I went into Chasing the Wild expecting a slow burn romance, and personally, I don’t think it truly fits that label — though I do think it depends on what kind of slow burn reader you are.
If your definition of slow burn is that the couple doesn’t cross the physical line until around the 30–40% mark, then yes, this might work for you. However, if you’re someone who considers slow burn to mean the relationship doesn’t fully turn physical until the last 10–20% of the book, then this is definitely not that.
Even though I tend to fall more into the “mid-book payoff” camp, the constant heavy flirting and overall tone made this feel less like a slow simmer into a boiling contact and more like an instant fire.
Spice-Forward Romance
Ultimately, Chasing the Wild is a good read, but it is much more spice-driven than plot-driven. There is a story beyond the sex, but the main focus is clearly on the attraction, tension, and heat between the characters rather than a complex emotional arc or layered character growth. It is good in its own way. This is very much a book for readers who are picking it up because they want an age-gap romance with plenty of spice, not necessarily because they’re looking for something slow, subtle, or deeply character-focused.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed Chasing the Wild for what it is: a spicy, flirty age-gap romance that leans heavily into heat over plot. Just go in with the right expectations — if you want spice-first storytelling, this will likely hit the spot. If you’re looking for a true slow burn with a long emotional buildup, this probably won’t feel like one.
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Chasing The Wild by Elliot Rose
Hazel Harbor Books 
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