Winding up stranded in a wedding dress on the back forty of some grump’s property wasn’t exactly on my bucket list.
The memory of why I jumped out of my ex-fiancé’s car in a wedding dress is a bit hazy. Or maybe I was pushed. Disoriented, I stumble through the trees until exhaustion forces me to rest. Time passes in a feverish blur, but eventually, I’m discovered by a friendly dog and her unfriendly owner, Jude Powell.
The gorgeous grump isn’t too pleased with my disheveled appearance. That doesn’t stop him from ripping my ruined dress to create a makeshift sling for my arm and taking me to the emergency room.
To thank him for his reluctant hospitality, I take off without a backward glance… after borrowing his van and his watch. He tracks me to the local pawn shop with a proposition—work at his dog sanctuary, and he’ll provide me with room and board. He’s used to taking in strays, after all.
Considering that I can’t remember my recent past, and what I can recall isn’t worth returning to, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.
Now we bicker over breakfast, which turns into long, heated looks. Soon enough, we’re stealing soft touches, and I realize Jude is revealing a side of himself that he rarely shows.
He becomes a protective force in my life, especially once my ex tracks me down.
But Jude’s keeping a secret of his own. One he believes makes him unworthy of my affection. And while he’s preoccupied trying to keep me safe, it’s up to me to prove he’s wanted after all.
A. M. Wilson is a USA Today & Amazon Top 20 bestselling author of contemporary romance. She loves writing small town romances and dark suspenseful reads, depending on her mood that day. When she isn’t furiously typing on her computer, she can be found searching for her next all-consuming read. A. M. lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and two adorable dogs.
For all that Wanted touches on some hard topics (surviving abuse, the effects of animal cruelty, toxic relationships - parental and romantic, and mental health), it also offers healing to its main characters and provides warm and supportive relationships within a found family. I do think some of these topics are glossed over a bit but this isn't meant to be a deep dive.
Jude (H) is the recluse of the Powell siblings and is suffering from compulsions (counting) and anxiety when he feels unsafe due to childhood trauma. He comes across as grumpy and closed off, but this man is so compassionate and caring. He would do anything for those he loves. When he finds Frankie (h) on the property of his animal sanctuary, he immediately gets her help, provides her with necessities, doesn't get aggressive when she "borrows" his van and watch to make a getaway, and gruffly offers her a safe space to recover and start fresh.
For her part, Frankie had a terrible upbringing and was surrounded by toxicity from her parents to her new fiancé. She escapes the fiancé by literally leaping from a car and running, though she suffers a broken arm and concussion for her daring (along with a small case of amnesia about why she jumped). She's a bit brash and a lot of talk, but she's also got a good heart and just needs someone to finally show her some love so that she can flourish. Frankie's background didn't completely make sense to me and I did think that she came across as younger than she is (she's in her late twenties but read as more early twenties to me personally). She pushes Jude's buttons something fierce and I adored them together and their slow fall into love. Jude is a little lost at times with how to deal with her, but Frankie finds everything she needs with him, his dogs (alllll the dogs y'all, cute puppies galore), and his extended family who immediately embrace her. Though her past doesn't completely want to let her go either.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, some om drama when the fiancé eventually comes back (of course he does, he's the worst), and H is experienced (though he's been celibate for two years and then four years before that) while the h is a virgin (because she wanted it to be her choice and she chooses the H, though she doesn't warn him about that pesky inexperience beforehand, for those that like the H learning about that sort of thing in the heat of the moment).
This is book 4 in the series, but can be read as a standalone. The prior three couples (and the rest of the Powell clan, along with a couple others in their small town) make appearances and play supporting roles, but each book can be read on its own. I do think it's nice to read the one before this one too because that's Jude's fraternal twin's book and it was so interesting to have read about their background and interactions with Jude from a different perspective, but it's not necessary. I also loved seeing how in love all those prior couples are and some of the cute kids floating around. Every time Jude's nephew called him "Uncle Dude" btw, my heart just melted into a puddle.
Most of the story is about Frankie recovering, Jude acclimating to her in his space and caring for her, and their slow burn to a relationship. They don't start getting frisky until late in the book (maybe the last quarter) but there are still a couple of very steamy scenes. A touch of suspense also flares up Jude's possessiveness, some scary danger, and gives them both a nudge to verbalize their feelings. The ending is a couple months later with Jude in therapy (yay for positive therapy rep) and then a sweet moment of one of his siblings getting married and a proposal for Jude and Frankie. There's also a bonus scene that can be accessed by signing up for the author's newsletter of more sweetness and steam.
I'm so glad I found this series because I truly enjoy this family and their small town. The writing is solid, the characters are interesting and (mostly) likable and the author always provides a good bit of steam. Its not without its flaws, but these Powells and their matches make me happy.
My first AM Wilson romance and yuppp I'm definitely going to read more by this author because I absolutely loved reading Wanted <3
If you love ♡ runaway brides ♡ lowkey romantic suspense ♡ small towns ♡ grumpy recluse ♡ heroine who are lonely and have no one ♡ the best family grouppp ♡ "baby" "sweetheart" >>>> READ THIS NOW!
The beginning was promising but as the story went on, it seemed like the characters had multiple personalities. I kid you not. The h acted younger at times and the H was grumpy but nice? I don’t know. It just didn’t mesh well with me.
Counting, compulsion, solitude, safety, anxiety, reassurance that's just everyday life for Jude. Until his dog Ashe leads him to Frankie who's about to challenge him in all the best ways. I have read all the previous books in The Powell Sanctuary and each book shares the story of one of the Powell siblings. Jude's past trauma affects him every day and he is determined to deal with it on his own. He believes in some ways he has to. But Frankie needs help and Jude well he can't help but feel like he needs to help her. In doing so Frankie is about to teach Jude a whole lot about living. It's a beautiful story, that deals with some mental health issues, and has the perfect amount of drama to not overshadow the other topics. There are of course dogs, puppies and rescues, and of course the Powell Family. I can't wait for the next book! I have voluntarily left this review.
These Powell men know how to swoon a lady - after some much needed banter and tension - and Jude is my new favorite! I love his grumpy attitude that rarely cracks except when a lady needs assistance. Even if that lady is resistant to his help and tries to run off with his precious watch. :) The dynamic between Frankie and Jude is electric. That push and pull kept me on the edge of my seat, just waiting for the moment they’d surrender. These two need to feel wanted, which very appropriately titles the book. LOVED IT!
This is the fourth book in the series and you best bet I'm going back to read the previous books. The Powell family has stolen a piece of my heart especially Jude. Man his back story just ripped my heart out and to see how far he has come once Frankie crashes into his life is amazing. Frankie herself doesn't have the best of back stories either. She finds herself in quite to predicament. Jude is one grumpy guy, but he loves the dogs he is helping at the Sanctuary. Having Frankie there is throwing his world into a tailspin, but it's just what he needs. These characters pull on the heartstrings. I so loved Frankie and Jude's journey. It made my heart so happy. I really can't wait for more from this series. In the mean time I'm going back to read it from the beginning because I have a feeling his brothers are going to make me fall just like Jude.
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 4 of the Powell Sanctuary series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: Winding up stranded in a wedding dress on some grump's property wasn't exactly on my bucket list. The memory of why I jumped out of my ex-fiancé's car in a wedding dress is a bit hazy. Or maybe I was pushed. Time passes in a feverish blur, but eventually, I'm discovered by Jude Powell. The gorgeous grump isn't too pleased with my disheveled appearance. That doesn't stop him from ripping my ruined dress to create a makeshift sling for my arm and taking me to the emergency room. To thank him, I take off without a backward glance... After borrowing his van and his watch, he tracks me to the local pawn shop.Considering that I can't remember my recent past, I accept the offer to stay with him. Now we bicker, which turns into heated looks. Soon enough, we're stealing touches, and I realize Jude is revealing a side of himself that he rarely shows. He becomes a protective force in my life, especially once my ex tracks me down. But Jude's keeping a secret of his own. And while he's preoccupied trying to keep me safe, it's up to me to prove he's wanted after all.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: I have followed this series since the start, when I thought book 1 was a standalone. With each release of the Powell siblings, I can't seem to keep myself from gobbling them right up.🫶
Jude has always been the mysterious brother. The brother who captured my attention from the start of the series. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with him, much like how he fell in love with Frankie!🥺😍
Frankie was so sassy! I loved how she kept Jude on his toes ALL THE TIME! That woman kept him guessing!🤣👀
If anyone can relate to Jude's secret stash of snacks, it's people with a ton of siblings! Mine was always in the nightstand by my bed. Hidden but easy to grab without alerting the rest of the siblings!🤣
While the FMC virgin trope is not my favorite, I loved how possessive Jude was over being able to be Frankie's first. That man is SPICYYYYY🥵🥵
The Powell brothers never disappoint me! I've enjoyed every single story in the series I've read so far, and I simply can't WAIT for the next one which is about Aiden 😍❤
I can't put into words how much I LOVE grumpy MMCs! Jude was the perfect grump, but getting to read his story made understanding his character way easier. I already knew part of his story thanks to the previous book in the series, Surrender, which centered around his twin brother, Jack. Although Jack mentioned the abuse him and Jude went through as children, and how Jude took the major part of it; looking at it from Jude's POV gave more insight on just how bad it affected him! Leaving him with a long lasting condition known as OCD 💔
Frankie did not deserve the way she'd been treated by her parents and douche of a boyfriend 😤 it's pretty easy to understand why her life was such a mess before meeting Jude. She'd never been loved or cared for, her parents weren't the right example for how a healthy marriage should be, and it didn't really seem like she had many friends — none that were worth mentioning — if any at all, so it was no surprise that it took her so long to cut ties with her toxic past and start anew 😞
I really think those two were well suited for one another. They did not only exchange their traumas and unhealed wounds, they also had a deep understanding of how the other was feeling due to similar experiences.
I haven’t read the other books in this series, so this was my first introduction to the Powell brothers.
I loved it!
Possible spoilers ahead …. Be warned! . . . . . . .
I liked Frankie from the get go— I wish I could be as bad@ss as her, jumping out of that car to escape oily, abusive Dillon.
Jude, I just wanted to hug. Until I wanted to do other things to him. When he starts calling Frankie “ baby,” and then when he does it while dirty talking.. *chef’s kiss*.
I appreciate how the main characters were living with trauma. Jude’s undiagnosed OCD struck a chord, for sure. Reading about Jude’s childhood experiences, seeing how he still struggles with controlling those memories all these years later…well, my heart just broke for him and I wanted him and Frankie to work out even more intensely than before.
I loved the banter and the little power struggles over the breakfast making— it had me laughing out loud.
So beautiful to see these characters help one another to heal. Cannot wait for the next book, and will definitely be reading the previous ones in the series!
Trigger Warnings: flashbacks of child abuse / physical abuse (whipping / belt punishment), domestic violence (FMC gets backhanded, not by MMC), MMC has visible scars on his back, reference to animal hoarding and animal abuse (off page, not by main characters).
‘Winding up stranded in a wedding dress on the back forty of some grump's property wasn't exactly on my bucket list.’
I actually kind of find myself at a loss for words on this book, in the best way possible. There is so much packed into these pages! So much action, drama, and love.
Frankie finds herself in her wedding dress, in a field, after jumping out of a moving car. She ends up finding Jude and his dog sanctuary. Jude has own troubles and is the grumpy owner of the sanctuary.
I loved this book for so many reasons! 1. Dogs - of course dogs. 2. Forced Proximity 3. Grumpy x Sunshine 4. He takes care of her -YES! 5. Virgin Heroine - one of my guilty pleasures
Overall, this book has so much to love. Jude and Frankie are both amazing on their own and together. I love the found family feel as well as it’s not just humans that are found family it’s also the dogs! I can’t think of anything I would change.
I received an advance review copy but this review is my own honest opinions.
Love love love this story! It's not exactly Grumpy/Sunshine. More like Grumpy/Grumpy Sunsine/Sunshine. 😄 Frankie is bright & sassy, but definitely starts out matching Jude's prickliness with her own version of that.
And Jude is grumbly & growly, but with a marshmallow center & tender heart. His protective nature immediately latches to Frankie, and he takes care of her as he grumbles.
I love the pacing here - from tiptoing around each other, to breakfast wars; from friendship to falling in love - It's all perfect!
I adore Jude & Frankie so much! The puppies ("All dogs are puppies.") & Powell family bring such joy to their story, too. There's just the right amount of suspense, and the way the steamy bits are written is full of emotion AND fun. Excellently done!
Frankie and Jude meet under very, very strange circumstances and both are very protective of their past history because they shouldn't have to share more than they want unless they want or feel like it's needed. We feel all of the struggles of each character and are drawn in their drama and once again invested in whether they are able to move past these problems. Having the rest of the Powell family involved, brings all the rest of the emotions and get to know all the characters a little more. Just have to love these Powells and how they will stick up for one another through thick and thin. Love the way that Jude and Frankie grow throughout the story and are able to take the very important step to trust one another, and work through what has gone on. Great read
I loved this book and now I want to read the books prior to this one also. Frankie was a very strong person to make it through the childhood she had and to not turn out like her parents. Jude comes across as quiet and grumpy, but it doesn't take long for his sweet side to come out for Frankie. He talks about hiding a secret from her but you don't find out what it is until later on in the book. He won't admit to liking her when someone asks but his response was funny. “𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩?” “𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙖𝙞𝙡, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙜0𝙙𝙙@𝙢𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.” The motel room scene 🔥🔥 I loved the ending of this book and that's all I can say without spoiling it for other readers. Thank you to A.M. Wilson and The Author Agency for the advanced copy.
Impactful beginning. Must love a man, no matter how grumpy, who runs a dog sanctuary. I adore the pups.
Both main characters are struggling with their past. He from a while ago, her from recent events. They may be just what each other needs. Chosen family, small town, caring, acceptance and chocolate chip cookies. Not always easy, but entertaining and romantic. Thoroughly enjoyed this story!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Wow is all I can say love Jude's story. This book follows the grump of the family and a sassy leading lady, another great story for one of the Powell brothers. If you love small town romance with a bit of spice the Powell sanctuary books are for you they can all be read as stand alone books or as a series. Highly recommend I can't believe I have to wait till December for the next book the Powell sanctuary books are addictive
As soon as I finished this book, I started reading it again! I absolutely love Jude and Frankie’s story!! I have been waiting for Jude’s story since the beginning of this series and it did not disappoint! Jude is the perfect grumpy hero and Frankie was the perfect match for him! I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I read the fist book in this series and adored it sooooo much. So when I got the email I got the ARC for this I did the happy dance. Jude and Frankie's story is so amazing and had me tearing up at parts. Honetly we all need a Jude in our lives with the whole touch and see what happens vibes and just overall over coming some trama as well. The whole dog sanctuary is so cute I love all the dogs, and Ashe not leaving her side and throwing Jude to the dirt is perfect we love it. Also we love protective dogs who will do anything for their owners as well. I can't wait for more to come out with this series!!
I truly didn’t expect to as obsessed with this series as I am but every installment just turns out to be better than the previous one. This was about The Grump, Jude, which I was very excited about because I do love my MMCs to be grumpy. Him and Frankie complimented each other so well and their story was simply swoon-worthy 🥹 Also Ashe and all the other puppies have my heart 🥹🥹
This book was so good. She is running from something and he is tasked with the job of helping her. This book was so good. I did not put this book down until it was finished. It was that good, I loved it all.
This is my first time reading something from this Author, and not the last. Story line was great and flowed easily together. Though this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest you don’t follow my path, START ON BOOK ONE !! And book one is where Im off to now.
This one not only hit all the high marks, it threw in a few extra pointers. Wonderful story, awesome characters, and the spices were hot enough to need a new scale. The book was everything I look for in a great romantic read.
My, oh my!! I've loved the Powell Brothers from the beginning, but Jude... *swoon. Wanted is so well written. It's a joy to experience the family and each individual's growth! The humor and realness of the struggles and the want to get better and live are emotion provoking in the best way! I look forward to Aiden's journey, but for now, I smile. WANTED ❤️
Book four in the Powell Sanctuary series . Frankie is running from something. She can’t remember the what ? She knows she scared when she thinks about her ex and she’s has on her wedding dress. When Jude rescues her she knows she’s introble. Jude has a secret and he likes being alone on his mountain. When he finds Frankie on it. He knows his simple life will change forever. Both have secrets. They loose them self on each other and learn how to trust each other. Loved it .
Book three I said Jack was the best but strong , manly, scarred Jude who took terrible beatings as a child for his twin has become favourite , again great story and feisty heroine too what a lovely family they all are
One of my favorite books I've ever read! I love this series. Lee and Jude are my favorite stories and I can't wait to read Aiden's. So good and it really puts a different perspective on what people are going through and why they act the way they do.
I absolutely loved this series.From book 1 to 4 I couldn't put them down.All the brothers are hot as hell and leave you wanting more.I am anxiously waiting for #5 and Widens story !!!