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Wilde Thing
I wasn’t looking for a hero.
Between two jobs, an aging mother and my little boy, survival is my full-time job.
After too many bad choices, I swore off men for good.
Then Ronan Wilde walked into my diner.
Gorgeous. Intimidating. Fiercely protective.
When a man crossed the line, Ronan stepped in without hesitation.
He made me feel safe in a way I hadn’t in years.
And that scared me.
A man with his devastating green eyes and cocky smile is the last thing I need in my complicated life.
Except Ronan doesn’t walk away.
When things fall apart, he shows up.
And then I see him with my son... and everything changes.
He’s gentle with Jack, patient and kind in a way that makes my heart ache.
Ronan isn’t just protecting me anymore.
He’s protecting my world.
I told myself I didn’t need saving.
But Ronan makes me feel safe.
And loving a man like him might be the biggest risk I’ve ever taken...
More in the
1. Drive Me Wilde
2. Walk on the Wilde Side
3. Wilde Thing
Between two jobs, an aging mother and my little boy, survival is my full-time job.
After too many bad choices, I swore off men for good.
Then Ronan Wilde walked into my diner.
Gorgeous. Intimidating. Fiercely protective.
When a man crossed the line, Ronan stepped in without hesitation.
He made me feel safe in a way I hadn’t in years.
And that scared me.
A man with his devastating green eyes and cocky smile is the last thing I need in my complicated life.
Except Ronan doesn’t walk away.
When things fall apart, he shows up.
And then I see him with my son... and everything changes.
He’s gentle with Jack, patient and kind in a way that makes my heart ache.
Ronan isn’t just protecting me anymore.
He’s protecting my world.
I told myself I didn’t need saving.
But Ronan makes me feel safe.
And loving a man like him might be the biggest risk I’ve ever taken...
More in the
1. Drive Me Wilde
2. Walk on the Wilde Side
3. Wilde Thing
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2026
About the author
Tess Oliver
121 books2,502 followersTess Oliver is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Custom Culture series and a large collection of other romances. She is well known for her relatable characters who "become your friends" as you journey with them and for intriguing stories that will have you "devouring her books in just one day". Tess has been featured on USA Today's 'Happy Ever After' site, and in publications including Glamour UK and Elle UK magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 19, 2026
Felt Incomplete
This book was disappointing. First, things I liked: Ronan’s character maturing, Jack (female character’s son), and glimpses of the Wilde family. Downfalls of the story include: too much plot time given to the Evan situation, inability for me to truly like the female lead to how seriously she considered his proposal, not enough focus on the main character together, and a very abrupt ending.
I will still read the next book. I only hope it feels more complete.
This book was disappointing. First, things I liked: Ronan’s character maturing, Jack (female character’s son), and glimpses of the Wilde family. Downfalls of the story include: too much plot time given to the Evan situation, inability for me to truly like the female lead to how seriously she considered his proposal, not enough focus on the main character together, and a very abrupt ending.
I will still read the next book. I only hope it feels more complete.
February 16, 2026
It felt rushed.
I liked where this story was going and it had great character development. But then it was over. I wish it had 50 more pages to really finish and develop the story
I liked where this story was going and it had great character development. But then it was over. I wish it had 50 more pages to really finish and develop the story
March 27, 2026
I have been a big lover of the Wilde Brothers series but found this book to be a little bit of a let down. I loved the development of Ronan’s character and how he grew and matured, however the FMC Rachel was one I sat on the fence with unsure if I truly liked her. For a single mum worried about the life she was giving her son, I felt that she should have seen red flags when it came to the rich guy Evan trying to buy her affection when it was obvious her son was not a fan. This storyline had great potential but I felt it fell a little flat and was a little rushed towards the end. I think I needed more of the relationship between them and also an interaction with his family and Rachel. A good story just not up to the usual expectations I have from this author. There was angst, witty banter and chemistry to hold your interest to the end.
February 18, 2026
i liked this until Evan was introduced 🥴 if Rachel would’ve immediately turned him down, it wouldn’t have bothered me but she contemplated taking him up on his offer to be his mistress while she was dating Ronan which is just icky and cheating IMO. It also just made me not like her as a person, i understand that she was struggling to make ends meet but there’s gotta be another way other than becoming a home wrecker.
ALSO she made the comment multiple times that “Jack needs to come first” in a way of saying he needed to like the man she ended up with and Jack did not like Evan at all but loved Ronan.
-single mom
-protective MMC
-reformed playboy
-blue collar MMC x waitress/dancer FMC
ALSO she made the comment multiple times that “Jack needs to come first” in a way of saying he needed to like the man she ended up with and Jack did not like Evan at all but loved Ronan.
-single mom
-protective MMC
-reformed playboy
-blue collar MMC x waitress/dancer FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
Disappointing
Did not like the abrupt way it ended. No epilogue. Like it was rushed for quick publication.. i really liked this series but this book was a bummer.
Did not like the abrupt way it ended. No epilogue. Like it was rushed for quick publication.. i really liked this series but this book was a bummer.
June 27, 2026
3.5 out of 5
I read a couple of Tess Oliver books a few years ago, quite enjoyed them, planned to read more so I bought a few more and then kind of forgot about them. I saw this one on Instagram a couple of days ago, really loved the cover because I’m shallow like that, the storyline sounded intriguing. I’d liked her previous books anf this one is on KU so rented , not sold.
I liked this book. Roman Wilde is the third oldest Wilde brother and the screw-up of the lot of them. He’d rather waste his time drinking and chasing tail than working full time. Still there’s something very likeable about him. Things come to a head one night when he’s drunk and is confronted by a previous suitor of the woman he’s hoping to bang. Things happen and as a result he gets thrown out of his home, goes to stay with his brother, then is asked to leave because his brother, who has book before this one and his girlfriend have just started cohabiting and well, they kind of want privacy. So Ro, as he is called plans to stay with another brother, who also has a previous book. The set of events lights a fire under his ass and Ro knows it’s time to grow up and become responsible and he gets a job on an industrial site being built
Now we come to the other side of this romance. Rachel is a single mother with a lot on her plate. She gets zero help from her son’s father and she was fairly young when she got pregnant. She doesn’t have a career really, she works as a waitress in a diner across from the building site Ro just started working at. She also supports her mother. In order to earn money for all three of the, she works as a stripper in the evenings. The two meet when Ro goes into the diner. There are instant sparks but Rachel knows she’s not at a place where she can get involved with anyone. She’s the more mature of the two. But attraction being attraction, they give in. Things aren’t easy for either of them as they’re both petty poor.
So I liked the book, a lot, but I can’t say I loved it. I loved seeing Roman gaining maturity and finding someone who could be his forever girl. And Rachel, as much as she wanted something with Roman, she weighed her different options. I can recommend this book but I’d say go the KU route. And now I’m going to get going on the other Tess Oliver books I already own.
I read a couple of Tess Oliver books a few years ago, quite enjoyed them, planned to read more so I bought a few more and then kind of forgot about them. I saw this one on Instagram a couple of days ago, really loved the cover because I’m shallow like that, the storyline sounded intriguing. I’d liked her previous books anf this one is on KU so rented , not sold.
I liked this book. Roman Wilde is the third oldest Wilde brother and the screw-up of the lot of them. He’d rather waste his time drinking and chasing tail than working full time. Still there’s something very likeable about him. Things come to a head one night when he’s drunk and is confronted by a previous suitor of the woman he’s hoping to bang. Things happen and as a result he gets thrown out of his home, goes to stay with his brother, then is asked to leave because his brother, who has book before this one and his girlfriend have just started cohabiting and well, they kind of want privacy. So Ro, as he is called plans to stay with another brother, who also has a previous book. The set of events lights a fire under his ass and Ro knows it’s time to grow up and become responsible and he gets a job on an industrial site being built
Now we come to the other side of this romance. Rachel is a single mother with a lot on her plate. She gets zero help from her son’s father and she was fairly young when she got pregnant. She doesn’t have a career really, she works as a waitress in a diner across from the building site Ro just started working at. She also supports her mother. In order to earn money for all three of the, she works as a stripper in the evenings. The two meet when Ro goes into the diner. There are instant sparks but Rachel knows she’s not at a place where she can get involved with anyone. She’s the more mature of the two. But attraction being attraction, they give in. Things aren’t easy for either of them as they’re both petty poor.
So I liked the book, a lot, but I can’t say I loved it. I loved seeing Roman gaining maturity and finding someone who could be his forever girl. And Rachel, as much as she wanted something with Roman, she weighed her different options. I can recommend this book but I’d say go the KU route. And now I’m going to get going on the other Tess Oliver books I already own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 3 in the Wilde Brothers series and while they can be read as stand-alones, I would highly recommend starting from the first book as it helps you get to really know each of the brothers but also their dynamic. This one follows Ronin and picks up when he is hitting the bottom, just everything that can go wrong has and it's starting to pile up on him. He doesn't give up though, keeps pushing forward and trying to do better and make a better go of things. It's on that path that he meets Rachel, who is also trying to piece her life together, not just for her but for her son and her mom. So, will they both carve a path and will they be able to carve a path together, only time will tell. I adore the family dynamics that we get in this series and how each character from past books adds to the next story. I will admit that for much of this book I wanted to smack the crap out of each or sometimes both of our leads but that's just me. LOL It's a great story with twists and turns, unusual circumstances and some real life, everyday kind of drama. Loved the whole journey and can't wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oliver writes great bad boy romances, the rough kid with bedroom eyes always down on his luck. Ronan does not disappoint, one of 5 boys raised by a dad who wasn’t really around and many wives in his past. He’s working, couch surfing with his brothers and recovering from some injuries. He’s a sweetheart, great with kids and seems a little lost. Rachel, single mom working two jobs and receiving more financial blows than I thought possible, is intelligent enough to know when something is too good to be true it probably is. She’s been on a tough road but always keeps it positive and doesn’t let it keep her down. Many ups and downs in their lives, some tough situations, but the heart wants what it wants. Despite the fact they struggle to make ends meet Ray and Ronan have great chemistry and easy conversation. It’s been awhile since I’ve read an Oliver book and I was excited to receive an early copy, I’ve written this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
2.5
Although I am intrigued by the Wilde brothers, the truth is I don’t think Tess Oliver is the author for me. I liked this book less than the other two, but didn’t find it as disappointing as #2 because Ronan and Colin hold the least interest for me so my expectations were low to begin with. My issue is, I don’t know why Ro and Rachel even hooked up other than they’re both hot and broke. Ro is just lost trying to figure himself out, and Rachel is doing the struggling single mom thing…but I never see them make each other any better. Instead Rachel spends a good chunk of the book debating an indecent proposal from another man, and Ronan almost loses another job trying to best his twin. I also found it super weird that Rachel never met any of his family, not even the brother he lives with….they never took Jack to the ranch, where he could run and play with horses? What was even the point of this book? 🫠
Although I am intrigued by the Wilde brothers, the truth is I don’t think Tess Oliver is the author for me. I liked this book less than the other two, but didn’t find it as disappointing as #2 because Ronan and Colin hold the least interest for me so my expectations were low to begin with. My issue is, I don’t know why Ro and Rachel even hooked up other than they’re both hot and broke. Ro is just lost trying to figure himself out, and Rachel is doing the struggling single mom thing…but I never see them make each other any better. Instead Rachel spends a good chunk of the book debating an indecent proposal from another man, and Ronan almost loses another job trying to best his twin. I also found it super weird that Rachel never met any of his family, not even the brother he lives with….they never took Jack to the ranch, where he could run and play with horses? What was even the point of this book? 🫠
May 14, 2026
As much as I enjoyed this book. It is seriously lacking and so flawed.
The "dad" Finn Wilde is awful. He is abusive, nasty, and hateful to all his sons. How any mother could leave her children with him is so bizarre to me.
Ronan and Rachel are both struggling with money and jobs. Ronan's dad chucked him out when he had a head injury & tried to keep his pain meds.
Ronan bounces around his brothers houses, he felt like the black sheep other family and in some respects he was treated that way too.
Even when Ronan had broken his fingers no one gave him any sympathy, I suppose that's probably due to how they was brought up.
Rachel lived with her 3 Yr old son Jack and her mum. Jacks dad isn't in the picture. Rachel's 2nd job is working in a bar, dancing and there's this guy Evan who thinks he can "buy" Rachel as he likes her and I get why for a minute she kinda considered it.
I did think at one point that Evan was going to be jacks dad.
I am glad that Rachel and Ronan got the HEA
The "dad" Finn Wilde is awful. He is abusive, nasty, and hateful to all his sons. How any mother could leave her children with him is so bizarre to me.
Ronan and Rachel are both struggling with money and jobs. Ronan's dad chucked him out when he had a head injury & tried to keep his pain meds.
Ronan bounces around his brothers houses, he felt like the black sheep other family and in some respects he was treated that way too.
Even when Ronan had broken his fingers no one gave him any sympathy, I suppose that's probably due to how they was brought up.
Rachel lived with her 3 Yr old son Jack and her mum. Jacks dad isn't in the picture. Rachel's 2nd job is working in a bar, dancing and there's this guy Evan who thinks he can "buy" Rachel as he likes her and I get why for a minute she kinda considered it.
I did think at one point that Evan was going to be jacks dad.
I am glad that Rachel and Ronan got the HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fantastic Tess Oliver read! Everyone needs a hero like Ronan in their lives. Poor Rachel couldn’t see her way out of the almost poverty-stricken life she led. Two jobs to barely make ends meet while supporting her mom and three year old son. Along came Ronan, who wasn’t any better off financially than she was. Add in a tempting offer from a rich admirer and you have a very real dilemma! I loved feeling all of the various emotions at play in this book and once again highly recommend it. You won’t regret it!
I received this book from the author via BookFunnel and am happy to leave my honest review.
I received this book from the author via BookFunnel and am happy to leave my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn't put this story down. I sped right through it. It was good to be back in the world of the Wilde Brothers. The writing made it easy to pick back up where we had left off. The story was real and so believable. Not everyone has a nice bank account where life is all roses. I love the chemistry between Ro and Ray and I admit to nearly yelling out loud, "don't do it" one time. A bunch of fun characters. A handful that wasn't so great. A character that stood out to me was Doris. I appreciated her fairness.
I'm ready for the next Wilde brother's story! Let's see what kind of mischief he can get into. A fun series.
I'm ready for the next Wilde brother's story! Let's see what kind of mischief he can get into. A fun series.
February 21, 2026
wow
Wow, just wow! I fell in love with Rachel and Ronan! Both were struggling just to make ends meet and didn’t see a solution in sight. Even though Rachel got an offer, she could hardly refuse from a very wealthy man. She did just that. Ronan‘s luck turned around and he could finally see the light. Jack was absolutely adorable and I love the interaction with Ronan. Hope there will be more with these characters because they are so endearing.
Wow, just wow! I fell in love with Rachel and Ronan! Both were struggling just to make ends meet and didn’t see a solution in sight. Even though Rachel got an offer, she could hardly refuse from a very wealthy man. She did just that. Ronan‘s luck turned around and he could finally see the light. Jack was absolutely adorable and I love the interaction with Ronan. Hope there will be more with these characters because they are so endearing.
May 8, 2026
Wilde Thing was a good read overall. It was well written, easy to get into, and kept my attention the whole time. The characters had great chemistry, and I enjoyed the story, but I did wish there had been a little more development and background about them as a couple. I wanted more of their story together because the connection was interesting and had a lot of potential. Even with that, it was still an enjoyable book and definitely worth reading.
February 16, 2026
The third Wilde brothers book is excellent! I loved reading Ronan and Rachel’s story! Ronan is out of work and way down on his luck good guy, he meets Rachel in the diner where she works, she doesn’t have time for a man, he’s so broke he can’t even buy a cup of water! It took a while to get to their happy ending, they do! I was sad this book ended I wanted it to go on and on! Five stars!
February 16, 2026
The writing on this book was very well done. We got little glimpses of the other brothers, but not a lot. I guess I was a little disappointed in the female lead character and how uncertain she she was about whether or not she wanted to be in a relationship with our main male character over money. I understand about financial difficulties, but this just kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.
February 22, 2026
Good wish it were a bit longer.
Good, wish it were a bit longer just to get more information on the characters. The story was real and not overly romanticized which I enjoyed. I hope the author continues writing about the other brothers and even concludes the series with a story about the dad. B
Good, wish it were a bit longer just to get more information on the characters. The story was real and not overly romanticized which I enjoyed. I hope the author continues writing about the other brothers and even concludes the series with a story about the dad. B
February 24, 2026
A Let down
I was so looking forward to this story and I was very disappointed.Long drawn out story.Rachel loves Ronan but takes a braclet from another Guy and considers taking a house and being a mistress and then they get back together and the story just ends.Whats up with that ???? The previous books were awesome.This one NOT !!!
I was so looking forward to this story and I was very disappointed.Long drawn out story.Rachel loves Ronan but takes a braclet from another Guy and considers taking a house and being a mistress and then they get back together and the story just ends.Whats up with that ???? The previous books were awesome.This one NOT !!!
February 25, 2026
Great End To The Series and Maybe my Favourite
Wow read all three books and really loved the first two and wasn’t feeling much like reading about Ronan. But wow I think this might be my favourite. The realness of the characters and their struggle I felt it.
Definitely keen to read all of Tess Oliver’s books!
Wow read all three books and really loved the first two and wasn’t feeling much like reading about Ronan. But wow I think this might be my favourite. The realness of the characters and their struggle I felt it.
Definitely keen to read all of Tess Oliver’s books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Tess Oliver writes a book magic happens. Time stands still and nothing matters except reading the book!!!!! The Wilde brothers series is such a treat. The characters stay with you long after you turn the last page!!!!
February 16, 2026
Another amazing story. Ronan and Rachel’s story will suck you in from the beginning. I loved the characters, the banter and the sizzling chemistry. Their struggles and their love will keep you rooting for them. It’s entertaining and heartwarming read. Looking forward to reading more.
February 18, 2026
Love the Wilde men!!!!
Ronan has had a hard life, some coming from his own bad choices. However, just as he realizes he needs to make some changes, he meets Ray. And Ray is the motivation he needed. Ray is struggling too and she has to make some decisions too. Great story.
Ronan has had a hard life, some coming from his own bad choices. However, just as he realizes he needs to make some changes, he meets Ray. And Ray is the motivation he needed. Ray is struggling too and she has to make some decisions too. Great story.
February 19, 2026
Wilde!
I enjoyed Ronan and Rachel’s story. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the Wilde’s stories. They are certainly a diverse Wilde bunch of men with varying characters and approaches to life!
I enjoyed Ronan and Rachel’s story. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the Wilde’s stories. They are certainly a diverse Wilde bunch of men with varying characters and approaches to life!
February 26, 2026
wild for the Wilde boys!
Loved alllllll the books in this series!!! Great stories, great characters…. Loved everything! Such fun reads! Literally couldn’t put each book down until I finished!
Loved alllllll the books in this series!!! Great stories, great characters…. Loved everything! Such fun reads! Literally couldn’t put each book down until I finished!
February 27, 2026
loved the 3rd in the series
Ronan and Rachel…. I liked the character tee development and the struggle of them both…. To overcome their issues. Then throw in lil’Jack and it was a winner! Can’t wait to see what you have in store next
Ronan and Rachel…. I liked the character tee development and the struggle of them both…. To overcome their issues. Then throw in lil’Jack and it was a winner! Can’t wait to see what you have in store next
March 3, 2026
He's the black sheep
You don't get your typical happy ever after with a guy like Ronan. But you could get someone who is great with your son and makes you feel things you shouldn't.
Great series with Wilde brothers. And we still have two more to go.
You don't get your typical happy ever after with a guy like Ronan. But you could get someone who is great with your son and makes you feel things you shouldn't.
Great series with Wilde brothers. And we still have two more to go.
April 5, 2026
The good, the bad and the ugly....
Great story. Family dynamics. They can get very involved. Accidents happen. Injuries happen. But, you have to let the bad slide off. Grab hold of the good and do not let go!!
Great story. Family dynamics. They can get very involved. Accidents happen. Injuries happen. But, you have to let the bad slide off. Grab hold of the good and do not let go!!
April 21, 2026
Love me some of the Wilde Boys
Can't decide which of the Wilde brothers is my favorite. Didn't think any would measure up to Jameson, the now way to top Zander, but then you find out more about Ronon. Each one is amazing.
Can't decide which of the Wilde brothers is my favorite. Didn't think any would measure up to Jameson, the now way to top Zander, but then you find out more about Ronon. Each one is amazing.
June 11, 2026
Fun read
I really enjoyed the give and take between the characters.
Rachel is a strong independent woman. The choice she had to make would have been hard for anyone in her position.
I really enjoyed the give and take between the characters.
Rachel is a strong independent woman. The choice she had to make would have been hard for anyone in her position.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
When two down on their luck people meet and they know this relationship is something special. Only to have money troubles come between them. Will love win out? Read this one to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews