
I definitely recommend this book! Do check the trigger warnings before reading
April 26, 2023
I received an arc for this book and I’m so so glad I got to read it. As always check trigger warnings before reading this book as it does discuss some heavy topics
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 STARS
I love JL. Skyes writing style so much!! I was enjoying this book from the beginning to the end. this book brought me through a lot of emotions but the ending kept my heart full. Even though there was many characters I got to understand all of them which made me enjoy it so much. The way she describes Brady’s love for wren just makes me want to reread this book every second I get. I cried sad tears to happy tears. Overall this was such a good read and I recommend it to lots and lots of people :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 STARS
I love JL. Skyes writing style so much!! I was enjoying this book from the beginning to the end. this book brought me through a lot of emotions but the ending kept my heart full. Even though there was many characters I got to understand all of them which made me enjoy it so much. The way she describes Brady’s love for wren just makes me want to reread this book every second I get. I cried sad tears to happy tears. Overall this was such a good read and I recommend it to lots and lots of people :)
August 11, 2024
My first book in 6 months 😭😭😭
I’ve had such a busy and full on year that reading became non existent in my life!
This was the perfect read to start the journey of getting my reading back on track!
I’ve had such a busy and full on year that reading became non existent in my life!
This was the perfect read to start the journey of getting my reading back on track!
May 25, 2023
I received an ARC for this book and was looking forward to it so much.. and boy did it meet my expectations! It had everything JL Skye promised - she broke my heart, and then put it back together!
There are heavy issues in this book, but they are important issues/ traumas that people deal with and she has written them so respectfully, but with great impact.
A second chance, found family, university love story (with characters you get invested with) - you will not be disappointed!
There are heavy issues in this book, but they are important issues/ traumas that people deal with and she has written them so respectfully, but with great impact.
A second chance, found family, university love story (with characters you get invested with) - you will not be disappointed!
May 12, 2023
ARC Review - Wild Hearts by @jlskye_author
⭐️ 4/5
⚠️ If this sounds like a book for you, make sure you check the trigger warnings first, it does dive into heavy topics.
🌊🌊🌊
I enjoyed this book so much! I felt so invested in the characters 🥹
Somethings I loved about this book that aren’t spoilers.
❣️ Wild Hearts is set in a small costal town of New South Wales, Australia.
❣️ The friendships between the characters and how they care for each other was heart warming!
❣️ Although heavy, I appreciated how the difficult traumas were shared and worked through.
❣️ It was a roller coaster of emotions as I laughed, cried and enjoyed the ride! Could not put it down.
If you enjoy:
✨ Dual POV
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Best friends brother
✨ Second chance romance
✨ It’s always been you
✨ Found family
⭐️ 4/5
⚠️ If this sounds like a book for you, make sure you check the trigger warnings first, it does dive into heavy topics.
🌊🌊🌊
I enjoyed this book so much! I felt so invested in the characters 🥹
Somethings I loved about this book that aren’t spoilers.
❣️ Wild Hearts is set in a small costal town of New South Wales, Australia.
❣️ The friendships between the characters and how they care for each other was heart warming!
❣️ Although heavy, I appreciated how the difficult traumas were shared and worked through.
❣️ It was a roller coaster of emotions as I laughed, cried and enjoyed the ride! Could not put it down.
If you enjoy:
✨ Dual POV
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Best friends brother
✨ Second chance romance
✨ It’s always been you
✨ Found family
May 4, 2024
Rating : ☆☆☆☆
———
𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 : 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙚
- 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
- 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
- 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝
✔️ Available On KU
———
This was a very enjoyable book, filled with lots of super cute moments. You can tell how much Wren and Brady love eachother and I adored how Brady helped Wren out though her trauma.
The flashbacks were so good, and a great addition!
It takes you from the beginning of their relationship right to where they are now.
A real story that shows you that love will conquer all.
———
𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 : 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙚
- 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
- 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
- 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝
✔️ Available On KU
———
This was a very enjoyable book, filled with lots of super cute moments. You can tell how much Wren and Brady love eachother and I adored how Brady helped Wren out though her trauma.
The flashbacks were so good, and a great addition!
It takes you from the beginning of their relationship right to where they are now.
A real story that shows you that love will conquer all.
July 29, 2024
"Nothing was going to tame our wild hearts from finding a way to be together.'
Don't you just love when the name of the book is linked into the story?
🫶 Wren and Brady 4 Eva 🫶
This story had me laughing, teary, and fulling in love with this universe. I'm not normally a fluffy romance type of girl. But this book has changed my mind.
From friends to lovers with secrets, mental health, and more, this story keeps you wanting more. I can't wait to see what else happens in Blue Haven.
please note that there are triggers in this book. Please head to the authors' page before reading
Don't you just love when the name of the book is linked into the story?
🫶 Wren and Brady 4 Eva 🫶
This story had me laughing, teary, and fulling in love with this universe. I'm not normally a fluffy romance type of girl. But this book has changed my mind.
From friends to lovers with secrets, mental health, and more, this story keeps you wanting more. I can't wait to see what else happens in Blue Haven.
please note that there are triggers in this book. Please head to the authors' page before reading
December 30, 2023
I loved the found family aspect of this book, it was a sweet and cute read. A great little romance between two young lovers. Check TW’s ⚠️
May 14, 2023
ARC Review (NO SPOILERS)
First off, I‘d like to thank the author of this book, J.L. Skye for sending me an ARC of „Wild Hearts“.
While this book is 392 pages long, it felt like surprisingly short (in a positive way) when reading it. I usually am a faster reader, but even for me it was nicely paced (which is good hence I usually prefer a fast paced book over a slow paced one).
As far as the protagonists, Wren and Brady, are concerned I can reveal the following; Wren to me is one of the very few female protagonists in a romance novel, which I could relate to. The pain she was suffering from throughout the book was written terribly well and I really do feel like anyone could relate to her! As for Brady I had a hard time with liking him throughout the first half of the book, hence he at first seemed rather impulsive and momentarily a tad immature. Towards the end I did end up liking him as well.
I won‘t go into detail about the plot, hence it would very likely spoiler quite a bit if I did, however when reading „Wild Hearts“ you can expect a (slightly spicy) surfing-romance novel set in Australia (New South Wales)!
This book was J.L. Skye‘s debut novel. As a person who knows how tough it can be to write the first book, I want to say that the writing in „Wild Hearts“ really was phenomenal. Especially for it being a debut novel!
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book before you start with the actual story, as it does contain quite many scenes which could be triggering to certain people.
(To list a few, TW;
• SA,
• Divorce,
• Alcohol Abuse
• Drugs
At this point I want to thank J.L. Skye for keeping these things realistic, yet respectful, so anyone who might feel triggered should not feel disrespected!)
I highly recommend reading this book if one enjoys sport romances!
4 / 5 ⭐️
First off, I‘d like to thank the author of this book, J.L. Skye for sending me an ARC of „Wild Hearts“.
While this book is 392 pages long, it felt like surprisingly short (in a positive way) when reading it. I usually am a faster reader, but even for me it was nicely paced (which is good hence I usually prefer a fast paced book over a slow paced one).
As far as the protagonists, Wren and Brady, are concerned I can reveal the following; Wren to me is one of the very few female protagonists in a romance novel, which I could relate to. The pain she was suffering from throughout the book was written terribly well and I really do feel like anyone could relate to her! As for Brady I had a hard time with liking him throughout the first half of the book, hence he at first seemed rather impulsive and momentarily a tad immature. Towards the end I did end up liking him as well.
I won‘t go into detail about the plot, hence it would very likely spoiler quite a bit if I did, however when reading „Wild Hearts“ you can expect a (slightly spicy) surfing-romance novel set in Australia (New South Wales)!
This book was J.L. Skye‘s debut novel. As a person who knows how tough it can be to write the first book, I want to say that the writing in „Wild Hearts“ really was phenomenal. Especially for it being a debut novel!
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book before you start with the actual story, as it does contain quite many scenes which could be triggering to certain people.
(To list a few, TW;
• SA,
• Divorce,
• Alcohol Abuse
• Drugs
At this point I want to thank J.L. Skye for keeping these things realistic, yet respectful, so anyone who might feel triggered should not feel disrespected!)
I highly recommend reading this book if one enjoys sport romances!
4 / 5 ⭐️
May 15, 2023
🌟 4/5
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 1 in the Blue Haven University series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Trust can't live in the same space as secrets and lies. Wren Murphy is seeking a fresh start when she returns to Blue Haven for university. But she's keeping more than one secret that could blow her world apart. She's not the same girl who summered in the beach town for the last five years.
Brady Willis' dream has always been to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pro-surfer. But now his family is imploding after a TropSets Surf Fest scandal, and he's reassessing what's important in his life. Wren Murphy. His sister's best friend. The one that got away.
Brady's determined to win Wren back. Easier said than done when she won't even look him in the eye. Can Wren learn to trust again? And will Brady convince her that he's the one she's meant to be with?
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This is the author's debut novel. Y'all know how I feel about debut novels and how much I love them! Finding new authors is where it's at!❤️
Brady and Wren's love story is one based on friendship and trust. Watching them fight their feeling for each other and watching Wren overcome so much was refining.
One of my favorite things about this book was the friendships! Everyone in the group had a part, and I felt like, as a reader, I was there too.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity of an ARC!
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 1 in the Blue Haven University series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Trust can't live in the same space as secrets and lies. Wren Murphy is seeking a fresh start when she returns to Blue Haven for university. But she's keeping more than one secret that could blow her world apart. She's not the same girl who summered in the beach town for the last five years.
Brady Willis' dream has always been to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pro-surfer. But now his family is imploding after a TropSets Surf Fest scandal, and he's reassessing what's important in his life. Wren Murphy. His sister's best friend. The one that got away.
Brady's determined to win Wren back. Easier said than done when she won't even look him in the eye. Can Wren learn to trust again? And will Brady convince her that he's the one she's meant to be with?
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This is the author's debut novel. Y'all know how I feel about debut novels and how much I love them! Finding new authors is where it's at!❤️
Brady and Wren's love story is one based on friendship and trust. Watching them fight their feeling for each other and watching Wren overcome so much was refining.
One of my favorite things about this book was the friendships! Everyone in the group had a part, and I felt like, as a reader, I was there too.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity of an ARC!
May 8, 2023
First of all, can I simply say, Brady & Wren had me on a hold from beginning to end?
It's very easy to get swept by the tides, my very first surf boy and I'm so looking forward to more by this Author, Miss Skye has a fan for life in me.
While it does hit some definitely heavy topics, I went in blind, because I have no triggers, however, I implore you to check them out.
It'll be a memorable one for me, I have never read a book including surfing, and while it's not too overwhelming, I enjoyed every single thing about these characters, along with Jordan, Lachy, Ivy, and Felicity.
This reminded me why I love slow burns.
It renewed my appreciation and love for them.
5 out of 5 on the story
I'd say the spice hit really well... so 3 on there.
Also, when can I read the second book in the series? I need them. I love it!
Tropes:
My best friend's brother
Found Family
Miscommunication
Slow Burn
Second Chance
Who did this to you?
Friends to lovers
I had the privilege to arc read this, and I'm extremely grateful, for this amazing opportunity.
Leaving an honest and voluntary review.
It's very easy to get swept by the tides, my very first surf boy and I'm so looking forward to more by this Author, Miss Skye has a fan for life in me.
While it does hit some definitely heavy topics, I went in blind, because I have no triggers, however, I implore you to check them out.
It'll be a memorable one for me, I have never read a book including surfing, and while it's not too overwhelming, I enjoyed every single thing about these characters, along with Jordan, Lachy, Ivy, and Felicity.
This reminded me why I love slow burns.
It renewed my appreciation and love for them.
5 out of 5 on the story
I'd say the spice hit really well... so 3 on there.
Also, when can I read the second book in the series? I need them. I love it!
Tropes:
My best friend's brother
Found Family
Miscommunication
Slow Burn
Second Chance
Who did this to you?
Friends to lovers
I had the privilege to arc read this, and I'm extremely grateful, for this amazing opportunity.
Leaving an honest and voluntary review.
November 8, 2023
oohhh J.L. Skye I love this little world you have created!!
And....
Sqquuuueee for the Australian setting!!
Wild Hearts is a beautifully written second chance / ya best friends brother romance story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
From the moment I started reading, both Brady and Wren, captured my heart and the challenges they faced and heartbreaking situations they experienced pulled on my heart strings.
The journey was not easy and it was incredibly bumping and often full of pain, but I couldn't help but admire how they both found the strength and ability to come out the other end of it all.
The best part? They got though it together!
The love between them was sweet, swoon-worthy, angsty and a little bit of a slow burn.
And.....
At times you could literally feel Brady's pain of wanting her back. The way her loves her is so beautiful.
Really.... The way they love each other is beautiful.
I really enjoyed this read and after being introduced to some of the side characters I'm excited for their stories in the future!
And....
Sqquuuueee for the Australian setting!!
Wild Hearts is a beautifully written second chance / ya best friends brother romance story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
From the moment I started reading, both Brady and Wren, captured my heart and the challenges they faced and heartbreaking situations they experienced pulled on my heart strings.
The journey was not easy and it was incredibly bumping and often full of pain, but I couldn't help but admire how they both found the strength and ability to come out the other end of it all.
The best part? They got though it together!
The love between them was sweet, swoon-worthy, angsty and a little bit of a slow burn.
And.....
At times you could literally feel Brady's pain of wanting her back. The way her loves her is so beautiful.
Really.... The way they love each other is beautiful.
I really enjoyed this read and after being introduced to some of the side characters I'm excited for their stories in the future!
November 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Wren has summered in Blue Haven ever since she was twelve when her parents bought a beach house there across ether road from Ivy and Brady. Wren and Ivy became fast friends. Wren had a crush on Brady since the first day she arrived in Blue Haven but he always saw her as his little sisters friend. Until last summer when a secret romance blossomed between Wren and Brady.
Now Wren returns to Blue Haven not just for the summer but to stay to attend the local university. She returns with a lot of secrets and doesn’t know how she can face Ivy and Brady.
Brady’s world shattered when his dad cheated on his mum and broke up their family. His actions caused his break up with Wren and he’s fighting to win her back, but she won’t let him in. There’s something different about Wren when she returns and Brady is determined to get her to trust him again.
I enjoyed this book, I loved the summer romance and found family feel of the book. It dealt beautifully with the trauma explored in the book. I look forward to reading the rest of the Blue Haven University series.
Wren has summered in Blue Haven ever since she was twelve when her parents bought a beach house there across ether road from Ivy and Brady. Wren and Ivy became fast friends. Wren had a crush on Brady since the first day she arrived in Blue Haven but he always saw her as his little sisters friend. Until last summer when a secret romance blossomed between Wren and Brady.
Now Wren returns to Blue Haven not just for the summer but to stay to attend the local university. She returns with a lot of secrets and doesn’t know how she can face Ivy and Brady.
Brady’s world shattered when his dad cheated on his mum and broke up their family. His actions caused his break up with Wren and he’s fighting to win her back, but she won’t let him in. There’s something different about Wren when she returns and Brady is determined to get her to trust him again.
I enjoyed this book, I loved the summer romance and found family feel of the book. It dealt beautifully with the trauma explored in the book. I look forward to reading the rest of the Blue Haven University series.
January 7, 2025
My new summer addiction! This is the perfect series to read during summer!
This book was so well written and so well paced that you don't even realise how much of an in depth background and story is being built around you until you get to the end and are so fully invested in this entire group of friends that you jump straight into the next book.
The story between the FMC Wren and the MMD Brady is just so beautiful, and the way that he helps her deal with her trauma (when he finally gets told what happened) is just perfection.
The way in which JL Skye managed wo write about some very major traumatic experiences in such an accurate manner, while still being entertaining AND respectful was amazing. She is definitely a talented storyteller!
100% recommend this book, and every single other one that this Author writes!!!
Tropes: Dual POV, Friends to lovers, second chance romance, secret romance, who did this to you, best friend's sibling, childhood friends reunited, small town romance, university romance, found family, dealing with and recovering from trauma
Triggers: abuse, accidents, alcohol, anxiety, death (side character), death of a loved one, drugs, fear, fighting, hospitalisation, illness (cancer- side character), infidelity (side character, parent), non consent, panic attacks, PTSD, rape, sexual assault, substance abuse.
This book was so well written and so well paced that you don't even realise how much of an in depth background and story is being built around you until you get to the end and are so fully invested in this entire group of friends that you jump straight into the next book.
The story between the FMC Wren and the MMD Brady is just so beautiful, and the way that he helps her deal with her trauma (when he finally gets told what happened) is just perfection.
The way in which JL Skye managed wo write about some very major traumatic experiences in such an accurate manner, while still being entertaining AND respectful was amazing. She is definitely a talented storyteller!
100% recommend this book, and every single other one that this Author writes!!!
Tropes: Dual POV, Friends to lovers, second chance romance, secret romance, who did this to you, best friend's sibling, childhood friends reunited, small town romance, university romance, found family, dealing with and recovering from trauma
Triggers: abuse, accidents, alcohol, anxiety, death (side character), death of a loved one, drugs, fear, fighting, hospitalisation, illness (cancer- side character), infidelity (side character, parent), non consent, panic attacks, PTSD, rape, sexual assault, substance abuse.
January 4, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by JL Skye and it’s safe to say I’m hooked!
Wild Hearts is book 1 of 4 in the Blue Haven University Series which is a best friend’s brother, second chance, slow burn, set in an Australian small beach town.
Wren is 12 when her family start to have annual summer vacations at Blue Haven and she instantly becomes best friends with her neighbour, Ivy.
Ivy’s older brother, Brady, is a surfing god and he and Wren have always had eyes for each other but one summer family secrets will change everything and set the wheels in motion for a year filled with real life issues and heartbreak.
JL Skye takes on some big topics with sexual assault, PTSD, parents cheating/family break up, loss of family member, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse but she navigates the story and these themes sensitively and with conviction.
This book exceeded all my expectations and I look forward to the other books in this series with the other characters we’ve already learned to love from Wild Hearts.
Wild Hearts is book 1 of 4 in the Blue Haven University Series which is a best friend’s brother, second chance, slow burn, set in an Australian small beach town.
Wren is 12 when her family start to have annual summer vacations at Blue Haven and she instantly becomes best friends with her neighbour, Ivy.
Ivy’s older brother, Brady, is a surfing god and he and Wren have always had eyes for each other but one summer family secrets will change everything and set the wheels in motion for a year filled with real life issues and heartbreak.
JL Skye takes on some big topics with sexual assault, PTSD, parents cheating/family break up, loss of family member, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse but she navigates the story and these themes sensitively and with conviction.
This book exceeded all my expectations and I look forward to the other books in this series with the other characters we’ve already learned to love from Wild Hearts.
May 14, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and couldn't and didn't want to put it down.
This Australian Beach town romance following Wren Murphy and her best friend's older brother Brady Willis makes me miss my childhood home and reading books on the rocks while my younger brother surfed.
🛑 This book contains comes TW: assult, substance abuse, parenatal death, detailing/ living/healing trauma 🛑
This journey through coming of age and adventuring through life with your best friends and coming together as a found family shifts between heart warming and wrenching with turn of a page. The book is well written and takes me back to my uni days and blundering through life with my people around me. The spice that is there is spicy but it's contained and does not run rampant 🤣
I look forward to reading more adventures to be had in Blue Haven.
Also, a book with a read-a-long play list allows me to feel the same feels for a lot longer.
This Australian Beach town romance following Wren Murphy and her best friend's older brother Brady Willis makes me miss my childhood home and reading books on the rocks while my younger brother surfed.
🛑 This book contains comes TW: assult, substance abuse, parenatal death, detailing/ living/healing trauma 🛑
This journey through coming of age and adventuring through life with your best friends and coming together as a found family shifts between heart warming and wrenching with turn of a page. The book is well written and takes me back to my uni days and blundering through life with my people around me. The spice that is there is spicy but it's contained and does not run rampant 🤣
I look forward to reading more adventures to be had in Blue Haven.
Also, a book with a read-a-long play list allows me to feel the same feels for a lot longer.
May 6, 2023
Well. Talk about an emotional book. I cried a few times during this read but the book overall was phenomenal. Every single one of these characters I loved for their own special reasons. Well. Almost. I couldn’t get on board with Brady’s and Ivy’s dad Jeremy. I respect that he tried to right his wrong but he was just not a character I enjoyed. This book has so many ups and downs it’s not even funny but all in a good way. The story is so detailed and the world building is beautiful! Some of these poor kids have just been out through the ringer tho and their heartbreak and lost loves and loved ones were so surreal. Beautiful book and I’m looking forward to reading Jordan’s story next. That kid super intrigued me lol but I highly recommend this book!!
March 3, 2024
I did not expect to fall in love with these characters as quickly & fully as I did!!! This story is one that is going to live rent free in my head for a very long time!!!
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Both Wren & Brady have some major trauma to overcome in this book. Through the help of their friends & being there for each other when they were needed the most allowed them to both heal & move on from the past.
Please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading this book!!!
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Found Family
*First Crush
*Best Friends Brother
*Second Chance
*First Love
*Trauma
*Cheating (not between main characters)
I really can't wait to read the rest of this series!!!
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Both Wren & Brady have some major trauma to overcome in this book. Through the help of their friends & being there for each other when they were needed the most allowed them to both heal & move on from the past.
Please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading this book!!!
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Found Family
*First Crush
*Best Friends Brother
*Second Chance
*First Love
*Trauma
*Cheating (not between main characters)
I really can't wait to read the rest of this series!!!
May 7, 2023
"Wild Hearts" is the first book in Blue Haven University series by J.L. Skye. It’s about the protagonist Wren Murphy, who is seeking a fresh start when she returns to Blue Haven for university. But she's keeping more than one secret that could blow her world apart. She's not the same girl who summered in the beach town for the last five years. There’s also Brady Willis, whose dream has always been to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pro-surfer. But now his family is imploding after a TropSets Surf Fest scandal, and he's reassessing what's important in his life. Wren Murphy. His sister's best friend. The one that got away. Brady's determined to win Wren back. Easier said than done when she won't even look him in the eye. Can Wren learn to trust again? And will Brady convince her that he's the one she's meant to be with?
Disclaimer: Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book as it contains some heavy topics!
The author's writing style is fluid and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the scenes and characters. I really liked the way the characters were developed and the way scenes were described. The themes explored in the book were pretty heavy, as mentioned, but they were also structured very well and even though so much was happening, it was easy to follow. The plot was intriguing, with unexpected twists and turns and I really enjoyed being in the dark from time to time until the end. I cried a few times while reading,, overall this book made me feel A LOT. I found this book a very enjoyable read and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the secrets of Blue Haven.
Disclaimer: Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book as it contains some heavy topics!
The author's writing style is fluid and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the scenes and characters. I really liked the way the characters were developed and the way scenes were described. The themes explored in the book were pretty heavy, as mentioned, but they were also structured very well and even though so much was happening, it was easy to follow. The plot was intriguing, with unexpected twists and turns and I really enjoyed being in the dark from time to time until the end. I cried a few times while reading,, overall this book made me feel A LOT. I found this book a very enjoyable read and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the secrets of Blue Haven.
May 5, 2023
The plot was so intriguing. I really enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns and I loved that it got dark from time to time. I cried a few times while reading and I really wish I had the group of friends Wren and Brady had, they cared so much!
Please check Trigger Warnings because there are heavy issues involved. J.L did an amazing job writing all these issues so respectfully.
It definitely made a great impact to me
If you're a second chance, found family, university love story (with characters you get invested with) fan then this book is definitely for you and you will not be disappointed!
Thank you J.L Skye for the ARC 🙏🏻 can't wait for the next one!
Please check Trigger Warnings because there are heavy issues involved. J.L did an amazing job writing all these issues so respectfully.
It definitely made a great impact to me
If you're a second chance, found family, university love story (with characters you get invested with) fan then this book is definitely for you and you will not be disappointed!
Thank you J.L Skye for the ARC 🙏🏻 can't wait for the next one!
June 28, 2023
I finished this within 24 hours. Such a roller coaster ride of intense moments and emotions… I could not put this down.
While there were some big themes, this author has clearly written these with understanding and empathy.
The character development of the two main characters was heartwarming and the relationships between the rest of the friends and families was so realistic.
I loved the small town feel and felt like I was hanging out with my friends many times throughout this book.
The writing was so descriptive and easy to read, it made this an overall phenomenal read. I cannot wait for Jordan’s story!
While there were some big themes, this author has clearly written these with understanding and empathy.
The character development of the two main characters was heartwarming and the relationships between the rest of the friends and families was so realistic.
I loved the small town feel and felt like I was hanging out with my friends many times throughout this book.
The writing was so descriptive and easy to read, it made this an overall phenomenal read. I cannot wait for Jordan’s story!
August 13, 2023
For fan of Devny Perry, Elle Kennedy and Lucy Score
Small Town New Adult Romance at its finest!
If you're looking for an emotional and heartwarming read, you won't be disappointed with this captivating read. The angst and heartaches in this story gave me goose bumps and tears.
LJ Skye has woven a beautiful second chance romance with fantastic dialogue and beautifully drawn characters. I was gripped by the plot and hung on for our main couple, Wren and Brady to find their way back to one an other through personal tragedy and traumatic past.
If you live for a fulfilling second chance romance with a dash of spice, give JL Skye a try.
Small Town New Adult Romance at its finest!
If you're looking for an emotional and heartwarming read, you won't be disappointed with this captivating read. The angst and heartaches in this story gave me goose bumps and tears.
LJ Skye has woven a beautiful second chance romance with fantastic dialogue and beautifully drawn characters. I was gripped by the plot and hung on for our main couple, Wren and Brady to find their way back to one an other through personal tragedy and traumatic past.
If you live for a fulfilling second chance romance with a dash of spice, give JL Skye a try.
August 13, 2023
“It’s always been you, Rookie,”
4⭐️ All.The.Feels! This book is so delicately written and it’s such a beautiful read! Jlskye has done so well delicately managing such tough content with honour and respect I love it!
This felt book felt like home. It’s set in Australia and I could really picture myself in this book just hanging out at the beach with all these characters. They were so real and genuine.
Brady was such a sweetheart and I loved how much his journey shaped him.
Wren! Oh Wren! I was so heartbroken for her. I cried. I was a heart wrenched the whole read! Throughly enjoyed it!
4⭐️ All.The.Feels! This book is so delicately written and it’s such a beautiful read! Jlskye has done so well delicately managing such tough content with honour and respect I love it!
This felt book felt like home. It’s set in Australia and I could really picture myself in this book just hanging out at the beach with all these characters. They were so real and genuine.
Brady was such a sweetheart and I loved how much his journey shaped him.
Wren! Oh Wren! I was so heartbroken for her. I cried. I was a heart wrenched the whole read! Throughly enjoyed it!
February 22, 2024
DISCLAIMER: I received this book as an ARC copy, which in all honesty i went into it blind - I hadn't heard anything about this author until now and what can I say except WOWZERS!!
There are some heavy topics that get brought up throughout the book so please before diving into the book READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
When I realised the book was set in the local area it made me feel closer to the character, when i say your put into an emotional roller coaster I mean it so many ups and downs.
also with the trope being best friends brother had me hooked even more especially when its a caring surfing man
would highly recommend this book
cant wait for more!
There are some heavy topics that get brought up throughout the book so please before diving into the book READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
When I realised the book was set in the local area it made me feel closer to the character, when i say your put into an emotional roller coaster I mean it so many ups and downs.
also with the trope being best friends brother had me hooked even more especially when its a caring surfing man
would highly recommend this book
cant wait for more!
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