Wild Roses

When Harrigan Mahoney was hired to retrieve Ella Carson from Wyoming and bring her back to her family in Philadelphia, he was warned that she would not go willingly. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. Ella tries in vain to convince Harrigan that her family wants her dead. Her pleading falls on deaf ears repeatedly and she tries again and again in vain to escape and run back to her Aunt Louise. Louise is determined to save Ella and bring her back. As they travel, Harrigan and Ella discover a passion like no other but Harrigan has to claim the reward for Ella's return to save his family. When Harrigan realizes that Ella was telling the truth, it may too late. He may lose the woman who has stolen his heart. Wild Roses is a previous published novel by Hannah Howell. Harrigan and Ella take a passionate journey, both literally and figuratively in Wild Roses. Harrigan eventually faces a tough choice-turn Ella over, or keep her for himself. Unfortunately, his choice has already been made for him. Ella decides to enjoy the time she has with Harrigan knowing she must let him go. Their beginning is tumultuous and their ending is an angst-filled romance. Louise's constant attempts to get Ella back are as amusing as they are courageous. Wild Roses is a sensual romance filled with laughs and colorful characters. Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I really like Hannah Howell. Some books more than others & this is one that I liked. It has a strong, interesting set of characters. At first, I had a hard time relating to Ella falling in love with the man who is taking her to her death. Of course, this all works out in the end & she forgives him. Some of the plot I could not really get into. The fact that 2 of Ella's family (beautiful cousins) get engaged to men then back out causing them to lose their businesses & family livelihood (This being the reason that Harrigan easily turns her over to her uncle who wants to kill her for her inheritance). I never really understood that but all in all, this is an entertaining book. I have to stop myself from nit-picking & just enjoy a good romance.

This book is well woth the price. Well-balanced, strong characters, vicious bad guys, and a sexy lead man. Aunt Louise, with her platoon of stray youngsters, is a feisty, determined character. Ella is a strong-minded, independant, determined young woman. I had a problem with Harrigan's lack of trust, but this is clarified quite neatly later on. The love scenes are steamy, poignant and tender. I would definitely buy another of Hannah Howell's novels.