I’m a huge fan of Lynette Noni’s prison healer series I was super excited when she revealed she was writing a YA contemporary novel. One thing I love about her books whether it’s set in a fantasy world or the Australian wilderness, her characters have so much heart and there’s always so much beneath the surface.
While the twists in this one weren’t that hard to figure out, it was still so nice when Zander and Charlie let their walls down and were truly honest with each other. Charlie finds herself in a Bear Grylls like tv show with the newest celebrity bad boy Zander Rune. This wouldn’t be so bad except she can’t stand him. Think if Josh Hutcherson got jnto legal trouble before Mockingjay and had to renew his public image to keep the role of Peeta 😂
Needless to say I loved Charlie and Zander. I thought it was really creative how the stakes were higher in the second half of the book and like Katniss and Peeta everyone loves a good h/c cave scene. I also want to thank Lynette for no encounters with spiders because my arachnophobia couldn’t have handled it.

Thanks to Netgalley for this arc.

YA contemporary romance that touches on deeper topics than most others I've read. An easy, addictive read with heart-pounding adventure and hard, emotional topics. The twist at the end felt so predictable and also WOW if this was real that TV production company would get into so much trouble because of all the life-threatening horrors and dangers they faced. The chemistry between the two MCs was very sweet but left me wanting. Overall, a good read! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I absolutely devoured Wandering Wild! Noni seamlessly transition from fantasy to contemporary romance.

I am a huge fan of dual POV in romance novels. I feel like it ups the stakes when you have insight into all the love interests’ thoughts and motivations. Both Charlie and Zander were well-developed characters, and I especially loved how well fleshed out their friendships were with the many side characters.

Although many moments in this story require some suspension of belief, the cinematic timing was flawless. Noni excels at knowing exactly when to drop a reveal or twist to give it the largest emotional impact. In Wandering Wild, her skills were on full display - I was left shocked, sobbing, and grinning in turn. Although there’s a lot of humor and swoonworthy moments infused in the plot, it does contain some heavy themes including mental illness, grief, and death. These are themes Noni has explored in her previous novels, and she always handles them sensitively and with care.

I loved everything about this survival romance. If you’re looking for an adventure to lose yourself in, this story is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this! It's filled with suspense, excitement and a slow burn romance. It was a quick, fun YA read. The characters were well-developed and felt very mature despite being teenagers. There were a few moments that require some suspension of disbelief but nothing that took away from the enjoyments. The romance doesn't feel very prominent until the end but the moments they do have throughout the story are sweet. The story does touch on grief and anxiety in a way that feels real.

I didn't want to put this down! Her The Prison Healer series has been on my TBR for awhile and I've just moved it closer to the top of the list. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the chance to read this early!

Wandering Wild is a YA contemporary romance novel that features a dual point of view between the male lead Zander Rune who is a Hollywood actor and considered problematic, and the female lead Charlie Hart a mostly normal teenage girl who doesn't like the actor. They both end up on a reality show about the wild and being a survivalist, both due to different reasons and then things go wrong.

Immediately I found Zander a very likable and lovable character who felt so real, we know vaguely that he screwed up but he seems determined to try to get his life on track. While I found Charlie to be a very relatable teen, who seems very devoted to her best friend. Some of the backstory about Charlie's family situation I was able to predict, which isn't a bad thing at all, because sometimes like here it was a good thing. While with Zander's backstory, I predicted something that didn't happen, but not everything was predictable, it was just the one thing for me.

This was my first Lynette Noni book, but this makes me want to read more books from her. The book gives me light dystopian and reality show vibes, and the stand out for me was Zander, I loved being in his head, his backstory, and how he reacted to everything. Charlie was wonderful as well. I loved how diverse the book was.

This was very different from what I normally read, so it was a nice change of pace for me, especially after what I finished before this. So, this lighthearted was very much needed for me. I really enjoyed that this YA book felt like a YA book, very similar to ones I would read back in high school so I think will resonate with teen readers. If you enjoy slow burn, dislike to love, and dual POVs, check this one out. :)

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.

I’m a fan of The Prison Healer trilogy and was excited to see a new release scheduled from Lynette Noni. The contemporary romance in Wandering Wild is a slow developing, YA coded relationship. The story begins with a begrudging tolerance between the main characters as they embark on a 4 day survivalist trip through the wilds in Australia.

While I had to suspend my disbelief at a lot of the situations the protagonists find themselves in, the story unfolded in a way that kept me invested in these two. The combination of learning their histories and the slow burn connection along side the crazy wilderness experiences made it hard to put down.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

When I saw that Lynette Noni was publishing a YA romance novel I knew that I had to take a chance on it. I loved her Prison Healer series and was excited to see what was in store. Unfortunately this book was a little bit of a letdown :(
It wasn’t bad by any means, there is a lot about this book that’s easy to enjoy but overall it felt a little rushed and trauma dumpy. The dialogue turned into confessionals a lot of the time & I feel like I never really got a feel for the personality of the characters because of that. I also am not a fan of the insta-love trope generally so that doesn’t help a ton.
That being said, the adventure they went on was very intense and I felt stressed every single time something went wrong so kudos for that!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was filled with lots of excitement! Dangerous and suspenseful situations, combined with intense feelings and romance. The story is about a famous actor working towards mending his public image by participating in a survival show with a fan. The characters showed a lot of depth and resilience. This was a great YA, easy read! I really enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC.

4.25 stars!! 🌌

While this may be Lynette Noni's first ever contemporary romance, she did not disappoint! I loved the prisoner healer series and though they were two difference genres, two different books, both made me CRY!

Wandering Wild follows Zander, a Hollywood actor who is attempting to rebuild his reputation and Charlie, a girl who would do anything for her best friend and has been through so much; both these characters have. Zander & Charlie are so so lovable, so emotionally complex, and their vulnerability during the high stakes, life threatening adventure is undoubtedly heartwarming.

I loved how the book didn't give you all the answers to our characters' backstories because it made me keep reading with intrigue. This book touches on grief, friendship, and living life to the fullest, which is such a special message especially since this book is catered to the YA audience. I loved the tension between Zander and Charlie, how they saw themselves in each other, and their character development. Also the diversity in this book was astounding!

Nature/hiking/all that kind of stuff isn't my forte but this book made me appreciate those who have a passion for adventure. I did notice the slow pace in the beginning but that quickly picked up towards the middle, which made me finish this book within 2 days. I wished we saw more of the romance but I also really appreciated the focus on grief and healing.

I did predict the twist but that's probably because I'm familiar with Lynette's storytelling (pats self on back). Absolutely LOVED the progression of Zander and Charlie's relationship; thinking about them now literally makes me tear up. All I wish is happiness for these characters <3

Highly recommend reading this book to feel something, to have a good time, and to witness a wonderful romance!!

Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Adorable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.

You have to suspend your disbelief going in. Once you do, this is adorable. It's filled with danger and excitement, forcing our MCs to confront both their mortality and their feelings in increasingly deadly encounters. If you like the stakes of the Hunger Games and the sweetness of rom-coms, then this is a good book for you. Obviously the romance was quite quick, and I don't believe a lot of the scenes were realistically depicted. But who cares when the book was just so damn cute?

I had a really good time reading this one and would be happy to read it again.

And I'm out.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing. If Lynette Noni writes it, im reading it. I love her writing style. I am so grateful to have read an early copy of her first contemporary style romance. Loved the characters and the plot.

This book was fantastic from start to finish. The characters and their relationships to one another are wonderfully developed. There were a lot of suspenseful moments included throughout their wilderness adventure. This is much more than a romance story (which was also an adorable aspect) but really includes some deep thought provoking topics of what characters are going through. Highly recommended!

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lynette Noni’s “Wandering Wild” is a YA contemporary novel that focuses on survival and emotional healing (with a touch of romance) in a gripping, high-stakes adventure. Known for her Prison Healer fantasy series, Noni brings her signature tense storytelling and heartfelt character development to this genre, crafting a story about survival—not just in the wilderness, but in the face of grief, guilt, and self-discovery. Before going into this book, be aware that the story does go into detail on the shared trauma of both characters, which includes loved ones in relation to DUIs and suicide attempts.

Zander Rune, once Hollywood’s golden boy, has seen his career plummet after a DUI scandal. Desperate to rebuild his image, he agrees to star in a survival reality show alongside a handpicked fan. The problem? His so-called “biggest fan” Charlie Hart isn’t a fan at all—she despises everything he represents. Forced into the experience by her best friend, Charlie has no interest in bonding with Zander, especially given her own painful past—her mother was killed by a drunk driver. But when the staged wilderness adventure turns into a real fight for survival, Zander and Charlie find themselves stranded without a film crew, forced to rely on each other. As they navigate the unforgiving Australian wilderness, both must confront their past traumas, their true selves, and the unexpected connection growing between them.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its vivid, immersive setting. Noni’s descriptions of the Australian wilderness bring the environment to life, making it a character in its own right. From tense, high-stakes survival sequences to quieter moments appreciating the beauty of nature, the book offers an engaging mix of action and introspection. It’s also surprisingly informative about survival skills, which adds an extra layer of realism. The dual-POV narration works particularly well, allowing you to get into both Zander and Charlie’s heads. Their emotional arcs are well-developed, and while some aspects of the story lean into melodrama, the characters’ struggles—grief, guilt, and self-worth—are handled with sincerity. The book also includes a trigger warning at the beginning for mental health and personal trauma, acknowledging its deeper themes.

Charlie is a witty, sharp protagonist, using humor and sarcasm as a shield against her pain. Her interactions with Zander range from hilarious to heart-wrenching, and their reluctant alliance-turned-romance is a compelling aspect of the story. Zander, despite his celebrity status, is a layered character whose struggles with self-image and redemption add depth beyond the typical "bad boy" trope. The book also features strong friendships, particularly with Charlie’s best friend Ember, whose presence adds warmth and a sense of found family.

While the emotional depth and survival elements shine, some aspects of the story require suspension of disbelief—particularly certain improbable moments in their survival journey. The romance, while sweet, develops fairly quickly given the circumstances, and the third-act conflict feels a bit rushed in its resolution. Additionally, while the book is marketed as a contemporary romance, the romantic elements take a backseat for much of the story, only becoming prominent near the end.

The characters, while emotionally mature and self-aware, sometimes feel more like adults than teenagers. While this makes for insightful dialogue, it can also make their voices feel slightly inauthentic. The characters were so self-aware of their emotions, which made them very open about mental health and act as wonderful examples for teen readers, but they just didn’t feel realistic. They sometimes thought/acted more like therapists rather than teenagers. Some plot twists, particularly regarding Zander’s secret, are predictable, though they don’t detract too much from the overall experience.

Overall, “Wandering Wild” is an engaging and heartfelt novel that balances adventure, emotion, and romance. While it may require some suspension of disbelief, its well-developed characters, immersive survival elements, and exploration of grief make it a compelling read. Fans of survival stories and redemption arcs will find plenty to enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone for the advanced copy of this book. Wandering Wild is an excellent story- I went in thinking it would be a cute YA romcom, but it ended up being much more than that. There is depth and resilience through all the trials Zander and Charlie face. The story touches on grief, anxiety, and depression in a way that is relatable and has triumph. I am a big fan of the story and characters!

A wonderful adventure that blends suspense, romance, and character growth into something deeper and more resonant than first meets the eye. I loved the arcs of the characters, the plot twists, and concept. And as always, Noni’s writing is a delight. The only part that wasn’t a full five stars for me was the ending, which somehow felt a little too sweet given the more serious themes that gave this book unexpected depth. But overall excellent.

Ahh, I loved this! I devoured it in less than two days, and it was such a cute but also thrilling adventure.

Wandering Wild follows Zander, resident Hollywood star and alleged 'bad-boy' on a wilderness adventure to rehab his image in time to keep his latest movie role, all the while being reluctantly accompanied by Charlie, who ended up on the adventure due to her scheming best friend. The story follows Charlie and Zander through wilderness obstacles, grief journeys, and a whole lot of vulnerability as they tackle a four day struggle for survival.

I absolutely loved both of the characters - Zander was the perfect mix of cocky Hollywood star from humble beginnings, and his relationship with Summer was my absolute favorite. Charlie was relatable and funny without being a total cliche 'not like the other girls,' and I was routing for them the whole time, The character growth was excellent, and I loved the exploration of their grief and mental health journeys. Creative liberties were definitely taken at times, and while the difficulty of their adventures made the story more harrowing and entertaining, it was somewhat unrealistic to think they would have survived these various obstacles, especially spoken as someone with experience in backcountry camping and hiking. This was, however, acknowledged by the author at the end of the book, and I do think was necessary to craft a good story!

Overall, I had a great time reading this YA book - if you're looking for a book about true friendship and taking a wilderness adventure to find yourself (and maybe fall in love), this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the arc copy.

Truly enjoyed this hard-to-put-down title. “Girl hates boy” slow burn romance meets survival reality tv show, not a combo that I thought I’d enjoy, but it was a fun read. Great descriptions of the physical challenges of a survival adventure. The serious issues that the characters are dealing with were dealt with well.

ummm can i say obsessed?? so this book was everything and more! i’m not much of a YA reader but Lynette blew it out of the park with this one! the adventure, danger, high stakes, with a slow-burn, growth romance was EVERYTHING. i read this one in a day! i couldn’t put it down! i loved everything about this one! it had its deep and heartfelt moments along with its swoony and humorous ones as well! gah, i just loved it!

Looking for adrenalin rush all from the confines of your comfy couch?

Look no further than this YA romance that takes the reader rappelling from jaw dropping heights, navigating caverns swollen with water, and attempting to carefully traverse a flimsy bridge that straddles a death defying valley.

She, of the wonderful "Prison Healer" series (in my opinion, on par with Sarah Maas' ACOTAR) delivers a contemporary novel that will have the reader metaphorically present alongside the characters as they embark on an adventure.

Excellent descriptions of Zander and Charlies' physical challenges as well as the strong feels they experience as they determinedly move thru the land rife with deadly snakes, inedible plants and the ever changing landscape affected by the weather elements. This novel is told from the dual POVs. It had some twists that made this a satisfying read.


This ARC was provided by the publisher, Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


#WanderingWild #NetGalley

2.5 Stars.

Wandering Wild is a YA rom-com by Lynette Noni set in the Australian wilderness. It's the first book of hers I've read, and I read rave reviews about her Prison Healer fantasy series, so I was eager to try this book out. It includes dual POV from both the male and female main characters, and includes lots of facts about the wilderness and survival.

Summary: Charlie (main female character) and Zander (main male character) embark on a survival trip through the Australian wilderness together for different reasons. Charlie wants to help her best friend Ember (who is in cancer remission), and Zander (a famous actor) wants to re-build his reputation with the public. Together with some tour guides, they begin the grueling survival trip. However, they get separated from their tour guides and end up alone together trying to survive and get back to safety. Through their journey in the wilderness, they also have an emotional journey through some tough issues from their past. Will they end up journeying to each other in their forced proximity? Will they make it back to safety alive?

Impressions: I appreciated that the author took on heavier issues and a more unique story-line in Australia. However, this book wasn't for me. I'm middle-aged and enjoy some YA books such as Lynn Painter's books, but this one was much more geared to a true YA audience and I didn't connect with it. I would personally rate it 2 stars, but thought a YA audience would rate it 3 stars, so I landed on 2.5 stars.

I found the first half of the book to be very slow and not compelling. It felt like filler that should have been edited down, and then transitioned to an episode of Man vs. Wild where I'm being schooled on survival tactics. The middle of the book focused on discussions around some heavy issues, but the dialogue felt scripted, like it had correct answers only and wasn't authentic in the way kids wrestle through things. Although the characters were around age 18, much of their dialogue in the first 75% of the book didn't feel authentic to their age. It felt like they were either middle schoolers, or adult therapists.

The romance didn't really begin until the last 10% of the book, and I didn't feel any romantic tension between the couple. The majority of the book was more about friendship, forgiveness, and working through some really heavy issues. However, I personally felt like the book took on too many heavy issues at once. It felt like it didn't tackle any one sufficiently.

A younger audience might enjoy this more than me, but due to the content listed below and the comments I listed above put this book as a miss for me.

Content Considerations: Light language (includes some Biblical swears but no F-- words), light kissing only and no spice or discussion of sex, heavier LGBT content (one side character uses they/them pronouns, one male character wears eyeliner, and two side male characters are married to each other), some very heavy themes that could be spoilers if listed here.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.