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A review by ashleystory
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Something Wild & Wonderful was a beautiful, emotional story about finding love - both the love from another and the love for your queer self.
Alexei is a recently out gay man who is determined to create Alexei 2.0, to be better, bigger, and experience more. I loved him so much, his special interest in birds and their calls, his spreadsheets and GPS tracker. I loved seeing him literally navigate the Pacific Crest Trail and his relationship with Ben and others that he meets on the trail.
Ben is a whirlwind of energy and had the biggest open heart and I want all the good things for him always. I love how he found peace and quiet with Alexei, how he was vulnerable and strong. I loved seeing him realize his dreams and his decision to put himself out there over and over.
There are a lot of ups and down for my sweet babies. I cried several times, this is marketed as rom-com and there are so many comedic moments, and it's one of the most sincere and emotional rom-coms. Is rom-dram-com a genre? This might be more a contemporary romance with comedic moments.
This is the second book in Anita Kelly's Love & Other Disasters series and even though I haven't read the first one yet, it didn't take away anything from the story. You do meet the two MCs from Love & Other Disasters, but you do not need to know anything to enjoy the banter and the friendship.
If you enjoy the grumpy and sunshine trope, gays on a hiking trail, family hurt/comfort, found family, and lots of emotional vulnerability and pining, I do recommend this one.
Alexei is a recently out gay man who is determined to create Alexei 2.0, to be better, bigger, and experience more. I loved him so much, his special interest in birds and their calls, his spreadsheets and GPS tracker. I loved seeing him literally navigate the Pacific Crest Trail and his relationship with Ben and others that he meets on the trail.
Ben is a whirlwind of energy and had the biggest open heart and I want all the good things for him always. I love how he found peace and quiet with Alexei, how he was vulnerable and strong. I loved seeing him realize his dreams and his decision to put himself out there over and over.
There are a lot of ups and down for my sweet babies. I cried several times, this is marketed as rom-com and there are so many comedic moments, and it's one of the most sincere and emotional rom-coms. Is rom-dram-com a genre? This might be more a contemporary romance with comedic moments.
This is the second book in Anita Kelly's Love & Other Disasters series and even though I haven't read the first one yet, it didn't take away anything from the story. You do meet the two MCs from Love & Other Disasters, but you do not need to know anything to enjoy the banter and the friendship.
If you enjoy the grumpy and sunshine trope, gays on a hiking trail, family hurt/comfort, found family, and lots of emotional vulnerability and pining, I do recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse