Amelia Smarts‘ latest release, Claimed by the Mountain Man, has made the Amazon Top 100 lists for both the Western Romance and Two-Hour Romance Short Reads categories! Congratulations, Amelia!
★★★★★ J. Henry “Erotic, edgy, compelling read” on May 21, 2016
I’m a big fan of Amelia’s Smarts’ books. Her characters are always well-crafted – strong, likable heroines, and swoon-worthy alpha heroes. “Claimed by the Mountain Man” is no exception.
Nettie is living off the grid, trying to fend for herself, when she finds herself alone and destitute in the mountains. She’s left behind a life of prostitution, determined that she would rather live off the land alone than sell herself. The story begins with her attempts to steal from the Mountain Man, the stern, foreboding man she’s come to know as Trapper Jack. When her efforts are in vain, she soon realizes that Trapper Jack exacts his own sort of punishment for crimes.
And thus begins their story. Trapper Jack is determined not to allow Nettie to continually endanger herself, and Nettie is determined not to be cowed by Trapper Jack. She will not to be reliant on him, insisting on her fierce independence. Jack is fierce and powerful; Nettie stubborn and tenacious. They avoid admitting their primal attraction one another until it can’t be denied any longer.
This story is steaming hot, a completely unique plot, involving two very real people who enjoy the erotic appeal of the power exchange. Through their steamy nights together, fiery exchanges complete with snappy dialogue and intriguing scenarios, both Jack and Nettie find what they need in each other. I loved how they form a sort of truce to enable them to embrace the erotic appeal of their connection:
“She felt a shiver creep down her spine. This was their mating dance. He would make a comment about her behavior, and she would respond by needling him…She felt that delicious mixture of fear and anticipation when he ambled toward her. His jaw was set, and his gaze could have melted snow. When he reached her, he took the broom, set it aside, and turned her around slowly. He held her wrists firmly behind her back in one of his hands…”
Tension and emotion, lust and love, entwine in a compelling story of incomparable passion.
This book was steaming hot, deeply erotic, and complex, by far the edgiest of Amelia Smarts’ novels. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, erotic read, with strong characters and a compelling plot line, look no further.
★★★★★ RobyJean “Happiness and desire in the wilderness” on May 22, 2016
I loved this book for several reasons. One Nettie is a heroine who is smart, capable and really determined. She has a past and is by no means perfect but she is fighting for her own survival. Trapper Jack is her hero but he too has issues and a past. Together they must navigate through what each wants and needs and discover if they can make their way together. Communication is definitely at the heart of their conflict with one another with both of them having secrets they would rather not share. I love Trapper Jack’s no nonsense approach to life and I appreciated that in this story it was not love at first site. Desire at first site, yes but the love built as they got to know one another. The physical side of their relationship is seriously hot and steamy. This is a great book with a fresh approach to the wilderness theme. You will not be disappointed. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review from Stormy Night Publications.
★★★★★ Heart5 @ Amazon.com “Historical DD Romance” on May 26, 2016
Following the death of her husband in the Civil War, Nettie is forced to work as a prostitute in the local saloon. She quickly finds herself owing more to the saloon owner than she actually makes. Caught in an endless cycle of debt she decides to skip town and fend for herself in the territory surrounding the town of Helena. Unable to provide food for herself she takes to stealing chickens from a nearby settler.
After losing several of his chickens to what he thinks is predators, trapper Jack Abrams decides to construct a trap in front of his chicken coop. Expecting a fox or a coyote, he’s shocked to find a half starved prostitute from the town of Helena caught in his trap. Despite his dislike of people he quickly finds himself taken with Nettie, and can’t bear to see her go back to living in the wild alone. He offers her a place to stay in exchange for cleaning and cooking. After her experience with the saloon owner Nettie can’t find herself indebted to another man. Despite her desire to make it on her own she quickly finds out that Trapper Jack is a hard man to refuse.
Nettie and Trapper Jack make the perfect pair, both stubborn, independent individuals committed to making it on their own following the loss of a spouse. I really liked Nettie’s character, she was so determined to make it on her own she was willing to risk starvation rather than rely on someone else. Initially Trapper Jack seemed like the ultimate mountain man, tough and unyielding, but we quickly get to see a softer side as he begins secretly ensuring Nettie’s survival in the wild. The moment Nettie gives in and finally submits to Jack’s will was just perfect. This was my first time reading this author’s work, but I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Stormy Night Publications.
★★★★★ Sam “The two form a good relationship and fall in love” on May 22, 2016
Really well-developed and likable characters. Jack has a direct approach to life but shows kindness to Nettie. Nettie is determined but unprepared to live in the wilderness. The two form a good relationship and fall in love. I really enjoyed this story. I would love to read more by this author.
I received this book from Stormy Night Publications as an Advanced Reader Copy.
★★★★★ Redrabbitt “THE ILLUSION OF FREE WILL” on May 22, 2016
Two people brought together by unusual circumstances, and together they do their best to avoid emotional attachments. Both have been married and lost their spouses. Nettie was in love with her husband where she came to Montana as a mail order bride, he enlisted to serve the Union army in the Civil war and is killed, leaving her homeless and having to fend for herself. Trapper Jack was in love with his wife, but her deceit of virginity left him bitter, he served in the Confederacy and before he returned to make amends; death had claimed her.
The plot of the story has two unyielding and determined people who refuse to share emotions and be honest with each other. Nettie nearly starves to death trying to make it on her own in the woods, but she is poorly prepared for the life. Trapper Jack dislikes people and only goes to Helena once a year to take pelts and pick up supplies. Meeting Nettie and her fierce independence irks him because she is really inept to survive. Together they will draw battle lines, but she accepts she is weak and at the mercy of the stronger one. This is an excellent example of why being open and honest in communications will clear up confusion and lead to less heartache. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
★★★★★ Lolly “LOVED IT!!!” on May 22, 2016
I loved Trapper Jack and Nettie! Amelia Smarts is always a great read, but I think this book is my favorite. Awesome book!
★★★★★ Cece @ Amazon.com “I loved this story” on May 27, 2016
A page turning romance. I loved this story! The characters are well developed and the story is very well written.
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