I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Wild About You from NetGalley, and I really enjoyed this unique take on romance. It didn’t feel like a story I’ve read a hundred times before, which was refreshing.

One of the standout aspects of the book was how delicately it handled discussions around infertility and the struggles of having a child. It was woven into the story with care and nuance, adding emotional depth without feeling heavy-handed. I also appreciated the individual character arcs—each felt distinct and well-developed.

The connection between the main characters was strong, though their romance felt a bit rushed at times. Rather than fully experiencing their growing relationship, it often felt more told than shown. That said, the side characters really stood out, each with their own unique voice, adding richness to the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would definitely pick up more from Sophie Laxton in the future. Wild About You is an engaging and heartfelt novel that offers something different in the romance genre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)

Thanks to @netgalley the author & publisher for the ARC

This is the authors debut novel & it didn't disappoint!
This was a really lovely and uplifting read with fab characters that have great humour and chemistry! I also love books set in the UK.
It's your typical chick-lit style novel and Inew from the first few pages that I'd enjoy it!
It's definitely worth a read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sophie Loxton and Simon and Schuster UK for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review

When people pleasing Anna receives some life changing news, her world is turned upside down. Deciding to leave her life in London for a fresh start, Anna accepts a job and moves to Northumberland where she meets grumpy, ‘posh boy’ Jamie. Things get off to a rocky start but can they put their differences aside and work together?

Wild About You is heartwarming, cosy and altogether a beautiful read. The story touches on sensitive subjects with compassion and understanding all whilst being heartfelt and uplifting. The characters are relatable and although some of the topics mentioned are tough, the book was still lighthearted and funny in places. One of the characters, Tobias, had me laugh out loud at times. Everyone needs a Tobias at work!

My only issue was that it was a very slow burn and then a lot happened in the final few chapters, but overall, I really enjoyed Wild About You and would highly recommend giving it a read. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings first!

After Anna’s fiancé dumps her, she decides to stop being such a people-pleaser and takes a job as rewilding manager on an estate far away from her London home in Northumberland. Callum, the estate manager, is good-looking, friendly and interested in Anna, but Anna finds her thoughts increasingly occupied by her prickly and aloof boss, Jamie - the literal lord of the manor.

Straight out of the blocks, I need to mention that the book deals with infertility. Both Anna and her best friend struggle to conceive, with Anna being told she will never have children. This is the cause of the breakup with her fiancé and a reason (in Anna’s mind) why she cannot have a relationship with Jamie. In general, the author deals with this very sensitively and touches on some of the feelings involved with infertility without dwelling on them to the detriment of the love story. What I will say, whilst trying not to give any spoilers, is the perfectly articulated reasons she gives Jamie why they can’t be together don’t go away. For someone who has been in a very similar situation to the characters, it takes an awful lot to move past these issues and the pretty sudden U-turn didn’t cut it for me.

That aside, this was a good read, with some cosy settings, a lovely description of the countryside and an interesting cast of characters. It’s reasonably spicy without being too graphic, so if open door isn’t your thing, then proceed with caution.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Wild about you was a joy to read! A wonderfully uplifting read… A lot of sparkle and mischief… The characters are fabulous… A very relaxing read!

Wild About You by Sophie Loxton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️

Wild About You is a great book that deals with some hard issues but it is handled amazingly.

Anna leaves London to go to the countryside for a new job but also to work on herself after dealing with a few blows to her life. She has quite a bit to deal with and is using a number of different ways to do this. I loved how strong Anna is and continued to work through things to find herself and her worth.

Enter Jamie, the hot, grumpy Earl of the estate that Anna is now working at, not only is he her new boss but he is so distant and moody to her she wonders how the are going to work together.

Jamie has his own issues that he has to work through and also deal with the estate. Hugo is another great part of the book and steals the show whenever he enters!

The characters in the office are absolutely brilliant, they are so unique and funny! I think Anna would deserve a medal for working with Tally!

I always love reading a book where it is set in the UK and is a great book, this one hit every spot.

An enjoyable opposites attract romance between an environmental expert and the earl of the estate she works at.
Anna is dumped by her long term boyfriend after finding out some news and decides to take a job on a Northumberland estate to help rewild it. Jamie is the grumpy Earl who is secretly impressed with her.
Throw in a slight love triangle / square and you get fun main story with a deeper storyline underneath covering infertility/IVF.
I really liked how Anna grew as a person throughout the book and how Jamie was super sweet even though they rubbed each other up the wrong way.

I really enjoyed reading this book - although, I will say that I found myself struggling with the pacing and timeline of it quite a lot. There were a lot of moments when the vibe went from 0 to 100 in a split second, and I felt like I was constantly playing catch up to wrap my head around Anna’s feelings or decisions.
~
Saying that, I thought this book was really fun to read, and I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between Jamie and Anna - alongside their reasons for trying to keep it at bay. There were also some really strong relationships being built or shown amongst the other characters, and each character stood out in their own way.
~
This book had a big focus on infertility and IVF, so it wasn’t always a lighthearted, fluffy romance. I was very interested in seeing the representation of this in the book, although I didn’t always FEEL it as closely as I would have liked to. However, I was glad it was there and it was handled with a lot of care.
~
This book absolutely had me giggling and kicking my feet a lot, and I found myself itching to return to it when I was away from it, so I’d say keep your eyes peeled for its release FOR SURE.
~
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the growth of the main female character and how she moved away from being a people pleaser to standing up for her own wants and needs. I enjoyed watching the relationship between the two main characters progress even if I did want to bang their heads together at a few different points. Would recommend this book.

Anna is looking to start over and takes a job as an environmental consultant on a large estate in Northumberland. However, she didn’t envisage that the landowner would be one of the trickier elements to deal with! This is a classic will they/won’t they type book but with great characters and some emotional themes explored, including IVF, friendships and of course romantic relationships

I really enjoyed this book and actually binged it in one day because I was enjoying it so much.

Great debut and I would happily read more by this author.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion

4.5 stars

When reading what this book was about I knew it was going to be something I enjoyed.

I absolutely loved this book and the characters. I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I loved both the two main characters and the tension that was between the two of them was perfect. Its a slow burn romance which I always enjoy.

The only thing is that I wish we got to see more of Jamie n the first half of the book just because I would of loved to see more of him and Anna. It started of slow paced but towards the end it felt a little rushed, I wish we got to see more of the ending play out. This book is perfect for readers who love a slow burn, Grumpy x Sunshine read with loads of tension.

*Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for providing me this Arc in return for an honest review*

A big thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Sophie Loxton for gifting me an advanced copy of Wild About You in exchange for an honest review.

Loxton’s debut romance novel, Wild About You, is the perfect blend of escapism (Who doesn’t want to fall in love with a handsome, rich earl?) and realism. It was refreshing to read a romance book in which the couple faced realistic problems, namely, infertility and class differences, rather than the overdone, simplistic “miscommunication issue” that so many romances rely on for the dramatic climax. I loved the Pride and Prejudice vibes in this novel, and also the fete scene which paid homage to Rebecca. I wish there had been a bit more Jamie in the first half of the book, but that’s my only little complaint. The characters were relatable and likeable; the setting was ideal.

If slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, mildly spicy romances are your jam, you will enjoy this one. I look forward to Loxton’s next book hitting the shelf.

Sophie Loxton’s Wild About You is a captivating and heartfelt story that explores the journey of new beginnings, self-discovery, and the complexities of love. After splitting up with her fiancé, Anna takes a job rewilding the Stonemore Estate in Northumberland, hoping for a fresh start. However, she quickly realizes that the biggest challenge isn't just the rewilding project – it’s her sexy but emotionally unavailable boss, Jamie, who seems determined to make her life as difficult as possible.
As Anna navigates her new life, she finds solace in the friendship of her best friend Fi and the charm of Callum, the estate manager. A budding romance with Callum offers hope, but Anna's thoughts continue to be drawn to Jamie, creating her own internal complicated love triangle.

What sets Wild About You apart is the novel also touches on the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, capturing the pain, frustration, and hope that come with the journey. This layer of the narrative adds a raw and powerful dimension to the story. Loxton’s portrayal of IVF struggles feels both authentic and compassionate, showing the emotional toll it can take while also highlighting moments of strength and resilience.
The rewilding project itself serves as a beautiful metaphor for Anna’s journey of self-reinvention. Against the stunning backdrop of Northumberland, Loxton seamlessly intertwines the story’s romantic tension with Anna’s personal growth, as she slowly learns to put herself first and stop people-pleasing. The lighthearted moments, including her playful relationship with the adorable beagle Hugo, provide a welcome balance to the more serious themes, while the slow-burn romance and will-they-won’t-they tension between Anna and Jamie keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Wild About You is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the difficult choices we make in pursuit of happiness. Sophie Loxton’s writing is engaging, and her ability to blend humor, romance, and deeper emotional themes will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges head-on. For those who enjoy stories of personal transformation, complex relationships, and the search for true love, this novel is a must-read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for the eARC.

I'll begin by saying that this book made me feel warm and fuzzy and kicking/screaming because it was like a little slice of home. Barbour jackets! Wellies! Bothies! Rugged Northumbrian countryside! Good boy doggos! Stormy weather! Wood fires! It was giving Belsay/Wallington/Cragside vibes and I was absolutely living for it. It's genuinely lovely to read something set in our little pocket of the big, wide world.

FMC Anna is a recovering people-pleaser who decides to move from London to Northumberland following a hard break-up. She's an environmentalist, garden designer and rewilding expert that quickly secures a job working on a large estate, overseen and owned by a grumpy, slightly aloof Lord of the manor (Jamie) and his doggo (Hugo). The book spans over a year (we're talking sloooooooow burn) and follows Anna's interactions with said Lord and a number of other fun characters that also live and work on the estate (best friend Fi, people's princess Tally and Scottish hunk Callum). The timescale also allows us to see some of her wilding projects come to fruition, which was actually really nice to see.

The front cover says fun, cute, cosy romance book with a hint of love-triangle (which is all well and good), but it also felt like quite a mature read. Friendships are just as important (if not more so) than the core romantic relationships and I was pleasantly surprised to find the miscommunication trope kicked to the wayside. Adults are actually capable of having adult conversations (when they're not just actively avoiding each other!) It also deals with matters of familial duty and mental health and grief in thoughtful, respectful ways. Anna's struggle to have children is integral to her journey, so do be warned if that's a potential trigger.

The only thing that let Wild About You down for me was pacing. We get a lot of info dumping in the first 10% and the last 10% felt too hurried. I needed longer with the characters actually INTERACTING for the ending to feel justified. Everything between those two points was wonderful, I just wanted more of it!

Highly recommended if you also love slow burn romance and YEARNING (we're so back).

Cosy romantic escapism perfection! I read it in one sitting and absolutely loved it! The characters are brilliantly brought to life and draw you into their lives and a brilliant storyline keeps the pages turning. The setting, a gorgeous countryside estate, is one we all dream of living in and the story has the makings of a modern day Cinderella. Can’t recommend it enough and already looking forward to her next book. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bradley, Hannah Langdon, Heidi Swain.

I enjoyed this book. I was very intrigued by the synopsis. I love a slow burn romance and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved the style of writing and the character development. I would recommend this book.

3.5/5⭐

Set in the most quintessentially British setting, Wild About You had my country-heart pounding. And so did the characters! It swept me off my feet with the affection and comfort of a friendship that feels like a warm hug on the first day of winter. Fi and Anna’s bond is instantly familiar, and I couldn’t help but get completely wrapped up in it from the very first page.

Anna’s sarcastic inner monologue is absolutely hilarious, and the author’s unique use of a note-like format for these thoughts adds a quirky charm that feels both fresh and fun. Her people-pleasing and stationary addiction? 100% relatable.

From the very first chapters, I felt an undeniable kinship with Anna, but I also cringed with second-hand embarrassment at some of the situations she finds herself in. It’s a precise blend of charm and discomfort that lingers long after finishing the book, and it perfectly reflects the balance of playful and challenging topics explored throughout the story.

What I especially liked about Wild About You is how it doesn’t just focus on the romantic relationships but also places a strong emphasis on Anna’s other friendships and their individual lives (even with the pets!) I really felt like I knew these characters, and Anna’s connections with the people around her—particularly with Fi—provide wonderful depth to the story.

Don’t let the light-hearted cover fool you—Wild About You is a deep dive into the challenges women face on a daily basis, both personally and professionally. It’s a love letter to those navigating heartbreak, grief, and self-discovery, with moments of raw emotion that hit you hard.

While the character exploration in this story is really strong, the pacing did feel a little off and there was a period in the middle of this book where I struggled to keep my momentum. However, the final 20% is packed with tension, culminating in a third-act conflict that doesn’t feel flimsy at all. It’s well-earned and adds a satisfying layer of complexity to Anna’s journey.

Overall, Wild About You is a heartfelt and emotional read with moments of humour that had me smiling to myself whilst reading but it is not the fast-paced light-hearted read I was originally expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a digital copy of Wild About You in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book I have read by Sophie and was happy to get it for a review on Netgalley. I enjoyed the setting,a large baronial house in Northumberland. Anna lived in London but had just split up with her fiancé. They were having difficulties having a baby and Sean couldn’t cope. She wanted a change so applied for a job Stonemore Estate where her friend Fi works. She gets the job and moves up and gets her own estate cottage. She loves her job as a rewilding expert. She works in the office with Fi, Tally and Callum. Tally takes a dislike to her and it always making catty comments but Anna is ready for her. She was always a people pleaser but decides that with her new life that’s stopping. Callum is good looking and charming and she thinks he could be a distraction for her. She is warned by Fi that he is a commitment averse but that suits her. Jamie is the Lord of Stonmore and always looks like he has the worries of the world on his shoulders. He is attracted to Anna but doesn’t know what to do about it so he appears cold and aloof. He makes Anna deal with him through Callum. Then there is Lucinda who sees herself as Lady of the Manor,she had gone out with Jamie in the past but things didn’t work out but she keeps trying. She stables her horses on the estate so is always around. Anna is perplexed with Jamie but she finds him intriguing. One minute she thinks he likes and next he doesn’t. You must read the book to find out what happens between them all, you will not be disappointed.

The premise of this book was brilliant and from the very first page I was hooked.

Set on my doorstep of Northumberland, Sophie depicted the life here beautifully with her vivid descriptions.

For the most part the characters were enjoyable and it was so refreshing to read a story navigating the heartache of infertility, which had been captured so well.

For being a debut novel this was great!

The only thing which dropped it from 5 stars to 4 was it just lacked a bit of depth. There were repetitive verbs used, the characters didn’t have a whole lot of depth to them in terms of their personality (as I couldn’t even tell you how old the FMC is or what she looks like), and the last couple chapters of the book seemed to move much faster than the rest.

That being said, I blasted through this book in 2 sittings which is rare for me. I would definitely read it again.

Cosy up with a cuppa and enjoy this book. Well written, if a little slow in places, and a bit rushed at the end, but a lovely story nonetheless. It’s always great to get to know new characters and to see a grumpy man fall hard and fast for a happy woman. Also, how lovely to be set in the English countryside - let’s have more of that please! Recommended