Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
NB: This book is now published as Beautifully Wild.

An exciting new adventure romance from best selling author Leesa Bow.


Eden
I’ve always been the obedient daughter.
The good girl who followed the rules.
But there was something missing—I’m torn between the safe path and breaking free.


The ideal opportunity to spread my wings came in the form of a South American holiday.


Within days, I was living in a culture vastly different to my sheltered upbringing.
I found adventure.
Confidence.
Excitement.
In a city of love and heartbreak, I experienced both.


I wasn’t searching for the man of my dreams.
He found me.
Then he disappeared...


Samuel is hiding a secret and I’m determined to find answers.
Even if it meant doing the one thing my father warned me not to do—enter the jungle.


I wasn't prepared for what awaited me.
And I won't come out the same.




Ulara is a story about forbidden love and a tortured hero, set between Australia and South America.
*Does not contain a cliffhanger ending.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2021

7 people are currently reading
492 people want to read

About the author

Leesa Bow

26 books578 followers
Best selling Australian author, Leesa Bow writes alphas with a fierce determination to win, and the women who will push for them to fight harder.
Her love of sports romance came from inspiration from her sporty family.
Leesa loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book, and a glass of South Australian wine.


You can sign up for Leesa's email newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Follow Leesa at:
Website: https://www.leesabow.com
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Leesa-Bow/e/B00...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leesa...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leesabowromance
FB Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/46630...


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
46 (67%)
4 stars
17 (25%)
3 stars
4 (5%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
2,916 reviews66 followers
April 2, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from page one, a beautiful romance set in a fabulous location, MS Bow transported me to the Amazon jungle with characters who felt real and alive and getting to know Eden and Samuel was so , so good, was it fate that bought them together? I have no hesitation of recommending this book to anyone who loves a great romance adventure.

Eden is a hard working girl living in Adelaide Australia, in the family business she has always done the right thing but it is time to try new things and with her three best friends a holiday is organised to South America, this is an exciting time the culture here is so different and it is so much fun travelling around but when in Salvador on the beach Eden meets a pair of blue eyes and life will change, never has she felt this feeling before but he is gone as quick as he was there. They meet up again and the pull between them is something that neither can ignore, but again Samuel is gone.

Eden is determined to find Samuel and takes a trip, what she finds is mind blowing, but this connection they have comes deep from the soul and nothing is going to change that, the need to be together is off the planet and Eden is doing something that goes against her father’s wishes, his words to her before she left “stay away from the jungle”.

Their journey is not an easy one, but one that is filled with emotions and there is lots to learn Eden feels very close to the Ularian Shaman and his daughter and when she has to go home she discovers things that have been kept secret for many years, but she also knows that she cannot stay away from Samuel, their love is too deep.

This is a beautifully written story, I savoured every word, I wanted it to go on and read slowly to take it all in, the location is amazing and besides Eden and Samuel the other characters in this story are the best. I am so glad that this is the start of a series and I cannot wait to bead book two Wild at Heart. Thank you MS Bow for a story that is a keeper.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews342 followers
August 8, 2021


Most of my books, the thing I love is that I go into them blind as I find if you have built up expectations for a book, then you are more likely to be a let-down with the story. In Ulara, all I knew about it was that it was set in the Amazon jungle with a tribe and had a bit of romance to it. The book starts with the introduction of Samuel who for the past five years has been working in the deep Amazon for a tribe called Ulara as a doctor and learning under the Shaman as his apprentice, before this he rubbed shoulders with the wealthy but his heart wasn't in it until he got back to the land and worked with the tribesmen and nature. Every couple of years, his friends force him to come to the "real world" so they can assess his mental health and make sure he is still sane. On this trip though, he will see a beautiful blonde girl who will leave him to question the life choice he has made, this girl is Eden. Eden is finally trying to do something for herself and going on a trip to South America with her friends - her father's only rule was to stay out of the jungle. What will happen though when she meets a guy Samuel on her trip who despite trying to be cold, captures her heart and she follows him right into the heart of the jungle and meets the Ulara tribe. The tribe and their basic way of life will be an eye-opener for Eden and also when she returns home, will open Pandora's box of family secrets that her father has tried to keep closed. I enjoyed this book, but what was my favorite part was the way the author connected her grandmother’s trip to the jungle and Eden's and tied them together despite different times in history. The book ended on a small cliffhanger and I am now looking forward to reading Book #2 Wild at Heart when it is released.
Profile Image for J.L. Perry.
Author 31 books1,477 followers
March 9, 2021
Ulara is such a beautifully crafted and unique love story. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. If you’re craving something different you should definitely give this one a go.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,535 reviews137 followers
March 20, 2021
4.5 Stars for Ulara ( Ulara #1)
Samuel and Eden’s story will captivate you from the first chapter to the last line and this is a well written romance that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Eden has decided to travel to South America looking for an adventure and it’s on her travels that meets Samuel, neither of them were looking for love or a relationship but love happens quite often when we least expect it. True love doesn’t run smooth for this couple and there are a fair few twists and turns as well as bumps in the road on their journey to happiness. Eden wasn’t looking for love but once she found it she is 100% committed to Samuel but he on the other hand has secrets so what happens when those secrets are revealed......
This book has all the feels, it has forbidden love, a hero with secrets and a heroine who loves unconditionally. It’s set in Australia and South America and the author describes both countries superbly. Great start to a new series for the very talented Ms Bow.
Profile Image for Quinn Avery.
Author 16 books423 followers
February 23, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this beautifully moving love story! It was refreshing to read something other than the usual boy-meets-girl tale, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the jungle and the different cultures of its indigenous people. Ms. Bow has a lovely way with words that pulls you right into the story alongside her complex characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an engaging read!
Profile Image for Kellie.
225 reviews
March 25, 2021
A gorgeous love story, mixed with a story about finding yourself and making your own path.

Eden is on a trip of self discovery with her friends when she stumbled upon a group of men. Samuel and Eden have an unmistakable spark and chemistry surrounds them until Samuel abruptly leaves Eden with nothing but a letter.

It is Eden who follows her gut into the jungle and surprisingly locates Samuel but all is not what it seems, nor what it was. Eden needs to decide what her future holds while learning more and more about her own life and family history than ever before. But her heart belongs with Samuel, who lives on the other side of the world...can their worlds collide or will the holiday romance forever remain just that?

I loved Leesa's very different book. It is part romance, part self discovery. I really enjoyed the reflection on my life and the material things that this book had me thinking about. I urge you, if you want a book with a difference, to pick this up. It's well written, well researched and the characters well portrayed. A highly recommended book!
Profile Image for Charli.
905 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2020
So so excited for this! I have beta read this one and I honestly think it's the best book Leesa has ever written and I love her Men of the Bay Series. Full Review to come on release.
Profile Image for Claire Louisa.
2,114 reviews123 followers
March 22, 2021
This was a really good read, with a very novel storyline. A story of travel, of soulmates, forbidden love, forbidden journey's, secrets and ultimately finding out who you are and what you want from life; a journey of self-discovery. 

I loved the way Eden and her friends went off travelling, each wanting different experiences from the trip and each having a go at what the other wanted to experience regardless of whether they thought they would enjoy it or not. It makes me want to do a lot more travelling, to go out of my comfort zone and find out what is underneath.

One of the taglines states "Even if it meant doing the one thing my father warned me not to do—enter the jungle. I wasn't prepared for what awaited me.
And I won't come out the same." And that is certainly true for the journey that Eden finds herself on after meeting Samuel and deciding to hunt him down because her connection to him is that strong. While at first, I felt Eden made many mistakes after arriving in the jungle, especially when not listening to Samuel and taking what he said seriously, I felt that Eden's growth really happened after Samuel left her there alone while he went on his own journey. But Eden isn't the only one changed by her meeting with Samuel, Samuel is also changed and they both end up questioning where their paths are heading and if what they thought they wanted still holds true. 

Samuel and Eden's connection was on a soul level, but they both had issues they struggled with when it came to forming a relationship. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop and morph

Eden's family had some interesting dynamics, some that shift as the story progresses and some that you get more enlightenment about once Eden returns from her trip. There were some secrets uncovered which may have unknown outcomes down the track for everyone.

I can't wait for book #2 Wild at Heart due to be released in August. 
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,932 reviews49 followers
March 12, 2021
Ulara is a beautiful romance but it is so much more and I honestly don’t know if I can do it justice by trying to explain in words exactly what it is. The best I can do is say it is a spiritual awareness, a seeking of new adventures and experiencing things outside one's comfort zone to achieve this awareness, and of learning about ourselves.

This journey for both Samuel and Eden takes them on a natural rollercoaster ride while they both together and separately adventure into the jungle. The thing for me that stood out is the tranquility and peacefulness they discover and while reading I did too. I can honestly say I have never felt so attuned to a story as I did when reading Ulara.

I liked Samuel as a character, however, there were times his decisions did annoy me and I found he could be selfish. Eden is a character who is likable straight away and I liked her self honesty. Like Samuel, she is a truly caring person with such depth to her character that I feel even she discovers more of in her journey.

The secondary characters, Asoo and Kaikare, are both equally fascinating and very easy to like. Both caring about others and in tune with their world while being able to appreciate there are more modern cultures although these might pose threats to the Ularan people. The way this story is written makes you feel so much for these wonderful people as well as experience each emotion throughout the book. And you do!

There is so much that happens in this half of the story that I am wondering what is going to happen in the next half, my mind is agog with ideas. As soon as I had finished this I wanted to go onto the next part... I know patience and it will come... eventually! 😉

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*



For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
March 22, 2021
I have to be honest, Ulara was a story that I never saw coming. I was intrigued the moment I read the blurb for it, but it didn't even come close as to what I was about to experience, and yes, I mean experience. Eden is the girl who always does what she's supposed to until fate takes her life in hand when she goes on a South American holiday. She lets her hair down as the new culture gave her some serious color which is when she met Samuel. However before she can really explore something with him, he ups & disappears and this time, Eden is going to go out of her comfort zone so off she goes on a journey into the jungle to get answers. Leesa Bow is a descriptive genius as I was transported into the jungle along with Eden, and she was the perfect heroine. Samuel on the other hand, made some decisions that drove me batty to the point I was calling him some names, and he definitely had the type of secrets that don't make friends. And since that's all I'm going to say about that, you'll need to hit those one click buttons to see how it all pans out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,331 reviews18 followers
March 16, 2021
This book is rather unique. It starts off as a romance but morphs into a romance that is part of journey of discovery.

It took me a bit to get into the book. In the first part, it dragged a bit. Samuel and Eden’s romance is feather cliche. But, if like me you keep reading, you’ll be treated to what truly makes the book worth reading.

I don’t want to say too much because I want people to discover for themselves this treasure.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
March 25, 2021
I thought Ulara was a interesting book it was different from what I've read in the past and it took me on a journey that I can't wait to read with the next book I want to see what will happen to the characters . Eden and Samuel were different from one another but they Both saw some thing in the other that drew them in and just made them want to get to know each other . I can't wait to read more in the series and to know what will happen to the couple.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
2,082 reviews16 followers
March 29, 2021
An intriguing and intricately woven story involving Samuel and Eden. I love the detail and storytelling to make this novel something that I have not encountered before. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Samuel and Eden in the next instalment.
Profile Image for Laurel Nilsen.
510 reviews13 followers
March 13, 2021
Ulara is different to any romance story I have read Eden and Samuel story will lead you on mystical journey that will have you wanting more. It’s a hard book to explain without giving away the story to much but worth reading. I’m looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Michelle.
47 reviews
March 14, 2021
Loved it

It took me a little to get into but once I did I couldn’t put it down...sooo good. Can’t wait for the next one in the series
Profile Image for Michelle Dalton.
Author 13 books355 followers
May 20, 2021
An absolute must read. This book holds everything you desire in a brilliant story. Adventure, love, desire, following your dreams, family secrets and SO much more!
2,298 reviews91 followers
November 28, 2022


Ulara is a beautiful romance but it is so much more and I honestly don’t know if I can do it justice by trying to explain in words exactly what it is. The best I can do is say it is a spiritual awareness, a seeking of new adventures and experiencing things outside ones comfort zone to achieve this awareness, and of learning about ourselves.

This journey for both Samuel and Eden takes them on a natural rollercoaster ride while they both together and separately adventure into the jungle. The thing for me that stood out is the tranquility and peacefulness they discover and while reading I did too. I can honestly say I have never felt so attuned to a story as I did when reading Ulara.

I liked Samuel as a character, however, there were times his decisions did annoy me and I found he could be selfish. Eden is a character who is likeable straight away and I liked her self honesty. Like Samuel, she is a truly caring person with such depth to her character that I feel even she discovers more of in her journey.

The secondary characters, Asoo and Kaikare, are both equally fascinating and very easy to like. Both caring about others and in tune with their world while being able to appreciate there are more modern cultures although these might pose threats to the Ularan people. The way this story is written makes you feel so much for these wonderful people as well as experience each emotion throughout the book. And you do!

There is so much that happens in this half of the story that I am wondering what is going to happen in the next half, my mind is agog with ideas. As soon as I had finished this I wanted to go onto the next part... I know patience and it will come... eventually! 😉
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,358 reviews56 followers
March 21, 2021
*** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

I’ve been intrigued by the blurb. I started reading it and I felt like I was on the top of a waterfall in the middle of the jungle and suddenly I jumped, feeling the thrill of something exciting and then almost feeling fear and afraid to crash violently. I felt that way from the moment the two main characters met but it definitely gets better afterwards.

I was ready to stop reading because I was frustrated, not understanding the heroine’s actions when it came to the one who literally stole her heart without any warning. I could sense that this story has definitely more potential, more things to discover.

Eden didn’t understand her father’s warning to stay away from the jungle when she decided to go for a trip with her friends. The girl who used to follow the rules would never have imagined that this vacation would change her life forever.
It took me some time to connect with Eden. I was waiting for her to take the lead and not telling people what she had to do. I enjoyed her evolution into this journey. Challenging and very far from her comfort zone.

Samuel was so mysterious, intriguing and so infuriating in the beginning.
A charismatic, magnetic character but putting people at distance. It took me a while to appreciate this character at his fullest but the story arc when the main characters unfold in tandem, slowly unveiling the mind of each was kinda great actually.
Someone who has found his real meaning and purpose to help other people, compassionate and open minded to the world.

I appreciated this powerful connexion and smoking hot chemistry. Like they meant to meet one day and experience as individuals and as a couple as well. I had to admit that the hot and cold banter drove me crazy in the beginning but I’m glad that I did not give up because once you started discovering a part of the whole picture, you just wanted to keep reading. This mix of spiritual journey and romance was enticing and mesmerizing.

I was extremely interested in this journey. It’s kinda hard to explain without reading it but it was a dimension full of possibilities, a means of exploration and self discovery. Scenery places transporting the reader to another world, rich in culture and history. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,283 reviews30 followers
March 21, 2021
5-Star Epic!

Wow, what can I say about this epic adventure except to say that I sat and binge read it!!! It was simply amazing and creatively written. So much so that I envisaged the Ularian scenery and village life as experienced by Eden as she lived among them and found her spirit. It was nothing short of beautiful.

Author Leesa Bow’s writing journey started years ago with this book, and it is just now that she is gifting it to the literary world. I’ve always known that her books were more than just amazing contemporary sports romances but also about life’s learning experience and the personal growth of the characters as they change over the course of her books. Now I truly appreciate why this is so. It is down to one personal journey of the author and her family, and down to one book and its follow-up in the duet – ULARA.

Ulara is certainly unique, and it’s more than the popular ad saying ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ because the wording suggests a choice, but what if your choice was removed?? So, in doing something because you had to, or were compelled to for whatever reason, are you going to be dragged, or are you going to be the driver??

Ulara is written is an unusual dual POV, one in a first person, the other in the third. Now I’m not a literary scholar, but in dissecting the author’s choice I believe it suggested that she viewed one characters journey as perhaps more pertinent in this book as Eden broke free of the rules and entered the Jungle. Again, all I can say is that this was one epic book and the love experienced between our characters was palpable, even as it was the most compelling part of the book, there is so much more to the story than just that.

Read it and experience it all for yourself. Truly. ❤🌴
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,222 reviews219 followers
March 19, 2021
5 Star Review Ulara (Ulara #1) by Leesa Bow
From the first chapter I was hooked in Samuel and Eden’s story. Ulara is a well written romantic story that I had a hard time putting down. Seeking adventure and to escape the binds of her life, Eden embarks on an adventure in South America. The writing was descriptive and I could easily imagine myself in Ulara.
Meeting Samuel wasn’t what she planned, but once it happened, Eden was invested. I really liked Eden, she was easy to relate, kind and caring. There were times that Samuel frustrated me but overall I liked him, despite the secrets he appears to have.
The journey that Eden and Samuel embark on will have numerous bumps, twists and turns and is one that was enlightening; the secondary characters were also entertaining.
I cannot wait for the next book Wild At Heart which will release later in the year. This is not your typical romance story, it is a book you need to experience for yourself, so do yourself a favour and one click on release.
Profile Image for S.
1,551 reviews39 followers
March 19, 2021
This was a very unique & refreshing read and is so different from what I have read from Leesa . It’s not the usual boy meet girl romance but so so much more. I was honestly intrigued by the blurb and couldn’t wait to read this book. I lucked out by getting an arc and I literally binge read and devoured this book . The plot was unique and at the same time complexed . The characters were well developed. Samual and Eden were beautifully written characters. Reading this book was an experience, I just can’t put into words . This is so much more than a regular romance but a enlightening story. Some stories force you to take a step back and rethink your outlook on life. Leesa is truly a genius . I can’t wait to read the second book. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 39 books155 followers
March 31, 2021
This book was amazing. It transported me to a different world. This story starts out in Australia where I live but soon changed to the exotic world of South America. When friends decide to go on a holiday of a lifetime one of them, Eden has no idea how her life will change.
This is a story of two people from different worlds who are soul mates and meant to be together. That being said nothing is easy or as it seems for them.
The way Leesa Bow captures the jungle in such detail draws a clear picture for me of how these tribes live. I was immersed in the culture as well as the love story.
All in all a wonderful book.
44 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
A book about finding yourself, what you really want in life and what is important. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn’t easy for anyone but Eden did this not only on a quest to find herself but to follow her heart. What started as a trip away with girlfriends to escape her boring life for a while, Eden learnt that being away from society and all the mod cons is not all there is in life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learnt a great deal about many things. Outside the norm if any romance book I have read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
871 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2021
A beautifully written magical story about two souls who's paths finally come together.
A adventure beyond Edens wildest imagination.
Samuel who finds himself captivated by Eden when he comes into town, finds himself unable to focus and decides to follow her while her and her friends are travelling around South America.
Once their paths across again Eden can't deny that she feels she has found her soulmate although always being the dutiful daughter who was raised to follow the family rules.
A story of discovery that will leave you invested and wanting more.
Profile Image for Laurie.
91 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed going into the Amazon world with Eden, learning about new things. This story is very refreshing with a story about love, determination, strength and our souls. Samuel is an amazing strong true to yourself kind of guy while Eden just needed to break free and find herself. I loved soaking up everything in this book and read it when I had time to fully be there in it. This will be one that I recommend to all my friends and family.
656 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2021
Ulara is unique, mysterious and captivating . A book unlike anything I've ever read. The writing will suck you right in and the detail and descriptions will make you feel like you're right there with the main characters. I love the growth, adventure and sacrifice both Eden and Samuel had throughout this first book. I'm still a little sceptical of Samuel, I feel like there is still so much more we don't know about him and I hope he keeps Eden's heart safe! Can not wait for what's to come!!
Profile Image for Jenny.
287 reviews
June 12, 2021
This book was so different to anything else Ms Bow has written, but it is stunning. I loved the story of a tribe living deep in the Amazon and the two people who fall in love with not only the Amazon, but also each other whilst interacting with the Ularans.
It is also a journey of self discovery and finding out what is really important.
The story is vibrant and beautifully written. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Carla Martinez .
147 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2021
Magical

Magical , mystical, beautiful love story. This is a must read for sure. It is different than anything I have read in a long while and worth every minute spent immersed in the jungle. The journey the characters go on to find themselves, the world of Ulara and its people. The knowledge yet to be grasped. It is beyond any words I could use to describe it but is is wonderful and I could not recommend it enough. 5 stars. I can not wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Kim Sutton.
597 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2021
Ulara is so different to anything I’ve ever read before. It’s a one of a kind wow book that I didn’t know I needed until I read it. Ulara is in my opinion Leesa’s best work yet and I cannot wait to read the second book.

Full review to follow on release
6 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2021
Stunning writing, amazing and inspirational story. I absolutely adored this new work from Leesa.

I was surprised, enticed and enthralled by her beautiful words and her incredible story telling.

What an experience. I definitely recommend this book with all of my heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.