Cover Image: A Little Wilder

A Little Wilder

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I know pregnancy trope is not for most people but it is actually one of my favorites to read. I really enjoyed reading this book and how we got to see the relationship between Mari and Kane grow. It didn't feel like they were only together because she was pregnant. I only wish we didn't get so much of Kane seeming like a different person in Vegas because he gave golden retriever boyfriend vibes and I could not see him as anything else.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the 4th book in the Wilder Adventure series and the second one I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed Wilder With You and could not wait to read the next instalment.

The Wilder Adventure series features the Wilder family. In this instalment we see Kane, the nicest Wilder, meeting his unforgettable one-night stand from 7 months ago, who is working for his family ... and is seven months pregnant!

Mari is a wonderful character, and I like the way Kane notices how self-sufficient she is. She's had a tough relationship with her mother and isn't sure she wants to raise their child. Kane is just a cream puff. He has been looking for purpose in his life and a way to distinguish himself in a family of successful people. He loves to cook and take care of people, he is a talented and creative photographer, and he finally realises what he wants ... a family of his own with Mari.

This is such a sweet story. I love this family and can't wait to read the next instalment in the series.

Was this review helpful?

After reading A Little Wilder, I immediately sought out the previous Wilder books. It was so good-touching, enjoyable, and fun. The heart of the story is boy next door, Kane, has a very short interlude with Mari who gets pregnant. Neither knows who each other is and they end up seeing each other again and the story takes off from there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Serena Bell, Author Collective 20 and NetGalley for the ARC - A Little Wilder will be released a week from now, on July 19. If you are looking for a sweet small-town romance with great humor and a wonderful supporting cast then this is it!

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas - or so Mari thought. Now, she is seven months pregnant. Kane Wilder, the kindest boy-next-door Wilder brother, hasn't been able to stop thinking about his one night in Vegas - and when he runs into the woman his brother hired to renovate their holiday motorhomes he meets her again. With a baby bump. But Mari has always lived on the road whereas Kane is tied to the family business in Oregon...

This is book 4 in the Wilder family series but can be totally read as a standalone - which I did. And now I think I need to start the series from the beginning.


I will post reviews on Instagram and Goodreads today (July 12, 2022), and on Amazon after the release date.

Was this review helpful?

Part of a series, but this book can be read as a standalone, A Little Wilder by Serena Bell was cute and entertaining. Marigold “Mari” is pregnant by a one night stand during a trip to Vegas. She doesn’t know anything about him or even his name. All she remembers is the shirt he was wearing. Kane Wilder is the one night stand in question and lives in Oregon. When Mari gets a proposal for a job, it’s from none other than the Wilder family. They need some renovation done on some airstream trailers and It’s exactly what Mari does.

Kane is the sweetest cinnamon roll. He’s trying to step up and be what Mari and the baby need. The thing is….Mari has major abandonment issues and her troubled childhood makes her think she won’t be a very good mother. Spicy story with lots of real and tender moments too. Highlight for me was the love the Wilder family showed Mari, especially Kane’s mother. Overall a delightful read, but not one I would reach for over and over again. 3.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 4.5
Author: @serenabellbooks

“A steamy, small-town, accidental pregnancy, one-night-to-forever standalone romantic comedy” Goodreads

First off, I really love the cover of this book! Both the cover and the title are just adorable and right away I knew I had to read this one. It wasn’t until after I requested it that I realized it was part of a series. Luckily this book basically acts like a standalone because you do not need to read about the other Wilder siblings in order to enjoy this one. However, I read the synopsis for the other three brothers and oh my gosh, I definitely need to read those now! I’m also really looking forward to the next one!

I haven’t read a story featuring an accidental pregnancy trope in awhile. While I do enjoy this trope it can definitely be hit or miss for me depending on how it's handled. I’m happy to say the author did a great job with it in her story. Before the two characters reconnected I already connected and started to like them both separately. Kane was such a great character and is honestly going to be a lot of peoples new book boyfriend! He was almost perfect which did start to get to me but then the reader understands why. Kane does have flaws but they are very minor because he is just such a great person. How he treated Mari melted my heart. Don’t even get me started on Mari! I loved her character. I could really relate to her fears and worries about being wanted, accepted, and about being a good mom. It is always hard to believe in any form of love once you have been abandoned at a young age. Luckily, she opens her heart to Kane and the opportunity to a future/life with him.

Only complaint and it's a small one is the saying, “boy next door” referring to Kane was used way too much. It was said almost every chapter and I don’t think the reader needed to be constantly reminded that's what he was. We know how Kane is through his actions and personality. But again this is such a small thing and might not even bother you.

I would definitely recommend this one! I enjoyed the writing style, pacing was on point, the characters were lovely, and the overall plot was fun. It was so precious and honestly I laughed and smiled so much while reading it. I’m pretty sure my heart was smiling!


Thank you so much Jelsba Media Group for the gifted copy on #netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was super cute and enjoyable! I rated it 4 stars out of 5 :)

I was smiling the whole time while reading this book. Serena Bell sure knows how to write swoon-worthy characters and heartwarming storylines. I liked that we got to see major development in our heroine and hero. I felt that the ending was kind of rushed and I was wanting more. Overall, a cute, quick read for anyone who wants to smile!

Was this review helpful?

Normally I would not like the accidental pregnancy trope, but this one was done right. Kane is such a sweetheart and was all in before he even knew there was a baby, hopelessly trying to find Marigold after their one night in Vegas.

Kade comes from a big family (there’s apparently a Wilder series), but he’s always wanted one of his own. While in Vegas with his brother he hooks up with Marigold, which isn’t something he’s ever done randomly, and they go separate ways. But they can’t stop thinking about each other and didn’t exchange info. One day, his brother hires her for a reno job and Kane sees her pregnant… it’s his. So this follows him convincing her to not give the baby up for adoption and having her stick around to hopefully fall In love with him and his family. She’s used to being on the road constantly.. will she settle down?

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! Serena Bell gave me Chloe Liese vibes with this story centering on the boy next door brother of the Wilder family.

One of four boys and five kids, Kane is the negotiator, the good boy, the one who fixes everything and never breaks a rule. He sees himself as the boring, stable brother overshadowed by his siblings until his one night stand from Vegas shows up. Their night he felt different, like he had a whole new side to him, but with Marigold at his home, pregnant, he worries she won't stay with who he is here. Who he was wasn't him, right? But he begins to believe differently with Marigold by his side.

Marigold has always lived on the road. That's what her mom taught her and she believes that's the only life for her. But now that she's pregnant, and found the father, who happens to be the man she can't stop thinking about for non-baby reasons, he's making her believe there may be more than what her mom said. That she may be more.

I loved Kane and Mari! Kane is the cinnamon roll simp with a dirty side in the bedroom (or hotel bathroom, or RV, or anywhere Mari is). Mari is trying to figure out what is best for her baby and what she's capable of. I love how open Mari was to new ideas about herself and that the big conflict wasn't her doubting that. Mari became self assured in who she is and what she wants and I loved that!

Kane was so supportive, even when his instincts said to lock her down, he was there ensuring she flourished. They were both able to compromise like a real relationship and the ending felt real and heartfelt.

I loved the entire family and can't wait to start the others, and for the next to come out!

Feat. surprise baby, cinnamon roll hero, small town

5 stars
3 spice

Was this review helpful?

I did not know that this is a book series but works as a stand-alone. It’s a great romance book that I finished it in one sitting. I am just glad that I was able to read Mari and Kane’s love story.

It’s a perfect summer beach read!

Thank you, NetGalley, Publisher, and Author, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was unique and heartwrenching. Yes, it is steamy. But it was steamier than I expected and more than what I wanted to read which is why it isn't rated as highly for me. This was my first Serena Bell book, so I wasn't aware of her type of writing. Even though the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Was this review helpful?

A Little Wilder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/19/22
Author: Serena Bell
Publisher: Jelsba Media Group
Pages: 254
Goodreads Rating: 4.47

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Jelsba Media Group and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Kane is the good boy of the family and while in Vegas for his brother’s bachelor party, he had a one-night stand. Turns out that his one night stand and woman my brother just hired to redesign his fancy new glamping RVs, is one in the same. He hasn’t seen her since Vegas, but the instant he lay eyes on her, he can tell his quiet role as the boy-next-door brother is about to change.She’s pregnant and Kane is the father.

My Thoughts: This is book no. 4 in the Wilder Adventures series and since each book focuses on a different brother, it was not hard to pick up and roll with, it did well as a stand alone. Usually I do not care for the unexpected/accidental pregnancy book and actually read the synopsis a few times before deciding to request it and I am so glad that I did. This is first I have read in the series and by this authors, but I will be adding the others to my TBR. This was a light cute read, perfect for a beach day or after a heavy emotional read. The story is narrated by Marigold and Kane, told in dual perspectives, I love this type of narration. The characters were well developed, had depth, chemistry, connection, and the characters just worked well with each other. Our two MCs, Marigold and Kane are just perfect together, you see them grow the relationship, a strong love between them, and grow as individuals through self-discovery, and even though the unexpected pregnancy is a factor, the focus is more on the relationship and their perspective self-discovery. The author’s writing style was creative, complex, had aspects of humor, captivating, and so much intensity. This book releases later this month and I highly recommend that you preorder it. I will be on the lookout for the next installment featuring Easton.

Was this review helpful?

This was a cute book. I didn’t realize at first that it’s part of a larger series but I don’t think I lost too much reading as a stand-alone.

Kane and Mari have a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. They both are different from the experience and meet back up by chance. Now, they have to decide what to do.

Kane is a pretty perfect character which is hard to believe, but it works for the book. Mari has abandonment issues so she’s not sure she’ll be a good mom.

Overall this book was okay. Minor spice. Very minor/typical conflict in the last bit.the relationship has sweet moments and the family is great. Quick read, but not one I’d pick up to read over and over.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was so cute! Loved that there wasn’t much of a third act drama and I love me a good pregnancy trope! Some awkward scenes but overall loved it and the family dynamic! Had a great time

Was this review helpful?

I'm really loving this series from Serena Bell. This is the 4th book in the series as is vaguely connected to a moment that is revealed in the 3rd book. Kane is the Wilder brother who is basically the peace keeper that never rocks the boat and is always looking out for the ones he loves before himself. When during a moment of madness he sleeps with a stranger in a Las Vegas Casino Bathroom, he can't get her out of his head. Little does he know that his brother has just hired Mari to renovate their Airstreams and she is 7 months pregnant with his baby.
I loved the characters in this story as they were incredibly vulnerable at times as they both faced their inner demons. It also wasn't the typical romance as they seem to have skipped all the way to "Have a child". The whole family of Wilder's is back in all their glory as per usual. Although this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading them in order to get the back story being the other characters.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful small town romance that I really enjoyed, despite not having read the previous books in the story. Mari and Kane are great characters and I found a lot to relate to in both of their personalities. I liked the theme of self discovery and how the book showed the emotional difficulties Mari went through after the birth of her daughter. So many women struggle with this and it’s often glossed over in romance novels, it’s good to see this being handled realistically, yet sensitively, here. Kane’s family are just lovely and the story is greatly enhanced by their inclusion.

Was this review helpful?

Oh gosh, I absolutely adore the Wilder family! They are the epitome of what all close-knit families should be -- always having each other's backs while still having fun needling each other along the way. A Little Wilder is the 4th book in the Wilder Adventures Series by Serena Bell and she nailed the accidental pregnancy genre. This is Marigold and Kane's story and it gave me all the feels and then some. Kane is a pure teddy bear with alpha tendencies which makes him the perfect partner for Mari. Ms. Bell does a fabulous job of combining sweet and charming with steamy and sexy. This is a 5-star read all day long and I'm sad that there's only one more book left in this series. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book for NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

"What I wanted was for you to know I'd never run," I tell him.

The creases in his forehead deepen, his eyes soft and warm on me. "And what I wanted was for you to know that if you needed to run, I'd go with you."

What You'll Find:
✔️Smalltown Romance
✔️Accidental Pregnancy
✔️Big Family Dynamic
✔️Cinnamon Roll Hero
✔️One Night To Forever
✔️Dual POV

One night in Vegas with no names exchanged. But it's a night that neither of them can forget. What are the odds, after searching for him for months, that Mira is hired by his brother to redesign their adventure company's RV's...

This was just the perfect, light, smalltown romance. Low angst. Humor. With some great steam. It was just so ooey gooey sweet, I loved it.

Kane is the total 'guy next door', dependable, cinnamon roll package. And Mari, she's one for adventure, never settling in one place for too long. I wanted to give her a big hug. Her thoughts on her pregnancy are unique I feel to a romance story (to me anyways) and I really enjoyed that aspect.

While this story does have the pregnancy trope, it is also about so much more. Self discovery. Trust. Support. They way the supported and encouraged each other just had me locked in. The way this entire family rallies to support one another... even if it usually requires some tough love or teasing, I just adore them.

This is definitely my favorite of the series. An easy one sit read. Perfect for the beach this summer!

*I received an ARC from Author Collective 20, Jelsba Media Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Was this review helpful?

Honestly, this was adorable. Low angst, high plot and decent spice (not a ton, but good where there). It was enjoyable and I recommend it!

Mari and Gabe had one crazy, passionate, amazing night in Vegas. Months later, she goes to a job to find Gabe is a part of the family that hired her. Oh, and he’s looking at her very pregnant belly where his child is kicking away.

These two have so much they need to work toward. Acceptance of the situation and growth within themselves. When they get to their HEA, it was so dang sweet.

Was this review helpful?

Full disclosure, I have not read the previous books in the series, but it stands alone, quite well. This book definitely delivered on the small town romance and it was so cute to see Kane get the love and family he always hoped for while Mari loves him exactly for who he is and in turn gains a family and support system she never had. It was a bit shorter than I expected, but still delivered on the steam and sweetness. Overall I liked it a lot, Kane's family provides the perfect homey backdrop for Kane and Mari's lovestory. It has inspired me to add the series to my TBR. I received this ARC from NetGalley and reviewed it voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?