bookishsteph's review against another edition
5.0
I love this story. It was new and interesting and kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The characters bonded over a unique situation and formed a bond that's hard to break.
thebookdealer24's review against another edition
5.0
With so many similar ideas in books these days-- and all amazing, don't get me wrong! I loved the fresh take on an idea you don't see done much in this new release by Harloe Rae!
The characters are fresh and relatable, and swoony! I loved Blakely and Halder's story so much.
Wrote in typical Harloe fashion of dual-POV, this is the perfect cozy, all the feels read!
The characters are fresh and relatable, and swoony! I loved Blakely and Halder's story so much.
Wrote in typical Harloe fashion of dual-POV, this is the perfect cozy, all the feels read!
kfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Left for Wild was totally unexpected- not my normal romance story fare, and certainly different from the books I’ve read from Harloe Rae before- a story original and bold in its premise. It is an immersive romantic reading experience, both interesting and unusual- one that, to me at least, is an exciting addition to the Harloe Rae catalog, because I love nothing more than seeing an author trying something different and new.
Our story starts out with some smoke and mirrors - lulling you into thinking this book will go one way, when in fact it twists into a totally different place all together. We begin by meeting Halder, a wrongfully imprisoned man who has finally made parole. The only think outside of his quest to prove his innocence that kept him going in his prison stint were the rare sightings of the enthralling Blakely- a social worker that he admires from afar. SO much so that he hopes he’ll see her again- as a social worker- post parole. Little did he know that Blakely was also attracted to him- and that he’ll be seeing her sooner than he expected, only not in the way he anticipated.
One of the things I really appreciate about Harloe Rae is her willingness to innovate- to take creative risks. This story is a creative risk. Sure- survivalist stories are not new to the literary ecosystem, but when it comes to romance novels, they are rare. Not only does it take away the ability to have any external influences serve as conflict (careers, other people, judgement, etc), but it also puts prime pressure on the core relationship, on the romantic chemistry, to shine with very little of the tried and true plot devices to catalyze it- or to add content. Harloe takes two characters with very little history- and she strands them, isolates them. And thus, the only thing driving this story, the only thing keeping us turning the pages becomes the evolution of their relationship- both their connection, and of course, their survival. And all we have to support the story? Their dialogue and the elements. The only conflict or obstacle we have? The wild. THAT is certainly different. It is unusual, interesting, and requires a different kind of writing- a focus, an insulation that leaves little room for error. So that is risky- and I respect it, because for the most part the chemistry was strong enough to shine, even in its isolation. The romance and trust actually develop pretty quickly - both because of who these characters are (they crave worthiness and connection) and in part because they HAVE to, and I found their connection to be sweet but also interesting. It grabs you tight.
For much of this story, this does not read like a romance novel. In part, it is Harloe’s prose- there is a poetic element to the language, and overall the story feels more meta- the introspective and complex nature of the characters internal workings juxtaposes nicely with the straight forward, simple but brutal elements they confront. But, this also reads differently because of the content- harkening to great survivalist bards like Daniel Defoe or Jack London. Like these stories, setting, and more specifically combatting setting- takes a central role. The cold, unpredictable, and unforgiving terrain is a character in and of itself- and Harloe capitalizes on descriptive language and dramatic suspense to really immerse us in their experience. Because I’ve never much loved “surviving the elements” stories, I’ll admit at times there were places where I wanted our story to move faster, where I found myself wanting to disengage- especially when these two aren’t yet exploring their chemistry. That pace, though, seems intentional and strategic- we can’t really believe the threat or danger if we aren’t trapped in it a bit. The back one third was also unexpected- without giving anything away, I was more surprised by what didn’t happen than what did, so much so that I’m still reflecting on my thoughts. The tone, pace, and content of the story shift considerably, in service, I believe, of authenticating some things for us (yes, I’m being vague on purpose)- and this is yet another creative risk on Harloe’s part.
So, while survivalist stories haven’t always been my jam, I can’t help but admire and respect an author for trying something different, and it’s fun to see Harloe replicate some of the magic of her small town romances in a totally different context. An interesting and unusual story, but one that has sparked thought ever since I read it- and that is always a win in my book.
Our story starts out with some smoke and mirrors - lulling you into thinking this book will go one way, when in fact it twists into a totally different place all together. We begin by meeting Halder, a wrongfully imprisoned man who has finally made parole. The only think outside of his quest to prove his innocence that kept him going in his prison stint were the rare sightings of the enthralling Blakely- a social worker that he admires from afar. SO much so that he hopes he’ll see her again- as a social worker- post parole. Little did he know that Blakely was also attracted to him- and that he’ll be seeing her sooner than he expected, only not in the way he anticipated.
One of the things I really appreciate about Harloe Rae is her willingness to innovate- to take creative risks. This story is a creative risk. Sure- survivalist stories are not new to the literary ecosystem, but when it comes to romance novels, they are rare. Not only does it take away the ability to have any external influences serve as conflict (careers, other people, judgement, etc), but it also puts prime pressure on the core relationship, on the romantic chemistry, to shine with very little of the tried and true plot devices to catalyze it- or to add content. Harloe takes two characters with very little history- and she strands them, isolates them. And thus, the only thing driving this story, the only thing keeping us turning the pages becomes the evolution of their relationship- both their connection, and of course, their survival. And all we have to support the story? Their dialogue and the elements. The only conflict or obstacle we have? The wild. THAT is certainly different. It is unusual, interesting, and requires a different kind of writing- a focus, an insulation that leaves little room for error. So that is risky- and I respect it, because for the most part the chemistry was strong enough to shine, even in its isolation. The romance and trust actually develop pretty quickly - both because of who these characters are (they crave worthiness and connection) and in part because they HAVE to, and I found their connection to be sweet but also interesting. It grabs you tight.
For much of this story, this does not read like a romance novel. In part, it is Harloe’s prose- there is a poetic element to the language, and overall the story feels more meta- the introspective and complex nature of the characters internal workings juxtaposes nicely with the straight forward, simple but brutal elements they confront. But, this also reads differently because of the content- harkening to great survivalist bards like Daniel Defoe or Jack London. Like these stories, setting, and more specifically combatting setting- takes a central role. The cold, unpredictable, and unforgiving terrain is a character in and of itself- and Harloe capitalizes on descriptive language and dramatic suspense to really immerse us in their experience. Because I’ve never much loved “surviving the elements” stories, I’ll admit at times there were places where I wanted our story to move faster, where I found myself wanting to disengage- especially when these two aren’t yet exploring their chemistry. That pace, though, seems intentional and strategic- we can’t really believe the threat or danger if we aren’t trapped in it a bit. The back one third was also unexpected- without giving anything away, I was more surprised by what didn’t happen than what did, so much so that I’m still reflecting on my thoughts. The tone, pace, and content of the story shift considerably, in service, I believe, of authenticating some things for us (yes, I’m being vague on purpose)- and this is yet another creative risk on Harloe’s part.
So, while survivalist stories haven’t always been my jam, I can’t help but admire and respect an author for trying something different, and it’s fun to see Harloe replicate some of the magic of her small town romances in a totally different context. An interesting and unusual story, but one that has sparked thought ever since I read it- and that is always a win in my book.
jweird6's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
allisonbree's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kandisteiner's review against another edition
★ NEW ROMANCE RELEASE ★
“He’s my only chance for survival.”
Ready to get swept away in an epic stranded lovers romance? Left for Wild by Harloe Rae is live!
One-click here
“He’s my only chance for survival.”
Ready to get swept away in an epic stranded lovers romance? Left for Wild by Harloe Rae is live!
One-click here
kristy484's review against another edition
1.0
I would have liked this if it ended when they got back from the wild. Why the F was an unplanned pregnancy thrown in rather than a more dramatic conclusion with the bad actors
syndi3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The romance story with surviving on a wilderness always peaks my interest. Left for Wild sadly falls below my expectation.
Surviving plot line... check
Wilderness...... check
Adventour........check
Romance.........check
What is missing is the sizzling connection between the characters. Miss Rae falls short on giving this romance a kick on chemistry department. Through out the book I only feel luke warm connection between the characters. Their banter is polite and distance.
The last twist at the end of the book is predictable. Overall Left for Wild is OK read.
Surviving plot line... check
Wilderness...... check
Adventour........check
Romance.........check
What is missing is the sizzling connection between the characters. Miss Rae falls short on giving this romance a kick on chemistry department. Through out the book I only feel luke warm connection between the characters. Their banter is polite and distance.
The last twist at the end of the book is predictable. Overall Left for Wild is OK read.
afolske's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This was one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read & I absolutely loved it. Halder & Blakely are swoon worthy as a couple. Being tossed into the wilderness with no means of survival and having to fight their way out made them stronger as individuals & as a couple, and I loved how their relationship progressed. Harloe never fails to amaze me with her writing.
kaylabmt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I liked it, but I didn't really like the writing style, it was to serious for my liking