💙 He’s Grumpy 
💙 She’s Sassy 
💙 Healing From An Injury 
💙 Forced Proximity 
💙 Age Gap 
💙 Teammates Sister 

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Rebecca Jenshak's Forever Wild, the fifth instalment in the Wildcat Hockey series, delves into the world of hockey, romance, and personal growth. The book centres around Jack, a dedicated and often stubborn hockey player, and Everly, a determined and spirited young woman with a complicated past. What unfolds is a story of unexpected companionship, emotional healing, and the power of human connection. 

The story begins with Jack, who is navigating the aftermath of a car accident that not only impacts his physical health but jeopardises his hockey career. As he recovers, he isolates himself, preferring solitude to vulnerability. Enter Everly, a close acquaintance with ties to his hockey team, who steps in to check on him despite their historically rocky relationship. What starts as a reluctant favour turns into a deeper bond, with both characters confronting their insecurities and learning to trust each other. 

The novel explores themes of redemption, trust, and the challenges of self-discovery. Jack's journey from isolation to acceptance highlights the difficulties of overcoming personal demons, while Everly's persistent support underscores the resilience needed to help someone find their way. Jenshak manages to balance the emotional depth with moments of levity, creating an engaging narrative. 

Character development is a strong suit in this novel. Jack is a complex protagonist, showing a tough exterior but revealing moments of vulnerability, especially as he deals with his strained relationship with his father and the weight of his leadership role. Everly’s character unfolds gradually, shifting from a seemingly carefree young woman to someone who grapples with her own past while becoming a steady presence for Jack. Their chemistry is palpable, with their banter and evolving relationship making for an engaging and satisfying journey. 

Rebecca Jenshak’s writing is both accessible and emotive, with dialogue that feels genuine and characters that are well-rounded. The romantic tension is handled with care, moving at a natural pace that avoids the clichés typical in sports romances. The world of hockey adds a dynamic backdrop to the story, balancing the high stakes of the sport with quieter, reflective moments. 

The book’s strength lies in its emotional depth and well-crafted chemistry between the protagonists. It also effectively uses the world of hockey as a vivid setting, blending the excitement of the sport with more intimate character moments. However, some plot points follow familiar romance tropes, making parts of the story predictable for readers who are familiar with the genre. Additionally, while the main characters are richly developed, some side characters could have been given more focus, as their stories remain mostly in the background. 

Overall, Forever Wild is a heartfelt and engaging addition to the Wildcat Hockey series. Rebecca Jenshak has created a story about healing, trust, and the complexities of human connection, with relatable characters and a genuine emotional core. It’s a must-read for fans of sports romance, especially for those who have followed the series from the beginning. This book is a satisfying mix of romance, sports drama, and emotional transformation, earning a solid four out of five stars.