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The Lane #1
Wild Ones
Bri Martin likes her skirts too short, her heels too high, and trouble close at hand. So when big, brooding underground boxer Luke Turner comes into the bar where she works and starts a fight before she brings his first drink, she can't help being intrigued. Luke is everything she never wanted and everything she can't resist.
Soon, Luke is showing up everywhere Bri is, and she can't break free of his hold on her, nor does she want to. When her best friend turns on her, it's Luke who is there. When Luke's opponent comes after her to send Luke a message, it's he who comes to her rescue.
Before Bri knows it, she's caught in the midst of a rivalry between her boyfriend and her boss, both of whom are not content to settle their scores inside the ring. She swore she'd never live this life, so like the one she once ran from. But only by confronting her past can she decide where her future lies…and whether Luke can be a part of it.
Soon, Luke is showing up everywhere Bri is, and she can't break free of his hold on her, nor does she want to. When her best friend turns on her, it's Luke who is there. When Luke's opponent comes after her to send Luke a message, it's he who comes to her rescue.
Before Bri knows it, she's caught in the midst of a rivalry between her boyfriend and her boss, both of whom are not content to settle their scores inside the ring. She swore she'd never live this life, so like the one she once ran from. But only by confronting her past can she decide where her future lies…and whether Luke can be a part of it.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2014
11 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Kristine Wyllys
5 books55 followerssign up for Kristine's newsletter for updates on all things writing and the Lane: http://eepurl.com/2_U31
Kristine Wyllys is a hopeless romantic and an impossible dreamer with wild hair and trashy sunglasses. Born in the north, she spent the first half of her life in a town full of college kids and dying automotive plants outside of Detroit. These days she dances around a dusty kitchen in the south with a baby on each hip and the boy she fell in love with at fifteen.
A poet at heart, Kristine is author of New Adult Contemporary Romance that bites like a junkyard dog. She's got a thing for words, twangy music, Elvis, Diet Mountain Dew in a can, and geeky shows. She's never met a smartphone she couldn't destroy, a pizza she didn't fall in love with, or a pair of pants she didn't resent having to wear.
When she's not playing pretend with characters born in her head, you can find Kristine at her website www.kristinewyllys.com
Kristine Wyllys is a hopeless romantic and an impossible dreamer with wild hair and trashy sunglasses. Born in the north, she spent the first half of her life in a town full of college kids and dying automotive plants outside of Detroit. These days she dances around a dusty kitchen in the south with a baby on each hip and the boy she fell in love with at fifteen.
A poet at heart, Kristine is author of New Adult Contemporary Romance that bites like a junkyard dog. She's got a thing for words, twangy music, Elvis, Diet Mountain Dew in a can, and geeky shows. She's never met a smartphone she couldn't destroy, a pizza she didn't fall in love with, or a pair of pants she didn't resent having to wear.
When she's not playing pretend with characters born in her head, you can find Kristine at her website www.kristinewyllys.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 18, 2015
Wild Ones is Kristine Wyllys' debut book... or novella? I’m not sure what to call it since it’s only 156 pages long. But what a jam-packed, drama-filled, sexy, and highly emotional 156 pages it was. Honestly, I was a bit hesitant to read this book at first. The ratings are all over the place and I think the problem is that the blurb is slightly deceiving; it doesn’t tell the reader what they’re truly getting themselves into. If I were to compare and that’s a big IF, I would say this couple falls into the same category of crazy and dysfunctional as Tristan and Danika from Bad Things or Travis and Abby from Beautiful Disaster. And if you don’t mind constant drama and fighting, then I would say give this story a try.
“We were sinners, Luke and I. We fought and we fucked and in the end, there would be no pearly gates for us.”
Brianna “Bri” Martin grew up with an abusive father and, when things go too far one night, she packed her things and ran away from home. She lived on the streets for some time, until she met Jaxon Young, who helps her get her life together and becomes her BFF. They live together and work together at the same bar. I really like Bri, even if she can be a complete bitch sometimes - and she knows it! She’s also sarcastic and reckless yet also passionate and protective of what’s hers. Bri is a survivor, doesn’t do relationships, and doesn’t trust anyone but Jax. Then she meets Luke, who infatuates her – ensnares her, but she’s also afraid of him because he’s a boxer – like her father.
Oh, Luke Turner, how I adore thee. He is my kind of bad boy hero. He’s an underground fighter, super sexy, all alpha, rough around the edges, broody, and intense but he melted me into mush with his patience and protectiveness with Bri. Luke is everything Bri didn’t want in her life yet Bri is utterly drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Luke is good for Bri--he never tells her how to live her life and accepts her wild and independent side. Though, he doesn’t put up with her shit and Bri dishes out a lot of bullshit.
Their sexual attraction and feelings for each other are untamable, undeniable - almost obsessive, which leads to an intensely passionate yet dysfunctional relationship. Together, they are an unpredictable hot mess. They’re both powerless against one another with their all-consuming desire and lust that brews between them. They fight with fervor. They make up with hot angry sex. They both have big issues that stem from their past, though Luke’s issues aren’t really addressed that much in this book. I wish there was more information given on Luke’s back story, which I’m hoping to learn more in later books. The main focus of the story is Bri’s issues with her past. Her fear of becoming like her mother has a tight grip on her. And, in order for Bri and Luke to stay together, she must come to terms with her past before she can move forward with her future.
When I reached the end of this story, I actually had a moment where I wished there were at least another chapter or two or maybe an epilogue. I was enjoying this story so much that I wanted MORE. I really enjoyed the writing style with the rich descriptions of this world. While Bri and Luke’s crazy fighting might be a big turn-off for some readers, their dysfunction worked for me. There is something about crazy, mad love with tumultuous, raw emotion that I’m drawn to. And, while this is a romance story, it’s not romantic. It’s dark and gritty with some cringe-worthy violence where Bri is a victim of physical abuse more than once. There are several secondary characters written in this story and I’m happy to find out they’re getting future books. I’m anxious to know whose story is next. I’m hoping to get a book for Jax soon.
Rating: B+
Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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January 15, 2014
I really liked this one. It's dark and intense. Violent. VERY sexy. Hero is an underground boxer who is massive and broody.
Heroine is cocky, sarcastic - kind of a bitch - but it works for her.
Sex is hot. I like the boxing aspect. Heroine works at a bar and I liked that atmosphere. It's gritty and edgy. Highly rec.
Heroine is cocky, sarcastic - kind of a bitch - but it works for her.
Sex is hot. I like the boxing aspect. Heroine works at a bar and I liked that atmosphere. It's gritty and edgy. Highly rec.
February 5, 2017
This is a whirlwind of a book, and it caught me up completely. I could not put it down. Devoured it fast. It got me to care about Bri immediately, so deeply wrapped up in her world and the intensity of the story. It gutted me in a glorious way, resonated at a frequency that felt exactly right, and just kept surprising me in the ways that it would turn.
The writing is gorgeous. It grips you and doesn't let you go. Beautiful metaphors. Tremendously strong voice.
This is not a light book; it's set in a violent world, it's full of teeth and claws and intensity, and it did not let me go. It's also some of the hottest sex I have ever read on the page; it felt raw and ferocious and matched the whirlwind nature of the book itself.
This book is very much about Bri's struggle not to re-enact her abusive family systems and her fear that she is, and those stories are precious, especially when done this well, with this much care and love and insistence on it not being easy or simple or impossible. I hold this story close to my heart for how it grapples with this complex struggle.
So often, in stories about girls like Bri, tough ferocious trauma survivors who are scared and brave in equal measures, who own their desire, there is a framework that is both anti-sex and full of misogyny, a tone of pity, or explanation, or a hurling towards doom about them, this distance and grief for the character, like you are supposed to be titillated by proximity but not identify with them, be several steps away watching, even when it's told in the first person. This story demolished those tropes, in an unforgiving way, was intensely, relentlessly centered on Bri with no distance at all, and a tremendous amount of respect and love for her and who she is, how she thinks, what she needs, and what she chooses and for that alone this book has won my fervent devotion.
Let me say that again more bluntly, in case it was not clear. This book centers a tough, ferocious sexual woman who is a trauma survivor, and it wasn't about looking at her from the outside or getting titillated. It insisted on centering her perspective.
And it was hopeful. She wasn't doomed. She didn't need to "learn a lesson," or get punished or be fixed. I cannot tell you how much I needed this story. I'm not sure I knew until I was done reading it and it had started to sink in. It is a tremendous gift to me as a survivor.
Trigger Warnings:
The writing is gorgeous. It grips you and doesn't let you go. Beautiful metaphors. Tremendously strong voice.
This is not a light book; it's set in a violent world, it's full of teeth and claws and intensity, and it did not let me go. It's also some of the hottest sex I have ever read on the page; it felt raw and ferocious and matched the whirlwind nature of the book itself.
This book is very much about Bri's struggle not to re-enact her abusive family systems and her fear that she is, and those stories are precious, especially when done this well, with this much care and love and insistence on it not being easy or simple or impossible. I hold this story close to my heart for how it grapples with this complex struggle.
So often, in stories about girls like Bri, tough ferocious trauma survivors who are scared and brave in equal measures, who own their desire, there is a framework that is both anti-sex and full of misogyny, a tone of pity, or explanation, or a hurling towards doom about them, this distance and grief for the character, like you are supposed to be titillated by proximity but not identify with them, be several steps away watching, even when it's told in the first person. This story demolished those tropes, in an unforgiving way, was intensely, relentlessly centered on Bri with no distance at all, and a tremendous amount of respect and love for her and who she is, how she thinks, what she needs, and what she chooses and for that alone this book has won my fervent devotion.
Let me say that again more bluntly, in case it was not clear. This book centers a tough, ferocious sexual woman who is a trauma survivor, and it wasn't about looking at her from the outside or getting titillated. It insisted on centering her perspective.
And it was hopeful. She wasn't doomed. She didn't need to "learn a lesson," or get punished or be fixed. I cannot tell you how much I needed this story. I'm not sure I knew until I was done reading it and it had started to sink in. It is a tremendous gift to me as a survivor.
Trigger Warnings:
March 6, 2014
The prose of this book, in a nutshell, blew me away. I could not stop reading because the main character's voice was so strong and the writing so gorgeous.
An example:
There was me and there was him and we were more than the others somehow and it didn't make sense, yet I'd never been so sure of something in my life.
I mean, that's just one line among many. Her writing made me have so many deep feels, I had to take a breather.
Wild Ones isn't your typical romance and it isn't your typical NA. The heroine is Bri, and she's a tough, sarcastic bitch. I can see how she is polarizing to readers. You either loved her or hated her. I loved her. A lot.
Luke is kind of a jerk. He growls a lot. He reminds me of a Kristen Ashley hero. But he fit Bri. They fit together. They fight and screw and fight and screw and give it as hard as they take it.
I think what I loved most about this book was that both characters are a mess at the beginning and they are still a mess at the end. There is no unrealistic "cure." They don't try to fix each other. They let each other be messed up because they both like it that way. But yet both characters had growth, especially Bri, in the acceptance of themselves in the way they were.
I was fascinated by this book. It was different. It made me laugh. And sigh. It was beautiful and ugly at the same time. There is language. There is violence (a lot). But I couldn't stop reading. And I will pick up the next book the day of release.
An example:
There was me and there was him and we were more than the others somehow and it didn't make sense, yet I'd never been so sure of something in my life.
I mean, that's just one line among many. Her writing made me have so many deep feels, I had to take a breather.
Wild Ones isn't your typical romance and it isn't your typical NA. The heroine is Bri, and she's a tough, sarcastic bitch. I can see how she is polarizing to readers. You either loved her or hated her. I loved her. A lot.
Luke is kind of a jerk. He growls a lot. He reminds me of a Kristen Ashley hero. But he fit Bri. They fit together. They fight and screw and fight and screw and give it as hard as they take it.
I think what I loved most about this book was that both characters are a mess at the beginning and they are still a mess at the end. There is no unrealistic "cure." They don't try to fix each other. They let each other be messed up because they both like it that way. But yet both characters had growth, especially Bri, in the acceptance of themselves in the way they were.
I was fascinated by this book. It was different. It made me laugh. And sigh. It was beautiful and ugly at the same time. There is language. There is violence (a lot). But I couldn't stop reading. And I will pick up the next book the day of release.
September 8, 2016
Wild... well that is one adjective to use to describe this couple, but I prefer the term insane. This wasn't your flowery type of romance at all, and trust me I don't always need that, but I honestly didn't feel like it ended any better than it began. These two are destructive, and I felt no connection to either one of them. Bri comes from a very troubled and dark past and I totally get that she is screwed up in the head. It still didn't excuse her actions and reactions to me. Bri took herself to an even bigger low with her treatment of Jax. Now there was one positive... He was only trying to save her from her horrible decisions, and I don't blame him one bit. I really liked his character, but I'm sad that Bri couldn't appreciate him. Now I couldn't even begin to tell you anything about Luke, because I feel like they never really get to know one another on a deeper level beyond their intense physical relationship. Also it seems we are supposed to cheer for a hero who uses his fists to exact revenge and be happy when he doesn't go to jail for it. That whole concept really bothers me and I didn't find him heroic at all. Anyway... I'm digressing.
Bottom line is this... we are left with sooo many unresolved issues with this one when we get to the ending. What I think is pretty telling is the fact that I honestly don't think I want the answers.
*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Bottom line is this... we are left with sooo many unresolved issues with this one when we get to the ending. What I think is pretty telling is the fact that I honestly don't think I want the answers.
*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Read
March 24, 2014So I don't star books because it ain't my thang, but Holy Batman, this was one helluva read, folks. Kristen Ashley fans will find a lot to love here. Wyllys's prose has a ridiculously lovely lyricism that is tempered by a junkyard dog meanness, the combination of which is utterly compelling. After this read she rockets onto my auto-buy list, and I expect nothing but increasingly amazing work from her.
This is me doing an awkward sign-wave dance on the side of the road "AUTHOR TO WATCH PEOPLE!!"
WILD ONES isn't easy. The heroine is capital D damaged and no magical hero peen is going to fix her. Still, I loved Bri hard. I loved her crazy, her attitude, her rage, her faults and her passion. I don't read nearly enough anti-heroines and she was brilliantly drawn. And Luke. Luke. Luke. Oh, Luke. I loathe boxing. Totally not my thing. Yet 60% of the way through this book I almost screamed KILL JOHNSON, LUKE while reading at the gym. I was so blindly invested. I was breathless and self-fanning every time he sauntered onto the page.
I thought the ARC for both characters, but especially Bri, was very well nuanced. At the end I believed in and rooted for this crazy ass couple 100%
While I'm squirming for Jax's book, Rosie's story has me all sorts of intrigued. Can't wait to see what the future holds for this debut author.
This is me doing an awkward sign-wave dance on the side of the road "AUTHOR TO WATCH PEOPLE!!"
WILD ONES isn't easy. The heroine is capital D damaged and no magical hero peen is going to fix her. Still, I loved Bri hard. I loved her crazy, her attitude, her rage, her faults and her passion. I don't read nearly enough anti-heroines and she was brilliantly drawn. And Luke. Luke. Luke. Oh, Luke. I loathe boxing. Totally not my thing. Yet 60% of the way through this book I almost screamed KILL JOHNSON, LUKE while reading at the gym. I was so blindly invested. I was breathless and self-fanning every time he sauntered onto the page.
I thought the ARC for both characters, but especially Bri, was very well nuanced. At the end I believed in and rooted for this crazy ass couple 100%
While I'm squirming for Jax's book, Rosie's story has me all sorts of intrigued. Can't wait to see what the future holds for this debut author.
January 14, 2014
This was an enjoyable read. Both Luke and Bri were entertaining characters. They fought a lot, but somehow I think that was just foreplay to some really raw steamy sex. In some ways, I'm thankful that this was a short book, because as much as I was engaged by the fiery exchanges between the two, I think I'd be exhausted if it went on for longer.
I think it also helped that Luke was OTT possessive and jealous. I was in the mood for cavemen tactics for tonight's read. The book is not a light read though, there are some parts that might be too raw and gritty for some. The H is an underground boxer, and with that occupation comes a string of nefarious characters. There are some brutal scenes that may be too much for some readers.
I think it also helped that Luke was OTT possessive and jealous. I was in the mood for cavemen tactics for tonight's read. The book is not a light read though, there are some parts that might be too raw and gritty for some. The H is an underground boxer, and with that occupation comes a string of nefarious characters. There are some brutal scenes that may be too much for some readers.
August 3, 2016
Bri and Luke
2.5 stars
Too much drama. Too much fighting and sex. Why were they together? I do like the fighting theme and the bar setting though.
2.5 stars
Too much drama. Too much fighting and sex. Why were they together? I do like the fighting theme and the bar setting though.
February 14, 2014
I loved this book. Wow. I didn't think I would, because I only saw three and two star reviews. Now I'm like, why do I only see three and two star reviews?!! This was great, It was dysfunctional, pyscho, amazing, and wonderful!
Bri and Luke are both two messed up characters. We get full disclosure into Bri's past but Luke is still soft of a mystery. I'm hoping we get a sequel where we'll get to learn more about him.
"Yeah,” I repeated. “I’m better with you. Stronger. You know? You’re a damn mess and I’m—well, I’m a catastrophe mostly, but you make sense to me. You complete me. God, that sounds so cheesy, I know, but it’s true. It’s like a part of me was always missing before I met you, and I never knew it but now it’s not.Does that sound lame?"
Throughout the book, I was hoping that Bri wouldn't end up with Luke, he gave me this weird vibe. But towards the end I realized they're perfect for each other. I can't see them with anyone else, I don't know who'd chance being with them and all their craziness.
I loved this book overall, I guess because I love dysfunction.
5 stars!
Bri and Luke are both two messed up characters. We get full disclosure into Bri's past but Luke is still soft of a mystery. I'm hoping we get a sequel where we'll get to learn more about him.
"Yeah,” I repeated. “I’m better with you. Stronger. You know? You’re a damn mess and I’m—well, I’m a catastrophe mostly, but you make sense to me. You complete me. God, that sounds so cheesy, I know, but it’s true. It’s like a part of me was always missing before I met you, and I never knew it but now it’s not.Does that sound lame?"
Throughout the book, I was hoping that Bri wouldn't end up with Luke, he gave me this weird vibe. But towards the end I realized they're perfect for each other. I can't see them with anyone else, I don't know who'd chance being with them and all their craziness.
I loved this book overall, I guess because I love dysfunction.
5 stars!
October 13, 2020
Whew! This story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. I was completely captivated. The characters were viscerally alive and I really wanted to know what they were going to do next. Bri was such an unpredictable character that the story stayed unpredictable too. She felt so alive to me. That made for gripping reading! It was great to read a realistic story about people on the edge of the poverty line. The writing was absolutely incredible. There were so many good lines.
It was gritty and visceral. Half the time I didn’t know if I should root for Bri and Luke to be together or go their separate ways. Bri was a wounded animal and Luke is an underground boxer and the combination could be explosive. This made for an intense arc for Bri and it completely worked for me. Perhaps if Bri had delved more into the abuse she experienced, I would have needed more of a healing arc. But we only get the outlines of what happened and she clearly wants to keep the past in the past, even if what happened to her is why she acts the way she does. It felt true to life. Plenty of people never get therapy and never deal with their past traumas and they still deserve to be loved too. Do I wish she and Luke knew how to treat each other a bit better than they do? Yes. But fighting and f*cking works for them, at least for right now. And honestly, I did really like them together and the way they really got each other. They both needed someone in their corner.
The ending is more of an HFN but that might just be my bias toward them wanting to get therapy. I certainly hope they'll be happy together forever. It's basically them against the world at this point. The next book is about Rosie so hopefully we'll get an update of some sort for them.
Highly recommended. For more about this book from a trauma/survivor perspective, I really appreciated Xan/Corey’s review, which is how the book got on my radar in the first place. I greatly miss their perspective and wish I’d been able to discuss this one with them when I finished.
Character notes: Bri is 22 and a waitress at a bar. Luke is an underground boxer; no age given. Both are white.
CW: mugging, hero is an underground boxer, heroine is attacked and her shoulder is dislocated, heroine is beat up and hospitalized (two broken rubs, broken wrist, sprained ankle), hero puts heroine’s attacker in the hospital, hero is arrested for assault with intent (), concussion, unsafe sex, heroine’s father was alcoholic and abusive, heroine’s father sexually assaulted her (it is briefly on page in the first chapter), minor characters who are addicts, past overdose of a friend, heroine was homeless after she ran away, bar fight, secondary character with facial scar, reference to heroine’s brother who died by suicide, police raid with gunshots fired, alcohol, cigarettes, fatphobic joke (not challenge), dated language (heroine wonders if a customer is gay when a male bartender smiles at him, “folding our legs Indian-style”)
It was gritty and visceral. Half the time I didn’t know if I should root for Bri and Luke to be together or go their separate ways. Bri was a wounded animal and Luke is an underground boxer and the combination could be explosive. This made for an intense arc for Bri and it completely worked for me. Perhaps if Bri had delved more into the abuse she experienced, I would have needed more of a healing arc. But we only get the outlines of what happened and she clearly wants to keep the past in the past, even if what happened to her is why she acts the way she does. It felt true to life. Plenty of people never get therapy and never deal with their past traumas and they still deserve to be loved too. Do I wish she and Luke knew how to treat each other a bit better than they do? Yes. But fighting and f*cking works for them, at least for right now. And honestly, I did really like them together and the way they really got each other. They both needed someone in their corner.
The ending is more of an HFN but that might just be my bias toward them wanting to get therapy. I certainly hope they'll be happy together forever. It's basically them against the world at this point. The next book is about Rosie so hopefully we'll get an update of some sort for them.
Highly recommended. For more about this book from a trauma/survivor perspective, I really appreciated Xan/Corey’s review, which is how the book got on my radar in the first place. I greatly miss their perspective and wish I’d been able to discuss this one with them when I finished.
Character notes: Bri is 22 and a waitress at a bar. Luke is an underground boxer; no age given. Both are white.
CW: mugging, hero is an underground boxer, heroine is attacked and her shoulder is dislocated, heroine is beat up and hospitalized (two broken rubs, broken wrist, sprained ankle), hero puts heroine’s attacker in the hospital, hero is arrested for assault with intent (), concussion, unsafe sex, heroine’s father was alcoholic and abusive, heroine’s father sexually assaulted her (it is briefly on page in the first chapter), minor characters who are addicts, past overdose of a friend, heroine was homeless after she ran away, bar fight, secondary character with facial scar, reference to heroine’s brother who died by suicide, police raid with gunshots fired, alcohol, cigarettes, fatphobic joke (not challenge), dated language (heroine wonders if a customer is gay when a male bartender smiles at him, “folding our legs Indian-style”)
September 26, 2021
I don't really remember how this book crossed my radar, but it did. I kinda forgot I even requested it from my library until I got the notice. Sadly this one didn't work for me. I gave up 35% in because I was bored. I didn't care for Bri and how cavalier she was about living her life. Sure bad things happened to her, but it seemed like most of the time she was courting more bad things to happen. Wasn't sure about Luke, he doesn't seem like the best guy, but at least he stepped up to help Bri when she needed it. But even as it seems like maybe something was going to happen I realized I didn't care, was too bored to continue, this one just wasn't for me.
January 15, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/01/14/...
E: I liked the blurb when I was browsing for review books but noticed that MinnChica already had it scheduled for review. I mentioned I was looking forward to reading what she had to say and she convinced me to go ahead and do a joint review with her. I wasn’t sure what I thought I was going to read but what I got was very visceral, elemental, and brutal in more ways than one. Bri had a horrible home life and after one especially brutal night she fled. After some time living on the street she ended up working as a bar waitress and seemed to enjoy life with the constant hum of danger.
MinnChica: When I first read this blurb I was instantly intrigued. However, I never expected the book to be as dark and brutal and ugly as it was. Wyllys touched on some very heavy topics, and she didn’t pull any of her punches. This book was raw and at times difficult to read, and yet it was such a beautiful story. I found myself staying up till almost 2:30 in the morning finishing this book, because I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I really feel as if everyone needs to read this book! :)
E: I can’t say this is a story I will ever re-read nor did I necessarily enjoy the characters and their choices BUT it gripped me and I was unable to stop reading. I think part of the attraction was how Bri and Luke never tried to smooth over anything. What they thought or felt was blatantly evident without any filters. Yes, each had secrets they kept from the other about their past but they were almost brutally honest about the present. It was also interesting to see the connections between the supporting characters appear, shift, and sometimes get in the way. Those connections demonstrated just how out of the loop Bri was with the other people around her and made me wonder what her best friend really knew.
MinnChica: For me, the big attraction between Luke and Bri was the fact that they didn’t try to change each other. Let’s be brutally honest for a minute, both Bri and Luke were seriously effed up people. They both had some serious, major issues. Bri drowned herself in booze and bad decisions, Luke was a fighter first and foremost, and he had no problems using his fists to solve problems. But despite the fact that they are both broken, they don’t try to change one another. Luke doesn’t force Bri to clean up her act and get her shit together. Instead, he accepts who she is and just wants to be a part of her life. Bri doesn’t force Luke to quit and go to some kind of legitimate business, instead she grits her teeth and bears the fact that fighting is a part of who he is. Like I said before, both Bri and Luke are ugly, but their romance is beautiful in and of itself.
E: That is so very true. They accepted and loved each other in all of their messed up glory. Luke wasn’t going to change his life because it spilled over and impacted Bri. He would make sure to get revenge but he wasn’t changing his life. Nor was he after her to change, except maybe not wave the equivalent of a red cape in front of a charging bull. Bri on the same hand didn’t expect Luke to quit his livelihood. It might bring her back to some of the darker places of her childhood but it was an elemental part of Luke. In a way it was refreshing to see a romance that centered around accepting who/what the characters were attracted to and that didn’t mean they were condemned to relive the past but could make the choice to be different while staying in the same environment.
MinnChica: Another thing I really liked about this book was how different all the supportive characters were. Bri’s best friend was so worried about her reckless ways that he went above and beyond best friend duties to try and keep her safe. Almost to the point that I found myself like his character less and less as the story went on. This is supposed to be the first book in a series called The Lane. I’m anxious and excited to see who will be next. I’m not sure if Wyllys is going to keep following Bri and Luke, or if we’ll get the chance to see some of the other eccentric Lane characters get their chance at finding love, in whatever forms works best for them.
E: It will be very interesting to see what characters come to the forefront as this series continues. I think Bri’s best friend knew a lot more about Luke’s world then he ever wanted to admit. It will be interesting to see if he redeems himself or is forever pushed out of the picture. While this story was brutal and vicious as MinnChica said earlier, the romance was there. I think the best thing is at the end I had the feeling that love isn’t limited to the “perfect ones,” f’ed up characters are just as eligible to love and be loved.
I give Wild Ones a B
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was a beautiful and wonderful book. Don’t get me wrong, it was ugly and violent and brutal a times, especially as Bri and Luke navigate the waters of their relationship. But despite that, it was such a truthful and real love story between two people who thought they were never capable of love. I’m not usually a fan of darker romances, I tend to prefer my romances with rainbows and unicorns, but this was story was just as wonderful as the happy romances. I’m so anxious to see what Wyllys comes up with next.
I give Wild Ones an A
E: I liked the blurb when I was browsing for review books but noticed that MinnChica already had it scheduled for review. I mentioned I was looking forward to reading what she had to say and she convinced me to go ahead and do a joint review with her. I wasn’t sure what I thought I was going to read but what I got was very visceral, elemental, and brutal in more ways than one. Bri had a horrible home life and after one especially brutal night she fled. After some time living on the street she ended up working as a bar waitress and seemed to enjoy life with the constant hum of danger.
MinnChica: When I first read this blurb I was instantly intrigued. However, I never expected the book to be as dark and brutal and ugly as it was. Wyllys touched on some very heavy topics, and she didn’t pull any of her punches. This book was raw and at times difficult to read, and yet it was such a beautiful story. I found myself staying up till almost 2:30 in the morning finishing this book, because I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I really feel as if everyone needs to read this book! :)
E: I can’t say this is a story I will ever re-read nor did I necessarily enjoy the characters and their choices BUT it gripped me and I was unable to stop reading. I think part of the attraction was how Bri and Luke never tried to smooth over anything. What they thought or felt was blatantly evident without any filters. Yes, each had secrets they kept from the other about their past but they were almost brutally honest about the present. It was also interesting to see the connections between the supporting characters appear, shift, and sometimes get in the way. Those connections demonstrated just how out of the loop Bri was with the other people around her and made me wonder what her best friend really knew.
MinnChica: For me, the big attraction between Luke and Bri was the fact that they didn’t try to change each other. Let’s be brutally honest for a minute, both Bri and Luke were seriously effed up people. They both had some serious, major issues. Bri drowned herself in booze and bad decisions, Luke was a fighter first and foremost, and he had no problems using his fists to solve problems. But despite the fact that they are both broken, they don’t try to change one another. Luke doesn’t force Bri to clean up her act and get her shit together. Instead, he accepts who she is and just wants to be a part of her life. Bri doesn’t force Luke to quit and go to some kind of legitimate business, instead she grits her teeth and bears the fact that fighting is a part of who he is. Like I said before, both Bri and Luke are ugly, but their romance is beautiful in and of itself.
E: That is so very true. They accepted and loved each other in all of their messed up glory. Luke wasn’t going to change his life because it spilled over and impacted Bri. He would make sure to get revenge but he wasn’t changing his life. Nor was he after her to change, except maybe not wave the equivalent of a red cape in front of a charging bull. Bri on the same hand didn’t expect Luke to quit his livelihood. It might bring her back to some of the darker places of her childhood but it was an elemental part of Luke. In a way it was refreshing to see a romance that centered around accepting who/what the characters were attracted to and that didn’t mean they were condemned to relive the past but could make the choice to be different while staying in the same environment.
MinnChica: Another thing I really liked about this book was how different all the supportive characters were. Bri’s best friend was so worried about her reckless ways that he went above and beyond best friend duties to try and keep her safe. Almost to the point that I found myself like his character less and less as the story went on. This is supposed to be the first book in a series called The Lane. I’m anxious and excited to see who will be next. I’m not sure if Wyllys is going to keep following Bri and Luke, or if we’ll get the chance to see some of the other eccentric Lane characters get their chance at finding love, in whatever forms works best for them.
E: It will be very interesting to see what characters come to the forefront as this series continues. I think Bri’s best friend knew a lot more about Luke’s world then he ever wanted to admit. It will be interesting to see if he redeems himself or is forever pushed out of the picture. While this story was brutal and vicious as MinnChica said earlier, the romance was there. I think the best thing is at the end I had the feeling that love isn’t limited to the “perfect ones,” f’ed up characters are just as eligible to love and be loved.
I give Wild Ones a B
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was a beautiful and wonderful book. Don’t get me wrong, it was ugly and violent and brutal a times, especially as Bri and Luke navigate the waters of their relationship. But despite that, it was such a truthful and real love story between two people who thought they were never capable of love. I’m not usually a fan of darker romances, I tend to prefer my romances with rainbows and unicorns, but this was story was just as wonderful as the happy romances. I’m so anxious to see what Wyllys comes up with next.
I give Wild Ones an A
September 12, 2016
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I haven't given a book 5 stars in a while. And that's saying something!
My main holdup with giving this book 5 stars is the cover. This cover seems almost virginal and sweet. This book is anything but that!
Here's the cover I would use...read the book and you will agree :)
Bri's childhood has shaped her into a sharp edged, bitchy, reckless and passionate about what's hers, woman. She never hesitates to say what's on her mind and makes no apologies. She is brave to the point of me questioning her desire for any self preservation. She is a kick ass heroine who is too afraid to love or make attachments for fear of losing her careful control of making sure her life doesn't turn out like her childhood. Her super sexy roommate and only friend, Jax is the only one who refuses to give up on her and is the voice of reason and protection throughout the story. I have to say though, I am somewhat shocked she can sit beside him naked and he seems to ignore it as does she. Come on! Isn't at least some spark there lol??? I can't wait to see if we get to learn more about Jax in the second book. Aka, please reveal his own erotic adventures!
Luke is a "mess" just like Bri. He is a boxer who is just as rough around the edges and the total alpha male. Bri is powerless to resist the angry passion they share. I mean who could? He is freaking sex on a stick and the sex scenes are beyond steamy. Luke's history isn't really addressed in the book, but hopefully we will learn more about his character in the next book. "Every man has secret sorrows in which the world knows not."
As for the story line....Holy. Freaking. Amazing. Awesomeness.
This is not a thrown together typical romance novel. This plot is so intricately woven and complex. Bravo to the author for coming up with such a unique and intriguing story!
The bottom line. READ THIS BOOK! It is not for the reader who enjoys a vanilla, sweet romance. It is much more gritty, full of angst and characters who struggle with their own demons. It is real life. It is the side of life filled with sin and passion that leaves you breathless, in tears, laughing and pulling for Bri and Luke to the very end!
This, though, was like being wrapped in a pleasant cocoon where good things existed. A place that welcomed girls like me and treated them right, with warmth and sweet promises that would be kept. A place with no ugliness, no fights, no ghosts with harsh voices screaming from the past.
I haven't given a book 5 stars in a while. And that's saying something!
My main holdup with giving this book 5 stars is the cover. This cover seems almost virginal and sweet. This book is anything but that!
Here's the cover I would use...read the book and you will agree :)
Bri's childhood has shaped her into a sharp edged, bitchy, reckless and passionate about what's hers, woman. She never hesitates to say what's on her mind and makes no apologies. She is brave to the point of me questioning her desire for any self preservation. She is a kick ass heroine who is too afraid to love or make attachments for fear of losing her careful control of making sure her life doesn't turn out like her childhood. Her super sexy roommate and only friend, Jax is the only one who refuses to give up on her and is the voice of reason and protection throughout the story. I have to say though, I am somewhat shocked she can sit beside him naked and he seems to ignore it as does she. Come on! Isn't at least some spark there lol??? I can't wait to see if we get to learn more about Jax in the second book. Aka, please reveal his own erotic adventures!
Luke is a "mess" just like Bri. He is a boxer who is just as rough around the edges and the total alpha male. Bri is powerless to resist the angry passion they share. I mean who could? He is freaking sex on a stick and the sex scenes are beyond steamy. Luke's history isn't really addressed in the book, but hopefully we will learn more about his character in the next book. "Every man has secret sorrows in which the world knows not."
As for the story line....Holy. Freaking. Amazing. Awesomeness.
This is not a thrown together typical romance novel. This plot is so intricately woven and complex. Bravo to the author for coming up with such a unique and intriguing story!
The bottom line. READ THIS BOOK! It is not for the reader who enjoys a vanilla, sweet romance. It is much more gritty, full of angst and characters who struggle with their own demons. It is real life. It is the side of life filled with sin and passion that leaves you breathless, in tears, laughing and pulling for Bri and Luke to the very end!
This, though, was like being wrapped in a pleasant cocoon where good things existed. A place that welcomed girls like me and treated them right, with warmth and sweet promises that would be kept. A place with no ugliness, no fights, no ghosts with harsh voices screaming from the past.
January 14, 2014
2.5 Stars
For a relatively short book, there were a lot of characters to get your head around. Normally that wouldn't worry me, but in this story, i found it a challenge.
Brie is a survivor, still working on staying that way and acknowledging those still fighting the fight. She's escaped a family life that she never wants to be a part of again. History has a way of repeating itself and the opportunity stares both her and her roommate in the face.
Luke is everything Bri abhors except for his charm and the chemistry between him and Bri is tangible. I struggled to connect with Luke's character, possibly because the main focus in the story is on Bri. He is definitely an alpha male and has no qualms about getting what he wants and protecting what he deems 'his'.
There are chapters that alternate between the past and present but not consistently. Usually this frustrates me but I can see the need to share. This aspect of the book felt disjointed to me, not that I missed it, but wonder if the detail could have been shared in an alternate way. The other characters, apart from Preacher felt like they were only being introduced. Even though I wanted to know more about Preacher, his presence was valuable to the story, very much a father figure for Bri but one that was limited as to being anything other than a gentle voice of reason.
Nice ending to the story, don't know if was the one I was after.
For a relatively short book, there were a lot of characters to get your head around. Normally that wouldn't worry me, but in this story, i found it a challenge.
Brie is a survivor, still working on staying that way and acknowledging those still fighting the fight. She's escaped a family life that she never wants to be a part of again. History has a way of repeating itself and the opportunity stares both her and her roommate in the face.
Luke is everything Bri abhors except for his charm and the chemistry between him and Bri is tangible. I struggled to connect with Luke's character, possibly because the main focus in the story is on Bri. He is definitely an alpha male and has no qualms about getting what he wants and protecting what he deems 'his'.
There are chapters that alternate between the past and present but not consistently. Usually this frustrates me but I can see the need to share. This aspect of the book felt disjointed to me, not that I missed it, but wonder if the detail could have been shared in an alternate way. The other characters, apart from Preacher felt like they were only being introduced. Even though I wanted to know more about Preacher, his presence was valuable to the story, very much a father figure for Bri but one that was limited as to being anything other than a gentle voice of reason.
Nice ending to the story, don't know if was the one I was after.
September 13, 2016
With that opening chapter, I quickly realized that I had picked the wrong book for myself and the more and more I read, the more I didn't like it, but because I have never left a book behind, I had to finish. I don't think I was aptly prepared for the hardness of Bri based on the description of the book. Sure it says she likes her skirts too short, her heels too high, and trouble close at hand, but that suggests that she is more fun and flirty then completely messed up from childhood trauma. Her decisions seem extremely crazy and borderline suicidal. There is a lot of violence in this book too and I'm talking man on woman violence which is even more violent in my opinion. Then there were all the cigarette kisses. The author kept using the description, she could taste the cigarette he had just smoked when they were kissing which is a major turnoff. Maybe it gets some women going, but not me and not anyone I know.
The positive about this book were the secondary characters and the underlying story of the mafia-type business that Bri and Luke get mixed up in. However, it is skimmed over and left unfinished, which I'm assuming will be handled in other books in this world, but I'm not sure I really care enough to read them and find out who is in charge and just what is going on.
The positive about this book were the secondary characters and the underlying story of the mafia-type business that Bri and Luke get mixed up in. However, it is skimmed over and left unfinished, which I'm assuming will be handled in other books in this world, but I'm not sure I really care enough to read them and find out who is in charge and just what is going on.
September 11, 2014
This is the book that so many other books want to be. It's gritty and it's raw and it's not pretty but you still keep reading because all those things compel you.
I love how much of a drug the love between the main character and love interest was. I totally read it as an addiction. And I think that's the point.
Also: the humor. Oh my god, the humor. I think that's a K. Wyllys staple probably.
This book is very well done and a lot of the prose makes me sad I didn't write it myself. And this isn't some complex or streak of popular opinion—I totally dig the brute love interest. Like, he was expertly crafted and totally sexy and has voice and personality for dayssss. I was way into it.
Really dope read. Totally going to grab whatever's next.
I love how much of a drug the love between the main character and love interest was. I totally read it as an addiction. And I think that's the point.
Also: the humor. Oh my god, the humor. I think that's a K. Wyllys staple probably.
This book is very well done and a lot of the prose makes me sad I didn't write it myself. And this isn't some complex or streak of popular opinion—I totally dig the brute love interest. Like, he was expertly crafted and totally sexy and has voice and personality for dayssss. I was way into it.
Really dope read. Totally going to grab whatever's next.
September 3, 2016
The hero and heroine are both extremely hot-headed. They fight and blow up at each other a lot. And that doesn't change at all throughout the entire book. But if you can get past that, then I definitely recommend this one. I like the way Wyllys writes, how she explains things. The story was mostly about how Bri sees herself, who she is, and if she can deal with or even want to be in a relationship with a guy who is a boxer. It's a rough story with rough characters.
January 18, 2014
This book gripped me so hard that I started it after dinner and read it straight through until I finished.
The heroine is a young yet tough-as-nails bar waitress who gets tangled up with a gruff underground boxer. She's got a lot of issues. Their relationship is volatile as hell. There is much hate sex and face slapping and name-calling but it totally worked for me.
The heroine is a young yet tough-as-nails bar waitress who gets tangled up with a gruff underground boxer. She's got a lot of issues. Their relationship is volatile as hell. There is much hate sex and face slapping and name-calling but it totally worked for me.
July 26, 2014
meh. it was okay. didn't connect to the characters at all. bri drove me nuts. she is hot and cold and doesn't know what the heck she wants. the sex was hot, but the relationship was about as unhealthy as you can get. didn't feel it.
September 2, 2016
Joint review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/01/14/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Bri Martin likes her skirts too short, her heels too high, and trouble close at hand. So when big, brooding underground boxer Luke Turner comes into the bar where she works and starts a fight before she brings his first drink, she can’t help being intrigued. Luke is everything she never wanted and everything she can’t resist.
Soon, Luke is showing up everywhere Bri is, and she can’t break free of his hold on her, nor does she want to. When her best friend turns on her, it’s Luke who is there. When Luke’s opponent comes after her to send Luke a message, it’s he who comes to her rescue.
Before Bri knows it, she’s caught in the midst of a rivalry between her boyfriend and her boss, both of whom are not content to settle their scores inside the ring. She swore she’d never live this life, so like the one she once ran from. But only by confronting her past can she decide where her future lies…and whether Luke can be a part of it.
~Goodreads
E: I liked the blurb when I was browsing for review books but noticed that MinnChica already had it scheduled for review. I mentioned I was looking forward to reading what she had to say and she convinced me to go ahead and do a joint review with her. I wasn’t sure what I thought I was going to read but what I got was very visceral, elemental, and brutal in more ways than one. Bri had a horrible home life and after one especially brutal night she fled. After some time living on the street she ended up working as a bar waitress and seemed to enjoy life with the constant hum of danger.
MinnChica: When I first read this blurb I was instantly intrigued. However, I never expected the book to be as dark and brutal and ugly as it was. Wyllys touched on some very heavy topics, and she didn’t pull any of her punches. This book was raw and at times difficult to read, and yet it was such a beautiful story. I found myself staying up till almost 2:30 in the morning finishing this book, because I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I really feel as if everyone needs to read this book! :)
E: I can’t say this is a story I will ever re-read nor did I necessarily enjoy the characters and their choices BUT it gripped me and I was unable to stop reading. I think part of the attraction was how Bri and Luke never tried to smooth over anything. What they thought or felt was blatantly evident without any filters. Yes, each had secrets they kept from the other about their past but they were almost brutally honest about the present. It was also interesting to see the connections between the supporting characters appear, shift, and sometimes get in the way. Those connections demonstrated just how out of the loop Bri was with the other people around her and made me wonder what her best friend really knew.
MinnChica: For me, the big attraction between Luke and Bri was the fact that they didn’t try to change each other. Let’s be brutally honest for a minute, both Bri and Luke were seriously effed up people. They both had some serious, major issues. Bri drowned herself in booze and bad decisions, Luke was a fighter first and foremost, and he had no problems using his fists to solve problems. But despite the fact that they are both broken, they don’t try to change one another. Luke doesn’t force Bri to clean up her act and get her shit together. Instead, he accepts who she is and just wants to be a part of her life. Bri doesn’t force Luke to quit and go to some kind of legitimate business, instead she grits her teeth and bears the fact that fighting is a part of who he is. Like I said before, both Bri and Luke are ugly, but their romance is beautiful in and of itself.
E: That is so very true. They accepted and loved each other in all of their messed up glory. Luke wasn’t going to change his life because it spilled over and impacted Bri. He would make sure to get revenge but he wasn’t changing his life. Nor was he after her to change, except maybe not wave the equivalent of a red cape in front of a charging bull. Bri on the same hand didn’t expect Luke to quit his livelihood. It might bring her back to some of the darker places of her childhood but it was an elemental part of Luke. In a way it was refreshing to see a romance that centered around accepting who/what the characters were attracted to and that didn’t mean they were condemned to relive the past but could make the choice to be different while staying in the same environment.
MinnChica: Another thing I really liked about this book was how different all the supportive characters were. Bri’s best friend was so worried about her reckless ways that he went above and beyond best friend duties to try and keep her safe. Almost to the point that I found myself like his character less and less as the story went on. This is supposed to be the first book in a series called The Lane. I’m anxious and excited to see who will be next. I’m not sure if Wyllys is going to keep following Bri and Luke, or if we’ll get the chance to see some of the other eccentric Lane characters get their chance at finding love, in whatever forms works best for them.
E: It will be very interesting to see what characters come to the forefront as this series continues. I think Bri’s best friend knew a lot more about Luke’s world then he ever wanted to admit. It will be interesting to see if he redeems himself or is forever pushed out of the picture. While this story was brutal and vicious as MinnChica said earlier, the romance was there. I think the best thing is at the end I had the feeling that love isn’t limited to the “perfect ones,” f’ed up characters are just as eligible to love and be loved.
I give Wild Ones a B
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was a beautiful and wonderful book. Don’t get me wrong, it was ugly and violent and brutal a times, especially as Bri and Luke navigate the waters of their relationship. But despite that, it was such a truthful and real love story between two people who thought they were never capable of love. I’m not usually a fan of darker romances, I tend to prefer my romances with rainbows and unicorns, but this was story was just as wonderful as the happy romances. I’m so anxious to see what Wyllys comes up with next.
I give Wild Ones an A
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Bri Martin likes her skirts too short, her heels too high, and trouble close at hand. So when big, brooding underground boxer Luke Turner comes into the bar where she works and starts a fight before she brings his first drink, she can’t help being intrigued. Luke is everything she never wanted and everything she can’t resist.
Soon, Luke is showing up everywhere Bri is, and she can’t break free of his hold on her, nor does she want to. When her best friend turns on her, it’s Luke who is there. When Luke’s opponent comes after her to send Luke a message, it’s he who comes to her rescue.
Before Bri knows it, she’s caught in the midst of a rivalry between her boyfriend and her boss, both of whom are not content to settle their scores inside the ring. She swore she’d never live this life, so like the one she once ran from. But only by confronting her past can she decide where her future lies…and whether Luke can be a part of it.
~Goodreads
E: I liked the blurb when I was browsing for review books but noticed that MinnChica already had it scheduled for review. I mentioned I was looking forward to reading what she had to say and she convinced me to go ahead and do a joint review with her. I wasn’t sure what I thought I was going to read but what I got was very visceral, elemental, and brutal in more ways than one. Bri had a horrible home life and after one especially brutal night she fled. After some time living on the street she ended up working as a bar waitress and seemed to enjoy life with the constant hum of danger.
MinnChica: When I first read this blurb I was instantly intrigued. However, I never expected the book to be as dark and brutal and ugly as it was. Wyllys touched on some very heavy topics, and she didn’t pull any of her punches. This book was raw and at times difficult to read, and yet it was such a beautiful story. I found myself staying up till almost 2:30 in the morning finishing this book, because I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I really feel as if everyone needs to read this book! :)
E: I can’t say this is a story I will ever re-read nor did I necessarily enjoy the characters and their choices BUT it gripped me and I was unable to stop reading. I think part of the attraction was how Bri and Luke never tried to smooth over anything. What they thought or felt was blatantly evident without any filters. Yes, each had secrets they kept from the other about their past but they were almost brutally honest about the present. It was also interesting to see the connections between the supporting characters appear, shift, and sometimes get in the way. Those connections demonstrated just how out of the loop Bri was with the other people around her and made me wonder what her best friend really knew.
MinnChica: For me, the big attraction between Luke and Bri was the fact that they didn’t try to change each other. Let’s be brutally honest for a minute, both Bri and Luke were seriously effed up people. They both had some serious, major issues. Bri drowned herself in booze and bad decisions, Luke was a fighter first and foremost, and he had no problems using his fists to solve problems. But despite the fact that they are both broken, they don’t try to change one another. Luke doesn’t force Bri to clean up her act and get her shit together. Instead, he accepts who she is and just wants to be a part of her life. Bri doesn’t force Luke to quit and go to some kind of legitimate business, instead she grits her teeth and bears the fact that fighting is a part of who he is. Like I said before, both Bri and Luke are ugly, but their romance is beautiful in and of itself.
E: That is so very true. They accepted and loved each other in all of their messed up glory. Luke wasn’t going to change his life because it spilled over and impacted Bri. He would make sure to get revenge but he wasn’t changing his life. Nor was he after her to change, except maybe not wave the equivalent of a red cape in front of a charging bull. Bri on the same hand didn’t expect Luke to quit his livelihood. It might bring her back to some of the darker places of her childhood but it was an elemental part of Luke. In a way it was refreshing to see a romance that centered around accepting who/what the characters were attracted to and that didn’t mean they were condemned to relive the past but could make the choice to be different while staying in the same environment.
MinnChica: Another thing I really liked about this book was how different all the supportive characters were. Bri’s best friend was so worried about her reckless ways that he went above and beyond best friend duties to try and keep her safe. Almost to the point that I found myself like his character less and less as the story went on. This is supposed to be the first book in a series called The Lane. I’m anxious and excited to see who will be next. I’m not sure if Wyllys is going to keep following Bri and Luke, or if we’ll get the chance to see some of the other eccentric Lane characters get their chance at finding love, in whatever forms works best for them.
E: It will be very interesting to see what characters come to the forefront as this series continues. I think Bri’s best friend knew a lot more about Luke’s world then he ever wanted to admit. It will be interesting to see if he redeems himself or is forever pushed out of the picture. While this story was brutal and vicious as MinnChica said earlier, the romance was there. I think the best thing is at the end I had the feeling that love isn’t limited to the “perfect ones,” f’ed up characters are just as eligible to love and be loved.
I give Wild Ones a B
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was a beautiful and wonderful book. Don’t get me wrong, it was ugly and violent and brutal a times, especially as Bri and Luke navigate the waters of their relationship. But despite that, it was such a truthful and real love story between two people who thought they were never capable of love. I’m not usually a fan of darker romances, I tend to prefer my romances with rainbows and unicorns, but this was story was just as wonderful as the happy romances. I’m so anxious to see what Wyllys comes up with next.
I give Wild Ones an A
December 2, 2021
This book as gritty AF. But I liked that about it. Our heroine is a survivor and is truly doing just enough to get by in this world. I liked the spirit about her...she's willing to give to the local homeless guy because she knows he's struggling too. I liked her tenacity and how lived life with no expectations other than to survive better than she did the day before. Our hero is pure alpha male. I think this book was written back when alphaholes were the norm in romance books, and I gotta say, I liked him. haha!
The back and forth between these two characters is what I liked best. It's a total love-hate situation, and that invisible tether between them is what keeps it interesting. He's a fighter and she loathes fighters. He's drawn to her for some inexplicable reason and it makes their connections even that more wild and unpredictable because they're like moths to a flame with one another.
The ending was abrupt and I wish we had more of their HEA. Alas, I still recommend it because it was actually fun to read. It wasn't too serious, was hot AF, and gave me the feels like I needed.
The back and forth between these two characters is what I liked best. It's a total love-hate situation, and that invisible tether between them is what keeps it interesting. He's a fighter and she loathes fighters. He's drawn to her for some inexplicable reason and it makes their connections even that more wild and unpredictable because they're like moths to a flame with one another.
The ending was abrupt and I wish we had more of their HEA. Alas, I still recommend it because it was actually fun to read. It wasn't too serious, was hot AF, and gave me the feels like I needed.
Read
July 26, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Child sexual abuse, on-page
Incest (father-daughter), on-page
Child physical abuse mentioned
Intimate partner violence mentioned
Coerced sex work mentioned
Parent with alcoholism mentioned
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Overdose mentioned
Physical injuries, including broken bones & concussion
Scars
Death of a brother by suicide mentioned
Police raid
Gun violence
Mugging
Homeless
Child sexual abuse, on-page
Incest (father-daughter), on-page
Child physical abuse mentioned
Intimate partner violence mentioned
Coerced sex work mentioned
Parent with alcoholism mentioned
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Overdose mentioned
Physical injuries, including broken bones & concussion
Scars
Death of a brother by suicide mentioned
Police raid
Gun violence
Mugging
Homeless
May 24, 2020
Im speechless
I loved how complex and complicated Luke and Bri were as characters. They’re both dominant souls which made the book even more compelling. Anyone who loves that “NO NOT (BLANK)” and that “Ooooh burnnnn” will love this book.
I loved how complex and complicated Luke and Bri were as characters. They’re both dominant souls which made the book even more compelling. Anyone who loves that “NO NOT (BLANK)” and that “Ooooh burnnnn” will love this book.
February 22, 2022
Terrible story and characters. I didn't get any enjoyment out of reading about people getting drunk every day and basically living shitty lives.
August 17, 2025
So much drama. Seriously, it kind of got exhausting just reading about the arguments and fights. But I still enjoyed the overall story.
November 9, 2014
I don't want my fiction to be preachy, and fantasy and "problematic" tropes are fine, but this... Towards the end of the book a friend tells a Bri "I feel like I will be picking your headstone next". And you know what - he will. I feel this book took something very serious - abuse against women and children - and normalized it in a way that is both subversive and frightening. I feel like screaming at the heroine "go read the Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker! ASAP! And then think again about where you are headed!" Bri has a strong voice and the author makes her understandable and sympathetic, but the last chapter broke it all for me. I cannot explain it without spoilers, but it is not an ending I could believe in or relate to in any way, especially presented as "happy".
SPOILER AHEAD
What bothered me a whole lot is at the end Bri suddenly decides that things that happened to her mother were her mother's choice, and her mother's fault. And she won't "turn into her mother" because there are lines she will not allow to be crossed - like she won't stand it if Luke ever hit her. Because she is a strong bad girl, apparently. This is the worst kind of victim-blaming, and completely ignores the issues of control and manipulation that form part of abuse, and their effect on victims (both women and children). Yet this is a critical "revelation" that Bri has at the very end, and is supposed to be growth of some sort, I guess, or at least a justification of happy ending.
And let's look for just a second at Bri's claim about the lines she won't cross. She starts with one such line in the beginning - drug dealers. Because she thinks that they do horrible things to other human beings, and she won't stand to that. Then it is revealed that Luke's trainer is a dealer, that is supplying a homeless man she cares about. She is very upset, enough to attack Brandon. The outcome? Luke told her that she has to accept it, because it's just Brandon's job, and she has to live with it. She does not "forgive" Brandon, but she tolerates him for Luke's sake. So where is her uncrossable line now? Where is the evidence that the next "uncrossable line" will not be forgotten because Luke told her to accept it, and she loves him so much?
And, by the way, at the end Bri is left without the job through Luke's actions. He dismisses it as unimportant. Because he can support her. Or she can find a better job. Whatever. She leaves over it, and then comes back - because he "accepts her as she is". He never apologizes. And she is isolated from her best friend, and does not think Luke and Jax can co-exist. Oh, and Luke won't believe they are just friends - he is jealous and suspicious. But of course, these things - isolation from friends, loss of a job and independence - are not signs of an abuser. Because Luke loves her. And he only assaults other people who beat her. But he will never hit her or abuse her in any way. Right? Right? Really? Google "the violence wheel" and "peace at home", please!
Altogether the book left me chilled and disturbed in the worst possible way. I would not recommend it to anyone, except as a compelling but sad tale of how abuse breads more abuse and violence, and people fail to escape it.
SPOILER AHEAD
What bothered me a whole lot is at the end Bri suddenly decides that things that happened to her mother were her mother's choice, and her mother's fault. And she won't "turn into her mother" because there are lines she will not allow to be crossed - like she won't stand it if Luke ever hit her. Because she is a strong bad girl, apparently. This is the worst kind of victim-blaming, and completely ignores the issues of control and manipulation that form part of abuse, and their effect on victims (both women and children). Yet this is a critical "revelation" that Bri has at the very end, and is supposed to be growth of some sort, I guess, or at least a justification of happy ending.
And let's look for just a second at Bri's claim about the lines she won't cross. She starts with one such line in the beginning - drug dealers. Because she thinks that they do horrible things to other human beings, and she won't stand to that. Then it is revealed that Luke's trainer is a dealer, that is supplying a homeless man she cares about. She is very upset, enough to attack Brandon. The outcome? Luke told her that she has to accept it, because it's just Brandon's job, and she has to live with it. She does not "forgive" Brandon, but she tolerates him for Luke's sake. So where is her uncrossable line now? Where is the evidence that the next "uncrossable line" will not be forgotten because Luke told her to accept it, and she loves him so much?
And, by the way, at the end Bri is left without the job through Luke's actions. He dismisses it as unimportant. Because he can support her. Or she can find a better job. Whatever. She leaves over it, and then comes back - because he "accepts her as she is". He never apologizes. And she is isolated from her best friend, and does not think Luke and Jax can co-exist. Oh, and Luke won't believe they are just friends - he is jealous and suspicious. But of course, these things - isolation from friends, loss of a job and independence - are not signs of an abuser. Because Luke loves her. And he only assaults other people who beat her. But he will never hit her or abuse her in any way. Right? Right? Really? Google "the violence wheel" and "peace at home", please!
Altogether the book left me chilled and disturbed in the worst possible way. I would not recommend it to anyone, except as a compelling but sad tale of how abuse breads more abuse and violence, and people fail to escape it.
December 29, 2014
I reviewed this at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley!
S: This was a nice surprise; it had been sitting on my Kindle for a while and I'd forgotten what it was about and, actually, the synopsis doesn't really do it justice. C: It was. Hello hot headed boxer, with an even more hot headed heroine. Yes, please!
S: Bri is one of those rare heroines who is rough around the edges, makes no apologies about it, and really never loses that rough quality; I liked her..a lot. She's abrasive and opinionated and genuine and observant and interesting. She knows who she is (or maybe who she isn't) and she makes no excuses or apologies.
C: I did too. She is definitely over the top, but I loved every second of it. She is a bartender, who is brazen, and wild and everything Shel said (see above, hah) and she made for a really awesome heroine, albeit for a dysfunctional love story (aka, my favorite)
S: Luke, Bri's love interest, is a little more of a mystery and still is. I know what he does and how he treats her but I never got a good read on what made him tick. Even though I didn't really feel like I knew him all that well, I did appreciate how he handled Bri; he seemed to understand when to press her for more and when to let her breathe. He was also secure enough in who he was and his relationship with Bri that things that may have derailed this relationship in other novels, didn't happen here. C: Yep. That was spectacular. I didn't understanding some of their plot, because like you said...we didn't have a lot of background on him and who he was...he just was. And I liked that about the novel too. The pace wasn't bogged down with backstory or shifts, or anything. We just hit the ground running, and I found it working for me in a very unexpected way.
S: So what's this novel about? Well that's a good question. The external forces (friends, his job, her job) and the internal forces (her concern about turning into her mom) are in constant motion-- applying pressure and causing Bri and Luke to examine what the heck is going on between them and whether it's worth the assorted troubles that they are confronted with. I suppose if I had to be more specific, I'd say that it's about Bri trying to avoid her past as she looks to her future. C: It is all that. Except...hey, they could steam up the pages too. Which is always awesome in our book. The external forces made me want to strangle every one of them, but they definitely had the angst and drama wrapped up in a bow.
S: I liked this novel--it was a little different than the usual in this genre. It wasn't without it's flaws: the timeline moved quickly and so I felt there were places that could've been more developed and the story more fleshed out; Luke is still an unknown for me--including the stuff going on with his "job"; and I felt that things with Jax were still unresolved. Despite these things, I found Bri and her story interesting. C: As did I. I rated this one pretty high, because despite some of the unknowns, I liked it...a lot. Spent my weekend reading it, and recommend you might try it too!!!
S: This was a nice surprise; it had been sitting on my Kindle for a while and I'd forgotten what it was about and, actually, the synopsis doesn't really do it justice. C: It was. Hello hot headed boxer, with an even more hot headed heroine. Yes, please!
S: Bri is one of those rare heroines who is rough around the edges, makes no apologies about it, and really never loses that rough quality; I liked her..a lot. She's abrasive and opinionated and genuine and observant and interesting. She knows who she is (or maybe who she isn't) and she makes no excuses or apologies.
C: I did too. She is definitely over the top, but I loved every second of it. She is a bartender, who is brazen, and wild and everything Shel said (see above, hah) and she made for a really awesome heroine, albeit for a dysfunctional love story (aka, my favorite)
S: Luke, Bri's love interest, is a little more of a mystery and still is. I know what he does and how he treats her but I never got a good read on what made him tick. Even though I didn't really feel like I knew him all that well, I did appreciate how he handled Bri; he seemed to understand when to press her for more and when to let her breathe. He was also secure enough in who he was and his relationship with Bri that things that may have derailed this relationship in other novels, didn't happen here. C: Yep. That was spectacular. I didn't understanding some of their plot, because like you said...we didn't have a lot of background on him and who he was...he just was. And I liked that about the novel too. The pace wasn't bogged down with backstory or shifts, or anything. We just hit the ground running, and I found it working for me in a very unexpected way.
S: So what's this novel about? Well that's a good question. The external forces (friends, his job, her job) and the internal forces (her concern about turning into her mom) are in constant motion-- applying pressure and causing Bri and Luke to examine what the heck is going on between them and whether it's worth the assorted troubles that they are confronted with. I suppose if I had to be more specific, I'd say that it's about Bri trying to avoid her past as she looks to her future. C: It is all that. Except...hey, they could steam up the pages too. Which is always awesome in our book. The external forces made me want to strangle every one of them, but they definitely had the angst and drama wrapped up in a bow.
S: I liked this novel--it was a little different than the usual in this genre. It wasn't without it's flaws: the timeline moved quickly and so I felt there were places that could've been more developed and the story more fleshed out; Luke is still an unknown for me--including the stuff going on with his "job"; and I felt that things with Jax were still unresolved. Despite these things, I found Bri and her story interesting. C: As did I. I rated this one pretty high, because despite some of the unknowns, I liked it...a lot. Spent my weekend reading it, and recommend you might try it too!!!
December 22, 2013
I am not going to lie, I was uninterested in this book until I hit 12% and then I was hooked. Although it started out slow for me personally, the storms that are Brianna and Luke hit me full force! Brianna is a troubled soul after the physical abuse she endured as a kid, and the emotional and mental battles she faces to try to not become her mother. For years she kept anyone that reminded her of her father as far from her life as possible, and worked hard to survive the best she could. To say Brianna is a firecracker is an understatement, and I found myself drawn to her and her hardcore personality.
Luke Turner! Yes I had so shout his name because Luke Turner is WOW! He is mysterious at times, dark and brooding, built like a brick house, and although scary to most, he is everything that tuns on Brianna and everything she refuses to fall for. This couple is exactly alike in so many ways and yet for completely different reasons. The heat between these two is sizzling and they are so right and so wrong for each other. Can Brianna face her past and take a chance on Luke and make sure their outcome in life is different than the one she was raised in? Will Luke put up with train wreck that is Brianna? Guess you will have to read to find out!
I give this story 4 stars! I LOVED how Kristine shined a light on being homeless and how some can come back and make a better light from themselves, and that others don't but that they are still people and need compassion too. There were so many aspects that were illegal and that as humans we can be so quick to judge others for, and although they are by no means right, she made them seem almost acceptable. Not in a condoning way, but in a "we gotta do what we need to survive" way and that it doesn't mean they are bad. Desperate to survive and maybe don't know how to get out but not bad. We have the ability to change the outcome's of our lives and make them what we want them to be. We do not have to repeat our pasts if we want a better future. If anything I feel more empowered after reading "Wild Ones" and I am really excited for what is next to come in this series!
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
Luke Turner! Yes I had so shout his name because Luke Turner is WOW! He is mysterious at times, dark and brooding, built like a brick house, and although scary to most, he is everything that tuns on Brianna and everything she refuses to fall for. This couple is exactly alike in so many ways and yet for completely different reasons. The heat between these two is sizzling and they are so right and so wrong for each other. Can Brianna face her past and take a chance on Luke and make sure their outcome in life is different than the one she was raised in? Will Luke put up with train wreck that is Brianna? Guess you will have to read to find out!
I give this story 4 stars! I LOVED how Kristine shined a light on being homeless and how some can come back and make a better light from themselves, and that others don't but that they are still people and need compassion too. There were so many aspects that were illegal and that as humans we can be so quick to judge others for, and although they are by no means right, she made them seem almost acceptable. Not in a condoning way, but in a "we gotta do what we need to survive" way and that it doesn't mean they are bad. Desperate to survive and maybe don't know how to get out but not bad. We have the ability to change the outcome's of our lives and make them what we want them to be. We do not have to repeat our pasts if we want a better future. If anything I feel more empowered after reading "Wild Ones" and I am really excited for what is next to come in this series!
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided via NetGalley
3½ stars
Why I Read this Book: I saw Nicole recommend this book and from how she described it – “dark and gritty” – it caught my interest.
What I Liked: It’s a good thing I had an idea of what to expect ahead of time. If I had not seen Wild Ones described as “dark” and “gritty”, I may not have been able to enjoy the story as much as I did. It was very much dark and gritty. It’s not a ‘lovey dovey’ type romance at all. Bri had an abusive childhood, not only physically and mentally but sexually as well. I questioned Bri’s judgment quite a bit. She made the most unwise decisions without any concern. It gave me the sense that she felt she doesn’t have anything to live for. So with all that, it was good that I was in the mood for a dark romance. But as much as the story was raw and dark, it was written in a way that held my attention.
Bri and Luke’s relationship was an erratic one. It was full of intensity all of the time. Intensely good, intensely bad. At first it felt like they were together for the sex but the more I read and saw how equally messed up these two characters were, it was like they were perfect for each other.
Jax was a great character. At first I wasn’t sure where his character exactly fit in this story. He’s Bri’s best friend and co-worker. He really cares for her safety and well-being, more so than she ever will for herself. But best of all, he was hilariously, laugh out loud funny. I definitely want to read more of his character.
What I Didn’t Like: Luke didn’t where a condom any of the times he had sex with Bri and they never once talked about protection – one of my biggest reading pet peeves. I will say, though, that this lack of concern for personal well-being fits with theses characters. Bri dances around the line between safety and danger quite often.
Overall Impression: If you’re looking for a sweet, tender, swoon-worthy romance, Wild Ones is not it. But if you are looking for an intense, volatile romance with hardy characters, this is the book for you. This is the first book in a series and I’m curious to see whose book is next. I’m hoping it’s Jax’s.
3½ stars
Why I Read this Book: I saw Nicole recommend this book and from how she described it – “dark and gritty” – it caught my interest.
What I Liked: It’s a good thing I had an idea of what to expect ahead of time. If I had not seen Wild Ones described as “dark” and “gritty”, I may not have been able to enjoy the story as much as I did. It was very much dark and gritty. It’s not a ‘lovey dovey’ type romance at all. Bri had an abusive childhood, not only physically and mentally but sexually as well. I questioned Bri’s judgment quite a bit. She made the most unwise decisions without any concern. It gave me the sense that she felt she doesn’t have anything to live for. So with all that, it was good that I was in the mood for a dark romance. But as much as the story was raw and dark, it was written in a way that held my attention.
Bri and Luke’s relationship was an erratic one. It was full of intensity all of the time. Intensely good, intensely bad. At first it felt like they were together for the sex but the more I read and saw how equally messed up these two characters were, it was like they were perfect for each other.
Jax was a great character. At first I wasn’t sure where his character exactly fit in this story. He’s Bri’s best friend and co-worker. He really cares for her safety and well-being, more so than she ever will for herself. But best of all, he was hilariously, laugh out loud funny. I definitely want to read more of his character.
What I Didn’t Like: Luke didn’t where a condom any of the times he had sex with Bri and they never once talked about protection – one of my biggest reading pet peeves. I will say, though, that this lack of concern for personal well-being fits with theses characters. Bri dances around the line between safety and danger quite often.
Overall Impression: If you’re looking for a sweet, tender, swoon-worthy romance, Wild Ones is not it. But if you are looking for an intense, volatile romance with hardy characters, this is the book for you. This is the first book in a series and I’m curious to see whose book is next. I’m hoping it’s Jax’s.
January 27, 2014
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I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
While it’s undeniable how talented the author is and how this main character doesn’t fall into the usual cliché in the genre, I’m not that head over heel with this novel.
As soon as I started reading this book I saw that there was a real voice quite potent even, so much so that some dialogues were too much for my taste. I had a feeling if being trapped in some kind of movie at first and it was quite disturbing.
Also, sometimes I think the descriptions and internal monologue of the main character were too long and in turn were more telling than showing what happened. A few times, it lost my interest which is a problem when the book is that short.
Then, even if I love reading romances that are quite unhealthy, here it leaves me with a taste of ‘too much’. In fact, I think it’s because throughout the novel I couldn’t relate much to the main character. Not to this extent. Even the conclusion to the book seems… I don’t even know how to put it into words. But it sure isn’t a sweet romance! Not even a love story as it is common called.
But some aspects of the plot were truly enjoyable which explains why I read this book in two days. I hope we will see more of what Luke, Cam, Theo and Brandon are really into because it’s kept too much in the dark, unfortunately.
In fact, I’m sad that the whole plot aside from the thing going on between Bri and Luke was too much in the background and underdeveloped. It could have been even more thrilling and it would have put some more perspective to the relationship between Bri and Luke.
So, if I should tell you one thing about how I feel about this book is ‘too much’. But what saved everything is the writing style. It’s perfect! The analogies, the comparisons the puns are well written, perfectly balanced and made it difficult for me to put the book down.
In the end, it’s really difficult for me to rate this book even if I’m quite eager to read the sequel.
Who read this book? What do you think about Luke? Any other character you’d like to see more in the next book?
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
While it’s undeniable how talented the author is and how this main character doesn’t fall into the usual cliché in the genre, I’m not that head over heel with this novel.
As soon as I started reading this book I saw that there was a real voice quite potent even, so much so that some dialogues were too much for my taste. I had a feeling if being trapped in some kind of movie at first and it was quite disturbing.
Also, sometimes I think the descriptions and internal monologue of the main character were too long and in turn were more telling than showing what happened. A few times, it lost my interest which is a problem when the book is that short.
Then, even if I love reading romances that are quite unhealthy, here it leaves me with a taste of ‘too much’. In fact, I think it’s because throughout the novel I couldn’t relate much to the main character. Not to this extent. Even the conclusion to the book seems… I don’t even know how to put it into words. But it sure isn’t a sweet romance! Not even a love story as it is common called.
But some aspects of the plot were truly enjoyable which explains why I read this book in two days. I hope we will see more of what Luke, Cam, Theo and Brandon are really into because it’s kept too much in the dark, unfortunately.
In fact, I’m sad that the whole plot aside from the thing going on between Bri and Luke was too much in the background and underdeveloped. It could have been even more thrilling and it would have put some more perspective to the relationship between Bri and Luke.
So, if I should tell you one thing about how I feel about this book is ‘too much’. But what saved everything is the writing style. It’s perfect! The analogies, the comparisons the puns are well written, perfectly balanced and made it difficult for me to put the book down.
In the end, it’s really difficult for me to rate this book even if I’m quite eager to read the sequel.
Who read this book? What do you think about Luke? Any other character you’d like to see more in the next book?
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