Wilder

Ruthless #3

by Vivian Lux

Scarlett:

The whole world thinks they know him, but no one knows him like I do. Keir Wilder may be the lead singer of the biggest rock band on the planet, but he was once the boy next door. He was my first love. He put a ring on my finger. But I couldn't stay with him.

That was a long, long time ago.

Now I need help, and he's the only one who can save me. I know he will...

If he can forgive me.

Keir:

Five years ago I waited for her but she never showed up. I tried to find her, but she disappeared.

If she thinks she can just walk back into my life with no explanation, she is mistaken.

Sure I'll help her. I'll fix it. That's what I do. I'm a problem solver and I don't let go until things are the way they should be.

Like me and Scarlett, together again.

Now that I have her back in my life, I'm not letting her run away from me again. We're about to leave on tour and I don't care what the rest of the band thinks. Or even what she thinks.

She's coming with me.


Note to readers: This standalone book takes place after events in RANE but there is no need to read them in order. And as a special bonus, I'm including a free copy of my first rockstar book JAX

Genres: Romance, Musicians, Contemporary Romance, Lost Love, Abuse, Celebrity, Adult

476 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2016

About the author

Vivian Lux is a penname for author Theresa Leigh

Theresa Leigh is a romance author whose love of reading is so intense, she sometimes injures herself by walking around with her nose in a book. She loves writing stories that have you feeling every emotion... sometimes all on the same page.

​

After five years of writing romance under a penname, Theresa finally decided to own up to how she was spending her all time. Her mother now knows all about the kinds of books she writes. She reacted more positively to it than Theresa expected.

​

Theresa lives and writes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State (not the city) (that distinction is important to her), where she lives with her husband, twin sons and twin orange cats, Pumpkin and Jackie O’Lantern. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys eating too much Thai food, walking around barefoot, and cooing baby talk at her cats.

Reviews

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really fallen hard in love with this series! Keir Wilder is the lead singer of the biggest rock band around. It looks like he has everything, but deep down, he's never gotten over his first love. As much as he wants to move on, he finds he can't, so he spends a lot of time alone. Scarlett knows Keir like no one else on the planet, as he once was the boy next door and love of her life. Life events set in motion forced her to walk away without a word, breaking both of their hearts in the process. Now five years later, she needs his help to save her. Keir decides to fix it for her, but on his terms, so he forces her to go on tour with them. As they spend all their time together in close quarters, the feelings they thought were gone, rise up to prove them wrong. Keir decides he's not letting her go again, but will he be able to fully forgive her?

WOW! This story was so emotional that all my girly girl feelings were on the surface the whole time. The character development is fantastic, with a highly entertaining cast of secondaries. A fast paced, emotionally charged, and well written storyline flows smoothly. Even after all the years that passed, simmering chemistry sent sparks out of my kindle, leading to SMOKIN' HOT sexy scene goodness. Vivian Lux's talented writing style reeled me in from the beginning, kept my emotions on my sleeve while my heart raced, and threw in some twists that made for awesome OMG moments! I cannot wait to read more of this series, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Clarke · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.2 Stars. If I had to sum up this book in one word. Stupid.

Keir wasn't a bad character but Scarlett I could've done without. She was a constant victim but used people (it didn't matter to me if she was aware of it or not). Scarlett was the girl next door with the overwhelming parents. Keir had a single parent home. They fall in love and plan on getting married but on the day they're supposed to run away she vanishes. Fast forward several years and Keir gets a call from her to interview him now that's he's a famous rocker. Scarlet only calls him because she wants to keep her job (apparently she's had his number all these years). Losing her job isn't her only problem she also has a crazy ex boyfriend.

Keir is obviously confused and angry but he still takes the interview. Even after he does this favor she is still unwilling to explain why she just disappeared. Keir just can't let her go so he ropes her into going on tour with him. Much drama, angst, flirting and tears ensue. It finally comes out why she disappeared that day. I wasn't satisfied by her explanation but hey I don't have to date her. Her apology and explanation came way too late for me.

After reading a couple chapters I couldn't take anymore so I skimmed to the end of the book. I might give this author another chance but to be honest her other characters didn't call to me either...

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a second chance at love story with some rock and roll. Scarlett and Keir share a past. Scarlett's parents were extremely strict, It was an abusive situation. Her mother controlled her very movement, Keir was the opposite. He and his brother were pretty much on their own for the most part. We have the sheltered catholic school girl and the rebel rock star wanna be. They share a teenage love affair. But true to form, they are separated. Keir is blindsided and devastated. he has a hard time moving on. Scarlett tries to move on but she ends up in a bad relationship. when they meet up again, they learn each other again and things fall back in line. The story was a little slow for me. It didn't really pick up until more than half way through the book. I liked Keir. He was a sweetheart under the rock roll bad boy persona. Scarlett was still a little too innocent, There was a lot of back and forth. I gather that there was a previous book about the brother. I didn't read that story and did not think it is necessary. The other members of the band seem interesting. they should make good stories too.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance novel that will have you at the edge of your seat. Kier has been in love with one girl since he was a teenager. They made a promise to each other, one that he planned living the rest of his life with, but she never kept her end of the promise. Five years later Scarlet is back in his life and he isn't letting go no matter what.
Scarlet has felt unconditional love only once in her life and that was from her high school sweetheart Kier. They made a promise of forever, but when it came to actually following through with it she had to leave her love behind.
Things and life change people can Kier and Scar overlook the past and fall in love again?
This is more than just a rock -n-roll romance, no this is about two people growing and learning to live with their choices and their pasts. Of learning that they can hold each other up and not try to fix them. Partners in love and life is what they learn from being apart, and that being apart is not what is in their future.

[Michelle Cage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review

This is a second chance love story for Keir and Scarlett. Scarlett left Keir and had not contacted him in over five years until faced with the possibility of losing her job also meant losing her new found freedom which she didn't want to see happen. Keir managed to become part of top earning band and when Scarlett who works for a music magazine needs an interview, she calls Keir. Keir agrees to the interview in hopes of getting the answers he's been denied for five long years only to find himself wanting even more after coming face to face with Scarlett. The reader is taken on a journey with these two characters as they struggle with their shared past, getting over hurt feelings, secrets and a crazy ex, but you find yourself cheering them on hoping they can make it a second time around.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This is the second book in this series and Scarlet and Keir’s story will not disappoint you.

Keir has only ever loved one girl and kept her high on a pedal stool for over five years, despite his fame, good looks and rock & roll life no other girl has pulled him in or even drawn his attention.

Scarlet ran away but why? , the secrets of the past slowly unfold throughout this story will two lost broken souls finally make it together or have things changed too much over the past five years.

Wilder contains drama, secrets, some violence and lots of sexy time.

[Nicole Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Please note this novel is not for readers under 18**. A quick read, sweet story, though the characters' "revelations" seemed to happen a bit frequently for me. Overall I enjoyed it, I would definitely read more by this author.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was really good and the author had the rockstar in this situation pinning away for his lost love. Usually it’s the girl in this situation of not getting over a lost love. Keir is a musical genius and even with thousands of adoring fans he can’t forget Scarlet, his one love and it’s been five years. Fate puts her in his path and it seems like she’s been living in LA all this time, so close to him. He wants to see her because he wants to know why she didn’t meet up with him the night they were going to run away. This story has child abuse, domestic violence and this a survival story but mostly it was romantic. I loved the Wilder brothers and can’t wait to read the next two stories. So far this series has been worth every cent. I recommend this book highly.

[Kristin A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Keir and Scarlett. The reporter/rock star trope is sometimes overused. The author amped up the tension by including an ex-boyfriend into the fray. This was a short read, written in first person between Keir and Scarlett. This book is also a second chance love story. The story is interesting enough to keep the pages turning.

I'm a bit upset because Wilderis only 50% of the ebook I received from Kindle Unlimited. Really, I can't gripe because it was free, but the fact that the book such a small portion of the ebook could have been clarified.

[Mona williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was great! had a hard time following the story line. its about two people who are young and in love. only her parents wont accept that. so there torn apart from each other. years later they meet up again. hes famous and she is a reporter. can these two pick up where they left off? read to find out what happens

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second chance to romance story, Scarlet ran away from Keir when she was 18 years old and settled into an abusive relationship which she also tried to run away from.
Keir had always loved Scarlet and when she finally contacted him he used his fame to keep her near,
This was well written but at times i wished Scarlet would have been braver!

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a the kind of story that happens in the world almost everyday, but I love the twist of having a Rock-God and the Girl nest door have a happily ever after. I love how I was stuck into the story so much that I started yelling at the characters to get it together, those are my favorite kind of book.

[Delfi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐
Fue un libro entretenido, me gustó!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett was a groupie for Keir Wilder’s rock band before there even was a rock band. Keir was an up and coming star, brother and son of a single dad living next door to Scarlett, two years his junior. Except when Scarlett turns 18 and he proposes, he abusive and controlling mother sees the ring and threatens to have Keir arrested for rape so Scarlett does the only thing she knows how to do. She runs away without any explanation and breaks Keir’s heart. Now 7 years later, with her music reporter job on the line, she has to use her one ace card to ensure she can continue to pay her rent on her new apartment so her abusive ex doesn’t find her. Keir, in a drunken mess of self-denial responds by inviting her on their tour with them.
Keir wants desperately to know what happened and why she didn’t show the day they were to disappear but Scarlett won’t tell him. She won’t say anything about that. At first Keir is hurt, then he just wants to be around her and then he is hurt again as he knows absolutely nothing about the new her. Scarlett learns she never really knew Keir either, just the idea of him. But she also learns that despite her tragic past, the only way to have a successful relationship with another person is to open up and trust that they will know what to do with your inner most secrets and love you anyway.
This was a great book with lots of information given to the reader but even more held secret until the end. Whatever you think, I guarantee it is worse. It is quite amazing Scarlett can hold down a job. She should be such a broken mess but she holds things together and does what needs to be done. By comparison, Keir is not handling the rejection so well and he can come across too much as poor me as anyone could see whatever Scarlett is hiding is big and way beyond rejecting him. It all works though as when she really needs him, he finds a way to be there for her. So touching and tragic but also hot and sexy. A definitely must read.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two books talking about the same subject - loving relationship between half-brothers - I confess that I thought this one would be the same. But I was mistaken.

WILDER tells the story of another Ruthless' member band, vocalist Keir Wilder.
He fell in love five years ago for his neighbor Scarlett when she was 16 years old.
At first they were jogging partners. Then, Scar went to watch the garage band rehearsals. When she turned 18, Keir asked her to marry him and she accepted. They had agreed that she would run away when the first tour of the band happened in NY.

Scarlett's family was weird, especially her mother who always treated her badly. To Scarlett would be a relief to get rid of that burden. But on the day of run away Scarlett didn't appear. In fact She disappeared and Keir was 5 years without having heard from her.

Until the day his phone rings and it's Scarlett wanting to schedule an interview with Keir. He was the only member of the band that NEVER gave interviews, but for her, he made an exception. And he did more to ensure that she would be around.

But Scarlett had secrets. She hadn't told why she never appeared on that day 5 years ago; she didn't say she had an abusive ex-boyfriend who was catching her, but mostly she hadn't yet told to Keir how much she loved him.

When all the secrets come to the fore, would the couple still have a chance in the future?

The story surprised me. The pace is very good.
Curious to know if the other members of the band will have their stories told.

5 stars

[Jenny Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

In this book we get get Keir Wilder and Scarlett Sawyer' story. We get hints of something more happened between these two 5 years earlier but Keir is just as tight lipped now as he was then. Keir has always loved Scarlett he still does to this day. He can't be with anyone else because he feels like he is cheating and in turn his body just shuts down. So one day out of the blue when Scarlett calls him he doesn't know what to do. Does he go after the woman of his dreams demand answers and possibly get her back? Or will he get the closer he needs and finally be able to move on?

Scarlett has gone through a lot in her life even more in the last 5 years. Since everything fell apart with her and Keir she hasn't truly given her heart away again. She left it with him on the day she couldn't meet him. The problem is during that time she has developed another problem one that could kill her if given the chance. So when she gets the chance to meet with her white knight again, there is a part of her that wants him to rescue her but a part of her that wants to stand on her own two feet. Will she give Keir the answers he has been looking 5 years for or will she hold back to keep the man she loves just a little bit longer?

This is a great book about finding a bright spot in a lonely and tiring existence. This books shows us that sometimes loving someone isn't easy but what comes out in the end can be something amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[MyzanM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't make up my mind if I sort of liked this book or if it was bad. I choose to giv the book 2 stars because there were actually parts that I really liked. Even if there was even more that I disliked, the parts that I liked lifted the enjoyment of reading significantly.

The story is told in first person by Scarlet and Kier. I sometimes have problems with this type if writing because I don't feel like it gives me the best view of things and a lot of surrounding details are either missed or making the character rambling about things that never crosses into normal people's minds. The latter can make a reader loose interest. In addition there can be problems with the character building. Despite being told from their perspective it can be hard to really get to know the characters if the author isn't exceptionally good at this type of story telling.
Unfortunately I feel that all of the above applies to this story.

I found this book to be boring and tedious to get through and some passages of repetitive stuff was just skimmed.

I further feel like the unresolved conflict between Scarlett and Kier and the band is blown out of proportion. I would have thought there was a darker secret behind their breakup and all the hints strewn out through out the story don't add up in the final revelation. There are still a few loose ends.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wilder: A Rockstar Romance by Vivian Lux is a second chance rockstar romance that I loved. The characters are complex and have you desiring more. The story line was outstanding and had me rooting for Scarlett to trust in Keir and find a HEA they both should have been able to have years ago.

The new insight I have regarding Keir Wilder from this book has me regret stating in the review for Rane: A Rockstar Stepbrother Romance by Vivian Lux that I didn’t like him. I just needed to know more about him so he could grow on me and I could understand his character on a deeper level. I won’t change the review because it was based on that book, which was prior to this one.

Scarlett Sawyer was trying to protect Keir and herself when she was younger and Keir has no idea what happened, why she left him. Some readers may feel she was not good enough for Keir, but I understand how emotional and physical abuse can damage and change a person making them seem weak.

I am rating Wilder: A Rockstar Romance by Vivian Lux 4.8 stars! I will happily read it again and again along with recommend this book to my friends. I can’t wait for the next book! Vivian Lux you are a rockstar of rockstar romance writers.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. I was really looking forward too it but for me it fell a little short. I felt it was dragging on and on. It took like 15 chapters before the characters were reconnected and even speaking to each other. Scarlett broke Keir heart but yet he was the one constantly forgiving and trying to make it work. I felt he deserved better but just felt there really wasn't any connection between the two. Everything was kind of skimmed over and their past was never really discussed all that much. And we don't find out to the LAST chapter why she actually did what she did.... and it wasn't even a good enough reason. But I was kinda mad about the epilogue. Keir said he wanted a wife and kids and I was expecting more of a happily ever after. Instead the epilogue just brought up unnecessary drama and really had nothing to do with their future. I wanted him to get what he wanted for once because I really liked this character. He was sweet. forgiving and always trying to fix things.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a lovely second chance romance story. Keir and Scarlett fell in love with each other when they were teenagers. Scarlett was brought up in a very strict and abusive home, which Keir and his brother were basically left to bring themselves up. When Scarlett leaves suddenly, Keir is left devastated, and unable to understand why, and move on. Five years later Scarlett contacts Keir in order to get an interview from him.
Will this be the meeting they both desperately need to move on? Will the secrets that Scarlett holds onto finally come out? You really need to read this for yourself in order to get answers. It is a truly great story.
This is not the first book which I have read of Vivian’s and she never disappoints. I really hope that the rest of the band gets the chance to have their voices heard. As always I recommend and love Vivian’s work.

[Jen Wildner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read Vivian's work before and I enjoyed it so I was excited to read more! Keir and Scarlett's story wasn't easy, they both had pasts they'd like to forget, parents who didn't care, and a love they thought could withstand anything.
Scarlett has a lot to learn and needs to come to terms with things she can't control or never could control. But I liked her, she stood her ground and held her high when she needed to. Keir, my goodness, I wanted to crawl in between the pages and cuddle this sexy man! Of course he had his own issues, mainly letting go but he was there for Scarlett no matter what, where, or when. The story from page to page so smoothly and I kept my attention to the very end. I didn't put it down until I read the last word, and it left me wanting more!! One click now if you want a sexy story with humor, suspense, and a great love story! I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!!

[Amanda Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big lover of second chance romances, and was given this book in exchange for an honest review, and boy this book doesn't disappoint.

Keir and Scarlett share a past - now the lead singer of the rock group Ruthless, Keir has only ever loved one girl... Scarlett. Waiting for her 18th birthday to propose, the young lovers were supposed to run away together to New York, but she disappeared without a word, and it would be 5 years later before Keir would here from her again.

Working for a music magazine, and needing to secure an interview with Keir to save her job, Scarlett barrels back into Keir's life...will secrets and an abusive ex boyfriend ruin Keir and Scarletts second chance at love?

Vivian takes you on an emotional ride with this book....and I enjoyed every minute of it, I would definitely recommend this book, and hopefully we'll see some further books based around the other members of the group...well a girl can dream

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story about second chance love, rock and roll and ghost from the past. Five years ago things were set for life as far as Keir Wilder was concerned. However what do they say about the best laid plans and all that. Yeah he didn't get to have the complete dream. The girl, the rock star life and happily ever after. He was miserable without Scarlett but he did get the fame, however empty that left him. When Scarlett had to do a story on his band to save her career he agreed thinking he could help her, fix her. When they get close to having it all, life happens and the past comes back to haunt them. Will they be able to fight past the ghosts from the last five years and get the happily ever after? I'd tell you but I'd rather you find out for yourself, read the story and see what happens.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting to read Scarlet and Keir’s story. And boy was I not disappointed. I have read some of Vivian Lux books before and I thought I had a favorite of hers. Boy was I mistake. I loved this book. Scarlet and Keir have a past. A rocky past at that. Five years ago Scarlet left. She ran. Why she ran is a mystery you will have to figure out. She broke Keir’s heart. Now she’s back. She needs Keir’s help. What will that help cost her? Keir is upset that she is back but he is also happy. He wants his re-do. He wants her. Will he be able to forgive and move on? Will Keir be able to move on from what Scarlet did to him 5 years ago? Will they get back together for their Happily Ever After or will they let their past ruin the present. You will have to read to find out.

[Jennifer Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning of possible triggers... Domestic and such.
I have to say I LOVED this story. Thought it was a wonderfully new take on the same story. Bad boy meets good girl, something tears them apart, they find each other later. But the spin on this one makes it worth the read. I LOVE that in this story its the man pining away from the separation! Absolutely every womans dream. Kier and "Scar"lett were high school sweethearts. He was the bad boy from next door (across the street) and she was the good little Catholic girl. But there was so much buried inside each of them, and her family dynamics I so related to her! 5 years later fate throws them together again and they have to work through their feelings. Both being forced to face new truths, and old scars. What a wonderful story!

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay, so it's really more 4.5 Stars. Only reason it didn't get five stars is because I didn't love it quite as much as its predecessor, Rane, which I looooved. Keir and Scarlett didn't have quite the same magic, in my opinion, that Rane and Maddie had. However, that being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed Wilder. I thought Keir and Scarlett's story flowed well and was developed well from the glimpses we got in Rane. Being from Western New York, I thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo references. I liked the flashback scenes and thought they worked well to develop the back story between these two and support the fact that he never got over her. I love a sensitive bad boy and Ms. Lux write them so well. One can only hope that she continues to do so.

[Jen Zingaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book about the Ruthless guys. I have read every one and they just keep getting better. This can totally be read as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and pick up Jax and Rane first because they are awesome. This story is about the lead singer Keir and his longtime lost love Scarlett. She had disappeared 5 years prior on the day they were to run away together and he's never gotten any answers. This book is about their story. Just loved this couple. Keir hasn't been in a relationship since she left and the reasons that she left aren't what he thinks.
Arc received for honest review.

[Vero Stro · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed Wilder. This is the second book in this series. This time is the story of Scarlet and Keir. This second 'chance romance is sweet,with lots of angst and a great plot.

Keir has loved Scarlet since they were both teenagers and she was her neighbor. Scarlet was madly in love with Keir. suddenly she disappears. he becomes the lead singer of Ruthless,she is a journalist for a magazine specialized in music.

Keir never forgot her,she is leaving behind an abusive relationship. After 5 years without any news they meet again...

Sometimes I wanted to shake Scarlet because she seemed really stubborn. A very enjoyable reading. I couldn't put the book down.

[oneclickkindlechick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian Lux has a way of writing that takes the readers directly into her books with the characters. In Wilder you have the life of a Rockstar who is Keir Wilder and his many fans. Can he have just one night of peace and quiet? Probably not but why not try. And if nothing else can happen deny who you are right? Maybe that works for some but probably won't work for Keir. He meets Scarlett and well she just doesn't act like the typical groupies. But can he trust someone he just meet. I love a great Rockstar Romance and this one has it all. I can't wait to read what this author may have coming in the future.

[Rachael Dollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book! Scarlett is broken and has to overcome not only her broken past, but an abusive relationship. She finds her one true love again, but does he forgive her for breaking his heart.

Keir is a Rockstar that has women throwing themselves at him, but he still has a broken heart from his one true love.

Can Keir forgive Scarlett and can Scarlett overcome all of her pain and heartache? Will she give her heart to Keir and will they find the happiness that they always were meant to have?

Vivian Lux, fantastic book. Heartache, Rescue, Love and Sex. As always, you did not fail us.