by M. Leighton
Series: The Wild Ones #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame. Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future. But that was before she met Patrick Henley. “Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him. The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of. When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart
I have had Wild Ones by M. Leighton on my nook since, well forever. I watched it go to the top of the charts, saw Penguin pick it up, republish it and then I got an ARC of book two, and it was just the kick I needed to read it. Dang..why did I wait so long. *sigh* I have read previous books by Leighton and adored them. Isn’t it weird how some books just sit in our pile, even though we know they will be good?
You’ve seen a million reviews for this so I decided to take Wild Ones on a date:
First Date: Picture it if you will, a southern bar, cowboy boots, cover band playing in the background. Nice right? I’m sitting at the bar Cami is sitting at the bar, when a tall dark and oh so handsome man bumps into her sloshing beer down the front of her t-shirt. Trick introduces himself and Cami stammers and blushes. Hell I stammer and blush the man is lovely to look at with his wide sexy smile and mischievous eyes..he oozes sexy and I wanna where it like cologne. The banter is humorous and can you say sexual tension? *fans-self* My heart is racing, and I think I am in love. But wait, Cami has a boyfriend or does she? I easily slipped into the tale and was curious about the characters. Already I am excited about the ride ahead.
“Pick “treat”. Please, for the love of God, pick “treat”
Second date: Cami is a daughter of privilege; her Daddy owns a horse ranch and rules with an iron fist. She is a pleaser, right down to the Daddy approved boyfriend, but she cannot stop thinking about Trick. Turns out Trick is still thinking about her. Heck, I am still thinking about Trick. But wait, whose the new horse handler Daddy hired while she was away a school? Yep, Mr. Hottie-pants himself. The man is more than sex on a stick folks. He is sweet, smart and cares for his family. He also has that messed up hair you want to run your fingers through. *swoons* He is a boy from the wrong side of tracks, with a heart of gold and gads can I keep him? He wants Cami only the boss has said, “hands off” The tension is hot, the chemistry heated and I am melting. There are shared moments, conversation and delicious banter that melt me. At this point I am in fear of being struck by lightning from all the sparks flying around in that barn. Cami has moments where she is really strong and independent, but she needs to break free of Daddy and that pesky boyfriend. I love the thread on the horses, races and breeding.
“Trick looks up, and his eyes meet mine. I am a deer caught in the headlights. I am a girl charmed by the cobra. I am breathless and mesmerized. And then he grins. Just like that, I’m his. Whether he knows it or not.”
Third date: Fireworks!! Then secrets from the past cause heartache and misunderstandings. Both Cami and Trick are strong, intelligent and dumb. They have to overcome obstacles and worse family interference, but I want need my happily-ever-after. I am wounded; they are wounded. I feel pain, and are those tears? At this point I am all in. Don’t talk to me. Don’t look at me. I am reading! I am not going home till you buy me a cup a coffee and a slice of cheesecake..this date has left me spent…I need nourishment. I arrive home saddle sore but so glad I went on this date.
“Stuff like looking me over as if you wanna lick every square inch of me and then blushing about it. It’s taking every bit of willpower I have and then some not to come over there and kiss you.”
While Wild Ones has a lot of familiar tropes but Leighton made them her own and I was completely swept up in the romance. While we get some heated scenes, it was fairly tame. I actually swooned more over the tension and sweeter drawn out moments in this tale.
Leighton’s Wild Ones was predictable, but the ride was filled with wonderful moments, angst and well, Mr. Hottie. *Treat please.* The next book Wild Child (#1.5) features Randy, Trick’s best friend and Some Like it Wild which released March 4, 2014 shares the story of Laney Holt a preacher’s daughter.
Three and half cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mandy
Great review. I’ve seen this cover around. It sounds like my kind of book. However I haven’t read any of M. Leighton books yet which is clearly a shock to myself. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your reviews.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy her books, they offer nice escapes. 🙂 thanks Mandy!
Lindy
I love M. Leighton, and am glad that you read, The Wild Ones! I loved the sexual tension between the two characters and agree that it was fairly tame (especially compared to her other stories), but was still very enjoyable! I got swept up in all the romance ands swooned over Trick quite a few times!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah it was a fun romp 🙂
Pamela D
Isn’t it always the truth that you get a book and put it to the side for months and then read it and fall in love with it? 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, I have a few like Night Circus still sitting in my pile..lol
Liz
I love M Leighton, and I just read this myself. I really need to get on board and get my review up. I didn’t love it as much as her Bad Boys series, but it was good!! And Trick was a dream <3
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I adored that series!
Naomi
Great review Kimberly!! Loved the date process! Too bad you felt this book was too predictable. I really enjoy these kind of reads, they are fun, quirky and I love how they make me feel so good. Jenna and Rusty’s book is hawt! And you will like Jake in book 2…. fire-fighter!!
kimbacaffeinate
I did like Jake and err wrote a poem about it, it posts next Sat. LOL I enjoyed this and like you said it was fast, fun and quirky
A Voracious Reader
This should be hitting all my buttons, but all I can think is, “Pass.” Ah, well. I’ll listen to my gut…for now.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Carol 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I’ve been thinking about doing a cowboy romance and these do seem to fit the bill. What a great date… but wait… tears? Oh no! Still, does sound like a date I would love to be on. Hm… all her books are now on my wishlist!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, this was a fun, predictable read that I enjoyed Melissa 🙂
Tanja
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one Kim, cause this book gave me headaches. Cami annoyed me so much and the insta-love really turned me of. I love the way you wrote your review. Great job, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun read and thank you 🙂
Heidi
I am still not convinced this one is for me, I have read two other books by this author and they just weren’t for me. I know Christy wasn’t completely sold on this either, so I will likely pass, glad it was a fun read for you, though!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Heidi 🙂 it was a fun, light read 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I won’t have any problems suspending disbelief if I were to read this novel. I live in Nashville and the bar described is the types of places one would find on the strip in Downtown.
kimbacaffeinate
that is cool Braine. My sister lives outside of Nashville 🙂
Debbie Haupt
OOOH Laa Laa Kimba, I’ll get ma fan and mint julep and get ready to read this bad boy 🙂
thanks you make it sound great
deb
kimbacaffeinate
LOL Debbie 🙂
Jenea
You had me at southern man with cowboy boots. I need to pick this up and soon! Awesome review.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..that gets me every time too Jenea 🙂
Candace
I bought this when it first came out too! And still haven’t read it! I’m glad you mostly enjoyed this one. The misunderstandings and poor communications are things I tend to really hate, so we’ll see how it works for this one.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Candace it was light, fun and had swoon-worthy moments 🙂
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
Honestly, this doesn’t sound like something I’d normally enjoy, but every once in a blue moon, I’m in the mood for a hot romance and I step out of my comfort zone. I’ll add this to my GoodReads tbr just for one such occasion.
But is his name really Trick?! Odd.
kimbacaffeinate
No it is Patrick, but his friends call him Trick 🙂
Lauren
I keep hearing raves about this, so I guess I need to read it finally! Sounds like there’s a lot of delicious sexual tension and romance to look forward to, even if it is predictable. I don’t mind that as long as it brings the swoon! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun escape with a little swooning 🙂
Kim
I actually love it when a romance has a ton of sexual tension and banter in it. Your three dates was super fun too! Glad Wild Ones was finally taken off your list and such a fun read. Great review, Kimba 🙂
PS: I did go on my book date and picked up Written In Red. I can’t wait to tell you about it. Thanks for recommending it.
kimbacaffeinate
Squee, I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on it Kim 🙂
Lupdilup
I’ve been eying this on audible, sounds like it might be worth a shot. I like that it has 2 narrators, plus is priced under $8, that works for me 🙂
Thanks Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun romp Loupe 🙂
Andrea
I was lucky enough to read this in it’s early stages, and it is still my favorite of Michelle’s books. I’m really glad you enjoyed The Wild Ones. I love the review format.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Andrea, I have the indie version and loved it 🙂
Jenni
I am a sucker for some good swoon! I’m happy that you mention at the end how it does have the regular tropes but that Leighton really makes them her own because reading the dates I was thinking the story sounded too familiar. What is it with the guys with the messy hair? I want to meet him just for that!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I do like it though. This was published before NA became popular 🙂
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Love the “mini-date” review! I’m actually kind of curious about this one, even though… cowboys (not really my thing).
kimbacaffeinate
What? oooh I love a cowboy. 🙂
Nick
I read this one when it first came out, but I didn’t really enjoy it. There were parts of the book that were really cheesy and I didn’t fall for Patrick as much as everyone else did. I’m glad that you loved it though, Kim! Fabulous review! (I love the format!)
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Nick, sorry you didn’t enjoy this one. It was just the light read I needed at the time and it made me smile.
Dre
Angsty-ridden romance is one of my guilty pleasures. I really do enjoy your reviews, Kimba. You make me feel excited to pick some books! I’ve so many books, but I’d put this on my TBR to get back to for later.
kimbacaffeinate
haha..thanks Dre, this was a fast, fun read 🙂
kara-karina
Wonderful format for a review, K.! I really enjoyed it. And tell me about it, all the good book seems to wait for a very long time on my kindle 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Isn’t that the truth, it’s like we know we will like it and so it sits:)
kindlemom1
She really is a great writer and even though I love her, I just haven’t gotten around to this one yet.
So glad you liked it and are ready to start the second one. Sometimes getting ARCs of a series is a great reason to start them. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy her newer books too and agree completely.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
Quick and Fun are awesome. I have her down as one of the authors to try when I am ready to give NA another whirl (at least reading the description coupled with Date 2 I am assuming this is NA). She sounds like she nailed this romance 🙂 Also nothing wrong with a cowboy! Just Saying!
kimbacaffeinate
She actually wrote this before NA was popular and the characters are slightly older and well into college.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
It kind of struck me as that time frame. Awesome this was written before NA was NA. I just recognize her name from the list of NA authors that I got from a friend that told me that their books wouldn’t bug me. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
oh good 🙂
Kristin
eeee gads! I think I own this one, too! I need to go raking through the Kindle sometime and actually update my Goodreads to reflect what I have!! Lord knows what I own 🙂
I love Leighton’s writing so I really need to get back to her!!! Yes, this is predictable but the thing is and I KNOW you know this, this was written a while ago so it wasn’t so predictable back then 😀
Awesome review!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, before NA was NA.
Trish
That’s a fun way to review a book. And I have often wanted to kick myself for making a book wait too long but it’s all the sweeter when you get to it and it’s a series as you know you’ve lots more to get to.
Sounds like a fun read and I like that it is as sweet as it is steamy.
kimbacaffeinate
I am trying to keep reviews fresh and using many different methods now.
Jessica
Leighton really is great when you want a quick, fun read, isn’t she? I liked this too, though I haven’t read any of the followups. Note to self . . . 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Jessica they are quick, easy and fun.
blodeuedd
Dunno about that angst though
RedIza
Loved your review – you really are into it, aren’t you ? 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this and had fun writing the review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It wasn’t too bad as far as angst goes..LOL
Melliane
It sounds like a nice romance. And I totally hear you about books you have for age like that. I do the same when I see an ARC of a series I have, I’m reading the ones I have to read the new ones. Well like it’s a good thing, an old book read and a new one to read. It’s like that I read the Evanovich & Goldberg series lately.
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun now to dig out some more books in my tbr pile.
Christy
Well, you know some of my thought already. I will just say that I adored Jenna and Rusty to pieces. See, I can be nice! 😛
kimbacaffeinate
you are nice 🙂