Wow. Just wow.

I didn’t even glance at the blurb before diving into this book — I didn’t need to. After devouring the first two in the series, I already knew Lily Parker would deliver something unforgettable. What I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly the opening chapters broke me. The heartbreak comes sharp and fast… and then, just when you’re bracing yourself for more, the story pivots and takes off in an entirely different direction.

That shift is what makes this book so brilliant. The sadness eases, the pages start to sparkle, and suddenly you’re swept away on a journey that’s full of laughter, tension, healing, and romance. And not just any romance — we’re talking about the slow burn that makes you hold your breath, the enemies-to-lovers banter that makes you grin, and the kind of chemistry that smoulders until it finally bursts into flame. 🌶️ I couldn’t stop reading.

What really stood out to me was how immersive Lily Parker’s writing is. The way she captures emotion is incredible — one moment I was right there, crumbling alongside Jules, and the next I was smiling at the sharp wit and sparky tension between her and Silas. It all feels so real that I wasn’t just reading a story, I was living it.

Three books in, and I think this might be my favourite of the series. It has everything I look for in a romance: heat, heart, a dash of heartbreak to make the healing sweeter, and characters who stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page.

I don’t know if there will be another book, but I truly hope there is — because I’m not ready to let go of this series yet. Lily Parker has created something special, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves their romance full of feeling, fire, and the kind of emotional rollercoaster that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

thank you to joffe books and netgalley for this arc!

I thought this was a super cute second chance, spicy little holiday romance.

I loved the story line and the characters!

I recommend!

After reading Lily Parker's The Best Worst Mistake, I was quite intrigued by Silas' character who in the previous installment, came across as spoiled, entitled and a bit of a jerk. I really wanted to know more about him and I wasn't let down.

Jules, Grant and Silas were once best friends at college. Grant and Jules become a couple and although Silas had undeniable feelings for Jules, he set them aside. Fast forward a few years later. Silas now owns and runs a business empire after the sudden death of his father. Grant succumbs to a lung condition, which leads Jules all alone to pick up the pieces. A year after Grant's death, she receives a letter from him where he tells her to take a trip across Europe with Silas. She will receive a letter from Grant at every stop but must have Silas by her side.

The grief both characters carry is at the heart of the story. Both let go of the walls they've built around themselves. They see each other's vulnerability and they both help each other heal whilst falling for each other.

One thing that I will mention is that Jules' character really irked me at certain times. She jumped to conclusions without communicating whereas Silas came across as the perfect gentleman.

Jules' jumping to conclusions aside, this book will break your heart a little but it is so worth the read.

The Best Wild Idea is a spicy, second-chance enemies-to-lovers romance by Lily Parker.
This was such a fun read.
The characters were perfectly presented and developed well throughout.
The plot was structured well, and the pace was great. No lagging or slow burn.
This was a quick read, well written, and had characters I loved.

This was a great book! It had some much depth to it and I really felt for the main characters. And the enemies to lovers romance was amazing!

Cute read. Well Written.
Hoping for part two!

I really enjoyed this. Read in less than 24 hours.
Could not put down.

This book, goodness, has everything in it - forbidden love, grief, grief and more grief, longing, spice, right people wrong time, ... it's all in here.

I enjoyed the hidden love triangle and I also enjoyed seeing how the characters navigated their way through grief.

*** spoiler alert ***

While some of the third act infuriated me - her, the letter, how did she not see he loved..., why did she get so mad.... gah, I was like come on girl, wake up!

Having Silas' point-of-view really helped things. I think if the story was merely told by Jules point-of-view then I would not have enjoyed the story as much.

I shed a few tears off and on throughout the story and I think people will find some aspects of the grief plot relatable.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for an e-copy of THE BEST WILD IDEA to review.

I rate THE BEST WILD IDEA four out of five stars.

Wow!!! Just WOW!

Jules, Silas, and Grant were once unbreakable—three souls tangled together in a bond that felt like forever. But forever shattered the moment Grant slipped a ring onto Jules’s finger, and Silas was thrust into the weight of a billion-dollar empire. In an instant, everything they were splintered.

And then came the unthinkable. Grant was gone. A year after his death a letter arrives—his final request: that Silas be the one to show Jules how to live again. The man she swore to hate. The man who’s loved her all along.

And those letters? Oh gawd… those letters gutted me. They ripped my heart open, ground it to dust, and left me gasping for air—every. single. time. Just when I thought I’d gathered the pieces, the next letter came, and I broke all over again. The tears weren’t gentle; they burned, they drowned, they refused to stop. I lost count of how many soft, broken ohhhhs escaped me before the floodgates gave way……I. WAS. NOT. PREPARED.

Think PS: I Love You—but deeper, rawer, and sharp enough to shred your soul.

Every girl deserves to be worshipped the way Silas worships Jules—intense, consuming, like she’s his entire world…like she’s the only thing keeping him breathing. And when things turned hot, when that delicious tension snapped into raw, sinful heat, my pulse was thundering so hard it left me breathless. 🥵

I lost an entire night’s sleep reading this straight through until morning. That “just one more chapter” got me good. #worthit

Thank you @netgalley, @joffebooks and @lilyparker_author for the advanced reader copy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker is a beautifully emotional and romantic story filled with healing, adventure, and second chances. I loved the journey Jules and Silas took together, from grief and tension to rediscovering love against breathtaking backdrops. It was heartfelt, moving, and unforgettable. I truly enjoyed this book and rated it five stars.

"You need to get messy. Sticky things aren't bad you know. People are scared of all the messes nowadays. Want every little thing to make sense. Things I loved the most? They don't make any sense.... Perfection? No, no one can love perfection. You find the best things in the most messy parts of your life."

"It'll never be enough. I'd always want just one more second with you."

4 stars!

This book was GREAT! I felt the heavy grief with both Jules and Silas. And Grant's epic trip to help them live again and find each other? Brilliant, His letters were EVERYTHING.

Jules, Grant, and Silas were inseparable in college but as they grew older things shifted and they drifted apart. Jules and Grant got engaged, and Silas' father passed away suddenly leaving him in charge of an empire.

But then Grant gets sick and ends up leaving Jules too. His dying request to Silas- show his beloved fiance how to live again. Cue the waterworks!

The only catch: Jules HATES Silas now- and wants nothing to do with even. Especially not travel with him around the world. But since Grant has left her letters at each location, she's forced to make the journey to get the small snippets of him before he's completely gone.

They travel to some amazing places, and do incredible things! All the while figuring out how to be around each other, and opening up about their grief and anger. Maybe there is a chance for Grant's final wish to happen.

I loved it. Loved how Jules and Silas talked through everything, and figured out how to LIVE and LOVE again. Grant's love letters just about brought me to tears- you could feel his love for Jules jump off the page. And Silas? Well it was pretty clear how Silas felt, even from the prologue.

A fantastic read. I need to grab the others in the series now! Kudos to Lily Parker for a perfect second chance love story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This emotionally rich novel explores themes of grief, healing, and second chances. After Jules loses her fiancé Grant, she’s forced to confront her pain alongside Silas—Grant’s best friend and the person she blames for his death. Grant’s final wish sets them on a transformative journey together, one that Jules had always dreamed of.

My thoughts:
The story is beautifully written and deeply moving.
It centers on complicated relationships and emotional growth.
The romance that develops is tender and rooted in heartbreak.
Ideal for readers who enjoy emotional journeys, redemption arcs, and love born from loss.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This beautiful and poignant take on love-after-loss is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It’s also one of the more unique romance plots I’ve come across.

One year after the death of her fiancé, Grant, Jules learns he had a final wish—that she take a trip across Europe with their old friend, Silas. To get Grant’s four remaining letters, Jules must work through her issues with Silas and go on the journey.

Jules is a wonderfully complex portrayal of grief. She’s not just sad—she’s angry, guilty, and restless, gradually finding her way toward healing. She misses Grant, of course, but no longer wants to be defined by his loss, and over time begins to open herself to the possibilities ahead.

Silas has quietly loved Jules for years with no hope of reciprocation, the very embodiment of male pining. I’m not usually a fan of the billionaire trope, but here it’s handled thoughtfully and with nuance. Once spoiled and entitled, Silas has grown into someone who takes both his responsibilities and relationships seriously, while still keeping his fun-loving side.

Through it all, Grant’s presence—through memory and letters—shapes both Jules and Silas. His insight and selflessness guide their choices, and the deep trust he shared with Silas—steadfast, unshakable, and fully aware of his feelings for Jules—is one of the most memorable aspects of the book.

A slow burn was absolutely necessary, given the complex dynamics. Jules has to give herself permission to move forward, guided in part by Grant’s letters, and the romance unfolds gradually across the trip. By the end, her growing connection with Silas and his quiet, long-held devotion become clear.

The relationship dynamics, both romantic and platonic, are handled beautifully, balancing grief, past love, and the possibilities of new connections.

I loved so much about this book—its portrayal of grief, Grant’s letters guiding Jules, and the depth of the relationships. Beyond a minor pacing issue and a slightly contrived third-act conflict, it was an incredibly moving read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This cover is GORGGGG!!! I ate this book up. I love tropes where he loves her first and this book!! I love Silas and Jules so so much

A year after the death of her fiancé, Grant, Jules receives a letter from him. The letter states it is time to move on, and he has arranged for her to go to four different places abroad. The snag is that she has to go with Silas. Jules, Grant and Silas were best friends, until Silas’ dad died and he took over his father’s business. Silas changed and Jules did everything not to have to see him again.

Can Silas and Jules be civil to each other? Can they both move on from the past?

I’ve enjoyed the books in this series, but this one struck a chord with me. The author gets everything spot on when it comes to dealing with grief. From the guilt of daring to laugh, to the fear of not being able to move on.

I enjoyed reading the story of Jules and Grant, as well as the three of them together, then learning of Jules and Silas’ friendship from years ago. Nonna Lisi was a wonderful character, she made me smile, her approach to life was lovely to hear.

A beautiful and touching story that made me laugh, smile and cry.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker completely took me by surprise. If you love romance that’s rich in plot, deeply original, with a slow build of spice and all the feels—this is it. I felt every bit of the pain, heartache, love, fear, hate, and sadness. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but one I adored from start to finish.

This is the kind of book that lingers with you long after the last page. I’m grateful for the adventure, the journey, and the sweet, tender moments woven throughout each chapter. It was both a beautiful escape and a reminder to live life to the fullest. Jules, Silas, and Grant are layered, well-developed characters who made the story feel real—and of course, Andy! I absolutely loved Andy.

Thank you to Lily Parker, Joffe Books | Choc Lit, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was truly honored to read this novel and so thankful the author shared this story with us.

The Best Wild Idea has to be the most unique story in the Off-Limits series by Lily Parker. I seriously loved the whole concept of the plot. It’s adventurous, emotional, and packed with memories and joy. The traveling aspect really added so much heart, and the pacing was done so well. I loved how each part of their journey brought new character and plot development, it kept things exciting!

Now let’s talk about Silas… omg, Silas. What a sweetheart! He’s the fun, life-of-the-party type, but he also notices the tiniest details about you. I absolutely adored how his character grew throughout the book. He made me swoon so many times, he’s just that kind of guy you can’t help but fall for!!

On the flip side, I didn’t really vibe with Jules. Her inner thoughts and some of her actions annoyed me, especially the way she treated Silas at times. She definitely gave me the ick here and there, but luckily things worked out by the end.

Still, I really enjoyed their adventures together, and I get why their relationship had so many ups and downs. The second chance romance element was written perfectly, and the way Lily Parker described the settings made me feel like I was right there with them. My favorite parts were definitely the adrenaline-filled moments because they gave me the same rush the characters felt.

Overall, it was such a fun, adventurous read. If you’re into these tropes and love a romance that takes you on a journey, I’d recommend picking this one up!

Jules, Silas, and Grant were once inseparable — until Jules and Grant got engaged, Silas inherited a billion-dollar empire and everything fell apart.
Then the unthinkable happens. Grant is gone. And Jules is alone.
Now the only person who can help her heal is the one man she swore to hate — Silas, the best friend she pushed away.
Silas has loved Jules since he first set eyes on her. But he lost her to his best friend. And now he’s lost his best friend to something his money couldn’t fix.
But a letter arrives. Grant’s final Show Jules how to live again.
Silas must take Jules on the adventure she’s always dreamed of . . . with the man she hates most in the world.
From golden Spanish sunsets to the sparkling coast of Amalfi and the magic of Parisian nights, Jules wants nothing to do with Silas. But there is a thin line between love and hate. And somewhere along the way, the man she left behind, begins to look a lot like the one she can’t live without.
This was a heartfelt and emotional read. Silas comes across through as a spoilt, rich guy with a heart of gold. But in this book we see a different side to him. Though madly in love, he just stayed on the sidelines for his best friend, and that won my heart. I smiled and I cried while reading this book. It was a beautiful romance and I loved how Grant played a role in bringing Jules and Silas together.

This book breaks your heart before it puts it back together.
Expect to cry a little!

Three best friends, inseparable since they met on the first day of college. Jules and Grant fall in love deeply and quickly, so after they graduate and Grant proposes, everyone is thrilled for them. No one more happy than their best friend Silas! Three peas in a pod.
They are all stunned when Silas’s father, a billionaire businessman dies unexpectedly and leaves him all the businesses. He transform into someone Jules and Grant don’t recognize, don’t like and don’t want to be around.
The hard working, hard partying playboy billionaire is not their old friend.

But when Grant gets sick, Jules and Silas rally around him between squabbles until the end.

Heartbroken Jules immediately must start selling the things she thought would be in their life for years.
A year after his death, Jules gets a letter from Grant telling her she is going on an adventure he planned to help her get out of her funk… but Grant is coming with her!

Que heartbreak, confusion, old friends, and a pasta making grandma.

Can Jules forgive her former best friend for who he became in grief? Does she understand how life altering now that it’s happened to her?

This is a lot darker than the other two books in this series but I didn’t love it any less!

4.5 rating for the third book (final book?) in the Off Limits series.
A dual point of view story with Jules and Silas with a few different tropes to please all kinds of readers. After the loss of Grant (Jules' husband and Silas' best friend), the estranged friends set out on a life-changing trip planned by Grant himself. I was sucked in with the first chapter, which set up their unique friendship dynamic, only to gut me with a "years later" in the next chapter, where their friendship has deteriorated.
The nature of the story with the trip and the adventures lends itself to a fast-paced read even though you'll want to slow yourself down because you don't want the trip(or book) to end. While I enjoyed the previous stories, Jules and Silas' story was hands down my favorite. So, if you enjoyed the first two books, there is no question you won't love this installment.

I tried but this was a DNF for me, a very rare occurrence. I couldn’t get into either main character- there was so much filler about how much they were out of touch and living in different worlds for the first portion of the book, I had no reason to root for them to find their way back to each other. The premise was unique enough but not that strong.