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Gone Wild

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Just before college graduation, Ina--star of her senior class--made a mistake that went viral. Then, when life seemed like it couldn’t get any worse, she walked in on her boyfriend cheating with her roommate. To get away, Ina ventures to a cabin on a remote mountain, intent on some solitary time.

She doesn’t count on Adam -- the man who watches over the cabins -- being so distractingly sexy. Adam came to the mountain to get distance from anything that could cause him pain, and Ina stirs feelings in him he thought he’d left behind.

As Adam and Ina open up about their pasts, the mountain seems like the perfect setting for a second chance at love.

Until they realize they’re not alone.

260 pages, Nook

First published August 13, 2013

2 people are currently reading
274 people want to read

About the author

Ever McCormick

1 book11 followers
Ever McCormick writes stories about love, romance, and that niggling feeling of being unsatisfied and having to do something about it. She loves Korean food, pop art, endless road trips, and movies that suck viewers out of reality.

Ever has an MFA from a school far down on the list of the best MFA programs in the USA. She’s published stories and poetry in literary magazines and collections.

All her life, Ever has dreamed of writing and publishing YA and NA romance novels. Meanwhile, she’s been a teacher, editor, waitress, and several other occupations that involve neither writing nor publishing. She decided 2013 was her year.

GONE WILD is Ever’s first novel.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,328 reviews526 followers
October 12, 2013
***ARC received through Netgalley***

Ina wants to get away from the civilisation for a while and everyone thinks she's going nuts. She's 22 years old and she's trying to be alone in a mountain for a few weeks while her 'friends' are in Jamaica. She just broke up with Michael who's cheated on her with her roomate Cara. (I hate when the guy is cheating ..) She wants to clear her head from all of this and learn who she really is. And what better place for doing so than a nice cabin in a mountain where a sexy landlord is living?

I just saw this gif, and it made me think of Adam ;)


I really liked Adam. He's a great character and a good man. He's simple, kind and gentle under all that beard and rough exterior he wears. He's 27 years old and has been on his own for a while now. We learn more about him with time because he's a private person. He doesn't like to tell his story to people, but he let himself open up to love once again with Ina.

They're attracted to each other. Adam is all muscles and haven't been in a relationship for three years. They both have been hurt in the past and they're afraid of being vulnerable again, that's probably why they aren't jumping into a relationship right after seeing each other. By being here, Ina learns to protect herself and how to hike.


This book makes you want to take a deep breath and relax from all the stress you could have accumulated but if you can't do that, then this book could be a perfect getaway. I rated it 4 stars because I really liked the story but at the 2/3 of it or so, how she handled it so badly and hurt Adam . It was so frustrating I wanted to scream.

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After that, I appreciated less her character because of it but I still loved Adam of course :).

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Oh and, did I told you there was a creepy guy around?

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But don't worry,

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So, I liked the mystery part of the book. It gave me goose bumps a few times when you know someone is lurking around watching them but you don't really know who he is or what he wants. I was sort of freaked out by it and waited for something bad to happen.

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For learning more about it, you'll just have to read it :). I liked it and I just hope you'll feel the same.
Profile Image for Krazykiwi.
213 reviews62 followers
September 6, 2016
Gone Wild by Ever McCormick Not awful little romance book, but it could have been so much better. (I hate to say it, but this is the kind of book that's a perfect example of a self-published novel that might have been spectacular if it'd had some love from a developmental editor.) 
 
Anyway. I really wanted to like this book. The hero is a total doll, and not the typical alpha asshole everyone likes to write about anymore. He tries to boss the heroine around, but she stands up for herself and he backs off, and they (this is really unusual) talk about things. Not all the things, since there's not much romance novel plot available if the MC's are actually communicating well, but most of the things :)
 
The problem, specifically, the timeline is entirely out of whack and frankly unbelievable. I'm not only talking about instaluuurve (although there's some of that going on too) but the background and previous events just don't entirely fit together. There are only three possibilities:

After being betrayed by her boyfriend (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb), Ina stayed with him for several weeks before breaking up with him, which is out of character and contrary to the text.
The entire thing took two weeks (this is simply impossible, but seems to be the case), see spoiler below.
They were all still living in dorm rooms at college despite having graduated and at least one person has a fancy PR firm job. Yeah, don't think so.

 
This is where I think a firm editorial hand would have figured out how to either clarify the situation (if I'm misunderstanding it) or fix the inconsistencies, which are so big they totally took me out of the story.
 

 
There's also a subplot towards the end involving a third party that tries to turn a fairly sweet little "finding yourself" romance into a romantic suspense, and just didn't entirely work (but could have, because it'd been set up very well earlier in the book.
 
Anyway, I liked this for the most part, and I'd be willing to give the author another shot, for sure. It was just disappointing, so close but not quite there.
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 22 books721 followers
July 26, 2013
Reading it again because Ever made some changes. AND cuz I can't get enough of Adam.

I was lucky enough to beta read story this and WOW. I love, love, love me some Adam. I might trade in my current life to move to a remote mountain cabin too. But only if Adam is the landlord. ;)
Ever McCormick is an author to watch out for. I have a feeling I'd love anything she writes. And I'm so honored to have read her debut novel early. Now, where's the next one???? I want more Adam!
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,209 reviews51 followers
August 8, 2013
"You don't need to know where you're going before you get there. Sometimes, it's bet if you keep an open minds and let your direction change as you do."
Ina is a bright young women fresh out of college, before she graduated she had written a paper that was criticized by many causing her to have doubts. Not only that, she witnessed her boyfriend cheating on her with her roommate. Even after that happened her mother won't stop trying to convince her to go back. This was just too much to handle and so Ina decided it was time to get away, so she rented a cabin in the middle of the woods. With much needed privacy and no distractions she hoped to be able to have everything settled by the time the lease on the cabin was over. But as time goes on she realizes shes not alone, chalking it up to nerves being a city girl she dismissing this unsettling feeling. Now with less people around she finds herself getting close to the only guy around Adam, the guy who rented out the cabin.

"Stick to the choices that feel right and try not to judge them by thier immediate consequences It might look like the fakes get all the breaks, but in the long run, it's not like that. Even when you lose, in a bigger sense you win."

I enjoyed this quick and easy read. I thought this book was well-written and enjoyed every minute of reading this. Ina went from being someone who was doubting her future to being secure. I loved the connection between Ina and Adam. What I didn't like about Ina is that she almost seemed to take her ex back after everything. I like Adam she was simple, kind, understanding, protective and caring. On top of that he's he a hott guy who is secure and knows what he wants. I loved how not only wanting to see what happens with their relationship but how the spooky the writing seemed to be sometimes, with the main character getting a sense that something was watching her. I kept waiting for something to happen, I kept guessing what was going to happen with that which kept me interested. I loved how the relationship that formed between Ina and Adam, many books that I've read a lot of times the characters want to jump each others bones within a matter of minutes. In this book you can see the attraction between the two but with sweet little subtle things forming first before going at each other.
"Opening your heart to someone is like living in the wild without a gun."

Overall I enjoyed this book and highly recommend you lovely readers to check it out. I look forward to seeing more from Ever McCormick.
Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,903 followers
August 20, 2013
Betrayal and lies… Who wouldn’t want to escape that reality?

That is exactly what heroine, Ina does when she discovers that her long-time boyfriend has been unfaithful. When she retreats to a secluded mountain cabin to lick her wounds, she doesn’t count on falling for the mysterious and sexy grounds keeper, Adam. It wasn’t love at first sight; it was more like LUST at first sight laced with a healthy does of skepticism and animosity. Neither Adam nor Ina have any desire to get tangled up in a romantic fling; Adam is still recovering from a wounded past and Ina is fresh out of a long-term relationship.

Adam and Ina develop a comfortable friendship that ultimately leads to more, but it wouldn’t be a satisfying story if they didn’t have a few obstacles to overcome along the way.

The story, while predictable, was entertaining. I’ll definitely read more by this new author in the future.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Profile Image for Crissy Conner.
294 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2013
"Stick to the choices that feel right and try not to judge them by their immediate consequences. It might look like the fakes get all the breaks, but in the long run, it's not like that. Even when you lose, in a bigger sense you win." My favorite quote from the hot mountain man Adam!

First of all this book was more entertaining than philosophical. Ina is trying to get away from it all. Her mother thinks she is crazy as she ventures to a cabin out in the middle of a mountain with no one around. Until she meets Adam (the hot mountain man) who owns the cabins. She wants nothing to do with him but finds herself drawn to him while learning how to protect herself and how to hike the various trails. It's isn't love at first sight without issues but it does start gradual as a friendship and blooms into something much more.

The book does make you think how nice it would be to unplug, get away from it all and enjoy nature. Definitely has me thinking...

I loved the story, the writing and the characters. My first book by Ever McCormick, I can't wait to read more in the future.
Profile Image for Holly.
441 reviews341 followers
September 4, 2013
This was actually a really good quick read! There could be so much more story here but I am happy with what we had!!

Ina heads off to a secluded mountain retreat after catching her boyfriend in bed with her roommate. She is devastated and betrayed and needs time alone to sort herself out. Pretty sure she didn't count on sexy mountain man landlord Adam!! Yum... can you picture him??? Oh, I can!!

Anyway, sorry I digress :) What I loved most about this book is that you have this guy and girl up on the mountain who could just have a steamy affair and that be it, no this book was about so much more. It was about learning who you really are and what you are capable of. Adam taught Ina about herself and she did the same for him. Of course, while they fell in love along the way.

This book had a little of everything - love, loss, betrayal, courage, suspense and a bit of sex thrown in there of course. This was a great way to spend an evening!

***This book was provided to me by Netgalley
Profile Image for Jennifer Madero (Boricuan Bookworms).
263 reviews23 followers
August 28, 2013
You can find more of my reviews on my co-owned blog Boricuan Bookworms

ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley for review


There's a reason why thoughts are private, and why we're often told to not always say what we think. Ina should have followed that the moment she did her thesis in college. In truth, the thesis wasn't the problem, the problem was that it went viral and lots of people were making fun of her marketing ideas, making it harder to find a proper job. No one wanted her. And because life couldn't get worse, she finds a nice surprise when she caught her boyfriend cheat with her roommate. All Ina needs in that moment is a space of her own to think and find herself among all the chaos. No other place seems perfect like a cabin in the mountains away from the city, her protective mother, and the thought of her thesis being insulted by others. It was a heaven on Earth away from any human interactions, until she's met by the hunky surprise by the name of Adam. Both conflicted by their past and seeking refuge in the mountains, they start to venture into something that might be more than just friends. All seems perfect, except, they're not alone. They are being watched. And their lives might be in danger.

I got this book recommended by an author I simply love (yes you Karen :P) and my curiosity couldn't contain itself, I had to read this. It seemed like an interesting read, full of romance and secrets and maybe some mystery as to who was watching them. After a few weeks of having read this book, I'm still unsure of how to rate it. There were lots of things I loved, and others, not so much. As I always like to mention, this is my opinion, it might differ from yours. The written word is a subjective art that can be interpreted in different ways.

The characters in general, I felt them being well developed. I liked Ina, and also disliked her. At times she felt whinny and at others really reflective and mature, others indecisive, and others sure of her mind. She had a constant battle in her head with how she was and who she wanted to be, since one of the "missions" she had on the cabins was to find herself, to reflect on her life, that kind of stuff. My only problem with her was that one moment she wanted her ex-boyfriend, Michael, as if nothing had happened, and the other there was Adam. Like, girl, get your mind straight! Don't hurt one and go running with the other idiot one! But in the end, it was understandable, because that happens in real life. I always try to be emphatic in these kinds of things and not directly see it as wrong because I don't like it or agree with it.

The other characters I was wary of was Adam. Don't get me wrong, he was so swoony and perfect... But at the beginning something felt off about him. Maybe it was just me or it was intended by the author. Putting that aside, he was a nice character to read, though confusing at times. One moment he'd be a nice and calm kind of guy, and at the other he'd be a wild and dominant beast. I didn't like him at first, yeah, because he was so weird!

Lady Gaga Stare

But as the story developed, I was starting to accept him and even swoon of him... :3 

The plot in general was good. Predictable at times, but mysterious at the same. There were times when I didn't know what to expect and I just had to keep reading until late 'till I found out. The book was really well written in my opinion, easy to understand and grasp in your mind. The descriptions made it so much easier to imagine the setting, but leaving some space for my own things to fit into the picture.

My only problem with this book was the end. I felt it to be rushed. One moment they are okay, Michael invades the picture (ugh) and Ina starts to make her own discoveries as to who she is and what she wants, but still being a little stupid. So far there it was meh, but when the mysterious person appears and does some strongly rated things, I'm like "What? Why? How?" I thought he wasn't even important! Okay, he was one of the main things in the plot, but there came a time when he just wasn't needed any more. And because of that, I felt that all that happened because of him in the end was unnecessary. Maybe it's just me, or maybe a lot of people, but if it wasn't because of that, I would have loved the entire book more.

Other than that, Gone Wild is a story full of romance, humor, and finding yourself and that you don't always have to please everyone. I liked the message the author delivered in the story, and for that, thumbs up! A good and entertaining read I'm sure a lot of women--or men too!--will love to read and to escape into the weird and very embarrassing moments of Ina. 

confetti

Rating: 4 stars

Profile Image for Azahara  (The Reader and the Cat).
174 reviews25 followers
August 1, 2013

MI PERSONAJE FAVORITO: Adam es el personaje masculino principal. Desde que leí cómo se llamaba supe que me gustaría y es que no sé porqué pero asocio el nombre de Adam a hombre sexy, cabe decir que mi propio coche se llama Adam (sí, me encanta poner nombres a los coches xD) Me gustó su personalidad y sus valores.

Opinión: Conseguí este libro a través de Netgalley, pero lo que me hizo solicitarlo fue el ver que a Karen Amanda Hooper, una de mis autoras favoritas y amiga en Goodreads estuviera disfrutando tanto al leer el libro. Me entró la curiosidad de saber quién era Adam porque lo ponían como un hombre muy sexy. Y la verdad puedo decir que el libro no me decepcionó en absoluto y que me enamoré de Adam.
El libro está narrado desde el punto de vista de Ina. Ella es un personaje con el que me sentí identificada en varios aspectos. Como por ejemplo que el año que viene acabo mi último año de universidad y no sé qué haré con mi vida tal como están las cosas. Ina me pareció una protagonista bastante creíble y fácil de identificarse con ella desde el principio.

Me gustó como Ina evoluciona a lo largo del libro, lo que no me gustó es que parece que para evolucionar necesita a los hombres. En mi opinión se apoya demasiado en Adam.
Me encantó la forma en la que la autora describe la acción, especialmente los momentos de misterio e intriga. Durante muchas de las escenas de misterio estaba asustadísima (puede que sea porque soy muy miedosa), además de que me lo estaba leyendo por la noche. En este aspecto, la sensación de suspense está muy bien lograda.


También me gustó que creara un personaje masculino en el que los lectores tuvieran que ver más allá de la fachada para conocerle. Normalmente con ver una descripción en la que ponga que el personaje es sexy a las chicas suele gustarnos, sobre todo si es el personaje principal. El usar la barba de Adam como escudo fue muy útil porque a mí los hombres con barba no me van. Pero tras conocer al personaje no me importó cómo era físicamente y me pareció una lección muy importante que debería tener más en cuenta.
Es un libro muy entretenido y perfecto cómo lectura de verano, 100% recomendable.


Puntuación:4.5/5


MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER: Adam is the main male character. Since I read his name I knew I would like him, and I do not know why but I associate the name of Adam with a sexy man. I can even say that my own car is named Adam (yes, I love to put names to cars xD) I liked his personality and his values.

Opinion: I got this book through Netgalley, but what made me request it was to see that Karen Amanda Hooper, one of my favorite authors and friends on Goodreads, was enjoying reading the book so much. I was curious to know who was Adam because he was portrayed as a very sexy man. And I can truly say that the book did not disappoint me at all and I fell in love with Adam.

The book is narrated from Ina´s point of view of. She is a character that I identified with in several respects. Like for example that next year I´ll finish my last year of college and I do not know what I'll do with my life as it is. As protagonist Ina seemed like a pretty credible character and easy to identify with her ​​from the beginning.

I really like how Ina evolves throughout the book, though I did not like that she seems to need men to evolve. In my opinion, she relies too much on Adam.
I loved the way the author describes the action, especially the moments of mystery and intrigue. During many scenes of mystery I felt really scared (may be because I get afraid really easily), plus I was reading at night. In this aspect, the feeling of suspense is really well made.

I also liked that she created a male character in which readers have to look beyond the facade to know him. Normally with a description in which the character is said to be sexy, girls usually like him, especially if is the main character. Using Adam's beard as a shield was very useful because I don´t really like men with facial hair. But after knowing more about the character I did not care how he looked like and I found in it a very important lesson that I should take more into account.
It is a very entertaining book and is perfect as summer reading, I recommended100%.
Punctuation:4.5/5

And at one point, so quietly I could hardly decipher the words, he whispered, "Don´t hurt me"
Profile Image for Purpinkrose.
297 reviews19 followers
August 5, 2013
The story starts with Ina who is driving to a cabin in the middle of a mountain with nothing around but the view. She's there to discover herself after walking in on her long term boyfriend in the middle of committing the ultimate act of betrayal by sleeping with her room mate. Ina's mum wants her to take him back and is doing her best to state his case. Ina tells her mum she needs time and is booked into the cabin for a month.

We also meet Adam, who at first Ina is a bit afraid of. He's tall, dark, handsome with a beard and a bit of attitude. What's Adam's story? Why is he at a young age hiding away in the mountains. Adam hates car's and noises of any kind preferring the sounds of nature, he's standoff-ish with Ina at first. But after a while takes Ina along the trails of the mountain after she becomes a bit clumsy.
They hear on the local radio about an escaped convict from a prison not so far away. For days Ina thinks she can feel someone watching her and believes it's Adam right?

Ok guys you know I don't do spoilers so that's as much as I can tell you.

What I will say is I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Once I started to read this it grabbed my attention and never let go until I had finished. This book need to be on your To Be Read pile.

I loved everything about this book. The characters were believable, as were the relationships and the things they had to overcome. The pace and plot was just right. At times I felt like shaking Ina, I felt like covering my eyes in other places. I loved Ina and Adam relationship.

I would give this book 5/5 and 2/5 for movie moments.



Profile Image for Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews.
1,215 reviews66 followers
August 16, 2013
This review was posted on:

http://slitsread.wordpress.com/2013/0...

www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD

ARC provided from NetGalley for an honest review

3.5 easy read STARS

First off, I totally loved the cover of this book! COVER LUST was going down!!!!

The story is easy to get into.

Ina is one strong chickie, gone off to the wilderness on her own to mend her broken heart…oops I mean pride. She can totally get down to basics and I truly liked that! She was a fierce heroine, defiantly not flighty or whiny which made me like her. She totally learned how to shoot a gun and let me tell you that came in very handy.

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Mountain Man ADAM~Whoo he was a hottie, just how I like em… broken broken broken

Sexy, strong, vulnerable, sad, scared, hiding…. he overcame kinda in the end of the book but you could tell that having Ina beside him was def going to help.

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“No matter where you run, the real world finds you.” Adam

“Everyone has hard times.” she said not comprehending. ” You’ll have them whether you are alone or with someone you love so why chase away people who love you?” Ina

These 2 quotes stuck with me because honestly that is just real talk, not fantasy.

Ever McCormick for a debut novel you did and excellent job and if this was commissioned to be a movie I would totally pay the $13 + tax to see it!

Mare~BFA Supreme
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,594 reviews1,328 followers
September 9, 2013
To get away from a life that seems to be falling apart, Ina travels to a remote mountain cabin to get away. While there she meets a supposedly sexy mountain man, ponders her next step in life, tries to get over her cheating boyfriend, and faces a little danger. The Goodreads description of this book promises big things, and I really looked forward to the story. Romance, mystery, suspense, and self-discovery. However, the characters and plot fall flat.

I was never able to really connect with Ina. She’s a 23-year old college grad with a bright future ahead of her. And yet, because of the “mistake” she made her senior year (not sure how it was a mistake by any definition of the word), she lacks any motivation and direction. Also, she’s kind of rude. When she isn’t following the rules or getting called out on not-entirely-appropriate behavior, her response is to fling insults. The recipient of these spurts of misplaced anger is Adam, the owner of the cabins on this remote mountain. Now, Adam is super sexy, or so we’re told. But I honestly had a hard time picturing that. Sure, he has muscles that would make any girl swoon, but a messy beard that is so unkempt that you can’t even tell if he’s smiling or not? Does he wash it? Is there food stuck in this beard of his? Don’t get me wrong, I think guys with beards can be sexy. But when they’re described as being messy, wild, and unkempt, my brain just can’t reconcile the two. And Adam rants and whines and cries a little too much for my liking, especially when it comes to big, sexy mountain men. And yet these two seem to develop an instant attraction. I was never able to feel the chemistry, the whole relationship felt contrived. I just couldn’t get behind it.

The story moves slowly, even though the book itself is a quick read. The reasons for both Ina and Adam fleeing to the mountain and/or their general distrust of people left much to be desired. Ina more so than Adam; he has suffered real heartache in his past. Even then, I feel as though his actions in the present are an overreaction. And all the while, there’s a man lurking in the shadows, watching from afar, and somebody (perhaps the same man?) is stealing things. Call the police? Nope. Just ignore it and it will go away. Ina and Adam ignore it so well, that I even forgot about the aforementioned mystery. And then finally at 88% in (88%!), we get some excitement. Unfortunately, this also feels a bit forced and as if it was added as an afterthought. Overall, the plot drags, the characters are dull, and I just couldn’t get lost in the story.

However, I think the idea behind the story was good, even if the execution wasn’t. And for that reason I will check out another book by Ever McCormick.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Profile Image for Shirley Frances.
1,798 reviews119 followers
August 15, 2013
Ina decides to escape to the mountains after finding her long-time boyfriend had cheated on her. She wants to get her life on track and must decide between what's known and expected of her or take steps towards the unknown. To her surprise, she finds herself sharing the woods with Adam, the handsome owner and manager of the place.

Adam has been living his life in the mountains for some time after some events in his past left him wanting something more out of life that the day-to-day routine and pursue of materialistic things. Closed off to the world and people, Adam is intrigued and drawn to Ina. Now the question remains: Is it worth opening themselves to new experiences?

I liked the concept behind this story very much. I found the characters were well-written, especially Adam. He was sweet and caring, but strong-willed and sure of what he wanted. At first, it took me a while to warm up to Ina. Her musings reminded me of a hamster wheel - spinning around and around. Thank goodness she snapped out of her funk, if not this would have been a whole different review. But having said that, she did get on my nerves when her ex showed up. I thought she had finally made up her mind and then she starts again with the wavering. Yes, I did understand where she was coming from but hell, her actions were just too much. Especially since she hurt Adam.

Ever McCormick did a great job in taking me to the mountains. I could picture the setting - every branch, every rock. That element of the story was interesting to read. Although I'm not an outdoor person, I could see how it would appeal to a woman who needed to find some direction. I just wished that Ina would have gotten there sooner. She wavered, questioned and doubted her thoughts every step of the way. Only when she spent time with Adam did her mind clear and her thought process improved.

The mystery part of the story wasn't really surprising, but the author did make its execution different. The events that took place after the arrival of the "villain" kept me interested in the outcome and worked for the story.

All in all, Ever McCormick delivered an interesting and enjoyable debut novel in Gone Wild.

I received this title from the author in exchange of my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Angela P..
16 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2015
Review –GoneWild.Arc.Convert by Author, Ever McCormick
What happens when everything in your world turns around betrays you? Ina finds out. Faced with a crisis of confidence immediately after she attains her business degree, she finds her long-time boyfriend and roommate in each other's arms. This is not a girl who slept around; this is her one and only lover. In addition to finding her love has betrayed her, the business plan that she had planned since childhood touting ethical advertising goes viral. When revealed to her professors, it's staunchly approved, but the business world demonized it. She can't find a job, her life's work shot down. Once viewed as the "golden girl", she is left alone and jobless.
Ina quickly finds out people like a winner. Her friends desert her to go on a trip to Jamaica, telling her she should hookup with other men as revenge. Ina refuses to find solace in empty hookups. And even her mother appears more concerned about her ex rather than her. Our protagonist wishes reflection on what has happened to her life and which road she will take in the future. That decision brings her to Adam, the owner of the mountain retreat she rented for a month. She finds revelation in his company. Adam is a pure man secluded on the mountain for his own painful reasons. It is a remote mountain location which only has a few cabins. In the total isolation she confronts how she lost herself with Adam's help. Gone Wild also has an interesting twist of someone watching Ina during her stay – Someone she mistakes as Adam.
I wholeheartedly recommend Gone Wild. Ms. McCormick takes the time to develop her characters and the romance between them. Her writing is clear and concise and has a proper tension. I wanted to smack Matthew (her cheating boyfriend) in the head for the various suffering he gave Ina. You can't help but to hope for this new relationship's survival and you truly get the sense that they belong together. I really, really liked it. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Miranda Lynn.
790 reviews123 followers
July 13, 2014
Ina has just graduated college and badly needs to get away for a little while. Two months ago, she caught her boyfriend cheating on her and, due to a mistake she made that went viral, she hasn't had any luck getting a job. Understandably, Ina needs to clear her head. And where is the perfect place to do this? On a deserted mountain where there's only you and a sexy, sexy man...and possibly a killer on the loose?!

This book was short and sweet. I wouldn't call it anything too special, but it was well-written, I liked the characters, and I've never read a book where the characters were out in the "wild" like that, so I did enjoy it.

But there were a few things that I didn't like. First of all...it's called "skinny dipping," not "naked dipping." C'mon, I mean, seriously? There is also a part later in the book when Ina gets a surprise visitor, and I really didn't like the way she handled the situation. The way she acted just didn't make sense at all.

I also wish that there had been more sex in this book. I thought that the author did a really good job making the sex in this book super hot, but I'm almost hesitant to label Gone Wild as New Adult, because there is only one sex scene.

Lastly, I thought that the ending to the book was a little bit cheesy. But it was cute! I'd definitely consider reading more from this author in the future.

**ARC kindly provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Gemma.
187 reviews19 followers
July 28, 2013
3.5 Stars

Ina has rented a cabin in the middle of nowhere to evaluate her life after a life altering event. The cabins are own by Adam, the reclusive mountain man with a story of his own. The par have a few runs in which don't go very well but after suffering a fright at her cabin she turns to Adam who vows to protect her. The pair begin to get to know each other by opening up about their experiences and how they ended up on the lonely mountain. Their relationship inevitabily turns romantic but Ina has resolved issues at home which holds her back. By the end of her 4 weeks she has to make a decisions, does she want to go back to how things were or has she finally found out who she was meant to be.
I really enjoyed this relatively short romantic story with a hint of mystery. The pair had great chemistry and I enjoyed particulary finding out about Adam's past.

Ina was a little bit annoying. Her constant flitting of feelings between the two guys was frustrating as well as her brain freezes at important moments.

Adam was the best thing about the story, he was sweet and protective and a real alpha guy. He struggled with his feelings but when he knew what he wanted he went for it.

I would defintely recommend this as a good short read.
356 reviews137 followers
September 8, 2013
*Arc provided via NetGalley in exchange for honest review*

2.5 stars

The beginning of this book was promising- I was hooked from the first chapter, but,unfortunately, it lost my interest in the 2nd half of the book. The biggest reason for that was the personality of the main female character. Her weak attitude and naivety were from time to time really frustrating, especially her behavior to her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with one of her friends. Ugh, I couldn't understand that at all.

The things I actually liked and what kept my interst were the scary and creepy parts where someone was stalking her (what can I say- I'm a big scary movie fan) and you are left in the dark and unsure til' the very end who that someone could be.
I was hoping for some kind of unexpected twist, but the story turned out pretty predictable.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
August 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book; it was an interesting twist on the usual romantic suspense that is around at the moment.

Almost NA in its writing, it wasn’t overly sexual or erotic, but you knew what was going on and where things were being put (if you get my meaning).

We veered very close to love triangle territory at around 60% and I was all prepared to start rolling my eyes, but Ina redeemed herself, and Adam was just a total sweetheart. Michael (the ex) came across as a total and utter toad, and I am glad Ina didn’t take forever and a day to decide who she wanted to be with, like can happen in a lot of books nowadays.

Sweet, not overly long and really enjoyable, I have not reservations of recommending this book, and wouldn’t hesitate to read anything else Ever McCormick releases in the future.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.

Profile Image for ~Kristi.
48 reviews
August 24, 2013
Very good book.....loved it!!! This was a great story about a girl that just needed some time on her own after a very bad break up. While at that cabin she found confidence, power and will to start a new life with a very sexy man named Adam. Adam was the man who owned the cabins and helped Ina get back to herself and fall in love all over again.... with the right guy this time. But, they have a feeling that someone is watching them, only soon to find out there's a escape convict from a near by prison. Ina soon finds out how to shoot a gun and be able to put it to good use as they find the escape prisoner is wanting Ina for himself. A definite read filled with a all emotional roller coaster!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Martina.
19 reviews
August 14, 2013
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I thought the book was very sweet, I liked that there were elements of suspense in there as well.

The story in a nutshel"l: Ina (22) has rented a cabin in the mountains to escape from certain things that happened after she graduated college. She meets Adam (27), who has his own baggage to deal with. Ina becomes scared after seeing a stranger around her cabin and she asks Adam if she can stay in his cabin. From that moment they start to share their life-stories and develop feelings for each other. I don't want to give too much away:)

The only annoying thing at times for me was that the dialogues between the 2 sounded more like a couple of 18-year-olds. But other than that it was a nice read.
Profile Image for Shauna .
26 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2013
I REALLY liked this book. I was actually sad when it was over. I enjoyed the characters and I appreciated the storyline and how it didn't involve many characters- allowing us to really get to know Ina and Adam. There were a couple word choice errors (subconscious for self-conscious, for example), but nothing that detracted from the plot. Even though some of it was a little out there- it just didnt matter. I bought into all of it and escaping to a deserted cabin to have an affair with a mountain man is my new fantasy. Thanks, Ever :)
Profile Image for Berls.
1,027 reviews43 followers
August 21, 2013
This review and others by Berls can be found at Fantasy is More Fun
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Actual rating is 3 1/2 stars


My Initial Reaction...
This is a character driven novel, which is my favorite kind of novel, but the plot does have some room for growth. I found it to be really enjoyable and I would definitely read another book my Ever McCormick.

The Characters...
Gone Wild focuses on two pretty great characters, both scared and hiding away from it all to find some inner healing.

First of all, I immediately fell in love with Ina. I could relate to her on a very basic level, despite our very different life circumstances. She's reached this huge milestone in her life - college graduation - but her life isn't shaping up the way she planned. Her college boyfriend cheated on her with her roommate, shattering her dreams of them getting married and raising kids. She can't find a job, despite haven been a star pupil. She's feeling defeated, hurt, betrayed, and her pride's been seriously wounded. She's doubting herself and she just needs to get away from everything. I think this is a feeling most people can relate to, and McCormick does a really great job reminding you what it feels like through the way she wrote Ina. But what I love most about Ina is that she's really very strong and she just needs some time to realize that again. Life's given her it's inevitable beating and she just needs a chance to restore her faith in herself - because she doesn't want to compromise what's important to her or what she wants from life.

Adam is the "onion" character of Gone WildWhat I mean - Ina is someone that's too difficult to figure out. You've pretty much got her number from the start. But Adam has lots of layers and you're getting to know him layer by layer (just as Ina is, since the story is told from her perspective). In fact, for me, half the story was figuring out exactly who this guy is. So, to avoid spoilers, what I will tell you is that he's the really sexy, all too talented, mysterious landlord of the cabin Ina's rented for the month. He's a great, complex character and I enjoyed getting to know him. Like most male heroes he's a bit too good to be true - I mean, he's a gourmet cook with loads of money and a sensitive side. Come on, really? But I'll let that pass, since that's exactly how I like my fictional men - just unbelievable enough to make me wish they were real.

The Story...
The basic storyline centers on Ina, a girl who's run away to the mountains to escape a series of embarrassing failures to land a job and the image in her head of her boyfriend in bed with her roommate. She's chosen what seems like the perfect spot, it's secluded and she feels like she can really be alone with her thoughts. Until she starts feeling like someone is watching her. At first she thinks it's the incredibly sexy landlord she's renting from, until she spots someone in her cabin and runs to Adam for protection. Listening to the radio they learn that a convict has escaped; Adam is convinced that a convict wouldn't stick around the mountains; he'd keep fleeing. Ina, on the other hand, can't shake the feeling that they should call the police...

I really wish that more of the plot had been devoted to the escaped convict/mysterious person lurking around on the mountain. That's one scary proposition and it's really overshadowed by Ina's professional and romantic problems. I think that hurt the believability of the plot; I love that Ina is learning to be strong and depend on herself, but I think not calling the police  under these circumstances was taking self-dependence a little too far.

Concluding Sentiments...
I loved watching Ina and Adam get to know each other. There were some great funny moments and some even better romantic moments. This is a book that plays on your emotions in some really great ways and makes you love your characters. Ever McCormick is an author to keep an on!
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Profile Image for Loverlysbookblog.
43 reviews177 followers
August 19, 2013
4 STARS

Ina had a rough year and in an effort to forget her troubles and think about where to go now in her life, she decides to rent a secluded cabin in the woods. A chance to reflect on her relationship with her cheating boyfriend and her rough year at school.

Immediately upon her arrival she meets the hot sexy mountain man, Adam. She's cautious at first, being by herself and not knowing him, she keeps to herself. But once something spooks her and certain things start to happen that make her feel a bit unsafe, she finds herself getting closer and closer to Adam.

Adam has had a rough past, lost people close to him and has found his solice out in the mountains all alone. That is until he meets Ina, who stirs emotions in him. He confides in her, he helps her feel safe, believe in herself and encourages her.

Their connection is strong and as things their relationship starts to go from just platonic to more, curve balls are thrown in to the mix, from ex boyfriends randomly showing up to actual crazy mountain men on the lose. Adam and Ina have to figure out what they both want and what they are willing to do to get it.

I liked Ina a lot. She was a bit lost and wanted trying to find out where her life was going and in comes this hot sexy strong rugged man to help her figure it all out.

Adam I really loved at the beginning. As you learn more about him, you actually learn how vulnerable he is and I felt kind of bad for him. I think I wanted him to be a bit more Alpha male, so some of the things he said just didn't sit right with me. He was a little too soft in some parts for my liking.

The story itself I enjoyed, was original and very well written. There was one scene with Ina's ex boyfriend that seemed to drag out for me a bit and that bothered me. And I felt like the relationship between Adam and Ina could have maybe been, I guess you could say a bit more "hot and heavy".

You get your HEA in the end but there's some drama and suspense along the way. It's really about two people getting a second chance at love, and finding it in an unexpected place when they both lease expect it.

I received an arc of the book from Netgalley and I was pretty impressed, especially as this was the authors first novel. I will definitely look for more from the author in the future.
Profile Image for Tala  .
535 reviews34 followers
July 24, 2013
I read this one straight through before I even realized it. It was really good and grabbed my attention right away. This is a fairly relaxing read with just a bit of a mystery.

Ina is looking for a chance to think and come to terms with everything that has recently happened to her. She wasn’t prepared to run into (almost literally) the very hot man of the mountain. She suddenly finds herself thinking about and spending time with Adam instead of doing the introspection she had planned. It actually worked for her, Adam asks some important questions that Ina has to consider and her feelings for Adam make her reevaluate what she was really feeling for her ex. That is until her ex pulls off one hell of another betrayal. I won’t spoil it, but what a first class jerk.

Adam is on his mountain due to a traumatic past event. He doesn’t want to deal with the “real world” and now he doesn’t have to. He is a very sweet, gentle man under all his abruptness, flannel, and facial hair. When Adam lets himself fall for Ina he does so with his whole heart and he is an alpha man. She is his woman and he will protect her. I would like to have my very own Adam.

The story flows nicely and I enjoy watching Adam and Ina fall for each other slowly. They spent a decent amount of time just getting to know each other and spending time together. They didn’t just jump into bed with each other. I loved their talks and walks. The mystery was good and did not overwhelm the sweet romance of the book.

(I received a copy for an honest review.)

Darker Passions


ETC: Typo
Profile Image for Chamera.
Author 4 books27 followers
August 29, 2013
Gone Wild is a delightfully honest, sexy, and exhilarating novel that isn't one to be forgotten anytime soon. The novel follows Ina, a fresh out of college girl who decides to leave it all behind in lieu of a huge mistake and an even bigger betrayal. Ina drops it all, well everything except her few precious links to the outside world (i.e cell phone and laptop) in order to set out for some much needed alone time.


In comes Adam. Ina moves to a cabin on an isolated mountain absolutely set on being with her thoughts and nature alone. She didn't expect the mountain's owner to be a strong, strapping man just years older than her. Adam slowly captivates Ina and every second of it is blissfully amazing. I didn't cringe at the characters questionable decisions. Ever McCormick has a knack for perfectly balancing out the extremities of every situation.


Adam, while with his problems, was a gentleman through and through. Adam, like Ina, came to the mountains to get away and has been away for years. Together the two kindle a relationship that is so hot it can set forest fires.

The only problem: the weird occurrences. The moved or missing tools. The slightly open cabin door. The weird feeling Ina has that someone is watching her.


This book has it all. Mystery, suspense, romance, heartbreak, betrayal, and sexy. I'd recommend this to all of my NA crowd! To my YA crowds, this book isn't for you just yet. Keep it on your list until you're 18. You won't want to miss out. Seriously, the wait is worth the while.

Four big fat shining stars! I loved every second of McCormick's novel.

Review for Mera's YA Book List
merasyabooklist.blogspot.com
Profile Image for The Book Cove.
69 reviews36 followers
September 11, 2013
Find more: http://www.thebookcove.com/2013/08/re...


Ohh man...If I could dream up the perfect "secluded vacation" encounter it would very much involve a rugged man-of-the-land, stumbled upon encounters, and being holed up in a cabin. If that sounds like your time of vacation, you'll enjoy this free spirited read. Even if it doesn't sound like your perfect getaway, I guarantee you'll still fall in love with Ina and Adam.

Adam's is a very rough around the edges kind of guy. He's made his living - literally - out in the woods and rents his place out to those looking for a place to get away. Away as in no cell reception, no vehicles, and no neighbors. But when Ina comes "to town", his walls that he's built as sturdy as the trees that surround him begin to fall.

Ina is a gal with a head on her shoulders. She's willing to take risks and go after whatever it is that she wants - even if that means heading to the middle of nowhere with absolutely no survival skills in effort to clear her mind. There's a method to her madness, though, and her intentions are always heartfelt and real.

This is both a sexy and romantic story with a hint of suspense. There are some thrilling moments that occur that put both Adam and Ina to the test. If you're looking for an easy read without the weight of dark background stories (but still enough intensity to drive the story forward) then you will love this book by Ever McCormick!

Ratings

Romance: a few steamy scenes with great character tension and connection
Plot Progression: *****
Character Development: *****
Writing Quality: *****
Profile Image for Ruth Albarran.
118 reviews15 followers
August 12, 2013
At first when i saw the tittle of this book i was like, wow don't tell me this is one of those stories about a girl that goes away on spring break and does inappropriate things that she then regrets, i would have to say that this is what made me put this book away to later read instead of Oh my God i have to read it now.

Once i decided to read it i have to say it was pretty easy to get into it and and the story caught my attention enough to finish it in one seating. all in all a great quick summer read.

This book was well written and it gave an ok description and baseline for its characters. My favorite was the character of Adam and how even with his rough edges he was a very lovable down to earth character. i think he made the story very likable even though the story had good topics sometimes i felt there was something missing to make it stick.

Even though the story was based on Ina and her experiences and what made her go tot he mountains to rethink her life and find out what she really wanted out of it, i found her characters lacking and missing some spice. we since her character building and gaining strength as the story goes along but for some reason (i'm thinking about it) i found myself not liking her and found her missing something, still trying to pin point what made me not like her.

The mystery through out the book was good and even though one can suspect what was coming in the end, you find yourself still reading to see it unfold.
Profile Image for Tina Lewis.
100 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2013
3.75 Stars

Thanks to NetGalley and All Night Reads for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the over all theme of this story. The confused and hurt woman going off to nature on an adventure unlike what she would usually take. Only to find a man who has his own baggage and emotional stress to work through. Eventually they work through it together. I love that Adam was the complete opposite of Michael, who was the lowest of the low. He was slimy from the very beginning and made my skin crawl just reading his words. I don't know how Ina was so easily fooled, although I am very proud of her for eventually letting him go. I just wish she wouldn't have struggled so much with it. I understand having a hard time letting someone go but you don't have to show them that. I also like how it was steamy enough to give you a good idea of what took place but it wasn't over the top. I sort of expected it at the beginning. I'm looking forward to future books from Ever McCormick.
Profile Image for Melissa Carpenter.
258 reviews14 followers
August 1, 2013
My least favorite thing about this book is the cover. When I received the digital ARC from NetGalley, I almost chose not to read it - the cover gives me the impression that it'll be all about sex, and there was really so much to this story.

I loved the friendship that Ina and Adam developed before things turned romantic.

I loved the thriller aspect, even though what ended up happening was somewhat predictable.

I loved that McCormick really took her time with the struggle that is moving past a difficult end to a relationship, and that we got to see Ina's recovery from it.

As a teacher of 13-14 year olds, I tend to look for books that have more appropriate content, but I also thought this was a good example of a New Adult title that's actually about more than sex.
Profile Image for Ramblinbrown.
81 reviews
July 29, 2013
Received via NetGalley

I was really excited when I first started reading. Great idea, strong characters, and a sizzling hot hero. Yet something missed the mark for me. I think there needed to be more Roadsie and less Michael. Roadsie had a really interesting story that really could have been taken far but he seemed to be barely a part of the story.

All I know is, if there's an escaped convict near a mountain retreat I'm at I'm going to freak out. Not for a little while but for a very long time.
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