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The Wilder Brothers #1
One Way Back to Me
The Wilder brothers have retired from the military, and, as they’re forced to learn a new life, things get interesting, quickly, in this kickoff to a brand-new steamy contemporary-romance series - from New York Times best-selling author Carrie Ann Ryan.
One dance at a stranger’s wedding. That’s all it took for me to fall for Alexis. And then? Disaster. Another man - her boyfriend - gets down on one knee, and proposes to her. I never thought I’d see her again.
Years later, I’m in desperate need of a wedding planner - not for myself, but for my company. My five brothers and I need to get our new Wilder Resort off the ground, and Alexis is the only one savvy enough to help us. But, there’s the little matter that I still have it bad for her. Alexis has changed since the night we met. She’s gun shy. But there’s a spark between us that will not die. We both fight it, until we don’t.
Until, history repeats itself. The same guy who took her away from me is back to do more damage. But this time, he’ll have to go through me to get her.
One dance at a stranger’s wedding. That’s all it took for me to fall for Alexis. And then? Disaster. Another man - her boyfriend - gets down on one knee, and proposes to her. I never thought I’d see her again.
Years later, I’m in desperate need of a wedding planner - not for myself, but for my company. My five brothers and I need to get our new Wilder Resort off the ground, and Alexis is the only one savvy enough to help us. But, there’s the little matter that I still have it bad for her. Alexis has changed since the night we met. She’s gun shy. But there’s a spark between us that will not die. We both fight it, until we don’t.
Until, history repeats itself. The same guy who took her away from me is back to do more damage. But this time, he’ll have to go through me to get her.
321 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2022
1400 people are currently reading
8750 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
284 books6,354 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
May 23, 2022
One minute I was trying to figure out my life, the next minute a garter hit me in the chest, and you were catching a bouquet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐|5
🌶️🌶️🌶️|5
heads up - this review may contain spoilers!!
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: second chance // office romance // found family
POV: dual
TW: physical/mental/verbal abuse (not by H or h) // kidnapping
CLIFFHANGER: no
HEA: yes
Eli and Alexis's story starts when they meet at a wedding that Alexis planned. Eli catches the garter, Alexis catches the bouquet, and then they share a dance together. Sparks fly instantaneously. Surprising everyone (including herself), her boyfriend decides to pop the question, right then and there.
Fast forward two years her marriage falls apart, so she is starting over. She applies for a job at the the Wilder brother's resort & winery. note: she didn't get Eli's name when they danced together, so it's a SHOCKER, when she sees that the person she's interviewing with is Eli 😅
Unfortunately these two have so much baggage that it takes a little bit to unpack. Fortunately, they're mature about most things and their connection is so strong that they realize they're better together than they are apart.
This was a really cute book, with lots of family love and drama. I'm so excited for all the other brother's stories. ESPECIALLY Evan and Kendall's 😍
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions and words are my own.]
⭐⭐⭐⭐|5
🌶️🌶️🌶️|5
heads up - this review may contain spoilers!!
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: second chance // office romance // found family
POV: dual
TW: physical/mental/verbal abuse (not by H or h) // kidnapping
CLIFFHANGER: no
HEA: yes
Eli and Alexis's story starts when they meet at a wedding that Alexis planned. Eli catches the garter, Alexis catches the bouquet, and then they share a dance together. Sparks fly instantaneously. Surprising everyone (including herself), her boyfriend decides to pop the question, right then and there.
Fast forward two years her marriage falls apart, so she is starting over. She applies for a job at the the Wilder brother's resort & winery. note: she didn't get Eli's name when they danced together, so it's a SHOCKER, when she sees that the person she's interviewing with is Eli 😅
Unfortunately these two have so much baggage that it takes a little bit to unpack. Fortunately, they're mature about most things and their connection is so strong that they realize they're better together than they are apart.
This was a really cute book, with lots of family love and drama. I'm so excited for all the other brother's stories. ESPECIALLY Evan and Kendall's 😍
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions and words are my own.]
April 19, 2022
1.5⭐
i think I'll just drive right in about what i didn't like about the book.
1. There was literally no difference between the pov of the heroine and the hero's pov. like you could remove their names and i would not be able to tell who's pov is whose.
i felt to emotional connection with any of the characters... it just went on. and it really icked me out how all the brothers name were so similar???
honestly i don't even remember the mmc's name💀💀 all i know it started with E.
2. Even in the beginning there was TOO MUCH information dump. let me clear; too much UNNECESSARY info dump.
i did not need to know about the backstory of every fucking thing. It really annoyed me and i think this is the main reason i couldn't connect with the book.
3. i couldn't resonate with the writing style. i don't think it was for me. maybe this is why i got annoyed?? idk.
4. The almost break up scene at the fmc's 1st wedding job was totally avoidable. i really didn't get why it happened?? the mmc did nothing wrong.
What i DID like about this book
1. the tropes
2. it was kinda funny
3. some of the side characters which i could name but i dont even remember that.
that's it lol
Arc received from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
i think I'll just drive right in about what i didn't like about the book.
1. There was literally no difference between the pov of the heroine and the hero's pov. like you could remove their names and i would not be able to tell who's pov is whose.
i felt to emotional connection with any of the characters... it just went on. and it really icked me out how all the brothers name were so similar???
honestly i don't even remember the mmc's name💀💀 all i know it started with E.
2. Even in the beginning there was TOO MUCH information dump. let me clear; too much UNNECESSARY info dump.
i did not need to know about the backstory of every fucking thing. It really annoyed me and i think this is the main reason i couldn't connect with the book.
3. i couldn't resonate with the writing style. i don't think it was for me. maybe this is why i got annoyed?? idk.
4. The almost break up scene at the fmc's 1st wedding job was totally avoidable. i really didn't get why it happened?? the mmc did nothing wrong.
What i DID like about this book
1. the tropes
2. it was kinda funny
3. some of the side characters which i could name but i dont even remember that.
that's it lol
Arc received from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2023
Too many job info and other things happening and too little time between the hero and heroine. Barely anything happened between them. Don’t see the chemistry either. Boring. Stopped at chapter 7.
April 18, 2022
Eli Wilder met Alexis Lane two years ago when their eyes met across the floor at a wedding he was observing at a buddy's place to see how things ran and how he would incorporate such events at his new establishment. They had even more of a connection when she caught the bouquet and he caught the garter and they danced together, but then fate stepped in and rocked his world yet again. You can read about their initial meeting in A NIGHT FOR US.
Fast forward to present time, Eli is now looking for a new wedding planner to help him and his brothers at Wilder Resorts after his last one up and quit on them, they have to get someone good to help them and Alexis is perfect for the position. The only problem is that Eli hasn't stopped thinking about her since they met.
Alexis needs this position with Wilder Resorts to work out for her since she is down on her luck, and currently doesn't have a place to live thanks to her ex. This position comes with a cottage on property which will be perfect for her...but then she goes into her interview and sees the man she danced with two years ago.
I loved this first book in the new Wilder Brothers Series because we are getting to know each of the men that we have only met briefly before, when they would pop up visiting their baby sister Eliza in Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series. The chemistry was great between Eli and Alexis, and I loved how protective he was of her when trouble came calling.
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, Former Military Romances, Office Romances, or Large Family Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewOWBtM
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Fast forward to present time, Eli is now looking for a new wedding planner to help him and his brothers at Wilder Resorts after his last one up and quit on them, they have to get someone good to help them and Alexis is perfect for the position. The only problem is that Eli hasn't stopped thinking about her since they met.
Alexis needs this position with Wilder Resorts to work out for her since she is down on her luck, and currently doesn't have a place to live thanks to her ex. This position comes with a cottage on property which will be perfect for her...but then she goes into her interview and sees the man she danced with two years ago.
I loved this first book in the new Wilder Brothers Series because we are getting to know each of the men that we have only met briefly before, when they would pop up visiting their baby sister Eliza in Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series. The chemistry was great between Eli and Alexis, and I loved how protective he was of her when trouble came calling.
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, Former Military Romances, Office Romances, or Large Family Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewOWBtM
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
April 28, 2023
bad. like, very nearly unreadable, bad. if we take the plot (and even most of the scenes) as Concepts, there was So Much Potential here, but the execution was Abysmal. these are not Characters, they’re Silhouettes in Situations. and the prose!!! THIRTY SEVEN times a sentence starts with “however,” and that might be grammatically correct but most ppl just say but! or don’t bother!!! i’m struggling to adequately describe how bad this was, the prose both repetitive and meandering, oddly blunt without conveying any depth at all. the very worst extreme of telling rather than showing. i ranted about the plethora of names beginning with “E” as i read, but that deserves a mention here too as an absolutely batshit choice. it was nice to see multiple side lgbt relationships, but as they were basically nonspeaking extras, doesn’t redeem the rest of this mess. free, and i’m still deleting it.
z-sampled-but-pass
March 29, 2024The writing is full of grammatical errors and not polished at all. Since, I don't have the patience right now to put up with it, it's a pass!
April 22, 2022
After reading the prequel to this one I was excited for this book. I like that it's a couple years in the future. The guys seem to have a handle on running the new business, of course they are always looking to improve, but it's going good, they are building something great for their future.
I really like how Alexis came back into play and how the connection between her and Eli is still there. Things were a bit bumpy for them at the start, but quickly things smoothed out. Alexis fit in, started making friends with other employees and started to eye Eli again in a good way. I really laughed at how drawn out the chain of command it, because one of Alexis's big complaints was dating her boss and by the chain of command Eli was not her boss.
The drama with Alexis's ex drove me nuts. I wanted her to cut him off at the knees, he had gotten too much from her already. At least in the end he was dealt with. I also found the drama with the neighbors to be odd. Why do they keep showing up? Why haven't the Wilder's put a stop to them, the really need to.
I liked how this one ended, Alexis and Eli started a new life together and the business going great! I look forward to reading more in this series.
I really like how Alexis came back into play and how the connection between her and Eli is still there. Things were a bit bumpy for them at the start, but quickly things smoothed out. Alexis fit in, started making friends with other employees and started to eye Eli again in a good way. I really laughed at how drawn out the chain of command it, because one of Alexis's big complaints was dating her boss and by the chain of command Eli was not her boss.
The drama with Alexis's ex drove me nuts. I wanted her to cut him off at the knees, he had gotten too much from her already. At least in the end he was dealt with. I also found the drama with the neighbors to be odd. Why do they keep showing up? Why haven't the Wilder's put a stop to them, the really need to.
I liked how this one ended, Alexis and Eli started a new life together and the business going great! I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 29, 2025
1/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️
——• Ummm... what the fuck was that?
This is supposed to be a "second chance" romance and let me be clear, they met at a wedding where they shared ONE dance which was interrupted due to her boyfriend randomly proposing and they did not see each other again until 2 years later as she was now divorced and looking for a job.... ?
I listened to the audio as it was free and there is a damn good reason why it was, AS THERE WAS NO STORY TO START WITH!
At one point, I literally had to go back a few chapters because I thought I had skipped some when in fact I didn't... One second she gets the job, the next her ex shows up, is kidnapped and taken to one of the cabins but is found a few seconds later. Not to mention the actual story behind why the ex husband did what he did was fucking laughable.
Also the little "near breakup" at the earlier wedding between Eli and Alexis was REDICULOUS as there was literally no reason for it and it made NO SENSE, like none? He didn't do anything wrong and where one would say she over reacted.. no she reacted to nothing and the author couldn't even be bothered to make it believable.
The author butchered the fuck out of it so I don't get how this book is at 4.17 stars...
——• Ummm... what the fuck was that?
This is supposed to be a "second chance" romance and let me be clear, they met at a wedding where they shared ONE dance which was interrupted due to her boyfriend randomly proposing and they did not see each other again until 2 years later as she was now divorced and looking for a job.... ?
I listened to the audio as it was free and there is a damn good reason why it was, AS THERE WAS NO STORY TO START WITH!
At one point, I literally had to go back a few chapters because I thought I had skipped some when in fact I didn't... One second she gets the job, the next her ex shows up, is kidnapped and taken to one of the cabins but is found a few seconds later. Not to mention the actual story behind why the ex husband did what he did was fucking laughable.
Also the little "near breakup" at the earlier wedding between Eli and Alexis was REDICULOUS as there was literally no reason for it and it made NO SENSE, like none? He didn't do anything wrong and where one would say she over reacted.. no she reacted to nothing and the author couldn't even be bothered to make it believable.
The author butchered the fuck out of it so I don't get how this book is at 4.17 stars...
Want to read
December 31, 2025
October 6, 2025
This book was boring. I should have DNF'd it but I was halfway through and figured I would stick it out. This story had no substance. Well it tried to have substance but fell flat. It tried to have a love story that had no substance. It tried to have a third act breakup that was so ridiculous it wasn't anything. And don't get me on the ex-husband he came back for what? No tell me because the story never had a valid reason. I felt the author just put words on paper without reading the actual story. I am so confused.
January 6, 2023
This was terrible.
I forgive a lot. Really, I do. Read my other reviews. I write for fun and have even published under a pen name. I’m assuming this is self-published. If it’s traditionally published, that publishing house needs to have its roots ripped out and tossed in a dumpster.
Sh!t happens. People have different opinions. I get it.
But this… I can’t even quite find the words to describe my disappointment in this. I don’t even generally finish things that I think are going to be 3⭐️ or less, let alone review them, but I’m playing Romanceopoly this year and I needed a romantic suspense (this *barely qualifies*) that had a soldier as a MC. It was this or something with a sniper on the cover and it seemed to be the least offensive of them all. Plus I paid for it. A whole $5 and hours of my life I’m not gonna get back.
So buckle up, folks:
1. The dialogue was terrible and unbelievable.
Ex: “Your food made me fall down on my knees in rapture.”
This line was written with zero irony, and it sounds worse than a Hallmark movie. I *like* Hallmark movies. I willingly watch them, accept that they’re objectively terrible, wrap up in my Comfy with my Kleenex on the side, and sob ridiculous tears at the poorly formulated story.
2. Inappropriately used words.
Ex: “Not all of them. And I’m pretty sure Everett and Elliot have both been evident in that you answer to Everett alone, even if Eli is the one who hired you.”
Pretty sure evident doesn’t fit there. Pretty sure you meant “adamant”. It’s sloppy. That’s not a spelling error, that’s something that could have been easily fixed with several read throughs and feedback from beta readers.
3. Eli, Elijah, and Elliot are all brothers?
Wtf does Eli stand for if it isn’t Elijah?? How are there two of them? They didn’t get pissed as kids that their parents practically named them all the same thing and come up with nicknames to avoid confusion? Cause I sure would have liked some clarification during scenes when the MMC (Eli) was talking to his brother (Elijah) about the FMC. I thought I was having a stroke because Eli was talking to himself (or someone else was talking to him) about Alexis. I checked for burnt toast. Then I remembered I don’t own a toaster.
Honorable mention: Is pie the same thing as cobbler? Cause it drove me insane to see it mentioned as both. My husband is from Texas. My friends are from Texas. I asked them and they said it wasn’t a regionalism to call them both the same thing. One of my friends is from Bexar county and said she would “fight” the author for the comparison.
I’m not even going to touch the military veneration and worship here. And don’t come for me in the comments. My entire family was in the military, I grew up overseas with the military, and my husband was in the military. He currently works for the department of Army. Hell, I worked for DFAS (iykyk). I am not anti-military, but the romanticism of the military is harmful and creates a martyr complex in veterans who probably need help.
You want to read a post-military romance that doesn’t romanticize the complex itself? That’s moderately well-written? The best one I’ve read is “Finding You” by Lena Hendrix. It’s not winning any awards, but a least she paid a d@mn editor.
I forgive a lot. Really, I do. Read my other reviews. I write for fun and have even published under a pen name. I’m assuming this is self-published. If it’s traditionally published, that publishing house needs to have its roots ripped out and tossed in a dumpster.
Sh!t happens. People have different opinions. I get it.
But this… I can’t even quite find the words to describe my disappointment in this. I don’t even generally finish things that I think are going to be 3⭐️ or less, let alone review them, but I’m playing Romanceopoly this year and I needed a romantic suspense (this *barely qualifies*) that had a soldier as a MC. It was this or something with a sniper on the cover and it seemed to be the least offensive of them all. Plus I paid for it. A whole $5 and hours of my life I’m not gonna get back.
So buckle up, folks:
1. The dialogue was terrible and unbelievable.
Ex: “Your food made me fall down on my knees in rapture.”
This line was written with zero irony, and it sounds worse than a Hallmark movie. I *like* Hallmark movies. I willingly watch them, accept that they’re objectively terrible, wrap up in my Comfy with my Kleenex on the side, and sob ridiculous tears at the poorly formulated story.
2. Inappropriately used words.
Ex: “Not all of them. And I’m pretty sure Everett and Elliot have both been evident in that you answer to Everett alone, even if Eli is the one who hired you.”
Pretty sure evident doesn’t fit there. Pretty sure you meant “adamant”. It’s sloppy. That’s not a spelling error, that’s something that could have been easily fixed with several read throughs and feedback from beta readers.
3. Eli, Elijah, and Elliot are all brothers?
Wtf does Eli stand for if it isn’t Elijah?? How are there two of them? They didn’t get pissed as kids that their parents practically named them all the same thing and come up with nicknames to avoid confusion? Cause I sure would have liked some clarification during scenes when the MMC (Eli) was talking to his brother (Elijah) about the FMC. I thought I was having a stroke because Eli was talking to himself (or someone else was talking to him) about Alexis. I checked for burnt toast. Then I remembered I don’t own a toaster.
Honorable mention: Is pie the same thing as cobbler? Cause it drove me insane to see it mentioned as both. My husband is from Texas. My friends are from Texas. I asked them and they said it wasn’t a regionalism to call them both the same thing. One of my friends is from Bexar county and said she would “fight” the author for the comparison.
I’m not even going to touch the military veneration and worship here. And don’t come for me in the comments. My entire family was in the military, I grew up overseas with the military, and my husband was in the military. He currently works for the department of Army. Hell, I worked for DFAS (iykyk). I am not anti-military, but the romanticism of the military is harmful and creates a martyr complex in veterans who probably need help.
You want to read a post-military romance that doesn’t romanticize the complex itself? That’s moderately well-written? The best one I’ve read is “Finding You” by Lena Hendrix. It’s not winning any awards, but a least she paid a d@mn editor.
August 22, 2025
2.5⭐️
Plot had potential but the execution wasn’t great and the FMC was incredibly annoying with her back and forth, inner monologues. I’m interested in the other brother’s books but I’m also apprehensive about them.
Plot had potential but the execution wasn’t great and the FMC was incredibly annoying with her back and forth, inner monologues. I’m interested in the other brother’s books but I’m also apprehensive about them.
April 18, 2022
4.5 stars
The Wilder Brothers are here! These are Eliza’s older brothers (INKED OBSESSION) and all are former military. The series starts with the oldest, Eli, who feels like he is leading his brothers as they build their post-retirement lives together working on Wilder Resort and Winery, living in close proximity and working together on a daily basis.
Alexis needs a new start for her wedding planning business after her divorce left her without the one she had worked so hard to build. She remembers her dance with Eli Wilder, but hopes that she still has a chance at the job opening they have at Wilder Resort - it is exactly what she is looking for.
Eli remembers every moment of the dance with Alexis, right down to the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee later at the same wedding. He knows she is off limits, but also knows she is a fantastic wedding planner and exactly what their venue needs to bring in more events.
These two have immediate chemistry, though they each try to keep it banked for their own reasons. I loved watching as Alexis settled in on the resort grounds and they kept bumping into each other unexpectedly. These two are so perfect together that I loved watching as they took that leap from coworkers to more, and loved even more that they found a smooth rhythm together easily except for the hiccup of Alexis’s ex.
This was a great beginning to this new series. All the brothers are introduced in their own ways though the focus stays squarely on Eli and Alexis. With 6 brothers whose names all begin with the letter E, it could be a challenge for my brain to keep them all straight throughout the series, but I am ready for the task! I love this whole family already and can’t wait to see more from them (the set up of Evan and Kendall in ALWAYS THE ONE FOR ME has me SO ready for their story!).
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The Wilder Brothers are here! These are Eliza’s older brothers (INKED OBSESSION) and all are former military. The series starts with the oldest, Eli, who feels like he is leading his brothers as they build their post-retirement lives together working on Wilder Resort and Winery, living in close proximity and working together on a daily basis.
Alexis needs a new start for her wedding planning business after her divorce left her without the one she had worked so hard to build. She remembers her dance with Eli Wilder, but hopes that she still has a chance at the job opening they have at Wilder Resort - it is exactly what she is looking for.
Eli remembers every moment of the dance with Alexis, right down to the moment her boyfriend dropped to one knee later at the same wedding. He knows she is off limits, but also knows she is a fantastic wedding planner and exactly what their venue needs to bring in more events.
These two have immediate chemistry, though they each try to keep it banked for their own reasons. I loved watching as Alexis settled in on the resort grounds and they kept bumping into each other unexpectedly. These two are so perfect together that I loved watching as they took that leap from coworkers to more, and loved even more that they found a smooth rhythm together easily except for the hiccup of Alexis’s ex.
This was a great beginning to this new series. All the brothers are introduced in their own ways though the focus stays squarely on Eli and Alexis. With 6 brothers whose names all begin with the letter E, it could be a challenge for my brain to keep them all straight throughout the series, but I am ready for the task! I love this whole family already and can’t wait to see more from them (the set up of Evan and Kendall in ALWAYS THE ONE FOR ME has me SO ready for their story!).
February 28, 2024
Who is giving this 5 stars? How? Why?
First, why is everyone always whispering? He whispered. She whispered. They whispered. Everyone just whispers. And winks. So many winks.
All of the E names are just cause for trouble and confusion. Even the author was so confused that she used the wrong name at one point [but - honestly - as a mom of 5, I get it]
The dialogue was...immature. So many words without saying anything
And the repetition. The same thing over and over. I'm pretty sure I read the same piece of info about 4 times on one page
And I'm not positive this was ever really run by an editor because there were sections that I struggled to make sense of and others where the word just didn't fit.
I've only ever given one 1-star review and it was because that book was unreadable due to such significant grammatical errors [and the fact that the author couldn't remember the main character's name and had done zero research on the tooic] and this book wasn't THAT bad, but I don't plan to read any further in the series
First, why is everyone always whispering? He whispered. She whispered. They whispered. Everyone just whispers. And winks. So many winks.
All of the E names are just cause for trouble and confusion. Even the author was so confused that she used the wrong name at one point [but - honestly - as a mom of 5, I get it]
The dialogue was...immature. So many words without saying anything
And the repetition. The same thing over and over. I'm pretty sure I read the same piece of info about 4 times on one page
And I'm not positive this was ever really run by an editor because there were sections that I struggled to make sense of and others where the word just didn't fit.
I've only ever given one 1-star review and it was because that book was unreadable due to such significant grammatical errors [and the fact that the author couldn't remember the main character's name and had done zero research on the tooic] and this book wasn't THAT bad, but I don't plan to read any further in the series
April 24, 2023
Not a bad but if I had to listen to the words "something must be wrong with me" or "I can't let myself fall" anymore I was going scream!!
I will try Always the One for Me but if it contains the same amount of repetitive self doubt type verbiage...I'm out!
I will try Always the One for Me but if it contains the same amount of repetitive self doubt type verbiage...I'm out!
April 12, 2023
Read to chapter 4, can’t read anymore. Repetitive lines, sentences that don’t make sense and just felt holey, too many gaps in the story or something. Definitely not a fan, tho I have read others stories by this author and loved them
April 25, 2022
3.75
Felt a little rushed… I love sibling stories but all the “E” names made it a bit confusing.
Felt a little rushed… I love sibling stories but all the “E” names made it a bit confusing.
July 23, 2022
WOW i really love this new seris, even though i can already tell i'm going to be crying a ton.
April 16, 2022
It's the meet cute for the ages. Man and woman dance with each other at a wedding and have a moment. Man catches garter, woman catches bouquet. Record scratch, when another man then gets down on a knee and proposes to woman.
Years later, Eli (garter catcher) and his brothers are all out of the military for various reasons and supporting each other while each running a part of their winery/resort. When Eli goes to interview a wedding planner, he instantly remembers Alexis (bouquet catcher) and their connection.
Alexis desperately needs a job after her conniving ex has made off with most of her money in their divorce. When fate puts her back with the man that swept her off her feet at the wedding years ago, she can't help but regret every saying yes to that proposal.
I loved this one. Eli is a swoony work-a-holic who works hard to support his brothers. Alexis is a woman who needs a second chance in life after choosing a man who has made her life hell. The two of them trying to be professional while falling for each other makes for a slow burn that is everything.
I can't tell you how excited I am to be starting this new spinoff series of Carrie Ann Ryan's. The ex-military brothers are all introduced in this book, and I can't wait to read about each of their stories!
Thanks so much to Carrie Ann Ryan and to GiveMeBooks PR for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Years later, Eli (garter catcher) and his brothers are all out of the military for various reasons and supporting each other while each running a part of their winery/resort. When Eli goes to interview a wedding planner, he instantly remembers Alexis (bouquet catcher) and their connection.
Alexis desperately needs a job after her conniving ex has made off with most of her money in their divorce. When fate puts her back with the man that swept her off her feet at the wedding years ago, she can't help but regret every saying yes to that proposal.
I loved this one. Eli is a swoony work-a-holic who works hard to support his brothers. Alexis is a woman who needs a second chance in life after choosing a man who has made her life hell. The two of them trying to be professional while falling for each other makes for a slow burn that is everything.
I can't tell you how excited I am to be starting this new spinoff series of Carrie Ann Ryan's. The ex-military brothers are all introduced in this book, and I can't wait to read about each of their stories!
Thanks so much to Carrie Ann Ryan and to GiveMeBooks PR for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2022
New series by Carrie Ann Ryan The Wilder Brothers Series.
Eli and all his brothers have worked in the military of some form or another of all risked their lives and come out of it but there lost and not sure what to do with themselves. Eli has an idea that he’s going to buy a ranch winery and turn it into a holiday wedding venue with all his brothers.
So the prologue in book 0.5 is where you meet Eli and Alexis at a wedding that she’s organised they have a moment and that’s when he finds out that her boyfriend is there any proposes to her but the story really start in this book when Alexis take a job at the Wilder Ranch and a wedding coordinator. This book actually is Eli and Alexis story and how they meet and get together properly.
I absolutely love this book I love the way it flows, I absolutely love that all the brothers are living together on the ranch and each have their own part to play it just flows really well and I’m from a big family so I really enjoy that kind of feel to a book.
Really enjoyed everything about it and can’t wait for more especially as the narrators did a beautiful job making this book shine as always Carrie Ann Ryan always picks the best narrators.
Eli and all his brothers have worked in the military of some form or another of all risked their lives and come out of it but there lost and not sure what to do with themselves. Eli has an idea that he’s going to buy a ranch winery and turn it into a holiday wedding venue with all his brothers.
So the prologue in book 0.5 is where you meet Eli and Alexis at a wedding that she’s organised they have a moment and that’s when he finds out that her boyfriend is there any proposes to her but the story really start in this book when Alexis take a job at the Wilder Ranch and a wedding coordinator. This book actually is Eli and Alexis story and how they meet and get together properly.
I absolutely love this book I love the way it flows, I absolutely love that all the brothers are living together on the ranch and each have their own part to play it just flows really well and I’m from a big family so I really enjoy that kind of feel to a book.
Really enjoyed everything about it and can’t wait for more especially as the narrators did a beautiful job making this book shine as always Carrie Ann Ryan always picks the best narrators.
April 19, 2022
When Eli and Alexis first met there was no denying the connection between them, but their timing couldn’t have been more wrong. They shared one unforgettable dance at the wedding where she was the planner, and he was there to observe, and it would be years before they saw each other again. He needs a wedding planner for his winery and knows that Alexi would be the best choice however the biggest challenge may be keeping their relationship strictly professional.
The last couple of years haven’t been kind to Alexis so this new job opportunity is exactly what she needs but she wasn’t expecting her new employer to be the man she shared a dance with and hasn’t forgotten. The attraction between them hasn’t diminished but between their business relationship and her past they have a few obstacles to overcome.
Eli and Alexis were exactly what the other needed as he gives Alexis the love and support she needs as they both get the happiness they deserve. It was great getting to know the Wilder family and I am looking forward to his siblings stories.
The last couple of years haven’t been kind to Alexis so this new job opportunity is exactly what she needs but she wasn’t expecting her new employer to be the man she shared a dance with and hasn’t forgotten. The attraction between them hasn’t diminished but between their business relationship and her past they have a few obstacles to overcome.
Eli and Alexis were exactly what the other needed as he gives Alexis the love and support she needs as they both get the happiness they deserve. It was great getting to know the Wilder family and I am looking forward to his siblings stories.
April 19, 2022
What a great start to what looks to be a fantastic new series from Carrie Ann Ryan. From the minute I started this I was hooked and completely intrigued by these 6 Wilder men who are trying to find their new way after leaving the military.
This book is Eli Wilders turn and from the minute he meets Alexis at a wedding the connection is simmering between them until they finally get the chance to ignite the spark between them two years later. Thanks to fate they are brought back together when Alexis applies for a job as a wedding planner at their Estate and it wont be long until the professional lines start to blur.
This story was well written and the hints that have been set up for a few of the brothers leaves me eagerly awaiting their stories. With Alexia and Eli's story it was paced well and the perfect blend of steam, passion, family, friendships and love, mixed with some suspense and drama.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
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This book is Eli Wilders turn and from the minute he meets Alexis at a wedding the connection is simmering between them until they finally get the chance to ignite the spark between them two years later. Thanks to fate they are brought back together when Alexis applies for a job as a wedding planner at their Estate and it wont be long until the professional lines start to blur.
This story was well written and the hints that have been set up for a few of the brothers leaves me eagerly awaiting their stories. With Alexia and Eli's story it was paced well and the perfect blend of steam, passion, family, friendships and love, mixed with some suspense and drama.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
April 19, 2022
This is the first book in the Wilder Brothers series and it features Eli and Alexis. They had one sizzling hot dance, at a wedding, a couple years ago. When it was over, she turned around and what he saw waiting for her made him walk away. Now, he’s getting ready to interview her for the wedding planner position at Wilder Retreat. Neither of them has forgotten that dance nor the chemistry they had that made it so memorable.
A NIGHT FOR US is the prequel to this book and it explains exactly what happened at that wedding a couple years ago. This is a fantastic first book in this series! Six brothers get out of the military and buy a retreat/winery in Texas. This series is comprised of each of their stories and their struggles to make their retreat a lucrative investment for them all. The characters are absolutely amazing, as this author is known to write. The Wilder brothers also have a sister, Eliza, that is married to Beckett Montgomery and their story can be read in INKED OBSESSION. Fantastic read! I can’t wait for the next one!
A NIGHT FOR US is the prequel to this book and it explains exactly what happened at that wedding a couple years ago. This is a fantastic first book in this series! Six brothers get out of the military and buy a retreat/winery in Texas. This series is comprised of each of their stories and their struggles to make their retreat a lucrative investment for them all. The characters are absolutely amazing, as this author is known to write. The Wilder brothers also have a sister, Eliza, that is married to Beckett Montgomery and their story can be read in INKED OBSESSION. Fantastic read! I can’t wait for the next one!
July 10, 2023
My first read by this author. The Wilder men were once military men who now owns a Winery and Inn. They are six brothers responsible for different upkeep of the establishment. Eli our Hero is the first born and so happens to be in charge of the hiring. He goes to hire a wedding coordinator only to find out its the same woman he danced with two years ago whom he felt a connection but her boyfriend at the time ask her to marry him and that was the last he saw of her. Fast forward to current time and Alexis is a divorcee looking for employment. Both realize right away the chemistry is still there and both try to fight it to avoid boss/employee conflict. One of my concern with the novel is the author chose to name all the brothers with the letter "E" which for me was a bit confusing especially being the first book and trying to keep track of who does what. There is a bit of a mild plot twist at the end which wraps up the novel neatly.
September 20, 2024
DNF at 49%. I gave two stars because I really wanted to like this book. The plot seemed interesting and I’m a SUCKER for anything romance.
Cons: All their names start with E. Every single brother that is described as the same.. I could not tell them apart. I felt the characters lacked development so while one is a handyman.. sure.. but they all grumble and have no personality that sets them apart enough in my brain. I also didn’t feel connected to the FMC. Everything revolved around work and I felt like I never got to see anyone’s personality. The thing that really made me DNF though was the repetition. Example being the MMC would say “I almost tripped when I seen her” and then it would say she looked at her phone and practically tripped. On the same page. That happened multiple times with thoughts, actions, and conversation.
Pros: like I said the story has a cute premise and if you can look past the cons it’s a very chill, no thought read. I really wished I liked it.
Cons: All their names start with E. Every single brother that is described as the same.. I could not tell them apart. I felt the characters lacked development so while one is a handyman.. sure.. but they all grumble and have no personality that sets them apart enough in my brain. I also didn’t feel connected to the FMC. Everything revolved around work and I felt like I never got to see anyone’s personality. The thing that really made me DNF though was the repetition. Example being the MMC would say “I almost tripped when I seen her” and then it would say she looked at her phone and practically tripped. On the same page. That happened multiple times with thoughts, actions, and conversation.
Pros: like I said the story has a cute premise and if you can look past the cons it’s a very chill, no thought read. I really wished I liked it.
April 19, 2022
Wilder Brothers❤️
Loved the start to this new series by Ryan and definitely enjoyed the family dynamics with their resort. Alexis interviews with Eli for a position as their wedding planner at the Resort, when a past mistake namely her ex leaves her essentially destitute and sleeping on a friend’s couch😢 However, her position is made more complicated by the fact that the man hiring her is none other than the man she danced with two years prior, at a wedding she planned…..and to whom she felt a connection, even though she was with someone at the time😳
I’m loving the Wilder brothers and getting to know them more in the future but also loving the girl squad, namely Kendall and Maddie and I look forward to getting the nitty gritty of what happened between Kendall and Evan, especially with that scene at the end😍
Loved the start to this new series by Ryan and definitely enjoyed the family dynamics with their resort. Alexis interviews with Eli for a position as their wedding planner at the Resort, when a past mistake namely her ex leaves her essentially destitute and sleeping on a friend’s couch😢 However, her position is made more complicated by the fact that the man hiring her is none other than the man she danced with two years prior, at a wedding she planned…..and to whom she felt a connection, even though she was with someone at the time😳
I’m loving the Wilder brothers and getting to know them more in the future but also loving the girl squad, namely Kendall and Maddie and I look forward to getting the nitty gritty of what happened between Kendall and Evan, especially with that scene at the end😍
April 18, 2022
One Way Back to Me is the first in the series and focuses on Eli and Alexis and takes place about two years after ‘A Night for Us. Eli Wilder is the oldest of 7 children. After retiring from the military he and his five brothers, also former military, purchased a resort in Texas. Alexis is now starting to rebuild her life after her shady ex and their divorse. Through a mutual friend, she reunites with Eli, who coincidentally is looking for a wedding planner just like her.They slowly realize they can't stay away from each other and decide to see where their attraction heads. Just when it looks like things might finally go her way, her ex starts leaving her messages and all too soon his threats become real. Eli protects what is his and Alexis is his, whether she will admit it or not! Will Eli and Alexis get there HEA? Grab this amazing book and find out.
April 25, 2022
Rating: 3.5
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I was excited to read a military romance and learning about the Wilder brothers and their journey in creating a successful family business. Let me start with how close confusing for the brothers' names to all start with 'E'. However, since they were often mentioned throughout the book, it helped determine who was who and their job titles.
Eli and Alexis have a strong connection and spicy chemistry. However, Alexis' reservations annoyed me quite a bit. Her ex-husband wasn't any good and his reasoning for what he did, wasn't an interesting twist for me. But, overall the storyline was good and the author elaborated several things about military terminology which is insightful. The Wilders really made me want to drink wine everytime I picked up this book.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I was excited to read a military romance and learning about the Wilder brothers and their journey in creating a successful family business. Let me start with how close confusing for the brothers' names to all start with 'E'. However, since they were often mentioned throughout the book, it helped determine who was who and their job titles.
Eli and Alexis have a strong connection and spicy chemistry. However, Alexis' reservations annoyed me quite a bit. Her ex-husband wasn't any good and his reasoning for what he did, wasn't an interesting twist for me. But, overall the storyline was good and the author elaborated several things about military terminology which is insightful. The Wilders really made me want to drink wine everytime I picked up this book.
September 4, 2024
It was a quick and sweet listening, narrated by Emma Wilder and Jacob Morgan.
This book is the introduction of the Wilder family’s series.
Eli is the oldest brother, he found the Wilder Retreat and Winery to make a place for all his family after all had retired from the military.
He met Alexis (wedding planner) at a wedding 2 years ago.
The novella is “A night for us” if you want to read it before this book.
Tropes:
- military
- boss / employee
- he falls hard and first
- age gap (she is 30, he is 40)
- crazy ex
- spice 🌶️🌶️/5
- no third act breakup
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
This book is the introduction of the Wilder family’s series.
Eli is the oldest brother, he found the Wilder Retreat and Winery to make a place for all his family after all had retired from the military.
He met Alexis (wedding planner) at a wedding 2 years ago.
The novella is “A night for us” if you want to read it before this book.
Tropes:
- military
- boss / employee
- he falls hard and first
- age gap (she is 30, he is 40)
- crazy ex
- spice 🌶️🌶️/5
- no third act breakup
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
April 18, 2022
I have been waiting for Eli and Alexis’ story since reading the prequel to their story. They have such an attraction and chemistry then and now 2 years later, it's still as undeniable as before. However, after what happened with her ex, she has a hard time trusting again. And she really needs her job to work out and recover her reputation.
I loved just how strong the family bond is in this one, with Eli's siblings. Yes, they have their own issues after leaving the military but they're trying to rebuild their bond and their business together. I loved how they are with each other and of course, how they support Alexis and for them to have a relationship. I can't wait for the next Wilder brother's story.
I loved just how strong the family bond is in this one, with Eli's siblings. Yes, they have their own issues after leaving the military but they're trying to rebuild their bond and their business together. I loved how they are with each other and of course, how they support Alexis and for them to have a relationship. I can't wait for the next Wilder brother's story.
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