I had high hopes for this novel, based on the synopsis but unfortunately it seemed to lose it footing about the third chapter and it never really found it again.

Thank you to NetGalley and BookBuz for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5⭐️ &🌶️

This book follows Fern, who returns to her hometown to serve as maid of honor in her cousin’s wedding. There, she crosses paths with Gabe, NFL-level star, player and her brother’s best friend. When Fern arrives at a cabin to help with some last-minute wedding prep, she unexpectedly runs into Gabe, and their instant chemistry leads to a spontaneous “one weekend only” arrangement. But as the weekend unfolds, it becomes clear that their connection runs deeper. Still, unresolved issues from their past and Fern’s protective brother, make turning their fling into a real relationship anything but simple.

This book has an exciting premise with some fun tropes—insta-love, brother’s best friend, and forced proximity— that I LOVE. Fern and Gabe’s relationship kicks off with immediate intensity, which sets a fast pace for the story.

The beginning dives straight into the action with some bold plot choices (like the car chase), which, while unexpected, definitely grab attention. It did take me a little while to settle into the story and connect with the characters, but once Fern and Gabe started interacting more, the emotional stakes began to build.

The foundation for Fern and Gabe’s relationship had great potential, and I would have loved to see their connection develop more gradually with added tension and deeper emotional beats. Including more scenes with Fern’s brother could have added an interesting dynamic and helped highlight the conflict in a more layered way.

Overall, the story moves quickly, which makes for a fast and engaging read, but I found myself wishing for more character backstory and quieter, emotional moments to really flesh out the romance. Flashbacks to Fern and Gabe’s past experiences would have added depth and made their love story even more compelling. That said, readers who love fast-paced romance with high-stakes emotions might really enjoy the read.

This was my very first ARC, and I was so excited to dive in, the blurb completely drew me in! While the story didn’t fully click with me and I found parts of it challenging to get through, I appreciated the opportunity to read it early and can see how it will appeal to readers who enjoy this style of romance.

From the first scene that Fern and Gabe meet there is chemistry. I was hooked from page one and love how their story has so many turns to it. As a North Dakota girl, the weather and hockey Instantly connected me to the story as well.

The pacing of the story was a little off for me, in the first few scenes there was the fight at the cabin, which I loved and it hooked me right away. But then the bar scene, getting chased by criminals (the llamas showing up throughout the story and never explaining it to anyone) and the major accident they didn't really tell anyone about. It was alot to absorb.

I know this was an advanced copy so I do hope all of the typos were correct, the one that stuck out to me the most was NFL instead of NHL - he's an NHL player so that is huge.

I did enjoy the storyline, just very heavy in some parts.

I read this exactly like a 2000’s rom-com was playing in my mind. I didn’t mind the back and forth and drama of the temporary playboy hockey player and his best friend’s sister but I felt like I was left in a little cliffhanger. I know they ended up together butttttt what does that mean for her travel job? And do all his past ladies finally stop showing up to his place?! I felt the last page was very rushed. The ending could’ve used some more time - she just kind of appeared and they didn’t even talk about the kiss between her and her male bff. Minus the quick ending, I couldn’t put this book down. It was cute and had all the feels. I would recommend it! Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was honestly so much at once…like romcom meets soap opera meets action flick. And while I was totally down for the setup (girl alone in a cabin accidentally fights a hot NHL player in her kitchen?? yes pls), the pacing and tone sometimes felt like they couldn’t decide what they wanted to be?

Fern was a relatable mess, trying to move on from her past, overthinking everything, and accidentally catching feelings during what was supposed to be a no-strings weekend. And her inner monologue had me laughing a few times, but it also got a little repetitive. Gabe was giving protective golden retriever energy, and I liked that he wasn’t just some cocky athlete stereotype, he actually cared and communicated, which was refreshing.

The wedding party chaos was fun but insane. I mean, we’re talking bar fights, a high-speed chase, and a whole missing bride situation like ?? ma’am what genre are we in again?? Some of the drama felt a little out of pocket, like things were escalating just for the sake of drama. I also felt like the ending tried to do a lot and wrapped up too quickly for everything that went down.

If you’re into messy characters with baggage, hockey boy romances, and chaotic small-town family energy, this could still be a fun weekend read. Just go in expecting drama and not a super deep emotional arc.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ARC

Wild in Minnesota is a hilariously heartfelt romp through the rugged woods and even rougher terrain of one woman’s post-divorce rediscovery. Painter has created a main character who is equal parts chaos and charm—think Bridget Jones if she swapped wine bars for wildlife sanctuaries. After a very public marital implosion, our heroine finds herself back in her small hometown in Minnesota, licking her wounds and dodging the town’s relentless gossip mill.

What follows is a joyfully unfiltered journey of self-reliance, romantic misfires, and unexpected friendships—including a broody park ranger with secrets of his own. The writing is razor-sharp and self-aware, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with tender introspection. Painter doesn’t just deliver romance—she delivers growth, grit, and a healthy dose of Midwest weirdness (moose-related mishaps included).

This book is a love letter to second chances, untamed hearts, and the wildness we carry inside us. It’s not just about surviving heartbreak—it’s about thriving in spite of it, with muddy boots and a smirk.

First of all, thank you Mary Lee Painter, Melange Satin Romance and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was very excited about this book after reading the description, Fern as a traveling nurse, Gabe as a Hockey Pro, bachelorette/bachelor, forbidden romance, IM IN!
But as excited and happy I was, I couldn't believe It took me some time to finished it, but I did. And I really don't want to sound mean, but I think it was so much of stuff/situations and not much of romance. This book certainly is a roller coaster. In some parts I was laughing, and there were some "what did I just read?" moments.
There was so many things going on, and I was a bit overwhelmed with all the situations that it felt a little unrealistic, and It was hard for me to keep reading at first. I couldn't keep track of what was happening.

I looove insta-love, but this was more like attraction type of thing, because I felt It wasn't romance or at least not much, and I am not talking about the intimacy, I am saying about romantic gestures between FMC and MMC, how they felt in love.

I liked the banter between Fern and Gabe, and how they were so themselves when around each one.
Fern is such a character, sassy, wild and loved who she was herself all the way. But It didn't make sense, as she is a cancer survivor, there was some decisions she made that a person in that situation wouldn't do that, at least not an esophagus cancer survivor.
Gabe have some trauma going on, have a lot of baggage that he have to work on, and It was nice to see how his relationship with Fern helped surpass that.

I like the found family, how they support each other, and be there when needed the most. I love the hockey player trope.
I liked the relationship between Fern and her brother Dave.

What I didn’t like it was that the POV weren’t separated as chapters or showing who's POV is in it now. I had to read few sentences to figure it out.
It might need a little bit of transitions between one situation and the next one. There were few typos, hope those were catch up during the editing.

I am not a fan of miscommunication... I can understand it why is needed, I can handle some miscommunication and misunderstanding, but this was too much of it, and it was kind of hard for me to read it.
The plot is there, the potential is there, but unfortunately it wasn't for me.

The description of this book hooked me in right away and I was so excited to read it! The story immediately jumps in and I found it absolutely hilarious how the Fern and Gabe meet one another (everyone loves a little pepper spray in the face🤣) and it was fun to watch their interactions over the first weekend that they shared. Fern and Gabe's relationship was very much an insta-love, which is personally not my favorite, but if that is something a reader likes then this is a great book for them!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this book. A cute story with an interesting meeting between the FMC and MMC. Gabe and Fern really just understood each other and were drawn to each other immediately after meeting one another. I felt like the similarities between Amy and Fern were too specific. I would really love to see the stories of Dave and the others in the bridal party.

Loved this book way more than I thought I would.
Is it because I live in Minnesota and can relate to so much?... Hockey, the scenery, all of it?... maybe.
But with that out of the way, this was an incredible cute book and I can't wait to read more from this author (even if they aren't all based in Minnesota).
Fern wasn't looking for a new love when she stayed at the cabin before the wedding. She definitely wasn't expecting to have an NHL player from the Wild burst through the doors. I personally don't feel this is complete enemies to lovers as I feel is was more banter between the two, but I absolutely loved everything about this book.
And yes, I did read a book about hockey, snow, and Minnesota in the summer!

ARC in exchange for ans honest review from Net Galley and Melange Satin Romance.

As a Minnesota girl, I live a Minnesota based romance. Wild in Minnesota started off with a bang and the pulled at my heart strings almost too many times. I feel like I was yelling Nooo every few chapters.

Fern is not your typically FMC. She is a wild cat, full of sass and a competitive spirit. Gabe is a heart broken, pro hockey player hanging by a thread after the death of his wife.

Their meeting is fantastic. The banter and chemistry between these two is chefs kiss. However, the miscommunication is excruciating.

I loved the book but it wrapped up so fast and had no epilogue… I would have loved to see how they navigate what’s next.

Wild in Minnesota sounded like a book I was going to love. Location was the first big yes for me and to toss in hockey it was adding up to be a book I was going to devour. Sadly, it was one the most uninteresting dull books I have read in a long time. When I finished the last page, I knew it was one that I would not recommend to anyone to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Melange Satin Romance for the copy of Wild in Minnesota. This is my personal review.

Thanks to NetGalley, author Mary Lee Painter, and Melange Satin Romance publishing for the ARC and opportunity to review Wild in Minnesota.

DNF @ 20%

Unfortunately I was unable to finish reading this book. It did not capture my attention enough to continue after a handful of chapters. The story starts out swinging (literally) which was fun and then pulled at my heartstrings with Gabe's backstory, but then it fell into numerous over-the-top situations that put me off and seemed too unrealistic. I also expected there to be more push back from Gabe on his attraction to Fern based on his previous loss. The characters just didn't feel real and the chemistry felt forced. The dialogue also felt off for the ages and experiences of the characters. I wanted to like this book because I loved the premise but the story fell flat.

The premise of this book is great, forced proximity and sports romance - yes please!

However, it doesn't quite live up to expectations, the writing style is quite casual and uses abbreviations which is unexpected outside of a text conversation between characters.

The lifestyle choices of Fern are unusual, she's survived cancer - big respect to her - but she's not looking after herself and that's tough to read, especially as she's a nurse herself and would know the impact of her choices.

Overall a quick read, a great filler book in between something heavier.

Thanks, @netgalley, the author & publisher for the ARC for my honest review.

I started this book a few weeks ago, and it took me until last night to finish it. I don't like to DNF, especially an ARC, as I like to give it a fair chance
I had high-ish hopes for this book, as I love a good sports romance, but sadly, this was lacking. None of the usual tropes were there that you'd expect apart from "brothers best friend." There was way too much "telling" rather than "showing," and the writing felt quite immature in parts. Lots of repetition & describing, and in my opinion, a tad far-fetched (first 10% of book).
The FMC was quite simply a pain! I'm sorry, but for a (travelling surgical- repeated many times) nurse who survived oesophageal cancer, going around eating the mega monkey bar burger stack, drinking the volumes of (top shelf) booze and smoking cigars, is not the done thing.
All in all, I gave it a go, but sadly, I feel disappointed with what could've been so much more!

It was a cute quick read. I am a giant sucker for best friend's brother/ brothers' best friend romances. I loved fern and Gabe separately and even better together. I do feel like the ending was rushed and I would have liked it better if there was a chapter or two with them falling in love more.all in all a cute country hockey romance.

📚 Title: Wild in Minnesota
✍️ Author: Mary Lee Painter
🗓️ Release Date: June 23, 2025
📘 Format: Ebook (ARC) – Provided by NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Glorious Stars

An emotional rollercoaster with rom-com chaos, heart-melting chemistry, and more llamas than one might expect from a hockey romance.

⸻

💬 Review:

From the first punch to the last page, Wild in Minnesota is a rom-com that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Mary Lee Painter delivers a brilliant blend of humor, heart, and healing in a romance that’s as unexpectedly wild as the title suggests.

Set in a remote Minnesota cabin, the story kicks off when Fern—an emotionally guarded, delightfully sarcastic maid of honor—is startled by an unexpected housemate. Enter Gabe: NHL superstar, best friend to Fern’s brother, and the unintentional recipient of her well-aimed punch to the face. What follows is an unforgettable “weekend pass” arrangement that quickly turns into something deeper… and a whole lot messier.

Despite the absurdity (yes, there are llamas), this novel never feels overdone. It thrives on contrast: slapstick moments paired with emotional honesty, witty banter tempered by gut-wrenching revelations, and romance that simmers in quiet, closed-door intimacy.

⸻

🔥 Tropes You’ll Love:
• Brother’s Best Friend
• Forced Proximity
• Dual POV
• Touch Her and Die
• Forbidden Love
• Breakup & Makeup
• Revenge Plot
• Healing Through Connection

⸻

📈 Plot & Pacing:

This story moves. Painter paces it masterfully, balancing high-octane drama with heartfelt moments. From pizza dates and taco nights to high-speed chases and a missing bride, every twist feels earned and engaging. What begins as a rom-com quickly evolves into a deeply layered narrative of loss, addiction, and redemption—without ever losing its sharp sense of humor.

The cabin scenes are cozy and electric; the wedding weekend is total chaos in the best way; and the final act? Let’s just say I need a sequel yesterday because that CANNOT be how it ends!!!!!

⸻

👥 Characters & Chemistry:

Fern and Gabe are lightning in a bottle. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they collide (literally), but what really sets them apart is the emotional depth Painter gives them. Fern’s hesitation, Gabe’s trauma, patience and vulnerability—it’s a slow burn that builds on trust, laughter, and one unforgettable weekend.

Gabe is a true standout. He’s the kind of leading man who doesn’t just bring the swoon—he brings substance. Equal parts fierce protector and golden retriever energy, his devotion to Fern is felt in every small gesture. Their emotional intimacy is far more powerful than any explicit scene.

And Fern? She’s a beautifully flawed heroine—tough, funny, and heartbreakingly real.

⸻

💬 Favorite Quote:

“You did this so I could have pizza?”
– Fern
“I’d swim across shark-infested waters to bring you a slice.”
– Gabe

(And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the bar now.)

⸻

🎯 Themes & Depth:

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about second chances-third chances-more chances. Painter deftly explores themes of grief, addiction, and identity without ever bogging the story down.Gabe’s past mistakes don’t define him, and Fern’s little BFF fiasco is truthfully forgivable. Together, they create a safe space to heal and rediscover joy, one moment (and llama) at a time.

⸻

✅ Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Wild in Minnesota is for fans of The Hating Game, Icebreaker, and The Unhoneymooners—but with more emotional depth and a storyline that dares to go beyond the typical rom-com beats. If you’re into:
• Banter so sharp it could cut glass
• Closed-door romance with emotional intimacy
• Hockey players with hearts of gold
• Strong heroines learning to trust again
This one’s for you.

⸻

📝 Final Thoughts:

Wild in Minnesota took me by surprise in the best possible way. It’s chaotic, heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply romantic. Mary Lee Painter doesn’t just write a love story—she writes the story you’ll want to revisit again and again. I’m already hoping for a full Minnesota Wild Hockey Team series because these characters (and their antics) deserve so much more page time.

Let this be your official invitation: jump into the wild!!!


📣 Disclaimer: ARC provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 25% unfortunately.

Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter is a forbidden love, brothers best friend romance. Fern is a travel nurse and Gabe is a pro hockey player. I was so excited to read this book after reading the description, but unfortunately I could not finish. It felt very forced, with the author just continuously dumping information and not letting the story develop. Additionally, the writing style felt juvenile, with abbreviations like WTF and the use of the word pussy to demean men.

I want to thank the author and NetGalley for providing this free ARC. All opinions are my own.

First Person, Dual POV DNF'd at 46% 0/5 stars

I feel like this started off with great potential to be a rom-com however it fell a bit flat. By the second chapter I felt like I was reading a YA romance out of the realms of Wattpad.

To start with the writing felt very immature considering the characters are supposed to be adults and this was marketed as an adult romance. The FMC behaves and speaks in a childish manner. The writing also included lots of repeated text abbreviations like 'WTF' 'BTW' etc despite no text conversations actually occurring.

We follow our FMC Fern, a travelling nurse, and Gabe, a hockey player for the Minnesota Wild. Although hockey has little relevance to the book from what I can tell other than simply being his profession.

In the first 25% of the book we met only the two main characters who fell into an insta-love type of vibe. The plot also felt very chaotic at this point. So far the main characters have met in advance of a bachelor/bachelorette weekend where the FMC mistakes the MMC for an intruder within the first few pages. What then follows (in what I estimate to be 2 or 3 days) is the catching of feelings, a very random car chase/shoot out by drug dealers(?) and then a minor car accident.

I found it very difficult to connect with the book when the plot moved around so much with such a short timeline. There was hardly any chemistry portrayed between the MCs.

Overall I could see the potential, however I couldn't finish the book.

First off, I received Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter as an ARC, so thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity.

The story follows Fern, a traveling nurse who returns to Minnesota for her cousin’s wedding. She’s supposed to stay at her brother’s friend’s cabin, but it turns out her brother never actually asked his friend Gabe. So Fern and Gabe end up unexpectedly sharing the cabin.

Unfortunately, I have to say I really didn’t enjoy this book—and I’m usually pretty easy to please. It starts off with heavy info-dumping and unrealistic situations. The writing didn’t work for me at all. You know the classic advice that good writing “shows, not tells”? This felt like the opposite. It read more like a list of events strung together than an immersive narrative. The dialogue was juvenile, and I didn’t buy the chemistry between Fern and Gabe.

And the plot? I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief. Within the first 15% of the book, Fern assaults Gabe thinking he’s an intruder (and accidentally maces herself), they get caught in a car chase and shot at by drug dealers, she performs minor surgery on someone, and later ends up in a car accident where she’s trapped inside the vehicle. With so much happening so quickly, you’d think it would be exciting—but I honestly felt nothing. It was chaos without connection.

The number of times Fern calls someone a “pussy” because they (understandably) don’t want to be … i don’t know… SHOT AT is wild. It was clearly meant to be humorous, but for me it landed as cringey and immature.

Both Fern and Gabe were not only unlikeable, but also felt completely unbelievable as characters.

To be fair, the core idea had potential. But this book, in my opinion, needs extensive editing—if not a full rewrite.