Wild Wicked Mate

Maple Hollow #2

by Laurie Gilmore, Merel Dinnessen (Translator)

Ga mee op roadtrip in Wild Wicked Mate van Laurie Gilmore, het vervolg van jouw nieuwste romance-obsessie. Dit is het tweede deel in de small town serie Maple Hollow.

Phoebe en Theo zijn beste vrienden, maar draaien ook al jarenlang om elkaar heen. Ondanks de onmiskenbare vonken die tussen hen overslaan, is Phoebe nu eenmaal een meester in het negeren van haar ware gevoelens… Totdat Theo haar uitnodigt op een roadtrip en Phoebe dat aanbod absoluut niet kan weerstaan.

Tijdens de reis loopt de zinderende spanning in de cabine van zijn truck steeds hoger op. Toegeven aan de aantrekkingskracht zou alles kunnen veranderen voor Phoebe en Theo, maar is dat een risico dat ze durven te nemen?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Friends To Lovers, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy, Adult

Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2026

About the author

Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is PURE JOY 🤩

I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel since reading Big Bad Wolf last month and it certainly did not disappoint. Laurie Gilmore has once again nailed the perfect balance of cozy and adventure in this werewolf-y paranormal romance 🐺🌳🧚✨

In the second instalment of the ‘Maple Hollow’ series, we follow Phoebe (Fee) and Theo’s story. ‘Wild Wicked Mate’ is essentially a friends to lovers romance, expertly executed, with the addition of werewolf & nymph politics, and a dangerously fun adventure 👣

Theo and Fee have been pining after each other for a decade. Their connection is undeniable. The tension is out of this world. Yet they’ve been kept apart by their insecurities and doubts. Until now. The chemistry is sizzling at an all time high as desperate circumstances culminate in a situation where they can no longer deny each other. Add in a dash of forced proximity (my fav 🤭) and they’ll be forced to decide - is being together worth the risk?

Get the road trip snacks ready 🚐🍿🍫🍪🍎 We’re going on a (heated 🥵) adventure…

One of my favourite things about this book was the strong storyline aside from the romance. It was fairly straightforward, and predictable in ways, but it really added another dimension to the book. I also loved how the action side of the plot intertwined with and affected the romance/relationship side of the plot. Furthermore, after getting to grips with this paranormal world in book one, it was nice to be taken out of the town for a bit and allow things to play out on a wider scale. I truly cannot wait to see where it leads in the final book…

Fee was a brilliant FMC. I loved this little mix 🧚 and totally wished I could be part of her extended found family. I loved the sense of vibrancy she added to the story and her patience and loyalty to Theo was admirable. The only thing that bugged me about her (and the book as a whole tbh) was the miscommunication 🙄 that played out. However, the eventual grovelling and reconciliation was *almost* worth it.

Theo was your average stubborn, emotionally stunted werewolf 😂 He was indecisive and a little immature however I liked how vulnerable he was regarding his traumatic past that ultimately led him to his behaviour in the present. Furthermore, the fact that he doubted he was enough for Fee, rather than a lack of feeling for her made it easier to understand why he held himself back for so long.

This was such a sweet and very well played friends to lovers romance. I loved how we were taken back in time using flashbacks so that we could witness key parts of their decade long friendship with our own eyes. It made their connection feel much more believable. This is a couple you can’t help but root for. Despite some stubbornness on both parts, there was clearly so much love and affection between the two. And the whole Mate/Tethered thing? 🤐 Brilliantly executed 👏🏽 I was genuinely so happy to see their love playing out 😌

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series. I really enjoyed being back with these characters and loved seeing cameo roles from Ruby and Rafe (who still remain my favourite couple). There was so much warmth and love in this instalment, you could really feel the affection in the air. This one definitely leaned more on the fun side rather than danger, however I particularly enjoyed the end and was very satisfied with how everything was tied up, leading into the finale…Can’t wait to see Knox in action 🙇🏻‍♀️

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Alya | short TBR clearance era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts
This was Theo and Phoebe's story aka one of the cutest friends to lovers read! The back n forth between them made it even better cz you can't help but root for their relationship to develop and them to actually confess their feelings. Can't decide whether I love book 1 or book 2 more 🥹 can't wait for the third book!

Plot Summary
Phoebe and Theo have been best friends for years, secretly ignoring the attraction between them. But when Theo invites her on a road trip, the close quarters and growing tension make it harder to deny their feelings. Now, they must decide whether to risk their friendship for a chance at something more.

My Bookstagram

[Eleanor · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Wild Wicked Mate is a friends to lovers paranormal romance full of yearning and steam. The story follows best friends Phoebe and Theo, who, after years of will they or won't they, are finally forced to confront their feelings for each other after they go on the road together in search of their missing friend. I absolutely loved how Theo and Phoebe came together in this fast paced romance! The two were so good together, and their banter was just so fun. I also appreciated that despite the obvious lust they had for one another, the two didn't jump into bed until they were actually ready to settle down and make their connection work. Aside from the romance, the added paranormal elements and plot made for such an engaging read and entwined perfectly with Theo and Phoebe's hesitance to commit to each other.

Read if you like:
🐺Small Town🐺
🪻Fated Mates🪻
🐺Forced Proximity🐺
🪻Banter & Tension🪻
🐺Found Family🐺

~All the thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[eve (semi hiatus)]

Safety note - from the first book of the series we know that the MCs have been friends for a decade, in love with each other and fated mates, but Theo (MMC) fucks around a lot. Swoony.

The whole drama is that he can’t be with her because of his father. Mmkay.

I wonder if author will make Phoebe (FMC) a virgin who waits patiently for the MMC while he enjoys himself plenty 🫩

─ ✦ ────
"Theo was a spoiled fuckboy who spent his days screwing women he barely knew and shirking all responsibilities."

“It’s after noon. Why were you still asleep?”
“I had company last night.”
Rafe grimaced. “Still fucking every human, nymph, and witch in a fifty-mile radius?” There was no shortage of pretty, available creatures in these woods or the surrounding towns, and his brother seemed to be acquainted with all of them.

“You know I don’t fuck witches. Not since that last one put a hex on me.” He shuddered and shuffled into the adjoining kitchenette.
“That wasn’t a hex. She told her friends to avoid your dumb ass,” Rafe grumbled.

“Where’s Phoebe?”
That wiped the smirk off his brother’s face.
“What do you care?”
“Does she know you’re still fucking around?”
Theo leaned his hands on the counter separating them, his eyes flashing. “That’s none of your business.”
“I didn’t get you out of the pack so you could fuck everything that moves. I thought you and Phoebe⁠—”
Theo cut him off with a slam of his hand on the counter. “She’s none of your business. We are none of your business.”

"Theo had dropped the flirty charmer act as soon as Phoebe came into the room and now moved closer to her. Ruby didn’t miss how he watched her, the blatant need in his eyes."

“They’ve been friends for years. I suspect he loves her.” He shrugged. “I assumed when we left the pack they would get together. My father never would have allowed it, mating with a nymph. He didn’t tolerate half-breeds.”
“So, they’re not together?” Ruby moved again, facing him once more.
“No. Theo fucks whoever he wants and still calls Phoebe a friend.”

“What did you do?” Phoebe raised a brow, tension coiling her muscles. Jealous. She was jealous of what he might have done with the seer. And Theo was just enough of an asshole to run with it.
“Nothing.” Theo shrugged, pulling down his mug from the cabinet. “Just had a little fun.”
“Is there no one you won’t… You know what? Never mind.”
He turned to her, leaning his back against the counter, a slow grin crossing his face. “Just you, I guess. But only because you won’t let me.”

“Poor pretty baby,” she teased, but the color had risen in her cheeks again, her gaze flicking down to his bare chest. “Must be so hard to have women throwing themselves at you.”
“That has nothing to do with my pretty face,” he purred. “I do have some skills.”
──── ✦ ─

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good friends to lovers romance!

I ate this book up! The connection between Theo and Phoebe is undeniable, but neither of them thinks they’re meant for each other. I could totally understand Phoebe’s hesitation when it came to her feelings for Theo, especially with everything making her question whether they could truly be together.

The chemistry and tension were sooo good! The buildup to them finally acknowledging their attraction was perfect. I was here for the plot, too! I understood both of their points of view.

I’ve read both books in this series, and this one is my favorite so far! It was such a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Charlene Parkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one! I wanted more of the story not just the relationship

[roibean · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

such insufferable people. like how hard is it to just fucking TALK.

[Sally May *✧･ﾟ]

These covers are absolutely incredible, 10/10 cover design

[Axellesbooks · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Phoebe and Theo are going on a road trip to search for their lost friend. They are best friends whose feelings revolve around each other without being concrete. They find out that denying their feelings for each other is torture. But will they do something with their feelings during that road trip?

In this small town romance, we also find the tropes 'forced proximity', 'fated mates', 'friends to lovers' and 'found family'. Laurie Gilmore did a really good job on using these tropes and integrating them into this werewolf romance. This author is actually really good with writing any trope to be really honest.

I really enjoyed reading this second book because the romance is really fast-paced. There isn't a dull moment in the story. However, the search for their friend itself wasn't really my cup of tea. Romance wise, a lot is happening. But plot-wise, there wasn't really a lot going on. There were a lot of switches in locations. This was a little better in the first book.

The book ends with a small cliffhanger which makes me really curious for more in this series! It's a nice and cosy werewolf romance. I gave this 3,5 stars!

[Amber (ambervgn) :) · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

IK HAAT DE INFORMATIE ACHTERHOUDEN TROPE

[yueting ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just enjoying this series so much! Wild Wicked Mate picks up immediately after the end of Big Bad Wolf plotwise, but this time we are following Rafe's younger brother, Theo, and his best friend, Phoebe. And Theo and Fee have been pining after each other for a decade. Their friends-to-lovers tension is out of this world—but so are their insecurities and doubts, which is what ultimately keeps them apart, until sizzling attraction and desperate circumstances culminate in a situation where they can no longer deny each other.

The two of them have such a magnetic connection; they know each other intimately, being the other's safe space, confidant, and best friend for ten years. They have seen each other at their lowest and despite the ways that they've hurt each other in the past and the lines that they both don't dare to cross, it's clear that the love they share is so intimate. There is just the perfect amount of angst and miscommunication between Theo and Fee to make the eventual grovel and reconciliation immensely satisfying, but not too much to make me frustrated or want to stop reading. In fact, I didn't want to put this one down.

I was kicking my feet whenever there was a soft moment between them; I was yelling and causing crinkles in the page of my book when they were both being so obtuse and stubborn and angry. And yet, I was rooting for them every step of the way. Something about a broken sad boy who has a chip on his shoulder just does it for me. Plus, Fee was the absolute sweetest! That girl deserves everything she wants, and that somehow includes a stubborn, emotionally stunted werewolf, so let her have him!

Laurie Gilmore has once again nailed the perfect balance of cozy and plot-driven, letting both shine, but also not going too hard on either. There is a bit less small town shenanigans here, as Theo is a werewolf and Fee is a nymph, so there are fewer interactions with humans. However, they still get caught up in Rafe and Ruby's lives, which ultimately intersect with the town of Maple Hollow. There's also less werewolf politics here than in the first book—but that doesn't mean the complications lessen. This book absolutely feels like a build-up to a confrontation within the werewolf storyline that will happen in Knox's book as he is the pack alpha. Still, the little bit of action here we feel felt high-stakes enough that I was very satisfied.

And the plot also intertwined and affects Theo and Fee's relationship. I loved that I could really understand both of their hurts and why they were afraid to take that next step. They have a loving, but very messy past, where they haven't always been honest. And their personal insecurities stemming from Theo's past with his abusive father and Fee's belief's about what being a nymph means takes a toll on their relationship.

However, I do think they get a very, very satisfying conclusion. We really linger on their reconciliation at the end, and there are so many meaningful gestures and declarations of devotion and tender, warm moments to really satisfy me after wanting them to be together so badly through the whole book. Theo also does a very decent grovel—my favorite.

This series is very quickly becoming a highlight among not just the paranormal or cozy genres, but within romance for me. A huge recommendation if you want a story that lingers on the romance, but also includes a bit of edge with a dangerous plotline. This is one that will make you scream as much as it will make you giggle. It's absolutely worth it.

I am so excited for Knox's book!

﹙ 4 ☆ ﹚

— Thank You Harper360 for the gifted copy!

[Luísa ⋆☽˚⟡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the first one, not even close, but I’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers anyway.

[Deidre · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many promising scenarios, so much mutual yearning, so little honesty.

Theo the werewolf and Phoebee “Fee” the wood nymph have known each other for 10 years. They feel a deep connection and suspect they might be “fated mates,” but naturally, they spend most of that decade talking themselves out of it. Now they’ve teamed up to join the hunt for Ruby’s missing sister, Lena.

Gilmore puts the friends-to-lovers and one-bed/forced-proximity tropes to repetitive work here. The sexual tension is basically the entire plot, but there is so much rehashing of insecurities, past trauma, and reasons they absolutely cannot be together that I started to wonder if these two would ever stop talking about having sex long enough to actually have it.

Guys. YOLO. Just get over yourselves and bang in that waterfall already!

Don’t worry, readers—there’s plenty of spice eventually. This series definitely delivers on the sex scenes. It’s just a matter of surviving the 300 pages of emotional foreplay first.

This was a cozy read in the sense that not much happens, but there’s plenty of distraction from the actual plot. We switch locations constantly and spend a lot of time running around the woods of Maine. At one point, I started wondering when anyone had last worked or changed clothes. I’m pretty sure everyone in Maple Grove is either unemployed, starving, or living in the woods. Do they even have paved roads?

Hopefully, the next book will explain why Lena and Knox are being so secretive and why they have to be MIA to do it—aside from the sexy times they are obviously having. At this point, I’m less interested in finding Lena than I am in finding Lena’s personality. Why is the search taking this long?

I would, however, happily read a friends-to-lovers book about Sawyer the human and Callie the witch. Give me that. I need a break from these damaged werewolf men and Lena’s ongoing drama.

Honestly, I think I might have enjoyed this series more if it were set in the olden days. That’s what I expected from the first book’s cover, anyway. Sometimes the limits of the past would actually serve the story better. Give me horses, lanterns, handwritten letters, and absolutely no cell service. It would up the spooky vibes and make the fact that no one has caught on to the paranormal population yet that much easier to swallow.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on October 20th called, Wild Wicked Mate. This is about Phoebe, she has been best friends with Theo for years, and they've both had feelings for each other but things just never lined up for them to be more than friends. Phoebe knows Theo's pack is important to him, and she keeps saying she isn't one to ever settle down, as strong as her secret feelings are for Theo. But when they are sent together on a road trip to find their missing friend, they are finally stuck with nothing but each other and their feelings for each other. The tension is high, the yearning is strong, and their attraction is absolutely undeniable. But can they each work through their own doubts and issues so they can finally take their friendship to the next level?
This was such a great friends to lovers paranormal romance! After having them as side characters in book one of this series, I was so eager to get their story! I loved getting both past and present so we got their backstory, it really helped make their connection and feelings for each other feel deep and real. I loved their back and forth, the "will they/won't they" get together, it kept me on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened next! These two were from two different worlds, but they just couldn't resist each other. The yearning and chemistry between these two was absolutely *chef's kiss*! The whole story flowed so well, I absolutely flew through it and enjoyed every minute of this book! And I absolutely can't wait for the next book! 💙📚

Thank you to Laurie Gilmore, HarperCollins, and Netgalley for this ARC of Wild Wicked Mate, in exchange for an honest review.

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

"He didn’t want to be friends with this woman. He wanted everything with her."
I’m in love with this series. And this book has everything I love: friends to lovers who seem to be fated for each other but with a dash of right person, wrong time, and then forever.

"So, she resolved to remain Theo’s friend. She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it, even now, even after he’d broken her heart. And she didn’t let herself think of those words whispered in the middle of the night."
There’s always been a connection between Theo and Phoebe. Yes, they’re very different. He’s a werewolf, and they thrive in a pack; she’s a nymph, and those don’t tie themselves to anyone but trees. But somehow, their friendship survived the test of time and it seemed like they could be more. Until one night when Theo broke her heart.

"Sometimes he imagined what his life would be like if he’d been honest. If he’d told Fee everything he felt for her in the broad light of day."
It’s clear to see he didn’t mean to. It’s also clear to see that he doesn’t want to be just friends with her, but he’ll take what he can get. So he keeps showing up, and so does she. They’re there for each other, and while they never cross the invisible line, they’re real friends.
And yes, they really love each other. They just need a push.

"She was a nymph with a Mate or a girl with a boy or a dryad with her big strong, oak tree. However you sliced it, Theo belonged to her and she to him."
Having to look for Lena (if you haven’t read the past book, she’s the sister of the FMC who’s gone missing) pushes them even further together. And then Theo lays it all on the line. He can’t take not being with her anymore. So he proposes a trial period.

"More trial period?"
"Fuck, no. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty fucking convinced, Fee. I want you. Forever."
I mean, they’re clearly attracted to each other, but while physical is obviously on the menu, it’s more than that. He wants her to see what they could be if they allowed each other to.
And what they could be—what they are—is perfect.

"You can be a possessive, jealous asshole."
"Well, I can’t make any promises about that. You are mine, Fee. And wolves don’t like to share."
They fit together so well it’s a wonder it took them so long to get there. And yes, there’s a lot going on with his old pack, Lena’s disappearance, and people constantly interrupting their 'moments'. But when the spice comes, well… It really didn’t disappoint.

"I’ve loved her since the first day I saw her. I belong to her. I’ll be her friend or her Mate or her goddamn oak tree if that’s what she needs!"
There’s a kind of third-act breakup. There’s realization and groveling and painting and love declarations and a bit of swoon… and all of it kept me reading.
The found family element and the fall/winter vibes are so good, and I already can’t wait to read the third book in the series next year!

"Her heart thundered in her chest. Yes to Theo. Yes to forever. Yes to all of it."
There was never anyone else for either of them. They’re wild, they’re wicked, they're mates, and they’re so in love you can feel it. And I loved that most of all.

Thank you to the author, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jennifer W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Theo. There. That’s it. 🙈

No I enjoyed this a lot, and it followed book one but with another couple! I’m very curious for next book 🤭 I need to know what’s going on and what’s actually up with Lena!!!

Phoebe is a lot of fun and I really liked her and Theo together 🤭 the spice is spicin’ people.. omg 😮‍💨

Hoping the next one will be Knox and Lena

[kay]

Dnf 35%

🎧: dual narrators 3/5☆

Couldn't connect with these characters or this story at all.

[Kat Ho · Rating 2 out of 5]

2️⃣⭐️⭐️

I’m disappointed to share that this story didn’t hit for me at all.

After reviewing an ARC of Big Bad Wolf, Harper Collins pre-approved me for an advanced copy of Wild Wicked Mate and I was so pleased, because the first book ended on such a massive cliffhanger.

The sequel, however, had almost no substance to it.

Theo and Phoebe join the search for Ruby’s missing sister, Lena, and are confronted with the feelings they’ve been suppressing for ten years. Sounds fun, right? It teases second chance romance, friends to lovers, epic yearning. But what you get is a massive amount of frustrating miscommunication, cringe worthy dialogue (see: “my wolfy”, ick), and some very, very one dimensional supporting characters.

Where is the plot, you ask? Nowhere. There is no plot. There is no conflict. There’s just a lot of repetitive miscommunication and some soggy angst.

Two stars because I somehow powered my way through this book only to find myself at another cliffhanger. Will not continue.

Thank you to the author, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Maddi Marina · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for providing this arc!

i really wanted to love this but i just didn’t. i usually love friends to lovers but these two were so frustratingly obtuse when it came to their feelings. they danced around shit like no one’s business and the whole book hinges on a lie which is incredibly frustrating and renders the whole plot of the book useless bc phoebe knows and we know what happened… that being said, i’m very invested in the world and resolving the overarching plot so i still want to read book 3. i think ill like it a whole lot better than this one.

[inmyreadingera321 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I’d like this one more than Big Bad Wolf, and I did, but I still don’t think this was quite for me? The pieces were all there, but it just became a little frustrating that Fee and Theo both clearly had such strong feelings for each other, and for such a long time, but were incapable of communicating, having real conversations, being honest, and being understanding.

I understand that Fee keeping a secret was a big part of the plot, but it just felt unnecessary. And, similarly, Theo’s reaction felt so outsized compared to his personality generally.

I’m invested enough to probably read the third book, and I’m hopeful that it’ll be better to me, especially because Knox feels mysterious and interesting to me, but I guess we’ll just have to see…

——————————————————

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Wicked Mate is the second book in the Maple Hollow series. We first meet Theo and Phoebe in the first book in the series and kind of get the feeling that these two are meant to be but aren't really good at talking things out.

In this book we are everyone is looking for Ruby's sister who has gone missing. Phoebe's aunt knows where she is, but the information has to be held in secret. I will admit this would really piss me off to know someone knew where she was while I was running around worried sick about her. But that's me. I'm more of a mess me over and we are done.

Thankfully for this story that's not how everyone will act. Or book three will be weak on characters.

Back to Thoe and Phoebe. I totally love them. From the day they met they both know they should be together sadly talking about serious things isn't in them when they should. Instead, they live their lives and along the way hurt each other. I so badly wanted to duct tape them to chairs and make them talk.

Instead, I kept reading and judging them. It's always easier to be the one reading then dealing with all the emotions and fears.

As their story progresses you start to understand them more. Phoebe is a wonderful person who no matter how hard it is to be around Theo she won't ever not stand with him. And Theo, turns out to be a man with more depth than we first saw. He puts out there that he's nothing but a player but we know better.

Wild Wicked Mate is a fast-paced story that once you start it, you'll fly through it eating it up. I was so happy for them that they finally talked and shared their feelings. This is a great story. I can't wait for the next one.

Blog | Facebook | Instagram |

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what these two needed? A real good shake to day if they would wake up sooner than they did, because they lost some years that could already be together.

Ugh the miscommunication trope, actually even though it had much of that it wasn’t really that bad. Like it irritated me but it literally was the essence of this book. If they didn’t had that problem there wouldn’t even existed a book, so it was for the better in the end.

I never have read a book with a nymph was the fmc, and I loved it well we knew Fee liked her forest and her “sisters” and that is it. Oh also she was supposed to be connected with the oaks.

But ignoring the fact of what paranormal creature she is I liked her character very much even when she lied, I could understand her position while also understanding Theo’s

Their romance was that classic best friends to lovers but I think they had left the first phase a long time ago without realizing but also realizing and ignoring it. But well they gave us some good angst so I can’t complain.

And now there is just one brother missing, and after two books in a row we have a long wait. Maybe this is my last paranormal book of this season? Or not…

[syd · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

okay so this one was better. much better? no. but better. but i prefered theo more mysterious in book 1. why was there a cliffhanger again? i mean ik why cuz the third book is the third brother but be so fr. i’m not surprised so idk why im questioning it. also im sorry theo can’t properly toast toast like several attempts of toasting bread is crazy. and when fee said he eats like a teenage boy…. yeah that was true. but he painted her ceiling and that was beautiful. but hate friends to lovers. 10 years? there’s absolutely no proper excuse for that. also fee is living her customizable dream. wearing coloured eye contacts randomly lmao okay girl. also does the author know what a pixie cut is cuz based on the cover this girl has a bob not a pixie cut who are we fooling here. no one. this book tho was better written than the first i have to say it. that first one was so teenager coded like youthful. at least this one there were actual synonyms and alternative words used. easy read🥱🥱 still dumb tho. but whatever honestly anything here on out from this author has to be better than that first book. even with how much fun i had for that one.

[Cat · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I love Theo and Phoebe and all the characters in this book so much !!! I fell in love with the whole town (and its forest neighbours) in the first book and I was so happy to get to follow them through the second installment of this story.
Unfortunately, due to personal preferences in romances, I did not love the way the love story unfolded between the main two (especially the third act conflict that I felt was handled rather poorly), but I LOVED the many flashbacks to their decade-long friendship and all the teasing and pining, I'm so glad they finally can be happy together!!

Plotwise, the first book was much stronger (almost nothing happens in this one but it's fine!) and I cannot wait for book three when hopefully we'll start to actually get answers when we follow the third couple (NO SPOILERS).

Overall, such a fun series!! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter | HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this ARC. Wild Wicked Mate comes out today, October 20th 2026.

[Booked on Lattes · Rating 4 out of 5]

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

A nymph and werewolf romance is a new one for me but somehow it was a perfect mix for Theo and Fee! I was so excited for this book and wasn’t disappointed!

Their story continues the mystery from the first book, and I loved seeing these two long time friends figure out their feelings for each other all while trying to figure out what was happening in their small town. I will admit that I kind of felt that Theo was too forgiving of Fee in this book, and I wanted to see her grovel, but either way I’m glad they figured things out and there is even a little twist I didn’t see coming!

I am absolutely feral for news over Knox’s book as I can’t wait to find out what has been going on

[Emily · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.

I love friends to lovers so I truly thought this was going to be a 5/5 star read for me. Buuuuuut I found it a little lacking. Them both knowing they were each others mates but refusing to say so to the other through the ENTIRETY of the book? More annoying than "will they won't they" because clearly they will, they LITERALLY have to.

Also very clearly set up book3's romance

I hate that they made her nickname FEFE. Brother are you kidding me?

Overall, a good middle series book that clearly set up book 3 while still giving this book it's own plot for us to get through outside of the romance as well.

[LostLizzie Jayne · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

A cute, easy read that was the perfect palate cleanser between some heavier, darker novels. It delivered exactly what I needed: romance, miscommunication, a little spice and… WEREWOLVES?! Hello, sign me the hell up! Is it a literary masterpiece that will change my life? No. Did it entertain me, give my brain a break and hit the spot perfectly? Absolutely. Sometimes you don’t need award-winning prose; sometimes you just need a bit of romance and a furry man with commitment issues.

[Bo Verhoef · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dit plot was nog dunner dan het vorige deel. Second chance romance, maar eigenlijk zijn ze nooit niet verliefd geweest. En ik HAAT LIEGEN EN INFORMATIE ACHTERHOUDEN TOT IN MIJN ZIEL.

Ik vind Lauries boeken echt altijd heerlijk weglezen, maar de verhalen in deze boeken hangen echt aan zulke zijden draadjes en het is zo jammer, want ik vind het concept van drie broers en weerwolven en dreigingen zo leuk. Dus ik ben sip.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Big Bad Wolf I was so excited to go back to Maple Hollow.

I enjoyed Theo and Phoebe’s story, the relationship they have is really lovely, a true friends to lovers.

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first, I think the two could have been made into one book. I loved the dynamic (even with the constant lack of communication 🙄) but just felt like not a lot really happened.

These books are described as standalone’s, but if you’re anything like me the over arching story would annoy you if you hadn’t read Big Bad Wolf first. In my opinion you need the back story before going into Wild Wicked Mate and then we’ll hopefully get an interesting conclusion in book 3.

I have enjoyed these books so far, I will continue reading but for me they aren’t as good as the Dream Harbour series.

[Chelsey Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is the 2nd book of the Maple Hollow series (the new paranormal romance series by Laurie Gilmore). I am enjoying these books so much more than I expected to! They're the perfect, cozy, fall read too.

Theo belongs to a family of wolves, but has left them and now lives on his own in Maple Hollow. Him & Fee have been friends for so long, and they have each fought against their feelings for one another. They end up going on a road trip together, and this time together might just change everything for them.