Someone Wild: A M|M Adventure Romance

by Stephen Elliott

PETER
National disaster. Lacks self confidence. Never walked through a park in London, let alone the harsh, wild wilderness North Wales has to offer. Does not know how to pitch a tent. Unlikely to be able to light a fire. Has definitely packed the worst snacks.

DARIUS
Freedom seeker. Determine. Has spent years planning the adventure of a lifetime. Not afraid of heights. Six foot four. Never looks down. Could be considered a snack.

Someone Wild is an opposites-attract, slow-burn, great adventure rom-com-meets-heartfelt romance love story. Join Peter and Darius as they begin the hike of a lifetime through rugged North Wales, passing crumbling castles and towering mountains, tumbling waterfalls and deep blue lakes Someone Wild is full of tense tent nights and thrilling climbs surrounded by beautiful, dramatic scenery. Laugh-out-loud moments will quickly lead to grab-your-chest drama, but will the journey end in heartbreak, or the ending Peter and Darius both truly deserve?

Throw together your own blanket fort and get ready to join the trail...

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

211 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book because I was drawn to that cover, but the premise was also pretty good: two very different men meet while walking in the Welsh wilderness and have a really interesting and intense week together. I was all in. But this book fell flat for me in almost every dimension.

Firstly, it is riddled with text errors - typos, missing words, character mix ups. This screams self-published, but without an ounce of copy-editing. Immediate red flag, I have no problem with people self-publishing, but at least care enough to check your work. Coupled with this, we have the extremely flat writing - this book is meant to be depicting two men wandering in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but they may as well be walking in a mall for all that we feel the magic of it. Sure, scenery and things are described, but they don't hit home at all, there's nothing captivating in the writing. The characters were okay, their chemistry was a bit forced, but you can see how feelings develop. Neither of them is particularly memorable or endearing though.

The kicker is that this ends on a weird cliffhanger after a really baffling and unsatisfying conclusion. There's apparently a sequel, so will have to see if I have energy for that later in the year. But yeah, generally a bit of a flop for me.

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this story that I really liked, but some parts that I really didn’t. The romance was a nice slow-burn, the characters were enjoyable, and the journey (metaphorical and physical) was really well written. Unfortunately, I did not like the ending at all. It left me confused and honestly a little angry.

[Luana Giunta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the protagonists.
It's funny and romantic but with a deep backstory for both characters. I laughed and cried... and wished it lasted more! Can't wait to read more about this story.
Definitely recommend. ♥️

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADVENTUROUS and STEAMY, this M/M ROMANCE between two hikers with their own past, is the perfect read for the summer! The story follows Peter meets Darius, while they hike through North Wales. Both men get along, but leave out what their past has been. Peter was abused by his ex-boyfriend, and Darius is starting his life fresh from prison. While they hike through the days, their connection grows into something more. But when one of them reveal their past, can they keep each other, or will they break their heart? A fast-paced gay romance with steam and love! Would recommend!

[Adelle Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun - both of the protagonists had compelling backstories, and I found myself rooting for them because of their flaws rather than in spite of them. The scenery of North Wales was a huge party of the draw of this story for me, and I enjoyed this as a hiking story as well as a burgeoning romance. The pacing was great, and the story unrolls in a very realistic way. I would not be surprised to learn this work of fiction was inspired by a similar romp in the woods lol. Ready for the sequel!

[Gmassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unpolished diamond

This is a very different book than the usual you read. Entertaining and not at all formula made. Both a good story and a good romance. Please find an editor and polish up this rough diamond of a story.

Two lost men find their themselves while walking the wilderness. Healing from very different types of hurt, but hurt just the same. Sometimes you have to get lost to find your way forward.

[Alex Seven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheeky Saturday morning read. Peter is a bit of a sarcastic A-hole, Darius is definitely a tall snack. The story moves at a steady to fast pace and although it ventures into the characters past, it doesn't swell in it. Hope to read more about Peter and Darius in future.

[Miles Pollen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this little book, much more than expected. The editing is a little rough around the edges but as another reviewer said I found myself really hoping for the characters and the plot moved along at a good pace. Something very different, glad I picked this one up.

[Pete Rowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice quick read. Wasn’t sure about Peter to start off with but found myself really caring for him as the story went on.

[Ashe Hale · Rating 2 out of 5]

that was... an ending