Shattered . That’s the best way to describe Claire Thompson after the ultimate betrayal. When her long-term boyfriend cheats on her, Claire decides she’s done with men. Maybe forever. Healing the pieces of her broken heart seems like too impossible a task. Rumor has it the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new, but a rebound is the last thing she wants or needs, and she’s definitely not letting her guard down for anyone, especially not for charming, sexy-as-sin, multi-millionaire playboy Avery Beck.
Avery Beck, womanizer extraordinaire, prefers his women with no strings attached. Until he sets his eyes on Claire. As fiery and feisty as her hair, with stubbornness and tenacity to match, he’s sure he’s never worked harder for anything. Avery is determined to tear her walls down one piercing gaze, one lingering touch, one sweeping kiss at a time. He’s never given up before, and he doesn’t plan on starting now.
Will Avery’s wild heart finally be tamed? Or will this be the one time the relentless millionaire doesn’t get what he wants?
I'm going to be real: Claire was a bit much at times. She made the hero jump through hoops for a long time because of her fear of getting hurt. Claire pushed Avery away more times than I could count, and it did get tedious after he proved to her how serious he was. I considered rating it lower, but this book really did hook me from beginning to end. How often can you say that? Not only that, but this book actually made me cry towards the end which I honestly wasn't expecting at all. The story had a really heartfelt, family-centered feel, which I absolutely loved. Okay, so the sweetness between Claire and Avery could be a little OTT for some people. But mixed in with the hero's utter devotion and adoration of the heroine, he had serious alpha tendencies. So I'm thinking there's a little bit of everything to satisfy a variety of romance readers' tastes. Give this one a shot, you might just be pleasantly surprised.
I found Claire frustrating, immature, and whiney. The number of times she cries, is truly off putting. Moreover, her answer to every moderately trying situation is running away. This was hard to finish.
Will I ever look at strawberries again and not blush? Maybe, but that’s besides the point. I have been set ablaze, metaphorically, by the sexy Love You Wild by Becka Mack and I find I must cool myself down in order to speak coherently. Witty, romantic, and undeniably sexy, this book is a top drawer selection if you are looking for something that will warm your heart cockles and possibly your nether regions.
For funzies, it introduced me to my new favorite phrase ‘oopsie-babies’. Also, Becka, you get bonus points for the usage of ‘Googs’ which we use profusely on the podcast. Kudos.
Let me tell you a little about the plot: Claire is a beautiful red-headed (hence the strawberry references) 26 year old brewery manager, who when we meet her, is in the process of cutting ties with her cheating boyfriend. On her first night of singledom, she meets Avery, and cue: instant chemistry. Unfortunately, Avery is a bit of playboy and not looking for Serious (with a capital S); however, one glance at Claire forces him to realize that she might be different from his usual one night stand. Could she be Miss Right and not just Miss Right Now? If so, how can he convince her he’s changed?
Begin the beguine.
The Top Bun (Pro) Claire & Avery There’s a lot to compliment in this book. Firstly, I’m going to commend Mack on her hero and heroine in addition to their relationship. It feels both true to life while at the same time making you ostensibly aware that this is an extraordinary occurrence. For example, for every Avery that finds their Claire are 100 Wyatts (Avery’s Playboy Business Partner and Best Friend) determined to lead their own Pussy Posse (Trademark Leonardo DiCaprio) in the real world. We may all know an Avery, but we know a lot more Wyatt’s.
To say that Claire is gun shy when it comes to philandering partners is an understatement. The majority of the book details her struggles to not only let someone love her again but to actually love herself. With his cheating, Claire’s ex Aaron has destroyed any semblance of self esteem that she once held.
“I don’t care that he’s gone, Charlee, I really don’t. I care that he made me feel like gum on the bottom of his shoe. That he made me question everything about myself, including the things I used to love.” How can I even begin to attempt to let someone else love me when I’m not even sure I love myself?”
To be able to verbalize this fear to Avery is the penultimate feat for Claire. By owning up to these imperfections, she feels as though she’s relinquishing a bit of her strength. After a particularly huge argument, Charlee (Claire’s BFF) advises her, “Let Avery show you that those things you used to love about yourself are still perfect and worthy of so, so much love. Not just his, or another guy’s, but your own.”
For all her bluster and bold personality, Claire has issues professing her feelings; often Avery will prompt her to “use your words, Claire”. At many times, both confess that their developing relationship scares them. Avery has never found love with a partner before and Claire obviously has trust issues.
Supporting and caring for a partner is a new experience for Avery; however, one he slides into exceptionally well and surprisingly easily. As a reader, this conversion feels natural and easily acceptable; Avery is written to be a pleasant person, in general, who just happens to like getting it wet on the reg. No judgement. This doesn’t make him a bad person, but we need to see the player side of him before we can process what an impact Claire has made on his psyche. Honestly, it’s not hard to believe that he’s knocked on his ass (metaphorically) by Claire, Mack’s writing had me half in love with her myself.
The Meat (Con) - Honestly, there’s not much here to complain about. Although I’ve just professed my love for her - Claire, give the boy a chance, will ya?! I know this back and forth is the deus ex drama, but come on, lady! Avery’s doing his best. Cut the player some slack. I was rooting so hard for Avery that I just started getting impatient with Claire after a while. Still violently in love with her though.
The Bottom Bun (Pro) The Cavalcade of Characters (i.e. Vivi) All of the tertiary characters introduced are fabulous. Even himbo Wyatt is engaging. (Note to those gen-z’ers reading: a himbo is a 90’s term for male bimbo - I know, I’m old). In particular, I want to highlight Claire’s 3 year old niece, Vivi. Okay, normally, kids in books go two ways for me - either they’re annoying as hell and I quickly skip over every reference to them, or they’re cute but not cloying so - proving to be quite innocuous. Let me introduce you to my favorite new kid character in a romance novel, the adorable Miss Vivi. Mack has drawn this character so well, that I was looking forward to any interaction with her. From the impromptu dance recitals, Frozen sing alongs, to the mispronunciation of names.. I loved this damn kid.
“One…two…free!” She grins up at me. “Dere’s free stars, A’wy [Avery]!” Chuckling, I hug her against my chest. I’ll never get tired of the way she speaks. “Three times a million, baby.” “What’s dat mean?” I shake my head softly, kissing her nose. “Nothing. Good counting. You’re such a smarty.” “I like Smarties. Sometimes Daddy lets me hab ’em for bweakfast.”
How could you not love this freaking child? How she interacts with Avery is fantastic and their interludes are so heartbreakingly adorable.
Another bonus pro!
This book is hot! Girls and boys, the sex scenes are muy caliente. We have so much buildup prior to the ole ‘in/out in/out’ that by the time it arrives you just spent a good portion of the book in an edgefest of sexual tension. Not to say the foreplay isn’t blisteringly hot itself:
He punctuates his sentence with a ferocious pump of his fingers and sucking kiss straight to my clit. How the hell can he talk so calmly at a time like this? I’m squirming, writhing, my eyes rolling up, and when the static finally disappears and Avery pulls his fingers from me, he catches me as I collapse on top of him. He presses a kiss to my sweaty temple, holding me in his arms. “Delicious,” he purrs in my ear.”
Avery, of course, continues to make her come so hard, she experiences ‘Noodle Legs’. This occurs a number of times in the book:
“Can you move?” he asks quietly, smoothing his palm over my hair. I make a noise. I hope he gets it. He chuckles. “Is that a no?” “Noodles,” I wheeze. “Noodles? Tell me you’re thinking about spaghetti right now.” I burst with laughter, shaking against him. “My legs are noodles,”
Guess who else’s legs are noodles? The readers. We all have noodle hands, eyes, and brains. Whew!
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’m going to wrap this up. I want to congratulate Becka Mack for creating an entertaining familial fictional community in which she can build upon. The relationships she's introduced are strong, loving, and comical; so much so that I’ll be easily awaiting return visits. I look forward to future trips to Toronto via the written word and discovering which couple will be finding their HEA next.
Also, this book got me hungry for Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supremes and strawberry beer - so we know what’s on the menu tonight!
Such a slow burn, I got bored. And don’t even get me started on the heroine… she made the book such a drag! She’s so hot and cold with the hero, then she gets jealous.
I would give this more stars, but Claire is the most insufferable person. I too don't understand why Avery would choose her. It is beyond me how Miss Beck wrote Claire. I want to meet one guy, rich or not, who'd put up with so much nonsense and drama. So she got cheated on, how many of us have been cheated on and are not SUPER HOT and still had some self-worth left? I really enjoyed Consider me, but this was just a mess. The only reason I kept reading was that Avery was a great character.
I loved this book, but I'm glad I napped before I wrote a review, because the more I thought about this book, the less happy I was with the ending. It was really the only part of the book I didn't like, even though it ended with a HEA.
It was like it just...cut off?? There are no other books relating to this one, so I will never see these characters again?? Or the baby?? WTF???
Aside from my anger, I really enjoyed reading this book, and I adored all of the characters, except for Aaron obviously. Just wish I'd gotten to meet the baby?!?!?!
Hater alle karakterene i boka unntatt Avery. Forferdelig mye unødvendig drama mellom hovedkarakterene. Claire irriterte meg hele tiden fy faen. Boka kunne gjerne vært 500 sider mindre.
I would NEVER slander the queen miss becka mack. So everything I say is not meant to be critical.
This was obviously her first book and before consider me and play with me. Obvious how you ask? Well. This book was both of the two books mixed together with less mature writing. Like it had the best friends brother it had the play boy it had the damaged girl just so many aspects. Which is good and bad. It left a lot open for more books like the other did but she clearly decided to move on from this story line. Which was for the better.
I saw a lot of comments about Claire and how she was so dramatic and to just get over it. And honestly I agree. But I only agree bc we got barely any background info on her past relationship. She was pretty indifferent about it until she was being difficult. Like how are we supposed to feel any empathy towards Claire when we don’t know much.
The baby talk. Was so. God damn. Excessive. I love children. But Jesus fuck. There was so much and like come on. I don’t want to read that every second!!!!
Also (David don’t read this part) one second they were doing butt stuff, and then all of a sudden Claire is at the doctor bc of ALL of these symptoms (no leading up to she’s like I’ve been bloated I’ve been this, girl since when) and THEN all of a sudden the dad dies?? Like Jesus what and then she’s pregnant. Alright becka if you must.
Also, the whole baby thing. Some authors really fuck that up. I feel like I knew early on they were going to have a baby and I didn’t feel so ick about it. But it happened so fast like what.
I liked this book. It was very clearly her first book and I acknowledge that. Therefor miss becka I can give you nothing more than four stars. (Would be three but I love you too much)
So, not even sure how to explain how I loved this book, even while occasionally hating on the main heroines character.
First, let’s just say this is such a well written book. It is obvious the author cared about this story. Every single character was well rounded and fleshed out. I could honestly say, yup, I know someone like that or,YOU please be my friend. Vivi was my favourite, pretty sure she is based on a real life little one. She was freaking adorable
I loved how real and down to earth this story was, just two people falling in love in ordinary circumstances and real family heartbreak.
BUT, yes there is a BUT. A very big BUT that keeps me from giving this story 5 stars.
Claire’s disbelief that Avery loved her and wanted her was annoying as hell. I mean I get it, women are insecure, never sure a boy/man means what he says. But it was too much in this book. Honestly, Avery was a saint to stay the course and wait for Claire to get her head out her butt. Some off her actions were cringe worthy and had me rolling my eyes.
However, it did not deter me in further reading, I just though; hey there’s Claire being an asshat again.
Would totally recommend this book for reading. Can’t wait for the next story… which looks to be Casey and Charlee, at least I hope it is. Their story could be really fun… and we would get more Vivi.
Also.. a big shout out to the author representing my home town. ❤️❤️
Gonna try to keep this review short because it doesn’t need more…
Claire was a bit too whiny for my taste for a good portion of this book and Avery (this poor man) had to jump through some HIGH HOOPS for her, and at times it was completely unnecessary. I mean, she was so hot/cold and then insanely jealous???? My neck hurts from the whiplash. this book does commit my most hated cardinal sin, and therefore is demoted one whole star…
Okay, that aside, I loved the found/made/blood family aspect of this book. Becka Mack is a wizard at creating a whole cast of characters you live, cherish, and care about and I’m devastated that this is the only book from this universe we’ll get. I loved Avery so much, and the rest of the group. WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL if the rest of these books were published.
Dang, this was long, anyway, read it for something cute and spicy.🌶️
While I love Becka Mack and her other 2 books, this book was also good but just not ad good as the others I guess. I must say Claire running away for each thing and each time annoyed me after some time I understand shes got a shit ton of stuff to go trough yk but still it just happend too often and she did not get it in her head until the end tbh. Avery also annoyed me a tad bit as he couldve made his intentions clear when he knew them instead of just waiting and nonstop suggesting to only wanting to hookup with claire. BUTTT I wanna i really wanna read Harper and wyatts book anddd Chares i hope becky girl will write em soon tehe
bye i literally adored this book it’s funny and hot and cute and LITERALLY THE WHOLE PACKAGE. avery is such a mf hottie and claire is so perfect in every way they are literally made for each other if only claire would stop fighting her feelings smh
Pretty stupid Way too long. Male character is a total creeper. He’s psycho and weird. Holds woman hostage which I hated. Book drags out. Boring.terrible
I loved this. Becka Mack is a natural romance writer. I found her though TikTok and became hooked on “Consider Me” on Wattpad. This being her first Kindle book, of hopefully many! I need to be able to buy her work, I had to read it. Wow, it’s everything you love from her. All the detail, all the angst and all the love. It’s the perfect balance of spice with romance that you feel overwhelmed witnessing. 10/10 recommend.
Let me just say I will never look at strawberries the same way again (blushes). This book was brilliant, I loved everything about from the dynamic characters, to the sexy plot all of it was good. I must say this author definitely knows how to write spicy, there were many times in which I had to stop and reassess the situation and then continue reading. It was about a 4 on the spicy scale. I also would like to say that Vivi is the cutest little 2-year-old girl you will ever read about in this story. If you love a hot spicy story with an alpha male and a girl who's been broken and put back together then this is the story for you. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
Love the way they love each other. Vivi was so adorable. I bawled at the end saying goodbye to her dad. Loved the side characters too. The only thing I hate is how they met and him being a manwhooore. When OW shows up he doesn’t keep her hands off him either time. Minus a star for that but otherwise loved the book. It was super long but there were only a few times I got impatient for the author to get on with the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book I tried from this author after several people recommended her books, but I just can’t get into them. I feel like I’m 13 reading on Wattpad and Chapters again. It’s nauseating the whining, especially from characters who are supposed to be adults. And don’t get me started on the forcing of drinks down someone else’s throat. I DNF’ed for the last time with this author. I’ve seen more creative writing on public toilet cubicle walls.
Little bit of a slow burner for me, but once it got going it was sweet, surprising and fun. Both Claire and Avery are wholesome with different insecurities. Expected a bit more passion at the start, was getting impatient waiting for things to kick off.
Made it 10 pages in and he is pressuring her to go back to his place, I mean I get it he respects her third no.....but I just can't with it taking 3 nos, even in an imaginary world.