Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Mountain Wild (Wild Series, Book 3) by Stacey Kayne
Historical romance released by Harlequin Historical 1 Jul 09
Life must be really great for Regency historical and paranormal fans. If they hit on a book by an author that doesn’t move them, they have the luxury of saying “Well, that author didn’t work for me” and move on. But if you’re a western historical lover? Yeah, authors tend to get second, third and in some cases, fourth chances. Why? Have you seen how many western historicals get published these days? Yeah, not many. I’ve previously read one book by Stacey Kayne, and didn’t really care for it. I thought she was a fine enough writer, but her characters drove me batty. But I love westerns, and Lord knows the pickins’ are slim these days. So Kayne landed on my Give Her Another Shot list, and in this instance, I’m glad I gave her another look. Mountain Wild is a dandy read.
This being the third book in the author’s Wild series, readers will recognize hero Garret Daines as Skylar Daines’ baby brother from Mustang Wild. Garret is all grown up now, and boy howdy did he grow up to be a mighty fine man! He now owns a cattle ranch in Wyoming, near his sister and her family, and is neck deep in a range war. Seems someone is chasing off (and in some cases killing off) neighboring ranchers, and rustling cattle. Garret is barely staying afloat, with the local Cattleman’s Association literally gouging him for the privilege of bringing his cattle to market. Still, he wasn’t expecting to get knocked out cold while traveling through the mountains looking for his missing partner. He’s unconscious and buried in a snow bank when Mad Mag finds him.
Everyone in town calls her Mad Mag. Maggie Grace is a hermit, living in the mountains, making her way as a trapper. She’s a bitter old hag, nasty as can be, and she doesn’t smell too good. Well, that’s what they think. Maggie is actually young, pretty, fond of floral soaps and knows how to needlepoint. She learned the hard way that people can’t be trusted, and she likes her solitude. She knows who Garret is. His ranch isn’t too far from her isolated cabin. Trust doesn’t come easy to Maggie, but she also can’t leave a wounded man to die in a snow storm.
What follows is a very fine romance about two very fine characters. Garret is a picture perfect Gamma hero. He embodies the best qualities of an Alpha and a Beta hero. He’s charming, sweet, and willing to wait Maggie out. But he’s also a hard working rancher who will skin any man alive who says one unkind word about his woman, and he’ll fight to the death for what is right. I was half in love with this guy by the end of the first chapter.
Maggie is one of my favorite types of western heroines. The girl has gumption, and she’s no shrinking violet. Her childhood and family taught her that appearances aren’t what they seem, and the man who rescued her from that life taught her how to take care of herself. However in that time she also learned to hide, which is what she’s been doing ever since.
There is a villain in this story, and unfortunately he is the weak link. He has unfinished business with both Garret and Maggie, stopping at nothing to run them to ground. His main motivation is greed, and that’s really all the depth the author goes into. Certainly greed is a compelling enough motive, but in this instance I really wanted more insight into his psychology. All I really took away from his character was that he was a “bad man.”
While the third book in a trilogy, Mountain Wild stands alone very well. Readers who have to know every drop of back story by the end of the first chapter will have to practice some patience. Maggie has had dealings with Garret’s family in previous books, and while the author does eventually fill in those details, she does so in later chapters. I kept up just fine, and never felt like I was missing any pieces to the puzzle.
Mountain Wild is an entertaining western romance featuring two extremely likable protagonists. I’m glad I gave Stacey Kayne a second chance.
Grade: B-
Summary:
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Fourteen years ago a terrified young Maggie Grace fled into the wilderness of the Wyoming mountains, where she has lived alone, fighting for survival, ever since. Until she finds cowboy Garret Daines lying unconscious in a blizzard.
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Snowbound in Maggie’s cabin, sharing the only bed with this beautiful, wild woman, brings Garret’s body—and guarded heart—pulsing back to life.
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Garret is the only man ever to show Maggie any kindness, and the walls around her heart begin to crumble. But this wildcat won’t let herself be easily tamed….
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Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
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Hey Wendy,
Is the villain the reason your grade was B-?
I love western romance too, and yes, the pickings are slim.
I noticed that you don’t have recommendations for western romance
(or any recs) on your website. Could you please, please rec me
some contemporary westerns?
Thanks.
Arani:
The “B” because I thought this was a “good” book – not a “great” book – and yep, the minus because of the villain. His sole motivation seemed to be that he was an asshole, and that wasn’t enough for me. Yes, he’s a bad man, but why is he a bad man?
I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you out with contemporary western reads. As much as I love westerns, I’m more of a historical western girl. On that front – I would recommend Cheryl St. John and Jenna Kernan, who both write for Harlequin Historical. Also, Jillian Hart – who is now writing inspirationals, but has some mighty fine historicals from HH in her backlist (I strongly recommend The Horseman). I love Maggie Osborne, who has since retired, but some of her books are still fairly easy to come by. Also, Maureen McKade – who has written for both Avon and Berkley.
Oh….and Lorraine Heath’s and Nicole Jordan’s westerns. Both of which were published by Avon.
I took this one to DC with me – though I read another, and now I’m not sure where in my vast pile of books I put it darn it all!!
Thanks for the recs Wendy.
I’ve read all of Miss Kayne’s historicals and am a huge fan of hers. And I agree with you, Garret is a super yummy hero t hat I’d love to be stranded alone in a cabin with!
McKenna
Kristie:
I hope you find it soon! It’s really a good read.
Arani:
You are welcome.
McKenna:
I was happy to see that Kayne decided to age Garret and give him his own story. Seriously….a very yummy hero 🙂
I’ve enjoyed all of Stacey’s books so far, though I have yet to read Mountain Wild.
Arani, try Linda Lael Miller’s westerns. Her McKettrick series is very good, as is her Montana Creeds trilogy. My review of her The Bridegroom is still up. This is part of her Stone Creek series and if The Bridegroom is any indication, this is another very good western series!
Sandy M, thanks for recommending Linda Lael Miller. I’ve read LLM’s books before, though the last one would be around 10 years ago. Anyway, I’ll check out her books again but which series would you suggest, Stone Creek, The McKettrick or Montana Creeds series?
Thanks so much.
Not Sandy M and don’t even play her on tv. Montana Creeds series is grand but is a contemp western where as I am thinking the The Bridegroom (which I haven’t read yet) is a historical.
Hope that helps.
And sandy really… is still up? duh all your reviews are ‘still up’ I am guessing you mean on the front page yes?
hi 😉
LOL, yes, sorry! MY LLM review is still on the front page!
And, arani, were you not wanting contemp westerns? I took your question as any westerns, so that’s why I also suggested LLM’s Creeds trilogy. But they definitely are contemps!
cuz you do have a DDS review of the creeds http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/04/06/dds-reviews-montana-creeds-trilogy-by-linda-lael-miller/
😉
Well, my mind is now officially lost!
Is that something new and different?
::duck::
that is the right link yes?
u funny. u better duck, u duck.
looks good to me!