Wayward

Wrecked #4

by Ellie Pond

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.

Genres: Why Choose, Contemporary, Romance, Survival, Spicy

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

About the author

Ellie 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.

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, still like the crew and Haley. They finally got their happy ending and with that most questions were finally answered.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Reading_with_AAron · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Leigh's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Not Before Mom Has Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Felicia Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cassi B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Drishika Bikraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ;)

[Floor · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨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

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vicky.lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Fernanda Giovannini · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[balayageandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally got to the end!!! I'm glad the story wrapped up and we were able to see how it all ended. I do think there was some additional editing needed because I was a bit confused at times and while the main items were wrapped up, I think some of it was a bit rushed (compared to the end of the book) and I was definitely confused at times on how everything was connected. Overall, the series is just fine. I think it started out so strong and then just struggled to keep a good pace and make sure plot holes were covered.

If you've made it through the first 3 books, you definitely want to read this one to see how it all ends!

[Andrea Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the series!

An action adventure to be sure! I was waiting for more about the sabotage to the Rock Candy and this book brought it on! It still has the steamy scenes and deals with the interpersonal relationships of the group, then adds in the layer of “What will their families and society think?”. It’s a wild ride on the run from someone trying to kill them (and why?!) while trying to get back home and finding help along the way including some unexpected allies, too.

And most importantly, what comes after getting home and being safe?

[Penner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series ends here and I wasn’t ready for it to end, it was finished up nicely! I really enjoyed Hailey and her boys story in this one! The plot was perfect,the spice was perfect and still has enough banter! Hailey and her boys may have been rescued off the island but that still isn’t the end for them, they still need to fight for their lives! Can they survive and still have the life together they want?! This book/series is the perfect why choose romance,beach read,summer read,just a perfect series! I’d remind this whole series to anyone!!!
@elliepond

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great conclusion for the Wrecked series. I was captivated throughout all four books. This is action packed and suspenseful. They may be off the island but they aren’t away from danger yet. Thayer came along, claiming to be trying to save them from his father, but is he really on their side or just another obstacle. Had me on the edge, I needed to know how everything would come together. I enjoyed how each of the guys had their own personalities and interests, but yet their life was still all about her. I look forward to reading Easton’s sister's story.

[Bonnie McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was holding my breath for this one. So often it can be hard to end a series. I wanted more time with the characters while also wanting to know how things turned out. I was really happy with how this wrapped up. So much of this I was one the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put the book down. I liked how everything worked out in the end. I felt like it really was a good ending for everyone and true to the characters.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how plot and all threads were connected in this part. The pacing is also very dynamic in this installment and I enjoyed it. Somehow the romance department didn't convince me strong enough but mystery and adventure were right on spot. A really worthy ending for this short series.
But I need more Mr.Z! This guy is a real enigma and has super interesting agenda. I hope to see him more in Emily's story!

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible conclusion to Hailey and her men's story!
We get answers to our questions and we find out who was beyond things.
Even though they finally left the island, their journey was far from over.
There were still a few twists, some suspense, and action.
Along they way, we still had some emotional moments, spicy times, and family banter and fun.
It truly was an adventure of a lifetime for Hailey and her men.
I'm glad they finally got their happy ending!
I loved it!!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to this enjoyable series. Rescued from the island, or are they? The gang is told that Thayer their rescuer's father wants them dead. We also get to know why the Rock Candy ship was bombed and who was responsible. Can our group (Hailey and her men) survive this new threat? Again, loved the characters, the drama and the romance in this action-adventure romance story that kept me engaged. I'd volunteer to read and review this last book I'd received in this delightful enjoyable series.

[Sakura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels bittersweet to see the end of this series! I am so happy to see our protagonist finally got their happy ending after so many hardships. 

The relationship between the MMCs was really engaging to see, how they worked hard to make sure everything was okay and everyone was comfortable. I loved how each of them gave something to the FMC, how they started to make their own family. 

Thank you to the author for having me as part of your team!

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!
What a great ending to an amazing story that had me captivated throughout. There was betrayal, secrets, unexpected help on their escape & journey back home to freedom at times it didn't seem they would get there.
Together their strength they found out why & who was responsible for what had happened to the Rock Candy with unexpected results.
I'm looking forward to reading Emily's story.
I can't recommend this story enough & you will not be disappointed.