Wild Card

by Ava Ashley

The hits that hurt the most are the ones you don't see coming.



For me, that hit came six years ago when the girl next door, my best friend, betrayed me.



I've spent every day since then learning how to protect myself. How to fight. How to shove the memories of her so deep they never see the light of day. The taste of her lips, the brush of her hair against my face as we ... anyway, it worked. Mostly.



Until now.



When a motorcycle accident lands me on forced leave from my MMA career, my manager convinces me to spend the downtime fixing my bad boy image. Which is how I end up in the last place I ever expected to a reality dating show.



I tell myself I don't care. It's just one more distraction from thoughts of her , and that's all I need.



And then she walks on set.



If you think I burn to touch her, to run my hands through that dark silky hair and do all the dirty things to her I haven't let myself think about for six years ...



You're so wrong.



She screwed me, in more ways than one.



F#@k my public image. This show wants fireworks? I'll give them the damn Fourth of July.



*** Wild Card is a standalone full-length romance novel with an HEA, no cheating or cliffhangers. It was previously published under a different title in a two-book series. ***

Genres: Second Chance, Fighters, Contemporary, Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2017

About the author

Amazon bestselling author Ava Ashley may look like the girl next door, but her steamy romances reveal a very naughty side. Raised in small town Ohio and now living in Homer, Alaska it’s amazing that she hasn’t increased the average temperature in her area of the state with her steamy writing. And she loves reading new adult romance novels as much as she enjoys writing them.

Ava likes spending time outdoors and does a lot of hiking and cycling with her husband and four children. When she can get away on her own, she’ll often take pen and paper along, find a secluded spot and let the environment inspire her. Of course, that inspiration frequently results in characters tearing each other’s clothes off, but you would expect nothing less from a romance writer.

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: ➳ ❤ Wild Card
Author: ➳ Ava Ashley



ღ Six years ago Rafe Maddox did something to try & save the love of his life, in the process she broke his heart. He serviced 3 years of his life behide bars
► It’s been 3 years since he been release & he has made something of his life

► Rafe is an MMA fighter & getting ready to fight of his dreams light-heavyweight MMA champion, Jesus Mariaso. Unexpected events occurred to both fighters

► Rafe”s manger convinces him to to do one of those 4-6 weeks reality dating show to get good promotion & publicity.

♥●• Lily Sullivan wants to reconnect with her lost love & what better way to do it on a Dating Show. But she must compete with fifteen other women excluding herself.

►Lily has to endure competition after competition with each women to win back trust from Rafe.

♥●• Rafe of course is cold to Lily, & can’t forget their past?

💞. A few twists & turn moments,
Will Rafe be able to let go of the past & let Lily tell her side of the story? Will Lily survive the competition? And even if she does will Rale choose her over the rest?

📚 I love Second chance Romance story – these two were best friends as teenage, lovers as young adults- Now as adults will they be able come their past & learn to trust each once again?


➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion

➦ 💕 I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* ** 💕

💕 ✎Paulette ❤💕

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I haven't read anything like this. It's steamy with some suspense. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I love Ava Ashley stories and this one is no different. This book Wild Card is a great second chance story between two people that started out young, lost themselves, and might find each other now that they are older.
I will say Rafe does not want to corporate when it comes to Lily. And Lily will do anything including getting on a reality show to talk to Rafe.
Pretty good second chance story. Would reread again. I voluntary read an advance readers copy for my honest review.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

copy received in exchange for honest review
This book was better than I anticipated. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Lily and Rafe get a second chance at love after a 6 year separation. A lot of things happened and their lives changed a lot during that separation. Rafe has hated Lily for the past 6 years. He blames her for leaving him when things got rough. He wants nothing to do with her. After a motorcycle accident sidelines him, Rafe has time on his hands.Lily has spent the last few years regretting her part in the their separation. Lily wants Rafe back in her life. A reality dating show, a group of beautiful, competitive women and a sneaky producer are all that separate Lily from what she wants. She needs to bring her A game and get his attention. The story kept my attention. There were a few moments of anxiety and tension. A lot of sexy scenes with Rafe and Lily add to the romance. I liked that the author did not rush Rafe's feelings and keep the story moving at a good pace.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received An ARC at no cost to author. This was a second chance romance that you should read. You will feel for both Lily and rafe, and the thing that I enjoyed was we got to glimpse the past an understand a little more of what they went thru and their love for each other. Even though Rafe thinks that Lily betrayed him he is still in love..I can't tell you more because you need to read! Enjoy!

[Maralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! I think every fantasy came true just reading this book

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So taking a step from my normal pnr reads - and into another perfect zone for me - adult chick lit. These are books filled with a great storyline with everyday people with some sizzling scenes added to make it adult!

Right off I'm gonna do this....

🌟🌟🌟🌟SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD🌟🌟🌟🌟

So I'm covered if I accidentally open my big mouth!!!!
Just gonna note here too that I was kindly given a copy from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review of the book!!

So please scroll down!!!












I really did enjoy this book! The main characters were likeable, connectable and you could feel the relationship between them. The chemistry was written amazingly well and the sex scenes were just plain hot!
I've been reading some chick lit recently where the chemistry hasn't been there and they've ended up in bed and in love but it leaves almost a wrong feeling in your mind.  THIS is how it's meant to be!

The whole storyline from the MMA postponing thru the dating game and into the epilogue is written well, clearly researched and as such it shows and is fun to read! All of it could be identified as a possibility to happen in life - meaning the actions and emotions were realistic and not too far off the everyday real life path!!

Rafe is a strong male character with a solid foundation of history and a budding career in MMA fighting (the author has done great research on the details of this too!).  While waiting and training for his chance at a championship, his opponent gets in an accident and trouble causing a cloud of doubt over the match. With this hanging over him, Rafe goes for a bike ride and gets into an accident himself.......

This is the precursor to the main storyline of the reality dating show. As he can't train as hard his manager convinces him it would be great publicity for him to do this.....

What the director for the show DIDN'T tell him was that his old girlfriend and,  cause of many problems, was going to be on it.....
And the contracts are already signed....

As blind as Rafe is going in, Lily knows he'll be there. In fact that's WHY she's there. He won't talk to her. For six years she's tried to talk to him and he won't acknowledge her. This is her last ditch attempt.

There's a past between them...one of pain and hurt that needs to be dealt with....but Rafe won't listen.....how can lily make him??
There's also a history of friendship, caring and love. And neither one can deny feeling so strongly about anyone ever since....

The dating game is a great scenario and I love the spin that's put on it with the little hints like fixing the volleyball game so Lilys team could win; putting blank slips of paper into the hat and pretending to pull names out when really they've been pre-selected! Very sneaky!! The director is also always trying to put some sort of twist to their reactions to each other.

I love the slow gradualness of the rebuilding of so many emotions between Rafe and Lily. It's not quick. It's not clear cut. It's confusing. As it would be. Chuck in the fact you be got 14 other women there.....!!??

One dating game.
Fifteen women. One man. One winner.
Two fighting for their past and for the sake of any kind of future.

Trying like crazy not to give too much away!! But it's a fun read!! Go get it!!


As a side note - just to confirm this book is definitely aimed at adults, with moderate to high use of strong language.
Sex scenes are between a consenting male and female adult and of the purely "vanilla" type  (but do NOT let that make you think it's not sizzling cos it Is!!!!)

[Lisa Marie Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! WOW!! Ava Ashley is a First time AUTHOR for me and She Had Me Melting over Rafe in Chapter ONE!! WILD CARD is a Second chance Romance story of Lily & Rafe. Honestly, I could not put it down since starting this their Story. Rafe Maddox is an MMA fighter and getting ready to fight the reigning light-heavyweight MMA champion, Jesus Mariaso. Until he gets in Big Trouble one morning & then Rafe gets into a motorcycle accident later in the same day. In order for him to get better and heal for his Upcoming Main fight, he must appear on a Dating show to get good promotion & publicity. It's just a show, an entertainment show but until Rafe sees Lily on the set when everything Explodes in his face!
Lily Sullivan wants to reconnect with her lost love and what better way to do it on a Dating Show. But she must compete with fifteen other women excluding herself. It's been six years since she last talk to Rafe since they grew up together being that they were next door neighbors at a young age. They fast become Best Friends and did everything together growing into lovers throughout the years. Then One day, everything comes Crashing down on Both of them and they lose track of each other for six years where they are now seeing other on this Show.
Rafe is very cold towards Lily in the beginning not knowing what to do about this whole situation, bringing up Old Horrible memories on how they were ripped apart from each other. Lily has to endure competition after competition with each women to win back trust from Rafe. The women relies they have to compete with an Old Flame and has alittle of advantage with Rafe. As the crew films this show daily, Rafe relies that there is Still a Connection between him & Lily and slow softens him.
WILD CARD is such an Suspenseful and Emotionally Beautiful story between TWO humans that are finding their footing after a long period time away from each. Slowly Relearning, Retrusting and Reloving each other while out in the Open for the Public to see. THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK and You Will Not Be Disappointed!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Shawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a world wind of feelings for both characters.... I loved how Ava gives you a full back story of the past and present day of how it all began. I too experience a 2nd chance at love and I was just like Lily I jumped at it and held onto it for dear-life because he was worth it and is also now my husband. I could not put the book down it a turn pager for sure. I wish the epilogue was longer to see them 5 yrs. from the ending but I know she had to cut it short. If I was you I would grab a hot tea, a copy of the book with a warm blanket and enjoy the escape of this book.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and Rafe
This is a great second chance Romance. Rafe has always been in love with Lily until he thought she betrayed him. He spent time in jail then became a MMA fighter. He winds up on a dating show like the bachelor and Lily is one of the women trying to win his heart. I really enjoyed Lily and Rafe’s story. I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading this arc.

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was unique in a certain way because even though there are tons of dating shows on TV, it's quite a change to read about one in a book. And it wasn't just about entertainment, though the dating show was just a means to an end for the characters to find back to each other. It just took a while for them to warm up which wasn't surprising after all, considering their pasts and current circumstances. It was highly entertaining and by the time when H and h were finally getting closer, I adored the characters and was swooning over Rafe. =P

I really liked the emotional aspect and that the characters had to work to find to each other again as there was no possibility to pick up where they’d left off, because so much had happened in between.

For no apparent reason did I not expect for the dating show to run through the entire book, however, it turned out pretty amazing actually, although it was a slow burn and went at a rather leisurely pace.

The Story:
Rafe was preparing for the fight he's been waiting for a long time, but when a motorcycle accident forces him to slow down on his training, his manager persuades him to participate in a dating show. After all, it can't be that bad to have a bunch of beautiful women flirt with him and compete for him. What he didn't expect though, is to come face to face with the woman who left him six years ago. The one he went to jail for and never thought to see again. This show became a lot more irritating with her appearance. How the hell will he get through the next few weeks?

'I'd know her anywhere, any time, even after six years. At the sight of her, the floor drops out from under me and ice water fills my stomach. Pain hits my chest like a two-thousand-pound wrecking ball.'

Thoughts:
The characters were likeable and the story realistically and very well written; it was hard to put the book down.
I absolutely loved all the details we got about Rafe's passion MMA. I’m not one for any kind of violent sport, but felt oddly fascinated by it in this book.

Rafe was a fighter and physically very tough, but his heart still ached because of Lily. She hurt him and broke his heart which made him even more wary about opening up to other people.

'The only girl I ever had a real relationship with, a monogamous relationship, is here. The only girl I ever let hurt me. And she broke me, badly.'

I rooted for Rafe although sometimes I wanted to give him a push to his luck, but I understood why he was guarded and I was thankful that he got his time to heal and wasn't rushed into anything by the author.

'With his stance, his personality, his bulging muscle, he's like a god. A very angry god. His dark eyes scan the line of woman and stop on me. I stare right back at his cold eyes like we're strangers. Because we are now. We're nothing to each other. Except that, once upon a long fucking time ago, we were everything to each other.'

I really enjoyed this book a lot despite its slow pace. It felt like watching a dating show in slow motion but maybe that was just because I read rather slowly.

In such an environment it kind of had to be expected for Rafe to have fun with other women and this was something I usually do not like in a romance book. I know there’s always a past with other people but as soon as the heroine comes back in the picture, there shouldn’t be another woman. I don’t want to give anything away and won’t tell you if something happened in the book or not, it’s just that the thought alone that there could be someone else during this show was frustrating and had me on the edge every time he was near another contestant.

Honestly, I was no fan of Lily for a long while at first because it felt like she wanted Rafe back because of his fame and money. She was so desperate for him and it felt so off, but I warmed up to her later on.

I really liked the secondary characters though. They all added a lot to the story, and not just the contestants but also Quentin, Rafe's manager.

This book is highly recommended not only because it’s an entertaining up-to-date romance and the best alternative to watching TV =)

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance that takes place while the couple are filming a dating show 'The Bachelor/Bachelorette" style. He's the star bachelor and she's one of the many ladies vying for his love. There are some heated moments (and not just of the steamy variety.) He's resented her for the way they broke up years ago, but she's determined to make him understand, but can she get him to see reason before he kicks her off the show?

I enjoyed the plot as a whole and the way the characters are forced to deal with each other. There's a lot of action and the story moves from scene to scene pretty quickly. There are plenty of extra characters to fill in the spaces and add dilemmas for the lead couple. (And you just have to roll your eyes at a few of those characters.) There's no lack of challenges they have to face. It has that element of suspense in regards to a few 'secrets' she has as she works up the nerve to reveal the truth to him. And all the will he/won't he forgive me. There are several sex scenes, but they are not over the top and pretty mild with the picture that the author paints for us.

SPOILER ALERT: I will admit I enjoyed the first half or so of the book better than the last. There was all that tension between the characters in the beginning, but after he started warming up to her most of it faded. Don't get me wrong, of course I wanted her to get the guy, but when it became obvious to everyone (including all the other girls that were trying to get his attention,) it made the whole reality dating show aspect feel fake and not believable. The couple were constantly sneaking off together, and you'd think the other girls would catch on sooner and make a big stink about it (especially with how competitive (and manipulative) some of them were.) And the ending was a little anti-climatic. There were things said or alluded to, that made you think that something big and shocking was going to happen, but what actually took place was lack luster. The epilogue was good though. :) And the way he did things to make her realize he did care, were quite sweet.... even if he couldn't say those three little words every girl wants to hear.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of second chance romance. Getting your heart broken wasn’t the plan for Rafe. How will this all end. Well worth the read.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe Maddox is 24 and a MMA fighter with a past that had him in prision. When a mototrcycle accident results him in unable to train his agent, Quentin, signs him up for a reality dating show to try and get him some good press.

But when she walks in Rafe knows that there is no way he can do the show. His former best friend and lover who walked out of his life 6 years ago when everything went down. Now she, Lily Sullivan, is back for another chance but Rafe wants her out.

Will Rafe listen to Lily and hear her side of the story before he sends her home?

This was a great book about second chances when so much is stacked against you.

I thought Rafe was a great character who was trying to overcome his past and make something out of himself. He had no interest in doing the dating show but when he was convinced he was going to try and make an honest go of it until he sees Lily and all bets are off.

I really liked Lily right from the beginning and I was wondering when she was really going to reveal what happened in the past to make her disappear. She really didn't have an easy go of things and I wanted to learn more about her as it was obvious she was still in love with Rafe.

The show itself was super interesting and I loved getting to know the girls and see how they all reacted to being in the house. The author shows the three groups of women and how they all divided up. I hated Mel and her little clique and thought Kara was great!

I enjoyed Rafe and Lily getting to know each other again and loved how everything was revealed about what they each had been through!

There were some twists that I was worried about but loved how everything turned out!!

[Eliza Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved reading this wonderful book ! Watching the chemistry and love rekindle between Rafe and Lily was just awesome! After Rafe has a motorcycle accident his manager sets him up in a Dating reality show . There he meets his lost love Lily along with fourteen other women . At first Rafe his still anger at Lily for deserting him when he went to prison but he doesn't know the full story of why she ran away . The chemistry is still there and he has a hard time staying made at her . The twists and turns in watching them dance around there need for each other is sometimes bitter sweet. Watching the other women try to hold his attention is so funny it's like even if he wants to send Lily packing he can't . Lily and Kara become friends and it makes you wonder how they will stay friends when he makes his choice. Some of Lily's choices during the time Rafe was in prison was stripping to pay her mother's medical bills. Rafe when to prison because he needed to get enough money to help Lily pay her mom's medical bills so Lily wouldn't have to strip . Rafe and Lily spend most of the nights together even if no one knows 😉. Mel finds out they were together on the beach and she confronts Lily making a remark about her stripping for Rafe . I started reading and couldn't stop until I finished. Ava is such a talented author she painted the pictures in my mind so clearly! If you read just one book this week make it this one . You will not be disappointed I Promise ! This is one book I'll probably read more then just this once it's that good . Thanks Ava for allowing me the privilege of reading and reviewing this book . I look forward to more of your awesome writing !

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. Rafe is compelling with his built-for-MMA sexy bod, ex-con past, and high walls that shield his heart. His personality and overcomer’s attitude draw the reader in as you learn the pain and heartache he’s endured to reach this point in his life. He’s such an enigma—a tough MMA fighter whose most treasured things in life are love and friendship. He’s only shared those sacred things with one person, now lost to him. They are now only memories of his past that he can’t reclaim with Lily.

Lily is intriguing in her own right: she is tough, smart, loving, and loyal. She’ll assess a situation and do what needs to be done. She’s had her own miserable history, much of it with Rafe as her bright spot. Six years ago, when their world spun apart, she didn’t think Rafe could ever forgive her. But Lily is a survivor, and she doesn’t give up easily. She wants to set the record straight with him and she’s willing to go to remarkable lengths, even to the point of publicly embarrassing herself, just to get some face time with him. And so begins the “reality” show taping…

It doesn’t take much to imagine that everything spins out of control pretty quickly when Rafe and Lily meet up at the house where the reality show will be taped. Combine one hot, sexy man with 15 beautiful women, add cameras, microphones, and a little sand and surf, well… that’s just a recipe for one hot mess! Claws come out (well-manicured ones, of course), alliances are formed, and things get downright ugly while Lily just wants to set a few things right with Rafe. It’s all wonderfully paced, well-written, and full of hysterical highs and gut-wrenching lows with lots of “mean-girl” moments and great romance in between. It was tough to find a stopping place in this great story as things got sorted out and Lily wondered who (if anyone) she could trust in that crazy beach house. This one definitely falls in the “must read” category: it’s hot, sexy fun!

[StinaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card is my first book by Ava Ashley. It's an interesting second chance romance, where it all happens in a reality dating show.

Rafe Maddox are an MMA fighter, but have to take some time off to heal after a motorcycle accident. And why not do a reality dating show with 15 beautiful woman?
Lily Sullivan are in school to become a veterinarian. She is a very private person, but she is doing this reality dating show because she wants a chance to apologize to Rafe, and maybe see if he can love her again.
Rafe and Lily are childhood friends, but they haven't seen each other in 6 years.

"I have to be as strong as I can, as ready as I can, and as intimidating as I can. You can’t go into the cage looking like anything less than the biggest badass your opponent has ever seen."

It's very well written, and the storyline is great. Funny to see what happens behind the scene and off camera. Reality shows has never been my thing, but it was fun reading about it.
I thought the characters was well developed. And the chemistry between Rafe and Lily was dream worthy!
But I thought the ending was a bit anticlimactic.. But other than that, I loved the book!

I thank the author for providing a copy to voluntarily review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ava Ashley and my first “reality show” read. I am a fan of reality shows although I haven’t watched The Bachelor for several years. This book reads just like a TV reality show. Rafe is a MMA fighter training for a fight that could take his career to the next level. Rafe has an accident while riding his motorcycle. While he is recovering from his injuries, his manager talks him into doing The Bachelor type reality TV show. Reluctantly Rafe agrees.
Lily dated Rafe previously and is still in love with him. Lily sees her chance to win him back by secretly becoming a contestant on the show. The producers know Rafe & Lily used to date so they want her on the show to stir up drama for ratings. When Rafe finds out Lily is on the show he tries to get her kicked off but the producers tell him NO. The story takes off from there with the contests, other bachelorettes, backstabbing & lots of drama. There is humor, frustration, and of course a great love story. I will be reading more books by Ava in the future.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a story that will have you searching for your first love. Lily and Rafe became friends in their trailer park as young kids and it grew into a bond of Love. An unseen event changed the next six years for them that separated them possibly for good. After Rafe did his time he trained and became a MMA top fighter who is waiting for his chance to fight for title. He is in an accident and while recovering his manager gets him to agree to a dating show. Now this dating show digs deep and finds Lily who agrees to be a contestant on the show to as she wants to make amends with Rafe. They both have has trauma and bad luck in their lives. Can Rafe give Lily a chance to explain what really happened six years ago or will his anger keep him from seeing what’s in front of him, his true love! Rafe is not very nice to Lily and she slowly gets to him but with 15 other girls will things go wrong? Lets say some woman on the show are not nice and take things too far will Rafe stand up to them and ask them to leave? I enjoyed how they both stand by one another and keep working on their relationship. Hopefully the hard work pays off and Rafe will see Lily for the woman she really is...

[Nay Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written second-chance romance about a MMA fighter and his ex girlfriend/best-friend. I absolutely loved everything about this story from start to finish. At first I wasn't show how the dating show aspect would work out, but it totally made for a phenomenal read.

Rafe and Lily were too adorable. I loved the history between them and how it worked with the story. They grew closer, they learned the truth, they gained understanding and got to have a second chance. Rafe was set on never talking to Lily again and I think he just needed to find out the truth. He was rude at the beginning, but that only showed how much he still cared for her. Lily was head strong. She knew what she did was wrong, but she went in hoping they could work things out and get back together. She took every shot he threw at her. I loved it even more when they finally worked things out -- perfect little couple!

Kara was a phenomenal woman and friend. I die for her to be my friend. Mel was an annoying piece of crap. I hated her to the core, but she played her role well on the show.

Totally recommend this book!

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance featuring a MMA fighter and a veterinary student. Rafe and Lily grew up in adjoining trailers on the wrong side of town and became best friends and eventually lovers. Both had dysfunctional fathers whose actions caused a huge misunderstanding between the young Rafe and Lily. Rafe went to prison and Lily carries the guilt for putting him there.
Ms Ashley tells their backstory in flashbacks and seamlessly weaves it into the current timeline. Rafe is slightly injured and his trainer/manager convinces him to star in a reality "Bachelor" type show in which 15 women compete for his affection. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that one of the contestants is his first love, Lily.
Good character development, interesting plot, believable dialogue, and steamy sex make this book a fun page turner. Ava tells a story of forgiveness, leading to a second chance for these lovers. Will Rafe finally forgive Lily? Will Lily be able to convince Rafe of her love? One click to find out!!

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt for Lily, her life wasn’t all that great growing up and when her mother got cancer she needed to take care of her and their living. She was propositioned before being legal as a stripper but Her boyfriend/protector/best friend Rafe Maddox did anything to stop her from doing that. They been neighbors since he moved into their trailer park when they were 8.
Rafe childhood was as great either, mother that was around by not and a father that’s has an addiction that he taught his son, that Rafe used to try to help Lily. But something happened.
6 years later Rafe in MMA got a fight scheduled but things get in the way and a reality dating show wants Rafe to pick one women out of 15, but there is a catch, one women he never wants to see again that tore is heart apart is on the show wanting to clear the air. He does anything to make Lily hate him more even using her emotions against her. He makes her doubt herself every time their are in the same room. Even when she apologized for what she did to Rafe.

[Alexandra Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Wild Card by Ava Ashley! I was given an arc for my honest review and loved this second chance romance from beginning to end. The main characters Rafe and Lily were very likable characters and best part I loved they grew up together as best of friends so had a long history but then things happened that tore them apart for awhile but true love has a way of finding a way back to one another. Loved the way the author wrote about what each of them was feeling through the years apart and what they went through and the built up to their second chance. Rafe is a MMA fighter and after an accident went onto a dating show and thats where he meets back with Lily. The story moves on a great pace and keeps you feeling their true feelings which I love in stories. Their chemistry was off the charts and you could truly feel their connection to one another. Go get yourself a copy when this book is out in few weeks you wont regret it. Awesome read!!

[Anett Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of emotions coming at you! (in a good way) I really like that this time it is the woman who has to work to try and wind the man heart. It is a story about second chances and what can happen if you grab the opportunity.

Rafe is a man who lives a little bit in the past or what he thinks happens and he doesn’t think that it could have happened for a very good reason.

Lily really goes all in this time to try and win Rafes heart. I have to say that I thought that she gave up to easy the first time, but now she tries to redeem herself.

Both Lily and Rafe were relatable and likable characters. Some of the side characters were …. reality show worthy.

The end was sweet and enjoyable, but why didn’t anybody do something about Mel!

Grab your book, a warm blanket and something to drink and put your nose in the book it will be worth it.

I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the intro to the book it really is like Ava is talking to us her fans!

Rafe
I immediately loved his character and his personality the way he deals with stuff makes him a very relatable character.
I love his determination when he puts his mind to do it.

Lily
She cracked me up with her inner musings about the other women. I liked her determination to win rafe back.

I loved the reaction that rafe had when he realized who he was looking at ! Priceless!! Even the background characters standout and give more definition to the main characters.
I was constantly trying to figure out what happened between Rafe and Lilly that made them go separate ways! But no spoilers in this one !! It it’s a page turner that’s for sure!!
I also love the spin on the whole MMA fighter on a dating show what a interesting combination sounds likes something I would watch just for the man candy! Lol
Must read!! Highly recommended!!
**I voluntarily reviewed a Advanced Reader Copy of this book **

[Maura Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a Second Chance a reality?
I enjoy the way Ava Ashley crafts her stories. We get an opportunity to see her characters background. This is not just a reality show or MMA storyline. It’s a second chance romance, too. The story flows well and kept me interested from beginning to end. Lily and Rafe are very interesting characters. They have a lot of history together but six years ago they were torn apart. Lily had to make some hard decisions to make it in the world. Rafe was forced to constantly watch his back and not trust anyone. A bad motorcycle accident forces Rafe to take it easy and for publicity he enter a dating show. He comes face to fa e with Lily. The sparks fly and not in a good way at first. This is a story about working through mistakes and miscommunications. There is definitely some very sexy scenes but not over the top. I recommend this book.

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!!!

Rafe has been through so much in his life, not only going to prison for 3 years but losing his best friend, the only woman he has ever loved, he thinks she betrayed him but Lily truly didn't. Rafe is a contender for the MMA title against Jesus, when Jesus does something stupid by drag racing on the street and then running from the police Rafe is worried that his chance to fight is over but yet another thing happens this time to Rafe, he has a motorcycle accident, his trainer/friend Quentin sets him up to be on a reality show (dating show) where after 6 years he sees Lily again. Lily has joined the show so she can apologize to Rafe and hopefully set everything back right between them. Even if Rafe can't love her again she will always love him and will do everything to prove it. Just LOVED this book!!!!

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe needs to take a break from his MMA career, so he goes on a dating show where he is to choose from 15 women. Things get really complicated when Rafe realizes that one of the women is his ex, Lily, the one woman who broke his heart and the last woman he wants to give another chance to. Lily gets herself on this show in order to get the opportunity to explain her past actions to Rafe and see if there's a second chance for them. The only thing stronger than Rafe's anger is his attraction to Lily, which leads to some SMOKING hot love scenes! This is an exciting book, loads of fun, plenty of action, and a heartwarming foundation of true love that withstands every trial life throws at it. This is what romances should be, and it's exactly the kind of story that I read books for. I couldn't love it more and recommend it to anyone who's looking for a great romance book.

[Sharon Means · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good second chance at love book. Lily and Rafe grew up together and helped each other through challenging family relationships and eventually they fell deeply in love. When her mother falls ill, Lily considers stripping to earn money for her mother’s medical expenses. Rafe turns to playing cards to help Lily and to keep her from stripping. Rafe gets drug into shady dealings, thanks to his father who is not a good man, and ends up going to prison. He and Lily lose touch while he’s there. Fast forward several years and Rafe is out of prison, a rising MMA star and he’s involved in a motorcycle accident that requires him to rest and heal before resuming his MMA training. He gets talked into doing a Reality TV Dating Show and has to choose 1 woman at the end. One of the women on the show is Lily. I loved the connection between Rafe and Lily.

[Mandy Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Card is a great second chance at love romance. Rafe has always been in the love with Lily, but due to circumstances, things happened and Rafe thought Lily betrayed him and she thought she red his life. Rafe is an up and coming MMA fighter wanting his chance at a title belt. Lily wanting Rafe back cause she still love him.. Rafe winds up doing a dating tv show when his title fight is up in the air. Lily is going on that show to get forgiveness from Rafe and fight to get her man back. He put up a good fight at first, ignoring her and wanting nothing to do with her. But he finally gives in and their love blossoms. They do have a few ups and downs.... but overall a really good read. Received copy for an honest review.