This book wasn’t as “wild” a ride as I expected. Much of it was more a narrative of Melanie’s life. Once I realized that, it was an easy, fast read.

This is a different type of book. It is the story of a woman’s life from childhood to adulthood. The plot is loose and does not really come together until the end. I have read many of her books but was not overly impressed with this one. Easy read

As a long time fan of Fern Michaels, I was looking forward to reading this new book. Unfortunately, the characters were unremarkable and the story moved so slowly with nothing much happening that I was really disappointed. I can't recommend this. one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy.

I really enjoy reading Fern Michael’s romantic suspense books. With that said, “The Wild Side” was anything but wild. I kept waiting for something to happen, and when it finally did, it was over so fast, the reader was left wondering if that was all there was. Turns out, that’s all there was. The story follows Melanie, from a precocious child to an intelligence spy with very little intrigue. The character of Melanie was well conceived and crafted, but the story lacked substance. This was my least favorite Fern Michael’s novel, but it certainly won’t keep me from reading everything she publishes. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy in return for my unbiased review.

This was a good and fast read. I had not read anything from Ms Michaels in years. If you like mystery and romance this will be for you. A young girl who is an over achiever has her life planned out. She wanted to be an overseas diplomat for the government. When she graduates college, she is hired by the FBI in counterintelligence. But her dreams and the reality of just what she ends up doing is worlds apart.

A few things on this book, it definitely ends on a to be continued! Its not a huge cliffhanger but there is many things left up in the air! This book had light suspense, intrigue, some action, espionage, and some crazy twist and turns! The storyline was decent and flowed nicely! I wouldn't say it was one of my top favorites books but it is still worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! I would definitely like to read the next!

"The Wild Side" by Fern Michaels centers on Melanie Drake, a school guidance counselor in a serene Virginia town, whose past as a covert operative starkly contrasts her current life. Initially, her daily challenges involve minor school conflicts and caring for her two retired service dogs, but this tranquility is shattered when her former supervisor, Rich Patterson, presents her with a dangerous task. He asks her to infiltrate an elite circle of billionaires who employ high-class escorts for lavish dinners. These men are not only affluent but also ruthless, posing a significant threat to anyone who might jeopardize their operations.

As Melanie assumes the role of an escort, she immerses herself in a world of luxury while gathering crucial intelligence for national security. This duality—balancing the calm of her everyday life with the risks of her mission—creates a compelling tension throughout the narrative. The themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle between her past and present resonate deeply as she navigates this treacherous landscape.

Michaels adeptly portrays the contrasting environments, shifting from the comfort of Melanie's home to the extravagant yet menacing gatherings she infiltrates. The emotional stakes rise as she confronts fear, determination, and the weight of her dual identity.

The characters are well-developed; Melanie stands out as a strong female protagonist whose resilience is continually tested. The supporting characters enrich the story, each contributing meaningfully to her journey.

The author's writing style is both refined and accessible, skillfully blending suspense with moments of introspection. While the premise is engaging, certain elements could benefit from further development, suggesting that although the story captivates, some aspects may lack depth.

The Wild Side by F. Michaels. I'm sitting on this review for quite some time, so how to do the boook justice.
I'm a fan of F. Michaels writing, I love her stories, the plots, the characters.
The Wild Side has not much of these love gained.
The story is confusing. Melanie Drake a former cop now school counselor and this is her story.