Something Wilder

Christina Lauren

51 pages 1-hour read

Christina Lauren

Something Wilder

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Lily is a 29-year-old tour guide who leads tourists through Canyonlands National Park. Having lost her family's Wyoming property shortly before her father's death, she feels trapped by her financial circumstances. She is fiercely determined and highly capable in the wilderness. Despite her rugged exterior, she harbors unresolved heartbreak over her father's legacy and her abrupt breakup with her first love ten years ago.

Key Relationships

Former Romantic Partner of Leo Grady

Best Friend of Nicole

Daughter of Duke Wilder

Tour Guide for Terry Trottel

Tour Guide for Bradley Daniels

Tour Guide for Walter Gibb

Leo is a 32-year-old IT professional living in Brooklyn, New York. Ten years ago, he fell deeply in love with Lily while spending a summer in Wyoming, but a family tragedy forced him to leave abruptly. Since then, he has lived a deeply responsible life, acting as the sole provider for his younger sister. Pragmatic and exceptionally good with numbers, he views his trip to Utah as a necessary break from his heavy burdens.

Key Relationships

Former Romantic Partner of Lily Wilder

Close Friend of Bradley Daniels

Friend of Walter Gibb

Vacation Companion of Terry Trottel

Older Brother of Cora Grady

Nicole is Lily's business partner who moved to Utah from Montana to escape a difficult family and a bad relationship. Together with Lily, she co-runs Wilder Adventures, helping guide tourists along the Outlaw Trail. She is spirited and highly attuned to the dangers of the desert terrain. Having bonded with Lily over their shared struggles, she operates as a fierce protector of her friend's well-being.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Lily Wilder

Tour Guide for Terry Trottel

Tour Guide for Leo Grady

Duke is Lily's late father, an adventurous explorer who spent much of his life chasing myths and buried treasures across the American West. He suffered a stroke ten years ago and passed away three years later, leaving behind a complicated legacy. His old journals, packed with maps and riddles, serve as the foundation for Lily's current business. His frequent absences during Lily's childhood cast a long shadow over her adult life.

Key Relationships

Father of Lily Wilder

Client of Ed Tottenham

Terry is a volatile acquaintance of Bradley's who joins the college friend group's annual vacation to Utah. Known for his unpredictable temper and deep sense of entitlement, he views the guided tour as an imposition rather than an adventure. He consistently disregards the safety rules of Canyonlands National Park and views the tour guides with active disdain.

Key Relationships

Acquaintance of Bradley Daniels

Tour Guest of Lily Wilder

Tour Guest of Nicole

Vacation Companion of Leo Grady

Bradley is one of Leo's closest college friends and the organizer of their annual group trip. Confident and sometimes arrogant, he kept the Utah destination a secret from the rest of the group to force them out of their comfort zones. He serves as a lighthearted presence who frequently pushes Leo to relax, though his decision to invite Terry causes significant friction.

Key Relationships

Close Friend of Leo Grady

Friend of Walter Gibb

Acquaintance of Terry Trottel

Tour Guest of Lily Wilder

Supporting Characters

Walter is a sensitive, quiet member of Leo and Bradley's college friend group. He joins the men on their mysterious vacation to Utah, hoping for a relaxing getaway. Compliant and easygoing, he acts as a calming presence among the guests, though he finds the physical demands of the rugged Canyonlands terrain to be incredibly challenging.

Key Relationships

Friend of Leo Grady

Friend of Bradley Daniels

Tour Guest of Lily Wilder

Cora is Leo's younger sister, who recently graduated from college and is currently celebrating in Paris. Following the tragic death of their mother ten years ago, she relied entirely on Leo, who stepped into the role of her primary caretaker. Her recent graduation represents a major milestone that leaves Leo questioning his own future.

Key Relationships

Younger Sister of Leo Grady

Jonathan Cross is the current owner of Wilder Ranch, having purchased the property from Duke Wilder years ago. He reaches out to Lily to offer her the first opportunity to buy back the land before he puts it on the open market.

Key Relationships

Prospective Seller to Lily Wilder

Jay is a mysterious man traveling through the remote Utah desert who crosses paths with Lily and Leo. His sudden appearance in the isolated wilderness complicates the group's journey along the Outlaw Trail.

Key Relationships

Companion of Kevin

Antagonist to Lily Wilder

Kevin is a man traveling through the remote desert who unexpectedly crosses paths with Lily and Leo. He and his companion Jay emerge suddenly from the brush, heavily altering the dynamic of the expedition.

Key Relationships

Companion of Jay

Antagonist to Leo Grady

Ed Tottenham is a bank manager in Telluride, Colorado. He maintains a connection to Duke Wilder's historical financial affairs and warmly welcomes Lily when her journey leads her to his establishment.

Key Relationships

Bank Manager to Lily Wilder

Bank Manager for Duke Wilder

Axl is a bartender in the tiny rural town of Ely, a remote place Duke Wilder used to frequent. He interacts with Lily's group when they stop for drinks to strategize about their trek.

Key Relationships

Bartender to Lily Wilder