What do you think?
Rate this book
Pine Village #5
Pretty Wild
Ryan
Some might say I’m running away. I prefer to look at it as an extended vacation, from social media, the paparazzi, and my very public life back in Los Angeles.
That’s why I rented a small cabin in the woods in Nowhere, Wisconsin. I needed an escape and time to lick my wounds from a breakup. What I wasn’t expecting was Marcus Wright, the most frustrating man on the face of the planet, to be right next door. Our chemistry is undeniable, and it doesn’t take long to realize a summer fling is just what the doctor ordered.
Our time has a deadline though, and at the end of a month, I’m going back home to Los Angeles. Problem is, despite Marcus’s grumpy demeanor, I’m not sure I want to.
Marcus
My days, and some of my nights, are spent working on vehicles in my shop. Working and living in my hometown of Pine Village is where I’m comfortable, where I belong.
My quiet little world is disrupted the day Ryan Marcotte rolls into town in her high heels and designer clothes. She’s the exact opposite of me, a spoiled rich girl who pushes my buttons like no other. She’s famous, has her own TV show, and is only here for a short time. I’m also wildly attracted to her. I try to fight it, but the pull is too strong. So when she suggests a little no-strings fun, I’m all in.
Unfortunately, our private bubble is popped the moment fans discover her location. All good things must come to an end. I just wasn’t expecting my heart to be so invested.
Some might say I’m running away. I prefer to look at it as an extended vacation, from social media, the paparazzi, and my very public life back in Los Angeles.
That’s why I rented a small cabin in the woods in Nowhere, Wisconsin. I needed an escape and time to lick my wounds from a breakup. What I wasn’t expecting was Marcus Wright, the most frustrating man on the face of the planet, to be right next door. Our chemistry is undeniable, and it doesn’t take long to realize a summer fling is just what the doctor ordered.
Our time has a deadline though, and at the end of a month, I’m going back home to Los Angeles. Problem is, despite Marcus’s grumpy demeanor, I’m not sure I want to.
Marcus
My days, and some of my nights, are spent working on vehicles in my shop. Working and living in my hometown of Pine Village is where I’m comfortable, where I belong.
My quiet little world is disrupted the day Ryan Marcotte rolls into town in her high heels and designer clothes. She’s the exact opposite of me, a spoiled rich girl who pushes my buttons like no other. She’s famous, has her own TV show, and is only here for a short time. I’m also wildly attracted to her. I try to fight it, but the pull is too strong. So when she suggests a little no-strings fun, I’m all in.
Unfortunately, our private bubble is popped the moment fans discover her location. All good things must come to an end. I just wasn’t expecting my heart to be so invested.
- GenresSmall Town Romance
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
411 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Black
79 books1,466 followersAvid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 10, 2025
Welcome back to Pine Village and the beauty of small town Wisconsin!
Marcus Wright is the local town mechanic and comes across Ryan Marcotte who has broken down in her rental car. He of course being the gentleman offers his assistance and takes her to her rental cabin, that he owns.
Ryan is in the small town for 1 month, to escape from her LA lifestyle and the paparazzi. She just needs to figure out how to fit in and not be so LA!
Marcus and her have an instant attraction. Mostly it starts out as hate, but that soon changes and they make an arrangement for the month to be a summer fling.
Flings dont always go as planned. Let's hope this one develops into something more!
Marcus Wright is the local town mechanic and comes across Ryan Marcotte who has broken down in her rental car. He of course being the gentleman offers his assistance and takes her to her rental cabin, that he owns.
Ryan is in the small town for 1 month, to escape from her LA lifestyle and the paparazzi. She just needs to figure out how to fit in and not be so LA!
Marcus and her have an instant attraction. Mostly it starts out as hate, but that soon changes and they make an arrangement for the month to be a summer fling.
Flings dont always go as planned. Let's hope this one develops into something more!
June 3, 2025
It’s always a good day whenever Black releases a new book and while I didn’t love this book, I did like it.
The premise of the storyline was very appealing, as were the main characters. In fact, I really admired Ryan. She had a strong backbone and didn’t put up with any crap. She was willing to step out of her comfort zone even when her head was screaming not to. And Marcus is the very definition of ‘Blue Collar’. It seemed as if he had his hands in every profession. It was like the man could and would do everything. I also loved his love for the country life. I could feel it just through his every action . To be honest, I could also sense his pride of the simplicity’ of small town living.
As for the build up of Ryan and Marcus’ something more, I feel like there were some missed opportunities to create a better connection between them. There were also a few instances where the timeline jumped. In my opinion, there wasn’t enough time between them for the timeline to jump. There wasn’t enough interaction between them to feel their romantic energy burning. So it didn’t feel authentic, and I needed it to feel authentic.
As previously mentioned, I may not have loved this book, but I did like it. I enjoyed getting to see the side characters and look forward to hopefully seeing what their futures hold.
The premise of the storyline was very appealing, as were the main characters. In fact, I really admired Ryan. She had a strong backbone and didn’t put up with any crap. She was willing to step out of her comfort zone even when her head was screaming not to. And Marcus is the very definition of ‘Blue Collar’. It seemed as if he had his hands in every profession. It was like the man could and would do everything. I also loved his love for the country life. I could feel it just through his every action . To be honest, I could also sense his pride of the simplicity’ of small town living.
As for the build up of Ryan and Marcus’ something more, I feel like there were some missed opportunities to create a better connection between them. There were also a few instances where the timeline jumped. In my opinion, there wasn’t enough time between them for the timeline to jump. There wasn’t enough interaction between them to feel their romantic energy burning. So it didn’t feel authentic, and I needed it to feel authentic.
As previously mentioned, I may not have loved this book, but I did like it. I enjoyed getting to see the side characters and look forward to hopefully seeing what their futures hold.
May 19, 2025
Back to Pine Village with Marcus Wright, the town mechanic/tow truck driver/plow driver. He's been an ear to listen, a friend to lean on, even a spare bed when relationships got rocky. Marcus is a bit of a lone wolf so to speak. He's happy to live his life solitary, as he has no family left, but he is happy to spend what little free time he does have with his Pine Village friends.
Enter Ryan Marcotte. Ryan is the Hollywood Princess, daughter to a big-time movie director father and model turned philanthropist mother. She's always been around the rich and famous and lived a glamourous charmed life by most people's standards. She has a good family and parents who support and love her. She wants to be her own person though and set out to start her own makeup line and in helping that along she agreed to a reality TV series. That's where things ended up rocking her life.
Marcus is probably the grump of the group. He's not known for being the life of the party, he's more the solid, dependable, hardworking type. His work keeps him very busy so he probably doesn't relax as much as he should, but he is there for his friends when they need him.
Ryan seems like she should be a lot of work, with several bags of luggage that's full of designer items and being unable to do a lot of the basic things everyone else does. However, Ryan embraces the small-town and the people she meets. She finds that she doesn't need to be in her designer items all the time and she can figuratively let her hair down.
These two get off to a bit of a bumpy start and they continue to butt heads a few more times. That doesn't mean there wasn't an attraction between the two, they just tried to fight it. Of course, you can't keep fighting chemistry that undeniable, but all it can ever be is a summer fling. Ryan has a life to return to after her brief hideaway in Pine Village and Marcus's whole life is in Pine Village.
They are so many reasons they shouldn't work, and so many reasons they can't be together, but when it comes down to it, love is worth figuring out a way.
Happy Reading.
Enter Ryan Marcotte. Ryan is the Hollywood Princess, daughter to a big-time movie director father and model turned philanthropist mother. She's always been around the rich and famous and lived a glamourous charmed life by most people's standards. She has a good family and parents who support and love her. She wants to be her own person though and set out to start her own makeup line and in helping that along she agreed to a reality TV series. That's where things ended up rocking her life.
Marcus is probably the grump of the group. He's not known for being the life of the party, he's more the solid, dependable, hardworking type. His work keeps him very busy so he probably doesn't relax as much as he should, but he is there for his friends when they need him.
Ryan seems like she should be a lot of work, with several bags of luggage that's full of designer items and being unable to do a lot of the basic things everyone else does. However, Ryan embraces the small-town and the people she meets. She finds that she doesn't need to be in her designer items all the time and she can figuratively let her hair down.
These two get off to a bit of a bumpy start and they continue to butt heads a few more times. That doesn't mean there wasn't an attraction between the two, they just tried to fight it. Of course, you can't keep fighting chemistry that undeniable, but all it can ever be is a summer fling. Ryan has a life to return to after her brief hideaway in Pine Village and Marcus's whole life is in Pine Village.
They are so many reasons they shouldn't work, and so many reasons they can't be together, but when it comes down to it, love is worth figuring out a way.
Happy Reading.
July 5, 2025
There’s something so comforting about returning to a small town like Pine Village, where you already feel like you know the people. This time, it’s Marcus’s turn in the spotlight. He’s the town’s go-to guy for everything from busted engines to snowstorms—quiet, steady, and definitely not out here chasing love. The man’s practically allergic to feelings. But, of course, life has other plans.
Enter Ryan. Picture a woman who’s been raised among red carpets and paparazzi flashbulbs, suddenly trading it all in for flannel and fishing poles. She’s fresh out of the Hollywood bubble, needing space to breathe and reassess her life. What she didn’t expect was breaking down on the side of the road and being rescued by a brooding local who clearly thinks she’s in over her head.
From the jump, these two clash like fire and ice. He thinks she’s high-maintenance, she thinks he’s grumpy and closed-off—but underneath all that tension is undeniable chemistry. You know the type. The kind that simmers and sparks until they just can’t keep ignoring it.
What really got me, though, was how they both evolve. Ryan starts to let go of the pressure to be “on” all the time, slowly settling into this slower pace, this unfamiliar but welcoming life. And Marcus? Well, watching him start to believe that maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t have to keep everyone at arm’s length—that was the good stuff.
Sure, they come from two totally different worlds. And sure, their time together is supposed to have an expiration date. But sometimes, when two people challenge each other in all the right ways, you can’t help but wonder... what if?
"Pretty Wild" had a lot of heart, a fair bit of sass, and enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s about unexpected connection, emotional growth, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. And it left me smiling.
Enter Ryan. Picture a woman who’s been raised among red carpets and paparazzi flashbulbs, suddenly trading it all in for flannel and fishing poles. She’s fresh out of the Hollywood bubble, needing space to breathe and reassess her life. What she didn’t expect was breaking down on the side of the road and being rescued by a brooding local who clearly thinks she’s in over her head.
From the jump, these two clash like fire and ice. He thinks she’s high-maintenance, she thinks he’s grumpy and closed-off—but underneath all that tension is undeniable chemistry. You know the type. The kind that simmers and sparks until they just can’t keep ignoring it.
What really got me, though, was how they both evolve. Ryan starts to let go of the pressure to be “on” all the time, slowly settling into this slower pace, this unfamiliar but welcoming life. And Marcus? Well, watching him start to believe that maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t have to keep everyone at arm’s length—that was the good stuff.
Sure, they come from two totally different worlds. And sure, their time together is supposed to have an expiration date. But sometimes, when two people challenge each other in all the right ways, you can’t help but wonder... what if?
"Pretty Wild" had a lot of heart, a fair bit of sass, and enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s about unexpected connection, emotional growth, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. And it left me smiling.
June 3, 2025
Marcus Wright getting his own book made my heart super happy! He was such a grump, but Lacey Black has the ability to bring a heroine to the table who is the perfect sunshine. Ryan brings sass to the side of the road when the grumpy mechanic shows up to rescue her. They're absolute opposites in every way, yet they can't deny the spark that happens between them.
Ryan has grown up living a high-end life, while Marcus has endured a more humble upbringing, but it was refreshing to see that she didn't act as though she were above the life he's lived. She's willing to go fishing, try new foods, and open her heart to trust new people. Marcus has lived life knowing that, eventually, everyone will leave him behind. But Ryan manages to help him open his heart to possibilities of more in regard to love and happiness. It's beautiful to watch those layers unfold between them.
The banter and spice between these two is off the charts SPICY! I loved how each of them grew into stronger versions of their true selves. They brought out the absolute best of each other and let us have a front row seat!
Favorite Quotes:
"Instantly, my heart does this weird little rapid beat. Like a tap dance, but without the shoes. It's a foreign sensation, one that concerns me slightly. I'm not one to go to the doctor, but maybe I should get checked out. Except it only happens when Ryan smiles, and something tells me what's happening won't show up on any test or scan."
"What muffins?"
"Well, little lady, you're in luck. I know just how to tame your kinda wild."
Ryan has grown up living a high-end life, while Marcus has endured a more humble upbringing, but it was refreshing to see that she didn't act as though she were above the life he's lived. She's willing to go fishing, try new foods, and open her heart to trust new people. Marcus has lived life knowing that, eventually, everyone will leave him behind. But Ryan manages to help him open his heart to possibilities of more in regard to love and happiness. It's beautiful to watch those layers unfold between them.
The banter and spice between these two is off the charts SPICY! I loved how each of them grew into stronger versions of their true selves. They brought out the absolute best of each other and let us have a front row seat!
Favorite Quotes:
"Instantly, my heart does this weird little rapid beat. Like a tap dance, but without the shoes. It's a foreign sensation, one that concerns me slightly. I'm not one to go to the doctor, but maybe I should get checked out. Except it only happens when Ryan smiles, and something tells me what's happening won't show up on any test or scan."
"What muffins?"
"Well, little lady, you're in luck. I know just how to tame your kinda wild."
June 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
A visit back to Pine Village and spending some time with old friends. It's time for Marcus' story and Ms. Black did not disappoint. An emotional read with strong character growth, and sizzling chemistry.
Ryan is looking for an escape from her real life while she re-evaluates things and licks her wounds a little. Being in the limelight makes it hard to just be you and not have everyone up in your business. This city girl at heart who has had everything she wanted, wasn't sure she would survive small town nowhere for a month but she needed a rest. She also wasn't prepared for the people she would meet or the relationships she would form.
Marcus is happy with his life just the way it is. Not looking for relationship and someone to spend his time with. He is a busy guy, with the shop, towing business. His friends are always there if he needs a break. When he encounters to the sexy little thing on the side of the road, only to find out she is renting his cabin next door, his thoughts begin to wander. Convinced she is high maintenance and not worth the hassle.
With each encounter the draw is harder to resist. Before he knows it he's trying to help her enjoy her time in Pine Village. The more they get to know one another they more they realize perception can easily be jaded.
Grab your copy and see if this opposites attract story could be a surprise that neither were looking for.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
A visit back to Pine Village and spending some time with old friends. It's time for Marcus' story and Ms. Black did not disappoint. An emotional read with strong character growth, and sizzling chemistry.
Ryan is looking for an escape from her real life while she re-evaluates things and licks her wounds a little. Being in the limelight makes it hard to just be you and not have everyone up in your business. This city girl at heart who has had everything she wanted, wasn't sure she would survive small town nowhere for a month but she needed a rest. She also wasn't prepared for the people she would meet or the relationships she would form.
Marcus is happy with his life just the way it is. Not looking for relationship and someone to spend his time with. He is a busy guy, with the shop, towing business. His friends are always there if he needs a break. When he encounters to the sexy little thing on the side of the road, only to find out she is renting his cabin next door, his thoughts begin to wander. Convinced she is high maintenance and not worth the hassle.
With each encounter the draw is harder to resist. Before he knows it he's trying to help her enjoy her time in Pine Village. The more they get to know one another they more they realize perception can easily be jaded.
Grab your copy and see if this opposites attract story could be a surprise that neither were looking for.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 14, 2025
A city girl and a country boy.
After being humiliated by the man who was supposed to love her on her reality tv show, Ryan needs an escape. She is definitely a fish out of water in Pine Village, Wisconsin, but with a few tweaks to her wardrobe and a ball cap to help her stay under the radar, Ryan is finding her way and making genuine friends.
Marcus has wonderful friends, but is a bit of a grump and a loner. Everyone he's loved has left. But there is something about Ryan. She is supposed to only be his renter for a month, but he is crazy intrigued by not only her beauty but also her personality.
When they keep getting thrown together, they decide they may as well enjoy it. A fling is what they are both looking for. But what happens when it isn't really a fling at all, but distance and different worlds come between them?
I loved this grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romance! Marcus is really a country boy at heart, loving the simple things in life. And Ryan is anything but simple! I loved watching her learn to slow down and enjoy the little things, make some friends, learn to fish and more.
I adored the closeness of this small small town banding together to help keep Ryan’s identity quiet while accepting her for who she is at the same time. I also loved watching Marcus leave his comfort zone behind.
Pretty Wild was sweet and sassy with great banter and a whole lot of love! 5 stars
After being humiliated by the man who was supposed to love her on her reality tv show, Ryan needs an escape. She is definitely a fish out of water in Pine Village, Wisconsin, but with a few tweaks to her wardrobe and a ball cap to help her stay under the radar, Ryan is finding her way and making genuine friends.
Marcus has wonderful friends, but is a bit of a grump and a loner. Everyone he's loved has left. But there is something about Ryan. She is supposed to only be his renter for a month, but he is crazy intrigued by not only her beauty but also her personality.
When they keep getting thrown together, they decide they may as well enjoy it. A fling is what they are both looking for. But what happens when it isn't really a fling at all, but distance and different worlds come between them?
I loved this grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romance! Marcus is really a country boy at heart, loving the simple things in life. And Ryan is anything but simple! I loved watching her learn to slow down and enjoy the little things, make some friends, learn to fish and more.
I adored the closeness of this small small town banding together to help keep Ryan’s identity quiet while accepting her for who she is at the same time. I also loved watching Marcus leave his comfort zone behind.
Pretty Wild was sweet and sassy with great banter and a whole lot of love! 5 stars
May 17, 2025
A Wild Romance with Heart!
I absolutely devoured this book! From the very first page, I was hooked by the witty, playful banter between Marcus and Ryan. These two are total opposites—Marcus, the grumpy small-town guy who’s perfectly content with his quiet life, and Ryan, the big-city, wealthy girl who’s a little out of her element but needs to be out of the limelight for a bit. They definitely don’t get along at first, which only makes their chemistry sizzle even more! This story has funny and adorable moments that had me smiling. Each interaction between them was a delightful mix of humor and heart. You can’t help but root for them as their relationship slowly shifts to something much deeper. I love the cameos from past characters, catching up with them without taking the spotlight off Marcus and Ryan’s story. It was well written: charming, engaging, and perfectly paced. Marcus and Ryan were lovable. Their growth, spark, and undeniable pull toward each other made this book a standout. If you're looking for a feel-good romance full of heart, humor, and heat, this one’s a must-read! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. Even though I received this for free, I have purchased the ebook copy of this book and the previous ones in this series for my Kindle.
I absolutely devoured this book! From the very first page, I was hooked by the witty, playful banter between Marcus and Ryan. These two are total opposites—Marcus, the grumpy small-town guy who’s perfectly content with his quiet life, and Ryan, the big-city, wealthy girl who’s a little out of her element but needs to be out of the limelight for a bit. They definitely don’t get along at first, which only makes their chemistry sizzle even more! This story has funny and adorable moments that had me smiling. Each interaction between them was a delightful mix of humor and heart. You can’t help but root for them as their relationship slowly shifts to something much deeper. I love the cameos from past characters, catching up with them without taking the spotlight off Marcus and Ryan’s story. It was well written: charming, engaging, and perfectly paced. Marcus and Ryan were lovable. Their growth, spark, and undeniable pull toward each other made this book a standout. If you're looking for a feel-good romance full of heart, humor, and heat, this one’s a must-read! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. Even though I received this for free, I have purchased the ebook copy of this book and the previous ones in this series for my Kindle.
June 1, 2025
It is SUCH a joy to be back in Pine Village with Pretty Wild! Lacey Black definitely hit it out of the park with Ryan and Marcus's addictive, heartfelt and steamy romance! Ryan chooses to disappear from her life when her ex-douche stabbed her in the back on her LIVE television show! She wants nothing more than to find some peace and serenity, away from the fame and the paparazzi in "Nowhere, Wisconsin" to lick her wounds and try to come up with a plan for her life. Her first encounter with Marcus is anything but auspicious and they both immediately jump to assumptions (and you KNOW what ass-u-me means, right??!!) The chemistry is definitely there between them, as well....in spades!!! It doesn't take long before mistrust and misunderstandings lead to some sizzling encounters and the decision to hook up while Ryan is renting Marcus's cabin for the month! Easy as 1, 2, 3.....right? Until things start to change and Ryan's location is "discovered" Suddenly, the idea of leaving isn't as easy as it should have been!
I loved the character development here (both Ryan and Marcus's) I especially loved how Marcus tried really hard to stay away form Ryan, but found it impossible! Marcus, the one who swore he would never get involved, never settle down, get married, have kids...like all his friends (who are an essential part of this story with all their hilarious banter and shenanigans) Ryan was starting to catch some feelings. even though she'd just been through it with her ex! She's coming to some realizations about her life and herself when suddenly she's forced to leave to go back to the safety of her family in LA.
I loved the conclusion to this opposites-attract, banter-filled, smexy, sweet and fun story! I highly recommend this one and I can't wait to see what's next in Pine Village!
I loved the character development here (both Ryan and Marcus's) I especially loved how Marcus tried really hard to stay away form Ryan, but found it impossible! Marcus, the one who swore he would never get involved, never settle down, get married, have kids...like all his friends (who are an essential part of this story with all their hilarious banter and shenanigans) Ryan was starting to catch some feelings. even though she'd just been through it with her ex! She's coming to some realizations about her life and herself when suddenly she's forced to leave to go back to the safety of her family in LA.
I loved the conclusion to this opposites-attract, banter-filled, smexy, sweet and fun story! I highly recommend this one and I can't wait to see what's next in Pine Village!
May 27, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes :
🩷small town
🩶age gap
🩷grumpy x sunshine
🩶opposites attract
🩷summer fling
🩶blue collar hero
🩷dual pov
Pretty Wild is the 5th book in the small town series, Pine Village, from author Lacey Black. Pretty Wild gives us the story of Ryan and Marcus.
Our FMC, Ryan, is working as a successful social media influencer. Her life has just imploded and Ryan has left her life behind to reset and recharge thanks to her ex boyfriend and has rented a cabin in Wisconsin to unplug.
Marcus, our MMC is a bit of a grump. He is content living in his small town and enjoying life. Marcus is a garage owner and when Ryan gets a flat on the way to the cabin , Marcus comes to the rescue and then figures out she’s his new renter for a month.
Their relationship shifts over time and their chemistry is great. But soon Ryan's location is exposed, and her peaceful getaway is exposed to others.
Marcus has a choice to make will he make the right decision.
This is a cute book and I love Lacey. I did struggle a bit to connect to these two characters but it was still a well written and enjoyable book.
Tropes :
🩷small town
🩶age gap
🩷grumpy x sunshine
🩶opposites attract
🩷summer fling
🩶blue collar hero
🩷dual pov
Pretty Wild is the 5th book in the small town series, Pine Village, from author Lacey Black. Pretty Wild gives us the story of Ryan and Marcus.
Our FMC, Ryan, is working as a successful social media influencer. Her life has just imploded and Ryan has left her life behind to reset and recharge thanks to her ex boyfriend and has rented a cabin in Wisconsin to unplug.
Marcus, our MMC is a bit of a grump. He is content living in his small town and enjoying life. Marcus is a garage owner and when Ryan gets a flat on the way to the cabin , Marcus comes to the rescue and then figures out she’s his new renter for a month.
Their relationship shifts over time and their chemistry is great. But soon Ryan's location is exposed, and her peaceful getaway is exposed to others.
Marcus has a choice to make will he make the right decision.
This is a cute book and I love Lacey. I did struggle a bit to connect to these two characters but it was still a well written and enjoyable book.
May 18, 2025
Lacey slayed it with this story! You will swoon and fall in love with Ryan and Marcus from the start! This is a must read in this series!5 Pine Village stars for this one!
Ryan is the daughter of Hollywood elite, and after watching her star boyfriend tell the world why he's really with her, she needs to escape life for a while, and books a cabin in a town called Pine Valley and runs to lick her wounds. When she gets a flat tire upon her arrival in the quaint town, she meets Marcus, who saves the day. He's not the nicest guy, and gives him a hard time when he drives her to her cabin in the woods. When she finds out it's his cabin that she's renting, she can't believe her luck.
Marcus think this one is an entitled princess and he calls her princess! But as he get's to know her, she brings out feelings he never thought he would feel, and he wants her, but is he enough for her?
Follow their story as it unfolds, Lacey did such an amazing job with these two characters, you won't want to put this book down! Grab it asap!
Ryan is the daughter of Hollywood elite, and after watching her star boyfriend tell the world why he's really with her, she needs to escape life for a while, and books a cabin in a town called Pine Valley and runs to lick her wounds. When she gets a flat tire upon her arrival in the quaint town, she meets Marcus, who saves the day. He's not the nicest guy, and gives him a hard time when he drives her to her cabin in the woods. When she finds out it's his cabin that she's renting, she can't believe her luck.
Marcus think this one is an entitled princess and he calls her princess! But as he get's to know her, she brings out feelings he never thought he would feel, and he wants her, but is he enough for her?
Follow their story as it unfolds, Lacey did such an amazing job with these two characters, you won't want to put this book down! Grab it asap!
June 3, 2025
4.5 SMOOCHES!
Pretty Wild by Lacey Black is a sun-soaked, opposites-attract romance that sizzles with chemistry and charm! This irresistible summer fling story pairs Ryan, the sophisticated city girl looking for an escape, with Marcus, the rugged small-town country boy who’s all heart beneath his gruff exterior. Their electric chemistry leaps off the page, igniting in a whirlwind of witty banter and steamy tension that makes their no-strings fling impossible to resist.
Black masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with heartfelt emotion as Ryan and Marcus navigate their clashing worlds—and the unexpected feelings that complicate their carefree arrangement. The small-town charm, sultry summer nights, and Marcus’ swoon-worthy protectiveness create a backdrop as addictive as the romance itself. With its perfect blend of spice, humor, and emotional depth, this fling-turned-forever love story proves opposites don’t just attract—they set each other on fire. Pretty Wild by Lacey Black gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
Pretty Wild by Lacey Black is a sun-soaked, opposites-attract romance that sizzles with chemistry and charm! This irresistible summer fling story pairs Ryan, the sophisticated city girl looking for an escape, with Marcus, the rugged small-town country boy who’s all heart beneath his gruff exterior. Their electric chemistry leaps off the page, igniting in a whirlwind of witty banter and steamy tension that makes their no-strings fling impossible to resist.
Black masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with heartfelt emotion as Ryan and Marcus navigate their clashing worlds—and the unexpected feelings that complicate their carefree arrangement. The small-town charm, sultry summer nights, and Marcus’ swoon-worthy protectiveness create a backdrop as addictive as the romance itself. With its perfect blend of spice, humor, and emotional depth, this fling-turned-forever love story proves opposites don’t just attract—they set each other on fire. Pretty Wild by Lacey Black gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
June 6, 2025
4.25✨ I always enjoy diving into a small-town romance, the laid-back vibes, the close-knit group of friends, and genuine characters. This one delivers! Ryan lives the celebrity life but escapes to the small town of Pine Village for a much-needed break. From the moment she runs into the grumpy blue-collar Marcus, I was hooked.
I loved their bumpy start and how their dynamic evolved from irritation to a summer fling with growing feelings. The pacing and development of their relationship flowed well and their relationship just felt right. Add in an adorable dog, and this story left a huge smile on my face.
This is one of those books that you know exactly where it’s going to go, making it the perfect escape. As someone who reads for the vibes, I loved every minute of it.
“She’s the positive to my negative, the sunshine to my grump.”
“Turns out I have a thing for the grumpy, blue-collar type.”
•Small town
•Close proximity
•Grumpy sunshine
•Opposites attract
•Blue collar (mechanic/tow truck driver)
•Celebrity
Perfectly read as a standalone or addition to the series.
I loved their bumpy start and how their dynamic evolved from irritation to a summer fling with growing feelings. The pacing and development of their relationship flowed well and their relationship just felt right. Add in an adorable dog, and this story left a huge smile on my face.
This is one of those books that you know exactly where it’s going to go, making it the perfect escape. As someone who reads for the vibes, I loved every minute of it.
“She’s the positive to my negative, the sunshine to my grump.”
“Turns out I have a thing for the grumpy, blue-collar type.”
•Small town
•Close proximity
•Grumpy sunshine
•Opposites attract
•Blue collar (mechanic/tow truck driver)
•Celebrity
Perfectly read as a standalone or addition to the series.
June 15, 2025
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)
I really have enjoyed this world that Lacey Black has created. Ryan and Marcus' story was the perfect opposites attract story for me. Ryan having come to Wisconsin as a way to escape her ex-fiancée, her plan was to hole up and enjoy nature (as much as she could), and hope that the media hype on her life story would die down. Marcus is the owner of the cabin she rented, and he while he isn't in the market for something long term, he is up for some friends with benefits no strings style. Turns out Ryan is in the market for the same no strings, so the two enjoy each other in just the right way. When the media catches wind of just where she is, Ryan has to make the choice to leave her slice of paradise. Will she be leaving her heart behind?
Loved it!! The perfect amount of drama, naughty bits that were on fire, and the fact that we get to see the previous characters and how their HEA's were playing out was the cherry on top. Ryan and Marcus give us a great story, and I give them 5 stars.
(5 Stars)
I really have enjoyed this world that Lacey Black has created. Ryan and Marcus' story was the perfect opposites attract story for me. Ryan having come to Wisconsin as a way to escape her ex-fiancée, her plan was to hole up and enjoy nature (as much as she could), and hope that the media hype on her life story would die down. Marcus is the owner of the cabin she rented, and he while he isn't in the market for something long term, he is up for some friends with benefits no strings style. Turns out Ryan is in the market for the same no strings, so the two enjoy each other in just the right way. When the media catches wind of just where she is, Ryan has to make the choice to leave her slice of paradise. Will she be leaving her heart behind?
Loved it!! The perfect amount of drama, naughty bits that were on fire, and the fact that we get to see the previous characters and how their HEA's were playing out was the cherry on top. Ryan and Marcus give us a great story, and I give them 5 stars.
June 2, 2025
Ryan needs to get away after the fiasco at the end of her reality show. That’s why she goes to stay at a cabin at a small town, a place where no one will look for her.
She didn’t count on her grumpy neighbor/landlord, Marcus. They will fight each other every chance they get, they couldn’t be more opposites, but they are also very attracted to each other.
I loved how clueless Marcus was about who Ryan is. Even when the wives/girlfriends of his friends recognize her, he still doesn’t know.
When they finally give in to their attraction, they both know it’s just for a short time, but you can tell from their interaction that real feelings are lying underneath, but both are to scared to act on them.
I really enjoyed this book, it has the right amount of drama, steam and a beautiful small town where everybody knows everything about everyone.
She didn’t count on her grumpy neighbor/landlord, Marcus. They will fight each other every chance they get, they couldn’t be more opposites, but they are also very attracted to each other.
I loved how clueless Marcus was about who Ryan is. Even when the wives/girlfriends of his friends recognize her, he still doesn’t know.
When they finally give in to their attraction, they both know it’s just for a short time, but you can tell from their interaction that real feelings are lying underneath, but both are to scared to act on them.
I really enjoyed this book, it has the right amount of drama, steam and a beautiful small town where everybody knows everything about everyone.
June 3, 2025
This is the fifth book in this impressive series, and this is Ryan and Marcus’s story.
Ryan rents a small cabin in the woods to escape the paparazzi, social media, and her very public life in Los Angelas, after a breakup. Marcus is a broody grump mechanic, and her landlord, who enjoys his quiet life, which is disrupted when Ryan rolls into town. Ryan knows how to push Marcus’ buttons, but there is an instant attraction between them, and they agree to a fling. What will happen when Ryan’s fans discover where she is?
This is a well written easy to read story, with emotions, friendships, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, an age gap, trust, butting heads, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Ryan rents a small cabin in the woods to escape the paparazzi, social media, and her very public life in Los Angelas, after a breakup. Marcus is a broody grump mechanic, and her landlord, who enjoys his quiet life, which is disrupted when Ryan rolls into town. Ryan knows how to push Marcus’ buttons, but there is an instant attraction between them, and they agree to a fling. What will happen when Ryan’s fans discover where she is?
This is a well written easy to read story, with emotions, friendships, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, an age gap, trust, butting heads, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
June 4, 2025
4 star
The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Pretty Remarkable: A Pine Village Prequel Short Story
Pretty Incredible (Pine Village #1)
Pretty Dependable (Pine Village #2)
Pretty Drunk (Pine Village #3)
Pretty Relentless (Pine Village #4)
This is Ryan and Marcus’s story. What should have been a fling turns into so much more. Opposite in every way. He is small town man, and she is big city and famous. He is jeans and t-shirt, and she is designer clothes. But the pull between them is strong. They can’t resist. But when her fans come looking for her it’s all over. But is it? Will one of them come out of this wanting more? Can one person’s dreams mesh with the other?
I recommend this book.
The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Pretty Remarkable: A Pine Village Prequel Short Story
Pretty Incredible (Pine Village #1)
Pretty Dependable (Pine Village #2)
Pretty Drunk (Pine Village #3)
Pretty Relentless (Pine Village #4)
This is Ryan and Marcus’s story. What should have been a fling turns into so much more. Opposite in every way. He is small town man, and she is big city and famous. He is jeans and t-shirt, and she is designer clothes. But the pull between them is strong. They can’t resist. But when her fans come looking for her it’s all over. But is it? Will one of them come out of this wanting more? Can one person’s dreams mesh with the other?
I recommend this book.
May 19, 2025
Yes!!! I was so hoping we would get a Marcus story and my wish was granted and so worth the wait. Marcus is your typical grump and we find out so much about him which we didn’t know. Ryan needs to lie low after her world implodes and where better than Pine Village she just didn’t expect the village mechanic to be so HOT!!! I just loved Ryan & Marcus together, they give each other so much banter but I loved how they are together. The girls all bring Ryan into the fold and you just love this group more with each story. I love that we get to see some of the boys as dads in this one that will just melt your heart so much. I love this series so much and this story just made me love it even more and now excited for the last book in the series which I just know will be a cracker.
June 1, 2025
This book was a great read! Marcus and Ryan’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic was packed with witty banter and sizzling chemistry. Watching their relationship evolve from strangers to something deeper was truly enjoyable.
Marcus is the broody, small-town guy whose love for routine and and keeping to himself life simple, while Ryan is a city girl trying to escape the spotlight. Their banter was pure gold, and the chemistry between them was impossible to ignore.
The pacing was just right, giving me time to really get to know and love both characters. This was the perfect book to spend my Sunday with.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Marcus is the broody, small-town guy whose love for routine and and keeping to himself life simple, while Ryan is a city girl trying to escape the spotlight. Their banter was pure gold, and the chemistry between them was impossible to ignore.
The pacing was just right, giving me time to really get to know and love both characters. This was the perfect book to spend my Sunday with.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
June 3, 2025
Another good book in this series. This book has some of my favorite tropes; opposites attract, age gap, and grumpy/sunshine. Ryan and Marcus are definitely opposites, big city vs small town. Ryan is looking to hide out and recharge after some fall out in LA. She has some surprises right off the bat once getting to this small town. Ryan brings out Marcus' grumpy side like no other. Sparks fly with these two. There is also a lovable pup Buddy that is a added bonus. I loved visiting with previous characters enjoying their HEAs. I loved the friendship Ryan creates with the women of Pine Village. It's nice to see her form true genuine friendships. Looking forward to the next book in the series after the teaser!
June 12, 2025
We are back in Pine Village, WI. This time, we get Marcus’s story. He is the town tow/plow drive and mechanic. Also, the town grump!
He has met his match in Ryan Marcotte, the Hollywood socialite, nepo baby, cosmetic mogul, and reality star. She has lived a charmed life and has the wardrobe to match. Right now, she is running from that life and has rented a cabin in Pine Village.
The two cross paths early and often, and he sees her as high maintenance. With each encounter walls crumble and resistance becomes harder and harder. A fling is arranged; will this end, or will it have a future? Because we all know how these arrangements tend to end.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
He has met his match in Ryan Marcotte, the Hollywood socialite, nepo baby, cosmetic mogul, and reality star. She has lived a charmed life and has the wardrobe to match. Right now, she is running from that life and has rented a cabin in Pine Village.
The two cross paths early and often, and he sees her as high maintenance. With each encounter walls crumble and resistance becomes harder and harder. A fling is arranged; will this end, or will it have a future? Because we all know how these arrangements tend to end.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
June 4, 2025
4 Stars!
Lacey Black is back with the next book in her Pine Village Series and oh my goodness. This was really good y'all. I looooove Lacey and all her books.. have for some time.. and this is another to love of mine. This series has been absolutely fantastic.
What was supposed to be a fling y'all.. is going to turn out to be so. much. more. And what a story they told.
Sweet, fun, steamy, and full of heart and sooooo the feels.. Pretty Wild gives us Marcus and Ryan's story and you don't want to miss this beauty right here.
I can definitely recommend this author and series y'all.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Lacey Black is back with the next book in her Pine Village Series and oh my goodness. This was really good y'all. I looooove Lacey and all her books.. have for some time.. and this is another to love of mine. This series has been absolutely fantastic.
What was supposed to be a fling y'all.. is going to turn out to be so. much. more. And what a story they told.
Sweet, fun, steamy, and full of heart and sooooo the feels.. Pretty Wild gives us Marcus and Ryan's story and you don't want to miss this beauty right here.
I can definitely recommend this author and series y'all.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
June 5, 2025
Even the star power that Ryan holds isn’t enough to bring her love and happiness. Needing to distance herself from public situation she found herself in she heads to Pine Valley where hopefully she can stay under the radar.
The lifestyle that Marcus is leading couldn’t be more different than Ryan’s and now she is his tenant. He believes that she is entitled and totally out of her depth however when circumstances keep bringing them together what she lacks in experience she makes up for with enthusiasm.
Great chemistry, a little angst and a heartwarming romance as Ryan is embraced not only by Marcus but the town as well.
The lifestyle that Marcus is leading couldn’t be more different than Ryan’s and now she is his tenant. He believes that she is entitled and totally out of her depth however when circumstances keep bringing them together what she lacks in experience she makes up for with enthusiasm.
Great chemistry, a little angst and a heartwarming romance as Ryan is embraced not only by Marcus but the town as well.
June 29, 2025
I love small-town romance and Lacey Black is a master of the trope. Her Pine Village series is sweet and sexy and full of great banter. Ryan and Marcus are the epitome of oil and water. He keeps a low profile because of a past hurt and Ryan is a reality show star who finds out her longtime boyfriend is a cheat in the worst way. What could possible go wrong hiding out in a cabin in Wisconsin? High maintenance meets workaholic mechanic and they are like fire and gasoline. Banter flies, passion ignites and then all hell breaks loose. Grab Pretty Wild and enjoy, or grab all the books in the series.
June 3, 2025
I love stepping back into Pine Village—and Lacey Black has done it again with Pretty Wild, the fifth book in this captivating small-town romance series. This one is a grumpy-meets-sunshine, opposites-attract gem that had me hooked from page one.
When Ryan, a successful social media influencer, flees the bright lights of LA after a crushing fallout at the end of her latest reality show, she lands in Pine Village looking for peace, privacy, and a chance to breathe. What she didn’t expect was Marcus—the broody, gruff garage owner whose scowl could stop traffic and whose presence sparks something dangerously electric inside her.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. But it’s not just about the spice (and there is plenty of that!). It’s the slow burn, the unexpected tenderness, and the emotional growth that makes this story shine. Watching Ryan rediscover who she is, surrounded by the town’s warm, welcoming people—and especially the tight-knit group of women who quickly become her tribe—was heartwarming and empowering.
And Marcus… oh, Marcus. He fights the connection, but when he finally gives in? It’s explosive. But love never comes easy, and when Ryan’s location is exposed, threatening her new life and privacy, the real question is: Will Marcus really let her go? Will Ryan choose the world she left behind or the small town that’s claimed her heart?
Lacey Black delivers everything I love in a small-town romance—emotional depth, fiery passion, laugh-out-loud moments, and unshakable friendships. Pretty Wild is more than a love story—it’s about finding home, healing, and the kind of love that makes you fight to stay.
This book is wild in all the right ways—and I’m already counting down the days for the next trip back to Pine Village!
When Ryan, a successful social media influencer, flees the bright lights of LA after a crushing fallout at the end of her latest reality show, she lands in Pine Village looking for peace, privacy, and a chance to breathe. What she didn’t expect was Marcus—the broody, gruff garage owner whose scowl could stop traffic and whose presence sparks something dangerously electric inside her.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. But it’s not just about the spice (and there is plenty of that!). It’s the slow burn, the unexpected tenderness, and the emotional growth that makes this story shine. Watching Ryan rediscover who she is, surrounded by the town’s warm, welcoming people—and especially the tight-knit group of women who quickly become her tribe—was heartwarming and empowering.
And Marcus… oh, Marcus. He fights the connection, but when he finally gives in? It’s explosive. But love never comes easy, and when Ryan’s location is exposed, threatening her new life and privacy, the real question is: Will Marcus really let her go? Will Ryan choose the world she left behind or the small town that’s claimed her heart?
Lacey Black delivers everything I love in a small-town romance—emotional depth, fiery passion, laugh-out-loud moments, and unshakable friendships. Pretty Wild is more than a love story—it’s about finding home, healing, and the kind of love that makes you fight to stay.
This book is wild in all the right ways—and I’m already counting down the days for the next trip back to Pine Village!
June 13, 2025
Pretty Wild is a sizzling opposites-attract emotional ready full of chemistry and charm! City girl meets rugged country boy! Swoon! The chemistry leaps off the pages! Lacey Black fill hers books with witty banter and steamy tension. Laugh out loud comedy and heartfelt emotion are perfectly balanced yet again!
Ryan needed a break from the limelight and liars. Marcus is a small town guy just living life and running his business. He introduces her to true friends and both find love against the odds.
Ryan needed a break from the limelight and liars. Marcus is a small town guy just living life and running his business. He introduces her to true friends and both find love against the odds.
June 15, 2025
I loved this opposites attract love story by Lacey! I am loving this series and I was excited for Marcus and Ryan’s story. He is the local mechanic and she is the darling from Hollywood. Ryan is hiding from a embarrassing situation in Pine Village where she is renting a cabin off Marcus and things don’t go off so well when they meet. She brings out his grumpiness and the sparks fly between them. I loved the dynamic between them and it was great seeing all the gang again. This book was well written and so enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from this series.
May 31, 2025
A sweet, fun story. This was a bit different, yet just as entertaining as the others in this series. The local mechanic falls for the tv star, a bit different storyline, but such a beautiful story. These characters are likable just like others in the series. These two are complete opposites, but the chemistry was hot! Watching these two fall for each other, even though they were supposed to be fun.
I recommend this book. Told in dual English POV.
I recommend this book. Told in dual English POV.
June 3, 2025
I received this as an arc from Give Me Books Promotions and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was an amazing grumpy sunshine romance. It was well written and it had me hooked from the beginning. The story had a lovely small town vibe and some great banter between Marcus and Ryan. I loved their interactions and the amazing chemistry they shared. It was a pretty wild story and I loved it.
This was an amazing grumpy sunshine romance. It was well written and it had me hooked from the beginning. The story had a lovely small town vibe and some great banter between Marcus and Ryan. I loved their interactions and the amazing chemistry they shared. It was a pretty wild story and I loved it.
June 4, 2025
The Grumpy Mechanic meets the Hollywood princess and sparks fly. Ryan is escaping Hollywood dram and Pine Village is the perfect place to lay low. New friends and the relaxed small town vibes are just what she needed. Sexy times with her temporary Landlord are just the icing on the cake. Friendship, Small town community, and self discovery are woven through this love story that engages the reader and draws you in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews