Best Worst Mistake

Written by Lia Riley

Narrated by Carly Robins

Smoke jumper Wilder Kane once reveled in the rush from putting out dangerous wildfires. But after a tragic accident, he's cut himself off from the world, refusing to leave his isolated cabin. When a headstrong beauty bursts in, Wilder finds himself craving the fire she ignites in him, but letting anyone near his darkness would be a mistake.

After her Hollywood life went up in smoke, Quinn Higsby decided to leave Tinseltown behind and return to Brightwater to care for her ailing father. She spends her days in a small bookstore, until her peaceful existence is up-ended by a fascinating but damaged man. Quinn is determined not to be scared off by Wilder, not once she's experienced the heat of his passions.

But when an arsonist targets the community and Wilder is accused, he must confront the ghosts of his past. Will his desire for Quinn burn him up, or will he be able to tame the wildness inside and rekindle a hope for their future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Mar 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781515971825

Lia Riley

Lia Riley is a contemporary romance author. She loves wandering redwood forests, beach fog, procrastinating, and a perfect pour over coffee. She is 25% sarcastic, 54% optimistic, and 122% bad at math (good thing she writes happy endings for a living). She and her family live mostly in Northern California.  You can also find her co-hosting the weekly Afternoona Delight Podcast, exploring the wonderful (and trope-filled) world of Korean Dramas through a writer’s lens. 

Reviews for Best Worst Mistake

[tina_thebookworm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy in exchanged for an honest opinion. This does not influence my opinion in any shape or form.


If you read my review for Right Wrong Guy than you know I was dying to read Best Worst Mistake . The little excerpt included in Right Wrong Guy really had me wanting to know more about this mysterious Wilder Kane. I knew this book was going to be my favorite of the Bridgewater series and I was right.

Wilder is darker more mysterious than the other Kane brothers. Not only is darker, more mysterious even dangerous, he also suffered from a horrific accident. He suffered major burns plus lost a leg. You can’t help but feel sorry for him because he is his own worst enemy but you also can’t help but feel this strong attraction to him.

Quinn is a bookworm just like the rest of us and GUESS WHAT Wilder is too. Yes, you ladies and gents he is also a bookworm like us. I also loved how Quinn had her own serious demon and not the petty demons we’re use to reading, you know the whole a guy broke her heart and she’ll never love again. No, Quinn has real issues and that is what I always find so refreshing about Lia’s writing.

Her characters are relatable and not only are they dealing with real issues. The stories are always realistic and she always makes me want to go to California and that says something because I’m Texas girl at heart. The stories are fast paced and a bit of instalove but I can always look past it because the stories feel so believable. I also enjoyed that the story had a beauty and the beast feel to it. Let me tell you, I’m about to make my hubby read this book so he can read me stories, not that I could ever get him to do that but a girl can dream right?

Overall, this book snapped me out of my reading slump. I’ve been a real bad slump for most of October. I’ve been abandoning books left and right and I knew the moment I picked up Best Worst Mistake that I would definitely finish it and I’d really enjoy it. (PSA: WILDER IS MINE) that is all.

[gengenbookblog · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wilder suffered from a fire incident that’s immediately shown in the first chapter. To say I was hooked once I started is an understatement. This fire almost cost Wilder his life and he lost his leg in the process. For someone who is always doing things by himself without the help of anyone, this got him irritated and frustrated because now he needed the help of his brothers to help him with a few things. At first, Wilder reminded me of a mean bear but after, he reminded me of a cute and cuddly bear. All he needs is love, all he needs is for someone to show him he can trust and rely on others, that it’s okay to do so and it won’t make him a lesser man.Quinn was perfect for Wilder. She is so full of life and extremely talkative. She wouldn’t shut up and at times, it was hard to keep up with her but in a good way. I was grinning while reading about her first encounter with Wilder. She was completely taken aback by this scarred man who wouldn’t let anyone in. But Quinn wouldn’t give up. She kept pestering him and visiting him, showing him love little by little. Her bubbly and quirky personality eventually helped Wilder to start shedding that tough exterior and to start reconnecting with his family. And she mostly wears book-themed t-shirts! I loved each and ever single one that she wore in the story.The heat between these two characters was off the charts. Anyone from 5 miles away could see that these two had sparks and they were meant to be. Their personalities were perfectly imperfect that worked together and I loved seeing them connect. There was a bit of suspense added to the story that I think gave a very nice touch to it.Overall, Best Worst Mistake is a quick and easy read with tons of sexy, sweet and romantic scenes that many readers will enjoy.

[hfineisen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Worth Getting in Bed For? YES This is like a sexy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved the quirky characters and the book/reading connection. I also liked the side stories — Alzheimer’s, arson, smoke jumping, genetic testing and a bookstore. There was enough information that the subjects were as fulfilling and seemingly as well thought out as the romance. This is the first of the Bridgewater Series I have read although the third and final installment in the series. I will definitely go back and read the first two. A fun and playful romantic romp with plenty of heat. Truly enjoyable!Provided by publisher n