Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Flirty, exciting, romantic, lighthearted
Wild Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Night of Reckless Abandon
Wyld Buchanan, a recent college graduate and intern at a major Hollywood studio, feels out of place in Los Angeles. She's still a virgin, and one night decides to change that. Wanting independence and to shed her innocence on her own terms, she goes to a bar, determined to find a handsome stranger for a one-night stand. She uses the name 'Wild' to remain anonymous. She meets a captivating man, and after a night of passion, she leaves without exchanging real names or contact information, believing their paths would never cross again.
The Unveiling of Mr. Hollywood
The morning after, Wyld arrives at work, still thinking about the experience. She is assigned to a new, high-profile project. Her excitement turns to shock when she meets the project's director and the head of the studio's new division: Jamie Donovan. To her disbelief, Jamie is the man she spent the night with. The realization dawns on both of them, leading to an awkward and tense first meeting in a professional setting. Jamie, initially dismissive of her, is stunned to learn her true identity and her role as his intern.
Professional Facades and Lingering Chemistry
Despite their chemistry and shared secret, Wyld and Jamie try to establish a professional relationship at work. They navigate their interactions with forced politeness and underlying tension. Jamie, her superior, tries to maintain a stoic demeanor, while Wyld works to prove her competence, determined not to let their personal encounter affect her career. However, working closely together, with lingering glances and loaded conversations, makes it hard to ignore their attraction.
The Studio Environment and Gossip
As Wyld continues her internship, she becomes more aware of the cutthroat and gossipy nature of the Hollywood studio. She sees other interns and employees vying for attention. Rumors are common, and Wyld quickly learns the importance of maintaining a professional image and avoiding scandal. This makes her secret with Jamie even more precarious, as any hint of their past could jeopardize her career and Jamie's reputation. She feels pressure to perform well and integrate into the industry, all while keeping her personal life separate from her professional aspirations.
Jamie's Past and Public Image
Wyld begins to observe Jamie more closely. She learns about his public image as a successful, charismatic, but private Hollywood figure. She overhears conversations and reads articles that hint at a guarded personal life, with few details ever revealed. This contrasts sharply with the passionate and vulnerable man she met that night. She realizes that Jamie also has a lot at stake in maintaining his professional façade, which complicates their situation. His reluctance to discuss their encounter outside of work becomes clearer as she understands the pressures he faces.
Unspoken Rules and Boundaries
The professional boundaries between intern and director blur as Wyld and Jamie continue to work together. They both recognize the ethical implications of their past encounter and the potential for a relationship while she is his intern. Jamie, aware of his power, tries to keep his distance, but his actions often betray his true feelings. Wyld, while ambitious, also grapples with the appropriateness of her feelings for her boss. Their interactions are filled with unspoken desires and the constant struggle to adhere to professional norms, creating tension that affects their work.
A Moment of Weakness
During a late-night work session at the studio, when they are the only two left, the walls between Wyld and Jamie begin to crumble. Exhaustion and the intimacy of their shared creative space lead to a moment of vulnerability. The professional facade cracks, and their unspoken attraction resurfaces. A charged conversation leads to a physical touch, reigniting the passion they shared that first night. This moment is a turning point, confirming their connection is more than a fleeting encounter and making it clear that ignoring their feelings is no longer an option.
The Secret Relationship Begins
Following this moment, Wyld and Jamie decide to pursue a secret relationship. They are aware of the risks, particularly to Wyld's career and Jamie's reputation, but they cannot deny their feelings. They meet discreetly outside of work, navigating their affair with caution. These clandestine meetings are filled with passion and growing emotional intimacy, as they get to know each other beyond their initial encounter and professional roles. The thrill of their forbidden romance is intertwined with the constant fear of being discovered by colleagues or the media.
Growing Closer and Deeper Feelings
As their secret affair continues, Wyld and Jamie's relationship moves beyond physical attraction. They begin to share personal details about their lives, dreams, and fears. Wyld learns about Jamie's past challenges and career pressures, while Jamie sees Wyld as more than an intern, recognizing her intelligence, ambition, and spirit. Their emotional bond strengthens, and they fall deeply in love, despite the complicated circumstances. The initial impulsiveness of their connection evolves into a meaningful relationship, challenging their initial perceptions of each other.
The Threat of Exposure
The risks of their secret relationship begin to appear as whispers and close calls become more frequent. Colleagues notice their unusual interactions, and the fear of exposure looms. A few instances nearly reveal their secret, forcing them to become more careful and paranoid. This constant pressure creates tension and stress within their relationship. They realize that maintaining their secret indefinitely will be challenging, and they must confront the potential consequences if their affair were to become public within the studio or Hollywood.
A Reckoning and a Choice
The mounting pressure and near-misses force Wyld and Jamie to have a serious conversation about their relationship's future. They acknowledge the impossibility of continuing their affair indefinitely without jeopardizing their careers and reputations. Jamie, recognizing the potential harm to Wyld's career, feels a strong sense of responsibility. They face a difficult choice: end their relationship to protect their professional lives, or risk everything to be together openly. This discussion highlights the depth of their feelings and the sacrifices they might have to make for love in the demanding world of Hollywood.
Going Public or Stepping Back?
Wyld and Jamie consider their drastic options. Going public would mean facing scrutiny, backlash, and the possibility of one or both of their careers being impacted. Stepping back, however, would mean heartbreak and denying their connection. They discuss the implications for Wyld's internship and her future in the industry, as well as Jamie's established position. The decision is not easy, as both love and ambition are at stake. They realize that their choice will define not only their relationship but also their individual paths within Hollywood.
A Bold Declaration
After much deliberation, Jamie makes a bold and unexpected move. Realizing he cannot lose Wyld, he publicly acknowledges their relationship, taking control of the narrative before rumors can spiral out of control. This declaration, possibly during a press event or a studio meeting, sends shockwaves through Hollywood. It shows his love for Wyld and his willingness to face the consequences. While it creates immediate controversy, it also solidifies their bond and demonstrates his commitment to her, regardless of professional fallout.
Navigating the Aftermath
The public revelation of their relationship brings media attention, gossip, and professional repercussions. Wyld, no longer just an anonymous intern, finds herself in the spotlight, facing judgment and speculation. Jamie also faces scrutiny for his ethical conduct. They lean on each other for support as they navigate the aftermath, dealing with uncomfortable questions from colleagues, the media's relentless curiosity, and the potential impact on their careers. Their love is tested as they learn to navigate their relationship under Hollywood's intense public eye, proving their bond is strong enough to withstand the pressure.
A Future Together
Despite the initial challenges and ongoing scrutiny, Wyld and Jamie's relationship endures. Wyld continues to prove her talent and work ethic, showing that her success is not dependent on her relationship with Jamie. Jamie supports her ambitions, and they work together to build a strong foundation, both personally and professionally. Their story becomes an example of finding genuine love amidst Hollywood's superficiality. They learn to balance their careers with their personal lives, proving that even in Tinseltown, an unexpected romance can blossom into a lasting partnership.
Wild Characters
Wyld Buchanan
Protagonist
An ambitious and naive college graduate seeking independence.
Wyld is a recent college graduate who arrives in Hollywood with a coveted internship and a desire to make her mark. She is initially naive about the industry's complexities and her own romantic experience, leading her to make an impulsive decision to lose her virginity to a stranger. Despite her inexperience, she possesses a strong work ethic, intelligence, and a growing ambition. She is determined to prove her worth professionally and is not easily intimidated. Throughout the story, she matures, learning to navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood while staying true to herself and her burgeoning feelings.
Relationships: Jamie Donovan (One-night stand, boss, lover)
Jamie Donovan
Love Interest / Supporting
A powerful, enigmatic Hollywood director and studio head.
Jamie Donovan is a highly successful and respected figure in Hollywood, known for his talent and demanding nature. He maintains a guarded public persona, appearing charismatic but private. Initially, he dismisses Wyld as just another aspiring starlet, but he is genuinely surprised and intrigued when he discovers she is his one-night stand and his new intern. He struggles with the ethical implications of their attraction and his position of power, but his deep feelings for Wyld ultimately lead him to risk his carefully constructed career for her. He is protective and passionate, willing to fight for what he believes in.
Relationships: Wyld Buchanan (One-night stand, intern, lover)
Studio Colleagues
Supporting
The competitive and gossipy environment of Hollywood.
This collective refers to the various co-workers, other interns, and studio executives who form the backdrop of Wyld and Jamie's professional lives. They represent the competitive, often ruthless, and highly gossipy nature of the Hollywood industry. Their presence highlights the constant pressure to maintain a facade, the struggle for opportunities, and the ever-present threat of rumors and scandal. They serve as a constant reminder of the stakes involved in Wyld and Jamie's secret relationship, reflecting the prying eyes and judgmental attitudes that permeate Tinseltown.
Relationships: Wyld Buchanan (Professional rivals/peers); Jamie Donovan (Subordinates/peers)
Wild Themes
Forbidden Romance and Professional Ethics
The central theme is the intense romance that develops between Wyld and Jamie, complicated by their professional roles as intern and director. The narrative explores the ethical dilemmas and power dynamics in such a relationship, especially in high-stakes Hollywood. It examines their struggle to maintain professional boundaries while battling undeniable attraction, and the consequences of blurring those lines. The theme asks whether love can truly conquer all, even when it threatens careers and reputations, and how society judges such a transgression.
“He thought I was being mysterious when I told him my name was Wild. He thought I was just another starry eyed girl looking for a ticket to the shinier life. He thought wrong.”
Identity and Self-Discovery
Wyld's journey in 'Wild' is deeply connected to her quest for identity and self-discovery. Fresh out of college and a virgin, she makes an impulsive decision to take control of her sexuality, which leads her to Jamie. Her growth throughout the story involves shedding her naiveté, understanding her own desires, and asserting her independence both personally and professionally. She learns who she is outside of her inexperience and outside of her relationship with Jamie, proving her capabilities and finding her voice in a demanding industry. This theme highlights the transformation that comes with new experiences and challenging circumstances.
“I was going to lose my innocence to a sexy stranger.”
The Price of Ambition in Hollywood
The novel explores the glamorous yet cutthroat nature of the Hollywood industry, highlighting the sacrifices often required for success. Wyld's ambition to make it in the studio world is a driving force, but her relationship with Jamie directly threatens her professional aspirations. The theme shows the constant scrutiny, gossip, and ethical tightropes individuals must navigate. It questions the price one is willing to pay for career advancement and whether genuine connections can survive amidst Hollywood's superficiality and competition. Both Wyld and Jamie face significant career risks due to their choices, illustrating the high stakes involved.
“And what are the odds I would ever see him again? I should have taken that bet because who would have guessed my sexy stranger was Jamie freaking Donovan. Mr. Hollywood himself.”
Public vs. Private Selves
This theme examines the contrast between public personas and true, private selves, especially in Hollywood. Jamie Donovan, as 'Mr. Hollywood,' maintains a public image that hides aspects of his personal life and vulnerabilities. Wyld also tries to separate her romantic life from her professional ambitions. The story explores the challenges of maintaining this separation, the pressures of fame and public scrutiny, and the emotional toll it takes. Ultimately, it explores the courage required to reveal one's true self and embrace authenticity, even when it means facing public judgment.
“He thought I was just another starry eyed girl looking for a ticket to the shinier life. He thought wrong.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The One-Night Stand as Catalyst
An impulsive decision leading to life-altering consequences.
The one-night stand between Wyld and Jamie serves as the primary catalyst for the entire plot. It's an impulsive act driven by Wyld's desire for independence and experience, but its unexpected consequence—Jamie being her new boss—creates the central conflict and undeniable tension. This device immediately establishes a forbidden dynamic, forcing the characters into a complex professional and personal entanglement they must navigate. It's a classic setup for forbidden romance, where an initial, seemingly inconsequential encounter dramatically shapes the characters' destinies and challenges their perceptions of each other.
Dramatic Irony
The audience knows the secret before the characters do.
Dramatic irony is employed from the moment Wyld leaves Jamie after their one-night stand, believing she'll never see him again, while the audience anticipates the inevitable reveal. The narrative builds tension by showing Wyld's innocence and Jamie's initial misjudgment, only to have their worlds collide in a professional setting. This device heightens the reader's anticipation and empathy for the characters as they grapple with the shocking realization. It also underscores the 'small world' nature of Hollywood and the inescapable consequences of their actions, making their initial interactions at work fraught with unspoken knowledge.
Power Imbalance
The inherent conflict in an intern-director relationship.
The significant power imbalance between Wyld as an intern and Jamie as a high-ranking director is a crucial plot device. It creates immediate conflict and ethical considerations, making their romantic involvement 'forbidden.' This imbalance influences their interactions, their attempts to maintain professionalism, and the potential repercussions of their relationship. It highlights the vulnerability of Wyld's position and the responsibility Jamie carries, adding layers of tension and moral dilemma to their burgeoning romance. The struggle to navigate this power dynamic is central to their character development and the story's overall stakes.
Hollywood as a Character
The setting as a pervasive influence on the plot.
Hollywood itself functions almost as a character in the novel, its unique environment shaping the plot and character decisions. The studio system, the gossip culture, the relentless media scrutiny, and the cutthroat ambition are not just backdrops but active forces. This device emphasizes the challenges Wyld and Jamie face in maintaining their secret and later, their public relationship. The pressures of fame and career, the superficiality, and the constant need to maintain appearances are all amplified by the setting, making their love story particularly challenging and adding to the overall stakes of the narrative. It's a world where secrets are hard to keep and reputations are easily tarnished.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the protagonist's name?
- Wyld Buchanan
- Wild Buchanan
- Wyld Donovan
- Wild Donovan
Show answer
A. Wyld Buchanan The protagonist explicitly states her name is Wyld Buchanan.
Question 2
What is the protagonist's relationship status at the beginning of the story?
- Engaged
- Married
- Virgin
- Divorced
Show answer
C. Virgin The protagonist mentions she is 'probably the only virgin left in tinsel town'.
Question 3
Where does the protagonist have her coveted intern position?
- A publishing house
- A music label
- A major tech company
- The biggest movie studio in Hollywood
Show answer
D. The biggest movie studio in Hollywood The text states she has an intern position 'at the biggest movie studio in Hollywood'.
Question 4
What name does the protagonist give the sexy stranger?
- Wyld
- Hollywood
- Wild
- Mystery
Show answer
C. Wild The protagonist mentions, 'He thought I was being mysterious when I told him my name was Wild.'
Question 5
What is the profession of the 'sexy stranger'?
- A famous actor
- A movie director
- Mr. Hollywood himself
- A music producer
Show answer
C. Mr. Hollywood himself The protagonist reveals the stranger is 'Jamie freaking Donovan. Mr. Hollywood himself.'
Question 6
What was the stranger's initial assumption about the protagonist?
- She was a spy
- She was looking for a job
- She was trying to be mysterious and seeking fame
- She was a lost tourist
Show answer
C. She was trying to be mysterious and seeking fame The text states, 'He thought I was being mysterious when I told him my name was Wild. He thought I was just another starry eyed girl looking for a ticket to the shinier life.'
Question 7
What does the protagonist decide to do one night to 'take fate into her own hands'?
- Quit her internship
- Go to a party alone
- Lose her innocence to a stranger
- Write a tell-all book
Show answer
C. Lose her innocence to a stranger The protagonist states, 'One night, I decided to take fate into my own hands. I was going to lose my innocence to a sexy stranger.'
Question 8
The phrase 'tinsel town' is a common nickname for which city?
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- Miami
Show answer
B. Los Angeles 'Tinsel town' is a well-known nickname for Hollywood, which is part of Los Angeles, due to its association with the entertainment industry.
Question 9
What does the protagonist imply when she says, 'Things were about to get a whole lot wilder…'?
- Her internship would become more challenging.
- She would face legal trouble.
- Her relationship with the stranger would be intense and unpredictable.
- She would have to move out of Hollywood.
Show answer
C. Her relationship with the stranger would be intense and unpredictable. Given the context of meeting a 'sexy stranger' who turns out to be a famous Hollywood figure, and her own name being 'Wild', the statement suggests a more exciting, perhaps chaotic, romantic entanglement.
Question 10
The protagonist's decision to 'take fate into her own hands' suggests she is typically:
- Proactive and takes initiative
- Passive and waits for things to happen
- Cautious and risk-averse
- Extremely experienced in romantic encounters
Show answer
B. Passive and waits for things to happen The phrase implies that she is usually not one to actively pursue such situations, and this is an exception to her typical behavior, suggesting a more passive or reserved nature before this decision.
Wild FAQ
What is the book "Wild" by Colet Abedi about?
"Wild" is a romance novel about Wyld Buchanan, a recent college graduate and virgin working as an intern in Hollywood. Seeking to lose her innocence, she has a one-night stand with a stranger, only to discover he is the famous Jamie Donovan.
Who is the main character in "Wild"?
The main character is Wyld Buchanan, a young woman navigating her first experiences in Hollywood and love.
What is the central conflict or premise of "Wild"?
The premise revolves around Wyld's decision to lose her virginity to a stranger and the unexpected complication when that stranger turns out to be the famous Jamie Donovan, leading to a potentially much more complicated relationship.
Is "Wild" a romance novel?
Yes, "Wild" by Colet Abedi is described as a romance novel.
What is Wyld's job in Hollywood?
Wyld Buchanan has a coveted intern position at a major movie studio in Hollywood.
Who is Jamie Donovan in the book "Wild"?
Jamie Donovan is referred to as "Mr. Hollywood himself," indicating he is a prominent figure in the film industry, and he is the "sexy stranger" Wyld meets.
What does Wyld mean when she says she decided to take fate into her own hands?
Wyld decided to actively pursue losing her virginity and her innocence by seeking out a sexual encounter with a stranger, rather than waiting for it to happen naturally.
What are the stakes for Wyld in "Wild"?
The stakes involve Wyld's personal journey of losing her innocence, her potential romantic entanglement with a famous Hollywood figure, and the complications that arise from their unexpected connection.
What makes the encounter with Jamie Donovan "wild"?
The encounter becomes "wild" because Wyld, who presented herself as 'Wild,' finds herself involved with a major Hollywood celebrity, Jamie Donovan, setting the stage for a much more intense and unpredictable romantic situation.
What is the tone of "Wild"?
Based on the description, the tone appears to be steamy, romantic, and dramatic, focusing on a chance encounter that leads to significant romantic developments.
Similar books
- The Simple Wild
K.A. Tucker
4.4 (28k) average on GoodreadsRomanceWhile both 'Wild' and 'The Simple Wild' feature heroines venturing into remote, natural settings and finding unexpected romance, Tucker's novel excels in integrating the wilderness more deeply into the character's journey. Callie's struggle with her past and her growing appreciation for Alaska feel more organically linked to her personal growth and relationship development. Abedi's 'Wild' uses the setting more as a stage for intense encounters, whereas Tucker's work makes the environment an active participant in the protagonist's transformation and the evolving relationship, lending more credibility and emotional weight to the romance.
- The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
4.3 (6.4M) average on GoodreadsFantasyIn a future where children fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the arena, turning a death sentence into a fight for survival and a spark of rebellion.
- The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
3.9 (3.8M) average on GoodreadsHistorical FictionIn the opulent Roaring Twenties, a mysterious millionaire's lavish parties hide his desperate, tragic pursuit of a lost love, exposing the emptiness within the American Dream.
- The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
4.2 (3.6M) average on GoodreadsYoung AdultA girl with a terminal illness finds her story rewritten when a charming boy with a similar past enters her life at a cancer support group, leading to a star-crossed romance.
- Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
4.3 (3M) average on GoodreadsHistorical FictionIn a society focused on status and money, Elizabeth Bennet navigates love and pride, challenging Mr. Darcy and social expectations to find true affection.
- Divergent
Veronica Roth
4.2 (2.9M) average on GoodreadsFantasyIn a society divided by virtues, a sixteen-year-old's difference from the norm starts a rebellion that threatens her world.
Enjoyed the summary?
A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.
Find Wild on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded






