Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Bantam (2013), Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Romance. Humor (Fiction.) HTML:Perfect for readers of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibson, this sizzling romance tells the story of a sexy small-town mayor and a notorious �??bad girl,�?� who discover that home really is where the heart is. Monica Appleby is a woman with a reputation. Once she was America�??s teenage �??Wild Child,�?� with her own reality TV show. Now she�??s a successful author coming home to Bishop, Arkansas, to pen the juicy follow-up to her tell-all autobiography. Problem is, the hottest man in town wants her gone. Mayor Jackson Davies is trying to convince a cookie giant to move its headquarters to his crumbling community, and Monica�??s presence is just too . . . unwholesome for business. But the desire in his eyes sends a very different message: Stay, at least for a while. Jackson needs this cookie deal to go through. His town is dying and this may be its last shot. Monica is a distraction proving too sweet, too inviting�??and completely beyond his control. With every kiss he can taste her loneliness, her regrets, and her longing. Soon their uncontrollable attraction is causing all kinds of drama. But when two lost hearts take a surprise detour onto the bumpy road of unexpected love, it can only lead someplace wonderful. �??Molly O�??Keefe is a unique, not-to-be-missed voice in romantic fiction.�?��??New York Times bestselling author Susan Andersen Praise for Wild Child �??If there is one contemporary romance novel you must read in 2013, this is it. . . . This book, this book. . . . I could go on and on . . . but I will just end with this: not only was the plot beautiful but the writing was as well.�?��??Love�??s a State of Mind �??One of my favorite things about [Molly O�??Keefe�??s] books is the way they refuse to shy away from messy, complicated characters and relationships. Wild Child is no different in that regard. . . . It is a testament to O�??Keefe�??s skill as a writer and a storyteller that she imbues Jackson and Monica�??s stories (as a fledgling couple and as individuals) with a tremendous amount of emotional depth and sensitivity. . . . O�??Keefe can bring characters . . . into vivid and compelling life as they stumble, sometimes joyously, often painfully, always passionately, toward love and mutual happiness.�?��??Dear Author �??I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. . . . It has the right amount of romanc… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member TheBookHammock
Reading the premise, this book sounded like an upgraded Hallmark movie. Then I started reading it and it read like an upgraded Hallmark movie.
And then things changed.
The book alternated 3rd person POVs between Jackson Davies and Monica Appleby. I'm normally not a fan of alternating POVs, but when
A struggling small town in Arkansas, a celebrity wild child turned writer, a young and desperate mayor, and a lot of broken hearts are the various parts of the plot.
Monica arrives in town to write a nonfiction about her father's murder when she was a young child. Jackson is struggling personally with his younger sister and professionally to save his town. When a morning show hosts a contest to find a small town in the US where a factory will be opened, immediately Jackson believes winning the contest will be the solution to all his problems. With his sister moving on to college, she won't be his responsibility anymore and he will have his chance at life. With the town financially secure he can step down as mayor and leave with a clean conscience.
But then Monica shows up the very same week the show comes to visit his town, and he feels her purpose there and being a celebrity will damage the town's chances.
Monica herself just wants to be left alone and do her research, write the book and go on running away from herself.
I had a "what the hell" moment when I turned the page and read a chapter that felt disconnected from the story. The next chapter connected it to the plot, but there should have been a segue to new scene (which was in a new POV altogether!).
Wild Child is very well written, filled with cute and giggle worthy parts, as well as some tense and frustrating moments. A story that started pretty formulated, Wild Child surprised me for the better when I found myself rather emotionally invested and genuinely wanted a happily ever after for all involved. And the HEA came, for those who deserved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
And then things changed.
The book alternated 3rd person POVs between Jackson Davies and Monica Appleby. I'm normally not a fan of alternating POVs, but when
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it's 3rd person the switch is not very pronounced.A struggling small town in Arkansas, a celebrity wild child turned writer, a young and desperate mayor, and a lot of broken hearts are the various parts of the plot.
Monica arrives in town to write a nonfiction about her father's murder when she was a young child. Jackson is struggling personally with his younger sister and professionally to save his town. When a morning show hosts a contest to find a small town in the US where a factory will be opened, immediately Jackson believes winning the contest will be the solution to all his problems. With his sister moving on to college, she won't be his responsibility anymore and he will have his chance at life. With the town financially secure he can step down as mayor and leave with a clean conscience.
But then Monica shows up the very same week the show comes to visit his town, and he feels her purpose there and being a celebrity will damage the town's chances.
Monica herself just wants to be left alone and do her research, write the book and go on running away from herself.
I had a "what the hell" moment when I turned the page and read a chapter that felt disconnected from the story. The next chapter connected it to the plot, but there should have been a segue to new scene (which was in a new POV altogether!).
Wild Child is very well written, filled with cute and giggle worthy parts, as well as some tense and frustrating moments. A story that started pretty formulated, Wild Child surprised me for the better when I found myself rather emotionally invested and genuinely wanted a happily ever after for all involved. And the HEA came, for those who deserved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member krystalsbooks
Good read interesting characters.
LibraryThing member ReadYourWrites
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
I’ve been a fan of Molly O’Keefe for a little over a year now, ever since Unexpected Family and on through her Crooked Creek Ranch Series. I have to say that I'm surprised that Wild Child is so different. This is a dark and hot story with both of
Wild Child takes place in Bishop, Arkansas. Bishop is a small town that has been hit hard by the recession. Its okra processing factory has been closed down and a lot of people have lost their jobs. With a shrinking tax base, the mayor is going to have to decide if they should keep the library open or keep the Fire Chief on staff.
Monica Appleby is known to the world as being the “wild child” after her attention loving mother made them the focus of a reality show sixteen years ago. Now an author, Monica is back in Bishop to write a book about her father's murder. Jackson Davies is the young mayor of Bishop tasked with trying to bring the town back to its glory days. While watching a morning news program that is sponsoring a contest to bring a factory to a small town in need, Jackson sees this as his chance to help the town and set up his departure to leave.
Monica is more than people give her credit for. She knows that she isn't the “wild child” people think she is. But she still doesn't know how special she actually is. She's broken because of what happened when her world got torn apart at the age of six. Any and every way she could damage herself, she did; guys, drugs, alcohol, you name it. But she's changed and is growing up. People just don't want to see it. Monica isn’t prepared for all the pain and memories writing a book about her parents will bring up. Just when she thinks she has her life figured out and thinks she knows who she is, someone that is better off forgotten shows back up.
Jackson Davies is a man who likes to make the world think he has everything under control. But this couldn't be further from the truth. At the age of twenty-two his life changed with the death of his parents. He was then forced to give up his college life and return home to take care of his much younger sister, Gwen. Refusing help and not knowing what to do, Jackson ended up burying his head in the sand. At this point, Jackson just wants to see Gwen graduate from high school, send her off to college, and wave good riddance to Bishop.
What neither Jackson nor Monica expects is to meet the one person who sees who they actually are behind the mask they show the world. And they definitely aren’t expecting to loss their hearts to each other.
Wild Child is a great start to a new series full of characters you will love and want to get to know. Though the story does have its fun and hot & steamy moments, it also has its share of deep dark moments. Reading this book will allow you the pleasure of watching troubled souls start to heal and become who they really want to be. You will witness several characters make new discoveries about themselves and the people they thought they knew. And you will smile when Jackson and Monica realize that they are truly home with each other.
Favorite book quote: “We learn how to be happy from our parents. We learn how to treasure it and work for it, how to sacrifice for it. We learn how precious happiness is from the example our parents set.”
Source: Edelweiss
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
I’ve been a fan of Molly O’Keefe for a little over a year now, ever since Unexpected Family and on through her Crooked Creek Ranch Series. I have to say that I'm surprised that Wild Child is so different. This is a dark and hot story with both of
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the main characters having troubled pasts.Wild Child takes place in Bishop, Arkansas. Bishop is a small town that has been hit hard by the recession. Its okra processing factory has been closed down and a lot of people have lost their jobs. With a shrinking tax base, the mayor is going to have to decide if they should keep the library open or keep the Fire Chief on staff.
Monica Appleby is known to the world as being the “wild child” after her attention loving mother made them the focus of a reality show sixteen years ago. Now an author, Monica is back in Bishop to write a book about her father's murder. Jackson Davies is the young mayor of Bishop tasked with trying to bring the town back to its glory days. While watching a morning news program that is sponsoring a contest to bring a factory to a small town in need, Jackson sees this as his chance to help the town and set up his departure to leave.
Monica is more than people give her credit for. She knows that she isn't the “wild child” people think she is. But she still doesn't know how special she actually is. She's broken because of what happened when her world got torn apart at the age of six. Any and every way she could damage herself, she did; guys, drugs, alcohol, you name it. But she's changed and is growing up. People just don't want to see it. Monica isn’t prepared for all the pain and memories writing a book about her parents will bring up. Just when she thinks she has her life figured out and thinks she knows who she is, someone that is better off forgotten shows back up.
Jackson Davies is a man who likes to make the world think he has everything under control. But this couldn't be further from the truth. At the age of twenty-two his life changed with the death of his parents. He was then forced to give up his college life and return home to take care of his much younger sister, Gwen. Refusing help and not knowing what to do, Jackson ended up burying his head in the sand. At this point, Jackson just wants to see Gwen graduate from high school, send her off to college, and wave good riddance to Bishop.
What neither Jackson nor Monica expects is to meet the one person who sees who they actually are behind the mask they show the world. And they definitely aren’t expecting to loss their hearts to each other.
Wild Child is a great start to a new series full of characters you will love and want to get to know. Though the story does have its fun and hot & steamy moments, it also has its share of deep dark moments. Reading this book will allow you the pleasure of watching troubled souls start to heal and become who they really want to be. You will witness several characters make new discoveries about themselves and the people they thought they knew. And you will smile when Jackson and Monica realize that they are truly home with each other.
Favorite book quote: “We learn how to be happy from our parents. We learn how to treasure it and work for it, how to sacrifice for it. We learn how precious happiness is from the example our parents set.”
Source: Edelweiss
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LibraryThing member ijpanko
** spoiler alert ** Thanks librarything for a paper copy, in exchange for my honest opinion. The book was ok in the romance department but the punch line was just off center for my tastes. Monica plays a woman with a reputation for playing hot and loose with some bad boys and writes a tell all
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book. In my opinion though she really is a grown woman who didn't have a true stable home in growing up and acted out in her teenage years. Trading sex for love and finding life empty. Her mother is a tv show host and had been the person to kill Monica's father in a self defense shooting. So after Monica's only friend dies of ovarian cancer and leaves a stack of medical bills for her to pay. She goes to the town where her father was killed to do a tell all book. Bishop, Arkansas is the town that's slowly going under. The only plant in town shut down and no new jobs are opening up. The town mayor is Jackson Davies, and he has a sad tale of his own. His parents died after his first year in law school and he's had to come home and take care of his eleven year old sister. The town is dying and Jackson enters a contest for a new factory to bring some work in. The book was good but it was just a bit on the boring side for me. I felt depressed that nothing was going great even though the town had great spirit. It wasn't until the last pages that we got any hope of saving anything. The chemistry between Monica And Jackson was all right and probably a good indication that they were rusty when it came to relationships. Show Less
LibraryThing member mverga
Received book as part of Early Reviewers Program. The cover of this book would indicate that it is all about sex, but it has some great character development. Jackson is the mayor of a small town in Arkansas that has been in financial distress after the Okra processing plant closed down. Monica,
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the "Wild Child" arrives in town to write a book telling about her father's murder. The main characters have some issues to work out, both individually and together. I found this book to be a lively read, and carried it around with me so I could learn how things turn out. The sex scenes were hot. My only complaint was the introduction of another main character which eventually fit in, but at the time, seemed really out of place. Show Less
LibraryThing member elissa_kay
When I started this book last night at about 10:30, I thought I would ready a chapter or two and then go to bed. About 30 pages in, I was pretty sure I would be putting it down and never picking it up again. However, at exactly 3:55am when I finished it, I was really glad that I did.
At the
Monica is pretty messed up because of her incredibly difficult childhood and the recent death of her one real friend. Jackson lost his parents right as his own life was about to start, and had to come how to raise his younger sister. Both cope by shutting people out in different ways, but in each other almost immediately see a kindred spirit. Of course, the problems start almost immediately as well. Jackson is the mayor of his small, dying town, trying to win a contest to bring industry back; Monica could damage the town's prospects since she is in town to write of the night her mother was forced to shoot her father in the alley behind the town bar nearly 25 years ago.
The two main characters help each other figure out how to not just connect with other people, but find out how to overcome their built in walls. Watching them connect, and the bumpy road they had to travel, was at times touching and heartbreaking. I really felt for these characters. The author did a very good job of making them realistic and honest. There were also very good side characters in Shelby and Jackson's sister Gwen. It looks like the next book is about Brodie, who we met briefly at the beginning, and I have to say I am interested in his story as well.
This is an author I will be keeping my eye on, for sure!
At the
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beginning of the book, I wasn't sure I liked the characters. They are both pretty damaged people, and while that is not inherently a bad thing, I also just didn't find them likeable as people at first. But almost right after those first 30 pages, you start seeing inside them more and getting into the why's of their behavior. That opened things up considerably. Monica is pretty messed up because of her incredibly difficult childhood and the recent death of her one real friend. Jackson lost his parents right as his own life was about to start, and had to come how to raise his younger sister. Both cope by shutting people out in different ways, but in each other almost immediately see a kindred spirit. Of course, the problems start almost immediately as well. Jackson is the mayor of his small, dying town, trying to win a contest to bring industry back; Monica could damage the town's prospects since she is in town to write of the night her mother was forced to shoot her father in the alley behind the town bar nearly 25 years ago.
The two main characters help each other figure out how to not just connect with other people, but find out how to overcome their built in walls. Watching them connect, and the bumpy road they had to travel, was at times touching and heartbreaking. I really felt for these characters. The author did a very good job of making them realistic and honest. There were also very good side characters in Shelby and Jackson's sister Gwen. It looks like the next book is about Brodie, who we met briefly at the beginning, and I have to say I am interested in his story as well.
This is an author I will be keeping my eye on, for sure!
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LibraryThing member lulu150
I thought this was a good book. It had a good story line but at times I am not sure I liked the flow of the story. I did like the characters and if there is another book in the series I think I will give it a try.
LibraryThing member dd196406
Fun book! Interesting premise with appealing characters. Love books where small towns appeal to the main characters. Great beach read.
LibraryThing member winterlillies
I’ve been waiting since October 2013 to read Molly O’Keefe’s WILD CHILD because I was notified I’d be receiving a copy via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program, but I didn’t actually receive a copy until April. I’ll be truthful, I struggled to finish it and while it’s my first
Character development is a bit weak. Monica Appleby is America’s “Wild Child” and her antics would make the antics of today’s Hollywood young stars look like a walk in the park. As an adult, she’s moved on from that and has become a successful author. As a character, I liked her, but it was difficult to really get to know her. I understand why she kept to herself, but I wanted her to be a little bit more open. Then there’s Jackson Davies, who carries the weight of the world, or at least Bishop’s on his shoulders. He reluctantly comes back to Bishop to raise his sister and as the mayor, is trying to find a way to bring Bishop out of debt. Jackson was pretty easy to like and he takes his role in his sister’s life and that a mayor very seriously. In the end, him and Monica are quite the opposite from each other. We have a variety of secondary characters that play a vital role including Jackson’s sister, Gwen.
I really wanted to enjoy O’Keefe’s WILD CHILD, but to be honest, halfway through it, I stopped caring about Bishop and its residents; I kept reading just to see if they won the coveted contest (factory owner looking to expand and Bishop is one of the finalists). I normally don’t have a problem with secondary characters stealing the show or being part of the plot, but for some odd reason I was annoyed with them because they didn’t do much to enhance the plot. One particular character, Shelby was scarified for the sake of the plot and that angered me because I loved the potential relationship she might have had. I hope she gets her redemption and secretly hope the jerk that ruined her gets his own chance at redemption (because I kind of liked him).
We have a lot of answered questions. First and foremost is Monica’s whole reason for being back in Bishop and that’s to find answers regarding her father’s murder. We’re told early on who killed him, but as Monica digs, she finds herself at a standstill. I’m frustrated on her behalf and yet when we reach the end of the novel, I still don’t know if her father’s murder was justified. We’re led to believe that it was, but if Monica’s relationship with her mother is anything to go by, then should we believe whatever conclusion we’re given? Also, a few times there were a bit of inconstancies. Monica is surprised to find out Gwen is Jackson’s sister, but he mentioned having a sister and her name earlier. This bothered me immensely because it felt out of place and it really felt like it was used to give us a reason as to why Monica and Jackson would be in contact. And finally, though we aren’t given the results of the contest, I would have liked to have known the vote count.
Overall, Molly O’Keefe’s WILD CHILD had great potential, but fell flat. Sadly, the best parts of the novel were the last 25%, but I’m still willing to give this series a chance because I’m interested in how things turn out for a few of the Bishop residents.
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O’Keefe novel, it won’t be my last.Character development is a bit weak. Monica Appleby is America’s “Wild Child” and her antics would make the antics of today’s Hollywood young stars look like a walk in the park. As an adult, she’s moved on from that and has become a successful author. As a character, I liked her, but it was difficult to really get to know her. I understand why she kept to herself, but I wanted her to be a little bit more open. Then there’s Jackson Davies, who carries the weight of the world, or at least Bishop’s on his shoulders. He reluctantly comes back to Bishop to raise his sister and as the mayor, is trying to find a way to bring Bishop out of debt. Jackson was pretty easy to like and he takes his role in his sister’s life and that a mayor very seriously. In the end, him and Monica are quite the opposite from each other. We have a variety of secondary characters that play a vital role including Jackson’s sister, Gwen.
I really wanted to enjoy O’Keefe’s WILD CHILD, but to be honest, halfway through it, I stopped caring about Bishop and its residents; I kept reading just to see if they won the coveted contest (factory owner looking to expand and Bishop is one of the finalists). I normally don’t have a problem with secondary characters stealing the show or being part of the plot, but for some odd reason I was annoyed with them because they didn’t do much to enhance the plot. One particular character, Shelby was scarified for the sake of the plot and that angered me because I loved the potential relationship she might have had. I hope she gets her redemption and secretly hope the jerk that ruined her gets his own chance at redemption (because I kind of liked him).
We have a lot of answered questions. First and foremost is Monica’s whole reason for being back in Bishop and that’s to find answers regarding her father’s murder. We’re told early on who killed him, but as Monica digs, she finds herself at a standstill. I’m frustrated on her behalf and yet when we reach the end of the novel, I still don’t know if her father’s murder was justified. We’re led to believe that it was, but if Monica’s relationship with her mother is anything to go by, then should we believe whatever conclusion we’re given? Also, a few times there were a bit of inconstancies. Monica is surprised to find out Gwen is Jackson’s sister, but he mentioned having a sister and her name earlier. This bothered me immensely because it felt out of place and it really felt like it was used to give us a reason as to why Monica and Jackson would be in contact. And finally, though we aren’t given the results of the contest, I would have liked to have known the vote count.
Overall, Molly O’Keefe’s WILD CHILD had great potential, but fell flat. Sadly, the best parts of the novel were the last 25%, but I’m still willing to give this series a chance because I’m interested in how things turn out for a few of the Bishop residents.
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LibraryThing member hcollins
I really enjoyed this book! The story line was a nice refreshing change from all the trilogies out there. It was fun and quirky at times and at other times had me griping the edge of my seat. The main characters were really good together, but I would definitely like to see more books about the
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other characters because there were quite a few of them that I would LOVE to read more about. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. Show Less
LibraryThing member jendoyle2000
This book was not at all what I expected -- it was so much better thanks to its surprisingly deep emotional currents. Jackson Davies, our hero, had more flaws than typically found in romance novels, and Monica Appleby, our heroine, had a core of strength that was as unexpected as it was welcome.
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Extra points for a secondary story line that *didn't* turn out all nice and easy as is often the case. I found myself nearly sobbing at the end of it, thanks to a well-earned emotional payoff, and the characters stuck with me for awhile in a way that most don't. Definitely looking forward to reading the next in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Conkie
I surprise myself in giving this book 5 stars. Not that it is not that good; but, because it IS that good.
The author Molly O'Keefe, wrote a seamless story. Her characters kept their own voice, always. They were relatable, and at times, not particularly likeable (a redundant statement, for sure).
So, why a surprise in its earned rating? Most-likely from genre-bias and marketing prejudice. After all, doesn't the cover beckon to those whom might enjoy this book, promising light-hearted fun and detailed sex scenes, and scare away others who steer clear of "trashy" romance stories, for those very same reasons?
Instead, this story is about a woman wishing to learn how to feel safe with the person she believes herself to be; while desperately hoping she isn't lying to herself. This story is about a man, living his life according to what he felt others expected of him, and simultaneously feeling pride, resentment, and sorrow over his lack of control in the execution of those actions. This is a story about brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, friends and frenemies, and the myriad of emotions, those relationships entail.
This story should be re-marketed, to enter into that emerging market of stories written for women, by the likes of Emily March, Lisa Kleypas, and Fern Michaels. I believe it would be well-received.
The author Molly O'Keefe, wrote a seamless story. Her characters kept their own voice, always. They were relatable, and at times, not particularly likeable (a redundant statement, for sure).
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The timing of inevitable events were well-paced, as were the development and acknowledgment of the characters' feelings.So, why a surprise in its earned rating? Most-likely from genre-bias and marketing prejudice. After all, doesn't the cover beckon to those whom might enjoy this book, promising light-hearted fun and detailed sex scenes, and scare away others who steer clear of "trashy" romance stories, for those very same reasons?
Instead, this story is about a woman wishing to learn how to feel safe with the person she believes herself to be; while desperately hoping she isn't lying to herself. This story is about a man, living his life according to what he felt others expected of him, and simultaneously feeling pride, resentment, and sorrow over his lack of control in the execution of those actions. This is a story about brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, friends and frenemies, and the myriad of emotions, those relationships entail.
This story should be re-marketed, to enter into that emerging market of stories written for women, by the likes of Emily March, Lisa Kleypas, and Fern Michaels. I believe it would be well-received.
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LibraryThing member jkgrage
It took me quite a while to get into this book. I didn't find too many redeeming values to either Jackson or Monica. As the book progressed, they revealed more about themselves and they became more real. Two lost souls finding each other. Worth a read.
LibraryThing member Bette_Hansen
This is a wonderful story of two lost souls struggling to make their way in the world. I found this book to be different from Molly O'Keefe' s prior books but wonderful just the same. Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Very good book. Jackson is the mayor of a dying town. He has been trying to find a way to bring industry of some kind back to the town, and came across a contest where the winner would have a cookie factory located there. Ever since entering and finding out they made the semifinals, he has devoted
Monica lived in the town briefly as a child, leaving with her mother when she was six. Her father had been abusive to her mom and during one especially brutal night, her mom shot and killed her father. Now Monica is back in town, looking to interview people who were there that night and write a book about the event.
I liked both Jackson and Monica. They felt like real people with real problems. Each of them is dealing with a past that has had a huge effect on their present. Monica and her mother had been the stars of a reality show when called "Wild Child" when she was a teenager, and she lived up (or down) to the image. She eventually broke away from the show and her mother, wanting to escape what she'd become. Eventually she wrote a book about that time, making her more famous, but not happy. She has come back to Bishop to write her story about her mother, not because she wants to, but because she needs the money. She spent everything she had trying to help her best friend who was dying of cancer, and now has a lot of bills to pay. She's not going to let anything stop her, not even Jackson's disapproval.
Jackson is young to be the mayor of the town, but someone had to do it. His life hasn't been what he planned. When he had just started law school, his parents were killed in an accident, leaving him as guardian of his twelve year old sister. He left school and came home to raise her, but has always struggled to connect with her. Now she's about to graduate and head to college, which will free him. He just wants to get the town set on a better way of life and then he can leave without guilt. But he's afraid that Monica's arrival and reputation could threaten the image of the town that he has worked so hard to portray.
The first meeting between Jackson and Monica was both good and bad. There was an instant chemistry that flared up between them that was impossible to deny. The flirting they did was fun to see but it crashed and burned when he tried to get her to lay off her plans until after the contest. But however they try, they can't stay away from each other and the chemistry between them is incendiary. The relationship that grows between them is something of a love/hate one, as both are good at poking the sore spots in the other's life. Through it all they develop amazing insight into each other's lives and a deep desire to help.
Jackson sometimes comes off as a self-righteous prig, but underneath is a desire to fix whatever it is that is wrong. This is why he is so invested in winning the contest for the town. It also comes out during his first intimate encounter with Monica, and I loved his sensitivity and creativity in working through what happened. Jackson has closed himself off emotionally and this keeps him from letting anyone really get close to him, including Monica and even his sister. I ached to see his interactions with Gwen, because he couldn't seem to figure out what he needed to do even as he knew he was screwing up.
Monica is trying desperately to live down her reputation as she tries to build a normal life. I really enjoyed seeing her try to help out with the contest by doing a writing workshop at the summer art camp. Her interaction with the three teens were pretty blunt, but it seemed to really work. Things get more complicated when her estranged mother shows up in Bishop, wanting to mend fences. I hurt for Simone almost as much as I did for Monica.
There's a depth of emotion that comes out as Monica realizes that she has fallen in love with Jackson, but has no idea of how he feels. She's not confident that he returns her feelings, and as some things come out about the contest, she ends up feeling used and betrayed. A confrontation with Jackson has them exchanging harsh words with each other which leave both of them reeling.
There was also a secondary story with Gwen, the art school director, and encounter she had with a visitor to the town. She steps outside her comfort zone, but things don't go quite the way she envisions. Her actions are not usual for her and are brought on by her own insecurities. She soon realizes that she has made a mistake, but fixing it proves to be difficult. Strangely enough, it is her unexpected friendship with Monica that helps her do it.
Everything comes to a head the day of the finals for the contest. There was so much hope from everyone that they would win. I loved seeing Jackson's support of his town and the people in it, as everything around him goes crazy. In the end, help comes from an unexpected source and everyone is left slightly stunned. It also helps Jackson realize what is most important in his life. I loved the ending as he and Monica are finally able to overcome their pasts and look to a future together.
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everything he is to giving the town the best possible chance.Monica lived in the town briefly as a child, leaving with her mother when she was six. Her father had been abusive to her mom and during one especially brutal night, her mom shot and killed her father. Now Monica is back in town, looking to interview people who were there that night and write a book about the event.
I liked both Jackson and Monica. They felt like real people with real problems. Each of them is dealing with a past that has had a huge effect on their present. Monica and her mother had been the stars of a reality show when called "Wild Child" when she was a teenager, and she lived up (or down) to the image. She eventually broke away from the show and her mother, wanting to escape what she'd become. Eventually she wrote a book about that time, making her more famous, but not happy. She has come back to Bishop to write her story about her mother, not because she wants to, but because she needs the money. She spent everything she had trying to help her best friend who was dying of cancer, and now has a lot of bills to pay. She's not going to let anything stop her, not even Jackson's disapproval.
Jackson is young to be the mayor of the town, but someone had to do it. His life hasn't been what he planned. When he had just started law school, his parents were killed in an accident, leaving him as guardian of his twelve year old sister. He left school and came home to raise her, but has always struggled to connect with her. Now she's about to graduate and head to college, which will free him. He just wants to get the town set on a better way of life and then he can leave without guilt. But he's afraid that Monica's arrival and reputation could threaten the image of the town that he has worked so hard to portray.
The first meeting between Jackson and Monica was both good and bad. There was an instant chemistry that flared up between them that was impossible to deny. The flirting they did was fun to see but it crashed and burned when he tried to get her to lay off her plans until after the contest. But however they try, they can't stay away from each other and the chemistry between them is incendiary. The relationship that grows between them is something of a love/hate one, as both are good at poking the sore spots in the other's life. Through it all they develop amazing insight into each other's lives and a deep desire to help.
Jackson sometimes comes off as a self-righteous prig, but underneath is a desire to fix whatever it is that is wrong. This is why he is so invested in winning the contest for the town. It also comes out during his first intimate encounter with Monica, and I loved his sensitivity and creativity in working through what happened. Jackson has closed himself off emotionally and this keeps him from letting anyone really get close to him, including Monica and even his sister. I ached to see his interactions with Gwen, because he couldn't seem to figure out what he needed to do even as he knew he was screwing up.
Monica is trying desperately to live down her reputation as she tries to build a normal life. I really enjoyed seeing her try to help out with the contest by doing a writing workshop at the summer art camp. Her interaction with the three teens were pretty blunt, but it seemed to really work. Things get more complicated when her estranged mother shows up in Bishop, wanting to mend fences. I hurt for Simone almost as much as I did for Monica.
There's a depth of emotion that comes out as Monica realizes that she has fallen in love with Jackson, but has no idea of how he feels. She's not confident that he returns her feelings, and as some things come out about the contest, she ends up feeling used and betrayed. A confrontation with Jackson has them exchanging harsh words with each other which leave both of them reeling.
There was also a secondary story with Gwen, the art school director, and encounter she had with a visitor to the town. She steps outside her comfort zone, but things don't go quite the way she envisions. Her actions are not usual for her and are brought on by her own insecurities. She soon realizes that she has made a mistake, but fixing it proves to be difficult. Strangely enough, it is her unexpected friendship with Monica that helps her do it.
Everything comes to a head the day of the finals for the contest. There was so much hope from everyone that they would win. I loved seeing Jackson's support of his town and the people in it, as everything around him goes crazy. In the end, help comes from an unexpected source and everyone is left slightly stunned. It also helps Jackson realize what is most important in his life. I loved the ending as he and Monica are finally able to overcome their pasts and look to a future together.
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LibraryThing member msralways
Decent enough, but I think the author wanted to convey too many emotions and things got a little scrambled halfway through it. But I'll probably read the next installment.
LibraryThing member darkand27
*Whew* This was an emotional roller coaster for both of the lead characters. They both started out so alone and trapped behind their own self-made walls and it's almost a miracle that they actually found their way to each other. Watching their guarded hearts open up and bloom was wonderful! There
I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.
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was so much turmoil and angst, the reader could have gotten lost in the fog of anger & mistrust but luckily there was plenty of steamy goodness to pull you out of that funk from time to time. Whoa boy howdy, that first intimate scene when Jackson comes back to Monica's hotel room after her initial rejection! Talk about incendiary!!! *Fanning myself* There were plenty of sub-plots to keep you on your toes with quirky & likeable secondary characters. I know the next Bishop boy is Brody and I'm looking forward to reading all about this broody hunk as soon as it comes out but I am truly hoping that Shelby gets her own story soon! I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.
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LibraryThing member KimSalyers
is book number for first reads and goodreads.com giveaway came in yesterday where I work
LibraryThing member KimSalyers
is book number for first reads and goodreads.com giveaway came in yesterday where I work
LibraryThing member kbranfield
4.5 stars.
As I have come to expect from Molly O'Keefe, Wild Child is a deliciously steamy romance that has plenty of substance. It is a light read in the sense that there is no angst but there is definitely a lot of depth to the characters and the plot.
At first glance reality star turned author
The similarities between Monica and Jackson are apparent at their first contentious meeting. Both are very different than their public personas and they are very good at hiding who they really are from other people. Neither of them had very little choice in the direction their lives took. Monica's mother dragged her into the limelight while the unexpected death of Jackson's parents left him in charge of his teenage sister.
Monica and Jackson quickly enter into a very hot and incendiary sexual relationship but their pasts soon derail their relationship. Jackson's relationship with Gwen is distant and things between them are becoming increasingly rocky. Monica has successfully avoided her mother Simone for several years, but Simone's unexpected arrival in Bishop lead to several unpleasant confrontations between the two.
Wild Child is a delightfully charming romance and while Jackson and Monica are flawed and imperfect, they are very appealing. Their problems are not glossed over, and the resolution of their issues is handled in a realistic manner. The secondary cast of characters adds another layer to this intricately plotted story and hopefully Molly O'Keefe has plans to bring us their stories in the future.
Another fabulous book by a very gifted author that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances.
As I have come to expect from Molly O'Keefe, Wild Child is a deliciously steamy romance that has plenty of substance. It is a light read in the sense that there is no angst but there is definitely a lot of depth to the characters and the plot.
At first glance reality star turned author
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Monica Appleby and small town mayor Jackson Davies share little in common. Monica's sordid past and wild teenage exploits have been vividly detailed in her auto-biography Wild Child while Jackson leads a pretty quiet and rumor free life raising his teenage sister, Gwen. Their two very different worlds collide when Monica returns to the small town of Bishop, AR to write a tell all novel about a tragic event from her childhood. Negative publicity is the last thing Jackson needs while Bishop is participating in a nationally televised competition for a relocating factory that will resuscitate the town's dying economy. The similarities between Monica and Jackson are apparent at their first contentious meeting. Both are very different than their public personas and they are very good at hiding who they really are from other people. Neither of them had very little choice in the direction their lives took. Monica's mother dragged her into the limelight while the unexpected death of Jackson's parents left him in charge of his teenage sister.
Monica and Jackson quickly enter into a very hot and incendiary sexual relationship but their pasts soon derail their relationship. Jackson's relationship with Gwen is distant and things between them are becoming increasingly rocky. Monica has successfully avoided her mother Simone for several years, but Simone's unexpected arrival in Bishop lead to several unpleasant confrontations between the two.
Wild Child is a delightfully charming romance and while Jackson and Monica are flawed and imperfect, they are very appealing. Their problems are not glossed over, and the resolution of their issues is handled in a realistic manner. The secondary cast of characters adds another layer to this intricately plotted story and hopefully Molly O'Keefe has plans to bring us their stories in the future.
Another fabulous book by a very gifted author that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013-10-29
Physical description
368 p.
ISBN
0345533712 / 9780345533715