I decided to try reading something different than what I typically read and I am SO GLAD I DID.

I devoured this book!


I couldn’t get enough of Calla and Declan and their friendship.

This was a really well written book about absolute chaos and a total family mess, 10/10

I see why all the Goodreads were obsessed with this author herself

Thank you so much to Sophie Gonzales, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity.

I have to say that Sophie really did her thing with this one! We love a good slow burn and I really liked the uniqueness of the potions.

I found myself really putting myself in the character's shoes and thinking through what I would have done in these situations (which I feel like I rarely get the chance to do). There was even a plot twist that I never saw coming.

This was my first Sophie Gonzales book and I would not hesitate to pick up another in a heartbeat. 👏

This Wild Wanting completely swept me away. The thing that made this book special for me was the relationship between Calla and Declan. They aren't perfect heroes, they make mistakes, they frustrate each other, they’re impulsive (mostly Declan) and yet they keep choosing one another again and again even in the face of the most horrible consequences.

The bargain magic was one of my favorite fantasy elements I've read in a long time. The bargains create tension throughout the story and constantly force the characters to weigh what they're willing to sacrifice for the people they love.

I also loved the character growth. Both Calla and Declan’s journeys felt earned, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The emotional stakes hit just as hard as the fantasy stakes, which is something I always hope for in a romantasy.

This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love fantasy in the first place.

"Loving someone is like placing a knife in their hands, guiding the top to rest just above your heart, and trusting - praying - that they won't drive it in."

What an amazing, fast-paced, beautifully written story. I loved loved loved the friendship between the characters, the prices Declan paid throughout the story, and the many plot twists. I'm not surprised to see people are loving this.

I absolutely adored this book!!! I was utterly surprised by how invested I became in Calla and Declan, both starting the story carrying so much hurt, fear and stubbornness. Watching their growth from start to finish was extremely rewarding, and I loved them fiercely by the end.

The prose was absolutely stunning. I have read Gonzales in the past and I could still recognize her voice but I think it lends itself especially well to romantasy. There were so many quotes I went back to reread because they felt like she had seen into my soul.

The stakes of this book were so incredibly high, and I was genuinely afraid for the characters at several points. I think that’s why the romance worked so well for me as well. Watching Declan and Calla sacrifice for each other again and again was so beautiful. The YEARNING!!!!

And the magic system with the bargains and consequences was so fun to read!!! And came with real consequences!

I do think the strength of this story was in the characters. Both of our leads felt so real to me and I wish we had a sequel to follow them into.

This Wild Wanting by Sophie Gonzales is an emotional and beautifully written story that captures longing, connection, and personal growth with warmth and authenticity. Gonzales creates characters that feel vivid and relatable, making every interaction feel meaningful and engaging. The writing is immersive and heartfelt, balancing tender moments with strong emotional momentum throughout. A captivating and memorable read that leaves a lasting impression.

"I am filled with a grief I'm certain will accompany me as long as I have a heart to be heavy with it."

I could not have loved this more and I'm so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone with this!!!!!

This had a fairytale quality where the world felt both beautiful and dangerous, the characters were forced to pay the price for every choice they made. Missteps were not allowed to slide, and Calla and Declan weren’t allowed to be perfect stand ins the plot happened to. The characterization and the exploration of what would happen if a naïve boy raised in sheltered privilege went too far to save a loved one was very well done.

Declan in particular felt extremely real to me. Flawed but also well-intentioned, and kind, and intensely loyal, and hard on himself. Living in his head, it's easy to focus on his many flaws, and I appreciated how differently he appeared through Calla's perspective. Just as we are harder on ourselves than our loved ones are.

The fae realm felt genuinely otherworldly here, like a dream that could turn into a nightmare in a second. Strange creatures and double-speak and some of the best food descriptions I’ve seen. But what really made the book special for me was the relationship between Declan and Calla, because their romance develops so naturally and patiently. They become important to each other emotionally long before everything turns romantic, which is difficult to do in a standalone book given the limited page time, and I was impressed how invested I was in them as individuals and as a couple by the end.

I especially loved Declan. He was kind, impulsive, emotionally open, and recklessly willing to put himself in danger for the people he loves, especially at the start of the story where he’s well out of his depth. Watching him grow throughout the story was really incredible, and I appreciated how his risks gradually shifted from stupid to calculated, though he never lost his impulsivity completely. Calla was equally compelling. She’s sharp and guarded and seeing her slowly let herself trust and care for someone was genuinely moving.

I wish I could spend more time in this world and I’m hoping there’s a sequel on the horizon.

This was absolutely amazing! I was riveted the entire time. Calla and Declan were both such wonderful characters, the premise was interesting, the plot delivered, it was fast-paced and surprising and really had me thinking about what I would trade for some of the potions (I still think I would do a LOT for invisibility).

Highly highly recommend!!!!!