Love at Wolf Creek (by Ailene Frances)

Sparks ignite, cloaking their fate in an intoxicating blend of desire and deception. Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride as a wealthy Texas cattle rancher risks everything for love in a forbidden game of hide and seek.

In this captivating love story, discover a glimmer of hope that emerges from the shadows as Aiden and Pauline navigate a dangerous world, embracing the power of their love to conquer all. Prepare to be captivated, enthralled, and on the edge of your seat as you plunge into this enchanting tale of love's indomitable spirit.

From Reader's Favorite 5-star award:

Love at Wolf Creek by Ailene Frances is a sweet historical romance set in the Texas hinterland. Aiden has had his share of tragedy in life, from losing his entire family not long after they emigrated from Ireland to America, to being seriously wounded fighting for the Confederate Army in the Civil War. He is now settled as the majority owner of a cattle ranch in Texas, but he is missing something; a good woman to share the rest of his life with. When Pauline’s father sees the business opportunities of leveraging his meat packing business with a successful Texas rancher, he is delighted to offer the hand of his only daughter to create the union. Not keen to wed sight unseen, Aiden and his foreman head to New Orleans to meet the beautiful Pauline. Despite some subterfuge by Aiden, he falls deeply in love with the pampered socialite and the feeling is mutual. When Pauline is abducted by sex traffickers determined to turn her into a prostitute for the needy men of the West, Aiden and Angus engage in a furious chase to save Pauline's virtue, dignity, and perhaps even her life.

Love at Wolf Creek is unashamedly an unpretentious and simple romance, but Ailene Frances has created a wonderfully diverse and fascinating group of main characters that give the novel added depth and interest. I particularly appreciated Pauline, who had grown up in the lap of luxury and had wanted for nothing, yet retained a fierce and determined attitude that would serve her well when she encountered a world she had never experienced before. Aiden similarly had hidden depths and despite appearing to be an archetypal Texan cattle baron, he also had come from wealth and privilege back in Ireland. He displayed a strong moral sense of right and wrong but was prepared to do whatever it took to defend his beloved Pauline. I appreciated that the romantic scenes were bold, expressive, and suitably steamy without crossing that invisible line to becoming vulgar and crass. The twists and turns of the plot were well thought out and seamless. I’m a sucker for a sweet romance and this certainly qualifies as one, with some heart-pumping action thrown in for good measure. This is a short and thoroughly enjoyable read that I can highly recommend.

Also available in audio [via audible.com]

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