MOUNTAIN WILD
Stacey Kayne
Harlequin Historical #952
ISBN 9780373295524
July 2009
Historical Romance

As a thirteen year old child, Margaret Grace fled from her older brother's abuse and greed. She was given protection from an unlikely source, a gruff trapper by the name of Ira Danvers. During the years that followed, Maggie learned how to survive in the mountain wilderness of the Wyoming territory-- always keeping track of her brother, Nathan Strafford, as he used his stolen wealth to accumulate land and power. Now an adult, Maggie has taken on the persona of "Mad Mag" a reclusive mountain woman and Ira's assumed wife. In the town of Bitterroot Springs, where Nathan is now mayor, Maggie is spotted riding a horse once belonging to the Morgan family. Intent on taking the horse, Nathan doesn't immediately recognize his little sister. She knocks him out instead of shooting him, but finds herself in a difficult situation as unwanted attention turns toward them. Luckily for Maggie, rancher Garret Daines helps hold off the mob so that she can make her escape.

However, Maggie's peace is short lived when she discovers Garret, nearly frozen and injured, on the way to her hidden home in the high country. She takes him in and nurses him back to health while a storm rages outside. A handsome young man like Garret represents a threat to Maggie, though she knows from her stealthy observations that he is an honorable man. Garret soon discovers that despite her many secrets, Maggie is the only woman for him. Convincing a stubbornly independent woman like Maggie will likely be one of the hardest challenges Garret has ever faced!

MOUNTAIN WILD is the fabulous final installment of Ms. Kayne's WILD series. From the very first page, intense emotion, fast-paced action, and compelling characters held this reader spellbound! Maggie's hard life and solitude were absolutely heart-wrenching. Her understandable need for revenge and trust issues were deftly tempered by her strength, intelligence, and compassion. Garret's efforts to tame Maggie were great fun to read. He is a wonderful lead character who is by definition a hero with a capital 'H'.  The villain is in a word, unforgettable, from his soulless cruelty and greed, to his surprising weakness which figures greatly into his undoing.  MOUNTAIN WILD is a story which reminds readers of the healing power of love despite the harshest of circumstances.

MOUNTAIN WILD joins an already impressive body of work from one of the most promising voices in historical romance today.  Ms. Kayne is a definite "must-buy" for this reviewer and I heartily recommend any of her work.  A keeper!

Reviewed by Melissa Fowler
Rating 4 1/2