Wanting Wilder

Safe Word: Oasis #4

by Michele Zurlo

Fate brought them together, but then it ripped them apart. Eight years later, Wilder is still wishing for more time with the dark-skinned beauty he held in his arms for a weekend, and Lydia is still searching for a man worthy of being called "Master."

At Oasis headquarters, they're in the business of making dreams come true. Any wish they agree to fulfill means making conditions perfect for soulmates to connect. So when their new wish coordinator is perfect in every way but one--she's never had her deepest desires fulfilled--the management at Oasis requires her to make a wish. Only Lydia doesn't want to risk her heart. So she makes a partial wish. She wants to serve a Dom without the complications of a romantic relationship.

Wilder Burke, son of the Oasis founders, is just the man for the job. Years of accumulated misunderstandings means he must settle for the little bit Lydia's willing to give. But when Lydia pushes him too far and he violates the terms of their agreement, he fears he's lost her for good.

Will Wilder fight for Lydia, or will he let fate tear them apart once more?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, including caning, flogging, whipping.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Romance

Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2012

About the author

Michele Zurlo is the author of the Awakenings, Doms of the FBI, and the SAFE Security series and many other stories. She writes contemporary and paranormal, BDSM and mainstream—whatever it takes to give her characters the happy endings they deserve. Her childhood dream was to be a librarian so she could read all day. Some words of wisdom from an inspiring lady had her tapping out stories on her first laptop, and writing blossomed from a hobby to a career.

She also writes MM romance under the name A.J. Stone. Find out more at www.michelezurloauthor.com

Reviews

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - great relationship, loved the bondage BDSM, handled the inter-racial pieces just seamlessly (note: I hate books that throw a bunch of stereotypes into an IR -- and this one doesn't do that).

Lots of bondage, moderate pain (she enjoys it and finds it centering). Good story - mis-communication but not overly done. My friend Becca will like the discipline/punishment conversation at the end and I recommend it too. First time I've seen it handled that way - and I would give an extra star for that if I could.

(More detailed Review is at Manic Readers)

[ratherread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Michele Zurlo's books. I especially love her "Awakenings" Series. This book wasn't my favorite of her works, but it was really good and I enjoyed it.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine is the 2nd review
Oasis is a small family-owned company where people's jobs are to bring sexual fantasies to life. They even hire project managers to run the teams working on the details of the client's fantasy. Where do I send my resume? I'm a project manager who is also a switch in every sense of the word. To actually have a Dom or Domme boss and take me to task when I've been "bad" is a naughty dirty fantasy of mine.

In this story, Lydia from Michigan interviews for a position at the Vermont-based Oasis. Oasis is not only my dream company, it is her dream company. What she isn't prepared for is coming face to face with the one Dom she could never forget—Wilder.

Lydia and Wilder met on a spring break where they enjoyed a kinky whirlwind romance. Thinking they met their soul mate, they parted unexpectedly through unexplained circumstances. The reason behind the misunderstanding can be easily guessed by the reader at the beginning of the story. When the facts are revealed, it's not surprising but it is disappointing how easy it is to derail two people's life. What's more frustrating is a friend who really is no friend at all.

The story doesn't actually focus on the original breakup. Instead, it focuses on Wilder forcing Lydia to expose, experience and enjoy her BDSM fantasy. This erotic journey is well done by the talented Ms. Zurlo. It's a hot sexy time as Wilder shows Lydia exactly who is dominant and who is submissive. Lydia also shows she's no push over and this time around, she's more experienced and knowledgeable about the lifestyle.

Wilder is my kind of Dom. He's creative and very good with a flogger. His experience is a point in his favour. His memory of how Lydia melts under his domination is another added point for him. There is no way Lydia can resist this sexy Dom who loves her desperately and will do anything to win her.

Ms. Zurlo does an excellent job to show how impact play can be turned into sensual BDSM scenes. She also demonstrations a D/s relationship in a healthy way which is much appreciated. While the company fulfilling sexual fantasies is a bit of a stretch, the rest of it is more realistic as far as BDSM relationships go. It's also pleasant to read about characters sans sexual abuse or mental illness in their past.

This book is not only erotic, but it's a feel good book. It also hints at secondary characters finding their sexy mates. I can't wait to read about Micah's story. This sensual erotic story is highly recommended to kinky readers who enjoy a happily ever after.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was just what I needed. Two strong adults without dreadful childhoods getting together and falling in love - with some great kinky fun along the way. I have mixed feelings about the driving misunderstanding from Wilder's and Lydia's first meeting 8 years in the past, but it was plausible and also gave motivation for many of their present day actions. At my pickiest, I have a hard time believing that they would make the assumptions they did without considering other possibilities, but egos are very fragile and suspecting the worst, very human.

I did have to work a bit to let go of my unease at inappropriate workplace behavior, but Oasis does grant sexual fantasies after all. I certainly have never heard of a first day on a new job like the one Lydia had! So I did a little cringing, and more than a little chuckling at the oddness of the work environment. It was fun getting a behind the scenes look at Oasis, and I hope subsequent books in this series continue with the people who work there. I enjoyed the detail descriptions of how wish fulfillment was achieved. It had me thinking, "hmmmm, I wonder if this could work?" Lovely blending of fantasy and reality.

I could feel Lydia's relaxation as Wilder bound her with beautiful rope designs. I could feel the confusion on both Wilder's and Lydia's parts as what they wanted collided with what they assumed. It may be unfair, but I did feel Wilder's reactions were a bit wussy at the end. Lydia seemed to be the one with more courage - but, to be fair, she did have inside information which made it easier for her. There were several times when I was puzzled by their reactions, but they were always in character - just not necessarily choices I would (hope to) make.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary BDSM romances about realistic people striving for love and kink. There is nothing over the top about the BDSM, the scenes are wonderfully described as are the actions and reactions of the people involved. Oh, and if anyone comes across a company like Oasis, please send me a PM. I'd consider coming out of retirement to work at a place like that! ;P

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so, so good! This is a second chance romance between an interracial couple that is real, and doesn't follow any stereotypes. It is refreshing, sweet, sad, hopeful, and determined, as our main couple tries to fight their attraction to each other, and fail. How they try and fight their nature, and fail. They try and fight themselves, and each other, and their friends, and they fail. They finally speak to each other, and the sun comes out as dawning realization washes over them, and it is blinding how amazing that moment became

Lydia and Wilder met on spring break 8 years ago, and we flash back to there a few times. It isn't disrurptive, and they are some pretty hot scenes. This was Lydia's introduction to the BDSM scene, and it broke her heart thinking Wilder didn't feel the same connection she did. She has tried to find that feeling since, but no Dom has satisfied her. It is Wilder on no-one, but when they meet again, both hide how they feel, and how they felt

Wilder can't believe Lydia is back, and remembers how much she broke his heart. She never looked back after their time together, and he has never forgot. He tries to satisfy the Lydia he has now, hoping she will turn to him again. After realizing he is holding onto a dream that will never happen, he pushes too hard and lets her go

Luckily they have friends and family who won't let things stay as they are, because these two need some help to get their HEA!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WANTING WILDER is the first book in the Safeword: Oasis series. Each story will stand on its own, but I recommend reading them in the listed order. This first story is a second-chance romance and is stunning.

Is it bad that I was humming Willie Wonka’s Pure Imagination song while deliciously devising my own wish to be submitted to Oasis, Inc.? Yes? No? We’ll keep that our own little secret, okay. Let me just say that Oasis probably wouldn’t exist as a real work place, but it is a great fantasy, just as Willie Wonka’s factory is the perfect fantasy for chocolate lovers.

On the other hand, Wilder Burke is the fantasy Dom of any little subbie’s dreams. He sees Lydia. Those three words are a complete sentence. In some ways, more than the other three words we all want to hear. He SAW Lydia when they were on Spring Break and they made the most of their weekend as he introduces her to BDSM. He SEES her when they are reunited eight years later and he will move heaven, earth, the moon, and the stars to let her know that he does see her, respects her, and still wants her. You know my word for that – sigh!!

Misunderstandings suck, but the cure is communication. Thank God for the wishes at Oasis, meddling friends, and determination. I cannot wait for more trips to Vermont(despite the snow!).

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: WANTING WILDER
Series: Safeword: Oasis #1
Category /Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotic
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC copy / errors excused
Received from: Michele Zurlo

[Joanne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc.

Eight years ago Lydia was with her friend Bridget as they walked through BDSM club. When they watched a scene going on Lydia focus on the man with the flogger in his hand. He asked after his last submissive left if there was anyone else that want to join him. Bridget was the first up and then Lydia but a new Dom took over. Lydia had a short fling with Wilder the guy who introduced her to the lifestyle but then he fled. Over the next couple of years she had been speaking to a Om MasterV via chat and it was a good relationship. Lydia went to the new job interview the guy asked her why she wanted to work at Oasis. Lydia finds out Wilder will be her trainer but when he came in she pretend she didn’t know him. Lydia finds out that he will be living with her at the corporate apartment. Wilder told he remembered her and she felt a little pang. She remembered that he didn’t show up for dinner as she waited all those years ago. Wilder is part owner of the club where she was just hired. Wilder came into her office and he introduce himself like he did not know her and she did the same thing. Wilder was the person they chose to fulfill her personal wish. But, they had had to live together for two weeks so he could fulfill her wish. Will they stay together after her wish is completed or will Wilder walks away once again

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Booksprout for a look and this is my opinion. I also own a paper copy since I have an actual shelf for this author! Second chance romances are a personal favorite of mine. Mix in some BDSM and some wish fulfillment and I’m sold.

What did I like? Second chance...love them. Lydia spent the weekend getting charmed by Wilder and eight years later she is still looking for a Dom to fill his role. A new job brings them back together and a new role allows them to explore the wish Lydia has. This was a fun and flirty book, much shorter than the authors usual but still a fantastic book.

Would I recommend or buy? I’ve already bought a copy so you know how this part goes. If you like BDSM stories then this author is amazing. She takes the time to really make a story, and also give you a scene unlike any other author that I’ve read before. I recommend wholeheartedly!

Thoughts for the author? I have to say I’m shocked that your not better known. I read over five hundred books a year, and your books are a personal favorite of mine. Your definitely in my top ten authors. Five stars....love your writing style.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight years ago, when Lydia was on her spring break from college, she was introduced to BDSM by Wilder, They had what both thought was an intense connection, but after a few days, they both vanished from each others lives. Neither has found a fulfilling relationship since. Now Lydia is interviewing for a job at the lifestyle club Oasis, that specializes in making BDSM wishes come true. Except Lydia is expected to supply her wish so she understands the clients better. And who is the son of the owners of the resort and her trainer, none other than Wilder. There is a push and pull of emotions, Wilder and Lydia still have intense chemistry, and eventually it's impossible to resist. They discover the reason for their missed connections but can they move on from there? Michele Zurlo is one of my favorite authors and I cant think of a book I have rated at less than 3 1/2 stars. The book is well paced, has emotional power exchange scenes, and gives Wilder and Lydia their HEA. Outstanding read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many of this author’s books and enjoyed the series set in Security and FBI. This one, wasn’t as much to my taste but an enjoyable read none the less. So it starts with Lydia, moving to another state to start a new job. This is where l lost my link to the story. So, Oasis is a dream fulfilment company? She is to join a team, vetting customers and setting up scenes within the BDMS lifestyle. But at the start of her job she has to have her own wish granted as part of an induction with her personal security service. This turns out to be someone she met and fell for years previously and then we are into a love story within the confines of a strict D/s setting. The love ok, but a company that deals with BDMS creating huge amounts allowing everyone to have cars, apartments with fold away dungeon equipment? Pure fantasy, but ok for that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder and Lydia met while they were on spring break. Lydia and a friend had attended Beginners Night and when it was Lydia's turn for a flogging, Wilder was her dom. He sent her into subspace and then they hung out for the next few days. But when Lydia went to meet him at a restaurant, he stood her up. Now she compares every man to Wilder and they don't stand up. When she takes a job with Oasis, a company that fulfills BDSM wishes, she meets Wilder again. Everyone that works for Oasis has to submit to a wish. Lydia really doesn't want to, but she goes along with it. Of course, her trainer turns out to be Wilder. They both want the other, but they don't want to speak up. They eventually have a HEA. The BDSM in this book is wonderful. The author uses very detailed language and it makes the book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia went to the unlikely vacation spot with her friend in Ft Lauderdale. But at the time a vacay was needed and Ft Lauderdale was inexpensive. Yet while their she found perhaps her soulmate she thought. Along with it she discovered things about herself she never thought possible.

Wilder and his friend Micah was sent to Ft Lauderdale by Wilder's mother. While there considering their family business he did not expect anything out if the norm. However, he discovered his possible soulmate but life intervened and she was lost to him or so they thought.

Fate has a funny way of showing its hand and we learn this through Wilder and Lydia's story. This was my intro to this author but she has certainly gained a fan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder and Lydia met while they were on spring break. They were supposed to meet up again but Wilder didn't show up. Lydia now compares every man she's met since to Wilder and they all keep coming up short. The chemistry between Wilder and Lydia was straight fire! Lydia takes a job with a company called Oasis, their jobs are to fulfill people BDSM wishes. While working at Oasis she meets Wilder again. Per Oasis policy everyone who works for Oasis has to submit to a wish. Will Lydia get her wish to be with Wilder again and will Wilder speak up about wanting to be with her? Read Wanting Wilder to find out. I don't usually enjoy BDSM in books but was wonderfully written. The author gives great BDSM details so it made the book easier to navigate and understand!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Michele Zurlo in a new series. I fell in love with Wilder and Lydia. They have been apart for 8 years due to unforeseen circumstances and now by some intervention from family an friends has brought them together again. Both Wilder and Lydia are strong characters who know what they want and even though they fight their attraction to each other in the end love finally wins through. Loved all the BDSM scenes and their beautiful story. I am a big fan of Michele Zurlo and all her amazing series. Look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Stacey Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, great storyline in this hot BDSM romance which proves that misunderstandings can have far reaching consequences and communication is very important in any relationship but even more in a d/s relationship. The story was well written, the characters were well developed, had strong chemistry while trying to figure each other out in this romantic tale of fated 2nd chance BDSM romance, I was hooked from the start, through the ups and downs, to the happy ever after ending. Another fantastic book by Michele Zurlo and I cannot wait for another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Michele Zurlo writes. Her characters are always interesting, her stories draw you in and first fascinate and then satisfy. He books do contain bdsm but at heart they are about relationships which is what a good book about bdsm should be about. Too often I read books about this topic that are thinly disguised excuses for raunchy sex scenes or are so far from real kink that they are just annoying. If you like reading books about kink then you won’t go wrong with any of her work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder and Lydia met on spring break. Lydia was a beginner and when it was her turn to be flogged, Wilder was her Dom and he sent her to subspace. They began to hang out but Lydia was stood up by Wilder after agreeing to meet at a restaurant. Lydia ends up getting a job at Oasis and meets Wilder again. Wilder wants another chance with Lydia and will do whatever he has to to win her. Finally they communicate about what they want and they both want each other. Great BDSM story with a fantastic HEA> I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our couple has a past, but things did not work out. Now our heroine takes a job at his organization and a new chance arises.

This is book one of the series.

This is a second change romance with a D/S theme. The story is well written and easy to read with two amazing characters. Each has their own baggage to deal with and that gives us the crux of our story. I loved watching our couple face their issues and the resulting chemistry between them. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Janet R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Blazing 💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for Wanting Wilder

I've found a new fave ✍ in Michele Zurlo 🤗 Wanting Wilder is like a sweet Harelequin romance meets BDSM. Wilder is just a living dream of a man: the sweetest, kindest, most caring, stern Dom you could ever hope to meet. Lydia is the epitome of a sassy, sweet, submissive, who passionately loves her Dom 😍 This is a slow burn 💞with flashbacks , so pack your patience & enjoy the sweet rewards. The epilogue was 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶& the Chef's 💋Happy Reading🍷

[Sondra Olbrias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia was introduced and fell in love with bsmd on springbreak eight years ago. Her unexpected encounter with dom Wilder was memberable. It gave here a desire to seek a profession giving others what she felt. When she is hired by Oasis a company that deals in wishes she is excited. That is till she finds that her unforgettable dom is in charge of her orientation. Neither have forgotten the other but Wilder wants her to desire what they had again. Lydia must learn to trust him again.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Michele Zurlo; she has done an excellent job at writing a good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Olivia and Wilder. They met eight years ago and neither of them has been able to forget the weekend they spent together or commit to any kind of relationship. Now Olivia has been hired to work at Oasis and all employees must make a wish. When her wish is being fulfilled by Wilder will they be able to walk away from each other again? I enjoyed this spicy romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago Lydia and a friend attended a beginners night at a BDSM club, and Lydia enjoyed a few days relationship with Wilder intil he bailed. Ever since Lydia has been comparing possible Doms to Wilder, and they haven't matched up. Now Lydia has a job at Oasis and she is meeting Wilder again. What is going to happen?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder and Lydia met 8 years ago during Spring Break in Florida... they enjoyed a weekend of D/s fun .. and just when things were starting to get real.. Wilder just up and left without a word and left Lydia heartbroken..

Wilder had to rush home for a family emergency all those years ago.. why hadn't Lydia called? She must not have been that into him.. or was it all just a big miscommunication?

Michele Zurlo does it again! Love every word she types. :)

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A misunderstanding causes a new Submissive to be always be wary. The same misunderstandind causes a Wilder to become a little bit hard. When Lydia gets her dream job little does she know she will come face to face with the past she thought broke her heart. Michele Zurlo can tell a BDSM story like no other! You will love this book. Can't wait to read the next in the Series!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the cover; this is a new genre. I was not sure what to expect; but underneath it all love does win out. There was intrigue, mystery, love, play acting ( I think that’s the correct terminology), and real emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rope-tastic...
Wanting Wilder is really a great way to open up a sexy and erotic series.
I’m looking forward to seeing more.

I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the story, with many hidden trues through all the book.
The characters are wonderful, honest, friendly... Lydia and Wilder are just so in love with one another, but they are both afraid of put their heart on the line.
I read it non stop. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a new series by this author and as per usual she has released a wonderful book. This great second chance romance has a wonderful plot and characters that have amazing chemistry together that leads to steamy scenes together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Oasis series and yep hooked. I love a second chance romance. It’s the tension and the lingering longing each feel for each other. Wanting Wilder has that in spades along with scorching BDSM scenes. I enjoy when books that are second chances have flashbacks that flow with the story and this one did that beautifully. This is a series that I will definitely be continuing.