Dallas Van Zant…
Problem is, he makes me nervous. I’m not good with people, men in particular, popular athletes especially. I’ve worked really hard to get my disability under control and one minute in his company and all my hard work flies out the window.
To top it all off, I promised myself that I was going to make some serious changes this year. I’m tired of feeling awkward around boys. I’m tired of never having had a boyfriend. I’m tired of being lonely.
But I’m also not the type to turn away a person in need. So I’ll do what I must to help him out.
I’ll just pretend that I’m not enjoying his company. And I’ll ignore the fact that he’s sweet and funny. And I’ll tell myself every day that he’s out of my league.
Because I’m as inexperienced as they come…and Dallas Van Zant is nothing but wild.
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She’s the shy studious girl with a secret guilty pleasure.
He’s the guy who chases the high times, and plays the scene. The joker of the pack.
Party time, and she finds him vulnerable and alone. She’s feeling brave. A kiss, a touch, but will he remember it in the morning..?
Oh this series is a heart melter, that’s for sure!
The first book in the series “Nothing but trouble” introduced the water polo team, and this book continues the theme with the spotlight being on on a different player.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both characters. Watching them both develop and grow was more than heart warming.
There’s more to him than meets the eye and I loved that she was willing to look deeper than what the average person saw.
Theres more to her than her stammer and figure, and the way he saw beauty in her made me feel all warm and gooey inside.
I love it when a book explores differences and acceptance.
Those are the kind of reads that stand out and are remembered and for me, this is exactly that.
I’m left feeling extremely satisfied and on an emotional high. What a perfect ending to the day!
Shut up the front door, Dear Fathers of the whole world…. Dallas is HERE and Your daugthers’ hearts are in real danger – it’s a warning, so mark my word !!!!!
Gahhhh HOW MUCH I loved this book, how much I love this series and this characters!!! I can’t stop… I won’t stop… I can’t get enough of Nothing but Wild. I want to be very best friend for Dallas, and I want to be his girlfiend too. But have I mentioned Dora???? Oh wow, I love Dallas but I loved Dora too ! I even let Her… to have Dallas, as Her very own man.
Author knew exactly what will be in the main plan for Dallas and His girl, how to lead their story thru the paiges. Every evens are mixed perfectly with each other…. gahhhhhh I might have right now HUGE need to reread this book once again, because DALLAS is delicious… and well He’s this kind of a man who has Your attention from the start.
Mrs. Dangelico sucked me in Her world immediately. I couldn’t put this book down. From paige to paige I fallen deep and deeper in the whole story. It was funny, It was sweet and written at the finest.
Absolutely must read!
And now for something completely different!!!
Well for me at least. Nothing But Wild is the second book in an NA sports romance set in the world of water polo. I haven’t yet read the first, yet. The book has a host of hot sexy guys, and the star of this book, Dallas Van Zant, is the hottest and sexiest of them all, in Dora’s eyes anyway. Dora has secretly been crushing on Dallas ever since she set eyes on him, but, believes him to be way out of her league. Circumstances bring them together and Dora steals a kiss. The fact that Dallas was out cold at the time does little to assuage her guilt, but she would do it again if given the chance.
Dora has a stammer, is shy and has felt socially awkward most of her life, and tries to hide in the shadows. But after three years of college and one drunken party, she decides enough is enough and she’s going to change. Enter Dallas once more. He’ll be the catalyst she needs, whether he knows it or not.
Dallas, is willing to help, especially after he finds her ‘to-do’ list. Dallas brings out her wilder side. She can’t help falling for him, and he is right there alongside her.
This was a swoony, sweet and sexy slow-burner of a college romance. I loved both these characters. They had flaws… and feelings for miles.
Grab your copy and discover a new kind of sports hero.
Nothing But Wild is book two in the Malibu University series. Each book covers a different couple so it can be read as a standalone. I loved Dora. For starters, I loved her name, it’s name that doesn’t pop up much in stories. Dora is a little shy but she’s down to earth and has a fun side too. Dallas is a really good water polo player and he’s also a bi of a player out of the pool too. Both Dallas and Dora have layers and there’s more to them then just the surface that most people see. I liked these together. There was a little part at the end that had me scratching my head wondering why but overall it was a pretty good read.
I started this before bed (big mistake, HUGE), stayed up WAY too late, and devoured it in a matter of hours. Prepare to fall for Dallas because he is slightly broken but so, so easy to love! Nothing But Trouble was really great so I was looking forward to this big time, even as I was unsure of how I’d feel about Dallas. We’re introduced to him in that book and while there were glimpses of an intriguing story underneath all of his wild behavior, I knew it would take a lot to win me over. I shouldn’t have questioned it – he is without a doubt the best part of this book.
The story follows Dallas, the wild, fun-loving golden boy who doesn’t take too much about life seriously. He’s been hurt in the past and now chooses to live in the moment, but things change when he meets Dora. Shy and sheltered, Dora is a wallflower with a stutter who has decided that this year is the year she’s not going to give an eff. Dora and Dallas have a class together, and over the course of the semester they run into each other many times, sharing a connection that just gets stronger the more they interact. Starting out as strangers, they slowly develop into friends until there is a trust there that makes the progression into lovers a natural one.
This book went in a whole other direction than what I was expecting, which just made the ride that much more interesting. It’s decidedly New Adult, with relationships that match that vibe. If you haven’t read Nothing But Trouble, you’ll have a completely different reading experience than those who have – while this IS a standalone, the timelines intersect between the two books and we see scenes from NBT with a whole new perspective. I’ll admit that took a little getting used to, as I was constantly drawn back to memories of NBT, but once I settled into Dallas and Dora’s story it was easier to leave all that behind. While this isn’t my absolute favorite read by P. Dangelico (that honor is still shared by Wrecking Ball and You Can Have Manhattan), she’s set the bar so high with her past books that it was an almost unreachable target. It’s a great book that held my attention from start to finish, and absolutely flew by. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via NetGalley (then purchased the book for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this angsty yet adorable romance.
Nothing But Wild was a sweet friends to lovers romance. Dora and Dallas definitely brought the feels.
Dallas is the goofy playboy. He’s living his life not caring about consequences and hiding his true self. His personality is his cover and deep down he’s thoughtful and smart—wanting someone to see past the mask he wears.
Dora was such a breath of fresh air. She’s sweet, honest, outspoken and was the perfect girl for Dallas. She didn’t try to hide her stuttering from him because honestly she wasn’t going to hide who she was. Also, she didn’t try to make Dallas someone he wasn’t.
From their first meeting, it was no question that it would be memorable for Dora and Dallas. I liked the friendship that evolved in which then slowly became more. I liked seeing the many layers to Dallas, he had so much heart. And Dora was so kindhearted and had so much goodness to her. These two were really good together.
Nothing But Wild was a slow burn and friends to lovers romance that brought the feels. It was heartfelt and heartwarming. All in all an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by Netgalley)…
Well we finally get to understand the craziness that is Dallas Van Zant; if you read Nothing But Trouble than you know Dallas has gotten himself into a tricky situation with his reckless behavior. I recommend reading Nothing But Trouble prior to reading this book since Dallas’ book happens simultaneously with Reagan’s book (also there are some spoilers in this book about events that took place in Reagan’s book).
Dallas and Dora were such an odd couple, but it was so sweet to watch them fall for each other. Dora’s personality and behavior is the complete opposite of Dallas and his carefree wild personality, but because she is different from him, she able to understand him and see the broken man on the inside. I just loved this couple and how they came to be; Dora was no push over and Dallas already had his heart broken multiple times, but they completed each other in a way they never expected.
It was heartwarming watching the reckless Dallas fall in love his Kitten, the woman he swore he wouldn’t fall for and just wanted to be friends with, but he lost that battle so hard and I completely enjoyed it. Now don’t get me wrong nothing was perfect and Dallas made a no-no as men tend to do when they try to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.
I loved Banjo and I know what happened hurt and scared Dallas so bad he lost his mind for a bit, but Dora did what needed to be done for her crazy lovable man. The ONLY thing I had a problem with is that Dora forgave Dallas a bit too easy even after Vi/Mika had told her to make him work for it. In my opinion, after what he said in front of a random girl and leaving Dora hanging for a bit the least he could do is grovel for at least 24 hours or buy a gift of apology, something anything would have helped.
I truly believe the best couples are the ones that are complete contradictions and Nothing But Wild, the second book in the Malibu University series, proves my point. This Friends-To-Lovers/Slow Burn Romance features two main characters that are polar opposites in every single aspect of their lives and once they’re drawn together, as if by sheer magnetic force, the pull is unavoidable and it’s best not to struggle against it. I loved this story and can’t wait for more stories from the Malibu U students.
“Today is a good day to live.”
Dora Ramos was raised in a loving, middle class household, by her dad and daddy and hopes to transfer to Cornell University Veterinary School after she graduates from Malibu University. Dora knows she’s not the typical MU student; she’s scholarship student, while most of her classmates come from wealthy households. She’s full-figured, shy and stutters. And then there’s the little detail she doesn’t tell anyone, she’s never had a boyfriend and she’s still a virgin. Dora has always concentrated on getting good grades and if it weren’t for her suitemates, who decided they were all going to be best friends, she’s pretty sure she wouldn’t have any friends at all. When Dora comes across a drunken and passed out Dallas at a party, she takes a chance and kisses him, sure he won’t know it’s her.
“Ride the wave you’re given. Make it a great ride. Make it the best ride possible. But don’t try to turn it into something it isn’t. That goes for life and people too.”
Dallas Van Zant is the heir to the Anders-Burns brewing company empire and an apparent golden boy. Incredibly handsome, he’s one of the most popular students at Malibu University. Dallas surfs in his spare time and plays on the championship Water Polo team. Everyone thinks he’s coasting through life and most of his classmates are surprised to find out he’s really smart, that he earns his grades. What very few people know is how dysfunctional his family life is; his parents divorced when he was a young child, and how lonely his upbringing was. When he receives some devastating news, it just confirms his belief that no one ever stays around, they all leave eventually.
“I get swept away. Swept up in him and this incredible passion he has for everything he does. Our relationship included. He’s a wild one for sure. And he’s also the best man I know.”
When Dallas finds Dora’s iPhone he can’t resist snooping and is surprised by what he finds. She’s upset he went through her phone and found her secret “eff list” and she says some things that offend him deeply. Dallas realizes he crossed a line and she finally accepts his apology, and his roundabout help checking somethings off her list. A friendship, of sorts, is formed and they both help each other out, in more ways than one.
I was so ready to head back to Malibu University and catch up with old friends as well as meet some new ones, and that’s exactly what P. Dangelico allows readers to do in her newest release Nothing But Wild.
Dallas Van Zant is a hot commodity at Malibu U, and it seems like he capitalizes on that fact any and every chance he gets, but when he finds himself in quite a bit of trouble, his way out actually shows readers who he truly is, which is nothing like the guy he portrays himself to be.
It’s interesting to see what’s behind someone’s mask when they finally feel comfortable enough to shed that protective layer and let someone in. The public persona that Dallas Van Zant wears is mostly for show…it’s an image that he works hard to keep, but it’s only one version of his personality and not the one he necessarily wants those he cares for to perceive him as, but he rarely lets his walls down enough to allow anyone in.
Until Dora…
Even though it’s an unusual pairing because Dora and Dallas are polar opposites in personality, lifestyle, etc., they connect in other ways and the friendship that they build lays a foundation for more and it allows Dora to go a little bit wild and check off some of her wilder desires with Dallas’ help.
Dora is definitely a heroine I can relate to and identify with…she’s me at 21 years old – her insecurities, her inexperience, her awkwardness…all of those attributes describe me in college. So, witnessing her spread her wings a bit and learn to take risks and put herself out there resonated with me and made me want to have a conversation with the twenty something version of myself.
Dora and Dallas’ story is a slow burn, sports romance, which is exactly how things should progress with these two given the circumstances that brought them together and then the path they take once they know each other better. And while it did take me a bit to get into the story line…once I did, I was more than a little smitten with both of them.
4 Poison Apples
Wow – I loved it! First time reading a book from this author and now I can’t wait to read more. Dallas and Dora had me loving every minute of their story, watching them go from friendship to so much more. It was funny, sweet and full of chemistry. They are opposites that are just perfect for each other. I did not read the first book in the series and didn’t feel lost one bit. Looking forward to reading that and more!
This was an okay read. The writing was good for the most part, but there were places that time jumped and I had to reread parts. YA novels are hit or miss for me, and while this wasn’t a complete miss, there were some immature moments. I thought that Dora and Dallas were good together, and it was nice that they had friendship to build their relationship on. I just wish it would have moved over into a relationship sooner. They do get their HEA, but the ending sort of left the reader hanging. I’m not really a fan of that. All in all I would recommend this if you like YA stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Nothing But Wild is the second book in the Malibu University series and this was Dallas and Dora’s story. I didn’t really like the start of the story but it did eventually get better. These two characters were complex and so different yet I liked how perfect they were for each other.
The romance between Dora and Dallas wasn’t immediate, they became friends first and as their friendship grew so did their relationship. Yes this was a slow burn romance but you will enjoy it as these two learn how to deal with their own insecurities.
The timeline for this novel ran along side book 1 so you will see some of the same characters, some who added to the story and other who were just annoying. This story about friendship, romance and love was a good read and I would recommend it to all lovers of NA romance.
Nothing but Wild is the second book in the Malibu University series. This book is about Dora and Dallas, and it actually runs parallel to the first book, Nothing but Trouble. We do see some of those scenes again, but from a different POV. We also see all our favorite characters again, and I’m really hoping to see Zoe and Brock’s book next!
It’s a new adult, sports romance with a friends to lover trope. We met Dallas in the first book, and you knew he was definitely hiding something, but all comes out in this book and it was shocking. He is from a very rich family, with terrible parents. Yet, he’s smart, loyal, popular and easy to love. On the other hand, Dora comes from the cutest family (2 Dads!). She is sweet, innocent, shy, and kind. They are complete opposites, but they work so well together. It’s a quick read, great storyline and cute ending, and I would highly recommend this entire series! Can’t wait for the next book!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“I. Am. Ruined. Ruined by a bad man and a great kiss. A kiss I can’t stop thinking about.”
I used to shy away from new adult romance books but there are some romance authors who are helping me embrace this genre and P. Dangelico is one of them with her Malibu University series. Ahhhh the college years…when you’re in that quasi state of independence with a safety net and trying your hand at adulting as best you can.
In Nothing But Wild we are reunited with Dallas and Dora who we first met in Nothing But Trouble. Dallas is a senior on the water polo team who has a reputation for being a wild man who throws caution at the wind. Dora is a junior wallflower who’s limited experience in the dating world is partly due to her views about her appearance.
I went into this book thinking we’d see a wild and crazy Dallas come to toe with the quiet and demure Dora but that’s not exactly what it turned out to be. For one, you just have to take it on faith that Dallas is this wild and crazy co-ed because you really don’t see it in this book except in the prologue and maybe a bit with his passion for surfing. Nor is Dora this unassuming, shy wallflower. She actually has quite the backbone and actually sticks up for herself and shares her feelings rather easily with Dallas and even her mother. So I was pleasantly surprised to read a story about two seemingly opposites find a safe place with each other to truly be themselves, to be seen and to be loved.
Though both characters really grew over the course of this novel, I loved Dora’s growth the most. From the first moment we see her and Dallas together, she just goes for things even if she’s unsure of the consequences or the reactions of her friends and fathers. She ultimately accepts herself as she is, shape, stutter and all, demands what she deserves from those who love her and won’t settle for anything less. Kudos girlfriend! And can I say that man, this girl can stand rejection and actually has some tough skin when it comes to Dallas and her mother.
Dallas wasn’t who I thought he’d be but he’s quite the emotionally aware person for someone of 21 years of age who’s never been able to depend on those who were supposed to love him. His struggle is trusting in love. He has to learn to believe that he’s deserving of it and that it can last which isn’t easy given he’s lived a life always being alone. He doesn’t always make the best of choices or react in the best of ways when it comes to Dora but he does make an excellent wingman in helping her complete her Eff-It List 2020. Plus, I loved how Dangelico gives a shout out to one of her favorite authors in describing him:
“…he looks like the windswept hero in my favorite Julia Quinn historical romance novel.”
I would have rated it higher but there were a number of transitions in the book that felt jarring to me so the story didn’t feel totally seamless, at least in the beginning but it’s probably just me. We learn a lot about their peer group friends which is great but if I hadn’t first read Nothing But Trouble, I don’t think I would have really understood what was going on with Rea and Alice in the background. That being said I hope there will be there more books to come featuring this crew – especially Zoe and Brock.
A great, opposites attract, new adult romances for those who love a happy ending for two very deserving people.
*Thank you to P. Dangelico for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
Read this full review and other romance book reviews and book lists on my book blog, She Reads Romance books at https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/book-reviews/nothing-but-wild
I loveeee this book, it’s a fun college romance read with plenty emotional moments, a hottie water polo athlete and a cutie nerd, I love it when the hero and heroheroine are so different yet so perfect for each other. Love when Dallas doing his best to get under Dora’s skin, although sometimes I want to punch him for crossing the lines and acting a total a-hole, his sweetness redeemed himself in the end, and I totally adore Dora, I can see a bit of me in her, so I can’t not love this girl, therefore I love this couple.
Sweet cute complicated story and awesome loveable characters, oh yeah I love this book.
If you’re looking for a fun complicated romance read, this book definitely IT.
Started this one as soon as it hit my kindle. I had to read it straight through and finished at 11:49pm.
Nothing But Wild is the second book in the Malibu University series.
This series is so much fun! The characters have depth and amazing banter.
Dallas is the popular golden boy wrapped in a very sexy package….but is fighting is own demons.
Dora is the complete opposite. Shy, introverted but may a goal to break out of her shell.
What ensues is a slow burn romance that captivated me from the beginning to the end.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ SEXY AF
Series~ Malibu University series #2
Source~ Kindle eBook
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
P. Dangelico’s Malibu University series continues with Dallas and Dora’s story! After meeting both of them in the first book in the series, I was looking forward to getting their story.
As with all the characters the author has created both Dallas and Dora are more complicated and interesting than you might think at first glance. They are opposites in personality and life experience, but there’s a lot of chemistry between them. They balance each other out and I really liked the moments when they provided support and friendship that the other needed.
The timeline of this story runs concurrently with Nothing But Trouble, the first book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading both to get the most out of your reading experience.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This book was everything that you hoped it would be and more, I freaking loved Dallas and Dora, these are the two most opposite people that you could ever meet, but you know what they say about opposites attract right?!?!
I loved how P. Dangelico really dug in deep with their characters and you felt as if you knew them, they were your friends and you were right smack dab there in the action with all of them (except for a few times *wink, wink*).
I loved how the story progressed fluidly…. until it didn’t. There was a time that I was extremely confused and felt as if I had whiplash because I did NOT understand what was going on. This book was a solid 5 star read until that moment and it dropped to 4 because I was so confused. That might be because of me and how I took it, but even rereading the section did not offer clarity.
Other than that ONE instance, I loved this book hardcore, but it definitely affected my over all thoughts to the book. It was great, then a bit confusing, and then great again! All in all, I do recommend reading this book if you are a fan of opposites attract new adult romances with steamy guys and girls that totally deserve a guy that will give them the world! 4 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: I would like to thank the author and Social Butterfly PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Nothing But Wild made me feel nothing but love and acceptance. This slow burn romance lit up my mood, my heart and my day! Not many people do slow burn right like Mariana Zapata and Paola. They are The Slow Burn Queens!!!
Dallas Van Zant is an unattainable beautiful disaster to Dora Ramos. She feels he is way out of his league and has no problem admiring him from a far and staying on the background until she doesn’t. One tiny slip up puts her on Dallas’s radar and he slowly becomes fixated on her. She is an enigma to him and because of his sometimes erratic behavior, Dora somehow gets stuck with him. They fall into an effortless friendship and becomes each other’s anchors. Dallas helps Dora to come out of her shell and experience life and Dora helps Dallas by truly seeing him and being there.
Dallas was such a lovable flirt. He is loyal to a fault and is always there for the people he cares about. People have their misconceptions about him and think of him as just a pretty boy, which he 100% is, but their is so much more to him that only Dora sees. She sees past his armor to the guy who has been hurt and is hiding his pain.
Dora was the underdog in this story but she is the girl who managed to capture the attention of the most beautiful boy on campus.
I can’t wait for the rest of the Malibu University series. I’m especially excited for Zoe’s story.
I really love the Malibu University cast of characters. The camaraderie, loyalty, banter, and love that flows through the pages of this book, in particular, is quite special. The two main characters of this very slow burn, friends-to-lovers installment are nicely suited to each other and share great wit, humor, and some depth. I had wished a few things were more concisely fleshed out to show greater depth of character. Some of the transitions were wonky but overall the book is easy to read and be engaged with while providing a high entertainment value. Dangelico’s ease and grace in writing New Adult Romance is obvious as she pulls at your heart with her versatile and likeable characters. Dallas and Dora are much different than I expected but just as sweet and rewarding. If you like well developed, fun, and easy to read NA this one is for you. I cannot wait to read the next installment as I really love this big hearted, hilarious group of friends.