Something Wilder by Christina Lauren on May 17, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Humorous / General, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Women
Pages: 384
Format: eBook, Hardcover
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“Just because thoughts are loud or constant doesn’t mean they’re right.”
Growing up the daughter of notorious treasure hunter and absentee father Duke Wilder left Lily without much patience for the profession… or much money in the bank. But Lily is nothing if not resourceful, and now uses Duke’s coveted hand-drawn maps to guide tourists on fake treasure hunts through the red rock canyons of Utah. It pays the bills but doesn’t leave enough to fulfill her dream of buying back the beloved ranch her father sold years ago, and definitely not enough to deal with the sight of the man she once loved walking back into her life with a motley crew of friends ready to hit the trails. Frankly, Lily would like to take him out into the wilderness, and leave him there. Leo Grady knew mirages were a thing in the desert, but they’d barely left civilization when the silhouette of his greatest regret comes into focus in the flickering light of the campfire. Ready to leave the past behind him, Leo wants nothing more than to reconnect with his first and only love. Unfortunately, Lily Wilder is all business, drawing a clear line in the sand: it’s never going to happen. But when the trip goes horribly and hilariously wrong, the group wonders if maybe the legend of the hidden treasure wasn’t a gimmick after all. There’s a chance to right the wrongs, of Duke’s past and their own, but only if Leo and Lily can confront their history and work together. Alone under the stars in the isolated and dangerous mazes of the Canyonlands, Leo and Lily must decide whether they’ll risk their lives and hearts on the adventure of a lifetime.
I will say that the tone of this book is different than what I’m used to when it comes to their stories. It’s predominately an adventure-based treasure hunt. Which is fine, but the romance and connections they are so known for writing, definitely takes a back seat in this one. I found this novel exciting since it was so action packed and there was so many back stabbings, you didn’t know who to trust. You definitely have to suspend your belief with this one but it was such a fun time! I loved the second chance romance aspect of it and also how Lily and Leo cleared the air and communicated early on in the book aka acted like adults, truly appreciated that.
I gave this novel four stars. This is the perfect summer read–it’s a fun adventure story with treasure hunting and some steamy romance. There’s also action, puzzles, and a lot of double crossing. If you’re looking for a light read that entertains without expecting too much from the reader, this is an ideal choice.