BECOMING WILDE, the second installment of the Alex Wilde series, finds the titular doctor caring for young patients in the pediatric ICU ward of a hospital in Botswana. The novel is recounted in a slightly non-linear/extended flashback format, which only adds to the tight knot of suspense that builds steadily as the plot unfolds. Quick on her feet and resourceful, Dr. Alex Wilde juggles the daily challenges of her demanding job–from its long, exhausting hours, to snake bites, sepsis, meddling coworkers, and even potentially life-altering work accidents. When her on again, off again boyfriend Ian Devall–a philanthropist heir to a billionaire fortune–reenters her life with his bad boy swagger, Alex is swept up in his charms yet again. As they fall into their familiar, sexy romance, Alex’s past makes her wary of the future that she can almost see ahead of her. But when tragedy unexpectedly throws them off course, her impending decision sends her on a journey led by hope.

Author HK Jacobs’ extensive real-life experience practicing pediatric medicine around the world certainly adds credibility to Dr. Alex’s character and paints harrowing scenes in the hospital’s ICU with a stark realism. The high-stakes drama, however, never once loses its tension amid the rapid-fire medical jargon. Alex herself reaffirms the care and consideration shown to the people and culture of Botswana while holding her privileged position. All of which is respectfully handled within the narrative, while demonstrating Alex’s brilliant experience and natural leadership. The plot itself moves at a swift pace as Alex and Ian’s whirlwind romance takes them from Botswana to Tanzania to London and the far reaches of a frozen tundra in Mongolia. Every obstacle thrown in Alex’s path becomes more gripping than the last, all while Alex and Ian’s steamy romance heats up. Their chemistry scorches across the pages whether they’re disagreeing about the complexities of their future or Ian is totally endeared by Alex’s stubborn will. Their relationship is the beating heart of the novel–real, raw, intense, and at turns angst-ridden and completely heart-wrenching.

Vividly rendered in their own ways, BECOMING WILDE’s large ensemble of supporting characters supply many twists and turns to Alex’s stirring, emotional journey. Her deeply human struggles to overcome the scars left by a fraught past affect her relatable insecurities and personal relationships, exacerbating the conflicts. Meanwhile, Ian carries his own emotional baggage; their very different lifestyles and personalities make for and intense, realistic dynamic. As much as his character allows for enjoyable snarky banter between the two, their deep connection is their tether, and the reason why their love story is so captivating.

Both a medical drama and a sexy, globetrotting romance, BECOMING WILDE expertly crafts its suspense until the very last moment, where it leaves readers only wanting more.

~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader