Key Takeaways
1. Instant Connection: The Wildest One's Undeniable Pull
There was only one thing that smelled as good as pussy, and that was the scent of victory.
Unforeseen encounter. Beck Weston, the formidable captain of the LA Whales, initially sought only the scent of victory and a solitary night after a triumphant game in Boston. However, his plans were irrevocably altered by the sight of Jolie, a vibrant redhead, across a crowded bar. Despite his teammate Landon's attempts to point out other admirers, Beck's gaze was fixed on Jolie, captivated by her unassuming style and kind softness.
Magnetic attraction. Jolie, a Boston University sophomore, was equally stunned to find herself in the presence of the renowned NHL star. Though initially hesitant, citing her "distraction-free era" and demanding schedule, she couldn't deny the intense pull. Beck's directness and raw charm, combined with his status as "the guy," quickly broke through her defenses, leading to an immediate and powerful connection that promised an unforgettable three nights.
A whirlwind beginning. Their initial conversation quickly escalated into a proposition from Beck: three nights spent exploring Boston by day and each other by night. Jolie, despite her reservations about her dating history and the sheer audacity of his request, found herself agreeing. Their first kiss in the elevator confirmed an undeniable chemistry, setting the stage for a passionate encounter that left both breathless and deeply affected.
2. The Cost of Miscommunication: A Love Delayed
This whole fucking time, Jolie had no idea that I wanted her to go away with me.
Lingering impact. After three intense nights, Beck and Jolie parted ways, leaving a profound impact on both. Beck, despite his transient lifestyle, found himself constantly thinking of Jolie, a woman unlike any he had met. He left her a note and his sweatshirt, a tangible reminder of their connection, and they began a series of sporadic texts.
A critical error. A pivotal moment of miscommunication occurred when Beck invited Jolie to join him on a trip to Africa via text. Unbeknownst to him, the message, appearing green on his phone, was never delivered. This led to a painful misunderstanding, with Beck believing Jolie had ignored him and moved on, and Jolie assuming Beck had ghosted her, reinforcing her belief that such a relationship was impossible.
Years of silence. The undelivered text created a chasm of silence between them, stretching for nearly three years. Both harbored lingering feelings and regrets, but pride and assumptions prevented either from reaching out. Jolie, heartbroken, focused on her career, while Beck continued his hockey career, finding no other woman who measured up to the "wild redhead" from Boston.
3. A Second Chance: Rekindling a Dormant Flame
The second my eyes landed on you, all I wanted was to talk to you.
Unexpected reunion. Years later, Beck's team played in Boston, and he was unusually distracted, searching the stands for Jolie. Though she was there, they didn't connect. The truth about the undelivered Africa text finally came to light through a conversation with his teammate, Landon, revealing the painful misunderstanding. Soon after, fate intervened, bringing them face-to-face at Musik, Beck's family-owned club in Los Angeles.
Truth revealed. The reunion was electric, immediately reigniting their intense chemistry. Beck, seizing the moment, showed Jolie the undelivered text, explaining his long-held belief that she had rejected him. Jolie, in turn, confessed her own heartbreak and the assumption that he had lost interest. This revelation cleared the air, transforming years of silent longing into a renewed, undeniable desire.
Irresistible pull. Despite the passage of time and the complexities of their lives, their connection was as potent as ever. Beck's directness, combined with Jolie's admission that she hadn't been with anyone since him, shattered her resolve to maintain distance. The night culminated in another passionate encounter at his home, confirming that their physical and emotional bond was far from a fleeting memory.
4. The Ultimate Conflict: Boss and Star Player
Jolie had just become my fucking boss.
A shocking revelation. The morning after their passionate reunion, Jolie, overwhelmed by guilt and a secret, quietly left Beck's home. Her secret was monumental: her father, Mark Jameson, had just purchased the LA Whales, making him Beck's new owner. Even more astonishing, Jolie was appointed the team's new Head of Marketing, effectively becoming Beck's boss.
A public announcement. The bombshell dropped during a team meeting in the locker room. Jolie, poised and professional, introduced herself as Jolene Jameson, the new Head of Marketing, outlining her plans to travel with the team and be their constant point of contact. Beck, still reeling from their night together, watched in disbelief as his former lover, now his superior, addressed his teammates.
The weight of the secret. The revelation was a devastating blow to Beck, who felt betrayed by Jolie's silence. He realized she had known about her new role before their reunion, yet said nothing. The situation was further complicated by his teammates' immediate, objectifying comments about Jolie, fueling Beck's anger and frustration at the impossible position they now found themselves in.
5. The Battle for Professionalism: Desire vs. Duty
I need the team to respect me, Beck. I need them to work with me. What I don’t need is them thinking I’m some puck slut who spread my legs the second I met you at a bar in Boston—even though that’s exactly what happened.
A forced facade. Jolie, acutely aware of the ethical implications and her father's expectations, immediately imposed a strict "professionalism" policy between herself and Beck. She needed the team's respect and feared her father's disapproval if their past was revealed. This meant suppressing their undeniable chemistry and treating Beck like any other player, a task that proved excruciatingly difficult.
Beck's relentless pursuit. Beck, however, refused to back down. He saw her professionalism as a challenge, constantly pushing her boundaries with flirtatious remarks and suggestive actions. He used every opportunity—elevator rides, office meetings, team workouts—to remind her of their shared past and the intense desire that still simmered between them.
Internal conflict. For Jolie, this was a constant internal battle. Every glance, every touch, every word from Beck reignited her longing, making her duty to professionalism a torturous act. She struggled to maintain her composure, especially when Beck's shirtless workout footage went viral, or when he deliberately provoked her with comments about her body, knowing full well the effect he had on her.
6. Vulnerability Under Pressure: The Vegas Incident
Dad told me to be at the pool and make sure nothing happened. I left long before the guys—because, honestly, I couldn’t spend one more minute staring at you. It was becoming too painful to bear.
A PR nightmare. During the team's first away trip to Vegas, a major incident occurred: a player, Kirk Clark, was filmed having sex in the hotel pool, and the video went viral. This created a massive PR crisis for the Whales, putting immense pressure on Jolie as the Head of Marketing. Her father, Mark Jameson, was furious, blaming her for not being at the pool to prevent the incident.
The truth behind her absence. Jolie confessed to Beck that she had left the pool early because she couldn't bear to be around him any longer, the constant tension and unfulfilled desire becoming too painful. This admission highlighted her vulnerability and the depth of her feelings, revealing that her "professionalism" was a desperate attempt to protect herself from a love she believed was forbidden.
Beck's unwavering support. Despite the chaos, Beck remained her steadfast support. He defended her against her father's accusations and tried to alleviate her stress, planning a romantic "first date" in his suite. This gesture, complete with a gourmet meal and a massage, was a testament to his commitment, showing Jolie that he was there for her, even amidst the professional turmoil.
7. Confronting the Patriarch: Love's Bold Declaration
What I am going to tell you is that I’m in love with your daughter.
The inevitable confrontation. Back in LA, Jolie's father summoned her to his office to discuss the Vegas incident and her whereabouts. Beck, having received his own summons, overheard Mark's interrogation and realized Jolie was taking all the blame. He couldn't let her face it alone.
A shocking confession. Beck burst into Mark's office, confessing that Jolie had been with him during the Vegas incident and taking partial responsibility. This led to Mark revealing he already knew about their relationship, having pieced together clues from their interactions and Jolie's past. The tension escalated as Mark expressed his concerns about ethics and professionalism.
Love's bold stand. In a powerful moment, Beck declared his love for Jolie, stating he saw a future with her. Jolie, emboldened by his honesty, reciprocated, admitting her own deep feelings. Mark, though initially resistant, eventually agreed to a "trial basis" for their relationship, warning them of the risks but acknowledging their long-standing connection and Jolie's dedication to the team.
8. Building a Future: Home and Public Commitment
Our first of many homes.
A symbolic homecoming. With their relationship now acknowledged, Beck took Jolie on a surprise trip. He flew her to Boston, her beloved hometown, revealing he had purchased a condo in her favorite neighborhood, South Boston, for them to share. This act symbolized his deep commitment and desire to build a future with her, integrating their lives across their respective "homes."
Public declaration. Their relationship moved from a private secret to a public announcement at the opening night of Horned, one of The Weston Group's new restaurants in San Antonio. Surrounded by paparazzi, Beck proudly introduced Jolie as "the love of my life" and the Head of Marketing for the Whales, emphasizing their nearly three-year journey to be together. Jolie, in turn, confidently stated, "He had to earn me."
Family acceptance. Beck's family, already fond of Jolie, welcomed her openly, further solidifying their bond. This public debut, though daunting for Jolie, marked a significant step in their relationship, signaling their readiness to face the world as a couple and navigate the unique challenges of their intertwined professional and personal lives.
9. Love on Ice: A Full-Circle Romance
I’m completely, fully, and wildly in love with you.
A private moment. After a long day of work and on the eve of a game against Boston, Jolie found Beck alone on the ice in the empty arena, skating. He invited her to join him, and despite her inability to skate, he carried her onto the ice, gliding effortlessly. This intimate moment, reminiscent of their first meeting in Boston, brought their journey full circle.
Undeniable passion. As they skated, their kisses deepened, and their passion ignited. Beck, knowing they were alone and unobserved, pushed their boundaries, teasing her with the idea of making love on the ice. Jolie, no longer constrained by professionalism, succumbed to her desire, allowing him to strip her panties and make love to her against the glass wall of the rink.
A declaration of forever. Amidst the exhilaration of their forbidden act, Beck whispered, "I love you," a profound declaration that Jolie reciprocated with equal intensity. This moment on the ice, where their love story began and where their professional lives now converged, symbolized their complete surrender to each other, solidifying their commitment to a future where their love would conquer all obstacles.
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Review Summary
The Wildest One by Marni Mann follows Beck Weston, a billionaire NHL hockey captain, and Jolie, a college student who share an intense three-night stand in Boston. Though they live separate lives, they maintain contact until miscommunication ends it. Three years later, they reunite in LA, but complications arise when Jolie becomes affiliated with Beck's team, making their relationship forbidden. Reviewers praise the sizzling chemistry, alpha hero, and steamy scenes, particularly noting the "ice rink" moment. Most loved the second-chance, age-gap romance with no third-act breakup, though some found excessive spice overshadowed plot development.
