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A review by dranaisjourney
Wild Card by Maggie Rawdon
4.0
"Wild Card," a part of the Seattle Phantom Football Series by Maggie Rawdon, can be enjoyed as a standalone, offering an enticing story of love and recovery.
The book introduces us to Tobias and Scarlet. Tobias is a talented wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom, while Scarlet works as a curator in a museum. Their paths cross when a disastrous birthday date arranged by a friend leaves Scarlet in a tricky situation, prompting a text to Tobias for assistance. It's a twist of fate as Tobias, the last person Scarlet expected, becomes her savior once again when she's stranded in the rain.
Their dynamic is charged with banter, reflecting their complex frenemy relationship fueled by a mutual attraction. This leads to a spontaneous one-night stand, setting the stage for their rollercoaster journey.
After an intimate video of Tobias is leaked, he spirals into a dark place. A tragic motorcycle accident further compounds his struggles, leaving him isolated and in need of help. Reluctantly, their friends turn to Scarlet, tasking her with nursing Tobias back to health as she awaits the opening of the new museum and Tobias works hard to salvage his career.
I found "Wild Card" to be a compelling read. Scarlet's unwavering support and care for Tobias during his darkest times were touching. As a survivor myself, I appreciated the book's portrayal of the ongoing mental health struggles that often accompany traumatic events. The inclusion of Tobias seeking therapy was a positive aspect, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health.
Despite his playboy reputation before Scarlet, Tobias reveals himself as a compassionate, kind, and caring man. He battles with self-doubt, largely stemming from a tumultuous relationship with his father. Overcoming this toxic influence is a significant part of his character growth.
Scarlet, a self-described nerd with a penchant for vintage clothing, works at the museum. Her connection with Tobias deepens as she cares for him after the accident. Their intimacy develops naturally, but Scarlet's attempt to date others while maintaining her connection with Tobias felt somewhat incongruous. Nevertheless, her genuine pride in his recovery and her attraction to him added depth to her character.
The love story between Tobias and Scarlet is engaging, but I yearned for a deeper exploration of their emotional connection. The focus on their physical chemistry, while undeniably passionate, left me wanting more insight into their feelings and emotional journey.
The steamy scenes are expertly written, showcasing Tobias's passionate nature and filthy mouth. The balance between spice and emotional depth was slightly skewed for my taste.
"Wild Card" offers a quick and enjoyable read with well-executed character growth. Tobias and Scarlet's shared love for history and their mutual nerdiness provide endearing qualities to their relationship. If you're in search of a fast-paced, easy read with tons of spice, this book is worth a try. However, if you prefer a stronger emotional focus, you may find it falls slightly short in that
The book introduces us to Tobias and Scarlet. Tobias is a talented wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom, while Scarlet works as a curator in a museum. Their paths cross when a disastrous birthday date arranged by a friend leaves Scarlet in a tricky situation, prompting a text to Tobias for assistance. It's a twist of fate as Tobias, the last person Scarlet expected, becomes her savior once again when she's stranded in the rain.
Their dynamic is charged with banter, reflecting their complex frenemy relationship fueled by a mutual attraction. This leads to a spontaneous one-night stand, setting the stage for their rollercoaster journey.
After an intimate video of Tobias is leaked, he spirals into a dark place. A tragic motorcycle accident further compounds his struggles, leaving him isolated and in need of help. Reluctantly, their friends turn to Scarlet, tasking her with nursing Tobias back to health as she awaits the opening of the new museum and Tobias works hard to salvage his career.
I found "Wild Card" to be a compelling read. Scarlet's unwavering support and care for Tobias during his darkest times were touching. As a survivor myself, I appreciated the book's portrayal of the ongoing mental health struggles that often accompany traumatic events. The inclusion of Tobias seeking therapy was a positive aspect, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health.
Despite his playboy reputation before Scarlet, Tobias reveals himself as a compassionate, kind, and caring man. He battles with self-doubt, largely stemming from a tumultuous relationship with his father. Overcoming this toxic influence is a significant part of his character growth.
Scarlet, a self-described nerd with a penchant for vintage clothing, works at the museum. Her connection with Tobias deepens as she cares for him after the accident. Their intimacy develops naturally, but Scarlet's attempt to date others while maintaining her connection with Tobias felt somewhat incongruous. Nevertheless, her genuine pride in his recovery and her attraction to him added depth to her character.
The love story between Tobias and Scarlet is engaging, but I yearned for a deeper exploration of their emotional connection. The focus on their physical chemistry, while undeniably passionate, left me wanting more insight into their feelings and emotional journey.
The steamy scenes are expertly written, showcasing Tobias's passionate nature and filthy mouth. The balance between spice and emotional depth was slightly skewed for my taste.
"Wild Card" offers a quick and enjoyable read with well-executed character growth. Tobias and Scarlet's shared love for history and their mutual nerdiness provide endearing qualities to their relationship. If you're in search of a fast-paced, easy read with tons of spice, this book is worth a try. However, if you prefer a stronger emotional focus, you may find it falls slightly short in that