Something Wilder by Christina Lauren (2022)Lily would love to own her own ranch, but she's stuck taking tourists on treasure hunting adventures, using her late father's maps. She's surprised one day to see her former love as a guest on her trip, but she barely has time to acknowledge him before it all goes wrong. This book was quite different from the other Christina Lauren books I've read - the romance is definitely there, but it doesn't take center stage. That would be the adventure, a fake-turned-very real treasure hunt with far-reaching consequences. I liked how Lily and Leo worked together and still seemed to know each other so well, despite their love affair being so short and then being apart for so many years. The authors do a great job of setting the scene, making the reader feel like they are taking this trip along with Lily and the guests. I will say, though, this story has been described as laugh-out-loud funny and hilarious, and I found it anything but. There are some very serious things that happen on this treasure hunt, and so I think this book is a bit mischaracterized. 4 stars
Sawyer has a breakdown while serving as a groomsman at the wedding of his ex-fiance to his best friend. He runs out in the middle of the ceremony and ends up in a small town, where he just might find the peace and love he's looking for. I have really been enjoying Meghan Quinn's books, but this one was a big miss for me. The story starts off with such a bang, but it just fizzles out after that. In a small California town, Sawyer stays at a family-run cabin business and meets Fallon and her grandfather, Sully. Fallon is helping Sully renovate and run the cabins, as he is now suffering from Alzheimer's. Sawyer starts to help out around the camp and falls for Fallon in the process. Both Fallon and Sawyer felt extremely unrealistic and immature as characters. Their relationship is so slow-burn, it often felt like nothing was happening (I guess it doesn't help that Fallon had a boyfriend for most of the book). I don't mind sweet, slow-burn, almost completely closed-door romances, but this was just a slog. The dialogue is also very cringey and doesn't sound like how real people would talk (too much description, words/phrases that people don't actually use). The one thing that saved the book for me was Sully. I thought his portrayal as a man with Alzheimer's, still trying to go about his daily life, was very realistic and also heartbreaking. I loved seeing all the characters rally around him. 3 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
I've learned that Meghan Quinn is very much a hit or miss author for me. Some I love and some I just don't. The cringey dialogue is already a red flag for me (believable dialogue is something I need and this sounds like it misses the mark) and the way you describe Fallon and Sawyer as immature kind of seals the deal. I think I'll give this one a pass.
ReplyDeleteSame! I was kind of surprised at how disappointing this one was for me, although by the high rating on Goodreads, it seems I'm kind of an outlier!
DeleteI saw Something Wilder at the library recently, but didn't check it out. I'll keep it in mind because it sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteYay, hope you love it if you do decide to read it, Kay!
DeleteThe first one sounds interesting- love the treasure hunt angle- even if it does feel different from her usual.
ReplyDeleteThe treasure hunt was really fun!
DeleteI was hesitant to read Something Wilder because of the action/adventure type story. I ended up loving it. I liked the hunt so much. There was the one part that sort of threw me as this was supposed to be a rom-com, but all the rest was great.
ReplyDeleteRight?? That one event kind of changed the whole story for me.
DeleteThe treasure hunt aspect does sound fun — bit surprised about such a complete mischaracterisation of a book and at the same time I know I shouldn’t be!
ReplyDeleteI know, it seems to be happening a lot!
DeleteYou can't go wrong with Christina Lauren- I haven't read that one yet! Will definitely be adding it to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteYay, hope you love it, Christina!
DeleteI am intrigued by the Christina Lauren novel, despite the mischaracterization. It is surprising that they veered away from their traditional writing style. Too bad about the Quinn novel. I hope that you love her next one a bit more. :)
ReplyDeleteIt can be so fun when authors try something new. This still had some romance, but the action-adventure part was really the highlight for me.
DeleteI agree that Something Wilder was a bit mischaracterized. It wasn't a hit for me personally, but still great that the authors tried something new though! Sorry that Runaway Groomsman was a miss for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lindsey! I'm looking forward to trying more Meghan Quinn, even if this one was a miss.
DeleteSorry to hear Runaway Groomsman didn't work well for you. I agree about Sully being one of the highlights of the book though. I loved his character.
ReplyDeleteMy heart just ached for him!
Delete