mdlynprsrpn_ 's review for:

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver

4.5

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

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“I can’t stop the fighting now. No more lonely nights in hopeless towns, no more empty promises or lies. Just the way you love my wild eyes. It’s the only thing that matters. Only home I need to know.”

wheezing gaping gasping screaming weeping sobbing screaming crying throwing up

Okay, so this one turned out better than I expected—especially after book one left me completely confused. Sure, this one had its moments of confusion too, but I’m glad most of it cleared things up and made the story easier to follow.

Wild Eyes is Elsie Silver doing what she does best, healing hearts one single dad romance at a time. Sure, I still torn between giving this a 4- or 5-stars review. It’s not perfect because there some things that infuriates me, but it’s heartfelt, healing, and full of warmth. Elsie’s writing continues to deliver emotional depth and character-driven magic, and I couldn't love it more.

Weston is the kind of character who radiates warmth and optimism, even while quietly battling his own insecurities. Watching him raise Ollie and Emmy with so much love and devotion was genuinely heart-mending. His bond with Skylar unfolds through slow-burn tension, emotional vulnerability, and the kind of once-in-a-lifetime love that feels both tender and earned. Skylar’s journey is just as powerful. She’s tired of living as the curated starlet version of herself and finally starts reclaiming her identity, artist, woman, human. Her growth is steady and beautifully written, especially in how she connects with Ollie and Emmy. I do wish we got more scenes of her with the kids, and the separation arc could’ve lingered longer for emotional payoff. Still, their found family moments were pure gold. 🧡

West and Skylar’s relationship is built on friendship, trust, and shared vulnerability. They open up to each other in ways that feel intimate and real, and their chemistry—while slow to ignite—is full of tension and heart. The way West shows up for Skylar, not just as a lover but as her safe place, made their romance feel deeply comforting. At first, I couldn’t connect with Skylar beacuse she felt distant, hard to grasp. But the deeper I got into her story, the more I sobbed, cried, wept for her. The scandal that happens to her had gutted me in the worst possible way. And then came the third-act breakup, and I wanted to scream. I was so angry, so heartbroken, so torn between hating her and hugging her. The second separation scene? I wanted to throw my device across the room, but instead I just sat there shattered. And West… this man. He deserves every ounce of joy the universe can offer. So does Skylar. Their pain, their healing, their love was all worth it by the end. I closed the book feeling wrecked and whole at the same time. 🥹🫶🏻

Along with that, huge kudos to Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood for narrating this book. These two absolutely nailed it. Their voices brought so much emotional depth and chemistry, it felt like the characters were breathing in my ears. Every beat, every pause, every line hit exactly where it needed to. Also, I would highly recommend you to listen to its audiobook because this provides us an actual singing part, like yes!! a total singing with the background music in it!??! It’s such a cool, immersive touch that elevates the whole experience. Huge props to Alyssa Brigiotta for making that magic happen.

And don’t even get me started on that teaser for the next book. Rhys and Tabby’s banter was already brewing in book one but then book two casually drops the bomb that they’re married?! I’m losing it. The chaos, the tension, the potential drama and I couldn’t be more curious or eager. Already bracing for the emotional whiplash they’re about to serve. Hell yes, Wild Side is 100% my next emotional freefall. 💥🏃🏻‍♀️