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Love in London #4
Wilder at Heart
Nora Wilder: disgrace to her surname. Spouter of inspirational quotes. Uptight as hell… but the fake girlfriend of dreams, because my mum will love her.
And God knows, I need to get into my family’s good books after an indiscretion with a couple of blonde twins on a reality TV show. My family is not happy, and they’ll never trust me with a chunk of their hotel empire unless I can prove I’m the mature, settling down type.
Enter Nora. She’s waiting for the ex who dumped her to come to his senses and whisk her off for a future of kids and labradors. Brutal.
But, lack of personality aside, she’s absolutely gorgeous. I wonder if I can talk her into some real benefits alongside our fake relationship…
Wilder at Heart is a fake dating, opposites attract, forced proximity romcom where he falls first.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WILDER AT HEART:
★★★★★ "Sara Madderson’s best book yet, by a country mile! A MUST read - that’s for sure.” (Highland Girl on Goodreads)
★★★★★ "Absolute perfection from start to end. Really, stop reading this review and go read the book. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!” (Jennifer Carambola on Goodreads)
★★★★★ "Another absolute cracker from Sara Madderson who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.” (Lyndsey Gallager on Goodreads)
And God knows, I need to get into my family’s good books after an indiscretion with a couple of blonde twins on a reality TV show. My family is not happy, and they’ll never trust me with a chunk of their hotel empire unless I can prove I’m the mature, settling down type.
Enter Nora. She’s waiting for the ex who dumped her to come to his senses and whisk her off for a future of kids and labradors. Brutal.
But, lack of personality aside, she’s absolutely gorgeous. I wonder if I can talk her into some real benefits alongside our fake relationship…
Wilder at Heart is a fake dating, opposites attract, forced proximity romcom where he falls first.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WILDER AT HEART:
★★★★★ "Sara Madderson’s best book yet, by a country mile! A MUST read - that’s for sure.” (Highland Girl on Goodreads)
★★★★★ "Absolute perfection from start to end. Really, stop reading this review and go read the book. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!” (Jennifer Carambola on Goodreads)
★★★★★ "Another absolute cracker from Sara Madderson who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.” (Lyndsey Gallager on Goodreads)
356 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2025
481 people are currently reading
4153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
June 30, 2022
I loved A Very London Christmas by @saramaddersonauthor so when I saw I could get more of the Montague family, I was all in! Miles's brother Theo is the handsome bad boy of the family and Nora, the uptight perfectionist he never knew he needed. I loved the opposites attract, enemies to lovers vibe of Wilder at Heart!
Nora Wilder, owner of Nora Wilder Weddings, is heartbroken. Her boyfriend of nine years and the only man she's ever been with has broken it off with her unexpectedly and shacked up with her complete opposite in every way. How could she have not seen it coming? She needs to get him back and how better than pretending to be in a relationship with the overly gorgeous playboy Theo Montague?! Theo proposes the idea to Nora when they connect at an engagement party and can't take his eyes off Nora. They kissed once while at university but that's all the farther it went, Nora being unwilling to do more than kiss. Now, Theo sees it as a win win. Nora is exactly the kind of girl he needs to bring home to get his family to take him seriously. She's perfect for the role of girlfriend. As the two work together to achieve their goals, they end up discovering more about themselves than they bargained for.
I loved Theo. So much. He's cocky and confident and honest and a teddy bear inside for Nora. He's perfection. I loved Nora because I could relate to her so much, being a perfectionist and knowing what she wants. Together, they were so good bringing out sides of one another that they kept hiddent before. They made each other brave. Here. For. It.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nora Wilder, owner of Nora Wilder Weddings, is heartbroken. Her boyfriend of nine years and the only man she's ever been with has broken it off with her unexpectedly and shacked up with her complete opposite in every way. How could she have not seen it coming? She needs to get him back and how better than pretending to be in a relationship with the overly gorgeous playboy Theo Montague?! Theo proposes the idea to Nora when they connect at an engagement party and can't take his eyes off Nora. They kissed once while at university but that's all the farther it went, Nora being unwilling to do more than kiss. Now, Theo sees it as a win win. Nora is exactly the kind of girl he needs to bring home to get his family to take him seriously. She's perfect for the role of girlfriend. As the two work together to achieve their goals, they end up discovering more about themselves than they bargained for.
I loved Theo. So much. He's cocky and confident and honest and a teddy bear inside for Nora. He's perfection. I loved Nora because I could relate to her so much, being a perfectionist and knowing what she wants. Together, they were so good bringing out sides of one another that they kept hiddent before. They made each other brave. Here. For. It.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 4, 2024
either I’m in a really bad book slump or this book was ass and I’m leaning towards the latter option. It’s getting two stars rather than one stars because thankfully the pregnancy trope was not introduced and I feared it might happen at any point in this book
January 17, 2026
I just love the Love in London group of books, and I adored the story of Nora and Theo! Absolutely sexy while emotionally fulfilling, with a side of natural beauty and delicious food porn as well. Type-A Nora is recently dumped and sure to run into her ex and his new girlfriend at an upcoming event. Rich playboy Theo needs to prove to his family that he’s more than a rake. Fake dating trope to the rescue! Another delight by Elodie Hart!
Thank you to Elodie and her team for the ARC!
Thank you to Elodie and her team for the ARC!
September 1, 2022
Fake dating perfection.
September 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
This story is the ultimate “opposites attract” romance that has spice, emotion and chemistry in spades!
Nora and Theo are so good together — with amazing banter and palpable chemistry between them. I so enjoyed this one — and you will too if you’re into fake dating, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first and hard! It’s as charming and witty as it is captivating and heartfelt! Another winner from Elodie!
This story is the ultimate “opposites attract” romance that has spice, emotion and chemistry in spades!
Nora and Theo are so good together — with amazing banter and palpable chemistry between them. I so enjoyed this one — and you will too if you’re into fake dating, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first and hard! It’s as charming and witty as it is captivating and heartfelt! Another winner from Elodie!
July 4, 2022
I absolutely loved “Falling Stars” and as Nora was a big part of that book, I was excited to read her story in Wilder at Heart. I was fortunate to receive an ARC direct from the author (thank you, Sara!) and read the book while traveling home from a business trip. I include this information about traveling because, this book kept my attention and was a delightful diversion from the numerous flight delays we experienced. There were a couple of times when I looked around to make sure no one was reading over my shoulder during some scenes as this book is very much an open-door romance.
I really enjoyed the book, and the dynamic between Nora and Theo. Fake-dating is one of my fave tropes and this definitely hit the spot, given the history between the two MCs. Nora and Theo are opposites in many ways, and complement each other. It felt like they slowly got to a place of friendship, respect, and some understanding of each other before they took their relationship to the next level.
One thing I really appreciated is how unapologetic Theo was about his dating/sexual history. I feel that it was shown in the book that he actively seeks consent before sex, which is so important. While he is judged by so many people (including Nora at first), he owns who he is, but also didn’t brag about it. (Side note: would love to see the script flipped and have a female version of Theo.)
I also really liked the inclusion of Elle and Josh from Falling Stars in the book. The cameos were perfect!
I definitely need to go back and read through the author’s earlier books in the series to get to know the other characters better. :)
I really enjoyed the book, and the dynamic between Nora and Theo. Fake-dating is one of my fave tropes and this definitely hit the spot, given the history between the two MCs. Nora and Theo are opposites in many ways, and complement each other. It felt like they slowly got to a place of friendship, respect, and some understanding of each other before they took their relationship to the next level.
One thing I really appreciated is how unapologetic Theo was about his dating/sexual history. I feel that it was shown in the book that he actively seeks consent before sex, which is so important. While he is judged by so many people (including Nora at first), he owns who he is, but also didn’t brag about it. (Side note: would love to see the script flipped and have a female version of Theo.)
I also really liked the inclusion of Elle and Josh from Falling Stars in the book. The cameos were perfect!
I definitely need to go back and read through the author’s earlier books in the series to get to know the other characters better. :)
October 27, 2025
This is my fav of the Love in London series.
I love Theo, even when he was a young cad having a fun time with many women. He’s a great MMC who is true to himself - to his detriment ultimately in the beginning of this book.
Nora is so innocent compared to him and blindly “in love” with someone who - despite dumping her after 9 years - ticks all her boxes for a perfect life.
Enter the fake dating troupe. Nora helps Theo’s family see him as less than a f*ckboy, and Theo helps Nora’s ex see what he’s lost. Win win, until they realise the “fake” feelings are real, but neither knows how to tell the other.
I loved these two. The banter - chefs kiss. The spice - on fire!
5 ⭐️
4.5 🌶️
I love Theo, even when he was a young cad having a fun time with many women. He’s a great MMC who is true to himself - to his detriment ultimately in the beginning of this book.
Nora is so innocent compared to him and blindly “in love” with someone who - despite dumping her after 9 years - ticks all her boxes for a perfect life.
Enter the fake dating troupe. Nora helps Theo’s family see him as less than a f*ckboy, and Theo helps Nora’s ex see what he’s lost. Win win, until they realise the “fake” feelings are real, but neither knows how to tell the other.
I loved these two. The banter - chefs kiss. The spice - on fire!
5 ⭐️
4.5 🌶️
June 26, 2022
I received this as an ARC and I was so excited to read this!
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, I really don't even know how to describe it, but especially with this 'will they? won't they?' tension between the two main characters, I was obsessed. These two are now one of my favorite book couples.
Nora and Theo honestly surpassed my love for Elle and Josh (Falling Stars) which I didn't expect. These are all standalones, despite their characters' connections in the other Love in London books. This one was absolutely amazing.
The spice was even better than Falling Stars, which again, was unexpected. I adored Theo and his hilarious, sexy banter. He's everything I envision my future husband to be (hopefully lol.) These two were polar opposites and I really enjoyed their character development and seeing how they brought out the best in each other. They were funny, sexy, and ultimately relatable characters with their dreams, fears, and their wants/needs in a relationship.
I really enjoy these books and I am absolutely thankful I was able to receive this as an ARC. I actually laughed out loud and the spice was SO GOOD. Wilder at Heart is now a new favorite and will definitely be a comfort read going forward.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, I really don't even know how to describe it, but especially with this 'will they? won't they?' tension between the two main characters, I was obsessed. These two are now one of my favorite book couples.
Nora and Theo honestly surpassed my love for Elle and Josh (Falling Stars) which I didn't expect. These are all standalones, despite their characters' connections in the other Love in London books. This one was absolutely amazing.
The spice was even better than Falling Stars, which again, was unexpected. I adored Theo and his hilarious, sexy banter. He's everything I envision my future husband to be (hopefully lol.) These two were polar opposites and I really enjoyed their character development and seeing how they brought out the best in each other. They were funny, sexy, and ultimately relatable characters with their dreams, fears, and their wants/needs in a relationship.
I really enjoy these books and I am absolutely thankful I was able to receive this as an ARC. I actually laughed out loud and the spice was SO GOOD. Wilder at Heart is now a new favorite and will definitely be a comfort read going forward.
April 14, 2024
Oh but my darling, What if you fly?
Such a perfect summation of Wilder at Heart by the great Sara Madderson. This is the fifth and final book in her Love in London series and it reads every bit as well the second time around.
I’m such a glutton when reading books — fast and furious. I catch way more and savour the second time around. So re-reading works well for me when I love a book as much as I love this one!
Nora (Belle) and Theo (Romeo) are looking for something neither understands.They are looking for each other. When they find their way back to one another after a spectacular kiss at university, the timing is right.
It’s a lovely story. Theo is a mafia puppy dog who is capable of great things in his hotelier family and Nora is a tightly wound ninja Barbie that needs her corset strings loosened a bit. They complement each other and their strengths fill each others’ cracks. It’s a beautiful thing, both edgy and sweet, it’s heart melting.
Read this book (in fact the whole series) and love it as much as I do. I dare you.
Such a perfect summation of Wilder at Heart by the great Sara Madderson. This is the fifth and final book in her Love in London series and it reads every bit as well the second time around.
I’m such a glutton when reading books — fast and furious. I catch way more and savour the second time around. So re-reading works well for me when I love a book as much as I love this one!
Nora (Belle) and Theo (Romeo) are looking for something neither understands.They are looking for each other. When they find their way back to one another after a spectacular kiss at university, the timing is right.
It’s a lovely story. Theo is a mafia puppy dog who is capable of great things in his hotelier family and Nora is a tightly wound ninja Barbie that needs her corset strings loosened a bit. They complement each other and their strengths fill each others’ cracks. It’s a beautiful thing, both edgy and sweet, it’s heart melting.
Read this book (in fact the whole series) and love it as much as I do. I dare you.
June 20, 2022
Sara Madderson’s best book yet, by a country mile! A MUST read - that’s for sure.
They say never to judge a book by it’s cover and that is so true about this amazing book. The cover has an average couple on the front but there’s definitely nothing average in the contents of this book. I’d say it’s wilder than any book I’ve ever read and it both captured and broke my heart. I fell in lust and love with Theo, the main character, and it absolutely broke my heart when I’d finished the book. The story is about Nora and Theo. I met Nora in the Falling Stars book and I can’t say I was a fan of her so I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. I was wrong on so many counts! When I learned about Nora’s back story in this book and got to know her I totally changed my opinion of her. As for Theo (swoon) - he is the most loveable and adorable rogue you could meet. Sara writes her characters in first person and in doing so I feel like I’m there with them hearing their confessions and taking part in their lives as one of their besties! I was so hooked by this truly brilliant story I read it in one sitting. The story line has you reeling, laughing, gasping and praying it all works out how you want it to. It’s like being on a very beautiful and sophisticated rollercoaster ride! The sex scenes are by far the sexiest and steamiest I’ve read but with Sara’s writing it’s never sordid, always classy but no detail is left unwritten! Speaking of classy - the locations in the book are so beautiful it makes you want to pack your case and go there now. Another bonus is many of the characters from Sara’s previous books are included in this book too, which I loved as it’s good to get updated on what they’re up to. I’m sure this book can be read as standalone but once you’ve read one Sara Madderson book it would be a travesty not to read them all. I don’t mean to come over all “fan girl”, as Sara would say, but Sara is an exceptionally brilliant author and the proof of that is in reading this book so please treat yourself it’ll make you smile that’s for sure and it will also make you want to read her next book. I’m so looking forward to the next book.
I was very lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. My review is honest but I can’t quite articulate how good it is as I don’t have the skills. However, in saying that I can say I’ve preordered Wilder at Heart from Amazon as I will read it again on the day it gets released - Monday 27th June 2022.
They say never to judge a book by it’s cover and that is so true about this amazing book. The cover has an average couple on the front but there’s definitely nothing average in the contents of this book. I’d say it’s wilder than any book I’ve ever read and it both captured and broke my heart. I fell in lust and love with Theo, the main character, and it absolutely broke my heart when I’d finished the book. The story is about Nora and Theo. I met Nora in the Falling Stars book and I can’t say I was a fan of her so I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. I was wrong on so many counts! When I learned about Nora’s back story in this book and got to know her I totally changed my opinion of her. As for Theo (swoon) - he is the most loveable and adorable rogue you could meet. Sara writes her characters in first person and in doing so I feel like I’m there with them hearing their confessions and taking part in their lives as one of their besties! I was so hooked by this truly brilliant story I read it in one sitting. The story line has you reeling, laughing, gasping and praying it all works out how you want it to. It’s like being on a very beautiful and sophisticated rollercoaster ride! The sex scenes are by far the sexiest and steamiest I’ve read but with Sara’s writing it’s never sordid, always classy but no detail is left unwritten! Speaking of classy - the locations in the book are so beautiful it makes you want to pack your case and go there now. Another bonus is many of the characters from Sara’s previous books are included in this book too, which I loved as it’s good to get updated on what they’re up to. I’m sure this book can be read as standalone but once you’ve read one Sara Madderson book it would be a travesty not to read them all. I don’t mean to come over all “fan girl”, as Sara would say, but Sara is an exceptionally brilliant author and the proof of that is in reading this book so please treat yourself it’ll make you smile that’s for sure and it will also make you want to read her next book. I’m so looking forward to the next book.
I was very lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. My review is honest but I can’t quite articulate how good it is as I don’t have the skills. However, in saying that I can say I’ve preordered Wilder at Heart from Amazon as I will read it again on the day it gets released - Monday 27th June 2022.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2022
This book was fantastic! I was so excited to read Nora’s story after I finished Falling Stars a couple of months ago and it did not disappoint! It was a little rough at first, I did not like Theo for a long time. Him and Nora just seemed way too different for it to ever work (of course it does, that’s the whole point) and Sara did a fantastic job of turning it around!
Fake dating to make your ex jealous and to make your family take you seriously? I’m in. Opposites attract? I’m in. The guy totally falls first? I’m in.
I LOVED how much Theo changed once he knew how good Nora was for him. It took him a little bit, less time than Nora, but once he did he was gone. He knew what he wanted and he was going to do whatever it took to get it. All while trying to respect her wishes because he didn’t ever want to push her. Once he really started falling for Nora, I was IN. He is rough around the edges but he was totally soft for Nora and he wanted to be better and wanted to be what she deserved.
Nora was also wonderful. She was too wrapped up in what she thought her life should be. And refused to see anything but that. And that was super frustrating, especially once Theo really started to try to show his real feelings. But once she finally gave in and let go a little everything was so good. They were exactly what the other needed!
Sara also writes wonderful extended epilogues and I am GRATEFUL. I am such a sucker for a (well written) epilogue!
I also loved seeing all the old characters! (I haven’t gotten around to reading any of the other books expect Falling Stars, but There are just so many books in the world people). The world she’s written is so wonderful! I cannot wait to catch up! AND she’s starting another connected series which I’m very excited about.
Thank you so much to Sara Madderson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book comes out on the 27th! And I think everyone should indulge in some stories about fancy British people, because what is better!
Fake dating to make your ex jealous and to make your family take you seriously? I’m in. Opposites attract? I’m in. The guy totally falls first? I’m in.
I LOVED how much Theo changed once he knew how good Nora was for him. It took him a little bit, less time than Nora, but once he did he was gone. He knew what he wanted and he was going to do whatever it took to get it. All while trying to respect her wishes because he didn’t ever want to push her. Once he really started falling for Nora, I was IN. He is rough around the edges but he was totally soft for Nora and he wanted to be better and wanted to be what she deserved.
Nora was also wonderful. She was too wrapped up in what she thought her life should be. And refused to see anything but that. And that was super frustrating, especially once Theo really started to try to show his real feelings. But once she finally gave in and let go a little everything was so good. They were exactly what the other needed!
Sara also writes wonderful extended epilogues and I am GRATEFUL. I am such a sucker for a (well written) epilogue!
I also loved seeing all the old characters! (I haven’t gotten around to reading any of the other books expect Falling Stars, but There are just so many books in the world people). The world she’s written is so wonderful! I cannot wait to catch up! AND she’s starting another connected series which I’m very excited about.
Thank you so much to Sara Madderson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book comes out on the 27th! And I think everyone should indulge in some stories about fancy British people, because what is better!
September 29, 2024
this book had its cute moments but half the time i felt like i was reading a business textbook. the author spent way too much time talking about the business side of the story and the characters would monologue about it it took away from the story. i also felt like the pacing was a little off at some points. i felt like we went from not chemistry to a TON of chemistry between the two mcs their love story was cute but it definitely lacked in some areas.
August 16, 2025
My favorite of the “Love in London” books so far!
Fake relationship trope, super hot build up, a decent amount of rough stuff for the characters to pine their way through before the HEA. Lovely to get glimpses of characters from books 1-3, since they’re all fresh as I’m bingeing my way through all of these.
OMG I LOVE THEO. His dirty talk game is 🥵🌶️🔥 🥵🌶️🔥 🥵🌶️🔥 in a sweet way? If dirty talk can be endearing?
I do believe it’s Elodie Hart’s fault that dirty talk is a thing for me.
Fake relationship trope, super hot build up, a decent amount of rough stuff for the characters to pine their way through before the HEA. Lovely to get glimpses of characters from books 1-3, since they’re all fresh as I’m bingeing my way through all of these.
OMG I LOVE THEO. His dirty talk game is 🥵🌶️🔥 🥵🌶️🔥 🥵🌶️🔥 in a sweet way? If dirty talk can be endearing?
I do believe it’s Elodie Hart’s fault that dirty talk is a thing for me.
June 27, 2022
Sara did it again!! Up to this point I loved every single one of her books and she keeps on delivering. This one has everything! my fav trope: enemies (kinda) to lovers. and my second favourite: fake dating. Also Theo is a player but HE FALLS FIRST. *SWOONING* No, seriously, i loved every second of this book. Please keep them coming. Oh and we have more of Saoirse and Miles from A Very London Christmas and more of Elle and Josh from Falling Stars! Absolute perfection from start to end. Really, stop reading this review and go read the book. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
P.S. The spice is sooooooooooooo good. Had me fanning myself!!
I’ve got a free copy of this book in exchange of my honest review, SO HERE IT IS go read it!!
P.S. The spice is sooooooooooooo good. Had me fanning myself!!
I’ve got a free copy of this book in exchange of my honest review, SO HERE IT IS go read it!!
February 14, 2025
This was beautiful! I loved how they went from one time kissing buddies to fake dating to absolutely smitten. Theo is just magnificent and Nora is completely lovable. The romance, angst and spice was top tier. A beautiful, heartwarming love story.
June 21, 2022
Another absolute cracker from Sara Madderson who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This book is laugh out loud funny in places, smoking hot in others and utterly sweet at the end. Theo is the ultimate book boyfriend and Nora is the sensible friend we'd all love to corrupt! Highly recommend this gorgeous book, it ticks absolutely all the boxes a romcom should.
January 13, 2023
this is one of my favorite fake dating tropes! I love Theo so much and really enjoyed the development of their relationship.
May 17, 2023
Absolutely sublime! Wonderful characters that you want to live HEA! Fake dating perfection!
May 29, 2023
* 2,5 *
December 21, 2024
If I could give this 6 stars, I would! Absolutely loved it! Theo might just be one of my favourite book boyfriends yet!
August 9, 2022
so glad to have finished this
September 12, 2025
4.25⭐️
3🌶️
I loved this book.
3🌶️
I loved this book.
July 2, 2022
4⭐️ 4🌶
Quick view:
• fake dating
• forced proximity
• good girl/ player/bad boy
• millionaire romance
• black sheep
• daddy issues
Quick view:
• fake dating
• forced proximity
• good girl/ player/bad boy
• millionaire romance
• black sheep
• daddy issues
October 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ super cute, light, fluffy, very mild third-act conflict. Love a fake dating, forced proximity trope with a reformed playboy. Fairly spicy, just make sure you’re cool with the use of the word “folds” in a spicy context.
January 31, 2023
2.5 the two of them bashing the ex’s new girl because of her boobs was not cute AT ALL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
This book was previously published under the name Sara Madderson and I have voluntarily copied my earlier review here.
Nora Wilder is a wedding planner with abandonment issues who is looking for security, first and foremost. For a long time, security looked like her first and only boyfriend Jonathan. But he ended the relationship after nine years and now Nora is a bit adrift. She meets Theo, the brother of the groom and the best man for a wedding that she's organizing. He has a somewhat questionable reputation, in the eyes of his family, Nora and all the TV audiences in Britain who saw him having a threesome with identical twins on a reality show, but ten years ago he was the best kiss of Nora's life. Theo wants more responsibilities in the hotel company his family is running, and he figures that a fake relationship with Nora would benefit them both. He will look more stable with a nice dependable girlfriend and she gets a shot at getting Jonathan back because he definitely looks jealous seeing her with Theo.
So I'm gonna do this in a pros and cons format. First the pros. (Because we're all professional here.)
What I loved about this book:
Theo's character. The flaky playboy who never took anything seriously for a day in his life but falls HARD when he finally does. The way his work mattered to him even though nobody thought it did. His sexy confidence in everything except the things that scared him the most. What happened with Jonathan in the end. When he cried. His grand gestures, the way he figured out how to give her the best of both worlds.
Nora's character: The relatable way she looks for security, and it made sense in the light of her past. The way she can't resist Theo, despite thinking he's all wrong for her. Her motivational quotes that don't help her much in the end because Michelle Obama would never get herself in such an emotional mess.
The plot: I love it that it's like several tropes rolled into a hopeless tangle, yet it doesn't feel tropey. We got the opposites attract, the reformed rake, the safety-seeking missile opening up sexually, the fake relationship with benefits, the wedding planner and the best man, the let's-have-amazing-sex-while-you-try-to-get-your-ex-back, the Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right Now turning into Mr. I Don't Know How The Hell This Happened But I Need You To Breathe. I liked that the focus was on Nora and Theo throughout and we saw her pretty much forget about Jonathan, except for a small but crucial part he played in the end.
The steam level: She holds out for a while but once she's got a taste she's a goner. Theo lives up to his reputation (in a good way). I liked that the first time was her sober-and-in-broad-daylight initiative and not Theo wearing her down on a champagne filled night. There are a lot of sex scenes and I liked the way they were written: variable and, well, you know, hot, and didn't feel clichey.
Series status: You could probably read this as a stand-alone and it would make sense. But I don't know why you'd want to. We met Theo and his family in his brother's book A Very London Christmas and Nora was Elle's friend in Falling Stars. There are a lot of overlapping characters from other Sara Madderson books as well and I would recommend the hell out of those books too. Go forth my children and read them all.
Now for the cons:
It ended and I have to start all over again to get my Theo fix.
Full disclosure: I got a free arc from the author the first time around and I love her for it.
Nora Wilder is a wedding planner with abandonment issues who is looking for security, first and foremost. For a long time, security looked like her first and only boyfriend Jonathan. But he ended the relationship after nine years and now Nora is a bit adrift. She meets Theo, the brother of the groom and the best man for a wedding that she's organizing. He has a somewhat questionable reputation, in the eyes of his family, Nora and all the TV audiences in Britain who saw him having a threesome with identical twins on a reality show, but ten years ago he was the best kiss of Nora's life. Theo wants more responsibilities in the hotel company his family is running, and he figures that a fake relationship with Nora would benefit them both. He will look more stable with a nice dependable girlfriend and she gets a shot at getting Jonathan back because he definitely looks jealous seeing her with Theo.
So I'm gonna do this in a pros and cons format. First the pros. (Because we're all professional here.)
What I loved about this book:
Theo's character. The flaky playboy who never took anything seriously for a day in his life but falls HARD when he finally does. The way his work mattered to him even though nobody thought it did. His sexy confidence in everything except the things that scared him the most. What happened with Jonathan in the end. When he cried. His grand gestures, the way he figured out how to give her the best of both worlds.
Nora's character: The relatable way she looks for security, and it made sense in the light of her past. The way she can't resist Theo, despite thinking he's all wrong for her. Her motivational quotes that don't help her much in the end because Michelle Obama would never get herself in such an emotional mess.
The plot: I love it that it's like several tropes rolled into a hopeless tangle, yet it doesn't feel tropey. We got the opposites attract, the reformed rake, the safety-seeking missile opening up sexually, the fake relationship with benefits, the wedding planner and the best man, the let's-have-amazing-sex-while-you-try-to-get-your-ex-back, the Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right Now turning into Mr. I Don't Know How The Hell This Happened But I Need You To Breathe. I liked that the focus was on Nora and Theo throughout and we saw her pretty much forget about Jonathan, except for a small but crucial part he played in the end.
The steam level: She holds out for a while but once she's got a taste she's a goner. Theo lives up to his reputation (in a good way). I liked that the first time was her sober-and-in-broad-daylight initiative and not Theo wearing her down on a champagne filled night. There are a lot of sex scenes and I liked the way they were written: variable and, well, you know, hot, and didn't feel clichey.
Series status: You could probably read this as a stand-alone and it would make sense. But I don't know why you'd want to. We met Theo and his family in his brother's book A Very London Christmas and Nora was Elle's friend in Falling Stars. There are a lot of overlapping characters from other Sara Madderson books as well and I would recommend the hell out of those books too. Go forth my children and read them all.
Now for the cons:
It ended and I have to start all over again to get my Theo fix.
Full disclosure: I got a free arc from the author the first time around and I love her for it.
July 30, 2022
Nora Wilder is a wedding planner with abandonment issues who is looking for security, first and foremost. For a long time, security looked like her first and only boyfriend Jonathan. But he ended the relationship after nine years and now Nora is a bit adrift. She meets Theo, the brother of the groom and the best man for a wedding that she's organizing. He has a somewhat questionable reputation, in the eyes of his family, Nora and all the TV audiences in Britain who saw him having a threesome with identical twins on a reality show, but ten years ago he was the best kiss of Nora's life. Theo wants more responsibilities in the hotel company his family is running, and he figures that a fake relationship with Nora would benefit them both. He will look more stable with a nice dependable girlfriend and she gets a shot at getting Jonathan back because he definitely looks jealous seeing her with Theo.
So I'm gonna do this in a pros and cons format. First the pros. (Because we're all professional here.)
What I loved about this book:
Theo's character. The flaky playboy who never took anything seriously for a day in his life but falls HARD when he finally does. The way his work mattered to him even though nobody thought it did. His sexy confidence in everything except the things that scared him the most. What happened with Jonathan in the end. When he cried. His grand gestures, the way he figured out how to give her the best of both worlds.
Nora's character: The relatable way she looks for security, and it made sense in the light of her past. The way she can't resist Theo, despite thinking he's all wrong for her. Her motivational quotes that don't help her much in the end because Michelle Obama would never get herself in such an emotional mess.
The plot: I love it that it's like several tropes rolled into a hopeless tangle, yet it doesn't feel tropey. We got the opposites attract, the reformed rake, the safety-seeking missile opening up sexually, the fake relationship with benefits, the wedding planner and the best man, the let's-have-amazing-sex-while-you-try-to-get-your-ex-back, the Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right Now turning into Mr. I Don't Know How The Hell This Happened But I Need You To Breathe. I liked that the focus was on Nora and Theo throughout and we saw her pretty much forget about Jonathan, except for a small but crucial part he played in the end.
The steam level: She holds out for a while but once she's got a taste she's a goner. Theo lives up to his reputation (in a good way). I liked that the first time was her sober-and-in-broad-daylight initiative and not Theo wearing her down on a champagne filled night. There are a lot of sex scenes and I liked the way they were written: variable and, well, you know, hot, and didn't feel clichey.
Series status: You could probably read this as a stand-alone and it would make sense. But I don't know why you'd want to. We met Theo and his family in his brother's book A Very London Christmas and Nora was Elle's friend in Falling Stars. There are a lot of overlapping characters from other Sara Madderson books as well and I would recommend the hell out of those books too. Go forth my children and read them all.
Now for the cons:
It ended and I have to start all over again to get my Theo fix.
Full disclosure: I got a free arc from the author and I love her for it.
So I'm gonna do this in a pros and cons format. First the pros. (Because we're all professional here.)
What I loved about this book:
Theo's character. The flaky playboy who never took anything seriously for a day in his life but falls HARD when he finally does. The way his work mattered to him even though nobody thought it did. His sexy confidence in everything except the things that scared him the most. What happened with Jonathan in the end. When he cried. His grand gestures, the way he figured out how to give her the best of both worlds.
Nora's character: The relatable way she looks for security, and it made sense in the light of her past. The way she can't resist Theo, despite thinking he's all wrong for her. Her motivational quotes that don't help her much in the end because Michelle Obama would never get herself in such an emotional mess.
The plot: I love it that it's like several tropes rolled into a hopeless tangle, yet it doesn't feel tropey. We got the opposites attract, the reformed rake, the safety-seeking missile opening up sexually, the fake relationship with benefits, the wedding planner and the best man, the let's-have-amazing-sex-while-you-try-to-get-your-ex-back, the Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right Now turning into Mr. I Don't Know How The Hell This Happened But I Need You To Breathe. I liked that the focus was on Nora and Theo throughout and we saw her pretty much forget about Jonathan, except for a small but crucial part he played in the end.
The steam level: She holds out for a while but once she's got a taste she's a goner. Theo lives up to his reputation (in a good way). I liked that the first time was her sober-and-in-broad-daylight initiative and not Theo wearing her down on a champagne filled night. There are a lot of sex scenes and I liked the way they were written: variable and, well, you know, hot, and didn't feel clichey.
Series status: You could probably read this as a stand-alone and it would make sense. But I don't know why you'd want to. We met Theo and his family in his brother's book A Very London Christmas and Nora was Elle's friend in Falling Stars. There are a lot of overlapping characters from other Sara Madderson books as well and I would recommend the hell out of those books too. Go forth my children and read them all.
Now for the cons:
It ended and I have to start all over again to get my Theo fix.
Full disclosure: I got a free arc from the author and I love her for it.
October 4, 2022
Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes, it may even beat enemies-to-lovers, so it is safe to say I loved this book.
‘Not sure what I got myself into with you, Nora Wilder.’
I couldn’t put Wilder at Heart down and read it within a day. I first met Nora in Falling Stars and she is the best friend of Elle and is staying at her flat. She is a wedding planner and has her own business. Nora first met Elle at Cambridge University and they immediately clicked. On their first night, she met Theo, Elle’s cousin and they kissed, but Theo was a typical playboy and when Nora didn’t want to go back to his flat, he dipped. Flash forward ten years and Nora still views that kiss as the most passionate she’s ever had. She is organising the wedding for Miles, Theo’s brother, which means she is reunited with Theo at their engagement party. Nora is also reunited with her ex, who left her for another woman. She should be over him by now, but unfortunately, Nora still loves him and wants him back.
Theo convinces Nora to fake date him to win her ex back. Also because, his family have lost a bit of respect and belief in him after he appeared on reality tv having a threesome. To everyone but Elle and her boyfriend, josh, they are dating and this leads to some amazing moments of forced proximity between the two as they have to convince Theo’s famil that they are together. Elle’s flat also leaks so Nora is forced to move in with Theo for an extended period of time, which really adds to the forced proximity. There is a lot of tension between these two as Theo attempts to convince Nora they should add some benefits to their fake dating.
‘The funny thing is, this fake relationship with Belle is by far the realest one I’ve ever had. Actually, it’s not funny at all. Because I love her. I’m so fucking in love with her I can’t breathe. I’m a mess.’
I loved the development of their relationship and will definitely be reading more of Sara Madderson’s books because they have not failed me yet. I love the characters and the progression of the story as you can tell from each perspective when the protagonists are falling for each other. If you love fake dating and stories revolving around weddings, definitely check this one out!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
‘Not sure what I got myself into with you, Nora Wilder.’
I couldn’t put Wilder at Heart down and read it within a day. I first met Nora in Falling Stars and she is the best friend of Elle and is staying at her flat. She is a wedding planner and has her own business. Nora first met Elle at Cambridge University and they immediately clicked. On their first night, she met Theo, Elle’s cousin and they kissed, but Theo was a typical playboy and when Nora didn’t want to go back to his flat, he dipped. Flash forward ten years and Nora still views that kiss as the most passionate she’s ever had. She is organising the wedding for Miles, Theo’s brother, which means she is reunited with Theo at their engagement party. Nora is also reunited with her ex, who left her for another woman. She should be over him by now, but unfortunately, Nora still loves him and wants him back.
Theo convinces Nora to fake date him to win her ex back. Also because, his family have lost a bit of respect and belief in him after he appeared on reality tv having a threesome. To everyone but Elle and her boyfriend, josh, they are dating and this leads to some amazing moments of forced proximity between the two as they have to convince Theo’s famil that they are together. Elle’s flat also leaks so Nora is forced to move in with Theo for an extended period of time, which really adds to the forced proximity. There is a lot of tension between these two as Theo attempts to convince Nora they should add some benefits to their fake dating.
‘The funny thing is, this fake relationship with Belle is by far the realest one I’ve ever had. Actually, it’s not funny at all. Because I love her. I’m so fucking in love with her I can’t breathe. I’m a mess.’
I loved the development of their relationship and will definitely be reading more of Sara Madderson’s books because they have not failed me yet. I love the characters and the progression of the story as you can tell from each perspective when the protagonists are falling for each other. If you love fake dating and stories revolving around weddings, definitely check this one out!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
August 31, 2025
⭐️Arc Reader⭐️
Wilder at Heart is the ultimate “opposites attract” romance that has everything—sass, steam, heartbreak, and a whole lot of chemistry.
Nora is not your typical heroine. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth and has had to fight for everything she has, which makes her instantly relatable. She loathes entitlement and arrogance, so naturally, Theo—rich, privileged, and every bit the playboy his family sees him as—is exactly the type of man she wants nothing to do with. Their first meeting at university is explosive, leading to a kiss that’s far too hot to be ignored, but Nora walks away before it can turn into anything more.
Fast forward a few years: Nora’s heartbroken after losing the love of her life, and Theo is desperate to prove to his family that he’s not just a spoiled screw-up. When their paths collide again, the two strike a deal—she’ll help him look respectable, and he’ll help her win back her ex. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and what starts as fake dating quickly turns into a deliciously tense battle of wills, desires, and passion.
The push-and-pull between Nora and Theo is perfection. Their banter crackles, their chemistry leaps off the page, and watching them fight what’s so clearly inevitable makes this book impossible to put down. Theo, in the end, proves himself to be so much more than his reputation, and Nora finally steps into her own strength.
If you love fake dating, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first (hard), this romcom will sweep you off your feet. Wilder at Heart is witty, heartfelt, and utterly addictive—a five-star read from start to finish!
Wilder at Heart is the ultimate “opposites attract” romance that has everything—sass, steam, heartbreak, and a whole lot of chemistry.
Nora is not your typical heroine. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth and has had to fight for everything she has, which makes her instantly relatable. She loathes entitlement and arrogance, so naturally, Theo—rich, privileged, and every bit the playboy his family sees him as—is exactly the type of man she wants nothing to do with. Their first meeting at university is explosive, leading to a kiss that’s far too hot to be ignored, but Nora walks away before it can turn into anything more.
Fast forward a few years: Nora’s heartbroken after losing the love of her life, and Theo is desperate to prove to his family that he’s not just a spoiled screw-up. When their paths collide again, the two strike a deal—she’ll help him look respectable, and he’ll help her win back her ex. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and what starts as fake dating quickly turns into a deliciously tense battle of wills, desires, and passion.
The push-and-pull between Nora and Theo is perfection. Their banter crackles, their chemistry leaps off the page, and watching them fight what’s so clearly inevitable makes this book impossible to put down. Theo, in the end, proves himself to be so much more than his reputation, and Nora finally steps into her own strength.
If you love fake dating, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first (hard), this romcom will sweep you off your feet. Wilder at Heart is witty, heartfelt, and utterly addictive—a five-star read from start to finish!
January 8, 2024
Pretty disappointing after A Very London Christmas. Those characters were mature and likable. This one had some things I don’t like writing wise, such as characters thinking like they’re in front of an audience (“anyways, what was I talking about” “grr”). The FMC internal monologues FOREVER and the forced quirkiness is just cringey. I also don’t like when romance books try to be self aware about tropes (“this is just like a fake dating romance book”). Oh and if you thought you were free from the preachiness about chrons disease in this one, you’re not.
I didn’t like Nora. Her innocence is a bit absurd, to the point where she can’t even think the word threesome in her head. She refers to sex as making love and refers to a guy being shirtless as gratuitous nudity. She acts 12 sometimes, and is very holier than tho in regard to Theo’s sex life. It’s also excruciating to see her pine and pine for someone who CLEARLY doesn’t want her. The delusion and lack of self respect is hard to get through. She gets a bit less irritating throughout the book, but I wouldn’t have made it far enough to see that if not for Theo (aka the only reason I didn’t DNF). I loved him. He was sexy, sweet, and upfront about his feelings. Hot and respectful of her boundaries. The problem is I genuinely don’t know what they see in each other besides sex. Theo says Nora is kind and vibrant under her judgey exterior but nowhere in the book is that shown. I was rooting for Theo, but I wasn’t rooting for them as a couple.
I didn’t like Nora. Her innocence is a bit absurd, to the point where she can’t even think the word threesome in her head. She refers to sex as making love and refers to a guy being shirtless as gratuitous nudity. She acts 12 sometimes, and is very holier than tho in regard to Theo’s sex life. It’s also excruciating to see her pine and pine for someone who CLEARLY doesn’t want her. The delusion and lack of self respect is hard to get through. She gets a bit less irritating throughout the book, but I wouldn’t have made it far enough to see that if not for Theo (aka the only reason I didn’t DNF). I loved him. He was sexy, sweet, and upfront about his feelings. Hot and respectful of her boundaries. The problem is I genuinely don’t know what they see in each other besides sex. Theo says Nora is kind and vibrant under her judgey exterior but nowhere in the book is that shown. I was rooting for Theo, but I wasn’t rooting for them as a couple.
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