What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartbreaker Trades #1
Plunged
As a woman plumber, I’m used to men being jerks to me—but I can give as good as I get.
So, when I get called to the mansion of a billionaire with a bad reputation, I’m prepared to go in, do the best fix he’s ever seen, and get on with my day.
But nothing prepares me for the man I meet inside. He’s no pampered playboy—he’s a grumpy, bearded recluse who hates the world and everything in it.
But when he looks at me with those stormy green eyes, I see the pain he’s hiding.
Maybe he isn’t the beast everyone says he is.
Maybe somewhere in there is a prince.
Plunged is book one in Claire Wilder's Heartbreaker Trades series, following women in trades and the men who love them. This grumpy sunshine billionaire hero story will rip your heart out and put it back together again with a Happily Ever After for the ages.
So, when I get called to the mansion of a billionaire with a bad reputation, I’m prepared to go in, do the best fix he’s ever seen, and get on with my day.
But nothing prepares me for the man I meet inside. He’s no pampered playboy—he’s a grumpy, bearded recluse who hates the world and everything in it.
But when he looks at me with those stormy green eyes, I see the pain he’s hiding.
Maybe he isn’t the beast everyone says he is.
Maybe somewhere in there is a prince.
Plunged is book one in Claire Wilder's Heartbreaker Trades series, following women in trades and the men who love them. This grumpy sunshine billionaire hero story will rip your heart out and put it back together again with a Happily Ever After for the ages.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
37 people want to read
About the author
Claire Wilder
29 books463 followersUSA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring
- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA
Get a free book unavailable in stores when you sign up for my newsletter: clairewilder.com/subscribe
Where to find me:
Website: clairewilder.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clairewilderbooks
Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras
- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA
Get a free book unavailable in stores when you sign up for my newsletter: clairewilder.com/subscribe
Where to find me:
Website: clairewilder.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clairewilderbooks
Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 24, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by author. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Plunged, the first book in the Heartbreaker Trades series by Claire Wilder. It’s a delightful blend of various tropes and emotions, creating a captivating and enjoyable reading experience. From the small-town romance to the enemies-to-lovers storyline and the intriguing billionaire, the book offers a perfect mix of elements. But wait, there’s more! Our main character, Winona, is a formidable boss babe with her own company. She’s determined to empower more women in blue-collar trades, adding an empowering and inspiring layer to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book, and the spice simply perfection. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves romance and wants to be swept away by a captivating tale. Five stars!
Review of advance copy
ARC Review 📖
Plunged
Trades Series Book One
Written by Claire Wilder
@clairewilderbooks
Yes! I love the role reversal with these two. She’s a plumper, and he is a grumpy Billionaire and an author. I'm here for it. The way they met is right on brand. The first impressions may not have been the best, but they can't stop thinking about each other, even though Winona hates Mitchell. Unfortunately for her, she has now become his writing muse, and he will do anything to get her in the same proximity as him. The banter between them is another sign that these two have some great chemistry in only a few meetings. Mitchell has the world, but she is the first thing that has given him something to look forward to or focus on, and luckily for him, Winona is curious about him, too.
The text chain between Mitchell and his brother, Blake, is hilarious. His nicknames for her! I love that everyone calls him a beast. I love that she puts him in his place and doesn't put up with his grumpiness. She challenges him, and each time she does it, it's slowly helping Mitchell more than she can ever know. Mitchell is a man obsessed and cannot get enough of Winona, but she wants nothing to do with him because she is not willing to let her walls down with him. I believe these two are perfect for each other. They were meant to meet each other and help each other realize that they are missing each other in their lives.
I love that Winona is from Newfoundland and is a canadian. Not often that you get to read a romance book with a Newfie. Another perk of reading Canadian Romance authors.
I got lost in this story with Michell and Winona and their well-deserved HEA.
Enemies to Lovers
Beauty & the Beast Coded
Antihero
Possessive Hero
Forced Proximity
Billionaire
Grumpy x Sunshine
Hate to Love You
Blue Collar Woman
Small Town
Found Family
Spicy AF
#ClaireWilder
#TradesSeries
Plunged
Trades Series Book One
Written by Claire Wilder
@clairewilderbooks
Yes! I love the role reversal with these two. She’s a plumper, and he is a grumpy Billionaire and an author. I'm here for it. The way they met is right on brand. The first impressions may not have been the best, but they can't stop thinking about each other, even though Winona hates Mitchell. Unfortunately for her, she has now become his writing muse, and he will do anything to get her in the same proximity as him. The banter between them is another sign that these two have some great chemistry in only a few meetings. Mitchell has the world, but she is the first thing that has given him something to look forward to or focus on, and luckily for him, Winona is curious about him, too.
The text chain between Mitchell and his brother, Blake, is hilarious. His nicknames for her! I love that everyone calls him a beast. I love that she puts him in his place and doesn't put up with his grumpiness. She challenges him, and each time she does it, it's slowly helping Mitchell more than she can ever know. Mitchell is a man obsessed and cannot get enough of Winona, but she wants nothing to do with him because she is not willing to let her walls down with him. I believe these two are perfect for each other. They were meant to meet each other and help each other realize that they are missing each other in their lives.
I love that Winona is from Newfoundland and is a canadian. Not often that you get to read a romance book with a Newfie. Another perk of reading Canadian Romance authors.
I got lost in this story with Michell and Winona and their well-deserved HEA.
Enemies to Lovers
Beauty & the Beast Coded
Antihero
Possessive Hero
Forced Proximity
Billionaire
Grumpy x Sunshine
Hate to Love You
Blue Collar Woman
Small Town
Found Family
Spicy AF
#ClaireWilder
#TradesSeries
February 27, 2026
Plunged by Claire Wilder is an intense, spicy romance with strong he falls first and harder energy.
Winona built her life from the ground up. She runs her own plumbing business, raised her brothers, and has a community she can rely on but emotionally, she never wanted to depend on a man. Especially not one with that much money.
Mitchell, on the other hand? He’s gone from the very first moment. One meeting and he’s fascinated, borderline obsessed. Officially, he tells himself he needs her as a muse for the book he’s writing. Unofficially, he just knows he has to spend time with her. That there’s something there. And he doesn’t exactly try to keep his distance.
Despite his billionaire status and tech empire, at his core he’s simply a man who wants to care. Who stays. Who feels deeply. And it’s beautiful to watch Winona slowly allow herself to be cared for, without ever losing her strength.
What grows between them is passionate, intense, and almost painful in its urgency, especially because their time together feels limited.
Emotional, spicy, and featuring a hero who is completely obsessed. 🤍✨
ARC / Thank you to Luna Literary and Claire Wilder
Plunged von Claire Wilder ist eine intensive, spicy Romance mit starkem he falls first and harder-Vibe.
Winona hat sich ihr Leben selbst aufgebaut. Mit ihrem Plumbing-Business, der Verantwortung für ihre Brüder und einem Umfeld, auf das sie sich verlassen kann aber emotional wollte sie sich nie von einem Mann abhängig machen. Schon gar nicht von einem mit sehr viel Geld.
Mitchell hingegen? Der ist ab dem ersten Moment komplett gone. Ein Treffen und er ist fasziniert, beinahe besessen. Offiziell redet er sich ein er braucht sie als Muse für sein Buchprojekt. Inoffiziell weiß er einfach, dass er Zeit mit ihr verbringen muss. Dass da etwas ist. Und er hält auch nicht wirklich Abstand.
Trotz seines Milliarden-Backgrounds und seiner Tech-Firma ist er vor allem eins: ein Mann, der sich kümmern will. Der bleibt. Der fühlt. Und es ist wunderschön zu sehen, wie Winona langsam zulässt, dass jemand sie auffängt, ohne dass sie sich dabei kleinmachen muss.
Zwischen ihnen entsteht eine leidenschaftliche, intensive Liebe, die wehtut, weil sie zeitlich begrenzt scheint und genau deshalb umso stärker wirkt.
Emotional, spicy und mit einem Helden, der absolut obsessed ist. 🤍✨
ARC / Thank you to Luna Literary and Claire Wilder
Winona built her life from the ground up. She runs her own plumbing business, raised her brothers, and has a community she can rely on but emotionally, she never wanted to depend on a man. Especially not one with that much money.
Mitchell, on the other hand? He’s gone from the very first moment. One meeting and he’s fascinated, borderline obsessed. Officially, he tells himself he needs her as a muse for the book he’s writing. Unofficially, he just knows he has to spend time with her. That there’s something there. And he doesn’t exactly try to keep his distance.
Despite his billionaire status and tech empire, at his core he’s simply a man who wants to care. Who stays. Who feels deeply. And it’s beautiful to watch Winona slowly allow herself to be cared for, without ever losing her strength.
What grows between them is passionate, intense, and almost painful in its urgency, especially because their time together feels limited.
Emotional, spicy, and featuring a hero who is completely obsessed. 🤍✨
ARC / Thank you to Luna Literary and Claire Wilder
Plunged von Claire Wilder ist eine intensive, spicy Romance mit starkem he falls first and harder-Vibe.
Winona hat sich ihr Leben selbst aufgebaut. Mit ihrem Plumbing-Business, der Verantwortung für ihre Brüder und einem Umfeld, auf das sie sich verlassen kann aber emotional wollte sie sich nie von einem Mann abhängig machen. Schon gar nicht von einem mit sehr viel Geld.
Mitchell hingegen? Der ist ab dem ersten Moment komplett gone. Ein Treffen und er ist fasziniert, beinahe besessen. Offiziell redet er sich ein er braucht sie als Muse für sein Buchprojekt. Inoffiziell weiß er einfach, dass er Zeit mit ihr verbringen muss. Dass da etwas ist. Und er hält auch nicht wirklich Abstand.
Trotz seines Milliarden-Backgrounds und seiner Tech-Firma ist er vor allem eins: ein Mann, der sich kümmern will. Der bleibt. Der fühlt. Und es ist wunderschön zu sehen, wie Winona langsam zulässt, dass jemand sie auffängt, ohne dass sie sich dabei kleinmachen muss.
Zwischen ihnen entsteht eine leidenschaftliche, intensive Liebe, die wehtut, weil sie zeitlich begrenzt scheint und genau deshalb umso stärker wirkt.
Emotional, spicy und mit einem Helden, der absolut obsessed ist. 🤍✨
ARC / Thank you to Luna Literary and Claire Wilder
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay, this book? An absolute ride.
We’ve got Winona, a blue‑collar plumber who looks like she stepped off a vintage pin‑up poster and carries herself like she’s running the whole operation. She’s confident, capable, and not impressed by anyone’s bank account, which becomes hilarious when she’s called in to fix something for Mitchell, a billionaire hiding from the world (and his own writer’s block).
Mitchell expects… well, swooning. What he gets is Winona, who treats him like a normal human with pipes that need fixing. And he loves it. Cue the funniest internal monologues from a hero ever! Mitchell is basically fighting himself in a mental boxing match over how to behave like a civilized adult around her.
Then he finds out she loves romance novels — the kind with tropes, yearning, and plenty of… imagination. So naturally, he decides the best way to understand her is to read them. The man is out here doing research. Bless him 😊
Their chemistry? Off the charts. And their first date?! A literal chase through the woods. Not metaphorical. Not symbolic. A full-on, “catch me if you can” scenario that had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teenager.
This book is fun, flirty, a little chaotic in the best way, and packed with that delicious blue-collar-meets-billionaire energy. Winona is iconic. Mitchell is unhinged in a lovable, golden retriever sort of way.
If you want something spicy‑ish, heartfelt, and downright entertaining, Plunged absolutely delivers.
4.5 ⭐ And girls, find yourself someone who would sprint through the woods for you 💕
We’ve got Winona, a blue‑collar plumber who looks like she stepped off a vintage pin‑up poster and carries herself like she’s running the whole operation. She’s confident, capable, and not impressed by anyone’s bank account, which becomes hilarious when she’s called in to fix something for Mitchell, a billionaire hiding from the world (and his own writer’s block).
Mitchell expects… well, swooning. What he gets is Winona, who treats him like a normal human with pipes that need fixing. And he loves it. Cue the funniest internal monologues from a hero ever! Mitchell is basically fighting himself in a mental boxing match over how to behave like a civilized adult around her.
Then he finds out she loves romance novels — the kind with tropes, yearning, and plenty of… imagination. So naturally, he decides the best way to understand her is to read them. The man is out here doing research. Bless him 😊
Their chemistry? Off the charts. And their first date?! A literal chase through the woods. Not metaphorical. Not symbolic. A full-on, “catch me if you can” scenario that had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teenager.
This book is fun, flirty, a little chaotic in the best way, and packed with that delicious blue-collar-meets-billionaire energy. Winona is iconic. Mitchell is unhinged in a lovable, golden retriever sort of way.
If you want something spicy‑ish, heartfelt, and downright entertaining, Plunged absolutely delivers.
4.5 ⭐ And girls, find yourself someone who would sprint through the woods for you 💕
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I’m always a huge, massive fan of any kind of Beauty & the Beast retelling or even just the addition of small details and vibes that emulate my favorite Disney story! Plunged offers those snippets and at the same time gives you an incredibly unique storyline at the same time. I’ve never read about a company of female plumbers, or really seen much female representation in the trades on or off the page.
Claire Wilder takes a classic Beauty & the Beast dynamic and drops it into a contemporary world with a reclusive billionaire aspiring author and a sharp‑tongued, no‑nonsense plumber who crashes into his solitude, literally and emotionally.
Mitchell is everything I love in a grumpy hero: brilliant, brooding, and hiding from the world in a self‑imposed exile while he tries to prove to himself and the world that he can write a book. He’s prickly, private, and absolutely not prepared for Winona. And Winona? She storms into his life to fix a shower and ends up breaking open every wall he’s built. She’s sassy, grounded, and refuses to be intimidated by his moodiness or his money.
Their dynamic is a delicious mix of enemies to lovers tension and slow‑burn obsession. Mitchell falls hard, the kind of quiet, all‑consuming devotion that feels both tender and feral. He’s sweet only for her, undone only by her, and it makes every interaction crackle. Winona matches him beat for beat, bringing light and warmth into the shadows he’s been living in. The texting banter towards the end of the book, geesh that was SPICY. I lapped it all up.
What I really enjoyed (along with the spice, primal play say no more!) was their shared history of pain. Both carry tragic pasts, and watching them navigate those wounds sometimes clashing, sometimes clinging makes their connection feel so deeply human. Their love story isn’t just intense; it’s healing in the most unexpected ways.
A huge thank you to Claire Wilder & Luna Literary for the early copy!
Claire Wilder takes a classic Beauty & the Beast dynamic and drops it into a contemporary world with a reclusive billionaire aspiring author and a sharp‑tongued, no‑nonsense plumber who crashes into his solitude, literally and emotionally.
Mitchell is everything I love in a grumpy hero: brilliant, brooding, and hiding from the world in a self‑imposed exile while he tries to prove to himself and the world that he can write a book. He’s prickly, private, and absolutely not prepared for Winona. And Winona? She storms into his life to fix a shower and ends up breaking open every wall he’s built. She’s sassy, grounded, and refuses to be intimidated by his moodiness or his money.
Their dynamic is a delicious mix of enemies to lovers tension and slow‑burn obsession. Mitchell falls hard, the kind of quiet, all‑consuming devotion that feels both tender and feral. He’s sweet only for her, undone only by her, and it makes every interaction crackle. Winona matches him beat for beat, bringing light and warmth into the shadows he’s been living in. The texting banter towards the end of the book, geesh that was SPICY. I lapped it all up.
What I really enjoyed (along with the spice, primal play say no more!) was their shared history of pain. Both carry tragic pasts, and watching them navigate those wounds sometimes clashing, sometimes clinging makes their connection feel so deeply human. Their love story isn’t just intense; it’s healing in the most unexpected ways.
A huge thank you to Claire Wilder & Luna Literary for the early copy!
February 27, 2026
I absolutely love the role reversal in this one. Winona is a plumper, and Mitchell is a grumpy billionaire and author—and I’m completely here for it. Their first meeting might not have been perfect, but they can’t stop thinking about each other, even though Winona can’t stand him. The twist? She becomes his writing muse, and Mitchell will do anything to keep her close. The banter between them is electric, showing just how much chemistry can spark in only a few encounters. Mitchell has everything in the world, yet Winona is the first person to give him something real to look forward to—and she’s intrigued by him, too.
The text exchanges between Mitchell and his brother, Blake, had me laughing out loud. His nicknames for Winona are hilarious! I love that everyone calls him a beast, and that Winona doesn’t put up with his grumpiness. She challenges him in ways he doesn’t even fully realize, slowly changing him as much as he’s obsessed with her. Mitchell can’t get enough of Winona, but she’s determined to keep her walls up. Still, they’re clearly perfect for each other, meant to cross paths and fill the spaces missing in each other’s lives.
I also adore that Winona is from Newfoundland—how often do you see a romance featuring a Newfie? It’s such a fun perk of reading Canadian romance authors.
I completely got lost in Mitchell and Winona’s story, and their well-deserved HEA had me smiling the whole way through.
The text exchanges between Mitchell and his brother, Blake, had me laughing out loud. His nicknames for Winona are hilarious! I love that everyone calls him a beast, and that Winona doesn’t put up with his grumpiness. She challenges him in ways he doesn’t even fully realize, slowly changing him as much as he’s obsessed with her. Mitchell can’t get enough of Winona, but she’s determined to keep her walls up. Still, they’re clearly perfect for each other, meant to cross paths and fill the spaces missing in each other’s lives.
I also adore that Winona is from Newfoundland—how often do you see a romance featuring a Newfie? It’s such a fun perk of reading Canadian romance authors.
I completely got lost in Mitchell and Winona’s story, and their well-deserved HEA had me smiling the whole way through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun and entertaining book with a feisty female plumber that knows her stuff and a cranky, rich tech magnet suffering from writers block.
After leaving an abusive father with her twin little brothers, Winona Chalmers was determined no one would ever control her. Both boys are now grown and doing amazing and her all-women plumbing company, Heartbreaker Plumbing, was hugely successful. When her friend calls her with an emergency plumbing issue on The Hills where the rich townies and uber-wealthy live, Winona finally agrees to check it out.
Mitchell Harrington is a grumpy, extremely wealthy man in a foul mood when he finds a woman in his bathroom. With his entire home running on the fanciest tech available, someone had permitted the woman access to fix a leak. Mitchell just wants to be left alone so he can finish the book he is struggling to write so he can get back to his office tower in Seattle where he has a landmark merger coming together. Yet, after days of writing nothing, the plumber leaves and Mitchell begins writing like she was some kind of mysteriously witchy muse. When his writing efforts stumble again what will Mitchell be willing to do to get the woman back again?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
After leaving an abusive father with her twin little brothers, Winona Chalmers was determined no one would ever control her. Both boys are now grown and doing amazing and her all-women plumbing company, Heartbreaker Plumbing, was hugely successful. When her friend calls her with an emergency plumbing issue on The Hills where the rich townies and uber-wealthy live, Winona finally agrees to check it out.
Mitchell Harrington is a grumpy, extremely wealthy man in a foul mood when he finds a woman in his bathroom. With his entire home running on the fanciest tech available, someone had permitted the woman access to fix a leak. Mitchell just wants to be left alone so he can finish the book he is struggling to write so he can get back to his office tower in Seattle where he has a landmark merger coming together. Yet, after days of writing nothing, the plumber leaves and Mitchell begins writing like she was some kind of mysteriously witchy muse. When his writing efforts stumble again what will Mitchell be willing to do to get the woman back again?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and an emotional, building to spicy, opposites attract, contemporary small town romance between Winona, the female plumber lead who raised her brothers to keep them safe from their abusive father, and Mitchell, the male billionaire lead who is hiding in a mansion in Winona’s small town, determined to finish the story that his abusive father told him he wouldn’t be able to write. I empathised with the historical trauma both these characters carried. I enjoyed the way they raised each other up. I enjoyed Winona’s blue collar career, and her determination to lift up other women. I enjoyed Mitchell’s neurodiversity-coded obsessive focus, and the achievements he’d completed because of it. I enjoyed the compassionate love he showed for his mother and the research he was funding because of it, especially contrasted with the behaviour he initially demonstrated towards Winona. I enjoyed the increasingly spicy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters, and the set up for (hopefully) future stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness what a sweet book! I loved this one so much, and it was so much fun and felt so unique! I loved Winona and how she kept her eye on her career goals and pushing her company to grow and evolve to be more to the women in her field and her community! I loved how the strength she showed for her family growing up stayed steady throughout for Mitchell and herself, and her business! Plus Mitchell had the best kind of growth from broody and wild to the strong, supportive man that makes you believe in love in the best way! His own journey was so beautiful, and see how he evolved throughout his life, and even continued finding his path after meeting Winona, was so real and wonderful! I loved getting to watch these two clash and come together! Plus all the amazing cast of character in Quince Valley just made the world so much fun, I can't wait to see more of them!! Overall this one was so much fun, and I loved getting to read it!! 4.75 stars; 3.75 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Mistaken Identity
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Billionaire x Plumber
- Ladies in Trades
- Found Family
- Tortured Pasts
Tropes:
- Mistaken Identity
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Billionaire x Plumber
- Ladies in Trades
- Found Family
- Tortured Pasts
February 27, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Plunged is a Beauty x Beast coded romance. Winona is a plumber who gets called to work on reclusive billionaire Mitchell’s mansion. Their first interaction is not exactly a meet-cute. Can Winona finds the prince that hides inside the beast?
You should definitely read if you love strong women, wood chasing scenes, and dirty talking men. I enjoyed reading about women in trades who don’t take shit from men, definitely a fresh reading experience. A lot of emotional trauma from both main characters to unfold and deal with. They aren’t really enemies for long but damn they sure do the lovers part real hard (I’m looking at you pool scene). He also nicknames her Firecracker which I love cause some of these nicknames be overused as hell.
Favorite Quote 🫶🏻 - “But now, I don’t think I was anything until you exploded into my life, Firecracker.”
This book has:
✔️Billionaire x Plumber🔧
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Found family
✔️Small Town
✔️Open door spice (med-high)
(This book is included with KU subscription)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Plunged is a Beauty x Beast coded romance. Winona is a plumber who gets called to work on reclusive billionaire Mitchell’s mansion. Their first interaction is not exactly a meet-cute. Can Winona finds the prince that hides inside the beast?
You should definitely read if you love strong women, wood chasing scenes, and dirty talking men. I enjoyed reading about women in trades who don’t take shit from men, definitely a fresh reading experience. A lot of emotional trauma from both main characters to unfold and deal with. They aren’t really enemies for long but damn they sure do the lovers part real hard (I’m looking at you pool scene). He also nicknames her Firecracker which I love cause some of these nicknames be overused as hell.
Favorite Quote 🫶🏻 - “But now, I don’t think I was anything until you exploded into my life, Firecracker.”
This book has:
✔️Billionaire x Plumber🔧
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Found family
✔️Small Town
✔️Open door spice (med-high)
(This book is included with KU subscription)
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I read the teasers for Plunged, I knew it would be a book that I needed to read. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite Disney Princess tale, and Plunged is a take on it. This story is an enemies-to-lovers, billionaire, small-town, found-family romance about two people with a grief-stricken past.
Ms. Wilder tells us a story of Winona, a sassy, strong-willed, hard-working blue-collar woman who, because of her past, will never let any man control her. Then we have Mitchell, a reclusive billionaire, who pushes her buttons, gets under her skin, and worms his way into her heart. She is his muse for the book he was determined to write and he was the man who proved to her that all men are not the same. When they were together, their chemistry was unprecedented and they set the pages on fire. Their relationship started as a love-to-hate one but as time passed, their hearts won in the end.
Their story is filled with witty banter, sexual innuendos, and spicy scenes.
Ms. Wilder tells us a story of Winona, a sassy, strong-willed, hard-working blue-collar woman who, because of her past, will never let any man control her. Then we have Mitchell, a reclusive billionaire, who pushes her buttons, gets under her skin, and worms his way into her heart. She is his muse for the book he was determined to write and he was the man who proved to her that all men are not the same. When they were together, their chemistry was unprecedented and they set the pages on fire. Their relationship started as a love-to-hate one but as time passed, their hearts won in the end.
Their story is filled with witty banter, sexual innuendos, and spicy scenes.
February 27, 2026
I was provided Plunged as an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Claire Wilder and Luna Literacy.
I love the concept of a women in trade romance book, and am curious to see what other trades Claire Wilder writes about in this series. I think there could have been a little more about the trade than what was in the book to lend more to the theme.
This was marketed as a beauty and the beast theme, but it just didn't land for me. The characters were sweet and lovable. I really loved how the FMC spoke her mind and asked for what she wants. I loved how they came to understand each other and fall for one another.
The spice was spicing, the primal chase was great.
There was just something missing for me to give it a 4 or 5 star review. I can't quite put my finger on it though. I still enjoyed the read and still recommend this book to you if you are looking to read a sweet and sexy romance.
I love the concept of a women in trade romance book, and am curious to see what other trades Claire Wilder writes about in this series. I think there could have been a little more about the trade than what was in the book to lend more to the theme.
This was marketed as a beauty and the beast theme, but it just didn't land for me. The characters were sweet and lovable. I really loved how the FMC spoke her mind and asked for what she wants. I loved how they came to understand each other and fall for one another.
The spice was spicing, the primal chase was great.
There was just something missing for me to give it a 4 or 5 star review. I can't quite put my finger on it though. I still enjoyed the read and still recommend this book to you if you are looking to read a sweet and sexy romance.
February 27, 2026
There is never a dull moment in this Beauty and the Beast retelling. Winona is a capable, sassy, incredibly driven woman in a typically male dominated field - plumbing. And I absolutely adored her. You could feel the fire in her veins. Then there’s Mitchell - everything Winona loathes…filthy rich, condescending at their first meeting, and not boring.
Even though the first time they lay eyes on each other is less than ideal, there is an instant magnetism that they both fight tooth and nail. They slowly, and sometimes painfully, circle each other, getting closer and closer with each pass, keeping you, the reader, on your toes wondering, could this be THE moment?
And let me tell you - the spice is incredible! The mouth on that man (in more ways than 1) could bring anyone to their knees.
I’ve read a lot of books by this author and I’m pretty sure this has bumped into my number one spot!
Even though the first time they lay eyes on each other is less than ideal, there is an instant magnetism that they both fight tooth and nail. They slowly, and sometimes painfully, circle each other, getting closer and closer with each pass, keeping you, the reader, on your toes wondering, could this be THE moment?
And let me tell you - the spice is incredible! The mouth on that man (in more ways than 1) could bring anyone to their knees.
I’ve read a lot of books by this author and I’m pretty sure this has bumped into my number one spot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Plunged starts the new Heartbreaker Trades series with a bang. Quite literally, too! Winona is one of the best FMCs ever - fiercely loyal, strong-willed, hard-working, with a hard of gold, deep-buried yearnings and an adventurous streak nurtured by spicy romance novels. Mitchell's unique - a genius mind coupled with the body of a beast-meets-mountain man-meets smart business man and the insecurities of a misunderstood nerd. A match made in heaven - or Quince Valley, Vermont. Added bonus: We get to meet up with characters from previous books! The story is fun and flirty, sad and troubling, hot and spicy, full of friendship and family as well as a great love story. An absolute keeper which kept me glued to my chair. I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun, addictive and heartfelt.
This was a lot of fun. I loved the slow burn between the characters - their unexpected draw to each other from first meeting, Mitchell’s building obsession and the way he really sees and hears Winona. As they shared their deeply held secrets and gave each other what they needed, I became addicted and fell more and more in love. Claire has written a very unique, fun and heartfelt story, with plenty of spice. This is a wonderful start to a great new series. While 'Plunged' can be read as a standalone, I did love being back in Quince Valley, and would absolutely recommend reading all of Claire's previous work.
I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a lot of fun. I loved the slow burn between the characters - their unexpected draw to each other from first meeting, Mitchell’s building obsession and the way he really sees and hears Winona. As they shared their deeply held secrets and gave each other what they needed, I became addicted and fell more and more in love. Claire has written a very unique, fun and heartfelt story, with plenty of spice. This is a wonderful start to a great new series. While 'Plunged' can be read as a standalone, I did love being back in Quince Valley, and would absolutely recommend reading all of Claire's previous work.
I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book is definitely spicy AF!
While the first part was a bit obsessive and stalkery (mentioned in the trigger warnings) Winona and Mitchell become the sweetest couple. They both come from abusive and painful pasts and they deserve their happy ending.
The banter, tension, and yearning between them is so good. You see them fall in love through dual PoVs. Winona will take no guff from anyone especially Mitchell. Mitchell will do anything to make Winona feel safe and happy.
Love that there are text messages in the book. The ones between Winona and Mitchell had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Interested to read the other books in the Heartbreaker Trades series when they are released.
Thank you Claire Wilder and Luna Literary for the eARC!
While the first part was a bit obsessive and stalkery (mentioned in the trigger warnings) Winona and Mitchell become the sweetest couple. They both come from abusive and painful pasts and they deserve their happy ending.
The banter, tension, and yearning between them is so good. You see them fall in love through dual PoVs. Winona will take no guff from anyone especially Mitchell. Mitchell will do anything to make Winona feel safe and happy.
Love that there are text messages in the book. The ones between Winona and Mitchell had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Interested to read the other books in the Heartbreaker Trades series when they are released.
Thank you Claire Wilder and Luna Literary for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mysterious, grumpy, recluse millionaire? Badass, independent, tradeswoman FMC? Say. Less.
The tension? Immaculate. The yearning? Painfully good. The spice? Dear lord — yes. I devoured this in a single day because putting it down was simply not an option.
Watching this man fall so hard for her had me absolutely swooning, and the layers of trauma and complicated pasts added a depth that hit harder than I expected. I’m obsessed with the idea of a series centered around hardworking women in the trades, and if this first installment is any indication, we are in for something special.
I cannot wait for more.
The tension? Immaculate. The yearning? Painfully good. The spice? Dear lord — yes. I devoured this in a single day because putting it down was simply not an option.
Watching this man fall so hard for her had me absolutely swooning, and the layers of trauma and complicated pasts added a depth that hit harder than I expected. I’m obsessed with the idea of a series centered around hardworking women in the trades, and if this first installment is any indication, we are in for something special.
I cannot wait for more.
February 23, 2026
This Beauty and the Beast-esque story is both sweet and spicy. I’ve always been able to count on Wilder to write stories with a strong yet vulnerable heroine at its centre, and that continues here.
Winona is a character who takes nothing lying down; she is take-charge, independent, and caring. It is no wonder that Mitchell falls in love with her. He shows her that he is more than just a rich brute. He is the type of guy that will work to learn your innermost desires and serve them to you in a sealed envelope.
I received an ARC from the author via Luna Literary. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Winona is a character who takes nothing lying down; she is take-charge, independent, and caring. It is no wonder that Mitchell falls in love with her. He shows her that he is more than just a rich brute. He is the type of guy that will work to learn your innermost desires and serve them to you in a sealed envelope.
I received an ARC from the author via Luna Literary. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall: 4.25 stars, emotional, swoony, a little steamy, and definitely worth the read.
This book totally gave me modern Beauty and the Beast vibes and gives dual POV(my fav).
.
The “beauty” is a strong yet vulnerable female plumber (love that for me), with Dolly Parton energy and looks. I was sold immediately. The “beast” is a billionaire who is deep in his feelings, writing a book, and she becomes his muse.
They both come with some baggage in their past, and I really liked that they seem to be working through their issues while falling for each other.
I also enjoyed the side characters too, and I’m really hoping they get their own stories (Conrad and Artie).
This book totally gave me modern Beauty and the Beast vibes and gives dual POV(my fav).
.
The “beauty” is a strong yet vulnerable female plumber (love that for me), with Dolly Parton energy and looks. I was sold immediately. The “beast” is a billionaire who is deep in his feelings, writing a book, and she becomes his muse.
They both come with some baggage in their past, and I really liked that they seem to be working through their issues while falling for each other.
I also enjoyed the side characters too, and I’m really hoping they get their own stories (Conrad and Artie).
February 27, 2026
Plunged by Claire Wilder
Heartbreaker Trades Book 1
Billionaire Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
Beauty & The Beast Vibes
Small Town Romance
My first read from Claire Wilder and it was amazing!
I loved the banter and enemies to lovers vibe. He definitely fell first. They both have such emotional backstories that shaped them into who they are today. Their first meet was exciting to read and a little emotional. I love that we see how strong and independent Winona is after everything she’s been through and the reason for Heartbreaker Trades. Will definitely continue to read the rest of the series as they come!
Heartbreaker Trades Book 1
Billionaire Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
Beauty & The Beast Vibes
Small Town Romance
My first read from Claire Wilder and it was amazing!
I loved the banter and enemies to lovers vibe. He definitely fell first. They both have such emotional backstories that shaped them into who they are today. Their first meet was exciting to read and a little emotional. I love that we see how strong and independent Winona is after everything she’s been through and the reason for Heartbreaker Trades. Will definitely continue to read the rest of the series as they come!
Review of advance copy
I can not wait to get more of this series!
Mitchell, this man…..his internal monologues alone made my day! He is a grumpy recluse who is suffering from writer’s block. Until he meets her.
Winona, a confident plumber who is not impressed by the amount of zeros in a persons bank account. So when she shows up to fix his plumbing issues, he becomes obsessed with the beauty and she unknowingly becomes his muse. Even though she can’t stand him.
Their banter was delightful and the chemistry was electric.
Mitchell, this man…..his internal monologues alone made my day! He is a grumpy recluse who is suffering from writer’s block. Until he meets her.
Winona, a confident plumber who is not impressed by the amount of zeros in a persons bank account. So when she shows up to fix his plumbing issues, he becomes obsessed with the beauty and she unknowingly becomes his muse. Even though she can’t stand him.
Their banter was delightful and the chemistry was electric.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What happens when you scare a woman so bad she runs away, find out she’s your muse and then she blocks you (or did she, really)? That was what I wanted to know. For me this book had three distinct parts. I found the first OTT in angst and stereotyping, the second sweet and steamy and the third so satisfying. It also contains my new favorite quote, “Happiest f***ing ever after”. Well written but a little slow for me at the beginning. Great characters once I started to like Winona. Full of hot steam. Good and slightly funny epilogue. I’m glad I stuck with it, now I am ready for Nailed.
Review of advance copy
3⭐️ 3🌶️
This book was good; I really enjoyed The Beauty and The Beast coded and primal elements. I gave this book 3 stars because multiple times I found myself saying "huh?" or "why?" and just overall not understanding why something happened the way did. Then the end just ended with a little bow on top. The epilogue didn’t feel like an epilogue, just another chapter. We get no closure on the last reveal…I want to see the big, beautiful ending and with this book I have to imagine and assume.
Thank you, Claire Wilder and Luna Literary for an advanced copy of this book.
This book was good; I really enjoyed The Beauty and The Beast coded and primal elements. I gave this book 3 stars because multiple times I found myself saying "huh?" or "why?" and just overall not understanding why something happened the way did. Then the end just ended with a little bow on top. The epilogue didn’t feel like an epilogue, just another chapter. We get no closure on the last reveal…I want to see the big, beautiful ending and with this book I have to imagine and assume.
Thank you, Claire Wilder and Luna Literary for an advanced copy of this book.
February 26, 2026
thank you claire for letting me arc read!!!
this was such a cute read. winona is a plumber in a small town and mitchell is a billionaire hiding away who needed his sink fixed. from the moment they met there was tension. even though they lived in two different worlds they had so much in common.
mitchell was only sweet to winona and she didn’t trust men let alone rich men. he was so sweet with her and gave her everything she needed. this book has everything you need in a romance - spice, enemies to lovers, billionaire, small town
this was such a cute read. winona is a plumber in a small town and mitchell is a billionaire hiding away who needed his sink fixed. from the moment they met there was tension. even though they lived in two different worlds they had so much in common.
mitchell was only sweet to winona and she didn’t trust men let alone rich men. he was so sweet with her and gave her everything she needed. this book has everything you need in a romance - spice, enemies to lovers, billionaire, small town
February 27, 2026
ARC Review!
Mitchell falls fast and he does not know what to do with hes feelings. Winona does not take shit but she´s not obnoxious about it. I really like the tension between them in the beginning. As their relationship moves forward they have good honest communication which is refreshing.
In the end they are kind of forced apart, not quite a breakup but almost. We get to know what happens but not really how they part which bothered me. The answer came two chapters later.
Overall I like this story <3
Mitchell falls fast and he does not know what to do with hes feelings. Winona does not take shit but she´s not obnoxious about it. I really like the tension between them in the beginning. As their relationship moves forward they have good honest communication which is refreshing.
In the end they are kind of forced apart, not quite a breakup but almost. We get to know what happens but not really how they part which bothered me. The answer came two chapters later.
Overall I like this story <3
February 27, 2026
I can honestly say I have never read a book of Claire’s that I didn’t completely love and this is no exception. I didn’t think Claire could improve upon the novella Plunged but this expanded/edited release? Wow. I completely adored it. If you don’t like your romances steamy, then this may not be for you but maybe give it a try anyway because Claire has also put so much heart and soul into the relationship between Mitchell and Winona, their chemistry is off the charts but that’s certainly not all they have. Claire remains one of my most favourite authors. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2026
Winona, owns Heartbreak Trades. focuses on women in trade. Mitchell, billionaire that finds Winona as a muse to finish his novel. He semi-stalks her 🤣The first chapter hooked me right away! A blue collar badass FMC, a reclusive billionaire, and beauty and the beast vibes. I ate this book up in two days! If you like enemies to lovers, this couple is a right fit for you!
3🌶️
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
3🌶️
Thank you Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
February 27, 2026
I enjoyed this so much from start to finish one of the biggest reasons being our FMC Winona was so competent at her job as a plumber. We hardly get to see a woman in a "mans" profession and this was so refreshing.
She knocks grumpy pants Mitchell off his feet and this makes him do a couple of stupid things just so he can see her again.
She's that much of an inspiration to him.
This was a cute fun book that I wasn't expecting to be so spicy (I'm not mad one bit 😬).
She knocks grumpy pants Mitchell off his feet and this makes him do a couple of stupid things just so he can see her again.
She's that much of an inspiration to him.
This was a cute fun book that I wasn't expecting to be so spicy (I'm not mad one bit 😬).
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun take on Beauty & the Beast and I loved how Win works as a plumber-you hardly see women in this field so this was a fun twist. They had a not so meet cute but it was definitely memorable! Oh my word, and I loved when he decided she was his muse and he needed to be near her. Their banter was top notch and his text messages with his brother were hilarious!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely stunning!! The relationship growth between Mitchell and Winona is so endearing and wonderful to read. There is past abuse mentioned, personally I feel the topic was approached with a lot of respect and love which isn't an easy thing to do with that kind of subject matter that a lot of the population has endeared. Mitchell falls fast and deep and I am here for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews