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Wildlings #2
Unlawful Desires
If the hot detective keeps arresting me for minor infractions, people are going to start asking questions.
Awkward, since I’ve been in love with Boone Hitchens since I was a teenager.
Now that we’re adults, we’ve been reconnecting over my talent for mildly unlawful activities—public drunkenness, loitering, and generally existing in his vicinity. That’s the story I tell myself every time he cuffs me.
It’s bad timing, then, to discover that my ultra-wealthy family has been lying to me my entire life. Publicly, we’re philanthropic darlings. Privately, they’re a vigilante organization with a body count.
And Boone? He’s hiding a secret that ties him straight into my family’s darkest truths.
I should walk away.
Instead, I’m falling harder—and dragging him with me.
UNLAWFUL DESIRES is book two of The Wildlings, a queer romantic vigilante saga set in the semi-near future, featuring big family secrets, a Hopper killing spree, a Wilding with surprising depth, and a detective who knows exactly what he’s doing with his hands.
Awkward, since I’ve been in love with Boone Hitchens since I was a teenager.
Now that we’re adults, we’ve been reconnecting over my talent for mildly unlawful activities—public drunkenness, loitering, and generally existing in his vicinity. That’s the story I tell myself every time he cuffs me.
It’s bad timing, then, to discover that my ultra-wealthy family has been lying to me my entire life. Publicly, we’re philanthropic darlings. Privately, they’re a vigilante organization with a body count.
And Boone? He’s hiding a secret that ties him straight into my family’s darkest truths.
I should walk away.
Instead, I’m falling harder—and dragging him with me.
UNLAWFUL DESIRES is book two of The Wildlings, a queer romantic vigilante saga set in the semi-near future, featuring big family secrets, a Hopper killing spree, a Wilding with surprising depth, and a detective who knows exactly what he’s doing with his hands.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2026
84 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 19, 2026
4.25**** stars
Haha you gotta love these Wildlings! Maverick was determined to get his Booney, that’s for sure. And the camp supervisor turned detective didn’t pass on any opportunity to put Mav in some handcuffs. *lol
In her foreword Kelly mentioned that while she was still writing Casual Felonies Boone’s character dropped a bomb on her that smashed the whole carefully plotted storyline she came up for this one. And man, I have to agree. Haha, only Kelly can make all this even more intertwined than it already is.
So, if you haven’t gotten the memo in book one already, this series is not meant to be read as a standalone. Too many familiar characters. I loved it all. As always.
*********
Wildlings Series
Book 1 - Casual Felonies - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Unlawful Desires - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - tbd
⇢ Find Mav’s dads here: Guardians: Deep Impact ♡
Sure, I won’t be sixteen for another month, but it’s good to know I’ve nailed down a husband. One less thing to worry about.
Haha you gotta love these Wildlings! Maverick was determined to get his Booney, that’s for sure. And the camp supervisor turned detective didn’t pass on any opportunity to put Mav in some handcuffs. *lol
“For one, I’m not sixteen anymore.”
“You weren’t even sixteen back then,” I point out.
“And you shouldn’t confuse handcuffs with a come on.”
“I’m not confused about a damn thing,” Maverick continues, relentless. “All I’m sayin’s if handcuffs are your move, it works for me.”
In her foreword Kelly mentioned that while she was still writing Casual Felonies Boone’s character dropped a bomb on her that smashed the whole carefully plotted storyline she came up for this one. And man, I have to agree. Haha, only Kelly can make all this even more intertwined than it already is.
So, if you haven’t gotten the memo in book one already, this series is not meant to be read as a standalone. Too many familiar characters. I loved it all. As always.
*********
Wildlings Series
Book 1 - Casual Felonies - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Unlawful Desires - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - tbd
⇢ Find Mav’s dads here: Guardians: Deep Impact ♡
February 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
I just finished UNLAWFUL DESIRES and god. I love this author and her little universe.
I love an easter egg. I love when an author leaves you little love notes throughout a series and Kelly does that throughout all her books. Her universe is multi-trope, multi subgenre, all with HEAs guaranteed.
Want murder swoon? Check. Vigilantes? Check. Psychopathy? Check. Traff!cking revenge? Check. Cowboys? Check. I could keep going. She even has some pnr standalones. She has full length stories and novellas too. She's got it all. Sorry, this is supposed to be a review post, but I am rambling. I just love how it's all connected.
Maverick (Rune) and Boone really got me. This wasn't at ALL the story I was expecting, but it delivered regardless.
Multiple times while reading, Maverick had me crying. Boone was so much more than he was when introduced in the first book.Maverick too.
These two had a past and the next time I see a bouquet of wildflowers I just may cry a little.
I love that Maverick knew, in the first chapter, that he was gonna "marry that man." When you know, you know.
And there was a plot line I was NOT expecting. I literally could not believe it.
This book was a treat!!! Unlawful Desires would definitely be best enjoyed having read at least some of the previous series. At least book one, of this series, The Wildlings.
How have people missed Kelly Fox books? They're so good! Her entire catalog is worth a read!
I just finished UNLAWFUL DESIRES and god. I love this author and her little universe.
I love an easter egg. I love when an author leaves you little love notes throughout a series and Kelly does that throughout all her books. Her universe is multi-trope, multi subgenre, all with HEAs guaranteed.
Want murder swoon? Check. Vigilantes? Check. Psychopathy? Check. Traff!cking revenge? Check. Cowboys? Check. I could keep going. She even has some pnr standalones. She has full length stories and novellas too. She's got it all. Sorry, this is supposed to be a review post, but I am rambling. I just love how it's all connected.
Maverick (Rune) and Boone really got me. This wasn't at ALL the story I was expecting, but it delivered regardless.
Multiple times while reading, Maverick had me crying. Boone was so much more than he was when introduced in the first book.Maverick too.
These two had a past and the next time I see a bouquet of wildflowers I just may cry a little.
I love that Maverick knew, in the first chapter, that he was gonna "marry that man." When you know, you know.
And there was a plot line I was NOT expecting. I literally could not believe it.
This book was a treat!!! Unlawful Desires would definitely be best enjoyed having read at least some of the previous series. At least book one, of this series, The Wildlings.
How have people missed Kelly Fox books? They're so good! Her entire catalog is worth a read!
February 19, 2026
A delightful romp of a book
This was a blast to read!
Such a fun addition to the Guardians world, with Maverick (one of Odd & DB's twins) finding out about the family secrets, while getting together with the man he has crushed on for years ... Who turns out to have a secret of his own.
In this, we get to see more of the Wildlings and lots of Hopper (from the Mobsters & Billionaires and Guardians series).
The start of this overlaps with Wildlings Book 1, so I went back and reread that first and was glad I did.
The slightly utopian near future setting was, frankly, a comfort with everything going on in the world. It puts Boone being a cop in a very different light to contemporary settings.
And the Guardians are still taking down those who escape justice and doing what they can to protect the innocent.
The way Boone handled Mav's teen crush when they first met as 15 & 19 year olds (totally shut it down, no creepiness) was so good to read too.
In this, you'll find:
•MM near future romance
•Teen crush first meet
•Mixed race model, actor, influencer, artist, philanthropist ... and secret BJJ martial artist
•Detective with an adoptive stepfather
•MMC with a language processing disorder
•Murder of bad guys
•Mayhem including home invasion & kidnapping of secondary character
•Family secrets & feeling left out because of a disability
•Mention of miscarriage in surrogacy & mental health struggles as a result
•Mention of past abuse and forced sex work as a teen of secondary character
•Mention of traumatic foster care past of secondary character
•Discussion of unplanned pregnancy
•Discussion of being raised by a (good) father who is not your biological father
This was a blast to read!
Such a fun addition to the Guardians world, with Maverick (one of Odd & DB's twins) finding out about the family secrets, while getting together with the man he has crushed on for years ... Who turns out to have a secret of his own.
In this, we get to see more of the Wildlings and lots of Hopper (from the Mobsters & Billionaires and Guardians series).
The start of this overlaps with Wildlings Book 1, so I went back and reread that first and was glad I did.
The slightly utopian near future setting was, frankly, a comfort with everything going on in the world. It puts Boone being a cop in a very different light to contemporary settings.
And the Guardians are still taking down those who escape justice and doing what they can to protect the innocent.
The way Boone handled Mav's teen crush when they first met as 15 & 19 year olds (totally shut it down, no creepiness) was so good to read too.
In this, you'll find:
•MM near future romance
•Teen crush first meet
•Mixed race model, actor, influencer, artist, philanthropist ... and secret BJJ martial artist
•Detective with an adoptive stepfather
•MMC with a language processing disorder
•Murder of bad guys
•Mayhem including home invasion & kidnapping of secondary character
•Family secrets & feeling left out because of a disability
•Mention of miscarriage in surrogacy & mental health struggles as a result
•Mention of past abuse and forced sex work as a teen of secondary character
•Mention of traumatic foster care past of secondary character
•Discussion of unplanned pregnancy
•Discussion of being raised by a (good) father who is not your biological father
February 12, 2026
I have a special place in my heart for the stories that Kelly Fox tells. She writes my favorite type of story. Romance with some angst, laughs, a few tears and more love than you can ever imagine all rolled up into one GIANT intertwined group of series. Unlawful Desires has somehow jumped to the top of my Favorite books list without even having to put up a fight. Writing about how much I loved this book without giving spoilers is going to be tough because the surprises are just phenomenal! Maverick has been in love with Boone for years, since meeting when he was a teen. Flash forward a few years and it seems like Mav is always in Boone's line of sight, just not normally for good reasons as Boone is now a police officer.
Mav is a bit of a wild card in the Wildings group. His family has always unintentionally written him off due to a learning disability so they tend to leave him out of certain “activities” and he is fully aware that there are things about his family he’s not privy to (little does he really know!). As Mav is pulled into Boone's world further and further while helping him with a case it leads him closer to the secrets their families have been keeping from them. When everything comes together in one explosive moment both Boone and Mav’s reality is twisted more than they ever thought would be possible. We get moments with some of our favorite characters from other books and series that you never expected but that will just give you that warm happy feeling down deep. Unlawful Desires just gave me everything I know I want in a story and so much more that I never even thought of to work its way to my #1 from Kelly Fox. Brava!
Mav is a bit of a wild card in the Wildings group. His family has always unintentionally written him off due to a learning disability so they tend to leave him out of certain “activities” and he is fully aware that there are things about his family he’s not privy to (little does he really know!). As Mav is pulled into Boone's world further and further while helping him with a case it leads him closer to the secrets their families have been keeping from them. When everything comes together in one explosive moment both Boone and Mav’s reality is twisted more than they ever thought would be possible. We get moments with some of our favorite characters from other books and series that you never expected but that will just give you that warm happy feeling down deep. Unlawful Desires just gave me everything I know I want in a story and so much more that I never even thought of to work its way to my #1 from Kelly Fox. Brava!
March 20, 2026
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Wildings Series, a Wrecked Guardians Series Spin-Off. This series could be read as a standalone but you really shouldn’t as you’ll be completely lost since there’s a lot of characters either introduced in person or talked about during this book. The main characters of this book are Boone, a police detective and Maverick and his identical twin brother Holmes are Odd and DB’s kids.
Mav decided at 15 years old when he first laid eyes on a 20 year old Boone at the summer camp run by his “family”, that he was going to marry him lol. Don’t worry nothing happened between them as Boone let Mav down as gently as possible telling him he’s too young which just shows what a good man he was even back then. They meet again when Mav is 22 years old and the tension between them is palpable. Boone constantly hand cuffing Mav was totally his way of flirting, even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself which made me smile, especially with Mav’s inner monologue during each encounter.
I thought that they were great together. Man my heart hurt for Mav when he found out that he and his cousin Oakley were the only two not let in on the family secret. His pain bleed through the pages and I really wanted to yell at them to see how their constant secrets are making him feel. I’m glad that Boone saw the real Mav and really liked who he saw. I was completely shocked when the secret that Boone was keeping was revealed but it also made me extremely happy everyone involved. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books by Kelly Fox in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Wildings Series, a Wrecked Guardians Series Spin-Off. This series could be read as a standalone but you really shouldn’t as you’ll be completely lost since there’s a lot of characters either introduced in person or talked about during this book. The main characters of this book are Boone, a police detective and Maverick and his identical twin brother Holmes are Odd and DB’s kids.
Mav decided at 15 years old when he first laid eyes on a 20 year old Boone at the summer camp run by his “family”, that he was going to marry him lol. Don’t worry nothing happened between them as Boone let Mav down as gently as possible telling him he’s too young which just shows what a good man he was even back then. They meet again when Mav is 22 years old and the tension between them is palpable. Boone constantly hand cuffing Mav was totally his way of flirting, even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself which made me smile, especially with Mav’s inner monologue during each encounter.
I thought that they were great together. Man my heart hurt for Mav when he found out that he and his cousin Oakley were the only two not let in on the family secret. His pain bleed through the pages and I really wanted to yell at them to see how their constant secrets are making him feel. I’m glad that Boone saw the real Mav and really liked who he saw. I was completely shocked when the secret that Boone was keeping was revealed but it also made me extremely happy everyone involved. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books by Kelly Fox in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
Review of advance copy
Oh how I love the wildlings, not really a shock though given how much I loved the dad’s stories. Maverick really pulled at my heart strings being on the outside of the secret family business. I just wanted to give him the biggest hug. I like that Kelly showed that just because he had a form of learning disability it wasn't going to stop him. Maverick really does give a challenge his all and there is so much more to him than people realise.
I really liked that this was fairly low angst, because I don't think I'd have coped with that on top of the epic bomb Kelly dropped. I don't want to spoil it for others but it literally had me screaming at my kindle. Boone may come with said bomb but he also pulled at my heart. He and Maverick were freaking made for each other even with a few complications thrown into the mix. These two feel like they could weather any storm as long as they have each other.
As always it was amazing to see the other wildlings and the dad’s. I love that there are a few chapters from the dads again. This just adds to the fun, especially because I got to see two of my favorite serial killers again. Hopper and Anders will never do no wrong in my eyes.
I really liked that this was fairly low angst, because I don't think I'd have coped with that on top of the epic bomb Kelly dropped. I don't want to spoil it for others but it literally had me screaming at my kindle. Boone may come with said bomb but he also pulled at my heart. He and Maverick were freaking made for each other even with a few complications thrown into the mix. These two feel like they could weather any storm as long as they have each other.
As always it was amazing to see the other wildlings and the dad’s. I love that there are a few chapters from the dads again. This just adds to the fun, especially because I got to see two of my favorite serial killers again. Hopper and Anders will never do no wrong in my eyes.
January 29, 2026
Rune Maverick Bash is all the best components of his dads, Odd and DB, with the childlike wonder of Hopper thrown in and a little of uncle Anders’ mischievousness too. It would take just the right man to keep up with him. Luckily Boone Hitchens is that man. Which is a good thing. Because sweet, complicated, hurting Maverick needs his man something fierce. When I tell you the man has layers….
Boone, on the other hand, has been harbouring a secret and, to say it has life-changing consequences is an understatement.
Filled with cameos from the whole complex family, the twin link between Maverick and Holmes was particularly entertaining. I was glad to have my Wildlings family tree close at hand for the first few chapters, until I was re-immersed in Fox’s wonderful world. There are a LOT of cousins, aunts and uncles!
When the revelations begin, Fox’s shear artistry in weaving the narrative sparkles. She uses the analogy of dominoes stacking up, but that minimizes the flair with which each piece delightfully falls in place. The pace of the last third of the book is delightfully frenetic. 5 stars.
Boone, on the other hand, has been harbouring a secret and, to say it has life-changing consequences is an understatement.
Filled with cameos from the whole complex family, the twin link between Maverick and Holmes was particularly entertaining. I was glad to have my Wildlings family tree close at hand for the first few chapters, until I was re-immersed in Fox’s wonderful world. There are a LOT of cousins, aunts and uncles!
When the revelations begin, Fox’s shear artistry in weaving the narrative sparkles. She uses the analogy of dominoes stacking up, but that minimizes the flair with which each piece delightfully falls in place. The pace of the last third of the book is delightfully frenetic. 5 stars.
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars..I loved Booney and Mav(Rune) ;) However, way too many characters from previous storylines......I personally thought it was unnecessary and confusing..the overall arc is important but it didn't need to sound so complicated...there is a thing as too many names especially if they are not pertinent to the story and they all were not pertinent...I have read some of the prior books/series, enough that I got who was who except for a couple of them...like Mav's dads who I am assuming are Odd and DB who had their own chapter and if so, you wouldn't know it..The meeting where they were explaining why Whitaker was dangerous was just too much considering at the end it really didn't matter all that much..I almost stopped right there, but I was invested in Mav and Boone and wish there was more of them on page then some of the other stuff...and I loved these boys..I think, like the book before, the dynamics could more easily be explained without all of that...definitely not a standalone and this series is not a standalone if you are going to mention ALL of the clan..perhaps a little more editing was required...
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 rounded up to 4
I really enjoyed Mav and Boone and thought they were perfect for each other. Boone is the serious and focused balance to Mav’s free spirit. The connection they both have to their creative sides is so beautiful too. Boone thinks his moral compass points one way, but he’s about to learn a lot about himself. He stays true to himself but he also has his eyes open to a very new world.
Mav on the other hand, is very capable of many things while being completely disregarded by his family. I was honestly incredibly disappointed in his entire family (by blood and extended) with how they treated him. I’ve read every book in this connected universe and it just didn’t seem to fit with what we know about any of those characters. Especially not his uncle Anders. I really have enjoyed all the connected books a lot but there are some parts that just are not my favorite in the Wildling series. Over all I really enjoyed this story but it got a 3.75 for a few reasons
a) this is in no way a standalone story and honestly had too many past characters in it for me. I feel like Mav & Boone didn’t get enough time on the page because we were giving chapters to characters we didn’t need to hear from. I have been reading about some of these characters since they were minor characters in the original wrecked series, but even I don’t think they all need to be in every book. At some points this almost read as fan service instead of a new story. It seemed like instead of letting Mav & Boone stand on their own as great characters they were bogged down by past fan favorites. I hope this happens a little less going forward with the Wildlings series.
b) The way the big villain in this story was taken down was too fast and made no sense to me. Why waste so much time explaining why something absolutely can’t happen and all the terrible consequences that will happen, only for it to not matter at all. I wish it was a little more fleshed out, and that there really were some consequences since it was made such a big deal.
c) The technology both medically and weapons wise is also getting a little hard to believe. This connected world started really based in reality and it has gone off into like almost sci-fi with the tech. I miss the reality aspects a little bit.
I still enjoy the characters and the overall writing this series is just maybe going a direction that I wasn’t really expecting. I will be reading the next book. I received a free ARC of this book, but that did not influence my review.
I really enjoyed Mav and Boone and thought they were perfect for each other. Boone is the serious and focused balance to Mav’s free spirit. The connection they both have to their creative sides is so beautiful too. Boone thinks his moral compass points one way, but he’s about to learn a lot about himself. He stays true to himself but he also has his eyes open to a very new world.
Mav on the other hand, is very capable of many things while being completely disregarded by his family. I was honestly incredibly disappointed in his entire family (by blood and extended) with how they treated him. I’ve read every book in this connected universe and it just didn’t seem to fit with what we know about any of those characters. Especially not his uncle Anders. I really have enjoyed all the connected books a lot but there are some parts that just are not my favorite in the Wildling series. Over all I really enjoyed this story but it got a 3.75 for a few reasons
a) this is in no way a standalone story and honestly had too many past characters in it for me. I feel like Mav & Boone didn’t get enough time on the page because we were giving chapters to characters we didn’t need to hear from. I have been reading about some of these characters since they were minor characters in the original wrecked series, but even I don’t think they all need to be in every book. At some points this almost read as fan service instead of a new story. It seemed like instead of letting Mav & Boone stand on their own as great characters they were bogged down by past fan favorites. I hope this happens a little less going forward with the Wildlings series.
b) The way the big villain in this story was taken down was too fast and made no sense to me. Why waste so much time explaining why something absolutely can’t happen and all the terrible consequences that will happen, only for it to not matter at all. I wish it was a little more fleshed out, and that there really were some consequences since it was made such a big deal.
c) The technology both medically and weapons wise is also getting a little hard to believe. This connected world started really based in reality and it has gone off into like almost sci-fi with the tech. I miss the reality aspects a little bit.
I still enjoy the characters and the overall writing this series is just maybe going a direction that I wasn’t really expecting. I will be reading the next book. I received a free ARC of this book, but that did not influence my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second in series (Wildlings), best if read in order, and better if you have knowledge of the author’s other series. POC representation. Slow burn. Mostly dual POV, multiple POV. Heed content warnings.
Maverick meets Boone when he’s fifteen and decides Boone’s the man he wants to marry. Seven years later they begin to cross paths again, and being “arrested” by Detective Boone is the highlight of Maverick’s days, if this is flirting count Maverick in.
Knowing some of the former series involving the Wildlings parents is helpful and if you can embrace the unhinged vigilante families their stories are fun (slightly violent) romps which continues here. When Boone and Maverick are on page together are certainly the best parts, they are sweet and we do get a sense of them as likable characters with strong loyalty to their families. At the end I do wish there was more about Boone and Maverick being incorporated into the vigilante side, but overall this was an entertaining read. 4.25
Maverick meets Boone when he’s fifteen and decides Boone’s the man he wants to marry. Seven years later they begin to cross paths again, and being “arrested” by Detective Boone is the highlight of Maverick’s days, if this is flirting count Maverick in.
Knowing some of the former series involving the Wildlings parents is helpful and if you can embrace the unhinged vigilante families their stories are fun (slightly violent) romps which continues here. When Boone and Maverick are on page together are certainly the best parts, they are sweet and we do get a sense of them as likable characters with strong loyalty to their families. At the end I do wish there was more about Boone and Maverick being incorporated into the vigilante side, but overall this was an entertaining read. 4.25
February 16, 2026
I don't give out 5 stars a lot; the story really needs to pull me in and get into my emotions. I was tearing up not far into the book. My poor Maverick was one of two family members kept out of the family secret and the other one was going to be brought into the fold soon. Maverick could feel the secret and distance. I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into everyone's heads.
There are plenty of secrets being revealed in this story, by so many characters, but Detective Boone needs to get ahead of his secret. This is a big one and it impacts one of my Mafia men in the best way. This one actually impacts a lot of our favourite fellas from previous series.
I loved this story and how it pulled on my heartstrings. I'm a little bitter towards some of our OG dudes, and some of new generation. I hope they learn from this mistake and become smarter and do the right thing regardless of rules or directions from higher ups.
There are plenty of secrets being revealed in this story, by so many characters, but Detective Boone needs to get ahead of his secret. This is a big one and it impacts one of my Mafia men in the best way. This one actually impacts a lot of our favourite fellas from previous series.
I loved this story and how it pulled on my heartstrings. I'm a little bitter towards some of our OG dudes, and some of new generation. I hope they learn from this mistake and become smarter and do the right thing regardless of rules or directions from higher ups.
April 25, 2026
Cuff me, I’m theirs
Ach, I have such love for the soft, vulnerable ones, and never until Kelly’s brilliance would I have thought Mav to be the softest of them all. I am so happy he found his true love with his beloved Booney.
“His nickname for me, which has always seemed so silly, cracks with emotion. Again and again, I’m reminded that, whatever his reputation, he is a serious man with deep feelings, and so many more layers than I’ve imagined. I can’t wait to explore every single one.”
Swoon, Maverick is the best of the Wildings, and it hurt to see him feel less than. I admit to wanting to yell at some of my beloved Guardians, I know, I know. But, what a beautiful journey it was to uncover all of Mav’s facets. Of course, I LOVE the truly cathartic moments this crew brought. So, so needed in the world. The only unlawful thing about Boone and Mav are the complete way they stole my heart.
Ach, I have such love for the soft, vulnerable ones, and never until Kelly’s brilliance would I have thought Mav to be the softest of them all. I am so happy he found his true love with his beloved Booney.
“His nickname for me, which has always seemed so silly, cracks with emotion. Again and again, I’m reminded that, whatever his reputation, he is a serious man with deep feelings, and so many more layers than I’ve imagined. I can’t wait to explore every single one.”
Swoon, Maverick is the best of the Wildings, and it hurt to see him feel less than. I admit to wanting to yell at some of my beloved Guardians, I know, I know. But, what a beautiful journey it was to uncover all of Mav’s facets. Of course, I LOVE the truly cathartic moments this crew brought. So, so needed in the world. The only unlawful thing about Boone and Mav are the complete way they stole my heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars, rounded up
Should've known that some Kelly Fox-style vigilante m*rderswoon action would pull me out of my slump! I am absolutely loving this series, which is no surprise since I love all of Kelly's work.
I don't want to say too much because this book's overarching plot is pretty much a continuation of the previous book (so don't read this one first), but ohhh my heart! Boone & Maverick were so wonderful, honestly. Mav stole my heart so hard and the bomb Boone drops about himself? EPIC. Love it so much. I really really love this crazy cast of characters.
If you love Kelly's books and some fun vigilante justice with morally grey found family vibes, check this series out! Or, alternatively, if you're feeling down or anxious or mad about the current state of the world, also read this. It's cathartic, I promise.
Should've known that some Kelly Fox-style vigilante m*rderswoon action would pull me out of my slump! I am absolutely loving this series, which is no surprise since I love all of Kelly's work.
I don't want to say too much because this book's overarching plot is pretty much a continuation of the previous book (so don't read this one first), but ohhh my heart! Boone & Maverick were so wonderful, honestly. Mav stole my heart so hard and the bomb Boone drops about himself? EPIC. Love it so much. I really really love this crazy cast of characters.
If you love Kelly's books and some fun vigilante justice with morally grey found family vibes, check this series out! Or, alternatively, if you're feeling down or anxious or mad about the current state of the world, also read this. It's cathartic, I promise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have so much anger at the world right now. So much rage at people getting away with being horrible. I desperately needed some Kelly Fox vigilante justice to help me feel happy. Thank you for giving us a glorious escape into a world where I never have to worry about the bad guys winning.
There was an unexpected twist in this book that made me audibly gasp and also get weepy in a really good way. Proof that the author is always weaving magic throughout the books - beyond her amazing ability to help us find absolute joy in the destruction of cruelty.
The only sad part was when I turned the last page and realized we don’t have a Hopper to call to help us in the real world. But maybe the dream of a Hopper and an Anders somewhere brainstorming ideas to help us will help me sleep better tonight.
There was an unexpected twist in this book that made me audibly gasp and also get weepy in a really good way. Proof that the author is always weaving magic throughout the books - beyond her amazing ability to help us find absolute joy in the destruction of cruelty.
The only sad part was when I turned the last page and realized we don’t have a Hopper to call to help us in the real world. But maybe the dream of a Hopper and an Anders somewhere brainstorming ideas to help us will help me sleep better tonight.
February 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I loved Maverick and his bouquet that he brought to Boone at the camp when he was 15 going on 16 made me smile and cringe at the same time but it also showed how determined he was about someday marrying Boone. I was unhappy when the others left Maverick out out the missions and they didn't even know that he earned the purple belt. They hurt him and made his language processing struggles seem like he was less than the others. I liked getting the views from others in the family and was stunned by Boone's secret. Learning about Hopper's past and being an Alcohol Syndrome baby explained a lot. The attack on Maverick and Boone was frightening and I was glad that they attacked Whitaker even though he had info that could destroy the Guardians. But it turned out all right and I was so happy that Bailey was adopted by Hopper and Liam and you know she will have them wrapped around her little finger in no time. I hope there will be more stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great to be back with the Wildlings.
I loved every moment of this book and couldn’t stop turning the pages. Maverick and Boone are such likeable characters and I cheered them on from start to finish. At times they made me laugh out loud and other times they gave me lots of feels. There’s minimal angst, an unexpected plot twist that made my mouth gape, some action/drama and a very much longed for HEA - especially for Maverick who knew as a teen that one day he’d marry Boone. The other Wildlings make their presence known throughout the book as do some of the Dads which always leads to some fun times. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining read and I look forward to the next in the series.
I loved every moment of this book and couldn’t stop turning the pages. Maverick and Boone are such likeable characters and I cheered them on from start to finish. At times they made me laugh out loud and other times they gave me lots of feels. There’s minimal angst, an unexpected plot twist that made my mouth gape, some action/drama and a very much longed for HEA - especially for Maverick who knew as a teen that one day he’d marry Boone. The other Wildlings make their presence known throughout the book as do some of the Dads which always leads to some fun times. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining read and I look forward to the next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welp i have happy tears in my eyes and a grin on my face... Must mean I've just read Kelly's newest! Yet another wild ride full of murder, mayhem, and feels. I loved getting to know Maverick and his Booney, and learning even more about the whole gang, including all the fathers. So. Many. Fathers 😂😂😂
Once again this is a book you cannot really appreciate or even maybe understand without reading at least a few prior series, so if you're reading this review before reading the book for some reason, stop. Turn around. Start with Sanctuary and read all the major series in release order. You won't be sorry. (You COULD skip the Rebel Sky books, to get to this one faster, but honestly you'd be missing out).
Once again this is a book you cannot really appreciate or even maybe understand without reading at least a few prior series, so if you're reading this review before reading the book for some reason, stop. Turn around. Start with Sanctuary and read all the major series in release order. You won't be sorry. (You COULD skip the Rebel Sky books, to get to this one faster, but honestly you'd be missing out).
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolutely FANTASTIC addition to this extended family group of stories! Full of twists, turns, and shocking surprises coming at both MCs from all sides, and it's telling is AMAZING! Yes, I'm being purposely vague. Yes, your mind will be blown, probably more than once. Yes, you will definitely fall for Maverick and Boone as you discover how they come together and, eventually, navigate the many landmines they uncover along the way. Of course, this includes help from Dads & many, many, unhinged crazy Uncles. Some of it may make you cry, some will make you laugh, and some will have you peeking through your fingers, or scratching & shaking your head. Whatever the case, Kelly Fox definitely makes you FEEL things. Enjoy the wild ride with this 2nd tale in the Wildlings series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelly Fox really hit her stride in the Wildlings series with Unlawful Desires. It has everything I loved about the Wrecked: Guardians series—including appearances by many familiar characters—along with some other favorites. While it’s definitely steamy, I appreciated that the intimate scenes moved the romance forward and didn't overwhelm the plot.
You could read this as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it. Since the Wildlings are the children of characters from the earlier books, there’s a ton of shared history you’ll miss if you haven’t at least read Wrecked: Guardians and most of the Mobsters + Billionaires series. And if you truly want the best possible experience, start with The Wimberly Chronicles, a queer MF romance unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
You could read this as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it. Since the Wildlings are the children of characters from the earlier books, there’s a ton of shared history you’ll miss if you haven’t at least read Wrecked: Guardians and most of the Mobsters + Billionaires series. And if you truly want the best possible experience, start with The Wimberly Chronicles, a queer MF romance unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
February 28, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4
I liked the book for the most part and Kelly Fox is always an automatic 4-5 star read for me.. but I am just having such a hard time with Mav being left in the dark. He was so hurt, but then all of a sudden everything’s okay? Like his whole family and even his twin that he has such a close connection with, deceived him his whole life, but one simple explanation and everyone’s good? I was pissed off for him. As much as I love the old characters (anders, hop, odd, db etc), the fact that they kept everything from Maverick and it was simply swept under the rug quickly by a lame apology? Not cool. Dude should’ve been mad for about 79 chapters. I’m STILL mad and I finished the book 😒.
I liked the book for the most part and Kelly Fox is always an automatic 4-5 star read for me.. but I am just having such a hard time with Mav being left in the dark. He was so hurt, but then all of a sudden everything’s okay? Like his whole family and even his twin that he has such a close connection with, deceived him his whole life, but one simple explanation and everyone’s good? I was pissed off for him. As much as I love the old characters (anders, hop, odd, db etc), the fact that they kept everything from Maverick and it was simply swept under the rug quickly by a lame apology? Not cool. Dude should’ve been mad for about 79 chapters. I’m STILL mad and I finished the book 😒.
March 4, 2026
The way this universe lives in my head rent free.
I was so excited that Maverick was going to be the next book in this series, because he lived my worst fear... having those that I am closest to keep massive secrets from me. The anxiety and anger I would have felt.
I loved that Booney was there for him. That he saw what Maverick was trying to mask at times. Even when he messed up, how he jumped into action to try to rectify his mistake, in a way that Maverick's family should have done right from the start.
I also really loved seeing Maverick shock his family with his depth. It is the best kind of revenge.
Couple all of this with the Hopper storyline, and I just enjoyed this book so much!
I was so excited that Maverick was going to be the next book in this series, because he lived my worst fear... having those that I am closest to keep massive secrets from me. The anxiety and anger I would have felt.
I loved that Booney was there for him. That he saw what Maverick was trying to mask at times. Even when he messed up, how he jumped into action to try to rectify his mistake, in a way that Maverick's family should have done right from the start.
I also really loved seeing Maverick shock his family with his depth. It is the best kind of revenge.
Couple all of this with the Hopper storyline, and I just enjoyed this book so much!
February 1, 2026
This second generation of the Bash's is just as wild as the first generation. These cousins seem a little more I don't know if it's innocent or naive but something sweet about them as they somehow follow in their father's footsteps indirectly. I love how Maverick and Boone collided into each other after years of being apart. I was really happy to see Hopper so much as he is my favorite from the billionaire series and to see an extended happily ever for him was super sweet. I bought this directly from the author's website which I try to do as much as possible to support them directly plus who doesn't love early access hence my review prior to release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Conflicted
I loved this til the end- the romance between Maverick and Boone was well thought out, and they were adorable together. Plus, all of the action you’d expect from the author and this series.
But.
I found the ending very unsatisfying for several reasons. One, because the actions of everyone else and how the treated Maverick made me actively dislike ALL of the other characters (except Hopper, duh). I also don’t feel like there was a real amends or policy to Maverick. I would’ve much preferred if he and Boone moved away.
Glad I read it, but will no longer continue with the series as I’m no longer invested in these characters.
I loved this til the end- the romance between Maverick and Boone was well thought out, and they were adorable together. Plus, all of the action you’d expect from the author and this series.
But.
I found the ending very unsatisfying for several reasons. One, because the actions of everyone else and how the treated Maverick made me actively dislike ALL of the other characters (except Hopper, duh). I also don’t feel like there was a real amends or policy to Maverick. I would’ve much preferred if he and Boone moved away.
Glad I read it, but will no longer continue with the series as I’m no longer invested in these characters.
Read
March 3, 2026I really hope people aren't still saying I love that for you or I love that for us in 25 years. I can't even stand people who say that now. When I'm old, I'm pretty sure that would be my get off my lawn moment. That being said, I'm just not feeling this new series. To be honest I haven't really enjoyed this author's books in quite a while. I want to support authors who have the ovaries to literally dedicate their books to people who are protesting ICE in this country, but I just missed the old days when she was writing the Wrecked series. Those are some good books. These are just... Glorified fan-fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG. What an awesome book. Maverick met Boone when he was 15 at a summer camp his Uncle Hopper set up. He knew at that young age he would marry Boone. Fast forward 7 years, and Boone is a detective and Maverick is a designer who is world famous. When they meet up again, Maverick was so happy to see him. This started their book with them getting closer and Maverick finding out what the family business was. Also we find out more on Boone’s background. Love he wildlings and cannot wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to continue reading about the Wildlings. The Bash twins were my favorites in the original Guardians series so I was thrilled to continue with the next generation. I love Boone and Maverick although I found I didn't love Maverick at the start. He seemed a little too privileged and blasé about life in general. I like how, as the story progresses, you see more under the mask with how he portrays himself in public and how he truly feels. That was really well done. I really loved the subplot with Boone and Hopper. It was really sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is a lot happening in this book, sometimes almost too much, but honestly? I didn’t mind. The mix of vigilante chaos, family secrets, and messy feelings kept things interesting, even when the plot felt a little overloaded.
What I really adore is how connected Kelly Fox’s worlds are. Being back in this universe felt familiar in the best way, like running into old friends and realizing everything is still tangled together. The relationships carried this book for me. The emotional pull and moral gray areas made it hard to put down. I love the Wildings and I can’t wait for more!
What I really adore is how connected Kelly Fox’s worlds are. Being back in this universe felt familiar in the best way, like running into old friends and realizing everything is still tangled together. The relationships carried this book for me. The emotional pull and moral gray areas made it hard to put down. I love the Wildings and I can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy
This is the second book of the Wildlings spin-off from the author’s Guardians series. It focuses on Maverick (Rune), one of the twin sons of Odd & DB, and Boone, the police detective he’s had a crush on since he was 15. Don’t worry, the age gap is only 4 years between them (Boone was 19 when they first met) and the crush seems to go both ways especially now that the men are both of age. However, Boone’s way of flirting seems to be putting Mav in cuffs any time they meet 😂. Both men have hovered in each other’s orbits for years. Both have secrets, some unknown like Maverick’s “family business” and some known like who Boone’s birth father is and his relation to Maverick and the Guardians. When an outsider decides it’s time to hit the Guardians by going after Mav, both of their eyes are opened and Boone will do whatever it takes to protect his man. And Mav will protect him right back. The Guardians gain two new members, Boone gains an additional parent/family, and these men finally get their HEA. Loved the cameos from previous characters. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 11, 2026
Boone and Mav were quite the pair with a palpable chemistry and a deep emotional connection. Unfortunately, Mav felt completely abandoned by his family, which was a poignant aspect of the story. I had no problem with him being cold and dismissive when they finally brought him up to speed. He was just so radiant and free spirited - I hated seeing him sad. The overall storyline was entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. This book is definitely best read in order, ideally after reading the previous series. Overall, I’m eagerly anticipating more in this series.
February 20, 2026
This author is my one “drop everything and set the world aside” writer - a book drops and I can’t focus on anything else. This book - maybe even more so. Maverick has a huge crush on Boone for what seems like forever. Fate keeps bringing them back together (in more ways than you’d think) and we get to see more of my all time, and I mean all time from anywhere and any book, favorite character. No spoilers but I will say if you’re a fan of this author and the original crew, you’re going to adore this book. Absolutely phenomenal.
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