I truly gave this book three attempts, but it could not grasp my attention. It was much too slow for me, and I found it hard to get into the book. Within 18% read I found I had little to no idea what had been happening.

Though, I did love seeing London and Dahlia from Love and Other Disasters.

"Something Wild & Wonderful" by Anita Kelly is a delightful exploration of life's unexpected adventures and the magic found in everyday moments. Kelly's writing is infused with charm, and their characters resonate with authenticity. The novel's blend of humor and heart makes it an uplifting and enjoyable read. "Something Wild & Wonderful" is a celebration of love, friendship, and the beauty that unfolds when we embrace the unpredictability of life. Kelly's storytelling is a breath of fresh air, making this book a delightful choice for those seeking a heartwarming and whimsical escape.

Another triumph from Anita Kelly. It should be obvious but I super love their writing. We follow Alexei as he hikes the Pacific Crest Trail, meets Ben, and the two get to know each other while fending off the mortal peril of the wild. There’s a lot to live in this book, but for me it’s the learning to love yourself, just as you are. We all put so much stock in what others think of us and so often fail to acknowledge what we think of ourselves.

I feel slightly bad rating this 3 stars. While I loved the message being told during this book. Love and acceptance. But also learning about yourself and taking steps to better yourself.
But this was also too slow for me. While yes things happened it also felt like it was taking forever to read.
In the middle I got a little bored. But the letters part started to bring me back.

Overall this is cute with a beautiful message but struggled to keep me interested.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for accepting my request to read and review this book!

Something Wild & Wonderful was an unexpected gem of a book to me. I fell in love with Alexei and Ben.

At first I was a little worried I wouldnt like the book as it starts off super fast with the characters already on the trail and meeting for the first time. My only desire would have been to potentially have an intro of Alexai potentially deciding to do the trail and of his day one. I think this would have laid the groundwork better for the rest of the book.

But after about 5-10% into the book I had gotten invested in the characters and for the first time in a long time, was drawn into a romance book. I loved the spicy scenes so much. I also just loved learning more about the Pacific Crest Trail, as someone whose bucket list includes a mulitple day hiking trail and to do the tongariro crossing again this year, it was a fascinating insight into how it goes.

I loved the insight into a fund family, I loved that a certain characters parensts didnt miraculously have a change of heart as I think its important for queer youth to know they can find family and friends and love outside of their unsupportive parents.

Will defintely be reading from this author again.

I loved this MM romance - there was such tenderness and character development - it felt like a massive hug

I absolutely love this book!

It is the perfect laugh out loud rom com. I did also shed more than a few tears too!

Alexei is looking to start again as a better version of himself when he finds Ben on a trail across the desert. The most unlikely pairing which somehow stick. The dual narrative makes it the perfect balance.

I loved the imagery across the desert and the journey the characters go on emotionally both separate and together. Such an uplifting story told in such an interesting way using narrative and letters.

Everyone needs to read this!

This is such a sweet and endearing read. This was a great book and whilst there was no big drama or strife amongst the characters it was engaging and the plot was steadily placed.

This was a cute novel and I really enjoyed it and wished there was more about Alexei and Ben.

Alexei and Ben meet on the PCT - both of them have their reasons for doing the long distance trail, but will they last beyond this? A great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline books for the chance to read this arc.

It is rare that a book completely blows me away but that is exactly what has happened here. I have loved all of Anita Kelly’s books and so it was an honour to get to read Alexei and Ben’s story before the books release date.

The book is dual POV but both characters are so different that each chapter was easy to immerse myself into the story and not have to think about who was leading the chapter. I loved both characters so much and I laughed and cried with them on their journey. I honestly couldn’t recommend this book enough, it moved me to tears and I loved it so much.

On a side note, being autistic and reading a book where one of the main characters is also autistic and are so well represented that it feels like finding home within a book. It’s one of the best feelings.

CW- homophobia, mentions of past toxic relationships, moments of internalised homophobia and grief

I have attached a link to my instagram book account review

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline books for this ARC! I was really excited to read this and I was not disappointed!

This is a male/male romance set on the Pacific Crest Trail, a super fun and unique premise! We’re following Alexei who is hiking the trail by himself to process some recent events in his life. Along the way he meets Ben a fellow hiker who is hiking the trail to “get his restlessness out of his system” before he has to knuckle down and become and adult. The two hit it off instantly and a beautiful romance ensues.

I absolutely adored these characters. Ben and Alexei were so supportive of each other and I really liked how they communicated with each other about boundaries and things like that. Alexei’s backstory was heartbreaking and discussed really well. I also appreciated that it was resolved realistically and not in a fluffy way just for the sake of the story. You really get to see these characters grow and learn things about themselves as they hike this trail.

The nature aspect of this book was beautiful as well. I really felt like I was on the trail and I really want to go on a hike now! I don’t think my walking trolley would make it along the PCT though 😂

This is an absolutely excellent book to read for LGBTQ+ representation. The relationship was healthy while also discussing unhealthy relationships and also the mental health aspects surrounding being out and not accepted by your family. I also found the discussion on being gay while religious extremely interesting.

My one problem with this book is the author kept using Brazilian Portuguese instead of European Portuguese! Ben is Portuguese-American and they would very often say “Te Amo” to each other which is the Brazilian way of saying “I love you” and not the European Portuguese way. In Portugal it is “Amo te”. The pronunciation of Benedito was also Brazilian Portuguese rather than European Portuguese. We were told it was pronounced “Ben-uh-ji-to but in Portugal it would be “Ben-uh-di-to” with an almost silent “o” at the end. It kind of took me out of the story a bit. I did love the Portuguese rep though because my husband is Portuguese!

I’m excited to read Love & Other Disasters now as well because London and Dahlia appear in this one! So maybe read that one before this one because it might spoil you. For me I wasn’t bothered by it at all, as I said it made me more excited to read the their story!

Anita Kelly is a great romance writer and I can’t wait to read more books from this author! This one was released on 7th March so you can get it now!

I loved this book so much - I’m honestly struggling to put just how much into words! From the first page to the very last, it just filled my heart up.
Ben and Alexei’s individual journey’s were completely different, yet still similar in the perfect way. Their journey as a couple was beautiful, and despite them being such different people, they complimented each other perfectly.
This is a book I want to read again and again

I'll start by saying that this is a very cute book and that I really enjoyed it.

I really loved the PCT setting, it accompanies Alexei and Ben's story so naturally. I've never been personally, and I don't know much about the trail, but I really felt like I was part of the journey because of how well crafted the descriptions of the trail were. The PCT comes alive on the pages in such a wonderful way, this is as much an ode to the trail as it is a story about Alexei and Ben, their relationship and the personal journeys of self discovery and healing they go over the course of the story.

I also really liked how nature and the wilderness is general a clear healing force for Alexei and Ben respectively throughout the story, as this really resonated with me personally.

I also appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. It's not something I've seen before, but knowing where to expect potentially distressing / triggering content surrounding homophobia made the book feel safer. There are some distressing sections where religious homophobia is present, I thought these sections were sensitively written, and felt appropriate and relevant in order to deeper understanding Alexei's character.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Eternal for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I've discovered a new author's work I'm excited to follow through this.

4/5 stars! I've heard great things about this book, so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read it. This book is the ultimate queer grumpy sunshine romcom. I really enjoyed the hiking backdrop and watching Ben and Alexei come together over and over as they grew closer together. I have complicated feelings about religion myself, so I struggled with some of the religious tones in this story, but I think it was an important aspect to incorporate into the story. Overall it was a great story and I would recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I adored this book and its gentle characters. The path they go on reflected in the actual path, this is a true love letter to nature whilst exploring a beautiful relationship.

This book was so beautiful. The connection between Ben and Alexei is so lovely and tender but the sexual tension is also impeccable. Alexei’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is heart-breaking in places but a wonder to read. Ben is such a generous, beautiful sweetheart and though his figurative journey to his understanding of what he deserves may seem easier, it’s just as important. The way they support each other throughout is incredible, and the letters towards the end had me sobbing. I just want to hug them both because they are both so deserving of everything they desire and I loved them hugely.
I will say, I do wish I’d read Love and Other Disasters first as there were a lot of characters mentioned with no indication as to who they were at first and I did find this a little confusing but if I’d read that first, it would have been easier to follow. But if it’s anything like this, I can’t wait to read it too.

I loved Love & Other Disasters so I had high expectations for this book and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. What a beautiful, emotional story🥺 I loved it so so much!

Alexei and Ben were amazing characters. They were likeable and relatable and I loved following them on their journeys. Alexei’s especially, was an emotional rollercoaster. In the beginning of this book, he was lost - he’d lost his family and life as he knew it was no more; the PCT was supposed to give him some time to be alone with himself and grieve but when he met Ben, they couldn’t let each other go. Even though the chemistry was clear from the moment they met, they both had things to deal with so it was a bit of a slow burn but seeing them slowly get to know each other and fall in love was heartwarming and made it even more special.

Their personal journeys are a big part of this book and one I truly loved. They were full of ups and downs and although there were plenty of wonderful moments that made me smile so hard my face hurt, I also found myself crying on multiple occasions. The mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes was masterfully done! I also loved how they gave each other space to heal and become the best versions of themselves while also always being there to support each other when needed. They were truly perfect for each other and I am so happy they got their happy ending.

Overall, I’m obsessed with this book and I feel like nothing I say will be able to capture its beautiful essence. You’ll have to read it to find out but I’m sure you won’t regret it.

★ 5/5 Stars ★

A big thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[TW: familial estrangement due to queer identity; religion and strict religious upbringing (Christianity); alcohol usage; harsh homophobic language (used in Chapter 16); mentions of Alzheimer’s/dementia care; brief references to past toxic romantic relationships]

So glad I got a chance to read this book. Such a wonderful story that I really enjoyed. .
The characters were well written. And I loved the storyline so mu h I couldn't put it down.

This was a beautiful story. I loved the setting of the PCT the descriptions of struggles and joys of hiking made it feel like you were there.
Alexei and Ben were wonderful main characters and I loved their journey.
Their were many lovely side characters and the cameo of London and Dahlia was amazing. I had a hard time putting this book down.
I'm very excited to see what Anita Kelly has in store for us in the future.

This book sounded great, but sadly I didn’t feel gripped by it while I was reading so I did not finish.