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Wilder #1
Wilder Games
It’s match point in the most important tennis match in my life, and nothing can distract me. Nothing, that is, except the sight of Jude Wilder sitting in the stands with his little sister on his lap. He’s never watched me play. Never even noticed me before. And yet his eyes are on me now. I know what he must be thinking. I’m not just an outcast, I’m a social pariah thanks to my family being the town’s most notorious con artists. Jude is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Not only is he accepted, he’s worshipped. I’m nobody to him, and yet I’ve got this chance to impress him.
As it turns out, he isn’t at all impressed when I win the match, and I’m worse than a nobody to him. Jude thinks I’m a threat to his family. This should alarm me. It should scare me. Jude in protective mode is hot, all right, but I can’t afford to be on his radar. I’ve got one year to secure a college scholarship. It’s hard enough keeping a low profile with my tennis success, and the last thing I need is Jude Wilder of all people drawing more attention my way.
Especially if it’s hostile.
Even if I like it.
As it turns out, he isn’t at all impressed when I win the match, and I’m worse than a nobody to him. Jude thinks I’m a threat to his family. This should alarm me. It should scare me. Jude in protective mode is hot, all right, but I can’t afford to be on his radar. I’ve got one year to secure a college scholarship. It’s hard enough keeping a low profile with my tennis success, and the last thing I need is Jude Wilder of all people drawing more attention my way.
Especially if it’s hostile.
Even if I like it.
178 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2021
105 people are currently reading
1242 people want to read
About the author
Ali Dean
46 books1,024 followersAli is a USA Today Bestselling author of sports romance. She has always loved to read, especially when there's a happily ever after, but found that there weren't enough books out there featuring girl athletes. So, she decided to work on that. Like the heroines in her books, Ali is an athlete, with running and skiing her favorite sports these days. Ali hails from Vermont and now lives in her own happily-ever-after in Colorado with her husband, two sets of twins, and golden retriever Pancake. When she's not pursuing an outdoor adventure, Ali's less healthy passions include ice cream, coffee, and beer.
Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.
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Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.
www.alideanfiction.com
www.facebook.com/alideanfiction
www.twitter.com/alideanfiction
www.instagram.com/alideanfiction
www.bookbub.com/profile/ali-dean
www.pinterest.com/alidean750
Sign up for Ali's newsletter and receive free short stories as a welcome gift! https://www.subscribepage.com/alidean...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 10, 2022
As I started reading this book, part of me swore I had read it before but then I checked Goodreads and I hadn't as I got reading, I realized why it sounded familiar as the character of Karis Jackson reminded me of two other authors' tennis player stories I had read - Monica Seles and her series The Academy and Jennifer Iacopelli and her series The Outer Banks Tennis Academy. The stories were different for the most part but had the same feel. This author Ali Dean has been on my radar to read for years and I have several of her books in her different series. Wilder Games takes us into the world of Tennis as we meet Karis Jackson, an amazing tennis star with a dark secret, and Jude Wilder who is the son of Pepper Jones who had her series years ago called Pepper Jones (this was one of Ali's first series she wrote). Karis is amazing but just dreams of getting a scholarship to college and going from there, then she will look at going pro. Unlike everyone else in the Tennis world, for Karis, all of this could go away in a blink of an eye. Most people don't realize that Karis has lived alone for years and the only way she can pay for her tennis etc is by blackmailing her mum into her receiving her 'child support costs. Karis's mum and sister are manipulative con women who live for the game and swindle men out of their money. Karis never wanted that life but has to live with the consequences of their reputations which is where Jude Wilder comes in. Jude knows all about Karis's family, but little about Karis, and when his baby sister starts tennis lessons with Karis - he will go to any lengths to protect them. Even if it means getting close to Karis and uncovering her game but what happens when Jude realizes the truth that Karis is nothing like her mum and that under the surface a lot is going on that no one knows except Karis's best friend Vanna. I liked the character of Karis and that cliffhanger ending left my heart in the lurch as tennis is her world - it's her livelihood and ticket out of her life. Also, I now want to know who her "real father' is - was he also an amazing tennis player?
Find out in Book #1 Wilder Games by Ali Dean - an amazing start to another great series that if you love teen reads, sports romances, and secrets - then this is the perfect read to ace your reading challenges with.
November 18, 2021
It's not a standalone!
November 4, 2021
I really loved this book a lot. The author does a great job introducing a new generation and an awesome character Jude. I loved Jude. Yes, he is the son of Jase and Pepper from the Pepper Jones series, but you can perfectly read it as a stand alone.
Jude is a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I love how he grew and was super mature. His relationship with his family is really good. I also enjoyed Karis. I loved how she was determined to find her own path and be the best tennis player. She is really mature and fun. Her innocence's is good, but I love how she knows how to put Jude in his place.
The romance is really good. It is steamy and really sweet. I loved the characters together. There are awesome kissing scenes with tons of chemistry. There is also wonderful secondary characters with a nice subplot. Loved the characters. Highly recommend and can't wait for the next book.
Jude is a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I love how he grew and was super mature. His relationship with his family is really good. I also enjoyed Karis. I loved how she was determined to find her own path and be the best tennis player. She is really mature and fun. Her innocence's is good, but I love how she knows how to put Jude in his place.
The romance is really good. It is steamy and really sweet. I loved the characters together. There are awesome kissing scenes with tons of chemistry. There is also wonderful secondary characters with a nice subplot. Loved the characters. Highly recommend and can't wait for the next book.
May 11, 2022
Amazon
Karis has a big secret, one she's been keeping for years. Now Jude's around, determined to figure it out, figure out what her endgame is. He doesn't trust her, puts her in the same boat as her family of cons. But she didn't last this long taking care of herself, working toward her dream, to let some guy ruin everything for her now.
This is a great start to the series. I love Karis, how strong and independent she is, how hard she works for her dream. Jude is equally strong, but had such a different life than Karis that I wondered how the two of them could ever get together, but I have faith everything will work out even if the ending was less than resolved.
ARC provided by The Indie Pen PR for an honest review.
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November 4, 2021
Jude Jones Wilder, how much do I adore this guy? He’s a protector, and fiercely loyal. He’s like catnip for the ladies. He’s also young, so of course there’s some ego, but it’s just right. Karis is perfection. I love how she’s so independent and focused, and she knows her own mind. But she’s sorely in need of a guy like Jude, I love them together so much. Just the right amount of tension and heat and all the good things. It just made my heart happy. This is a great start to this new series, and I’m going to be over here salivating for the next installment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The next generation series I’ve been dying for is finally here!!! If you love the Pepper Jones series, you are going to love Wilder Games. If you haven’t read it, you’ll still enjoy this one, but it’s even better if you have read them.
Jude is Pepper and Jace’s oldest son, and they make quite a few appearances in this book. Jude is very much his parents child, and I love how he’s a great mix of the two. All the siblings are here, and each is so fun in their own unique way. Bunny and Zane are a riot!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The next generation series I’ve been dying for is finally here!!! If you love the Pepper Jones series, you are going to love Wilder Games. If you haven’t read it, you’ll still enjoy this one, but it’s even better if you have read them.
Jude is Pepper and Jace’s oldest son, and they make quite a few appearances in this book. Jude is very much his parents child, and I love how he’s a great mix of the two. All the siblings are here, and each is so fun in their own unique way. Bunny and Zane are a riot!
November 18, 2021
Jude Wilder is fiercely protective of his family! He comes from sports royalty but his parents have never let him live like a god! He’s humble and takes his job as oldest sibling very seriously! Especially when it comes to Karis!
Karis is the daughter of a woman who would stop at nothing to make quick bucks! And Jude feels the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but when they spend more and more time together Jude realizes he might have it all wrong!
This is a slow paced book but still have plenty of angst moments and scenes full of laughter because well grandma B is amazing! I also know that it’s setting the stage for something bigger and the ending definitely has me counting the days till book 2 is in my hands! So much to figure out and I know things have only just begun!
Karis is the daughter of a woman who would stop at nothing to make quick bucks! And Jude feels the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but when they spend more and more time together Jude realizes he might have it all wrong!
This is a slow paced book but still have plenty of angst moments and scenes full of laughter because well grandma B is amazing! I also know that it’s setting the stage for something bigger and the ending definitely has me counting the days till book 2 is in my hands! So much to figure out and I know things have only just begun!
November 7, 2021
Feelings feelings FEELINGS!
Thankfully this book shows perspectives from both Jude and Karis because they have horrible opinions of one another but when you get inside their heads, you cannot help but love and root for these two!
Jude is protective and loyal.
Karis is driven and fierce.
With their history, they shouldn’t make sense but their chemistry is undeniable!
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s been a long time since I was hooked so quickly.
I am a sucker for sports romance. I was thrilled to get this ARC to read. You need Wilder Games in your life.
Be prepared, this book ends on a cliffhanger.
Thankfully this book shows perspectives from both Jude and Karis because they have horrible opinions of one another but when you get inside their heads, you cannot help but love and root for these two!
Jude is protective and loyal.
Karis is driven and fierce.
With their history, they shouldn’t make sense but their chemistry is undeniable!
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s been a long time since I was hooked so quickly.
I am a sucker for sports romance. I was thrilled to get this ARC to read. You need Wilder Games in your life.
Be prepared, this book ends on a cliffhanger.
November 10, 2021
Ali Dean does it again! Admittedly tennis is not of super interest, but this is Ali Dean and she could probably author a book on shuffleboard and I'd be in love. The book flowed really well, and the story line... Oh wait, did you know that this intertwines characters from previous books?! YES!!! I was giddy about revisiting some of my favs. BUT if you have not read the Pepper Jones series, you will still totally get hooked in this. Then go back and read it while you are waiting for Wilder #2 to release.
Ali Dean did what she does best... wove story lines with characters that intertwine and intersect in so many spaces. Jude and Karis are opposites... oldest child vs youngest child, wealthy/famous family vs infamous/not well liked family and so on.
There's a cliffhanger, and it's a doosey!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Ali Dean did what she does best... wove story lines with characters that intertwine and intersect in so many spaces. Jude and Karis are opposites... oldest child vs youngest child, wealthy/famous family vs infamous/not well liked family and so on.
There's a cliffhanger, and it's a doosey!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
November 18, 2021
I was definitely very excited to read this new series starter, a "next generation" series with Pepper Jones and Jace Wilder's son Jude as the hero. Pepper and Jace's series were the first books I read by this author and have always had a special place in my heart. This new series definitely stands alone but I cannot deny the cameo appearances by Pepper, Jace, and dear Bunny give me a warm glow.
Tennis is one of my favorite sports and though there is nowhere near as much sports talk in this book as the original series I still love that the heroine, Karis, is a strong tennis player and that that is a driving part of the plot. The storyline with her family fills me with dread, it is along the lines of one of the types of things I dislike reading or watching about just because of the strong feelings those stories evoke in me. I was a little bit concerned about the insta-attraction between them but by the end of the first book I was sold on their connection. It's hard to classify this kind of book for me, as it is far and away tamer than what I usually read and gravitate towards, and is the kind of book that was called YA when I was young, and that I read in late elementary/early junior high, but does not fit into what is commonly considered YA currently. No matter how others classify it, I found it a wonderful palate cleanser following my more typical dark reads, a pretty quick read that ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so definitely looking forward to more, and seeing their relationship develop. Definitely hoping for more of Karis spending time with his family too.
Tennis is one of my favorite sports and though there is nowhere near as much sports talk in this book as the original series I still love that the heroine, Karis, is a strong tennis player and that that is a driving part of the plot. The storyline with her family fills me with dread, it is along the lines of one of the types of things I dislike reading or watching about just because of the strong feelings those stories evoke in me. I was a little bit concerned about the insta-attraction between them but by the end of the first book I was sold on their connection. It's hard to classify this kind of book for me, as it is far and away tamer than what I usually read and gravitate towards, and is the kind of book that was called YA when I was young, and that I read in late elementary/early junior high, but does not fit into what is commonly considered YA currently. No matter how others classify it, I found it a wonderful palate cleanser following my more typical dark reads, a pretty quick read that ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so definitely looking forward to more, and seeing their relationship develop. Definitely hoping for more of Karis spending time with his family too.
November 18, 2021
This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more! As a huge Ali Dean fan, not only did this book bring me so much joy, it had me crying happy tears and swooning so hard! As a huge fan of the Pepper Jones series to get the next generation stories is blowing my mind with excitement. I literally cried seeing Pepper and Jace as parents.
I love everything, I mean everything, about this book. Even that crazy ending! The book has it all. Angst, incredible banter back and forth, an amazing storyline and a cast of characters that are awesome. Jude is the the oldest son of incredible athletes. However, he is so humble and protective of his family. Then take Karis who is down on her luck with the family department. But she is an amazing tennis player. Jude is also very aware of the awful family Karis has. Yet they somehow keep running into each other. Is this fate or something deeper, wanting them together? Jude and Karis’ push and pull for one another was so entertaining to read, I didn’t want it to end.
I have to express my thank you to Ali Dean for bringing the extended cast of characters into this book. They all get a 200 out of 5 stars for being a part of the story. It’s like a giant family reunion that makes your heart soar with happiness. Even Grandma B or Bunny! Dear sweet, hilarious Bunny came back. I cried tears of happiness with every scene she was in. She is still a hot ticket and I love her so much.
I know I keep saying this is everything I wanted and more, but it is. You don’t need to read the previous series to enjoy this. It is a great read whether you are a fan of Pepper and Jace Wilder’s series or your new to this author and book. But let me tell you, Pepper Jones is my favorite female character. And to see her played out now as a mom in this book and all four of her children and the roles they play in the story, is absolute perfection! Thank you Ali Dean for this book. It gave me all the feels and deserves 11 out of 5 stars!
I love everything, I mean everything, about this book. Even that crazy ending! The book has it all. Angst, incredible banter back and forth, an amazing storyline and a cast of characters that are awesome. Jude is the the oldest son of incredible athletes. However, he is so humble and protective of his family. Then take Karis who is down on her luck with the family department. But she is an amazing tennis player. Jude is also very aware of the awful family Karis has. Yet they somehow keep running into each other. Is this fate or something deeper, wanting them together? Jude and Karis’ push and pull for one another was so entertaining to read, I didn’t want it to end.
I have to express my thank you to Ali Dean for bringing the extended cast of characters into this book. They all get a 200 out of 5 stars for being a part of the story. It’s like a giant family reunion that makes your heart soar with happiness. Even Grandma B or Bunny! Dear sweet, hilarious Bunny came back. I cried tears of happiness with every scene she was in. She is still a hot ticket and I love her so much.
I know I keep saying this is everything I wanted and more, but it is. You don’t need to read the previous series to enjoy this. It is a great read whether you are a fan of Pepper and Jace Wilder’s series or your new to this author and book. But let me tell you, Pepper Jones is my favorite female character. And to see her played out now as a mom in this book and all four of her children and the roles they play in the story, is absolute perfection! Thank you Ali Dean for this book. It gave me all the feels and deserves 11 out of 5 stars!
December 8, 2021
3/4 stars.
First off, I won an Advance Copy of this book.
So I felt a review is only fair.
Secondly, I read the entire Pepper Jones series, so reading this was almost a necessity for me. I may have gotten to it much later, so winning the book moved it up considerably on my TBR list.
Third, and probably the MOST important thing:
BUNNY
IS
BACK.
The Queen of not being stuck in between.
The spunk to get you out of your funk.
The glory in every part of the story.
Is back!
Bunny’s spirit reminds me so much of my own 91 year old grandmother. She makes me smile and I’m so glad to see her show up in this new installment.
Ali Dean is always good at bringing in actual
elements of whatever sport is starring in her stories. This is always a nice change of pace in sports romance books that lack the actual sports elements to it.
The romance part is a little cringe-y.
I mean, we are dealing with high school seniors, generally, and as I get older, the immature shit can be harder to read. It is also fun, if you’re in a reminiscent type of mood.
For me though, the attraction elements could of chilled a little for optimum feels. I get Jude is intense but I love the build up with characters that come off as strong willed as these two MCs do.
This book is dubbed as “young adult” and “new adult” and I feel like the story is stuck in the middle of those labels. That’s the best way to describe it. Something is needed to elevate it, and I can’t quite narrow down to the “what” as this moment.
This story does end in a cliffy. The next book though is due next month so that’s not too bad. It also acts a little like the Pepper Jones series so I’m hoping it doesn’t completely copy the same sort of pattern.
Will I be reading the next one?
Damn right I will.
First off, I won an Advance Copy of this book.
So I felt a review is only fair.
Secondly, I read the entire Pepper Jones series, so reading this was almost a necessity for me. I may have gotten to it much later, so winning the book moved it up considerably on my TBR list.
Third, and probably the MOST important thing:
BUNNY
IS
BACK.
The Queen of not being stuck in between.
The spunk to get you out of your funk.
The glory in every part of the story.
Is back!
Bunny’s spirit reminds me so much of my own 91 year old grandmother. She makes me smile and I’m so glad to see her show up in this new installment.
Ali Dean is always good at bringing in actual
elements of whatever sport is starring in her stories. This is always a nice change of pace in sports romance books that lack the actual sports elements to it.
The romance part is a little cringe-y.
I mean, we are dealing with high school seniors, generally, and as I get older, the immature shit can be harder to read. It is also fun, if you’re in a reminiscent type of mood.
For me though, the attraction elements could of chilled a little for optimum feels. I get Jude is intense but I love the build up with characters that come off as strong willed as these two MCs do.
This book is dubbed as “young adult” and “new adult” and I feel like the story is stuck in the middle of those labels. That’s the best way to describe it. Something is needed to elevate it, and I can’t quite narrow down to the “what” as this moment.
This story does end in a cliffy. The next book though is due next month so that’s not too bad. It also acts a little like the Pepper Jones series so I’m hoping it doesn’t completely copy the same sort of pattern.
Will I be reading the next one?
Damn right I will.
August 17, 2022
He’d walked in after the first set with his little sister Quinn on his shoulders. Her chin had been propped on his head, his big hands wrapped around her ankles. - 1st scene to introduce hero character hv me drooling 🤤 what a sight!!! Erghhhh i can imagine how hot that is.
I'm sad for Karis for all the stereotype that she gets but at the same time I'm proud w her since she didn't cower n determined to prove that she deserve to get respect from others. n yeah miss gurl just leave the man hanging after Jude give her 1st magical 'o' 😂 ADORABLE.
“Because, Jude, I just had my first kiss. I’m not ready to sleep with a dude.” - Karis
Oh yeahhhh we love to see that here. When she knows her worth >>>>>>>
Jude invited her to his family ice cream outing when they just only know each other for 4 days?!!! Goshhh. And the domestic scene when he kissed her forehead AHHHHHHHH.
Are you kidding?!!!! What on earth you left me hanging like that?!!! Omy reading the second book 🏃♀️🏃🏃♂️⛹️⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
I'm sad for Karis for all the stereotype that she gets but at the same time I'm proud w her since she didn't cower n determined to prove that she deserve to get respect from others. n yeah miss gurl just leave the man hanging after Jude give her 1st magical 'o' 😂 ADORABLE.
“Because, Jude, I just had my first kiss. I’m not ready to sleep with a dude.” - Karis
Oh yeahhhh we love to see that here. When she knows her worth >>>>>>>
Jude invited her to his family ice cream outing when they just only know each other for 4 days?!!! Goshhh. And the domestic scene when he kissed her forehead AHHHHHHHH.
Are you kidding?!!!! What on earth you left me hanging like that?!!! Omy reading the second book 🏃♀️🏃🏃♂️⛹️⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
December 17, 2021
Ali Dean
Wilder Games: A Mature YA Sports Romance
ARC REVIEW
Jude and Karis
This was a great mature YA/NA book to read. I personally like sports romance, as well as YA, so this was a good choice for me.
Some references to drugs and sex, but all in all a great book. Cannot wait for the next book!
Wilder Games: A Mature YA Sports Romance
ARC REVIEW
Jude and Karis
This was a great mature YA/NA book to read. I personally like sports romance, as well as YA, so this was a good choice for me.
Some references to drugs and sex, but all in all a great book. Cannot wait for the next book!
November 17, 2021
This book makes me want to reread the Pepper Jones series again! It was a seriously fun read in the fact that this is now their kids and we still get a glimpse of the the original crew. I absolutely love Karis and admire her integrity and strength. Jude is so devoted to his family and I loved reading his feelings develop for Karis without him realizing it. This was a fast read for me, as I watched the percent read go up on my kindle I dreaded the end because I was enjoying this story so much. I can not wait for the next book!
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.
November 18, 2021
Ali Dean has written another great book with Wilder Games. I read this in one sitting and absolutely adored Karis and Jude. I never read the Pepper Series and am aware that some characters have cameos, at no point was I was ever lost. This can be read as a complete standalone. I can’t wait for more. Pick this book up today!
December 24, 2021
Hot tennis anyone? How about really well written hot romance? Luckily you can get both in Ali Dean’s latest, Wilde Games. Fans of her books will not be disappointed: this is another fun one. Newcomers are welcome too as this will most definitely be the start of fun ride. Highly recommended.
November 7, 2021
I can not believe that we are finally back in a Wilder world, and I am all for it. I am in love with Jude Wilder, and everything that he stands for. His love for his family is amazing and his need to protect them is something fierce. Karis Jackson is such a strong female character and I can’t wait to see what happens next with her and her tennis career. The chemistry between Jude and Karis is undeniable and the need to find out why they are so drawn to each other is crazy.
This book is told in a dual POV and I am all for it, because I love being able to know the feelings from both of the main characters.It also ends on one wild cliffhanger that made me unstable. I need to know what happens next and I want to know right now.
Even though we all love Pepper and Jace from the Pepper Series, this book can be read as standalone and we will love Karis and Jude just as much. This book is so good, I 100% recommend this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is told in a dual POV and I am all for it, because I love being able to know the feelings from both of the main characters.It also ends on one wild cliffhanger that made me unstable. I need to know what happens next and I want to know right now.
Even though we all love Pepper and Jace from the Pepper Series, this book can be read as standalone and we will love Karis and Jude just as much. This book is so good, I 100% recommend this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2022
This was an easy-to-read story that had me drawn in from the start. I loved the interactions between Jude and Karis and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series
November 20, 2021
I loved Wilder Games! As a die hard fan of the Pepper Series by Dean, I was excited when I heard she was writing a new series with next-gen characters. Karis and Jude's story is even better than the original series! And I really enjoyed how she incorporated tennis into the storyline. If you love new adult or sports romance, sweet, sassy characters, great back story, and slow burn, this one will by your new favorite! Please note: you don't need to read the Pepper Series to understand this one, it will still make perfect sense. Also, as this is Book 1 in a series, there is a cliffhanger at the end. 5 Stars!
November 19, 2021
Holy moly! I’m completely and utterly obsessed with this book!
Karis and Jude are fire right from the start. Even though he thinks he can’t trust her because of what her mother and sister have done in the past. Karis just wants to get out of town and go to college. Get away from a town full of people that don’t trust her. Tennis is her ticket out. Jude and Karis have a constant cat and mouse game going on but you just know when they both let go their story will only get better and better. Their so much more to this amazing story and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Karis and Jude are fire right from the start. Even though he thinks he can’t trust her because of what her mother and sister have done in the past. Karis just wants to get out of town and go to college. Get away from a town full of people that don’t trust her. Tennis is her ticket out. Jude and Karis have a constant cat and mouse game going on but you just know when they both let go their story will only get better and better. Their so much more to this amazing story and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2021
Be warned this ends on a cliffhanger. I enjoyed the start of the book and I liked how Kariss worked so hard to stay away from her family. The story got a bit confusing with alot of characters which I assume you need to have read a few books to know.
Kept waiting for Jude to get better but he came across as a bit of a judgemental jerk right until the last couple of chapters and can;t quite help thinking that Kariss could do better. Can't quite help thinking these kids are a bit too young , sexual activity and kids being involved in sex and drugs from 13
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kept waiting for Jude to get better but he came across as a bit of a judgemental jerk right until the last couple of chapters and can;t quite help thinking that Kariss could do better. Can't quite help thinking these kids are a bit too young , sexual activity and kids being involved in sex and drugs from 13
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2021
I love Ali’s books so much, although they are much tamer than books I typically read. Something about them are comforting and always written so well and I love how they incorporate some type of sport. They don’t shy away from female athletes either; in fact, she embraces them.
This one, about a female tennis player, is so entertaining. I really enjoyed that aspect of it with all the great descriptions, and I don’t even particularly like tennis! The chemistry with Jude was great, loved all the feelings and emotions behind their interactions. All in all, a great story and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one, about a female tennis player, is so entertaining. I really enjoyed that aspect of it with all the great descriptions, and I don’t even particularly like tennis! The chemistry with Jude was great, loved all the feelings and emotions behind their interactions. All in all, a great story and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2021
A great start to a new series! The next generation from Jace and Pepper of the Pepper Jones series starts off with a bang. Jude is an affluent playboy but protective of his family. Karis is trying to break away from her family’s bad reputation with dreams of going to college on a tennis scholarship. They are the complete opposites of each other but have a push/pull chemistry that leads to a slow burn romance. The storyline is well written weaving characters and background from previous series in. This is just the beginning of their story and ends with a cliffhanger. The next book cannot come soon enough.
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.
November 19, 2021
R-rated, YA, sports romance with a virgin heroine and promiscuous hero
Jude Wilder is 18 and a rising senior who is a gorgeous, ripped, star football player. He is part of the Jones-Wilder family (from the Pepper Jones series by this author) who are leading citizens in the fictional, small, ski-resort, college town, Brockton, Colorado. Jude’s father, Jace Wilder, is a wealthy, famous, retired football player, and his mother, Pepper Jones, is a retired Olympic runner. His cousins, Kwabena, Kofi and Cole, two adopted from Ghana, and one a biological offspring, are the children of the billionaire tech genius, Jace’s half-brother, Wesley Jamison, and his wife, Zoe Jamison, who is a kindergarten teacher. The Jamisons are also leading citizens of Brockton. Jude’s affection and loyalty are solely offered to his family, and he has never invited friends to his home in order to preserve his parents’ privacy. His best friend is his cousin Kwabena. Jude never dates and neither does Kwabena. Instead these two privileged boys have been engaging in uncommitted sex with many different teenage girls since they were freshmen in high school. Kwabena is heading to college in a few months and will have a new crop of coeds older than himself to spread his favors to. But Jace’s senior year will be the first time his sex partners will have to be his same age or younger, as before now they have all been from higher grades at his high school. Unlike his father during Jace’s wanton teen years, so far Jude has not had sex with college girls while still in high school. All of the males in Jude’s family, starting with his father, seem to be cut from the same sexual cloth, losing their virginity by their freshman year and progressing rapidly into casual promiscuity. Also similar to teenage Jace, Jude is presented as being so infinitely desirable that teenage girls are constantly flinging themselves at him, begging for the dubious privilege of being used and discarded. As a result, until Karis comes into his life, Jude has never had to actively seek out any girl—for the only use he has for them, casual sex—because countless girls make sex effortlessly available to him whenever he wants it. However, unlike teenage Jace, Jude and his cousins do not use drugs, and though they frequently engage in underage drinking, they don’t tend to get sloppy drunk, as their football teammates do regularly.
Karis Jackson is 17 and also a rising senior. The complete antithesis of her romantic interest, Jude Wilder, Karis is a virgin who has never been kissed, because she’s been too busy to date or even attend school dances or private parties with her peers. She is a phenomenal tennis player who has the potential to eventually become a world champion. But she sees no possibility of pursuing anything beyond a college tennis scholarship, because elite, teen tennis players almost never break into world competitions unless they are the offspring of former world champions and/or very rich parents. Karis has neither. She lives in a squalid apartment on a bad side of town, and she is tainted with the social stench of her criminal mother, Shawna, and older sister, Renee, both of them con artists who wield their considerable beauty and charm to seduce rich men in order to rob and blackmail them. Over three years ago, Shawna fled Brockton one step ahead of the law, deserting Karis when she was 14 years old and in the eighth grade. Shawna’s only nod toward fulfilling her legal, parental obligations to Karis is to transfer money every month into a local, joint checking account. It is barely enough to cover rent, food and the cost of tennis lessons, forcing Karis to take part-time work to make ends meet. She is convinced her mother is sending her only a tiny fraction of the child-support payments Shawna receives from Karis’s biological father, whose name Shawna has never revealed, in case Karis might seek him out. Amazingly, Karis has managed all these years to stay under the radar of Child Protective Services and avoid being thrown into the foster-care system. Her sister Renee is four years older than Karis and, like Shawna, fled town not long after their mother did, for the same reason—the heat got turned up when one of her cons went bad.
Though Karis and Jude have attended the same high school for the past three years, live in a the same small community, and both know about each other, they have never directly connected with each other. Until the day that Jude’s little sister, Quinn, who is six years old, extremely precocious, and the adored youngest child of the Jones-Wilder family, witnesses Karis win a prestigious tennis competition and begs her parents to let her take tennis lessons from Karis. Though Jace and Pepper are fine with their baby girl taking lessons from Karis, whom they view as a decent, hard-working girl who is nothing like her mother and sister, Jude is extremely distrustful of her. He is determined to make absolutely sure that Karis will have no opportunity to run a scam on his family of the type that Shawna and Renee are notorious for. He is convinced, due to Karis’s great beauty and her family’s crimes, that there is no way she could possibly be as innocent as she seems to appear.
This novel is the first in a three-book series. There is never a dull moment in this fast-paced story, which involves a classic “enemies to lovers” romance plot. There are plenty of sexual fireworks between the two outstandingly attractive, romantic protagonists. There is also a whiff of potential suspense and danger—which will perhaps more fully unfold in a subsequent novel—when Renee comes back to town with a huge, menacing-looking boyfriend in tow, and Karis is terrified her crooked sister is going to blow up her life.
I had previously read and enjoyed the entire Pepper Jones series, which this book is an offshoot of. You don’t need to read that series before reading this one, but you will get a whole lot more out of this new series if you do. Personally, I felt the need to re-read the final book in the Pepper series before reading this book because, in its extended epilogue, we first meet Jude when he is 15 years old, three years before the start of this story. At that time, we are introduced to Jude’s other siblings as well, who are all significant subcharacters in this new series. Three years ago, Dash was 11 and is 14 at the start of this story. Zane was 7 then, and is 10 now. Quinn was 3 then and is 6 now. Pepper and Jace were 40 and 41, respectively, back then, and they are currently 43 and 44.
Karis’s athletic prowess is of central significance in this novel, as is the case for the female protagonists in all of AD’s sports romances. AD’s YA and adult romance novels always offer the point of view of the hero as well as the heroine but, typically—and this book is no exception—there are many scenes of the heroine engaged in her sport as an elite athlete, but there are no scenes of the hero engaged in his sport, even though he, too, is an elite athlete. Which means that, basically, AD’s novels are “girl power” and “woman power” stories as much as they are romances.
As the author rightly warns potential readers, this novel is for mature teens and adults. If it were a movie, it would probably be R-rated. There is a great deal of underage drinking, sloppy drunkenness, abuse of hard drugs, and multiple teenage parties that are presented as bacchanalian revels, with underage teens—particularly girls—being too young and too intoxicated to be able to legally give consent for the rampant sexual activity taking place. There are several on-stage, graphic sex scenes between Karis and Jude, though, so far, no oral sex or intercourse occurs.
AD writes so well that I was drawn into the romance between Karis and Jude, in spite of the fact that I personally tend to avoid YA (or New Adult), double-standard romances, in which the romantic hero is a Lothario with his own personal harem of teenage girls, and the heroine is a completely innocent virgin. Romance readers who enjoy that particular trope, however, will very likely greatly enjoy the version of it in this story.
This novel, as Book 1 in this series, as is the case in all of AD’s trilogies with the same two romantic protagonists throughout, ends on a major cliffhanger, which will very likely happen as well with Book 2 in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 3 stars
Karis’s Criminal Family: 3 stars
Jones-Wilder Extended Family: 5 stars
Teenage Bacchanalian Revels: 2 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 3.6 rounded to 4 stars
NOTE: I received an ARC of this novel through the Goodreads Giveaway and also through Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jude Wilder is 18 and a rising senior who is a gorgeous, ripped, star football player. He is part of the Jones-Wilder family (from the Pepper Jones series by this author) who are leading citizens in the fictional, small, ski-resort, college town, Brockton, Colorado. Jude’s father, Jace Wilder, is a wealthy, famous, retired football player, and his mother, Pepper Jones, is a retired Olympic runner. His cousins, Kwabena, Kofi and Cole, two adopted from Ghana, and one a biological offspring, are the children of the billionaire tech genius, Jace’s half-brother, Wesley Jamison, and his wife, Zoe Jamison, who is a kindergarten teacher. The Jamisons are also leading citizens of Brockton. Jude’s affection and loyalty are solely offered to his family, and he has never invited friends to his home in order to preserve his parents’ privacy. His best friend is his cousin Kwabena. Jude never dates and neither does Kwabena. Instead these two privileged boys have been engaging in uncommitted sex with many different teenage girls since they were freshmen in high school. Kwabena is heading to college in a few months and will have a new crop of coeds older than himself to spread his favors to. But Jace’s senior year will be the first time his sex partners will have to be his same age or younger, as before now they have all been from higher grades at his high school. Unlike his father during Jace’s wanton teen years, so far Jude has not had sex with college girls while still in high school. All of the males in Jude’s family, starting with his father, seem to be cut from the same sexual cloth, losing their virginity by their freshman year and progressing rapidly into casual promiscuity. Also similar to teenage Jace, Jude is presented as being so infinitely desirable that teenage girls are constantly flinging themselves at him, begging for the dubious privilege of being used and discarded. As a result, until Karis comes into his life, Jude has never had to actively seek out any girl—for the only use he has for them, casual sex—because countless girls make sex effortlessly available to him whenever he wants it. However, unlike teenage Jace, Jude and his cousins do not use drugs, and though they frequently engage in underage drinking, they don’t tend to get sloppy drunk, as their football teammates do regularly.
Karis Jackson is 17 and also a rising senior. The complete antithesis of her romantic interest, Jude Wilder, Karis is a virgin who has never been kissed, because she’s been too busy to date or even attend school dances or private parties with her peers. She is a phenomenal tennis player who has the potential to eventually become a world champion. But she sees no possibility of pursuing anything beyond a college tennis scholarship, because elite, teen tennis players almost never break into world competitions unless they are the offspring of former world champions and/or very rich parents. Karis has neither. She lives in a squalid apartment on a bad side of town, and she is tainted with the social stench of her criminal mother, Shawna, and older sister, Renee, both of them con artists who wield their considerable beauty and charm to seduce rich men in order to rob and blackmail them. Over three years ago, Shawna fled Brockton one step ahead of the law, deserting Karis when she was 14 years old and in the eighth grade. Shawna’s only nod toward fulfilling her legal, parental obligations to Karis is to transfer money every month into a local, joint checking account. It is barely enough to cover rent, food and the cost of tennis lessons, forcing Karis to take part-time work to make ends meet. She is convinced her mother is sending her only a tiny fraction of the child-support payments Shawna receives from Karis’s biological father, whose name Shawna has never revealed, in case Karis might seek him out. Amazingly, Karis has managed all these years to stay under the radar of Child Protective Services and avoid being thrown into the foster-care system. Her sister Renee is four years older than Karis and, like Shawna, fled town not long after their mother did, for the same reason—the heat got turned up when one of her cons went bad.
Though Karis and Jude have attended the same high school for the past three years, live in a the same small community, and both know about each other, they have never directly connected with each other. Until the day that Jude’s little sister, Quinn, who is six years old, extremely precocious, and the adored youngest child of the Jones-Wilder family, witnesses Karis win a prestigious tennis competition and begs her parents to let her take tennis lessons from Karis. Though Jace and Pepper are fine with their baby girl taking lessons from Karis, whom they view as a decent, hard-working girl who is nothing like her mother and sister, Jude is extremely distrustful of her. He is determined to make absolutely sure that Karis will have no opportunity to run a scam on his family of the type that Shawna and Renee are notorious for. He is convinced, due to Karis’s great beauty and her family’s crimes, that there is no way she could possibly be as innocent as she seems to appear.
This novel is the first in a three-book series. There is never a dull moment in this fast-paced story, which involves a classic “enemies to lovers” romance plot. There are plenty of sexual fireworks between the two outstandingly attractive, romantic protagonists. There is also a whiff of potential suspense and danger—which will perhaps more fully unfold in a subsequent novel—when Renee comes back to town with a huge, menacing-looking boyfriend in tow, and Karis is terrified her crooked sister is going to blow up her life.
I had previously read and enjoyed the entire Pepper Jones series, which this book is an offshoot of. You don’t need to read that series before reading this one, but you will get a whole lot more out of this new series if you do. Personally, I felt the need to re-read the final book in the Pepper series before reading this book because, in its extended epilogue, we first meet Jude when he is 15 years old, three years before the start of this story. At that time, we are introduced to Jude’s other siblings as well, who are all significant subcharacters in this new series. Three years ago, Dash was 11 and is 14 at the start of this story. Zane was 7 then, and is 10 now. Quinn was 3 then and is 6 now. Pepper and Jace were 40 and 41, respectively, back then, and they are currently 43 and 44.
Karis’s athletic prowess is of central significance in this novel, as is the case for the female protagonists in all of AD’s sports romances. AD’s YA and adult romance novels always offer the point of view of the hero as well as the heroine but, typically—and this book is no exception—there are many scenes of the heroine engaged in her sport as an elite athlete, but there are no scenes of the hero engaged in his sport, even though he, too, is an elite athlete. Which means that, basically, AD’s novels are “girl power” and “woman power” stories as much as they are romances.
As the author rightly warns potential readers, this novel is for mature teens and adults. If it were a movie, it would probably be R-rated. There is a great deal of underage drinking, sloppy drunkenness, abuse of hard drugs, and multiple teenage parties that are presented as bacchanalian revels, with underage teens—particularly girls—being too young and too intoxicated to be able to legally give consent for the rampant sexual activity taking place. There are several on-stage, graphic sex scenes between Karis and Jude, though, so far, no oral sex or intercourse occurs.
AD writes so well that I was drawn into the romance between Karis and Jude, in spite of the fact that I personally tend to avoid YA (or New Adult), double-standard romances, in which the romantic hero is a Lothario with his own personal harem of teenage girls, and the heroine is a completely innocent virgin. Romance readers who enjoy that particular trope, however, will very likely greatly enjoy the version of it in this story.
This novel, as Book 1 in this series, as is the case in all of AD’s trilogies with the same two romantic protagonists throughout, ends on a major cliffhanger, which will very likely happen as well with Book 2 in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 3 stars
Karis’s Criminal Family: 3 stars
Jones-Wilder Extended Family: 5 stars
Teenage Bacchanalian Revels: 2 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 3.6 rounded to 4 stars
NOTE: I received an ARC of this novel through the Goodreads Giveaway and also through Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2021
Ali did an amazing job with Wilder Games. There is great character development, a connection between the main characters, and of course the teenage angst that always comes with her books!
If you loved the Pepper Jones series, then you will definitely love this one too. While it's not necessary to read that series first, June is their son so it's nice to see old favorites. I loved his character. He is great with his family and definitely a protective male type without going overboard. He also has a soft side that you see often. Karis is a great female character. While she is shy and sticks mostly to herself, she is strong in her own way because of everything her family has put her through. There is a great push and pull between these two where Jude is clearly trying to fight his feelings towards her and has a natural distrust because of what her family has done. But Karis is nothing like her family, which she proves every step of the way.
We are left on a great cliffhanger and there are clearly more secrets and surprises coming!
If you loved the Pepper Jones series, then you will definitely love this one too. While it's not necessary to read that series first, June is their son so it's nice to see old favorites. I loved his character. He is great with his family and definitely a protective male type without going overboard. He also has a soft side that you see often. Karis is a great female character. While she is shy and sticks mostly to herself, she is strong in her own way because of everything her family has put her through. There is a great push and pull between these two where Jude is clearly trying to fight his feelings towards her and has a natural distrust because of what her family has done. But Karis is nothing like her family, which she proves every step of the way.
We are left on a great cliffhanger and there are clearly more secrets and surprises coming!
November 26, 2021
As someone who’s been a longtime Ali Dean supporter for 8 YEARS (the very beginning of her writing career), I am VERY DISAPPOINTED! It’s obvious that her majority audience is middle aged women but I’m only 19 on the other hand. And as a college student and recent high school graduate, I can say that the image of teenagers is so misrepresented with a lot of her characters. I’m so sick and tired of the same old typical cliche social hierarchy and bad boy personas that her books revolve around. Number 1, believe it or not people but not all teens/young adults are sex crazed addicts. I know, pretty hard to believe huh? Number 2, not all guys at a young age are promiscuous. Ali Dean is always making her male characters, especially if they’re athletes (which they usually are all the time) these bad boy top notch got it going on everyone wants a piece of them type of characters. Like, either catch up with the times or think outside of the box when it comes to your character development. A lot of young people these days are into tik tok and just being silly and goofy. But instead, she always has teens doing hardcore partying and illegal stuff which I think is just really bad representation of my generation because not every single one of us is like that. And just because someone is “popular” doesn’t mean they’re like that either. I hate how she has the female characters always playing some damsel in distress for some honk of a guy to come save her. It’s totally cliche! At this point, her writing is soooo predictable for me since I’m a long time supporter. The only good thing about this book is that there’s a little bit of racial diversity (which isn’t surprising since being “woke” all of a sudden is the new trend for everyone in the marketing industry). It’s sad that it’s had to come to this because Ali Dean’s books all throughout these years have gotten me through some really hard times in life when I needed a different world to escape to but enough is enough. I’m tired of the same old storyline. Elusive is her best work in regard to doing something really different and unique outside of her normal stuff. I’ll give her that. But until something changes, I will unfortunately be departing my ways from her books. It’s a waste of money and time. And as a college student who already has more than enough reading to do and textbooks to pay for, I can no longer afford that. SIGH*
P. S. The pepper Jones series has always been my favorite by her since day 1 so this stings even more knowing the type of direction she took with the Brockton world. I’m just going to ignore this book and act like it doesn’t exist for this world. Also, I’m so sick and tired of social hierarchy, financial status, physical looks and materialistic things defining almost every character in her books. We as a society already go through that on a daily fucking basis. Why make it such a dominant aspect in almost all of your books? This is another reason why I took a break from reading her books…. Anyways, glad I could get his off my chest. I’ll also be removing myself from the Facebook group as well considering I have nothing in common with a bunch of middle age women anyway so I’m an outcast in there.
P. S. The pepper Jones series has always been my favorite by her since day 1 so this stings even more knowing the type of direction she took with the Brockton world. I’m just going to ignore this book and act like it doesn’t exist for this world. Also, I’m so sick and tired of social hierarchy, financial status, physical looks and materialistic things defining almost every character in her books. We as a society already go through that on a daily fucking basis. Why make it such a dominant aspect in almost all of your books? This is another reason why I took a break from reading her books…. Anyways, glad I could get his off my chest. I’ll also be removing myself from the Facebook group as well considering I have nothing in common with a bunch of middle age women anyway so I’m an outcast in there.
May 1, 2022
3.75 STARS-- WILDER GAMES is the first instalment in Ali Dean’s contemporary, young adult WILDER romance series, a spin off from the author’s PEPPER JONES’ series. This is high school seniors Jude Wilder, and tennis phenom Karis Jackson’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jude and Karis) WILDER GAMES follows the enemies to frenemies relationship between high school seniors Jude Wilder, and tennis phenom Karis Jackson. Karis Jackson wants nothing more than to qualify for a tennis scholarship to college but her mother and sister’s reputations have preceded our heroine’s introduction to everything and everyone in the small town of Brockton. Karis has the opportunity to turn pro but our heroine wants to earn her degree before setting off on the professional circuit. Still struggling to get out from under her mother and sister’s schemes that have affected most of the people in the town in which she continues to lives, Karis often finds herself facing off against fellow senior Jude Wilder, a young man whose parents have lived the life of successful and professional sports stars. As a member of the local Brockton Tennis Club, Karis has become an over night success but the reminders of the past refuse to die down, reminders of which Jude continues to expose. What ensues is the building enemies to frenemies relationship between Jude and Karis, and the potential fall-out as high school antics, and the return of her sister Renee, may threaten Karis’s future going forward.
Jude Wilder doesn’t trust Karis having watched his extended family implode as a result of Karis’s mother and sister’s need to destroy. Karis Jackson was never a part of the lifestyle that continues to affect our story line heroine but the past is about to return, and with it, Karis’ path towards college may take a detour, alone.
The relationship between Karis and Jude is acrimonious at best. Jude Wilder despises Karis without justification but her mother and sister’s ongoing deceit and lies has preceded Karis’ arrival and her shot at the future. Jude struggles with his attraction to Karis but quickly realizes that there is more to Karis than the reputation of the family that has left her behind. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to Karis’ coach Maxine Squire; her sister Renee and Renee’s boyfriend Battle; Jude’s parents Jace and Pepper Wilder (Pepper Jones series), as well as Jude’s brother Dash, sister Quinn, and Granny B; Jude’s friends Kwabena and Kofi Jamison, and their younger brother Cole; Karis’ friend Vanna Beaucraft; and basketball captain Nash Carver. There is a large ensemble cast of students, tennis players, parents and agents.
WILDER GAMES is a story of betrayal and vengeance; dysfunctional and tragic family dynamics, loneliness, acceptance, secrets and lies. The premise is emotional and edgy; the characters are heartbreaking yet charismatic--the requisite mean kids and challenging parents/adults are present; the romance struggles in the face of preconceived notions, and teenaged angst. WILDER GAMES end on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jude and Karis) WILDER GAMES follows the enemies to frenemies relationship between high school seniors Jude Wilder, and tennis phenom Karis Jackson. Karis Jackson wants nothing more than to qualify for a tennis scholarship to college but her mother and sister’s reputations have preceded our heroine’s introduction to everything and everyone in the small town of Brockton. Karis has the opportunity to turn pro but our heroine wants to earn her degree before setting off on the professional circuit. Still struggling to get out from under her mother and sister’s schemes that have affected most of the people in the town in which she continues to lives, Karis often finds herself facing off against fellow senior Jude Wilder, a young man whose parents have lived the life of successful and professional sports stars. As a member of the local Brockton Tennis Club, Karis has become an over night success but the reminders of the past refuse to die down, reminders of which Jude continues to expose. What ensues is the building enemies to frenemies relationship between Jude and Karis, and the potential fall-out as high school antics, and the return of her sister Renee, may threaten Karis’s future going forward.
Jude Wilder doesn’t trust Karis having watched his extended family implode as a result of Karis’s mother and sister’s need to destroy. Karis Jackson was never a part of the lifestyle that continues to affect our story line heroine but the past is about to return, and with it, Karis’ path towards college may take a detour, alone.
The relationship between Karis and Jude is acrimonious at best. Jude Wilder despises Karis without justification but her mother and sister’s ongoing deceit and lies has preceded Karis’ arrival and her shot at the future. Jude struggles with his attraction to Karis but quickly realizes that there is more to Karis than the reputation of the family that has left her behind. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to Karis’ coach Maxine Squire; her sister Renee and Renee’s boyfriend Battle; Jude’s parents Jace and Pepper Wilder (Pepper Jones series), as well as Jude’s brother Dash, sister Quinn, and Granny B; Jude’s friends Kwabena and Kofi Jamison, and their younger brother Cole; Karis’ friend Vanna Beaucraft; and basketball captain Nash Carver. There is a large ensemble cast of students, tennis players, parents and agents.
WILDER GAMES is a story of betrayal and vengeance; dysfunctional and tragic family dynamics, loneliness, acceptance, secrets and lies. The premise is emotional and edgy; the characters are heartbreaking yet charismatic--the requisite mean kids and challenging parents/adults are present; the romance struggles in the face of preconceived notions, and teenaged angst. WILDER GAMES end on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 29, 2022
This book 1 in a trilogy and is a sports romance between Karis Jackson, a tennis player who would be amazing going pro but whose only goal is to get a college scholarship to finally escape her family reputation as notorious con artists; and Jude Wilder, who is not only super protective of his family but is the son of two celebrities. The Wilders family was almost at the receiving end of one of the cons done by her sister. Jude knows exactly what her family has done and wants to keep Karis as far away as possible but his little sister wants to take tennis lessons from Karis. His parents agree to have her teach their youngest child and Jude does everything in his power to prove this is part of her scheme. As he gets to know her to uncover her scheme they can't deny the attraction they feel as both try to fight it.
My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5)
For my first sports romance I am in love!!! I've always thought I needed to be a fan of that sport to enjoy the book and i was mistaken! The chemistry between Jude and Karis was off the charts. Once he finally notices her he can't help but feel protective of her just as he is for his family. He is such a swoon worthy character.
🚨🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨🚨
I loved how everything he did to try to "expose" her scheme he would not only be so attracted to her but believed her and then in the back of his head he would tell himself the reasons he didn't trust her. The way his jealousy exploded after discovering that just because he stayed away from her for so long it didn't mean other guys hadn't tried to get with her. And then his flat out denial for not wanting the other guys close to her. My one and only complain is honestly the cliff hanger thank god book 2 is available now cause i'm already dying to find out what happens next.
My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5)
For my first sports romance I am in love!!! I've always thought I needed to be a fan of that sport to enjoy the book and i was mistaken! The chemistry between Jude and Karis was off the charts. Once he finally notices her he can't help but feel protective of her just as he is for his family. He is such a swoon worthy character.
🚨🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨🚨
I loved how everything he did to try to "expose" her scheme he would not only be so attracted to her but believed her and then in the back of his head he would tell himself the reasons he didn't trust her. The way his jealousy exploded after discovering that just because he stayed away from her for so long it didn't mean other guys hadn't tried to get with her. And then his flat out denial for not wanting the other guys close to her. My one and only complain is honestly the cliff hanger thank god book 2 is available now cause i'm already dying to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review!
Holy hell Ali Dean has done it again!! How do I keep getting sucked into her world?!?! These characters just stay with me and the next generation of Wilders is no different! Karis and Jude are scorching on the page! And the scene with her first kiss......🔥🤯🔥🤯!!!
Now I understand a little about Jude's feelings at the beginning, especially as we find out more about Karis' family, but not completely. I am with Jace Wilder when he tells Jude not to judge Karis by her family. I won't go into detail about what they have done, but I will say that her mom and sister are pieces of work. As for her dad, I am intrigued, especially after how her sister brought him up. Anyways, I love Karis! She is so strong, yes innocent and only a little naive, but that's only because she has kept herself away from most things by focusing on school and Tennis. And now enter Jude Wilder.
I love his commentary and his confusion I we his feelings! I am so glad Ali Dean went with dual POVs. To me this enhances the book and gives me insight on how Jude evolves in this first book. And OMG.....Quinn is absolutely adorable and so is Grandma B!! And Jude is a family Man!! It's all about his family and that just makes my heart go pitter pat! And he is somehow slowly making room for Karis and doesn't even realize! But, ugh....that cliffy!! I was prepared for a cliffy, just not the one that we got! I don't think I would have ever been prepared for that! Now to wait an see how both Jude and Karis react..... hopefully together!! Fingers crossed!!
Holy hell Ali Dean has done it again!! How do I keep getting sucked into her world?!?! These characters just stay with me and the next generation of Wilders is no different! Karis and Jude are scorching on the page! And the scene with her first kiss......🔥🤯🔥🤯!!!
Now I understand a little about Jude's feelings at the beginning, especially as we find out more about Karis' family, but not completely. I am with Jace Wilder when he tells Jude not to judge Karis by her family. I won't go into detail about what they have done, but I will say that her mom and sister are pieces of work. As for her dad, I am intrigued, especially after how her sister brought him up. Anyways, I love Karis! She is so strong, yes innocent and only a little naive, but that's only because she has kept herself away from most things by focusing on school and Tennis. And now enter Jude Wilder.
I love his commentary and his confusion I we his feelings! I am so glad Ali Dean went with dual POVs. To me this enhances the book and gives me insight on how Jude evolves in this first book. And OMG.....Quinn is absolutely adorable and so is Grandma B!! And Jude is a family Man!! It's all about his family and that just makes my heart go pitter pat! And he is somehow slowly making room for Karis and doesn't even realize! But, ugh....that cliffy!! I was prepared for a cliffy, just not the one that we got! I don't think I would have ever been prepared for that! Now to wait an see how both Jude and Karis react..... hopefully together!! Fingers crossed!!
November 8, 2021
Watch out, Pepper Jones; there is a new generation in town! Pepper and Jace have four little rugrats. Well, they're growing up, and they are built, talented, and hot! Jude is the oldest of the Jones-Wilder family, and he holds his family close to his chest. He still lets loose, but he doesn't let anyone near to his family. Karis is trying to remain anonymous while also trying to succeed in the sport she holds dear to her heart. No one knows much about Karis, except the legacy that her mother and sister have left behind-thievery and sexual exploitations. Jude doesn't trust Karis right off the bat, but there is something about her that keeps making him second-guess his quick-to-judge opinion of her. I love how Jude isn't cocky; he's just confident. He respects, cherishes, and happily puts his family first. Karis is trying so hard to get through life without anyone noticing her or labeling her like her family. She is on an uphill battle, but she continues to persevere. The chemistry between Jude and Karis is sizzling hot. But I love how Karis works on stifling the flames, which only leaves Jude even more hot and frustrated. I dove into this book and didn't come up for air until the end. Beware! Major cliffhanger, but it leaves you craving for more in the world of Pepper Jones-Wilder; act two!
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