What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild Thing
This isn’t your average love story.
Five years ago, Dylan Forrester had her heart smashed into smithereens. But while she died inside, other parts of her life thrived.
And now? It seems like she has it all.
A skyrocketing career, a steady boyfriend and a picture-perfect life. But behind the fake smile, you’ll find that she’s a chaotic mess.
Enter Brax.
Six foot three. Tattooed. A human wrecking ball of bad decisions. Oh, and her ex—the one who shattered her into tiny, unfixable pieces.
When fate throws them together, buried feelings and bad decisions take control, threatening to blow their lives to bits.
Told in gripping alternating timelines, Wild Thing is a razor-sharp dive into love’s darker edges, the places where morals are tested, and secrets are exposed.
Five years ago, Dylan Forrester had her heart smashed into smithereens. But while she died inside, other parts of her life thrived.
And now? It seems like she has it all.
A skyrocketing career, a steady boyfriend and a picture-perfect life. But behind the fake smile, you’ll find that she’s a chaotic mess.
Enter Brax.
Six foot three. Tattooed. A human wrecking ball of bad decisions. Oh, and her ex—the one who shattered her into tiny, unfixable pieces.
When fate throws them together, buried feelings and bad decisions take control, threatening to blow their lives to bits.
Told in gripping alternating timelines, Wild Thing is a razor-sharp dive into love’s darker edges, the places where morals are tested, and secrets are exposed.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
17 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Orchard
1 book16 followersRomance writer. Smut specialist.
K.J. Orchard writes emotionally messy stories for good girls who like to do bad things.
www.katorchard.com
IG @kjorchard_author | TikTok @kjorchard
K.J. Orchard writes emotionally messy stories for good girls who like to do bad things.
www.katorchard.com
IG @kjorchard_author | TikTok @kjorchard
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 11, 2025
Thank you to Tales & Teacups and author K.J. Orchard for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
FMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
MMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
This book had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter! I know not a lot of people like the cheating trope, but I do enjoy it as long as it's written well. And it was! The tension was so good and had me so interested, I read through this book in just a few hours! And Brax is simply delicious 😋
The only reason I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the book needed to be edited a bit more. There were quite a few punctuation errors I had marked throughout. But I thought that the story itself was excellent!
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
FMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
MMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
This book had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter! I know not a lot of people like the cheating trope, but I do enjoy it as long as it's written well. And it was! The tension was so good and had me so interested, I read through this book in just a few hours! And Brax is simply delicious 😋
The only reason I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the book needed to be edited a bit more. There were quite a few punctuation errors I had marked throughout. But I thought that the story itself was excellent!
May 3, 2025
There’s mid life crisis’ and there’s coming of age stories and this lies somewhere in the middle. You made the right choices. You picked the career. You left your hometown. You picked the stable love- not the passionate one. You did it. The success has come and abundantly… so why are you so miserable?
A chance encounter and being faced with their pasts will force Dylan and Brax to rethink all their right choices by making several very… very wrong ones.
This. Mf. Book. It’s messy and complicated and leaves you wondering what will come of it all. Just like life. It’s so spicy and sad and funny and I was completely obsessed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A chance encounter and being faced with their pasts will force Dylan and Brax to rethink all their right choices by making several very… very wrong ones.
This. Mf. Book. It’s messy and complicated and leaves you wondering what will come of it all. Just like life. It’s so spicy and sad and funny and I was completely obsessed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 11, 2025
This is an ARC review.
Instantly hooked! The writing was realistic and I felt emotionally connected to the FMC. Everything she went through, I felt it. There is a good amount of morally gray decisions made by the FMC and MMC and immediately get drawn into it. It is somewhat of a slow burn, but once the fuse is lit, it is on fire. If you like tatted, dark, muscular MMCs, then you’ll love Brax.
There are trigger/content warnings, so be aware of that. I will definitely reread this book again. The author’s description of the MMC’s, let’s call it, assets are inventive. She paints quite a mental picture. 😉
Instantly hooked! The writing was realistic and I felt emotionally connected to the FMC. Everything she went through, I felt it. There is a good amount of morally gray decisions made by the FMC and MMC and immediately get drawn into it. It is somewhat of a slow burn, but once the fuse is lit, it is on fire. If you like tatted, dark, muscular MMCs, then you’ll love Brax.
There are trigger/content warnings, so be aware of that. I will definitely reread this book again. The author’s description of the MMC’s, let’s call it, assets are inventive. She paints quite a mental picture. 😉
May 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Every so often a book comes along where the writing brings something else to the table
This was so real and so raw and so gritty. It explored the true complexities of the human experience in terms of the heart and wanting what it wants, no matter what the stakes are.
If you’re not into the cheating trope, do not read this book. This was absolutely fabulous for a debut and I cannot wait to see what the author comes out with next.
Loved every second of this!
Every so often a book comes along where the writing brings something else to the table
This was so real and so raw and so gritty. It explored the true complexities of the human experience in terms of the heart and wanting what it wants, no matter what the stakes are.
If you’re not into the cheating trope, do not read this book. This was absolutely fabulous for a debut and I cannot wait to see what the author comes out with next.
Loved every second of this!
March 6, 2025
4.5/5
big thanks to tales and teacups for this ARC!
this was a fucking crazy ride. i’m left here speechless because i have absolutely no words for the journey i was just taken on. i hate the cheating trope but this was so well done and i felt like everything that was written just felt so genuine. i can’t blame the characters for feeling what they feel, and it just felt so fucked up to root for them knowing what they were doing was so wrong, but ultimately it felt so right. i was gasping and sighing and moaning my way through this book because i felt for these characters so deeply. i spent the last 30% of the book with my hand on my head literally groaning because i was so unwell knowing how terribly this was about to go down. these characters were cap full of trauma and unrelenting emotional baggage, wrapped up in a world of privilege and expectations and i just could not. while i can’t relate to their feelings directly, i feel like the author perfectly encapsulated the human condition and how hard it is to battle with raw emotion over perceived societal and work expectations. i went into this with pretty low expectations and was thoroughly impressed. so toxic and so real. this one hit hard. well done
big thanks to tales and teacups for this ARC!
this was a fucking crazy ride. i’m left here speechless because i have absolutely no words for the journey i was just taken on. i hate the cheating trope but this was so well done and i felt like everything that was written just felt so genuine. i can’t blame the characters for feeling what they feel, and it just felt so fucked up to root for them knowing what they were doing was so wrong, but ultimately it felt so right. i was gasping and sighing and moaning my way through this book because i felt for these characters so deeply. i spent the last 30% of the book with my hand on my head literally groaning because i was so unwell knowing how terribly this was about to go down. these characters were cap full of trauma and unrelenting emotional baggage, wrapped up in a world of privilege and expectations and i just could not. while i can’t relate to their feelings directly, i feel like the author perfectly encapsulated the human condition and how hard it is to battle with raw emotion over perceived societal and work expectations. i went into this with pretty low expectations and was thoroughly impressed. so toxic and so real. this one hit hard. well done
June 2, 2025
Review update 🖤
An absolutely brilliant debut showcasing the other hand of intricate, taboo relationships.
The FMC is of course a WILD THING. From her chaotic personality to her strive of wanting to be different than what she witnessed. -It will make sense when you read it 😅
The MMC. Yes, the answer is yes.
This was such an entertaining ride. I loved that this isn’t your typical darkish rom book and shows everything in a different POV.
Definitely worth reading!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
An absolutely brilliant debut showcasing the other hand of intricate, taboo relationships.
The FMC is of course a WILD THING. From her chaotic personality to her strive of wanting to be different than what she witnessed. -It will make sense when you read it 😅
The MMC. Yes, the answer is yes.
This was such an entertaining ride. I loved that this isn’t your typical darkish rom book and shows everything in a different POV.
Definitely worth reading!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read
March 3, 2025 dnf @ 17% — this is honestly nothing about the book and everything to do with the slump im in: may return back to this later
March 2, 2025
This was SUCH a good book, especially for a debut! I love that there was an actual storyline in addition to spice. The spice feels so natural and not forced or cringey. I loved reading a FMC that was unapologetically confident too. This was an emotional rollercoaster. I went from loving the main characters to hating them back to rooting for them.
Does the MFC do some shitty things? Yes, her and the MMC do. But I enjoyed their redemption. And I appreciated jer strength because girl goes through a lot. Thank you for emphasizing that sexual assault survivors are not to blame either.
My final point…this book had a wonderful playlist. Anything with BMTH wins me over!
Does the MFC do some shitty things? Yes, her and the MMC do. But I enjoyed their redemption. And I appreciated jer strength because girl goes through a lot. Thank you for emphasizing that sexual assault survivors are not to blame either.
My final point…this book had a wonderful playlist. Anything with BMTH wins me over!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Another day, another book full of toxicity 🤭
I really enjoyed this, it had the perfect balance of plot and spice. It was dual POV (although I would have liked to have read more of Brax’s POV) and really fast paced. I finished this in less than 24 hours!
Dylan and Brax are exes and their feelings are rekindled 5 years later when they are working on the same job. However they’re both in (unhappy) relationships and can’t stay away from each other.
Dylan is absolutely chaotic but I loved her. Brax is an absolute god. I love a tall, dark tatted man with a filthy mouth.
This was an amazing debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to tales and teacups for the ARC!
“don’t settle for a love that doesn’t engulf you, forever is a long time to make small talk.”
“he loved knowing that he had me in a chokehold; while I got off on knowing that my throat was in his hands.”
July 15, 2025
"We were two people drowning in each other's sins."
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This book had me in a chokehold from the beginning.
I loved that the alternating timelines weren't consistently changing, keeping me invested in the story.
The writing felt as though the MCs were truly pouring their hearts and souls into a diary entry.
I felt that anything they both experienced, I experienced, and the feelings they had, I had; which in itself proves the writing was fantastic.
These two are toxic AF, and they're supposed to be.
They're supposed to be flawed, they're supposed to be morally grey.
I think what K.J. Orchard was trying to convey was well achieved.
"A beautiful, chaotic, mess. She was my wild thing. And she brought me to my fucking knees."
Thank you Tales & Teacups PR and K.J. Orchard for the opportunity to read this eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This book had me in a chokehold from the beginning.
I loved that the alternating timelines weren't consistently changing, keeping me invested in the story.
The writing felt as though the MCs were truly pouring their hearts and souls into a diary entry.
I felt that anything they both experienced, I experienced, and the feelings they had, I had; which in itself proves the writing was fantastic.
These two are toxic AF, and they're supposed to be.
They're supposed to be flawed, they're supposed to be morally grey.
I think what K.J. Orchard was trying to convey was well achieved.
"A beautiful, chaotic, mess. She was my wild thing. And she brought me to my fucking knees."
Thank you Tales & Teacups PR and K.J. Orchard for the opportunity to read this eARC!
March 5, 2025
I have absolutely no words. I am left speechless because wow! Just pure wow!! This book really tore my heart, stomped on it and revived it 🫣🤭 I applaud K. J. Orchard for this masterpiece 👏🏽👏🏽 I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book so I can re-read it over and over again and annotate it !!
This book is truly a roller coaster of emotions, where I don’t even know what i was feeling half of the time. Were we the bad guy or a misunderstood person who just wanted to be loved and chosen. Jesus, this book really made me feel like I was losing it and pulling the ends of my hair whenever Dylan was having her inner monologues
This is the story of Dylan and Brax, two people who fell in love and life got in their way of living happily ever after. This story has some trigger warnings that are listed on the first page of the book so you don’t jump into the novel without knowing what you are in for. As well as a killer playlist that I absolutely loved and set the mood for the whole book!
These two souls, who have always made bad choices end up seeing each other 5 years later, leading completely different life’s. Life’s that they don’t know if they would have lived if they didn’t tragically break up. This book is about wondering the what ifs, what if we stayed together? What if we fought for each other more? What if, what if, what if ….. it’s also about finding out who you are as a person and if actions lead to consequences (mini spoiler alert, it kinda does). This book really made me rethink my life choices and what I’ve been through and going through. This book has the ability to make you rethink what love actually means and if you have experienced it or thought you had.
This book is one of my all time favorite novels that I have read this year!! I rate this novel a 10000000/5 !!!!! And don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes 🤭🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥I absolutely swooned when Brax was a complete sweetheart!!! I fully recommend reading this novel as soon on as possible bc it’s a rollercoaster of emotions with so many turns and twists. These two literally have my heart ❤️🫶🏽
This book is truly a roller coaster of emotions, where I don’t even know what i was feeling half of the time. Were we the bad guy or a misunderstood person who just wanted to be loved and chosen. Jesus, this book really made me feel like I was losing it and pulling the ends of my hair whenever Dylan was having her inner monologues
This is the story of Dylan and Brax, two people who fell in love and life got in their way of living happily ever after. This story has some trigger warnings that are listed on the first page of the book so you don’t jump into the novel without knowing what you are in for. As well as a killer playlist that I absolutely loved and set the mood for the whole book!
These two souls, who have always made bad choices end up seeing each other 5 years later, leading completely different life’s. Life’s that they don’t know if they would have lived if they didn’t tragically break up. This book is about wondering the what ifs, what if we stayed together? What if we fought for each other more? What if, what if, what if ….. it’s also about finding out who you are as a person and if actions lead to consequences (mini spoiler alert, it kinda does). This book really made me rethink my life choices and what I’ve been through and going through. This book has the ability to make you rethink what love actually means and if you have experienced it or thought you had.
This book is one of my all time favorite novels that I have read this year!! I rate this novel a 10000000/5 !!!!! And don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes 🤭🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥I absolutely swooned when Brax was a complete sweetheart!!! I fully recommend reading this novel as soon on as possible bc it’s a rollercoaster of emotions with so many turns and twists. These two literally have my heart ❤️🫶🏽
March 23, 2025
WOW just WoW. I picked up this Arc from tales & teacups and it completely blew me away. I really wish real life didn't get in the way of this one because I would have devoured it within a weekend. This is the kind of book I will read late into the early hours, lose sleep over and wake up early to get back into it. For a contemporary romance it's was real and it was raw.
It's a second chance romance told from a dual pov over an altenating time timeline which deals with the aspects of an affair (check your TWs)
I honestly wasn't expecting to like Dylan & Brax as much as I did. I mean they're the bad guys right?? What they are doing is wrong, I know it, they know it, but somehow i was completely ae-okay with it and was rooting for them from the get go. How do authors manage to get readers so completely forget their own moral compass ..if this was real life I'm the Greg of of story and he pulled a d*ck move! But I totally get it.
Orchard set the scene from the start, Dylan is a chaotic mess in an unhappy relationshi. We follow her through her chaotic choises and bad decisions of self destruction yet...you can't help but love her. Could she have made better choices.. definitely. Do I love her regardless, absolutely. Ultimately it was her journey through the chaos, the guilt, the journey of acptance, self love and forgiveness that had me in a choke hold
It's a second chance romance told from a dual pov over an altenating time timeline which deals with the aspects of an affair (check your TWs)
I honestly wasn't expecting to like Dylan & Brax as much as I did. I mean they're the bad guys right?? What they are doing is wrong, I know it, they know it, but somehow i was completely ae-okay with it and was rooting for them from the get go. How do authors manage to get readers so completely forget their own moral compass ..if this was real life I'm the Greg of of story and he pulled a d*ck move! But I totally get it.
Orchard set the scene from the start, Dylan is a chaotic mess in an unhappy relationshi. We follow her through her chaotic choises and bad decisions of self destruction yet...you can't help but love her. Could she have made better choices.. definitely. Do I love her regardless, absolutely. Ultimately it was her journey through the chaos, the guilt, the journey of acptance, self love and forgiveness that had me in a choke hold
April 10, 2025
⭐️3🌶️3💧0
📗 one that got away
📕 second chance
📘 CHEATING
📙 forced proximity
📚 self destruction
Let me start by saying This review is based on my personal preference and if certain situations were changed my review would be too…. Hmmmm this book… I couldn’t get past the cheating (by both parties) they both claim to not be happy but noone calls anything off? And things start to get serious and yep you guessed it, not even a breakup phone call.
And it doesn’t happen until around 90% in.
I loved Brax in all his alpha goodness. Dylan was kind of annoying with her inner monologues.
That said..Omg that video call in chapter 17 was fiiiireeee!!! And there were several other scenes that were hottttt too!! There was plenty of spice and I also loved the way Brax knew something was up with creepy Steve and then comes to her rescue.
#wildthing #kjorchard #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
📗 one that got away
📕 second chance
📘 CHEATING
📙 forced proximity
📚 self destruction
Let me start by saying This review is based on my personal preference and if certain situations were changed my review would be too…. Hmmmm this book… I couldn’t get past the cheating (by both parties) they both claim to not be happy but noone calls anything off? And things start to get serious and yep you guessed it, not even a breakup phone call.
And it doesn’t happen until around 90% in.
I loved Brax in all his alpha goodness. Dylan was kind of annoying with her inner monologues.
That said..Omg that video call in chapter 17 was fiiiireeee!!! And there were several other scenes that were hottttt too!! There was plenty of spice and I also loved the way Brax knew something was up with creepy Steve and then comes to her rescue.
#wildthing #kjorchard #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
February 10, 2025
Thank you Tales and Teacups and K.J Orchard for this ARC. “Don’t settle for a love that doesn’t engulf you”. I freaking devoured every devastatingly beautiful morsel of this book. Author chose one of the best playlists I have ever seen for a book. Every song fit perfectly. This story is one I am sure many can relate to. What if….
A story so raw with emotion and full of truths that many can never find. The one that got away. The one you still think about many years later. Gut searing passion and sexy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Had to take a cold shower after this read. Readers, other than checking the trigger warnings, dive into this book blind.
A story so raw with emotion and full of truths that many can never find. The one that got away. The one you still think about many years later. Gut searing passion and sexy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Had to take a cold shower after this read. Readers, other than checking the trigger warnings, dive into this book blind.
March 14, 2025
This book spoke to my soul!
Dylan is a flawed and messy character but I loved her for it!
Brax is an incredibly hot ex-partner and their lives are messy and entangled. It’s a rollercoaster as we get to experience their journey.
So much realness with these two, I honestly could have read more and not had it end like it did, I wanted their story to keep going! I loved their world and their complicated story.
Recommended, check your triggers!
Thank you to tales and teacups and the author for this arc read.. I’m off to buy the paperback as a shelf trophy!
This was an arc read, and this is my honest review!
Dylan is a flawed and messy character but I loved her for it!
Brax is an incredibly hot ex-partner and their lives are messy and entangled. It’s a rollercoaster as we get to experience their journey.
So much realness with these two, I honestly could have read more and not had it end like it did, I wanted their story to keep going! I loved their world and their complicated story.
Recommended, check your triggers!
Thank you to tales and teacups and the author for this arc read.. I’m off to buy the paperback as a shelf trophy!
This was an arc read, and this is my honest review!
February 9, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. Could not put it down.
It’s a spicy read with a storyline that kept me hooked for the entire book.
The spice is 🔥, the writing excellent and the characters complicated and flawed.
This is the perfect book to help you move on after Onxy Storm. A standalone book that has left me wanting more from this author.
It’s a spicy read with a storyline that kept me hooked for the entire book.
The spice is 🔥, the writing excellent and the characters complicated and flawed.
This is the perfect book to help you move on after Onxy Storm. A standalone book that has left me wanting more from this author.
March 6, 2025
3.5 rounded up. This one was a bit of a challenge. The writing was good, I found I really liked the characters, flaws and all, but there were definitely things I struggled with. The characters are flawed, they do some terrible things… but, so do a lot of people. I love how the FMC redeemed herself, and was unapologetically herself.
February 7, 2025
This had the perfect blend of plot and romance and as a gal who lives for the plot this made me very happy. The characters are ones that you really want to hate, but ultimately end up rooting for. It kept me engaged the whole time and made me want to keep picking the book up whenever I got a chance. The smut girlies are going to froth this one.
The writing was easy, enjoyable and witty. Great debut and look forward to seeing what else this chaotic mind produces.
*received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review*
The writing was easy, enjoyable and witty. Great debut and look forward to seeing what else this chaotic mind produces.
*received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 10, 2025
Arc via Tales & Teacups! If you are anti 🌶️ then this definitely is not the book for you! I enjoyed this & loved the chemisty between Dylan & Brax. I only wish it went into their past a bit more! But overall 4/5 ⭐️
February 8, 2025
I actually give this book a 4.5 rating but good reads doesn’t do that! Dylan is just the chaotic character I needed in my life. I related to her so much! And Brax… the description of him had me drooling. Just wish the ended wasn’t so fast
May 13, 2025
cheating by h and H, mostly told in past with a chapter thrown in with present, I really enjoyed but needed more at the end and more hea
February 5, 2025
Wild Thing is the kind of book that pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. The author’s writing style is refreshingly conversational yet carries real weight, making it an effortless read. Every sentence feels natural, like a friend telling you a great story—but beneath that ease is depth.
The story itself is engaging from start to finish, filled with moments that make you lean in, eager to know what happens next.
The story itself is engaging from start to finish, filled with moments that make you lean in, eager to know what happens next.
February 12, 2025
This second chance romance is beautifully messy—just like real life. The characters are flawed, their decisions questionable, and the love story is anything but straightforward. But that’s what makes it so captivating. You can’t help who you love, even when it’s complicated, even when it’s the one that got away. The journey is chaotic, but the happily ever after is worth every twist and turn. Real, raw, and spicy 🌶️. Thank you to Tales & Teacups and author K.J. Orchard for giving me the chance to do the ARC review ❤️
March 4, 2025
Wild Thing is a gripping second chance romance that delivers all the angst, chemistry, and heartwarming moments you could hope for. K.J. Orchard crafts a compelling story of love lost and found, filled with emotional depth and sizzling tension.
One of the standout aspects of the book is Dylan’s sass her sharp wit and playful banter had me hooked from the start. Her dynamic with Brad kept the story engaging, adding just the right amount of humor to balance the emotional weight of their past. The way their relationship unfolds is both heartfelt and satisfying, making this a must read for fans of the genre.
If you love second chance romances with plenty of fire and unforgettable characters, Wild Thing won’t disappoint.
One of the standout aspects of the book is Dylan’s sass her sharp wit and playful banter had me hooked from the start. Her dynamic with Brad kept the story engaging, adding just the right amount of humor to balance the emotional weight of their past. The way their relationship unfolds is both heartfelt and satisfying, making this a must read for fans of the genre.
If you love second chance romances with plenty of fire and unforgettable characters, Wild Thing won’t disappoint.
June 13, 2025
Wild Thing had me hooked from beginning to end! The love, the lies and the pure chaos of it prevented me from putting it down. While this isn’t my usual reading genre I was entirely engrossed in the plot and the character development, especially with the easy to read structure of the book and the split POVs. I would recommend.
*Received as an ARC in return for an honest review*
*Received as an ARC in return for an honest review*
March 6, 2025
“No one will ever know the violence it took for me to be this gentle.” 🥵
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This book was a surprise. In the best way. I love a second chance romance and this one delivered. The chemistry, the angst, the yearning, the difficulty of navigating how a person who you loved so deeply fits with who you are, where you are, and what you want now. Wild Thing delivered, expertly.
These characters are incredibly real. They’re flawed, they’re relatable. They make terrible decisions and pay the consequences. Please check the content warnings––the author didn’t pull any punches. And I’m deliriously happy for that because this is the first book I’ve read in a while where I felt like I was watching something unfold in real life.
The narrative voices are believable, painfully so. I got invested in them and their flaws, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake them both for making silly mistakes.
It’s not an exaggeration to say I loved this book. It's got heaviness to it. It's not a light and fluffy read, because Dylan lives up to her nickname. She's a wild thing, experiencing extremes and warring with herself and how she experiences joy. There's darkness in wildness, and Dylan's is explored.
Pacing became an issue toward the end. There was a major conflict, then everything after felt like a mad dash to Dylan’s final thoughts, then an all-too-brief epilogue. It almost walks the line of robbing us of an HEA. Almost. I wanted more, there. More from Dylan confronting her demons and being honest with herself about what she wanted. More of the emotional relationship development after the conflict.
If my only complaint is that I want more, I’m a happy reader, indeed.
If the tropes and content warnings resonate for you, I highly recommend this one.
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Second chance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Morally gray choices (both leads)
✨ Heavy open door spice
✨ Mental health/therapy rep (some dark themes)
‼️ Check the content warnings
✨ Un-put-downable
✨ Standalone
✨ Contemporary MF
✨ First person, dual POV, present tense
I am SO grateful to K.J. Orchard and Tales & Teacups to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This book was a surprise. In the best way. I love a second chance romance and this one delivered. The chemistry, the angst, the yearning, the difficulty of navigating how a person who you loved so deeply fits with who you are, where you are, and what you want now. Wild Thing delivered, expertly.
These characters are incredibly real. They’re flawed, they’re relatable. They make terrible decisions and pay the consequences. Please check the content warnings––the author didn’t pull any punches. And I’m deliriously happy for that because this is the first book I’ve read in a while where I felt like I was watching something unfold in real life.
The narrative voices are believable, painfully so. I got invested in them and their flaws, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake them both for making silly mistakes.
It’s not an exaggeration to say I loved this book. It's got heaviness to it. It's not a light and fluffy read, because Dylan lives up to her nickname. She's a wild thing, experiencing extremes and warring with herself and how she experiences joy. There's darkness in wildness, and Dylan's is explored.
Pacing became an issue toward the end. There was a major conflict, then everything after felt like a mad dash to Dylan’s final thoughts, then an all-too-brief epilogue. It almost walks the line of robbing us of an HEA. Almost. I wanted more, there. More from Dylan confronting her demons and being honest with herself about what she wanted. More of the emotional relationship development after the conflict.
If my only complaint is that I want more, I’m a happy reader, indeed.
If the tropes and content warnings resonate for you, I highly recommend this one.
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Second chance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Morally gray choices (both leads)
✨ Heavy open door spice
✨ Mental health/therapy rep (some dark themes)
‼️ Check the content warnings
✨ Un-put-downable
✨ Standalone
✨ Contemporary MF
✨ First person, dual POV, present tense
I am SO grateful to K.J. Orchard and Tales & Teacups to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.
February 18, 2025
Thanks Tales & Teacups for this ARC of Wild Thing by K.J. Orchard!
"The brutal truth was I wasn't in love with Zack. He was nice, in a golden retriever way.
But I'd never been a dog person."
Wild Thing was a one-sitting read for me - I was completely hooked from the first line ("What will people say about me when I die?") and from there it was a fast-paced, extremely steamy, dual POV, second-chance romance that didn't quit til the end.
The subject of Dylan and Brax fighting their attraction is masterfully done. The conflict of emotions, the undeniably chemistry, the confusion, the shame - all tangled together as both characters struggle with their actions, their needs and their morals clashing violently. The rollercoaster of emotions leaps off the page as characters and reader alike question whether this is right. You want it to happen, and then you feel guilty for wanting it to happen. But that's the thing about illicit affairs.
Don't let the spice distract you though (and there's plenty of it) - this book explores Dylan's deep-rooted identity issues in the therapy sessions dotted throughout the dual timeline story. Is she fundamentally a bad person for what she did? Does she deserve to be unhappy? Her healing is not sugar-coated, and her feelings are visceral.
TLDR: Complex, emotional, sexy and confronting, this is a story about how sabotaging your whole life will force you to face versions of yourself you don't like, so you can find the one you do.
"The brutal truth was I wasn't in love with Zack. He was nice, in a golden retriever way.
But I'd never been a dog person."
Wild Thing was a one-sitting read for me - I was completely hooked from the first line ("What will people say about me when I die?") and from there it was a fast-paced, extremely steamy, dual POV, second-chance romance that didn't quit til the end.
The subject of Dylan and Brax fighting their attraction is masterfully done. The conflict of emotions, the undeniably chemistry, the confusion, the shame - all tangled together as both characters struggle with their actions, their needs and their morals clashing violently. The rollercoaster of emotions leaps off the page as characters and reader alike question whether this is right. You want it to happen, and then you feel guilty for wanting it to happen. But that's the thing about illicit affairs.
Don't let the spice distract you though (and there's plenty of it) - this book explores Dylan's deep-rooted identity issues in the therapy sessions dotted throughout the dual timeline story. Is she fundamentally a bad person for what she did? Does she deserve to be unhappy? Her healing is not sugar-coated, and her feelings are visceral.
TLDR: Complex, emotional, sexy and confronting, this is a story about how sabotaging your whole life will force you to face versions of yourself you don't like, so you can find the one you do.
February 26, 2025
There’s possibly something very wrong with me. Because characters who make seriously toxic, damaging decisions are like crack to read. And this one was absolutely no exception.
I inhaled this! That’s absolutely enough of a sign for me that the book was brilliant.
The story is centred around Dylan, who is at the peak of her career and takes a work trip for a week for an interior design conference. Dylan has the “perfect” life - the skyrocketing career, a boyfriend who loves her and wants to settle down - but what’s missing? And is she truly happy?
As her tatted and jacked up ex-boyfriend saunters through the hotel she’s staying in, Dylan’s entire world stands still.
The decisions these two make from thereon out, are WILD. Just as the title suggests.
But is it all worth it?
I really loved this story. KJ Orchard writes with such purpose and gives you the perfect mix of spice and plot - both of which will keep you on the edge of your seats.
I loved Dylan’s inner monologue and her witty, dark humour. I think she would be a relatable character for many career driven women who find themselves stuck in a life for societal norms instead of following your OWN passions.
This overarching message to the story was a little cherry on top.
(A very, very BIG thank you to Kat for providing me with an early copy of your debut novel. You're a total superstar and I can't wait to read what you do next!)
Highly recommend!
I inhaled this! That’s absolutely enough of a sign for me that the book was brilliant.
The story is centred around Dylan, who is at the peak of her career and takes a work trip for a week for an interior design conference. Dylan has the “perfect” life - the skyrocketing career, a boyfriend who loves her and wants to settle down - but what’s missing? And is she truly happy?
As her tatted and jacked up ex-boyfriend saunters through the hotel she’s staying in, Dylan’s entire world stands still.
The decisions these two make from thereon out, are WILD. Just as the title suggests.
But is it all worth it?
I really loved this story. KJ Orchard writes with such purpose and gives you the perfect mix of spice and plot - both of which will keep you on the edge of your seats.
I loved Dylan’s inner monologue and her witty, dark humour. I think she would be a relatable character for many career driven women who find themselves stuck in a life for societal norms instead of following your OWN passions.
This overarching message to the story was a little cherry on top.
(A very, very BIG thank you to Kat for providing me with an early copy of your debut novel. You're a total superstar and I can't wait to read what you do next!)
Highly recommend!
March 3, 2025
Well this book is an emotional rollercoaster.
Dylan is a successful interior designer who is going to another state to run a project for a bridal shop and it could be the turning point for her career. She is also stuck with wanting to end her relationship with her boyfriend Zack but decides to do it after she gets back from this week long trip. Not expecting to bump into the man who broke her heart a few years ago. History starts to repeat itself at this point.
Brax is a successful owner of a company which he bought a while ago. He is contracted to the company who are doing the bridal shop. He runs inside the hotel to get out of the torrential rain outside only to see Dylan. The girl who ran away from him to further her career and wouldn't stay with him.
Lots of old feelings are brought back up, they're both forced to face the reality that they are both in committed relationships whether they are happy or not. Barriers keep building to stop them doing what they want to do. A sleazy colleague, a friend who they both work with, the relationships they are both in. Tragedy hits at the end of the week of work when Dylan finds something out about Brax's relationship and meets her.
I got extremely angry towards the end and upset when I thought I had reached the end of the book but I was relieved to see there was a couple more chapters and the story didn't end how I thought it was going to.
Dylan is a successful interior designer who is going to another state to run a project for a bridal shop and it could be the turning point for her career. She is also stuck with wanting to end her relationship with her boyfriend Zack but decides to do it after she gets back from this week long trip. Not expecting to bump into the man who broke her heart a few years ago. History starts to repeat itself at this point.
Brax is a successful owner of a company which he bought a while ago. He is contracted to the company who are doing the bridal shop. He runs inside the hotel to get out of the torrential rain outside only to see Dylan. The girl who ran away from him to further her career and wouldn't stay with him.
Lots of old feelings are brought back up, they're both forced to face the reality that they are both in committed relationships whether they are happy or not. Barriers keep building to stop them doing what they want to do. A sleazy colleague, a friend who they both work with, the relationships they are both in. Tragedy hits at the end of the week of work when Dylan finds something out about Brax's relationship and meets her.
I got extremely angry towards the end and upset when I thought I had reached the end of the book but I was relieved to see there was a couple more chapters and the story didn't end how I thought it was going to.
March 4, 2025
Thank you Tales & Teacups and to the author K.J. Orchard for the chance to do an ARC Review for this book!
Let me begin by saying that honestly this is not the type of book that I normally go for, but something about the blurb had me intrigued from the start and I was not disappointed. Surprised, but not disappointed. When I tell you that I read this whole book in one sitting because I NEEDED to know what happened next, holding my breath as I neared the end, anxious and anticipating and curious.
This is not your soft, lovey second chance romance, this is raw, messy, and two flawed people making questionable choices. Even if I didn't always agree with the choices, I was still heavily invested. The chemistry, the magnetic pull, it's an intensity that people only dream of. Most of us have that "one that got away" and this is like a "what if" fantasy come to life. I didn't expect to like Dylan or Brax given that they weren't making the best choices, but I couldn't resist getting swept away by their story any more than they could resist their own attraction to each other.
The spice was fiery, enviable really, and I liked that their story was messy and difficult rather than their path being clear and easy, because they faced actual consequences for the choices they made and that made it feel satisfying.
I am eager to see what this author writes next, hopefully a story for Taylor because she felt super relatable and I'm very curious about her.
Let me begin by saying that honestly this is not the type of book that I normally go for, but something about the blurb had me intrigued from the start and I was not disappointed. Surprised, but not disappointed. When I tell you that I read this whole book in one sitting because I NEEDED to know what happened next, holding my breath as I neared the end, anxious and anticipating and curious.
This is not your soft, lovey second chance romance, this is raw, messy, and two flawed people making questionable choices. Even if I didn't always agree with the choices, I was still heavily invested. The chemistry, the magnetic pull, it's an intensity that people only dream of. Most of us have that "one that got away" and this is like a "what if" fantasy come to life. I didn't expect to like Dylan or Brax given that they weren't making the best choices, but I couldn't resist getting swept away by their story any more than they could resist their own attraction to each other.
The spice was fiery, enviable really, and I liked that their story was messy and difficult rather than their path being clear and easy, because they faced actual consequences for the choices they made and that made it feel satisfying.
I am eager to see what this author writes next, hopefully a story for Taylor because she felt super relatable and I'm very curious about her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews