Wilde Thing

by Tess Oliver

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

Genres: Romance

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2026

About the author

Tess 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.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[J✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kristi Lange · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Paula Tillery · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Cody Smith-Candelaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sandra Kizziah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Gale Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Wilson De Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[robin outer · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 !!!

[Ashley Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Susan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Linda Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Nicole Segreti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[SabinaMarie De · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[S A · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off good, then dropped the ball. No real ending.

[Jeanne]

Cute story. Ronan is adorable but a bit of a bad boy. Rachel is a hard working single mom

The story needed a bit more.
But at 200 pages it was a fun read

[Jessica Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and predictable

I Love these sweet predictable love stories. It’s a very satisfying read with the happy ending. These Wilde boys will keep you coming back for more.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I’m a die hard single parent reader… but this one just didn’t hit the mark. They were both a mess

[Miss Rachael Calver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a Wilde boy....

Who doesn't love a Wilde boy & especially the black sheep of the family. I'm looking forward to seeing what the 2 get up too.