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Wild Life
A cranky Tarzan is jinxed with a smart-mouthed biologist in this steamy, opposites-attract, stranded romance by the bestselling author of A DISCOVERY: LOVE AND OTHER THINGS.
A grumpy jungle-dweller.
A paranoid bat biologist.
An uncharted island in the South Pacific.
Marooned since the age of ten, Aleki Taylor is used to loneliness. Twenty-four years on a deserted island with nothing except a mammoth pig sidekick and a trunk of books, not to mention some vintage nudie magazines, for company meant that all hope of returning to his old life vanished long ago.
But after a violent storm, a mysterious woman washes up onto the island…HIS island.
Maris Schuler, a wildlife scientist, finds herself on the wrong side of the ocean when she falls off a research boat. She is sarcastic, chaotic, and afraid of being alone—completely obliterating the peace that Aleki has carved out for himself. And if she asks him one more question, he might just consider using her as shark bait.
He wants nothing more than for this sweet-smelling, brown-haired intruder with long legs and soft skin to leave, before his eyes fall out from the “accidental glances” he steals.
Only, it’s too late. She’s already infiltrated his every thought and his very being that he can no longer distinguish his soul from hers. He needs her like the jungle needs water. Like the moon needs the sky. With her, “alone” is finally a distant memory.
Except, Maris doesn’t belong to this wild life. Not like Aleki does.
So when the past comes searching for her, Maris must make a decision that could end their new dream life together.
For the first time in his life, Aleki is in love. But does he love Maris enough to let her go?
A grumpy jungle-dweller.
A paranoid bat biologist.
An uncharted island in the South Pacific.
Marooned since the age of ten, Aleki Taylor is used to loneliness. Twenty-four years on a deserted island with nothing except a mammoth pig sidekick and a trunk of books, not to mention some vintage nudie magazines, for company meant that all hope of returning to his old life vanished long ago.
But after a violent storm, a mysterious woman washes up onto the island…HIS island.
Maris Schuler, a wildlife scientist, finds herself on the wrong side of the ocean when she falls off a research boat. She is sarcastic, chaotic, and afraid of being alone—completely obliterating the peace that Aleki has carved out for himself. And if she asks him one more question, he might just consider using her as shark bait.
He wants nothing more than for this sweet-smelling, brown-haired intruder with long legs and soft skin to leave, before his eyes fall out from the “accidental glances” he steals.
Only, it’s too late. She’s already infiltrated his every thought and his very being that he can no longer distinguish his soul from hers. He needs her like the jungle needs water. Like the moon needs the sky. With her, “alone” is finally a distant memory.
Except, Maris doesn’t belong to this wild life. Not like Aleki does.
So when the past comes searching for her, Maris must make a decision that could end their new dream life together.
For the first time in his life, Aleki is in love. But does he love Maris enough to let her go?
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
96 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Woods
9 books349 followersVictoria Woods is an Amazon Bestselling Author who enjoys crafting stories filled with spicy plot twists, immersive vibes, and love worth wandering the globe for. Her stories promise to be unique and unexpectedly addictive--never fitting into any molds. Inclusion and diversity are important themes in her books because of her mixed Indo-Caribbean and Bangladeshi roots.
A native Floridian, she now lives outside of Seattle, Washington. She's inspired by full moons, underdogs, and her amazing husband, three kids, and two feisty Pomeranians.
Website: https://www.victoriawoodsauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriawoo...
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/victo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriawoods...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victo...
A native Floridian, she now lives outside of Seattle, Washington. She's inspired by full moons, underdogs, and her amazing husband, three kids, and two feisty Pomeranians.
Website: https://www.victoriawoodsauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriawoo...
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/victo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriawoods...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victo...
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July 23, 2025dnf @ 60%
the writing paired with the characters/storyline made it impossible to finish. I trudged through most of this because I love a good retelling, but when I realized I had no desire or interest to continue on, I knew it was time to dnf... 😮💨
the writing paired with the characters/storyline made it impossible to finish. I trudged through most of this because I love a good retelling, but when I realized I had no desire or interest to continue on, I knew it was time to dnf... 😮💨
May 27, 2025
3.25 / 5 Stars
This had fun Tarzan vibes but lacked in the relationship department for me. Maris is bat scientist (a chiropterologist, which is a word I just learned), who gets stranded on an isolated, deserted island. She is rescued by Aleki, who has been stranded for 24 years. Aleki thinks Maris is loud and annoying and Maris thinks Aleki is a stand-offish brute, but the sexual tension be tensioning. Sexual lessons happen without sand getting everywhere while Maris and Aleki fall for each other.
The premise requires some suspending of disbelief but I was okay with that (though the epilogue required a little too much for me but alas). Having Aleki and Maris be stranded meant we got fun tropes like forced proximity, so I bought in even though I have lingering questions (he created a shower but does he have some sort of soap? Why do people keep throwing books in plastic bags into the ocean and they keep winding up at the island?).
I liked Maris -- she was sassy, dry, not afraid of a sex joke, and pretty self aware about her bad behaviors. I liked her unpredictability. I felt like we lost her essence for a little chunk in the last third of the book sadly. I also won't spoil anything but I felt like in the end, she didn't fight hard enough for Aleki which felt off for what we knew about her.
Aleki was fun. We got to discover the island through him and I find it thoroughly funny that even a man who has had no human interaction for over two decades, left alone with a woman, instinctively says "good girl" in bed.
I wish that we got a little more from their relationship though. I felt like we definitely saw them infatuated with each other and maybe love adjacent but I didn't feel like they were in love. Maybe it was the pacing? They spent a good chunk annoyed with each other, a good chunk boning, and then a small chunk building a relationship outside of sex. I think I needed more of the third to feel the love love.
I really enjoyed all of the bat related information. I genuinely feel like I learned a ton about bats which is a nice side effect of this book.
Thank you Victoria Woods and Luna Literary for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
______________
Pre-Read Thoughts: This is giving me George of the Jungle, hot Brendan Fraser vibes. Plus I love a virgin MMC trope.
This had fun Tarzan vibes but lacked in the relationship department for me. Maris is bat scientist (a chiropterologist, which is a word I just learned), who gets stranded on an isolated, deserted island. She is rescued by Aleki, who has been stranded for 24 years. Aleki thinks Maris is loud and annoying and Maris thinks Aleki is a stand-offish brute, but the sexual tension be tensioning. Sexual lessons happen without sand getting everywhere while Maris and Aleki fall for each other.
The premise requires some suspending of disbelief but I was okay with that (though the epilogue required a little too much for me but alas). Having Aleki and Maris be stranded meant we got fun tropes like forced proximity, so I bought in even though I have lingering questions (he created a shower but does he have some sort of soap? Why do people keep throwing books in plastic bags into the ocean and they keep winding up at the island?).
I liked Maris -- she was sassy, dry, not afraid of a sex joke, and pretty self aware about her bad behaviors. I liked her unpredictability. I felt like we lost her essence for a little chunk in the last third of the book sadly. I also won't spoil anything but I felt like in the end, she didn't fight hard enough for Aleki which felt off for what we knew about her.
Aleki was fun. We got to discover the island through him and I find it thoroughly funny that even a man who has had no human interaction for over two decades, left alone with a woman, instinctively says "good girl" in bed.
I wish that we got a little more from their relationship though. I felt like we definitely saw them infatuated with each other and maybe love adjacent but I didn't feel like they were in love. Maybe it was the pacing? They spent a good chunk annoyed with each other, a good chunk boning, and then a small chunk building a relationship outside of sex. I think I needed more of the third to feel the love love.
I really enjoyed all of the bat related information. I genuinely feel like I learned a ton about bats which is a nice side effect of this book.
Thank you Victoria Woods and Luna Literary for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
______________
Pre-Read Thoughts: This is giving me George of the Jungle, hot Brendan Fraser vibes. Plus I love a virgin MMC trope.
June 2, 2025
Holy smoke show!
This was a great read! I couldn’t but it down. It was funny, heartwarming, beautiful and spicy!
The way the MMC and FMC come together and grow was beautifully done! And also what a fun read, definitely not your everyday romance. Would highly recommend!
This was a great read! I couldn’t but it down. It was funny, heartwarming, beautiful and spicy!
The way the MMC and FMC come together and grow was beautifully done! And also what a fun read, definitely not your everyday romance. Would highly recommend!
September 23, 2025
This was such a cute, fun, and hilarious read and I loved every second of it. I pretty much devoured this at work and if I was at home I would have read this in one sitting, it really was that good.
You would think by looking at the cover, you would be like “Aw this is going to be a cute little read” WRONG. Our girl was getting down, on the first page. I was like “Oh okay, we’re starting already? Okay sis get it.” At first Maris was driving me crazy. She kept acting like the world was ending and then I realized, I would have been 10x worse than her. Or I would have ended up dead within the first hour🤣 I wouldn’t have lasted a week in her shoes. Then again, when a hot af New Zealand Tarzan is taking care of me? I would have been like “You know what? This isn’t so bad.”
Honestly this was a cute, quick and easy romcom which I absolutely loved and needed! I don’t know if I would be able to stay in the jungle forever, but then again all Aleki would need to do is flex for me and all my thoughts about my kindle and tv would probably go out the window.
*Thank you Nerd Fam and Victoria Wood for the ARC!*
You would think by looking at the cover, you would be like “Aw this is going to be a cute little read” WRONG. Our girl was getting down, on the first page. I was like “Oh okay, we’re starting already? Okay sis get it.” At first Maris was driving me crazy. She kept acting like the world was ending and then I realized, I would have been 10x worse than her. Or I would have ended up dead within the first hour🤣 I wouldn’t have lasted a week in her shoes. Then again, when a hot af New Zealand Tarzan is taking care of me? I would have been like “You know what? This isn’t so bad.”
Honestly this was a cute, quick and easy romcom which I absolutely loved and needed! I don’t know if I would be able to stay in the jungle forever, but then again all Aleki would need to do is flex for me and all my thoughts about my kindle and tv would probably go out the window.
*Thank you Nerd Fam and Victoria Wood for the ARC!*
May 28, 2025
This was just a solid good time. RTC
August 30, 2025
This was such a cute, fun read! A romcom Tarzan retelling with our FMC stranded on an island after falling overboard during a storm. Here she meets Aleki, a lone survivor and the islands sole inhabitant since he was 10 years old.
Maris’s one-sided conversations in the beginning had me chuckling. The development of the relationship between Maris and Aleki was so sweet. And Poaka was such a cutie!
Maris’s one-sided conversations in the beginning had me chuckling. The development of the relationship between Maris and Aleki was so sweet. And Poaka was such a cutie!
June 14, 2025
4.5🌟.
What a joy this book was!
There’s something so appealing to me about romance books in which the protagonists are stranded together and has to relay each other on for everything.
Aleki was everything! He was such a big grumpy softie. Despite not liking Maris (initially) he still took care of her. Extra points for him being half desi and a V.
Maris was a complex character and I could understand her struggles and insecurities. I loved that she realised her insecurities and set out to remedy that. She took her time to understand Aleki and tried to do the right thing with him.
They both were exact opposite and didn’t like each other very much, which made the story even more exciting.
I loved the science aspect of this book. It didn’t overshadow the romance but complimented it.
My favourite character was poaka and my heart initially broke in the first epilogue but then the author mended it in the second one (THANK YOU!)
Overall a very enjoyable books.
Safety: there is an intimate scene of OM in the beginning, before meeting hero. Hero was a V.
-Dislike to lovers.
-Stranded on an Island.
-Opposite attract.
-KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
What a joy this book was!
There’s something so appealing to me about romance books in which the protagonists are stranded together and has to relay each other on for everything.
Aleki was everything! He was such a big grumpy softie. Despite not liking Maris (initially) he still took care of her. Extra points for him being half desi and a V.
Maris was a complex character and I could understand her struggles and insecurities. I loved that she realised her insecurities and set out to remedy that. She took her time to understand Aleki and tried to do the right thing with him.
They both were exact opposite and didn’t like each other very much, which made the story even more exciting.
I loved the science aspect of this book. It didn’t overshadow the romance but complimented it.
My favourite character was poaka and my heart initially broke in the first epilogue but then the author mended it in the second one (THANK YOU!)
Overall a very enjoyable books.
Safety: there is an intimate scene of OM in the beginning, before meeting hero. Hero was a V.
-Dislike to lovers.
-Stranded on an Island.
-Opposite attract.
-KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
Дивні відчуття після прочитання. Ніби не зовсім погано, але не можу сказати, що прям добре. Дійсно, на трієчку з мінусом.
Сподобалась задумка з а-ля Тарзаном, але який не шукає порятунку. Та реалізація підкачала - забагато прогалин і нерозкритих нюансів життя на дикому острові. Як на мене, то герої розкриті поганенько.
І якщо головний герой мені сподобався, то про головну героїню не можу цього сказати — багато питань до її поведінки, враховуючи, що вона вчена.
Сподобалась задумка з а-ля Тарзаном, але який не шукає порятунку. Та реалізація підкачала - забагато прогалин і нерозкритих нюансів життя на дикому острові. Як на мене, то герої розкриті поганенько.
І якщо головний герой мені сподобався, то про головну героїню не можу цього сказати — багато питань до її поведінки, враховуючи, що вона вчена.
May 26, 2025
Y'all this book was such a fun time! I love when I pick up a book and I'm fascinated by something I've never read before. That was Wild Life! It was giving romcom version of The Blue Lagoon.
Maris is a biologist studying bats. She's got some serious commitment issues and takes what she needs from men without getting too close. Within the first 10% of the book Maris had me LOL several times, she's funny! She's also very complex.
Aleki was shipwrecked as a child and is surviving (and thriving) on a deserted island. Imagine a beast of a man, who's super handy, and wears a loin cloth. ONLY a loin cloth. And he has a pet pig THAT HE SINGS TO. Swoon! Did I mention he's a virgin?
So Maris washes up on Aleki's island after she's thrown from her research boat when it gets caught
in a bad storm.
At first he can't stand her - she's loud, she doesn't shut up, and he has to take care of her, which he didn't ask for. Her quirks start to grow on him though, and eventually they start to work together at surviving. All the while there's tension building...
I really enjoyed this unique, fun, and steamy island love story!
Maris is a biologist studying bats. She's got some serious commitment issues and takes what she needs from men without getting too close. Within the first 10% of the book Maris had me LOL several times, she's funny! She's also very complex.
Aleki was shipwrecked as a child and is surviving (and thriving) on a deserted island. Imagine a beast of a man, who's super handy, and wears a loin cloth. ONLY a loin cloth. And he has a pet pig THAT HE SINGS TO. Swoon! Did I mention he's a virgin?
So Maris washes up on Aleki's island after she's thrown from her research boat when it gets caught
in a bad storm.
At first he can't stand her - she's loud, she doesn't shut up, and he has to take care of her, which he didn't ask for. Her quirks start to grow on him though, and eventually they start to work together at surviving. All the while there's tension building...
I really enjoyed this unique, fun, and steamy island love story!
September 5, 2025
I love a good retelling, and I don’t think I’ve read a Tarzan retelling before so I was excited for this one!
I love the STEM aspect of Maris, our fmc, and the broody but “sweet only for her” vibes that Aleki gave off.
The backstories for both of these characters were very in depth, very relatable, and so sad, yet very good for the plot!
Maris constantly running after realizing what she is doing is very on brand, something a lot of people can relate to. It sucks that we do, but it was good representation of past trauma and childhood neglect.
I did get a little bored after a while, but either way I loved the progression of their time on the island.
Aleki learning her body was DEFINITELY my favorite part🤣
Overall 3.25 ⭐️, 1.5 🌶️
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
I love the STEM aspect of Maris, our fmc, and the broody but “sweet only for her” vibes that Aleki gave off.
The backstories for both of these characters were very in depth, very relatable, and so sad, yet very good for the plot!
Maris constantly running after realizing what she is doing is very on brand, something a lot of people can relate to. It sucks that we do, but it was good representation of past trauma and childhood neglect.
I did get a little bored after a while, but either way I loved the progression of their time on the island.
Aleki learning her body was DEFINITELY my favorite part🤣
Overall 3.25 ⭐️, 1.5 🌶️
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
August 25, 2025
Not me trying to wipe my tears while writing this review 😭💖
I LOVED THIS. This Tarzan retelling was so beautifully and wonderfully unique in its own way and I DEVOURED it. Wild Life is a sweet, spicy, emotional and entertaining romance that takes place on an (almost) deserted tropical island. 🏝️ 🦎
Maris (a bat biologist) falls off the boat her team is on and wakes up in some hut on an island with a hot “cryptid” man. Aleki has been stranded on this tropical island for 24 years since he and his parents got lost at sea. He has been all alone except for his “pet” pig, Poaka until a woman washes up on his island.
Both of our main characters lost their parents at a very young age and have had to come to terms with their loneliness in different ways. When the universe forces them together, they learn to lean on each other and end up falling in love in the most wild and adorable way.
I am so thankful to have been gifted this book and it just exceeded my expectations. I did also read the epilogue (hence my crying) and while it’s not 100% necessary per the authors note, I just had to know what happens after and it was beautiful and made it that much more memorable!! 🥹🐖🏝️🦇🍯💖
I LOVED THIS. This Tarzan retelling was so beautifully and wonderfully unique in its own way and I DEVOURED it. Wild Life is a sweet, spicy, emotional and entertaining romance that takes place on an (almost) deserted tropical island. 🏝️ 🦎
Maris (a bat biologist) falls off the boat her team is on and wakes up in some hut on an island with a hot “cryptid” man. Aleki has been stranded on this tropical island for 24 years since he and his parents got lost at sea. He has been all alone except for his “pet” pig, Poaka until a woman washes up on his island.
Both of our main characters lost their parents at a very young age and have had to come to terms with their loneliness in different ways. When the universe forces them together, they learn to lean on each other and end up falling in love in the most wild and adorable way.
I am so thankful to have been gifted this book and it just exceeded my expectations. I did also read the epilogue (hence my crying) and while it’s not 100% necessary per the authors note, I just had to know what happens after and it was beautiful and made it that much more memorable!! 🥹🐖🏝️🦇🍯💖
June 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this story so much! And that’s saying a lot cuz I’m deep in a slump and was still able to finish this book (took me almost 2 weeks but I made it 🎉). Celebrating my win and commemorating it here in my reviews.
ANYWAY, this is a new to me author! I had signed up for an ARC and then picked up the first book in the series cuz I thought that they were interconnected. That was not the case. These are 2 separate stories but they both revolve around women in STEM…SLAY💅
I might be just a tad bit biased but I liked this story more than the first book…although the first had more tropes I enjoyed, I just felt like I could relate more to this story. And by relate, I mean to the island and island way of life lol!
This story had the best grumpy sunshine trope in it and what with the MMC Aleki refusing to speak to her, it just made the whole grumpy sunshine aspect shine. It was a bit of a slow burn but oh boy…once these two got together 🥵 it was non-stop yall! But a highlight of this book was adding a little island lore magic to this book! I’m not gonna spoil anything but just…keep an eye out 😉
It was a refreshing read for me because I haven’t read anything with a similar story line! I’m disappointed in myself for reading this during my slump because I feel like I would have been more in love with it outside of it! But anyway, I’m a re-reader so, I’ll prob come back to this and change my rating. Who knows?!
You should definitely pick this story up! It’s about two strangers stuck on an island that realize things about themselves and teach each other to grow to be better people…with spice mixed in duh!
ANYWAY, this is a new to me author! I had signed up for an ARC and then picked up the first book in the series cuz I thought that they were interconnected. That was not the case. These are 2 separate stories but they both revolve around women in STEM…SLAY💅
I might be just a tad bit biased but I liked this story more than the first book…although the first had more tropes I enjoyed, I just felt like I could relate more to this story. And by relate, I mean to the island and island way of life lol!
This story had the best grumpy sunshine trope in it and what with the MMC Aleki refusing to speak to her, it just made the whole grumpy sunshine aspect shine. It was a bit of a slow burn but oh boy…once these two got together 🥵 it was non-stop yall! But a highlight of this book was adding a little island lore magic to this book! I’m not gonna spoil anything but just…keep an eye out 😉
It was a refreshing read for me because I haven’t read anything with a similar story line! I’m disappointed in myself for reading this during my slump because I feel like I would have been more in love with it outside of it! But anyway, I’m a re-reader so, I’ll prob come back to this and change my rating. Who knows?!
You should definitely pick this story up! It’s about two strangers stuck on an island that realize things about themselves and teach each other to grow to be better people…with spice mixed in duh!
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I received an ARC from the author and The Nerd Fam. It was a great story with unforgettable characters and a STEM FMC! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, lots of fun tropes. It did take me a minute to get invested but once I was, I was all in! Definitely recommend this Tarzan-esque read.
July 11, 2025
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, loathe to love, Tarzan vibes, FMC in STEM, stranded on a tropical island, forced proximity, hurt/care, grumpy MMC, scenting, inexperienced MMC & sexy lessons, wild pig sidekick, bat conservation
Synopsis: Maris is headed to Fiji to study wild bats when an oceanic storm causes her to fall overboard. When she wakes, she’s on a tropical island, in the bed of a strange and feral man. Aleki has been the only human on his island for twenty four years when a woman washes up on shore. He doesn’t know how to deal with her; she’s loud, in his business, and hates his beloved pig, Poaka. How will they ever coexist?
Thoughts:
This is such a fun Tarzan inspired story! Before I get into the romance, I wanted to express my fondness for the subplot involving the bats! Maris, the FMC, is a bat biologist and this story talks a lot about the importance of bats and the dangers they face, such as white-nose syndrome. As a bat enthusiast (I literally have bat tattoos) and conservation nerd, I really really loved this part of the story.
As for the romance, it was so sweet to see Aleki learn the ways of love. In many ways, Maris learned along with him, but in different ways. I’m always a fan of an inexperienced MMC trope because I love seeing that vulnerability from male characters. And although Aleki was new to everything, he had his own animalistic possessiveness and dominance that really worked for me, lmao.
Although this is overall low-stakes, verging on cozy, I felt the loathe to love pipeline was well done and I felt so much joy for the MCs finding what they need. Maris’ “aha!” moment when she realized she was in love was very cute and emotional.
At times the introspection was a little overwhelming, as the characters liked to blatantly tell the reader about their own psychological traumas, and resulting behavior, as opposed to a more subtle approach. I appreciated the honesty, but I felt it was a little blunt, which made it less emotionally involved.
Regardless, y’all know I am a huge fan of Tarzan inspired love stories and I’ll be thinking about Maris, Aleki, and their beautiful island for a long time.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, loathe to love, Tarzan vibes, FMC in STEM, stranded on a tropical island, forced proximity, hurt/care, grumpy MMC, scenting, inexperienced MMC & sexy lessons, wild pig sidekick, bat conservation
Synopsis: Maris is headed to Fiji to study wild bats when an oceanic storm causes her to fall overboard. When she wakes, she’s on a tropical island, in the bed of a strange and feral man. Aleki has been the only human on his island for twenty four years when a woman washes up on shore. He doesn’t know how to deal with her; she’s loud, in his business, and hates his beloved pig, Poaka. How will they ever coexist?
Thoughts:
This is such a fun Tarzan inspired story! Before I get into the romance, I wanted to express my fondness for the subplot involving the bats! Maris, the FMC, is a bat biologist and this story talks a lot about the importance of bats and the dangers they face, such as white-nose syndrome. As a bat enthusiast (I literally have bat tattoos) and conservation nerd, I really really loved this part of the story.
As for the romance, it was so sweet to see Aleki learn the ways of love. In many ways, Maris learned along with him, but in different ways. I’m always a fan of an inexperienced MMC trope because I love seeing that vulnerability from male characters. And although Aleki was new to everything, he had his own animalistic possessiveness and dominance that really worked for me, lmao.
Although this is overall low-stakes, verging on cozy, I felt the loathe to love pipeline was well done and I felt so much joy for the MCs finding what they need. Maris’ “aha!” moment when she realized she was in love was very cute and emotional.
At times the introspection was a little overwhelming, as the characters liked to blatantly tell the reader about their own psychological traumas, and resulting behavior, as opposed to a more subtle approach. I appreciated the honesty, but I felt it was a little blunt, which made it less emotionally involved.
Regardless, y’all know I am a huge fan of Tarzan inspired love stories and I’ll be thinking about Maris, Aleki, and their beautiful island for a long time.
August 24, 2025
I LOVE Tarzan so I was really excited to read this one, but… I have some grievances
Once they first met each other, it was YUMMY. He was so primal and the yearning between them was so hot. There was multiple scenes that were top-tier and he was totally Tarzan…. Until everything fell apart.
Once they actually started getting fully intimate all the yearning and tension was gone, all that was left was instant love. From then on they just fcked all the time.
I understand this book is trying to be comedic which at times worked, but the modern slang started to get cringey (Pilates princess, caveman daddy, fuckboy)
He was so mysterious and “beastly” at first. There is a scene when she’s running through the forest and his hunting instinct takes over….HOT. The mango scene? HOT. The HONEYYYYY??? HOTTTT. BECAUSE OF THE TENSION!!!! Once the tension was gone and they loved each other I was bored. He no longer felt like a mysterious beastly caveman Tarzan. He just felt like…a man.
I wish the rescue would’ve been more believable. It just shows up righttttttt when she says she needs to go back. Toooo predictable there, it was rushed.
I do have to mention that end… I cannot believe it basically introduced magical pig reincarnation in the EPILOGUE💀
All in all I loved the first half of the book. I still enjoyed them once they got together, but I didn’t LOVE it the way I did the first half before he started talking.
Once they first met each other, it was YUMMY. He was so primal and the yearning between them was so hot. There was multiple scenes that were top-tier and he was totally Tarzan…. Until everything fell apart.
Once they actually started getting fully intimate all the yearning and tension was gone, all that was left was instant love. From then on they just fcked all the time.
I understand this book is trying to be comedic which at times worked, but the modern slang started to get cringey (Pilates princess, caveman daddy, fuckboy)
He was so mysterious and “beastly” at first. There is a scene when she’s running through the forest and his hunting instinct takes over….HOT. The mango scene? HOT. The HONEYYYYY??? HOTTTT. BECAUSE OF THE TENSION!!!! Once the tension was gone and they loved each other I was bored. He no longer felt like a mysterious beastly caveman Tarzan. He just felt like…a man.
I wish the rescue would’ve been more believable. It just shows up righttttttt when she says she needs to go back. Toooo predictable there, it was rushed.
I do have to mention that end… I cannot believe it basically introduced magical pig reincarnation in the EPILOGUE💀
All in all I loved the first half of the book. I still enjoyed them once they got together, but I didn’t LOVE it the way I did the first half before he started talking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
Thank you NerdFam for the gifted eARC. The following review is my own honest review for this book.
What instantly grabbed me about this book was the setup — a wildlife scientist shipwrecked on a remote island, only to discover it’s already inhabited by a man who’s been surviving there alone since childhood. When I first discovered that this was a retelling of Tarzan , I was immediately intrigued, and this book did not disappoint.
If you’re into tropes, this one delivers: grumpy × sunshine, forced proximity, and deserted island survival. Maris, with her passion for wildlife and her STEM background (yes, her bat research made for such a fun twist), collides head-on with Alek, who’s spent twenty years in isolation with only a pig named Poaka and a trunk of books for company. One scene that really stuck with me was Maris trying to teach Aleki the art of conversation — he’s so blunt and unfiltered that their banter is equal parts awkward, funny, and unexpectedly tender. It’s moments like that, where survival and romance blend seamlessly, that make this story shine.
This was definitely a different kind of book than what I usually read, and I’m so glad I picked it up. The island setting is lush and vivid, the banter has bite, and the romance strikes a balance between tender and spicy. I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. For me, this was without a doubt a five-star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
What instantly grabbed me about this book was the setup — a wildlife scientist shipwrecked on a remote island, only to discover it’s already inhabited by a man who’s been surviving there alone since childhood. When I first discovered that this was a retelling of Tarzan , I was immediately intrigued, and this book did not disappoint.
If you’re into tropes, this one delivers: grumpy × sunshine, forced proximity, and deserted island survival. Maris, with her passion for wildlife and her STEM background (yes, her bat research made for such a fun twist), collides head-on with Alek, who’s spent twenty years in isolation with only a pig named Poaka and a trunk of books for company. One scene that really stuck with me was Maris trying to teach Aleki the art of conversation — he’s so blunt and unfiltered that their banter is equal parts awkward, funny, and unexpectedly tender. It’s moments like that, where survival and romance blend seamlessly, that make this story shine.
This was definitely a different kind of book than what I usually read, and I’m so glad I picked it up. The island setting is lush and vivid, the banter has bite, and the romance strikes a balance between tender and spicy. I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. For me, this was without a doubt a five-star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
May 15, 2025
Victoria Woods, in the afterword, says there are four characters to this book: Aleki, Maris, Poaka, and the island. And it’s so true. The island is its own character. I really loved how Aleki became part of the island, and for him, leaving it despite being shipwrecked there alone for 24 years wasn’t an option. And the epilogue from Poaka’s POV had me crying. Also, Aleki rigging an entire island into a home and learning through books was so freaking awesome. And I just loved that the romance books taught him what he needed to know when it came to Maris.
As for the four stars instead of the five: the book starts with Maris having sex with someone else. It wasn’t good, it’s to do with her need for human contact rather than the actual sex, but that could have been portrayed in any other way than having a main character being intimate on page with someone other than the love interest. It’s before she ever meets Aleki but I still hated it and it set a vibe for the book that took me a while to get out of. This is personal preference but I don’t ever want to read a sex scene outside of the main couple.
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
As for the four stars instead of the five: the book starts with Maris having sex with someone else. It wasn’t good, it’s to do with her need for human contact rather than the actual sex, but that could have been portrayed in any other way than having a main character being intimate on page with someone other than the love interest. It’s before she ever meets Aleki but I still hated it and it set a vibe for the book that took me a while to get out of. This is personal preference but I don’t ever want to read a sex scene outside of the main couple.
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
✨️ ARC Review✨️
4🌟
2 🌶
Grumpy Tarzan? Deserted island? Forced proximity (in a tropical jungle)? SAY. LESS.
I haven't read anything like this before, and I loved this story!
Maris is a bat biologist who is lost at sea when the boat she and her crew is on hits a bad storm. Alive, she washes up on a deserted island where Aleki finds her.
Aleki has lived on this island for 24 years. At 10, he and his parents went out on a catamaran adventure but also hit a storm and ended up shipwrecked. Both his parents died, and he's been living alone evsr since. Aleki has built himself a nice little sanctuary in the jungle, and Maris' presence disrupts it all.
He has had no one to talk to or be with (aside from his pet pig) for over 2 decades, and he is fascinated by Maris.
The character development here was fabulous. Maris and Aleki offered each other something that neither of them had been able to find for years.
This book had banter, wit, a strong FMC, and some major Tarzan/Jane vibes. I loved it!
Thank you, Luna Literary Mamagement, for the ARC and the chance to read and review!
4🌟
2 🌶
Grumpy Tarzan? Deserted island? Forced proximity (in a tropical jungle)? SAY. LESS.
I haven't read anything like this before, and I loved this story!
Maris is a bat biologist who is lost at sea when the boat she and her crew is on hits a bad storm. Alive, she washes up on a deserted island where Aleki finds her.
Aleki has lived on this island for 24 years. At 10, he and his parents went out on a catamaran adventure but also hit a storm and ended up shipwrecked. Both his parents died, and he's been living alone evsr since. Aleki has built himself a nice little sanctuary in the jungle, and Maris' presence disrupts it all.
He has had no one to talk to or be with (aside from his pet pig) for over 2 decades, and he is fascinated by Maris.
The character development here was fabulous. Maris and Aleki offered each other something that neither of them had been able to find for years.
This book had banter, wit, a strong FMC, and some major Tarzan/Jane vibes. I loved it!
Thank you, Luna Literary Mamagement, for the ARC and the chance to read and review!
September 12, 2025
I’ve always loved the story of Tarzan, and Victoria Woods' retelling in Wild Life was a refreshing, fun, and steamy version. Maris and Aleki share so much in common—both having lost their parents at a very young age. However, Aleki grew up alone based on his environment and surroundings; in a way, Maris did, too, with an Aunt who didn’t want her.
I loved Victoria Woods's details regarding how Aleki learned certain things and obtained materials to make things, making the story more believable. The steamy scenes were very good especially Maris and Aleki’s first time together because it was Aleki’s first time.
There was a content warning about the end. I decided to read the ending and not skip it. I’m glad I did read it. It was sad, heartwarming, but still put a smile on my face as did rest of the story.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘞𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
I loved Victoria Woods's details regarding how Aleki learned certain things and obtained materials to make things, making the story more believable. The steamy scenes were very good especially Maris and Aleki’s first time together because it was Aleki’s first time.
There was a content warning about the end. I decided to read the ending and not skip it. I’m glad I did read it. It was sad, heartwarming, but still put a smile on my face as did rest of the story.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘞𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺.
September 16, 2025
Rating: ★★★★.5 (4.5/5)
A Tarzan retelling… and I loved it! I know there are some mixed feelings out there, but for me? I just found this one so warm, lighthearted, and still full of deep emotions 🥹
Now, Aleki and Maris… where do I even start?!They were so so perfect for each other ❤️🔥 Their chemistry, their friendship, and ultimately their love felt so natural 🤌🏻 and so real, watching two people work through their trauma together was beautiful, and I truly enjoyed every moment.
So, Plot? … Yes, it doesn’t have intricate twists or big mysteries, but instead focuses on the characters growth and relationship. Honestly? That made it even more wonderful. For me, it was the perfect palette cleanser between heavier reads. 👀
The pacing and the world (Island?) building were spot-on, and it was such an easy book to fly through … I read it in one sitting!!
And that ending? Perfection, with just the right ✨magical✨ touch I didn’t know I needed.
P.S. Can I get a baby piggy 🐷, please? No? … Ok 😢
A Tarzan retelling… and I loved it! I know there are some mixed feelings out there, but for me? I just found this one so warm, lighthearted, and still full of deep emotions 🥹
Now, Aleki and Maris… where do I even start?!They were so so perfect for each other ❤️🔥 Their chemistry, their friendship, and ultimately their love felt so natural 🤌🏻 and so real, watching two people work through their trauma together was beautiful, and I truly enjoyed every moment.
So, Plot? … Yes, it doesn’t have intricate twists or big mysteries, but instead focuses on the characters growth and relationship. Honestly? That made it even more wonderful. For me, it was the perfect palette cleanser between heavier reads. 👀
The pacing and the world (Island?) building were spot-on, and it was such an easy book to fly through … I read it in one sitting!!
And that ending? Perfection, with just the right ✨magical✨ touch I didn’t know I needed.
P.S. Can I get a baby piggy 🐷, please? No? … Ok 😢
May 27, 2025
4.5 stars
As I reader I like to read different types of contemporary romance stories to see how a story unfolds and where it takes me. This is one of those romance novels I’m so happy to have found. One word that comes to mind after reading this is “Refreshing” and not just because it’s set on a tropical island in the South Pacific. It’s a survival romance, that has depth and angst to the story and characters.
I could feel and understand how Aleki had to learn to survive on his own and live in solitude. Then unexpectedly have someone invade his island and his way of life. Maris is thankful for Aleki giving her shelter and safety, but the anger and frustration between the two of them is palpable and creates friction that sets the stage for a delightful and captivating story. There is so much to this book that I don’t want to spoil it for others but to just say the author created two memorable characters that have similar backstories but from very different parts of the world who inevitably get stranded on the same deserted island, maybe by coincidence or maybe by some island enchantment? 🤗
Oh, and you can’t help but fall in love with the adorable poaka 😉🌺
As I reader I like to read different types of contemporary romance stories to see how a story unfolds and where it takes me. This is one of those romance novels I’m so happy to have found. One word that comes to mind after reading this is “Refreshing” and not just because it’s set on a tropical island in the South Pacific. It’s a survival romance, that has depth and angst to the story and characters.
I could feel and understand how Aleki had to learn to survive on his own and live in solitude. Then unexpectedly have someone invade his island and his way of life. Maris is thankful for Aleki giving her shelter and safety, but the anger and frustration between the two of them is palpable and creates friction that sets the stage for a delightful and captivating story. There is so much to this book that I don’t want to spoil it for others but to just say the author created two memorable characters that have similar backstories but from very different parts of the world who inevitably get stranded on the same deserted island, maybe by coincidence or maybe by some island enchantment? 🤗
Oh, and you can’t help but fall in love with the adorable poaka 😉🌺
October 22, 2025
3.5⭐ 1.5🌶️
Ok, this is a tricky one. As a romance girly, I really enjoyed reading this Tarzan retelling. As STEM girly (specifically a biologist) this was fun but girl, get an f-g grip... sure fight the patriarchy but everyone knows you always listen to your local guides unless you want to end up in the hospital or worse.
Aaaaanyway, this was a fun read with stubborn strong willed FMC and a sweet and stoic MMC, both with tons of childhood trauma. The story centers mostly on the character development and healing journey so prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of feels.
Thanks to the Author and the NerdFam for the ARC. All comments are my own.
Ok, this is a tricky one. As a romance girly, I really enjoyed reading this Tarzan retelling. As STEM girly (specifically a biologist) this was fun but girl, get an f-g grip... sure fight the patriarchy but everyone knows you always listen to your local guides unless you want to end up in the hospital or worse.
Aaaaanyway, this was a fun read with stubborn strong willed FMC and a sweet and stoic MMC, both with tons of childhood trauma. The story centers mostly on the character development and healing journey so prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of feels.
Thanks to the Author and the NerdFam for the ARC. All comments are my own.
May 18, 2025
Arc Review
4.5 ⭐
Aleki has been marooned on an island, alone since the age of 10. Now 24 years later a mysterious woman washes up on his shore.
Maris is a scientist who falls overboard during a storm while on a mission. She finds herself on a deserted island that turns out, is not so deserted.
Two worlds collide in this sweet, funny, spicy story! I loved their chemistry and banter. I found myself giggling at their inner thoughts about each other. The way they bonded and together overcome challenges and traumas was so beautiful. Really enjoyed this read!
4.5 ⭐
Aleki has been marooned on an island, alone since the age of 10. Now 24 years later a mysterious woman washes up on his shore.
Maris is a scientist who falls overboard during a storm while on a mission. She finds herself on a deserted island that turns out, is not so deserted.
Two worlds collide in this sweet, funny, spicy story! I loved their chemistry and banter. I found myself giggling at their inner thoughts about each other. The way they bonded and together overcome challenges and traumas was so beautiful. Really enjoyed this read!
June 15, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for selecting me to arc read this early. Oh my my, I love love love this story!!! I liked the 2 main characters, I liked how quiet Aleki was in the beginning before he found his voice of confidence. The ending made me cryyyyyyy, I don’t know how a pig could make me cry so much but it did and I’m glad he got reborn again and again. I hated hated Eli, every mention of him I disliked him even more. The happily ever after was phenomenal amazing. 10/10 good job on this book!!!
August 27, 2025
Wild Life by Victoria Woods is such a fun and unique Tarzan retelling! It’s cute, humorous, and surprisingly heartfelt all at once. The characters had amazing chemistry, the witty banter kept me smiling, and the jungle setting was so vivid. Perfect for anyone who loves romantic adventure with a twist!
September 10, 2025
3.75/5
This Tarzan-esque romance was a fun and quick read! I loved the idea of being stranded on an island with a mysterious man and his pet pig. I also enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow. This book is also told in dual POV, so you get to see inside both MC's minds early on!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ebook for review, all opinions are my own <3
This Tarzan-esque romance was a fun and quick read! I loved the idea of being stranded on an island with a mysterious man and his pet pig. I also enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow. This book is also told in dual POV, so you get to see inside both MC's minds early on!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ebook for review, all opinions are my own <3
June 1, 2025
ARC review:
4.5⭐️: I knew this was going to be a good time when there was a map at the beginning. This was a really fun read! First chapter already had me chuckling with Maris’s inner monologues. Loved Aleki and how grumpy he was in the beginning. Maris and Aleki’s dynamic was so so good and wholesome. And her teaching him about sexy time was 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻🥵. A little predictable towards the end but I still ate it up. 🙂 This was my intro to Victoria’s work and I can’t wait to read more!
4.5⭐️: I knew this was going to be a good time when there was a map at the beginning. This was a really fun read! First chapter already had me chuckling with Maris’s inner monologues. Loved Aleki and how grumpy he was in the beginning. Maris and Aleki’s dynamic was so so good and wholesome. And her teaching him about sexy time was 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻🥵. A little predictable towards the end but I still ate it up. 🙂 This was my intro to Victoria’s work and I can’t wait to read more!
June 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I found the FMC to be whiny, but I loved the MMC and I am a suckerrrrr for an island setting. I thought it was a bit rushed, but I might just be more of a slow burn gal. This kept me entertained, and I liked it enough to download the second part of the series from KU.
dnf
August 26, 2025DNF @ 10%.
Unfortunately I just don’t think this book is for me.
I’m not a big fan of how it opened to start the story and don’t think the writing style is necessarily for me.
I wish this author the best in finding her audience.
Thank you to NerdFam for a copy of this gifted Arc.
Unfortunately I just don’t think this book is for me.
I’m not a big fan of how it opened to start the story and don’t think the writing style is necessarily for me.
I wish this author the best in finding her audience.
Thank you to NerdFam for a copy of this gifted Arc.
September 7, 2025
Loved the mutual healing aspects, the build up in tension and spice, and how sweet they were to each other. Pouka was the sweetest animal companion too.
This definitely had Tarzan vibes, and I liked the way fate brought them together.
This definitely had Tarzan vibes, and I liked the way fate brought them together.
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