It would be easy to say that WILDEST HEARTS is one of my favorites simply because it was my first; it would also be easy to call it my comfort read because of this. Both reasons are certainly valid, but a third and equally important reason is that is was a great read! Yes, I also have other Krentz favorites, but I never regret the time spent rereading this one, regardless of the size of my TBR.

Oliver Rain is one of my favorite heroes; from the first he struck some sort of chord in me. He is strong, self-confident, successful, but lonely. Unlike many of today's heroes, he has not been wounded by a previous relationship, but rather by the lack of time and space in which to not only cultivate a relationship but to pursue his dream college education and career. While still in school, his father absconds with the family fortune, leaving behind his second wife and five children. Oliver, being the oldest, is left with the responsibility of finding a way to support the family, and pay off the investors and creditors that his father bilked. He has succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams, but at the price of giving up himself.

When the book begins, Oliver is at the point in his life where the family is well-situated, and he can finally think of himself. He sells off many of his major holdings in order to free himself from time-consuming ownership/management duties, and in order to find a wife and start his own family. As in all ventures, he has a specific requirements that must be met, this time by a wife, and though he hasn't been actively searching, he knows that he'll find her.

Enter Annie Lyncroft, sister to one of Oliver's only friends. Annie is not gorgeous or sophisticated, neither of which Oliver desires, but she does come from a good family. This Oliver bases on his friendship with Daniel, Annie's brother; Daniel is trustworthy, honest, loyal and intelligent, and those are definitely required of Oliver's future spouse. Oliver goes home after meeting Annie and starts mapping out a game plan on how he would win her.

Unfortunate circumstances land Annie practically in his lap, and the relationship begins. Only it doesn't go exactly according to Oliver's plans! To paraphrase Annie, "You know what your problem is, Oliver? You've never learned how to communicate. You need to learn interpersonal communication skills." Which surprises Oliver completely, because as far as he is concerned no one has any problem understanding him - he orders, they obey. But not Annie!

And Annie has another problem with her mate: He is too controlled and controlling. Over everything. Including in the bedroom. So she sets out to correct this problem in a unique way, and the results are humorous and oh-so-sensual.

WILDEST HEARTS contains a strong suspense element, wonderful secondary characters in the persons of Oliver's family members, his male assistant/chauffeur, Annie's shop assistant, and various others. The balance between Oliver's more serious pursuits and Annie's whimsical retail establishment is perfect. The "resurrection" of Oliver from his lonely and bleak existence is terrifically heart-warming. What appears to be a simple, quick read is in fact a wonderful love story. At least to this reader!

This was the first book I have read by this author and even though I have read and enjoyed some of her other books, it still remains my favorite. Before across this book, I only read romance stories once in a while since starting with this book I have been continuously reading books of the romance category. This story unlike previous romance books I have read have a very strong hero and heroine which made it a pleasure to read.

Annie Lyncroft is a woman who is determined to make her way in the world but as well as being a business woman, she is kind and loyal to both friends and family. I liked her immediately and adopted her as my friend. She owns a small boutique (knick knack) shop that has statues, art pieces and accessories that will help designers with either their homes, galleries, art shows, charities, etc. All is well until her brother, Daniel, is missing in a plane crash and is thought of as being dead. Annie needs to take over her brother's firm, but does not have the experience to run it. Daniel's creditors are pressuring her to sell the business. She wants to save it for her brother's return, but can she hold on much longer without selling?

Into the picture, Oliver Rain, who secretly wants to court Annie. After her brother's engagement party (where Annie and Oliver met), Oliver has asked Annie for decorating advice but that is just a cover for meeting Annie. They start seeing each other more and more and have grown to be good friends. Annie thinks that if she can convince Oliver into a marriage of convenience to help save her brother's business her troubles are over. Oliver is a rich businessman who is Daniel's best friends and one of the creditors. This marriage will gain the other creditors confidence with a businessman like Oliver Rain at the helm.

Little did Annie or Oliver know that even this will solve their business dilemma, trouble is only beginning on the marriage front. Annie is trying to teach Oliver how to get in touch with his feelings. Oliver is the type of man who wishes to be in control of the situation all the time.

The secondary characters of the stepmother, chauffeur (Bolt) are very well developed.

Annie does not realize that she is in danger from a dark secret of both Oliver and Daniel's past.

What I like about the love story was the fact that both of characters were very strong characters. There wasn't the traditional virgin scene which is very overrated. The love scenes were perfect where the tension was built up to that point. The only thing that I couldn't understand was why Oliver did not really go all the way with Annie in the first scene. Although the part of him controlling his life was explained later.

There were no clichés used in this book. There was passion, intrigue, humanity, trust in this book. Wildest Hearts will fulfill your wildest dreams. This certainly worth the read even the re-read. I even cried at the end.

This is definitely an A+.