Wild in Minnesota

by Mary Lee Painter

The last place Fern wants to be is back home as the Maid of Honor in her cousin’s wedding.

She’s at a cabin by herself for a few days getting ready for a bachelor/bachelorette party weekend when rough and tough Gabe bursts through the door. Thinking he’s an intruder, she starts throwing punches, causing a brawl in the kitchen. She finds out he’s a professional hockey player and a teammate of her brother.

Fern doubts every instinct she has due to her horrid past decisions with men, but after a few days of mind-blowing chemistry, they hatch up a secret “weekend pass” option so they can be close. But after an out-of-control bachelor/bachelorette weekend, a high-speed chase, and bar brawls, Fern hears a shocking conversation, causing her to bolt.

Gabe finds her and persuades her for another chance at the same time her brother finds out, and all hell breaks loose. After an unexpected twist and a decision that ends up with her bringing a fake date to the wedding, the bride disappears with cold feet. Fern has no option but to turn to Gabe to help find the bride in time.

Genres: Romance, Sports

286 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2025

Reviews

[ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia]]

gimme gimme gimme

[lucialeelibros · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for this ARC 😊,

A cabin, a secret… and some serious spice 🔥

I really enjoyed everything about this book—the atmosphere was so cozy and immersive. There’s something special about a story set in a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere. It gave the characters space to connect, to really focus on each other. And I loved that.

The “brother’s best friend” trope? Always a win. That hint of forbidden, the tension of something no one can know about… it gets me every time. And this one? Delivered perfectly.

It was my first time reading something by this author, and I’m definitely planning to pick up more of her books in the future. Getting to read this advanced copy gave me a great intro to her writing style, the way she builds her world and develops her characters. I loved how she balanced emotional depth with chemistry.

Oh—and the spice? It was there. VERY much there. 😏🔥

Thanks again for the chance to read this ARC. I’m officially hooked!

[McKaylee Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was honestly so much at once…like romcom meets soap opera meets action flick. And while I was totally down for the setup (girl alone in a cabin accidentally fights a hot NHL player in her kitchen?? yes pls), the pacing and tone sometimes felt like they couldn’t decide what they wanted to be?

Fern was a relatable mess, trying to move on from her past, overthinking everything, and accidentally catching feelings during what was supposed to be a no-strings weekend. And her inner monologue had me laughing a few times, but it also got a little repetitive. Gabe was giving protective golden retriever energy, and I liked that he wasn’t just some cocky athlete stereotype, he actually cared and communicated, which was refreshing.

The wedding party chaos was fun but insane. I mean, we’re talking bar fights, a high-speed chase, and a whole missing bride situation like ?? ma’am what genre are we in again?? Some of the drama felt a little out of pocket, like things were escalating just for the sake of drama. I also felt like the ending tried to do a lot and wrapped up too quickly for everything that went down.

If you’re into messy characters with baggage, hockey boy romances, and chaotic small-town family energy, this could still be a fun weekend read. Just go in expecting drama and not a super deep emotional arc.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ARC

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off, I received Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter as an ARC, so thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity.

The story follows Fern, a traveling nurse who returns to Minnesota for her cousin’s wedding. She’s supposed to stay at her brother’s friend’s cabin, but it turns out her brother never actually asked his friend Gabe. So Fern and Gabe end up unexpectedly sharing the cabin.

Unfortunately, I have to say I really didn’t enjoy this book—and I’m usually pretty easy to please. It starts off with heavy info-dumping and unrealistic situations. The writing didn’t work for me at all. You know the classic advice that good writing “shows, not tells”? This felt like the opposite. It read more like a list of events strung together than an immersive narrative. The dialogue was juvenile, and I didn’t buy the chemistry between Fern and Gabe.

And the plot? I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief. Within the first 15% of the book, Fern assaults Gabe thinking he’s an intruder (and accidentally maces herself), they get caught in a car chase and shot at by drug dealers, she performs minor surgery on someone, and later ends up in a car accident where she’s trapped inside the vehicle. With so much happening so quickly, you’d think it would be exciting—but I honestly felt nothing. It was chaos without connection.

The number of times Fern calls someone a “pussy” because they (understandably) don’t want to be … i don’t know… SHOT AT is wild. It was clearly meant to be humorous, but for me it landed as cringey and immature.

Both Fern and Gabe were not only unlikeable, but also felt completely unbelievable as characters.

To be fair, the core idea had potential. But this book, in my opinion, needs extensive editing—if not a full rewrite.

[cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5

i..... did not have fun with this one.

i didn't vibe with the characters or with the writing and, most of the time, i was mostly pissed off.

i'm not a fan of the whole telling vs showing, as it completely pulled me out of the book, and it felt like i was just an external observer instead of being able to immerse myself in what i was reading.

the dialogue suffered, too. it felt choppy and unnatural in a poor attempt to be relatable, and it fell flat. it also didn't help sell the supposed chemistry between the main characters.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a honest review

[Peyton (books.peyton) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter • ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read: 6/14-6/23 2025

✨ Review ✨

Thank you so much Satin Romance and NetGalley for this ARC!!

Happy release day!! Congratulations on releasing your second book! If you love 2000s rom-com’s, you’ll love this. I’m in a mood where I just want to be secluded near a small town and this fits the ticket. It’s giving all of the small town romance x brother’s best friend/best friend’s sister x found family tropes and many laughs along the way.

I can’t wait to read more of your work!!

P.S. It’s very ironic how close this book is lined up with my life location/event wise right now. (1) I’m on a vacation right now (hence this review being posted at night instead of this morning like I would have liked - I’m sorry) headed up to Wisconsin for my niece’s (2) wedding, although it’s actually being held in (3) Cottage Grove, Minnesota, which is in the same area that this books takes place. The niece that is getting married is named (4) Madison, the same name as the female lead in Mary Lee’s first book, The Fork in the Road, and I have a nephew named (5) Gabe, the same name as the male lead in this book.

Releases June 23, 2025
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0So7Lel

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this exactly like a 2000’s rom-com was playing in my mind. I didn’t mind the back and forth and drama of the temporary playboy hockey player and his best friend’s sister but I felt like I was left in a little cliffhanger. I know they ended up together butttttt what does that mean for her travel job? And do all his past ladies finally stop showing up to his place?! I felt the last page was very rushed. The ending could’ve used some more time - she just kind of appeared and they didn’t even talk about the kiss between her and her male bff. Minus the quick ending, I couldn’t put this book down. It was cute and had all the feels. I would recommend it! Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Heather Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing from the start. Fern is headed back home after being a travel nurse for years. She is the maid of honor in her cousins wedding. She decides to come home early and stay in a cabin that her brother has set up. In waltzes Gabe not knowing there was anyone in his home. After a knock down drag out and a mishap with some mace, the two hotheads realize they are linked by the brother. I had all the emotions from happy, sad, hopeful, enraged and more. I love the character development. Fern Ethel has trust issues and an overprotective brother, Dave, who happens to be the best friend of Gabe.Gabe is an swoony hockey player with struggles he is trying to overcome. The chemistry between this couple is undeniable. The experiences that they encounter are wild and unexpected. This couple manages to get in there own way so many times. I literally couldn’t put this book down, I had to see what would happen next, whether it was a disaster or a HEA. I loved it!

[Madi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read! There was a lot happening in the beginning… but as the story settled in a little more it was enjoyable. It was fun to read local MN references as well as current music throughout.

[Tamara Lezcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, easy rom-com. I devoured this one in no time!

Love Fern, the flawed, funny, cool FMC. She's such a bad ass! She's the Maid of Honor at her cousin's wedding and unexpectedly is forced to spend time at a cabin with NHL player and her brother's best friend Gabe. Their banter and chemistry was so fun to read, really loved them together.
The chaos in this book is such a plus, a bride almost bailing her wedding? I really chuckled.

If you love easy, breazy rom-coms you'll enjoy this one!

Thanks to Mary Lee Painter for entrusting me with an advanced copy to write an honest review about.

[tina maisonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all — sass 💁‍♀️, steam 🔥, chaos 🤪, and heart 💖. Fern is fierce, funny, and flawed in the best way, and I loved watching her grow alongside Gabe. His backstory shattered me 😢, but his strength and loyalty totally won me over 🥵💪. I laughed out loud when the bride almost bailed 👰‍♀️💨 — total wedding madness! And Fern’s mom? An absolute QUEEN 👑. Supportive, hilarious, and full of love. Gwen’s strength after cancer was so beautiful and inspiring 💫. This book was so good!!

[Raquel Ocasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little romcom! I read this in less than a day and it had me laughing from the start. There is chaos, a little spice, humor, and love.

*Brothers best friend
*Hockey

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️ 0/5 - DNF’d at 35% (Chapter 7)
Pub Date: June 23, 2025
First person POV, dual narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Fern MMC: Gabe

This was….. really bad. It should maybe be labeled as Young Adult. The writing is very, very amateur and the dialogue is very immature, and misogynistic; Very dense, shallow, ditsy characters.

I was excited to read a rom-com set in Minnesota since I am a Minnesotan, and there were mostly accurate references. But there were too many things going on and no emotional depth or character development. Gabe is a hockey player with the Minnesota Wild but that’s hardly a subplot.
Fern is super immature, as is her brother. And if I read about someone “being a pussy” or “WTF, bro?!” one more time, I was going to throw my kindle at a wall.
Also the town is spelled Eagan, not Egan.

Overused and annoying words/phrases used in both the narrative and dialogue:
WTF, WTH, BTW, OMG
Puss, pussy, wimp, girly (“that’s so not girly”)
“They’re just yucky”
Dude - used way too much
Bro
The bomb
Giggle - used way too much

Hopefully a lot of changes are made before this is published and if not, hopefully the author (who is sister to Lynn Painter) will learn from this and polish up on her writing skills.

I received an early copy of this book for review consideration from BookBuzz.net via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He was so handsome it made me a little wiggly and giggly”.

This book centres around maid of honour Fern trying to fight her feelings for best man Gabe, who’s her brother’s best friend. I knew I’d enjoy this book when I saw that the playlist at the front contained country music. This book had everything; humour, suspense, love and spice. Dave and Fern’s sibling bond is full of competitiveness and care. The chemistry between Gabe and Fern is instant; I couldn’t wait to see how it progressed with each chapter. Their characters complimented each other perfectly; Gabe and his protectiveness, Fern and her firecracker personality. This book is an easy, funny, chaotic rom-com with a perfect ending that is definitely worth reading.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is set over a wedding in Minnesota where we follow bridesmaid Fern with her brother’s best friend and NHL star Gabe. Fern shows up to the weekend early to do some last minute prepping and is unexpectedly forced to spend time with Gabe at his cabin. As a fellow Minnesotan and romance lover, I was very excited to request and receive this read.

Unfortunately, I could not make it through this book for a variety of reasons. I pretty much immediately knew I was not going to enjoy this book, but I really wanted to give the book a chance, so I continued reading until 28% where I could not put any additional effort into it.

From the beginning, I could tell this was not well written. First, we immediately start the book with a huge amount of info-dumping. Right from the start, the book overwhelmed me with a barrage of backstory, character traits, and personal history. It felt like reading a summary rather than being immersed in a narrative. Rather than letting readers discover things about the characters through interactions or events, the author spells everything out, which made it hard to get emotionally invested. This choice to do “telling” rather than “showing” really hurt my enjoyment of the book.

Additionally, the characters definitely fall into the insta-love/insta-lust trope. The romance between our characters escalates almost immediately without the tension, chemistry, or emotional arc that typically makes a love story satisfying. It felt like they were in love just because the plot required them to be, not because of any meaningful connection the reader got to witness develop.

Further, the dialogue was hard to read due to poor writing choices and the childish back and forth. The characters often speak in text slang or fake phrases that don’t align with their supposed ages or professions. Words like “bikerish,” “badassy,” and “WTF” appear frequently, making the characters feel juvenile. Other odd choices include using words “like” and “thing” in areas where they were unnecessary (examples: “his member was like right there” and “Tik Tok thing”) which made some scenes unintentionally cringe-worthy.

Another example of poor writing is the unnecessary repetition. The author was presenting facts we already well delved into as new information as if they forgot they already told us or just didn’t read or edit their own book.

Moving on from the writing, the story was also significantly lacking. There was no story plot or side characters we met that added to or enhanced the story. Any potentially relevant characters (like the rest of the wedding party or her brother) were still not presented by 28%. This could have been a great way to improve the “show” not “tell” as I typically appreciate the sideline conversations with trusted friends which builds our characters as more holistic individuals and can be a great way to discuss their thoughts or background without just telling us.

Side characters are usually a great way to build out the world and deepen the main characters’ stories, but here they’re either completely missing or used in over-the-top ways. The few who do appear are caricatures of humans such as an emotionally obsessed stalker neighbor or a pizza guy who wanders into a drug deal and risked the lives of our main characters. These feel like exaggerated plot devices rather than real people, and they vanish just as quickly as they arrive.

Finally, by the time I gave up, there was still no strong central storyline beyond the initial romantic setup. There’s little about the wedding, the family dynamics, or even the hockey life to latch onto, and it made it difficult to remain interested. The interactions or drama included did not add anything to the story and were no longer relevant as soon as we were out of the scene.

To include some positives about the book: This book includes reference to hockey if you are into hockey romance (however, it is not a main part of the book, more just mentioned as his profession), this is insta-love/insta-lust if you like that, and it is brother’s best friend.

Ultimately, there is potential this book could get better. I was really trying to at least make it to where other characters show up to see if it would get better once we got into the plot, but when there was still no one else and no semblance of a story at 28%, I gave up hope. I may skip a couple chapters and try to pick it up again if other characters are present or if we get to the actual wedding weekend, but I will definitely not be seriously reading this entire book.

[MaLeaya Taboada · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Title: Wild in Minnesota
✍️ Author: Mary Lee Painter
🗓️ Release Date: June 23, 2025
📘 Format: Ebook (ARC) – Provided by NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Glorious Stars

An emotional rollercoaster with rom-com chaos, heart-melting chemistry, and more llamas than one might expect from a hockey romance.

⸻

💬 Review:

From the first punch to the last page, Wild in Minnesota is a rom-com that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Mary Lee Painter delivers a brilliant blend of humor, heart, and healing in a romance that’s as unexpectedly wild as the title suggests.

Set in a remote Minnesota cabin, the story kicks off when Fern—an emotionally guarded, delightfully sarcastic maid of honor—is startled by an unexpected housemate. Enter Gabe: NHL superstar, best friend to Fern’s brother, and the unintentional recipient of her well-aimed punch to the face. What follows is an unforgettable “weekend pass” arrangement that quickly turns into something deeper… and a whole lot messier.

Despite the absurdity (yes, there are llamas), this novel never feels overdone. It thrives on contrast: slapstick moments paired with emotional honesty, witty banter tempered by gut-wrenching revelations, and romance that simmers in quiet, closed-door intimacy.

⸻

🔥 Tropes You’ll Love:
• Brother’s Best Friend
• Forced Proximity
• Dual POV
• Touch Her and Die
• Forbidden Love
• Breakup & Makeup
• Revenge Plot
• Healing Through Connection

⸻

📈 Plot & Pacing:

This story moves. Painter paces it masterfully, balancing high-octane drama with heartfelt moments. From pizza dates and taco nights to high-speed chases and a missing bride, every twist feels earned and engaging. What begins as a rom-com quickly evolves into a deeply layered narrative of loss, addiction, and redemption—without ever losing its sharp sense of humor.

The cabin scenes are cozy and electric; the wedding weekend is total chaos in the best way; and the final act? Let’s just say I need a sequel yesterday because that CANNOT be how it ends!!!!!

⸻

👥 Characters & Chemistry:

Fern and Gabe are lightning in a bottle. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they collide (literally), but what really sets them apart is the emotional depth Painter gives them. Fern’s hesitation, Gabe’s trauma, patience and vulnerability—it’s a slow burn that builds on trust, laughter, and one unforgettable weekend.

Gabe is a true standout. He’s the kind of leading man who doesn’t just bring the swoon—he brings substance. Equal parts fierce protector and golden retriever energy, his devotion to Fern is felt in every small gesture. Their emotional intimacy is far more powerful than any explicit scene.

And Fern? She’s a beautifully flawed heroine—tough, funny, and heartbreakingly real.

⸻

💬 Favorite Quote:

“You did this so I could have pizza?”
– Fern
“I’d swim across shark-infested waters to bring you a slice.”
– Gabe

(And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the bar now.)

⸻

🎯 Themes & Depth:

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about second chances-third chances-more chances. Painter deftly explores themes of grief, addiction, and identity without ever bogging the story down.Gabe’s past mistakes don’t define him, and Fern’s little BFF fiasco is truthfully forgivable. Together, they create a safe space to heal and rediscover joy, one moment (and llama) at a time.

⸻

✅ Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Wild in Minnesota is for fans of The Hating Game, Icebreaker, and The Unhoneymooners—but with more emotional depth and a storyline that dares to go beyond the typical rom-com beats. If you’re into:
• Banter so sharp it could cut glass
• Closed-door romance with emotional intimacy
• Hockey players with hearts of gold
• Strong heroines learning to trust again
This one’s for you.

⸻

📝 Final Thoughts:

Wild in Minnesota took me by surprise in the best possible way. It’s chaotic, heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply romantic. Mary Lee Painter doesn’t just write a love story—she writes the story you’ll want to revisit again and again. I’m already hoping for a full Minnesota Wild Hockey Team series because these characters (and their antics) deserve so much more page time.

Let this be your official invitation: jump into the wild!!!


📣 Disclaimer: ARC provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Ivana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐/5

Yelling "Don't move, or I'll kill you" isn't the friendliest way to welcome someone into their own home. But that was the first thing Fern said to Gabe when she saw him enter the cabin. In her defense, Fern was alone, making preparations for her cousin's wedding, and she didn't know that Gabe (her brother's best friend) was the owner of the cabin where she was staying. Thinking that he could be a serial killer, she got in self-defense mode, or more like attack mode—poor Gabe.
After one of the least romantic meet-cutes ever (but still unforgettable), and having overcome the awkwardness of their first encounter, they started to get along. Although 'get along' would be an understatement, sparks flew almost instantly. Gabe feels like a weight is lifted off his shoulders when he's with Fern, and things haven't been like that since he lost his wife. Fern is at ease with Gabe. She's amazed at how he can become a real-life superhero and at the feeling of familiarity between them.
Under the excuse that their chemistry was just a temporary thing, they thought that they could have a weekend pass until their friends arrived for the pre-wedding activities. But nothing is ever that simple. The attraction was still there when Fern's overprotective brother and the rest of the guests got to the cabin. Fern and Gabe realize that they want more than a weekend pass; they just can't get enough of each other.
As feelings between them begin to grow, problems arise. Is Gabe simply fascinated by Fern because of some superficial similarities to his late wife? Or are they destined to have "an all-access pass forever, and ever, and ever"? Will Gabe end up losing his best friend?

Fern Ethel is such a funny character; she has an endearing awkwardness, whether it's in an interaction with someone or inside her thoughts. She's competitive, adventurous, and fearless.
Although Gabe appears to be a playboy who only wants to have fun with no strings attached, deep down he carries insecurities and unresolved issues from his past. Gabe is a loyal friend with a heart of gold, and he's always there for the people he cares about.
If you're into gleefully chaotic romantic comedies, you'll like Wild in Minnesota. It was a fun and light read.

Thank you to BookBuzz, NetGalley, and the author for the digital copy of Wild in Minnesota in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and BookBuz for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.25⭐️ &🌶️

This book follows Fern, who returns to her hometown to serve as maid of honor in her cousin’s wedding. There, she crosses paths with Gabe, NFL-level star, player and her brother’s best friend. When Fern arrives at a cabin to help with some last-minute wedding prep, she unexpectedly runs into Gabe, and their instant chemistry leads to a spontaneous “one weekend only” arrangement. But as the weekend unfolds, it becomes clear that their connection runs deeper. Still, unresolved issues from their past and Fern’s protective brother, make turning their fling into a real relationship anything but simple.

This book has an exciting premise with some fun tropes—insta-love, brother’s best friend, and forced proximity��� that I LOVE. Fern and Gabe’s relationship kicks off with immediate intensity, which sets a fast pace for the story.

The beginning dives straight into the action with some bold plot choices (like the car chase), which, while unexpected, definitely grab attention. It did take me a little while to settle into the story and connect with the characters, but once Fern and Gabe started interacting more, the emotional stakes began to build.

The foundation for Fern and Gabe’s relationship had great potential, and I would have loved to see their connection develop more gradually with added tension and deeper emotional beats. Including more scenes with Fern’s brother could have added an interesting dynamic and helped highlight the conflict in a more layered way.

Overall, the story moves quickly, which makes for a fast and engaging read, but I found myself wishing for more character backstory and quieter, emotional moments to really flesh out the romance. Flashbacks to Fern and Gabe’s past experiences would have added depth and made their love story even more compelling. That said, readers who love fast-paced romance with high-stakes emotions might really enjoy the read.

This was my very first ARC, and I was so excited to dive in, the blurb completely drew me in! While the story didn’t fully click with me and I found parts of it challenging to get through, I appreciated the opportunity to read it early and can see how it will appeal to readers who enjoy this style of romance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary forbidden love brother's best friend romantic comedy is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Minnesota and characters that are an alpha NHL hockey player, a sassy heroine who is a nurse/Maid of Honor at her cousins wedding, humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being wild in Minnesota with insta-love/lust with forced proximity, an abundance of humor that will have readers laughing out loud, the last place Fern wants to be is back home as the Maid of Honor in her cousin's wedding, at the cabin by herself for a few days to getting ready for the bachelor/b bachelorette weekend, when rough and tough Gabe bursts through he door in the middle of the night, she thinks he's an intruder so she starts throwing punches which results in a brawl in the kitchen, she learns he's a NHL hockey player and teammate of her brother's, she doubts every instinct she has due to. her terrible past life choices, an undeniable spark between the two, hatch up a "weekend pass" option allowing her a few days with the wild one while keeping her heart intact, crazy wedding party weekend including a high-speed chase, she overhears a shocking conversation and bolts, Gabe persuades her for another chance at the same time her brother finds out and all hell breaks loose, drama, heartfelt emotions, an unexpected twist, a decision that ends with her bringing a fake date to the wedding, her cousin disappears, she has to turn to Gabe to help her locate the missing bride, humor, chaos, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being wild in Minnesota and an entertaining world that is lustful, humorous, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Imogen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank the author and NetGalley for providing this free ARC. All opinions are my own.

First Person, Dual POV DNF'd at 46% 0/5 stars

I feel like this started off with great potential to be a rom-com however it fell a bit flat. By the second chapter I felt like I was reading a YA romance out of the realms of Wattpad.

To start with the writing felt very immature considering the characters are supposed to be adults and this was marketed as an adult romance. The FMC behaves and speaks in a childish manner. The writing also included lots of repeated text abbreviations like 'WTF' 'BTW' etc despite no text conversations actually occurring.

We follow our FMC Fern, a travelling nurse, and Gabe, a hockey player for the Minnesota Wild. Although hockey has little relevance to the book from what I can tell other than simply being his profession.

In the first 25% of the book we met only the two main characters who fell into an insta-love type of vibe. The plot also felt very chaotic at this point. So far the main characters have met in advance of a bachelor/bachelorette weekend where the FMC mistakes the MMC for an intruder within the first few pages. What then follows (in what I estimate to be 2 or 3 days) is the catching of feelings, a very random car chase/shoot out by drug dealers(?) and then a minor car accident.

I found it very difficult to connect with the book when the plot moved around so much with such a short timeline. There was hardly any chemistry portrayed between the MCs.

Overall I could see the potential, however I couldn't finish the book.

[_._.Booklovers._._ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern never expected to accidentally beat up a guy the first time they met…

•Mary Lee Painter
•🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
•4/5⭐
•fake-dating
•brothers bestfriend
•missing bride
•tension
•ITS A BAD IDEA RIGHT??

My first ever spicy book and I'm not the biggest fan of spice but this was INCREDIBLE!!
❤️Fern is crazy, hot, a bit stubborn, tomboy (of a woman) and yes this is a describe by a beautiful, charming,black cat, rough man called Gabe!🌑🐈‍⬛

•Gabe is a brooding hockey player who prefers to keep to himself, especially after the loss of his wife. But when his best friend’s very off-limits little sister, Fern, suddenly moves in with him to prep for her cousin’s wedding (thanks to her overprotective brother not warning anyone), things take a wild turn—starting with Fern accidentally beating Gabe up during their chaotic first meeting. 😅
•While doing some wedding things together Fern and Gabe start to discover something unexpected: each other. For the first time in a long time, Gabe feels a little less alone. And for Fern, the grumpy hockey star just might be the one person who really sees her.
•Add in a meddling team of hockey players, one suspicious brother, and a whole lot of romantic tension, and you've got a love story that's as sweet as it is hilarious.
• the one thing that I didn't like that much was the ending for me it was a bit quick?❤️ I wanted absolutely more !!❤️ And the "fight" they had but it wasn't fight ! Hope you all know what I mean !⭐⭐
•❤️

[Jori Broad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter is a light and entertaining romance that follows a group of friends and family in the lead-up to a wedding—complete with mountains, mayhem, and more than a few surprises. While the cast is filled with hockey players and hockey-adjacent folks, this is not a traditional sports romance. Instead, it leans more into themes of identity, family roles, and personal growth, all wrapped in classic rom-com hijinks.

The plot centers on fake dating, a brother’s best friend dynamic, and the chaos that can only come from being stuck in close quarters during wedding prep. While the story took a few more turns than I expected (and sometimes more than felt necessary), it was still an enjoyable, fast-paced read with plenty of charm.

This may not have been my favorite romance of 2025, but if you enjoy small-town wedding settings, cozy friend/family ensembles, and a touch of emotional exploration with your tropes, Wild in Minnesota is worth the read.

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[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐



Fern Novotny regresa a Minnesota para ser dama de honor en la boda de su prima, a pesar de que eso implique enfrentarse a sus torpes habilidades con las manualidades y a sus catastróficas decisiones pasadas en el amor. Cuando llega sola a una cabaña para adelantar los preparativos del fin de semana de despedida de soltero/a, un malentendido con un supuesto intruso, que resulta ser Gabe Wolkowski, jugador profesional de hockey y amigo de su hermano, desata una caótica y desternillante pelea en la cocina. Fern termina con gas pimienta en la cara, y Gabe con un ojo morado.


Gabe arrastra el duelo por la pérdida de su esposa y la carga de un pasado difícil. Mientras Fern es una enfermera con espíritu viajero, vive decidida a aprovechar cada momento tras sobrevivir al cáncer. Ambos son personajes tienen muchas cosas que sanar.

---

No le puse una calificación mayor porque me canso el estira y afloja.

Como disfrute cuando apareció Brandon y como Fern decidió darle una lección a Gabe.

¿En que pensaba Gabe al darle a quien sabe cuantas mujeres el código de acceso de su casa??

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

[_._.Booklovers._._ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern never expected to accidentally beat up a guy the first time they met…

•Mary Lee Painter
•🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
•4/5⭐
•fake-dating
•brothers bestfriend
•missing bride
•tension
•ITS A BAD IDEA RIGHT??


My first ever spicy book and I'm not the biggest fan of spice but this was INCREDIBLE!!
❤️Fern is crazy, hot, a bit stubborn, tomboy (of a woman) and yes this is a describe by a beautiful, charming,black cat, rough man called Gabe!🌑🐈‍⬛


•Gabe is a brooding hockey player who prefers to keep to himself, especially after the loss of his wife. But when his best friend’s very off-limits little sister, Fern, suddenly moves in with him to prep for her cousin’s wedding (thanks to her overprotective brother not warning anyone), things take a wild turn—starting with Fern accidentally beating Gabe up during their chaotic first meeting. 😅
•While doing some wedding things together Fern and Gabe start to discover something unexpected: each other. For the first time in a long time, Gabe feels a little less alone. And for Fern, the grumpy hockey star just might be the one person who really sees her.
•Add in a meddling team of hockey players, one suspicious brother, and a whole lot of romantic tension, and you've got a love story that's as sweet as it is hilarious.


•❤️

[CHRISTINE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild In Minnesota deserves both thumbs up; all five stars and the top of the list of recommendations to readers who love a solid love story based in the good ol’ “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Yes, we know there’s way more than 10,000 and Minnesota deserves the credit for EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

I grew up in Minnesota, ‘up north’, Big Pine Lake, off ‘Old Hwy 10’ , about four-ish hours from Minneapolis. Of course I’m going to jump on any opportunity to read all the books that are based back home. The title “Wild In Minnesota” meant a guaranteed read from me. Add in some forced proximity, city girl in a small town, snowy-icy weather, a travel nurse and hockey player and a brothers best friend trope? Count me in.

She’s the sister of the Groom, a travel Nurse. He’s a pro hockey player who loves the ladies...and the liquor. Until SHE comes around. She changes everything, rightfully so. They shouldn’t date because he’s best friends with her brother. She makes him pancakes, he takes care of her when she needs it most.

The big day of the wedding is coming soon. What’s next?

Mary Lee Painter has her name on the top of my TBR list. Wild In Minnesota gave me a feeling of home, friendship, longing and the desire to love and to be loved. To show you still have a great love to give.

[Cassie Kamphuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Wild in Minnesota

Author: Mary Lee Painter

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Sports Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, Brother’s Teammate, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️



⸻

🤩 The Vibe:

When a chaotic maid-of-honor prep weekend collides with a gruff pro hockey player barging into her cabin, Fern’s life turns into a whirlwind of kitchen brawls, fake dates, and high-speed small-town drama. Wild in Minnesota delivers laugh-out-loud moments, fast-paced antics, and sizzling chemistry between a sunshine-meets-grump couple who can’t stay away from each other—even when misunderstandings threaten to blow everything up.



⸻

👩‍❤️‍👨 Main Characters:

Fern: A spirited, impulsive woman back in her hometown for her cousin’s wedding. She’s determined to keep her guard up after bad luck with men, but Gabe’s persistence (and that grin) start to break down her defenses.

Gabe: A professional hockey player and teammate of Fern’s brother. Rugged, steady, and surprisingly great at communication, he’s all in from the start—meeting every misunderstanding with calm, honesty, and commitment.



⸻

💕 What I Loved:

• The chaotic, hilarious opening scene in the cabin

• Gabe’s constant commitment and quick communication

• Their crackling chemistry from the first act onward

• The blend of small-town charm with wilder, over-the-top moments

• The “brother’s teammate” tension that adds extra stakes



⸻

🚫 What Didn’t Work For Me:

• Fern’s tendency to jump to conclusions without giving Gabe a chance to explain

• Some moments where her insecurity read as immaturity

• The ending felt a bit rushed after such a wild build-up



⸻

🤔 Final Thoughts:

Wild in Minnesota is a fun, fast-paced romcom that leans into big personalities, messy hijinks, and a hero who knows how to show up when it matters most. While Fern’s insecurities sometimes tested my patience, Gabe’s steady presence and their undeniable chemistry kept me hooked. If you like small-town romance with a dash of chaos and a hero who’s all in, this one’s worth the read.

[Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILD IN MINNESOTA!
I completely devoured this book yesterday and it was quite the reading experience! I would either be laughing so hard one minute then the next I would be getting emotional😂. I was immediately invested in the story, Fern is such a badass female character and Gabe is quite the complex male character.
So many things happened in the book that I didn’t see coming but developed the plot in a way that I could never have anticipated! I loved the found family aspect with the hockey team and their dynamic was super fun and hilarious! Mary Lee is such a humorous writer, I would always find myself cracking up over the dialogue and found myself annotating so much because of how obsessed I was with a scene!
I loved how she handled the tropes like, brother’s best friend, forbidden romance, and more! She really killed it with this one, and I can’t believe that this is only her second book! I can’t wait for her young adult debut titled “Worst Idea Ever”! Congratulations once again to @maryleepainterauthor for this sensational book!🥳💕

Thank you so much for the ARC I got to review!

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild in Minnesota is a hilariously heartfelt romp through the rugged woods and even rougher terrain of one woman’s post-divorce rediscovery. Painter has created a main character who is equal parts chaos and charm—think Bridget Jones if she swapped wine bars for wildlife sanctuaries. After a very public marital implosion, our heroine finds herself back in her small hometown in Minnesota, licking her wounds and dodging the town’s relentless gossip mill.

What follows is a joyfully unfiltered journey of self-reliance, romantic misfires, and unexpected friendships—including a broody park ranger with secrets of his own. The writing is razor-sharp and self-aware, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with tender introspection. Painter doesn’t just deliver romance—she delivers growth, grit, and a healthy dose of Midwest weirdness (moose-related mishaps included).

This book is a love letter to second chances, untamed hearts, and the wildness we carry inside us. It’s not just about surviving heartbreak—it’s about thriving in spite of it, with muddy boots and a smirk.

Thanks to NetGalley and Melange Satin Romance for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Gless · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of this book was… Wow drama upon drama. Poor Gabe, first he loses his wife, then he gets his ass kicked in his own home, gets shot at and then his crush nearly dies? If I’m him I’m thinking I’m cursed or something. It’s such a non sequitur start to the book that it feels like a completely different book from the bulk of the story. Also the shooting thing just happens and then is never brought back up again.

There isn’t really a discernible plot. The plot is basically just the relationship and the misunderstanding trope is beaten to death (3 or 4 times I think? Bit excessive). The best friend pops up out of nowhere and feels like just a plot point to make the reader think Fern is moving on for a second.

I liked Fern’s parents and Gabe’s interactions with them, I liked the bachelor/bachelorette celebration, and the chemistry of the main couple. Overall I think the book could have benefited from an aggressive editing review but it had some good pieces.

Thank you Melange Satin Romance for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break my heart and put it back together several times over Mary! Goodness this book had me hanging on till the end. The constant "they almost make it" drag you along an intense and emotional journey between Fern and Gabe.
Fern is the best friend everybody needs: quirky, stubborn, fiery, and funny as hell.
Gabe is a deeply emotional man who has suffered great loss and has his heart hardened to all women. He didn't see Fern coming but she crashed into him and he couldn't let her go
Their chemistry from the get go was insane from the moment they met when she thought he was an intruder and he was just trying to take space in his own cabin. They filled each other's broken parts and you could feel the pain when they were apart.
There are a few wild plot twists in this book and the reoccurring llamas (you'll love it) added the adrenaline and humor that make this book unique and an amazing read.

This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I read this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review