Wild Return: A Second Chance Romance

by Sadie King

I’m a soldier looking for a second chance. She’s the woman whose heart I broke. My final mission—win back my cupcake.

Four years ago, I faced an impossible choice. I left the mountain, my MC, and Sydney, the woman I loved.
Now I’m back as security for the brewery where she works, and the tension is thick between us.
Someone’s siphoning beer in the dead of night, the security cameras aren’t working, and every clipped order she barks makes me want to pin her against a fermenter and remind her who we were.
Protecting the brew is the job. Winning back my cupcake? That’s a mission I refuse to lose.

Wild Return is a steamy, forced proximity romance between an ex-military biker and the curvy girl he must convince to give him a second chance.

Genres: Second Chance

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Sadie King lives with her husband in New York. She divides her moments of indulgence between erotica, Godiva chocolates, and espresso.

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

For other authors of this name, see also:

Sadie King - Contemporary Romance
Sadie King - Historical Romance

Reviews

[Rendi Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:
5 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This was the first book that read from Sadie King. I absolutely loved it. Viking really had his work cute out for him trying to win Sydney back. The key communication, communication, communication. You will fall in love with the characters just as I did. Get your copy on Amazon today. Highly recommended read and I will be checking out the rest of the series soon.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was a great read. Viking and Sydney made the perfect couple. After he decided she was all that he needed in his life. Couldn’t ask for a better read. Great Job Sadie

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biker romance.
Sydney is a broken woman after her ex-boyfriend broke her heart after choosing to arm him instead of staying by his side. She then tried to rebuild herself by traveling the world. Now back, she works in the MC brewery, but she didn't expect to see Viking again.
Viking is back in his city after serving in the army. While he wants to do everything to win Sydney back, he didn't think he'd see her so soon when he has to investigate the theft of a beer barrel from the MC brewery.
Will Sydney and Viking get a second chance, or will Viking return on a mission…

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something about a man returning from war, haunted but determined, that just grips your heart and doesn’t let go. In Wild Return, Sadie King delivers that emotional sucker punch in the best possible way—with heat, heart, and just the right amount of stubborn love.

Viking (yes, that’s his name and yes, he absolutely lives up to it) is back from his tour of duty. He’s battle-scarred, emotionally guarded, and laser-focused on one mission: reclaiming Sydney, the girl he left behind. But Sydney? She’s no longer the heartbroken young woman who watched him walk away. She’s built a life, brick by brick, without him—and she’s not interested in letting him bulldoze his way back in.

At least… not at first.

But then he calls her “cupcake.” And honestly, I think my soul sighed. Because sometimes it’s the smallest things—the memories wrapped in nicknames, the old language of love spoken in glances and unfinished sentences—that start to crack the walls you’ve spent years building.

Thrown together to solve a string of thefts at the local brewery, Sydney and Viking are forced into close proximity—and that’s when the emotional fireworks begin. Viking isn’t pushy, but he is persistent. He knows what he wants, and he knows exactly who she is. He’s patient, even when she’s prickly. He’s warm, even when she’s distant. And when they finally touch? Game over. The slow burn is real, and when it ignites… whew.

But it’s not just about the chemistry (although, trust me, it’s delicious). This story dives into the real emotional messiness of second chances. Why he left. Why she had to survive without him. Why trust isn’t always something you can just flip back on. And what it means to truly choose someone again, scars and all.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He walked away once. Now he’s back, and she swore she’d never let him close again.

Sydney has spent four years rebuilding her life after Viking chose the military over her. Independent, resilient, and fiercely guarded, she’s poured everything into keeping the Wild Riders brewery thriving. But when Viking returns as head of security, the man who broke her heart becomes impossible to ignore. Sparks flare, trust wavers, and old wounds fight against a passion that refuses to stay buried.

Viking carries scars from foster care, from combat, and from the people he’s lost. Haunted but determined, he wants to prove he’s more than the man who left. When a storm forces him and Sydney into close quarters, walls begin to fall, but rebuilding trust isn’t simple. One mistake could undo everything they’ve begun to rebuild.

Through missing kegs, tough choices, and unexpected moments of compassion, Viking shows Sydney he’s not just the soldier who walked away but the man who’s ready to stay. Their bond deepens, shifting from tense and conflicted to fiery and protective, but Sydney still fears losing him again. Love, loyalty, and second chances hang in the balance.

Sydney evolves from guarded and wounded to open and brave, while Viking grows from a man defined by duty into one who chooses love and family. Together, their relationship moves through resistance, passion, and finally to trust, showing that forgiveness and second chances can rebuild what was once broken.

A steamy, small town, MC, workplace, military veteran romance, Wild Return explores love, forgiveness, family, community, and resilience. It’s about finding the courage to stay, healing through honesty, and choosing love when walking away would be easier.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Second Chance**

*Wild Return* is the 15th book in the *Wild Heart Mountain: Wild Riders MC* series, and it's such a lovely story! After being away for four years, Viking is back and hoping for a second chance with Sydney, the only woman he's ever truly loved. Sydney, on her end, never stopped caring about Viking, but she’s understandably hesitant about opening her heart to him again, worried about getting hurt a second time.

Even though this is a shorter instalove story, the author does a fantastic job at making the characters feel real and relatable. You really get to see them work through their emotions and heal from their past—not just with each other, but also with the friends they've lost along the way. This journey helps Sydney and Viking form a deeper bond and create a healthier relationship.

Plus, the little mystery they have to solve together adds an extra layer of excitement! I found myself so caught up in their journey that I couldn’t put it down, and when I reached the end, I was left wanting even more of their story. It's a delightful read that truly captures the essence of second chances!

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney is surprised when Chris aka Viking returns. He chose the military life four years ago and left her. She works at Barrels’ brewery, and she notices for the 2nd time that there is a keg missing after the weekend. She is the operations manager. Barrels has hired Viking as security to look into a few problems that they have been having. I loved seeing everyone from the previous books again, even if it was only in passing. Viking calls her cupcake, which just makes her angry. She puts him thru the ‘cold shoulder’ quite a bit at first, but Viking isn’t giving up because she is his One. He just has to prove to her that he isn’t leaving again. We get to see more of how the MC & the businesses all works. Viking is a bit annoying at first, but, that is just his arrogance and knowing that he will work for what he wants. Sydney just doesn’t want to be hurt again as she barely made it thru his leaving before. The mystery of whomever is taking the kegs progresses and the storm that comes and everything that happens after that is just wonderfully heartwarming.

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

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, I think, the final book in the author’s Wild Heart Mountain: Wild Riders MC series and features Viking, an MC member returning to Wild Heart Mountain from active duty. Four years ago, on leave, he thought he was doing the right thing and re-enlisted unexpectedly, breaking a promise and the heart of the only woman he’d ever love. Now he realizes what a mistake it was but Sydney isn’t giving him a chance to make it right.

Okay, yeah, Viking screwed up, BAD, and he knows it but I still can’t help but love him. I have to admit though, I probably wouldn’t be feeling quite so forgiving if I was Sydney either but he was so sweet and sincere in trying to make it up to her. There’s just something about a man realizing he was wrong and being desperate to fix it that I love, especially when it’s someone like an MC member that you would least expect to behave that way that melts my heart and Viking was the best at it. This was an absolutely awesome read—it didn’t take long to finish and it was super sweet and steamy, one I can easily recommend without hesitation or reservations. 5 stars

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viking gets his Cupcake

Wild Return is the fifteenth book in the Wild Heart Mountain: Wild Rider's MC series. The story is about Sydney and Viking in a second chance romance that has a lot of angst and heart. These two had grown very close, as in relationship and plans close. But that all blew up four years ago when Viking reenlisted in the Army and had to ship out the next morning. He left without talking with Sydney about it and she was gutted to say the least. But she carried on with their plan of travelling and took off for four years of seeing the world. She came back to Wild Heart Mountain and became the Operations Manager at brewery the Wild Riders MC own and run. Viking has come back also, with a plan to win back Sydney if he can. He ends up getting hired at the brewery by Barrels, working as the head of security. Let's just say that he gets a frosty reception from Sydney, and not the type you can lick off. Will she be able to forgive him? Will he stay forever?

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viking left town four years ago and now he's back. Sydney doesn't want to talk to him because she is still nursing her wounds from when he left, and she knows he is her weak spot. Viking works really hard to win back her trust, even turning down a lucrative job that he knows could give them a better life. Will she give him a second chance?

I loved the chemistry between the two characters, how the plot developed, and also that there's a little bit of intrigue with who stole the beer from the brewery. This was a short story that is part of the Wild Rider's MC series, which I have now read many books from, and enjoyed many of them. I like the author's writing style, and the whole MC universe that she has created. I look forward to more books from this series if there are, or other books from the author!.

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

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Viking and Sydney’s story since their fiery meeting in the last book. It had a good storyline with some forced proximity and second chances, I just couldn’t connect with it like I did other books. Viking seemed very wishy washy about staying again and didn’t leave me feeling like they had a solid future. Sydney also jumped to conclusions way too quickly without talking and then forgave too quickly after. I think if it had been longer it might have made more sense? I loved how he was with Rio and Marcus and his whole backstory made his decisions make more sense. Not a ton of steam on page, but lots of tension! Super cute epilogue where they seemed more solid so that was nice to see. No cheating or OM/OW drama, didn’t see anyone in their 4 year separation, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue in the future. Looking forward to the next book!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney was a planning a future with Viking however not only did he decide to re-enlist in the military, but he ended their relationship as well. In the four years since she has focused on her career in the brewery only to have him return looking for a second chance.

Viking believed that he needed to re-enlist and that the best thing he could do for Sydney was to end their relationship. He soon realizes that is the biggest mistake he could have made, and he has spent the last four years working towards coming back to Sydney. Now he is going to show her with everything he does and says that she can count on him to always be there for her.

Viking has a difficult past which impacts the decisions he makes but his love for Sydney was never in doubt, and he understands her reluctance. This is a heartwarming story about healing and love that was always meant to be.

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of the previous book ‘Wild Desire’ we see Viking return to the mountain and drop in on a gathering at the clubhouse, only to have Sydney throw her drink in his face. I was already intrigued as to what happened between them. Four years ago, he left Sydney broken-hearted when he re-joined the military and was deployed immediately. Now he is back and wants her back. There was nothing wrong with Viking reenlisting and being deployed but he did it without talking to her first and then only letting her know by letter. As she said she would have waited for him. They are thrown together when a storm traps them at the brewery and soon past feelings can’t be ignored. A short, steamy, second chance romance.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished his tour of duty, Viking has returned to claim the girl he left behind. Sydney learned to live without the love of her life and wants nothing that Viking has to offer, that is until he calls her ‘cupcake’. Forced to work together in the brewery with the task of solving a theft, Viking finds small ways to win back his girl and won’t take no for an answer. Sydney gets the opportunity to see up close the man Viking has become and why he left, but is he really back to stay. A touch turns into a kiss, which only ignites the smouldering heat between them in this quick and entertaining read. Thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Return is a second chance romance between Viking and Sydney.

Viking left 4 years ago without giving Sydney a face to face explanation as to why. Now he's back and wants his cupcake to be his again.

MC light, second chance romance, which sees Sydney being a tough nut to crack and Viking having to slowly break down her walls. A night stranded in the brewery just the two of them helps overcome the hurt feelings from the past and allows Sydney to lower her walls.
As a fmc she's great strong willed, smart and caring. She's not a pushover which is the perfect match for Viking.

5 stars really enjoyed it.

[Van · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing
No grovel, a weak explanation about why he left and a forced proximity it’s never a good combination for a second chance
I simply can’t understand why a woman who has travelled the world after he left behaves now like a loser… she deserves better. You can’t understand what she sees in him, a fucking coward

Bad friends who are not supportive are the worse, her brother is the only one who knows what she’s been through
She’s weak
This is the last book I’m gonna read from this author, maybe it’s safe ( they don’t really talk about anything so… we don’t know nothing) but it’s not worth the rage

No grovel
The sex scenes were the worst

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful story that portrays that giving second chances isn’t easy, letting someone in, letting your walls down, but it’s worth in the end, when the love is great enough.
And Sydney and Viking’s love was.
It shows a determined, caring and persistent man, who knows what he wants, but never pushes too far and a woman, who is scared to get burned again, but eventually learns to open her heart again.
It’s slow, building up and that’s what makes this book special.
It’s real, emotional and touching.

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

5⭐️ for Viking!!
Great story with a pace that kept this reader interested and invested throughout. Viking was definately my favorite character with his unwavering determination and dedication. Sydney, she struck me as somewhat petty and a bit self-serving. Okay, don't get upset, I just think she took things a bit far is all, especially given they weren't together that long before he left in the first place. Oh well, it made for an entertaining story and that was the point. We get a nice, broad picture of just who Viking I'd though, and really that's why I read the series anyway. I love these MC vets!❤️

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viking came back to the mountain once he was done in the service. He came back to the MC and the brewery. He came back to see Sydney who was his first love - his only love. But Sydney is not wanting to see him. She can’t get over the fact he left her and they had plans. Syd is stronger now. She has learned to take care of herself. Viking is going to have to work hard to get Syd to even talk to him. It’s a sexy little story about foster care, love the second time around and family. It’s got a twist or two along the way. Enjoyed reading it!.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Return is a sweet and sassy second chance romance. Sydney and Viking have quite the history, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating this story! I love that Sydney has built a life for herself, and her pushing everyone away and keeping people at arms length makes sense now. I love Viking’ approach to both winning Sydney back and the other challenges they face together. The heartwarming subplot is woven into the love story well. Paulie sure is persistent, and the scene where he shows up is great. This is a quick and easy read with medium spice.

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

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again?
Sensational story of second chances. Viking is back for Sydney. He’s working security for the Club brewery after barrels go missing. She is absolutely NOT happy to see him when she finds out. He will do whatever he has to do to convince his Cupcake to give him another chance. Sydney fights him every step of the way until they catch their thieves and she sees Viking in a new light. After a week of being happy Sydney is leaving a surprise on his desk when his phone keeps ringing. Thinking it might be important she answers it and then wishes she hadn’t. He’s leaving, again!

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

[Janet Rivera-Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Return

I’ve loved this entire series and this last one is no exception. Viking and his cupcake Sydney are two characters that belonged together from the very start but love doesn’t come easy and they had their trials and tribulations but in the end they are together. I will miss all these characters and their “Wild” love stories and I’ve enjoyed every single minute I’ve shared with them. A little hint, maybe you come bring them back with new adventures 10-20 yrs down the road, I’d love to hear about Raider, Barrels and Hops after all that time. Lol. Thanks again for your writing, I’ll read more I’m sure. J.

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Sydney and Viking, he has returned to the town where he and Sydney were a couple deeply in love 4 years ago. She is struggling to even talk to him. He wants to explain his reason for leaving, it certainly wasn’t because he had fallen out of love!
Angst, tears, sweet actions by Viking…it takes a mystery being solved that involves some foster kids that brings these two back together.
Some steam, no cheating, a slow burn reconciliation and a HEA ending.

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years ago, Viking left Sydney to pick up the pieces from what she thought was their happy ever after. Now, he’s back for good, or so he says. Sydney left and lived abroad, fulfilling her dream. The mountains called her home and she’s made a good life for herself. Viking returning throws her for a loop. He’s got a lot to prove to her to make her see that he’ll stay. This veteran MC group is a favorite of mine and this author is a must read.

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

[Nichole Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney, the one that got away, well, she did not really get away, it was Viking(Chris) who went away. He made promises, he loved Sydney, but he left, he faced an impossible choice. He left the woman he loved. Sydney, the woman who was left behind, could never forgive Viking, and she knew that she loved him, and no one would never compare. But when Viking returns, and is security for the company she works for, she does not know how long she can keep Viking at arms length, and if she really doesn’t know if she wants too!! I loved this second chance romance!!!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fab addition to the series and I love that after a hard journey, Sydney and Viking do get their HEA. This is an emotional read with healing, trust, choosing the harder path and forgiveness at the centre of this second chance romance. Viking chose the military over love and crushed Sydney. Now, years later, he's back and changed from his experiences and trauma. He's definitely determined to get his 'cupcake' back. With some mystery, forced proximity, and hot chemistry, it was a page turner for me. So good!

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While i'm not usually one for second chance romances, I did really enjoy this one. The reasons why they split the first time are valid and while maybe not handled correctly at the time, are forgivable. I also love the grand gesture at the end and how Viking proves he's in it for real this time around. I also adored what Viking did for Rio and Marcus by paying it forward. It was such a heart-warming side story. I'd love to see them each get their own story one day.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viking left her without any warning, after four years he is back and ready to claim his woman. The only thing standing in his way is her. He will need to convince her that he is back for good this time and she is the most important person in his life.

This an emotional story, he did not want to let her go but thought it was for the best. Can he convince her that he will not hurt her again. Loved Sydney, she did not make it easy for her man.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow Viking and Sydney. A few years ago, he left her without a word and joined the military instead of his "cupcake," as he calls her. Now he's back, scarred and traumatized, to reclaim his wife. But that's not so easy because Sydney is hurt and her self-confidence has taken a hit. He has to work to make her understand that he's back for good and that she's his everything. A beautiful story with emotions, a second chance, and plenty of steam.




I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris/Viking left four years ago for military life, leaving the MC and the love of his life, Sydney, behind. Now he's back and determined to win back Sydney and get a second chance at love. This is a steamy, second chance romance, with well developed characters who had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. I love that Sydney didn't give in so easily and made him work a bit for her heart, but in the end, love wins. Wild Return is book fifteen and a steamy addition to the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.