Wild Side

Elsie Silver’s Wild Side is an emotional, slow-burn romance that beautifully explores love, loss, and the journey of building a family out of unexpected circumstances. With deep character development and a heartfelt found-family dynamic, this story is both tender and powerful.

Tabitha, our strong-willed and fiercely independent FMC, has always been the fixer in her life. Rhys, on the other hand, is guarded and steady, a man who keeps his emotions close to his chest. They are thrown together when tragedy strikes—Tabitha’s sister passes away, leaving them to co-parent three-year-old Milo, Tabitha’s sweet and innocent nephew who is now Rhys’ legal ward. What begins as a reluctant partnership, filled with tension and uncertainty, gradually transforms into a genuine friendship, then something much deeper.

While Tabitha exudes what can only be described as black cat energy—sharp, self-reliant, and wary of vulnerability—Rhys, though far from a golden retriever, has a quiet softness beneath his rough edges. As they navigate the challenges of raising a toddler while determining what’s best for Milo, their bond strengthens, evolving into a relationship built on trust, care, and devotion.

The romance is a true slow burn, allowing readers to deeply feel the connection between Tabitha and Rhys as it grows organically. Their love story is layered with healing, as both characters confront their pasts and learn how to create a better future—not just for Milo, but for themselves. The found-family aspect of the novel is particularly moving, reinforcing the idea that family is not just about blood, but about choice, love, and commitment.

Silver’s writing delivers a deeply emotional and engaging story that will resonate with readers who appreciate slow-burn romance, heartfelt character growth, and stories that emphasize resilience and love in the face of grief.

Content Warnings: Drug use, overdose, loss of a parent/sibling

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Blurb:

I’d always dreamed of my wedding day. But not like this. Not looking into the eyes of the man who betrayed me.

But when my nephew’s guardianship is contested, I decide I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.

Rhys Dupris.

A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises—ones he won’t talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when he’s not talking, he’s staring. And the way he looks at me is borderline indecent.

The tension between us has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.

I swore I would never forgive him. But that was before I knew the man behind the mask. The one who’s fierce and protective. The one who’s gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.

He’s not at all who I thought he was.

And that makes hating my husband so much harder… and loving him just a little too easy.

Xoxo, Melissa