Review: Fantastic Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2013
This is actually the first book that I have read by Gem Sivad and I can tell you now that it will not be the last. Gem Sivad is a wonderful storyteller who can make a historical western come to life with combustible erotic romance.Wolf's Tender is the first book in the "Eclipse Heat" series.Half Kiowa, Charlie Wolf McCallister is a rough and tough bounty hunter who works with his two cousins. The prejudice of the era follows him continually as many during this time cannot accept a half Indian as a member of society. This has colored Charlie's world making him seem ruthless and dangerous.Naomi Parker oversees a girl-school that has been attacked by outlaws who have just run off with the girls. Naomi was spared being kidnapped also only because she hid during the invasion of the school. Loaded with guilt for hiding as well as many insecurities from the hard-knocks of life, Naomi is determined to find someone to help her rescue the girls.When Naomi Parker sees Charlie Wolf McCallister she knows that he is the man to help her. Without money to pay, she ends up offering herself in exchange for his services. Charlie was already planning on going after the outlaws who took the girls but he cannot resist taking Naomi up on her sexy offer. Soon these two scarred and lonely hearts discover that it is each other that makes them strong.I fell in love with this story and the written characters in it. It was a well choreographed love story that offered intrigue, romance and even pulled at the heart-strings. I found myself lured into the world that Gem Sivad has created, and I was so enthralled that I found it difficult to put this book down once I started reading it.We have the hunky, tall, dark and handsome bounty hunter who is strong, protective, yet dangerous. And then we have the heroine who is scarred from life's viscous attacks yet she comes back fighting. Two people completely different, searching for acceptance in the chaos of life; these main characters faced many challenges which showed their true strengths. Charlie and Naomi were passionate and sensual, yet vulnerable and humorous. I really enjoyed these two characters and found myself constantly pulling for their "happily-ever-after".As with all Ellora's Cave books I found this story to be extremely heated as it sizzled with sensual content that made this reader want to continually fan herself.The side characters were charmingly interesting and splendidly illustrated. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I am excited to see what unfolds in the remaining bounty hunter's lives. There are a number of plot twist in this story adding mystery and thrills.I did feel that some of the side stories were a bit rushed and needed further exploring, and perhaps a few too many details were added at times that distracted from the mail focus. This however did not make the story any less exciting, as I found myself continually anticipating the next page. This story had a good flow to it that made this reader enjoy it's banters and quirks.If you find yourself wanting a hot tale that shows the true historical western attitudes and still offers an intriguing plot with sizzling romance, than this just might the story for you.Originally posted at Long and Short Reviews