Wunderland

by Scarlett Se Leva

Twenty-one-year old Simone thinks she’s finally gotten over her breakup with her high school flame, Ryan Mulligan. The emerald-eyed boy who has haunted her dreams since she was a teen. That is, until she sees him at her best friend’s birthday party, and their love is reignited. As they become reacquainted, Simone and Ryan’s bond grows stronger and stronger. But while Ryan is convinced they are soulmates, Simone’s heart is incapable of accepting his love.

When the past resurfaces, bringing along its dark secrets, Simone retreats. Consumed by past hurt and longing, she makes the heart-wrenching decision for them to part ways.

Simone moves through the next four years of her life conflicted, trying to reconcile the decisions she made about Ryan with her true feelings toward him.

Will the darkness ever vanish? What if she could do it all over? Would she make the same decisions? How many chances do you get to rewrite your wrongs? How many shots does one get with their true love?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance

ebook

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Scarlett enjoys writing steamy, unpredictable contemporary romance with strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes.

When Scar isn't busy penning another story you can find her with the family watching movies, drinking wine, curled up in a corner with a book, or running after her three daughters.

Stay up-to-date with all things Scar by joining her newsletter: www.scarlettselevabooks.com

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Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas]

ღ Ryan & Simone’s story is a A SECOND CHANCE, FRIENDS TO LOVERS ROMANCE

This is childhood friends to lovers. Second chance romance, or should I say third chance, you tell me after you read this one

Simone ‘first met Ryan at the age of five. Her mom worked as the head housekeeper for the Mulligans

Once Ryan turned eleven, Simone was the last person on Ryan mind. A switch turned on, and their friendship died.
As they grew older, I could feel their friendship become a deeper bond which was beautiful. They loved each other before they even knew the true meaning. Young innocent love. cuz love is simply felt without explanations.



But than life happen & they were separated once again, once they found their self’s together years later its like their love only had grew stronger ….. but once again faith didn’t think it was their time yet & threw a curveball of major betrayal …… by this time you are thinking these two will never truly have a stable relationship, cuz each separation span between 5 to 6 years





The question is, what to do - You can feel the chemistry between them, but can they stand another heartbreak?

There's just no denying the connection between these two. The respect, admiration and love they have for each other.

And let's not forget about their crazy chemistry that jumps right out. They are so right together

Oh, how I love Tinea, the girl was hilarious at times, but what I loved about her was her honesty …. I really don’t believe that if Simone didn’t have Tinea in her life, she would have survived what she did over the years



📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book. Happy Reading --- Enjoy

[Zoe]

Seductive, dramatic, and intense!

Wunderland is a taut, heart-wrenching, second-chance romance featuring the intelligent, scarred Simone Goodman and the wealthy, successful Ryan Mulligan as they discover that no matter the obstacles, time lost, interferences by meddling parents, or multiple times in the past that they’ve pushed each other away, the heart wants who the heart wants, and a love like theirs is definitely worth fighting for.

The writing is fluid and edgy. The characters are brokenhearted, impulsive, and stubborn. And the plot is a push-pull tale of life, love, attraction, emotion, desire, angst, trust, familial dynamics, and smouldering chemistry.

Overall, Wunderland is a tender, charming, steamy debut by Scarlett Se Leva that highlights she’s not only a wonderful member of the blogging community but a fantastic writer, and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next.

Thank you to Scarlett Se Leva for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerri Lightle]

Wow what a story. You would think that its a fairy tail of sorts by meeting your soul mate, true love, or person at 17..... But its not always a fairy tail of wunderland .

Now saying this your going to fall hard for the story line in this one and wonder when or what happens next with Ryan and simone. I love the build up and the fall out with in this story and makes it relatable to the reader.I would really like a second book to see where they end up in the future

[Scarlett Leva]

Click on the Amazon Link above for your copy. 💋

[Emily Kurosawa]

Wunderland is Scarlett Se Leva debut novel; it's a standalone contemporary romantic suspense, friends to lovers and second chance romance. Scarlett Se Leva did a phenomenal job in executing this book! I was pulled into the story from the very first page! Wunderland is Simone and Ryan's story. Wow! What a journey!! Wunderland is a great quick read; the storyline flowed amazingly! When I picked up this read I couldn't put it down! Simone and Ryan, I have no words!! These two are just perfect for one another. And Ryan, Ryan! He is definitely a book boyfriend material; a swoon worthy character!


Simone has certain fears, abandonment issues. And Ryan can clearly understand her fears, and he will do anything he can to erase them, (if only Simone would allow him to do so!!!) My goodness! Scarlett Se Leva!! The plot twists!! I did not see them coming!! I couldn't believe my eyes!! Everything was going so well, and then all of sudden, **BAM** it took a sharp turn! And Simone!! Ugh!! I was so frustrated with her behavior!! I literally screamed at my ereader. I get that she's scared, but come on!! But, I'm glad that she finally realized her problems and she started to address them; to heal and move forward. I was overjoyed with how the ending played out! Oh! I also loved reading Cravings a prelude to Wunderland (it's told from Ryan's perspective). Overall, a fantastic read!


Simone's mother works as a housekeeper for Ryan's family. Simone and Ryan were childhood friends, however they drifted apart when they grew up. But their friendship rekindled while they were attending high school. And their friendship eventually turned into a relationship. But their families didn't really approve of their relationship. Simone and Ryan love each other deeply, but when there was a slight misunderstanding she ended the relationship. Fast forward to a couple years later, Simone and Ryan meet again. Will Simone be brave enough face her fears and fight for the man she loves? Well you'll just have to read and find out!

**I've received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Angie S H aka Feelin A Little Bookish]

Title: Wunderland
Author: Scarlett Se Leva
Pub Date: July 20, 2021

Simone Goodman and Ryan Mulligan have known one another since they were children. Simone’s mother works for Ryan’s parents. Simone comes from a single parent home and Ryan’s parents are pretty wealthy.

Simone and Ryan parted ways when they were kids only to be reunited when they were teenagers. Ryan needed a tutor and Simone was around so why not ask for her help right? Much to Ryan’s mother’s dismay, Simone continued to tutor him until their feelings turned into more than just friends.

In Wunderland, Simone and Ryan face the third times a charm rule in their love life. Time, hurt, emotions and life got in the way numerous times when it came to making their love work. There were moments when I wanted to yell at Simone (and give her a reality check like Tinea did) but I had to realize that Simone’s hurt was beyond Ryan. If she didn’t deal with her own internal issues, there wouldn’t be a space for him at all.

I absolutely adored Ryan not giving up on Simone no matter where life took them. He knew he wanted her and kept her in his heart. If you’re looking for a true second chance romance with extremely sexy scenes then this one is for you. Also, the songs mentioned throughout the book are all ones I still listen to today. I could hear the songs in my mind when mentioned so it was a nice little touch for me.

[T.L. Quinn]

Such a cute story! Wunderland is a second chance romance or really a third or fourth chance romance. Simone and Ryan continue to find their way back to each other no matter how many times life pulls them apart. Seeing their relationship at different points in time really allows you to see their love for each other and how it grows.

[Devons book corner]

Ryan and Simone were childhood best friends. But Ryan hits age 11 and suddenly Simone is no longer who he's thinking about, and their friendship dies. A few years later however, they pick up where they left off. It's like nothing has changed. Both love one another and truly believe this is it. But life likes to throw us curve balls from time to time, so breaking up and getting back together years later seems like the perfect curve ball. Now, life isn't the only thing that doesn't want them together. Ryan's mom will do anything to keep them apart as well. He comes from a wealthy family, while Simone is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Can these two make it work with all the curve balls they have to face, or will they finally break up for good? I did enjoy this book, but I really didn't care for Simone. She has way too many issues and I feel like she just weighs Ryan down, not the mention I feel like she is a part of why they have so many problems. I loved Ryan though. Overall, I would say this was a decent book.

[Rachel McMahon]

This was a good read. A quick little steamy romance. Childhood friends to lovers to the max. Ryan was definitely my favorite character, I liked him more than Simone. I loved the prologue and the beginning and the last chapter and the epilogue. The middle I felt was a little repetitive and frustrating. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s just so hard to believe that Simone would make the choices she did. Other than that I liked this book.

[Mimi]

Ok, first of all I couldn’t put this one down. I loved every page of it. I was sucked in from the beginning. It was a fun quick read.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)]

Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo

Simone's moved past losing her first love, Ryan. She's in college and hasn't seen him on campus yet, even though they were supposed to attend together, so she'll be fine. Then her best friend invites him to her birthday party and starts a cycle of on and off again between the two that lasts years, literally, years. Will they ever be on the same page? Stay together permanently? Or break up permanently?



There were parts of this story I liked, and parts I didn't. Let's have the good first: Simone's friend Tinea. She's fun and gets Simone riled up enough that she becomes interesting when with her and involved in one of their adventures. Another good character is Ryan. He's sweet and obviously in love with Simone. The story itself is interesting, too, if too slow in a lot of places. And now the bad: Simone. She's a hot mess. Her father's abandonment messed her up good, unfortunately, and made her very unlikable in my eyes. I could not for the life of me, understand what Ryan saw in her. The other bad is the back and forth, wishy washy nature of the central relationship. That much push and pull is just too much for me, and I found myself just wishing they'd break up for good and never have to deal with each other again. Sigh... so 3 stars because there are some good characters, the story is fairly interesting, but not more stars because the heroine is a ridiculously messed up unlikable character, and the pace was draggy in parts.



ARC via Grey's Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews]

Wunderland is one of those easy to fall into romances. This Scarlett Se Leva tale brought all the emotions throughout.

Simone and Ryan's tale is a second chance, friends to lovers romance.

The forbidden romance factor is well done, adding plenty of angst, hurt, and pain.

Their story is full of controlling parents, opposites attract, rich versus poor, and plenty of beautiful, bitchy women trying to grab the rich handsome bachelor.

The hurt/comfort aspect is ever present, as Simone is still holding onto pain from her past. Of course, facing this pain front and center is extremely emotional, and important to her healing.

Ryan is one of those special book boyfriends who will melt your heart. His feelings are all consuming. He wants Simone and he never wavers, despite all the obstacles in their way.

I don't love the writing style, as it's written in present tense. I definitely find some of it distracting. But I enjoy every moment of the storyline. It's riveting, intense, and kept me invested throughout.

Wunderland is a fun read. This Scarlett Se Leva story kept me turning the pages quickly, anxious to see how these two could possibly get their happily ever after. It's a long road for them, but they do get there. I'm excited to see what this author comes up with next.

[Tiffany Readz]

3.5 Stars-Hot and Cold With This One

In Wunderland, Scarlett Se Leva gives her readers a rich guy and girl from the wrong side of the tracks love story.

Simone is a young woman with a myriad of emotional baggage and falling for her mother's employer's son is the icing on the cake. Ryan is nice and seems like a good guy,however I hate to say, probably too good for her. Not in a monetary way, but an emotional way. Simone does nothing but yank this guy around by his feelings page after page.

We start in the present and switch back and forth until we catch up to where we started with this complicated couple. I wasn't a fan of Simone or Ryan really, however liked the friends that helped carry the story along. It is a long ride with these two that lacked the angst you would expect from a story spanning this many years.

The book read as YA for me, as the characters were mid-twenties, but very immature. While this is an ARC edition and I'm sure there will be more edits, the writing was very clunky and the author doesn't seem to be a fan of contractions, which made the reading stiff for me. Wonderland reads as a standalone with an epilogue to wrap things up.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Toni]

This novel gives second chance romance a whole new meaning!

I get the premise of the novel. It was cute and a fun read before bed. I enjoyed it and it deserves every last 3.5 stars!

If this novel happened in real life, there would definitely be loads more drama, betrayal, angst, and heartache. As it stood, the above mentioned emotions played out and were then overshadowed quickly the next thing that was happening. We, as readers, didn’t get to truly “feel” the main characters betrayals and heartaches. That’s what usually draws me in while reading these second chance romance novels. I need to feel the turmoil the main character feels. I want to be put in her shoes and feel the predicaments she’s in.

The author did give us a great novel filled with present writing that jumps into the past for a reference. She also spans over decades if I’m not mistaken. So we get to see the characters grow up. If you want a second chance romance that isn’t intense but has loads of drama than this should definitely be your next read!

[Kristi - ReetzyTheBookNerd]

Step aside second chance romance, Wunderland is a third times the charm romance.

Ryan and Simone have been friends since they were five years old, when Simone's mom started working for Ryan's family. In typical fashion, when Ryan turns 11 a switch is flipped, she is the last person on his mind, and their friendship died. Fast forward a few years, that same switched is flipped again and their relationship picks back up and grows. Before they knew the true meaning of love, they loved each other with their whole hearts.

Life has other plans and they are pulled apart again. They find themselves together again years later. Their passion and love never truly died. Curveball after curveball is thrown their way. The question they keep asking is, can their love and relationship survive?

This was such a cute story. I loved seeing how Ryan and Simone's relationship grew despite how times they were pulled apart. Their passion and love for each other was never quenched.

[Areahnna Littlefield]

I liked it enough to finish it. With that being said, someone really should have proof read this book before printing. The grammar is terrible and some words were spelled incorrectly. There were several mistakes in the first few pages which almost caused me to set the book down and not continue reading it. The story did keep me somewhat interested. Overall, it was just okay.

[Emma]

This might be the worst book I have ever read. I literally cringed the whole time. The only reason I even read it was because I got it free in a book box.

[Liana Lopez]

Thanks Brey Book Tours and the author for my review copy.

I rate this book 3.5 stars.

For anyone that loves friends to lovers and second chance romance, with a story spanning across quite some years, then this may be for you.

The story follows Simone and Ryan and told in three parts during various stages in their life. They are each others first love and over the course of the book, it seems that Simone has serious trust issues because of her dad leaving. It’s not dealt with until the last part of the book and I’m glad she did, because she kept pushing Ryan away when all he wanted to do was love her. Sometimes Simone’s decisions seemed irrational, but with all her trauma and setbacks, it’s easy to understand why.

It was an easy read, the pacing was good and I was never lost. I especially liked the writing in three parts as they grew up. At first I thought I was reading a YA novel, but you can really see the change in maturity over parts two and three. I thought the author progressed the writing through the stages of their lives quite well. Simone annoyed me at times but she really needed the therapy to make some well thought out decisions. Ryan was just so patient even though he was slowly rejected in some instances. I also really enjoyed Simone’s best friend Tinea because she was fun and honest. What the mums did was a bit despicable but it makes for drama.

This is my first read by Scarlet. I enjoyed the story and would check out this author’s other work.

[Jennifer Pierson]

Simone & Ryan were childhood best friends until they weren't, but then they were the love of each other's lives until they weren't. Simone has some serious issues that need to be fixed as she keeps hurting Ryan. He comes from a wealthy family that Simone's mother works for so you already know his family will have a hand in a few pies. This story spans quite a few years, and while fate keeps bringing them face to face every so often, she keeps hurting Ryan. This is where I really got heated because it takes a whole hell of a lot for me to dislike any heroine to be honest but Simone did with her flight risk self. So, I found myself really hoping Ryan would actually find someone else who would treat him better but that's just me. The push & pull was too much which had me even more heated because there was too much frustration for me to truly enjoy it to the fullest. I will say that the writing style of this new to me author kept me on the hook so I couldn't put it down despite all of that frustration so I am excited to read more by her in the future! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Patricia]

The theme throughout the story is that Ryan is constantly chasing Simone, and she's always running from him. They have a forbidden romance in the way of the rich boy and girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Though Ryan's mother tries to keep them apart, it's Simone's abandonment issues that take the forefront to their constant demise. They have an undeniable attraction and are constantly put in each other's paths regardless of issues. It's only as Simone is working through her issues with her father, that she can finally accept Ryan's love. Ryan is one forgiving guy as keeps taking chances to be with Simone after multiple rejections. I felt Simone really had to emotionally mature to truly be with Ryan, and it shows throughout the book. There are some grammatical errors sprinkled in but nothing too distracting. Overall a good, romance novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather]

*****3.5 Stars****

Wunderland is the first book I have read by this author, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I really enjoyed it for the most part. And the parts I didn’t, I don’t really know how to explain. I enjoyed the story line and both main characters. I actually loved Ryan. Simone was often frustrating for me. Ryan and Simone become friends when they’re young. He comes from a wealthy family and she is the daughter of the housekeeper. But they fall in love as teenagers. She has a lot of trust issues that she let’s get in her way of being happy. They part ways, but reconnect later on. I was invested in their story, but wanted to shake Simone in some parts. This was an enjoyable second chance romance that I do recommend. I also plan to read more from this author in the future. This isn’t the best review. I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts down correctly, but I promise it’s worth reading if you enjoy second chance romance.

[Kaiti Mae Corbett]

I’m not typically a fan of daddy-issues but damn, did this book change my mind about that. This book had me on edge waiting for the happily ever after to FINALLY JUST HAPPEN. I wanted it so badly from the beginning of the book.
Simone and Ryan have been in love since they were 17 and 18 years old - but it was never simple. He’s from an upper-class family… and her mom was their housekeeper. They’ve known each other since they were 5 but only fell in love as teenagers.
As I said, it’s never simple. His family does not approve and it causes friction. And Simone? Simone was left by her own father when she was young, and she looks for every excuse to walk away from Ryan, worried that he’ll walk away first.
This story is told in 3 parts, over the span of several years. High school. College. Careers. The end had me giddy. I loved the characters, and I loved how genuine Simone’s “daddy-issues” appeared, rather than feeling forced, they felt real.

[Fictionlove_alwaysforever]

Why should you read this book?🤔
👇🏻
It has those “amazing” 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
•
👍🏻Author Scarlett has done an amazing job with the background of the story, plot and seamlessly blended characters🤩 The book has yumm-licious characters! Swooon...😍😋
👍🏻 The story is about Simone and Ryan. Simone has abandonment issues and is never able to trust love and relationships. She believes in the theory, never give then your all.
But Ryan wants her and all of her!
Will they find their happily-ever-after or are they doomed forever?
👍🏻 This book is a perfect blend of friendship, finding true love and a second chance romance, definitely worth the read🔥
👍🏻My recommendation: For another chance at romance, this is the perfect book❤

#fromauthorstoreaders #customizeurcover #fictionlove_alwaysforever

[Brittney]

Absolutely incredible!!!! I loved this book so much!!!

Wunderland is a second chance romance that will leave you unable to stop reading until you finish. Ryan and Simone’s story is proof that no matter what life throws at you, no matter what your parents say and no matter what paths you take your heart will always lead you towards your future. It’s proof that true love is worth fighting for and their love was absolutely worth fighting for.

I also love how Wunderland is not only a romance but also portrays mental health, grief and abandonment issues. Everything was handled so beautifully and I felt all of the emotions from the characters.

I will never stop raving about this book! Scarlett Se Leva you have done an excellent job. I can’t wait to read more from you in the future!

[Margareada_7]

This is Scarlett Se Leva's debut book and while the premise of the story is promising, wrong side of the tracks girl and second (or third) chance romance, it just never clicked for me. I found it very wordy and it was hard to stay focused.

I didn't mind Ryan, I actually think he was a well written character. He seemed genuine and truly in love with Simone. However that was overshadowed by her incessant pity party throughout the whole book. She may be one of my least liked characters ever.

I would definitely give this author another try. I think characterization and lack of editing were her downfalls.

[K Huskić]

So, there were things I liked in this story and things I didn't. I did like the push/pull and the second chance aspects of the story. That they always find each other and can't stay away.
But truthfully, I didn't really like Simone. I understood she had some issues holding her back from love and causing her to run when things got hard, but it was also quite frustrating. She also did things to people that she wouldn't tolerate others doing to her, which was a tad unfair.
And while I liked Ryan, by the end of the story I still didn't feel like I knew all that much about him.
It was an okay read, just not a great one, for me.

[Becky Wise]

Wunderland is a fantastic read. I really enjoyed every moment of this one. Simone and Ryan will give you one heck of a rollercoaster as they try to navigate their friendship to more a few times over. It is all about timing and once the timing. Their are so many forces that lead up to all the rollercoaster rides and just you wait. Simone is smart and driven. Ryan knows what he wants and who. Every meet up will leave a little dent on your heart and by the end you will feel so full. I could not put this down.

[Reading In the Red Room]

Ryan is the rich kid that will some day take over the family empire. Simone is the daughter of the maid who takes care of the family. To say Ryan and Simone loved each other their entire lives would be a major understatement. These two knew they were meant to be together, at least one of them did. This was a well written emotional read that had me wondering more then once how will this end? Are they really meant to go the distance? There were so many left turns and a few unexpected twist they kept me guessing. This was a great quick read and I am excited to read more books by this author.

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is Simone and Ryan’s story, and these two were childhood friends, which turned into high school love, until life separated them. When they cross paths at a friend’s birthday party, can the have a 2md chance at love. This is a good story with sizzling chemistry, meddling parents, emotions, secrets, angst, family, and love, which leads to a heartwrenching storyline. The only downside is that I struggled to engage with the characters in this story, however, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[bexbooklover]

💙 Friends to lovers
💙 Second chance romance

This is such a sweet romance. The chemistry between the two main characters just jumps off the page and you definitely feel the attraction that they have for one another.

Simone and Ryan are childhood friends that have grown apart and now have the opportunity to be together. Once again. This story is beautifully written and incredibly fluid.

It is such a well-paced book that definitely keeps you turning the pages to find out if these two are going to eventually make it work. I'm definitely intrigued to see what this author comes up with next.