Book Review: Wild Side (Rose Hill, #3) by Elsie
When I first picked up Wild Side, the third installment in Elsie’s enchanting Rose Hill series, I felt an undeniable pull. After devouring the previous books, the excitement of re-entering this charming small town and its captivating characters was too good to resist. And let me tell you—Elsie has truly outdone herself this time. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story that elegantly weaves themes of grief, healing, and unexpected love, then look no further!
At its core, Wild Side is a masterclass in small-town romance, infused with a marriage of convenience trope that tugs at the heartstrings. Tabitha Garrison, a fiercely independent woman running her family bistro, is grappling with the profound loss of her sister while unexpectedly stepping into a caretaker role for her nephew, Milo. Enter Rhys Dupris, her sister’s former landlord and a professional wrestler enveloped in the complexities of his own past. As fate intertwines their lives once again, they concoct a plan to marry temporarily, setting the stage for an emotional and tumultuous journey of self-discovery and connection.
What I adored most about this book is how Elsie unravels Tabitha and Rhys’s relationship amid their individual struggles. Tabitha is a force of nature—strong-willed, sassy, and deeply loyal. The depth of her love for her family shines through, making every moment of vulnerability resonate with genuine emotion. Rhys, on the other hand, hides behind a confident persona that dissipates the moment he reveals his insecurities. The growth of their relationship is a beautiful slow burn, shimmering with sizzling tension and light banter that kept me glued to the pages.
Elsie’s writing style is both engaging and relatable, effortlessly carrying me through the ups and downs of Tabitha’s and Rhys’s journey. Her ability to capture the essence of both sorrow and joy in a singular moment truly enhances the narrative. I found myself laughing out loud at Rhys’s cheeky remarks while also reaching for tissues during emotional scenes.
Notable quotes, like "Being Wild Side was my ticket out of a tough upbringing," encapsulate the dichotomy of Rhys’s existence—between the stage where he thrives and the quieter reality where he struggles. This duality adds complexity to his character, making his journey compelling and relatable.
The support from the surrounding cast—innate in Elsie’s previous works—feels like an embrace from old friends. Seeing familiar faces like West, Skylar, and Ford again grounded me in the warmth of Rose Hill’s community, reinforcing that found family theme, which I’m always a sucker for.
In a mini reading slump before diving into Wild Side, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it pulled me in. Elsie has a gift for reviving spirits and reinvigorating the reader’s love for romance. The chemistry between Tabitha and Rhys is palpable, defined by endearing banter and a palpable sense of protectiveness, making me root for them every step of the way.
I wholeheartedly recommend Wild Side to anyone who delights in small-town romances, stories of healing, and characters that feel like friends. If you’re searching for a book that offers both laughter and tears—along with a dash of spicy tension—this one will likely find a cherished spot on your shelves. As I finished the last page, I found myself already anticipating the next adventure in Rose Hill; I can’t wait to see where Elsie takes us next!
In the meantime, I’ll be over here, savoring every heartwarming moment of Wild Side. Have you read it yet? Let’s chat about it!
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