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Westbrook Elite #5
Wildcard: Special Edition Paperback
Pretty sure I was a serial killer in my past life.
Because karma is kicking my ass in this one.
Everything was copasetic. I was coasting on the wave of life… until a gnarly swell pulled me under, and I washed ashore to a nightmare. A nightmare there was no waking from.
So I packed my shit and moved all the way to the other side of the country—to the only place someone was willing to give me a second chance.
I came to swim, and though I’m on the team, I don’t want to be Elite. These bros are exactly like the ones I left behind, and I’m not stupid enough to get betrayed again.
But then karma shows up and laughs right in my face.
I slept with my coach’s daughter.
Because of course I fucking did.
And though she calls to me like a siren, that night was just a distraction. A one-time thing.
Until she shows up at Daddy’s pool as the assistant coach. Now the very girl I can’t get off my mind is the one just declared off-limits.
Naturally, my heart decides it can’t beat without her jade stare, sassy mouth, and car that cruises so slow it uses a calendar as a speedometer.
Now I’m at the top of Coach’s shit list, and everything I left in Cali comes knocking at my door. With Landry’s safety on the line, I won’t just roll over and take it. This time, I’ll put up a fight.
There’s no telling what I’ll do or how far I’ll go to make sure Landry isn’t punished for standing by my side. When things get dangerous, I know this wildcard can’t play this game alone.
Because even if trusting people doesn’t come easy… loving her does.
Because karma is kicking my ass in this one.
Everything was copasetic. I was coasting on the wave of life… until a gnarly swell pulled me under, and I washed ashore to a nightmare. A nightmare there was no waking from.
So I packed my shit and moved all the way to the other side of the country—to the only place someone was willing to give me a second chance.
I came to swim, and though I’m on the team, I don’t want to be Elite. These bros are exactly like the ones I left behind, and I’m not stupid enough to get betrayed again.
But then karma shows up and laughs right in my face.
I slept with my coach’s daughter.
Because of course I fucking did.
And though she calls to me like a siren, that night was just a distraction. A one-time thing.
Until she shows up at Daddy’s pool as the assistant coach. Now the very girl I can’t get off my mind is the one just declared off-limits.
Naturally, my heart decides it can’t beat without her jade stare, sassy mouth, and car that cruises so slow it uses a calendar as a speedometer.
Now I’m at the top of Coach’s shit list, and everything I left in Cali comes knocking at my door. With Landry’s safety on the line, I won’t just roll over and take it. This time, I’ll put up a fight.
There’s no telling what I’ll do or how far I’ll go to make sure Landry isn’t punished for standing by my side. When things get dangerous, I know this wildcard can’t play this game alone.
Because even if trusting people doesn’t come easy… loving her does.
464 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2023
138 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Hebert
97 books5,612 followersCambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 30, 2025
Cambria can do no wrong, I swear I have loved every single book she’s written 😭 I just love these possessive Elite boys so much!!
January 2, 2025
Oh my sexy deliciousness!! Rush is officially at the top of my favourite Westbrook hottie list!! Good lord this man lit these pages up! Steam was coming off my kindle I swear. I already want to go back & reread it, it’s that damn good.
I loved Rush, he was the tough loner who had so much to unpack from his past that it was hard to trust anyone. But this Elite family doesn’t let anyone stay on the outskirts for long if they think of you as family. I loved watching Rush & Landry be welcomed into the fold. Landry was absolutely perfect for Rush & the strength & trust she had in him was heartwarming. Seriously I loved these two! I could rave & rave about them but you should just should just go read their book! I’m already planning to reread it this week!
I loved Rush, he was the tough loner who had so much to unpack from his past that it was hard to trust anyone. But this Elite family doesn’t let anyone stay on the outskirts for long if they think of you as family. I loved watching Rush & Landry be welcomed into the fold. Landry was absolutely perfect for Rush & the strength & trust she had in him was heartwarming. Seriously I loved these two! I could rave & rave about them but you should just should just go read their book! I’m already planning to reread it this week!
March 22, 2025
Okay, so this was the least favorite in the series don't let this rating fool you I might change it later. Let me tell you why okay I really liked Landry in the beginning until she pissed me off, she that of girl that is literally like "but daddy I love him" but not in a good way and the way she delt with what was going on she's like okay and? like girl shut your ass up. Now Rush was so fucking stupid like bro they like you okay not everyone hate you so stop hating the world. And Bodhi I actually liked him even though the storyline was trying to make me hate him I like him, and he's done no wrong can't wait for his book.
August 8, 2023
Every time I read a book in the Westbrook Elite series I feel like it flies by. I get so invested in the story, the romance and the team’s antics that I don’t realize just how much I’ve read and then boom! It’s over. That’s how it was with Wildcard.
There was so much that I loved about this book. One of those things was getting to dive deep into Rush’s character. I wasn’t his biggest fan in the previous book, but in Wildcard I adored him. He was dominant, protective, and possessive, but he still had a soft side, especially with Landry and Lars. And seeing him form a bond with the rest of Elite and learn to trust them was the absolute best. This book made me love Lars even more. (Sorry Rush!)
Landry I loved from the moment we met her. I loved her sass and the acceptance and trust she had for Rush. They are for sure one of my all time favorite couples from Cambria Hebert! Also getting to see more of Coach has made me want him to have a book!
If you enjoy sports romances with plenty of steam, hilarious banter, and a bit of suspense be sure to check out Wildcard.
Be sure to check TWs before reading!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
There was so much that I loved about this book. One of those things was getting to dive deep into Rush’s character. I wasn’t his biggest fan in the previous book, but in Wildcard I adored him. He was dominant, protective, and possessive, but he still had a soft side, especially with Landry and Lars. And seeing him form a bond with the rest of Elite and learn to trust them was the absolute best. This book made me love Lars even more. (Sorry Rush!)
Landry I loved from the moment we met her. I loved her sass and the acceptance and trust she had for Rush. They are for sure one of my all time favorite couples from Cambria Hebert! Also getting to see more of Coach has made me want him to have a book!
If you enjoy sports romances with plenty of steam, hilarious banter, and a bit of suspense be sure to check out Wildcard.
Be sure to check TWs before reading!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
August 4, 2023
ARC received for an honest review
I am a slacker, and still haven't read the first three books in the Westbrook Elite series, however that did not change my reading enjoyment of Wildcard.
It is so nice to have a sporting series that is not all about football/baseball/other sports ball /hockey (though I loooove my hockey romance). Plus, swimming is really the only sport I watch when the Olympics are on, so yay for small Speedos haha
It took me a while to really warm up to our guy Rush. I liked him right away, but I don't know, it felt a bit too much too soon with him and Landry at first.
However as the story progressed and we learned more about him and how he ended up the Westbrook, he really began to to come into his own with me.
I loved the family that Elite has become, the friendships that are growing, and the banter and fun between them all.
I said it after I read WTF, I really, really need to go back and read the first three books in this series.
I am a slacker, and still haven't read the first three books in the Westbrook Elite series, however that did not change my reading enjoyment of Wildcard.
It is so nice to have a sporting series that is not all about football/baseball/other sports ball /hockey (though I loooove my hockey romance). Plus, swimming is really the only sport I watch when the Olympics are on, so yay for small Speedos haha
It took me a while to really warm up to our guy Rush. I liked him right away, but I don't know, it felt a bit too much too soon with him and Landry at first.
However as the story progressed and we learned more about him and how he ended up the Westbrook, he really began to to come into his own with me.
I loved the family that Elite has become, the friendships that are growing, and the banter and fun between them all.
I said it after I read WTF, I really, really need to go back and read the first three books in this series.
August 8, 2023
I could not get enough! Let me start by saying Rush is one smokin’ hot swimmer! He may have 99 problems but chlorine ain't one 😉 Seriously though. He’s had a tough past that made him hesitant to trust anyone. But the connection between him and Landry was too strong for him to ignore. Plus, the rest of the Elite wouldn’t let him be the loner for long. I loved how both Rush and Landry were welcomed into the Elite family. One of my favorite things about this series is the friendships and found family. Seriously until this book, I never thought calling someone your Kidney would make me teary, but here I am getting all emotional! Not only does Rush find the love of his life but he finds himself a family of teammates and friends that love and support him. And Landry was the perfect girl for him. The trust and love she has for him is heartwarming and exactly what he needs.
Like the rest of the books in this series, Cambria Hebert does an amazing job weaving suspense into the book. For as much as I was fanning myself over Rush & Landry’s off the charts chemistry, I was equally on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was messing with his new life at Westbrook. From start to finish this book was fantastic. I can not wait for more of this series!
Like the rest of the books in this series, Cambria Hebert does an amazing job weaving suspense into the book. For as much as I was fanning myself over Rush & Landry’s off the charts chemistry, I was equally on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was messing with his new life at Westbrook. From start to finish this book was fantastic. I can not wait for more of this series!
August 11, 2023
Rush is absolutely filthy. FILTHY.
So yeah, another installment in this series that was so far out there but I couldn't put down. I don't know what it is about this series, but I just go with the flow and end up having a great time.
This was out there though. This started out scorching and never cooled down. Rush was a beast and insatiable. This might have been the most sex this series has had so far and it took up a lot of the story. There was less time with the Elite than I'm used to but I guess it sort of made sense since Rush did not consider himself one of them. I enjoyed it more though when everyone was around. Like I said up there, the sex took up a lot of the story time. There wasn't much school or swimming and these two are seriously experienced for TWENTY! My God, these are college students and they fucked like pros, haha!
So yeah, this was an enjoyable addition and I love where it ended up. I don't know though, I had a fun time but am unsure of where the series is going, especially with Coach.
We shall see.
Fun as expected.
So yeah, another installment in this series that was so far out there but I couldn't put down. I don't know what it is about this series, but I just go with the flow and end up having a great time.
This was out there though. This started out scorching and never cooled down. Rush was a beast and insatiable. This might have been the most sex this series has had so far and it took up a lot of the story. There was less time with the Elite than I'm used to but I guess it sort of made sense since Rush did not consider himself one of them. I enjoyed it more though when everyone was around. Like I said up there, the sex took up a lot of the story time. There wasn't much school or swimming and these two are seriously experienced for TWENTY! My God, these are college students and they fucked like pros, haha!
So yeah, this was an enjoyable addition and I love where it ended up. I don't know though, I had a fun time but am unsure of where the series is going, especially with Coach.
We shall see.
Fun as expected.
August 8, 2023
ARC review of Wildcard.
This was such a great book and the storyline was amazing, Cambria Hebert does know what she’s doing and I loved the building relationship between Jason/Rush and Landry which was a little rocky in the start due to her being the coach’s daughter and him not thinking he’s worthy but he 100% is and the team coming to support him during the time, even though he is new to the team was great to see. I 100% recommend this book and the previous ones in the series. They are a must read, so if they aren’t on your TBR already, add them now 🥰🥰❤️❤️
This was such a great book and the storyline was amazing, Cambria Hebert does know what she’s doing and I loved the building relationship between Jason/Rush and Landry which was a little rocky in the start due to her being the coach’s daughter and him not thinking he’s worthy but he 100% is and the team coming to support him during the time, even though he is new to the team was great to see. I 100% recommend this book and the previous ones in the series. They are a must read, so if they aren’t on your TBR already, add them now 🥰🥰❤️❤️
May 21, 2024
This is my first book by Cambria Hebert and I have heard such great things about her books and they lived up to all their expectations!
Tropes/What to Expect:
💜 Insta-love
🩶 Sports NA Romance (Swimming)
💜 Praise Kink
🩶 Drama
💜 All-The-Feels
🩶 Coach’s Daughter
💜 Found Family
🩶 Light Kink
💜 Suspenseful
🩶 Brooding Bad Boy
💜 Feisty & Sassy Heroine
🩶 Light Dom/Sub Kink
I went into this story relatively blind and boy, it took me on one hell of a ride!
Wildcard is book 5 in the Westbrook Elite series but can be read as a standalone.
I couldn’t put this down! I was absolutely obsessed from start to finish with this story, the characters and everything in between. I feel like I went through everything the characters went through.
Abandoned by his team and his friends, Rush aka Jason comes to the Elite. He’s mysterious, moody AF and stuck out among the rest, an outcast by choice. He has this bad boy personality going on but I think it’s a way of hiding a lot of the heartache he’s been through in his life. The deeper we got into the story, we slowly discovered more about his past and the heartbreak he’s been through.
For so long, Rush has had this wall up to protect himself but when Landry comes walking into his life, that all goes to shit and she can bring that wall down. He was not prepared for her or prepared to fall in love, but he found it with Landry. They were perfect for each other other. She brought out a different side in him and he began to start trusting people when he finally let love and trust in then came friendship and family from his teammates. It was beautiful to see how much trust Landry put in him. Rush had a very dominant, protective and possessive side and Landry was as sassy as they come, fun with a heart of gold who accepted him for who he was and didn’t want to change him he had changed but it was more for himself than it was for her.
It was heartwarming and I was completely consumed by Rush and his story. I loved seeing his growth and his connection with Landry and with his teammates throughout the book. It made my heart happy to see he was getting his happily ever after. He deserved it.
It was a great listen! Highly recommend!!
4.5 STARS!!
Tropes/What to Expect:
💜 Insta-love
🩶 Sports NA Romance (Swimming)
💜 Praise Kink
🩶 Drama
💜 All-The-Feels
🩶 Coach’s Daughter
💜 Found Family
🩶 Light Kink
💜 Suspenseful
🩶 Brooding Bad Boy
💜 Feisty & Sassy Heroine
🩶 Light Dom/Sub Kink
I went into this story relatively blind and boy, it took me on one hell of a ride!
Wildcard is book 5 in the Westbrook Elite series but can be read as a standalone.
I couldn’t put this down! I was absolutely obsessed from start to finish with this story, the characters and everything in between. I feel like I went through everything the characters went through.
Abandoned by his team and his friends, Rush aka Jason comes to the Elite. He’s mysterious, moody AF and stuck out among the rest, an outcast by choice. He has this bad boy personality going on but I think it’s a way of hiding a lot of the heartache he’s been through in his life. The deeper we got into the story, we slowly discovered more about his past and the heartbreak he’s been through.
For so long, Rush has had this wall up to protect himself but when Landry comes walking into his life, that all goes to shit and she can bring that wall down. He was not prepared for her or prepared to fall in love, but he found it with Landry. They were perfect for each other other. She brought out a different side in him and he began to start trusting people when he finally let love and trust in then came friendship and family from his teammates. It was beautiful to see how much trust Landry put in him. Rush had a very dominant, protective and possessive side and Landry was as sassy as they come, fun with a heart of gold who accepted him for who he was and didn’t want to change him he had changed but it was more for himself than it was for her.
It was heartwarming and I was completely consumed by Rush and his story. I loved seeing his growth and his connection with Landry and with his teammates throughout the book. It made my heart happy to see he was getting his happily ever after. He deserved it.
It was a great listen! Highly recommend!!
4.5 STARS!!
August 9, 2023
5 stars!!!!
WOW! THIS IS PROBABLY CAMBRIAS HOTTEST BOOK YET DAYUMMMM JASON RUSH CAN FREAKING GET IT!!!!! THE CHEMISTRY WAS OFF THE CHARTS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 AND THE SPICY SCENES WERE 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 WOW. CAMBRIA HEBERT NEVER DISAPPOINTS SHE WRITES THE TYPE OF INSTALUST/LOVE THAT I WANT
WOW! THIS IS PROBABLY CAMBRIAS HOTTEST BOOK YET DAYUMMMM JASON RUSH CAN FREAKING GET IT!!!!! THE CHEMISTRY WAS OFF THE CHARTS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 AND THE SPICY SCENES WERE 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 WOW. CAMBRIA HEBERT NEVER DISAPPOINTS SHE WRITES THE TYPE OF INSTALUST/LOVE THAT I WANT
July 31, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Wildcard by Cambria Hebert is the 5th book in her Westbrook Elite. You could read and enjoy this as a standalone but trust me when I say it's made a million times better if you have read all the books in the series because this swim team is like family and very much all up in each other's business in the best way!
"You're a fucking siren. Luring me in with that vibrant green stare, running your mouth like you want me to shut you up. Tsk-Tsk."
Wildcard follows a newer member of the Elite swim team. Jason Rush is a lone wolf, whose been burned bad from his past teammates and isn't willing to put his trust in his new ones. Everyone back in Cali thinks he's a killer, and he can't remember the night in question to prove them wrong. His first day on campus, he encounters Landry, and they have an instant connection that results in what he would assume to be a one-night stand. A few months later she shows up again as his new assistant couch and he discovers she's also his coach's daughter. The spark between them still burns the moment they land eyes on each other. Rush was supposed to be able to start over, but his past quickly comes to haunt him and threaten those he's come to love.
"I want you so much. " My voice was low and gravelly like it, too, was saturated with need. " Every single part of you. And even then, it just won't be enough."
Jason Rush is your broody bad guy and he meets his match in Landry, who is headstrong and determined to hold onto their instant connection , even when Rush pushes her away. She wants his dominance and his possessiveness. The intimacy between them is constant and high steam. Rush likes being rough, and Landry is more than willing to submit to him in every way. All the steam with kinky sprinkles, dirty talk, and back door entrance. But no matter how rough he gets, he always checks in with her #SafetyFirst.
"I could climb completely inside you, little siren, and it would still not be close enough." "Try."
Plot wise, even though let's be honest this was 75% steam, fit right into the series. There's a character from our MC's past hell-bent on making trouble and life or death situations. While I am all about steam, most of my favorite parts of the series included members of the Elite swim team and their significant others. Seriously, this found family puts the biggest smile on my face with their dynamic and they way they have each other's back no questions asked.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wildcard by Cambria Hebert. A romance between an Elite swimmer and the coach's daughter, ridiculous high steam, found family, trauma caramel lattes, corvettes, suspense and a HEA. I can't wait for the next book!!
P.S. Hebert totally hinted at coach having thoughts for a certain someone, and I hope there's an age gap mm in the future.
More Favorite Quotes:
If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then right now, you're all mine.
His praise melted me. Turned me into putty right there behind the shield he created.
" Yeah, I said it. And I'm gonna keep saying it because it's true. You're mine. Even though you believe in Bigfoot. Even though this car is an embarrassment."
"This isn't want little siren." I warned her. "This is obsession."
"Careful what you give me, little siren, I might never give it back."
"By the time I'm done with you, your body will feel more like mine than yours."
Wildcard by Cambria Hebert is the 5th book in her Westbrook Elite. You could read and enjoy this as a standalone but trust me when I say it's made a million times better if you have read all the books in the series because this swim team is like family and very much all up in each other's business in the best way!
"You're a fucking siren. Luring me in with that vibrant green stare, running your mouth like you want me to shut you up. Tsk-Tsk."
Wildcard follows a newer member of the Elite swim team. Jason Rush is a lone wolf, whose been burned bad from his past teammates and isn't willing to put his trust in his new ones. Everyone back in Cali thinks he's a killer, and he can't remember the night in question to prove them wrong. His first day on campus, he encounters Landry, and they have an instant connection that results in what he would assume to be a one-night stand. A few months later she shows up again as his new assistant couch and he discovers she's also his coach's daughter. The spark between them still burns the moment they land eyes on each other. Rush was supposed to be able to start over, but his past quickly comes to haunt him and threaten those he's come to love.
"I want you so much. " My voice was low and gravelly like it, too, was saturated with need. " Every single part of you. And even then, it just won't be enough."
Jason Rush is your broody bad guy and he meets his match in Landry, who is headstrong and determined to hold onto their instant connection , even when Rush pushes her away. She wants his dominance and his possessiveness. The intimacy between them is constant and high steam. Rush likes being rough, and Landry is more than willing to submit to him in every way. All the steam with kinky sprinkles, dirty talk, and back door entrance. But no matter how rough he gets, he always checks in with her #SafetyFirst.
"I could climb completely inside you, little siren, and it would still not be close enough." "Try."
Plot wise, even though let's be honest this was 75% steam, fit right into the series. There's a character from our MC's past hell-bent on making trouble and life or death situations. While I am all about steam, most of my favorite parts of the series included members of the Elite swim team and their significant others. Seriously, this found family puts the biggest smile on my face with their dynamic and they way they have each other's back no questions asked.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wildcard by Cambria Hebert. A romance between an Elite swimmer and the coach's daughter, ridiculous high steam, found family, trauma caramel lattes, corvettes, suspense and a HEA. I can't wait for the next book!!
P.S. Hebert totally hinted at coach having thoughts for a certain someone, and I hope there's an age gap mm in the future.
More Favorite Quotes:
If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then right now, you're all mine.
His praise melted me. Turned me into putty right there behind the shield he created.
" Yeah, I said it. And I'm gonna keep saying it because it's true. You're mine. Even though you believe in Bigfoot. Even though this car is an embarrassment."
"This isn't want little siren." I warned her. "This is obsession."
"Careful what you give me, little siren, I might never give it back."
"By the time I'm done with you, your body will feel more like mine than yours."
August 5, 2023
My love wasn't something anyone would consider a gift, and though I would always think of her as mine, I would never be her burden.
4.25 stars!
Ever since we met Rush in Lars and Win's book, I knew he was going to be a complicated character. He was a mysterious and broody newcomer from California; an outcast by choice who befriended Lars but ridiculed the Elite swimmers for their sense of loyalty and bromance. Rush definitely lived up to his bad boy persona as we slowly discovered more of his heartbreaking backstory. Rush has been let down by nearly everyone he loved while being blamed for a horrific act he doesn't remember. He escapes to Westbrook hoping for a fresh start and meets a siren who changes his life. I absolutely loved Rush and Landry together; Rush was so possessive yet vulnerable with her while Landry simply believed in him. They were so explosive together, so be ready for some seriously heavy steam🔥🔥
The middle got a little repetitive for me, but seeing all of the Elite bros together was so amazing!! Jamie continued to try and steal all of the scenes, but I feel like we got to see a different side of each bro. I love the sense of family and comradery between them, and I cannot wait for Kruger and Prism's stories🖤
Tropes: forbidden love, coach's daughter, tortured hero, insta-lust, he falls first, secret past, sports romance, OTT alpha jp hero, found family, band of brothers, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by GMB promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
August 20, 2023
Swiping over to the first page and seeing that first line; “Welcome to Westbrook University” will NEVER get old.
In Wildcard we dive back into the waters with Rush and Landry. Wildcard was probably the most appropriate name for this book, and an appropriate stroke for Rush, whom insists Landry calls him Jason.
But I’m getting ahead.
Who’s Landry? Well, the one and only daughter of Coach, of course. After a super steamy locker room romp Rush and Landry part ways, thinking they’ll never see one another again, until Landry walks out of the very same locker room months later as the new assistant coach.
Rush tries to avoid Landry, who is declared off limits by Coach and his shrill whistle, until his past catches up with him and he moves into protector mode. We see a dominant streak buried in Rush as he works through his intense obsession with Landry and clearing his name of transgressions he cannot remember.
The culprit behind it all will SHOCK you in the end if you haven’t figured it out around the 3/4 mark. Cambria bundled this all up neatly and gave us a really great story filled with past books favorite characters, trauma lattes, deep self reflection and cheesy Jamie-isms.
Sparks fly right off the pages through this hilarious fifth installment. You can read this as a stand-alone, but bro, why? You’ll miss out on all the bromance bonding that makes this series so amazing.
Rush is very dominant (but sweet and caring and SAFE) in this book, possessive, and has a bit of a temper. There is violence, profanity and an attempt on a main characters life as well as past flashes of murder. Check your triggers!
Quotes I loved!
“It was so cold here that if I milked a cow, I’d probably get ice cream.”
“If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then right now, you’re all mine.”
“Clearly I was a serial killer in my past life. Because seriously. What in the fucked-up karma shit was this? I screwed my Coach’s daughter. Because of course I fucking did. I liked it too.”
“I imagined my Corvette holding up a ‘Welcome Home Cheater’ sign when I pulled up.”
“You know, maybe this pool had some weird connection to the Bermuda Triangle because bro, ever since I dove in, it was like I’d entered the Twilight Zone. A dimension I was lured into by a siren. Fell in love. Found loyalty among a team. Felt accepted. It was weird here. I liked weird.”
“So….boyfriend? I asked, the only words I could manage because of the way he overwhelmed me.
He half smiled. “I’ll take that title. I’ll fucking own it. Even though it’s selfish, even though you’re too good for me and Coach will probably try and BBQ my innards.”
“Ew.”
“Hush. I’m being romantic.”
“Barbecuing innards is not romantic.”
In Wildcard we dive back into the waters with Rush and Landry. Wildcard was probably the most appropriate name for this book, and an appropriate stroke for Rush, whom insists Landry calls him Jason.
But I’m getting ahead.
Who’s Landry? Well, the one and only daughter of Coach, of course. After a super steamy locker room romp Rush and Landry part ways, thinking they’ll never see one another again, until Landry walks out of the very same locker room months later as the new assistant coach.
Rush tries to avoid Landry, who is declared off limits by Coach and his shrill whistle, until his past catches up with him and he moves into protector mode. We see a dominant streak buried in Rush as he works through his intense obsession with Landry and clearing his name of transgressions he cannot remember.
The culprit behind it all will SHOCK you in the end if you haven’t figured it out around the 3/4 mark. Cambria bundled this all up neatly and gave us a really great story filled with past books favorite characters, trauma lattes, deep self reflection and cheesy Jamie-isms.
Sparks fly right off the pages through this hilarious fifth installment. You can read this as a stand-alone, but bro, why? You’ll miss out on all the bromance bonding that makes this series so amazing.
Rush is very dominant (but sweet and caring and SAFE) in this book, possessive, and has a bit of a temper. There is violence, profanity and an attempt on a main characters life as well as past flashes of murder. Check your triggers!
Quotes I loved!
“It was so cold here that if I milked a cow, I’d probably get ice cream.”
“If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then right now, you’re all mine.”
“Clearly I was a serial killer in my past life. Because seriously. What in the fucked-up karma shit was this? I screwed my Coach’s daughter. Because of course I fucking did. I liked it too.”
“I imagined my Corvette holding up a ‘Welcome Home Cheater’ sign when I pulled up.”
“You know, maybe this pool had some weird connection to the Bermuda Triangle because bro, ever since I dove in, it was like I’d entered the Twilight Zone. A dimension I was lured into by a siren. Fell in love. Found loyalty among a team. Felt accepted. It was weird here. I liked weird.”
“So….boyfriend? I asked, the only words I could manage because of the way he overwhelmed me.
He half smiled. “I’ll take that title. I’ll fucking own it. Even though it’s selfish, even though you’re too good for me and Coach will probably try and BBQ my innards.”
“Ew.”
“Hush. I’m being romantic.”
“Barbecuing innards is not romantic.”
August 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this new Westbrook Elite book. Rush was introduced to us in WTF when both he and Lars joined Elite. Rush is definitely the wildcard of the Bros. I just wasn't prepared for all that would come with him. But this wildcard never expected Landry, who just happens to be coach's daughter and his new assistant coach. She is the calm to his storm and shows everyone exactly what loyalty looks like. I loved seeing all the bros rally around Rush when he thought no one would believe him or stand up for him. Our Westbrook family continues to grow with Rush and Landry both being pulled right into the mix. Seeing the relationship between Rush and Lars was not something I thought we would develop like it did. But let me tell you, I'm 100% here for it. I love that we still get all of the characters from the previous books. This Wildcard certainly takes you through all the emotions, and more trauma lattes are involved. Rush needed someone who was all in with him, and Landry is exactly that. Let me tell you Rush and Landry definitely bring all the heat.
There are so many things I would love to keep talking about, but reading and experiencing them is something you really need to do to be able to fully enjoy this story. Group Chat! Lol, when you read all about Rush, Landry, and the rest of the Westbrook family, you will see what I'm talking about. I can't wait to see what the next Westbrook Elite book has in store for us. This book is filled with betrayal, friendship, loyalty, support, a bit of mystery, and a lot of love. While this can be read as standalone, I highly recommend starting with Wet. Because you don't want to miss out on any of the shenanigans with this crew.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are so many things I would love to keep talking about, but reading and experiencing them is something you really need to do to be able to fully enjoy this story. Group Chat! Lol, when you read all about Rush, Landry, and the rest of the Westbrook family, you will see what I'm talking about. I can't wait to see what the next Westbrook Elite book has in store for us. This book is filled with betrayal, friendship, loyalty, support, a bit of mystery, and a lot of love. While this can be read as standalone, I highly recommend starting with Wet. Because you don't want to miss out on any of the shenanigans with this crew.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2023
Cambria out did herself with Rush! Wildcard is book 5 of the Westbrook Elite Series, that can be read alone. I was not expecting the roller-coaster of emotions I was going to go through with this book.
In this book, we finally are able to learn who the real Rush “Wildcard” is. My poor Jay holds so much pain in his heart from so much betrayal, the only thing that pulls him back to Earth is his “siren” Landry. Although she’s the coach’s daughter and totally off limits, he can’t stay alone…. But will she stay once she finds out what he is hiding?
100/10 recommend, Cambria can do no wrong by me! Also, the bedroom scenes 🔥💦 !! The overall story was very well write, easy to follow along, long BUT not drowned out and the chemistry between Rush and Landry is off the chart.
P.S I stared with Book 4 (WTF) and did not affect the story line for this one… can totally be read out of order. - However, I will be going back to the first 3 books 😁
In this book, we finally are able to learn who the real Rush “Wildcard” is. My poor Jay holds so much pain in his heart from so much betrayal, the only thing that pulls him back to Earth is his “siren” Landry. Although she’s the coach’s daughter and totally off limits, he can’t stay alone…. But will she stay once she finds out what he is hiding?
100/10 recommend, Cambria can do no wrong by me! Also, the bedroom scenes 🔥💦 !! The overall story was very well write, easy to follow along, long BUT not drowned out and the chemistry between Rush and Landry is off the chart.
P.S I stared with Book 4 (WTF) and did not affect the story line for this one… can totally be read out of order. - However, I will be going back to the first 3 books 😁
May 6, 2024
Whoa
What a wildcard this turned out to be. I truly adored Jason Rush and Landry Resch together. There was a lot of tension and angst here, Rush's past comes back to haunt him as he starts a new life with the Elite. And falling fast and hard for the coach's daughter puts a target on her back too. I really love this series.
What a wildcard this turned out to be. I truly adored Jason Rush and Landry Resch together. There was a lot of tension and angst here, Rush's past comes back to haunt him as he starts a new life with the Elite. And falling fast and hard for the coach's daughter puts a target on her back too. I really love this series.
August 8, 2023
Wildcard has everything you expect from Cambria Hebert’s Westbrook Elite series. Witty banter, sizzling spice, mystery/suspense, found family that has you all in your feels, and a deep all consuming love between the MCs that jumps from the pages and hits you right in your soul.
Oh my Rush!!! I’m head over heels in love with his dirty mouth and possessiveness.
Oh my Rush!!! I’m head over heels in love with his dirty mouth and possessiveness.
September 7, 2023
3,5⭐️ Enjoyable, but not my favorite story. It did had the Cambria feel, but for some reason I struggled a bit more connecting with this couple and the story line. Nevertheless can’t wait for the next one in this serie. Kruger is indeed quite a character 😂
February 2, 2024
I am sorry but no.
skimmed thru this and it was already too much
I need more Prism though and it’s the only reason why I am reading the next book (i am delusional)
skimmed thru this and it was already too much
I need more Prism though and it’s the only reason why I am reading the next book (i am delusional)
August 11, 2023
Insta-love
Sports NA romance
Praise kink
Drama, drama, drama
I didn’t remember Rush. I had to go back and read my reviews for the other books in the series and see if I mentioned him. It looks like he was introduced in the previous book.
I didn’t love either MC. And I didn’t really feel their connection. It was written as intense. But I didn’t feel the intensity. Does that make sense?
My favorite parts were of the whole gang. I really like the unexpected friendship between Rush and Lars.
Dramatic storyline with Rush’s past was a little far fetched.
I’m looking forward to Prism and Krugers book.
Sports NA romance
Praise kink
Drama, drama, drama
I didn’t remember Rush. I had to go back and read my reviews for the other books in the series and see if I mentioned him. It looks like he was introduced in the previous book.
I didn’t love either MC. And I didn’t really feel their connection. It was written as intense. But I didn’t feel the intensity. Does that make sense?
My favorite parts were of the whole gang. I really like the unexpected friendship between Rush and Lars.
Dramatic storyline with Rush’s past was a little far fetched.
I’m looking forward to Prism and Krugers book.
August 27, 2023
It was crazy. I loved it! This whole series is one of my favorites, and I was luck to snag an ARC for it!
Landry, what a girl, strong, independent, and knows what she wants. She loves swimming and loves being the coach's daughter. When she leaves her home with her mom and her moms husband to move to attend Westbrook college and be the assistant coach for her fathers Elite swim team. She knows what she wants and she goes for it, that's not to say that she doesn't have secrets of her own, like the reason she moved from her mothers house to her fathers.
Jason, poor kid. He is being accused of something that he didn't do, and it ruins his life so his father and mother send him to Westbrook so he could get away from it all. Losing everyone he thought loved him and would support him, broke his heart and now he walls up that he refuses to take down, till he meets the girl of his dreams and it just goes uphill from there. He deserves so much more the what he got from the people he grew up with and called friends. Elite rallied around him and showed him what loyalty, friendship and most importantly love means!
Landry, what a girl, strong, independent, and knows what she wants. She loves swimming and loves being the coach's daughter. When she leaves her home with her mom and her moms husband to move to attend Westbrook college and be the assistant coach for her fathers Elite swim team. She knows what she wants and she goes for it, that's not to say that she doesn't have secrets of her own, like the reason she moved from her mothers house to her fathers.
Jason, poor kid. He is being accused of something that he didn't do, and it ruins his life so his father and mother send him to Westbrook so he could get away from it all. Losing everyone he thought loved him and would support him, broke his heart and now he walls up that he refuses to take down, till he meets the girl of his dreams and it just goes uphill from there. He deserves so much more the what he got from the people he grew up with and called friends. Elite rallied around him and showed him what loyalty, friendship and most importantly love means!
September 14, 2023
I thought that this series couldn’t get better ever since I first read Ryan & Rory’s story. And with every single book, I’ve been proven so so wrong. The light and love brought to these characters is just beautiful. The banter, the spice, the interpersonal relationships, the fleshing out of traumatic backstories— it’s everything I want in a novel. I know it’s getting hard to rein all these boys in, but it is SO worth it. I love seeing them over and over. Especially Wes. I’m a Wes girl until a die.
But seriously, just so amazing. Rush’s protectiveness, his dedication, his angst, his growth– just amazing. I love Landry’s fire and sass. It didn’t fall into “coach’s daughter” tropes at all.
Back to re-reading the series until Kruger’s book!!
But seriously, just so amazing. Rush’s protectiveness, his dedication, his angst, his growth– just amazing. I love Landry’s fire and sass. It didn’t fall into “coach’s daughter” tropes at all.
Back to re-reading the series until Kruger’s book!!
September 14, 2023
Hey hey! I've got a sizzling review for you today, and it's all about Cambria Hebert's "Wildcard," the fifth installment in the Westbrook Elite series. If you're into a steamy romance, found families, and a dash of suspense, you're in for a treat.
The story revolves around Jason Rush, a lone wolf with a troubled past that's left him wary of trusting anyone. Hoping for a fresh start on the other side of the country, he traded Pembrook to Westbrook and was the fun and social guy to a grumpy loner. After all the betrayal he had to face, he doesn’t allow anyone to get closer but what was supposed to be a one-time passionate hook-up with a siren, everything changes for him. Fate has other plans as Landry reenters Rush's life, not just as a love interest but as the assistant coach—oh, and she happens to be the coach's daughter.
Rush and Landry's chemistry is off the charts, and their connection is as intense as it is undeniable. Hebert doesn't hold back on the steam factor, delivering a passionate and electrifying romance that will keep you turning the pages.
But "Wildcard" isn't just about romance; it's about trust, loyalty, and dealing with the past. Rush's character is complex, and his journey from a lone wolf to a member of the Elite family is heartwarming. The camaraderie among the Elite swimmers and their significant others adds depth to the story, making you feel like you're part of their tight-knit group.
The plot, while primarily focused on the scorching romance, seamlessly incorporates suspense and drama, keeping you on your toes. There's an element of danger from Rush's past that threatens not only him but those he's grown to care about. It adds an exciting layer to the narrative, balancing the steamy moments with moments of tension and excitement.
Hebert's storytelling is engaging, and her characters are well-crafted. Rush and Landry's passionate relationship is at the forefront, but it's the ensemble cast of the Elite swim team that steals the show. Their dynamics and unwavering support for each other create a heartwarming backdrop for the romance.
In summary, "Wildcard" by Cambria Hebert is a scorching-hot romance that will leave you fanning yourself while also tugging at your heartstrings. It's a story of redemption, trust, and the power of a chosen family. If you're a fan of the Westbrook Elite series, you won't want to miss this installment. And if you're new to the series, get ready for a steamy and suspenseful ride. Now I am more excited to see what Cambria Hebert has in the bag for us next. Will Kruger and/or Prism be a part of Jeep Bros or Vette Bros? :D
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Done it already :)
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around Jason Rush, a lone wolf with a troubled past that's left him wary of trusting anyone. Hoping for a fresh start on the other side of the country, he traded Pembrook to Westbrook and was the fun and social guy to a grumpy loner. After all the betrayal he had to face, he doesn’t allow anyone to get closer but what was supposed to be a one-time passionate hook-up with a siren, everything changes for him. Fate has other plans as Landry reenters Rush's life, not just as a love interest but as the assistant coach—oh, and she happens to be the coach's daughter.
Rush and Landry's chemistry is off the charts, and their connection is as intense as it is undeniable. Hebert doesn't hold back on the steam factor, delivering a passionate and electrifying romance that will keep you turning the pages.
But "Wildcard" isn't just about romance; it's about trust, loyalty, and dealing with the past. Rush's character is complex, and his journey from a lone wolf to a member of the Elite family is heartwarming. The camaraderie among the Elite swimmers and their significant others adds depth to the story, making you feel like you're part of their tight-knit group.
The plot, while primarily focused on the scorching romance, seamlessly incorporates suspense and drama, keeping you on your toes. There's an element of danger from Rush's past that threatens not only him but those he's grown to care about. It adds an exciting layer to the narrative, balancing the steamy moments with moments of tension and excitement.
Hebert's storytelling is engaging, and her characters are well-crafted. Rush and Landry's passionate relationship is at the forefront, but it's the ensemble cast of the Elite swim team that steals the show. Their dynamics and unwavering support for each other create a heartwarming backdrop for the romance.
In summary, "Wildcard" by Cambria Hebert is a scorching-hot romance that will leave you fanning yourself while also tugging at your heartstrings. It's a story of redemption, trust, and the power of a chosen family. If you're a fan of the Westbrook Elite series, you won't want to miss this installment. And if you're new to the series, get ready for a steamy and suspenseful ride. Now I am more excited to see what Cambria Hebert has in the bag for us next. Will Kruger and/or Prism be a part of Jeep Bros or Vette Bros? :D
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Done it already :)
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
Oh good lord. Sooo…
I did not like this one that much. Yes, i read it super fast because I was in the mood for steamy, over-the-top, alpha-man romance.
But i quickly realized this was just too much.
Rush is just like every other damn MMC in this series.
And the treatment of others in this book was not cool. i get being protective, but really. Just being mean to people really needs to stop.
And Win punching Bodhi in the hospital…with police officers standing right there??? And nothing said??
That’s just not even real.
This book probably takes the cake in this series for most “ridiculously over the top”.
And the whole friendship between Lars and Rush?? That didn’t even feel genuine to me. Like where did it come from?? How did they build such “an incredible relationship” in such a short amount of time? So much so that they’re calling each brothers?? (I really would have liked seeing Lars bond with Wes over Rush).
And saying they’re each other’s kidneys?? (That was just disturbing. I didn’t like seeing Lars call someone else, other than Win, one of his organs).
The whole gang is now apparently family and it just felt…very unrealistic. Those kinda connections take time to build .
Yes, i’ve read all the books in this series. Yes, i knew what i was getting into. But this book just took the tackiness and absurdity to another level.
The thing with Rush’s mom? Um…weird. And then Ryan - YES FUCKING RYAN - said they’d all seen her playboy spread???
No Ryan. NO. You don’t do that to Rory.
And UGHHH it looks like Cambria is going to get Coach and Bodhi together. Eww. WHY CAMBRIA WOULD YOU DO THAT?? i don’t want to see Bodhi in any book.
I can get behind over protective, alpha guys. I actually prefer that in my romance novels . But it just feels like they’re turning down the lane of “mean”, and i don’t do mean.
Also, I was grossed out when Max held Landry so she could make out with Rush. Have you ever been around a couple making out in public? It’s really not something you wanna be near. So that was so weird that Max was that close.
Rush and Landry made out at the most ridiculous times. Really?? Her tongue was just bleeding, she’s injured, and the room is full of people, and you’re going to make out??
*cue eye roll*.
And then demand her tongue get stitches because it starts bleeding again. Jeez I wonder why that is? Oh, right…because you just stuck your tongue in her mouth!! Stupid.
I just can’t. There was so much that was too much in this book. Like, as an author, you need to learn when to pull back. This was in dire need of some “pulling back”. Like, you don’t have to get ridiculous. Or mean. (Yes, that’s a big deal to me).
This also needed an editor. There were a lot of typos here.
I don’t think Cambria (or anyone else) will care what i have to say because she seems to be getting great reviews on her books and has a following. There are people out there who eat this kinda stuff up, so 🤷🏻♀️. And i do…to a point. But she’s the passed the point for me.
This was ridiculous.
I did not like this one that much. Yes, i read it super fast because I was in the mood for steamy, over-the-top, alpha-man romance.
But i quickly realized this was just too much.
Rush is just like every other damn MMC in this series.
And the treatment of others in this book was not cool. i get being protective, but really. Just being mean to people really needs to stop.
And Win punching Bodhi in the hospital…with police officers standing right there??? And nothing said??
That’s just not even real.
This book probably takes the cake in this series for most “ridiculously over the top”.
And the whole friendship between Lars and Rush?? That didn’t even feel genuine to me. Like where did it come from?? How did they build such “an incredible relationship” in such a short amount of time? So much so that they’re calling each brothers?? (I really would have liked seeing Lars bond with Wes over Rush).
And saying they’re each other’s kidneys?? (That was just disturbing. I didn’t like seeing Lars call someone else, other than Win, one of his organs).
The whole gang is now apparently family and it just felt…very unrealistic. Those kinda connections take time to build .
Yes, i’ve read all the books in this series. Yes, i knew what i was getting into. But this book just took the tackiness and absurdity to another level.
The thing with Rush’s mom? Um…weird. And then Ryan - YES FUCKING RYAN - said they’d all seen her playboy spread???
No Ryan. NO. You don’t do that to Rory.
And UGHHH it looks like Cambria is going to get Coach and Bodhi together. Eww. WHY CAMBRIA WOULD YOU DO THAT?? i don’t want to see Bodhi in any book.
I can get behind over protective, alpha guys. I actually prefer that in my romance novels . But it just feels like they’re turning down the lane of “mean”, and i don’t do mean.
Also, I was grossed out when Max held Landry so she could make out with Rush. Have you ever been around a couple making out in public? It’s really not something you wanna be near. So that was so weird that Max was that close.
Rush and Landry made out at the most ridiculous times. Really?? Her tongue was just bleeding, she’s injured, and the room is full of people, and you’re going to make out??
*cue eye roll*.
And then demand her tongue get stitches because it starts bleeding again. Jeez I wonder why that is? Oh, right…because you just stuck your tongue in her mouth!! Stupid.
I just can’t. There was so much that was too much in this book. Like, as an author, you need to learn when to pull back. This was in dire need of some “pulling back”. Like, you don’t have to get ridiculous. Or mean. (Yes, that’s a big deal to me).
This also needed an editor. There were a lot of typos here.
I don’t think Cambria (or anyone else) will care what i have to say because she seems to be getting great reviews on her books and has a following. There are people out there who eat this kinda stuff up, so 🤷🏻♀️. And i do…to a point. But she’s the passed the point for me.
This was ridiculous.
April 24, 2024
I was beyond thrilled — elated — to get an ARC of this book because I’ve loved every single Westbrook Elite book so far. But Wildcard might just be the best one yet! I want to tell every single book lover I know about this book!
Jason Rush has immediate irrevocable book boyfriend status. He’s dark, mysterious and broody. But oh oh oh when you get past his hard shell, there is so much to love underneath! The action, and the heat 🔥, start just about from page one here. Rush’s possessive and dominant nature grabbed me immediately and did not let go.
Landry is a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t let anything stand in her way. She is fierce, knows how to take care of herself and her man, and isn’t intimidated by the countless people in her life trying to control her. Watching her loyalty and devotion to Jason is just that much more special because of it.
Of course, this book brings a dangerous and suspenseful murder mystery right along with the romance and it flows seamlessly. There is never a dull moment I promise you. I thought I had some stuff figured out, but with every turn, I was surprised at the revelations. So many lines also had me laughing out loud. And the HEA is hard-fought but so satisfying.
Plus— this story spoke to me so much about relationships. Whether that be family or friends or found family or role models or authority figures. The ones you keep and nurture, the ones you let go, and the ones you stay away from for your own good. Rush and Landry both needed to find the people who deserved their time and attention.
As soon as I finished this book, I went back and started reading my favorite parts again. This made me love all the Westbrook Elite characters so much more! I can’t wait to see whose story comes next! (I’m very curious about Prism)
Jason Rush has immediate irrevocable book boyfriend status. He’s dark, mysterious and broody. But oh oh oh when you get past his hard shell, there is so much to love underneath! The action, and the heat 🔥, start just about from page one here. Rush’s possessive and dominant nature grabbed me immediately and did not let go.
Landry is a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t let anything stand in her way. She is fierce, knows how to take care of herself and her man, and isn’t intimidated by the countless people in her life trying to control her. Watching her loyalty and devotion to Jason is just that much more special because of it.
Of course, this book brings a dangerous and suspenseful murder mystery right along with the romance and it flows seamlessly. There is never a dull moment I promise you. I thought I had some stuff figured out, but with every turn, I was surprised at the revelations. So many lines also had me laughing out loud. And the HEA is hard-fought but so satisfying.
Plus— this story spoke to me so much about relationships. Whether that be family or friends or found family or role models or authority figures. The ones you keep and nurture, the ones you let go, and the ones you stay away from for your own good. Rush and Landry both needed to find the people who deserved their time and attention.
As soon as I finished this book, I went back and started reading my favorite parts again. This made me love all the Westbrook Elite characters so much more! I can’t wait to see whose story comes next! (I’m very curious about Prism)
January 4, 2024
“What’s your safe word?”
“Red.”
💦 Sports Romance
💦Romantic Suspense
💦Coach’s Daughter / Forbidden
💦Hero with a troubled past
💦College Romance
Cambria!!! Omg this book! I expected Rush to be intense but omg was he intense! And I loved every bit of it! This book was full of suspense, spice and the bromance we all love in this series. Hands down my top fave of this series next to WTF 😆 because I just love Lars but now I love Rush and Landry too! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
“Red.”
💦 Sports Romance
💦Romantic Suspense
💦Coach’s Daughter / Forbidden
💦Hero with a troubled past
💦College Romance
Cambria!!! Omg this book! I expected Rush to be intense but omg was he intense! And I loved every bit of it! This book was full of suspense, spice and the bromance we all love in this series. Hands down my top fave of this series next to WTF 😆 because I just love Lars but now I love Rush and Landry too! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
August 16, 2023
DNF! Hero is arrogant and his inner dialogue was way to poetic. Repetitive words and too many characters involved in the story to keep track of everyone.
April 22, 2024
Fantastic Story & Listen🎧 Heartfelt & Steamy!
Wildcard
A Westbrook Elite Standalone
By: Cambria Hebert
Narrated by: Cecily Foster, Gavin McAllister
It is great to be back in Cambria Hebert’s “Westbrook Elite” world again for another amazing novel, a sports romance and wow get a fan ready because she turned up the heat for this one. Each book stands on its own in this series, but I recommend enjoying them in order written because the characters are interconnected and appear in each other’s books and knowing their backstory adds more depth and seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. That said, this fifth book is Jason Rush and Landry Resch’s story, both recent additions to the “Elite”, both coming with their own secrets and baggage. Their first encounter was a steamy one meeting while he was checking out the school and she was visiting her father, who is the swim team’s head coach. Landry transfers to Westbrook after injuring her shoulder, and her father made her an assistant coach. We learn later on that the injury was not the only reason she left Ohio to go live with her dad. Rush was not expecting to see Landry again, and vice versa, but they still held that fierce attraction to each other. Despite her being off limits as the coach’s daughter, he had to have her, and she had to have him. Then Rush’s past comes back to haunt him, a past he is still trying to come to grips with. Landry stands by his side and so does Lars, his roommate and best friend and, to Rush’s surprise, so does the team. I loved the camaraderie amongst the team members, as well as the friendship bond between Lars and Rush. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story has a lot of layers and the writing, plot and world building is fantastic, as are the character growth and development. This fast-moving story has drama, angst, twists and turns, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Cambria Hebert, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Cecily Foster and Gavin McAllister were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life, doing so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. Foster nailed it as Landry, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her fierceness and to her strength and caring side. McAllister did the same for Rush and was spot on with his personality, from his vulnerable side to bossy Dom side. Both were fantastic performing the roles of all the secondary and side characters, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thanks for another fabulous listen.
Wildcard
A Westbrook Elite Standalone
By: Cambria Hebert
Narrated by: Cecily Foster, Gavin McAllister
It is great to be back in Cambria Hebert’s “Westbrook Elite” world again for another amazing novel, a sports romance and wow get a fan ready because she turned up the heat for this one. Each book stands on its own in this series, but I recommend enjoying them in order written because the characters are interconnected and appear in each other’s books and knowing their backstory adds more depth and seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. That said, this fifth book is Jason Rush and Landry Resch’s story, both recent additions to the “Elite”, both coming with their own secrets and baggage. Their first encounter was a steamy one meeting while he was checking out the school and she was visiting her father, who is the swim team’s head coach. Landry transfers to Westbrook after injuring her shoulder, and her father made her an assistant coach. We learn later on that the injury was not the only reason she left Ohio to go live with her dad. Rush was not expecting to see Landry again, and vice versa, but they still held that fierce attraction to each other. Despite her being off limits as the coach’s daughter, he had to have her, and she had to have him. Then Rush’s past comes back to haunt him, a past he is still trying to come to grips with. Landry stands by his side and so does Lars, his roommate and best friend and, to Rush’s surprise, so does the team. I loved the camaraderie amongst the team members, as well as the friendship bond between Lars and Rush. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story has a lot of layers and the writing, plot and world building is fantastic, as are the character growth and development. This fast-moving story has drama, angst, twists and turns, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Cambria Hebert, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Cecily Foster and Gavin McAllister were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life, doing so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. Foster nailed it as Landry, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her fierceness and to her strength and caring side. McAllister did the same for Rush and was spot on with his personality, from his vulnerable side to bossy Dom side. Both were fantastic performing the roles of all the secondary and side characters, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thanks for another fabulous listen.
February 3, 2025
Cambria Hebert has done it again. I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the struggle and the wins in this story, I loved that I was back in Vermont at Westbrook with the Elite. I especially loved the reality this author brings to all her books, especially this one. I loved this book and this entire series; it was a much-anticipated series for sure.
The main heroes in this book were repeat offenders, we saw both in the other books of this series. I mean you have Coach who has been in all the books, except he was never an intriguing character to me. I always thought hey, that’s Landry’s dad, who is all. Then we have Bohdi, now he has potential to have his own story, with his side story with Rush and his book with Landry. I did not see a coach and Bohdi story though; I am kind of sad I didn’t because these two belong together. I mean Yum. I loved them as characters together they were made for one another for real. Coach with his ultimate daddy persona, as coach of the elite and Landry’s dad, he is always taking care of his team through all the books, this one not being different. Then you have Bohdi, bad boy, going off the edge and needing a helping hand, staying on the straight and narrow. Bohdi Is a brat through and through he needs a Daddy to keep him in line for sure. Coach is exactly that for him, and Bohdi is the softness coach needs too, this person besides Landry to help him be more than coach. That is the main reason I never saw the coach as the main character because he was just once dimensional without Bohdi.
I love how Cambria writes her books in general; I will read anything she writes because of what she puts in all of her stories, real life situations, death of a close family member, struggles with grief, suicide, gay pride and gay hate. The hard stuff and the easy. That is why I loved this book because yes, I may have cried through half the book and laughed through the other half, but I also felt like I was living through this book with these characters. I love and hate the fact that I feel so seen when I read her books, truly.
Now last big thing I absolutely loved about this book, the third reason I even pick up a book, the sex. Yes, ladies and gentlemen Cambria never disappoints in my opinion, never. The smexxy times in this book was hottttt. I would reread this book for all the reasons I have stated, yet if this book were terrible, I would probably still read it if it had the spice this one did. I am just saying this was a sweaty read for sure.
I love and recommend this book 100%, go read and enjoy you will not regret buying or renting this book and you will thank me and Cambria for reading it. 9.4 (5 stars) four spices
The main heroes in this book were repeat offenders, we saw both in the other books of this series. I mean you have Coach who has been in all the books, except he was never an intriguing character to me. I always thought hey, that’s Landry’s dad, who is all. Then we have Bohdi, now he has potential to have his own story, with his side story with Rush and his book with Landry. I did not see a coach and Bohdi story though; I am kind of sad I didn’t because these two belong together. I mean Yum. I loved them as characters together they were made for one another for real. Coach with his ultimate daddy persona, as coach of the elite and Landry’s dad, he is always taking care of his team through all the books, this one not being different. Then you have Bohdi, bad boy, going off the edge and needing a helping hand, staying on the straight and narrow. Bohdi Is a brat through and through he needs a Daddy to keep him in line for sure. Coach is exactly that for him, and Bohdi is the softness coach needs too, this person besides Landry to help him be more than coach. That is the main reason I never saw the coach as the main character because he was just once dimensional without Bohdi.
I love how Cambria writes her books in general; I will read anything she writes because of what she puts in all of her stories, real life situations, death of a close family member, struggles with grief, suicide, gay pride and gay hate. The hard stuff and the easy. That is why I loved this book because yes, I may have cried through half the book and laughed through the other half, but I also felt like I was living through this book with these characters. I love and hate the fact that I feel so seen when I read her books, truly.
Now last big thing I absolutely loved about this book, the third reason I even pick up a book, the sex. Yes, ladies and gentlemen Cambria never disappoints in my opinion, never. The smexxy times in this book was hottttt. I would reread this book for all the reasons I have stated, yet if this book were terrible, I would probably still read it if it had the spice this one did. I am just saying this was a sweaty read for sure.
I love and recommend this book 100%, go read and enjoy you will not regret buying or renting this book and you will thank me and Cambria for reading it. 9.4 (5 stars) four spices
March 10, 2024
Jason (Rush) and Landry
Sports (swimming)
Coach’s daughter
Found family - band of brothers
Light kinks
College
Suspense
Brooding bad boy
Fiesty but devoted heroine
Light dom/sub
I enjoyed this one. It had elements that I wasn’t use to in romance like the mystery behind Jason’s past and why he was there. I liked slowly learning the truth about why he was really there. It was definitely over the top possessive right off the bat with rush, and it was sort of an Insta love connection. I enjoyed that there was no third act break up and it was basically them against the world the entire time. it was a lot of possessiveness right from the beginning with rush. I liked that she stood by him, and she knew the true meaning of his character the entire time, and didn’t waiver even when people were trying to get her to. They were definitely obsessed with each other and that was a fun aspect to it all.
The cast of characters were a little hard to follow, because I didn’t read any of the books leading up to this. You can definitely still read this book without having to read the others, but there are so many other guys in this book on the swim team, that it got overwhelming at times. it was hard to keep track of all of them but I think reading all the books in the series definitely would have helped. By the end of the book, I was able to keep track of all the swim team boys, but it was still slightly difficult for me. I did enjoy the aspect of the found family and how they all protected each other on the team. I like how they were all different, but they all came and united and surrounded around rush when it really mattered.
This book was definitely spicy, and there was some light Dom/sub elements to their scenes together. He was very commanding and she enjoyed it. It was hot right from the beginning and continued throughout the whole book. I love that the author wasn’t afraid to have an anal scene .
The other thing that kept this book from five stars for me, was the surfer dialogue when Rush was talking to his friends from back home. It felt a little extreme and stereotypical, but it did give a fun element to it.
I was definitely invested in this book, in their love, and in Rush’s past. I really enjoyed most of the writing, and it had a very intriguing and suspenseful plot going on aside from the relationship. It was a fun one!
Overall rating: 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: 2/5 - all angst came from outside their relationship
Spice: 4/5 - very hot and right off the bat (comes in less than 10%)
Sports (swimming)
Coach’s daughter
Found family - band of brothers
Light kinks
College
Suspense
Brooding bad boy
Fiesty but devoted heroine
Light dom/sub
I enjoyed this one. It had elements that I wasn’t use to in romance like the mystery behind Jason’s past and why he was there. I liked slowly learning the truth about why he was really there. It was definitely over the top possessive right off the bat with rush, and it was sort of an Insta love connection. I enjoyed that there was no third act break up and it was basically them against the world the entire time. it was a lot of possessiveness right from the beginning with rush. I liked that she stood by him, and she knew the true meaning of his character the entire time, and didn’t waiver even when people were trying to get her to. They were definitely obsessed with each other and that was a fun aspect to it all.
The cast of characters were a little hard to follow, because I didn’t read any of the books leading up to this. You can definitely still read this book without having to read the others, but there are so many other guys in this book on the swim team, that it got overwhelming at times. it was hard to keep track of all of them but I think reading all the books in the series definitely would have helped. By the end of the book, I was able to keep track of all the swim team boys, but it was still slightly difficult for me. I did enjoy the aspect of the found family and how they all protected each other on the team. I like how they were all different, but they all came and united and surrounded around rush when it really mattered.
This book was definitely spicy, and there was some light Dom/sub elements to their scenes together. He was very commanding and she enjoyed it. It was hot right from the beginning and continued throughout the whole book. I love that the author wasn’t afraid to have an anal scene .
The other thing that kept this book from five stars for me, was the surfer dialogue when Rush was talking to his friends from back home. It felt a little extreme and stereotypical, but it did give a fun element to it.
I was definitely invested in this book, in their love, and in Rush’s past. I really enjoyed most of the writing, and it had a very intriguing and suspenseful plot going on aside from the relationship. It was a fun one!
Overall rating: 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: 2/5 - all angst came from outside their relationship
Spice: 4/5 - very hot and right off the bat (comes in less than 10%)
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