RIDING WEST – Emma Wildes
Samhaim Publishing, Ltd - www.samhaimpublishing.com
ISBN: 1-59998-846-1
December 2007
Rating: Red Hot!
Erotic Historical Romance

Tijeras, Colorado - Mid 19th Century

Parker West is fed up with being the “nice” guy. He has been in love with Celia Evans ever since they were small children, and the fact that Celia has turned down his proposal of marriage has him steamed. Parker has decided he will kidnap his bride-to-be and show her that he means business. And if he has to tie her down in bed to show her who’s boss, so be it!

Celia does care for Parker, but his courting is too dull for her tastes. He never shows her any passion, and his kissing needs major work. All she wants is a little excitement in her life. But when Parker comes in on his horse like he is on fire, she is a bit concerned. And before she knows it, Parker gags her, ties her up on his horse and takes off without any thought to her comfort.  He takes her to a remote cabin where he will show Celia how much excitement he has in store for her. He dares her to strip, thinking she will refuse him yet again. But before Parker can seduce her, Celia shocks him and gets naked right before his very eyes.

These two lovers experience the greatest intimacy either one has ever known. In this secret cabin, two friends and neighbors become lovers and finally commit to each other. But when Parker takes Celia back to town to marry her, they have to worry about another rancher who wants Celia for his own. And even though they eventually do become man and wife, things are not easy for these newlyweds. In the bedroom things couldn’t be better between Mr. and Mrs. West. But the evil rancher, Rance Colter, wants what Parker has and won’t stop till he is dead or his whole life is destroyed.

Emma Wildes has written an engaging western where the heroine is as stubborn as the hero. Celia may be innocent in the ways of love, but the moment Parker tries to act out his alpha tendencies in the bedroom, she gives him a run for his money. She knows how to use her feminine charms on her husband, and when these two come together, their love scenes burn with intensity. It was also nice to read about a husband and wife relationship for a change rather than the typical “courting” I have read in the past, even before the couple would think of getting married.

RIDING WEST is heavy on the feeling of the Old West and even though there are some lighthearted moments, there is a subplot of suspense. At times a bit untamed and wild, RIDING WEST is the perfect read for western fans who like a little spice to their cowboys.

Kate Garrabrant