I Found You

Wilder #1

by Isla Stelmark

My life was fine. Good even. I spent my days working in my garage and my weekends kicking back with my brothers, biological or chosen. Finding an infant abandoned on the side of the road while walking home from the bar was not in the plans.

I may have taken the little thing home with me that first night, but I was drunk, and she was helpless and alone. I felt the need to look after her, to protect her, even after she was put into the system.

Meeting the stunning, curvy woman who had become the caregiver was a welcome surprise. It made keeping an eye on the little girl so much easier. So easy, I was no longer sure if it was just the baby I was coming to see every day or if it was Maeve.

Maeve was only supposed to be her caregiver while they straightened out next of kin, but the longer she was in that baby’s life, the longer she was going to have me in hers.

I bonded instantly with the helpless little baby, but my bond with Maeve… that came out of nowhere. Did we have something real, or was our connection only temporary?

Genres: Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Isla Stelmark, a contemporary romance author, grew up in a coastal Massachusetts town that she continues to call home. Isla is a lifelong book enthusiast, and dedicates her days to writing untamed love stories with authentic, relatable characters. When not writing, Isla enjoys immersing herself in a good book with a cup of coffee and cuddling with her two cats.

Reviews

[anzhelika ୨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 3.5 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

firstly, so thankful for the opportunity to read this book, i really appreciate it! next, this book was so much better than i expected! the premise of the story was so unique and unlike anything i've read, and i was pleasantly surprised. i really enjoyed reading about maeve's and wyatt's story, they were so sweet. looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Grey's Promotions and Isla Stelmark for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
Small Town Romance
Curvy FMC
Found Family

I feel in love with Wyatt right away but after what he did at the pizza place how he claimed Maeve and baby girl I melted for the man!! I love how Wyatt and Maeve came together because of a little baby Wyatt found that Maeve took in and the get their happy ending it isn’t without some bumps in the road but this book is an amazing story that will have you laughing and giggle at moments and the ending is perfect in my opinion!! can’t wait for the next book in the Wilder series!!

[Nallely Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so so much! Wy was so protective of his girls, and I loved that the most about his character.

The first few chapters alone had my entire heart. I love found family!!

The storyline was really good, and the characters were absolutely amazing👏

Thank you, Grey's Promotions and Isla, for this arc opportunity. Your work was truly amazing, and I can't wait to see your growth 🫶

(No one influenced my review. This was an honest review)

[Crystal LoCicero · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute

This was a fun, sweet read. I loved the big family aspect. I am excited for more of the guys' stories. I just wish we got to actually see the couple be a family of 3 for a bit. But maybe we will see more in upcoming books.

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was beautifully written. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved it. The beginning was kind of sad. I couldn't imagine leaving my baby.. that was a little hard to read.. but at least the baby made it to safe hands. What a beautiful way to find love. Love that you didn't know existed.. all because of this baby (Jane). The characters were relatable. The characters experienced all the normal struggles with a baby. Oh, and don't forget they fall in love with each other, so that makes it even harder.
I could see this being a hallmark movie.. I don't know how else to describe this book other than it was beautiful!
Do you want a feel-good love story this is it. I will be recommending to everyone. If you are looking for a warm, cozy read, this is for you.. I cried, and some of it was happy tears. You neeed this added to your TBR

[KatyReads22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of something beautiful…

I actually started the series by reading Reid’s story first, followed by Luke’s story and then circling back to read Wyatt’s. I do wonder how reading the series in the correct order would have changed how I “got to know” the characters… but no matter what that answer would be, I know I’d still love them all!! There were several parts of “I Found You” that I enjoyed more having seen into the “future” and now I’ll likely re-read them because I already miss the characters I’ve grown to love in Calla Bay.

If you’re looking for a fun (and still perfectly spicy) series to get hooked on, look no further. The Wilder Series and Isla Stelmark will hook you in and you won’t be sorry.

[Sharon A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Found You By Isla Stelmark

4.75🌟🌟🌟🌟

Quote: “Your mine and I’m yours. I found you, and I’m not letting you go. Finders keepers. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me.”

Oh this story had me smiling, crying, worried and happy.

Wyatt tall, gorgeous and a total softy at heart. Stumbles upon a baby left outside and brings her home for a night before turning her over. Baby “Jane” gets placed with Maeve, who is a school teacher, guardian to her younger brother and larger size FMC.
Wyatt finds out where Baby “Jane” is being fostered and starts to show up to help Maeve out.
This temporary guardianship with Baby “Jane” has been going on several months and they are getting more and more attached to her and each other. When Baby “Jane’s” maternal grandmother shows up to take the baby home will Wyatt and Maeve’s relationship stay intact or was Baby Jane holding their relationship together?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mappy BookGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about a small town romance, but I love them and had to read this book ASAP! I was not disappointed, I loved our characters Wyatt and Maeve. The plot was amazing, it's well written and I love the tropes in this book. I'm excited that it's just the first book in a series, so I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! The romance, family and drama. It all meshed together and the storyline was perfect. The characters were portrayed so well. The relationship between the two main characters was platonic. Keep writing good books because this was one of them.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, I really liked the main girl. Main guy gotta a little too much audacity

[Kaitlyn Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found family! Beautiful co parenting, strangers to lovers. 🥰🥰🥰 not my usual type of romance tropes/storyline but I was thoroughly impressed and enjoyed it so much!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

After one too many, Wyatt stumbles home and stumbles across an abandoned infant. What's a drunk man to do? Take the baby home of course! He calls his cop brother the next morning to report the baby and immediately becomes attached.

Because Maeve became guardian to her brother, she is in the foster system and is asked to take care of Baby Jane. Wyatt's concern for the baby leads to him to find out who has her and this leads him to Maeve.

So there story begins, and what a story it is! I love a good small town romance, where no one is a millionaire and there are no secret societies. I really enjoyed this story!!

[Madison Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and Isla Stelmark for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4.5
Small town+ found family+ curvy girl rep? Sign me tf up. I loved this book from start to finish. The dynamic between Maeve and Wyatt is good on its own, but add in baby Jane and it’s perfect. The backstories of the characters were amazing too and the added plotline that came out of it was just what this book needed. I loved all the Wilder boys (plus Wes and Seb) and Jackson’s growth was beautiful. I don’t even know who I want the next book to be about, that’s how much I like them all.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut, start to a new series, small town, and a story that has stuck with me since I finished it. Wyatt is on his way home from his birthday celebration, and finds a baby under some brush on the side of the road. A little drunk, he picks up the baby and takes her home.

Maeve is relatable, she has taken care of others, as her own mother has not been the best caregiver to her and her brother. Because of this, she is in the system and becomes an emergency foster mom, to the baby Wyatt has found.

The story is well written, the characters are realistic, and the found family makes the story move forward. Wyatt is guarded and Maeve trusts very few, but will the baby be the link these two need to open their hearts?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation of book two, to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. Each of these stories is an interconnected standalone. They each focus on a different couple, so you could pick up any one of them in any order and the main part of the story will make sense. There might be a few spoilers from other couples if you read out of order though.

I loved getting to know Wyatt and Maeve. There is so much more to the story than I expected from reading the synopsis. It’s a sweet, small town romance. There is some spice, but that’s not the point of the story. I will absolutely read this again in the future.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and heartwarming read. The story revolves around Wyatt and Maeve, who come together to care for a baby girl, Jane, whom Wyatt finds one night. Maeve, with her caring nature, becomes Jane's guardian, and as they both take care of Jane, they start to develop feelings for each other.

Reminded me a lot of this Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel movie - Life as We Know It.

The characters are lovable and relatable. It's a book that will make you believe in love and found family.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

3.5/5 ⭐️

Watching Maeve and Wyatt care for baby Jane and slowly fall in love was so emotional. Their bond with Jane was precious, and seeing them grow as a family was beautiful. Wyatt's dedication to protecting and caring for them melted my heart.
The characters were so easy to like , and their growth throughout the story felt so genuine. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, it truly brought the emotions to life. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

Thank you so much Isla and greys promotion for the ARC!! 🩵

[Cortney Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a sucker for a found family book. This is a stranger’s to lovers, found family, player reformed, and small town romance. So basically all of my favorite things combined.
Wyatt Wilder is now in my top 5 for book boyfriends.
Maeve is an angel and I love her.

Thank you Grey’s Promotion and Isla Stelmark for the ARC. I absolutely loved this book.
It’s out now!!! Everyone needs to go read this asap.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute the way this story played out. I liked how Wyatt found this baby and became instantly attached. So when he tracks down where she was placed, he comes to meet Mauve, who has become the baby’s foster mom.

I enjoyed watching Mauve bloom as she found a “family” after becoming baby Jane’s foster mom. Especially when Wyatt started popping in. Theresa interactions with his family were some of the best.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first found family trope and ahhhh I loved it so much. The writing was spectacular and so easy to read. Maeve and Wyatt are the cutest couple, I just love the passion they have for each other. Wyatt is the man, he loves Maeve so muchhh and reassures her through her insecurities. The spice is top notch, you can literally feel the love he has for her. Also baby Jane completed their little family and I’m so happy to see how they both worked together to give this abandoned baby love. So excited to read the next book!

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new to me author, Ilsa Stelmark nails the comradery of small town friends. Wyatt is a 30 year old bachelor, one the women swoon over. On his way home after a drunk filled birthday celebration he finds a shopping bag under bushes. The contents are a baby, 1/2 bottle, a dirty diaper and one clean diaper. From that second on Wyatt's life will be ever changed and for me, the reader, I laughed out loud. The journey of the baby girl is heart warming and Wyatt is totally smitten with not only the baby, but her foster care mother. This was a book I lost sleep because I could not put it down!

[Reading_with_dani93 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did not feel like a debut novel to me and I gave it a solid 4 stars. I really enjoyed the characters and am a big fan of small town romances. I really liked this story I just felt at times the story was just a little slower moving for me. This story definitely tugged on the heart strings and I enjoyed seeing Maeve and Wyatt make things work. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Isla has in store for us next!

[Jemmsbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book from the moment I started it!
The characters are easy to love. Wyatt is swoon worthy and also just a darn good guy, baby saving and all that.
The link between Wyatt and Mauve was a surprise, and a great way to link the baby and story together.
Great book and highly recommended!

[Sarah Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! The story, the emotion, the spice! All of it was absolutely perfect. Amazing introduction to the Wilder family. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review it’s between a 3.5 and a 4 star for me. First thank you Isla Stelmark and Grey’s Promotion for getting an opportunity to read and review this book

Tropes:
- Found family
- Small town romance
- Foster care rep
- Slow burn
- She falls first he falls harder

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the writing and the characters. I liked the Wilder family and I can’t wait for the next books to come out. I also like Maeve and Wyatt. There were parts of the story where the plot lulled a bit I feel like some parts could have been cut out but overall I enjoyed the book

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I don't know where to start. I usually don't give books more than 4 stars but I feel like this book is going to be in the back of my mind all the time. This was the kind of book that made me really want to read all the time and I didn't even want to finish this book, I wanted it to keep going and going. When I finished this book yesterday (or today in the early morning) I couldn't go to bed because I was thinking about it so much. I'm soo jealous of Maeve. I literally reccomend this book to every single person on earth. It's made for every type of reader, even those who don't read much of romance. I have so much more to say but I sont know how to type it all out. Love this

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much more emotional than I was expecting. Isla has done an amazing job with this novel and it is definitely a series I will continue.

The main characters had so much growth and were easy to like. The backstory, the way the whole bool came together was an emotional rollercoaster but one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Plus the cover is so stinking cute!!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: This was a sweet contemporary romance! It was a fresh take on the single mom trope with a bit of a twist! Classic small town, broody single man vibes with a soft spot just for her🤍

[Katelyn Orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good quick read. It follows Wyatt who finds a baby abandoned under a bush , a Maeve who is the guardian of her while they try to find her family. This book has the perfect found family story line and is a the sweetest story ever. It does have spice . If you are looking for a heartwarming love story, this is the one for you.

[what_lindseyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some love stories start with a glance, but this one starts with a baby abandoned in the night. While the love story is beautiful...the story about finding a family is what hooked me. Wyatt and Maeve are two strong characters and watching them come together to care for Jane the baby is beautiful. One night, on his way home, Wyatt stumbles upon a baby left all alone. As he cares for her, an unexpected bond begins to form. He knows he must do the right thing—find out where she belongs. That’s when Maeve, a dedicated teacher with a rough past, receives a life-changing call: she’s been chosen to foster the baby. What she doesn’t realize is that this moment will shape the future she’s always longed for. It gave me the same heartwarming feel as ‘Life as We Know It,’ where two people unexpectedly find love while raising a child together, which reminded me of Wyatt and Maeve spending time together while taking care of Jane. This has them unexpectedly falling fast for each other, but with the good times there are always the hard time. Will the struggles of raising a child cause heartbreak?

So if you love heartfelt stories about love, fate, family, and unexpected events...this is a must-read!