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emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One Way Back To Me, book 1 of The Wilder Brothers series, by Carrie Ann Ryan @carrieannryanauthor. Carrie Ann is an author I have loved for years!
What a fantastic conclusion about Alexis & Eli! Tropes: Contemporary, Male/Female, Ex-Military, Second Chance, Grumpy/Sunshine, Ex Drama, No 3rd Act Breakup & HEA!
One Way Back to Me is the first book in the new Wilder Brothers series. The brothers have all left the military and are starting over with their life. They have come together to develop the Wilder Resort with each brother taking leadership over a different part. This is Eli and Alexis’ story and Eli is the CEO and Alexis is hired to be the wedding planner.
Eli and Alexis had previously met at a wedding, had intense chemistry, and then Alexis got ENGAGED to her boyfriend and they had not seen each other since. Her marriage did not go very well and now she is interviewing to be the wedding planner for Wilder Resort.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Eli and Alexis, they had this need to be together but also uncertain because of their working relationship. With a chemistry as strong as theirs, there was no way to escape it though. Their love story was captivating but there was so much story that it really made me not want to ever put this book down. There was lots of steam, and suspense and fun characters that made a very good start for this series. I personally CAN’T WAIT for Evan and Kendall’s story. I was curious why we weren’t getting their sister’s story but her story is from Inked Obsession so now I need to go read that one!
One minute I was trying to figure out my life, the next minute a garter hit me in the chest, and you were catching a bouquet.
Eli and Alexis had previously met at a wedding, had intense chemistry, and then Alexis got ENGAGED to her boyfriend and they had not seen each other since. Her marriage did not go very well and now she is interviewing to be the wedding planner for Wilder Resort.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Eli and Alexis, they had this need to be together but also uncertain because of their working relationship. With a chemistry as strong as theirs, there was no way to escape it though. Their love story was captivating but there was so much story that it really made me not want to ever put this book down. There was lots of steam, and suspense and fun characters that made a very good start for this series. I personally CAN’T WAIT for Evan and Kendall’s story. I was curious why we weren’t getting their sister’s story but her story is from Inked Obsession so now I need to go read that one!
One minute I was trying to figure out my life, the next minute a garter hit me in the chest, and you were catching a bouquet.
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
**Stuff Your Kindle Haul 11/04/2023**
Not really grumpy-sunshine
Enjoyable read although I kinda hated how Alexis was all "this is my fault" and then pushes Eli away. I thought she was supposed to be smarter than that. Although, at least she quickly realizes her error and doesn't get stubborn about it.
Eli is a wonderful big brother and guy. I was expecting more of a chase but this wasn't too bad.
Not really grumpy-sunshine
Enjoyable read although I kinda hated how Alexis was all "this is my fault" and then pushes Eli away. I thought she was supposed to be smarter than that. Although, at least she quickly realizes her error and doesn't get stubborn about it.
Eli is a wonderful big brother and guy. I was expecting more of a chase but this wasn't too bad.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Before Indies Invade Philly, Carrie Ann Ryan was an unknown name to me. I did a little author research before the event, and there was something about her vibe and personality that pulled me in. I missed the pre-orders, and there weren’t many books left at her table once I got to her, but her Mom recommended that I start with One Way Back to Me. And well, if MOM recommends it to me, then that’s where I have to start!
One Way Back to Me introduces us to the Wilder Brothers; seven brothers who have all retired from the military and are discovering their purpose/passion in the civilian world.
Eli Wilder is the eldest of the brothers, and has always taken on the responsibility of watching over his family since their parents died. Now that they are all out of the military, Eli is faced with the challenge to keep his brothers close and continue their family traditions. What better way for brothers to come together than to purchase a failing resort and rebuild it into a thriving vacation destination? Wilder Resort is Eli’s key to keeping his brothers together, but he needs help in making the resort all it can be.
Alexis Lane is THE wedding planner - oraganized and savvy, she knows how to put on the perfect wedding, and is a gift to any bride who choses her. However just because she can plan weddings, doesn’t mean that she is good with relationships or that she has her life all figured out.
(From the prequel, A Night For Us)
Eli and Alexis have a chance encounter when Eli and his brother Everett are invited to a wedding that Alexis is planning. Even though the brothers are just there to watch and take notes for their new business, Alexis catches Eli’s attention and they have a random dance where they can feel the connection between them. Unfortunately Alexis’ boyfriend has other plans and proposes to her that same night. Eli leaves thinking he’ll never see her again.
Eli and Alexis have a chance encounter when Eli and his brother Everett are invited to a wedding that Alexis is planning. Even though the brothers are just there to watch and take notes for their new business, Alexis catches Eli’s attention and they have a random dance where they can feel the connection between them. Unfortunately Alexis’ boyfriend has other plans and proposes to her that same night. Eli leaves thinking he’ll never see her again.
One Way Back to Me fast forwards a few years when Alexis has realized that her fiance is a scumbag and she needs to find a new job, she ends up at Wilder Resort to interview for their Wedding Planner position. Eli and Alexis reignite their connection, and this time they don’t have to hold back because of another relationship. Instead our couple tackles other hurdles of life (like a workplace romance and a cruel vindictive ex) until they find their happily ever after.
One Way Back to Me is a captivating slow burn romance, that has plot twists and suspense, plus lots of spice. You become invested in all of the characters and are compelled to see how they develop through the years. I enjoyed seeing the start of the “Wilder Women” and their hilarity; excited to see more of that in future stories. There’s witty banter and joking amongst the brothers and Wilder Resort employees. You get that small town, family business feeling. Reading the story lets your mind travel to Wilder Resort and wish you could take your next vacation there just so you could watch all of the drama for yourself. Loved this book and can’t wait to finish the series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💗 Second chance romance
🏢 Workplace
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
📚 Interconnected standalone
One Way Back to Me is the first book in The Wilder Brothers Series. I started reading this series from one of the novellas that timeline wise happens later in the series. I really enjoyed getting to go back to the very beginning of this series and meet the Wilder brothers for the very first time. This book focuses on Eli Wilder and Alexis and picks up 2 years after the events of A Night for Us. I really enjoyed how they were brought together again after all this time had passed. I was just totally invested in them and you just couldn’t help but feel for all they had been through. The story was just really well done and it flowed so easily between the characters point of view. I can’t wait to read more wonderful stories about the Wilders.
lighthearted
medium-paced
I liked the premise of this book, but the dialogue and writing was really lacking. I didn't get the chemistry between the two main characters, and there wasn't much character development. I'm going to try to read the next book though, since I'm really interested in Evan and Kendall's story.
This is a great book about starting over, taking chances, and love. The Wilder family is full of brooding, big, retired military brothers and one sweet sister.
One Way Back To Me is the first book in this new series and it focuses on Eli Wilder and Alexis. Now, we do get to know Eli's five brothers a little as well. Eli met Alexis at a wedding and felt an instant connection with her. Fast forward two years and he finally sees her again, at his resort, interviewing for the wedding planner position.
Alexis feels like she can't get a break in her life. After divorcing her husband, she desperately needs a job. Her ex burned a lot of bridges for her and took everything in their divorce. So when she sees Eli is the one doing her interview, she decides that she needs to resist thier connection. She can't afford anymore mistakes.
Eli is an amazing man. He's protective and sweet, and he's willing to take things slow with Alexis. She's a strong woman and is very hard working. They are definitely good for each other. I love their interactions! Their story is sweet, steamy, with a touch of suspense. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Wilder brother's books!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
One Way Back To Me is the first book in this new series and it focuses on Eli Wilder and Alexis. Now, we do get to know Eli's five brothers a little as well. Eli met Alexis at a wedding and felt an instant connection with her. Fast forward two years and he finally sees her again, at his resort, interviewing for the wedding planner position.
Alexis feels like she can't get a break in her life. After divorcing her husband, she desperately needs a job. Her ex burned a lot of bridges for her and took everything in their divorce. So when she sees Eli is the one doing her interview, she decides that she needs to resist thier connection. She can't afford anymore mistakes.
Eli is an amazing man. He's protective and sweet, and he's willing to take things slow with Alexis. She's a strong woman and is very hard working. They are definitely good for each other. I love their interactions! Their story is sweet, steamy, with a touch of suspense. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Wilder brother's books!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes