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The Wild One
Since her husband's untimely death, Rachel Weston has had little time to think about anything except the needs of her two young children and her growing landscaping business. But for reasons she could never understand, she sometimes thought of Quinn Farrelly... A survivor from the wrong side of the tracks, the roguish Quinn had reveled in the role of the town's lovable black sheep. Until that day 12 years ago when she was sentenced to prison for a tragedy she may - or may not - have caused. Released on parole, Quinn needs a job - and Rachel needs a hired hand. Rachel knew that helping Quinn would cause an uproar among her neighbors, but she never expected the dizzying upheaval in her own heart... or how Quinn's wild yearnings would change her life forever...
204 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2000
27 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Denison
15 books60 followersLyn Denison was born and still resides in Brisbane, Australia, and attended school in Brisbane and Charters Towers. Before making writing a full-time career, Lyn was a librarian. Apart from reading, Lyn enjoys genealogy, scrapbooking, photography, playing her 12-string guitar and chatting with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 3, 2023
**'There's nothing more off-putting than an unfinished story..'
?!
Could have been such a good story with so much potential but too many unanswered moments -- and felt entirely incomplete..
?!
Could have been such a good story with so much potential but too many unanswered moments -- and felt entirely incomplete..
March 10, 2025
Well written slow burn romance. Garden shop owner Rachel is a widow with two children who hires Quinn, who she had a thing for back in high school, but has been away for 12 years, five in prison, with her own young daughter. Very likeable characters, love stories with kids involved, good story based in Australia. 4 stars
February 3, 2023
Yes, Rachel and Quinn find love but I was left with too many unanswered questions. Perhaps an epilogue would've eased the frustration.
October 4, 2022
Just felt like it was only half a story, and ended too abruptly without fully exploring the relationship and fallout of a lot of things.
December 9, 2017
3 stars. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I guess everything was just too convenient in this book. The job thing, the housing and the drunk accident too. Everything had the perfect solution. Secondary characters are carton cutouts and the main ladies weren't that deep either.
An ok read.
An ok read.
June 24, 2015
Easy, quick and nice read. Just what I needed. :)
June 22, 2024
I really enjoy revisiting classic Lyn Denison books on audio. Especially when they are narrated by dreamy-voiced Aussie narrator Jenny Walters.
While they are a reminder of times not too long ago when being out wasn't something most people did and families and friends weren't as accepting, it makes you appreciate the strides we've made since. That's not to say this is a downer - it is a coming out story of someone who has long been in the closet and the woman she has been attracted to for a good portion of her life.
The books written when this was published were often coming out stories, which we don't see quite as many of those these days.
There's an interesting and tragic back story to this one and while the ending was a bit rushed, I appreciated it. This would be an interesting one for Lyn to consider writing a follow-up for - even a short story. Both women had children and it would be interesting to see their journey beyond where the book ended.
While they are a reminder of times not too long ago when being out wasn't something most people did and families and friends weren't as accepting, it makes you appreciate the strides we've made since. That's not to say this is a downer - it is a coming out story of someone who has long been in the closet and the woman she has been attracted to for a good portion of her life.
The books written when this was published were often coming out stories, which we don't see quite as many of those these days.
There's an interesting and tragic back story to this one and while the ending was a bit rushed, I appreciated it. This would be an interesting one for Lyn to consider writing a follow-up for - even a short story. Both women had children and it would be interesting to see their journey beyond where the book ended.
December 31, 2022
An All Around Second Chance Romance!
This book was really good. I saw it mentioned on another writers twitter and I thought I try it. The characters solid. Each having their own history but not really taking over the story. Rachel is the owner of a garden center, she is a widow with two children. She grew up in town with her family and friends and her husband. But now running the business alone with a couple of trusted employees, Rachel needs help. Quinn known as The Wild One is back in town after many years some served in jail. She has a daughter and is looking for work. Rachel who always stuck up for Quinn whenever there was gossip, and there was plenty. Quinn’s father was a nasty drunk, who beat his wife and children. But Quinn had her own demons and after five years in jail, still carries the guilt of the accident. When Rachel is willing to give Quinn a chance, a friendship develops. When Quinn needs somewhere to stay, Rachel once again helps her by letting her rent out a mother in law apartment attached to her home. The friendship developing is something they both need. Both seeing the other for who they truly are. This was a really sweet and exciting coming together with a nice twist at the end. I like this writer!
This book was really good. I saw it mentioned on another writers twitter and I thought I try it. The characters solid. Each having their own history but not really taking over the story. Rachel is the owner of a garden center, she is a widow with two children. She grew up in town with her family and friends and her husband. But now running the business alone with a couple of trusted employees, Rachel needs help. Quinn known as The Wild One is back in town after many years some served in jail. She has a daughter and is looking for work. Rachel who always stuck up for Quinn whenever there was gossip, and there was plenty. Quinn’s father was a nasty drunk, who beat his wife and children. But Quinn had her own demons and after five years in jail, still carries the guilt of the accident. When Rachel is willing to give Quinn a chance, a friendship develops. When Quinn needs somewhere to stay, Rachel once again helps her by letting her rent out a mother in law apartment attached to her home. The friendship developing is something they both need. Both seeing the other for who they truly are. This was a really sweet and exciting coming together with a nice twist at the end. I like this writer!
November 15, 2017
What happens when life gives you a second chance?
This is a story about second chances…second chances for living well and loving fully. It was so easy to become absorbed in this novel and to be hopeful for characters Rachel Weston and Quinn Farrelly. This is a wonderful story to open minds and perhaps could be a beginning to remove the barriers of talking about one’s past even if it includes prison time. It is also a story of encouragement to open one’s heart to love again and giving yourself the gift of dreaming “new dreams” and being open to all the possibilities that life and loving have to offer. Reading this story might also give some the hope and strength one needs to find within to believe in the possibilities of second chances in their own lives.
I’d also like to highlight the beauty of the cover design for this title by Bonnie Liss (Phoenix Graphics, Winter Haven, FL). I am very respectful that the publisher of Bella Books made a specific choice not to brand the novel by a cover design that revealed the homosexual component of this story. In allowing the author to let the characters evolve through the timeline of the story, it allows time for the reader to become more engrossed in the lives of Rachel and Quinn. As the friendship builds to romantic moments the descriptions are sweet and tender.
This is a story about second chances…second chances for living well and loving fully. It was so easy to become absorbed in this novel and to be hopeful for characters Rachel Weston and Quinn Farrelly. This is a wonderful story to open minds and perhaps could be a beginning to remove the barriers of talking about one’s past even if it includes prison time. It is also a story of encouragement to open one’s heart to love again and giving yourself the gift of dreaming “new dreams” and being open to all the possibilities that life and loving have to offer. Reading this story might also give some the hope and strength one needs to find within to believe in the possibilities of second chances in their own lives.
I’d also like to highlight the beauty of the cover design for this title by Bonnie Liss (Phoenix Graphics, Winter Haven, FL). I am very respectful that the publisher of Bella Books made a specific choice not to brand the novel by a cover design that revealed the homosexual component of this story. In allowing the author to let the characters evolve through the timeline of the story, it allows time for the reader to become more engrossed in the lives of Rachel and Quinn. As the friendship builds to romantic moments the descriptions are sweet and tender.
November 3, 2021
Lyn Denison has been a pioneer of the lesbian book since 1990, when she released her first book.
She has written over twenty books formerly published by Bella Books. The 90s were not yet very open to lesbianism. but since that date she has been able to write lesbian romances with sexual relations.
Many lesbian books today would not be published if some authors had not taken the lead. Read,The Wild One, Gold Fever, among others.
Read her books and see the modernity of what she wrote.
She has written over twenty books formerly published by Bella Books. The 90s were not yet very open to lesbianism. but since that date she has been able to write lesbian romances with sexual relations.
Many lesbian books today would not be published if some authors had not taken the lead. Read,The Wild One, Gold Fever, among others.
Read her books and see the modernity of what she wrote.
December 7, 2022
Like the book
I felt towards the end the book came up short. There are a lot of loose ends that are not closed, or address which I feel should have been conculded. I feel like the story is not complete.
I felt towards the end the book came up short. There are a lot of loose ends that are not closed, or address which I feel should have been conculded. I feel like the story is not complete.
June 8, 2024
The narrator was spectacular and kept me going with the book!
I enjoyed the book, I really did. However, the ending came too quickly and everything buttoned up WAY too fast. The plot and the twists and turns were spectacular, however. I did enjoy it, it just ended way too soon and needed more.
I enjoyed the book, I really did. However, the ending came too quickly and everything buttoned up WAY too fast. The plot and the twists and turns were spectacular, however. I did enjoy it, it just ended way too soon and needed more.
November 12, 2012
Cute, sweet story
October 28, 2017
Lovely story - light and gentle. I am partial to Aussie authors and settings as there is a slight wackiness to them as well as understanding the southern hemisphere weather.
May 7, 2023
The Wild One was among the first books I fell in love with, and Rachel and Quinn have stayed with me over the years. Lyn Denison wrote these women in such a realistic fashion, especially Rachel's inner dialogue. It's a beautiful story of finding a way home through strength and love...and facing a long-hidden truth.
March 4, 2024
Scrolling through previous reviews I can see frustration that readers didn't get the follow through they thought the story deserved. While I agree, I don't think it deterred from the book at all.
What we have is a well written story of redemption and love. It's about the mistakes people make and how we as a society treat each other based on pre conceived prejudices.
And it only takes one person to see through these prejudices and find the true person within.
I think the author very successfully portrayed this. The characters were all cohesive to the story. In my opinion it was very well written and I really enjoyed it
What we have is a well written story of redemption and love. It's about the mistakes people make and how we as a society treat each other based on pre conceived prejudices.
And it only takes one person to see through these prejudices and find the true person within.
I think the author very successfully portrayed this. The characters were all cohesive to the story. In my opinion it was very well written and I really enjoyed it
August 8, 2024
The Wild One
I enjoyed this one- first time author for me!
Rachel and Quinn have great chemistry. Rachel is wholesome, well- known, and well-liked in the small town. Quinn is considered a troublemaker, with a past to prove it.
The only thing was that it ended quickly. Like I want more of them!
I enjoyed this one- first time author for me!
Rachel and Quinn have great chemistry. Rachel is wholesome, well- known, and well-liked in the small town. Quinn is considered a troublemaker, with a past to prove it.
The only thing was that it ended quickly. Like I want more of them!
December 2, 2025
This author is very good at writing feel good novels with characters you'd be happy to make friends with. The aspect I appreciate about this book is how a person coming from a bad situation, as long as you're willing to put in the work to change your life, and you come across an opportunity or person willing to take a chance on you, you can make it through and come out the other side stronger.
July 13, 2017
4 stars only because it wasn't long enough, both in terms of ending too soon, and having gaps in the story, imo. Also took me longer than it should've to figure out it's set in Australia and not the UK.
January 6, 2021
This is a sweet little tale of a romance which has been burning since
Rachel and Quinn were in high school.
An easy, romantic read set against consequences of choices taken.
Quinn and Rachel are very likeable characters who manage to at last make the right choice.
Rachel and Quinn were in high school.
An easy, romantic read set against consequences of choices taken.
Quinn and Rachel are very likeable characters who manage to at last make the right choice.
July 19, 2021
Me ha gustado mucho, es muy corto y se lee muy rápido, aunque me habría gustado que se hubiera alargado un poco más para saber lo que ocurre después ☺️ Aunque es una historia simple, es muy natural y bonita, y se notaba mucha tensión entre ambas protagonistas
January 2, 2025
The cover has changed. The book was lovely. It seems like a person with a business needing help and will take what she can get. She got someone who can do more than she ever imagined but who came with a bad reputation. Not all is as it seems. Both women were hard workers and strong humans.
May 4, 2025
A Forever Love
Quinn and Rachel loved each other in high school but it wasn’t their time. This book grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn’t stop reading until the happy ending.
Quinn and Rachel loved each other in high school but it wasn’t their time. This book grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn’t stop reading until the happy ending.
September 14, 2025
Maybe her reputation wasn’t earned..
First book I’ve read by Lyn and enjoyed it. Was a nice story of two women finding each other forming a friendship and then so much more. The story had some twists which added to the story line. I’ll definitely be reading more of Lyn’s books.
First book I’ve read by Lyn and enjoyed it. Was a nice story of two women finding each other forming a friendship and then so much more. The story had some twists which added to the story line. I’ll definitely be reading more of Lyn’s books.
January 18, 2024
Quick ending, love it though
I love the storyline. Rachel and Quinn slowly got to know each other, even their kids loved each other.
You’ll enjoy it.
I love the storyline. Rachel and Quinn slowly got to know each other, even their kids loved each other.
You’ll enjoy it.
December 24, 2014
One of my favorite!! I love the characters.
Quinn and Rachel are lovely
Quinn and Rachel are lovely
December 26, 2014
3.5 rounded to 4 stars. A shorter novel, but sweet and well paced. The author avoids a lot of potential conflict at the end, but I was pleased that aspect wasn't dragged out.
November 26, 2015
A light and warming love story. I liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews