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

You I’ll fall in love with the British countryside and beagles! But how Anna and Jamie fell in love I’m not sure?! They make up about 25% of the story and I can’t really see how they develop such strong feelings for each when half the time they’re not even talking or acknowledging each other.

All the characters are interesting and have complete stories, Anna our FMC is going through a lot and when she restarts her life at Stonemore you follow her journey and that is a really well written story.
Jamie our MMC is likeable enough but I didn’t feel like we really got to know that much about him until nearer the end.
This is a chick lit with romance on the side in a nutshell.

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review.

This was a lovely slow burn! I thought it was funny and romantic, plus I loved the characters (especially Hugo!). Emotional at times with the struggles of infertility and IVF, which added a heartbreaking element to the story. It felt a bit rushed at the end but overall it was a very enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!

When Anna is dumped by her fiancé after finding out some devastating fertility news (Check trigger warnings) she take a job working on a rewilding project at a Northumberland manor owned by one of the county’s most eligible bachelors Jamie - an Earl who is hot and emotionally unavailable.

This was a perfect cute and cozy read with a heart wrenching slow burn, grumpy x sunshine romance.

The setting was beautiful and idyllic, I loved the relationships between all the staff members - Tobias especially had me laughing out loud.
It took about 20% for me to get into the story but from then on I was gripped and finished it in one sitting.

Thank you so much for the EARC.

So,

Grumpy Vs Sunshine and HE falls first. Sold.

I loved the slow burn romance and cozy vibe.

Such a sweet story.

I really like characters of this book. The slowburn of the lovestrory beetween Anna and Jamie was so well written. As well as the miscommunication between the two characters because of Juliens inability to show his emotions and true feelings. I liked that at the start of the book as a reader you could feel that something is going to happen between them but the emotion wasn’t based on the actual facts and actions written in the book. Very heartfelt love story.

A warm narrative which blends some of the romance of the Bridgerton settings with a modern time scale. Anna is starting life again and open to fun. Jamie is a closed book but you just know that there’s going to be more to him. Best of all were the supporting cast who tied everything together. A relaxing read for relaxing with after a hard day’s work.

Anna leaves her chaotic life behind for a fresh start at Stonemore Estate, where she finds herself drawn to the estate manager, Callum, and the mysterious owner, Jamie. As she navigates her people-pleasing tendencies, she faces a choice between following her heart and maintaining her newfound boundaries. The slow-burn romance kept me hooked, though the pacing felt a bit off after the halfway mark. Still, the ending wrapped things up perfectly. If you like slow-burn romances, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and British countryside settings, this one's for you!

I really enjoyed the story of this book! From the very first page, I was drawn into the characters' lives. The slow burn romance was captivating, making me eager to see how their relationship would develop. Every chapter added layers to their connection, which kept me turning the pages. The author did a fantastic job of building tension and showcasing the chemistry between the main characters.

However, I found that the pacing became a bit disjointed after the halfway point. It felt like the story had small bumps that made it harder to follow. Some parts seemed rushed or skipped over, which took away from the smooth flow earlier in the book. Even with this small issue, I remained interested and curious about how it would all come together in the end.

Fortunately, the ending tied everything together nicely. The conclusion wrapped up the story in a satisfying way, providing closure for the characters and the readers. Overall, despite a few pacing problems, the book was a delightful read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming romance that keeps you engaged until the last page!

When Anna's life implodes, she is left to pick up the pieces and find a new direction. With the help of family and good friends, she takes the second chance she needs and heads to a country estate in Northumberland. It's a steep learning curve discovering country ways, and her boss seems determined to find fault, but it's not all bad and gradually, she finds what she's looking for. I soon warmed to this story's main characters, especially Anna and Fi. who have a believable friendship. Jamie and Anna's emotional connection is initially contentious, but it's soon clear that they are attracted to each other even if they deny it. I like the humour, slow-burn romance, and emotion this story delivers. The Northumberland setting is lovely, and I enjoyed the snippets of rewilding knowledge that give the story its authentic setting. It's an engaging and heartwarming read that kept me entertained.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I was initially fascinated and drawn in by the title and cover of this book. After finishing this book in only two days it is safe to say that this book is incredible and it got me out of a big reading slump.

Overall, the plot is very well thought out and the character development of the main characters (In particular Anna, Jamie and Tally) are very interesting. I love how natural the flow of the plot feels as Anna goes from feeling like an insider to fitting into this small, well interconnected community.

Speaking of small, well interconnected communities, I love the vibe and aesthetic of this book, it reminds me of the Dream Harbour series by Laurie Gilmore so I would 100% recommend reading this book if you love small town tropes where everyone knows each other and everyone cares about each other.

I love how in the beginning Anna went from saying yes all the time and being a people pleaser to saying no, I was all for this and loved how she reinvented herself but what I loved even more was how in the end Anna learnt that it is ok to say yes sometimes too.

Overall, this book is beautifully written and it is such a cozy read, it was a pleasure to be offered an arc of this book. This is my first read of 2025 and I am so happy that I have started my year with such an incredible, heart warming book.