Book: Wicked and Wildflower by Sarah A. Bailey
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
I enjoyed this one overall, but it did feel about 100 pages too long. The pacing dragged in places, which made the story feel more drawn out than it needed to be.
Everett was easy to love from the start. He’s a sexy, tattooed, motorcycle-riding garage and surf shop owner, and I loved the bisexual representation—it’s handled casually and confidently, just a natural part of who he is. Around town, he has a reputation as a bit of a playboy, but beneath that, he’s incredibly steady and supportive, especially when it comes to Dahlia.
Dahlia took me longer to warm up to. Her characterization felt a little inconsistent—one minute she’s bold and fearless, the next she’s much more meek. I also struggled with <spoiler>her hesitation to turn in the evidence against her father immediately, especially considering he was straight-up evil and actively threatening her daughter.</spoiler>
Fake dating is always a fun premise, though the explanation that Everett’s reputation was hurting his business and that he needed to appear more like a family man felt a bit shoehorned in, as if it existed mainly to put him and Dahlia on more even footing.
Even with my frustrations, I’m definitely planning to continue the series. August already has my attention, and I have a feeling he’s going to end up being my favorite MMC yet.