River Wild
by Samantha Towle
What they say: A new town. A new identity. Pregnant and alone.
And far away from a past that can never find me.
River Wild.
Moody. Sullen. Asshole.
And my new neighbor.
I have no interest in befriending River. And he definitely doesn’t want to be befriended by me.
Then, he helps me rescue an abandoned dog. And, that day, I see something in his eyes that reflects back in my own. Sadness. Pain. Loneliness.
I know all of those things well.
An unwanted and unexpected friendship that somehow works. Then, without warning, it turns into something more.
River and I both have our secrets, and that’s okay. Because I understand him. And he understands me.
For the first time in my life, I have something I never thought I would have—happiness.
But happiness isn’t forever. Not for people like me.
Especially not when my past is waiting just around the corner, ready to come and take it all away.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: **Trigger warning** River Wild features violence and abuse.
River Wild is a survival or survivor story. It's about finding a sense of belonging after all hope is lost, but mostly it's about love in its many forms.
The narrative covers some serious and painful topics that are handled with sensitivity and grace. Samantha Towle always creates good male and female leads and I love her hot romances, but what I particularly liked here was the friendship and real camaraderie which develops between Carrie and River.
Carrie has escaped the horrors of her past and is trying to rebuild her life in a new town. She's spent years being downtrodden and abused, but it's not just her life in danger anymore as she's pregnant and had to make a change. I loved how Carrie wasn't a victim, she doesn't feel sorry for herself and is extremely positive. I also appreciated her loyalty and her spirit. It was important to see her stand up to River in his more sullen moments and rediscover herself.
Oh River! Survivor, warrior and sensitive artist. The glimpses of his traumatic past were difficult to read. At times I didn't know whether to cry or throw something, but I loved seeing his vulnerability coming out with Carrie and how caring he was with her.
Even though some of the book is difficult to read, it is always engaging. There are some charming and funny moments and I even found myself Googling fruit baby websites. I dread to think what targeted adverts I'll be getting next!
I have so much love for Buddy and for Carries friends. I would have loved a slightly longer ending (sorry!) It was still a satisfying ending, I'm just greedy and wanted more of their story.
4.5 Stars in my Sky!
Author Spotlight:
Samantha Towleis a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journalbestselling author. She began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.
She is the author of contemporary romances, The Storm Series, The Revved Series, The Wardrobe Series, The Gods Series, and standalones, Trouble, When I Was Yours, The Ending I Want, Unsuitable, Under Her, and Sacking the Quarterback which was written with James Patterson. She has also written paranormal romances, The Bringerand The Alexandra Jones Series, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Lana Del Rey, and more of her favorite musicians.
A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.
Watch out for my review coming soon!
