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Wrecked #4
Wayward
We thought escaping the island meant we were finally safe. We were wrong.
Rescued by the son of the man who wants us dead, we're trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse across three continents. Thayer Zambrano claims he's protecting us from his father's wrath, but his idea of protection feels a lot like a gilded cage.
The evidence we've uncovered could destroy a criminal empire—if we live long enough to expose it. Trust is a luxury we can't afford, and allies are few and far between.
These five incredible men have already proven they'd die for me. Now we have to prove we can live for each other. Because the enemy isn't just after our lives anymore—they're after everything that makes us who we are.
The island taught us how to survive. Now civilization is teaching us how to fight.
Our love story began with a shipwreck. It won't end with one.
Rescued by the son of the man who wants us dead, we're trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse across three continents. Thayer Zambrano claims he's protecting us from his father's wrath, but his idea of protection feels a lot like a gilded cage.
The evidence we've uncovered could destroy a criminal empire—if we live long enough to expose it. Trust is a luxury we can't afford, and allies are few and far between.
These five incredible men have already proven they'd die for me. Now we have to prove we can live for each other. Because the enemy isn't just after our lives anymore—they're after everything that makes us who we are.
The island taught us how to survive. Now civilization is teaching us how to fight.
Our love story began with a shipwreck. It won't end with one.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
About the author
Ellie Pond
50 books249 followersEllie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 26, 2026
I kind of get it, but felt like the conclusion fell a bit flat
So, I'm sure a lot of things get answered in the other series that is going to revolve around Emily. However, if I hadn't accidentally seen that there was a second series after this one, I'd have been more disappointed in this book. As it is, I still feel it kind of fell flat.
Things get exciting here, for a while. They're "rescued," but then realize they're actually being held captive. They escape, then they're caught again. Escape, get caught AGAIN. I'm not exactly sure why Thayen couldn't just tell the crew why he was willing to help them, when he finally decided to go that route. It would have made things a lot less complicated. Lastly, I wish we heard more from the families when they learned everyone survived.
Things that were left unanswered or seemed off:
WARNING - MINOR SPOILERS:
- What did the letter say that was supposed to be given to Rocky?
- Why was the interviewer seemingly a bit drunk when the crew wanted to give their story, and why did that matter to the plot?
- What happens to Thayen and Zed? Did Zed stop targeting them? (This may get touched on in the other series)
- What's up with Haley's dad?
- Things really start getting jumpy near the end. Months and years keep going by, and it may take a moment to realize that as you read.
Overall, I did like the series, but I just felt a few things could have been done a bit better. I give a general four star for the entire series.
So, I'm sure a lot of things get answered in the other series that is going to revolve around Emily. However, if I hadn't accidentally seen that there was a second series after this one, I'd have been more disappointed in this book. As it is, I still feel it kind of fell flat.
Things get exciting here, for a while. They're "rescued," but then realize they're actually being held captive. They escape, then they're caught again. Escape, get caught AGAIN. I'm not exactly sure why Thayen couldn't just tell the crew why he was willing to help them, when he finally decided to go that route. It would have made things a lot less complicated. Lastly, I wish we heard more from the families when they learned everyone survived.
Things that were left unanswered or seemed off:
WARNING - MINOR SPOILERS:
- What did the letter say that was supposed to be given to Rocky?
- Why was the interviewer seemingly a bit drunk when the crew wanted to give their story, and why did that matter to the plot?
- What happens to Thayen and Zed? Did Zed stop targeting them? (This may get touched on in the other series)
- What's up with Haley's dad?
- Things really start getting jumpy near the end. Months and years keep going by, and it may take a moment to realize that as you read.
Overall, I did like the series, but I just felt a few things could have been done a bit better. I give a general four star for the entire series.
August 10, 2025
Enjoyed the book, still like the crew and Haley. They finally got their happy ending and with that most questions were finally answered.
August 12, 2025
I was really looking forward to this part of the crew's story. From investigating the suspicious yacht malfunction to their lengthy survival escapade marooned on a remote island, to making a life and family bond with each other, to their inevitable return to reality, and what comes next, the Rock Candy crew has taken me on quote the journey! I'm so glad their story gives a satisfying sense of closure to their adventure. Although I would not turn down another epilogue or two, I enjoyed how this one came full circle in the end.
The crew themselves are resilient and steadfast, both in their determination to survive as well as their devotion to Haley. Haley is also a formidable character whose endless sunshine chased away more than one storm cloud. I loved how they made such a strong bond with each other and weren't afraid to embrace their dynamic in front of the world. Seeing them maintain their commitment and connection facing their families, not to mention their group approach to big decisions, cemented the crew's unity. That group mentality also works pretty well when it comes to a different kind of group activity.
The crew themselves are resilient and steadfast, both in their determination to survive as well as their devotion to Haley. Haley is also a formidable character whose endless sunshine chased away more than one storm cloud. I loved how they made such a strong bond with each other and weren't afraid to embrace their dynamic in front of the world. Seeing them maintain their commitment and connection facing their families, not to mention their group approach to big decisions, cemented the crew's unity. That group mentality also works pretty well when it comes to a different kind of group activity.
July 31, 2025
I wasn't ready.....for this amazing series to end! I have loved getting to know Hailey, Zane, Easton, Dante, Sam, and Calvin. I've had the absolute pleasure of arc reading all four books in this series!
This is epic conclusion our friends deserved, how ever it is still bittersweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know that Dante is the chef king, Easton is more than his money, Sam is only as old as he feels, Calvin is really just a grumpy teddybear, and that Hailey is the one of the most loving people ever!
If you like why choose romance, beach reads, when the vilian gets what they deserve (mostly), then do not miss the stunning conclusion to The Wrecked series! Thank you so much Ellie Pond for letting me a part of their journey!
This is epic conclusion our friends deserved, how ever it is still bittersweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know that Dante is the chef king, Easton is more than his money, Sam is only as old as he feels, Calvin is really just a grumpy teddybear, and that Hailey is the one of the most loving people ever!
If you like why choose romance, beach reads, when the vilian gets what they deserve (mostly), then do not miss the stunning conclusion to The Wrecked series! Thank you so much Ellie Pond for letting me a part of their journey!
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed the conclusion to Haley and the guys story.
There were some twists and revelations along with the spice, and the story was more about them getting answers and surviving the pirate encounter, along with some other hairy situations they find themselves in.
The story had suspenseful moments, and they had to figure out who they could trust to get them back to safety.
It was easy to read due to the different points of view. It kept things flowing, and I liked how it all wrapped up.
There were some twists and revelations along with the spice, and the story was more about them getting answers and surviving the pirate encounter, along with some other hairy situations they find themselves in.
The story had suspenseful moments, and they had to figure out who they could trust to get them back to safety.
It was easy to read due to the different points of view. It kept things flowing, and I liked how it all wrapped up.
June 19, 2026
To start I want to say this has been a most interesting journey that the story has taken me on. Over the course of 48 hours across 4 books and over 1,200 pages of my various kindle screens at home and at work I managed to take the full deep throat that is this story. To begin we have a lovely cast of characters. 5 Broodingly large horny ship wrecked crew-mates on an island with one woman who is seemingly a never ending well of fiery tenacity and a dead ringer for Taylor Swift. The plot begins mostly coherently I will say over the course of the 4 novels I found that there was just too many subplots, too many little stories that made no sense in the end, too many unfinished questions and answers. While we eventually worked out how and why the ship was sunk, the way we got there was almost comical; it truly felt like a never ending cascade if non-sensical coincidences, accidents and countless near misses that were not pertinent to the actual story. Then to speak quite honestly here this was followed up by many, many, and I mean many...pages of just pure lustful and unadulterated smut. Which my compliments to the chef those scenes were strangely concise and easier to follow compared to most of this series. I will say this is a fun read it is truly like a book you can't look away from. That being said think of this as like the accident everybody is rubbernecking in traffic. You just cant look away. I truly wanted this to be like a mystery with a side of spice and I felt like I got a feral sex tape with a almost James Bond like subplot for fun. Overall the story is not a bad one. Yes my 1 star is quite harsh but I am nothing if not critical but I feel as though the author here has quite a tale to tell here. She has the making of a great story but I feel there was way too much erotica and not enough plot.I also felt that there was unfinished and half assed story lines that could have made for such good juicy mystery novel reading but alas this was not the case. I want to keep reading more from this author as it seems she has great ideas, I just hope in the future maybe the stories are a little more clear and put together. Overall would call the series a 3.2/10. If you are going to undertake these novels I high recommend doing it in 48 hours across 4 devices and with a little under 6 hours of sleep in you and these will be the best worst books you ever read.
July 27, 2025
This book was everything I hoped it would be after ending ‘Unmoored’. It provided all the answers I had been waiting for, and even some I seemed to have forgotten about in all the excitement. But before we got there, there was all the suspense I had been longing for. Leaving the island was clearly just the first step and not the hardest one for these characters, and I absolutely loved the path they had to take to get to their happily ever after.
Looking back at the series as a whole, it’s clear the first and the last books were my favorite. But a little while ago I saw someone raving about the middle books and how they provided so much character building, and I have to admit she made a great point. So, in its entirety, this series has something for everyone, no matter what you love. At least as long as you’re not looking for paranormal creatures…
I was pleasantly surprised to find out Emily is getting her own series, and this fourth book in Wrecked might have even provided some possible men in her life… I’m already looking forward to it!
Looking back at the series as a whole, it’s clear the first and the last books were my favorite. But a little while ago I saw someone raving about the middle books and how they provided so much character building, and I have to admit she made a great point. So, in its entirety, this series has something for everyone, no matter what you love. At least as long as you’re not looking for paranormal creatures…
I was pleasantly surprised to find out Emily is getting her own series, and this fourth book in Wrecked might have even provided some possible men in her life… I’m already looking forward to it!
September 16, 2025
Idk… this just didn’t hit for me. It was a whiplash of here, there, everywhere… with a bunch of characters we’ve haven’t really been introduced to before and i didn’t care about. The overall plot wrap up didn’t exactly make sense with what we learned in the past 3 books. Things were explained but everything felt forced. It wasn’t a puzzle that aligned smoothly, but rather a half formed one with extra pieces leftover. 😂 I like the characters but this didn’t satisfy my mind.
September 17, 2025
REALLY glossed over the details of the sabotage but by far the funniest ending possible was having them settle down in Pittsburgh. The tropical island to steel town pipeline remains undefeated.
October 5, 2025
It kind of lost the plot for me, literally and figuratively, but it was ok. It was dragging by the end and I don’t know that it needed to be four books
September 6, 2025
This is a a review for the series as a whole - all 4 books.
I think this series didn’t need to be 4 books. Each book was a little longer than necessary. Some of the scenes where they try to investigate who might have been behind the issues they had were too long and a bit confusing.
I don’t know how to explain it but this is more Polyamory lite. A lot of the relationships don’t really seem very deep or develop over time. And while they reference some of the guys being bi or possibly being bi there is no sword crossing and very little interaction or even friendship between the guys.
Overall the guys were great it was easy to tell them apart even with 5 of them they were all unique. Dante was probably the most memorable for me.
I got a little lost in the last book as to why things were dragging on and being moved from one place to another. And sources of danger seemed to just appear and disappear along the way.
I did like the ending and how everything came full circle.
⭐️ - 3.5 stars - I rounded up for GoodReads overall it was worth the read and I enjoyed it. I do think some of the mystery and danger that were more prevalent on the last two books could have made more subtle appearances on the first two so they didn’t seem so out of the blue. And I think some of those scenes didn’t need to be so long. Good characters including adorable and cute pets.
🌶️ - 2.5 stars - There are plenty of scenes through out though some books have fewer than others and some scenes just fade to black and I was expecting more of a group vibe than individual sessions with just other happening to be nearby.
I think this series didn’t need to be 4 books. Each book was a little longer than necessary. Some of the scenes where they try to investigate who might have been behind the issues they had were too long and a bit confusing.
I don’t know how to explain it but this is more Polyamory lite. A lot of the relationships don’t really seem very deep or develop over time. And while they reference some of the guys being bi or possibly being bi there is no sword crossing and very little interaction or even friendship between the guys.
Overall the guys were great it was easy to tell them apart even with 5 of them they were all unique. Dante was probably the most memorable for me.
I got a little lost in the last book as to why things were dragging on and being moved from one place to another. And sources of danger seemed to just appear and disappear along the way.
I did like the ending and how everything came full circle.
⭐️ - 3.5 stars - I rounded up for GoodReads overall it was worth the read and I enjoyed it. I do think some of the mystery and danger that were more prevalent on the last two books could have made more subtle appearances on the first two so they didn’t seem so out of the blue. And I think some of those scenes didn’t need to be so long. Good characters including adorable and cute pets.
🌶️ - 2.5 stars - There are plenty of scenes through out though some books have fewer than others and some scenes just fade to black and I was expecting more of a group vibe than individual sessions with just other happening to be nearby.
March 2, 2026
Yep I’m still at a 4 Star….why?
I have so many questions still! Now maybe those will be answered with Emily’s story when it releases? What I will say is that you must must MUST click and read the short story about what was happening on the other raft. I have a feeling that will be super important as we go into her story. I do hope we see more from Haley and her family. The jumps in time at the end were quite lovely, but I’m a greedy little epilogue gremlin and I wanted more. So spoilers below….don’t go any further if you don’t want to know!
I have got to know what was on that letter Sam took from Brick that was so awful he punched him!
Who actually has the real pink phoenix diamond?
Thayer…what do we call him? Mr Z junior? I still don’t know what to make of him and Holloway. I have feeling they will both show up in Emily’s story along with the guys that were on the raft with her. I can’t wait to read her series!
So Susan was the mastermind behind it all and we got just such a tiny piece of page about her. Was it really about offing Easton? Offing Candy too was a bonus?
I’m still confused on why Easton’s door kept getting stuck and wouldn’t open, but didn’t Candy want him in another room? So how in the world did Susan know what room was his? This kept nagging at me.
I appreciated the many updates as the last few chapters unveiled but I have to admit I wanted more, I was anxiously awaiting kids. It appears Em’s story will fall into the same timeframe as Haley and guys on the island so I hope to be enlightened more!
I have so many questions still! Now maybe those will be answered with Emily’s story when it releases? What I will say is that you must must MUST click and read the short story about what was happening on the other raft. I have a feeling that will be super important as we go into her story. I do hope we see more from Haley and her family. The jumps in time at the end were quite lovely, but I’m a greedy little epilogue gremlin and I wanted more. So spoilers below….don’t go any further if you don’t want to know!
I have got to know what was on that letter Sam took from Brick that was so awful he punched him!
Who actually has the real pink phoenix diamond?
Thayer…what do we call him? Mr Z junior? I still don’t know what to make of him and Holloway. I have feeling they will both show up in Emily’s story along with the guys that were on the raft with her. I can’t wait to read her series!
So Susan was the mastermind behind it all and we got just such a tiny piece of page about her. Was it really about offing Easton? Offing Candy too was a bonus?
I’m still confused on why Easton’s door kept getting stuck and wouldn’t open, but didn’t Candy want him in another room? So how in the world did Susan know what room was his? This kept nagging at me.
I appreciated the many updates as the last few chapters unveiled but I have to admit I wanted more, I was anxiously awaiting kids. It appears Em’s story will fall into the same timeframe as Haley and guys on the island so I hope to be enlightened more!
August 10, 2025
A Fantastic Ending!
This series has been absolutely wonderful. With all the delightful main characters and the exciting and thrilling action packed adventures. Not to mention the super steamy scenes that will leave you wet and wanting. This book is a fantastic ending to an amazing series, with a epic h.e.a. ending. The descriptions are vividly detailed, the danger levels are intense and exciting and there's just enough comedic banter to lighten the tension and keep it entertaining. There are a few small typos in need of editing, but they don't distract from the story. I highly recommend the entire "Wrecked" series as a whole. None of the four books are standalone reads, each one picks up where the previous book left off. It's a great choice series binge-read for fans of... Romance, Reverse Harem Romance, Survival Romance, Age-Gap Romance, Romantic Adventure, Romantic Drama, Crime Romance, Crime Fiction, Forced Proximity Romance, Insta-Love Romance, Grumpy Sunshine Romance, Sports Romance, Forbidden Love Romance, Taboo Romance, Workplace Romance and Second Chance Romance.
This series has been absolutely wonderful. With all the delightful main characters and the exciting and thrilling action packed adventures. Not to mention the super steamy scenes that will leave you wet and wanting. This book is a fantastic ending to an amazing series, with a epic h.e.a. ending. The descriptions are vividly detailed, the danger levels are intense and exciting and there's just enough comedic banter to lighten the tension and keep it entertaining. There are a few small typos in need of editing, but they don't distract from the story. I highly recommend the entire "Wrecked" series as a whole. None of the four books are standalone reads, each one picks up where the previous book left off. It's a great choice series binge-read for fans of... Romance, Reverse Harem Romance, Survival Romance, Age-Gap Romance, Romantic Adventure, Romantic Drama, Crime Romance, Crime Fiction, Forced Proximity Romance, Insta-Love Romance, Grumpy Sunshine Romance, Sports Romance, Forbidden Love Romance, Taboo Romance, Workplace Romance and Second Chance Romance.
August 16, 2025
“Are you quoting Highlander?”
Sam laughs. “Maybe. But I’m not taking any of you out with my sword. It’s reserved for Sassy.”
🚢🌅🚢🌅🚢🌅
🚢 Why Choose
🌅 Age Gap
🚢 Trust Fund Olympian
🌅 Grumpy Engineer
🚢 Posh Deck Hand
🌅 Captain with Zaddy Vibes
🚢 Island Life
🌅 Marooned
🚢 Grumpy X Sunshine
🌅 Found Family
🚢🌅🚢🌅🚢🌅
The first 3 books had plenty happen, but they took place over more than a year. This one had SO MUCH happening throughout that it sometimes became hard to keep up. The twists & turns this final installment took had me all over the place. Between the dubious rescue and secrets still hidden from Rocky's journal, our crew travels all over the world either running from or towards something.
The cause behind the sabotage definitely surprised me and I really couldn't believe who was behind it all. I'm glad the person was eventually caught and brought to justice, but I still have questions about Ed/Zed...but I think we'll get those through Emily's book based on little snippets I've seen. Speaking of Emily, I'm definitely excited for her story!
Thank you for this ARC, Ellie. I'm both loving and hating that this story has come to a conclusion.
Sam laughs. “Maybe. But I’m not taking any of you out with my sword. It’s reserved for Sassy.”
🚢🌅🚢🌅🚢🌅
🚢 Why Choose
🌅 Age Gap
🚢 Trust Fund Olympian
🌅 Grumpy Engineer
🚢 Posh Deck Hand
🌅 Captain with Zaddy Vibes
🚢 Island Life
🌅 Marooned
🚢 Grumpy X Sunshine
🌅 Found Family
🚢🌅🚢🌅🚢🌅
The first 3 books had plenty happen, but they took place over more than a year. This one had SO MUCH happening throughout that it sometimes became hard to keep up. The twists & turns this final installment took had me all over the place. Between the dubious rescue and secrets still hidden from Rocky's journal, our crew travels all over the world either running from or towards something.
The cause behind the sabotage definitely surprised me and I really couldn't believe who was behind it all. I'm glad the person was eventually caught and brought to justice, but I still have questions about Ed/Zed...but I think we'll get those through Emily's book based on little snippets I've seen. Speaking of Emily, I'm definitely excited for her story!
Thank you for this ARC, Ellie. I'm both loving and hating that this story has come to a conclusion.
May 6, 2026
Giving this a high 2 and only doing a review for the last book. I have a lot of thoughts. The storyline could have been executed much better. First off, out of the gate, the MMCs personalities/visuals don’t shine through. Like I couldn’t tell you what anyone looks like in the whole book other than Calvin is tall and Easton has a swimmers body. Hair color? Couldn’t tell you. Eye color? Couldn’t tell you. They also flip flopped personalities which was annoying and the timeline was super unclear. There was several unanswered questions too (unless I just missed them) but wtf happened with Z, did they ever clarify anything about the letter Sam got and didn’t let anyone read. Then like the murder of Easton’s mom. Details? The whole villian was in the book for 5 seconds. Dumb. I didn’t DNF because the plot was good but it was executed poorly. Not to mention she went from being all insecure to fucking Sam then making future plans with him then everyone else coming on to her with no prior sexual tension. Idk, not my favorite.
May 15, 2026
Review of series. All in all I enjoyed this series. A mega yacht is sabotaged on its maiden voyage stranding a billionaire's family and crew at sea. They leave the yacht on separate rafts and lose track of the other survivors. Our group ends up on a deserted island. The Robinson Caruso aspects were entertaining and the romance was as expected. Our heroine was some kind of special to have all these diverse men fall in love with her. The character development was pretty superficial with Haley constantly questioning why me, etc. I do agree with other reviews that note it was too long. I actually skipped a lot of book 3 because I really wanted to solve the underlying mystery. Who sabotaged the darn boat?? and why? Then we get all the way through book four and this over riding element is just fluffed away. No real satisfaction, no comeuppance for the bad guys. What happened to the diamond? Mr. Z? So for that I give three stars which is a blah for me. The series gets a 4 because it was entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Finally off the island but that’s by far not the end of the story for the Rock Candy crew. They imagined they might be rescued but captured isn’t exactly what they were visioning. Can they make it out and to a life they want to live together in one piece?
This series is unmatched! I was skeptical that the ending would be satisfying after such a crazy journey to get there but it was everything. Lots of suspense and still all the twists and chapter cliffhangers that have been a hallmark of this series. There were a few times that I was a little confused at something but it ended up being all good. I really didn’t think that in the midst of being captured and fighting for their lives that there would still be the spice from all of them but it still happened and honestly felt really natural and fit really well in the pacing and context which is not easy to do. Great great read, I wish I could read it all again for the first time!
This series is unmatched! I was skeptical that the ending would be satisfying after such a crazy journey to get there but it was everything. Lots of suspense and still all the twists and chapter cliffhangers that have been a hallmark of this series. There were a few times that I was a little confused at something but it ended up being all good. I really didn’t think that in the midst of being captured and fighting for their lives that there would still be the spice from all of them but it still happened and honestly felt really natural and fit really well in the pacing and context which is not easy to do. Great great read, I wish I could read it all again for the first time!
August 5, 2025
4/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice
LOVES:
- There was a lot of espionage and secret messages or finding creative ways to communicate while being watched and that was creative and entertaining
- This is a really sweet version of a found family trope, I love that family is always the first way the group describes their relationship
- There were a lot of tense will they/wont they moments wondering if they’re going to be able to pull off an escape 😟
- It was nice to see how happy they all are together, especially back in society, but I like how the island was tied back in too
CRITIQUES:
- Most scenes are important to the story or their relationship, but once in a while it feels like some parts could be paired down
- The mystery of who put them through all of this ended a little anti-climatically
Glad to finally see these characters happy and safe after everything they’ve been through! What a ride this series has been.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases August 8th!
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice
LOVES:
- There was a lot of espionage and secret messages or finding creative ways to communicate while being watched and that was creative and entertaining
- This is a really sweet version of a found family trope, I love that family is always the first way the group describes their relationship
- There were a lot of tense will they/wont they moments wondering if they’re going to be able to pull off an escape 😟
- It was nice to see how happy they all are together, especially back in society, but I like how the island was tied back in too
CRITIQUES:
- Most scenes are important to the story or their relationship, but once in a while it feels like some parts could be paired down
- The mystery of who put them through all of this ended a little anti-climatically
Glad to finally see these characters happy and safe after everything they’ve been through! What a ride this series has been.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases August 8th!
August 9, 2025
What a freakin’ finale! I was so anxious going into this because I didn’t know what was awaiting Haley, Sam, Calvin, Dante, Zane, and Easton but this was completely phenomenal. This kept me guessing the entire book about what was going to happen next and who it really was that sabotaged Rock Candy and orchestrated this whole thing. To say I was shocked by the culprit would be an understatement. Mr. Z and his crew were honestly kind of amazing even though they were pretty horrible people. They added a lot to the story and the way things played out and I really loved the way they contributed to so much of the tense atmosphere of the whole book. The spice in this was hotter than the sun but the way these characters stuck together and trusted one another and just became an even more tight knit unit was amazing. There were quite a few twists in this that really surprised me. The ending of this was absolutely perfect and this has honestly been one of my favorite series I’ve ever read.
August 9, 2025
A satisfying ending to the series! I’ve loved reading about Hailey, Sam, Calvin, Zane, Easton, and Dante’s journey from being shipwreck survivors to finding their way back to civilization. Even though they’re finally off the island, it doesn’t mean they’re safe just yet.
This book wrapped up all the answers I’d been waiting for (and a few I’d forgotten 🙈). Though the Rock Candy sabotage reveal felt a bit underwhelming, and the ending was slightly rushed, I still enjoyed the ride.
I honestly thought that with the whole ‘fighting for their lives’ thing, there wouldn’t be much spice, but Ellie Pond proved me wrong. The spicy scenes felt very natural and well-placed in the context and enhanced the plot.
I’m so glad they all got their HEA. It was nice to see how they interacted together in society and also how each character had their individual interests. I loved the appearance of the island at the end ;)
This book wrapped up all the answers I’d been waiting for (and a few I’d forgotten 🙈). Though the Rock Candy sabotage reveal felt a bit underwhelming, and the ending was slightly rushed, I still enjoyed the ride.
I honestly thought that with the whole ‘fighting for their lives’ thing, there wouldn’t be much spice, but Ellie Pond proved me wrong. The spicy scenes felt very natural and well-placed in the context and enhanced the plot.
I’m so glad they all got their HEA. It was nice to see how they interacted together in society and also how each character had their individual interests. I loved the appearance of the island at the end ;)
August 17, 2025
✨Wayward - Ellie Pond✨
🌊This beach is where we landed, broken. It’s where we healed. And where we learned how to love. 🌊
Excuse me while I go sit in a corner and try to figure out my feelings. I absolutely loved the conclusion to this series! But I’m also devastated that it’s over now. And yes if you’ve read my previous reviews in this series you might have noticed me being mad about the cliffhangers a time or two but that all seems like nothing now compared to this series being over. I don’t know what to do right now with the knowledge that the story of Haley, Sam, Calvin, Dante, Zane and Easton is over. These characters and Ellie’s writing have taken up space in my heart and I highly recommend reading this series!
Read this if you’re looking for:
📚 a why choose romance
📚 a finished four part series
📚 an amazing FMC with a perfect harem of MMCs
📚a story filled with love, spice, banter, and mystery
📚 multiple pov
🌊This beach is where we landed, broken. It’s where we healed. And where we learned how to love. 🌊
Excuse me while I go sit in a corner and try to figure out my feelings. I absolutely loved the conclusion to this series! But I’m also devastated that it’s over now. And yes if you’ve read my previous reviews in this series you might have noticed me being mad about the cliffhangers a time or two but that all seems like nothing now compared to this series being over. I don’t know what to do right now with the knowledge that the story of Haley, Sam, Calvin, Dante, Zane and Easton is over. These characters and Ellie’s writing have taken up space in my heart and I highly recommend reading this series!
Read this if you’re looking for:
📚 a why choose romance
📚 a finished four part series
📚 an amazing FMC with a perfect harem of MMCs
📚a story filled with love, spice, banter, and mystery
📚 multiple pov
August 19, 2025
I was genuinely intrigued to see how the Rock Candy crew’s story would unfold, especially after the dramatic yacht malfunction and their survival on a remote island. The arc—from isolation to forming deep bonds and eventually returning to the real world—was compelling and offered a satisfying sense of closure. While I wouldn’t mind an extra epilogue or two, the story does a good job of coming full circle.
The crew’s resilience and loyalty, especially toward Haley, stood out. Haley herself is a bright, uplifting presence who brings warmth to the narrative. Their group dynamic is strong and heartfelt, and I appreciated how they navigated big decisions together and faced their families with unity. That same group mentality also added a fun twist to other aspects of their relationship.
Overall, this installment delivers a heartfelt and cohesive ending to the crew’s adventure. It’s a worthwhile read for fans who’ve followed their journey.
The crew’s resilience and loyalty, especially toward Haley, stood out. Haley herself is a bright, uplifting presence who brings warmth to the narrative. Their group dynamic is strong and heartfelt, and I appreciated how they navigated big decisions together and faced their families with unity. That same group mentality also added a fun twist to other aspects of their relationship.
Overall, this installment delivers a heartfelt and cohesive ending to the crew’s adventure. It’s a worthwhile read for fans who’ve followed their journey.
July 27, 2025
4.25 stars. Yay! Finally! The last piece of the story! This tale remains sextuple POV - the female lead, Haley, and her five male co-leads, Easton, Zane, Calvin, Dante, and Sam - and is well written and edited. It is a cleverly written ending for this series, closing out the non-romance plot and leaving the characters established back in normal society as a thriving household. I enjoyed the balance the characters created for themselves. I enjoyed that each character was actively pursuing their own special interest. I enjoyed the steamy intimate antics and the peace the characters had found together. I also appreciate the author’s setup for a story in future for Easton’s sister and am looking forward to that.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 4, 2025
Wayward #4 by Ellie Pond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect
Why choose romance
Sharing is caring
Found family
Plenty of banter
Multiple POVs
HEA
This is the final book in the Wrecked series and I really enjoyed it. A lot of loose ends were wrapped up which was good but definitely a few things were vague which may become clearer in Emily’s book.
I’m so glad they all got their HEA as they deserved it. I would love to read more about their future because I’m greedy for their story.
Overall the whole series is interesting and kept my attention. All of the characters are different but work together as a family. Their love for each other and their character growth was very apparent in the final book. The banter between them is funny and I was smiling while reading. Dante is my favourite as I just love the way he stirs things up.
I recommend reading this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect
Why choose romance
Sharing is caring
Found family
Plenty of banter
Multiple POVs
HEA
This is the final book in the Wrecked series and I really enjoyed it. A lot of loose ends were wrapped up which was good but definitely a few things were vague which may become clearer in Emily’s book.
I’m so glad they all got their HEA as they deserved it. I would love to read more about their future because I’m greedy for their story.
Overall the whole series is interesting and kept my attention. All of the characters are different but work together as a family. Their love for each other and their character growth was very apparent in the final book. The banter between them is funny and I was smiling while reading. Dante is my favourite as I just love the way he stirs things up.
I recommend reading this series.
August 6, 2025
Wayward by Ellie Pond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m sad this series is over, but it ended in a perfect way for the family. Family has been the central feeling that runs through all of the books. With how the last book ended, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to everyone, but every time I thought they were close to being safe, Ellie decided to add another obstacle for Hailey and her men to overcome. They always do. Just because they were off their island didn’t mean they were saved. I loved how everyone we’ve met on the ship had their stories tied up and that justice was served. I found this book added that extra cherry on top by diving deeper into everyone’s personalities, and I keep changing who my favourite guy is—right now, it’s Easten (at the time of writing this, but will it last 😂). Even though I’m sad to say goodbye, I’m so excited to read Emily’s story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m sad this series is over, but it ended in a perfect way for the family. Family has been the central feeling that runs through all of the books. With how the last book ended, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to everyone, but every time I thought they were close to being safe, Ellie decided to add another obstacle for Hailey and her men to overcome. They always do. Just because they were off their island didn’t mean they were saved. I loved how everyone we’ve met on the ship had their stories tied up and that justice was served. I found this book added that extra cherry on top by diving deeper into everyone’s personalities, and I keep changing who my favourite guy is—right now, it’s Easten (at the time of writing this, but will it last 😂). Even though I’m sad to say goodbye, I’m so excited to read Emily’s story!
August 9, 2025
Usually I cringe when I see authors writing a series like this. More often than not the story could have been told in fewer books and we readers are left with a lot of repetition and padding. But the Wrecked series by Ellie Pond was a wonderful exception. This series was just fantastic. I would read one book and then eagerly and impatiently await the next installment. And now, with “Wayward”, we finally get the conclusion we have been waiting for. Somehow Pond managed to make it even better than I could have hoped for. Haley and her guys feel like family now, and I was wondering how the series would wrap up and give us everything we wanted. Somehow “Wayward” brings it all together in a satisfying ending. Am I sorry to say goodbye to these characters? Absolutely. Maybe it’s already time for a re-read? Hmm… I highly recommend the entire Wrecked series.
February 15, 2026
After dragging the story out for four books, I didn't expect so much of the resolution to take place off screen. The mysteries were solved, the questions answered, but a lot was left unresolved.
I was particularly let down by
In the end, I'm undecided whether I'd recommend the series. I enjoyed it, but was so disappointed in the ending that I hesitate to recommend someone invest so much time into the series.
I was particularly let down by
In the end, I'm undecided whether I'd recommend the series. I enjoyed it, but was so disappointed in the ending that I hesitate to recommend someone invest so much time into the series.
August 29, 2026
This isn’t my typical go to romance but I have to say it was the PERFECT palate cleanser. There’s an actual plot, suspense, thrill, mystery and nothing lacking in the spice department. I absolutely loved the character growth and how the men who butt heads learn how to work together and become family. This is a well written why choose. Each person offers something different and they fit well together. You can actually understand why they do what they do or say! The only thing I wish we had more of was an extended ending. I was expecting just a little more in how they dealt with what they lost and delivering retribution to those who caused them harm. Overall, I just really loved this series and the fact that I’ve never read something like this before. It’s nice to never expect what’s happening next.
August 12, 2025
I didn't expect this amazing series to finish! It has been delightful to get acquainted with Hailey, Zane, Easton, Dante, Sam, and Calvin. Reading all four books in this series has been an absolute pleasure!
While unfortunate, this is the magnificent conclusion that our friends earned. I have enjoyed discovering that Hailey is one of the most caring people ever, that Sam is only as old as he senses, that Calvin is really just a grumpy teddy bear, that Dante is the culinary ruler, and that Easton is beyond his wealth!
Be sure to catch the stunning finale of The Wrecked trilogy if you love romance and beach stories where the main characters (typically) receive what they merit. I truly thank Ellie Pond for letting me be a part of their journey!
While unfortunate, this is the magnificent conclusion that our friends earned. I have enjoyed discovering that Hailey is one of the most caring people ever, that Sam is only as old as he senses, that Calvin is really just a grumpy teddy bear, that Dante is the culinary ruler, and that Easton is beyond his wealth!
Be sure to catch the stunning finale of The Wrecked trilogy if you love romance and beach stories where the main characters (typically) receive what they merit. I truly thank Ellie Pond for letting me be a part of their journey!
August 5, 2025
Just when I didn't that there could be more twists and turns to this story... Author Ellie Pond is like but wait...there's more!
I could not have imagined a better conclusion to this group of characters' story.
This author managed to simultaneously have me on the edge of my seat with suspense while also delivering some pretty hot group scenes!
Cause if we've learned anything with this little found family of characters it's that team work makes the dream work!
And boy let me tell you what she pulled out all the twists and turns... so I did not see coming at all!
And the ending... it was absolute perfection!
I could not have imagined a better conclusion to this group of characters' story.
This author managed to simultaneously have me on the edge of my seat with suspense while also delivering some pretty hot group scenes!
Cause if we've learned anything with this little found family of characters it's that team work makes the dream work!
And boy let me tell you what she pulled out all the twists and turns... so I did not see coming at all!
And the ending... it was absolute perfection!
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