What do you think?
Rate this book
Hate Wrecked
Stranded on a deserted island. Forced to survive together. But can they survive each other?
Celebrity bodyguard Rowan Finn never expected his latest assignment to land him face-to-face with Riley Williams—the wild, reckless woman who once shattered his heart. But when their yacht crashes during a routine excursion, they find themselves stranded on a remote Pacific atoll, completely cut off from the outside world.
With no rescue in sight, Rowan and Riley are forced to rely on each other to survive the island’s harsh terrain, dwindling resources, and unforgiving elements. What begins as an uneasy truce slowly unearths something deeper. Old wounds resurface. Sparks reignite. But trust doesn’t come easy—especially when the past is as painful as the present is uncertain.
As Riley reconnects with her passion for music and Rowan begins to lower the walls he’s spent years building, the line between survival and something more starts to blur.
Until a chilling discovery changes everything.
When they stumble upon human remains—and a deadly truth tied to the island’s dark history—their fight to stay alive becomes a battle against those determined to keep their secrets buried.
Hate Wrecked is a romantic suspense about second chances, emotional survival, and the haunting power of the past.
Celebrity bodyguard Rowan Finn never expected his latest assignment to land him face-to-face with Riley Williams—the wild, reckless woman who once shattered his heart. But when their yacht crashes during a routine excursion, they find themselves stranded on a remote Pacific atoll, completely cut off from the outside world.
With no rescue in sight, Rowan and Riley are forced to rely on each other to survive the island’s harsh terrain, dwindling resources, and unforgiving elements. What begins as an uneasy truce slowly unearths something deeper. Old wounds resurface. Sparks reignite. But trust doesn’t come easy—especially when the past is as painful as the present is uncertain.
As Riley reconnects with her passion for music and Rowan begins to lower the walls he’s spent years building, the line between survival and something more starts to blur.
Until a chilling discovery changes everything.
When they stumble upon human remains—and a deadly truth tied to the island’s dark history—their fight to stay alive becomes a battle against those determined to keep their secrets buried.
Hate Wrecked is a romantic suspense about second chances, emotional survival, and the haunting power of the past.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
4 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rogue
60 books851 followersJ.R. Rogue first put pen to paper at the age of fifteen after developing an unrequited high school crush and has never stopped writing about heartache. She has published multiple volumes of poetry and novels. Her work has been recognized with three Goodreads Choice Awards nominations, a testament to the impact of her work on readers.
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 7, 2025
4.5 STARS
This author sets such a strong atmosphere that is both melancholy and hopeful. I love her storytelling style.
The story starts with Riley and Rowan in their present day situation, there’s a past connection between them that seems like it ended badly. Now, he is her bodyguard on set of a movie that is bringing up plenty of emotional turmoil as it is, he’s connected to it and her family issues are another addition to this.
The story is told in dual point of view of Riley and Rowan, through a well timed and balanced mix of past memories and the present (which happens to be in the 1990’s, which lends to some fun pop culture references and my realization that culture and technology has changed quite a lot in my time.)
Soon they are shipwrecked and they are trying to get along for survival and sanity’s sake, the unresolved feelings bubble up easily under the pressure.
It’s a slow burn romance, the journey they go on is not overly dramatic, considering the situation they’re in I found this refreshing and probable. Fight or flight instincts kick in differently for everyone and each situation.
This is a very steady yet emotional story. I was fully invested in the characters and what their future would be.
It’s a really interesting story, the emotional layers are told so well. I love the raw nature of the characters and the writing style. I loved it!
This author sets such a strong atmosphere that is both melancholy and hopeful. I love her storytelling style.
The story starts with Riley and Rowan in their present day situation, there’s a past connection between them that seems like it ended badly. Now, he is her bodyguard on set of a movie that is bringing up plenty of emotional turmoil as it is, he’s connected to it and her family issues are another addition to this.
The story is told in dual point of view of Riley and Rowan, through a well timed and balanced mix of past memories and the present (which happens to be in the 1990’s, which lends to some fun pop culture references and my realization that culture and technology has changed quite a lot in my time.)
Soon they are shipwrecked and they are trying to get along for survival and sanity’s sake, the unresolved feelings bubble up easily under the pressure.
It’s a slow burn romance, the journey they go on is not overly dramatic, considering the situation they’re in I found this refreshing and probable. Fight or flight instincts kick in differently for everyone and each situation.
This is a very steady yet emotional story. I was fully invested in the characters and what their future would be.
It’s a really interesting story, the emotional layers are told so well. I love the raw nature of the characters and the writing style. I loved it!
August 10, 2025
4.5 bodyguard stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
2🌶
O poveste atipica între un bodyguard si fiica unor vedete ale Hollywood-ului. O poveste despre ura, compromis,viata de vedeta, familie,iubire,iertare.
Nici macar nu stiu cum sa categorisesc aceasta lectură. Mi-a adus lacrimi in ochi, am simțit noduri in stomac nu o data, am sperat si am fost atat de captivata de firul narativ încât nici nu stiu cand am ajuns la final.
Rowan si Riley au fost mai mult decat o poveste..au fost emoție, frica, dependență,iubire adolescentina si iertare matură.
Happy-end garantat!🦋
2🌶
O poveste atipica între un bodyguard si fiica unor vedete ale Hollywood-ului. O poveste despre ura, compromis,viata de vedeta, familie,iubire,iertare.
Nici macar nu stiu cum sa categorisesc aceasta lectură. Mi-a adus lacrimi in ochi, am simțit noduri in stomac nu o data, am sperat si am fost atat de captivata de firul narativ încât nici nu stiu cand am ajuns la final.
Rowan si Riley au fost mai mult decat o poveste..au fost emoție, frica, dependență,iubire adolescentina si iertare matură.
Happy-end garantat!🦋
June 15, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 24 June 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• second-chance romance
• forced proximity
• survival romance
• bodyguard x celebrity tension
• emotional scars
• unresolved pasts
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Thank you so much sunnybabepr and author for the free ARC! It was such a treat to dive into this world.
How do I even begin to explain the ache this book left in me? 😭 "Hate Wrecked" is not just a survival story it’s a full-blown emotional storm disguised as romance. Rowan Finn, the broody bodyguard with a haunted past, and Riley Williams, the woman who shattered him thrown together on a deserted island? That setup alone had me hooked. But it’s the execution that hits deep. J.R. Rogue doesn’t just write love stories. She writes raw emotions, trauma, healing... and the kind of tension that makes my chest physically ache. The flashbacks to their old romance? CUT. ME. OPEN. And then patch me back up with every soft, tender moment they shared on that godforsaken island.
This book is a reminder that love doesn’t always come softly. Sometimes it wrecks you. And sometimes... it’s the only thing that saves you.🖤
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 24 June 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• second-chance romance
• forced proximity
• survival romance
• bodyguard x celebrity tension
• emotional scars
• unresolved pasts
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Thank you so much sunnybabepr and author for the free ARC! It was such a treat to dive into this world.
How do I even begin to explain the ache this book left in me? 😭 "Hate Wrecked" is not just a survival story it’s a full-blown emotional storm disguised as romance. Rowan Finn, the broody bodyguard with a haunted past, and Riley Williams, the woman who shattered him thrown together on a deserted island? That setup alone had me hooked. But it’s the execution that hits deep. J.R. Rogue doesn’t just write love stories. She writes raw emotions, trauma, healing... and the kind of tension that makes my chest physically ache. The flashbacks to their old romance? CUT. ME. OPEN. And then patch me back up with every soft, tender moment they shared on that godforsaken island.
This book is a reminder that love doesn’t always come softly. Sometimes it wrecks you. And sometimes... it’s the only thing that saves you.🖤
June 23, 2025
Hate Wrecked is the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more! This book is about Riley and Rowan and is told from both of their points of view. This book is a dual timeline bodyguard, enemies to lovers romance.
Riley has had feelings for Rowan for years, but after something that happened in their past they are not on the best of terms. When Rowan needs to get away from reality Riley decides to join him on his trip to a deserted island. Something happens to the ship and now it's just the two of them trying to survive the elements and each other.
This book goes to the past so we can see what happened, and why they are the way they are today. Something happens that could threaten their safety, and not getting off the island.
Will being forced together rekindle their relationship? Will they get a happy ending? Will they be rescued off the island? I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I enjoyed the story.
Riley has had feelings for Rowan for years, but after something that happened in their past they are not on the best of terms. When Rowan needs to get away from reality Riley decides to join him on his trip to a deserted island. Something happens to the ship and now it's just the two of them trying to survive the elements and each other.
This book goes to the past so we can see what happened, and why they are the way they are today. Something happens that could threaten their safety, and not getting off the island.
Will being forced together rekindle their relationship? Will they get a happy ending? Will they be rescued off the island? I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I enjoyed the story.
June 23, 2025
Once again J.R. Rogue gives us her best! For any of us who grew up in the 90’s it’s perfection taking us back to those moments we lived. For all who love a second chance, but damn suspenseful read, this one. Read this one! I swear there were so many moments that I was like wait what!? Why is she doing this to me!
Rowan and Riley are characters you can relate too, while yes one is a body guard and the other an actor, their relationship is relatable, their feelings completely understandable, their dark moments comforting to know you are along in yours. As always, J.R. Rogue gives us a full circle of emotions.
I will say if you have been a reader of hers for a while this books gives you more reason to love her writing. If you are new to her writing, then hold on to your heart as you go.
Rowan and Riley are characters you can relate too, while yes one is a body guard and the other an actor, their relationship is relatable, their feelings completely understandable, their dark moments comforting to know you are along in yours. As always, J.R. Rogue gives us a full circle of emotions.
I will say if you have been a reader of hers for a while this books gives you more reason to love her writing. If you are new to her writing, then hold on to your heart as you go.
June 24, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THE BOOK ;
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
“Stranded on a deserted island. Forced to survive together. But can they survive each other?”
REVIEW ;
-😮💨 the roller coaster of emotions in this book! Let’s just say, be prepared. The heartache, the substance abuse, the second chances. Wow. I loved reading the survival of Riley & Rowan. Highly recommend!
1.5/5 🌶️
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THE BOOK ;
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
“Stranded on a deserted island. Forced to survive together. But can they survive each other?”
REVIEW ;
-😮💨 the roller coaster of emotions in this book! Let’s just say, be prepared. The heartache, the substance abuse, the second chances. Wow. I loved reading the survival of Riley & Rowan. Highly recommend!
July 25, 2025
"You will always find your way back to me"
Oh these two were destined!
At first story felt really slow to me, like certain elements were dragging but then I got into it and into how Rowan and Riley loved each other, how their love was at times painful while at others. their ultimate strength.
Then I realised the slow aspect of the book was meant to show the slow progression of their time on the island and I once again marvelled at Rogue's genius story telling. layering lover and betrayal, the past and the future and wrapping it all up with the characters devotion to each other. This was a story of love but, it was also a story of strength and preserverance. There will never be a time when I am NOT impressed by Rogue's storytelling skills!!
Oh these two were destined!
At first story felt really slow to me, like certain elements were dragging but then I got into it and into how Rowan and Riley loved each other, how their love was at times painful while at others. their ultimate strength.
Then I realised the slow aspect of the book was meant to show the slow progression of their time on the island and I once again marvelled at Rogue's genius story telling. layering lover and betrayal, the past and the future and wrapping it all up with the characters devotion to each other. This was a story of love but, it was also a story of strength and preserverance. There will never be a time when I am NOT impressed by Rogue's storytelling skills!!
June 18, 2025
I received this as an ARC. I read it in pretty much one sitting! Riley and Rowan were great. They had a brief thing when they were younger but he never forgot her. She didn’t forget him either. They are brought back together and then when they think they are going to part again, they are forced to work together as they find themselves stranded on an Atoll… Maybe some time together alone is all it will take to bring them back to each other…
July 26, 2025
Books written by poets? *chefs kiss*
“I want so badly to touch him. But I don’t. I’m not sure I would recover from it.
He is auburn and dark. He is a shadow on my heart in this paradise.”
So I took Riley to do something I always wanted: to exhume the darkness of my heart. I brought her to the cliffside, to my spot, the one that would become ours.
I took her there to scream into the sky. And I lost part of myself to her the moment she dried her eyes and looked back at me like I could cure her loneliness with my own.
“I want so badly to touch him. But I don’t. I’m not sure I would recover from it.
He is auburn and dark. He is a shadow on my heart in this paradise.”
So I took Riley to do something I always wanted: to exhume the darkness of my heart. I brought her to the cliffside, to my spot, the one that would become ours.
I took her there to scream into the sky. And I lost part of myself to her the moment she dried her eyes and looked back at me like I could cure her loneliness with my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
I loved this one! It was super slow burn... But so worth it. Loved the chapters showing their past and loved their time on the island. A first romance where I've read about a stranded couple, and I want more!! Excellent read.
June 13, 2025
This book gave me all the feels! The brushes with the past were perfectly timed to keep you clued into everything in the present. Who wouldn’t want to go to an abandoned island with the one that got away? The chemistry was great and the story kept me hoping for that redemption spin. This was great and I couldn’t put it down.
August 4, 2025
Rowen is a bodyguard whose new task is to guard Riley, a big name celebrity who broke his heart in the past. But when the yacht they're on crashes, they become stranded on a deserted island. Now they have to rely on each other to survive this. Riley wants a second chance at romance but will Rowen grant her that or is he too hurt from the past? I loved that this story is set in the 1990's. There are some great nostalgic memories in here. The chemistry and tension between the main characters is really good. I also like that we got flashback scenes to help us understand their former relationship with each other. Overall a great story.
July 3, 2025
Stranded, bodyguard romance? Yes, Please!! Riley grew up in her mom's fast paced world adn developed a bond with her step father's bodyguard, Rowan. Fast forward some years later, Riley is on a movie set being guarded by Rowan. None to pleased with the situation, Riley still begs Rowan to let her come with him on his solo camping trip on a deserted island. The boat they are on crashes and the camping trip turns into survival.
April 11, 2025
Let me begin by saying I haven’t been this excited in a while. JR Rogue is BACK, drawing us into a storm of broken relationships and a forced shot at healing for the complex main characters.
Rowan and Riley’s emotions are felt on every page and their character depth unravels as the story gives us their tumultuous past. There is so much hurt and protection going on, reflective of how we often steer clear of having our hearts out in the open, vulnerable.
I wasn’t expecting some of the thrills that came into play but welcomed the excitement and added layers to an already teetering pair who have enough past flaws to sort through.
This novel shows off the power and healing that can come with confrontation, especially when there isn’t much of a choice.
The island backdrop is a character in itself, providing a rough and uncontrollable environment, further harnessing our MCs into complete reliance on one another.
Rowan and Riley’s emotions are felt on every page and their character depth unravels as the story gives us their tumultuous past. There is so much hurt and protection going on, reflective of how we often steer clear of having our hearts out in the open, vulnerable.
I wasn’t expecting some of the thrills that came into play but welcomed the excitement and added layers to an already teetering pair who have enough past flaws to sort through.
This novel shows off the power and healing that can come with confrontation, especially when there isn’t much of a choice.
The island backdrop is a character in itself, providing a rough and uncontrollable environment, further harnessing our MCs into complete reliance on one another.
June 26, 2025
Hate Wrecked By J.R. Rogue is a second chance romance between Riley Williams and Rowan Finn. This couple have a complicated and complex history and are also dealing with parental issues that have greatly affected them both. The author uses dual timelines to explain what happened in the past and what is going on now in the present. It is a slow burn story because there is a lot of resentment and emotional anguish for the couple to work through while they find themselves trying to survive on a remote island. Who’s going to trample who’s heart this time?
“Rowan and Riley are the storm and the calm. The fight and the surrender.”
Riley has followed in her parents footsteps and is a famous actress. However, when her parents
divorced, her mother entered a toxic marriage with Asa. Riley is now estranged from her and the
only good thing to come out that time was her friendship with her step-father’s bodyguard Rowan, but that didn’t end well either.
Rowan was born in Scotland but moved to America with his mother after the death of his father.
He was training to be a body guard like his father and was assigned to Asa. Riley pushed his buttons from the start but he was determined not to be distracted. He watched and protected her but who protected him against her.
He’s now her mothers bodyguard and they meet up again when she arrives in Hawaii for a shoot.
They are both unhappy about the situation because the aftermath of their past relationship still affects them but neither will admit it. There is a lot of resentment between them and Rowan can’t wait for her to leave as his wounds have never healed when it comes to her.
He is looking forward to his upcoming break and fulfilling his dream of visiting the remote Elderslie Atoll. Riley decides she doesn’t want to go home and manages to persuade him to let her join him on his adventure. After along journey across the ocean, tragedy strikes and the couple are left marooned on the atoll. They have to learn to survive and face many problems and obstacles along the way especially as it seems the island is haunted or cursed. Rowan feels guilty that its his fault she with him when they realise it could be weeks until they found.
“It’s survival. The hate can wreck us later.”
They are pushed to their limits and trying to resist each other grows harder as old feelings are resurrected. There are arguments and disagreements as they find a way to live together while fighting the memories of the past. I loved how he wrote all his feelings down and expressed himself in his notebook and how the island changes her. She embraces this new way of life and becomes strong and independent. I liked how Garfield brought some fun into this angsty and emotional tale.
Riley knows she still loves him and hopes he feels the same way but he’s built his walls high and she needs to slowly knock them down. Can she rectify the mistakes and choices she made before. Can he forgive her when she left him absolutely heartbroken after he was prepared to risk it all for her. He still can’t understand how she didn’t realise how much she meant to him. He isn’t convinced once they are back in the real world she won’t change her mind again.
One day everything changes and we get an exciting ending as their peace is shattered and danger lurks around every corner. Will they get rescued or will the island live up to its murky history? The author gives us a great epilogue which ties up all the loose ends and gives the couple their long awaited HEA.
“Rowan and Riley are the storm and the calm. The fight and the surrender.”
Riley has followed in her parents footsteps and is a famous actress. However, when her parents
divorced, her mother entered a toxic marriage with Asa. Riley is now estranged from her and the
only good thing to come out that time was her friendship with her step-father’s bodyguard Rowan, but that didn’t end well either.
Rowan was born in Scotland but moved to America with his mother after the death of his father.
He was training to be a body guard like his father and was assigned to Asa. Riley pushed his buttons from the start but he was determined not to be distracted. He watched and protected her but who protected him against her.
He’s now her mothers bodyguard and they meet up again when she arrives in Hawaii for a shoot.
They are both unhappy about the situation because the aftermath of their past relationship still affects them but neither will admit it. There is a lot of resentment between them and Rowan can’t wait for her to leave as his wounds have never healed when it comes to her.
He is looking forward to his upcoming break and fulfilling his dream of visiting the remote Elderslie Atoll. Riley decides she doesn’t want to go home and manages to persuade him to let her join him on his adventure. After along journey across the ocean, tragedy strikes and the couple are left marooned on the atoll. They have to learn to survive and face many problems and obstacles along the way especially as it seems the island is haunted or cursed. Rowan feels guilty that its his fault she with him when they realise it could be weeks until they found.
“It’s survival. The hate can wreck us later.”
They are pushed to their limits and trying to resist each other grows harder as old feelings are resurrected. There are arguments and disagreements as they find a way to live together while fighting the memories of the past. I loved how he wrote all his feelings down and expressed himself in his notebook and how the island changes her. She embraces this new way of life and becomes strong and independent. I liked how Garfield brought some fun into this angsty and emotional tale.
Riley knows she still loves him and hopes he feels the same way but he’s built his walls high and she needs to slowly knock them down. Can she rectify the mistakes and choices she made before. Can he forgive her when she left him absolutely heartbroken after he was prepared to risk it all for her. He still can’t understand how she didn’t realise how much she meant to him. He isn’t convinced once they are back in the real world she won’t change her mind again.
One day everything changes and we get an exciting ending as their peace is shattered and danger lurks around every corner. Will they get rescued or will the island live up to its murky history? The author gives us a great epilogue which ties up all the loose ends and gives the couple their long awaited HEA.
June 21, 2025
Hate Wrecked is an entire emotional storm disguised as a love story, rather than merely a tale of survival.
Riley Williams, the woman who shattered him, and Rowan Finn, the moody bodyguard with a complicated history, left isolated together on a deserted island? That scene alone captivated me. Nonetheless, it is the execution that truly creates a difference.
Not every one of J.R. Rogue's creations involves romantic love. She writes about suffering, healing, and genuine feelings—the sort of pressure that causes my chest to ache. The recollections of their previous romantic relationship? Slice me open. And then utilize every tender, affectionate moment they shared on that isolated island to heal me once more.
This novel reminds us that love isn't always gentle. It may occasionally ruin you. And at times, it's the sole thing that sustains your existence.
Some of the thrills that emerged surprised me, but I embraced the excitement, adding even more complexity to an already unstable couple burdened by their past.
This book illustrates the power and recovery that confrontation can provide, especially when few alternatives exist.
J. R. Rogue's writing never fails to impress me, as usual. It is deeply poetic and beautiful, and it simultaneously breaks your heart and strikes you right in the stomach. I can't fully express how much I love her, but I can say this book was incredible.
Riley Williams, the woman who shattered him, and Rowan Finn, the moody bodyguard with a complicated history, left isolated together on a deserted island? That scene alone captivated me. Nonetheless, it is the execution that truly creates a difference.
Not every one of J.R. Rogue's creations involves romantic love. She writes about suffering, healing, and genuine feelings—the sort of pressure that causes my chest to ache. The recollections of their previous romantic relationship? Slice me open. And then utilize every tender, affectionate moment they shared on that isolated island to heal me once more.
This novel reminds us that love isn't always gentle. It may occasionally ruin you. And at times, it's the sole thing that sustains your existence.
Some of the thrills that emerged surprised me, but I embraced the excitement, adding even more complexity to an already unstable couple burdened by their past.
This book illustrates the power and recovery that confrontation can provide, especially when few alternatives exist.
J. R. Rogue's writing never fails to impress me, as usual. It is deeply poetic and beautiful, and it simultaneously breaks your heart and strikes you right in the stomach. I can't fully express how much I love her, but I can say this book was incredible.
June 12, 2025
So I will say, I had hopes for this but it fell flat. It was hard for me to connect to this couple for quite a while. hard to get a handle on them and their relationship in the first chapters especially. They allude to the tension of a break up they had. But I have no idea how long ago and the way it's talked about they mention her parents in a way that makes me think it involves them but it's confusingly vague. I couldn't get a handle on their past for too long. Some flashbacks begin to come in but again there's no time marker in the chapter so you don't realize it until you're a paragraph in that you're in "the past", but not sure how far back.
There's no descriptions of them for a long time so I can't visualize them. I dunno, I just didn't feel their present day connection. It remained vague and I felt distanced from them as a whole. Also why would it be allowed for him to go to this random abandoned island to "get away from it all for a bit"? The set up didn't seem realistic.
It was a quick read but not a favorite stranded romance. I keptbreading hoping things would gel better but it never did and just didn't propel...like...i didn't care to even learn more about them even at 50% in. Felt very little connection, confusing with the mystery dual timelines, vague references and they didn't really have chemistry to me.
There's no descriptions of them for a long time so I can't visualize them. I dunno, I just didn't feel their present day connection. It remained vague and I felt distanced from them as a whole. Also why would it be allowed for him to go to this random abandoned island to "get away from it all for a bit"? The set up didn't seem realistic.
It was a quick read but not a favorite stranded romance. I keptbreading hoping things would gel better but it never did and just didn't propel...like...i didn't care to even learn more about them even at 50% in. Felt very little connection, confusing with the mystery dual timelines, vague references and they didn't really have chemistry to me.
June 21, 2025
This book is about Riley. Riley is the daughter to famous actors. Riley herself acts. Rowan, is and was in the past, the bodyguard for Riley's family. The book is told in present and past tense.
Rowan and Riley get stranded on a uninhabited chain of "haunted" islands. There is a lot of uncertainty about these islands. A lot of folklore and talk of the islands past. It was always Rowan's dream to come here. Not to get stuck on the islands with Riley though, that was not part of the plan.
There's also a boatload of tension between Riley and Rowan because they share a past connection. They are so careful not to express emotions or really talk about much to each other for fear of dredging up the past. It's almost comical how much they try to avoid things when they are indeed the only 2 people on the islands.
Both of them have a lot of hang ups too because of the actions of their parents. There's a lot of forgiving that needs to be done before either of them can move on, or wish for a second chance. It seemed like their roles switched while on the islands. The constant worrying of being rescued is always on their minds too. Everything comes to a head near the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rowan and Riley get stranded on a uninhabited chain of "haunted" islands. There is a lot of uncertainty about these islands. A lot of folklore and talk of the islands past. It was always Rowan's dream to come here. Not to get stuck on the islands with Riley though, that was not part of the plan.
There's also a boatload of tension between Riley and Rowan because they share a past connection. They are so careful not to express emotions or really talk about much to each other for fear of dredging up the past. It's almost comical how much they try to avoid things when they are indeed the only 2 people on the islands.
Both of them have a lot of hang ups too because of the actions of their parents. There's a lot of forgiving that needs to be done before either of them can move on, or wish for a second chance. It seemed like their roles switched while on the islands. The constant worrying of being rescued is always on their minds too. Everything comes to a head near the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I was so excited to read this book. Two people that can't stand each other stranded on a deserted island. Who wouldn't want to read that. This is the story of Rowan and Riley. These two have a past and he never ever in a million years thought that he would see her again. She is the one woman who shattered his heart. When the yacht they are on crashes during what should have been a routine excursion they find that they are stranded on a remote Pacific reef and cut off from the outside world. These two must learn to rely on each other to survive. To let down the walls they have both built and learn to trust each other. But the island holds secrets and when they discover human remains and the dark history of the island, the are going to have to fight to stay alive. But there are people that want to keep the island a secret and will stop at nothing to protect those secrets. This book is way more emotional than I thought it would be. Both of these character have trauma in their lives that needs to be healed. I love too that we got to see their old romance in flashbacks. This is a great book and one you do not want to miss.
I was so excited to read this book. Two people that can't stand each other stranded on a deserted island. Who wouldn't want to read that. This is the story of Rowan and Riley. These two have a past and he never ever in a million years thought that he would see her again. She is the one woman who shattered his heart. When the yacht they are on crashes during what should have been a routine excursion they find that they are stranded on a remote Pacific reef and cut off from the outside world. These two must learn to rely on each other to survive. To let down the walls they have both built and learn to trust each other. But the island holds secrets and when they discover human remains and the dark history of the island, the are going to have to fight to stay alive. But there are people that want to keep the island a secret and will stop at nothing to protect those secrets. This book is way more emotional than I thought it would be. Both of these character have trauma in their lives that needs to be healed. I love too that we got to see their old romance in flashbacks. This is a great book and one you do not want to miss.
June 26, 2025
“𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕞𝕪, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕙𝕠𝕞𝕖.”
What an emotional and suspenseful journey Rowan and Riley took me on. Rowan is a bodyguard and he does have a dream to write a story about this mystery that happened years ago and he has planned for this trip for years. All he has to do before he can take his trip is watch over Riley and get her back on a plane to LA. The problem is They have history that he wants to leave in the past after the hurt she caused and she will do anything for a second chance. She decides that she will go on this trip with him and when tragedy strikes in a sorta twist of fate they are stranded on this haunted island. You get flashbacks to him working for her stepdad and the path she was on that lead to their heartbreak. I loved how the main focus was their survival and the romance was tied into it but it was not the most important thing to them. Kept me on my toes and the WALKMAN had my millennial heart just giggling. If you are looking for suspense angsty second chance this is it.
~~What to Expect~~
🎬Island Survival
🎬Second Chance
🎬Flashbacks
🎬Celebrity (Movie Star)
🎬Bodyguard/Aspiring Writer
🎬90s/Early 00’s
🎬Angsty
🎬Suspense
🎬Found Family
~~Quotes~~
🌊I may not chase him, but I’ll relive us every time I close my eyes. He’s a curse and a shield. He’s mine when I close my eyes.
🌊Her presence always triggers a sense of protectiveness in me, no matter how hard I try to suppress it.
🌊Sometimes you don’t get second chances. No matter how badly you want them and how beautiful that second chance looks sitting across from you.
What an emotional and suspenseful journey Rowan and Riley took me on. Rowan is a bodyguard and he does have a dream to write a story about this mystery that happened years ago and he has planned for this trip for years. All he has to do before he can take his trip is watch over Riley and get her back on a plane to LA. The problem is They have history that he wants to leave in the past after the hurt she caused and she will do anything for a second chance. She decides that she will go on this trip with him and when tragedy strikes in a sorta twist of fate they are stranded on this haunted island. You get flashbacks to him working for her stepdad and the path she was on that lead to their heartbreak. I loved how the main focus was their survival and the romance was tied into it but it was not the most important thing to them. Kept me on my toes and the WALKMAN had my millennial heart just giggling. If you are looking for suspense angsty second chance this is it.
~~What to Expect~~
🎬Island Survival
🎬Second Chance
🎬Flashbacks
🎬Celebrity (Movie Star)
🎬Bodyguard/Aspiring Writer
🎬90s/Early 00’s
🎬Angsty
🎬Suspense
🎬Found Family
~~Quotes~~
🌊I may not chase him, but I’ll relive us every time I close my eyes. He’s a curse and a shield. He’s mine when I close my eyes.
🌊Her presence always triggers a sense of protectiveness in me, no matter how hard I try to suppress it.
🌊Sometimes you don’t get second chances. No matter how badly you want them and how beautiful that second chance looks sitting across from you.
June 24, 2025
I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for this ARC, but damn... it was so good!!
'Wrecked' being the operative word in the title... Yes, this did wreck me. I was anticipating a second chance romance with an island survival plotline. I'm really into 90s/00s romances right now so this checked all of my boxes. But the emotion, the raw, deep emotion between Riley (FMC) and Rowan (MMC) as their story plays out in dual timelines gave me palpitations. The angst is real and IT. HURTS. SO. GOOD.
I wasn't expecting the suspense element either, but it was very enjoyable and worked so well with the characters and their story.
Everything here was a pleasant surprise for me. As my first J.R. Rogue book, I need to go back and read the backlist if they're as good as this one!
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
Thank you to author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy
'Wrecked' being the operative word in the title... Yes, this did wreck me. I was anticipating a second chance romance with an island survival plotline. I'm really into 90s/00s romances right now so this checked all of my boxes. But the emotion, the raw, deep emotion between Riley (FMC) and Rowan (MMC) as their story plays out in dual timelines gave me palpitations. The angst is real and IT. HURTS. SO. GOOD.
I wasn't expecting the suspense element either, but it was very enjoyable and worked so well with the characters and their story.
Everything here was a pleasant surprise for me. As my first J.R. Rogue book, I need to go back and read the backlist if they're as good as this one!
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
Thank you to author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy
June 24, 2025
This book had all the elements of a unique, visceral story. It is a second chance, romantic suspense which is written in dual timelines both past and present.
A wide array of emotions were explored from tension, raw, old emotions, trauma and healing.
Celebrity bodyguard, Rowen Finn, reluctantly finds himself on a yacht with the girl who broke his heart, Riley Williams. The yacht crashes and the two find themselves on a deserted island alone.
They are faced dealing with each other in order to survive. The past eventuality surfaces and obviously two different points of view.
Love sometimes hurts, tears you apart and can save you. However is love enough to overcome the past and the current dangerous situation they find themselves in. What will they choose for themselves and/or each other?
Thank you to J.R. Rogue and The Author Agency for an ARC.
A wide array of emotions were explored from tension, raw, old emotions, trauma and healing.
Celebrity bodyguard, Rowen Finn, reluctantly finds himself on a yacht with the girl who broke his heart, Riley Williams. The yacht crashes and the two find themselves on a deserted island alone.
They are faced dealing with each other in order to survive. The past eventuality surfaces and obviously two different points of view.
Love sometimes hurts, tears you apart and can save you. However is love enough to overcome the past and the current dangerous situation they find themselves in. What will they choose for themselves and/or each other?
Thank you to J.R. Rogue and The Author Agency for an ARC.
June 26, 2025
🏝️𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🏝️
𝕳𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖂𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉 |
3⭐️
https://books.jrrogue.com/g68s6o3ibu
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴠɪʙᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ:
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
I had such high hopes for this book. We have a couple stranded on an island where no one knows where they are, a second chance, bodyguard, and a suspenseful mystery. I was excited to read a book set in the 90s and the story unfolds in the present and past.
It was very hard for me to connect with the characters though. I feel that they could have had more chemistry, I struggled to feel any. It took a while for me to feel a connection to the main characters. The throwbacks into the past were a tad confusing, as was the previous relationship between them.
𝕳𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖂𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉 |
3⭐️
https://books.jrrogue.com/g68s6o3ibu
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴠɪʙᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ:
🌴 Island Survival Romance
🌴 Second Chance Romance
🌴 Bodyguard/Star
🌴 Angst
🌴 90s & early 00s
🌴 Forced Proximity
🌴 Slow Burn
🌴 Only One Tent
🌴 Hurt/Comfort
I had such high hopes for this book. We have a couple stranded on an island where no one knows where they are, a second chance, bodyguard, and a suspenseful mystery. I was excited to read a book set in the 90s and the story unfolds in the present and past.
It was very hard for me to connect with the characters though. I feel that they could have had more chemistry, I struggled to feel any. It took a while for me to feel a connection to the main characters. The throwbacks into the past were a tad confusing, as was the previous relationship between them.
June 20, 2025
I have been waiting for another book by this author…and here it is, and it did not disappoint.
As always, I am in awe of J. R. Rogue’s writing. It is literally so beautiful and poetic and like, punches you right in the gut while ripping your heart wide open all at the same time. I don’t have the words to explain how much I love her, but I can say that I freakin’ loved this book.
Slow burn.
Second chance.
Enemies-ish to lovers.
Forced proximity.
Survival.
We have it all! And yet I still want more, like I just want to read about Riley and Rowan forever.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this ARC!
As always, I am in awe of J. R. Rogue’s writing. It is literally so beautiful and poetic and like, punches you right in the gut while ripping your heart wide open all at the same time. I don’t have the words to explain how much I love her, but I can say that I freakin’ loved this book.
Slow burn.
Second chance.
Enemies-ish to lovers.
Forced proximity.
Survival.
We have it all! And yet I still want more, like I just want to read about Riley and Rowan forever.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this ARC!
July 3, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
Rowan and Riley share a history fraught with pain. Despite that Rowan aims to complete his job before heading for his solitary holiday. However, things don’t go as planned and they both end up stranded on an island instead.
The timeline moves from the present to the past but it gets a bit confusing at times as it is not so easy to outrightly determine which time period it is when first reading the chapter.
The last act was a suspenseful one as more details are revealed surrounding the horrific events on the island.
Rowan and Riley share a history fraught with pain. Despite that Rowan aims to complete his job before heading for his solitary holiday. However, things don’t go as planned and they both end up stranded on an island instead.
The timeline moves from the present to the past but it gets a bit confusing at times as it is not so easy to outrightly determine which time period it is when first reading the chapter.
The last act was a suspenseful one as more details are revealed surrounding the horrific events on the island.
June 23, 2025
I love second chance.
I love bodyguards.
I really enjoyed Ms. Rogue's "Hate Wrecked!"
I loved Rowan! My goodness. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let go!
I would definitely live on a deserted island with him!!!
I enjoyed Riley too!
This slow-burn romance had me hooked!
I didn't want to put it down!
This is only my third story by the author!
Can't wait to read more of her backlist!
I love bodyguards.
I really enjoyed Ms. Rogue's "Hate Wrecked!"
I loved Rowan! My goodness. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let go!
I would definitely live on a deserted island with him!!!
I enjoyed Riley too!
This slow-burn romance had me hooked!
I didn't want to put it down!
This is only my third story by the author!
Can't wait to read more of her backlist!
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story. As it flips from past to present you get to learn so much about the characters - Rowan and Riley. Sometime life spills into something we no longer get recognize or enjoy and reset is needed. This was not the reset either one of these characters envisioned. A great story with a HEA. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2025
This was such an interesting story! I love the uniqueness of how this author spins a story. Although this is my favorite (Kiss Me Like You Mean It) from her, this one still had my attention until the very end. I love how much Rowan loves Riley. She is a hard one to love, for sure. She has a lot of emotional trauma and so does Rowan. There are some great ups and downs, twists, turns, and unexpected falls. A great book! I was sent a copy and these are my honest thoughts about this book.
June 24, 2025
well what can I say about this book, it’s a emotional roller coaster, a romance book that’s more than that.
We have Riley and Rowan stranded in an island, they liked each other for many years but in this circumstance they connect on a deeper level. I absolutely loved the past experiences in contrast with the present.
Will they survive?
We have Riley and Rowan stranded in an island, they liked each other for many years but in this circumstance they connect on a deeper level. I absolutely loved the past experiences in contrast with the present.
Will they survive?
August 7, 2025
Riley & Rowan
I really wanted to love this knowing the author writes emotional stories & the 90s setting but it let me down. The past / present timeline switches were unclear as was who was speaking at points, which took me out of the story. I didn't feel the emotion or chemistry, possibly too much of a slow burn coupled with stubborn characters.
I really wanted to love this knowing the author writes emotional stories & the 90s setting but it let me down. The past / present timeline switches were unclear as was who was speaking at points, which took me out of the story. I didn't feel the emotion or chemistry, possibly too much of a slow burn coupled with stubborn characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews