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Wild Goose Chase
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Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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An antique dealer and his inconvenient(ly irresistible) new colleague must contend with an illicit stuffed goose and their sizzling attraction, from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler.
Antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room.
Why? It’s…complicated.
But it may end his career unless he finds a legitimate way to dispose of the bird ASAP. Unfortunately, there’s an unexpected wrench in his plans—the frustrating, effervescent Annie O’Neill.
Annie is happy to fill in for her uncle at his antique store; it’s the perfect opportunity to gain more experience before opening a shop of her own, and to finally meet his handsome young business partner. Unfortunately, Cal is nothing like the charming man she expected. She’s tempted to take his apparent dislike personally, until she stumbles upon the source of his the contraband waterfowl hiding upstairs.
When the goose goes missing, it puts both of their professional reputations on the line. As Cal and Annie attempt to track down the bird before it can be traced back to the store, their tentative alliance turns into something much deeper. Will the hunt for their felonious fowl lead to true love, or end in ruin?
Antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room.
Why? It’s…complicated.
But it may end his career unless he finds a legitimate way to dispose of the bird ASAP. Unfortunately, there’s an unexpected wrench in his plans—the frustrating, effervescent Annie O’Neill.
Annie is happy to fill in for her uncle at his antique store; it’s the perfect opportunity to gain more experience before opening a shop of her own, and to finally meet his handsome young business partner. Unfortunately, Cal is nothing like the charming man she expected. She’s tempted to take his apparent dislike personally, until she stumbles upon the source of his the contraband waterfowl hiding upstairs.
When the goose goes missing, it puts both of their professional reputations on the line. As Cal and Annie attempt to track down the bird before it can be traced back to the store, their tentative alliance turns into something much deeper. Will the hunt for their felonious fowl lead to true love, or end in ruin?
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Sarah Adler
4 books1,922 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and very mischievous cat. When not working, you can find her attempting to course-correct an ill-advised late afternoon nap with an equally ill-advised late afternoon coffee, as she is incapable of ever learning a lesson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 19, 2026
✨🪿Wild Goose Chase🪿✨
This was cute and I mostly enjoyed it. Both the FMC and MMC were terrible communicators and drove me a little nuts throughout the book. I kept wanting them to just communicate like adults.
I also felt like the final conflict was unnecessary and didn’t really add much to the story. It felt like it was there just to create tension at the end.
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read for me.
🗝️ What to Expect
• Workplace romance
• Opposites attract
• Forced partnership
• Antique shop
• Treasure hunt mystery
• Small town
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This was cute and I mostly enjoyed it. Both the FMC and MMC were terrible communicators and drove me a little nuts throughout the book. I kept wanting them to just communicate like adults.
I also felt like the final conflict was unnecessary and didn’t really add much to the story. It felt like it was there just to create tension at the end.
Overall, a solid 3.5 star read for me.
🗝️ What to Expect
• Workplace romance
• Opposites attract
• Forced partnership
• Antique shop
• Treasure hunt mystery
• Small town
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I never taught I would read a romance book that starts with a missing taxidermy goose, but this was sooo much fun! It's actually so refreshing to read and I had the best time.
The banter in incredible and so funny. I was actually laughing out loud multiple times. Annie is such a sunshine person and I loved her with Cal and his grumpiness.They are both so cute and the tension between them is so good. There wasn't a lot of spice, but that tension made up for everything.
The adventure made this book so much better, the chasing, the chaos, the road trip made it so unique!
The single thing that made me confused was how several times Cal tries to hide his accent and corrects himself every time, but there was no actual talk and explanation about this. Why was he doing this? Why did he want to hide it?
Other than this I had a really good time and will definitely read more from Sarah Adler in the future!
I never taught I would read a romance book that starts with a missing taxidermy goose, but this was sooo much fun! It's actually so refreshing to read and I had the best time.
The banter in incredible and so funny. I was actually laughing out loud multiple times. Annie is such a sunshine person and I loved her with Cal and his grumpiness.They are both so cute and the tension between them is so good. There wasn't a lot of spice, but that tension made up for everything.
The adventure made this book so much better, the chasing, the chaos, the road trip made it so unique!
The single thing that made me confused was how several times Cal tries to hide his accent and corrects himself every time, but there was no actual talk and explanation about this. Why was he doing this? Why did he want to hide it?
Other than this I had a really good time and will definitely read more from Sarah Adler in the future!
Want to Read
March 21, 2025i'm sat
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3⭐️
Annie and Cal were fine- cute, but fine. Cal is a sort of stuck-in-his-ways antiques expert who is still reeling after a breakup. Annie is a antique and curiosity seller who shows up at Cal's shop to cover for his business partner (and her uncle) while he's away. Once the two get past their initial bad start and begin to hunt down the aforementioned Goose, their chemistry improved.
But I don't think they ever had more than just decent chemistry? They talked about their past relationships but that's pretty much it. We finished the book not knowing a single thing about Annie's childhood or really more than the scant details of Cal's. I also found Annie a little condescending towards Cal? Like any time his opinion differed from hers, even though (after that first interaction at least) he wasn't being rude, she would chalk his opinion up to "not knowing any better". Like, he doesn't understand her brand of fixing up antiques? It's because he doesn't know any better! He's just stuck in a rut. He's not as 'fun' as her? He's just doesn't know any better! Like, maybe his opinions are just different from yours but are still completely valid?! Even when Cal professed his feelings, Annie was basically like "well he's only had one relationship, he can't possibly understand what he's feeling". It really drove me nuts
I also just think we didn't get enough time with Annie's character. Again, we don't know much of her backstory and she never felt fully fleshed out. There was too much going on here I think- the chase for the Goose, which tbh could have had one or two fewer stops, Cal working through his grief but also his breakup, their relationship, the past pov with Ora.
Speaking of, while I understood that the pov in 1908 with Ora and John was trying to set the scene for the Goose origins, I truly didn't care. Just did not care one single bit about that plot line. I think it just distracted from the main story
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"I'm sort of an expert when it comes to beautiful and rare things. And there's so much that's beautiful and rare about you, Annie O'Neill."I'm sad to say that this didn't work for me. I was worried before I started that the premise- literally about chasing down a taxidermy goose- would be too silly, but I think it actually worked in the context of the story. It was just a bunch of small things that ended up falling flat for me
Annie and Cal were fine- cute, but fine. Cal is a sort of stuck-in-his-ways antiques expert who is still reeling after a breakup. Annie is a antique and curiosity seller who shows up at Cal's shop to cover for his business partner (and her uncle) while he's away. Once the two get past their initial bad start and begin to hunt down the aforementioned Goose, their chemistry improved.
But I don't think they ever had more than just decent chemistry? They talked about their past relationships but that's pretty much it. We finished the book not knowing a single thing about Annie's childhood or really more than the scant details of Cal's. I also found Annie a little condescending towards Cal? Like any time his opinion differed from hers, even though (after that first interaction at least) he wasn't being rude, she would chalk his opinion up to "not knowing any better". Like, he doesn't understand her brand of fixing up antiques? It's because he doesn't know any better! He's just stuck in a rut. He's not as 'fun' as her? He's just doesn't know any better! Like, maybe his opinions are just different from yours but are still completely valid?! Even when Cal professed his feelings, Annie was basically like "well he's only had one relationship, he can't possibly understand what he's feeling". It really drove me nuts
I also just think we didn't get enough time with Annie's character. Again, we don't know much of her backstory and she never felt fully fleshed out. There was too much going on here I think- the chase for the Goose, which tbh could have had one or two fewer stops, Cal working through his grief but also his breakup, their relationship, the past pov with Ora.
Speaking of, while I understood that the pov in 1908 with Ora and John was trying to set the scene for the Goose origins, I truly didn't care. Just did not care one single bit about that plot line. I think it just distracted from the main story
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2026
The thing about Sarah Adler is she is going to get me obsessed every time! Wild Goose Chase is her fourth book and is definitely encroaching upon Mrs. Nash's Ashes as my favorite. If you think "what could possibly be interesting or fun about chasing a contraband taxidermied goose," - you'd be surprised at how entertaining it can be! There was something so charming about this story being set in an antique shop. Maybe it's because I spent a lot of my youth following my parents into antique shops, but I found the writing is super visual and I can always picture everything really well. The idea of chasing down a taxidermied goose is exactly what I want and need from a Sarah Adler book.
I found myself really drawn to Cal's (Callahan) chapters in this story, because he was really charming in his gruff and dry humor. He was the perfect compliment to Annie's whirlwind and chaotic energy (hence her eating a meatball sub for breakfast). The dual POV was delightful and I was happy we got to see the story through both Annie and Cal's eyes. SO many incredible tropes here, especially "stuck in a mansion with only one bed." I'm going to eat up a grumpy sunshine every time. Plus, you have a little layer of grief woven through the story. Cal is grieving his antique shop mentor, Graham, and as the story continues, the reader comes to understand why Cal has become so rigid in his ways.
And then you have another element that I've come to know and love and expect from a Sarah Adler book: a dual love story set in another timeline. In this case, the story between Ora and John chasing a rare bird in 1908. Not only are both stories set in Maryland, they have something in common. Each of the four main characters has excellent quirks, banter, and unique storylines. Wild Goose Chase puts a fresh spin on both contemporary and historical romance. You can also tell just how much research into birds went into this story (don't miss the author's note at the end). I always know I'm going to learn more about Maryland culture and history when I read a Sarah Adler book, which is something I truly appreciate.
Writing character growth across the main romance, but also the minor romance, is very impressive and Sarah nails it. The banter between Cal and Annie was delicious, as was the sexual tension. If you want an unapologetic FMC, Annie is your gal. I love that she is learning who she is by herself as a person and working towards her dream of opening an antique store of her own, with a twist on antiques.
I was also pleased I caught a reference to Finders Keepers, her last novel and also Happy Medium. I'm wondering if there was something from Mrs. Nash's Ashes too, it's been a while since I read it.
Ultimately, both stories tied together beautifully and satisfyingly. I truly can't wait for more people to read this wonderful book. I also can't wait to see what Sarah Adler writes next, and I would die to see her write a book that's the reverse of what we've expect, mostly historical with snippets of a modern romance. I'll read whatever she writes.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I found myself really drawn to Cal's (Callahan) chapters in this story, because he was really charming in his gruff and dry humor. He was the perfect compliment to Annie's whirlwind and chaotic energy (hence her eating a meatball sub for breakfast). The dual POV was delightful and I was happy we got to see the story through both Annie and Cal's eyes. SO many incredible tropes here, especially "stuck in a mansion with only one bed." I'm going to eat up a grumpy sunshine every time. Plus, you have a little layer of grief woven through the story. Cal is grieving his antique shop mentor, Graham, and as the story continues, the reader comes to understand why Cal has become so rigid in his ways.
And then you have another element that I've come to know and love and expect from a Sarah Adler book: a dual love story set in another timeline. In this case, the story between Ora and John chasing a rare bird in 1908. Not only are both stories set in Maryland, they have something in common. Each of the four main characters has excellent quirks, banter, and unique storylines. Wild Goose Chase puts a fresh spin on both contemporary and historical romance. You can also tell just how much research into birds went into this story (don't miss the author's note at the end). I always know I'm going to learn more about Maryland culture and history when I read a Sarah Adler book, which is something I truly appreciate.
Writing character growth across the main romance, but also the minor romance, is very impressive and Sarah nails it. The banter between Cal and Annie was delicious, as was the sexual tension. If you want an unapologetic FMC, Annie is your gal. I love that she is learning who she is by herself as a person and working towards her dream of opening an antique store of her own, with a twist on antiques.
I was also pleased I caught a reference to Finders Keepers, her last novel and also Happy Medium. I'm wondering if there was something from Mrs. Nash's Ashes too, it's been a while since I read it.
Ultimately, both stories tied together beautifully and satisfyingly. I truly can't wait for more people to read this wonderful book. I also can't wait to see what Sarah Adler writes next, and I would die to see her write a book that's the reverse of what we've expect, mostly historical with snippets of a modern romance. I'll read whatever she writes.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 19, 2025
This was so fun! More thoughts to come.
February 25, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found buried deep in your attic? My kids were pretty horrified when they found the probably haunted wooden composite doll head from 1902 that I found buried in our backyard when I was little. They begged me to get rid of it but I was not going to mess with the aura of our house, as things have been mostly quiet these days. They have since come to peace that we coexist with this doll.
But when antique dealer Callahan’s ex-girlfriend finds a stuffed goose taxidermy in her attic, they are familiar with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 and Cal is now in possession of this bird and terrified of the consequences. But a stuffed goose is not the only thing ruffling his feathers (yup, I went there), because when his partner goes on vacation, he is left with his quirky yet cute niece, Annie. There’s a lot to cover up between the potentially felonious fowl and the feelings he’s catching for his reluctant partner in crime and it’s one hilarious journey. As the tension builds between the two and the shift moves from enemies to lovers, their world turns into mayhem that just brings them closer.
Sarah Adler takes readers through the colorful neighborhoods of Baltimore as Cal and Annie attempt to track down this hot goose that has now gone missing since coming into Cal’s possession. Everything about this plot and the characters is perfectly balanced. Wild Goose Chase brings Adler’s signature humor and a heartwarming romance, combining the mundane and strangest facts to deliver a five-star, delightful read.
📖 Book Review 📖 What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found buried deep in your attic? My kids were pretty horrified when they found the probably haunted wooden composite doll head from 1902 that I found buried in our backyard when I was little. They begged me to get rid of it but I was not going to mess with the aura of our house, as things have been mostly quiet these days. They have since come to peace that we coexist with this doll.
But when antique dealer Callahan’s ex-girlfriend finds a stuffed goose taxidermy in her attic, they are familiar with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 and Cal is now in possession of this bird and terrified of the consequences. But a stuffed goose is not the only thing ruffling his feathers (yup, I went there), because when his partner goes on vacation, he is left with his quirky yet cute niece, Annie. There’s a lot to cover up between the potentially felonious fowl and the feelings he’s catching for his reluctant partner in crime and it’s one hilarious journey. As the tension builds between the two and the shift moves from enemies to lovers, their world turns into mayhem that just brings them closer.
Sarah Adler takes readers through the colorful neighborhoods of Baltimore as Cal and Annie attempt to track down this hot goose that has now gone missing since coming into Cal’s possession. Everything about this plot and the characters is perfectly balanced. Wild Goose Chase brings Adler’s signature humor and a heartwarming romance, combining the mundane and strangest facts to deliver a five-star, delightful read.
May 30, 2026
Wild Goose Chase was exactly the kind of quirky rom-com I love picking up. A missing illegal taxidermy goose, a cozy antique store and two people who absolutely did not want to fall for each other made for such a fun time. Cal and Annie had great chemistry and I loved how their reluctant partnership slowly turned into something more. Their opposites attract dynamic was so endearing. I really enjoyed their romance paired with the past timeline flashbacks that had a bit of a romance and mystery of its own that tied the whole story together at the end. The plot was a delightfully chaotic literal goose chase, the banter was charming and it was an entertaining read from start to finish.
Did Not Finish
April 13, 2026I had a bit of a hard time getting into this one. The premise really intrigued me, and I really liked Callahan, he was definitely the highlight for me.
I struggled more with Annie. At times her perspective just didn’t fully click for me, and it made it harder to stay into the story. Something about it just didn’t quite land for me.
That said, the writing was great and I did like the overall plot. I ended up DNFing this one, but I think it just comes down to personal preference and timing. It just wasn’t my vibe right now, but I can see other readers really enjoying it!
I struggled more with Annie. At times her perspective just didn’t fully click for me, and it made it harder to stay into the story. Something about it just didn’t quite land for me.
That said, the writing was great and I did like the overall plot. I ended up DNFing this one, but I think it just comes down to personal preference and timing. It just wasn’t my vibe right now, but I can see other readers really enjoying it!
March 30, 2026
TL;DR: Quirky, hilarious, and cozy—a thrilling goose chase with a slow-burn romance that’s as odd as it is endearing. The dead goose steals the show.
Cal, a co-owner of an antique store, gets roped into helping his ex with her extremely illegal taxidermed goose. Meanwhile, Annie is in town confronting her own past demons. Together, they trace the goose… literally—and along the way, discover they might be more than just hunting partners.
Lol. This is such an odd little book. Sarah Adler has the funniest premises—I mean, a contraband dead goose?! How do you even come up with that? I was obsessed. The chase was thrilling, odd, and endearing all at once. Adler perfectly blends cozy vibes with humor.
The dual timeline with Ora, an early 1900s ornithologist, added intrigue and suspense. I just needed to know where this goose came from! Honestly, the plot is so original 😂
The romance is sweet and slow-burning. Annie and Cal are a perfect match. Cal is pure golden retriever energy. The chemistry isn’t scorching, but it’s cozy, rewarding, and heartfelt—a true cozy romance.
If you’re looking for an eccentric, thrilling romance featuring a dead goose, this is your book. Seriously, the goose is the best part.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cal, a co-owner of an antique store, gets roped into helping his ex with her extremely illegal taxidermed goose. Meanwhile, Annie is in town confronting her own past demons. Together, they trace the goose… literally—and along the way, discover they might be more than just hunting partners.
Lol. This is such an odd little book. Sarah Adler has the funniest premises—I mean, a contraband dead goose?! How do you even come up with that? I was obsessed. The chase was thrilling, odd, and endearing all at once. Adler perfectly blends cozy vibes with humor.
The dual timeline with Ora, an early 1900s ornithologist, added intrigue and suspense. I just needed to know where this goose came from! Honestly, the plot is so original 😂
The romance is sweet and slow-burning. Annie and Cal are a perfect match. Cal is pure golden retriever energy. The chemistry isn’t scorching, but it’s cozy, rewarding, and heartfelt—a true cozy romance.
If you’re looking for an eccentric, thrilling romance featuring a dead goose, this is your book. Seriously, the goose is the best part.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 20, 2026I've loved Sarah Adler's previous books so I absolute jumped at the chance to read this one. Wild Goose Chase was a lot of fun! I was so delightfully surprised by some of the places the chase ended up going--it was a hoot. (A honk?) I also loved the neurodivergent representation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had SO much fun with this! This is honestly one of the most refreshing romance premises I’ve read in a while. They literally spend the book trying to track down an illegal taxidermied goose. A stuffed goose. And somehow it works so well. The title could not be more perfect or fitting.
Callahan is my favorite kind of MMC because he is grumpy, awkward, a little uptight, but secretly very soft. And the man is such a nerd about antiques. I loved all the antique details woven into the story. It made everything feel specific and different from your typical romance setup. Also… a hot antique expert with niche knowledge is so compelling.
Annie is sunshine in human form. She’s bubbly and driven and not about to let Callahan’s grumpiness scare her off. They start off not really liking each other, which I loved, and watching that slowly shift into partnership and then attraction was so satisfying. Once Callahan realizes Annie is worth it, he is so gone and down bad.
The banter in this is SO good. It’s actually funny. The humor was really sharp and witty, and their back and forth was one of my favorite parts. It’s definitely lighter on spice, but the tension is so good. The wanting and chemistry were absolutely there.
I also loved the adventure vibe. The clue chasing, the chaos, the road trip energy made it just feel so different. It didn’t follow the same predictable romance formula, and that made it even better.
My only tiny complaint is there’s a moment where Callahan tries to cover up his accent and seems embarrassed about it, but we never really get a full explanation as to why. I wanted just a little more depth there.
Other than that? So good. So fun. So unique! I highly recommend this awesome book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Adler, and Berkley for the eARC of this book.
Callahan is my favorite kind of MMC because he is grumpy, awkward, a little uptight, but secretly very soft. And the man is such a nerd about antiques. I loved all the antique details woven into the story. It made everything feel specific and different from your typical romance setup. Also… a hot antique expert with niche knowledge is so compelling.
Annie is sunshine in human form. She’s bubbly and driven and not about to let Callahan’s grumpiness scare her off. They start off not really liking each other, which I loved, and watching that slowly shift into partnership and then attraction was so satisfying. Once Callahan realizes Annie is worth it, he is so gone and down bad.
The banter in this is SO good. It’s actually funny. The humor was really sharp and witty, and their back and forth was one of my favorite parts. It’s definitely lighter on spice, but the tension is so good. The wanting and chemistry were absolutely there.
I also loved the adventure vibe. The clue chasing, the chaos, the road trip energy made it just feel so different. It didn’t follow the same predictable romance formula, and that made it even better.
My only tiny complaint is there’s a moment where Callahan tries to cover up his accent and seems embarrassed about it, but we never really get a full explanation as to why. I wanted just a little more depth there.
Other than that? So good. So fun. So unique! I highly recommend this awesome book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Adler, and Berkley for the eARC of this book.
March 25, 2026
Callahan is the co-owner of Virtu Antiques and Collectibles, tasked by his ex to get rid of a (very illegal) taxidermy goose found in her attic. Helping, or hurdling, his efforts is his business partner’s niece, Annie. When the hidden goose hitches an accidental ride to a house staging, Cal and Annie race around town hoping to find it before their professional careers are ruined. Catching feelings for each other was not part of the solution, but neither can help their attraction.
I very much enjoyed this novel, from the silly synopsis I was expecting a little bit of shenanigans, and I’m happy to announce, there was even a wild goose chase! ba dum tss 😜
I immediately liked Cal, he was a little nerdy and sweet, working through a breakup and the death of his mentor. The sunshine to his grumpy was Annie, also a little lost in her life, but very creative and a caring sister. Their banter and interactions were fun and their growing relationship very natural.
It was a lighthearted story and I couldn’t help to laugh at the events surrounding Albus, the goose! This features a dual POV with interesting historical chapters in between. Showing the story of where the goose originated and the persons behind it. The story within was also very intriguing. I really like the inspiration from the author for the idea of this book and I had fun reading it!
Thank you to Berkley for the advance review copy.
I very much enjoyed this novel, from the silly synopsis I was expecting a little bit of shenanigans, and I’m happy to announce, there was even a wild goose chase! ba dum tss 😜
I immediately liked Cal, he was a little nerdy and sweet, working through a breakup and the death of his mentor. The sunshine to his grumpy was Annie, also a little lost in her life, but very creative and a caring sister. Their banter and interactions were fun and their growing relationship very natural.
It was a lighthearted story and I couldn’t help to laugh at the events surrounding Albus, the goose! This features a dual POV with interesting historical chapters in between. Showing the story of where the goose originated and the persons behind it. The story within was also very intriguing. I really like the inspiration from the author for the idea of this book and I had fun reading it!
Thank you to Berkley for the advance review copy.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!!
I found this book to be endlessly entertaining, highly romantic and especially hilarious! The celebrity goose names were actually hysterical and I’ll never forget you Goose Willis!
This goose chase however concerns Cal, an antiques dealer who ends up with an illegal fowl and ends up falling in love and discovering new aspects of his sexuality! Annie is finally ready to be her true self and start living her real dreams and begins work at Cal’s store to better prepare herself for opening her own. She quickly discovers the bird and begins to lightly blackmail Cal for more responsibilities around the store. Meanwhile there’s another story about a female ornithologist named Ora, who travels to find an unidentified bird but ends up finding so much more!
I found myself equally invested by both romances and Ms. Adler does a superb job weaving them together! This book is so funny and so full of heart! I loved it!
I found this book to be endlessly entertaining, highly romantic and especially hilarious! The celebrity goose names were actually hysterical and I’ll never forget you Goose Willis!
This goose chase however concerns Cal, an antiques dealer who ends up with an illegal fowl and ends up falling in love and discovering new aspects of his sexuality! Annie is finally ready to be her true self and start living her real dreams and begins work at Cal’s store to better prepare herself for opening her own. She quickly discovers the bird and begins to lightly blackmail Cal for more responsibilities around the store. Meanwhile there’s another story about a female ornithologist named Ora, who travels to find an unidentified bird but ends up finding so much more!
I found myself equally invested by both romances and Ms. Adler does a superb job weaving them together! This book is so funny and so full of heart! I loved it!
June 7, 2026
All the best true love starts with a little light blackmail, right?
Sarah Adler's fourth novel, Wild Goose Chase, delivers the whimsical plotting, humor, and emotional depth I’ve come to expect from her, only this time with the added bonus of a dual POV!
While Cal and Annie have a rocky start to their working relationship, being privy to their inner thoughts during those initial days had me smiling the entire time. I loved seeing how they complemented each other once they began opening up; their shared sense of humor and calm approach to problem-solving (seriously, how were they so composed after all those dead ends?) screamed "meant to be." I also appreciated Annie’s honesty regarding her growth, specifically her decision to stop hiding her true self and prioritize her own goals.
As an added bonus, the novel includes Ora and John's story and the history behind a certain missing goose. These short chapters are woven in seamlessly and provide an extra layer of romance to the narrative.
This is the perfect summer read! Thank you to Berkley for providing the advanced copy.
Sarah Adler's fourth novel, Wild Goose Chase, delivers the whimsical plotting, humor, and emotional depth I’ve come to expect from her, only this time with the added bonus of a dual POV!
While Cal and Annie have a rocky start to their working relationship, being privy to their inner thoughts during those initial days had me smiling the entire time. I loved seeing how they complemented each other once they began opening up; their shared sense of humor and calm approach to problem-solving (seriously, how were they so composed after all those dead ends?) screamed "meant to be." I also appreciated Annie’s honesty regarding her growth, specifically her decision to stop hiding her true self and prioritize her own goals.
As an added bonus, the novel includes Ora and John's story and the history behind a certain missing goose. These short chapters are woven in seamlessly and provide an extra layer of romance to the narrative.
This is the perfect summer read! Thank you to Berkley for providing the advanced copy.
June 7, 2026
5/5 stars — i want what they have (mature communication, steaming hot chemistry, a quest for a possibly-illegal taxidermy goose to keep us on our toes)!!! I have never in my life read a scene as intimate- not spicy, not sexy, INTIMATE- as what I read in wild goose chase. like how is it fair to have me laughing out loud and hot and bothered and sobbing all in the same book?? the sarah adler formula is too powerful for me (and I pray she never changes).
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
thank you to berkley and netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
thank you to berkley and netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 27, 2026
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
This was such a genuinely fun read! I loved the dual timelines and how it all came together at the end. I thought the idea of an actual goose chase to frame the romance around was so funny and great! The whole story felt very original. I loved Annie and Cal! They had great chemistry and banter. I really loved this one and I would highly recommend it!!
This was such a genuinely fun read! I loved the dual timelines and how it all came together at the end. I thought the idea of an actual goose chase to frame the romance around was so funny and great! The whole story felt very original. I loved Annie and Cal! They had great chemistry and banter. I really loved this one and I would highly recommend it!!
April 16, 2026
Loved the book. Definitely my favorite Sarah Adler. I mean a United States Code Section, antique store, and a disappearing goose. Love the old story line with Ora’s story about intertwined in Annie and Cal’s story. I like the development of both Annie and Cal — dealing with their past relationships and quirks. The secondary characters on the wild goose chase are great and notable — the photographer and Mannequins. Just a fun, engrossing and super enjoyable read. We need more books like this one — good writing and characters-compelling story and just a great book to relax and read
February 23, 2026
that counter scene left me 🥵 for 3 to 5 business days
June 29, 2026
3.5ish! Overall this was cute and I enjoyed the characters. But I found myself getting a little bored as the chase went on
March 20, 2026
Too corny and unbelievable
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m pretty sure I’ve read every single book by Sarah Adler with the widest smile on my face — and let me clarify, not the unsettling grin of Ray Nicholson in Smile 2, but a genuinely soft, heart-melting, joy-filled smile. The kind that lingers long after you close the book.
This one is another winner.
At its core, the novel plays with the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope — though I hesitate to call Cal truly “grumpy.” Callahan Leitner feels less like a brooding cynic and more like a deeply anxious, emotionally bruised man trying to keep his world from collapsing. And once you learn about his complicated childhood, the end of his fifteen-year relationship, and the recent loss of his beloved mentor Graham (the founder of the antique store), it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for him.
Cal isn’t cold — he’s overwhelmed. He’s grieving. He’s resistant to change because change has already taken so much from him. Add in the chaos of an illegal taxidermy goose, the pressure of running the antique store during its busiest season, unexpected attraction to a coworker, and yes — that painfully embarrassing barista moment — and of course he’s spiraling a little.
Sarah Adler truly excels at creating quirky yet emotionally grounded characters who find themselves in bizarre, sticky situations — and through solving those external problems, they end up confronting their own internal ones. That’s exactly what happens here.
The story revolves around the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and unfolds across dual timelines. In the present day, Cal is reluctantly pulled into helping his ex-girlfriend Nicole dispose of a taxidermy goose she discovered in her attic — one that cannot simply be thrown away without breaking federal law. On the very same day, Cal’s coworkers announce they’re getting married in Italy and leaving for their honeymoon during the store’s busiest stretch of the year. Perfect timing.
Thankfully, Harold — Cal’s best friend and co-owner of the store — calls in reinforcements: his niece Annie O’Neil.
And Annie is pure sunshine.
She wears bright colors, sings show tunes, runs a quirky online art business, eats subs on the store counter without shame, and speaks from the deepest, most honest parts of her heart. After bouncing from one unsatisfying relationship to another — often with older men who didn’t truly see her — Annie is ready for someone who accepts her exactly as she is: flawed, creative, emotional, and unapologetically herself.
When Annie and Cal team up to trace the origin of the mysterious goose and legally return it to its rightful place, they find themselves on a literal and emotional wild goose chase. The attraction between them is palpable — tentative at first, then undeniable. For Cal, it’s the first time in years he’s allowed himself to feel something real. For Annie, it’s the first time she’s felt steady ground beneath a relationship.
In the historical timeline, we meet Ora Belmont Worthy, a determined woman in STEM working at the Smithsonian Castle. She travels to Catoctin, Maryland, to study the very same bird that Cal and Annie are researching in the present. There, she crosses paths with bird illustrator John Ortis Morse. Their shared intellectual curiosity slowly transforms into something tender and meaningful. This storyline, inspired by real events, adds depth and resonance to the modern narrative.
Both timelines intersect beautifully, each enriching the other. The historical romance mirrors and enhances the contemporary one, creating a layered story about legacy, preservation, passion, and connection — both romantic and scientific.
What I loved most was the warmth. Annie and Cal’s relationship unfolds with sweetness, humor, and emotional sincerity. Watching Cal slowly open up — learning to risk change, risk love, risk hope — was deeply satisfying. Annie’s unwavering brightness never feels shallow; it’s rooted in resilience and self-awareness.
This is such an original premise — a rom-com centered around antique shops, federal bird laws, and taxidermy? Only Sarah Adler could make that feel charming, romantic, and utterly compelling. She has a gift for blending offbeat plots with heartfelt emotional arcs, and she absolutely delivers here.
Quirky, lovable characters? Check.
Unique storyline? Check.
Slow-burn chemistry with genuine emotional payoff? Absolutely.
Sarah Adler once again proves she knows exactly how to steal a romance reader’s heart — and I’m more than happy to let her.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing a digital review copy of this delightful rom-com in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This one is another winner.
At its core, the novel plays with the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope — though I hesitate to call Cal truly “grumpy.” Callahan Leitner feels less like a brooding cynic and more like a deeply anxious, emotionally bruised man trying to keep his world from collapsing. And once you learn about his complicated childhood, the end of his fifteen-year relationship, and the recent loss of his beloved mentor Graham (the founder of the antique store), it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for him.
Cal isn’t cold — he’s overwhelmed. He’s grieving. He’s resistant to change because change has already taken so much from him. Add in the chaos of an illegal taxidermy goose, the pressure of running the antique store during its busiest season, unexpected attraction to a coworker, and yes — that painfully embarrassing barista moment — and of course he’s spiraling a little.
Sarah Adler truly excels at creating quirky yet emotionally grounded characters who find themselves in bizarre, sticky situations — and through solving those external problems, they end up confronting their own internal ones. That’s exactly what happens here.
The story revolves around the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and unfolds across dual timelines. In the present day, Cal is reluctantly pulled into helping his ex-girlfriend Nicole dispose of a taxidermy goose she discovered in her attic — one that cannot simply be thrown away without breaking federal law. On the very same day, Cal’s coworkers announce they’re getting married in Italy and leaving for their honeymoon during the store’s busiest stretch of the year. Perfect timing.
Thankfully, Harold — Cal’s best friend and co-owner of the store — calls in reinforcements: his niece Annie O’Neil.
And Annie is pure sunshine.
She wears bright colors, sings show tunes, runs a quirky online art business, eats subs on the store counter without shame, and speaks from the deepest, most honest parts of her heart. After bouncing from one unsatisfying relationship to another — often with older men who didn’t truly see her — Annie is ready for someone who accepts her exactly as she is: flawed, creative, emotional, and unapologetically herself.
When Annie and Cal team up to trace the origin of the mysterious goose and legally return it to its rightful place, they find themselves on a literal and emotional wild goose chase. The attraction between them is palpable — tentative at first, then undeniable. For Cal, it’s the first time in years he’s allowed himself to feel something real. For Annie, it’s the first time she’s felt steady ground beneath a relationship.
In the historical timeline, we meet Ora Belmont Worthy, a determined woman in STEM working at the Smithsonian Castle. She travels to Catoctin, Maryland, to study the very same bird that Cal and Annie are researching in the present. There, she crosses paths with bird illustrator John Ortis Morse. Their shared intellectual curiosity slowly transforms into something tender and meaningful. This storyline, inspired by real events, adds depth and resonance to the modern narrative.
Both timelines intersect beautifully, each enriching the other. The historical romance mirrors and enhances the contemporary one, creating a layered story about legacy, preservation, passion, and connection — both romantic and scientific.
What I loved most was the warmth. Annie and Cal’s relationship unfolds with sweetness, humor, and emotional sincerity. Watching Cal slowly open up — learning to risk change, risk love, risk hope — was deeply satisfying. Annie’s unwavering brightness never feels shallow; it’s rooted in resilience and self-awareness.
This is such an original premise — a rom-com centered around antique shops, federal bird laws, and taxidermy? Only Sarah Adler could make that feel charming, romantic, and utterly compelling. She has a gift for blending offbeat plots with heartfelt emotional arcs, and she absolutely delivers here.
Quirky, lovable characters? Check.
Unique storyline? Check.
Slow-burn chemistry with genuine emotional payoff? Absolutely.
Sarah Adler once again proves she knows exactly how to steal a romance reader’s heart — and I’m more than happy to let her.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing a digital review copy of this delightful rom-com in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If someone had told me I was about to read a romcom involving an illegal taxidermy goose, federal bird laws, antiques, blackmail, a nursery-rhyme burlesque show, and a warehouse full of mannequins, I would have assumed they were making things up.
Somehow, this bizarre combination worked … Brilliantly.
This was my first Sarah Adler book, and now I have found yet another new favorite author. When I want a romance that is delightfully weird, deeply charming, and completely unlike anything else on my shelf, she seems to be exactly the person for the job.
The MMC, Callahan, is one of those genuinely good men who has become a little too comfortable with the life he's built. After a fifteen-year relationship ends unexpectedly (for him), he's still stuck preserving pieces of his old life long after they've stopped fitting. So naturally, when his ex calls him in a panic about an illegal taxidermy goose hidden in her attic, he doesn’t hesitate to come to her rescue.
Then our FMC, Annie, enters the picture. I absolutely loved Annie! She's confident, creative, unapologetically quirky, and sees possibilities where other people see junk. The difference between Annie's approach to life and Callahan's need to preserve things and maintain the status quo created such an interesting emotional basis for the romance.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how antiques and taxidermy became metaphors for the characters themselves. Callahan is focused on preserving reputations, relationships, routines, and identities. Annie repurposes old things into something entirely new. It's a clever thematic thread.
The adventure itself is wildly entertaining. Every time I thought the story couldn't possibly get any stranger, it somehow did. Between goose-related chaos, road-trip-type antics, mannequins, squirrel taxidermy, and enough goose puns to make me groan and laugh simultaneously, I was completely entertained.
The secondary timeline following Ora was interesting, though it didn't work quite as well for me. I understood what Adler was trying to do with her character—showing an independent woman of STEM who was far ahead of her time—but parts of that storyline felt less believable than the contemporary timeline. I kept thinking we were in the 1960’s, not the turn of the century, with all the free love happening. I mean, good for Ora…but scandalous!
I also wasn't entirely sold on the third-act breakup. I understood the reasoning behind it, and admittedly, Callahan's efforts afterward were both funny and illuminating, but it felt a little over-the-top even for a book featuring an illegal goose.
The romance itself surprised me. Beneath all the absurdity is a genuinely thoughtful story about learning the difference between settling and choosing, comfort and happiness, preservation and growth.
And yes, the spice was definitely spicing. Open-door, but not overly graphic.
Favorite dedication ever!
"To the silliest goose—myself. And to all of those who are of a feather."
ARC Disclosure:
Thank you to Sarah Adler, NetGalley, and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow, this bizarre combination worked … Brilliantly.
This was my first Sarah Adler book, and now I have found yet another new favorite author. When I want a romance that is delightfully weird, deeply charming, and completely unlike anything else on my shelf, she seems to be exactly the person for the job.
The MMC, Callahan, is one of those genuinely good men who has become a little too comfortable with the life he's built. After a fifteen-year relationship ends unexpectedly (for him), he's still stuck preserving pieces of his old life long after they've stopped fitting. So naturally, when his ex calls him in a panic about an illegal taxidermy goose hidden in her attic, he doesn’t hesitate to come to her rescue.
Then our FMC, Annie, enters the picture. I absolutely loved Annie! She's confident, creative, unapologetically quirky, and sees possibilities where other people see junk. The difference between Annie's approach to life and Callahan's need to preserve things and maintain the status quo created such an interesting emotional basis for the romance.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how antiques and taxidermy became metaphors for the characters themselves. Callahan is focused on preserving reputations, relationships, routines, and identities. Annie repurposes old things into something entirely new. It's a clever thematic thread.
The adventure itself is wildly entertaining. Every time I thought the story couldn't possibly get any stranger, it somehow did. Between goose-related chaos, road-trip-type antics, mannequins, squirrel taxidermy, and enough goose puns to make me groan and laugh simultaneously, I was completely entertained.
The secondary timeline following Ora was interesting, though it didn't work quite as well for me. I understood what Adler was trying to do with her character—showing an independent woman of STEM who was far ahead of her time—but parts of that storyline felt less believable than the contemporary timeline. I kept thinking we were in the 1960’s, not the turn of the century, with all the free love happening. I mean, good for Ora…but scandalous!
I also wasn't entirely sold on the third-act breakup. I understood the reasoning behind it, and admittedly, Callahan's efforts afterward were both funny and illuminating, but it felt a little over-the-top even for a book featuring an illegal goose.
The romance itself surprised me. Beneath all the absurdity is a genuinely thoughtful story about learning the difference between settling and choosing, comfort and happiness, preservation and growth.
And yes, the spice was definitely spicing. Open-door, but not overly graphic.
Favorite dedication ever!
"To the silliest goose—myself. And to all of those who are of a feather."
ARC Disclosure:
Thank you to Sarah Adler, NetGalley, and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stop. This book was so adorable and endearing! The premise was unique, the banter was snappy, the dual timeline romances (plural!) were thoughtful, brimming with tension, poignant, and it was so funny!
The story revolves around the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and has dual timelines in the present and in 1908. In the present, Cal is part owner of an antique store and gets roped into helping his ex-girlfriend get rid of an illegal taxidermy goose. On the very same day, Cal’s co-workers, Harold and Inés, announce they are getting married and taking a one month honeymoon trip to Italy leaving him in charge of the store at the busiest time. Enter Annie, Harold’s pure sunshine niece, who comes to help Cal run the store. After some light blackmail, Cal and Annie are working together to figure out what to do with the feathery friend. After Cal puts Annie in charge of the store for a couple hours, the taxidermy goose accidentally gets taken for real estate staging, and so begins the “wild goose chase.”
In the historical timeline, we meet Ora Belmont Worthy, one of the first female ornithologists, who works at the Smithsonian. She travels to Catoctin, Maryland to study the same bird that Cal and Annie are researching in the present. This timeline is based on a true story and added so much depth to the narrative and ensuing goose chase. I love that we got another love story that revolved around a goose too, lol!
Cal and Annie stole my whole heart. Cal is grumpy and awkward but also grieving and working through tough changes in his life. His dry, often self deprecating humor, had me cackling and also empathizing with his awkwardness. I also love that he is a nerdy antique expert. Niche knowledge is hot! Annie is finally done wearing a mask to appeal to others and is trying out her true self unapologetically. She’s hilarious, driven, and not deterred by Cal’s initial grumpiness. I love how honest she is and how she speaks straight from her heart. As Cal and Annie team up to find the missing goose, their relationship progresses through honest and raw conversations, humor, and emotional vulnerability. Their humor is sharp and witty. Their back and forth banter was so delightful. Not to mention the slow burn chemistry! Swoon. This book is light on spice (don’t worry there is a hot scene!) but high in tension and emotional heartfelt resolutions.
The only critique I would have would be that I didn’t quite understand Cal’s background and his need to correct his accent at times. I think knowing more about that would have rounded out his character even more.
This book is so charming and brought me such joy. I finished it with a smile on my face and my heart full. I need more books like this in my life!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for my voluntary opinions.
The story revolves around the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and has dual timelines in the present and in 1908. In the present, Cal is part owner of an antique store and gets roped into helping his ex-girlfriend get rid of an illegal taxidermy goose. On the very same day, Cal’s co-workers, Harold and Inés, announce they are getting married and taking a one month honeymoon trip to Italy leaving him in charge of the store at the busiest time. Enter Annie, Harold’s pure sunshine niece, who comes to help Cal run the store. After some light blackmail, Cal and Annie are working together to figure out what to do with the feathery friend. After Cal puts Annie in charge of the store for a couple hours, the taxidermy goose accidentally gets taken for real estate staging, and so begins the “wild goose chase.”
In the historical timeline, we meet Ora Belmont Worthy, one of the first female ornithologists, who works at the Smithsonian. She travels to Catoctin, Maryland to study the same bird that Cal and Annie are researching in the present. This timeline is based on a true story and added so much depth to the narrative and ensuing goose chase. I love that we got another love story that revolved around a goose too, lol!
Cal and Annie stole my whole heart. Cal is grumpy and awkward but also grieving and working through tough changes in his life. His dry, often self deprecating humor, had me cackling and also empathizing with his awkwardness. I also love that he is a nerdy antique expert. Niche knowledge is hot! Annie is finally done wearing a mask to appeal to others and is trying out her true self unapologetically. She’s hilarious, driven, and not deterred by Cal’s initial grumpiness. I love how honest she is and how she speaks straight from her heart. As Cal and Annie team up to find the missing goose, their relationship progresses through honest and raw conversations, humor, and emotional vulnerability. Their humor is sharp and witty. Their back and forth banter was so delightful. Not to mention the slow burn chemistry! Swoon. This book is light on spice (don’t worry there is a hot scene!) but high in tension and emotional heartfelt resolutions.
The only critique I would have would be that I didn’t quite understand Cal’s background and his need to correct his accent at times. I think knowing more about that would have rounded out his character even more.
This book is so charming and brought me such joy. I finished it with a smile on my face and my heart full. I need more books like this in my life!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for my voluntary opinions.
May 13, 2026
Wild Goose Chase surprised me. I went in expecting a quirky romance about a missing taxidermy goose and antiques, which it definitely still is, but it’s also a really thoughtful story about authenticity, performance, and learning how to let yourself be fully seen.
Sarah Adler does such a good job balancing humour with emotional honesty. Cal and Annie are both people who have spent years carefully shaping themselves into versions they think are easier to love. Cal is controlled, practical, and emotionally stalled after the end of a fifteen-year relationship, while Annie hides a lot of her vulnerability behind confidence and charm. Watching them slowly recognize the real versions of each other and themselves was what made the romance work so well for me.
Their connection feels immediate, but not shallow. It’s built through these small moments where they notice each other when the masks slip a little. Moments of exhaustion, awkwardness, insecurity, weirdness, softness are all part of the romance despite being more mundane. The book is surprisingly raw about how frightening authenticity can feel when you’ve spent years trying to make yourself acceptable to other people.
I liked the way the book uses antiques and taxidermy thematically. So much of the story, especially for Cal, is about preservation. He’s focused on preserving reputations, identities, and an old relationship long after it stops fitting. Meanwhile Annie’s whole approach to antiques is about repurposing and creating something new instead of freezing things in place. It’s a really clever emotional backbone for the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And, I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous about the dual timeline at first because I’m usually not a huge fan, but the historical storyline ended up really winning me over. The parallels between Ora’s experience as a woman trying to be taken seriously in science and Annie’s struggles with authenticity added a lot of depth to the book. By the end, the timeline swaps added more emotional depth and some gut punching moments. They felt less like interruptions and more like mirrors reflecting the same emotional questions across different generations. I was eager to see how they finally connected.
What I think will really stuck with me, though, was how compassionate the book is toward people who have learned to survive by performing versions of themselves. Adler writes her characters with so much specificity and emotional intelligence. Annie’s fears around being truly known felt so recognizable. The book understands that sometimes people don’t need to become more worthy of love; they need to believe they were worthy without all the pretending in the first place.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Sarah Adler does such a good job balancing humour with emotional honesty. Cal and Annie are both people who have spent years carefully shaping themselves into versions they think are easier to love. Cal is controlled, practical, and emotionally stalled after the end of a fifteen-year relationship, while Annie hides a lot of her vulnerability behind confidence and charm. Watching them slowly recognize the real versions of each other and themselves was what made the romance work so well for me.
Their connection feels immediate, but not shallow. It’s built through these small moments where they notice each other when the masks slip a little. Moments of exhaustion, awkwardness, insecurity, weirdness, softness are all part of the romance despite being more mundane. The book is surprisingly raw about how frightening authenticity can feel when you’ve spent years trying to make yourself acceptable to other people.
I liked the way the book uses antiques and taxidermy thematically. So much of the story, especially for Cal, is about preservation. He’s focused on preserving reputations, identities, and an old relationship long after it stops fitting. Meanwhile Annie’s whole approach to antiques is about repurposing and creating something new instead of freezing things in place. It’s a really clever emotional backbone for the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
And, I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous about the dual timeline at first because I’m usually not a huge fan, but the historical storyline ended up really winning me over. The parallels between Ora’s experience as a woman trying to be taken seriously in science and Annie’s struggles with authenticity added a lot of depth to the book. By the end, the timeline swaps added more emotional depth and some gut punching moments. They felt less like interruptions and more like mirrors reflecting the same emotional questions across different generations. I was eager to see how they finally connected.
What I think will really stuck with me, though, was how compassionate the book is toward people who have learned to survive by performing versions of themselves. Adler writes her characters with so much specificity and emotional intelligence. Annie’s fears around being truly known felt so recognizable. The book understands that sometimes people don’t need to become more worthy of love; they need to believe they were worthy without all the pretending in the first place.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I SO wish I had read this book before we named the porch goose my sister got me! There are some real goosy gems in here - my fave is "Behonkce." LOL! Alas, I am stuck with "Lady Gemima St. Honkerton of Gaggleshire." I feel like Sarah Adler DEFINITELY needs a porch goose if she doesn't already have several.
Just like all the goose puns, this is a gem of a book. A spicy romantic comedy with a stuffed goose as the catalyst for not one, but TWO love stories occurring a century apart. The modern-day romance FAR outshines the historical one.
In the early 1900s you get the story of Ora, an ornithologist, her love interest John and the origin story of the stuffed goose. The only odd part of her story was when she weirdly lists all the random sexual partners she's had of both sexes, it felt preachy and wholly unnecessary. It really took away from the sweetness of their connection (which isn't that strong - I didn't connect with their story). We didn't get ANY information about John besides his profession, but we know everything Ora's ever humped?
In modern times you have antique store owner, Callhan, who is called by his ex to investigate a mysterious stuffed goose she and her new hubby have found in their attic. Knowing that the goose is illegal to possess, Cal's still a good guy and takes the bird back his store to investigate its origins. Cal's the kind of nerdy, unlucky-in-love hero I love in a romance.
His partner at the antique shop drops the bomb that he's going to elope to Italy and will be back in a month. Annie, his niece is coming to house-sit and help Cal run the shop. Cal and Annie have a short-lived enemy's phase that takes a sweet turn into an open-door, heart-rehabilitating romance for them both when the illegal goose gets mistakenly picked up by a client and the two team up to literally chase it down. I was ROLLING! Props to them for never giving up, because I would've given up the chase LOOONG before they did or more likely just buried the contraband bird in the backyard the first night.
This was a one day read for me! I couldn't put it down and I didn't WANT to. Adler snags her readers from the first chapter and makes sure you never regret going along on the ride. Pick this book up if you like forced proximity, enemies to lovers rom-coms that feel like warm hugs and just skip the 1900s chapters if you aren't connecting with Ora or don't really care about the goose's origin story.
Just like all the goose puns, this is a gem of a book. A spicy romantic comedy with a stuffed goose as the catalyst for not one, but TWO love stories occurring a century apart. The modern-day romance FAR outshines the historical one.
In the early 1900s you get the story of Ora, an ornithologist, her love interest John and the origin story of the stuffed goose. The only odd part of her story was when she weirdly lists all the random sexual partners she's had of both sexes, it felt preachy and wholly unnecessary. It really took away from the sweetness of their connection (which isn't that strong - I didn't connect with their story). We didn't get ANY information about John besides his profession, but we know everything Ora's ever humped?
In modern times you have antique store owner, Callhan, who is called by his ex to investigate a mysterious stuffed goose she and her new hubby have found in their attic. Knowing that the goose is illegal to possess, Cal's still a good guy and takes the bird back his store to investigate its origins. Cal's the kind of nerdy, unlucky-in-love hero I love in a romance.
His partner at the antique shop drops the bomb that he's going to elope to Italy and will be back in a month. Annie, his niece is coming to house-sit and help Cal run the shop. Cal and Annie have a short-lived enemy's phase that takes a sweet turn into an open-door, heart-rehabilitating romance for them both when the illegal goose gets mistakenly picked up by a client and the two team up to literally chase it down. I was ROLLING! Props to them for never giving up, because I would've given up the chase LOOONG before they did or more likely just buried the contraband bird in the backyard the first night.
This was a one day read for me! I couldn't put it down and I didn't WANT to. Adler snags her readers from the first chapter and makes sure you never regret going along on the ride. Pick this book up if you like forced proximity, enemies to lovers rom-coms that feel like warm hugs and just skip the 1900s chapters if you aren't connecting with Ora or don't really care about the goose's origin story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah Adler pens quirky refreshing romances. This is the third novel I've read by the author and I've enjoyed each one. The premise revolves around recovering a stolen taxidermy goose 🪿which are illegal to possess without the correct paperwork. The characters have a lot to learn but they are fun to spend time with. The buttoned up, by the book, Callahan an antique dealer who believes worth relies upon restoring classic pieces to their original former glory plays wonderfully off of energetic Annie who enjoys repurposing antiques into funky new pieces giving them a whole new modern life. The older timeline details the goose's origins including an early female ornithologist named Ora. I enjoyed seeing what her struggles were like as a woman of science during a time when men took all the credit.
Callahan receives a call from his ex-girlfriend needing a favor. She found a taxidermy goose in her attic with no idea where it came from or what to do with it. Callahan being an antique dealer seemed like he would be able to help. Annie is sent to assist at the shop when her uncle the co-owner goes on his honeymoon. Callahan doesn't trust the free-spirited Annie with his clientele or fragile shop pieces. Unfortunately, for him she blackmails him into giving her a fair shake when she stumbles upon his illicit fowl. Trouble brews for them both when the goose is accidently stolen and then stolen time and time again leading to a Wild Goose Chase. The pair work together to try and find it before it can be traced back to the shop and ruin their reputations. The adoration and steam between the pair sizzles, but they do get in their own ways. Communication breaks down and causes some pain but also growth.
This was a light fun read. I laughed out loud and was eager to pick this back up and continue. The comparisons the author made between antiques and relationships were thought provoking and fit the narrative adding those little extras that make romance novels special.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Callahan receives a call from his ex-girlfriend needing a favor. She found a taxidermy goose in her attic with no idea where it came from or what to do with it. Callahan being an antique dealer seemed like he would be able to help. Annie is sent to assist at the shop when her uncle the co-owner goes on his honeymoon. Callahan doesn't trust the free-spirited Annie with his clientele or fragile shop pieces. Unfortunately, for him she blackmails him into giving her a fair shake when she stumbles upon his illicit fowl. Trouble brews for them both when the goose is accidently stolen and then stolen time and time again leading to a Wild Goose Chase. The pair work together to try and find it before it can be traced back to the shop and ruin their reputations. The adoration and steam between the pair sizzles, but they do get in their own ways. Communication breaks down and causes some pain but also growth.
This was a light fun read. I laughed out loud and was eager to pick this back up and continue. The comparisons the author made between antiques and relationships were thought provoking and fit the narrative adding those little extras that make romance novels special.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah Adler has crafted another charming romance, and I absolutely loved it!
The premise alone is irresistible: antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room, and it's threatening to end his career unless he can dispose of it quickly. Enter Annie O'Neill, filling in at her uncle's antique shop and expecting to meet her uncle's charming business partner. Instead, she finds Cal, who seems to actively dislike her, until she discovers the source of his moodiness hidden upstairs.
I enjoyed the dual timeline that gradually reveals the history behind the contraband waterfowl and the deeper connections between the characters. Adler weaves past and present together beautifully, each timeline enriching the other in surprising ways.
The antique shop setting is perfect. There's something inherently romantic about a space filled with objects that carry their own stories, and Adler uses it brilliantly as both backdrop and character. The world of antiques and appraisals comes alive without ever feeling like a research dump.
But it's the romance that truly makes this book sing. Cal and Annie's initial antagonism crackles with the kind of tension that promises an excellent payoff, and Adler delivers. As they hunt down their felonious fowl, their tentative alliance deepens into something real and swoonworthy. The chemistry is electric, the banter is sharp, and watching them fall for each other while dealing with increasingly absurd complications had me grinning the entire time.
This is quirky without being preciou, and funny without sacrificing genuine emotion. The illegal goose drives the plot, but the real treasure is watching two people find each other amid the chaos.
Wild Goose Chase is a joy from start to finish. If you love antique shops, dual timelines, and romances that are equal parts sweet and steamy, this book is an absolute must-read.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The premise alone is irresistible: antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room, and it's threatening to end his career unless he can dispose of it quickly. Enter Annie O'Neill, filling in at her uncle's antique shop and expecting to meet her uncle's charming business partner. Instead, she finds Cal, who seems to actively dislike her, until she discovers the source of his moodiness hidden upstairs.
I enjoyed the dual timeline that gradually reveals the history behind the contraband waterfowl and the deeper connections between the characters. Adler weaves past and present together beautifully, each timeline enriching the other in surprising ways.
The antique shop setting is perfect. There's something inherently romantic about a space filled with objects that carry their own stories, and Adler uses it brilliantly as both backdrop and character. The world of antiques and appraisals comes alive without ever feeling like a research dump.
But it's the romance that truly makes this book sing. Cal and Annie's initial antagonism crackles with the kind of tension that promises an excellent payoff, and Adler delivers. As they hunt down their felonious fowl, their tentative alliance deepens into something real and swoonworthy. The chemistry is electric, the banter is sharp, and watching them fall for each other while dealing with increasingly absurd complications had me grinning the entire time.
This is quirky without being preciou, and funny without sacrificing genuine emotion. The illegal goose drives the plot, but the real treasure is watching two people find each other amid the chaos.
Wild Goose Chase is a joy from start to finish. If you love antique shops, dual timelines, and romances that are equal parts sweet and steamy, this book is an absolute must-read.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2026
This was such a fun read! This book is quirky, funny, charming, and completely unlike anything I've read before! The whole premise may sound a little ridiculous, but that's honestly part of what made it so entertaining! Cal (MMC) is the co-owner of an antique store who's trying to keep his life together after a breakup and the loss of someone who meant a lot to him. He's definitely the more serious, rule-following type and spends most of the book trying to stay in control of situations that are quickly getting out of hand. Then there's Annie (FMC), who is creative, energetic, a little chaotic, and not afraid to be herself! I loved how different they were and how well they balanced each other out. Their grumpy-sunshine dynamic was adorable, and the banter between them was so good!
One of my favorite things about this book was watching Cal slowly let his walls down. Underneath all of his anxiety and stubbornness, he's such a sweet guy. Annie is also dealing with her own struggles and trying to figure out what she wants from life while learning to stop making herself smaller for other people. Their relationship develops through a series of increasingly ridiculous situations involving a missing illegal goose, and somehow it all feels believable and heartfelt. The chemistry isn't super spicy, but the tension and connection between them definitely kept me invested.
I also loved the antique store setting. It gave the story such a cozy feel, and all the antique and historical details made it stand out from other rom-coms. The dual timeline added another layer of mystery as we learn the story behind the goose and the people connected to it over a hundred years earlier. I found myself just as curious about how everything would connect as I was about where this goose kept disappearing to.
Overall I had such a good time with this book. It was funny, heartwarming, unique, and full of lovable characters! If you're looking for a rom-com that feels fresh and different, with great banter, opposites-attract vibes, and a cozy antique shop, I recommend checking this one out!
One of my favorite things about this book was watching Cal slowly let his walls down. Underneath all of his anxiety and stubbornness, he's such a sweet guy. Annie is also dealing with her own struggles and trying to figure out what she wants from life while learning to stop making herself smaller for other people. Their relationship develops through a series of increasingly ridiculous situations involving a missing illegal goose, and somehow it all feels believable and heartfelt. The chemistry isn't super spicy, but the tension and connection between them definitely kept me invested.
I also loved the antique store setting. It gave the story such a cozy feel, and all the antique and historical details made it stand out from other rom-coms. The dual timeline added another layer of mystery as we learn the story behind the goose and the people connected to it over a hundred years earlier. I found myself just as curious about how everything would connect as I was about where this goose kept disappearing to.
Overall I had such a good time with this book. It was funny, heartwarming, unique, and full of lovable characters! If you're looking for a rom-com that feels fresh and different, with great banter, opposites-attract vibes, and a cozy antique shop, I recommend checking this one out!
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