What do you think?
Rate this book
Wilde #4
Born to Be Wilde
Ex-marine turned security specialist Joel Wilde thrives on the high-wire thrills that come with his job. And he isn't about to give all that up to settle down-not even with a sexy woman like Lora Marshall. Which means that while he's protecting her from a violent gang, he'll need to set a few ground rules to keep things professional. Good thing he's always been a rule-breaker at heart.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
538 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
Janelle Denison
159 books559 followersIt’s hard for me to imagine that I’ve been writing romances for over twenty years now! I started at the young age of 21, just after I got married. Reading romances, and then writing them, came about as a result of having too much time on my hands. When I first married my husband Don, I was working a regular nine to five job and he worked swing shift, from four in the afternoon until midnight. It wasn’t an ideal schedule for newlyweds, and in order to pass those hours when I was alone I started reading romances, and eventually tried my hand at writing them.
The road to publication wasn’t an easy one. It took me five years and dozens of rejections to make my first sale, which was to Harlequin for their “Stolen Moments” line. THE FAMILY MAN, written under the pseudonym Danielle Kelly, was one of the twelve novellas published in 1993 for this promotional line.
It took me another two and a half years (and more rejections!) to sell my second book. HEAVEN’S GIFT (written under my own name) was published in October 1995 by Leisure Love Spell for their “An Angel’s Touch” series. Another two years passed of collecting even more rejections before I finally sold to Harlequin Romance and Harlequin Temptation. At the time, writing for both Temptation and Harlequin Romance provided me with a wonderful creative outlet for both my modern, ultra-sexy stories, and my warmer, traditional romances. But as the years passed, I realized how much I enjoyed writing the sexier stories and streamlined my career accordingly so that I was no longer writing the sweet traditional romances, and instead focused on the hotter, sexier stories for Temptation and Blaze.
After writing over two dozen books for Harlequin, I decided to branch out. I wanted to write anthologies and single titles, and came up with an idea about three sexy brothers with the last name of “Wilde”. Little did I know that those Wilde brothers would become such a sensation with readers. In the second Wilde book, WILDE THING, four Wilde cousins were introduced, and readers started writing in for their stories, too. It’s been a joy and pleasure to write each of the Wilde stories, and I want to thank everyone for purchasing those books and putting them on the USA Today Bestseller list!
I’ve been a full-time writer for years, which consists of being deep in deadlines, writing proposals (growling at the husband to fix a glitch in the computer so I can get back to work!), perusing contracts, line-edits (stressing over a scene that won’t work or characters that just won’t talk or cooperate with my plans for them!), galleys, art-fact sheets, promotion, and other publishing paperwork. Admittedly, I wouldn’t trade all the craziness in for pantyhose, rush hour traffic, and a nine-to-five job again. Writing is hard work, but I find the rewards are well worth the effort. Fan letters are one of those priceless rewards, and can keep me on a high for days! I’ve met the most wonderful people through my books, some of which I now consider good friends.
The road to publication wasn’t an easy one. It took me five years and dozens of rejections to make my first sale, which was to Harlequin for their “Stolen Moments” line. THE FAMILY MAN, written under the pseudonym Danielle Kelly, was one of the twelve novellas published in 1993 for this promotional line.
It took me another two and a half years (and more rejections!) to sell my second book. HEAVEN’S GIFT (written under my own name) was published in October 1995 by Leisure Love Spell for their “An Angel’s Touch” series. Another two years passed of collecting even more rejections before I finally sold to Harlequin Romance and Harlequin Temptation. At the time, writing for both Temptation and Harlequin Romance provided me with a wonderful creative outlet for both my modern, ultra-sexy stories, and my warmer, traditional romances. But as the years passed, I realized how much I enjoyed writing the sexier stories and streamlined my career accordingly so that I was no longer writing the sweet traditional romances, and instead focused on the hotter, sexier stories for Temptation and Blaze.
After writing over two dozen books for Harlequin, I decided to branch out. I wanted to write anthologies and single titles, and came up with an idea about three sexy brothers with the last name of “Wilde”. Little did I know that those Wilde brothers would become such a sensation with readers. In the second Wilde book, WILDE THING, four Wilde cousins were introduced, and readers started writing in for their stories, too. It’s been a joy and pleasure to write each of the Wilde stories, and I want to thank everyone for purchasing those books and putting them on the USA Today Bestseller list!
I’ve been a full-time writer for years, which consists of being deep in deadlines, writing proposals (growling at the husband to fix a glitch in the computer so I can get back to work!), perusing contracts, line-edits (stressing over a scene that won’t work or characters that just won’t talk or cooperate with my plans for them!), galleys, art-fact sheets, promotion, and other publishing paperwork. Admittedly, I wouldn’t trade all the craziness in for pantyhose, rush hour traffic, and a nine-to-five job again. Writing is hard work, but I find the rewards are well worth the effort. Fan letters are one of those priceless rewards, and can keep me on a high for days! I’ve met the most wonderful people through my books, some of which I now consider good friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 6, 2016
Ex-Marine turned security specialist Joel Wilde receives a call from a Marine buddy he hasn’t talked to in several years. Zach is a gambling addict and he is in big trouble. He borrowed money from a loan shark and now they are threatening to go after his sister if he doesn’t pay up. Zach saved Joel’s life once and now it’s time to repay the favor by protecting his sister until Zach finds a way to pay back the money.
Joel hadn’t counted on Lora Marshall being such a beautiful, sexy person that she is. She’s also down to earth and not normally drawn to bad boys. He has his hands full protecting the woman who doesn’t know she needs protecting. More importantly, it’s all he can do to keep his emotions in check .. because he doesn’t do relationships and Lora is the type of woman a man would take home to meet the parents.
Janelle Denison does a great Romantic Suspense. There is a whole series dedicated to the Wilde family. Joel has always felt a little separate from his family – never felt like he actually belonged. And that has made him into the man he is today. He travels in his line of work with his security company and the longer he stays away, the better he feels. He loves his family, but deep down inside he wants his own.
Lora Marshall has always taken care of her brother. But when he left the Marines, he couldn’t seem to settle. Lora has always bailed him out before, but this time it’s her life, as well as his, that is on the line. She really falls for Joel hard, but he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t do relationships or commitment.
As all her books, the author brings together people that you would never think belong together. Her characters are usually flawed in one way or another and it’s always interesting to see how they mend each other to find their happy place.
If you like Romantic Suspense, this is an author you should read.
Joel hadn’t counted on Lora Marshall being such a beautiful, sexy person that she is. She’s also down to earth and not normally drawn to bad boys. He has his hands full protecting the woman who doesn’t know she needs protecting. More importantly, it’s all he can do to keep his emotions in check .. because he doesn’t do relationships and Lora is the type of woman a man would take home to meet the parents.
Janelle Denison does a great Romantic Suspense. There is a whole series dedicated to the Wilde family. Joel has always felt a little separate from his family – never felt like he actually belonged. And that has made him into the man he is today. He travels in his line of work with his security company and the longer he stays away, the better he feels. He loves his family, but deep down inside he wants his own.
Lora Marshall has always taken care of her brother. But when he left the Marines, he couldn’t seem to settle. Lora has always bailed him out before, but this time it’s her life, as well as his, that is on the line. She really falls for Joel hard, but he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t do relationships or commitment.
As all her books, the author brings together people that you would never think belong together. Her characters are usually flawed in one way or another and it’s always interesting to see how they mend each other to find their happy place.
If you like Romantic Suspense, this is an author you should read.
August 30, 2016
I was so extraordinarily disappointed in the author. I have read many a book by Janelle Denison and she has always been literate. I could not believe the number of typos, spelling errors, incorrect homonyms etc. Looks to me like an unedited first draft was shoved into print. I don't think the author ev en proof read her own story. In one paragraph his button fly jeans are being unbuttoned and 2 paragraphs later he is zipping up his jeans.
My father was a compulsive gambler and some parts of this story were hard for me to read. But they are also strong parts and I like how his friends rallied around him.
I am really dead bored with the cliche of the magic hoo-ha, as Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy books calls it. This is when the guy sticks in and discovers he is in a hoo-ha unlike any other he has ever been in. Through a condom, no less. Of course, this guy also has to be the kind of guy who makes it clear to women that he is only interested in sex. But once his pointy but meets the magic hoo-ha all of a sudden he is ready for marriage.
The other thing that offends me about the magic hoo-ha is that it is not the woman's personality or intelligence that convinces this guy that this is THE woman. Nope. How sexist is that?
This book was part of a 6 book set called Sinfully Sweet which I purchased for 99 cents. I guess you get what you pay for.
My father was a compulsive gambler and some parts of this story were hard for me to read. But they are also strong parts and I like how his friends rallied around him.
I am really dead bored with the cliche of the magic hoo-ha, as Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy books calls it. This is when the guy sticks in and discovers he is in a hoo-ha unlike any other he has ever been in. Through a condom, no less. Of course, this guy also has to be the kind of guy who makes it clear to women that he is only interested in sex. But once his pointy but meets the magic hoo-ha all of a sudden he is ready for marriage.
The other thing that offends me about the magic hoo-ha is that it is not the woman's personality or intelligence that convinces this guy that this is THE woman. Nope. How sexist is that?
This book was part of a 6 book set called Sinfully Sweet which I purchased for 99 cents. I guess you get what you pay for.
December 16, 2013
WILDE SERIES (BOXED SET OF 3 FULL LENGTH NOVELS!)
BORN TO BE WILDE
Ex-Marine turned security specialist Joel Wilde thrives on the high-wire thrills that come with his job. And he isn’t about to give all that up to settle down – - not even with a sexy woman like Lora Marshall. Which means that while he’s protecting her from a violent gang, he’ll need to set a few ground rules to keep things professional. Good thing he’s always been a rule-breaker at heart.
Bought the first book and wanted to read the next two so I bought the boxed set. These are typical romance with hot sex and a HEA. All the males are Alpha and have to protect a woman who in turn, turns out to be that very special woman for them Soppy lovely low angst read for a snowy day.
BORN TO BE WILDE
Ex-Marine turned security specialist Joel Wilde thrives on the high-wire thrills that come with his job. And he isn’t about to give all that up to settle down – - not even with a sexy woman like Lora Marshall. Which means that while he’s protecting her from a violent gang, he’ll need to set a few ground rules to keep things professional. Good thing he’s always been a rule-breaker at heart.
Bought the first book and wanted to read the next two so I bought the boxed set. These are typical romance with hot sex and a HEA. All the males are Alpha and have to protect a woman who in turn, turns out to be that very special woman for them Soppy lovely low angst read for a snowy day.
July 3, 2016
Not What I expected
Borne to be Wilde wasn't a mystery at all. The only action was sexual and there was plenty of that.. I have nothing against sex at all but I don"t care to read a book that is a total sex scene from beginning to end. There were also a tremendous amount of errors, mainly the use of incorrect forms of words. I really miss the use of proofreaders. It is difficult to read a book when you're trying to figure out what an author is trying to say "literally".
Borne to be Wilde wasn't a mystery at all. The only action was sexual and there was plenty of that.. I have nothing against sex at all but I don"t care to read a book that is a total sex scene from beginning to end. There were also a tremendous amount of errors, mainly the use of incorrect forms of words. I really miss the use of proofreaders. It is difficult to read a book when you're trying to figure out what an author is trying to say "literally".
January 13, 2020
AWESOME doesn't even begin to describe this book! TWO love stories in one and they were BOTH awesome. I am looking forward to more from this series!
May 30, 2018
'Born to be Wilde' promised a bad boy on the cover, and hinted at an 'illicit' oh-we-shouldn't type of relationship between Lora and Joel, but I didn't feel like it delivered on either aspect. Though it was an okay afternoon read, it lacked depth and tension, and I am fairly sure that I won't remember it in a few weeks.
I just did not like the leading couple, they were flat, lacking depth and personality outside of their relationship. For example, I wanted to know more about them as people to get a feel for them outside of the relationship. Lora mentioned buying her own spa but only in passing and never enough for the reader to pick up on any real passion or enthusiasm.
I thought that there would be more emotion when she found out that her brother had bargained with her life, but nothing. That she would get angry and cause a rift when she found out about Joel's role in her life, but no. To be honest, their whole relationship was easy sailing because they had no strong opinions or emotions.
Likewise, we knew that Joel was part of the team and security firm, but nothing else. No hobbies or past-times. Nothing outside of that one job and Lora. They were flat.
Sydney and Daniel were by far the more interesting couple, they were vibrant with clear histories and personalities. They had hang-ups that tore them apart and caused drama, familial problems that caused drama...basically everything about them caused drama and it was far more interesting than Lora and Joel who bobbed along on the tide of well-being.
It was an okay afternoon read, but it lacked tension and drama and vibrancy.
I just did not like the leading couple, they were flat, lacking depth and personality outside of their relationship. For example, I wanted to know more about them as people to get a feel for them outside of the relationship. Lora mentioned buying her own spa but only in passing and never enough for the reader to pick up on any real passion or enthusiasm.
I thought that there would be more emotion when she found out that her brother had bargained with her life, but nothing. That she would get angry and cause a rift when she found out about Joel's role in her life, but no. To be honest, their whole relationship was easy sailing because they had no strong opinions or emotions.
Likewise, we knew that Joel was part of the team and security firm, but nothing else. No hobbies or past-times. Nothing outside of that one job and Lora. They were flat.
Sydney and Daniel were by far the more interesting couple, they were vibrant with clear histories and personalities. They had hang-ups that tore them apart and caused drama, familial problems that caused drama...basically everything about them caused drama and it was far more interesting than Lora and Joel who bobbed along on the tide of well-being.
It was an okay afternoon read, but it lacked tension and drama and vibrancy.
April 26, 2017
An ok read.
Want to read
January 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/13/2020)! 🎁
May 19, 2019
Joel Wilde, a security expert and former marine, gets a call from his marine buddy, Zach Marshall. He's in some pretty big trouble because of his gambling addiction and owes a lot of money, but he also put his sister's life insurance policy on the table and now her life is in danger, so he begs Joel to protect her. He also begs Joel not to say anything. Owing Zach his life, Joel agrees. He's attracted to Lora and decides to approach her through their mutual sexual attraction. Things are fine with Lora thinking she and Zach are just going to have a short sexual fling (though he's not putting out...something to do with his honor), until Lora is attacked by two guys warning her about her brother. At this point, Lora learns what's what and not too much later, Joel drags Lora off to an isolated cabin to protect her. Having had Joel in bed once, Lora is determined to get him there again and maybe to convince him that they could have something more. But Joel is the ultimate emotionally unavailable commitment-phobe and convincing him won't be easy.
That's the sum-up for Joel and Lora and I gotta say, they were kind of boring. They had the emotional depth of dry toast. With Joel, I get it, he's supposed to be emotionally detached, a coping mechanism he picked up after his mother died. But I couldn't figure out why Lora just seemed blah. She learns that her brother has risked HER life gambling and she's not even all that angry. She keeps insisting that she still loves him and it'll be okay. She even offers to put her dream aside to pay off his debts and it seemed to me like it would be the emotional equivalent of letting him borrow a quarter. She didn't seem the least bit upset about her dream being at risk. And she also finds out that she nearly DIED because Joel withheld crucial information about her life being in danger and she isn't even upset about it. Gah. How am I supposed to connect to a character when she doesn't feel anything? She doesn't even cry when Joel walks out of her life. Supposedly for good. And I'm sorry, but I struggled to believe in Joel as a security expert when he agreed to not tell Lora she was in danger, no matter the promise. Zach's reason was selfish and Joel should have pointed that out and done what he needed to anyway. People who don't know their a target do stupid stuff like taking out the trash alone and Joel should have known better.
Now as dull as Joel's story was, that's how not boring Daniel and Sydney's story was. I'm not sure the secondary romance is supposed to overshadow the primary one to the point where I started skimming Joel and Lora's sex scenes so I could see what happened next with Daniel and Sydney. These two had emotion and tension and feelings. Daniel, a teacher, is interested in a relationship with Sydney, who is a former stripper, bar-owner and was a teen Mom. Sydney doesn't believe guys are interested in her for anything other than sex and approaches Daniel's interest with that belief...so she keeps trying to get him in bed. Daniel keeps putting her off to prove he wants more with her. Sydney has to sort of get over her issues before they can move forward. Their story was really good. And I also really liked how the author sort of paralleled their stories, although the details for each story line are a bit different. Sydney and Joel are two of a kind - both emotionally detached and untrusting and both avoiding relationships for their own protection. And it's Daniel and Lora who convince their respective other that they can have a relationship and they are worthy of love.
That's the sum-up for Joel and Lora and I gotta say, they were kind of boring. They had the emotional depth of dry toast. With Joel, I get it, he's supposed to be emotionally detached, a coping mechanism he picked up after his mother died. But I couldn't figure out why Lora just seemed blah. She learns that her brother has risked HER life gambling and she's not even all that angry. She keeps insisting that she still loves him and it'll be okay. She even offers to put her dream aside to pay off his debts and it seemed to me like it would be the emotional equivalent of letting him borrow a quarter. She didn't seem the least bit upset about her dream being at risk. And she also finds out that she nearly DIED because Joel withheld crucial information about her life being in danger and she isn't even upset about it. Gah. How am I supposed to connect to a character when she doesn't feel anything? She doesn't even cry when Joel walks out of her life. Supposedly for good. And I'm sorry, but I struggled to believe in Joel as a security expert when he agreed to not tell Lora she was in danger, no matter the promise. Zach's reason was selfish and Joel should have pointed that out and done what he needed to anyway. People who don't know their a target do stupid stuff like taking out the trash alone and Joel should have known better.
Now as dull as Joel's story was, that's how not boring Daniel and Sydney's story was. I'm not sure the secondary romance is supposed to overshadow the primary one to the point where I started skimming Joel and Lora's sex scenes so I could see what happened next with Daniel and Sydney. These two had emotion and tension and feelings. Daniel, a teacher, is interested in a relationship with Sydney, who is a former stripper, bar-owner and was a teen Mom. Sydney doesn't believe guys are interested in her for anything other than sex and approaches Daniel's interest with that belief...so she keeps trying to get him in bed. Daniel keeps putting her off to prove he wants more with her. Sydney has to sort of get over her issues before they can move forward. Their story was really good. And I also really liked how the author sort of paralleled their stories, although the details for each story line are a bit different. Sydney and Joel are two of a kind - both emotionally detached and untrusting and both avoiding relationships for their own protection. And it's Daniel and Lora who convince their respective other that they can have a relationship and they are worthy of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2017
Joel is sex on a stick gorgeous but he's a loner keeping his emtioal distance from everyone oncluding his family. He leads a fast paced risky lifestyle because of his security business. When an old friend from his Marine Corps calls to as a favor, protect his sister, joel doesnt hesitate. Afterall the man saved his life.
Lora, a masseuse by day and a bar waitress at night, leads a pretty busy but mundane life. That is until Joel begins showing up nightly and asking for her as his server. He's dar and broodingly hansome and she's definitely attracted to him. Encouraged by her best Sydney who also happens to be Electric Blue's owner, Lora makes a play for Joel. He politely rebuffs her advances but keeps showing up at the bar. Lora has no idea of the danger she's until she's attacked one night behind the bar. Joel takes her to his house because she is inshock and should not be left alone. One thing leads to another and that includes wildly passionate night. But in the light of day the truth comes out. Her brother, Zach, has put her life at risk with his gambling addiction. Joel has vowed to protect her until the threat has passed then he will walk away and he does just that.
A seconday love story to Joel and Lora revolves around Sydne and Daniel. Sassy Sydney has has decidely checkered past. An unwed mother at 14, betrayed by the teenage father and forced to life in a foster group home until she ages out, has left Sydney cynical and hard bitten. She is now the one in control, using sex as a weapon and to her advantage. Enter Daniel, her teen daughter's high school math teacher. After a parent-teacher meeting Daniel asks her out on a date. Shevturns him down but his persistence wears her down. Thinking she'll at least get a good night of sex, she finally agrees to the date. Much to her surprise he turns her down when she comes on to him and he keeps doing so tell her he wants more. He finally walks away when she says she can't be what he wants and is miserable afterwards.
Fortunately all concerned get their HEAs. Good story with very likeable characters.
Lora, a masseuse by day and a bar waitress at night, leads a pretty busy but mundane life. That is until Joel begins showing up nightly and asking for her as his server. He's dar and broodingly hansome and she's definitely attracted to him. Encouraged by her best Sydney who also happens to be Electric Blue's owner, Lora makes a play for Joel. He politely rebuffs her advances but keeps showing up at the bar. Lora has no idea of the danger she's until she's attacked one night behind the bar. Joel takes her to his house because she is inshock and should not be left alone. One thing leads to another and that includes wildly passionate night. But in the light of day the truth comes out. Her brother, Zach, has put her life at risk with his gambling addiction. Joel has vowed to protect her until the threat has passed then he will walk away and he does just that.
A seconday love story to Joel and Lora revolves around Sydne and Daniel. Sassy Sydney has has decidely checkered past. An unwed mother at 14, betrayed by the teenage father and forced to life in a foster group home until she ages out, has left Sydney cynical and hard bitten. She is now the one in control, using sex as a weapon and to her advantage. Enter Daniel, her teen daughter's high school math teacher. After a parent-teacher meeting Daniel asks her out on a date. Shevturns him down but his persistence wears her down. Thinking she'll at least get a good night of sex, she finally agrees to the date. Much to her surprise he turns her down when she comes on to him and he keeps doing so tell her he wants more. He finally walks away when she says she can't be what he wants and is miserable afterwards.
Fortunately all concerned get their HEAs. Good story with very likeable characters.
July 2, 2019
Born to Be Wilde is the fourth book in the Wilde series, though it can be read as a standalone book.
Joel is an ex-Marine. He and three of his fellow retired marines started a security business. One day he is contacted by another ex-Marine who saved Joel's life when they were active duty. Zach has fallen into a life of alcoholism and gambling. His addiction has his own life in danger, but also his sister, Lara who Zach is beneficiary of her life insurance. Zach calls Joel to protect Lara until he can get his life back under control. The only problem, is that Zach doesn't want Lara to know.
Lara works days at a high end hotel as a masseuse and nights at her friend's might club as a waitress and sometime table dancer. Joel meets up with Lara at the bar. He starts dating her as a way to stay close and keep an eye on her, but still wants to maintain emotional and physical distance from his friend's sister who has no idea why he is really there. This leaves Lara confused over his hot and cold romance. Real feelings develop, real danger catches up to Lara and Joel has to confess to the real story. Can they find a way past the lies and their defenses from past problems that still effect them to an honest relationship that can move forward? Can Zach and Lara both be kept safe from the loan sharks who want blood? Enjoy this Wilde ride to find out.
Joel is an ex-Marine. He and three of his fellow retired marines started a security business. One day he is contacted by another ex-Marine who saved Joel's life when they were active duty. Zach has fallen into a life of alcoholism and gambling. His addiction has his own life in danger, but also his sister, Lara who Zach is beneficiary of her life insurance. Zach calls Joel to protect Lara until he can get his life back under control. The only problem, is that Zach doesn't want Lara to know.
Lara works days at a high end hotel as a masseuse and nights at her friend's might club as a waitress and sometime table dancer. Joel meets up with Lara at the bar. He starts dating her as a way to stay close and keep an eye on her, but still wants to maintain emotional and physical distance from his friend's sister who has no idea why he is really there. This leaves Lara confused over his hot and cold romance. Real feelings develop, real danger catches up to Lara and Joel has to confess to the real story. Can they find a way past the lies and their defenses from past problems that still effect them to an honest relationship that can move forward? Can Zach and Lara both be kept safe from the loan sharks who want blood? Enjoy this Wilde ride to find out.
May 10, 2014
I think this is my favorite of all of the series thus far. I adore Joel and his messed up emotional state. Lora is just what he needs too! I also loved the side story of Daniel and Sydney.
My only complaint with this series is that the author tends to confuse her characters. It's as simple as calling one character by another character's name. It happens in at least 2 of the books. And it should have been something that was caught in editing. Otherwise, I am really enjoying the series.
My only complaint with this series is that the author tends to confuse her characters. It's as simple as calling one character by another character's name. It happens in at least 2 of the books. And it should have been something that was caught in editing. Otherwise, I am really enjoying the series.
December 17, 2016
OMG this was so goooooood
Even though it was Joel's story, I really loved that it included Sydney's story. Joel and Sydney are so alike, I'm so glad Lora and
Daniel gave them time. Even though they were feeling hopeless. I'm like tearing up because I finished the book and it was SOOOOOO good. It's a read you won't regret.
Even though it was Joel's story, I really loved that it included Sydney's story. Joel and Sydney are so alike, I'm so glad Lora and
Daniel gave them time. Even though they were feeling hopeless. I'm like tearing up because I finished the book and it was SOOOOOO good. It's a read you won't regret.
January 31, 2020
Awesome book.
I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. Loved how it’s actually two romances with four points of view. The main story is of Lora and Joel. He’s there to protect her. Lora’s brother Zach has a gambling and alcohol addiction which also put her in danger. My heart really ached for them, when will Zach hit bottom and realize he needs help, and will Joel ever put himself out there for a real relationship? The second story is of Sidney ( Lora’s best friend) and Daniel. He’s Sidney’s daughter’s math teacher. He’s so patient and wants to be Sidney’s first real relationship. It’s very heartwarming how patient he is. Loved being connected with all the characters and they all get a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. Loved how it’s actually two romances with four points of view. The main story is of Lora and Joel. He’s there to protect her. Lora’s brother Zach has a gambling and alcohol addiction which also put her in danger. My heart really ached for them, when will Zach hit bottom and realize he needs help, and will Joel ever put himself out there for a real relationship? The second story is of Sidney ( Lora’s best friend) and Daniel. He’s Sidney’s daughter’s math teacher. He’s so patient and wants to be Sidney’s first real relationship. It’s very heartwarming how patient he is. Loved being connected with all the characters and they all get a very happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2020
Well done, but...
Any time an author can create a character well enough for the reader to dislike that character as though he was real - that’s a good author. However, that doesn’t mean I want to read more about him. I disliked Zach immensely and the more I read, the more I became disgusted with his sister. The story was too real, it’s what actually happens when family members deal with the addictions of those they love. I even came to dislike Joel for letting Zach manipulate him. Overall, if you are a fan of women’s lit this book adds ruthless thugs to a women’s lit drama and steps up the heat in the romance. I don’t know how it ends...I’m not a fan of women’s lit, so I gave up about halfway through. The characters and story are well written...just not for me.
Any time an author can create a character well enough for the reader to dislike that character as though he was real - that’s a good author. However, that doesn’t mean I want to read more about him. I disliked Zach immensely and the more I read, the more I became disgusted with his sister. The story was too real, it’s what actually happens when family members deal with the addictions of those they love. I even came to dislike Joel for letting Zach manipulate him. Overall, if you are a fan of women’s lit this book adds ruthless thugs to a women’s lit drama and steps up the heat in the romance. I don’t know how it ends...I’m not a fan of women’s lit, so I gave up about halfway through. The characters and story are well written...just not for me.
November 15, 2025
many positive attributes
I enjoyed many things about this book. I liked the development of Joel and Lora’s relationship as well as Sydney and Daniel, which felt like a lovely intertwined novella of their HEA. The found family nature of Lora and Sydney’s kindred sisterhood helped the addition of a second smaller romance plot line not feel out of place. I also liked that there wasn’t too much angst and suspense regarding the evolution of the Zach storyline. That being said, what I loved about this book helped overcome the innumerable errors: words missing letters, missing words, duplicate words. It absolutely needed another round or 2 of editing. The errors are noticeable, but I’m forgiving, while many other readers might not be.
I enjoyed many things about this book. I liked the development of Joel and Lora’s relationship as well as Sydney and Daniel, which felt like a lovely intertwined novella of their HEA. The found family nature of Lora and Sydney’s kindred sisterhood helped the addition of a second smaller romance plot line not feel out of place. I also liked that there wasn’t too much angst and suspense regarding the evolution of the Zach storyline. That being said, what I loved about this book helped overcome the innumerable errors: words missing letters, missing words, duplicate words. It absolutely needed another round or 2 of editing. The errors are noticeable, but I’m forgiving, while many other readers might not be.
January 6, 2019
Hot motorcycle riding, ex Marine
Lora is a masseuse and works at her friends bar. When she meets a sexy guy at the bar, she doesn’t know that he is really there as her protection. Joel is a former Marine and now owns a security business with his friends. Lora’s brother is a former Marine but he has a gambling problem. He gets in over his head and wants Joel to protect Lora until he can pay these loan sharks off. But until then Lora is in danger and so is Joel’s heart if he lets his walls down.
Wonderful story. Sexy. A little action. I didn’t like how so much time was spent on the secondary character, Sydney.
Lora is a masseuse and works at her friends bar. When she meets a sexy guy at the bar, she doesn’t know that he is really there as her protection. Joel is a former Marine and now owns a security business with his friends. Lora’s brother is a former Marine but he has a gambling problem. He gets in over his head and wants Joel to protect Lora until he can pay these loan sharks off. But until then Lora is in danger and so is Joel’s heart if he lets his walls down.
Wonderful story. Sexy. A little action. I didn’t like how so much time was spent on the secondary character, Sydney.
January 31, 2020
A charming story but very predictable.
Slow start. That's the reason for a four. I kept being pulled away and made the read very disruptive but I still came back. I'll definitely give it another read.
Slow start. That's the reason for a four. I kept being pulled away and made the read very disruptive but I still came back. I'll definitely give it another read.
September 5, 2020
Being Wilde
A captivating intense page turner. An incredible story . Ex marine turned private security who has to protect his friend's sister and protect his bruised heart. Electrifying, and compelling. An adult romance
A captivating intense page turner. An incredible story . Ex marine turned private security who has to protect his friend's sister and protect his bruised heart. Electrifying, and compelling. An adult romance
August 22, 2019
This was more like two stories in one. I really enjoyed this . Plenty of romance and action to keep me happy.
February 4, 2020
Awesome
I have read many books by Ms. Denison and have loved every one. This book has the suspense I enjoy. Make sure the ice water is close by. Sit back and enjoy!
I have read many books by Ms. Denison and have loved every one. This book has the suspense I enjoy. Make sure the ice water is close by. Sit back and enjoy!
February 5, 2020
More
Yep. Helping a friend. He finds out he also wants the girl. She also wants him. Except she may not live long enough.
Yep. Helping a friend. He finds out he also wants the girl. She also wants him. Except she may not live long enough.
February 5, 2020
Love
Loved this book and could not put it down. It was very good from beginning to end. I will read more of this author’s books.
Loved this book and could not put it down. It was very good from beginning to end. I will read more of this author’s books.
February 9, 2020
A very good read!
Loved it! This was a Wilde ride of a love story! The characters were spicy and Hot! The plot was good with some twists and turns. Try it!
Loved it! This was a Wilde ride of a love story! The characters were spicy and Hot! The plot was good with some twists and turns. Try it!
February 22, 2020
Great Read
Loved the writing and the characters! Would like to read the rest of the series. Love the military, ex military stories.
Loved the writing and the characters! Would like to read the rest of the series. Love the military, ex military stories.
February 25, 2020
Born to be Wilde
Enjoyable read. A lot of action and strong characters. Well thought out storyline. Recommended read to readers enjoying a relaxing book.
Enjoyable read. A lot of action and strong characters. Well thought out storyline. Recommended read to readers enjoying a relaxing book.
March 8, 2020
3+ stars
February 25, 2021
I want this book boyfriend! What a wonderful story.
Want to read
December 29, 2022Purchase Amazon January 13, 2020
February 12, 2017
I've read this book years ago before I started reviewing my reads so I decided I wanted to reread this story and write a review this time but first let me tell you what I loved most about this story. There are two love stories in this book. The main love story is between Joel Wilde and Lora Marshall. Joel was asked to protect Lora from her brother's loan shark who is after her to collect on her brother's debt. The chemistry between Joel and Lora is hot and poor Joel is trying to keep everything professional but he just can't fight the feelings he develops for Lora, even though he tries really hard to deny it. The secondary love story is between Lora's best friend, Sydney and Daniel. Sydney has major trust issues with men and Daniel just wants to love her. Reading about their relationship while reading about Joel and Lora's was just icing on the cake for me. A little bit of action, some fun flirty moments as well as very sexy times, and lots of heart and emotions made this a really great story. I'm glad I went back and reread this story to show me why I fell in love with Janelle Denison's work way back when and why I now love her stories written as Erika Wilde as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews