Wildwood Hearts

Wildwood Meadows #1

by Haven Fox

He doesn’t believe in roots. Lila is nothing but roots—planted deep in Wildwood Meadows, running Chapter & Crumb, knowing every neighbor by name.

They shouldn’t work.

But chemistry doesn’t care about logic. Attraction doesn’t follow rules.

When threats against her shop escalate, he can’t walk away. Won’t leave her vulnerable. Refuses to let anyone hurt what’s become precious to him.

In protecting her, he discovers something maybe home isn’t a place. Maybe it’s a person.

Maybe it’s her.

Small-town secrets. Big-city danger. Chemistry that rewrites all the rules.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 15, 2026

Reviews

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildwood Meadows
By Haven Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
* 📚Bookstore Vibes
* 🚪Open Door Spice
* ✨Suspense
* 🌀Banter
* 🌞Grumpy/Sunshine
* 🏠 Small Town Romance
* 💪 Protective Hero
* 🦖 Meet-Cute Chaos
* 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family
* 🔨 Blue Collar Hero
Wildwood Hearts is a delightful start to the Wildwood Meadows series, bringing a perfect mix of cozy vibes and sizzling chemistry! Set in a charming Oregon town where the scenery is as lush as the family drama is deep, the story centers on Lila Merrick. Lila has carefully built a sanctuary in Wildwood Meadows, running her late grandmother’s bookstore-café and hosting endearingly quirky themed book club nights—complete with inflatable dinosaur costumes. Her life is peaceful until the town’s newest blue-collar resident disrupts her carefully curated world with a grumpy attitude and an unexpected connection.
The banter in this book is top-tier, especially the hilarious "rating" system the leads develop: he rates her mouth-watering pastries while she rates his performance in other departments. It’s a playful, high-stakes game that quickly evolves into something much deeper as both characters confront their fears of staying in one place. Beyond the romance, Haven Fox excels at creating a "found family" atmosphere that makes you want to pack your bags and move to the meadows yourself. The supporting cast, including Lila’s tight-knit group of friends and quirky neighbors, adds layers of warmth and humor that balance out the more emotional, reflective moments of the plot.
Scheduled for release in January 2026, this novel is a must-read for fans of small-town romance who enjoy a "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic with a side of witty dialogue. It perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy, leaving readers eager to see what secrets the rest of the Holt family and the town of Wildwood Meadows are hiding. If you’re looking for a spicy, open-door romance that feels like a warm hug, this 2026 debut is the perfect way to kick off your reading year!

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wildwood Hearts by Haven Fox
4 out of 5 stars
ARC- January 15, 2026

Thank you Haven for the ARC of this lovely book. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚

Wildwood Hearts is a small town romance with a bit of a roller-coaster of suspense and love. There are a couple events you don't entirely suspect will happen in this book, but when it shows up, it makes so much sense and helps develop the story nicely (though it is predictable).

If you want a read with bookshop vibes where the bakery owner also hosts a book club 📚, then look no further! Our FMC not only creates delicious items for the book of the month, but she also creates hints and does amazing reveals! Like who wouldn't love an inflatable dinosaur?! And we can't forget about our MMC. Not only is he handy and fixes something that would make anyone cry, he is also super protective and sweet. He would do anything for his family and the one he loves. It's honestly super sweet for Wildwood Hearts town grump 💘

I recommend a nice rainy day to read this book. Not one of those bright rainy days, but one that has some grey clouds and a medium downpour. Make sure to have some iced cookies and a warm drink to go with it 🥰

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wildwood Hearts, book one of the Wildwood Meadows series, is written by Haven Fox. This found family, grumpy x sunshine, small-town romance has cozy bookstore vibes with hilarious banter and an edge of suspense. This is my first book by this author, and it has been a wonderful experience. I am invested in this series already!

The book’s FMC is Lila Merrick, who runs her late grandmother’s bookstore/cafe and hosts the local book club. Lila has created a nice life for herself, and all that is disrupted when Easton, the MMC, shows up with his grumpy attitude. Easton and Lila’s chemistry is undeniable, and their banter made me laugh out loud many times. Also, an inflatable dinosaur is involved, which sets the tone of the book for me.

This book has a cozy vibe with a touch of suspense. The main characters and side characters are fun and relatable. I teared up, and then belly laughed at the end of this one. I loved the Holt family and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thanks to Haven Fox for gifting me a physical ARC of Wildwood Hearts. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Wildwood Meadows Series and it is off to a good start. it is a small town cozy romance with a sliver of suspense. This is the story of Lila Merrick and Easton Holt. Lila is now the owner and running the Chapter & Crumb, her late grandmother’s bookstore/cafe. Happy and upbeat, she enthusiastically hosts the local book club as well. Easton and his grumpy attitude has returned home after being away. He has come home to help his foster mom recover from an injury. Easton left when his foster father died and he still isn't able to process his grief. The two have a cute meet involving an Inflatable dinosaur costume and cinnamon buns. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I especially enjoyed all the found family in the story. A fun grumpy/sunshine read. When the danger to Lila increases it brings out all of Easton's protective instincts. I enjoyed this book. It was a new to me author and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Soft and Sinister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton Holt is the grumpiest blue-collar MMC, and honestly, who doesn’t love that? Returning to his small town to help his adoptive mother, Easton immediately notices Lila and is completely enamoured… even if he’s far too grumpy to admit it. Lila is pure sunshine and rainbows, but with real depth, and she’s exactly what Easton needs. Their sparks fly fast, and the chemistry absolutely sizzles.

Genre & Romance Style
Romantic Suspense
Grumpy / Sunshine
Small Town

Characters
Easton is a strong, layered MMC carrying deep abandonment wounds that his adoptive parents tried to protect him from. His love for his blended family is beautiful, and the way he falls for Lila is next level. Lila is a joy, full of witty banter, warmth, and good vibes, while still feeling real and grounded.

Overall Thoughts
Beautifully written with banter that hits just right. The chemistry is on fire, and the supporting cast had me immediately craving the next book.

Best Quote
“Then fall apart,” I said. “I’ll still be here. Isn’t that what having a relationship is all about? Being there for each other and not being perfect. I’m here for the mess and everything in between.”

⭐️ 3.75-star read for me

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildwood Hearts is the first book in the Wildwood Meadows series and it does not disappoint. This book has really great characters and the best small town feel. Not only is the FMC the owner of her grandmothers shop but she runs the best book club probably in the world. I know, I know, that’s a big statement but you read it and let me know if you agree, I bet you will. You will also want to visit this town just for the book club. I’m in love with it.

This book is romance with a little suspense as well, which is a fun twist on your typical romance story. I really enjoyed the ride that Lila and Easton were on. The descriptions of the town and people were lush and made you feel like you knew these people and this town and were really rooting for them.

The next book focuses on a different couple but is someone that we already know from this book so I’m even more excited to continue on this journey in Wildwood Meadows.

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town love by MeemsAngel82

This was a well written story about a delightful little town and a close family. The plot was interesting and aside from the romance we have some drama as our h finds herself being threatened by a mysterious person seemingly over something they think they should be getting. This h was a lovely girl and had me warming up to her right away as she pleases her book and cafe customers. This H is a broody man but she warms him up.

They fall for one another as they all wonder who and why she's being threatened.

She was a warm person and he was a grumpy one and having her thaw him and him letting her live rent free in his head was sweet. They had a steamy connection and everything just felt comforting. The town and this found family and the way they are together is so loving and just really nice. A place where you want to live and people you want to have your back.

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

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read in this first instalment of a new series. Lila Merrick is now running the Chapter & Crumb since her grandmother passed away, and she’s definitely taken notice of Easton Holt who’s returned home to Wildwood Meadows after a far too long absence. Easton is interested in more than Lila’s cinnamon rolls but he’s not planning to stick around. As the drama begins to unfold and Lila is caught up in the middle of it all Easton takes it upon himself to be her protector. The chemistry between them is undeniable and when their slow burn romance ignites it’s all consuming as they work through the ups and downs of small town living and pasts that won’t stay where they belong. Thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.

[Rebecca Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the author's new small town romance. The romance journey between thr hero and the heroine starts with a meet cute. Lila is a small town business owner with a crush on the boy who left. Easton who was overcome with grief over the loss of his foster dad has come to help his foster mom. These two have worked through loss. Is it their time for love. However someone or someone's from Lila's past does not want her to succeed. Will East and Lila live HEA ?? Or will the past win?

[K.L Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending was just adorable! And now I want to read Ice Planet Barbarians!

First things first. Thank you Haven for letting me read this in advance. You have done a remarkable job in bringing Lila and Easton to life! Did I read it all in one sitting - yes I did. it was such a cute yet dramatic read, with lots of sweet family time and spicy scenes between the main MCs.
I can't wait to read what happens with the rest of the Holt siblings!

Favourite scene - the picnic at the barn. it was so sweet mixed with a hint of spice.

Definitely worth a re-read in the future. 💛💛

[Nimrah Kalyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Haven Fox's "Wildwood Hearts" is a warm and captivating small-town romance that explores the meaning of "home." It centers on a fateful encounter between a restless drifter and a rooted book-café owner, Lila. When threats against her business escalate, he is forced to confront protective instincts and feelings he thought he never had. The book delivers suspense, authentic chemistry, and a charming small-town atmosphere. A perfect read for fans of emotional stories about finding where you truly belong.

[Amanda Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good small town unexpected romance. I love Haven Fox books and can’t wait for more of the Holt family. Easton is a little grumpy but Lila definitely changes that with her bubbly personality. Along the way a little suspense is there when something happens and brings up some of Lila’s past. I couldn’t put the book down and if it wasn’t for having to be an adult and work and do adult things I would have probably finished this within a day.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town romance will always have my heart. What a way to start a new series. I didn't expect this kind of rollercoaster tho. The laughs, the awe moments and of course some tears. Grumpy Easton and stubborn Lila. Both have had a hard life for different yet somewhat similar reasons. Add in a inflatable dinosaur costume what could go wrong? Or maybe right? This one was worth the read. I can't wait to meet more of the Holts.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton Holt is the perfect book boyfriend. Broody and a bit possessive but sweet and loving. Plus he's a contractor, so he could build you your dream library or house.
When he returns home, he's unsure of how long he'll stay until he sees Lila, owner of the cafe bookstore and his sister's best friend. They had a fun meet-cute in her store and sparks fly. When someone threatens Lila, Easton does all he can to protect her. Can they figure out who is behind it all?

[Katja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was comfortable and romantic, story at a small town setting.
There was little bit of suspense included but mainly it focused on the lovestory.
It leaves a warm feeling and it's good for holiday reads, for example.
Spice rate 🌶🌶🌶.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about Wildwood Hearts! There was funny family moments, suspense, tension filled spicy scenes and of course romance! This was such a well rounded story and I fell in love with all the characters! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Elizabeth Eubanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute love story that sets the stage for many future Wildwood books! This series is sure to be a hit!

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet small town romance but I struggled to see the connection between Lila and Easton. The beginning of their relationship happened too quickly and there was no chemistry at all.

It was a cute story but I needed more chemistry and a build up to their relationship.

I liked the suspense aspect as well but it was very easy to work out who was behind it.

Thank you for the ARC.