Wild Love

Freaking Love #4

by Bethany Monaco Smith

Nine years ago, I let the girl of my dreams go.

My Firecracker, the girl I dated for five months without knowing her name—the girl I fell in love with over nightly phone conversations, names held back but souls laid bare.

Then life tore us apart. Before we said goodbye, I made her promise not to let go of what we had—to believe our paths might cross again one day.

I’ve held on to that promise. Even when it’s felt ridiculous and useless, I’ve held on to that hope that maybe our lives would twine together again. That maybe I’d finally find the love I’ve been longing for all this time.

I’m starting to believe I’m destined to be alone when the universe throws her in my path again. And when we find each other, it’s like stars colliding. It’s fast and overwhelming and everything. Everything we’ve both been searching for. Neither of us wants to waste a second—we’ve waited long enough.

Our lives are different now. More complex, with scars threatening to rip open and make us bleed. But I don’t care. I can’t care. I’ll fight. I’ve lost enough in my life, and losing Hollie Moore a second time isn’t an option.

I’ll do whatever’s needed to protect her, us, and the beautiful, wild love burning between us.

Wild Love is a steamy second chance romance with a guaranteed HEA set in the Freaking Love series. This book can be read as a standalone, but Braden is also a main character in the original trilogy if you want to know more about him. This book is recommended for readers 18+

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But the greatest thing I see is the person whose body was meant to hold me, whose heart was made to love me, whose soul was always meant to be twine with mine. You are my love and my joy. My peace and my vulnerability. You're safety and calm. You're the wild, endless love that surrounds me. My twin flame. I love you."

Do you need a beautifully emotional read that...honestly you could do as a standalone, or maybe you're wanting a little bit of a redemption story? Wild Love is the one for you then. The Freaking Love series was my first true full series by author Bethany Monaco Smith that I was blessed to read. It was the first that caused me to make a full out sobbing video on stories over, and it was all because of our MC in this book, Braden. One of the most common themes that Bethany puts in her work is Mental Health representation - and this one is no different. Exploring the nuances of both Braden, and our FMC Hollie was a whirlwind of "how will they handle this next". As the fourth book in the Freaking Love series, it also brought back our beloved characters from the first three books, and it was incredible to see how they'd been developed in the quiet since book 3.

I love how tenacious Hollie is, but how she's also scared in some ways to show every piece of herself. I could feel pieces of myself reading her. Having to go through big changes in the late teen years, and then navigating life as an adult? It's not fun for anyone...but Hollie seems to do it in such a way that you wouldn't think right away that she had to endure the big life changes she did when she was younger.

Braden - you made me love you - and for anyone in the Bethany-verse that knows me...that's saying a lot. It's not that I ever fully disliked him, but I always wanted to shake him and ask him very loudly "what are you doing!?" He's been alone for too long, but always has his daughter. Navigating a new path that also involves Hollie? Definitely unexpected in ways, but goodness is his growth incredible.

You know when you have those moments of "I wish I could read this for the first time all over again" - that's this series. If that were even remotely a possibility, I would 100% be going back to before I read it, adding this book in, and doing it all over.

[Book Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

ARC read, thank you to the author.

This book was such a beautiful story of love in all its forms - parental love, the love of the family you choose for yourself, and most of all, the wild, intense, star-crossed love of finding your twin flame and holding on to them for dear life.

Hollie and Braden are both so lost and broken from trauma they’ve suffered, and both feel unworthy of being loved. Until they meet each other! Having been introduced on a blind date by a mutual friend 9 years ago, they fell in love without ever meeting, only to be torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. When they meet by chance 9 years later, all bets are off. They never stopped loving each other, and those feelings only intensify once they meet in-person and the sparks begin to fly!

They’ve both been through more than their fair share of crap in their lives, and need to learn how to navigate the legacy of trauma whilst building a life together. Braden’s family, through both blood and choice, are with them every step of the way, helping them work their way through the darkness they both experience. I absolutely adored all of them, and Braden’s daughter Harper is just gorgeous.

I felt every emotion whilst reading this book - I laughed, I cried, I swooned… and wanted to reach through my kindle and throw a couple of punches at various points!

I definitely think the reading experience would be richer had I read the initial trilogy, but this does work as a standalone and I can’t wait to jump back and see where it all began.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Love : Freaking Love part Four !!Braden and Hollie - perfection absolute perfection!! The connection I felt to both characters, the way they had my heart from the very first page , the degree to which their journey resonated with me on so many different levels and all the emotions it stirred in me , I honestly do not have the perfect words to describe. All I can truly say is that this is such a beautiful love story about two people who are so beautifully broken , who have both endured trauma that has taken such an emotional toll on them . Both feel unworthy of love , neither is looking for a relationship. What I thought was most interesting and captivating about their love story was the way they were brought together and the fact that they fell in love without ever meeting one another . Something happens though something that tears them part and leaves both utterly heartbroken. Fast forward l 9 years later when fate steps In and they actually end up coming face to face . From that moment on all bets are off . Because the chemistry between them and the love they share is there just as strong as it’s always been . This is their chance at a second chance to fight for the future they both crave together. But first there are many obstacles they need to overcome , demons and darkness they must face !! The way I smiled , the way I laughed, the way I cried ugly tears while yelling outta pure frustration all while rooting so freaking hard for these two . I really was taken on quite the emotional rollercoaster.

[Destanee Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Wait!

Braden and Hollie are finally here and after literal YEARS of harassing (lovingly) Bethany to give us Braden’s story. I’m endlessly grateful that I waited patiently (mostly) for this to come into fruition. I have never in my life wanted to see a character get their happily ever after more than I did Braden. He’s a single dad (we love that) who has made mistakes he’s not proud of (honestly I’m a parent I get it) and struggles to believe he’s worth the good things that come into his life because of his past. She the one who got away that thinks everyone leaves because that all she’s ever known. Together they become this beautiful couple who after years apart are a beautiful warm hug. Not without growing pains and not without them fighting for each other. They definitely put in the work to get their happy endings. Honestly though it wouldn’t be a Bethany book if there wasn’t a little bit of drama somewhere in the story line. There’s an amazing found family aspect within the story that I wouldn’t trade for the world and a spitfire free spirited little girl who is absolutely hilarious. You can never go wrong with a Bethany book. But let me tell you. This one is probably my favorite. Sorry Trevor. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. It’s one of my favorite things I’ve ever read download it today. You won’t be disappointed.

[Nicole Principe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany has a way of sucking you into her world from the very first page. I was skeptical of this book because the couple gets together early on but as I read it, it was so much more than a second chance romance. It was a love story between the FMC and MMC characters, sure, but it was also a love story of finding their chosen family, it was a love story between the FMC and MMC daughter, it was about finding the people that you click with and never letting them go. Fighting for them.

I bawled like a freaking baby. There were so many life lessons in this story, just to name a few:

“Finding each other again after all these years and feeling the same peace and excitement I did back then... the odds were stacked against us. Yet here we are. And I'm going to cherish every second of it.”

“With everything in me, I'm going to love this man until I'm nothing but dust. I'm going to give him the future he dreamed of. The future we both dreamed of for so long. The one we never let go of, even in our hardest moments. The future we deserve.”

“Forever sounds pretty good to me.”

Thank you dearly to the author and her team for this ARC copy!

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Second chance
- Small town romance
- Found family

If there is one thing Bethany does well, it's writing relatable characters. In every single book I've read of hers (her entire catalog), the characters drive the story. They are so real that I felt like part of their friend group, which is a rare a beautiful thing. I felt so invested in each story, and this one is no exception. I am such a fan of second chance romances, but this one has all of the Serendipity vibes that made it so much sweeter.

Hollie and Braden had a unique relationship in that they only spoke with one another on the phone. They hadn't met when Hollie had to move away to be with her family. But neither could forget about the other, referencing the iconic Titanic line "Don't ever let go."

Now after 9 years, Hollie is back in town and fate brings her and Braden together, face to face. Their love is so instant and beautiful. But in true Bethany style, their relationship has a few hurdles...

I highly recommend reading the first Ida series, although this series can be read independent of it.

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This girl could not be more excited that Braden finally gets his HEA! I'm not gonna lie, I was totally team Vince in the original trilogy because I thought that Braden had a lot of growing up to do, an dhe did. But the older wiser version of him deserves to be loved too. And there is no one better for him than Hollie. I love that his relationship with Maia gave us Harper because, honestly, think she's the coolest kid turned preteen ever. But he needed someone to match his fire. His twin flame as he put it. As with all Bethany's books, I laughed, I cried, I screamed, and I swooned...HARD. The journey through this book is so well worth it to get to the end. I feel like a part of this little family and it makes my heart smile to see everyone so whole. If you've not read this series, you are seriously missing out on something really special. So go start from the beginning and you'll get to fall in love over and over again.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Perfection

It’s been a while since I read a story that broke my heart like that. Of course Bethany is the only one capable of this. Always a roller coaster of emotions with her stories. I took my sweet time reading this one because hello it was Braden story. Love how fast they fall for each other and how the years apart only intensified that love. This second chance romance was really perfect for Braden HEA. I love Harper so much, all her sassiness and teenage attitude. Maia and Vince…. Specially Vince *melting emoji* (still obsessed with him). Love their friendship and co-parenting skills, how they are always there for each other. Nick still amazing and Leigh still crazy and perfect, I love her. It was really great diving back into their world. Amazing work as always Bethany, thank you. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Trish Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! I "Freaking LOVED" it!! From the moment they "met" (just not in person) there was a connection bewtween Braden and Hollie. When life happens and that relationship is lost, you see how it affects their journey in life and relationships. I always love a connected world and Bethany is the queen of them and Wild Love shares a cast and history with other books, but you are able to dive right into this one! Braden's relationships give you serious friend jelously and his co-parenting skills ar on point. His relationship with Harper is goals! Hollie and Braden's journey will bring you joy, heartbreak and Bethany gives you a front row seat and you will not want to get off the ride!! Binge it right now!!!

[Chevone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Love absolutely tore my heart open in the best way. It made me reflect on so many things about myself, especially having gone through experiences similar to what Hollie has faced and continues to navigate. Her story felt deeply personal at times.

I loved the dynamic between Hollie and Braden, but what really stood out to me was the co-parenting relationships and the way friendship turned into chosen family throughout the story. That sense of support, growth, and community added so much depth beyond just the romance.

This was such a great read and one I genuinely loved. I’m already planning to go back and reread the entire series now. 💛

[Ryann Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany’s books usually are a rollercoaster of emotions and Wild Love was no different. I have been waiting for Braden’s happily ever after for awhile. I fell in love with him in First Love and wanted him and Maia together so badly but now I see Hollie is Braden’s twin flame and perfect match. They are the same person and have this wild love. There’s so much love and angst but I love this story so so much. I love the relationship Braden still has with Maia and how they co parent Harper. This book made me laugh, smile, swoon, cry and all the things. Not to mention Braden has a dirty mouth! Thank you Bethany for trusting me with Braden and Hollie. They are pure perfection!

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh Braden and Hollie or should I say Jack and Firecracker, when I started this book I knew it was going to be a love story worth waiting for, and it was that and so much more. Neither of them thought they would find their “one” when really they had before and the universe just decided to take its time getting them back together. When they found each other again, it was like no time had really passed. They found themselves right back where they were with each other. While they didn’t have it easy, as no love does, they found their way back to each other and promised to run towards each other instead of away. I absolutely loved their story and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Rachelclune88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional journey

They both meet on a blind date they never meet but speak on the phone ever night building a connection together. They both have suffered trauma and obviously have self doubt about what they deserve. They are torn away from each other ( not there fault).

So what happens when they meet up again 9 years later? Those feelings had never gone away and nothing was going to stop them. The sparks from there chemistry is wow. It is definitely an emotional rollercoaster.

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, Braden hasn’t been my favorite in the Freaking Love series. In fact, he was probably my least favorite. I’m not sure how Bethany Monaco Smith did it, but Braden has redeemed himself. He’s now easily in my top 3 of her characters.

Braden and Hollie’s story also ranks up there as one of my favorites. Even with all they have both been through, they learn to lean on each other. And Harper is definitely a big part of their story and relationship. It was a wonderful and refreshing read that had me in tears a few times.

(I’m not crying, it’s the onions.)

[Kendra Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique story. Braden and Hollie get set up on a blind date but instead of meeting they don't exchange names just numbers and just talk to each other. I think it made the relationship that much stronger not having any of the normal things that people do to judge before they really know someone. They knew the real person even without names. Of course they get broke apart for years but the best things always come back and they find each other again without even trying and the love story just blooms so bright after that. It was such a great book!!!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I have a love hate relationship with second chance romances, but I trust Bethany with my whole reader heart. I absolutely love Braden and Hollie gripped my heart from the very beginning and never let go. I loved their story so much. I have a tendency to find all of my Bethany stories in the middle of things. I know have to go back and read the other books, not because I felt I was missing anything, but because I NEED MORE!!!

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gripped me from the start, the emotions in this book bring heartbreak and joy. Braden and Hollie, these two have a connection from the start and while they didn’t meet in person, these two had something meaningful.

Now nine years later, they get a second chance and I loved every moment of it. About finding that chosen family and holding on, and healing from the scars left from the past.

[Alyssa Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book and character I’ve been waiting for! Braden was such a broken boy who we’ve gotten to see turn his life around for his friends, family and his daughter Harper and the bond they have is so sweet. Then reconnecting with Hollie and diving into her past trauma her and Braden use each other to heal and reignite their flame and it was amazing to see all this come together.

[Sahiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

forever pumped to get an ARC and review it!

this was a new series to me and i think it would have helped for me to have read the prior ones, as there was a lot of backstory i didn’t know. i will say it is perhaps one of the spicier novels i’ve read from this author so 👀 buckle up

loved the binghamton and ithaca shoutouts 🩷

[Allie Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Braden an Hollie's story.
Bethany's books never fail to leave me filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling with a dash a real and raw emotions for both the MMC & FMC.
I plan on going back and reading the first 3 books in this series to see the other couples stories too.
Highly recommend.

[Brittany L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! I have waited for Braeden and Hollie for a long time especially given what Braeden went through. This story is a second chance masterpiece that is delicately woven with some tough choices and even tougher conversations but in the end they get their HEA and it is so amazing to finally see their beginning and how they came to be.

[Halee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. I was captivated by Braden and Hollie’s love story. I’ve always been a sucker for a perfect second chance love story, chosen family and something full of emotions. Also something with a perfect amount of spice which Bethany delivers all in one. It was almost too good to be true.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in longer with this second chance romance. Braden and Hollie were so perfect. This was the type of book that gives you the warm fuzzies. I was so wrapped up in this one. This was so sweet and gives all the cozy vibes for a story that rooting for both MMC’s . And I rooted. I was planted in my seat cheering these two on. I absolutely loved this one.

[Jessica Ljunglof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bethany Monaco Smith for this ARC. However the opinion is all my own.

Oh my the feels in this book! I really loved this book. The emotions between Hoillie and Bradley is amazing!
I haven't read the other books in the series but after reading this one I really want to read the rest of them too!

If you're after an amazing love story read this one! You won't be sorry.

[Renee Nicole Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the dynamic between Hollie and Braden. I've been dying to read this book since I read the first chapter of it. Their love is so sweet. 10/10
I'm so grateful I was able to score an ARC of this! it was definitely worth the read 🫶🏻

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a minute since I've read for Bethany and holy shit I forgot how much I enjoy her storytelling. This has all the feels!

[Emily Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader. I read as a standalone. 100% do-able! Story is easy to follow without reading the other trilogy if you don’t want to dive further into the background/friends/family.

[amberebooksandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

twin flames

I have been waiting for their story and it did not disappoint! They loved each other so hard and for so long. There was never a thought they were perfect for each other and should never let go. This is a must read when you want the two broken to fix each other’s pieces. They formed a family and I cannot wait to see them in the future. I need all the side stories with them in it.

[Brittany Rhoten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy by the author.

I was so happy to go back to Ida!

Braden and Hollie are the perfect couple and I enjoyed reading their growth and love mature. ❤️

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far in the series. This book is a second chance romance and that’s one of my favorite tropes and this book knocked it out of the park. Braden and Hollie are so perfect and I couldn’t get enough of this book! Braden is such a broken guy but turned his life around for everyone he loves, Braeden’s daughter Harper was just the cutest. Hollie I just loved her !!! This book had me crying a lot lol and i will be adding this to my favorites list! Would I recommend this book I sure freaking do!!! Thank You Bethany for letting me put of this arc team.