2023 CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WRITERS READER'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!
2023 HOLT Medallion Award Finalist 2023 Carolyn Reader's Choice Award Finalist 2023 Contemporary Romance Writers Stiletto Finalist
Love wasn't worth the pain of disappointment and rejection that followed, so Harper Collingswood locked up her heart and swore she would never allow another man to break it.
But rules were meant to be broken, especially with the enigmatic, broody, and way too gorgeous for his own good, Bennett McIntyre.
Bennett used to have dreams. He used to laugh and be the center of attention. Mr. Popular who had women clamoring to catch his eye and his attention. He was a rising star in baseball with a bright future ahead of him. But he wasn't that person anymore.
Some would call it fate. Some would claim serendipity. Others would say it was destiny. Whatever it was called, it was terrifying. Harper and Bennett had barely survived one tragedy. Would they be able to survive falling in love?
From award-winning romance author Jennilynn Wyer comes a small-town romance of two beautifully broken people who were destined to be soulmates.
Reader's Note: Wanderlost is a steamy, college, friends to lovers, small town, sports romance and contains mature themes. Please check TW/CWs in the front matter of the book. Wanderlost is an interconnected stand-alone in the Fallen Brook: The Montgomerys Series and is Harper and Bennett’s love story. Recommended for mature readers.
The Montgomerys Stand-alones That Girl [Aurora + JD] Wanderlost [Harper + Bennett] About That Night [Jordan + Douglass]
Crowned the queen of plot twists by her readers, Jennilynn Wyer is a multi-award-winning romance author whose accolades include Rudy Award Winner for Romantic Suspense, two-time HOLT Medallion Award Winner, Contemporary Romance Writers Stiletto Award Winner, Contemporary Romance Writers Reader’s Choice Award Winner, eight-time Contemporary Romance Writers Stiletto Finalist, four-time HOLT Medallion Award Finalist, Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award Finalist, two-time IAN Book of the Year Award Finalist, Kindle Book Review Award Semifinalist, and an international Amazon best-selling author of romantic fiction.
Jennilynn writes steamy, small-town romances as well as dark why choose romances. She also pens young adult romance under the pen name J.L. Wyer. Her favorite characters are women who are strong and sassy, and men who are beautifully broken.
Jennilynn is a sassy Southern belle who lives a real-life friends-to-lovers trope with her blue-eyed British husband. When not writing, she’s nestled in her favorite reading spot, e-reader in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, enjoying the latest romance novel.
I'm going to try to capture all of my feelings in words because Wanderlost was an interesting read that had quite a lot going on between its pages. I thought this was a college romance about two survivors of a school shooting healing and finding love. While it is that, there are other plot lines that add an almost soap opera level of drama that also get thrown at the main characters that I wasn't expecting. Please mind the trigger warnings the author includes.
Harper (h) and Bennett (H) have known each other since they were kids, but were more acquaintances. Then they happen to be in the same classroom on an awful morning. Months later, they're at the same college, individually struggling with how they've been altered by that event. Upon seeing each other again, there's an instant draw and attraction, along with a desire by each of them to help the other. This is an emotional story that touches on sensitive subjects but also develops into a sweet and steamy romance. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama but om drama from 2 exes of h's, one causing much more drama than the other, although the h only has eyes for the H. Neither are virgins, but h has been celibate for years (she did fool around with her high school bf) and H has been with ow recently, but not specifically stated how long (he does leave a party with a girl thinking he'll hook up with her but immediately changes his mind and there's nothing on page, not even a kiss; it's also before the H and h have even spoken at college).
I liked Harper, who's artistic and was a bit of a nerdy wallflower (her thoughts) in high school. She isolated herself for the most part after the shooting and now she's trying to work her way back into the world. She's also trying to help her BFF who's floundering with her own response to the shooting. Bennett was also likable as an athlete who no longer wants to play baseball and who's selectively mute in reaction to that morning. Both have solid support systems of family and friends, which I appreciated. I did feel that the timing of this romance was off and I wished that more time had passed maybe before they connected at college or before they moved from developing a friendship to becoming romantic. Although it felt like the friendship and romance developed pretty simultaneously. In contrast, I did enjoy that there was a low angst feel to their emotions for each other, even if I also wondered about the healthiness of it. I was very conflicted about the timing and progression, clearly.
This is a steamy romance and while I enjoyed the sexy times, I also wondered about the timing of them since Harper had been celibate for good reasons for so long. Everything happens so quickly with Bennett and yes that can happen when you meet "the one", but I wasn't sold on the timing personally. One aspect I wasn't conflicted about though are all the cute and sweet moments between Harper and Bennett. They challenge each other in good ways and are caring and adorable. Bennett chooses to communicate with Harper at first using music and there's a super aww inducing scene early in the book involving this. There were some really fun and funny scenes mixed in with the emotional and dramatic ones.
Another part I loved was the friend group surrounding them, even the BFF who's troubled. Bennett rooms with his two best friends and Harper rooms with hers. There were plenty of shenanigans to balance the supportive emotional moments with the supporting cast. Another group of individuals also gets introduced later in the book that offer that same vibe of caring and willingness to do anything for them.
I'm not going to spoil the dramatic twists and turns that happen, but Harper specifically ends up facing some heavy moments in addition to the PTSD she deals with. Bennett also has some anger that he struggles with (never at Harper) and some of what Harper goes through also triggers Bennett. I did think that there was too much tossed at the main characters and that one particular plot line could have been omitted. I also felt somewhat disconnected at times from the emotions of the moments. I think because some moments are delved into more than others for their impact on the characters and also back to that whole timing and progression mentioned earlier. But yay for positive therapy inclusion!
At the same time, I couldn't put this book down. The writing wasn't always smooth and there was some repetition and a couple of inconsistencies or puzzling character responses, but I was hooked into what was happening. Which is what I want from a book and something *I* have struggled with recently.
The story does end with a HEA and an epilogue that was perfect for them four years down the road. It left them in a wonderful place and provided an update on their core friend group too. The next standalone that's interconnected is also apparently going to have cameos from these two characters in it per the author's note at the end.
Jennilynn gives us a love story like no other that I have read before. Two lost and broken souls that have survived a horrific tragedy in high school, only to come out of it stronger with the help of one another. Bennet and Harper are two people that have risen out of the ashes and through surviving a tragedy, their strong friendship and their love for one another, have shown the world that nothing is going to hold them back or down. Bennett will have you adding him to your book-boyfriend list and Harper will have you wanting her in your village of strong and independent women.
Harper not only survived the tragic events that took place at the high school but also has had her heart broken by the one person she truly trusted and loved, well she thought she did. While at college, she bumps into Bennett, one of her friends from high school, but it seems that he has suffered more than anyone from what happened. He has decided to be a selective mute and talks to Harper through music. When Harper has a panic attack Bennett talks her out of it and this is the start of him starting to live again. Over time their friendship grows into something that is stronger and beautiful. The level of trust that they have for one another is evident in the secrets that they share with one another and nobody else.
When tragedy strikes, how will Bennett deal with it? Will he withdraw into himself or will his love for Harper be stronger? When Harper gets some life-altering news, what will she do? Will her family give her the answers that she is needing?
I love the way that Jenilynn brings in the characters we loved from her Fallen Brook High School series. The mix of the old and new characters was perfect and they intertwined so easily that it was like they had been friends forever.
There is so much more that I want to share with you about this book but I won't because it would not do it justice. All can say is that Jennilynn never disappoints with her writing, attention to detail and gripping storylines. Give this amazing author a follow and grab her books, as you will not be disappointed.
This is a book in the Montgomery series, but I haven’t read the others. It’s the story about Harper and Bennett and their cadre of friends who all survived a school shooting. They are all traumatized and dealing with it in different ways. Harper became a recluse, was diagnosed with PTSD and had panic attacks. Bennett stopped talking and gave up baseball in which he had a possible pro career. Their friends dealt with the trauma in other ways. They try to move on and end up at college in the same dorm. The story is about how they mend each other’s broken pieces and fall in love.
I rarely use this word, but this was a beautiful book that had a lot of heart. The way the author dealt with the issue of the school shooting and its aftermath on different people is amazing. Most of the time I find authors use an event like that as a plot point and then proceed to ignore it. Not here. This was central to the book and central to all the main characters, as well as their struggles and their growth. The book was well written and engaging, the characters were complex and dealing with trauma and pain, and their support and friendship shone through. How Harper and Bennett’s relationship developed was lovely to read and one found oneself rooting for them. Even how the author gave Zach a three-dimensional character was impressive. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy that much was the whole Montgomery saga, but I think its because I don’t know that cast of characters and the backstory. Overall it was a fabulous book that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Wyer has brought us another emotional rollercoaster ride of emotions with this book. I loved the plot despite the dark tragic event that takes place. I really loved watching these high school then collage young adults work their way through the trials and tribulations they faced and come out in the other side as a survivor. I truly fell in love with Bennett. He and Harper were awesome together! I thought the story was well paced. The storyline flowed smoothly throughout. ALL chats were outstanding, well-developed and easily relatable. The growth you witness in Harper and Bennett as the story progresses is amazing! I LOVED the interaction between Harper and Bennett and how she brought him out of his shell. Amazing how we can communicate through music. Just heart wrenching and heartwarming to watch as they grow. The transformation was incredible and well written. This series rates right up there with the Fallen Brook series. It was great being with Elizabeth, Ryder, Trevor and of course, Fallon. This is a must read and one I will be adding to my Kindle library. Well done, Ms. Wyer!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 2nd book in The Montgomery series. Each book can be read as a standalone. *warning* this book does have sensitive issues. Mass school shooting, drugs and alcohol, & PTSD Harper, Bennett and their friends lived through a school shooting but everyone came out broken peices of themselves. They all ended up at the same college and living in dorms next to each other. Harper lives with anxiety and panic attacks along with unable to sleep because of the nightmares. Bennett stopped playing baseball due to his injury and has become mute. Bennett and Harper are drawn to each other with their shared trauma and help each other over come their issues. I loved this book. To see a couple grow so much from such a horrific experience was absolutely beautiful. This book is very sweet with some spice sprinkled in it.
I enjoyed every minute of this! This book focuses of a group of friends who have survived in their own ways through a school shooting and have moved onto college for the next phase of life. Bennett recovered from a gun shot wound but left behind his dreams of baseball. Harper has known Bennett pretty much their entire lives, but it took one horrific event to finally bring them together to create the most beautiful story of young love that I’ve read in a while. I thoroughly enjoyed all the secondary characters as well and hope to read more! Thank you to the author Jennifer Wyer and Hidden Gems for allowing me to read and review this amazing book.
Trauma, decisions, mistakes, what ifs. They have a way of causing chaos in your day to day after a traumatic event. Little things can spiral your entire day, and the survivors guilt never really leaves.
Harper and Bennett are survivors. Their lives weren’t the same after the trauma, and this story is about healing, the rise of life, and the surprises along the way. JenniLynn is full of surprises as usual in this book and nothing is as it seems.
Wanderlost is such an amazing story. Harper and Bennett’s story is filled with tragedy, angst, unexpected surprise and definitely spicy. Their chemistry is off the charts and I love how they are around each other. This is the first book I read by Jennilynn Wyer and it won’t be my last!! I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series. I will most definitely go back and read her other books.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy!!
I loved Bennett and Harper's story! They've known each other their whole lives but weren't very close. One tragic day in their senior year changes the trajectory of their lives. Ending up as neighbors in college, the two form a connection and find a way to heal each other. But poor Harper, she just cannot catch a break! Someone from her past shows up, which leads to a major discovery! Such a great story!
This book was so good and I couldn't put it down. The characters were so beautiful and broken and I love their friends and the way everything else played out. I will definitely read this a few times more!
Well first of all - Harper. Her character as a heroine is incredible she's so strong and I found myself really wanting to see how her character just got better and better! Don't get me wrong harper is not the perfect character - for starters she consistently compares Bennett to her past boyfriend who were horrible to her. But she is a good soul and a work in progress and it reminds us that while we work on ourselves we don't really need to be alone while doing it.
Bennett - omg you just wanna hug this guy all day long. Like he doesn't have it all figured out he's willing to figure it out together with harper and them together is like so not smooth and smooth at the same time.
And don't get me started on the friendship group - oh how I love that group and their dynamic. I honestly think Mason was one of my favourite characters because he just is that character to make you smile.
It's not easy for me to find college romance reads I like but this one really knocked it out of the park -
For starters you felt like they were in college and they have the problems and mindset and some authors really struggle to set the tone of new adult rather than someone in their 30s. To be fair college romances are not an easy write by an means which is why I'm so happy to stubbles on this book. And it was emotional but I didn't feel like I was drowning in it. Like the author didn't need to throw the passion and emotion in your face - you just felt it in the energy of the book.
We have a lot of tropes that are portrayed in the media as toxic or unhealthy by standard like two people being together after something traumatic or leaning on each other. But what they left out is that it doesn't have to be toxic or unhealthy. I know it's not always simple but I'm sick of thing just being left on a blanket statement for and left options being unconsidered.
This book was like that feeling when it's been a long day and you finally finally slide into a bath. Soothing.
Passionate, witty and heartfelt this book was everything I wanted out of a college romance! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
TW: Active school shooter, PTSD, violence, drinking, & depression
In todays time school shootings have been more common and very unfortunate, but the author did a great job bringing the characters together after an unfortunate event. Most would brush it under the rug, but with something so traumatic as that it stays with you.
I didn’t read the first book so I was a little lost with who the other friends/family were but quickly put it together. The love between Harper & Bennet is so strong and deep as they both heal each other from both of their trauma.
I stayed up all night reading this as it releases today, so I need to compose my thoughts after reading this since it does take you on an emotional rollercoaster!
If I could give this book 10 stars, I absolutely would. This book drew me in from the very beginning. The story while tragic is also incredibly beautiful. It is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to let life break you. Harper and Bennett have to deal with the after effects of a tragic event where survivor’s guilt and self hate are real and prominent. The way that they deal with those things and come together in their brokenness is amazing. Their broken pieces fit perfectly together and I love how their relationship blossoms. The family they create out of their friends is also something beautiful and something I wish more people had. I plan on going back through Jennilyn’s backlist because I was seriously impressed with this book.
What a great story!! I loved everything about it! The characters are well developed and you get to really get to know their full story. I enjoyed reading more about the Montgomery's and how they all come together to support each other through all of the turmoil and heartache. There are triggers in this storyline but they are done in a way that really opens your heart and mind in a way that makes you understand the impact these situations can have on a persons psyche and soul. I love the connection that Bennett and Harper have and I am excited to read Jordan's story next! I was sent a complimentary copy and I am choosing to leave my honest review.
This was my first Jennilyn book and wow did I love it! There was definitely a lot of trauma, so keep that in mind, but I thought it was done carefully and thoughtfully. I loved these characters so much. The found family vibe was excellent and I liked the uniqueness of every one. Bennett and Harper were so freaking cute. I kind of liked how their trauma bonded them together into friends and eventually lovers. There was no third act break-up which I find myself loving more and more these days. The friendships were great, the spice was enjoyable, and while this book was heavy at times, there were plenty of lighthearted joyful moments. I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series for sure!
Another wonderful addition to the Montgomery series . Harper and Bennet two people who are broken by a terrible tragedy yet somehow fit so perfectly together . I’m not going to give ant details away as you can get a pretty good idea of what it’s about from the summary . What I will say is that I was not prepared for how much this storyline was going to completely destroy be ( of course in the best way possible . Be prepared because once you meet both Harper and Bennet you are going to fall completely in love .
What a book. From the start it was emotional and continued to pull me in. Harper and Bennett what a couple both dealing with the trauma in different ways. Really they all did like Christy and her coping mechanism being alcohol and sex. It was such a powerful book and Jennilynn did a wonderful job. It was so well written. I am speechless.
I received this copy from the author and my honest review is voluntary
Harper and Bennett went through a really bad tandoori dark time after what happened in school one day. Bennett shut down and didn’t talk or play baseball again and Harper has PTSD and anxiety attacks. And their friends had to learn how to cope with loss and tragedy. With Harper’s love Bennett became alive again and Harper was a very strong person to be ok with everything she had on her plate. Great book and will be getting more!
I am a voracious reader, but I’m normally not a fan of friends to lovers novels, because I often find them too sweet and boring. BUT I loved this one! Harper and Bennett is a beautiful couple, and their story is both sweet and steamy. It’s also about how to cope with past trauma, and continue to live a good life. Thrown into the mix is also a few ex-boyfriends who complicate things further.
Wanderlost (The Montgomerys: A Fallen Brook Standalone): A friends to lovers, college, sports romance Jennilynn Wyer This book will hit you with all kinds of emotions. Bennett and Harper and their friends survived a high school shooting and arrive at the same college. They bump into each other and form a relationship. This book is so good, I recommend reading it. It is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I started this and realized it was college age I almost stopped as I am older and prefer the characters to be a little older than this but then it started with the main characters had been in a school shooting and I was hooked from there. The twists and turns as they each try to overcome the experience and adjust to college life, and for MFC a stalker ex.
He doesn't talk, she is determined to live. One day changed them all. Will they be able to overcome a tragedy? Will he be able to help her through everything thrown at her?
I have to say, I love this series and this book is another top favorite. I loved how this shows that everyone grieves through tragedy differently. One of the biggest steps I loved seeing her take was to stop living scared and to actually take control of her life again. You could definitely feel his pain of what could have been, but I loved seeing him let go of the guilt and realize that he was worthy. Wonderful read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book was simply amazing and what in an emotional journey. Harper and Bennett have similar scars but it's how they deal with their traumas that really create who they are after. Harper is such a strong woman with all she has faced and Bennett is still holding on to his pain and guilt. With Harper's help he learns to live again, they both heal each other period I truly love the story and the emotional journey I was taken on. Through the pain they found healing and opened up their hearts for love.
I’ve read a lot of Jennilynn’s books and have loved them all. This one was one I had waited to read cause I wanted to be ready for the emotional part of this story. It didn’t disappoint at all.
What I loved about this book was how a tragedy can help bring you together. When there is a shared trauma between two people, they can seek comfort in each other. Two people who had to become broken to come together.
The back story and past could be a trigger warning for readers. Bennett and Harper went to highschool together. They didn’t run in the same circles in school. But one tragic day there was a school shooting at their school and it sealed a connection they would always have for each other. The story of their coming together is six months after the shooting when they find themselves going to college together.
The way they helped each other get past this trauma was beautiful Jennilynn did an amazing job at showing many different forms of grief with not just Bennet and Harper but their friends who also ended up going to the same college. It adds a found family aspect to this group.
Bennett will make you melt with how he grows and falls so hard for the girl he says saved him that day. Harper is a warrior who doesn’t want her fears to stop her from anything.
It’s not overly discriptive and it’s a part of their past. There is just enough for you to know what happened. That day they saved each other. When they meet again at college they continue to save each each other
I have fallen in love with Harper and Bennett. WOW. I love that we get to see more about the Montgomery family. I am looking forward to reading more as this series progresses. We get to read about characters from previous stories and see how they are all connected within this world that has been created for us to love. My heart goes out to any person that has to go through a school shooting, trauma of any kind can affect a person and follow them into their future. I am thankful that Jennilynn is able to to write about this with the respect that she has.