Walk on the Wilde Side

by Tess Oliver

They were never meant to be ... but love makes its own rules.

Zander
I’ve loved Nevada Mason my whole damn life but, like so many other things in our small town of Rockhurst, Nev was not for me. I was never good enough for her, and she was far too smart to get mixed up with the likes of me.

But now, Nev has found someone. He doesn’t deserve her either, and my gut tells me the guy is trouble. When it comes to Nev, my protective instincts are in overdrive and I will do anything to keep her safe.

Nev
Zander Wilde has always been the biggest frustration in my life. Growing up, I watched him run wild, just like his name. Chasing trouble was his favorite pastime and I stood quietly on the sidelines as he flirted with danger—and every pretty girl he met—as my heart splintered, knowing we would never be together.

As I watched the guy my sister had nicknamed the “wrecking ball” of the Wilde family grow into a man, I couldn’t stop thinking about something my grandmother had once said about Zander and his brothers. "Those Wilde boys have more human soul than most anyone I’ve ever met." Nana was always right.

Now, I’ve finally found someone who helps relieve some of the heartache, but Zander is determined to drive a wedge between us and a determined Zander Wilde is a dangerous Zander Wilde.

Book 2 of the Wilde Brothers series

More in the
1. Drive Me Wilde
2. Walk on the Wilde Side
3. Wilde Thing

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

About the author

Tess Oliver is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Custom Culture series and a large collection of other romances. She is well known for her relatable characters who "become your friends" as you journey with them and for intriguing stories that will have you "devouring her books in just one day". Tess has been featured on USA Today's 'Happy Ever After' site, and in publications including Glamour UK and Elle UK magazines.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This barely made 3 stars for me because despite the fact I love Zander and Nev I thought this storyline was ridiculous. Kidnappers might as well have been the Fratelli’s from Goonies and Dane was also a villain straight out of my beloved 80s films (obviously played by James Spader). Thankfully there were enough moments between the “magnetic staring” and the repeated musings over “the kiss” of more authentic connection to make it readable. But I will say I did not love the way certain characters seem to have had personality changes. Turns out Indi went from bartending being her favorite job ever and going to work for Nev P/T to back in PR part time because Rio needs the stability of a stay at home mom (but working at the sandwich shop would have been p/t 🤦🏻‍♀️)….this is set like 1.5 years after Drive Me Wilde (based on Rio’s age). Why does a teen girl need a stay at home mom? She’s at school all day and has a fantastic extended family, she needs a mom who will be there when needed not one waiting at home. Kinsley aka Kiki went from a perfectly normal working adult in DMW to a wannabe fashion influencer who keeps telling her sister to stay with Dane cause he’s rich. It was bad enough I’m hoping she doesn’t get her own story. Ok, so there was a lot I hated and I’m less enthusiastic going into book 3.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts off with having you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath in the first chapter, then we slip back weeks earlier to the lead up. This story shows the connection between these two from childhood and the draw to each other, however misunderstandings and how they see themselves ensure that these two never take it further. Nevvie and Zander story packs a punch with emotion, anger, fear and danger to have you captivated right to the very end. The friendship between these two is strong but it is the sweet moments between them that will steal your heart. Their story is definitely one that will have you unable to put it down as these two do the dance of we shouldn't, but yes we should. The flashbacks to their past adds more depth to their connection and has you cheering from the sides that these two finally end up where they should have been, together.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my sweet Zander! This is book two in the series but you can read it as a stand-alone, although, book one was awesome so I would suggest you start there. This book follows Zander Wilde, the boy who is always just on the edge of trouble, the bad boy with a heart of gold. He has loved Nevvie pratcially his whole life but he believes she isn't for him. Nevvie is calm, cool, smart, sassy and well just a delight. I love that we get not just both their perspectives but also flashbacks to when they were young. It really helps to bring us into their journey. The supporting cast is great. There is action, drama, and all the emotions you could wish for. Just a fabulous story, loved every moment.

[Rebecca Pickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Zander and Nev’s story. I hate what a manwhore Zander was. However, I also had a different vision of Nev in my mind. She’s described as a nerdy girl throughout the book, then all of a sudden you get a description of how beautiful she is. Which yeah I get, but the fact the only descriptive things we got in the beginning was she was a quiet nerdy girl. I don’t know it just made it a little hard to believe what a “knock out” she was. I was expecting cute simple girl next door-which I love those types of books.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Seems like I’ve been waiting a long time for a new Tess Oliver book, but oh was this one worth the wait! Zander and Nevada’s story had all the right elements to make this an Un-put-downable read! It had action, romance, suspense, and plenty of swooning moments along with the sweetest best friendship. Just a FANTASTIC book. You don’t want to pass this one up!

I received an ARC directly from the author and am happy to leave my honest review.

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! Tess, you have another hit on your hands. Zander and Nev fell in love with each other before they even knew what love was. They took care of each other as small children all the way through. Even though they didn’t acknowledge it it was evident to everyone else. When it comes to life and death, their eyes are finally opened. They have to admit their feelings. Love all the characters in this series. Can’t wait for more of the Wilde Brothers.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 1 is an adrenaline rush. Then there’s the bones of the story with scenes of the past that has set lives in motion. Lack of self confidence causes misunderstandings. Storyline has many emotions; laughter, anger, fear, and danger to name a few. Enjoyed the emotional dance between Nevvie and Zander. Looking forward to more of the Wilde Brothers!

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Tess Oliver writes a book I am going to read it!!! Her books always deliver and this one is no exception. The title is perfect the characters are perfect and the story is even better. I highly recommend this book and you're in for a treat. Thanks Tess for the amazing ARC I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Susan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wilde brothers are something else

Loved the story of Sander and Nevvie. The characters were honest and realistic. The story is one for the ages, the quiet business owner and the bad boy...A history developed over time that became something more. Really good. I will read about all the brothers.

[Sandra Kizziah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started with a bang, ended with a true love story! A supposedly rich boyfriend, a few drug dealing thugs and the hero (Zander). Lots of drama and interesting characters! I enjoyed this book very much!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read full of action, drama and suspense. It will captivate you from the start as it keeps you turning the pages and takes you through an emotional ride. I loved the characters and the undeniable chemistry. It’s a gripping and entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more.

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you grow up together and have always had that magnetic pull towards each other, but always thought the other was better off without you. But when tragedy strikes will that finally make you both realize to stop wasting time?

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this one as much as the first one, but I loved it!! It was so fun. I love all the history between them and then finally getting together. I didn’t like the first chapter though. I found it a bit confusing but it all made sense in the end.

[Linda Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

This was a really entertaining story. I loved the characters (Zander and Nevvie) and the plot. The way they “danced” around each other for most of their lives. Also, I enjoyed the inclusion of other characters from the family and previous book.

[Jade Inns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book. I like getting to know all the characters and then lining up for the next story.
However there are inconsistencies within the book.
One example being it mentions Nate’s band as ‘lazy Arrow’ when in the first book it was called sarkasm.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just meh ….. I skimmed parts that were “memories” …. It just didn’t pull me in and i HATE when a book just stops randomly, no conclusion, no future, no epilogue … like at 86% and the author fills the rest of the book with a totally different book series.

[Miss Rachael Calver · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love these Wilde boys & it didn't disappoint 😊

[Joseph Namowicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

too long

It was good but I just wish 85% of the book wasn’t going back in time and when they finally get to the good parts the book is over

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it a lot. Better than book 1.
Lots of chemistry between Zander and Nevada

[CM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zander & Nev

I would have liked them to get together a bit sooner but otherwise I enjoyed the story.

[Gypsie Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌶🌶🌶

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about childhood friends that came to their senses and realized they should be together. Loved Zander and Nevvie together.

[Mary Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest review

I really liked the characters and storyline. This was a great addition to the series. The back and forth of then and now was a great way to take this journey.

[Joanne Hatton · Rating 4 out of 5]

love zander and nev's story.
the broody man was always destined for the shy girl