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Dark Horse Dive Bar #1
Wilde Love
In this first of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan’s new series, The Dark Horse Dive Bar, sassy singer-songwriter Lyric Wilde matches wits with FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn. And when her obsessed fan and Mason’s most wanted criminal targets her, he’s the only man capable of protecting her.
Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, where the Wildes throw one hell of a party and love could be a barstool away!
When Lyric Wilde’s not whipping up the best food in town at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, she’s making a name for herself as a rising singer-songwriter. And if any of her online followers cross the line from friendly to fanatical, well, Lyric figures it goes with the territory—and she can take care of herself. But there’s one fan she wants to get to know better—a silent, sexy biker named Viper. A man who makes her think mine every time she looks at him. But who exactly is “Viper?”
Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has been hiding in plain sight and alone for far too long. And while he fantasizes about a peaceful life with beautiful Lyric by his side, he knows that until his mission—to take down a murder-for-hire network—is accomplished, his dark world is no place for her. But when frightening encounters and threatening text messages from a stalker bent on keeping Lyric all to himself and his most wanted criminal target his sultry songbird, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves…
Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, where the Wildes throw one hell of a party and love could be a barstool away!
When Lyric Wilde’s not whipping up the best food in town at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, she’s making a name for herself as a rising singer-songwriter. And if any of her online followers cross the line from friendly to fanatical, well, Lyric figures it goes with the territory—and she can take care of herself. But there’s one fan she wants to get to know better—a silent, sexy biker named Viper. A man who makes her think mine every time she looks at him. But who exactly is “Viper?”
Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has been hiding in plain sight and alone for far too long. And while he fantasizes about a peaceful life with beautiful Lyric by his side, he knows that until his mission—to take down a murder-for-hire network—is accomplished, his dark world is no place for her. But when frightening encounters and threatening text messages from a stalker bent on keeping Lyric all to himself and his most wanted criminal target his sultry songbird, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves…
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
100 people are currently reading
3382 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
50 books1,884 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 16, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Wilde Love is the first book in the newest series by Jennifer Ryan. This is a series that I am very excited for. Of course, Jennifer Ryan, so anytime that she has a new release I get excited. Jennifer Ryan is an author that will appeal to both contemporary and suspense fans. She does so well with these elements in bringing together such balance and if you love a good small town romance than look no further than Jennifer Ryan. In Wilde Love, this pairing was teased in the previous series in "Max Wilde's Cowboy Heart" and I was very excited. I was curious to see how this was elemented with the hero being a biker, I never know what this author will do and yeah it was very unexpected on how this is worked on but she made it work in such a beautiful way.
First Line
A pair of warm hands covered her eyes.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Mason Gunn
Mason, undercover FBI agent, dedicated to country service and his family. He is a badass but sweet with the woman he loves. A alphamellow/cinnamon roll
The Heroine: Lyric Wilde
Lyric is the daughter than helps run the Dark Horse Dive Bar, she is a aspiring songwriter and singer and loyal and true to those she loves.
Summary
When Lyric Wilde first met Mason Gunn also known as "Viper" she felt a strong connection. But she knows he is part of the MC and dangerous, but there is something that resonates deep within her that helps her to know that she can trust her instincts on this and trust in Viper. But when she has a fan that starts stalking her, the danger to her only rises. And when other events start happening that shows that her life is being put in danger, her stalker is the #1 possibility. But as Viper and Lyric build their relationship in secret, as their relationship being public could put their lives in danger from the enemies at the MC. But Lyric is willing to risk the danger in being with Mason, and will fight just as fiercely as he will to keep their love alive.
What I Loved
Wilde Love was a brilliant romance and is probably my favorite romance that this author has ever written. I can't believe how much she was able to blow me away with this one here. This was a story that was beyond endearing and poignant and I adored the way that these two just come together so early in the story. Its highly refreshing and I adore a story with low inner conflict. In this one, they establish their relationship very quickly, although they keep their relationship a secret, for the most part. Lyric's family senses that there is more between them while also trying to keep her stalker at bay from her. The family connections on this one are brilliant. We see both relationships with Lryic's famly and Mason's family. I am curious to see where the author takes the series, because there are options for both the Wilde family and the Gunn family.
As far as the plot that comes into play, there is some great mystery and intrigue and the stalker aspects really added a unique aspect to the story though. I really found it interesting to see if it would connect to the hero with the storyline that was building with the motorcycle club and I have to say that Jennifer Ryan really thew me off for a bit trying to figure out the true villain, but once the true colors are shown I just wanted justice to be brought to the villain in the worst way and Jennifer Ryan fully satisfies where that is concerned.
One of my favorite aspects of this story though is how the heroine is with our hero. The way she fights for him and their relationship just as much as he does just delivered on all the feels for me. I adore a heroine being willing to put all into the relationship and be so invested, especially so early in the relationship, really impressed me. I appreciate that this author was willing to write such a endearing heroine I could go to bat for.
Now let's talk the actual workings of the romance. Our couple get together very early on in the story, they aren't afraid of what they are feeling for each other, but there is an outside conflict to keep them from sharing that in public. So, they have to together in secret and there were aspects of this that were so hard to read at times just seeing how tough it was hard on our main characters not being able to be "together" when they wanted to be or in those moments when they needed it and had to keep themselves separate from each other. But we see how much this really tested their relationship in positive ways and how their bond only strengthens through the adversity of these challenges. Their hearts are so aligned together, and they make such a wonderful partnership. My soul just melted reading this book here and this pair is one that you want to cheer on in finding their HEA. And that ending??!!!! Was beautiful in every way and satisfies on every level in a way that only Jennifer Ryan is able to execute.
What I Struggled With
Nothing! haha This book was perfection!
Overall View
Wilde Love is a stimulating romance that digs deep into heartfelt emotion, thrilling feels, and a epic love that breathes life into the soul!
Favorite Quote(s)
You're the man who tells me and show me the truth. Everything else is outside of you and me."
His eyes went wide. "You do get it."
"I'm trying, because I think you're worth it."
This is because of you,"
"All I did was love you."
"And that's everything."
"You own me, angel. My heart, my soul, all of me."
Because I like a simple life, I want it centered around family and love and music."
When everything seems dark, you're my angel. You make everything bright.
The man knew how to speak to her in her love language. Music didn't just convey the words, it evoked emotion. And M sent this song straight to her heart. "
I need to always remember that all roads lead home to the ones I love, who will always love me.
She was all he needed today. Any day. Every Day.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Biker, Singer/Songwriter
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense, All the Feels, Couple Together Early On, FAmily Bond, Love Language, Stalker, Western
Tropes: Epic Love, Instant Love, Secret Relationship, Secret/Mistaken Identity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict!! The relationship conflict is minimal.
Song This Book Inspires
Come Over by Kenny Chesney
Angel Eyes by Jeff Healey Band
When You Love Someone-Bryan Adams
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
September 28, 2023
Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has grown tired of being away from family and undercover. He has been working the MC case and others for far too long. Plus, his growing attraction to Lyric Wilde, cook and country singer at the Dark Horse Dive Bar is complicating things. Stolen kisses and secret promises can only keep a fella warm for so long.
Lyric Wilde has a thing for Mason, even if she doesn’t really know his name. Despite his reputation and membership in the gang, she sees beneath the surface. She trusts him and his content to wait for answers. In the meantime, a fan shows up at her family’s ranch demanding her time and sending off vibes that warn of danger. Can Mason keep her safe when he has a job to do? I snuggled up with their story and found myself caught up in the tale.
I loved the chemistry and building romance between them. Lyric knows who she is and what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. She is also kind which gets her in trouble with her fan.
Ryan gives us a well-rounded tale with family, town life and hints of stories to come. The suspenseful threads were well done, with some red herrings and buildup. I absolutely loved Mason’s family and cannot wait to learn more about his brothers.
This story is perfect for fans of sizzling, heartfelt romance complete with songs and lyrics to make you melt.
While Wilde Love offers a complete standalone romance, I can already tell you I am looking forward to Hawke’s romance and others.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Lyric Wilde has a thing for Mason, even if she doesn’t really know his name. Despite his reputation and membership in the gang, she sees beneath the surface. She trusts him and his content to wait for answers. In the meantime, a fan shows up at her family’s ranch demanding her time and sending off vibes that warn of danger. Can Mason keep her safe when he has a job to do? I snuggled up with their story and found myself caught up in the tale.
I loved the chemistry and building romance between them. Lyric knows who she is and what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. She is also kind which gets her in trouble with her fan.
Ryan gives us a well-rounded tale with family, town life and hints of stories to come. The suspenseful threads were well done, with some red herrings and buildup. I absolutely loved Mason’s family and cannot wait to learn more about his brothers.
This story is perfect for fans of sizzling, heartfelt romance complete with songs and lyrics to make you melt.
While Wilde Love offers a complete standalone romance, I can already tell you I am looking forward to Hawke’s romance and others.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 9, 2024
I picked up this book because of the cover, and I was feeling a cowboy/ranch type of book. I was on spring break with my toddlers and needed a cowboy romance getaway in my head LOL. This one did not disappoint. This is my first read by Jennifer Ryan, and I went ahead and bought book 2. I do get frustrated when authors say the book can be read as a standalone, but then you don't know half of the characters that are in other books of theirs. I felt a LITTLE lost with them but it didn't deter from the story. This was pretty fast paced as it sounded like Lyric and Mason had been circling each other in previous books. I liked their chemistry. I liked the setting. I liked the added element of suspense too.
Lyric and her family have owned the Dark Horse Dive Bar for a minute. She works the music as she is a recording artist and writes songs on the side. Her sister works the kitchen, and her brother works the bar itself. She is good with her life. She just can't stop thinking about the dangerous looking hottie who also can't seem to stop looking at her. They have been circling each other for months and now she has decided she wants to get to know him. She can just sense that there is something going on under the motorcycle club vibe he has going on. They end up thrown together and have a wonderful night hanging out. He can't give her his name and asks a lot of her by trusting that he will tell her everything about him in due time. She decides to trust the man that she will now refer to as M.
While all of this is going on, one of her fans from Nashville has decided to follow her home and quite frankly stalk her. She rationalized his behavior and tried to help him out, but he was not taking any hints. M stepped in and helped and so did her family. But her stalker's behavior is escalating, and she is scared about what he might do. M and her have a wonderful night together, and she knows that there is something between them. She just hopes that her creeper doesn't affect that. Little does she know that M is actually an FBI agent. And he has made it his mission to keep her safe and happy.
I read this pretty quickly. It was more fast paced than I am used to but again I think there was some buildup between these characters in previous books. I liked the added element of Mason being an undercover FBI agent. I liked the depth that Jennifer went into on the struggle and toll that had put on him and bravo to Lyric for sticking around with the little tidbits of himself that he gave her. I am looking forward to jumping into book 2 pretty soon. I would recommend this series if you haven't read it already!
Lyric and her family have owned the Dark Horse Dive Bar for a minute. She works the music as she is a recording artist and writes songs on the side. Her sister works the kitchen, and her brother works the bar itself. She is good with her life. She just can't stop thinking about the dangerous looking hottie who also can't seem to stop looking at her. They have been circling each other for months and now she has decided she wants to get to know him. She can just sense that there is something going on under the motorcycle club vibe he has going on. They end up thrown together and have a wonderful night hanging out. He can't give her his name and asks a lot of her by trusting that he will tell her everything about him in due time. She decides to trust the man that she will now refer to as M.
While all of this is going on, one of her fans from Nashville has decided to follow her home and quite frankly stalk her. She rationalized his behavior and tried to help him out, but he was not taking any hints. M stepped in and helped and so did her family. But her stalker's behavior is escalating, and she is scared about what he might do. M and her have a wonderful night together, and she knows that there is something between them. She just hopes that her creeper doesn't affect that. Little does she know that M is actually an FBI agent. And he has made it his mission to keep her safe and happy.
I read this pretty quickly. It was more fast paced than I am used to but again I think there was some buildup between these characters in previous books. I liked the added element of Mason being an undercover FBI agent. I liked the depth that Jennifer went into on the struggle and toll that had put on him and bravo to Lyric for sticking around with the little tidbits of himself that he gave her. I am looking forward to jumping into book 2 pretty soon. I would recommend this series if you haven't read it already!
November 10, 2023
Maybe if I had read the other series and knew more about these characters, I would have liked this more?
I am not a fan of instalove and this just seemed too fast. Lyric trusted M even though she knew he was hiding so much. And then she didn’t listen to her intuition once when the creepo showed up all stalker like.
For me, it was 3 stars.
I am not a fan of instalove and this just seemed too fast. Lyric trusted M even though she knew he was hiding so much. And then she didn’t listen to her intuition once when the creepo showed up all stalker like.
For me, it was 3 stars.
July 11, 2025
this was my first romance with suspense and it was great. i loved how protective the mmc was of the fmc so adorable. it was a bit predictable from the beginning bc it was so obvious rick was crazy but did have some twists
January 8, 2024
Check out our full post for WILDE LOVE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series – and I am definitely adding this to my look out for list, because I really enjoyed it! There is a good amount of world building, which has ensured that I need to know what happens to the rest of the Wilde siblings!
As the reader, we know pretty much immediately what Viper is, so the tension is lessened in one way and seriously heightened in another – which is a really effective tactic in this novel as the plot unfolds. I love how we get to understand the depths of frustration and psychological damage that Mason's role has on him, and we also get to see his desires for a new and fulfilled life.
Lyric is a talented songstress, but her life is with her family, and that suits her just fine. She enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen of the family bar, and then indulges her love of singing on the stage there too. She has such chemistry with Viper, but he is a man who holds himself back. She is more than grateful when he intercedes with an overly familiar (obsessed) fan. Rick is really the kind of character that you both love to hate and also pity – he is a stark reminder of how someone can spin a whole new reality in their head and how they damage their target.
I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and am looking forward to the next installment already.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
September 25, 2023
I can’t rave about this book enough!!! Meet mysterious masquerading Viper, who yearns for Lyric behind his tough biker exterior. Lyric cooks up the songs while whipping up the best bar food in Wyoming.
This story sizzles and pops! I was into Viper’s vibe from the description. By the way I like Viper instead of his real name.
I also felt like a voyeur during the tender exchanges between Viper and Lyric. They’re so sweet!!! I love their nicknames for each other. When he asks her if she’s keeping him I almost came unglued.
I also love all,the other testerone in the family: Hawk and Lincoln especially. I can’t wait to read which women bring them to their knees.
I also,loved how Viper and Lyric used songs to reveal their true feelings.
Get this book, read it, and then sing it praises!
I would have loved to see a scene with them on a motorcycle.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the early read.
This story sizzles and pops! I was into Viper’s vibe from the description. By the way I like Viper instead of his real name.
I also felt like a voyeur during the tender exchanges between Viper and Lyric. They’re so sweet!!! I love their nicknames for each other. When he asks her if she’s keeping him I almost came unglued.
I also love all,the other testerone in the family: Hawk and Lincoln especially. I can’t wait to read which women bring them to their knees.
I also,loved how Viper and Lyric used songs to reveal their true feelings.
Get this book, read it, and then sing it praises!
I would have loved to see a scene with them on a motorcycle.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the early read.
September 5, 2023
WOW!
This is a great book; loved the story line.
Lyric Wilde helps run the Dark Horse Dive Bar; Viper has been coming in for months now. They have been eyeing each other; but neither making a move to further the relationship. Lyric is a song writer and has just returned from Nashville. It seems a guy has followed her back wanting to write songs with her. She doesn't know him, and he gives her the creeps.
Viper is actually an undercover FBI agent working a murder for hire group. The motorcycle group he infiltrated hasn't let him in on actually who is the leader for the murders. After being undercover for years Mason is ready to give it up and Lyric is the one for him.
Can Lyric get rid of the creepy guy, and can Mason keep her safe? This is a great suspense romance. Can't wait for more!
This is a great book; loved the story line.
Lyric Wilde helps run the Dark Horse Dive Bar; Viper has been coming in for months now. They have been eyeing each other; but neither making a move to further the relationship. Lyric is a song writer and has just returned from Nashville. It seems a guy has followed her back wanting to write songs with her. She doesn't know him, and he gives her the creeps.
Viper is actually an undercover FBI agent working a murder for hire group. The motorcycle group he infiltrated hasn't let him in on actually who is the leader for the murders. After being undercover for years Mason is ready to give it up and Lyric is the one for him.
Can Lyric get rid of the creepy guy, and can Mason keep her safe? This is a great suspense romance. Can't wait for more!
September 10, 2023
Even though this is the first in a new series by Jennifer Ryan, there are a few familiar characters in this book. Mason, who appeared in the Wyoming Wilde series, is actually an undercover agent in a motorcycle club. Having been undercover for years, Mason is ready to start a new chapter in his life, hopefully with Lyric at his side. But he has one last mission to complete while undercover before he can start that new chapter. But he just can't resist Lyric, especially when he finds that she too is danger. Once again, Jennifer Ryan has written an enjoyable romance with a touch of suspense, the perfect start to a new series!
April 24, 2024
The book was good. I think the end of the book was, not how I expected but it wasn’t exciting. It was simply just good. This isn’t something I would want to read a second time, but if someone is interested in a love story with some thriller action to it, I’d recommend it. This was a good introduction into smut, there’s a couple sections in the book it goes into detail, which I am not used to. There were sections of the book that did keep me engaged and wanting to read more, but was disappointed that the ending didn’t hold that spark all the way through. Maybe it just wasn’t really my favorite kind of read! Still trying to figure that out as I explore different genres.
October 1, 2023
I had a few false starts with this book, but I am so glad I persevered, it was definitely a me problem. Once I was in the right headspace I was hooked in quickly. I loved the book, characters and the story.
The Dark Horse Dive Bar Lyric runs and is frequented by Viper. The attraction is there, but the two do not act on it, he has too many secrets he doe not want to share. The stolen kisses continue, the trust builds, and danger lurks. But can he do his job, and protect her?
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyage, Avon for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The Dark Horse Dive Bar Lyric runs and is frequented by Viper. The attraction is there, but the two do not act on it, he has too many secrets he doe not want to share. The stolen kisses continue, the trust builds, and danger lurks. But can he do his job, and protect her?
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyage, Avon for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 1, 2024
DNF’d at 50%. I’ve enjoyed other books by Jennifer Ryan but this one isn’t doing it for me
June 19, 2024
great romantic suspense. Intense chemistry.
October 12, 2023
This was a great read. The first in the series. It had suspense, danger, yep, and romance, interwoven so well the book just flowed! I'd also like to go to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, it is a fascinating place—lots of heat between Viper - tall, dark, mysterious and Lyric, not so mysterious but fairly fiesty. The music was great :). Well, if I could have stopped by and listed in.....
This is going to be a great series, lots of good things coming from the Dark Horse Dive Bar.
Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions are mine alone.
This is going to be a great series, lots of good things coming from the Dark Horse Dive Bar.
Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions are mine alone.
September 28, 2023
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, nor by this author, but it doesn't matter because I am drawn in right away.
Ok 5 minutes later and I am totally annoyed that though she gets a huge red flag from this creep, she doesn't just shut him down. There's no need to be nice to this creep. Am I just too New York that I am so annoyed that someone is putting up with this bullshit?
Now at 49% I am ready to declare this a DNF--I really liked the fact that he is undercover so they need to keep their relationship under wraps, but at this point in the story, everyone in the whole world is going to know. Like either they can or they can’t tell everyone. I honestly feel like 1, he is a horrible undercover agent if he is revealing personal stuff to someone he just decided he wants to date, and two she is the dumbest person on the planet if she is so completely clueless about things he says are dangerous for her and also she must have a death wish because she is too dumb to function. And these song lyric things are so cringey that I I want to stop reading.
A romance novel should not have all of the tension and characters falling in love BEFORE the start of the novel. I am all for characters who meet and interact and readers see a spark before the start, but this is way too much.
I really think they are just keeping this stalker creep around because he might be the only reason for tension in the story. I genuinely don’t know why these two are in love or why they aren’t fully together. They aren’t really keeping things a secret despite the whole undercover agent thing. I think this book had so much potential, but just didn’t have the tension in the right spots. My official DNF is at 65% when Viper says that his brother Nick technically is his boss. Seriously, how has this man not been killed yet?
Ok 5 minutes later and I am totally annoyed that though she gets a huge red flag from this creep, she doesn't just shut him down. There's no need to be nice to this creep. Am I just too New York that I am so annoyed that someone is putting up with this bullshit?
Now at 49% I am ready to declare this a DNF--I really liked the fact that he is undercover so they need to keep their relationship under wraps, but at this point in the story, everyone in the whole world is going to know. Like either they can or they can’t tell everyone. I honestly feel like 1, he is a horrible undercover agent if he is revealing personal stuff to someone he just decided he wants to date, and two she is the dumbest person on the planet if she is so completely clueless about things he says are dangerous for her and also she must have a death wish because she is too dumb to function. And these song lyric things are so cringey that I I want to stop reading.
A romance novel should not have all of the tension and characters falling in love BEFORE the start of the novel. I am all for characters who meet and interact and readers see a spark before the start, but this is way too much.
I really think they are just keeping this stalker creep around because he might be the only reason for tension in the story. I genuinely don’t know why these two are in love or why they aren’t fully together. They aren’t really keeping things a secret despite the whole undercover agent thing. I think this book had so much potential, but just didn’t have the tension in the right spots. My official DNF is at 65% when Viper says that his brother Nick technically is his boss. Seriously, how has this man not been killed yet?
August 12, 2023
I found this book a bit tedious. It’s obvious that Mason is an undercover agent. For someone trying to keep his role undercover as a member of a motorcycle gang, he seems to tell people a lot of oblique comments that make it obvious that he’s some sort of police or federal agent working to uncover some crime in the gang. And the guy who shows up out of the blue to meet Lyric so that she can write songs with him is so clearly a delusional stalker. Lyric is portrayed as just so sweet that she can’t shut him down right away. So everyone around her, her family and the local police, just let this guy move into her life and bug her without saying anything to him. She really came off as TSTL as she keeps giving her stalker another chance.
Then we have Lyric and Mason basically already in love without Lyric knowing much about him. She just senses that he is a good guy after exchanging a lot of significant looks when he’s at the bar where she works. And then they discuss over and over how much they love each other. I just found myself skimming through so I could see how it all turned out. I didn’t buy any of these characters.
And I got sick of how repetitive it was.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review
Then we have Lyric and Mason basically already in love without Lyric knowing much about him. She just senses that he is a good guy after exchanging a lot of significant looks when he’s at the bar where she works. And then they discuss over and over how much they love each other. I just found myself skimming through so I could see how it all turned out. I didn’t buy any of these characters.
And I got sick of how repetitive it was.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review
September 21, 2024
Summary:
Lyric Wilde is a songwriter who chose the life of a small town bar owner. She owns Dark Horse Dive Bar with her family. She is intrigued by regular patron Viper. She travels periodically to Nashville to write songs but wants to be with her family.
Viper is Undercover FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn. He regularly goes to Dark Horse Dive Bar so he can see Lyric. He is intrigued by her and wants to try a relationship but because of his job she only knows him a Viper, a member of the local biker gang.
My Thoughts:
I have been intrigues with Lyric and Viper since I read the Wyoming Wilde Series. I was glad they got their own book. Jennifer Ryan's story telling once again captivated me. This is roughly the tenth book by her I have read.
The chemistry between Lyric and Viper was hot and heavy. It has been building since the Wyoming Wilde Series. I liked how Lyric's passions, songwriter and running the bar, was a big part of the storyline as well as Mason's work as an FBI agent. Ryan made both a big part of the story without one appearing more important.
I can't wait to read book 2 in the Dark Horse Dive Bar series, Wilde For You.
Lyric Wilde is a songwriter who chose the life of a small town bar owner. She owns Dark Horse Dive Bar with her family. She is intrigued by regular patron Viper. She travels periodically to Nashville to write songs but wants to be with her family.
Viper is Undercover FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn. He regularly goes to Dark Horse Dive Bar so he can see Lyric. He is intrigued by her and wants to try a relationship but because of his job she only knows him a Viper, a member of the local biker gang.
My Thoughts:
I have been intrigues with Lyric and Viper since I read the Wyoming Wilde Series. I was glad they got their own book. Jennifer Ryan's story telling once again captivated me. This is roughly the tenth book by her I have read.
The chemistry between Lyric and Viper was hot and heavy. It has been building since the Wyoming Wilde Series. I liked how Lyric's passions, songwriter and running the bar, was a big part of the storyline as well as Mason's work as an FBI agent. Ryan made both a big part of the story without one appearing more important.
I can't wait to read book 2 in the Dark Horse Dive Bar series, Wilde For You.
May 16, 2024
4.5 stars
Wilde Love is the first book in Jennifer Ryan’s Dark Horse Dive Bar series. The series is structured around the four Wilde siblings who run the bar/restaurant in Black Rock Falls Wyoming they inherited from their late aunt. They also help out at their parent’s nearby family ranch where they grew up. Dark Horse Dive Bar is more than just an eating and drinking establishment. It’s a quasi-community center for the town’s residents where a hungry person can always find a hot meal free of charge. The first book revolves around Lyric Wilde who along with being a successful song writer and performer is the head chef for the bar and runs the kitchen, and Mason Gunn (aka Viper, aka M) an undercover FBI agent whom along with his brother Nick has appeared in several earlier Ryan books. Much of the backstory for Mason and Lyric can be found in those earlier books which I either wasn’t’ aware of so I never read them or its been so long since I did, that I’ve forgotten what happened in them. Which I feel terrible about because I’ve tried to keep current with all of Ms. Ryan’s book that are centered out West.
Mason as his alter ego Viper is working undercover to determine whom in a local biker gang is running a murder for hire operation. He frequents the Dark Horse Bar when he can just to stare at the beautiful Lyric. But he’s an undercover cop who can’t afford to get involved lest he risk both his and her safety if his true identity as an FBI Agent or his feelings for Lyric are revealed. Lyric can feel Viper’s eyes on her whenever he’s at the bar and she likes the attention. She’s able to see beyond the brooding, intimidating Viper personae Mason as Viper projects to a caring man with a warm heart. Lyric begins being harassed by Rick, a delusional stalker/admirer that doesn’t respect her boundaries and keeps trying to insert himself into her life. When she gets injured in a workplace accident caused by Rick, Mason can no longer just sit by. But he also can’t get directly involved with protecting Lyric without people knowing he cares about her which could prove dangerous for her. They quickly begin a semi-secret relationship. Semi-secret because all her siblings quickly figure things out and are sworn to secrecy. If I have one complaint with this story it is the constant refrain from Viper to Lyric about how sorry he is that he can’t be there for her to protector her from Rick and her constant need to reassure him that she understands and is content for now with whatever time they can spend in each other’s arms.
Being too kind, too caring and too afraid to hurt people’s feelings is Lyric’s one fault. If you can consider those virtues a fault. In fact the Lyric character is really too perfect to be real. Because of this, rather than draw a hard line with Rick the minute he surprises her by showing up at her family’s ranch she continues to try and appease him. Which as Neville Chambers the late British P.M. learned in his dealing with Adloph Hitler, doesn’t work out well when dealing with a psychopath or sociopath. The more Lyric attempts to both appease Rick and gently limit their contact hoping he’ll get the message and go away, the more he shows his borderline psychopathic tendencies. When she’s finally had enough and attempts to draw a firm line to put him out of her life, he reacts violently. And poor Mason can do nothing but offer her emotional support because he doesn’t dare come out as her boyfriend and kick Rick’s ass.
While Lyric is dealing with her Rick problem Mason is getting closer to discover who in the M.C. is running the murder for hire operation. He’s desperate to end this case because he’s tired of pretending to be someone he’s not working undercover among some of societies most disreputable and evil criminals. He feels he’s losing who he really is having played this lone wolf role for years now. And he’s madly in love with Lyric and wants to be able to claim her and build a normal life with her. But the closer he gets to the truth the more danger he and Lyric are in. Because the person at the top of the scheme is no fool.
It's been a while since I’ve read a new Jennifer Ryan book. Thankfully they haven’t lost their appeal for me. This one brings the usual tension and drama as Lyric and Mason fend off threats, plenty of warm family feels from both the Wilde and Gunn families and plenty of heat when Mason and Lyric get together.
Wilde Love is the first book in Jennifer Ryan’s Dark Horse Dive Bar series. The series is structured around the four Wilde siblings who run the bar/restaurant in Black Rock Falls Wyoming they inherited from their late aunt. They also help out at their parent’s nearby family ranch where they grew up. Dark Horse Dive Bar is more than just an eating and drinking establishment. It’s a quasi-community center for the town’s residents where a hungry person can always find a hot meal free of charge. The first book revolves around Lyric Wilde who along with being a successful song writer and performer is the head chef for the bar and runs the kitchen, and Mason Gunn (aka Viper, aka M) an undercover FBI agent whom along with his brother Nick has appeared in several earlier Ryan books. Much of the backstory for Mason and Lyric can be found in those earlier books which I either wasn’t’ aware of so I never read them or its been so long since I did, that I’ve forgotten what happened in them. Which I feel terrible about because I’ve tried to keep current with all of Ms. Ryan’s book that are centered out West.
Mason as his alter ego Viper is working undercover to determine whom in a local biker gang is running a murder for hire operation. He frequents the Dark Horse Bar when he can just to stare at the beautiful Lyric. But he’s an undercover cop who can’t afford to get involved lest he risk both his and her safety if his true identity as an FBI Agent or his feelings for Lyric are revealed. Lyric can feel Viper’s eyes on her whenever he’s at the bar and she likes the attention. She’s able to see beyond the brooding, intimidating Viper personae Mason as Viper projects to a caring man with a warm heart. Lyric begins being harassed by Rick, a delusional stalker/admirer that doesn’t respect her boundaries and keeps trying to insert himself into her life. When she gets injured in a workplace accident caused by Rick, Mason can no longer just sit by. But he also can’t get directly involved with protecting Lyric without people knowing he cares about her which could prove dangerous for her. They quickly begin a semi-secret relationship. Semi-secret because all her siblings quickly figure things out and are sworn to secrecy. If I have one complaint with this story it is the constant refrain from Viper to Lyric about how sorry he is that he can’t be there for her to protector her from Rick and her constant need to reassure him that she understands and is content for now with whatever time they can spend in each other’s arms.
Being too kind, too caring and too afraid to hurt people’s feelings is Lyric’s one fault. If you can consider those virtues a fault. In fact the Lyric character is really too perfect to be real. Because of this, rather than draw a hard line with Rick the minute he surprises her by showing up at her family’s ranch she continues to try and appease him. Which as Neville Chambers the late British P.M. learned in his dealing with Adloph Hitler, doesn’t work out well when dealing with a psychopath or sociopath. The more Lyric attempts to both appease Rick and gently limit their contact hoping he’ll get the message and go away, the more he shows his borderline psychopathic tendencies. When she’s finally had enough and attempts to draw a firm line to put him out of her life, he reacts violently. And poor Mason can do nothing but offer her emotional support because he doesn’t dare come out as her boyfriend and kick Rick’s ass.
While Lyric is dealing with her Rick problem Mason is getting closer to discover who in the M.C. is running the murder for hire operation. He’s desperate to end this case because he’s tired of pretending to be someone he’s not working undercover among some of societies most disreputable and evil criminals. He feels he’s losing who he really is having played this lone wolf role for years now. And he’s madly in love with Lyric and wants to be able to claim her and build a normal life with her. But the closer he gets to the truth the more danger he and Lyric are in. Because the person at the top of the scheme is no fool.
It's been a while since I’ve read a new Jennifer Ryan book. Thankfully they haven’t lost their appeal for me. This one brings the usual tension and drama as Lyric and Mason fend off threats, plenty of warm family feels from both the Wilde and Gunn families and plenty of heat when Mason and Lyric get together.
September 16, 2023
I was lucky to get an advance reader copy of Jennifer Ryan's, Wilde Love: A Dark Horse Dive Bar Novel, the first book in a new series, and having read some of her previous Wilde family novels in the past, some of the characters were familiar, but this novel worked well for this reader as a standalone, and it was impossible not to love the main characters, Lyric Wilde, who has a heart of gold, is a singer/songwriter, as well as the owner/chief cook at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, and Viper, the handsome and intense mystery MC club hero who comes to the bar/restaurant/night club, never says a word but is always fixated on Lyric. Is he a good guy or a bad one? I'm not telling, but this is one very good romantic suspense novel and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
Lyric periodically heads to Nashville to perform and collaborate with other singer/songwriters. She also has an on-line Youtube presence where she uploads her song videos and communicates with
her fans--one of whom shows up at one of her Nashville gigs and wants to collaborate with her. She has enough on her plate, so she eventually brushes him off with a "soon," but that's clearly not soon enough for Rick Rowe, who then shows up in her hometown in Wyoming and expects her to drop everything and work with him on a song. Make that songs--as the one she finally agrees to help him with wasn't enough for this creep turned stalker.
It's Viper who really catches her attention--he comes into the Dark Horse and just stares at her, and although he looks like a MC thug, Lyric has the unique ability to see the good behind the bad in everyone, and her instincts are correct when it comes to Viper. Although she knows little about him, she's attracted to him, a man who won't even tell her his real name, or much of anything else about himself, and she ends up calling him "M," for "Mine." I just love a mystery man hero!
There's a lot going on in this novel, most of which would be spoilers, so I won't go into great detail, in this review, but as romantic suspense novels go--this is a very good, very solid, hard to put down novel, with well-drawn characters, a plot that keeps you guessing, and one that doesn't sacrifice the suspense in favor of the romance, or the romance in favor of the suspense All in all, a very satisfying, romantic, suspenseful read, with an HEA ending, and I'm happy to recommend it. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next novel in the series, and I think you'll feel that way too.
As stated at the outset, I voluntarily read an advance copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
Lyric periodically heads to Nashville to perform and collaborate with other singer/songwriters. She also has an on-line Youtube presence where she uploads her song videos and communicates with
her fans--one of whom shows up at one of her Nashville gigs and wants to collaborate with her. She has enough on her plate, so she eventually brushes him off with a "soon," but that's clearly not soon enough for Rick Rowe, who then shows up in her hometown in Wyoming and expects her to drop everything and work with him on a song. Make that songs--as the one she finally agrees to help him with wasn't enough for this creep turned stalker.
It's Viper who really catches her attention--he comes into the Dark Horse and just stares at her, and although he looks like a MC thug, Lyric has the unique ability to see the good behind the bad in everyone, and her instincts are correct when it comes to Viper. Although she knows little about him, she's attracted to him, a man who won't even tell her his real name, or much of anything else about himself, and she ends up calling him "M," for "Mine." I just love a mystery man hero!
There's a lot going on in this novel, most of which would be spoilers, so I won't go into great detail, in this review, but as romantic suspense novels go--this is a very good, very solid, hard to put down novel, with well-drawn characters, a plot that keeps you guessing, and one that doesn't sacrifice the suspense in favor of the romance, or the romance in favor of the suspense All in all, a very satisfying, romantic, suspenseful read, with an HEA ending, and I'm happy to recommend it. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next novel in the series, and I think you'll feel that way too.
As stated at the outset, I voluntarily read an advance copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
September 23, 2023
Having already gotten peeks of Lyric and Mason (aka Viper) quite a few times throughout the Wyoming Wilde series, this book was much anticipated by me. These two have a beautiful connection and I love the level of respect and patience they show for each other. They both have a lot going on in their lives that is keeping them apart while also, oddly enough, throwing them together.
Lyric’s storyline involves a stalker and boy, it’s creepy. Starting from the very beginning of this book the author conveys that creepy feeling one gets when a guy is too friendly and you know there is something off. Lyric does the right thing by not instigating this guy’s ire, but at the same time, I just want her to scream at him to leave her alone! As with most situations like this, Lyric even starts to think maybe she is misunderstanding him and if she helps him out he’ll finally leave her alone. Everyone around her continues to remind her to follow her gut instincts with this guy. All the while, Mason cannot be with her to put his mind at ease that she’s safe or to let this guy know she’s not even available. As much as I felt Lyric made the wrong choices sometimes, I also loved that she knew how to take care of herself and protect herself. She wasn’t whittled down to the meek/weak woman needing a hero. She wanted Mason to be with her but she didn’t need him to be with her.
As for Mason, he’s undercover and cannot break character to help Lyric out. It’s not even safe for anyone to know they even mean anything to each other and Lyric doesn’t even know that he’s any sort of law enforcement. Such is their connection that she trusts him. She knows he’s not a bad person and that he would be there for her if he could.
I thought Lyric and Mason had great chemistry, although it was better for me when they were pining than when they were actually together. I still felt it, but not quite as strongly. Lyric is an eternally sunshiney person and it helps Mason to remember who he used to be before his years working undercover. His slow emergence back to his real life, seeing his true personality creeping out little by little, was subtle and well-written.
Having already gotten to know Lyric’s family through that previous series, it was great to know we’ll also have Mason’s brother and cousins being thrown into the mix. Maybe even some more love matches between the two families.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Lyric’s storyline involves a stalker and boy, it’s creepy. Starting from the very beginning of this book the author conveys that creepy feeling one gets when a guy is too friendly and you know there is something off. Lyric does the right thing by not instigating this guy’s ire, but at the same time, I just want her to scream at him to leave her alone! As with most situations like this, Lyric even starts to think maybe she is misunderstanding him and if she helps him out he’ll finally leave her alone. Everyone around her continues to remind her to follow her gut instincts with this guy. All the while, Mason cannot be with her to put his mind at ease that she’s safe or to let this guy know she’s not even available. As much as I felt Lyric made the wrong choices sometimes, I also loved that she knew how to take care of herself and protect herself. She wasn’t whittled down to the meek/weak woman needing a hero. She wanted Mason to be with her but she didn’t need him to be with her.
As for Mason, he’s undercover and cannot break character to help Lyric out. It’s not even safe for anyone to know they even mean anything to each other and Lyric doesn’t even know that he’s any sort of law enforcement. Such is their connection that she trusts him. She knows he’s not a bad person and that he would be there for her if he could.
I thought Lyric and Mason had great chemistry, although it was better for me when they were pining than when they were actually together. I still felt it, but not quite as strongly. Lyric is an eternally sunshiney person and it helps Mason to remember who he used to be before his years working undercover. His slow emergence back to his real life, seeing his true personality creeping out little by little, was subtle and well-written.
Having already gotten to know Lyric’s family through that previous series, it was great to know we’ll also have Mason’s brother and cousins being thrown into the mix. Maybe even some more love matches between the two families.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
October 23, 2023
As always, I get so excited when Jennifer Ryan starts a new series. Her stories are always so engaging that I go into them knowing I'll get a great story with characters I won't be able to forget. Wilde Love is one of those stories.
You meet both Viper aka Mason and Lyric in the prior book/series, so you go into knowing they have feelings for each other. What you aren't sure of is how they could possibly have a relationship with all that Viper is dealing with.
The story started out right away with us getting a creepy feeling for what was happening. You don't trust Rick and with good reason. Who just shows up somewhere when you really don't know the person? He comes off not as a person who's really looking for help but as someone who wants to float on someone else's coat tails.
I didn't trust him at all.
Now Viper I loved from the first second he came on the page. There is something about him that draws you to him. I knew he was going through it with his job and really wanted him to be able to come out of the shadows.
Together Viper and Lyric are made for each other. You see right away their feelings for each other. From the beginning she trusts him like no one else but her family. They work together and make a good couple. He'd do anything for her and her the same. You'll really enjoy both of them. The only thing that I wish was different with the story is that I felt it took so long for them to be able to show the world they are together. I know, something some but it still made me wish for more.
The great part is that you are introduced to so many new characters that you'll want to know their stories. As I'm sure you will be I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
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ARC received for an honest review
September 29, 2023
Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar
Singer/songwriter Lyric Wilde doesn’t seek the bright lights. Her huge on line following is all the fame she needs. Lyric is content just helping out on her family’s farm and running the kitchen at the Dark Horse Dive Bar. She’s unprepared when one of her fans shows up at the bar and gets a little too close, but she figures she can handle it – until she can’t.
Mason Gunn is tired. He’s ready to end his undercover assignment and take back his life. The only bright spot to his assignment is the time he spends at the Dark Horse Dive Bar watching Lyric. When Mason finds that Lyric is being stalked by a crazy fan, he can do no less than step in. Now he needs to walk a fine line between living the undercover lie he needs to maintain and the real life he wants to live with Lyric.
An offshoot of her Wyoming Wilde series, we are introduced to Lyric’s branch of the Wilde family. They are a close, supportive family who work together running the family ranch, renting cabins to tourists, and working the Dark Horse Dive Bar, a place I really wish I could visit. Lyric enjoys her time working with the horses, but her real passion, besides her songwriting, is working the kitchen at the bar. And wondering about the intriguing biker, Viper, who she often finds sitting at the bar.
I loved the combination of Lyric and Viper. Lyric is sure of herself and knows what she wants out of life. She’s confident in her feelings for Viper even though she knows there’s more to him than meets the eye. She feels the connection between them and trusts her instincts, though he’s unable to share most of his life with her.
Ms. Ryan has, once again, penned a tender, heartfelt romance with elements of suspense. From the threat of Lyric’s stalker, to the danger Mason faces as he dives deeper undercover, to the romance between them, this is a captivating, fast moving story. The threads of the story and intertwined in surprising ways leading to an unexpected climax. With Lyric’s siblings and Mason’s brothers, the story is threaded with hints that there are more tales to come. I can’t wait to discover Hawk’s story. I hope you agree.
Singer/songwriter Lyric Wilde doesn’t seek the bright lights. Her huge on line following is all the fame she needs. Lyric is content just helping out on her family’s farm and running the kitchen at the Dark Horse Dive Bar. She’s unprepared when one of her fans shows up at the bar and gets a little too close, but she figures she can handle it – until she can’t.
Mason Gunn is tired. He’s ready to end his undercover assignment and take back his life. The only bright spot to his assignment is the time he spends at the Dark Horse Dive Bar watching Lyric. When Mason finds that Lyric is being stalked by a crazy fan, he can do no less than step in. Now he needs to walk a fine line between living the undercover lie he needs to maintain and the real life he wants to live with Lyric.
An offshoot of her Wyoming Wilde series, we are introduced to Lyric’s branch of the Wilde family. They are a close, supportive family who work together running the family ranch, renting cabins to tourists, and working the Dark Horse Dive Bar, a place I really wish I could visit. Lyric enjoys her time working with the horses, but her real passion, besides her songwriting, is working the kitchen at the bar. And wondering about the intriguing biker, Viper, who she often finds sitting at the bar.
I loved the combination of Lyric and Viper. Lyric is sure of herself and knows what she wants out of life. She’s confident in her feelings for Viper even though she knows there’s more to him than meets the eye. She feels the connection between them and trusts her instincts, though he’s unable to share most of his life with her.
Ms. Ryan has, once again, penned a tender, heartfelt romance with elements of suspense. From the threat of Lyric’s stalker, to the danger Mason faces as he dives deeper undercover, to the romance between them, this is a captivating, fast moving story. The threads of the story and intertwined in surprising ways leading to an unexpected climax. With Lyric’s siblings and Mason’s brothers, the story is threaded with hints that there are more tales to come. I can’t wait to discover Hawk’s story. I hope you agree.
September 30, 2023
Lyric loves her life. She works with her family, and she has time to pursue her music career. She is loved by her community because she is truly kind to everyone. Viper is a member of a local biker club. He mostly keeps to himself, but he can't resist going to the Dark Horse Dive Bar because that's where he gets to see Lyric. Their attraction is mutual, but Viper wants to keep Lyric at arm's length because he thinks his life might bring danger to her door. Sometimes you can't fight the attraction or fate. Can they find a way to be together?
I am going to be very careful how I review this story because it follows directly behind some of the prior books (yes, I think you have to read them first because they are referenced in this story) and there are secrets revealed and future stories set up. So here goes nothing. Lyric is a fully formed character right from the beginning of the story. She doesn't have any real growth. The author does a good job creating a character that knows who she is and how she fits into wider world. Sometimes characters like Lyric are annoying in their perfection but the author managed to walk the fine line and make Lyric seem like someone anyone would want as a friend. Viper starts the story shrouded in mystery. If you have read the prior stories, then you know that Viper has many facets with the MC being just one facet. I can't say that Viper has a lot of personal growth because the author peels back his already existing layers. I will say that by the end of the story I felt like Viper fit very well into the bigger world that the author created. There is a bad guy. I thought that story was well done. It all came together and the characters reactions to the actions of the bad guy made sense.
My one complaint is that the story doesn't feel memorable. In order to write this review, I had to refer back to my highlights. That's unusual for me to do.
This is a contemporary romance set in the world of the Wilde family. This story can be read as a standalone but I don't recommend it. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
I am going to be very careful how I review this story because it follows directly behind some of the prior books (yes, I think you have to read them first because they are referenced in this story) and there are secrets revealed and future stories set up. So here goes nothing. Lyric is a fully formed character right from the beginning of the story. She doesn't have any real growth. The author does a good job creating a character that knows who she is and how she fits into wider world. Sometimes characters like Lyric are annoying in their perfection but the author managed to walk the fine line and make Lyric seem like someone anyone would want as a friend. Viper starts the story shrouded in mystery. If you have read the prior stories, then you know that Viper has many facets with the MC being just one facet. I can't say that Viper has a lot of personal growth because the author peels back his already existing layers. I will say that by the end of the story I felt like Viper fit very well into the bigger world that the author created. There is a bad guy. I thought that story was well done. It all came together and the characters reactions to the actions of the bad guy made sense.
My one complaint is that the story doesn't feel memorable. In order to write this review, I had to refer back to my highlights. That's unusual for me to do.
This is a contemporary romance set in the world of the Wilde family. This story can be read as a standalone but I don't recommend it. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
September 22, 2023
Wilde Love by Jennifer Ryan is the first in a new series, Wilde Horse Dive Bar. It is a romance as well as a thriller. It is kind of a cowboy story, but not really. Lyric is a songwriter and singer, but first and foremost she is part of a family and her family runs a ranch and a bar. Lyric cooks and sings and does whatever is needed at this bar as well as spending two mornings a week at the ranch, working with horses. For the past several months she has noticed a dark and dangerous cycler, Viper. She sees more in him, but they have barely interacted. He watches her and has helped her out with drunks and such on several occasions. Lyric goes regularly to Nashville where she writes songs with her partner. On her last trip she met a man named Rick and casually responded to his request that they write together some time. Now here he is and he won’t take no for an answer. She has a YouTube channel and he has been particularly obnoxious there, but now he is a pest. That is until things escalate.
Viper is more than he looks and he wants to show that man to Lyric. She is sunshine, he is not. They are both kind of intriguing characters, not was well-rounded as they could be, although Lyric comes close. She is clever and creative, and not only in regard to music. She sees through people to what is underneath. What a great skill! Lyric’s family is a brother and two sisters, along with her parents. Viper has a brother who is his boss, beyond that parents, aunt and uncle and cousins. All in Montana. It is a rowdy bunch. He can’t tell Lyric about his life, yet, but Ryan slowly uncovers it for the reader. There is a plot, but the plot isn’t the important part: the relationships are and some are spectacular. It’s going to be a good series. I think Hawk, Viper’s cousin is next, but it could be Nick, his brother. Can’t wait. Terrific book!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Wilde Love by Avon and Harper Voyager, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AvonAndHarperVoyager #JenniferRyan
Viper is more than he looks and he wants to show that man to Lyric. She is sunshine, he is not. They are both kind of intriguing characters, not was well-rounded as they could be, although Lyric comes close. She is clever and creative, and not only in regard to music. She sees through people to what is underneath. What a great skill! Lyric’s family is a brother and two sisters, along with her parents. Viper has a brother who is his boss, beyond that parents, aunt and uncle and cousins. All in Montana. It is a rowdy bunch. He can’t tell Lyric about his life, yet, but Ryan slowly uncovers it for the reader. There is a plot, but the plot isn’t the important part: the relationships are and some are spectacular. It’s going to be a good series. I think Hawk, Viper’s cousin is next, but it could be Nick, his brother. Can’t wait. Terrific book!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Wilde Love by Avon and Harper Voyager, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AvonAndHarperVoyager #JenniferRyan
July 21, 2023
FBI agent Mason is undercover as Viper, a shady but gorgeous hunk of a motorcycle dude. He’s trying to take down the local MC but is falling in love with Lyric, the town’s budding singer/songwriter. She’s getting national attention for her songwriting and it looks like she may have a stalker. Viper can’t take the guy out because 1. They have no real evidence and 2. He’ll out himself as undercover FBI. And Viper is getting pretty close to brining the bad guy down. As the tension grows over the FBI case and the maybe-stalker case the romantic tension burgeons as Viper and Lyric can’t stay away from each other. Still, they also can’t let anyone know they are together. Things are hot and their relationship is getting hotter.
Viper is noble and true and very protective. He’s trying to negotiate his job’s need for secrecy and his personal need to be honest with Lyric.
Lyric is a real caretaker. She watches out for the while town along with family and now Viper.
I found it a bit hard to take that nobody treated the stalker situation more seriously. Suspension of disbelief, important plot device and all, I still thought they were all stupid not to see the danger signs. The FBI subplot was nicely done, though.
Although there is tie-in to her other books this can easily be read as standalone. It has a lot going for it: it’s a Western, a thriller and a love story. Some explicit sex. I wasn’t excited about the writing there. But maybe that was just me and the mood I was in while reading it. I’d like to see what others write about that.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Viper is noble and true and very protective. He’s trying to negotiate his job’s need for secrecy and his personal need to be honest with Lyric.
Lyric is a real caretaker. She watches out for the while town along with family and now Viper.
I found it a bit hard to take that nobody treated the stalker situation more seriously. Suspension of disbelief, important plot device and all, I still thought they were all stupid not to see the danger signs. The FBI subplot was nicely done, though.
Although there is tie-in to her other books this can easily be read as standalone. It has a lot going for it: it’s a Western, a thriller and a love story. Some explicit sex. I wasn’t excited about the writing there. But maybe that was just me and the mood I was in while reading it. I’d like to see what others write about that.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 16, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Wilde Love was a fun, fast-paced, gripping read that immediately had me hooked! This was my first Jennifer Ryan book and I could tell that there were characters who must have been introduced in other books, but I didn't have any problem at all following the story.
I always love when romance books have the added component of some sort of mystery or action plot. I think it really adds to the pacing and overall storyline of the book. The addition of Lyric's stalker and the nefarious activities in the motorcycle club really make this book a page turner.
I also loved the cast of characters in this. Jennifer Ryan did a great job adding in side characters and giving them life and personality that makes you feel invested. I will definitely be checking out more books in this series to see what these characters are up to!
One thing that took me out of the book a little bit was some of the dialogue choices. There were a couple of times where dialogue between two of the characters would make me stop in my tracks because it didn't feel like a natural conversation.
Overall, this was a quick and cute read! If the synopsis interests you at all, you should check it out!
Wilde Love was a fun, fast-paced, gripping read that immediately had me hooked! This was my first Jennifer Ryan book and I could tell that there were characters who must have been introduced in other books, but I didn't have any problem at all following the story.
I always love when romance books have the added component of some sort of mystery or action plot. I think it really adds to the pacing and overall storyline of the book. The addition of Lyric's stalker and the nefarious activities in the motorcycle club really make this book a page turner.
I also loved the cast of characters in this. Jennifer Ryan did a great job adding in side characters and giving them life and personality that makes you feel invested. I will definitely be checking out more books in this series to see what these characters are up to!
One thing that took me out of the book a little bit was some of the dialogue choices. There were a couple of times where dialogue between two of the characters would make me stop in my tracks because it didn't feel like a natural conversation.
Overall, this was a quick and cute read! If the synopsis interests you at all, you should check it out!
August 11, 2023
Lyric Wilde is much to beautiful and sweet for the dark world he is currently living in, chasing criminals and being in a biker gang screams trouble and the last thing he wants to do is get her mixed up in his world. But his sweet and innocent girl manages to find trouble all on her own, she has caught the attention of an obsessed fan that will stop at nothing to get his hands on her... and he just so happens to have ties to Mason's world. Which also means Mason is about to be spending a lot more time with the beautiful songbird that secretly makes his heart skip a beat!
The pages of Wilde Love read like a suspenseful movie on the small screen, from the the get-go it'll have you fully invested and hooked on it's every word. Lyric and Mason are pure literary perfection, they have this feisty playful thing going on that just adds fuel to the fire that's simmering between them. With each interaction you can feel their attraction for one another grow, along with their unexpected feelings. I loved watching these two fall for one another, they kept me captivated and blushing the whole way through!! Highly recommend this one it's the perfect romantic suspense escape!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of Wilde Love read like a suspenseful movie on the small screen, from the the get-go it'll have you fully invested and hooked on it's every word. Lyric and Mason are pure literary perfection, they have this feisty playful thing going on that just adds fuel to the fire that's simmering between them. With each interaction you can feel their attraction for one another grow, along with their unexpected feelings. I loved watching these two fall for one another, they kept me captivated and blushing the whole way through!! Highly recommend this one it's the perfect romantic suspense escape!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 11, 2023
Any time Jennifer Ryan releases a book, I am on it! And this one was no different. This is the first in a new series by Jennifer, Dark Horse Dive Bar, and it has absolutely left me wanting more! I'm not usually a fan of any of the lead characters being bikers but leave it to Jennifer Ryan to have me not only going for it anyway, but loving it. Viper had such a tough guy exterior but was the most loving character who so genuinely cared for Lyric. I also love that he is so much more than a biker. He has a lot going on under the surface and under his cover story.
Lyric was so sweet and she broke my heart with how scared she truly was. Her songs were written right from her heart and soul and to have someone target her for that is unimaginable. But she finds herself with a stalker who wants to write music with her and seems to think the two of them have a relationship. Lyric tries to handle things on her own at first, but it isn't long before Mason, aka Viper, enters the scene and isn't willing to let her face this battle on her own.
This was such an adventure from start to finish and is absolutely going on my shelf of books to be read over and over again. It can join all of Jennifer Ryan's past books there. I strongly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next one in the series to hit the shelves!
Lyric was so sweet and she broke my heart with how scared she truly was. Her songs were written right from her heart and soul and to have someone target her for that is unimaginable. But she finds herself with a stalker who wants to write music with her and seems to think the two of them have a relationship. Lyric tries to handle things on her own at first, but it isn't long before Mason, aka Viper, enters the scene and isn't willing to let her face this battle on her own.
This was such an adventure from start to finish and is absolutely going on my shelf of books to be read over and over again. It can join all of Jennifer Ryan's past books there. I strongly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next one in the series to hit the shelves!
September 18, 2023
Lyric Wilde, a singer-songwriter who is also the chef at The Dark Horse Dive Bar, has had a flirtation with FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn since he first walked into the bar. The only problem is that she does not know his real name and only knows him as Viper. When an obsessed fan follows Lyric back from Nashville, he clashes heads with Mason and Lyric gets caught up in something much more complicated than she could have ever predicted.
The premise of this book was great. There is romance, intrigue, and a little bit of danger. The characters are also fun and lovable so it adds to the story. I would love to read more stories about her siblings because they sound like a fun group. There are really only two reasons that this book gets three stars. The first is that Lyric is perfectly fine with not knowing Mason's real name and asks no questions about why he has to keep it a secret. She just chooses to believe him. The second is that the ending dragged on for a while. The last 6 or 7 chapters finish as if they are the final chapter and then there's more. If it ended a little quicker, I would have enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of this book was great. There is romance, intrigue, and a little bit of danger. The characters are also fun and lovable so it adds to the story. I would love to read more stories about her siblings because they sound like a fun group. There are really only two reasons that this book gets three stars. The first is that Lyric is perfectly fine with not knowing Mason's real name and asks no questions about why he has to keep it a secret. She just chooses to believe him. The second is that the ending dragged on for a while. The last 6 or 7 chapters finish as if they are the final chapter and then there's more. If it ended a little quicker, I would have enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2023
Wilde Love is the first volume of Jennifer Ryan’s A Dark Horse Dive Bar novels, stories about another branch of the Wyoming Wildes in Blackrock Falls. This story revolves around Lyric Wilde, well known songwriter, bar owner, and chef. Lyric was introduced before when she played a big role in Surrendering to Hunt, the second book of the Wyoming Wilde’s series, as did her mysterious biker love interest Viper.
After disappearing for weeks, Viper is now back taking his perch at the end of the bar and watching the crowd. He is also showing his presence at the motorcycle club and putting on the construction worker front. But what is he really all about?
As the story unfolds, a man who identifies himself as Rick Rowe who had briefly met Lyric when she last played in Nashville, first surprises her, then imposes himself on her, heading into stalking. As she tries to be kind, it would seem that Rick only feeds off it and is imagining his own story.
When the mystery of what Viper is working on and the drama surrounding Lyric and her “fan” collide, the story takes on new depth and meaning. With an intriguing plot and many twists plus a well told love story, this is definitely a very good beginning to a new series. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
After disappearing for weeks, Viper is now back taking his perch at the end of the bar and watching the crowd. He is also showing his presence at the motorcycle club and putting on the construction worker front. But what is he really all about?
As the story unfolds, a man who identifies himself as Rick Rowe who had briefly met Lyric when she last played in Nashville, first surprises her, then imposes himself on her, heading into stalking. As she tries to be kind, it would seem that Rick only feeds off it and is imagining his own story.
When the mystery of what Viper is working on and the drama surrounding Lyric and her “fan” collide, the story takes on new depth and meaning. With an intriguing plot and many twists plus a well told love story, this is definitely a very good beginning to a new series. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
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