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Wilder Irish #11
Wild Embrace
Love is full of bad clichés.
Falling for your boss.
The widowed dad and the nanny.
How did Darcy manage to find both of them in Ryder Hagan?
His broken heart and wounded pride means he only sees her as an employee in his company and part-time caregiver for his sons.
Until another cliché surprises them both:
The old broken elevator trap.
And the wild attraction he’s kept buried begins to break out.
Can his perfectly ordered life survive discovering love again?
Falling for your boss.
The widowed dad and the nanny.
How did Darcy manage to find both of them in Ryder Hagan?
His broken heart and wounded pride means he only sees her as an employee in his company and part-time caregiver for his sons.
Until another cliché surprises them both:
The old broken elevator trap.
And the wild attraction he’s kept buried begins to break out.
Can his perfectly ordered life survive discovering love again?
258 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
97 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
229 books4,000 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
October 8, 2020
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Armed with amazing examples of love (her Pop Pop, her parents, etc.), Darcy knows from a young age that she wants that kind of love in her life when the right man comes along.
"Never settle for a man who doesn't realize exactly how special, how extraordinary you are."She takes her Pop Pop's words to heart, wants her own Prince Charming, so why then does she give her heart to the one man whose own heart is not open to love?
Ryan is an unhappy man. Since his wife's death years ago, he's never allowed himself happiness or love other than that of his sons'. He doesn't even get attracted to women. But then one too many drinks of vodka while stuck in a broken elevator with his babysitter/employee, Darcy, and suddenly he's seeing the much too young woman as more than just someone he works with. But he can't give her what he knows she's looking for, what she deserves, so he'll restrain himself. He just didn't count on Darcy's persistence, her dogged pursuit of what (who) she wants - him. Will his body (and his heart) be able to resist her for much longer?
Damn...I was so not expecting this! Not only is Wild Embrace smoking hot with some scenes of D/s and lite kink, but the emotional component is truly heartbreaking to read as Ryan comes to terms with himself and what he feels. I absolutely love this installment of Wilder Irish. It's by far my favorite so far, and Pop Pop just keeps getting better and better as more of his grandkids find the kind of love he had with his one and only.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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September 26, 2020
Wild Embrace by Mari Carr is the eleventh in her delicious Wilder Irish series, spun off from the original Wild Irish series, all set in Baltimore at Pat's Pub, with the loving and compassionately wise Pop Pop still at the heart of everyone's business ;)
Darcy Young has always believed Pop Pop's vision for love, so the so-called Collins Curse really does feel like one when her heart sets itself on Ryder Hagen before she's even old enough to legally drink. She's never noticed the nearly decade age difference between them but the widowed dad has used that and a number of other reasons to keep Darcy at arm's length. Ryder is determined to keep Darcy in the babysitter/employee/off-limits zone, no matter how much he might want otherwise.
Until one fateful power outage intervenes, giving these two a little forced-proximity nudge.
Mari Carr's story is everything you might expect from her writing--emotionally rich, warm and funny, and sexy as all get out!
Ryder is a wounded soul, having withdrawn from being very social after his wife's death. Darcy's warmth and enthusiastic view of life starts to take the edge off the ice he's encased himself in, and slowly but surely he finds his reservations among other things, melting away.
Wild Embrace is a lovely page-turner in the very best way. And you'll be eager to spend more time with the Collins crew whether by rereading the previous books or anxiously anticipating the next!
Darcy Young has always believed Pop Pop's vision for love, so the so-called Collins Curse really does feel like one when her heart sets itself on Ryder Hagen before she's even old enough to legally drink. She's never noticed the nearly decade age difference between them but the widowed dad has used that and a number of other reasons to keep Darcy at arm's length. Ryder is determined to keep Darcy in the babysitter/employee/off-limits zone, no matter how much he might want otherwise.
Until one fateful power outage intervenes, giving these two a little forced-proximity nudge.
Mari Carr's story is everything you might expect from her writing--emotionally rich, warm and funny, and sexy as all get out!
Ryder is a wounded soul, having withdrawn from being very social after his wife's death. Darcy's warmth and enthusiastic view of life starts to take the edge off the ice he's encased himself in, and slowly but surely he finds his reservations among other things, melting away.
Wild Embrace is a lovely page-turner in the very best way. And you'll be eager to spend more time with the Collins crew whether by rereading the previous books or anxiously anticipating the next!
October 6, 2020
And, again, I get to extol the virtues of reading a book by Mari Carr about the Collins Clan. What I am afraid of is that she’s running out of characters in the Collins family and will be ending this wonderful, exciting, beautiful series soon.
Darcy and Ryder were wonderful. The Collins Curse struck again. Unfortunately, Ryder knew nothing about the curse but swore she put some kind of a spell on him. Little did he know.
I’m not going to get into the full plot of this story. It’s too good to give anything away here. Let’s say that Ryder was living in the past … ignoring his baser needs … thinking he just wasn’t enough for any woman. Darcy felt the butterflies, felt the pull but had to give him some room to figure things out for himself. She did what she had to do, when she had to do it and followed exactly what her Pop Pop told her to do when that “feeling” hit her. She knew … now she needed to get Ryder to know it too.
I absolutely love, love, love these stories. They are fun, interesting … no plot ever repeats itself. The characters are well written and fascinating. The story flows from page to page. I won’t lie … I read this in one sitting … 4 hours. I couldn’t stop. I needed to see where it was going and how they were going to get there. And I was not disappointed in the least. Ryder had just the right amount of dominance and Darcy just the right amount of submission. It may have taken a punch in the face, but Ryder finally came to his senses and saw the gift that was right in front of his eyes.
Characters that are feisty … a plot line that will have you smiling. Another winner from Mari Carr. (I won’t mention my love of Pop Pop again, I swear. Y'all know how I feel about him.)
Review copy provide for a voluntary review.
Darcy and Ryder were wonderful. The Collins Curse struck again. Unfortunately, Ryder knew nothing about the curse but swore she put some kind of a spell on him. Little did he know.
I’m not going to get into the full plot of this story. It’s too good to give anything away here. Let’s say that Ryder was living in the past … ignoring his baser needs … thinking he just wasn’t enough for any woman. Darcy felt the butterflies, felt the pull but had to give him some room to figure things out for himself. She did what she had to do, when she had to do it and followed exactly what her Pop Pop told her to do when that “feeling” hit her. She knew … now she needed to get Ryder to know it too.
I absolutely love, love, love these stories. They are fun, interesting … no plot ever repeats itself. The characters are well written and fascinating. The story flows from page to page. I won’t lie … I read this in one sitting … 4 hours. I couldn’t stop. I needed to see where it was going and how they were going to get there. And I was not disappointed in the least. Ryder had just the right amount of dominance and Darcy just the right amount of submission. It may have taken a punch in the face, but Ryder finally came to his senses and saw the gift that was right in front of his eyes.
Characters that are feisty … a plot line that will have you smiling. Another winner from Mari Carr. (I won’t mention my love of Pop Pop again, I swear. Y'all know how I feel about him.)
Review copy provide for a voluntary review.
September 30, 2020
Pop Pop strikes again! I swear, that old man is one of my favorite characters of any book I've ever read! But really, this is a sweet story about reclaiming life after tragedy, moving on, and finding out that the future is independent of the past! It's definitely one that tugs at your emotions, and one that I'd recommend to anyone!
Darcy is one of my favorite type of female characters. She knows who she is, what she wants, and what she is worth. She has had excellent examples of true love, and knows that that is what she wants, and is willing to wait for it. Her patience is tested when the one she wants, doesn't want love and avoids it at all cost.
Ryder learned the hard way that love isn't for him. His tragic love life would break anyone. So he has focused on his son, and his work, avoiding entanglements that could lead down a path he doesn't ever intend to go down again. But mother nature isn't taking no for an answer!
This story was as fun, as it was emotional. I love the Collins Family, and their antics never fail to put a smile on my face! Darcy and Ryder are an amazing couple, with chemistry and connection. This book has everything I love about this crazy family, along with a fantastic HEA! What more can you ask for?!?
Darcy is one of my favorite type of female characters. She knows who she is, what she wants, and what she is worth. She has had excellent examples of true love, and knows that that is what she wants, and is willing to wait for it. Her patience is tested when the one she wants, doesn't want love and avoids it at all cost.
Ryder learned the hard way that love isn't for him. His tragic love life would break anyone. So he has focused on his son, and his work, avoiding entanglements that could lead down a path he doesn't ever intend to go down again. But mother nature isn't taking no for an answer!
This story was as fun, as it was emotional. I love the Collins Family, and their antics never fail to put a smile on my face! Darcy and Ryder are an amazing couple, with chemistry and connection. This book has everything I love about this crazy family, along with a fantastic HEA! What more can you ask for?!?
October 4, 2020
Always a great read when we return to the Collins Family!
This time it's Darcy's turn with Ryder, her "boss" (really her boss's boss), who she babysits for, whom we met in Yvonne's & Leo's book, Wild Spirit.
Loved seeing Ryder get over his anger for the secret he held & Darcy looses her v-card.
As always love the vinettes with PopPop!
This time it's Darcy's turn with Ryder, her "boss" (really her boss's boss), who she babysits for, whom we met in Yvonne's & Leo's book, Wild Spirit.
Loved seeing Ryder get over his anger for the secret he held & Darcy looses her v-card.
As always love the vinettes with PopPop!
October 12, 2020
Absolutely LOVE a head strong woman that goes after what she wants.
♡Darcy & Ryder ♡
This family, this series ... feels like home!
♡Darcy & Ryder ♡
This family, this series ... feels like home!
September 28, 2020
In 2020 when visiting loved ones and having large gatherings is impossible I love revisiting the Collins family. Over the years as my own family has been shrinking due to distance or death I love slipping into these worlds where large families exist. I love enjoying the chaos that comes from all the relatives and more than anything I love sitting down and getting advice from Pop Pop.
Darcy Young has been waiting for perfect love her entire life. Stories that her Pop Pop, her parents, and the rest of her family has shared about finding their true love have been basis that she has based her entire life on. She's waiting for those fireworks, butterflies and racing heart feelings to find the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, she experiences those feelings while she's babysitting for the widower, Ryder Hagan, and he has no idea she feels that way. The age gap between them is not only a huge factor, but he's grieving the loss of his wife, but Darcy is patient and gives him time.
A few years go by and Darcy hasn't lost a single emotion for Ryder Hagan. Instead they have only intensified and to make matters worse, she now works at the same company as he does. While she doesn't work directly under him he could be seen as technically her boss so she keeps adding to the pile of untouchable, but Darcy is nothing if not tenacious. She doesn't know how yet, but she plans to make Ryder notice her because he is the only man who generates the intense feelings in her, so it must mean something, he just needs to notice her to give them a chance.
During a blackout on Halloween where Darcy and Ryder are trapped together, it's truly the first time that Ryder takes notice of the girl who has been taking of his boys for the past few years. He'd been so trapped in his own head over the death of his wife that he'd lost himself in work that he hadn't paid attention to anything else going on around him, but that changed on Halloween.
While Ryder doesn't make any promises to Darcy, he can't help but be drawn to her. He refuses to ever fall in love again and he makes that very clear, but like I said, Darcy is tenacious and just knows that Ryder is the man she is destined to be with.
Wild Embrace is full of steamy passion and while there is a lot of Collins family interaction, you do not have to have read all of the books to keep up with the action. You are welcome at their table no matter how new you are this world.
Darcy Young has been waiting for perfect love her entire life. Stories that her Pop Pop, her parents, and the rest of her family has shared about finding their true love have been basis that she has based her entire life on. She's waiting for those fireworks, butterflies and racing heart feelings to find the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, she experiences those feelings while she's babysitting for the widower, Ryder Hagan, and he has no idea she feels that way. The age gap between them is not only a huge factor, but he's grieving the loss of his wife, but Darcy is patient and gives him time.
A few years go by and Darcy hasn't lost a single emotion for Ryder Hagan. Instead they have only intensified and to make matters worse, she now works at the same company as he does. While she doesn't work directly under him he could be seen as technically her boss so she keeps adding to the pile of untouchable, but Darcy is nothing if not tenacious. She doesn't know how yet, but she plans to make Ryder notice her because he is the only man who generates the intense feelings in her, so it must mean something, he just needs to notice her to give them a chance.
During a blackout on Halloween where Darcy and Ryder are trapped together, it's truly the first time that Ryder takes notice of the girl who has been taking of his boys for the past few years. He'd been so trapped in his own head over the death of his wife that he'd lost himself in work that he hadn't paid attention to anything else going on around him, but that changed on Halloween.
While Ryder doesn't make any promises to Darcy, he can't help but be drawn to her. He refuses to ever fall in love again and he makes that very clear, but like I said, Darcy is tenacious and just knows that Ryder is the man she is destined to be with.
Wild Embrace is full of steamy passion and while there is a lot of Collins family interaction, you do not have to have read all of the books to keep up with the action. You are welcome at their table no matter how new you are this world.
October 6, 2020
How awesome it is we get to visit the Collins Family, from Pop Pop to Padraig to Bubbles. The Collins are a family that loves with their whole being, and has each other’s back.
Darcy was stricken with the curse at age 20 but it took some years before it came to fruition. She fell hard for Ryder, he fought that attraction, she was tenacious. Oh my, what a wild (pun intended) ride went through as they give in to that attraction.
The biggest part of the story was about trust, she unequivocally trusted Ryder, while Ryder had to learn to trust someone other than himself. We went through so many emotions throughout the story, I laughed, I sighed, I cried and then I laughed some more. You can never go wrong with a Mari Carr story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Darcy was stricken with the curse at age 20 but it took some years before it came to fruition. She fell hard for Ryder, he fought that attraction, she was tenacious. Oh my, what a wild (pun intended) ride went through as they give in to that attraction.
The biggest part of the story was about trust, she unequivocally trusted Ryder, while Ryder had to learn to trust someone other than himself. We went through so many emotions throughout the story, I laughed, I sighed, I cried and then I laughed some more. You can never go wrong with a Mari Carr story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 27, 2020
This is book 11 in the Wilder Irish Series. I have Loved every book in this amazing series. I swear This family gets better with every book. Ryder is a widower and a devoted father who has guilt and unresolved feeling for his deceased wife. Darcy has a major crush on her new boss Ryder. In fact she has had that crush for over 3 years. Feelings that developed while being a babysitter for his son. Ryder and Darcy final have a chance to not only act on the feelings they have for each other but explore them. I always find myself reading this series as fast as I can. The passion they have for each other was so amazingly sexy. Darcy and Ryder’s story was everything I wanted it to be. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in this amazingly sexy series. I love Getting updates on the family with each book.
September 30, 2020
Darcy, well Darcy was everything that is good about the Collins family, sweet, energetic, open, honest, stubborn, determined, and a hopeless romantic. The Princess Bride references alone are enough to have you swooning and aww’ing with her. Realistic and a dreamer, this woman knows her mind and heart, and will settle for nothing less. She embraces life to the fullest and with joyful abandon. Ryder is the opposite of all these things, so he thinks, and life has dealt him a rough hand. He has needed time and space to process where he is, and how he ended up there, but it looks like that time is up. A few hours trapped in an elevator, and Darcy becomes his kryptonite in remaining alone, unaffected, detached, and unapproachable. He keeps backing away, she keeps stepping up t him. They were fun, heartbreaking, lovable, and infuriating. But, by the end, Ryder is helpless to give Darcy anything she wishes. He is the Westley to her Buttercup <3
October 6, 2020
When the chemistry jumps of the page and hits you in the heart just as much as the characters you know you are in for one hell of a wild embrace.....
The family is back in all its beautiful messy chaotic glory and while you can read this as a stand alone it is definitely better read in order.
The family is back in all its beautiful messy chaotic glory and while you can read this as a stand alone it is definitely better read in order.
September 21, 2020
Oh, she's done it again! I cannot get enough of Mari Carr and the Collins family. This book is about Darcy, one of the youngest Collins grandchildren, and the one Pop Pop feels is most like his beloved Sunday. The cousins talk about the Collins curse, which is when they meet their true love, they fall hard and fast, no matter what age they are. Darcy was 20 when she fell for widower Ryder as she babysat for his son Clint and stepson Vince. Even though Ryder was 10 years older (remember age makes no difference), Darcy could not get rid of her feelings. Ryder was so impressed by Darcy's ways with the boys that he recommended her for a job at his company when she graduated with her Graphic Arts degree. Now Darcy can see him almost every day. But would he ever see her as anything but the babysitter, even 4 years later??? A captivating story as is anything by Mari Carr!! What will I do if she ever runs out of Collins family members????
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wild Embrace by Mari Carr is the 11th book in her Wilder Irish series, spun off from the original Wild Irish series, all set in Baltimore at Pat's Pub with children from the couples featured in the original series. This is Darcy's story and she is one of the youngest cousins.
I have not read every book in this series, some feature MMF and I am not into those stories. But this one while it is a stand alone like all the books in the series, has a companion book which features Darcy's cousin (Yvonne), her best friend/future husband (Leo) and introduces Ryder and his sons (Vince and Clint) to this story. That is why while this a stand alone I highly recommend that you read that book (Book 8 in the series Wild Spirit) before you start this one. It is also the book that Darcy meets Ryder and forms her crush on him. It does happen several years before this story, as Darcy is 20 in that book. In this book she has graduated college and is working her first job and guess who her boss is? Yep its Ryder.
In this story she still is majorly crushing on Ryder but now he is her new boss. She also still babysits for him and Yvonne. So they have a messy relationship.
Ryder is a widower and his marriage was devastating in many ways and has not been attracted to anyone until during a blackout he gets stuck in the elevator with clausterphobic Darcy and they have to distract each other.
He is much older than her and he is very anti love. But the heart wants what the heart wants and I absolutely adored Darcy and how hard she fought for Ryder.
This was an awesome story with a bit of an age gap but a whole set of characters I absolutely loved. It was wonderful to see Yvonne and Leo and how their unique family unit made it work.
Wild Embrace by Mari Carr is the 11th book in her Wilder Irish series, spun off from the original Wild Irish series, all set in Baltimore at Pat's Pub with children from the couples featured in the original series. This is Darcy's story and she is one of the youngest cousins.
I have not read every book in this series, some feature MMF and I am not into those stories. But this one while it is a stand alone like all the books in the series, has a companion book which features Darcy's cousin (Yvonne), her best friend/future husband (Leo) and introduces Ryder and his sons (Vince and Clint) to this story. That is why while this a stand alone I highly recommend that you read that book (Book 8 in the series Wild Spirit) before you start this one. It is also the book that Darcy meets Ryder and forms her crush on him. It does happen several years before this story, as Darcy is 20 in that book. In this book she has graduated college and is working her first job and guess who her boss is? Yep its Ryder.
In this story she still is majorly crushing on Ryder but now he is her new boss. She also still babysits for him and Yvonne. So they have a messy relationship.
Ryder is a widower and his marriage was devastating in many ways and has not been attracted to anyone until during a blackout he gets stuck in the elevator with clausterphobic Darcy and they have to distract each other.
He is much older than her and he is very anti love. But the heart wants what the heart wants and I absolutely adored Darcy and how hard she fought for Ryder.
This was an awesome story with a bit of an age gap but a whole set of characters I absolutely loved. It was wonderful to see Yvonne and Leo and how their unique family unit made it work.
October 5, 2020
I love Mari Carr's Collins family series. From the Wild Irish series to the current Wilder Irish series with the kids, I enjoy reading these books.
Pop is the head of the Collins family, he and his wife, Sunday, moved from Ireland and opened a pub. Pop is a permanent fixture at the bar and is always available for to tell a story and hand out sage advice.
This is Darcey and Ryder's story. Darcy is 24 and works as a graphic designer at the same company as Ryder. He's the boss. Darcy is a hard worker and has a secret crush on Ryder. Darcy has always felt that some day she'd meet her prince charming. Too bad Ryder never seems to notice her that way.
Ryder is 34 and a widower. His wife died several years earlier and left behind their son as well as a son from a previous relationship. Before Darcy worked for him, she watched Ryder's son and his half brother. When Ryder's wife died, Leo, the father of his wife's other son, moved in with Ryder so that the boys could stay together. Leo married Darcy's cousin Yvonne and that was how Darcy came into the picture.
Leo may only be 34 but he has no plans to remarry or start another relationship. His marriage to his wife wasn't good and after she died, he found out a terrible secret.
Darcy and Ryder get stuck in an elevator leaving work late one night. A bottle of vodka gets shared between them and the feelings Ryder has not allowed himself to admit to come out. But after they get out, Ryder has regrets for what he allowed to happen and tries to ignore his feelings but will Darcy be too much for him to ignore?
This book is part of a series. You could read it by itself but it woukd be so much better if you started at the beginning with the Wild Irish series. The characters from all the books constantly walk between the stories and it is so much better if you understand the backstory. You won't regret it.
October 12, 2020
Wild Embrace is the 11th book in the Wilder Irish series by Mari Carr and it's a stand-alone (-ish, if you ask me and you will find out why below). I really don't want the series to end because I love these books. Pop-pop once again stole the show and he is easily my favorite character. He always has some words of wisdom to share with us and he was great in this book.
I have to admit that I didn't love Wild Embrace as much as I have loved all the other books in the series so far. There was something that didn't fit exactly right and while I had no trouble reading the book, it made me not love it. I don't know if it was me or the way it was explained, but I felt like I was missing some backstory on Ryder, Leo, and their children. I skipped Leo's book for some reason and I guessed I would have gotten all the info I needed if I had read the book. Ryder is living with his son, his step-son who is Leo's son, and Yvonne, Darcy's cousin and Leo's other half. So, I think that before you read Wild embrace you should read Wild Spirit (Wilder Irish, #8). Or the whole series since the books are great. I would have liked to see Ryder, Darcy and Clint, Ryder's son, spend some quality time together instead of having Darcy act as his babysitter only. I feel like it would have added to the romance for me.
Ryder was a meh character for me. I didn't have him, but I also didn't find him book boyfriend material. Darcy on the other hand was the perfect heroine. She knew what she wanted, she stood up for herself and she wasn't whiny. Some might not like the fact that she is a virgin, but it kinda worked in this book because she knew that Ryder was the one for her for a long time and Ryder was not actually someone who slept around, so it's not the usual romance stereotype.
There was some drama in the end that wasn't necessary, but it didn't taint the book much. Overall, the book was good, I enjoyed it and I would recommend it.
I have to admit that I didn't love Wild Embrace as much as I have loved all the other books in the series so far. There was something that didn't fit exactly right and while I had no trouble reading the book, it made me not love it. I don't know if it was me or the way it was explained, but I felt like I was missing some backstory on Ryder, Leo, and their children. I skipped Leo's book for some reason and I guessed I would have gotten all the info I needed if I had read the book. Ryder is living with his son, his step-son who is Leo's son, and Yvonne, Darcy's cousin and Leo's other half. So, I think that before you read Wild embrace you should read Wild Spirit (Wilder Irish, #8). Or the whole series since the books are great. I would have liked to see Ryder, Darcy and Clint, Ryder's son, spend some quality time together instead of having Darcy act as his babysitter only. I feel like it would have added to the romance for me.
Ryder was a meh character for me. I didn't have him, but I also didn't find him book boyfriend material. Darcy on the other hand was the perfect heroine. She knew what she wanted, she stood up for herself and she wasn't whiny. Some might not like the fact that she is a virgin, but it kinda worked in this book because she knew that Ryder was the one for her for a long time and Ryder was not actually someone who slept around, so it's not the usual romance stereotype.
There was some drama in the end that wasn't necessary, but it didn't taint the book much. Overall, the book was good, I enjoyed it and I would recommend it.
October 9, 2020
3.5 Stars
Ryder has just been going through the motions ever since his wife died, leaving him the single dad of two young sons. (Well, not completely, since his roommate Leo is the dad of his stepson and they live as an unconventional kind of family unit with Darcy's cousin, Yvonne). Anyway, Ryder has pretty much closed himself off to everything. Darcy has been in love with Ryder for years, but he only sees her as his employee/sometimes babysitter. Getting stuck together in an elevator opens up Ryder's eyes that there's more to Darcy than he's been seeing all this time.
Finally seeing a window of opportunity, Darcy grabs it in her pursuit of Ryder, even though he doesn't think he can give her what she wants and deserves out of a relationship. But will he be able to resist?
This story was just okay. It was entertaining, but it didn't grab me the way the blurb did. I just never fell in love with Ryder and Darcy as a couple. The bedroom scenes are quite steamy, with some D/s play and light kink, which I wasn't expecting based on the blurb.
There are also a lot of side characters involved since this book is part of a larger series about a family. Maybe I would have liked it more had I read the series from the start and been invested in the Wilder family. The story itself is entertaining, I just didn't fall head over heels with Ryder and Darcy as a couple.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Ryder has just been going through the motions ever since his wife died, leaving him the single dad of two young sons. (Well, not completely, since his roommate Leo is the dad of his stepson and they live as an unconventional kind of family unit with Darcy's cousin, Yvonne). Anyway, Ryder has pretty much closed himself off to everything. Darcy has been in love with Ryder for years, but he only sees her as his employee/sometimes babysitter. Getting stuck together in an elevator opens up Ryder's eyes that there's more to Darcy than he's been seeing all this time.
Finally seeing a window of opportunity, Darcy grabs it in her pursuit of Ryder, even though he doesn't think he can give her what she wants and deserves out of a relationship. But will he be able to resist?
This story was just okay. It was entertaining, but it didn't grab me the way the blurb did. I just never fell in love with Ryder and Darcy as a couple. The bedroom scenes are quite steamy, with some D/s play and light kink, which I wasn't expecting based on the blurb.
There are also a lot of side characters involved since this book is part of a larger series about a family. Maybe I would have liked it more had I read the series from the start and been invested in the Wilder family. The story itself is entertaining, I just didn't fall head over heels with Ryder and Darcy as a couple.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
October 3, 2020
Holy scorching chemistry, my Kindle just melted! This is my first book by this author, and I’m head over heels in love with the big, loud, messy, Irish Collins family. More! I need more!
Darcy is young and inexperienced but the Collins curse has hit her. She’s fallen in love quickly, absolutely and irrevocably. Ryder Hagen has always seen Darcy as his son’s babysitter, but all that changes when they get stranded in an elevator on Halloween. That doesn’t exactly change anything in Ryder's mind because he determined after his wife's death that he's not the hearts and flowers kind of guy. Not the marrying kind.
Gah! I loved every minute of this quick, steamy, heartfelt read! Darcy may be ten years younger than Ryder, but she's wise beyond her years and has the tenacity of a Rottweiler. Poor Ryder didn’t stand a chance. And the whole Collins clan is amazing, especially the patriarch, Pop Pop! Although I hadn’t read the other books, I wasn’t at all lost and quickly felt like another member of the family.
This one is achingly tender yet tantalizingly spicy, and the emotional tangle is the most exquisite heartache. These characters will own your heart and burrow deep into your soul, and one book about this endearing family will never be enough. Start with Darcy and Ryder’s story or start at the beginning of the series and read your way through. But don’t pass up the chance to become a part of this phenomenal book world!
Darcy is young and inexperienced but the Collins curse has hit her. She’s fallen in love quickly, absolutely and irrevocably. Ryder Hagen has always seen Darcy as his son’s babysitter, but all that changes when they get stranded in an elevator on Halloween. That doesn’t exactly change anything in Ryder's mind because he determined after his wife's death that he's not the hearts and flowers kind of guy. Not the marrying kind.
Gah! I loved every minute of this quick, steamy, heartfelt read! Darcy may be ten years younger than Ryder, but she's wise beyond her years and has the tenacity of a Rottweiler. Poor Ryder didn’t stand a chance. And the whole Collins clan is amazing, especially the patriarch, Pop Pop! Although I hadn’t read the other books, I wasn’t at all lost and quickly felt like another member of the family.
This one is achingly tender yet tantalizingly spicy, and the emotional tangle is the most exquisite heartache. These characters will own your heart and burrow deep into your soul, and one book about this endearing family will never be enough. Start with Darcy and Ryder’s story or start at the beginning of the series and read your way through. But don’t pass up the chance to become a part of this phenomenal book world!
October 6, 2020
Made me cry happy tears
We all grieve differently and Ryder has had a hard row to hoe after his wife's death. Because relationships are never simple and sometimes we discover we don't know as much about it as we think. Ryder is blindsided in more ways than one by his wife's death and it leads to him shutting down and living in the darkness of isolation to protect his heart. But the dark isn't a permanent solution.
Darcy has a light that shines from within and when fate steps in, she's set on a course to finally, fully bring Ryder out of the darkness. Something Ryder isn't sure he can have or that he deserves. But Darcy is determined to prove him wrong.
This newest addition to the Collins family saga was so darn touching at the end I seriously cried happy tears when Pop pop showed Darcy the picture.
There are only a couple more books to come in the series and I'm going to be so sad when the day gets here that the final book comes out. I love this family with all my heart, probably because I see so much of my own large, boisterous family in them. But also because of the love and devotion in all their hearts. What's not to love about that?
While this book is part of a series, and you absolutely should read all the books prior to this, it's also easily read as a standalone. Enjoy.
We all grieve differently and Ryder has had a hard row to hoe after his wife's death. Because relationships are never simple and sometimes we discover we don't know as much about it as we think. Ryder is blindsided in more ways than one by his wife's death and it leads to him shutting down and living in the darkness of isolation to protect his heart. But the dark isn't a permanent solution.
Darcy has a light that shines from within and when fate steps in, she's set on a course to finally, fully bring Ryder out of the darkness. Something Ryder isn't sure he can have or that he deserves. But Darcy is determined to prove him wrong.
This newest addition to the Collins family saga was so darn touching at the end I seriously cried happy tears when Pop pop showed Darcy the picture.
There are only a couple more books to come in the series and I'm going to be so sad when the day gets here that the final book comes out. I love this family with all my heart, probably because I see so much of my own large, boisterous family in them. But also because of the love and devotion in all their hearts. What's not to love about that?
While this book is part of a series, and you absolutely should read all the books prior to this, it's also easily read as a standalone. Enjoy.
October 12, 2020
Darcy is a woman who embraces life and love to the fullest. She knows that her happy ever after is out there and she knows the man she is destined to live it with even if he doesn’t realize it. After the loss of his wife Ryder is focused on his business and his sons and isn’t interested in experiences the elation and devastation that love brings.
All it takes is being stuck in a confined space with Darcy for Ryder to finally see her as a woman and not his employee. All he wants to do is rewind and ensure that their relationship returns to comfortable ground while now that Darcy has seen what they could have together it only makes her that much more determined to see that it happens and that is when the fun really begins!
This is an emotional story about love, loss and healing. Darcy is exactly who Ryder needs to start living again and seeing the transformation of his character and their love was magical to watch.
All it takes is being stuck in a confined space with Darcy for Ryder to finally see her as a woman and not his employee. All he wants to do is rewind and ensure that their relationship returns to comfortable ground while now that Darcy has seen what they could have together it only makes her that much more determined to see that it happens and that is when the fun really begins!
This is an emotional story about love, loss and healing. Darcy is exactly who Ryder needs to start living again and seeing the transformation of his character and their love was magical to watch.
October 4, 2020
Wild Embracce is a great addition to the Wilder Irish series. Darcy has grown up listening to PopPop's stories of true love. When she was twenty she was hit by the Collins Curse. She found the one but he was a recent widow, ten years older, and her employer. Darcy has had feelings for Ryan since she began babysitting for the widower. Four years later, she is now working for the same company his is and is still babysitting his son. When they get trapped in an elevator at work, a bottle of vodka and a game of questions leads to shared secrets and an undeniable attraction. Will Ryan be able to move on from the pain of his marriage?
Darcy and Ryan are both great characters. I found myself rooting for them. I loved watching Ryan experience the Collins family and become more open. I also enjoyed Darcy's relationship with Ryan's son. Overall I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Darcy and Ryan are both great characters. I found myself rooting for them. I loved watching Ryan experience the Collins family and become more open. I also enjoyed Darcy's relationship with Ryan's son. Overall I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2020
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
Mari Carr has done it again! Wild Embrace is filled with love, passion, conflict and resolve.
Her Wilder Irish series proves that the next generation in the Collins Clan is just as passionate and wild as their parents. Darcy has a thing for Ryder and she has it bad. She wants it all - her prince charming, romance and a bit of kink. Ryder has issues of his own - trust and romance are not at the top of his list, however, kink is.
Darcy and Ryder's story is filled with belief, doubt, conflict and most importantly love. Can these two put their differences aside and come to a mutual understanding about love and trust and form a formidable bond? You'll just have to read for yourself and find out.
You can read this as a stand alone or part of the Wilder Irish series. If you've read the Wild Irish series, it's easy to follow along with the characters laced within.
Mari Carr has done it again! Wild Embrace is filled with love, passion, conflict and resolve.
Her Wilder Irish series proves that the next generation in the Collins Clan is just as passionate and wild as their parents. Darcy has a thing for Ryder and she has it bad. She wants it all - her prince charming, romance and a bit of kink. Ryder has issues of his own - trust and romance are not at the top of his list, however, kink is.
Darcy and Ryder's story is filled with belief, doubt, conflict and most importantly love. Can these two put their differences aside and come to a mutual understanding about love and trust and form a formidable bond? You'll just have to read for yourself and find out.
You can read this as a stand alone or part of the Wilder Irish series. If you've read the Wild Irish series, it's easy to follow along with the characters laced within.
October 3, 2020
As I close this story, I have a smile on my face. Darcy and Ryder were meant to be together and Darcy had enough tenaciousness to stick around long enough for a chance. A power outrage, stuck in an elevator and on the verge of a panic attack, Darcy forces the longest conversation she has ever had with Ryder and creates a crack in his iced over heart. The Collins clan is fun and you should expect the unexpected in every story in the Wild Irish series. This story is sweet and sexy with the right amount of angst.
October 9, 2020
This was the first book i read from this author and i thoroughly enjoyed it!
Set in a big family setting where everyone knows everyone's business. That's how tight they are as a family.
Darcy is quite a bit younger than the gorgeous widowed Ryder. But that doesn't stop her from falling head over heals for him over the years.
Ryder's life was thrust upside down 4 years earlier when his wife died and he was left mourning with a 7 year old son and a step son.
Darcy has been patient with Ryder after all the years shes been pinning over him. He needs to get over his funk and she's the perfect person to do it with. especially that he needs a certain type of girl for his NEEDS...
Very well written and i'm excited to read the other books in this series!
Set in a big family setting where everyone knows everyone's business. That's how tight they are as a family.
Darcy is quite a bit younger than the gorgeous widowed Ryder. But that doesn't stop her from falling head over heals for him over the years.
Ryder's life was thrust upside down 4 years earlier when his wife died and he was left mourning with a 7 year old son and a step son.
Darcy has been patient with Ryder after all the years shes been pinning over him. He needs to get over his funk and she's the perfect person to do it with. especially that he needs a certain type of girl for his NEEDS...
Very well written and i'm excited to read the other books in this series!
September 23, 2020
Mari Carr has done it again. Wild Embrace is a wonderful story for Darcy and Ryder. In adore the Collins clan! Darcy is such a fun, free spirit. Ryder is Mr. Responsibility. Darcy has to use her social skills on Ryder when the Collins curse hits her. Their relationship gets a jump start when they get stuck in an elevator together. Wild Embrace is steamy and spunky. I couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss this fabulous story!
October 7, 2020
I enjoyed this one! I enjoyed it even more because Darcy is so fearless and she goes for what she wants. And that's Ryder, a jaded guy who's 10 years older than her and probably only saw her as a his sons' babysitter. She had a crush on him since the first time he saw her and now that she's an adult, maybe she could make him see her differently. But it's hard when the guy is so persistent to resist her..
You can never go wrong with a Mari Carr story. There are so many emotions throughout the story. I enjoyed their story. Overall I definitely recommend this book, even if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
You can never go wrong with a Mari Carr story. There are so many emotions throughout the story. I enjoyed their story. Overall I definitely recommend this book, even if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
September 29, 2020
I freaking LOVE Mari Carr and this Wilder family. Darcy and Ryder are so amazing. I wish I could convey better in writing how much I love this book. From referencing one of my favorite movies, to the family, to Pop Pop, to the hot sex, to the storyline ... everything. I cried a few happy tears in this book and loved the ending. Mari is amazing. If you want to truly get lost in a book..this is it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2020
I just can’t get enough of the Collins family. Mari Carr is amazing in her storytelling and giving this wonderful world to lose ourselves in. This book is no exception. Darcy has waited a long time to make the ‘curse’ complete. Ryder might dig in his heels but Darcy shows what it means to fall in love with a Collins. This is a not-to-miss read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2020
Like catching up with family! 4 ½ STARS! Book eleven in the Wilder Irish series this series is a spin-off of the Wild Irish series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone, told in dual POV with HEA. This big awesome family owns and operates a pub, so the secondary characters are throughout the series. I love how the Collins clan is so loving and have an abundance of advice. Darcy knew all the signs when she fell under the “curse”, but she also knew she would have to wait & be patient for Ryder to not look at her as his son’s babysitter. Sweet & steamy! I love and highly recommend this series!
October 4, 2020
I devoured Wild Embrace by author Mari Carr in one sitting and loved every minute of it. Darcy is a romantic at heart just like her grandfather, Pop Pop and believes in true love. She is very mature for being so young and I loved that she went after what she wanted. Darcy and Ryder had off the charts chemistry as well as trust and I loved how she got Ryder to start living and loving again. The Collins are one fun loving family and I always enjoy spending time with them. The prologue and epilogue are always heartwarming scenes with Pop Pop that just makes my heart happy. Another wonderful story in the Wilder Irish series and I recommend this book.
June 6, 2022
3 stars of all the cliches in this story..
#NannylovesDaddy
#BossCrush
#StrandedElevator
#VirginHeroine
#Curse♡♡♡
I enjoyed this book but did not love it...being a huge Collins Family fan I love them all most specially Poppop the glue that holds them all together Patrick Collins, I am actually worried that we are running out of grandchildren and I am afraid to say goodbye to whole Collins gang..
Coming back to the story you will appreciate this much better if you read Wild Spirit book #9 the story of Leo and Yvonne so in anticipation of this book I re-read their story and read this one right after as I feel they are in a way a continuation of the story.
Both stories started with Denise the most popular girl in highschool who captures Leo and they had a son together Vince. Denise refused the proposal of Leo and she got married to Ryder after 2 years after again getting pregnant with Clint. They are happily married for 6 years until the tragedy happen and Denise died on a car accident leaving 4 devastated men on her wake...
In other words the Collins cousins Yvonne and Darcy pick up the left over men of Denise and to add another cliche Denise is having an affair and she is on her way to run away with her lover when the accident happened, the story also painted Denise to be materialistic although no mentions on how she is as a mother..
Leo and Yvonne- happened 3 years after the tragedy
Ryder and Darcy - happened 4 years after the tragedy
#WildEmbrace
#GoodButNotGreat
#NannylovesDaddy
#BossCrush
#StrandedElevator
#VirginHeroine
#Curse♡♡♡
I enjoyed this book but did not love it...being a huge Collins Family fan I love them all most specially Poppop the glue that holds them all together Patrick Collins, I am actually worried that we are running out of grandchildren and I am afraid to say goodbye to whole Collins gang..
Coming back to the story you will appreciate this much better if you read Wild Spirit book #9 the story of Leo and Yvonne so in anticipation of this book I re-read their story and read this one right after as I feel they are in a way a continuation of the story.
Both stories started with Denise the most popular girl in highschool who captures Leo and they had a son together Vince. Denise refused the proposal of Leo and she got married to Ryder after 2 years after again getting pregnant with Clint. They are happily married for 6 years until the tragedy happen and Denise died on a car accident leaving 4 devastated men on her wake...
In other words the Collins cousins Yvonne and Darcy pick up the left over men of Denise and to add another cliche Denise is having an affair and she is on her way to run away with her lover when the accident happened, the story also painted Denise to be materialistic although no mentions on how she is as a mother..
Leo and Yvonne- happened 3 years after the tragedy
Ryder and Darcy - happened 4 years after the tragedy
#WildEmbrace
#GoodButNotGreat
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