Wild Goose Chase

by Sarah Adler

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?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Rom Com, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🪿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.

[Larareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[C]

i'm sat

[Kristyn J Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun! More thoughts to come.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ash]

I 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!

[Annie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[M. Stevenson]

I'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.

[Claire]

With thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for the ARC

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Weronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Julie Shubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Amber Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

that counter scene left me 🥵 for 3 to 5 business days

[Katie (katieladyreads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too corny and unbelievable

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

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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[Christin Hirleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[inmyreadingera321 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Nash's Ashes was such a good book, which is why I was interested in reading this one. Sarah Adler did such a good job of combining two stories together, with beautiful prose, that I figured she would be able to do it again with this book. And I do think that this was a really great read, though I will say, I think Mrs. Nash's Ashes is still my favorite of her books.

I really enjoyed the overall whacky road trip-esque premise, with Cal and Annie needing to run around the city looking for the goose. That was fun and funny and, I think, really lent itself well to allowing them to get to know each other better. Do I think there were maybe one or two more stops on that trip than were necessary? Yeah, but I'm not mad about it. I think I have an issue with the ending though, mostly because I don't know how fully satisfying it was. I think there were parts of it that made a lot of sense for Cal and Annie, but there were also parts that fell a little flat. I think a lot of their feelings for each other felt rushed at first, but by the time I was starting to really see them understand each other and fall for each other in a true way, they were both almost too scared to take the final jump to make it to a real relationship. Cal's fears made sense and so did Annie's, but at the same time, it didn't always feel like they had properly gotten past their fears together. And then we see an epilogue/time jump where, conveniently, that's what happened -- but we don't really get it on page, which I was sad about.

The Ora/John story wasn't as exciting to me at the beginning, but it grew on me over time. I honestly found their final chapter ending to be more satisfying, in a way, than Cal and Annie's. I just wish that the two stories had a little bit more of a connection between them, to really make it feel like everything came full circle by the end.

-------------

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC!

[caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a Sarah Adler fan for years now, and I really think this may be tied for my #1 favorite (with Mrs. Nash's Ashes). I seriously had 24 highlights by the time I reached 15%

I was immediately obsessed with Ora. I want to either be her when I grow up or have her be my great (great?) grandmother. I'm a birder, and can't begin to imagine what it was like for women in the early 20th century, because it's tough out there now just getting eBird checklists approved with a feminine name. The bird content was good, I am happy that more people will be introduced to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and I hope to see less dudes out in the field eventually.

Callahan and Annie were cute and the hijinks with the goose felt appropriately almost endless. They were both working through some personal baggage and navigating their individual dating histories and how they wanted to engage with the world in general.

Callahan was a little bit of a tool at first, but not terribly so. He spends his days basically confined to his antique store, because he also lives above it. He'd ended a pretty long relationship with another woman and lost his mentor in a short period of time, and seemed to be figuring out where to go next.

Annie finds leverage and has him backing down pretty quickly. She definitely gave off former manic pixie dream girl and had finally decided to unmask and try being herself with people. There are still some neurodivergent quirks, but they were not twee or infuriating. This is the second book this year that was poking at that MPDG stereotype, and I appreciate that quite a bit, because it seemed like the men were really trying to bring that back over the last 18 months.

Overall, I (a birder and history nerd) absolutely loved this book. Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for ARC access 💕

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

I enjoyed "Wild Goose Chase" by Sarah Adler. It is quite a fun, wacky book that goes back and forth across a dual timeline as a literal wild goose chase ensues. I haven't read anything quite like the premise here, which is a huge plus for me given its originality. I learned a lot about birds and the laws surrounding taxidermied animals, that's for sure! The best part of this book is the banter between the grumpy x sunshine main characters, Cal and Annie, in the present. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. Despite being opposites in nearly every way, the two of them manage to have terrific, believable chemistry. They start out as "adversaries," transition into friends, and then way too quickly (in my opinion) become lovers. I would have liked a little more build-up and tension between the friends and lovers stage. As I mentioned, this is a dual timeline story, and though I appreciate what Adler was trying to accomplish by telling the past story concurrently with the present one, I feel like these flashbacks grind the flow to a raging halt whenever they happen (which is often). They aren't executed all that well, in my opinion. They make the book feel a bit longer than it actually is. Still, these scenes in the present are entertaining! Everything wraps up a little too neatly and quickly in the end after a third-act break-up (one that I despised). The journey to get there was unique and fun, one I enjoyed for the most part! I'd recommend this if you're looking for something fresh and new and zany in the way of its premise.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Adler, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Topo Chicas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Callahan Leitner, co-owner of Virtu antique shop in Baltimore, has found himself in the possession of a illegal item, of the aviary variety. Specifically, a taxidermy goose thrust upon him by his ex girlfriend that he is most definitely not still hung up on. When Cal’s business partner and co-owner of Virtu, Harold, leaves for Italy to elope, Cal is stuck with Harold’s niece Annie to help run the shop and enlists her help to deal with the goose. Suddenly, the goose goes missing and the two are sent on a wild goose chase (😉) to get it back without letting their attraction to each other get in the way. It shouldn’t be that hard, right?

Wild Goose Chase was the laugh-out-loud romantic comedy I needed this year! Sarah Adler books are always a good time, but the banter in this book between Cal and Annie was top notch. Annie’s character was so quirky and took me a while to warm up to her, but I found myself really rooting for her in the end. She perfectly balanced Cal’s grumpiness with her sunshine. The shenanigans the pair get in to in their hunt for the goose had me cracking up!

The story, itself, was so unique, and I ended up learning a lot about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (and in a romance novel no less). I particularly enjoyed reading the flashbacks to 1908 in between Annie and Cal’s chapters. Ora was such an intriguing character to read about.

All in all, Wild Goose Chase is the summer rom com you’re going to want to add to your TBR once it’s out in July! If you love a good bird pun, this one’s for you!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!

[meggthereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read Sarah’s reading in the past then you know the drill by now. Her books are hilarious, full of adventure and spice. This book really was A Wild Goode Chase, the title could not have been more fitting.

While Annie was pure sunshine in human form, Cal was the complete opposite with his storm cloud personality. Annie was not only hilarious but downright infectious with her quirky personality. She made no apology for how she handled herself and I love that in a FMC so much. I also loved how she was able to completely be herself around Cal and even strived to push his buttons.

Cal was definitely is definitely my favorite type of MMC. He’s a grumpy nerd that’s a little awkward at first but really fall fast and hard for Annie. His awkwardness made things so much more hilarious and even made the banter that much more fun.

I absolutely adored this book and how Sarah writes with such adventure and admiration for her characters. I also loved the side story that we get with how the goose came to be and how it was its own little love story. Theresa only part that left me a little confused was Cals accent or stutter that wasn’t really explained at any point? Some people think that it may be an accent but it to me it seemed to be a stutter that came out when he was nervous.

Other than that I loved everything about this book and cannot wait for others to fall in love with Annie and Cal the way I did.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

*Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley, and Sarah Adler for the ARC!*

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Callahan Leitner is co-owner of an antique store and is very by the book. He would never do anything to jeopardize his life, but when he accidentally agrees to take an illegally taxidermied goose, Cal does just that. When his ex-girlfriend called needing his help, he thought it was for research purposes, but now Cal is stuck with this goose and needs to get rid of it ASAP. Annie O’Neill is bubbly, charming, and everything Cal isn't. She was happy to fill in for her Uncle at his antique store to learn more before she opens her own shop, but Cal quickly has her rethinking her decision, until she stumbles upon his waterfowl contraband. But when the goose goes missing, it puts both their professional reputations on the line, and the pair must team up to track it down.

I've read and enjoyed Adler's previous books, so I went into this with high expectations. It was cute, but something was missing for me. I liked the characters well enough, but didn't connect with them. I did enjoy how opposite they both were. Annie was quirky and charming, while Cal was more reserved and introspective. There's also a bit of a story within a story going on, where we get to see the origins of the goose. I didn't always care about that timeline, but it helped to give context to the story. The romance aspect was fine, but felt quite insta-lovey, which doesn't always work for me. I still enjoyed the writing and flew through this, but it's not my favorite of Adler's.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m saying this now, this is hands down my all time favorite Sarah Adler book!

First, I want to give a big thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now, I’m going to be honest I requested this book for two reasons. One, I’m an avid fan of Sarah’s books. Second, I’m obsessed with all things goose related. Literally my catch phrase with my friends is calling any and everything “silly goose”. So when I learned that this book follows the chaos of locating a missing taxidermy goose I knew I needed it immediately. And Sarah did not disappoint. This book was absolutely hilarious. I loved watching the misadventures of trying to locate the goose. The pair are complete opposites. Annie is literally the definition of sunshine character. Meanwhile, Cal is a grumpy anxious nerd. Even though they are complete opposites they shine so dang bright together. I loved the tension, banter and spice between them. My only complaint was I wanted more. Like come on not even an epilogue (I say this with so much love Sarah 😂)

My only other complaint was just a me problem. The side story of how the goose came to be was interesting but I could’ve done without as well. Essentially I just wanted to get back to Cal & Annie because they had me so enthralled with their chaos.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. And I will be picking up my trophy copy when it releases this July!

[Lex Ax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a complex relationship with Sarah Adler's books. Mrs. Nash's Ashes was truly one of my favorite books and such a strong debut. I had high hopes that I would love everything she writes and that she'd be an auto-buy author for me. A perfectly formed rom-com, that I gave five stars and reread. While I rated her second novel 4/5 ⭐️, I was left wishing it had more umph. It didn't pull me in in the same way her debut had. I was a tad disappointed, but didn't want to could Adler out as an author I enjoyed. After reading an ARC of Finders Keepers, I was even more wishing for something akin to the spark of chemistry and progressing plot I experienced with Mrs. Nash's Ashes.

With Wild Goose Chase, Adler got back to what I originally adored about her writing: characters with strong goals that don't bend to the will of those around them or just because they've found love. With an engaging plot and chemistry out of the gate, I had such a fun time reading this. After barely reading for several weeks, I stayed up until 4:30 am reading and I didn't even realize how much time had passed. Immersive, hearty, funny, and romantic. The only thing I could have been happy without was the amount of time jumps to 1908, but I understand their importance to the overall story.

I love these two antique nerds.

Thank you Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5 ⭐️

[Nina - the book bugling · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wild Goose Chase" is a playful, feel-good romcom built around hilariously odd mystery: a missing (and very illegal) taxidermy goose. When antique dealer Callahan agrees to help his ex with the strange find, he ends up risking serious trouble... and then the goose disappears from his shop. Annie, antiques dealer in her own right, is temporarily helping at Cal's store and jumps into the goose chaos. The two set off on a clue-filled search that includes loads of quirky characters and funny moments. The antique shop setting and treasure-hunt feel give the story a charm that feels fresh and different. There's even a touching secondary love story through a dual timeline.

Cal is the ultimate grumpy-but-soft hero - an antique nerd with a guarded heart. Annie’s sunshine energy, creativity and determination to be fully herself push him out of his comfort zone. Their banter is hilarious and watching their relationship progress from both POVs as they get to know each was so much fun and heartfelt. The adventure, humor, romance and unique premise make this a warm, witty and really enjoyable read.🪿🪑

🪿 Romcom
🪑 Grumpy x sunshine
🪿 Antiques dealers
🪑 1st person dual POV
🪿 dual timelines

Thank you Sarah Adler, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of "Wild Goose Chase" in exchange for my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Taxidermy gone wrong, romance gone right, this book is such a fun read.

When Callahans ex girlfriend convinces him to take a taxidermy goose off her hands, you really start to realize that you probably shouldn't answer a call or text from an ex. What follows is an adventure of poor Callahan trying to get this taxidermy goose off his hands legally while also trying not to fall head over heels for his temporary coworker at his antique shop. There is also an added layer of a timeline in which the goose originally was procured which was unexpectedly very cute romance in itself.

Callahan is such a grump when we first meet him, he is very particular in his ways and dealing with some grief. Enter Annie, a woman who is sunshine personified, speaks her mind and doesnt let his grumpiness get to her which takes Cal by surprise. These two are polar opposites and from a glance, you would never think they would work but they are also deeply needing to find their person and that always happens when you least expect it. I really enjoyed their banter, and the ridiculous adventure they both have to go on to get the goose.

Overall this was a very fun romance, with two timelines of present and past and an adventure that one would never expect with a taxidermy goose.

[Taylor Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rom-com was wacky, with a unique premise and tons of bird puns. I don’t think I’ve ever came across a book with a more fitting title!

Callahan (Cal), MMC and antiques dealer, finds himself in a peculiar situation when his ex-girlfriend approaches him needing help with an illicit taxidermy goose that was found in her attic.

Annie, FMC and antiques procurer, is introduced as an employee for Cal at his shop - as her uncle is tied up in the business and needs help in his absence. Annie ends up becoming privy to the stolen goose, and finds herself further intertwined with Cal, using the goose as leverage. Our fowl-friend ends up missing, and our main characters end up on (quite literally) a wild goose chase trying to get it back. Along the way, we learn the history of the goose in a dual-timeline, and our FMCs (both past and present) find love along the way.

The book was fun, full of great banter, and interesting timelines full of twists and turns! The only thing that left me slightly confused was the concept of Cal’s accent and/or stutter? This came up a handful of times but wasn’t expanded on further in the story.

💛dual timelines and POVs
🪿forced proximity
💛one bed
🪿truth or dare
💛loss/grief representation
🪿illicit taxidermy bird

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Sarah Adler for this advanced readers copy!

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll pretty much read anything Sarah Alder writes—she’s one of those authors I automatically gravitate toward. That said, my experience with her books has definitely been a mix of hits and misses. Even when one doesn’t fully land for me, I still end up enjoying the ride, just not always loving it the way I hope to.

That’s kind of where I fall with Wild Goose Chase. I didn’t hate it at all—in fact, I had a genuinely fun time reading it. Alder’s writing style is as engaging as ever, and I found myself invested in the story and the characters for most of the book. There’s a lot to appreciate in the way she builds romantic tension and keeps things entertaining.

However, toward the end, my feelings started to shift. The third-act breakup really didn’t work for me. It felt unnecessary and honestly a bit frustrating, especially in the way the main character handled it. Instead of adding meaningful conflict, it pulled me out of the story and left me feeling more annoyed than emotionally invested. I also couldn’t help but feel disappointed on behalf of the love interest, who deserved a better resolution in that moment.

Overall, while Wild Goose Chase didn’t become a favorite, I still enjoyed my time with it. It’s one of those reads that sits comfortably in the middle for me—fun and engaging, but with a few choices that kept me from fully loving it.