{"id":44968,"date":"2019-07-30T08:00:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T12:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=44968"},"modified":"2019-07-28T06:39:03","modified_gmt":"2019-07-28T10:39:03","slug":"arc-review-this-is-wild-this-is-2-by-natasha-madison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=44968","title":{"rendered":"ARC Review: This is Wild (This Is, #2) by Natasha Madison"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Amazon US<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon CA<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon UK<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon AU<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple Books<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Blurb<\/strong><\/h4>\n

From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off Series This is…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Zoe<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you grow up surrounded by hockey players you know one thing for sure, I was never going to settle down with one.<\/p>\n

Heck, I didn\u2019t even know what icing was. I was too busy climbing the corporate ladder, becoming one of the most successful realtors in New York City.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t interested in dating or anything that got in my way.<\/p>\n

First, he was my client and then he became my friend.<\/p>\n

Viktor<\/strong><\/p>\n

My parents told me I skated before I walked.
\nWhen I was eighteen I was drafted into the N.H.L third overall, playing in Los Angeles\u2014the city of dreams.
\nWhat more could I ask for? I played hard, but eventually, I partied even harder.<\/p>\n

Five years later I was traded a week after I entered rehab.<\/p>\n

There was no time for anything except my health and making sure I\u2019d come out on top. I had to be better.
\nThere wasn\u2019t another option.<\/p>\n

One of the rules of recovery was \u2018don\u2019t fall in love\u2019 and I made it a top priority. She was off limits in every single way.<\/p>\n

Until it was too late<\/p>\n

One night, one decision, one act can derail everything.<\/p>\n

When push comes to shove, I\u2019m only certain that, This is Wild.<\/p>\n

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Review<\/b><\/h4>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a broken man, there is no doubt about it, but even broken men love.\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5 stars!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wow\u2026 just\u2026 wow. I finished this book at midnight and then lay in bed thinking about it until 1am when I had to get up and pour my feels out, so please excuse my scattered thoughts as I am deliriously tired and completely overwhelmed with the emotional ride that I just went on with this book.<\/p>\n

After the first book in this series, I was expecting light and fluffy, but Natasha Madison brought the feels with this one! A stunningly emotional, heart-pounding romance with drama, angst and so many feels! It\u2019s a beautifully written story of true love against the obstacles, with a deliciously slow-burning, chemistry-filled love story that absolutely owned my heart. A perfect combination of drama, heartache, humour and romance, this is my latest fave by Natasha, and I adored every moment of it!<\/p>\n

This is the second book in the This Is<\/i> <\/a>series, which follows on from the Something So<\/i><\/a> series. Technically, you could read this one as a standalone but the family dynamic has been built upon with every story, and you need that background to fully appreciate the connections and just how special they are as a group – it makes this book so much more meaningful than it would be as a standalone.<\/p>\n

This is the story of Zoe. She is the daughter of Cooper and Parker Something So Right<\/a>, a sibling to the rest of the characters featured in the series, and twin sister of Zara from This Is Crazy<\/a>. Zoe is a hardworking and highly successful real estate agent, dedicated to career above all else (with the exception of her family). She is smart, sweet and funny, with a huge heart, and I just love her.<\/p>\n

Viktor Petrov is an NHL star who had a spectacular fall from grace. His out of control drug use led to his downfall and he ended up in rehab. Having finished his three months, he is out and starting a new life in New York with his new team, under the mentorship of team General Manager, Matthew Grant (Something So Perfect<\/a>) .He is serious about his recovery and is determined to claim his life back and make the most of his new opportunity.<\/p>\n

Zoe and Viktor meet when she is brought on board to help him find a new home in New York, and from the first moment they lay eyes on each other, sparks fly. Their attraction is intense and visceral, but with Viktor in recovery and encouraged to stay away from relationships, and Zoe having sworn off hockey players, there is nowhere for their attraction to go. They are upfront and honest about their feelings and where they are at, and decide instead to be just friends.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fun and flirty, and I loved every moment of the two of them together. I could feel that amazing spark between them, and I found myself smiling like a loon with each and every encounter. The more time they spend together, the more they begin to feel for each other, and the build-up and anticipation had my heart pounding as I eagerly waited for something<\/i> to happen. But their road is not an easy one as they find themselves being in the impossible situation of falling for somebody that they just can\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a broken man.\u201d I close my eyes and lean my head back. \u201cI take it back; I was a broken man. Now I\u2019m trying to piece all the pieces together, and I don\u2019t have time for this.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Oh. My. God. The feels! Firstly, you have this beautiful, beautiful love story as we watch these two people easily and unexpectedly in love. Against all that is standing in their way, and as much as they try to fight it, their fall is organic and complete, flowing so naturally, and I fell right alongside them. So I also experienced everything<\/i> as they deal with the reality of their situation. It\u2019s heartbreaking and raw, and I was in tears with an aching heart as I watched it all play out.<\/p>\n

He watches me, his own tears in his eyes. \u201cI can\u2019t be your friend because I\u2019m in love with you.\u201d I say the words out loud instead of just in my head, and his breath hitches, and he opens his mouth. \u201cI\u2019m in love with you with everything that I have,\u201d I tell him, \u201cbut it\u2019s not enough. I can\u2019t love you for both of us.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As a romance reader, we know that there is a happy ending coming. You know it\u2019s coming, you can feel it coming, but to the characters their situation feels insurmountable, and you\u2019re feeling everything along with them as they fight to get there. It hurts, but it hurts so good, and the slow burn is absolutely sensational!<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to be proud of me. I want you to be proud to stand by my side. I want to be the man you beam with pride at when you introduce. I want to be the man who holds your fucking hand because I can.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The love story is just gorgeous, and unfolding alongside of it is Viktor\u2019s personal journey that is so beautifully written. Again, I could feel his torment over his past and his heartbreaking, constant struggle to overcome his demons. My heart broke for him, and I wanted to just reach into the book and hold him so bad! His struggles and vulnerability are raw and heartfelt, and his dedication and commitment to his recovery and healing himself is so heartfelt. And though his path is a rocky one, the strength he shows is amazing showing his incredible character.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing an addict doesn\u2019t define who you are.\u201d
\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t,\u201d I agree with her. \u201cAccepting it and having the courage to face it defines who I am.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And I love that Zoe is a part of that process. Her friendship and support is beautiful, and the inclusion of her family in all of that brings so much depth to the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe walks with so much baggage that he can\u2019t stand up straight,\u201d she starts to say.
\n\u201cMom,\u201d I say, looking down. \u201cHe\u2019s a friend.\u201d
\n\u201cYet you can\u2019t seem to stop yourself from being drawn to him. You can\u2019t seem to look at him and not want to be next to him. You want to help him carry all his baggage.\u201d
\n\u201cIsn\u2019t that what you taught us?\u201d I ask her, blinking away the tears. \u201cHelp people when they are down.\u201d
\n\u201cYes,\u201d she answers. \u201cAnd to carry the ones we love.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But despite the serious subject matter, it\u2019s not all depressing and gloomy. Zoe and Viktor have a lot of fun and happy moments together, the romance is just beautiful, and the sexy time is really freaking hot (and absolutely perfect\u2026 and I mean that in a totally non-pervy way). Zoe\u2019s whole extended family are a huge part of the story, and in addition to providing emotional support, they also bring a whole lot of laughs. This group together is absolutely fantastic! The love and laugh, tease and banter, there is absolutely nothing off-limits between the girls (shout out to drunk Allison), and the protectiveness of all of those alphas had me laughing out loud.<\/p>\n

Evan comes over.
\n\u201cZoe, that dress is a bit much,\u201d he says, looking at the deep V. \u201cYou need to burn that dress, actually.\u201d He looks around. \u201cM&M!\u201d he shouts to the side and both Matthew and Max turn around. \u201cLook at Zoe!\u201d He points at me, and the smile on Matthew\u2019s face disappears, and then Max throws his head back and bursts out laughing. It\u2019s no surprise that Matthew charges over.
\n\u201cAre you crazy?\u201d he says, taking off his jacket and throwing it on me.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Matthew, in particular, brings a lot to this book. Having set himself up as a cornerstone for his family, his love, support and protectiveness is so beautiful to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe deserves a man who will put her first,\u201d Matthew says. \u201cShe deserves a man who is going to love her with every single part of his being.\u201d I listen to the words. \u201cShe deserves a man who is going to fight for her.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is a really special read. A perfect blend of all of the things I love about romance \u2013 fun and flirty banter, wickedly funny group dynamics, heart-pounding drama and intensity that brings the feels, and an emotion-filled, passionate and all-consuming romance. I laughed and I cried, and I loved it so much.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later,\u201d he says, smiling. He leans down and kisses my lips.
\n\u201cDude,\u201d Matthew says. \u201cSeriously, that\u2019s my sister.\u201d
\n\u201cDude,\u201d Viktor says. \u201cSeriously, that\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5 huge stars!<\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.<\/i><\/p>\n

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This Is series<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Spin off from the ‘Something So<\/a>‘ series<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part of the Stone-Grant-Horton hockey dynasty – Find full series info, reading order and family tree here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0\u00a0\"\"\u00a0 \"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

This Is Crazy (#1) <\/strong>(Evan & Zara)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

This Is Wild (#2)<\/strong> (Viktor & Zoe)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0\u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

This is Love (#3)<\/strong> (Mark & Vivienne)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

This is Forever (#4)<\/strong> (Justin & Caroline)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Something So series<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"\u00a0 \"\"\u00a0\u00a0\"\"\u00a0 \"\"<\/p>\n

Something So Right (#1)<\/strong>\u00a0(Cooper & Parker)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0\u00a0Amazon<\/a> |\u00a0\u00a0Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Something So Perfect (#2)<\/strong> (Matthew & Karrie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0\u00a0Amazon \u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0\u00a0Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Something So Irresistible (#3)<\/strong> (Max & Allison)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0\u00a0Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Something So Unscripted (#4)<\/strong> (Zack & Denise)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0\u00a0Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Lots of spin-offs for this one! Find full series info, reading order and family tree here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Abou<\/strong>t the Author<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"When her nose isn\u2019t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she\u2019s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It\u2019s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn\u2019t listen to her\u2026<\/p>\n

Facebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Facebook Reader Group<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Follow on Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Follow on BookBub<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Subscribe to Newsletter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Check out more great reads on our\u00a0Natasha Madison Author Spotlight<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Amazon US\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon CA\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon UK\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon AU\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple Books\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0\u00a0   Blurb From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off Series This is… Zoe When you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":5,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"Product","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,50,49,25,65,9,29],"tags":[59,581,48,1002],"class_list":["post-44968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-favourite","category-feeeeeeels","category-friends-to-lovers","category-lol-funny","category-romance","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-natasha-madison","tag-review","tag-this-is"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/This-is-Wild.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-bHi","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}