Hot with hugs
4 stars

Wild Night is the tenth full-length book (there are a couple of novellas, too) in Mari Carr’s Wilder Irish series, which, I’m assuming, each focus on the happenings centred around a holiday. This is book 10 - October - so our main event takes place at Hallowe’en.

I haven’t read any of the other Wilder Irish books but this book does stand alone. With that said, the book was littered with cameos of (presumably) the other couples and thrupples from the previous books. I just kinda glossed over these people as even with the best of intentions, I was never going to remember their names and other than Colm’s twin brother Paddy - they weren’t integral to the story. I can imagine that those reading the series will be thrilled to re-meet all the previous characters.

I love a bit of enemies to lovers romance - or in this case frenemies. Kelli and Colm’s twin, Paddy, have been best friends since childhood so Kelli and Colm have reluctantly been in each other’s lives since forever - however reluctantly. Our story starts with Colm and Kelli making nice with each other - the first time, they realise, they aren’t biting and arguing with each other. And that was a little disappointing to me, if I’m honest. One of the best things about enemies to lovers is seeing the sexual tension in a couple’s bickering - and seeing it slowly change as the relationship evolves. So we maybe started further into their relationship than we would normally.

I was interested to see how our couple, or at the very least Kelli, could possibly have sex with each other without knowing who it was that was blowing her mind. I was fascinated how all the little pieces were moved into place so that it was actually pretty believable! I felt like applauding the author when it all came together and then the aftermath. Genius! And so blooming hot, anal tinkering notwithstanding. (It’s not my thing but no worries - I can ignore it!)

About the sex - the first few encounters were blistering perhaps because they were illicit or maybe because it was such a surprise to both Colm and Kelli. As our story progressed, the sex scenes got less often, and less sexy. I think that spoke of the changing relationship and the addition of emotions, which actually made it really nice. All the happy, in-love stuff that my little heart likes!

And speaking of stuff that I really like - this book has brought back the hug - a very under-utilised element in romance, in my opinion. There were lots of them in this book and they really showed the developing intimacy between Colm and Kelli. It was wonderful.

Our main characters were both likeable - although I was worried at first that Kelli was going to be a bit brash for my tastes. But no, each was enjoyable, real and it was definitely fun to watch them dance around each other. I especially liked that it was the man who fell first and had to wait for the woman to “catch-up”. Always nice to see a man who knows his mind and his heart and isn’t afraid to face up to what he desires.

I also have to put any minds at ease for anyone seeing the ‘Irish’ in this book and feeling a bit of trepidation since the book is set in the US with American characters. There’s the pub that appears to be the central focus point for this series of books. The hero is always nursing a Guinness. The grandfather is called Patrick while the grandson is Padraig - confusing me some. But apart from that, we steered clear of any cliches or moments of pure green cringe.

Excellent writing, an engaging story with likeable characters, some laughs and hot sex - I’ve really enjoyed my time reading this book and I’d happily recommend it whether you’re reading the Wilder Irish series or if this is your first time. 4 stars. ( )