Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: 5/2/2023

Thank you to Forever Pub for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Jana Suleiman has never really fit in—everyone always sees her as too aloof, too cool, too perfect. The one time she stepped out of her comfort zone she ended up with a broken heart and a baby on the way. Aaaand lesson learned . Now she’s a bridesmaid for a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, and almost everyone she knows will be there. Her five-year-old daughter. Her mom. Her friends. Even her potential new boss. And of course (because who doesn’t love surprises!) her gorgeous-but-not-to-be-trusted ex.

Fortunately, Anil Malek is a great dad, even if Jana hasn’t quite forgiven him for lying to her all those years ago. Determined to show he has no effect on her whatsoever, she and the bridesmaids concoct a go-wild list to get Jana through the week. Sing karaoke? Sure. Perform their high school dance routine in front of strangers? Okay. But the more she lets down her guard, the less protection she has against her attraction to Anil. And Jana soon realizes it’s one thing to walk on the wild side . . . and quite another to fall for her ex all over again.

Review: Jana Goes Wild is the fourth book I’ve read from Farah Heron. Jana Suleiman attends a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, where she encounters her charming ex and father of her child, Anil Malek. As she completes a go-wild list with her bridesmaid friends to prove she’s moved on, Jana realizes that letting her guard down might lead to falling for Anil once more. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of Tanzania and delighted to see Kamila and Rohan from Kamila Knows Best as supporting characters. However, I struggled to connect with Jana’s character and felt that Anil’s personality was underdeveloped. I would have appreciated more insight into their chemistry and relationship outside of their shared parenting responsibilities, gossip/rumors, and the quick summary of their past. Exploring each of their perspectives or contrasting past and present chapters could have added depth to the story. I also would have enjoyed seeing more positive interactions with their child. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book and second chance romances usually don’t resonate with me.