A review by lissajean7
Wilder by Rebecca Yarros

4.0

This has one of the best first chapters I have ever read. I don't typically read romance or NA books, so the fact that I read it at all says a lot about that first chapter. I wanted to know all the answers to all the questions. And she didn't disappoint. Leah's character is beautifully complex, and learning her story and watching her grow is what pulled me through each page. That said, the sex scenes were a bit graphic for me (remember: not a romance reader) and detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I thought the speed with which the physical relationship progressed diminished the tension that was possible. Which is a shame because there was so much potential in that tension. Paxton Wilder is...hard to describe. At times he feels a bit like the cliche bad boy, others like the cliche athlete, and then a breath of fresh air. Where Paxton shined was with his relationship to his family and close friends. I loved the juxtaposition of his 'Wilder' persona and the person of Paxton as a son and brother and friend. His devil-may-care attitude contrasted well with his extreme dedication and focus and loyalty. But mostly, seeing his jaded idea of love transform into something beautiful was worth it (though I wish we'd spent a little more time developing that). I really liked all the side characters, and I'm intrigued about where everyone ends up. Despite the sex scenes, I think I'll pick up the next one to see what happens.