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Boys in Makeup #3
Pretty Wild
Clark
I see myself as mature and responsible for a twenty-four-year-old—I have a steady job, a comfortable apartment, and eventually I’ll find the right guy to settle down with. Some might find this boring, but at least I know what I want. That is, until reconnecting with a childhood companion flips my preconceived notions upside down. Skylar was my first real friend—my first crush too—and twelve years later, he’s still the same gorgeous and charismatic free spirit. I’m easily sucked back into his orbit, my protests futile when it comes to his amusingly harebrained ideas. I can’t let myself fall for him, though, because I’m searching for forever and he only wants casual.
Skylar
If you’re looking for a good time, I’m your guy. I love hookups, shaking my booty at the club, and having fun. I’ve seen how love can hurt and have mended too many broken hearts to risk my own.
Still, having Clark back in my life makes me feel grounded…and sort of mushy inside. It’s not only because his chunky glasses turn him into an adorably hot Clark Kent. It’s also how he makes me feel like I can be more. Which is why hooking up with him is a bad idea. But resisting him becomes impossible, and before I know it, each touch, kiss, and night spent together only makes me crave more.
We want different things, so there’s no way this will last. But Clark makes me consider breaking my rules and trying this boyfriend stuff for real. What’s a guy to do when his best friend steals the heart he’s afraid to give? I guess it comes down to potentially hurting him, or losing the only guy I’ve ever really wanted. Pretty wild, right?
I see myself as mature and responsible for a twenty-four-year-old—I have a steady job, a comfortable apartment, and eventually I’ll find the right guy to settle down with. Some might find this boring, but at least I know what I want. That is, until reconnecting with a childhood companion flips my preconceived notions upside down. Skylar was my first real friend—my first crush too—and twelve years later, he’s still the same gorgeous and charismatic free spirit. I’m easily sucked back into his orbit, my protests futile when it comes to his amusingly harebrained ideas. I can’t let myself fall for him, though, because I’m searching for forever and he only wants casual.
Skylar
If you’re looking for a good time, I’m your guy. I love hookups, shaking my booty at the club, and having fun. I’ve seen how love can hurt and have mended too many broken hearts to risk my own.
Still, having Clark back in my life makes me feel grounded…and sort of mushy inside. It’s not only because his chunky glasses turn him into an adorably hot Clark Kent. It’s also how he makes me feel like I can be more. Which is why hooking up with him is a bad idea. But resisting him becomes impossible, and before I know it, each touch, kiss, and night spent together only makes me crave more.
We want different things, so there’s no way this will last. But Clark makes me consider breaking my rules and trying this boyfriend stuff for real. What’s a guy to do when his best friend steals the heart he’s afraid to give? I guess it comes down to potentially hurting him, or losing the only guy I’ve ever really wanted. Pretty wild, right?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2021
108 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,130 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 21, 2021
The beginning was a bit bumpy for me, but I was able to push through and the rest of the story was more or less enjoyable.
Skylar and Clark are likable characters, but I wish there were more layers to them. I think there was too much emphasis put on their different views of relationships and the storyline felt formulaic and predictable.
The way they reconnected seemed a bit rushed and it was obviously used as a plot device, and I wasn't too happy with how things started to develop between them, but there were some sweet moments later on. I can't believe that I actually really liked
Clark's parents were a bit stereotypical and I had very mixed feelings about Skylar's mum. I can't say that I liked her to start with, but I appreciated how she and Skylar were always there for each other.
I really liked seeing the characters from previous books, especially Jesse. Loved every scene with him.
Skylar and Clark are likable characters, but I wish there were more layers to them. I think there was too much emphasis put on their different views of relationships and the storyline felt formulaic and predictable.
The way they reconnected seemed a bit rushed and it was obviously used as a plot device, and I wasn't too happy with how things started to develop between them, but there were some sweet moments later on. I can't believe that I actually really liked
Clark's parents were a bit stereotypical and I had very mixed feelings about Skylar's mum. I can't say that I liked her to start with, but I appreciated how she and Skylar were always there for each other.
I really liked seeing the characters from previous books, especially Jesse. Loved every scene with him.
March 24, 2021
While I didn't like this book as much as the first two books in the series, Pretty Wild is still an enjoyable read.
I'm not a fan of the "scared to love" trope but can see how Skylar's mom's behavior (constantly falling in love and having her heart broken) would cause Skylar to fear giving his heart away.
I wish Skylar and Clark had reconnected in a more interesting way than via social media, but they were cute together, even if their chemistry felt subdued.
I'm not sure what to think of Clark's mom honestly. She got off easy for being so petty and spiteful. Thankfully, Clark always had Skylar's back and stood up to his mom something fierce.
The couples from books 1 and 2 are present here, but Pretty Wild works as a standalone.
I'm not a fan of the "scared to love" trope but can see how Skylar's mom's behavior (constantly falling in love and having her heart broken) would cause Skylar to fear giving his heart away.
I wish Skylar and Clark had reconnected in a more interesting way than via social media, but they were cute together, even if their chemistry felt subdued.
I'm not sure what to think of Clark's mom honestly. She got off easy for being so petty and spiteful. Thankfully, Clark always had Skylar's back and stood up to his mom something fierce.
The couples from books 1 and 2 are present here, but Pretty Wild works as a standalone.
January 17, 2023
3 stars
The whole scared of love that Skylar was annoying as fuck… yes they were doing the friends with benefits and then caught feelings like always.
But COMMUNICATE GOD DAMMIT haha that was what they wanted to do at the beginning, and did it happen.. not really haha
There were cute moments though and I did like both characters at times but other times I wanted to throttle them haha.
Clarks mom sucks ass. Haha
The whole scared of love that Skylar was annoying as fuck… yes they were doing the friends with benefits and then caught feelings like always.
But COMMUNICATE GOD DAMMIT haha that was what they wanted to do at the beginning, and did it happen.. not really haha
There were cute moments though and I did like both characters at times but other times I wanted to throttle them haha.
Clarks mom sucks ass. Haha
March 22, 2021
3.5⭐
This was a simple and nice story.
At first, I didn't buy into the reconnection of the friendship between Clark and Skylar, it's just that it was too good to be true and yes, it felt a bit rushed, but then, they start spending time together, talking and supporting each other and in some moment they began to like me.
The parents of the main characters were so opposite. Clark's mom bothered me a lot, but I was grateful to Skylar's mom, I mean, her attitude was a little strange to me (I don't know any mom who acts like that) But still, she somehow stands for her son, especially at the end. (If you know what I mean).
So yeah it was nice
This was a simple and nice story.
At first, I didn't buy into the reconnection of the friendship between Clark and Skylar, it's just that it was too good to be true and yes, it felt a bit rushed, but then, they start spending time together, talking and supporting each other and in some moment they began to like me.
The parents of the main characters were so opposite. Clark's mom bothered me a lot, but I was grateful to Skylar's mom, I mean, her attitude was a little strange to me (I don't know any mom who acts like that) But still, she somehow stands for her son, especially at the end. (If you know what I mean).
So yeah it was nice
June 19, 2021
DNF ok. 30%
Nie wiem, czemu to sobie zrobiłam...
Pierwsza część była bardzo przeciętna i nudnawa. Druga zakleiła mnie słodyczą niemalże na śmierć i wynudziła. A jednak postanowiłam dać szansę trzeciej... i nie dałam rady. Bohaterowie przez większość czasu zachowywali się niedojrzale, ich dialogi były na poziomie 12-latków, czyli dokładnie w miejscu, kiedy widzieli się ostatni raz, choć po ponownym spotkaniu mieli drugie tyle 😉 Nawet ich myśli w większości są na dużo niższym poziomie, niż wskazywałby na to ich wiek 😉 Zresztą ogólnie dialogi słabieńkie, nic nie było mnie w stanie zainteresować w tej historii, po prostu wymiękłam 😁
Może i dalej coś się zmienia, ale nie mam siły na to, żeby się o tym przekonać, bo szkoda mi czasu - w końcu tyle innych, bardziej interesujących chłopaków czeka na odkrycie 😁
Nie wiem, czemu to sobie zrobiłam...
Pierwsza część była bardzo przeciętna i nudnawa. Druga zakleiła mnie słodyczą niemalże na śmierć i wynudziła. A jednak postanowiłam dać szansę trzeciej... i nie dałam rady. Bohaterowie przez większość czasu zachowywali się niedojrzale, ich dialogi były na poziomie 12-latków, czyli dokładnie w miejscu, kiedy widzieli się ostatni raz, choć po ponownym spotkaniu mieli drugie tyle 😉 Nawet ich myśli w większości są na dużo niższym poziomie, niż wskazywałby na to ich wiek 😉 Zresztą ogólnie dialogi słabieńkie, nic nie było mnie w stanie zainteresować w tej historii, po prostu wymiękłam 😁
Może i dalej coś się zmienia, ale nie mam siły na to, żeby się o tym przekonać, bo szkoda mi czasu - w końcu tyle innych, bardziej interesujących chłopaków czeka na odkrycie 😁
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June 24, 2021DNF @25%
Putting it down for now. I'm not feeling it at all. Damn book slump.
Putting it down for now. I'm not feeling it at all. Damn book slump.
April 1, 2021
DNF ~33%
These authors are very hit or miss for me but I've generally enjoyed this series so I was bummed that this one was so lackluster. The writing here seemed particularly unsophisticated, just super clunky and not great (what editor let the line "...didn't mean he wanted Jesse's sweat lapped up as if it were a bowl of milk and the other guy a kitten." because it was so bad I actually stopped at stared at my kindle in horror.) which I might have been able to stomach if I had any interest at all in the pairing, but they had all the chemistry of two wet dishrags. I'm also just so over the "afraid of love" storyline, at least in the way it is continually presented, which is so one-dimensional and utterly lacks layers or nuance.
These authors are very hit or miss for me but I've generally enjoyed this series so I was bummed that this one was so lackluster. The writing here seemed particularly unsophisticated, just super clunky and not great (what editor let the line "...didn't mean he wanted Jesse's sweat lapped up as if it were a bowl of milk and the other guy a kitten." because it was so bad I actually stopped at stared at my kindle in horror.) which I might have been able to stomach if I had any interest at all in the pairing, but they had all the chemistry of two wet dishrags. I'm also just so over the "afraid of love" storyline, at least in the way it is continually presented, which is so one-dimensional and utterly lacks layers or nuance.
March 20, 2021
I loved the other two, but this is my favorite book in this series so far. Clark and Skylar are so so sweet together. It's a sweet and swoony low-angst, second chance, friends-to-lovers, forced-proximity romance about two total sweethearts! They reconnect and start a friendship like they were not even separated for 12 years. Both are going through some issues with their moms, trying to assert their independence, and follow their dreams. The sexual tension of them living together and trying to deny their attraction is just delicious. Besides being attracted to each other, Skylar and Clark really admire each other and it’s wonderful to see.
May 18, 2021
4.5 stars!
Yeah, this one was a winner for me. Beautifully done friends to lovers, opposite attracts and a sort-of second chance. And there wasn’t just one bed, but there might have just been 😆
Both Skylar and Clark’s lives have been modelled by their mums’ behaviours. One of them doesn’t want to fall in love and have his heart broken, while the other has just been under his mum’s thumb all his life, trying to please her.
But when these two old friends reunite, their long lost friendship sparks an inevitable attraction that they can’t fight.
Yeah, this one was a winner for me. Beautifully done friends to lovers, opposite attracts and a sort-of second chance. And there wasn’t just one bed, but there might have just been 😆
Both Skylar and Clark’s lives have been modelled by their mums’ behaviours. One of them doesn’t want to fall in love and have his heart broken, while the other has just been under his mum’s thumb all his life, trying to please her.
But when these two old friends reunite, their long lost friendship sparks an inevitable attraction that they can’t fight.
December 14, 2022
I tried reading this when it come out but i found the main premise a little far fetched at the time so i put it down for the time being.
It was so much more stomachable in audio format, and once i got over the beginning and silly circumstances on how they reconnect i loved their developing relationship, the slow realization there is more then physical attraction.
I found this quit a solid read on the second try.
It was so much more stomachable in audio format, and once i got over the beginning and silly circumstances on how they reconnect i loved their developing relationship, the slow realization there is more then physical attraction.
I found this quit a solid read on the second try.
March 17, 2021
*4.5*
Pretty Wild is a wonderful addition to the Boys In Makeup series. This is a friends to lovers, opposites attract romance with two great characters as well as an entertaining cast of supporting characters.
Skylar and Clark knew each other for two years when they were about twelve doing gymnastics before Clark stopped going. They obviously made an impression on each other because years late when Skylar sees Clark's profile on Instagram they reconnect as though no time has passed and it's a friendship that I think both men really needed at that moment too. They also become roommates because of an incident at Skylar's building. This extra time together leads to their attraction becoming something more but with Skylar not open to relationships and Clark looking for his HEA, there's not much hope of a future for them......
Poor Skylar, my heart went out to him with how much he seems to have the weight of the world in his shoulders as he's determined not to rely on others or give his heart away like his mum does constantly. Clark is just too darn nice to resist, though, so it makes for interesting reading as his thoughts go from one way of thinking to struggling with emotions he's not sure how to deal with. Clark crushed on Skylar as a boy and nothing has changed as an adult. He's still beautiful, outgoing and the bright spark in any room. It's hard for him knowing that Skylar doesn't want anything more between them but that doesn't stop him from taking anything he can get. I love how things are slow to develop between them, allowing for their friendship to grow first, before anything physical happens. Together they are hot, sweet and totally work together regardless of their differences in personality and upbringing etc.
Both men's mothers have had a big impact on them and continue to do so through this story. It shows how, even if we know what they're doing, how much it can truly impact a person, their way of thinking and outlook on life. We get to meet up with previous couples from the series as well which is always fun, especially the back and forth between Skylar and Jesse. This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series.
Definitely a recommended friends to lovers story. It's very well written and so easy to fall in love with the characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Pretty Wild is a wonderful addition to the Boys In Makeup series. This is a friends to lovers, opposites attract romance with two great characters as well as an entertaining cast of supporting characters.
Skylar and Clark knew each other for two years when they were about twelve doing gymnastics before Clark stopped going. They obviously made an impression on each other because years late when Skylar sees Clark's profile on Instagram they reconnect as though no time has passed and it's a friendship that I think both men really needed at that moment too. They also become roommates because of an incident at Skylar's building. This extra time together leads to their attraction becoming something more but with Skylar not open to relationships and Clark looking for his HEA, there's not much hope of a future for them......
Poor Skylar, my heart went out to him with how much he seems to have the weight of the world in his shoulders as he's determined not to rely on others or give his heart away like his mum does constantly. Clark is just too darn nice to resist, though, so it makes for interesting reading as his thoughts go from one way of thinking to struggling with emotions he's not sure how to deal with. Clark crushed on Skylar as a boy and nothing has changed as an adult. He's still beautiful, outgoing and the bright spark in any room. It's hard for him knowing that Skylar doesn't want anything more between them but that doesn't stop him from taking anything he can get. I love how things are slow to develop between them, allowing for their friendship to grow first, before anything physical happens. Together they are hot, sweet and totally work together regardless of their differences in personality and upbringing etc.
Both men's mothers have had a big impact on them and continue to do so through this story. It shows how, even if we know what they're doing, how much it can truly impact a person, their way of thinking and outlook on life. We get to meet up with previous couples from the series as well which is always fun, especially the back and forth between Skylar and Jesse. This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series.
Definitely a recommended friends to lovers story. It's very well written and so easy to fall in love with the characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 12, 2021
Sweet. Funny. Pulls at your heartstrings.
April 12, 2021
Pretty awesome ❤️
Absolutely loved it! Styler was sweet, and snarky, and the the perfect ying to Clark’s yang. Such a sweet story.
Absolutely loved it! Styler was sweet, and snarky, and the the perfect ying to Clark’s yang. Such a sweet story.
April 27, 2021
Have to say that I approached this with a fair amount of trepidation. I haven't had the best luck with the last two Riley Hart books I read but this was quite enjoyable. Skylar and Clark were well drawn MCs with lots of depth to their respective personalities. Loved Skylar's independence and sense of self with his pink lipgloss. You could almost see Clark in your mind with his hipster glasses and earnest expression. I was deeply engaged in their friendship and the slow yet steady move to love. Couple of minor quibbles - there was lots of telling in each character's musings along with some repetitiveness. I read multiple times how Skylar just wants to be friends, he doesn't do love, he doesn't do relationships and Clark wants a solid monogamous relationship. Quite a few times. OKAY! I get it! But this was a solid story with heart and love and friendship between two guys who just had to get out of their own way. Great secondary characters. I didn't read books 1 and 2 but this was fine as a standalone.
March 19, 2021
Pretty boys are perfect boys, absolutely wonderful story of love, friendship, and self discovery
The pretty boy, the wild boy, the boy with the makeup, the dancer boy the boy that was a childhood friend lost by circumstance. The handsome one, the fancy one, the uptight one, the proper one, the safe one that picture perfect ideal man with deep longings of those childhood dreams. Clark and Skylar connected as childhood friends and now after years apart they reconnect. The pull of unsaid feelings take friendship to new levels while these two work through it despite their insecurities. They are so different on almost every way but those differences seem to fill in the missing pieces in inside each of them. Some times someone pretty wild and someone responsibly safe are the perfect match.
Wonderful opposites attract/childhood friends/reconnecting friends book. 10 out of 10 recommend. Also check out the other books in this series if you haven’t already, characters overlap but they can all be read as stand alone or in any order and make perfect sense.
The pretty boy, the wild boy, the boy with the makeup, the dancer boy the boy that was a childhood friend lost by circumstance. The handsome one, the fancy one, the uptight one, the proper one, the safe one that picture perfect ideal man with deep longings of those childhood dreams. Clark and Skylar connected as childhood friends and now after years apart they reconnect. The pull of unsaid feelings take friendship to new levels while these two work through it despite their insecurities. They are so different on almost every way but those differences seem to fill in the missing pieces in inside each of them. Some times someone pretty wild and someone responsibly safe are the perfect match.
Wonderful opposites attract/childhood friends/reconnecting friends book. 10 out of 10 recommend. Also check out the other books in this series if you haven’t already, characters overlap but they can all be read as stand alone or in any order and make perfect sense.
0-mm-borrowed-kindle-unlimited
March 19, 2021***********************************
March 23, 2021
4 Sweetly Fluffy Stars..
I 💜 this writing pair!!!
Book #3 in the Boys in Makeup series & I love this just as much as the others. While Seth's book may not have pinged as high as Jesse's, Im still a fan.
Skylar & Clark were friends but with secret crushes on each other when they were kids in gymnastics classes. Until Clark's medusa of a mom pulls him out of classes. 10ish years later they reconnect online. What follows is a sweet unfortunate series of events that end in a lovely HEA.
As Clark describes, they are a pair of twinkie bottoms who might/might not be sexually compatible. Skylar helps him open up & be honest about what he wants & needs...That opens up a whole lot of Hot Hot Hot 🔥🔥🔥...
I 💜 this writing pair!!!
Book #3 in the Boys in Makeup series & I love this just as much as the others. While Seth's book may not have pinged as high as Jesse's, Im still a fan.
Skylar & Clark were friends but with secret crushes on each other when they were kids in gymnastics classes. Until Clark's medusa of a mom pulls him out of classes. 10ish years later they reconnect online. What follows is a sweet unfortunate series of events that end in a lovely HEA.
As Clark describes, they are a pair of twinkie bottoms who might/might not be sexually compatible. Skylar helps him open up & be honest about what he wants & needs...That opens up a whole lot of Hot Hot Hot 🔥🔥🔥...
May 4, 2021
Loved it!
We get Sky’s story! And I must say, I’m completely in love with him and Clark. They are so sweet and adorable together, not to mention, extremely HOT!
Seeing Sky’s struggle with believing in love, and Clark’s aching for the love of his life. This was simply beautiful, but also cheeky and funny and plain awesome!
We get Sky’s story! And I must say, I’m completely in love with him and Clark. They are so sweet and adorable together, not to mention, extremely HOT!
Seeing Sky’s struggle with believing in love, and Clark’s aching for the love of his life. This was simply beautiful, but also cheeky and funny and plain awesome!
March 26, 2021
Kinda boring
I don't know if it's me getting tired of the same stories but I feel like this read like the last 2. I enjoyed the first one with Dane and the second one was okay, but this one was kinda boring.
The plot was weak and there really was no real character growth. Am I expected to much from these MM authors??
Also there were a few typos. I normally don't judge but if you are paid to write, get an editor (or good beta readers).
And if you are curious there were 2 solid sex scenes towards the end.
I don't know if it's me getting tired of the same stories but I feel like this read like the last 2. I enjoyed the first one with Dane and the second one was okay, but this one was kinda boring.
The plot was weak and there really was no real character growth. Am I expected to much from these MM authors??
Also there were a few typos. I normally don't judge but if you are paid to write, get an editor (or good beta readers).
And if you are curious there were 2 solid sex scenes towards the end.
March 31, 2021
There was no spark to this book or the characters who, for me, never came to life. The storyline was just there and pretty flat; not at all what I am used to from this author.
March 20, 2021
If there is a theme in this series I'd say it's how FREAKING ADORABLE all these couples are. This one was a DELICOUS slow burn best friends to lovers which is my absolute favorite trope. I read it in one sitting not wanting to put it down (also why I timed it on the weekend ;)). Skyler and Clark might seem to be polar opposites but I don't think they are and if they are they totally and absolutely complete each other.
Skyler and Clark first met when they were 12 years old at gymnastics. Though they come from VERY different backgrounds they hit it off from the start. They might have not realized it at the time but they were each other's first crush. When Clark's parents saw the class brought somethings they weren't so pleased with they pull him out of the class and that's the last they see of one another until a very familiar face pops up on Skyler's Instagram.
The years went by, they grew up into the men their mothers shaped them to be - Skyler's mom has always been hard working but having him at 17, she worked at bars to make ends meet - which wasn't easy, they are best friends but sometimes he feels like the parent, especially with her always falling for the wrong guy, giving her heart away only to get it back broken to pieces. Skyler might be working basically in the same field his mother did in a bar/club - as a dancer - but he won't be following in her footsteps were men are concerned. Commitment isn't for him. Clark is a serious 24 years old working for him family's real-estate investment company. The only thing missing in his life is a life-partner. Unlike Skyler he is looking for "The One" to start a family with. Clubs and hooking up simply isn't for him. But when they meet after all these years the spark that was always there returns in an instant.
Their lunch turn into so much more when, well, let's just say Skyler needs to deal with a true emergency and Clark offers his help no questions asked. This is how they find themselves spending quite a lot of time together. They might want different things but it's hard to ignore the attraction. But they shouldn't act upon it, not if they want to keep the friendship they missed all these years.
I think they don't even share a kiss in the first half of the book. They spend time together, getting to know each other as adults and anyhow better than they did back then. Skyler's colorful personality makes Clark step out of his comfort zone and explore parts of himself he never allowed himself. For Skyler, Clark's stability has a grounding effect. It allows him to try and take steps to improve his life and take them to where he wants to be/go. He might enjoy his job but it's not what he wants (and expects) himself to be doing for the rest of his life. Skyler and Clark believes in each other. It was beautiful seeing how they see each other and how expressing these views to each other changes how they see themselves.
Though they don't want to admit it for a LONG while it's obvious they are falling for one another (I'd say even before the first kiss). Clark is reluctant to even dream Skyler will change his mind and TRY to give them a chance. Skyler on the other hand is SO AFRAID of his feelings towards Clark, especially with his mother having at least two breakups just during the few months they reconnect. He doesn't want to turn INTO his mother (especially with how similar they can be).
The mother theme is pretty huge in this one. I really likes how Christina and Riley spun the whole thing. I think you should just keep in mind - no one is perfect and everyone is doing the best the can and what they think is the best thing for themselves and the people they care about. So don't go looking for villains.
I simply ADORE these sugar filled stories and getting the two other couples as well was more than a treat. I hope Christina and Riley will be gifting us with more of these.
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMENDED!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Skyler and Clark first met when they were 12 years old at gymnastics. Though they come from VERY different backgrounds they hit it off from the start. They might have not realized it at the time but they were each other's first crush. When Clark's parents saw the class brought somethings they weren't so pleased with they pull him out of the class and that's the last they see of one another until a very familiar face pops up on Skyler's Instagram.
The years went by, they grew up into the men their mothers shaped them to be - Skyler's mom has always been hard working but having him at 17, she worked at bars to make ends meet - which wasn't easy, they are best friends but sometimes he feels like the parent, especially with her always falling for the wrong guy, giving her heart away only to get it back broken to pieces. Skyler might be working basically in the same field his mother did in a bar/club - as a dancer - but he won't be following in her footsteps were men are concerned. Commitment isn't for him. Clark is a serious 24 years old working for him family's real-estate investment company. The only thing missing in his life is a life-partner. Unlike Skyler he is looking for "The One" to start a family with. Clubs and hooking up simply isn't for him. But when they meet after all these years the spark that was always there returns in an instant.
Their lunch turn into so much more when, well, let's just say Skyler needs to deal with a true emergency and Clark offers his help no questions asked. This is how they find themselves spending quite a lot of time together. They might want different things but it's hard to ignore the attraction. But they shouldn't act upon it, not if they want to keep the friendship they missed all these years.
I think they don't even share a kiss in the first half of the book. They spend time together, getting to know each other as adults and anyhow better than they did back then. Skyler's colorful personality makes Clark step out of his comfort zone and explore parts of himself he never allowed himself. For Skyler, Clark's stability has a grounding effect. It allows him to try and take steps to improve his life and take them to where he wants to be/go. He might enjoy his job but it's not what he wants (and expects) himself to be doing for the rest of his life. Skyler and Clark believes in each other. It was beautiful seeing how they see each other and how expressing these views to each other changes how they see themselves.
Though they don't want to admit it for a LONG while it's obvious they are falling for one another (I'd say even before the first kiss). Clark is reluctant to even dream Skyler will change his mind and TRY to give them a chance. Skyler on the other hand is SO AFRAID of his feelings towards Clark, especially with his mother having at least two breakups just during the few months they reconnect. He doesn't want to turn INTO his mother (especially with how similar they can be).
The mother theme is pretty huge in this one. I really likes how Christina and Riley spun the whole thing. I think you should just keep in mind - no one is perfect and everyone is doing the best the can and what they think is the best thing for themselves and the people they care about. So don't go looking for villains.
I simply ADORE these sugar filled stories and getting the two other couples as well was more than a treat. I hope Christina and Riley will be gifting us with more of these.
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMENDED!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
March 20, 2021
Pretty Wild is a fabulous addition to Riley Hart and Christina Lee's Boys in Makeup series. This whole series is spectacular!
Skylar and Clark's romance is a wonderful combination of friends to lovers and opposites attract.
Their romance is a long time coming. They were friends as kids but suddenly the two parted ways. Reconnecting via a Facebook message, their friendship immediately feels right again.
There's a lot going on for these men. Not only is their friendship rekindled, but soon they are temporary roommates. And oh how I love the feelings this results in. Not just the physical desires, but also the feelings of the situation in general. Clark is generous and caring. And Skylar struggles with overstaying his welcome. And yes, there's plenty of unresolved feelings and attraction between the two as well.
They're such opposites. One wants love. One doesn't. One is rich. One isn't. One has a solid loving relationship with their mother. One doesn't.
Both are amazing characters. Skylar is pretty, untamed and totally outgoing. He's a dancer at a club who leaves everyone mesmerized. And then there's Clark. He's serious, fancy, and proper. And he has a respectable job. Their personalities and lives couldn't be much further apart, but they definitely belong together and balance each other out.
Skylar wants nothing to do with a relationship. His mother's issues have totally built a wall around his heart. Hell, one can't be heartbroken if they don't let love into their hearts, right? Clark meanwhile is looking for love and believes in happily ever afters.
As a couple, the chemistry is sizzling. Once they give into their desires, watch out.
The relationships and issues with both mothers is a large part of this story. Clark's mother is a snobby bitch. She doesn't want Clark involved with someone like Skylar. And of course she has never approved of Skylar's mother, who was a poor, teenage mom and floats from man to man.
The writing is great, with two loveable characters and a slew of secondary characters who add immensely to the story. I love the whole crew of friends.
Pretty Wild is a beautiful friends to lovers romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough. It's no surprise that this author duo has once again left me elated with one of their books. They excel, as usual, at creating charming characters who will delight you with their story. Everything about it is perfect and it will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and swooning.
Amy's MM Romance Reviews
You can find me at -
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
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https://twitter.com/amydufera2
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
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Skylar and Clark's romance is a wonderful combination of friends to lovers and opposites attract.
Their romance is a long time coming. They were friends as kids but suddenly the two parted ways. Reconnecting via a Facebook message, their friendship immediately feels right again.
There's a lot going on for these men. Not only is their friendship rekindled, but soon they are temporary roommates. And oh how I love the feelings this results in. Not just the physical desires, but also the feelings of the situation in general. Clark is generous and caring. And Skylar struggles with overstaying his welcome. And yes, there's plenty of unresolved feelings and attraction between the two as well.
They're such opposites. One wants love. One doesn't. One is rich. One isn't. One has a solid loving relationship with their mother. One doesn't.
Both are amazing characters. Skylar is pretty, untamed and totally outgoing. He's a dancer at a club who leaves everyone mesmerized. And then there's Clark. He's serious, fancy, and proper. And he has a respectable job. Their personalities and lives couldn't be much further apart, but they definitely belong together and balance each other out.
Skylar wants nothing to do with a relationship. His mother's issues have totally built a wall around his heart. Hell, one can't be heartbroken if they don't let love into their hearts, right? Clark meanwhile is looking for love and believes in happily ever afters.
As a couple, the chemistry is sizzling. Once they give into their desires, watch out.
The relationships and issues with both mothers is a large part of this story. Clark's mother is a snobby bitch. She doesn't want Clark involved with someone like Skylar. And of course she has never approved of Skylar's mother, who was a poor, teenage mom and floats from man to man.
The writing is great, with two loveable characters and a slew of secondary characters who add immensely to the story. I love the whole crew of friends.
Pretty Wild is a beautiful friends to lovers romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough. It's no surprise that this author duo has once again left me elated with one of their books. They excel, as usual, at creating charming characters who will delight you with their story. Everything about it is perfect and it will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and swooning.
Amy's MM Romance Reviews
You can find me at -
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
https://www.facebook.com/amysmmromanc...
https://twitter.com/amydufera2
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
https://www.pinterest.com/amydufera/m...
https://www.instagram.com/amysromance...
March 2, 2025
A pretty wild ride
Here we are in the last book of the series! It's definitely bittersweet, but I think this book was the perfect ending to our boys' love stories. This one was about our wild boy Skylar and his first childhood crush, Clark. Clark and Skylar are opposites. Skylar is the son of a young single mom who has a rough love life that's led to Skylar parenting and comforting her more than a son should have to but they love each other and she would do anything for him. Clark is the son of very successful well-off parents, especially his mom, who at a young age has pushed him and put her dreams and expectations on him to be successful too one day. But Clark isn't like other well-off people. Even when they met in gymnastics at 12 and Clark's mom was judgmental of Skylar, and his mom Clark never treated him or anyone else differently. He saw him for him even at that age. They grew close and developed a secret crush on each other that they never mentioned as they were only just starting to discover their sexuality. Sadly, Clark's mom dragged Clark out of gymnastics after 2 years, even though Clark loved it because it didn't fit her vision, she had for him. And Clark and Slylar never saw each other again. But one day, 12 years later, Skylar stumbled upon Clark on Facebook and decided to message him, and the rest is history. Clark and Skylar reconnect, and it's like time never passed between them. But along with reconnection comes old feelings coming to the surface and intensifying the more they get to know each other and spend time together. That intensity deepens even more, and they can't help the draw they feel, so after fighting it, they give in to their desires, even knowing that Clark is a relationship guy and Slylar isn't looking for love. They can't stay away from each other, so they decide to have fun together but still be friends no matter what. We all know how that goes. Denial and what we think we want are no match for love because it happens whether we want it to or not, and Skylar and Clark are meant to love each other. Clark made the wild boy feel settled, and Skylar made the straight-laced boy feel wild. The perfect balance between love, lust, spice, and tenderness. I so enjoyed the series and will definitely be revisiting these boys again one day.
Here we are in the last book of the series! It's definitely bittersweet, but I think this book was the perfect ending to our boys' love stories. This one was about our wild boy Skylar and his first childhood crush, Clark. Clark and Skylar are opposites. Skylar is the son of a young single mom who has a rough love life that's led to Skylar parenting and comforting her more than a son should have to but they love each other and she would do anything for him. Clark is the son of very successful well-off parents, especially his mom, who at a young age has pushed him and put her dreams and expectations on him to be successful too one day. But Clark isn't like other well-off people. Even when they met in gymnastics at 12 and Clark's mom was judgmental of Skylar, and his mom Clark never treated him or anyone else differently. He saw him for him even at that age. They grew close and developed a secret crush on each other that they never mentioned as they were only just starting to discover their sexuality. Sadly, Clark's mom dragged Clark out of gymnastics after 2 years, even though Clark loved it because it didn't fit her vision, she had for him. And Clark and Slylar never saw each other again. But one day, 12 years later, Skylar stumbled upon Clark on Facebook and decided to message him, and the rest is history. Clark and Skylar reconnect, and it's like time never passed between them. But along with reconnection comes old feelings coming to the surface and intensifying the more they get to know each other and spend time together. That intensity deepens even more, and they can't help the draw they feel, so after fighting it, they give in to their desires, even knowing that Clark is a relationship guy and Slylar isn't looking for love. They can't stay away from each other, so they decide to have fun together but still be friends no matter what. We all know how that goes. Denial and what we think we want are no match for love because it happens whether we want it to or not, and Skylar and Clark are meant to love each other. Clark made the wild boy feel settled, and Skylar made the straight-laced boy feel wild. The perfect balance between love, lust, spice, and tenderness. I so enjoyed the series and will definitely be revisiting these boys again one day.
June 27, 2021
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The beginning felt slow for me, and it wasn't until i was halfway into it that I started to feel the story.
The issue for me is the pace. The relationship between our mains starts when they are 12 and ended more than ten years ago. The reconnect at the start of the book and due to some things end up sharing Clark's apartment. Their bond, as we don't know how they truly where when kids aside from what they tell us, feels too new. I couldn't connect with how they feel towards each other and so the first half didn't call to me.
But then things start changing between them and the story gets more interesting. Clark looks forward having a serious relationship, marrying and having kids; Sky, on the other hand, fears giving his heart away for it to get broken, so he just stricktly hooks up and it's not up to the idea of falling in love. But Clark makes that difficult for him.
It's cute how they try to keep being friends and, once they start having benefits, how they try to lie to themselves about their feelings.
Overall, the plot is entertaining but just that. I didn't fall in love with their story (even if I love them as characters), and I don't think it will be one I will remember in a few years from now.
I found the previous two books to be more special in their plots or how the romances develop, but if you enjoy the authors' writing style, it won't let you down and it will be an entertaining and enjoyable read.
The beginning felt slow for me, and it wasn't until i was halfway into it that I started to feel the story.
The issue for me is the pace. The relationship between our mains starts when they are 12 and ended more than ten years ago. The reconnect at the start of the book and due to some things end up sharing Clark's apartment. Their bond, as we don't know how they truly where when kids aside from what they tell us, feels too new. I couldn't connect with how they feel towards each other and so the first half didn't call to me.
But then things start changing between them and the story gets more interesting. Clark looks forward having a serious relationship, marrying and having kids; Sky, on the other hand, fears giving his heart away for it to get broken, so he just stricktly hooks up and it's not up to the idea of falling in love. But Clark makes that difficult for him.
It's cute how they try to keep being friends and, once they start having benefits, how they try to lie to themselves about their feelings.
Overall, the plot is entertaining but just that. I didn't fall in love with their story (even if I love them as characters), and I don't think it will be one I will remember in a few years from now.
I found the previous two books to be more special in their plots or how the romances develop, but if you enjoy the authors' writing style, it won't let you down and it will be an entertaining and enjoyable read.
September 17, 2023
Clark is twenty-four, has a responsible job and an apartment and just needs to find the right guy to settle down with. Then he reconnects with childhood friend Skylar who was his first real friend (and first crush) who after a twelve-year gap is just as gorgeous and free-spirited as he was before. he can feel sucked back in but knows he can't fall for him as he is looking for forever and he focuses on casual. Skylar is the good-time guy who loves hookups, shaking his booty at the club and having fun. He has seen too many broken hearts and doesn't want to have one. Having Clark back in his life makes him feel grounded while his glasses make him an adorably hot Cark Kent. Hooking up with him is a bad idea but resisting him is impossible and so each touch, kiss or night spent together makes Skylar crave more. Clark makes Skylar want to break his rules as his best friend has stolen his heart even though he was afraid to give it. It comes down to Skylar potentially hurting Clark, or losing the only guy he's ever really wanted. Pretty wild, right?
I loved this emotional story which really looks at being brave enough to love someone and whether the reward is worth the risk. I loved the family politics involved and so was thrilled when Clark finally told his mother how he really felt. This was a lovely story and they definitely deserved to get a HEA together so that they could start to make up for the time they were kept apart. A great story to end the series on. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
I loved this emotional story which really looks at being brave enough to love someone and whether the reward is worth the risk. I loved the family politics involved and so was thrilled when Clark finally told his mother how he really felt. This was a lovely story and they definitely deserved to get a HEA together so that they could start to make up for the time they were kept apart. A great story to end the series on. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
March 27, 2021
When I read Seth’s story, Skylar intrigued me. And I could have never imagine he’ll find his one true love in a man like Clark.
I love it when people realize their true self, and more so when their significant other is the one to help peel the mask off.
Skylar and Clark took gymnastics class when they were young, and while coming from very different backgrounds, they struck a friendship and each of them had a crush on the other. At 12 they were just starting to realize their true sexual selves, but that’s when Clark’s mother pulled him out of the class and he disappeared from Skylar’s life.
Until 12 years later, social media brought them back together.
While Clark’s mother held him back from his true self, from following his dreams, by falling into a pattern of social perception, Skylar’s mother held him back from pursuing a solid relationship, by failing in all of hers.
When they reconnect, their burn for each other slowly builds them up, teaches them to stand for their true desires, and follow their dreams.
I love Skylar’s personality, and Clark’s shy sweetness.
A friendship that evolves into an inevitable romance is so sweet, and as always, Riley Hart and Christina Lee’s writing tells that story beautifully.
Needless to say I loved this story, as I did the others in the series 💜
I love it when people realize their true self, and more so when their significant other is the one to help peel the mask off.
Skylar and Clark took gymnastics class when they were young, and while coming from very different backgrounds, they struck a friendship and each of them had a crush on the other. At 12 they were just starting to realize their true sexual selves, but that’s when Clark’s mother pulled him out of the class and he disappeared from Skylar’s life.
Until 12 years later, social media brought them back together.
While Clark’s mother held him back from his true self, from following his dreams, by falling into a pattern of social perception, Skylar’s mother held him back from pursuing a solid relationship, by failing in all of hers.
When they reconnect, their burn for each other slowly builds them up, teaches them to stand for their true desires, and follow their dreams.
I love Skylar’s personality, and Clark’s shy sweetness.
A friendship that evolves into an inevitable romance is so sweet, and as always, Riley Hart and Christina Lee’s writing tells that story beautifully.
Needless to say I loved this story, as I did the others in the series 💜
April 10, 2021
**3.5 Stars
This started out a bit slow for me. While I like slow burns (though I'm not sure that's exactly what I'd classify this as *shrugs*) I struggled seeing any kind of connection between these two. I couldn't figure out how, as adults, they knew they even like each other so fast? Who you are as kids is so different from who you are as adults. It felt like they missed a step somewhere. I could see them as friends yes, but more than that it seemed a stretch. I thought that Skylar and Clark felt a little flat at first, Skylar's mom a bit too flighty (I liked her though LOL) and Clark's mom was just plain mean. Too many cliches wrapped up in one story. The story did turn around though and I got excited about Skylar and Clark finally getting together, maybe because I got to know them and they got to know each other. They got their HEA, so it all turned out good and right in the end.
TAGS
-- Friends to lovers -- childhood friends -- sweet -- a bit slow at first -- great seeing old friends -- one flighty mother -- one down right mean mother -- one indifferent father (it seemed) -- the last half excited me -- ended up loving the MCs... Skylar & Clark -- happy things turned around -- looking forward to more of this series
June 13, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Skylar and Clark’s story in the conclusion of this series. Best friends from childhood, they reconnect after 12 years apart and instantly feel like no time has passed. After some unfortunate events, Sky finds himself rooming with Clark. I very much enjoyed the slow progression of their friendship and the intimacy they shared. I felt the uncertainty and hesitation and completely understood. Clark is a relationship guy and Sky only hooks up, vowing to never let anyone have the power to break his heart.
As their friendship grows, both men change and evolve. Clark, who was absolutely adorable, begins to stand up for himself against his mother and loosen up. Sky realizes his easy going attitude may be more of a front than he ever imagined. And I liked seeing him so unsure and rattled. As his feelings grow for Clark, he is coming out of his skin and you feel that through the page. And as they allow themselves to explore, at least physically, I fell in live with these two. This one also had a bit of an emotional punch. I found myself crying a bit, my heart breaking for Sky. But they get their HEA.
As their friendship grows, both men change and evolve. Clark, who was absolutely adorable, begins to stand up for himself against his mother and loosen up. Sky realizes his easy going attitude may be more of a front than he ever imagined. And I liked seeing him so unsure and rattled. As his feelings grow for Clark, he is coming out of his skin and you feel that through the page. And as they allow themselves to explore, at least physically, I fell in live with these two. This one also had a bit of an emotional punch. I found myself crying a bit, my heart breaking for Sky. But they get their HEA.
February 5, 2024
I probably shouldn't read it since I don't like characters with a casual approach to sex, and they are surely "sex positive" (hate that term!).
It's a common trope in books by these authors that sex is the "most empowering thing in the world".
Yes, unbelievable, but they preach it like crazy.
Dear people, let me educate, gay people are not only about sex.
I was already shocked in Pretty Sweet how Seth's friends were pushing him toward sexual/provocative stuff as a way to empower him, rather than encouraging him to pursue a career or learn some skills. Are we really reducing it to this for gay people? Does confidence equate to a provocative outfit and hooking up?
If so, the world truly is collapsing. Are there no more inspiring things in people's lives?
Authors, if you write about gay people, at least stop stereotyping them in such a shallow way! Do you know that gay people graduate from universities with higher grades than their straight counterparts? There is more to them than just sex, for heaven's sake.
What next? All black people are criminals and all gay people are sex-crazed.
Thank you, no.
It's a common trope in books by these authors that sex is the "most empowering thing in the world".
Yes, unbelievable, but they preach it like crazy.
Dear people, let me educate, gay people are not only about sex.
I was already shocked in Pretty Sweet how Seth's friends were pushing him toward sexual/provocative stuff as a way to empower him, rather than encouraging him to pursue a career or learn some skills. Are we really reducing it to this for gay people? Does confidence equate to a provocative outfit and hooking up?
If so, the world truly is collapsing. Are there no more inspiring things in people's lives?
Authors, if you write about gay people, at least stop stereotyping them in such a shallow way! Do you know that gay people graduate from universities with higher grades than their straight counterparts? There is more to them than just sex, for heaven's sake.
What next? All black people are criminals and all gay people are sex-crazed.
Thank you, no.
March 20, 2021
Riley Hart and Christina Lee always do magic whenever they work together! This book (this series, really) combines the best of their writing!
Skylar and Clark are two adorable twinks, they knew each other and crushed hard on the other when they were twelve and in gymnastics together. When they reconnect, 12 years later, they are both set on rekindling their friendship and to keep it to absolutely friends only! After all what can they have in common? Clark is the straight-laced, super tidy, well-off realtor looking for a husband and kids to settle down. Sky is the messy, impulsive dancer who just wants to have fun and will never give away his heart because he doesn’t want it to be broken.
One thing leads to the other and bit by bit they become more entangled in each other, until disentangling themselves is no more an option…
The book is funny, quite steamy and quite low –angst; it’s an absolute page-turner because these two boys are just about as adorable as can be!
Skylar and Clark are two adorable twinks, they knew each other and crushed hard on the other when they were twelve and in gymnastics together. When they reconnect, 12 years later, they are both set on rekindling their friendship and to keep it to absolutely friends only! After all what can they have in common? Clark is the straight-laced, super tidy, well-off realtor looking for a husband and kids to settle down. Sky is the messy, impulsive dancer who just wants to have fun and will never give away his heart because he doesn’t want it to be broken.
One thing leads to the other and bit by bit they become more entangled in each other, until disentangling themselves is no more an option…
The book is funny, quite steamy and quite low –angst; it’s an absolute page-turner because these two boys are just about as adorable as can be!
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