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Magnolia Falls #2
Wild River
A Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Boy Obsessed, Found Family, Standalone Romance from USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov.
Ruby Rose declared me the enemy before I had a chance to defend myself.
I may be an attorney, but this girl had appointed herself judge and jury.
And I’d never minded a good verbal sparring.
There was a comfort in going to battle against the evil queen.
Maybe it was just the recognition of one damaged soul to another.
But the more we fought—the more I craved her.
Until our arguing turned into a bit of a wager.
One I was determined to win.
One time. Sixty seconds. A secret only we would share.
I’d work my magic and she’d declare me the winner.
I’d gloat, she’d sulk—that was my plan.
She was determined to prove me wrong.
But from the minute we crossed the line, there was no turning back.
She was so far under my skin I couldn’t think straight.
Feeling things that I’d never felt before was one thing.
But knowing the clock was ticking was another.
Ruby Rose may have given me more than sixty seconds, but she wasn’t offering forever.
And now my world doesn’t work without her in it.
But how do I convince her to stay, when she already has one foot out the door?
Ruby Rose declared me the enemy before I had a chance to defend myself.
I may be an attorney, but this girl had appointed herself judge and jury.
And I’d never minded a good verbal sparring.
There was a comfort in going to battle against the evil queen.
Maybe it was just the recognition of one damaged soul to another.
But the more we fought—the more I craved her.
Until our arguing turned into a bit of a wager.
One I was determined to win.
One time. Sixty seconds. A secret only we would share.
I’d work my magic and she’d declare me the winner.
I’d gloat, she’d sulk—that was my plan.
She was determined to prove me wrong.
But from the minute we crossed the line, there was no turning back.
She was so far under my skin I couldn’t think straight.
Feeling things that I’d never felt before was one thing.
But knowing the clock was ticking was another.
Ruby Rose may have given me more than sixty seconds, but she wasn’t offering forever.
And now my world doesn’t work without her in it.
But how do I convince her to stay, when she already has one foot out the door?
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
About the author
Laura Pavlov
46 books7,192 followersLaura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!
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Currently reading
March 28, 2024Available now!
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https://geni.us/wildriver
Audio Narrated by: Desiree Ketchum & Aiden Snow
Paperbacks available in both covers!
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41OUXah
Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
https://geni.us/wildriver
Audio Narrated by: Desiree Ketchum & Aiden Snow
Paperbacks available in both covers!
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41OUXah
March 19, 2024
4.25 stars
After reading the first book in Laura Pavlov’s ‘Magnolia Fall’ series, I knew I needed to know more about this group of friends. Wild River follows River and Ruby’s enemies to lovers/small town romance.
River is best friends with Romeo and their friend group is elite. I cannot wait to read about all of these guys! He’s also an attorney in Magnolia Falls who ends up representing Ruby’s dad. Ruby is not impressed by River, unlike most of the town. But River… he’s impressed by Ruby. She’s feisty, fun, and independent and has him so intrigued.
The banter and chemistry between these two was top notch. I had so much fun reading it. Ruby with her brothers, who ended up being great, and as mentioned before, River’s friend group. It’s found family at its finest. And the way we were teased for the next book… Gahhh! I can’t wait.
I listened to the audiobook of Wild River and Aiden Snow and Desiree Ketchum did a fantastic job voicing River and Ruby. Overall this was a great read and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
After reading the first book in Laura Pavlov’s ‘Magnolia Fall’ series, I knew I needed to know more about this group of friends. Wild River follows River and Ruby’s enemies to lovers/small town romance.
River is best friends with Romeo and their friend group is elite. I cannot wait to read about all of these guys! He’s also an attorney in Magnolia Falls who ends up representing Ruby’s dad. Ruby is not impressed by River, unlike most of the town. But River… he’s impressed by Ruby. She’s feisty, fun, and independent and has him so intrigued.
The banter and chemistry between these two was top notch. I had so much fun reading it. Ruby with her brothers, who ended up being great, and as mentioned before, River’s friend group. It’s found family at its finest. And the way we were teased for the next book… Gahhh! I can’t wait.
I listened to the audiobook of Wild River and Aiden Snow and Desiree Ketchum did a fantastic job voicing River and Ruby. Overall this was a great read and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
Audio book source: Book Funnel (arc)
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Aiden Snow & Desiree Ketchum
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 8h 53m
March 17, 2024
I love being in Magnolia Falls 🥹🥹
This was such a fun read! I love Ruby sooo freaking much! She is such a feisty, independent, & strong FMC and those are my absolute favorite type of FMC's to read about.
I really enjoyed the hate to love & back and forth banter between Ruby & River and also LOVED the Cottonwood Cove features with Cage and Finn! I love how Laura can tie all of her series together because I have such a strong love for every character so it's the best thing ever when they pop into newer books!
"I like aggravating you, Queenie. I want to spend the rest of my life aggravating you,"
EXCUSE ME WHY IS THIS SOMETHING MY HUSBAND WOULD SAY.
-small town
-hate to love
-one bed
🌶️🌶️
Also.. I am praying for Kingston and Saylor to get a book together 🤭🤭
Thank you Valentine PR and Laura Pavlov for the early ARC copy! 💗
This was such a fun read! I love Ruby sooo freaking much! She is such a feisty, independent, & strong FMC and those are my absolute favorite type of FMC's to read about.
I really enjoyed the hate to love & back and forth banter between Ruby & River and also LOVED the Cottonwood Cove features with Cage and Finn! I love how Laura can tie all of her series together because I have such a strong love for every character so it's the best thing ever when they pop into newer books!
"I like aggravating you, Queenie. I want to spend the rest of my life aggravating you,"
EXCUSE ME WHY IS THIS SOMETHING MY HUSBAND WOULD SAY.
-small town
-hate to love
-one bed
🌶️🌶️
Also.. I am praying for Kingston and Saylor to get a book together 🤭🤭
Thank you Valentine PR and Laura Pavlov for the early ARC copy! 💗
March 29, 2024
I have fallen so hard for these characters in this series after reading Loving Romeo, so I was so excited for Wild River! We see the gang of friends and Beefcake and I love their banter and dynamic so much! The group chats are everything.
This romance is a hate to love romance between the heroine coming back home to take care of her father and a lawyer. They immediately butt heads, but they have an obvious attraction and chemistry. They start an enemies with benefits situation before really falling for each other. The tropes in this one aren't necessarily my favorite, but Laura delivers on the protective hero and insane chemistry between the characters. The heroine always takes care of her family, even when they don't appreciate it, and I loved how the hero stuck up for her when her brothers were being rude. It was fun how he stepped up to help her, even when she didn't want to accept his help, and all of his friends got involved in helping her brothers as well.
This has all of the small town antics and close friends vibes we get from Laura's books and I just love the feeling of reading a new book by her. I did love Loving Romeo more than this one, but I just love these characters and being back with them! I already can't wait for the next book!!
This romance is a hate to love romance between the heroine coming back home to take care of her father and a lawyer. They immediately butt heads, but they have an obvious attraction and chemistry. They start an enemies with benefits situation before really falling for each other. The tropes in this one aren't necessarily my favorite, but Laura delivers on the protective hero and insane chemistry between the characters. The heroine always takes care of her family, even when they don't appreciate it, and I loved how the hero stuck up for her when her brothers were being rude. It was fun how he stepped up to help her, even when she didn't want to accept his help, and all of his friends got involved in helping her brothers as well.
This has all of the small town antics and close friends vibes we get from Laura's books and I just love the feeling of reading a new book by her. I did love Loving Romeo more than this one, but I just love these characters and being back with them! I already can't wait for the next book!!
March 20, 2024
Wild River is the second book in Laura Pavlov’s Magnolia Falls series. This is a small town romance with found family and hate to love vibes. I have loved this author’s previous books, the last few have all been 5-stars for me, and I fully expected to love this one too, but this book just didn’t hit the same for me sadly.
“Ruby Rose is not an evil queen at all.
She was guarded and cautious and fierce.
She was the epitome of a queen.
Nothing evil about it.”
River is a lawyer and part of the same friend group as the hero of the first book. Ruby ends up coming home to Magnolia Falls when her father is in the hospital and she doesn’t have the best impression of River at first She decides to stay in town while her father is in the hospital and keeps his business, Whiskey Falls bar open.
Ruby has always been the responsible one from a young age and has had to be the caretaker of her mom’s messy life and her half brothers as well. River is super pulled towards her and while she’s never been one to depend on others, he’s determined to help her. After a “60 second challenge” leads to “just one night only”, they eventually end up in a no-strings attached type of relationship of hooking up while she’s in town.
While I loved the found family, I just wasn’t pulled to the couple and didn’t feel the romance between them. Some moments just felt kind of silly in here starting with the reason her dad was in the hospital. I could honestly tell right away I wasn’t going to love the story, but I thought it would be 4 stars. But then the hero makes some dumb assumptions at the last minute and acts/says ridiculous things so that brought down my rating. I did really like the hero’s text convo thread with his friends, their guys trip to Cottonwood Cove, how he calls her “Queenie”, and seeing more of the future heroes for the series. So while this one didn’t work for me perfectly, I love this author and her books overall!
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
“Ruby Rose is not an evil queen at all.
She was guarded and cautious and fierce.
She was the epitome of a queen.
Nothing evil about it.”
River is a lawyer and part of the same friend group as the hero of the first book. Ruby ends up coming home to Magnolia Falls when her father is in the hospital and she doesn’t have the best impression of River at first She decides to stay in town while her father is in the hospital and keeps his business, Whiskey Falls bar open.
Ruby has always been the responsible one from a young age and has had to be the caretaker of her mom’s messy life and her half brothers as well. River is super pulled towards her and while she’s never been one to depend on others, he’s determined to help her. After a “60 second challenge” leads to “just one night only”, they eventually end up in a no-strings attached type of relationship of hooking up while she’s in town.
While I loved the found family, I just wasn’t pulled to the couple and didn’t feel the romance between them. Some moments just felt kind of silly in here starting with the reason her dad was in the hospital. I could honestly tell right away I wasn’t going to love the story, but I thought it would be 4 stars. But then the hero makes some dumb assumptions at the last minute and acts/says ridiculous things so that brought down my rating. I did really like the hero’s text convo thread with his friends, their guys trip to Cottonwood Cove, how he calls her “Queenie”, and seeing more of the future heroes for the series. So while this one didn’t work for me perfectly, I love this author and her books overall!
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
May 7, 2024
3.5 stars
After eating up Loving Romeo, I was SO excited to be back with this small town gang and seeing River as our main man this time around!
Wild River follows River, the town lawyer, and Ruby, the daughter of one of River’s clients who comes back to town to help run her father’s bar after a health scare. There’s an immediate dislike among the two with River’s unattached nature, and Ruby’s feisty black cat energy, but the way they couldn’t avoid each other in Magnolia Falls really amped up the tension and eventual angst between the two. The constant tension finally gives way that leads to a no strings attached arrangement, but that only lasts so long until somebody catches feelings and things start to feel real.
Ruby is such an independent, caring heroine that would do anything and everything for her family. There’s a scene involving River manhandling Ruby’s brother after he speaks so rudely to her, and I was SCREAMING!! I love a protective man 🙏🏼
I will say, this didn’t have nearly as much groveling as I hoped from River, but I can’t deny my soft spot for him.
I loved seeing the band of brothers interact but again, I just wish we got more of their interactions like we did in book 1. The friendship banter is truly top tier!
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Kingston because the way this ended has me eager to see it all play out 😍😍
✨𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭—
black cat energy
enemies to lovers
he falls first
found family
touch her & 💀
”Hearing Ruby laugh felt like I was witnessing something special. Something you earned. Something you cherished.”
After eating up Loving Romeo, I was SO excited to be back with this small town gang and seeing River as our main man this time around!
Wild River follows River, the town lawyer, and Ruby, the daughter of one of River’s clients who comes back to town to help run her father’s bar after a health scare. There’s an immediate dislike among the two with River’s unattached nature, and Ruby’s feisty black cat energy, but the way they couldn’t avoid each other in Magnolia Falls really amped up the tension and eventual angst between the two. The constant tension finally gives way that leads to a no strings attached arrangement, but that only lasts so long until somebody catches feelings and things start to feel real.
Ruby is such an independent, caring heroine that would do anything and everything for her family. There’s a scene involving River manhandling Ruby’s brother after he speaks so rudely to her, and I was SCREAMING!! I love a protective man 🙏🏼
I will say, this didn’t have nearly as much groveling as I hoped from River, but I can’t deny my soft spot for him.
I loved seeing the band of brothers interact but again, I just wish we got more of their interactions like we did in book 1. The friendship banter is truly top tier!
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Kingston because the way this ended has me eager to see it all play out 😍😍
✨𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭—
black cat energy
enemies to lovers
he falls first
found family
touch her & 💀
March 19, 2024
“I knew in this moment that I’d never be the same after one night with River.”
Wild River by Laura Pavlov
—small town romance
—second in series
—hate to love
—60 SECONDS 🔥
The way i love Laura Pavlov’s books is unmatched. I always have the best time reading them, the story flows so well, and the characters are so damn likable. And Wild River was no exception.
Ruby and River were fire burning together, even when it was raining and i loved every minute of the burn.
Ruby is a spitfire, independent, head strong, and strong. While River is charismatic, charming, and just knows exactly what he is doing. Together they are like a firework show and separately they are just as incredible. Their chemistry was off the charts right off the bat, and when they did get together, it was even better. I loved their dynamic and i especially loved their spice. Laura writes spice that not only flows with the story but it so fun to read.
This small town romance was the perfect continuation of this series, between the banter, the side characters, the chemistry, the story itself, everything was a hit and it created a page turner of a book. I could not put Wild River down, and i did end up reading it in less than 2 days. Absolutely devoured this front to back.
If you’re looking for a hate to love, small town romance with like-able characters, a romance you’ll love, and a story you wont forget, Wild River is a must add to the TBR. Highly recommend reading the first in the series, Loving Romeo first, because Romeo and Demi were just as electric.
Wild River by Laura Pavlov
—small town romance
—second in series
—hate to love
—60 SECONDS 🔥
The way i love Laura Pavlov’s books is unmatched. I always have the best time reading them, the story flows so well, and the characters are so damn likable. And Wild River was no exception.
Ruby and River were fire burning together, even when it was raining and i loved every minute of the burn.
Ruby is a spitfire, independent, head strong, and strong. While River is charismatic, charming, and just knows exactly what he is doing. Together they are like a firework show and separately they are just as incredible. Their chemistry was off the charts right off the bat, and when they did get together, it was even better. I loved their dynamic and i especially loved their spice. Laura writes spice that not only flows with the story but it so fun to read.
This small town romance was the perfect continuation of this series, between the banter, the side characters, the chemistry, the story itself, everything was a hit and it created a page turner of a book. I could not put Wild River down, and i did end up reading it in less than 2 days. Absolutely devoured this front to back.
If you’re looking for a hate to love, small town romance with like-able characters, a romance you’ll love, and a story you wont forget, Wild River is a must add to the TBR. Highly recommend reading the first in the series, Loving Romeo first, because Romeo and Demi were just as electric.
March 30, 2024
Wild River by Laura Pavlov 🗒️
It's no secret that Laura is one of my favorite authors. She is so good at writing a small town romance filled with characters you immediately fall in love with. River and Ruby's story was so sweet and is my current favorite for this series, but we're only on book 2 out of 5 so we will see if they stay the fave!
Ruby is back in her hometown of Magnolia Falls after her dad ends up in the hospital. Her plan is to help run the bar her dad owns until he is able to return work and then get out of town. That is until she has a few run-ins with River, the guy she can't seem to avoid. They have a bit of dislike to lovers thing going with her being the black cat type and him being the guy who is slow to trust and doesn't get attached to people. Every time they see each other they have amazing banter yet there's this attraction lingering in the background for both of them. They do a great job ignoring it until they make a bet for something to happen and it only needing to take 60 seconds. 😏 But once they crossed that line once, they can't stop. What starts out as a no strings attached arrangemnt turns into something more quickly.
I really liked Ruby. She's strong, independnent and while she will always take care of her family, learned how to put herself first in the book. I really liked how she had her PhD and wanted to use it for something she was passionate about. I was so happy to get to know more about River after the glimpse we got in the gitst book of the series. He's the charming guy that most people like, but doesn't tend to let people in. Both of them are hesitant to trust due to things that have happened in their past, and who better to finally allow someone in than each other.
I loved all the smaller items Laura weaved into the book. Getting to see the side characters, the group text messages, cameos from previous books! Then she adds in some of my favorite microtropes that had me squealing. A perfect small town romance with a balance of sweetness and spice.
😠 dislike to lovers
❤️🔥 no strings attached
🏡 small town
✨ he falls first
🤭 banter
👀 some of my fave microtropes
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
It's no secret that Laura is one of my favorite authors. She is so good at writing a small town romance filled with characters you immediately fall in love with. River and Ruby's story was so sweet and is my current favorite for this series, but we're only on book 2 out of 5 so we will see if they stay the fave!
Ruby is back in her hometown of Magnolia Falls after her dad ends up in the hospital. Her plan is to help run the bar her dad owns until he is able to return work and then get out of town. That is until she has a few run-ins with River, the guy she can't seem to avoid. They have a bit of dislike to lovers thing going with her being the black cat type and him being the guy who is slow to trust and doesn't get attached to people. Every time they see each other they have amazing banter yet there's this attraction lingering in the background for both of them. They do a great job ignoring it until they make a bet for something to happen and it only needing to take 60 seconds. 😏 But once they crossed that line once, they can't stop. What starts out as a no strings attached arrangemnt turns into something more quickly.
I really liked Ruby. She's strong, independnent and while she will always take care of her family, learned how to put herself first in the book. I really liked how she had her PhD and wanted to use it for something she was passionate about. I was so happy to get to know more about River after the glimpse we got in the gitst book of the series. He's the charming guy that most people like, but doesn't tend to let people in. Both of them are hesitant to trust due to things that have happened in their past, and who better to finally allow someone in than each other.
I loved all the smaller items Laura weaved into the book. Getting to see the side characters, the group text messages, cameos from previous books! Then she adds in some of my favorite microtropes that had me squealing. A perfect small town romance with a balance of sweetness and spice.
😠 dislike to lovers
❤️🔥 no strings attached
🏡 small town
✨ he falls first
🤭 banter
👀 some of my fave microtropes
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
March 27, 2024
4.5⭐️
I loved being back at Magnolia Falls. I just knew I was going to love River his sexy dirty talk was everything. The chemistry and connection between River and Ruby was so good. Ruby is strong, confident, feisty and I loved that about her. The banter was so much fun between the two. I really love this series and can’t wait for Forbidden King.
Desireé Ketchum and Aiden Snow did a fantastic job narrating this audio. I highly recommend listening.
I loved being back at Magnolia Falls. I just knew I was going to love River his sexy dirty talk was everything. The chemistry and connection between River and Ruby was so good. Ruby is strong, confident, feisty and I loved that about her. The banter was so much fun between the two. I really love this series and can’t wait for Forbidden King.
Desireé Ketchum and Aiden Snow did a fantastic job narrating this audio. I highly recommend listening.
April 13, 2024
4/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
I loved absolutely everything that she writes, but if there’s something Laura is AMAZING at writing, it’s enemies to lovers. She kills it every. single. time. This book was no exception! This entire new series is going to end up being one of my all time favorites, I just know it.
Thank you Laura & VPR for the ARC!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Lots of Banter
2/5🌶️
I loved absolutely everything that she writes, but if there’s something Laura is AMAZING at writing, it’s enemies to lovers. She kills it every. single. time. This book was no exception! This entire new series is going to end up being one of my all time favorites, I just know it.
Thank you Laura & VPR for the ARC!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Lots of Banter
May 6, 2024
This was my first EVER Laura Pavlov and when I had the opportunity to listen to this audio book, I knew I had to jump on it. My friends have raved about her books and I didn't want to miss out anymore.
When Ruby comes back to her small town after college to look after her dad's bar while he recovers from an... incident, shall we say? She doesn't know what she wants to do after this, but what she doesn't need is for River to complicate things. But when he makes her a wager of the... steamy kind, she can't help but want to see what he's got.
After that, it's to late for the both of them, so ya'll better hold onto your hats.
This had great banter, swoon, steam, and some touching moments as well. It was a great read and listen and I fell in love with the whole gang. It's another small town series for me to be obsessed with, so I'll definitely be catching up real soon. The board is all set for a lovely series.
It is narrated by Aiden Snow and Desiree Ketchum, which means your ears are in for a pleasurable time as well.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to VPR and the author for an ALC of this title.*
When Ruby comes back to her small town after college to look after her dad's bar while he recovers from an... incident, shall we say? She doesn't know what she wants to do after this, but what she doesn't need is for River to complicate things. But when he makes her a wager of the... steamy kind, she can't help but want to see what he's got.
After that, it's to late for the both of them, so ya'll better hold onto your hats.
This had great banter, swoon, steam, and some touching moments as well. It was a great read and listen and I fell in love with the whole gang. It's another small town series for me to be obsessed with, so I'll definitely be catching up real soon. The board is all set for a lovely series.
It is narrated by Aiden Snow and Desiree Ketchum, which means your ears are in for a pleasurable time as well.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to VPR and the author for an ALC of this title.*
June 6, 2024
While I have enjoyed this author's prior books and series, Wild River just didn't connect with me and the major reason was the heroine.I just didn't like her character much as she was just too caustic for my personal tastes when it came to heroines.I like the heroines to be softer and not so hard ass.
As per usual,Beefcake stole every scene he was in, and I can't wait to see him with a new girl in his Daddy's book.
As per usual,Beefcake stole every scene he was in, and I can't wait to see him with a new girl in his Daddy's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
i haven’t read anything from this author in a while bc all her series were the same. wash, rinse & repeat. i didn’t read the first in this series but i think the pattern is continuing here… 😅
💗 small town
💗 dislike x lovers
💗 he’s a lawyer and she has her phd
💗 playboy
💗 he falls first
Ruby moves home to help her dad out by running his bar while he’s recovering from a stroke. River is friends with her dad and there’s an instant dislike there. they bicker and argue a lot but can’t get past their attraction towards each other and finally decide to hook up while she’s in town.
SPOILERS
honestly this could have been a 4 star read if it wasn’t for the third act & how it was resolved. the 3 stars are basically just for River (before he pissed me off) bc he was truly a good man. all that he did for her, it can’t make me fully hate him 🥺 Ruby was fine i guess, idk i didn’t really connect with her character at all.
he’s a whore, never with a woman more than once, everyone knows the score… now i knew this going in and i was okay with it because he just knows Ruby is different and has no issues with admitting it. and it’s mentioned how she picks men that she won’t get attached to so i got excited (wrong move on my part) that they would be equally matched. WRONG. of course no man has ever made her come, she takes care of herself. you’ve got to be kidding me 🙄 but knowing this author i’m not surprised. her fmcs can be experienced but she’ll be damned that they have had a pleasurable sex life. but don’t you worry, River can get her off in under 60 seconds when no other man could with no time limit 🙄🙄🙄
now the third act. River is such an idiot. these two just love jumping to conclusions but COME ON. if he loves her like he says there’s no way he would’ve acted like he did without hearing her out. then to leave with a woman that everyone knows wants in his bed (again!!) GTFO
then he doesn’t even reach out to apologize, their friends have to parent trap them and HE STILL DOESN’T APOLOGIZE. there’s one positive here and it’s that she doesn’t take his crap. she tells him to figure his shit out and come apologize for real when he’s ready.
do you wanna know the “grovel”??? after the failed “i love you” sticky note that caused this whole mess…. he fills her new office with… you guessed it, sticky notes.
he does follow up with meeting her at a romantic spot he set up & apologizes face to face (finally) and gets her name tattooed on him… so i’ll give him that i guess.
idk for me it was just the same thing, different book. i probably won’t be continuing this series bc the next one is Kingston who is a total manwhore and so non apologetic about it and it’s friends to lovers so 🥴🥴🤮🤮🤮
💗 small town
💗 dislike x lovers
💗 he’s a lawyer and she has her phd
💗 playboy
💗 he falls first
Ruby moves home to help her dad out by running his bar while he’s recovering from a stroke. River is friends with her dad and there’s an instant dislike there. they bicker and argue a lot but can’t get past their attraction towards each other and finally decide to hook up while she’s in town.
SPOILERS
honestly this could have been a 4 star read if it wasn’t for the third act & how it was resolved. the 3 stars are basically just for River (before he pissed me off) bc he was truly a good man. all that he did for her, it can’t make me fully hate him 🥺 Ruby was fine i guess, idk i didn’t really connect with her character at all.
he’s a whore, never with a woman more than once, everyone knows the score… now i knew this going in and i was okay with it because he just knows Ruby is different and has no issues with admitting it. and it’s mentioned how she picks men that she won’t get attached to so i got excited (wrong move on my part) that they would be equally matched. WRONG. of course no man has ever made her come, she takes care of herself. you’ve got to be kidding me 🙄 but knowing this author i’m not surprised. her fmcs can be experienced but she’ll be damned that they have had a pleasurable sex life. but don’t you worry, River can get her off in under 60 seconds when no other man could with no time limit 🙄🙄🙄
now the third act. River is such an idiot. these two just love jumping to conclusions but COME ON. if he loves her like he says there’s no way he would’ve acted like he did without hearing her out. then to leave with a woman that everyone knows wants in his bed (again!!) GTFO
then he doesn’t even reach out to apologize, their friends have to parent trap them and HE STILL DOESN’T APOLOGIZE. there’s one positive here and it’s that she doesn’t take his crap. she tells him to figure his shit out and come apologize for real when he’s ready.
do you wanna know the “grovel”??? after the failed “i love you” sticky note that caused this whole mess…. he fills her new office with… you guessed it, sticky notes.
he does follow up with meeting her at a romantic spot he set up & apologizes face to face (finally) and gets her name tattooed on him… so i’ll give him that i guess.
idk for me it was just the same thing, different book. i probably won’t be continuing this series bc the next one is Kingston who is a total manwhore and so non apologetic about it and it’s friends to lovers so 🥴🥴🤮🤮🤮
April 10, 2024
I love the grumpy lawyer 🖤🖤🖤🖤
March 28, 2024
If I had to choose one fictional place with fictional characters I want to move to, it would be Magnolia Falls. I can’t even begin to express how much all of the characters, main & side, mean to me. If you love strong friendships and strong side characters, please pick up this series, or better yet any series by Laura Pavlov. The banter between each character is amazing and it honestly keeps me so invested that I would read a whole series just about them with 0 romance in it.
River & Ruby are your typical enemies to lovers, this will never work, we both don’t do relationships kind of couple who just couldn’t fight it anymore. They finally found what they both were looking for in each other and learned so much about themselves throughout the story. I love them so much, and loved how we got to continue to see Romeo & Demi’s relationship advancing in the background.
🩶 found family
🩶 enemies to lovers
🩶 small town
🩶 alpha hero
🩶 he falls first
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC two weeks ago, but I will be rereading again now that it is release day just to go back to this world. I love this series with my entire being and I cannot wait for Kingstons book in June. 🩶
River & Ruby are your typical enemies to lovers, this will never work, we both don’t do relationships kind of couple who just couldn’t fight it anymore. They finally found what they both were looking for in each other and learned so much about themselves throughout the story. I love them so much, and loved how we got to continue to see Romeo & Demi’s relationship advancing in the background.
🩶 found family
🩶 enemies to lovers
🩶 small town
🩶 alpha hero
🩶 he falls first
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC two weeks ago, but I will be rereading again now that it is release day just to go back to this world. I love this series with my entire being and I cannot wait for Kingstons book in June. 🩶
March 24, 2024
I actually fell in love with River in Loving Romeo, but I also got to fall in love with Ruby in Wild River and my oh my did I love every second 🥹
I had to work over the couple days that I read this and I was so sad. I wanted to just keep reading. Every night I would sit there trying so hard to keep my eyes open while reading because I just didn’t want to fall asleep 😭 this has the potential to be a “read in one sitting” kinda book for you🥹🫶🏻
I adored watching both of them have their walls up and slowly let them down just for each other. They’re similar people, always protecting those around them and not always protecting their peace. It’s rare that I see a romance couple who quite literally is the same end up together, usually it’s one of them slowly getting them to realize it’s not healthy to be that way. But instead, they just protect each other and try to get each other to lessen the load. It was sweet and swoony and spicy. I was obsessed with the way they were behind closed doors, but yet couldn’t quite turn it off in public either, because people instantly knew.
Also, Laura, my girl… the SPICE?? Ma’am, the spice was spicing. The mouth you put on our man, River 🥵 I was on a Group FaceTime read - basically we all sit in silence reading and occasionally say something about the book and I went “LAURA GIRL OH MY GOD” 🤭🤭🤭 needless to say, I shared that line with the call 😂
I cannot wait for more. Devouring these men has been one of the best parts of 2024. 🤭💗
You’ll like this book if you like
✨ Dislike to love
✨ Banter
✨ Small town
✨ Found family
✨ He falls first
5⭐️ | 2🌶️
I had to work over the couple days that I read this and I was so sad. I wanted to just keep reading. Every night I would sit there trying so hard to keep my eyes open while reading because I just didn’t want to fall asleep 😭 this has the potential to be a “read in one sitting” kinda book for you🥹🫶🏻
I adored watching both of them have their walls up and slowly let them down just for each other. They’re similar people, always protecting those around them and not always protecting their peace. It’s rare that I see a romance couple who quite literally is the same end up together, usually it’s one of them slowly getting them to realize it’s not healthy to be that way. But instead, they just protect each other and try to get each other to lessen the load. It was sweet and swoony and spicy. I was obsessed with the way they were behind closed doors, but yet couldn’t quite turn it off in public either, because people instantly knew.
Also, Laura, my girl… the SPICE?? Ma’am, the spice was spicing. The mouth you put on our man, River 🥵 I was on a Group FaceTime read - basically we all sit in silence reading and occasionally say something about the book and I went “LAURA GIRL OH MY GOD” 🤭🤭🤭 needless to say, I shared that line with the call 😂
I cannot wait for more. Devouring these men has been one of the best parts of 2024. 🤭💗
You’ll like this book if you like
✨ Dislike to love
✨ Banter
✨ Small town
✨ Found family
✨ He falls first
5⭐️ | 2🌶️
March 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
💛 Found family
💛 Enemies to lovers
💛 Small town
💛 Boy obsessed
Ruby and River don't get along, but the attraction between them is undeniable. The banter between them was awesome, and I swear, I could practically see the sparks flying off my Kindle.
Ruby is a character who used to take care of everyone else and put herself last, so it was really beautiful to see her getting involved with River and him putting her first. I think the character had incredible growth, and I'm happy to see her discovering what home means to her.
I absolutely loved how their relationship unfolded. One of the things I liked the most about their relationship is how they're not afraid to challenge each other. And for me, River was already head over heels in love long before he admitted it to himself.
I was so pumped to get back to Magnolia Falls. Once again, Beefcake was one of the best parts of the book. Reuniting with my favorite crew of friends is the best, especially in the ride or die group chat.
Thank you so much, Valentine Pr, for sending me this ARC.
💛 Found family
💛 Enemies to lovers
💛 Small town
💛 Boy obsessed
Ruby and River don't get along, but the attraction between them is undeniable. The banter between them was awesome, and I swear, I could practically see the sparks flying off my Kindle.
Ruby is a character who used to take care of everyone else and put herself last, so it was really beautiful to see her getting involved with River and him putting her first. I think the character had incredible growth, and I'm happy to see her discovering what home means to her.
I absolutely loved how their relationship unfolded. One of the things I liked the most about their relationship is how they're not afraid to challenge each other. And for me, River was already head over heels in love long before he admitted it to himself.
I was so pumped to get back to Magnolia Falls. Once again, Beefcake was one of the best parts of the book. Reuniting with my favorite crew of friends is the best, especially in the ride or die group chat.
Thank you so much, Valentine Pr, for sending me this ARC.
May 23, 2024
Rating:⭐️5/5
Spice:🌶️4/5
Read in May 2024:🌻4/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚107/240
♥ [𝚁𝚞𝚋𝚢 & 𝚁𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛] ♥
📌 small town
📌 grumpy hot lawyer
📌 grumpy hot psychology doctor
📌 age gap (he's older)
📌 smut
📌 friends with benefits
📌 found family
📌 toxic family relationships
📌 friends with benefits
🇺🇸Laura Pavlov is an author I've wanted to read for a very long time, and I'm really pleased that Valentine PR has given me the opportunity to do so by offering me this audiobook.
I was immediately won over by the writing style. It's fluid and easy to follow, and I was drawn straight into Magnolia Falls. What I love most about series is tight-knit groups of friends, and this one didn't disappoint. I loved every one of their interactions and their exchanges are hilarious and really made me want to learn more about each of the characters.
Now River and Ruby. Undeniable tension and overheated exchanges. Their first time together was explosive and didn't leave me indifferent. Watching their relationship slowly evolve from 'we can't stand each other' to 'let's do something about all this sexual tension' to 'oops, having feelings for each other wasn't in the cards' was really great and ticked all the boxes expected when reading this kind of romance.
For all fans of Chestnut's Springs and Elsie Silver, I recommend you give it a go.
------------------------------------
Laura Pavlov est une auteure que je voulais lire depuis très longtemps et je suis vraiment heureuse que Valentine PR m’en ait donné la possibilité en m’offrant ce lire audio.
J’ai été tout de suite séduite par le style d’écriture. C’est fluide et facile à suivre et j’ai été immédiatement embarquée direction Magnolia Falls. Ce que j’aime le plus dans les séries, c’est les groupes d’amis soudés, et celui-ci ne m’a pas déçue. J’ai adoré chacune de leurs interactions et leurs échanges sont hilarants et m’ont vraiment donné envie d’en apprendre plus sur chacun des personnages.
River et Ruby maintenant. Une tension indéniable et des échanges surchauffés. Leur première fois ensemble était explosive et ne m’a pas laissée de marbre. Leur Voir leur relation doucement évoluer de ‘on ne se supporte pas’ à ‘faisons quelque chose de toute cette tension sexuelle’ puis à ‘oups, avoir des sentiments pour l’autre n’était pas prévu au programme’ était vraiment génial et a coché toutes les cases attendues lors de ce genre de romance.
Pour tous les fans de Chestnut’s Springs et Elsie Silver, je vous conseille de vous lancer.
Spice:🌶️4/5
Read in May 2024:🌻4/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚107/240
♥ [𝚁𝚞𝚋𝚢 & 𝚁𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛] ♥
📌 small town
📌 grumpy hot lawyer
📌 grumpy hot psychology doctor
📌 age gap (he's older)
📌 smut
📌 friends with benefits
📌 found family
📌 toxic family relationships
📌 friends with benefits
🇺🇸Laura Pavlov is an author I've wanted to read for a very long time, and I'm really pleased that Valentine PR has given me the opportunity to do so by offering me this audiobook.
I was immediately won over by the writing style. It's fluid and easy to follow, and I was drawn straight into Magnolia Falls. What I love most about series is tight-knit groups of friends, and this one didn't disappoint. I loved every one of their interactions and their exchanges are hilarious and really made me want to learn more about each of the characters.
Now River and Ruby. Undeniable tension and overheated exchanges. Their first time together was explosive and didn't leave me indifferent. Watching their relationship slowly evolve from 'we can't stand each other' to 'let's do something about all this sexual tension' to 'oops, having feelings for each other wasn't in the cards' was really great and ticked all the boxes expected when reading this kind of romance.
For all fans of Chestnut's Springs and Elsie Silver, I recommend you give it a go.
------------------------------------
Laura Pavlov est une auteure que je voulais lire depuis très longtemps et je suis vraiment heureuse que Valentine PR m’en ait donné la possibilité en m’offrant ce lire audio.
J’ai été tout de suite séduite par le style d’écriture. C’est fluide et facile à suivre et j’ai été immédiatement embarquée direction Magnolia Falls. Ce que j’aime le plus dans les séries, c’est les groupes d’amis soudés, et celui-ci ne m’a pas déçue. J’ai adoré chacune de leurs interactions et leurs échanges sont hilarants et m’ont vraiment donné envie d’en apprendre plus sur chacun des personnages.
River et Ruby maintenant. Une tension indéniable et des échanges surchauffés. Leur première fois ensemble était explosive et ne m’a pas laissée de marbre. Leur Voir leur relation doucement évoluer de ‘on ne se supporte pas’ à ‘faisons quelque chose de toute cette tension sexuelle’ puis à ‘oups, avoir des sentiments pour l’autre n’était pas prévu au programme’ était vraiment génial et a coché toutes les cases attendues lors de ce genre de romance.
Pour tous les fans de Chestnut’s Springs et Elsie Silver, je vous conseille de vous lancer.
March 29, 2024
This book has everything I love: amazing characters (seriously, the whole friend group is hilarious!), a small-town setting, and a romance that will make you want to fan yourself🥵 Plus, the way Laura writes spice is just🤌 It flows perfectly with the story and is SO much fun to read.
This story follows Ruby and River, and let's just say these two are on fire. Ruby's back in town to take care of her dad, and River, a lawyer who's also part of the friend group from the first book (Loving Romeo, which you NEED to read first because Romeo and Demi are swoon-worthy!), is immediately intrigued by her.
They bicker. They banter. There's some serious enemies to lovers/ hate to love tension going on, and let me tell you, it's so good. But amidst all the arguing, there's this spark between them.
One thing leads to another (ahem, a 60-second challenge!), and things get steamy🔥 But Ruby's not looking for forever, and River is starting to realise he might just need to convince her to stay.
I'm already dying for the next one. If you're looking for a hate-to-love story with tons of laughs and swoon-worthy moments, Wild River is a must read!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5⭐️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🩵Enemies to lovers
🩵Small town
🩵Boy obsessed
🩵Found family
🩵First love
🩵Alpha hero
🩵He falls first
🩵Returning to hometown
A big thank you to Laura for the ARC!💕
This story follows Ruby and River, and let's just say these two are on fire. Ruby's back in town to take care of her dad, and River, a lawyer who's also part of the friend group from the first book (Loving Romeo, which you NEED to read first because Romeo and Demi are swoon-worthy!), is immediately intrigued by her.
They bicker. They banter. There's some serious enemies to lovers/ hate to love tension going on, and let me tell you, it's so good. But amidst all the arguing, there's this spark between them.
One thing leads to another (ahem, a 60-second challenge!), and things get steamy🔥 But Ruby's not looking for forever, and River is starting to realise he might just need to convince her to stay.
I'm already dying for the next one. If you're looking for a hate-to-love story with tons of laughs and swoon-worthy moments, Wild River is a must read!
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5⭐️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🩵Enemies to lovers
🩵Small town
🩵Boy obsessed
🩵Found family
🩵First love
🩵Alpha hero
🩵He falls first
🩵Returning to hometown
A big thank you to Laura for the ARC!💕
March 31, 2024
Another cute edition for small town books. I love the friend group, right down to little Cutler. River and Ruby took a little longer than I would've liked to get their stuff sorted out, but I kind of love how extra River was. And I respected that Ruby wasn't going to excuse his behaviour.
March 28, 2024
4 stars!
The second book in the Magnolia Falls series, this is a fun and feisty enemies-to-lovers romance.
River is one of five best friends living in Magnolia Falls, who will have books in this series. He’s risen above a troubled past and has become a lawyer in his small home town. He is a good guy with a big heart, and it’s while helping his friend and local bar owner, Lionel, that he becomes entangled with Lionel’s daughter, Ruby.
Ruby left Magnolia Falls as soon as she was able, desperate to get away from her toxic family situation with her mother. She loves her father dearly though, so when he suffers a stroke, she rushes home to be by his side. She didn’t expect River to be such a fixture in her father’s life, and immediately goes on the attack, unjustly blaming him for his father’s recent legal woes. Bickering ensues and sparks fly.
A sexy bet shows the epic chemistry between River and Ruby and, desperate for more, they agree to a no-strings arrangement while Ruby is in town. From here, it’s pretty clear to see where the story is going to go.
The connection between these two is electric. They banter and tease, and while acting on their mad passion for each other, they effortlessly fall into a relationship that neither of them thought they wanted… until it becomes impossible to ignore.
I enjoyed these two together, and loved watching them spark off each other in all the ways. They quickly find themselves falling in ways they never expected, leading to soul-searching for both of them as they come to terms with their growing emotions, while knowing that they can’t have a future.
There is some drama for these two, but God, it’s handled well! It’s a bit of a kickass ending, and I loved seeing them figure everything out as they fight for their gorgeously swoony happy ending.
I love River. He's real and sweet, and though he initially considers himself not-relationship material, he has the biggest heart, and I loved how much he cared for the people in his life. And the man falls hard and unapologetically, and I loved seeing it! And Ruby is just awesome. While she's figuring out what's happening between her and River, she’s also dealing with her demanding, selfish mother and her two, mostly dependent, brothers, and there is some great story progression here. I loved watching her deal with all of that while being there for her loved ones, finding her place, and actively taking steps to take charge of her life. She’s fierce and brave, and I loved her so much!
Laura Pavlov writes the best found family, and I loved catching up with River and his friends. The bond between these boys – and little Beefcake – is so gorgeous to see, constantly teasing yet unquestionably having each other’s backs. The true definition of ‘ride or die’. And Ruby is effortlessly accepted by the boys, and enfolded into the girl group, and I loved all of the fabulous dynamics. In addition to the Magnolia Falls characters, there’s a close tie-in to the Cottonwood Cove series, and we also get to catch up with characters from those books, which is lots of fun.
There’s a fantastic tease for the next book, which will feature River’s hilarious younger brother Kingston, and I cannot wait for that one!
This is a great read, really enjoyable.
4 stars!
The second book in the Magnolia Falls series, this is a fun and feisty enemies-to-lovers romance.
River is one of five best friends living in Magnolia Falls, who will have books in this series. He’s risen above a troubled past and has become a lawyer in his small home town. He is a good guy with a big heart, and it’s while helping his friend and local bar owner, Lionel, that he becomes entangled with Lionel’s daughter, Ruby.
Ruby left Magnolia Falls as soon as she was able, desperate to get away from her toxic family situation with her mother. She loves her father dearly though, so when he suffers a stroke, she rushes home to be by his side. She didn’t expect River to be such a fixture in her father’s life, and immediately goes on the attack, unjustly blaming him for his father’s recent legal woes. Bickering ensues and sparks fly.
Why was I so drawn to a woman who insulted me every time I saw her?
A sexy bet shows the epic chemistry between River and Ruby and, desperate for more, they agree to a no-strings arrangement while Ruby is in town. From here, it’s pretty clear to see where the story is going to go.
“No catching feelings,” I said. “That’s where things get messy.”
He chuckled. “You don’t have to worry about that with me. I give you my word. I will not catch feelings. You aggravate me, and you turn me on. You annoy me, and you make me laugh. That’s all this is.”
“Right. I feel the same about you. I hate you as much as I like you. So, obviously, that can’t go anywhere, or we’d end up killing one another.”
“Agreed. So, we have nothing to worry about.”
The connection between these two is electric. They banter and tease, and while acting on their mad passion for each other, they effortlessly fall into a relationship that neither of them thought they wanted… until it becomes impossible to ignore.
This sure as shit isn’t nothing.
I placed a hand on her cheek, waiting for her gaze to meet mine. “I’ve seen you every day over the last couple of weeks. We text when we aren’t together. I’ve woken up with you every day this week. I know you aren’t staying. I know this isn’t going anywhere. But stop fucking saying that it’s nothing. It’s more than I’ve ever had with anyone else, and it’s starting to piss me the fuck off that you keep saying that.”
I enjoyed these two together, and loved watching them spark off each other in all the ways. They quickly find themselves falling in ways they never expected, leading to soul-searching for both of them as they come to terms with their growing emotions, while knowing that they can’t have a future.
This man owned me.
He owned my body, and he owned my heart.
Two things I’d never planned to give away.
There is some drama for these two, but God, it’s handled well! It’s a bit of a kickass ending, and I loved seeing them figure everything out as they fight for their gorgeously swoony happy ending.
“I love you, Ruby. I love you in a way I never knew I was capable of. And I will fight for you, for us, every fucking day.
I love River. He's real and sweet, and though he initially considers himself not-relationship material, he has the biggest heart, and I loved how much he cared for the people in his life. And the man falls hard and unapologetically, and I loved seeing it! And Ruby is just awesome. While she's figuring out what's happening between her and River, she’s also dealing with her demanding, selfish mother and her two, mostly dependent, brothers, and there is some great story progression here. I loved watching her deal with all of that while being there for her loved ones, finding her place, and actively taking steps to take charge of her life. She’s fierce and brave, and I loved her so much!
Laura Pavlov writes the best found family, and I loved catching up with River and his friends. The bond between these boys – and little Beefcake – is so gorgeous to see, constantly teasing yet unquestionably having each other’s backs. The true definition of ‘ride or die’. And Ruby is effortlessly accepted by the boys, and enfolded into the girl group, and I loved all of the fabulous dynamics. In addition to the Magnolia Falls characters, there’s a close tie-in to the Cottonwood Cove series, and we also get to catch up with characters from those books, which is lots of fun.
There’s a fantastic tease for the next book, which will feature River’s hilarious younger brother Kingston, and I cannot wait for that one!
This is a great read, really enjoyable.
4 stars!
March 24, 2024
Another 5 star banger from Laura Pavlov; I’m not sure she can write a bad book? I absolutely loved River and Ruby’s story and devoured it! There is something about this group of friends from Magnolia Falls and I really enjoyed this one!
‘Wild River’ follows River Pierce and Ruby Rose who has returned home to Magnolia Falls to take care of her father and his business when he falls ill. River is close with Ruby’s Dad and as these two spend time together, the tension thickens and Ruby gives River just 60 seconds of her time.
I really enjoyed this, the dislike these two had for each other was just the best. It made for the funniest banter and watching these two fall for each other was so beautiful. Ruby is a caretaker; she takes care of everyone else but herself. She is forever picking up the pieces of those around her. She has a tough exterior but deep down she is vulnerable, sensitive and caring. River is essentially the same; used to (and likes) being alone but loves his people hard. River and Ruby together were absolute magic. The tension, the banter, the chemistry — I just loved it. AND HE CALLS HER QUEENIE 🥹🥹🥹🥹
As always, the text threads between the boys were hilarious, Beefcake stole my heart once again and I loved the cross over with the Cottonwood Cove series!
What to expect:
- dislike to lovers
- “Just this once”
- He falls first
- Epic banter x found family
5 ⭐️ / 2 🌶️
Thank you Laura and Valentine PR for the arc; it was such a pleasure 🩷🩷
‘Wild River’ follows River Pierce and Ruby Rose who has returned home to Magnolia Falls to take care of her father and his business when he falls ill. River is close with Ruby’s Dad and as these two spend time together, the tension thickens and Ruby gives River just 60 seconds of her time.
I really enjoyed this, the dislike these two had for each other was just the best. It made for the funniest banter and watching these two fall for each other was so beautiful. Ruby is a caretaker; she takes care of everyone else but herself. She is forever picking up the pieces of those around her. She has a tough exterior but deep down she is vulnerable, sensitive and caring. River is essentially the same; used to (and likes) being alone but loves his people hard. River and Ruby together were absolute magic. The tension, the banter, the chemistry — I just loved it. AND HE CALLS HER QUEENIE 🥹🥹🥹🥹
As always, the text threads between the boys were hilarious, Beefcake stole my heart once again and I loved the cross over with the Cottonwood Cove series!
What to expect:
- dislike to lovers
- “Just this once”
- He falls first
- Epic banter x found family
5 ⭐️ / 2 🌶️
Thank you Laura and Valentine PR for the arc; it was such a pleasure 🩷🩷
March 30, 2024
Hot tattooed lawyer’s >>>
This wasn’t my fav Laura Pavlov book but still had a good time! I didn’t connect or love river and ruby as much as Demi and Romeo (it’s hard to beat loving Romeo tbh).
Excited for the next book 👀
This wasn’t my fav Laura Pavlov book but still had a good time! I didn’t connect or love river and ruby as much as Demi and Romeo (it’s hard to beat loving Romeo tbh).
Excited for the next book 👀
March 18, 2024
I love Laura's books so much! The Magnolia Falls series has been so good and I am so excited for the rest. River and Ruby had so much chemistry. The banter was fabulous. I love the friend group of guys. Beefcake is my favorite still! I can't wait for his dad's book. I loved the little tease we got for book 3 I know it's going to be amazing.
The audiobook was perfect just like always with Laura's books she picks such amazing narrators to bring the characters to life.
The only reason this isn't five stars is I didn't love the conflict it bugged me a bit how quickly River jumped to conclusions. I did love the grovel to get her back.
Thank you so much to Laura for sending me the audiobook arc.
The audiobook was perfect just like always with Laura's books she picks such amazing narrators to bring the characters to life.
The only reason this isn't five stars is I didn't love the conflict it bugged me a bit how quickly River jumped to conclusions. I did love the grovel to get her back.
Thank you so much to Laura for sending me the audiobook arc.
March 28, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨Small Town
✨Dislike to Love
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Attorney x Doctor of Psychology
✨The Banter
Laura girl. What did you put in this? I ATE IT UP. I couldn’t put it down. I can already tell this series is going to be 5 stars to me! I fell in love with River in Loving Romeo and fell even harder in Wild River.
Wild River is the second book in the Magnolia Falls series following River Pierce & Ruby Rose. Ruby comes back home to Magnolia Falls, a place where she never wanted to return to, to take care of her sick father Lionel who is the owner of Whiskey Falls, the local bar/restaurant. She runs into River at the hospital, and they started throwing digs at each other and let me tell you I LOVED IT. The whole banter in this book was everything I needed. River is Lionel’s lawyer and friend that has helped him out with legal matters in the past. Ruby is only back home temporarily until her dad recovers.
River & Ruby had so much growth in this story. They’re both headstrong, stubborn, and successful individually who both are extremely guarded with their emotions. but what happens with the banter turns into lust? They decided to become friends with benefits, but it will end once she leaves. Will they be able to stop?
I loved this book so much. Laura, you KILLED THIS. I loved to see other characters from the Cottonwood Cove Series make an appearance. Love how Laura can weave both of these series together. I am so ready for Kingston’s book. Thank you for this eARC.
2.5/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨Small Town
✨Dislike to Love
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Attorney x Doctor of Psychology
✨The Banter
Laura girl. What did you put in this? I ATE IT UP. I couldn’t put it down. I can already tell this series is going to be 5 stars to me! I fell in love with River in Loving Romeo and fell even harder in Wild River.
Wild River is the second book in the Magnolia Falls series following River Pierce & Ruby Rose. Ruby comes back home to Magnolia Falls, a place where she never wanted to return to, to take care of her sick father Lionel who is the owner of Whiskey Falls, the local bar/restaurant. She runs into River at the hospital, and they started throwing digs at each other and let me tell you I LOVED IT. The whole banter in this book was everything I needed. River is Lionel’s lawyer and friend that has helped him out with legal matters in the past. Ruby is only back home temporarily until her dad recovers.
River & Ruby had so much growth in this story. They’re both headstrong, stubborn, and successful individually who both are extremely guarded with their emotions. but what happens with the banter turns into lust? They decided to become friends with benefits, but it will end once she leaves. Will they be able to stop?
I loved this book so much. Laura, you KILLED THIS. I loved to see other characters from the Cottonwood Cove Series make an appearance. Love how Laura can weave both of these series together. I am so ready for Kingston’s book. Thank you for this eARC.
March 18, 2024
4.25
I was so, so excited to read this book after I read Loving Romeo. River was a character that I wanted to know more and amore about and I’m so happy to finally have his story!!
I loved Ruby and River together and River delivered what I expected for him.
This small-town is just AMAZING and I can’t wait to be back soon!!
The love story was really good and I loved the friends with benefits kind of thing. Also the sticky notes??? I think sticky notes are my love language as well!
Laura still knows how to create a love story so additive that you will not put this book down.
Cutler is still the star of this series, this kid is amazing and everyone is expecting that he can find his mom soon.
Book three will probably be my favorite bc I already love both Kingston and Saylor and I just know they will be so good together!!
I was so, so excited to read this book after I read Loving Romeo. River was a character that I wanted to know more and amore about and I’m so happy to finally have his story!!
I loved Ruby and River together and River delivered what I expected for him.
This small-town is just AMAZING and I can’t wait to be back soon!!
The love story was really good and I loved the friends with benefits kind of thing. Also the sticky notes??? I think sticky notes are my love language as well!
Laura still knows how to create a love story so additive that you will not put this book down.
Cutler is still the star of this series, this kid is amazing and everyone is expecting that he can find his mom soon.
Book three will probably be my favorite bc I already love both Kingston and Saylor and I just know they will be so good together!!
March 28, 2024
absolutely adored this one!!!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I love the black cat and grumpy bad boy turned hero energy. I love that there isn’t a sunshine character but they found sunshine in their relationships !!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I love the black cat and grumpy bad boy turned hero energy. I love that there isn’t a sunshine character but they found sunshine in their relationships !!
March 28, 2024
Ruby & River
Welcome back home to Magnolia Falls. You're going to love it here.
*Dislike to Love
*He falls first
*Found Family
*First Love
*Small town romance
*Group Chat- I loved this!
60 SECONDS- iykyk, but trust me. you'll want to understand
The banter! oh my goodness the banter was phenomenal. Ruby is sassy and funny. River is an alpha male with a sweet tender side for Ruby Rose.
River- he is best friends with Romeo (have you read Loving Romeo yet? You don't "have" to, but you really really should!) River is a Lawyer who is representing Ruby's Dad, but Ruby is less than impressed (for now). She will give him 60 seconds to impress her. (is it getting hot in here?)
Ruby- She is feisty, independent and sassy. She comes home to keep her father's business, Whiskey Falls Bar open while he is in the hospital. She has always had to be the responsible, caretaker of the family. Her life has not been easy so she has the walls of protection up.
The thing about River and Ruby is they were strong individuals, but better together. They talked, they realized their own shortcomings and worked together to be better. River put Ruby first and he protected her in a way that she was able to become a stronger, happier person. She learned to place boundaries. They challenged each other and ultimately became stronger people for it. I love when broken people become whole.
So many cameos! If you've read some of Laura's other series you'll recognize some old friends as they visit. Yes, you get to see BEEFCAKE again- that sly lil dude is back.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher, Valentine PR and Author for the opportunity to read and review early.
Welcome back home to Magnolia Falls. You're going to love it here.
*Dislike to Love
*He falls first
*Found Family
*First Love
*Small town romance
*Group Chat- I loved this!
60 SECONDS- iykyk, but trust me. you'll want to understand
The banter! oh my goodness the banter was phenomenal. Ruby is sassy and funny. River is an alpha male with a sweet tender side for Ruby Rose.
River- he is best friends with Romeo (have you read Loving Romeo yet? You don't "have" to, but you really really should!) River is a Lawyer who is representing Ruby's Dad, but Ruby is less than impressed (for now). She will give him 60 seconds to impress her. (is it getting hot in here?)
Ruby- She is feisty, independent and sassy. She comes home to keep her father's business, Whiskey Falls Bar open while he is in the hospital. She has always had to be the responsible, caretaker of the family. Her life has not been easy so she has the walls of protection up.
The thing about River and Ruby is they were strong individuals, but better together. They talked, they realized their own shortcomings and worked together to be better. River put Ruby first and he protected her in a way that she was able to become a stronger, happier person. She learned to place boundaries. They challenged each other and ultimately became stronger people for it. I love when broken people become whole.
So many cameos! If you've read some of Laura's other series you'll recognize some old friends as they visit. Yes, you get to see BEEFCAKE again- that sly lil dude is back.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher, Valentine PR and Author for the opportunity to read and review early.
March 26, 2024
I absolutely love Laura Pavlov’s writing! She writes the BEST small-town romances that you never want to put down! And Wild River was no different! I loved it so much!! It was such a fun read! I just loved being back in Magnolia Falls with characters I adore! It’s only the second book in the series and I’m already so attached!
I really enjoyed the hate-to-love fiery banter between Ruby & River! I adored Ruby! She was strong, independent, and feisty! She also had a valuable side which made her a very relatable. Ruby didn’t trust easily and was extremely guarded. She really makes River work for it, which made for hilarious back-and-forth banter. I loved River and how he fell hard and fast for our girl Ruby! Neither one of them had been in serious relationship and were both very guarded but in the end, they couldn’t resist falling for each other!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
✨Small town
✨Hate to love
✨He falls first
✨Found family
I really enjoyed the hate-to-love fiery banter between Ruby & River! I adored Ruby! She was strong, independent, and feisty! She also had a valuable side which made her a very relatable. Ruby didn’t trust easily and was extremely guarded. She really makes River work for it, which made for hilarious back-and-forth banter. I loved River and how he fell hard and fast for our girl Ruby! Neither one of them had been in serious relationship and were both very guarded but in the end, they couldn’t resist falling for each other!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
✨Small town
✨Hate to love
✨He falls first
✨Found family
July 24, 2024
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- Boy Obsessed
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Amazing Banter
- Independent and Strong FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Dual POVs
LAURA! What are you doing to me with these stories?! I am obsessed! Just like Loving Romeo, I devoured this book. Magnolia Falls is my new favorite place and I don't plan on leaving.
Wild River is the second book in the Magnolia Falls series. This story follows River Pierce and Ruby Rose. River is a close friend of Ruby's father and his attorney. Ruby returns to Magnolia Falls after her father has a medical emergency. While her father is recovering, Ruby has to take care of his business (Whiskey Falls). Ruby doesn't have the best impression of River, but her attraction to him is undeniable.
I loved everything about this story. Laura has created characters that will stick with me for a long time. The character development and growth are so good. River and Ruby are so good together. I loved the push and pull, the banter, and their amazing chemistry. River is swoony, charming but also cocky and confident. Ruby is strong, intelligent, and independent. They are wonderful as individuals, but together, they are a force to be reckoned with. River was not good at verbalizing his feelings, but his actions clearly showed how much he cared for Ruby.
I adore their friend group. I loved how everyone embraced Ruby and made her feel at home. Found family is one of my favorite tropes, and it was executed well in this story. The entire group is there for each other, and it is so heartwarming. Their group chats are always so fun. Beefcake stole the show! He is so adorable and has my entire heart.
NARRATION:
Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow did a wonderful job narrating this story. Aiden's smooth voice was perfect for grumpy and protective River. Desiree expertly portrays the force that is Ruby. Both of them also performed the opposite characters well. Desiree and Aiden really brought the characters in this story to life.
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- Boy Obsessed
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Amazing Banter
- Independent and Strong FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Dual POVs
LAURA! What are you doing to me with these stories?! I am obsessed! Just like Loving Romeo, I devoured this book. Magnolia Falls is my new favorite place and I don't plan on leaving.
Wild River is the second book in the Magnolia Falls series. This story follows River Pierce and Ruby Rose. River is a close friend of Ruby's father and his attorney. Ruby returns to Magnolia Falls after her father has a medical emergency. While her father is recovering, Ruby has to take care of his business (Whiskey Falls). Ruby doesn't have the best impression of River, but her attraction to him is undeniable.
I loved everything about this story. Laura has created characters that will stick with me for a long time. The character development and growth are so good. River and Ruby are so good together. I loved the push and pull, the banter, and their amazing chemistry. River is swoony, charming but also cocky and confident. Ruby is strong, intelligent, and independent. They are wonderful as individuals, but together, they are a force to be reckoned with. River was not good at verbalizing his feelings, but his actions clearly showed how much he cared for Ruby.
I adore their friend group. I loved how everyone embraced Ruby and made her feel at home. Found family is one of my favorite tropes, and it was executed well in this story. The entire group is there for each other, and it is so heartwarming. Their group chats are always so fun. Beefcake stole the show! He is so adorable and has my entire heart.
NARRATION:
Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow did a wonderful job narrating this story. Aiden's smooth voice was perfect for grumpy and protective River. Desiree expertly portrays the force that is Ruby. Both of them also performed the opposite characters well. Desiree and Aiden really brought the characters in this story to life.
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