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Out of the Wild: Small Town Romance
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26I’ve hurt every girl I’ve ever dated. Not because I’m a jerk or anything, but because I’m always gone.
My brother and I travel the world staying at exotic locations for three months at a time. Our next big adventure has always been the most important thing to me… until she came along.
Maddie is perfect in every way imaginable, at least she’s perfect for a guy like me. But if I let things between us get any more serious, I’ll only end up destroying her when I have to leave again.
I didn’t break up with my boyfriend of four years. Breakup isn’t the right word. Girls get over breakups and what Jake did isn’t the kind of thing you get over… ever! He literally broke me.
However you put it, I’ll never give a man the chance to do something like that to me again. Never!
Then he came along. It’s like Riggs is the perfect guy. But don’t all guys seem perfect in the beginning?
I’m trying to keep my walls up, but the more I get to know him, the harder it is to not give in and take a chance.
If only he weren’t leaving. The man is always going to be gone on one adventure after another. What kind of relationship would that be?
Small-town girl meets billionaire world traveler in this swoon-worthy romance filled with passion, heartbreak, and triumph!
Publisher’s Sweetbriar Hollow books are interconnected standalones that can be read individually, but are better enjoyed in series order.
For trigger warnings please www.cateleyabriella.com
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Out of the Wild by Cataleya Briella is an emotional powerhouse of a romance that completely transported me to the charming town of Sweetbriar Hollow. Narrated with incredible depth by Joanna Rosewood and Patrick Brawn, this audiobook elevates the story to a new level, capturing every ounce of the heart-wrenching tension and hard-won triumph.
The story follows Maddie, a small-town seamstress fighting to keep her family afloat, and Riggs, a world-traveling billionaire adventurer who documents his journeys on YouTube. Both carry the heavy scars of past disappointment and heartbreak, swearing off love to protect themselves. However, when they meet, the attraction is magnetic and undeniable, sparking a "meet-cute" that quickly evolves into something much deeper.
The chemistry between Maddie and Riggs is palpable, but it is their shared history of grief that truly binds them. Both have navigated the agonizing journey of a parent battling cancer, and this mutual understanding allows them to build a foundation of trust and respect that feels incredibly authentic.
Riggs is far more than a typical adventurer; despite his fear of hurting Maddie by inevitably leaving for his next trek, he shows up for her in her darkest moments. The way he supports her through the grueling realities of being a caregiver is profoundly moving, offering a perspective on life that actually changed the way I look at my own.
While the story is filled with sizzling sexual tension and spicy moments, it is a true "tear-jerker" that requires a full box of tissues. Maddie is a relatable and strong protagonist, though her habit of overthinking—born from a devastating betrayal by her ex—is a hurdle she must bravely overcome. I loved watching her grow while staying true to her roots, just as I loved seeing Riggs finally take a chance on a future that didn't involve a departure date.
The quirky town of Sweetbriar Hollow, with its great food and endearing interplay between characters, kept the story moving at a perfect pace. Though I was a bit surprised and saddened by the outcome for a certain side-character couple, it didn't take away from the overall beauty of this unique read.
Out of the Wild is a heartfelt, swoon-worthy journey that beautifully balances the pain of caregiving and loss with the joy of finding a "Happily Ever After" where you least expect it. It is an amazing addition to the series of interconnected standalones, and I truly hope we are brought back to this wonderful community in future stories.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Maddie, a small-town seamstress fighting to keep her family afloat, and Riggs, a world-traveling billionaire adventurer who documents his journeys on YouTube. Both carry the heavy scars of past disappointment and heartbreak, swearing off love to protect themselves. However, when they meet, the attraction is magnetic and undeniable, sparking a "meet-cute" that quickly evolves into something much deeper.
The chemistry between Maddie and Riggs is palpable, but it is their shared history of grief that truly binds them. Both have navigated the agonizing journey of a parent battling cancer, and this mutual understanding allows them to build a foundation of trust and respect that feels incredibly authentic.
Riggs is far more than a typical adventurer; despite his fear of hurting Maddie by inevitably leaving for his next trek, he shows up for her in her darkest moments. The way he supports her through the grueling realities of being a caregiver is profoundly moving, offering a perspective on life that actually changed the way I look at my own.
While the story is filled with sizzling sexual tension and spicy moments, it is a true "tear-jerker" that requires a full box of tissues. Maddie is a relatable and strong protagonist, though her habit of overthinking—born from a devastating betrayal by her ex—is a hurdle she must bravely overcome. I loved watching her grow while staying true to her roots, just as I loved seeing Riggs finally take a chance on a future that didn't involve a departure date.
The quirky town of Sweetbriar Hollow, with its great food and endearing interplay between characters, kept the story moving at a perfect pace. Though I was a bit surprised and saddened by the outcome for a certain side-character couple, it didn't take away from the overall beauty of this unique read.
Out of the Wild is a heartfelt, swoon-worthy journey that beautifully balances the pain of caregiving and loss with the joy of finding a "Happily Ever After" where you least expect it. It is an amazing addition to the series of interconnected standalones, and I truly hope we are brought back to this wonderful community in future stories.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved reading this book! Sweetbrier Hollow sounds amazing and I loved getting to know all the characters within the town. I definitely couldn't put this book down until I finished it either. Such a sweet emotional story, grab your tissues!
This story centers around Maggie and Riggs both who have had disappointment and heartbreak in their past. They both say they won't date again but when they meet it's like magnets. They have also both gone through a parent having cancer and that really brings them closer together. Maggie is a small town seamstress and Riggs is a YouTuber adventurer. Can they possibly make this work?
Maggie and Riggs chemistry was undeniable. They were definitely meant to be and it was both wonderful and heartbreaking throughout their story. I definitely cried a couple of times. I loved how much Riggs was there for Maggie when she was going through so much. Riggs could truly understand her struggles and it definitely helped their love reach a deeper trust and respect.
I will say I was a bit sad about a certain other couple. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into too much detail but I was so thrown off by the outcome of theirs. They were side characters so I won't hold it too much against.
This book was truly an amazing and unique read. I hope we are brought back to Sweetbriar again in future stories. Heartfelt and spicy I highly recommend it!
This story centers around Maggie and Riggs both who have had disappointment and heartbreak in their past. They both say they won't date again but when they meet it's like magnets. They have also both gone through a parent having cancer and that really brings them closer together. Maggie is a small town seamstress and Riggs is a YouTuber adventurer. Can they possibly make this work?
Maggie and Riggs chemistry was undeniable. They were definitely meant to be and it was both wonderful and heartbreaking throughout their story. I definitely cried a couple of times. I loved how much Riggs was there for Maggie when she was going through so much. Riggs could truly understand her struggles and it definitely helped their love reach a deeper trust and respect.
I will say I was a bit sad about a certain other couple. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into too much detail but I was so thrown off by the outcome of theirs. They were side characters so I won't hold it too much against.
This book was truly an amazing and unique read. I hope we are brought back to Sweetbriar again in future stories. Heartfelt and spicy I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy
This was an ALC I received to listen to and review
What a great listen this was! This story is a real journey as much as it an adventure. Huge thanks as always to High Gravity Productions for the opportunity!
You Tuber Riggs life is full of world wide adventures with his brother, relationships failing time after time because....well, he's never around. And that's been ok until a very unexpected encounter with a beauty in a bikini and fur boots makes home seem a far more tempting place to explore.
Maddie's life could not be more different. After being completely broken and humiliated in front of many of her home town, the attraction of what seems to be a perfect guy no longer holds the open excitement they once did. Maddie puts everyone in her life before herself, to the point she really doesn't have much more to spare.
Finding a way to blend two very different lives comes with many challenges of it's own but ends up the adventure of a lifetime!
Both narrators did a great job with the audio and felt as if they both matched their characters really well. The emotional parts hit just as they should've and gets you all up in your feels *swooooon*
Absolutely check the content warnings below rather than risk your mental health 👇
Content Warnings from the author:
Brief encounter of domestic/boyfriend abuse in the beginning
Loss of a loved one due to cancer
Strong sexual content
Depression
What a great listen this was! This story is a real journey as much as it an adventure. Huge thanks as always to High Gravity Productions for the opportunity!
You Tuber Riggs life is full of world wide adventures with his brother, relationships failing time after time because....well, he's never around. And that's been ok until a very unexpected encounter with a beauty in a bikini and fur boots makes home seem a far more tempting place to explore.
Maddie's life could not be more different. After being completely broken and humiliated in front of many of her home town, the attraction of what seems to be a perfect guy no longer holds the open excitement they once did. Maddie puts everyone in her life before herself, to the point she really doesn't have much more to spare.
Finding a way to blend two very different lives comes with many challenges of it's own but ends up the adventure of a lifetime!
Both narrators did a great job with the audio and felt as if they both matched their characters really well. The emotional parts hit just as they should've and gets you all up in your feels *swooooon*
Absolutely check the content warnings below rather than risk your mental health 👇
Content Warnings from the author:
Brief encounter of domestic/boyfriend abuse in the beginning
Loss of a loved one due to cancer
Strong sexual content
Depression
February 24, 2026
I was one of the lucky chosen ones to receive an ARC on Out of the Wild! While I absolutely loved the story, the characters, the connection between the main characters, there was so much to this story I feel like the bigger parts could have easily been broken into two books or we could have done without as much inner dialogue and let the characters carry the story with their own interactions. The storyline is so not like anything I’ve read before, and I truly enjoyed getting to see how things evolved for the characters and their goals/dreams while being from two completely different worlds.
Our poor Maddie is put through it and when you’re ready to put on your own fighting gloves on her behalf or smack her upside her head to wake up, along comes multibillionaire Riggs. Their chemistry is immediate… even through their denial. As Maddie deals with more heartache and disappointment than what seems fair, she quickly realizes Riggs has become her favorite person on her personal journey of strength.
As Maddie is learning to find herself and she and Riggs are learning to trust each other while recognizing the obvious attraction between them, they’re off on the adventure of a lifetime. The heartache doesn’t end there though… read this upcoming book to see if these two are ever able to find their HEA, with each other or not?
Our poor Maddie is put through it and when you’re ready to put on your own fighting gloves on her behalf or smack her upside her head to wake up, along comes multibillionaire Riggs. Their chemistry is immediate… even through their denial. As Maddie deals with more heartache and disappointment than what seems fair, she quickly realizes Riggs has become her favorite person on her personal journey of strength.
As Maddie is learning to find herself and she and Riggs are learning to trust each other while recognizing the obvious attraction between them, they’re off on the adventure of a lifetime. The heartache doesn’t end there though… read this upcoming book to see if these two are ever able to find their HEA, with each other or not?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This audiobook had a fun and charming premise, with a meet-cute that makes it easy to root for the couple from the start. Riggs is absolutely book boyfriend material—charming, attentive, and easy to cheer on. Maddie, however, was harder for me to connect with; her insecurities and low self-esteem made her inner thoughts occasionally frustrating, and at times I just wanted to shake her. That said, the author did a good job of portraying her flaws as part of her personal journey, and it’s clear this is her story of growth.
The dual narration added depth to the experience. Patrick Brown delivered a fantastic Riggs—smooth, engaging, and full of charm—but he wasn’t the best fit for voicing female characters, which sometimes made Maddie’s narration feel a bit off. Joanna Rosewood captured Maddie’s quirks perfectly, perhaps a little too well, making her even more irritating. Overall, the audiobook is cute, fresh, and lightly spicy.
The dual narration added depth to the experience. Patrick Brown delivered a fantastic Riggs—smooth, engaging, and full of charm—but he wasn’t the best fit for voicing female characters, which sometimes made Maddie’s narration feel a bit off. Joanna Rosewood captured Maddie’s quirks perfectly, perhaps a little too well, making her even more irritating. Overall, the audiobook is cute, fresh, and lightly spicy.
Review of advance copy
Audio Review:
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely try some more. At the beginning I wasn’t a huge fan of Maddie mainly because I’m. A huge fan of strong independent women and I felt that she had some insecurities, but that was her story and her truth and the way this author painted the character is what makes this story. Riggs was amazing and a great book boyfriend addition. It was cute, it was fresh and such an easy enjoyable read. Sprinkle in a little spice and you have a great listen . Joanna Rosewood and Patrick Brown are new narrators to me but they did a fantastic job with this audio and really drew me in making it in a list of “let’s look for their other audios “ to listen to.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely try some more. At the beginning I wasn’t a huge fan of Maddie mainly because I’m. A huge fan of strong independent women and I felt that she had some insecurities, but that was her story and her truth and the way this author painted the character is what makes this story. Riggs was amazing and a great book boyfriend addition. It was cute, it was fresh and such an easy enjoyable read. Sprinkle in a little spice and you have a great listen . Joanna Rosewood and Patrick Brown are new narrators to me but they did a fantastic job with this audio and really drew me in making it in a list of “let’s look for their other audios “ to listen to.
Read
February 16, 2026This was a great spin in terms of what I traditionally read in contemporary books. I loved the premise. Our two main characters have a great meet cute and it is easy to want to cheer them on. I can say Riggs is 100% book boyfriend material. However, Maddie had some flaws and I didn't love her as a character.
I really liked the world Cataleya created and am looking forward to reading what happens next. I agree with other readers I was slighlty disappointed with a certain side character relationship. Fingers crossed that will get circled back to in future books.
Overall, it was a sweet book, with a little bit of spice. Quick and fun read.
I really liked the world Cataleya created and am looking forward to reading what happens next. I agree with other readers I was slighlty disappointed with a certain side character relationship. Fingers crossed that will get circled back to in future books.
Overall, it was a sweet book, with a little bit of spice. Quick and fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Maddie and Riggs. She is doing everything to keep herself and her family afloat. He’s an adventurer who treks around the world with his brother. These two have a meet-cute and sparks just fly. Love how her character grows and still stays true to herself. Love how he takes chances again. The quirky small town with the great food and the interplay between characters keeps this story moving. All the feels in this one. Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Golden retriever MMC
Black cat FMC
He falls first and hard
Dual POV - 1st person
Dual narration - Joanna Rosewood & Patrick Brawn
Both new to me narrators. They both did a great job
A bit different of a story. Enjoyable and intriguing. The start of the book had be slightly confused but I caught on and then i was captivated. The characters were delightful and their story was a fun listen.
My first book by this author and I found the writing to be well plotted and well written.
Black cat FMC
He falls first and hard
Dual POV - 1st person
Dual narration - Joanna Rosewood & Patrick Brawn
Both new to me narrators. They both did a great job
A bit different of a story. Enjoyable and intriguing. The start of the book had be slightly confused but I caught on and then i was captivated. The characters were delightful and their story was a fun listen.
My first book by this author and I found the writing to be well plotted and well written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
absolutely PHENOMENAL book! took me a bit to get through as life happens but when I could pick it up I didnt want to put it down! part of me is so sad Ash and Rhonda didnt end up together but Riggs and Maddie are so perfect, makes a girl want to swoon! Elsie is such a billy badass I just adore her too! im not at all sad about how Jake ended up, screw him! Sweetbriar Hollow sounds like such a perfect little town to visit, too bad it's not real of course!
Review of advance copy
Out of the Wild By Cataleya Briella Author audiobook review.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Riggs and Maddie. They both go through some personal things and write off dating completely, that is until they found each other. This is a cozy, spicy read perfect if you want those genuine vibes. I love their story. I really enjoy that they don't play the whole miscommunication game.
I received this as an ALC thanks to the wonderful High Gravity Productions The narrators did a great job.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Riggs and Maddie. They both go through some personal things and write off dating completely, that is until they found each other. This is a cozy, spicy read perfect if you want those genuine vibes. I love their story. I really enjoy that they don't play the whole miscommunication game.
I received this as an ALC thanks to the wonderful High Gravity Productions The narrators did a great job.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Had so much fun reading and knowing Sweetbriar Hollow and it was awesome meeting their people. Special mention to the Jam Squad, because got me really curious, especially in the end.
It was an adventure navigating through Maddie and Rigg's story, love them!
It was an adventure navigating through Maddie and Rigg's story, love them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I am in love with this book! This story was amazing! I love the chemistry between Riggs and Maddie. I wish Maddie didn't overthink so much though. There was so much sexual tension! This made me feel so many different things. Lol..
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I am in love with this book! This story was amazing! I love the chemistry between Riggs and Maddie. I wish Maddie didn't overthink so much though. There was so much sexual tension! This made me feel so many different things. Lol..
February 11, 2026
Absolutely loved the book. What Maggie went through as a caregiver was hard. But what Rigg said to her in her time of need, really hit home and made me look at life from a different prospective. It’s a must read but Have plenty of tissues ready. It’s a tear jerker with a HEA ending!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews