Wild Child

Stryker Family Saga #3

by Allison Martin

Zeke Stryker was my bad boy rebellion, he wasn't supposed to end up my forever.

I've been perfect my whole life. Perfect grades, perfect family, perfect life.

Yeah I know, boo hoo.

Poor spoiled rich girl. That's me.

Nova Forrester.

Everything on the outside. Desperately unfulfilled on the inside.

So when I fail for the first time in my life I do what any excessively privileged girl does. I abandon my perfect life buy a van with my trust fund and travel the country in search of my soul.

Unfortunately, my van breaks down before I can find myself and I'm stuck in Raston, a small town on the opposite end of the country. By some miracle, there happens to be a single mechanic in the entire town and of course, his name is Ezekiel and of course, he's the most ruggedly sexy thing I've ever seen.

Nova was every guy's fantasy, good girl vibes with a wildly untamed spirit. Who knew her rebellion would be my salvation.

Wild sex in the office of my garage was not how I saw my day going, but hey, who am I to tell a gorgeous girl that banging me isn't going to solve her daddy issues...

I get more than her van engine purring that day, but my night with her changes everything for me. She vanishes before morning light and it's the first time I've ever been ghosted by a girl. It kind of sucks.

But twelve weeks later, after I've cleaned up my act and got a girlfriend on my arm, Nova's back at my garage to drop a bomb on me.

I'm going to be a dad, and this is a problem I have no idea how to fix.
---

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Steamy

440 pages, ebook

Published June 15, 2021

About the author

Allison has lived a few different lives—had several careers, traveled widely, and had a variety of experiences in her three decades of life. She’s climbed mountains for fun, been flown out into the middle of the wilderness to find her way back to civilization, and hopped in boats with her partner for ten-day paddling trips down rivers in the middle of nowhere with nothing but themselves for survival (and a bottle of whiskey if we’re being honest). If the zombie apocalypse hit anytime soon, Allison’s your gal.

These days, she lives a quieter life with her daughter, her dog, her partner and all his camping gear. She lives in the north Canadian wilderness where the sun never sets in the summer and winter is nine months long—if she’s lucky.

Allison Martin an author of many genres of books from YA to NA to Adult, but whether her characters are running from an intergalactic government or just trying to make sense of life in a small town they are tied together by a common desire to live life on their own terms. She’s published a dozen books, designed hundreds of covers, and edited some pretty cool stories over the last six years.

She is a mish-mash of many things and finally learning to just embrace it and make herself at home in the chaos.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series brings Zeke and Nova's story. The author does a great job building the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She brings strong characters with an instant hot chemistry and weaves an emotion filled slow burn romance. She adds in a bit of suspense and mystery ,moves the story fluidly and delivers a wonderful read. Loved and recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Allison Martin; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 3rd book in the Running Wild Series; it is a stand-alone book. Nova is a spoiled rich girl that uses her trust fund to buy a van and take off; when the van breaks down in Raston; Zeke is the only mechanic in town. After spending the night together, she’s gone when he wakes up the next morning. He moves on and gets a girlfriend; now 12-weeks later she back and pregnant.

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

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story with a secret pregnancy theme that was fun to read. I thought the story was well written and entertaining. I loved her character because I could relate partially to some of her drama. I liked how the story played out.

I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the third book in this series about the Stryker brothers, this is about Zeke. He runs a garage and that is where Nova ends up while she is on the run. They have an instant connection however she leaves only to return a few weeks later. What she has to say will change both of their lives forever.

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

[Alta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One book by Allison Martin simply isn’t enough. This plucky reader believed it couldn’t get any better than Wildfire and Wildside, but i was wrong. Although each book builds on the Stryker family story started in the first book, Wild Child delivers such a warm, angsty, heartfelt joy i feel like i am part of this family. Wild Child begins in the best possible way: a sexy hook-up, and then slips into one of my favorite tropes: a surprise baby. Martin handles the topic with such grace and insight and deftly avoids common pitfalls of the trope (as usual). Nova is carrying more secrets than the baby, and Zeke is harboring an emotional pain and trauma that only a life-changing event and a life-changing love can bring to the fore. While constructing a wholly believable character-driven plot, Martin also champions topics near and dear to romance writers and readers and delivering an empowering narrative about a woman’s right to crave and enjoy sex without being shamed or degraded by it. As Nova points out early in the story, the struggle for women can often be “to be wild for your man, but make sure no one ever finds out” as part of tackling the ever-present issue of how a woman enjoying sexual pleasure or referring to it is casually considered “dirty” in so many everyday conversations. If that doesn’t rev your romance reader engines, then a very realistic foray into MS, pregnancy, and mental health issues just further supports my argument that romance writers like Martin help foster an attitude of empathy and growth in their readers like no other genre. And to top it off? It’s a damn propulsive read! To paraphrase a character in the story: who knew that a dip into a romance novel series about Canadians and women on the run from themselves could “blossom into this warm fragrant sense of belonging.”

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nova and Zeke meet when Novas van breaks down on her way to Alaska and Zeke is the one to fix it. Nova is running from a threath to herself and her family and things happen that makes their meeting a one encounter stand. At first I was a little taken back by how Nova and Zeke acted and handled things untill their age and family history was talked about. This was the first book I read about the Stryker siblings so I did not know about their family history and why Zeke was and acted the way he did. Novas history was also explained and along with their young age made up for a lot of their thought process and actions. It was a sweet story with some family drama and a threath to Nova and her life.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Zeke & Nova's book. Great characters. Lots of chemistry. And a wonderful slow-burn. Also, a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Nova and Zeke meet when her van breaks down on a trip to finding herself. They have an instant attraction and a steamy night together but their story begins a few weeks later. Nova returns to let him know that they will be parents. Nova is trying to deal with her life, including pregnancy, while really getting to know Zeke. He thought he had things going the right direction and now finds a curvy road ahead. I liked both of the characters. Their story has drama, secrets, surprises, family, lust and love. I enjoyed the Stryker family in all three books of the series.

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

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had good flow and the characters Zeke and Nova were written with clarity and sass! I so enjoyed this story. The development of this world was vivid and detailed. I loved how it flowed to the very end. It was passionate and sizzling. Good story!

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova is a good girl who has a wild side. She sets out for Alaska in a van. When that van breaks down in Canada she meets a sexy mechanic who works on more than her van. Weeks later she comes back to let him know that he left something behind. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down until you are done. The suspense will keep you entranced until you are done. There is so.much going on in each of their lives that together it is combustible as they figure thi gs out. Great read.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Child is the third book in the Run Wild series. In my opinion, you do not have to have read the first two (Wildfire and Wild Side) to read Zeke and Nova’s story. Nova is on the run and lands in Zeke’s garage, where they have instant chemistry and a steamy encounter. The majority of their story starts several weeks later though. Their dynamic is a slow burn as they both work through their own personal struggles, emotions, attraction, and baggage. As with the other stories in this series, there’s an element of suspense and mystery as Nova works through figuring out who is blackmailing her. Watching them learn to trust and open up is engaging and I’d recommend picking this up if you’re looking for an enjoyable, light and suspenseful reading experience!

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

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love Nova and Zeke... this is their story... one hot encounter... then ...boom !!! this is their story...a fast paced story with all the feels... his crazy family and more... drama and suspense... loved it !!!

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova has a perfect life but wants more so takes off on a road trip only to break down in a small town. Zeke is the only mechanic and fixes more than her car.
Just wow!! I adored the chemistry between Nova and Zeke. He was unassuming, sexy as and thought he was a bad boy. But the way he was with her and her with him. Wow swoon!!!
Very well written, lots of fun and witty as, I just loved this book. The steam was spot on, wild and passionate just like them. Fantastic book!!

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

[M.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I loved the characters and the plot. I hope I get more opportunities to read books by this author. Definitely recommend!

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

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this story down. I absolutely loved the first person point of view this is a huge deal breaker for me. Zeke and Nova were two great characters to read about.

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

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

full of feelings

I got this book and once I started reading it, I could not put it down.
Read it until the sun came back up.
The emotions this book had was over the top.
I laughed, cried, yelled and brought back a lot of memories of growing up and feeling invisible.
Zeke had the love of his family but Nova never felt that way.
Have to say that the chemistry that Nova and Zeke had should have melted my kindle.
I LOVED this book because of all the feelings.
I can not wait to see what she has up her sleeve for the girls of the Stryker family.

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

[Kendall Rubel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book to read! I actually liked it alot and the characters in the story had some complex background but it gives that spark of love between Zeke and Nova. This book kept my eyes on the prize and it never lost my attention and it was very intriguing to read for sure. But just to say this it never made my mind wondered from the plot it was more eyes through the entire story and never lost the grip of it!

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Nova and Zeke's story and the third in the "Run Wild" series. It can be read as a stand alone read. The story is an emotional roller coaster ride. They both have baggage and things to work through but the chemistry is off the charts. I really enjoyed every bit of this story. It is intriguing and captivating as well as nicely developed. I love the characters!

[Julia E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Child Was an interesting wonderful amazing heartwarming romance story with entertaining characters

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book, and my first read in this series. This is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. Looking forward to read more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of running wild series. It has surprises drama conflicts suspense and lots of Passion. The story will take you on a wild ride

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

[Sua · Rating 4 out of 5]

The steam between this couple is undeniably hot after their hookup but settles down with a slow burn after Nova announces she pregnant. It was worth the read to see both of them working separately on their own personal issues along with living together and learning to open up to each other. The family dynamics was fun to read because the Stryker family are pretty wild and funny. The suspense was also killing me the whole time because it left me wondering most of the time who was the actual villain.

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

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book...
by and1515

Allison Martin absolutely delivers one delicious and exciting book with two main characters who have a unique and highly combustible way of demanding your attention and maintaining it through out their brilliant story.

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

[Mavis Vermillion · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

[Jordan R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild for Zeke! this book was such a fun read!!

Whew! This book starts off with a bang, quite literally & I was an addict, flipping pages like my sanity depended on it.

The writing was excellent, the characters were complex, and the suspenseful plot took a crazy mysterious turn.

This book follows Nova, the female main character who is from Alabama and used to being in the spotlight and carefully grooming her image and Zeke, a Canadian local bad boy with a whole depth of inner turmoil he is working through.

Their chemistry is on fire! One quick & steamy hot rendezvous when Zeke was working on influencer, Nova’s RV, leads to a bit of a chemical reaction in the form of a pregnancy. Did I mention Nova’s been getting blackmailed?

If you’re looking for fabulous writing, characters you will love who not only find themselves but find out how to love theme selves, with a suspenseful vibe- you will love this book Wild Child, by Allison Martin! Trust me and go check it out!

5/5 ⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶️

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nova has a fling with Zeke, whom she has just met, and ends up getting pregnant at just 19 years old. She is a well-known YouTuber, the daughter of a country music label owner, who is being blackmailed.
So she takes the opportunity to go break the news to Zeke and see what she's going to do with her life.
Zeke's family welcomes Nova with open arms, and the truth is that these characters are the best. Very funny, crazy, with different personalities but that work very well as a unit, especially considering the childhood they have had.
Zeke and Nova play cat and mouse with their feelings. She does not want to involve him more than he is in her life for fear that the blackmailer will also go after him and his family. And Zeke has to deal with his fears, his emotional blocks, and his sense of inferiority.
The intimate scenes between them are charged with electricity and are the most hot.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

JESS IS A DOOR MAT BUT BEWARE OF THAT TYPE. ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE TOWN ARE QUIRKY (I love quirky) ITS LIKE FALLING INTO AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. THEY'RE REALLY WEIRD BUT IN A GOOD WAY. THE TOO MUCH SURPRESSING OF FEELINGS, REALLY GOT ON MY NERVES. GEEZ! THE PROBLEM I HAD WAS THE H/h SURPRESSING OF FEELINGS, IT WAS OVER DONE AND REPETATIVE. THAT WAS THE REASON I GAVE ONLY 4*stars INSTEAD OF 5*stars. ;D

[Laura Barfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book but it's taken me forever to get around to finishing it as been too many things going on in life and haven't seemed to have 5 minutes to pick up a book. I really hope to get to read Del, Pris and Tab's books in the future as want to know more about them

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable I loved how the author showed how we can hide our pain and how we can be closed of and not even know our selves.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too bad a read.