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A contemporary love triangle romance in the Wild Men series.

Leleila

Brayden Wild was my first kiss. The Montana football star with the cowboy boots and sexy tattoo. He salvaged my heart from a bad choice I wish I never made, on a night I wish I could forget.

But that was twelve years ago. And since then, I’ve been wise enough to play it safe. Certain. Risk-free.

Until I go to the store and spill granola all over…Brayden Wild. He’s still rocking a wild mess of blond hair. He’s still sexy as hell.

My smooth reaction? I trip and fall on him. And then I run off like a frightened deer.

Because I still WANT him.

But I’m getting married in a month.

Brayden

Leleila Wills. The bookish, teenage girl with the sad, beautiful eyes and killer body who electrified me at first sight—is now a grown woman living here in Mountainview. I finally know her name. I finally have a second chance to ask her out. But I can’t.

Because I DON’T go after women who are taken. Ever.

I try to focus on coaching my football team and on taking care of things at the ranch. So why can’t I get her the hell out of my head?

I tell myself it’s because she needs a friend. I mean, what kind of tool stands up his wife-to-be before their wedding dance class? But the truth is…

I like Leleila’s awkward, quirky personality. And I can’t deny how my body’s on fire whenever she’s nearby.

I’ve got one month to get to know her the way I wanted to twelve years ago, even if it’s only as her friend. That will have to be enough.

So what the hell will I do if it’s not?

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

296 people are currently reading
329 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Belle

35 books481 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Melissa Belle writes about smart, sassy women and the hot, sexy men who want them. She spent years in the field of psychology before writing her first novel on the train in Europe. She often works through her story ideas while hiking with her husband or hanging out with her two kitties. She loves road trips and songwriting. And cupcakes.

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5 stars
157 (47%)
4 stars
110 (33%)
3 stars
47 (14%)
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11 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Raena.
9 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2019
***Small Town Second Chance Romance***

Let me first start out by saying that I absolutely adored the hero Brayden. He set eyes on Lei again and knew that no matter what happened he wanted her back in his life anyway he could have her. Brayden and Leleila first meet by chance at a party thrown for all the rival schools football teams in their part of big sky country while they are in high school and Brayden comes to her rescue helping her out of a dangerous situation. There's a connection, they both feel it but after what happens that night to Leleila she no longer trusts her instincts so she gets scared and flee's the party and Brayden without either knowing the others name. Fast forward 12yrs and Leleila is back home after failing her dissertation and is feeling lost and adrift as getting her PhD is all she has been focused on since that fateful night in high school. She is engaged to Phillip who is safe, stable, convenient and career oriented who happens to be a science professor at the local college where she had set her sites on being as well. Brayden and Leleila run into each other again at her sisters store and their connection is rekindled but sets fire to a whole new set of complications because of her engagement.

I loved how selfless Brayden was when it came Leleila. He wanted to spend time with her anyway he could and if that meant just being her friend and strongest supporter then thats what he would do. He cared enough about her to put her needs first because she needed someone to do that for her for once in her life and he knew that. Even when he was positive he wouldn't get anything in return it didn't matter as long as he got those precious moments with her to treasure. Leleila- I felt for her and her situation, she definitely struggled with the choices and changes she needed to make to be happy. She did frustrate me at times. I felt like she needed more of a backbone when she would try to confront Phillip about things, she came off as weak to me and she caved easily. He would blow her off and she would walk away and tell herself they would sort it out tomorrow because he was tired from all his researching. I would have smashed his microscope to make him listen especially if i had the fears and concerns she did, anywho I'm off topic. Other then my own little pet peeves with Leleila i loved the story. I liked the secondary characters as well and will be reading Braydens cousin's stories and can't wait to read Cam's book that will be out in March. If your looking for a small town romance with a second chance romance and a devoted Hero then this is definitely the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
November 22, 2020
🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/22/2020)!🎁
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2020
Too slow at first to rush at ending

I liked the friendship to lovers aspect. What I didn’t like is how the author dragged the breakup between Leleila and Phillip when they clearly were not meant to be. Then to bring Leleila and Brayden together so quickly vexed me. The book could have been cut in half if the inner monologue was shorten and more focus on actual dialogue and the main characters. I was definitely more a Brayden fan than a Leleila fan. She was essentially a doormat.
2,794 reviews40 followers
January 9, 2019
Brayden (Wild Men #5) by Melissa Belle Brayden (Wild Men Book 5) By: Melissa Belle
Everything Happens For A Reason; Sometimes Things Fall Apart So Better Things Can Fall Together!
Twelve YEARS Ago her life was Rocked to its Foundation...
Who was there...
A S€X¥ Football Star with tons O' Swagger,
Swoopin' in with a Cowboy Hat, Captivatin' Eyes, & Comfortin' Arms!
They left an impression on the awkward teen,
So much so, their next meetin's like a Reality Show...
Now, this Gal's takin' a look at her life,
Thinkin' maybe things ain't quite turnin' out quite RIGHT!
But, what's she gonna DO,
When she's seems from saying I DO!
Especially, seeing the MAN on the other side of the alter,
Only makes her want to falter...
They say everything happens for a Reason...
Has "Brayden" come back into her life at just the Right Season?!
I was granted an ARC of Melissa Belle's "Brayden (Wild Men Book 5)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
1,000 reviews6 followers
January 9, 2019
Twelve years ago he saved her and gave her her first kiss. She ran and they didn’t trade names. Now she’s run into him again and suddenly all the “safe” choices she’s made in her life seem questionable. His name is Brayden and he’s working part time for her sister in order to get enough money together to buy a ranch of his own.

Leleila’s been taking the safe road ever since the incident 12 years ago and finds herself engaged to a man that ignores her, she failed her dissertation and she’s preparing to go to Africa after her wedding. In the meantime she’ll help her sister.

June, her sister, immediately sees a connection between them and since she hates her sisters fiance, she doesn’t hesitate to give a little prod here and there.

When her fiancé bails on a dance class, Brayden steps in, as a friend and they spend time getting to know each other.

This is a wonderful story about two people who are perfect for each other and have been since the first time they saw each other. Now, as adults they’ll have to weigh their options for the future.

I loved the characters in the book. Both Leleilani and Brayden were well developed and their story took the main stage. Lei’s sister June was very helpful and the fiancé was a waste of time.

They had to deal with a number of obstacles including her ptsd from the event 12 years ago and he didn’t want to poach someone who belonged to another guy. One question from Brayden explains everything—she is going to Africa after the wedding and he asks if she wants to go—no one has asked her until now. She’s allowed herself to be pushed around but now, for Brayden she’ll make a stand. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC),
Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2019
Every time I read one of the Wild Men stories, I fall in love with a Wild. And this one is no exception. Leleila is such a sweet and innocent girl when she first meets Brayden Wild at a football party in high school. He saves her from a horrifying incident with the quarterback, Noah, and when all is said and done, he's the one who gives her her first kiss. But as she moves on through life, working to get her psychiatric degree, she ends up with her high school sweetheart, a scientist by the name of Phillip, a becomes engaged. It isn't until she fails her final and ends up working in her sister's shop that she meets Brayden again. And it turns out he never forgot about her either. As she works alongside him and looks into an environmental issue with him, they discover that the attraction goes both ways. Will her engagement stand up to this new revelation? Will Brayden be able to move forward to something more with her, or will he be stuck in the friendzone?

Brayden is such a gentleman in this story, even at times when he doesn't want to be. And I love that the author writes from both POV's so we get to see both inner struggles as they navigate their friendship and figure out whether they're really following the paths they always wanted and what's been missing in their lives. It's sweet and poignant, and it is always fun to watch a Wild fall in love in the most unusual circumstances. I couldn't help but fall in love myself. I'm looking forward to seeing how things go with the next Wild man.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2019
An Outstanding Story!
Don't let the cover fool you...this story has such depth and richness to it. The author, Melissa Belle, has written an engaging love story about what happens when you settle for the sake of safety...you forsake your own life for someone else's. and that what Leleila has done for twelve years and now she is about to marry Philip who she questions if this is the right thing to do. And Philip, he's so much in his head and ego centered that he pawns her off to Brayden and that sets them both off on an emotional roller coaster.
I kept waiting for Leleila to walk in on Philip with another professor (Mindy)so she could storm out. Instead the author had, gasp, her act the adult and explain why they needed to break up. It was all so civil. The author also had her make an appointment with a therapist to address the trauma she experienced as a teenager. How healthy! Thank you Melissa for addressing what are symptoms of PTSD Leleila experiences.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment
2,161 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2019
Assistant football coach Brayden Wild wants to buy a ranch and gets a part-time job at Big Sky Grocer ... which is where he bumps into the sexy Leleila, the girl who knocked him off-kilter 12 years ago. Leleila Wills takes a break and works at Big Sky Grocer after she fails her dissertation ... which is where she bumps into the handsome Brayden, the unforgettable boy who gave Leleila her first real kiss. Brayden was drawn to Leleila 12 years ago and now he's more attracted to Leleila than ever ... too bad Leleila's engaged. Leleila can’t have a crush on Brayden. Phillip and Leleila have their entire futures planned out, and she can’t change course. Brayden knows this situation is trouble so he should stay away and yet, he still wants to see Leleila. Leleila is having so much fun hanging out with Brayden that it's painful to imagine it ending. Will being friends be enough for Brayden and Leleila?

Brayden is a fun, angsty and steamy story that will have you cheering for the hero and heroine to get together
1,654 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2019
Leleila needs to figure out want she wanted to do!

Leleila Wills was at a high school party that she shouldn’t have been at when a guy helped get her out a situation and she never found out his name. She starting dating somebody her parents approved of and ten years later planned to marry. After Leleila failed her defense of her doctorate degree, she went to work for her sister and met football coach Brayden Wild who worked at her sister’s to save more money so he could buy the neighboring ranch.

Meeting Brayden who the guy who rescued her at the party and deciding to end her engagement to a professor at the local university, Leleila needed to take time to figure out what she actually wanted to do and not do what she though other people though she should.

The character of Leleila’s fiancé was needed but characters like that frustrate me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
6,153 reviews30 followers
January 5, 2019
Brayden Wild grew up playing football with his Wild cousins Dylan and Colton. But he knew even as a young man that at heart, he was a cowboy first and a footballer second, which is why he didn’t go pro and us coaching high school football and working at the organic grocery store to buy his own place.

Leleila met Brayden 12 years ago on her worst night. They kissed and he made it all better, though he never knew her name. Now, she’s about to marry an utterly boring man, who is never there for her emotionally or physically. She’s getting married in one month and then going to Africa.

Brayden has one month to be her friend, her dance partner and no more, even though every time she’s near him, she ends up in his arms.
Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,218 reviews
January 7, 2019
Leleila is a very curious character, a scholar because that is what is expected, but has the soul to be an artist. Brayden know that his heart and life belong on a ranch, two very different personalities that find a connection that really explodes on the pages. I didn't quite like Lei's parents, so focused on their own lives that their daughters became second, but that's the mom in me. Phillip came through as the perfect douche of a man, who in their right mind sends their fiancee off with a guy that's better looking. I loved that the characters did have a moral high ground with no cheating, wouldve spoiled the entire character building. The imagery was awesome could almost imagine the mountain vistas around them, and the unity of family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
877 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2019
An interesting story on if one should follow the safe, predictable path or follow one's heart. Leleila had decisions to make in both her professional and personal life. Should she stay the course with both her fiance who she has known since high school and follow her parents' career path, or should she trust her heart with Brayden, a one encounter knight and follow her art passion? There was a lot of internal reflection on Leleila's part. It got to where I wanted to shake her! And we get glimpses of Brayden's thoughts, which were quite noble. A slow burn romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2019
An enthralling enjoyable read! There is so much to look forward to – family, friends, witty banter, and humour. The book is well written and relatable; the plot is well-developed and consistent, the ideas are well-thought-out and there is a great pace from scene to scene. Brayden and Leleila are great together; they are strong and show true depth; their chemistry is off the charts and undeniable. This story will tug your heart strings, will make you smile, and will captivate and hold your interest until the end. It is a love story you will enjoy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
367 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2019
Love at first sight

Must read. I have love the books about all the Wilde boys and their romance and wives. Braden helped her in high school and she never forgot him and wishes she saw him again and years later she does. He still is attracted to her but she engaged.She calls off the engagement and tells him how she feels. She changed her whole life after the break up. She was brave to make such huge changes. I felt the pain she went thru in high school and with her ex finance and the attraction they fought off until the engagement was off. I can't wait to read the next book about Cam.
Profile Image for brandi Wilson.
70 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2019
It was good!

*possible spoilers*

So first off I enjoy this author and preorder every time. So this has been sitting for a while and I finally picked it up to read and I ended up finishing in one go. Let me just say I hate Philip and everything about him. They just weren’t met to be. I loved the connect she had with Brayden you can feel it in your writing. 4 stars because near the end it seems a tad rushed when you should of extended it out a little. Other then that it was super good and I hope you don’t ever write a book about Philip & Mindy because I definitely probably won’t read it! Lol looking forward to Cams book!!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,992 reviews173 followers
January 8, 2019
When past collides with present, is listening to your heart worth risking your soul? Brayden is one woman's choice to play it safe and the man that could topple her house of cards. Belle gives readers a peek inside the head and hearts of a once happy couple. In their own words we get to discover what went wrong and if they are willing to make it right. Leleila and Brayden are the perfect blend of engaging frustration and heartbreaking first love. Will their hearts guide them back to love or will their head get in the way of a second chance?
Profile Image for Bobbi.
1,268 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2019
Brayden, Wild Men book five by Melissa Belle. OMG! I loved this story! I loved everything about it, the characters, the storyline and I couldn’t put it down. I have loved every story in this series and every one seems better than the last. Right now I feel like I need to start reading them from the beginning again! I can’t wait to read the next book. I didn’t want this one to end! This is a fantastic book in a fantastic series. Definitely a must read!
1,012 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2019
Brayden is the fifth book in the Wild Men series and just as good as the previous one are. The characters are enjoyable and the storyline flows well with Brayden and Leleila finally reunited after 12years. They both remembered that horrible night they met but didn't get each other's name until now. This book emotional, funny, passionate and mysterious. A great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Paige Norman.
610 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2021
A lot to unpack with this one and although some of the plot is very deep and heavy, it's not a dark or heavy read. Brayden and Leleia have an interesting first meeting complete with a first kiss, but it's years before they meet up again and there's a lot standing between them. A LOT of relationship issues/conflict, some familial conflict, and quite a bit of resolution. Standalone, but part of a series, HEA.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews33 followers
January 5, 2019
arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Leleila in high school is almost raped on the way out the door she runs into a boy that helps her never knowing his name till 12 years later. when she sees him again and she is having some life changes. Awesome story
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
February 24, 2019
A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews158 followers
February 24, 2019
He helped her out on one night but that was 12 years ago. They bump into each other again. There are still sparks but she is about to marry. What will happen? He knows he wants her what will be do? What will she do? See how it will go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
December 20, 2020
Enjoyed

Another great book in the series. Brayden first set eyes on Leleani when was a party in high school. They lived in separate towns. But he saved her in a way that she held close for 12 years. This story brings a man who does the right thing and a woman who still has a bit of fear.
Profile Image for Baby Girl.
990 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2021
Special Bonds are Unbreakable

Brayden and Leleila first met at the age of sixteen. That encounter sealed their fate and destiny to each other's heart. Years later they meet again and after all the obstacles they faced are cleared, they finally have a chance at a happy ending. One of my favorite reads by far.
2,428 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2019
How is it possible this series just keeps getting better and better? I absolutely loved Brayden and Leleila. The author does a very good job of walking a very tricky line with all the characters involved. I also love how seamlessly the rest of the family is integrated.
269 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2020
Sweet romance

This was a well written, well edited story with no cliffhanger. Yay! The characters were interesting and had a little bit of depth to them. While there were no surprises in the book and any tension was mild, I found it to be an enjoyable read.
841 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2020
Different storyline.

Leleila is in a commented relationship or is she? Brayden and Leleila met 12 years ago and they both remembered those minutes spent together. Now they struggle with special feelings for each other. You’ll be glad you chose this one to read.
603 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2022
Another wow

I just don't understand how Leleila can be so blind in her relationship with Phillip. He has a one track mind and it has nothing to do with her. Now Brayden that is one sweet, focused, hunk of a man. I would like one of the Wild boys. I am glad that Leleila finally woke up and went for Brayden. Thank you, I really enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,495 reviews66 followers
January 8, 2019
Awesome love story, sort of a second chance romance, but with a twist of the shining knight on one scary night and does she follow her heart or the safe path. Loved it.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
February 17, 2019
I enjoyed Lei & Brayden's story. It was an intriguing second chance story. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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