From New York Times bestselling author Samantha Towle comes an unexpected love story between two unlikeliest of people…A new town. A new identity. Pregnant and alone. And far away from a past that can never find me. River Wild.Moody. Sullen. Asshole.And my new neighbor.I have no interest in befriending River. And he definitely doesn’t want to be befriended by me.Then, he helps me rescue an … befriended by me.
Then, he helps me rescue an abandoned dog. And, that day, I see something in his eyes that reflects back in my own. Sadness. Pain. Loneliness.
I know all of those things well.
An unwanted and unexpected friendship that somehow works. Then, without warning, it turns into something more.
River and I both have our secrets, and that’s okay. Because I understand him. And he understands me.
For the first time in my life, I have something I never thought I would have—happiness.
But happiness isn’t forever. Not for people like me.
Especially not when my past is waiting just around the corner, ready to come and take it all away.
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Wow what a book!!
This was amazing. I couldn’t put down I read it in one sitting. I’m not a quick reader but I was hooked from the start I just had to know what was goin to happen. It started of with a bang literally. The story was so good it’s a lil different to the stories this author normally does but god it was brilliant and written so well. The characters are amazing both River and Carrie’s story are the same but so different at the same time. They have both had to deal with crappy situations that they shouldnt of had to deal with.
Carrie story is heart breaking but I luv her strength and reason for that. After goin through hell she picked herself up and tried to make a new life for herself. She deserved to be happy. The one thing that I did luv about her character is that she wasn’t bitter or mean. She was so sweet and caring and still looked out for others. Even when she had to deal with her very grumpy new neighbour.
River wow this guy is amazing I luvd him from the start. His story like Carrie’s is heart breaking to. From the start to the end I felt protective of him. He never got a break until the gorgeous Carrie came storming into his life. The things that happened to River are just horrible he should of never had to deal with that and I totally get why he is the brash sad grumpy guy who swears in every sentence. Life has been easy for him and it never will be but being around Carrie makes it a lil bearable.
River and Carrie make such a cute couple. They bring out the best in each other. Even though they are totally different it just works. I luvd them both together. I was dying to see how things were goin to go. Things were never goin to go smooth for them. They had to fight for everything and each other. But I did like seeing River become more softer around the edge and Carrie become more stronger and sassy. The story was just brilliant I would highly recommend it. Everything about this book I luvd from the cover to the characters and the story it was perfect.
Absolutely amazing story about two survivors who find each other.
I cringed, cried, laughed and fell in love with these characters. Their stories will break your heart and give you hope.
This story is not for the faint of heart and does contain triggers. River and Carrie’s story’s of survival will have you glued to the pages.
Loved this book!
River Wild is one of those characters that will stay with me. He’s a broken, mercurial, stand-offish and unapproachable loner, a tough nut to crack.
But you just know he’s much more than that under his hard shell.
I absolutely adored Carrie too. I thought she was so courageous. She made me laugh with her little quirky sayings. The woman has a sweet gentle nature with the heart of a lion.
Carrie and River are two broken souls running from horrific pasts. They start an unconventional friendship that will melt your heart, make you laugh your ass off at times, they are odd and complete opposites, but they work.
I loved the slow burning love story between them, it was beautiful and heart breaking at times but I think their troubled pasts only made to strengthen their relationship.
This was an highly emotional, gut wrenching powerful story. A journey of survival, starting over and finding the true meaning of Love and happiness. I highly recommend you start this unforgettable and moving story today.
I urge you to read the blurb before you read this book in case you have some issues that may be triggered by sensitive topics. In my opinion, the book has a serious tone to it. I enjoyed reading River and Carrie’s story. It was a slow build up where they had to trust in each other, but yet had to learn about each other first. We know both of the characters’ backgrounds and what makes them the people they are today. The story is told from mainly Carrie’s point of view, but we get River’s point of view through flashbacks. There are a few chapters that are in the present day point of view of River. River is brash, and without the knowledge of his past, probably wouldn’t be a character that I liked. No cliffhanger ending.
“News flash: I’m not nice. And I don’t want to be nice. Some people like being assholes. I’m one of those people.”
The author took me on a painful, emotional journey with this story. Just being inside the heads of the characters as they faced their demons, both past and present, was gut-wrenching. I found myself wishing for a superhero cape so that I could fly in and rip them from the grip of their monsters. But instead, I could do nothing but suffer along with them as they dealt with their demons.
I’m very drawn to stories with broken characters. It’s so inspiring to see someone survive and prosper in spite of overwhelming obstacles. That’s the hope in my heart with every story, but there’s never a guarantee that will be the outcome. Sometimes love isn’t enough and sometimes wishing doesn’t produce miracles. Through dual POV I experienced the devastating events that molded these extraordinary characters into the damaged adults that I came to respect and love. My heart wept for them and I yearned for a fairytale ending that would reward them for time served in hell.
I congratulate the author for doing such a beautiful job of tackling some touchy subjects. I also commend her for creating such an adorable asshole in River Wild. He’s downright mean to his beautiful neighbor, but his offensive behavior doesn’t scare her away. She’s already been through hell so his darkness doesn’t threaten her. “He can handle the bad. It’s the good that he’s terrified of.” If he isn’t careful, she might shine her light in his direction, and he’ll be lost for sure.
Carrie is pregnant and in a new town getting away from her abusive husband was her focus and taking care of her baby.
River had a hard childhood and most folks in town avoid him, but he is Carrie’s neighbor and she can’t help but try to break down his walls.
Moving story about 2 people with similar pasts trying to find their way in the world together.
This is a story that will break your heart one moment and make you smile the next minute.
When this story was just published I tried to read it but I didn’t came further than the prologue. It wasn’t the right time for me to read it then. This week I decided to give it another try and I’m so happy because I couldn’t stop reading it!!! I really wanted to know how Carrie and River’s story would end. And that’s also prove that this is a story that you have to be ‘in the mood’ for. Maybe good to know for readers who are sensitive to triggers, this story ‘River Wild’ has two sensitive themes in it, namely child abuse and violence in a marriage. No easy subjects to read about but the writer still managed to write the story in such a way that it wasn’t a very dark story. The writer Samantha Towle did this by writing the present in a ‘lighter’ way (there was even some humour in it) and writing the past in a darker, emotional way. By doing it this way, it also made the difficult scenes of the past easier to read because you had lighter and positive moments between them and gave the story also more balance.
The present story is for the most part told from Carrie’s POV, that starts when she leaves her husband, and the past memories are mostly told from River’s POV. I really loved both main characters very much!! Carrie is a foster child how thought that she found prince charming when she was 18 years old but instead she found a villain. After 7 years of living in fear and bodily hurt, she finds the courage to leave him when she discovers that she’s pregnant. She starts a new life in Texas under a false name. I really admired her positive attitude and the fact that she found joy in little things. She was a very strong woman. River was a very interesting character too. He was very guarded and close off in the beginning but you could feel that he hide much inside him. I really enjoyed the banter between Carrie and River, it was fun and entertaining (at times it made me even feel like watching someone (Carrie) poke an old and grumpy bear (River) to see how he would react LOL). Because of their past, Carrie and River really respected and understood the pain and darkness inside the other person. They were just meant to be together! Their connection and their understanding of each other was so wonderful and so deep. I wasn’t sure how the writer would give these 2 broken people their HEA but she did it in a good way. This story is a slow burn story and I think that was the best way to write it. Because of Carrie’s pregnancy and their past, they both need time to go from strangers to friends to more.
I’m very happy that I decided to give this story another chance because I really loved it.
Right from the start this book had dark connotations for both characters. Each trying to escape from a disturbing past. Each keeping their own disturbing past a secret a carve out a new life on their own.
I quite liked both characters they they had similar histories starting with the people who hurt them were also the people who promised to love them and take care of them. Neither of them are looking for love but fate just keeps on throwing them together.
Whilst the story is born from their dark past the author doesn’t dwell on it. The characters and story evolve into a lighter slow burn romance and they often find themselves in humours situations. I did have a few chuckles along the way. It was great to see them get their HEA but they definitely went through hell to get it.
Such a sweet story with plenty of sad stuff sprinkled in. River Wild had a very traumatic chain of events in his childhood that had set the course of the rest of his life. Because of that, as an adult, he doesn’t like being around people, and feels that everyone hates him anyways, so he’s not missing out on anything. Carrie becomes his next door neighbor after escaping an abusive relationship that also left her pregnant. River and Carrie eventually become friends, but there’s a long road to that. The focus of the story is not romantic in nature, so, if you’re reading this hoping that’s what this is about, you’re going to be disappointed. The focus is on two people who are trying to heal themselves, and each other as well. It’s a very slow burn type of relationship they forge, that ends up having a very happy, albeit dramatic, ending.
A bitter-sweet, heartwarming, slow-burn romance.
From the very beginning of this book I was hooked and River had my heart.
The book begins with River as a young abused child by his police officer, his stepfather. River took a last stand and refused to do what he said and in the heart of it all took his stepfathers gun and shot his abuser. Rivers mother riddled with guilt at what her son had been going through without her knowledge took the blame and went to prison.
The story goes from past to present at first from Carrie’s present and Rivers past.
Carrie is fleeing an abusive relationship, moves away, changes her name and finally feels free in the little town in Texas.
Carrie and River become neighbors.
First impressions of River are he is moody, a bit of a grouch and doesn’t like people, this is Rivers defense mechanism, following the death of his step-father the family was shunned, rejected by town people.
My heart hurt for River, for his past, for his present.
A friendship develops between Carrie and River after a rocky start and River becomes a huge support for Carrie who is pregnant.
I laughed, shed a tear and was deeply moved by some scenes.
Another brilliant read by Samantha Towle who has become my go-to author when I want a good read.
Told in first person dual pov and leads to a hea.
Available in KU and audio.
I listened to this in audio which was brilliantly narrated and really brought the characters to life.
******** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ********
I waffled back and forth on whether to get this audiobook or not. They’re pricier than ebooks and taking chances on authors that are new to you is a bit harder in the audio world. However, I could not be happier that I jumped in after days and days of lusting after the cover and reading the synopsis. I dove into the story Saturday morning when my husband and daughter went fishing. I finished later that day. I couldn’t stop listening.
Samantha Towle write a story that is so typical in our world. Both River and Kerry’s stories are ones that will strike a cord… a sad, hurtful cord. I will mention that if you have difficulties reading/listening to abuse of children and domestic abuse than tread carefully here. There are some triggers. However, it isn’t super graphic and does set the stage for the story. This could be so many people’s story and I think it should be shared.
You know when people say… this book has all the feels? Well, River Wild certainly covers that saying! It’s packed full of every emotion and I had to hold on. One minute my heart was breaking for a child his choices being taken away and a woman who had her rights ripped right from her, the next I was so filled with hope and determination, to righteousness indignation, to hooting out with laughter (I was almost shocked with my barks of laughter), to a heat level that sky-rocketed, to this sweet and happy feeling, then I was flabbergasted and hurting, only to be left crying again with a satisfaction I haven’t felt in a long time over a book. My feelings were everywhere and the only way I can liken it is to a rollercoaster.
The narrators were perfection. Those feelings I just talked about were showcased perfectly by the emotions and inflections in Sebastian York and Savannah Peachwood’s voices. These two are just so pure together. The seem to portray the heartbreak of the characters beyond what I’d imagine. I really can’t recommend this audiobook more… every area of it is 5 stars!
What a story because my heart was ripped to pieces right from the prologue. River and Carrie were two beautifully complicated, battered and broken souls who endured the kind of suffering that no one should ever experience. When these two survivors met, it was a slow-burn romance in the making because they were each other’s other best half. They found a safe haven in each other’s company before they found love in each other’s embrace. Samantha Towle did an amazing job covering such delicate and sensitive topics. River and Carrie’s story touched my soul.
There are probably 100 things that I could say about this book but the one thing I will say is that it was beautiful. A lot of the time for River and Carrie it wasn’t easy for me to read but seeing them overcome their past to work together to become such an amazing strong couple was worth all the hard ache that they had to endure. I laughed, I had tears, and I was downright angry many times or reading that book but it was all worth it to get to the ending. I totally recommend this book to anybody that’s looking for an anxiety type story that will not only break your heart, but also put it back together. There are touchy subject so be warned. 4 stars #2OCCJD
READ THIS FU*KING BOOK!!! That is all I am going to say guys. I just finished it and I don’t know what to do with myself right now. ALL THE FEELS!! I’ve read this book in one go and that hasn’t happened for a while. I just couldn’t look up from my ereader. This story sucked me whole into it. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was holding my breath the whole time while reading. And I must say I have read a few books by Sam Towle that I loved very much, but this one so far is my top favorite of hers.
The topic is really hard. Child abuse and domestic violence. And it’s a powerful story of survival, redemption, healing and love…love when you least expect it. This book touched my heart and soul. My heart felt so much for both of them, for Carrie and River. There were moments I read with tears in my eyes and I wanted to hug River and tell him that it’s okay, that it wasn’t his fault. He went through so much, that no child should go, but then also did Carrie. She lived with abusive husband for years untill one day she said ENOUGH. I love love loved this book. Everyone should read it. And you MUST do it. Since the very first sentence in there I couldn’t bring myself to put this book down. One of my best best reads so far. I love her writing so much and I always love the way she deliver a story and this one was just so brilliant. Please just read it. I have a huge bookhangover now. Well done Sam. If I could I would give it more then 5 star. Amazing book.
Escaping the past can lead to a life of excitement and uncertainty. For Carrie Ford – the past wasn’t exactly a memory that she would soon forget. With a life that would be devastating for her unborn child, Carrie headed to a place where she was sure no one would ever be able to find her. Now that Carrie has found a place to live and a stable job, the thoughts of putting down roots in this town seem more appealing than ever.
There is one person in town who clearly isn’t happy that Carrie has become a neighbor. River Wild lives right next door to Carrie, and he isn’t very happy about it. In spite of her attempts to be neighborly, Carrie just can’t seem to break through River’s hardened exterior. Bit by bit, Carrie tries to chip away at the façade that River had clearly used as a means to keep others away.
As Carrie’s due date quickly approaches, River seems to soften a bit around the edges. The two definitely recognize the torture the other has had to endure. With a little bit of time, both begin to let down their guard. What neither could have predicted was the way their pasts will come crashing into the present. A stark reality to the trouble that is lurking around the corner.
River Wild is one of those books that will really push boundaries with readers. It does deal with some sensitive topics, but it is written in a way where you are more of an ‘outsider’ looking within a bubble of the past. While I read this novel on release day, I have been hesitant to put my thoughts into a review. Why – you may ask? Well…..my feelings for this book were literally all over the place.
As a longtime reader of Samantha Towle – I have come to enjoy the ability of the author to tackle the unexpected. Towle loves to write about topics that seem to pull me into the realm of an individual who isn’t always ‘perfect’, which is very appealing. When I read the blurb for River Wild, I couldn’t wait to see what would unfold between the covers of the latest novel by the author. What I experienced what a bit more of a disappointment that I ever could have imagined.
Let me explain…..so River and Carrie both come from past lives that were full of torment, tragedy and pain. Then we dive into a reality that left me feeling disconnected to both characters. Their tales full of convenient drama that didn’t really feel complete. Their friendship was a so quick it felt like the wind just blew into the picture, and their romance was as fast as the blinking of an eye. From beginning to end – the entire story was just a rush to a climax that kind of fell flat for me. A HUGE buildup that just fizzled there at the end. The story just left me feeling like there was so much MORE that was left out and needed to be said to complete characters with a past as imperfect as Carrie and River.
The book never hit a ‘HIGH’ for me, and I found that ‘meh’ feeling when reading the story. The concept of the story was great, but he execution just wasn’t up to the standard that I like to read from this particular author. Overall – there was such predictability to Carrie and River’s journey that didn’t quite explore all the depth that this tarnished tale could have posed for readers.
This book is hard hitting from the first page and doesn’t take any prisoners throwing you in at the deep end without warning. The subject matters covered in this book are tough and not something you read about often especially together, but the way the books written it covers them both with compassion and tact. Underneath all the sadness is an amazing love story and I loved the rough of River and the innocence and beauty of Carrie. Together they work! I loved this book and the emotional rollercoaster it took me on and would recommend you sit back and fasten your seatbelts as it’s a bumpy ride but definitely one worth taking.
River and Annie(Carrie) are two strangers that both had horrible childhoods. When Annie moves to try to start a new life for herself and her unborn child she never expected her new neighbor to be as grumpy or as handsome as he is. River may be more than she bargained for but somehow even she finds a way to open him up. Such a beautiful story of two tortured souls finding each other. My heart broke for River but I’m so glad he found someone to crack open the beauty within his damaged soul. Told in dual POV; A must read book of love and redemption!
This book is so different to what i have read so far of Samantha Towle and i absolutely loved it.
This book is the perfect story of two absolutely broken people who lose so much faith and trust with so many people and just want to blend in the background and live their life to the best of what they can.
An unlikely friendship starts between Carrie and River and loved watching this friendship grow. River is a complete nasty person when we first meet him and i couldn’t believe his attitude towards Carrie but the best thing is going back into his past and seeing what made him this way.
Carrie was a victim and the need to get away from this person was a must and reading her story of her getting her best life was so sweet and beautiful watching her grow.
This book does have some sensitive matters in them and it’s not for everyone but the author treats these matters with such care but also has you feeling the devastation of what these characters went through.
This book is a must read loved everything about it and such a lovely story.
This book contains sensitive material. *** Trigger warning ***
I want to start and say that the prologue of this book completely wrecked me. Not because I have personally experienced any of the events that took place but because I have an 8 year old son. I struggled to finish reading it. Towle mentions at the end that this was one of the most difficult storylines she has written. As a reader it was tough to get through certain parts.
River Wild will break your heart and then it will heal it. Carrie is a strong female lead and Towle did an excellent job telling her story and portraying how someone can overcome a horrendous past. My favorite character, though, is River. Two strangers fighting their own personal demons and meeting each other in the middle. Beautiful. Theres so many things I could continue to say about this book but I dont want to give away spoilers and I dont want to say anyone away from it. Is this book for everyone? Definitely not. But I will suggest that if you can read it then do. You will not regret it.
What a beautifully intense love story. It was great from beginning to end. I definitely recommend this book and this author.