Member Reviews

This book was amazing. The premise was so unique and fresh (daughter of a treasure hunter becomes a wilderness guide - just, what???) I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

In brief, it's a second-chance romance with danger, action, adventure, and mystery. The chemistry between the main characters, Lily and Leo, is really great, and we also get dual perspectives from each of them, which is something else unique in a romcom.

I would definitely recommend this one. It's a great story.

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This book surprised me with how much I loved it. I didn't think the setting would really be for me, but I wanted to give it a try since I have enjoyed Christina Lauren's books before. I'm so glad I did! I loved the adventure and puzzle aspects of this story. It genuinely surprised me with plot twists I didn't see coming and I absolutely loved the second chance romance aspect. I really loved getting both POVs from Leo and Lily. Loved Leo's character and how honest he was with his feelings! We need more emotionally in-touch men in romances!! Loved it.

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This was such a different and lovely book from Christina Lauren. Lily and Leo are so well written and fun characters. I loved the adventure they embark on and their second chance at romance. The twists and turns this story takes are so good and entertaining,

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I think Christina Lauren was trying to do too much in this installment. I never really felt like I cared for our two main characters' love story arc and I also never much cared for the adventure story. Their writing is always engaging so that was a huge plus. Love this author duo but didn't particularly like this book from them.

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I love everything Christina Lauren puts out and this book was no exception. I always describe these books as Hallmark movies with spice, and they make the perfect summer read.

This one follows Lily's story as she tries to scrape a living giving adventure tours in the wilds of Utah. When her newest group comes to town, she suddenly finds herself face to face with the man who broke her heart years ago. As they head into the backcountry, they both have to figure out how to deal with the unresolved feelings and history between them.

Along the journey they run into all kinds of danger, both natural and human-made, and Lily must decide who to trust and if she is ready to open her heart up again.

This book is a wonderful addition to cannon of Christina Lauren!

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Thank you for the e-arc!

Loved the adventure and thrill. The setting truly came to life in this one! Great group of characters and some twists (predictable but it’s not a thriller).

I wanted more background/romance but this was such a fun read!!!

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Such a fantastic read about lost love and treasure. I enjoyed the characters and the story line was fascinating. The story weaved a bit of history with treasure hunting and added some romance. Great book..

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I know that I’ll get a swoon worthy romance story each time I read a CLo book, but I wasn’t expecting this fun adventure! I loved that we readers got the added bonus to take a ride through the Wild West looking for treasure left behind by notorious Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and escape the reality of the pandemic for a bit.

Leo and Lily were sweet characters to be reunited and have a rekindled romance, making me realize how ,urn I love this second chance trope.

*many thanks to Gallery and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

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This just might be my favorite #ChristinaLauren book yet! I absolutely loved this adventure fueled romance, most of which I read in a single sitting.

I enjoyed following the main characters on an unexpected treasure hunt, while at the same time rekindling their connection after then years apart. It really was the perfect escape-read contemporary romance that I didn't know I needed. 

This book kept me guessing as there were several moments I didn't see coming, and I absolutely loved how it all came together in the end. This book took some intense thinking and research on the author's part - and it was a totally fun and unique spring read!

Thank you to Gallery Books for my gifted review copies.

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As much as I adore Christina Lauren books, this one didn’t do it for me…

Usually in their books, steamy, cute romance is at the forefront with bold characters and lots of humor. This felt more like an adventure story, and I found myself not caring much about Leo and Lily. Honestly, I even got bored reading it. I’m sure people who are less romance focused with love this one, though!

3.5⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

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I will read anything Christina Lauren writes and this book absolutely did not disappoint. I love a second chance romance and this one was so different than anything I have read before, in the best way. I loved the "Wild West" vibes and the treasure hunt, and I did not see that plot twist coming. I need my hands on another book by them asap!

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3.5 stars rounded up!

Christina Lauren’s newest page turner tells the story of a ranching romance rekindled on the Outlaw Trail.

Lily, a horse woman and daughter of a famous and eccentric treasure hunter, is struggling through her day to day job as an adventure guide. But as an opportunity at love returns—along with a new clue to her father’s greatest treasure hunt, Lily follows in an outlaw’s footsteps through the Utah canyons to fix her life.

THIS BOOK TURNED BONKERS. About 20% in this baby really pivots and gets so wild. I read it in one long plane ride and it really helped me make it through the turbulence. Funny and unique for sure.

Two things I think could have been great additions are that this book evacuates the “West” of native history and i wish the authors had included a land acknowledgment or some research about the tribal lands on which the book takes place rather than the very vague strange references that appear. Also I think Lily’s BFF could have been an amazing queer character.

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Christina Lauren does it again! As per usual, the duo delivers on all fronts with their latest romance. Leo and Lily are maybe my favorite couple of theirs! As a huge horse fan (and romanticist of the cowboy/cowgirl lifestyle), I couldn’t help but fall head over heels for the whole thing.

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This book was not at all what I expected from Christina and Lauren. Whereas previous books have been true romances, this one focused way more on the adventure/treasure hunt. Not a bad thing - just different - and something for potential readers to be aware of. In fact, Leo and Lily's romance left me with a lot of questions. I liked them as characters and I liked them together, I just didn't feel as though I understood them well.

If you're looking for a pure second chances romance, I'd suggest something else. If you're a fan of adventure, give this book a try! It was an easy, quick, and enjoyable read.

3 1/2 stars.

I recieved a free ARC through NetGalley for my honest review.

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My favorite Duo is back at it !!!

I love LOVE this writing team and will read anything they write. I was a little surprised when I started reading and it was a Western/Mystery because it is different then all their other books but I loved every single page of it. I loved that it wasn't just romance but that there were other elements to the story including a treasure hunt, and relationship between father/daughter or lack there of. I don't want to list anymore because it would give away parts of the plot!

I rated it 4/5 stars because I felt like we needed more backstory between Leo and Lily. We talked about it a lot but something just felt missing in that. And I would have loved to have more insight onto Lily and Duke's life before he passed. I feel like those elements would have answered a lot of questions I had.

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After reading some mixed reviews about Something Wilder, I was concerned that it wouldn't be as satisfying of a read as I have found all their other books to be.

Overall, here's where I've landed.
Is this your typical contemporary romcom? Nope!
Was it different than any other CLo books? Absolutely!
Did it lack the steam that we've come to expect from this dynamic duo? Unfortunately, also yes!
BUT, I actually found it to be fun and exciting and adventurous and an overall refreshing read.
And let's be honest here, I will read anything and everything these brilliant authors publish.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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I enjoyed this book, but I was disappointed by how this seemed more like a treasure hunt book with a little romance, than a romance book. I felt like the relationship progressed really fast, and was more drawn into the treasure aspects. Also, the "accident" that took place was really surprising and not something I want/expect in a romance book.

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Lily Wilder runs Wilder Adventures, a expedition company that allows tourists to "search" for Butch Cassidy's treasure. When her last group shows up, she's committed to hang up the ropes, figure out her life.

In comes Leo Grady, Lily's ex love who left from the ranch years ago for a family emergency and never was heard from again.

And thus, a wild adventure begins that is above anyone's expectations. Readers, buckle up, you're in for a "wild" ride!

Something Wilder is different from CLos normal. Yet, this book is a strong reminder that Christina Lauren can write anything and it'll be a beautiful journey! I enjoyed this second chance romance that really was an adventure novel with a little bit of love involved.

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The writing team known as Christina Lauren has produced another fun, exciting read. Their latest delves into the world of extreme camping and treasure hunting - not your typical rom-com. Lily Wilder grew up on a ranch, loving the life, but not so much her adventure-seeking father, Duke Wilder. When she was younger Lily would accompany her father and she enjoyed the codes and puzzles he left her. As she grew older Lily realized her father wasn't really there for her at all and raising his daughter was not a priority. Duke was leaving for his latest trip when Lily put her foot down to stay and run the ranch with her new love, Leo Grady. Leo started working at the ranch that summer, the two fell in love and had a hot, heavy romance until he was called away at the end of the summer and never to return. Fast forward ten years. Duke sold the ranch to finance a trip, then died leaving Lily with mountains of debt and his journal full of clues, codes and hand drawn maps. It is those maps that allow Lily and her friend Nicole to lead treasure hunts on horseback through the Utah desert and eek out a living.. The latest, a group of men who have taken yearly trips together since college, seem to be typical clients until Lily realizes one is none other than the elusive Leo Grady. Lily can't deny the attraction is still there and Leo certainly doesn't hide his feelings. Add to that the mix of personalities of Leo's friends and the dangers they face on the trail. When things go drastically wrong Lily and Leo and the gang must face the fact that Duke may have been right and his journal is leading them to the actual treasure hidden by notorious outlaw, Butch Cassidy. They must deal with precarious trails, dangerous weather and ruthless competitors. as well as the undeniable attraction between Lily and Leo. I really enjoyed Something Wilder. It was a fast, fun, read and would be a great beach read. Fans of rom-com and adventure will love this book and fans of Christina Lauren will be delighted. Many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read the ARC.

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4.25/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🔥

I was SO excited when I got approved for this ARC on NetGalley - Christina Lauren have written so many of my comfort reads, and I just adore them. And then I saw some so-so reviews for this and was feeling bummed. So I went in to this pretty guarded - all of the reviews I saw said there should have been more romance.

I’m not sure if it’s because I went in with lower expectations (for both the book and the romance), but I honestly loved it! I thought it was really quirky and fun. And I feel offended on behalf of Leo that people were disappointed in the romance, because what is more romantic than a guy being so hung up on you that he asks the first girl he’s with after you to call him cowboy?! The man was pining after Lily for 10 whole years.

I don’t want to give away the plot because there’s a few twists (which TBH I saw coming from a mile away, but still enjoyed it), but I recommend for any of my fellow romance lovers that want to ~switch things up~ a little bit.

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