{Book Review} The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

Title: The Wild Ones
Author: M. Leighton
Publisher: M. Leighton Books
Date: August 1, 2012

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Synopsis: 

**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

Ahhhh...so, I just want to say that on Halloween this year, I'll be hoping for a "Treat" from "Trick." He sizzles like bacon, and nothing is better than bacon. 

I've had several friends recommend M. Leighton to me and I held out, but I should know when Angela over at Reading Angel recommends something, it's a must. She's yet to steer me wrong... So, somewhere down the line I won The Wild Ones from someone, and I do apologize because I have looked and I cannot remember who I won it from, but a huge THANK YOU goes to them and Ms. Leighton! 

Have you ever read a book and it's written so perfectly that you believe the author actually wrote a story about your life? Well, this is how I felt while reading The Wild Ones. Okay, I didn't grow up rich with a swimming pool in my back yard, but I did have a boyfriend who loved horses more than life. I spent many a day sitting on the tailgate of his truck watching him break horses, incessantly demanding their obedience and riding them 'round and 'round the arena. And, to this day, I cannot recall a more peaceful time. Or a more beautiful time. Or...okay, I'll get to the actual review now.

Trick rocked my world and Cami added to the fun. Both "kids" are taking a break from college. Trick because he has a mother and an adorable sister to take care of. Cami's trying to learn the family business - horses. 

I didn't see this book as "a boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets rich girl and they fall madly in love" book, more of a forbidden romance because Trick's family had money, but life happens and parents make mistakes and no one's perfect. Trick's dad saw only one way out of the situation he managed to get his family into, the ultimate sacrifice. The insurance money from the "incident" ran dry forcing Trick to forego college for a while. His one love has always been horses, and Cami's dad is the man to work for.

Now, while I understand this is a work of fiction, I want to go on record as saying I had a hard time with Trick's dad and his death. I can't imagine a time where it would be better to die than to stay around and help get your family back on their feet, but I'm also not one in this situation. 

Trick is working to put food on his family's table and Cami's home and dying to horse around (sorry, been holding that one in for a while) which aligns the proverbial stars. Unfortunately, events from the past will intertwine making things nearly impossible for Cami and Trick to be together. I honestly have to say, I never saw the story unfolding the way it did. Props to M. Leighton on the seriously heart-wrenching twist. Tear drops fell on my pillow.

"Trick? As in trick or treat? That kind of trick?"

He laughs and my stomach flutters. It actually flutters. "Yep. That kind of trick." He sobers and leans in close to me. "Cami, can I ask a favor?"

I'm  breathless again. He's so close I can count every hair in the stubble that dusts his tan cheeks. For just a second, his clean manly scent overrides the cigarette smoke and stale beer smell of the bar.

I lose my voice--again--so I nod.

"Pick 'treat.' Please, for the love of God, pick 'treat'."

Trick is undeniable one of the sexiest men of all times, and that line "Pick 'treat.' Please, for the love of God, pick 'treat'." Awww...I just melted into a gooey mess of human jello. He knows how to make a girl drool and beg for more. His and Cami's initial run-in had me laughing and squirming on the edge of my sofa. Just once I want something like that to happen to me...just once. 

I appreciated how the author handled all of the relationships, but I connected with Trick on a deeper level. Feeling helpless and out of control seems to be my life on a daily basis and Trick portrayed the perfect example of selflessness and pride. He always appeared confident, and I believe he was, but not arrogant. He made things happen. He didn't get pulled under like many college age boys would. I admired his strength and courage.

The book was written in first person from both Cami's and Trick's point of view. Both characters went through life-altering events and came out on top. I adored getting to peak inside Trick's head and Cami's internal dialog had me trying not to wake my husband because I was laughing so hard. I could imagine every thought, every desire, and every action. The sole complaint I have about The Wild Ones is why, oh why, did Ms. Leighton gloss over the steamy parts. I wanted to peak inside the window and watch!!!

Have you ever came across a book that took you back in time? Reminded you of someone or something? I'd love to know about it...