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Love Across Time #3
Wild as the West Texas Wind
Soulmates across time. Two hearts that were meant to be together.
In present day, Zach takes a road trip to Trinidad to find information on a missing friend.
In 1892, Layton Blue, outlaw, longs for hearth and home even as he treasures his life of freedom.
A freak rainstorm washes Zach's car into a ditch, sending him back to the year 1892. Searching for help, alone and on foot in the middle of the nowhere, he crosses paths with the famous Ketchum Gang. Now the gang’s prisoner, Zach’s fate is to be sold at a seedy auction for whores.
Layton is put in charge of making sure Zach does not escape, but as the chemistry between them grows, Layton finds himself wanting to help Zach.
Can Layton overcome years of being on the run? Can Zach accept help from an outlaw?
A male/male time travel romance complete with fast rides across the desert, campfires beneath the stars, cool water in the desert, wild rescues, and true love across time.
In present day, Zach takes a road trip to Trinidad to find information on a missing friend.
In 1892, Layton Blue, outlaw, longs for hearth and home even as he treasures his life of freedom.
A freak rainstorm washes Zach's car into a ditch, sending him back to the year 1892. Searching for help, alone and on foot in the middle of the nowhere, he crosses paths with the famous Ketchum Gang. Now the gang’s prisoner, Zach’s fate is to be sold at a seedy auction for whores.
Layton is put in charge of making sure Zach does not escape, but as the chemistry between them grows, Layton finds himself wanting to help Zach.
Can Layton overcome years of being on the run? Can Zach accept help from an outlaw?
A male/male time travel romance complete with fast rides across the desert, campfires beneath the stars, cool water in the desert, wild rescues, and true love across time.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2019
72 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Jackie North
49 books381 followersJackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
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October 25, 2022
"They're in love." Layton felt Zach press a kiss to the side of his head. "They'd do anything for each other, just like I'd do anything for you. I love you. If you want to leave and go roam the earth, we roam. If you want to stay and light kerosene lamps, then we light the lamps. I just want to be with you. I want to be your home."
"You are," said Layton as he closed his eyes, and let his body rest in Zach's arms. "You are my home."
You know it’s bad when the book starts feeling like the book is never ending even when you’re skimming.
That’s how this book felt to me.
The beginning of this was a strong, solid beginning. The writing didn’t fail to capture my full attention, once again, as JN’s books have previously done and continue doing. I’m enamored, to say the least, with this author's writing. She nails the historical aspect, keeping it accurate, stable, and discreet. There is always some new historical information to look forward to. And as a fellow New Mexican, I can’t help but feel a little biased towards my home state. Although this is set in 1892 New Mexico territory, the connection is subtle yet strong. I loved reading about what it might have been like to be alive in that moment. Although not something I’d like for myself, I have loved seeing the imagery of this series come to live. It always feels like a movie playing in my head, with each scene, whether of action or dialogue, being shown to me. It’s beautiful, raw, and aching.
The writing is full of such visceral emotion, tension, and life. It comes to full view, hiding nothing from the reader. It’s easy to be transported into the small towns and imagine a film playing in front of you. It’s mellow with a mix of dark. It never feels like it’s overly descriptive or like it should become more loose. I can’t help but continue to feel in awe of this author's crafting. Her writing seems to get better and better with each book I read. Even though this is only the third book, and it wasn’t even one I really enjoyed, I have become a fan of her writing nonetheless. It’s gripping, emotional, enthralling, and nothing but poetic, full of emotion and life, pulling at your heartstrings, like singing a song to you, playing you a soundtrack, or showing you a film. But, I will say that it’s definitely not going to be something everyone will love. If you’re not a fan of purple prose/lyrical/flowery writing, I don’t think this series is for you. You might find yourself thinking the complete opposite as me and find the writing too descriptive and other the top. Personally, I love it, but it also depends on how it’s written and all. However, I’m a fan of Tal Bauer’s writing, so if that doesn’t tell you enough, I don’t know what will.
For the day, for this one single day, they could forget the trouble looming on the horizon. This would only last for the span of the day, but while it lasted, it would be good.
Adding on to that, the characters are easy to like and root for as well, especially after what they go through. At the moment, this is the harshest one in the series. Wild as the West Texas Wind was brutal and heartbreaking, full of cruelty and hate. But deep down, there’s also love, warmth, and hope. Again, we have a character transported back in time to 1892. Zach, known as Laurie’s roommate and best friend since high school (who we first meet in the previous, second book), planned to take a trip to Trinidad, CO in search of his best friend after receiving his letter, but what he finds instead is himself trapped in the western years of the late 1800s in New Mexico territory. After an unfortunate misunderstanding of events, he’s suddenly taken by an outlaw who goes by the name of Tom Ketchum of the Ketchum Gang, where he meets Layton Blue, a member of the gang. Layton has had a rough childhood, and when the offer of being free and making gold is presented to him by Tom, he takes it. Now all Layton dreams of is being free, living in a place with a man by his side, even though his desires and true natures are to be hidden, for they are illegal.
The way both Layton and Zach are treated here is harsh and brutal. Zach, especially, gets thrown into a life of misery and abuse, one where he was not prepared for at all, and having to adjust to a difficult time period is hard. The abuse is pretty on-page, but it’s also nothing too difficult to read. Regardless, Jackie North doesn’t hide the reality of the type of life Zach had to get used to. I don’t know if there’s another word for it, but it’s like slavery at that point, forced labor with your life on the line if you disobey the rules and orders given. Running away isn’t an option but instead a one-way ticket to death. Zach becomes someone Tom wants to sell at an auction for possibly 500 golden coins. Seeing how he was treated was unpleasant, and it only breaks my heart more not only for the way queer people were treated, but for how low human life was considered back then, and how easy it was to treat them like nothing but peppery. Still, I admired Zach’s character. He's the opposite of Laurie, and proves to show how opposites attract even platonically. He’s sharp-tongued, brave, and defiant, not letting himself be brought down. Despite how he gets treated by Tom and his gang, I admired his resilience, bravery, and courage, as well as how he would constantly bring himself up every time he got pushed down. He sometimes acts before he thinks, and it gets him into more trouble, but he doesn’t lose his spirit. The way Layton described him as having a bright fire is exactly right because that’s exactly how Zach was. .
Layton’s life wasn’t any easier. After being an orphan and having a rough childhood, the choice Tom offers him feels like the way towards freedom, but Layton doesn’t realize he’s paying with his loyalty until it’s too late. He’s also treated unjustly, and his life isn’t entirely better. Although there isn’t any whipping done every day, Tom’s domination and authority don’t go ignored as unanswered. He rules the place and knows that no one is ahead of him. Layton’s only reliable source of comfort is his horse, Tam, who Tom gave to him “for free,” which Zach tells him he’s paying for with his loyalty. It was sad to see how Layton would talk to Tam about the life he wanted but how difficult it would be to have it, especially for the true nature his body desires and craves. The crush he develops towards Zach feels wrong at first that he isn’t sure, but Zach, being from the future, reassures him that it’s only the two of them at the moment. He’s a little more soft than Zach, but still a strong character. He’s afraid, and for good reason, but doesn’t let himself be brought down either. His spirit is still high, and I loved seeing how he stood up for Zach every chance he got. I admired his dedication, patience, and flexible attitude.
"You're paying with your loyalty," said Zach. "You pay for it every day you don't leave him behind and make your own life. You might think you're free, you might think that I'm the one who's the prisoner here, but I'm telling you, the most powerful prison is the one you don't know you're locked inside of."
Yet, despite the emotional impact this book has, and how much I loved the characters, it wasn’t enough for me to enjoy the romance. I can’t help but it felt like it dragged and lacked chemistry. It got to the point where I was skimming, yet the book still wouldn’t come to an end, and I wondered if the pages just magically increased because it felt like it never ended. I would be reading and felt like putting the book down right after. I started skimming but even that felt long. After the 50% mark, it felt like it was dragging, and I was wondering when our two main characters would begin showing their attraction towards each other. While there was still time that passed until they showed their true feelings towards each other, it didn’t provoke the same emotions the previous two books did. Even though I thought the first book lacked a little in the relationship development and the emotional connection felt a little lacking, it was then easy to see how they fell for each other because of the time they spent together. While Layton and Zach also spent almost every moment together, especially in Bell Ranch, where Zach was healing and resting while they dreaded the moment Tom returned, it didn’t feel enough. The relationship felt a little forced, as if they two had to somehow reconcile and get together. Although the attraction between the two men was obvious and stated, I couldn’t understand where and when the mutual connection was fully formed. It felt like another case of needing to accept the relationship as it is, even if I wasn’t fully on board.
The relationship also developed a little too slow for me. While I’m all for a slow burn romance (I prefer them slow), there weren’t enough moments between the two to make me believe in that mutual romantic attraction. I also thought their conversations were left hanging, which I think contributed to the lack of chemistry. Even though there were a few things between them to enjoy, like the pining, how they started slowly trusting each other, and how they saw each other for who they really were, the relationship did not feel closed enough. It was as if there were holes puncturing the door. There were missing gaps, and they had to be filled before the characters took another step in the relationship. It seems like I’m one of the only ones who saw it this way, as this book, despite how underrated (well, how underrated the series is), seems to have received positive feedback from others. All in all, I really liked Zach and Layton as individuals, but as a couple, it was hard to believe in their romance.
With three more books left to read, there’s still potential for me to like the next books as much as I enjoyed the second book. My curiosity in JN‘s other books and series (especially her contemporary cowboy series, Farthingdale Ranch), has piqued my interest. I’m so curious to see how else her uniqueness and mastery in writing take control in a different series with similar vibes. While I don’t entirely recommend this installment, I recommend the author’s writing, so I’d say this is worth reading for that part mostly. There’s still a lot to look forward to here, like hurt/comfort (same as the previous books), first times, tender moments under the stars, riding through the desert, sacrifices made for those you love, love across time, and “Wherever you go, I go.”
"I don't know anything about what might happen," said Zach. "And I won't blame you for it when it does, okay?" He nodded, keeping Layton's hand in his until he saw Layton nod as well. "But we're here now, you and me. And while I don't know that we can stick together to see this through—hell, I don't know what I'm saying, okay? Just that I wanted to thank you for being nice and trying to look out for me."
February 23, 2019
Searching for a lost friend in present day Colorado, Zach is blindsided by a storm. His car skids off the road and into a river; drenched and freezing, Zach wonders into what looks like (and actually is) an Old West town and interrupts the wrong card game.
Layton is part of an outlaw gang led by Tom Ketchum (a real historical figure). Tom is mean and impulsive, but he likes Layton. That's why Layton keeps his mouth shut. He dreams of a roof over his head and someone by his side. He plays his harmonica, wishing for a different, more settled life.
Unlike the first two Love Across Time books, Wild as the West Texas Wind is not a complete standalone. If you read the second book in the series, you'll remember Laurie who goes back to 1891 and meets reclusive John, the love of his life. At the end of that book, Laurie and John dream of moving to Colorado and opening a hotel. Zach is Laurie's best friend in the present day, and it's Laurie he's looking for in Colorado.
And Zach finds him, but first he finds Layton in 1892 Colorado. Zach and Layton's romance is a quiet, steady heartbeat. Layton is at Tom's mercy but protects Zach as much as he can from Tom's and the other outlaws' wrath. Tom is planning on selling Zach because Zach cost him the money lost in a card game.
Zach and Layton sleep in the dirt and keep each other warm. They talk. They trust. Layton's beloved horse, Tam, is the only other being Layton can count on.
In comparison to the first two books, this story is faster paced and intense. Danger lurks at every crossing, because Zach and Layton are at the mercy of a mad man.
My heart was in my throat as Zach and Layton made their great escape. I LOVED seeing Laurie and John again, which is why I suggest you read the second book prior to reading this one.
Jackie North has a way of capturing the essence of a time and place. I adore this series!
My only complaint, and it's the same one I've voiced in my reviews for the previous Love Across Time books, is that the ending here is very abrupt. It's a tentative HFN rather than a HEA.
My hope is that we'll see more of Zach and Layton in the next book in this series. Please let it be so.
Layton is part of an outlaw gang led by Tom Ketchum (a real historical figure). Tom is mean and impulsive, but he likes Layton. That's why Layton keeps his mouth shut. He dreams of a roof over his head and someone by his side. He plays his harmonica, wishing for a different, more settled life.
Unlike the first two Love Across Time books, Wild as the West Texas Wind is not a complete standalone. If you read the second book in the series, you'll remember Laurie who goes back to 1891 and meets reclusive John, the love of his life. At the end of that book, Laurie and John dream of moving to Colorado and opening a hotel. Zach is Laurie's best friend in the present day, and it's Laurie he's looking for in Colorado.
And Zach finds him, but first he finds Layton in 1892 Colorado. Zach and Layton's romance is a quiet, steady heartbeat. Layton is at Tom's mercy but protects Zach as much as he can from Tom's and the other outlaws' wrath. Tom is planning on selling Zach because Zach cost him the money lost in a card game.
Zach and Layton sleep in the dirt and keep each other warm. They talk. They trust. Layton's beloved horse, Tam, is the only other being Layton can count on.
In comparison to the first two books, this story is faster paced and intense. Danger lurks at every crossing, because Zach and Layton are at the mercy of a mad man.
My heart was in my throat as Zach and Layton made their great escape. I LOVED seeing Laurie and John again, which is why I suggest you read the second book prior to reading this one.
Jackie North has a way of capturing the essence of a time and place. I adore this series!
My only complaint, and it's the same one I've voiced in my reviews for the previous Love Across Time books, is that the ending here is very abrupt. It's a tentative HFN rather than a HEA.
My hope is that we'll see more of Zach and Layton in the next book in this series. Please let it be so.
November 3, 2022
"There were shooting stars that night. I wished for a home, and someone to share it with. Someone to light the lamp. Someone like you."
I skipped book one, absolutely loved book 2, and probably went in with my expectations too high on book 3.
The first part of this story set the focus for the story very well. However, it was S. L. O. W. It took until a good 50% in before I was really invested in these two characters. No real conversations, just a few sneaking glances and internal dialogue.
What worked:
Time travel
Atmospheric, lyrical, and heart melting
The old west slower pace of life
Layton talking to his horse like she was his therapist
Zach and his skittle underdrawers
What didn't work:
The achingly slow paste the first half of the story
Intimate scenes, needed more
More communication
Asshole bad guy that SPANKED his men?
I really don't understand how these men keep their time travel a secret. It felt jarring at the end of the story when Zach and Laurie have this conversation.
"Wait," said Laurie, holding up his hand. "Don't forget. John doesn't know about time travel. I don't know how to tell him, so we can't ever, ever talk about it in front of him, okay?"
Never? You're going to go through your entire life keeping this massive secret from the person you love the most?
I skipped book one, absolutely loved book 2, and probably went in with my expectations too high on book 3.
The first part of this story set the focus for the story very well. However, it was S. L. O. W. It took until a good 50% in before I was really invested in these two characters. No real conversations, just a few sneaking glances and internal dialogue.
What worked:
Time travel
Atmospheric, lyrical, and heart melting
The old west slower pace of life
Layton talking to his horse like she was his therapist
Zach and his skittle underdrawers
What didn't work:
The achingly slow paste the first half of the story
Intimate scenes, needed more
More communication
Asshole bad guy that SPANKED his men?
I really don't understand how these men keep their time travel a secret. It felt jarring at the end of the story when Zach and Laurie have this conversation.
"Wait," said Laurie, holding up his hand. "Don't forget. John doesn't know about time travel. I don't know how to tell him, so we can't ever, ever talk about it in front of him, okay?"
Never? You're going to go through your entire life keeping this massive secret from the person you love the most?
October 14, 2022
This book makes a lot of sense after you’ve read the previous one, but if you’re in it just for the couple, I guess it’s fine to read as a standalone. Highly recommend to read book #2 first to enjoy the full experience ;)
After Honey from the Lion, I can’t help but start the next one. I knew it was going to be as amazing and here I am hehe ;) I really enjoyed this !! let’s break it down.
Layton adored Zach from the first sight and it was the best thing I’ve ever read. It was an original can’t compare to how I see yourself through my eyes moment 🥺 How he wanted to protect him, but had to keep quiet and his devotion to make sure the fire in Zach’s eyes never dimmed - that’s what Layton actually thought of Zach 🥹 And how patient he is, holding back and learning Zach in silence damn it was lovely! Fuck, I love this book. I love Zach and Layton! 😩💗
“He had the heart of a lion.” Layton described Zach at the beginning of the book even though he just met Zach. It’s just the way he sees Zach and inside of Zach, damn 😭😭
I loved Zach in a different way I loved Laurie in the previous book. Not that Laurie was lesser, he was awesome! Zach has a solid and confident personality and always know how to stand up for himself and I adore MC like that. Fucking weakness. Compared to Laurie who questioned everything - made me feel sad, guilty and so much love for him, Zach made me feel justified and content. Even though there are scenes that made me feel so bad, I had such high confidence for him the whole time. He knew all his ways in adapting to new things and his self esteem is top tier! Gosh, he’s so admirable! I love how different every MCs in every book. I get something unique every time :)
I love the setting so so much, I loved the whole outlaws gang concept even though it was disturbing. I also loved all of the details in the world building, desert pool, Inn, etc. The whole plot was giving my own imagination comfort. And the journey throughout this book was enjoyable I couldn’t put it down.
I love the relationship development THE MOST. It wasn’t easy, just how I like it and the journey to get there was nothing but wholesome! The waiting, secret looks they share, pining, Layton checking Zach out every single time he could and then the secret obsession. I was rooting for them so bad !!! And it was realistic too seeing Layton as one of the outlaws and how Zach was mistreated the whole time. I love that they both just fit together. Layton was hope for Zach. And Zach was a sweet change for Layton’s life. As if they were meant to be.
Now, it’s getting hard to pick which book I love more. Honey From the Lion was sad and heartwrenching and this was all kinds of heartwarming and comforting. Both have their charms and a unique way of me enjoying them. Well, I always end up choosing both in everything so yeah, I love em both ;) (maybe leaning towards this one because I can’t resist Layton. LOL. he’s a sweetheart) I am definitely loving this series! Again, thanks Hugo for the rant dumping ;)
As usual, favourite details **with SPOILERS**:
☺︎ their first night 🥺🥺🥺 i was awwwh-ing like crazy
☺︎ Layton playing harmonica agagaga so good!
☺︎ Zach backpacking Layton on the horse 🥺🥺
☺︎ “D’you think he’d like me better after I’ve shaved and cleaned up?” Awwwww Layton 🥹
☺︎ SHAVING SCENE !!! THE TENSION i want moreee scenes like this !! 😩😩😩😩
☺︎ Zach always tries to be so close to Layton😭💗
☺︎ Layton knows Zach’s “this is bullshit” moment 😩😩
☺︎ nights at the (resort) I forgot the name
☺︎ pool desert - swimming and checking out each other THATS ROMANTICALLY HOT
☺︎ teaching Tam with whistling
☺︎ riding horse and hang out at the (resort) what’s the resort NAME AGAIN whatever😭
☺︎ their first time SO HOT SO INTIMATE 🫣🥹🫣🥹
☺︎ Rainbow underdrawer 😂
☺︎ “What if they see us like this?” FUCK IT JUST BE GAYYYY EVERYONE CAN FUCKOFF 😭🥹😭😭
After Honey from the Lion, I can’t help but start the next one. I knew it was going to be as amazing and here I am hehe ;) I really enjoyed this !! let’s break it down.
Layton adored Zach from the first sight and it was the best thing I’ve ever read. It was an original can’t compare to how I see yourself through my eyes moment 🥺 How he wanted to protect him, but had to keep quiet and his devotion to make sure the fire in Zach’s eyes never dimmed - that’s what Layton actually thought of Zach 🥹 And how patient he is, holding back and learning Zach in silence damn it was lovely! Fuck, I love this book. I love Zach and Layton! 😩💗
“He had the heart of a lion.” Layton described Zach at the beginning of the book even though he just met Zach. It’s just the way he sees Zach and inside of Zach, damn 😭😭
I loved Zach in a different way I loved Laurie in the previous book. Not that Laurie was lesser, he was awesome! Zach has a solid and confident personality and always know how to stand up for himself and I adore MC like that. Fucking weakness. Compared to Laurie who questioned everything - made me feel sad, guilty and so much love for him, Zach made me feel justified and content. Even though there are scenes that made me feel so bad, I had such high confidence for him the whole time. He knew all his ways in adapting to new things and his self esteem is top tier! Gosh, he’s so admirable! I love how different every MCs in every book. I get something unique every time :)
I love the setting so so much, I loved the whole outlaws gang concept even though it was disturbing. I also loved all of the details in the world building, desert pool, Inn, etc. The whole plot was giving my own imagination comfort. And the journey throughout this book was enjoyable I couldn’t put it down.
I love the relationship development THE MOST. It wasn’t easy, just how I like it and the journey to get there was nothing but wholesome! The waiting, secret looks they share, pining, Layton checking Zach out every single time he could and then the secret obsession. I was rooting for them so bad !!! And it was realistic too seeing Layton as one of the outlaws and how Zach was mistreated the whole time. I love that they both just fit together. Layton was hope for Zach. And Zach was a sweet change for Layton’s life. As if they were meant to be.
"I love you. If you want to leave and go roam earth, we roam. If you want to stay and light kerosene lamps, then we light the lamps. I just want to be with you. I want to be your home.”
Now, it’s getting hard to pick which book I love more. Honey From the Lion was sad and heartwrenching and this was all kinds of heartwarming and comforting. Both have their charms and a unique way of me enjoying them. Well, I always end up choosing both in everything so yeah, I love em both ;) (maybe leaning towards this one because I can’t resist Layton. LOL. he’s a sweetheart) I am definitely loving this series! Again, thanks Hugo for the rant dumping ;)
As usual, favourite details **with SPOILERS**:
☺︎ their first night 🥺🥺🥺 i was awwwh-ing like crazy
☺︎ Layton playing harmonica agagaga so good!
☺︎ Zach backpacking Layton on the horse 🥺🥺
☺︎ “D’you think he’d like me better after I’ve shaved and cleaned up?” Awwwww Layton 🥹
☺︎ SHAVING SCENE !!! THE TENSION i want moreee scenes like this !! 😩😩😩😩
☺︎ Zach always tries to be so close to Layton😭💗
☺︎ Layton knows Zach’s “this is bullshit” moment 😩😩
☺︎ nights at the (resort) I forgot the name
☺︎ pool desert - swimming and checking out each other THATS ROMANTICALLY HOT
☺︎ teaching Tam with whistling
☺︎ riding horse and hang out at the (resort) what’s the resort NAME AGAIN whatever😭
☺︎ their first time SO HOT SO INTIMATE 🫣🥹🫣🥹
☺︎ Rainbow underdrawer 😂
☺︎ “What if they see us like this?” FUCK IT JUST BE GAYYYY EVERYONE CAN FUCKOFF 😭🥹😭😭
February 22, 2019
FYI -- "Wild as the West Texas Wind" builds on the second book in the series "Honey from the Lion" but I think this could perhaps be read as a stand-alone (although you'll definitely want to read Laurie and John's love story - it's a good one!).
After receiving a mysterious letter from Laurie (dated 1892) via Western Union, his best friend Zach travels to Colorado to see if he can unearth any information about Laurie's strange disappearance. A freak storm sends him to 1892 and in the grip of a band of outlaws led by Tom Ketchum (who, it turns out, was a real-life outlaw who rode with Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Gang). Zach is immediately enamoured with one of the outlaws, Layton, but can't reconcile Layton's outlaw ways with his gentle personality.
I must admit that the pace of this story did feel a bit too leisurely at times as Tom Ketchum plans to sell Zach at an upcoming slave auction in a nearby bordello (a plot device that I found somewhat ... jarring), but the delay does give Zach and Layton time together to get to know each other and gives us the opportunity to see what lies beneath Layton's quiet ways. We learn that Layton's choice at age 15 to throw his lot in with Tom Ketchum had really been the only option he had. We feel Layton's isolation as he thinks he may be the only man to feel this attraction for other men. We see his longing for a different way of life:
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
After receiving a mysterious letter from Laurie (dated 1892) via Western Union, his best friend Zach travels to Colorado to see if he can unearth any information about Laurie's strange disappearance. A freak storm sends him to 1892 and in the grip of a band of outlaws led by Tom Ketchum (who, it turns out, was a real-life outlaw who rode with Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Gang). Zach is immediately enamoured with one of the outlaws, Layton, but can't reconcile Layton's outlaw ways with his gentle personality.
I must admit that the pace of this story did feel a bit too leisurely at times as Tom Ketchum plans to sell Zach at an upcoming slave auction in a nearby bordello (a plot device that I found somewhat ... jarring), but the delay does give Zach and Layton time together to get to know each other and gives us the opportunity to see what lies beneath Layton's quiet ways. We learn that Layton's choice at age 15 to throw his lot in with Tom Ketchum had really been the only option he had. We feel Layton's isolation as he thinks he may be the only man to feel this attraction for other men. We see his longing for a different way of life:
But now, standing beneath the darkening sky, he [Layton] saw the light of kerosene lamps in the small town being lit one by one. Glowing golden smudges flickered from behind squares of glass framed by swaths of curtain, as though the houses and buildings themselves were holding the light close, not letting it escape into the darkness. Layton could see the lights just the same, each one representing the one thing he did not have, the one thing he truly longed for; a sense of place he could call his own.The romance between Zach and Layton is not a sex-filled romp but a slow reveal and a gradual realization that works well in this setting. I loved the ending which gives us more details about Laurie and John and I hope that the next book in this series will bring Zach and Laurie's friend Maxton into the mix. 5 stars and a Recommended Read for "Wild as the West Texas Wind."
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
February 28, 2019
After receiving an impossible letter from his best friend–dated 1892–after Laurie’s second disappearance, Zach does what any level headed person would do: he goes to the cops. And they do what any level-headed law enforcement division would do: place him on the top of the suspect list and drag him off to an interrogation room. Luckily for Zach a 100+ year old letter is not much evidence (for better or worse) of anything, and he is let go. He still has no clue where his best friend is, though, so he high-tails it to Trinidad, New Mexico–where the letter was sent from–in hopes of finding some answers. He isn’t exactly thrilled when the “answer” seems to be to pull him over a hundred years into the past and into the “loving” arms of a band of outlaws who plan to sell his lily-white ass as compensation for a poker game he interrupted. And Zach might now be in the right century to confront his best friend, but Laurie might as well be a million miles away, still, since it doesn’t look like the pyscho holding him hostage is ever going to let him go. Not without a hefty payout, at least. Even Layton, the soft-hearted outlaw who tries to befriend Zach, is not much help. Stuck in the wilds of the New Mexico Territory, Zach must somehow survive long enough to find his friend and hopefully some way back to the land of cellphones, cars, and proper grooming products.
Taking up shortly after the end of the second book in this series, Honey From the Lion, this story can pretty easily be read as a stand-alone. Though I will say that this one does somewhat spoil the ending of the second book, so if you are planning on reading Honey I would absolutely say read it before starting this Wild as the West Texas Wind (incidentally, book one, Heroes for Ghosts, which I will be reviewing later this week, is not connected to either of these so it can be read at any point). Honey also offers a nice primer on what to expect out this story, so I would also recommend it for that reason. And on top of all that it is just a really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I also really liked this one, though I had a few issues with some of the content, so it didn’t quite hit the mark that book two set. The writing is still just as good though. I’ve been incredibly impressed by how easily Jackie North has made the mixing of the two times seem. The language that happens in present time, as well in the 1892 (where a majority of this story takes place), each feel realistic, yet when Zach is in the past he still talks like he normally does–though he sometimes has to modify his colloquialism to try and make sense. Which is something I appreciate. I always find it weird in time-travel stories where the person who goes back in time tries to affect the dialect or dialogue style of the historical characters right away, and it ends up feeling like a bad high-school play. Zach doesn’t become another person by simple virtue of traveling through time. He is a man from the 21st century trapped in the late 19th century and pretty damn pissed about it.
Which after you get into the story you will understand why. I was pretty damn well pissed on his behalf as well.
All I’ll say is: Fuck you, Tom Ketchum. I hope you get slowly digested by a sarlacc over the course of a thousand years…and feel every damn second of it.
Wow, that was actually rather cathartic. I should curse horrible fictional characters on a more regular basis.
I think overall this was a really good story. Though by the end, as you can tell, you really want Tom to suffer some horrible, unending rash, in incredibly awkward places. But that tension that is built from his looming assholishness makes for some good back-and-forth between Zach and Layton. Granted, your frustration with Layton mounts with every chapter, but the story did a good job of showing just why it is taking him so long to do the right thing.
My one real gripe here is that the sex stuff comes into play before Layton gets his shit together. It wasn’t enough to piss me off, or make me hate him, but…ugh, couldn’t the story have waited till after the two were not in this weird semi captor-captive relationship thing to get their sexy-times on? I get why they did it. There was some serious chemistry going on between them, but the story, I don’t think, would have suffered all that much from waiting till that whole dubious-consent area was gone completely. It might have required the readers to wait a bit longer, and as this is, it is a bit of a slow-burner, but I would have much preferred that over this consent-issue I now have.
It didn’t ruin the story, by any means, but it did make the story a bit less fun for me. Still, this was a really great story, and once you accept that you are going to want to hunt Tom down and feed him piece-by-piece to a rabid piranha, then you are in for one hell of a ride. I don’t know if Jackie North has any more of these stories planned, whether connected to these two or more stand-alone like the first one, but I’m all up for reading them if she does. I’ve had a lot of fun with this series and they are some high-tier time-travel stories for lovers of the sub-genre like me.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Taking up shortly after the end of the second book in this series, Honey From the Lion, this story can pretty easily be read as a stand-alone. Though I will say that this one does somewhat spoil the ending of the second book, so if you are planning on reading Honey I would absolutely say read it before starting this Wild as the West Texas Wind (incidentally, book one, Heroes for Ghosts, which I will be reviewing later this week, is not connected to either of these so it can be read at any point). Honey also offers a nice primer on what to expect out this story, so I would also recommend it for that reason. And on top of all that it is just a really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I also really liked this one, though I had a few issues with some of the content, so it didn’t quite hit the mark that book two set. The writing is still just as good though. I’ve been incredibly impressed by how easily Jackie North has made the mixing of the two times seem. The language that happens in present time, as well in the 1892 (where a majority of this story takes place), each feel realistic, yet when Zach is in the past he still talks like he normally does–though he sometimes has to modify his colloquialism to try and make sense. Which is something I appreciate. I always find it weird in time-travel stories where the person who goes back in time tries to affect the dialect or dialogue style of the historical characters right away, and it ends up feeling like a bad high-school play. Zach doesn’t become another person by simple virtue of traveling through time. He is a man from the 21st century trapped in the late 19th century and pretty damn pissed about it.
Which after you get into the story you will understand why. I was pretty damn well pissed on his behalf as well.
All I’ll say is: Fuck you, Tom Ketchum. I hope you get slowly digested by a sarlacc over the course of a thousand years…and feel every damn second of it.
Wow, that was actually rather cathartic. I should curse horrible fictional characters on a more regular basis.
I think overall this was a really good story. Though by the end, as you can tell, you really want Tom to suffer some horrible, unending rash, in incredibly awkward places. But that tension that is built from his looming assholishness makes for some good back-and-forth between Zach and Layton. Granted, your frustration with Layton mounts with every chapter, but the story did a good job of showing just why it is taking him so long to do the right thing.
My one real gripe here is that the sex stuff comes into play before Layton gets his shit together. It wasn’t enough to piss me off, or make me hate him, but…ugh, couldn’t the story have waited till after the two were not in this weird semi captor-captive relationship thing to get their sexy-times on? I get why they did it. There was some serious chemistry going on between them, but the story, I don’t think, would have suffered all that much from waiting till that whole dubious-consent area was gone completely. It might have required the readers to wait a bit longer, and as this is, it is a bit of a slow-burner, but I would have much preferred that over this consent-issue I now have.
It didn’t ruin the story, by any means, but it did make the story a bit less fun for me. Still, this was a really great story, and once you accept that you are going to want to hunt Tom down and feed him piece-by-piece to a rabid piranha, then you are in for one hell of a ride. I don’t know if Jackie North has any more of these stories planned, whether connected to these two or more stand-alone like the first one, but I’m all up for reading them if she does. I’ve had a lot of fun with this series and they are some high-tier time-travel stories for lovers of the sub-genre like me.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 24, 2023
Love the time travel:fish out of water trope
Moving on to the next book in the series, because after 324 pages I’m not ready to leave the Wild West in 1892 just yet.
Moving on to the next book in the series, because after 324 pages I’m not ready to leave the Wild West in 1892 just yet.
February 22, 2019
...but I'm telling you, the most powerful prison is the one you don't know you're locked inside of...
Jackie North has easily become my new favorite author for just two books of her. There's no secret that I loved Honey From the Lion to bits, because how adorable Laurie and John were.
This book should be read after Laurie and John, so we'll know what to expect from this book.
Started with a wish from Layton (pay attention with chapter one closely), the story begun.
This is a story of finding yourself and what you really want in your life. Layton had been an outlaw for five years after Tom took him under his wings, and like Zach said to him, he had been 'a prisoner without a door' for Tom. Never dare to take a step toward his dream of a peaceful life. Until Zach.
Layton irritated me at first with his cowardice to stand up for himself and Zach. But the situation was 1892, which understandable.
But Zach is a little spitfire that Layton needed in his life. Together with Tam, Layton's adorable pretty horse, the trio fought for life they dream of.
"I love you. If you want to leave and go roam the earth, we roam. If you want to stay and light kerosene lamp, then we light the lamps. I just want to be with you. I want to be your home"
"You are, you are my home"
Then came Laurie and John in the picture, my life is complete.
Will the four of them finally get their happy ending? In 1892, the happy ending is the most HEA after all.
Cannot wait for the next installment!
Want to read
September 11, 20199/11/19 Currently on sale via Amazon for 99c: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NY6J8XN/...
March 20, 2019
3.5 stars
This was same rating for me as the last book, for a different and same reason at the same time. This was a LOT more fast paced than the second book, a lot more exciting, with high stakes and a much more interesting plot. So it wasn't a slow story at all, which was a plus.
But I didn't quite feel as big a connection between Zach and Layton as I had with John and Laurie. While their story was SO slow, at least we got a ton of scenes of them connecting and watching them fall in love.
For Zach and Layton, there were little moments sprinkled here and there, but a lot of time was spent with the other outlaws - and Zach was basically being tortured by Tom Ketchum - and then Zach getting sick and recovering at the ranch with Layton, but then he was pissed at Layton and thought the worst of him for going along with Tom Ketchum and not doing anything to help Zach escape. It was only near the end of their stay at the ranch that they really started to connect.
So it took too long to get that connection between them, and then there was soooo little steam - even less then the last two books - and then shit was happening at the end and then they barely have a chance to catch their breath and agree to be together before it was just...over. That bothered me.
Also, yes, this a spoiler, but Zach doesn't tell Layton about the time travel either. Like, why the fuck??? My ONLY guess is that it will all come out in Maxton's book - which, I believe there will be one, if I'm not mistaken - and I will read that just to hope that all of them will tell their guys about the time travel (I think Maxton will go back in time too...and I bet his LI will be the Sheriff of the town Laurie and John live in) because this is just ridiculous.
We get to see Laurie and John at the end of this, but of COURSE Laurie still hasn't told John and it's just...pissing me off. Now Zach with Layton too. You. Are. Keeping. Something. From. Your. Boyfriends!!! That's not okay!
And I cannot tell you how much it annoyed me that Zach would say all these modern things and Layton wouldn't understand and Zach wouldn't explain shit and then Layton would shrug it off and ignore it. The SAME thing happened with Laurie and John in the last book. It was beyond frustrating.
But why did I round up to 4 stars with this? Well, the action was exciting, I was so happy this wasn't as slow and boring at times as the last book, and while Zach and Layton could have connected a lot more, I still enjoyed their connection at times (although I didn't quite feel the love once they got to confessing it. There just wasn't enough between them.) At times I wonder if Zach even liked Layton with how pissed he was at him. But then at times I could clearly see how Zach liked Layton. But it was up and down, and I just wanted more from Zach's side, and just more connection overall.
And yes yes, sex isn't everything, especially penetrative sex...but I was expecting it, not gonna lie. Instead all we got was one handjob scene and one blowjob scene that was over pretty quickly, on both ends. I wanted more heat and passion, and yeah, more romance. The lack of romance - compared to the last two books - left the sex scenes lacking.
Also, while I very much enjoyed the plot in this over the last one, I was happy that Zach made it to Laurie and they were able to reunite. Their friendship is pretty great. *cough*wish more depth had been given to Zach and Layton*cough*
So, this definitely earned points for me with a good, wild plot that kept me guessing and on my feet as well and a MUCH faster pace but lost points for me with the not telling about the time travel, once again, and less of a connection for the romantic couple then I've come to expect from this author. The first two were SO good at the romance.
Which, the first book feels SO disconnected from these two, almost like a different series. It was just so different with the going in the future and knowing about the time travel and the level of romance and everything. That is still far and beyond my fave in this series.
Here's hoping Maxton's book will be amazing (and will also bring out the truth to all the boyfriends. If not, I'll be pissed, ngl.)
This was same rating for me as the last book, for a different and same reason at the same time. This was a LOT more fast paced than the second book, a lot more exciting, with high stakes and a much more interesting plot. So it wasn't a slow story at all, which was a plus.
But I didn't quite feel as big a connection between Zach and Layton as I had with John and Laurie. While their story was SO slow, at least we got a ton of scenes of them connecting and watching them fall in love.
For Zach and Layton, there were little moments sprinkled here and there, but a lot of time was spent with the other outlaws - and Zach was basically being tortured by Tom Ketchum - and then Zach getting sick and recovering at the ranch with Layton, but then he was pissed at Layton and thought the worst of him for going along with Tom Ketchum and not doing anything to help Zach escape. It was only near the end of their stay at the ranch that they really started to connect.
So it took too long to get that connection between them, and then there was soooo little steam - even less then the last two books - and then shit was happening at the end and then they barely have a chance to catch their breath and agree to be together before it was just...over. That bothered me.
Also, yes, this a spoiler, but Zach doesn't tell Layton about the time travel either. Like, why the fuck??? My ONLY guess is that it will all come out in Maxton's book - which, I believe there will be one, if I'm not mistaken - and I will read that just to hope that all of them will tell their guys about the time travel (I think Maxton will go back in time too...and I bet his LI will be the Sheriff of the town Laurie and John live in) because this is just ridiculous.
We get to see Laurie and John at the end of this, but of COURSE Laurie still hasn't told John and it's just...pissing me off. Now Zach with Layton too. You. Are. Keeping. Something. From. Your. Boyfriends!!! That's not okay!
And I cannot tell you how much it annoyed me that Zach would say all these modern things and Layton wouldn't understand and Zach wouldn't explain shit and then Layton would shrug it off and ignore it. The SAME thing happened with Laurie and John in the last book. It was beyond frustrating.
But why did I round up to 4 stars with this? Well, the action was exciting, I was so happy this wasn't as slow and boring at times as the last book, and while Zach and Layton could have connected a lot more, I still enjoyed their connection at times (although I didn't quite feel the love once they got to confessing it. There just wasn't enough between them.) At times I wonder if Zach even liked Layton with how pissed he was at him. But then at times I could clearly see how Zach liked Layton. But it was up and down, and I just wanted more from Zach's side, and just more connection overall.
And yes yes, sex isn't everything, especially penetrative sex...but I was expecting it, not gonna lie. Instead all we got was one handjob scene and one blowjob scene that was over pretty quickly, on both ends. I wanted more heat and passion, and yeah, more romance. The lack of romance - compared to the last two books - left the sex scenes lacking.
Also, while I very much enjoyed the plot in this over the last one, I was happy that Zach made it to Laurie and they were able to reunite. Their friendship is pretty great. *cough*wish more depth had been given to Zach and Layton*cough*
So, this definitely earned points for me with a good, wild plot that kept me guessing and on my feet as well and a MUCH faster pace but lost points for me with the not telling about the time travel, once again, and less of a connection for the romantic couple then I've come to expect from this author. The first two were SO good at the romance.
Which, the first book feels SO disconnected from these two, almost like a different series. It was just so different with the going in the future and knowing about the time travel and the level of romance and everything. That is still far and beyond my fave in this series.
Here's hoping Maxton's book will be amazing (and will also bring out the truth to all the boyfriends. If not, I'll be pissed, ngl.)
February 8, 2019
Jackie has done it again! I rarely read historical fiction but she is one of a very few authors I will. It’s also time travel done in a way I like. In book one Laurie left his friends behind but Zach, out trying to find clues, suddenly finds himself in 1892 and in the hands of a ruthless outlaw. Layton is part of the gang but he’s far different than the others. I’m thrilled with the authentic feel and descriptions of New Mexico in the story and the details of life in that time. From living rough to how a staying in a home is arranged is easy to imagine.
The alternating perspectives are excellent, giving a window into Zach mind as he faces this shocking change he’s experienced and then exploring Layton’s turmoil over old loyalties but wanting to help and save Zach. This is extremely slow burn but it’s beautifully tender when Zach and Layton find a moment to explore each other. The ups and downs of suspense and anticipation about killed me too, continuing until almost the very last chapter. It does end rather abruptly, not really a cliffhanger but I still had quite a few questions. There has to be another book coming and I’m sure it’s going to be Maxton’s. You could read this on its own I suppose but I’d highly recommend Laurie and John’s story (book two) first. So good!
The alternating perspectives are excellent, giving a window into Zach mind as he faces this shocking change he’s experienced and then exploring Layton’s turmoil over old loyalties but wanting to help and save Zach. This is extremely slow burn but it’s beautifully tender when Zach and Layton find a moment to explore each other. The ups and downs of suspense and anticipation about killed me too, continuing until almost the very last chapter. It does end rather abruptly, not really a cliffhanger but I still had quite a few questions. There has to be another book coming and I’m sure it’s going to be Maxton’s. You could read this on its own I suppose but I’d highly recommend Laurie and John’s story (book two) first. So good!
March 12, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Wild as the West Texas Wind is the third book in Jackie North’s time traveling Love Across Time series. It takes place after the events of book two, Honey from a Lion, and it would be best to have read that book to fully understand the events taking place here as Zach is searching for what happened to his best friend, Laurie.
It was easy to get caught up in this book initially as Zach is devasted when Laurie is missing and he searches for answers. Zach then finds himself also in the year 1892 and immediately walks into trouble with Tom. Zach is taken hostage by Tom and the gang and has no resources to escape or to continue his search for Laurie.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Wild as the West Texas Wind is the third book in Jackie North’s time traveling Love Across Time series. It takes place after the events of book two, Honey from a Lion, and it would be best to have read that book to fully understand the events taking place here as Zach is searching for what happened to his best friend, Laurie.
It was easy to get caught up in this book initially as Zach is devasted when Laurie is missing and he searches for answers. Zach then finds himself also in the year 1892 and immediately walks into trouble with Tom. Zach is taken hostage by Tom and the gang and has no resources to escape or to continue his search for Laurie.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 11, 2019
This was an amazing slow burn, historical, time travel romance. The writing was vibrant with a true feeling of the Wild West. The plot was exciting and I found the pacing to be perfectly excruciating (you'll know what I mean if you read it) to the point where it broke me even while 'good things' were happening, because I knew 'bad things' were coming.
The relationship is just achingly beautiful and my heart broke over and over for Layton.
I'll definitely be reading again (and so wish I could get it in audio).
NB: One of the main characters from the previous book, Honey From the Lion, play an important in this book, but the situation is explained completely in the text and it's not necessary to have read it, however having read this, I will be going back to read the previous book
The relationship is just achingly beautiful and my heart broke over and over for Layton.
I'll definitely be reading again (and so wish I could get it in audio).
NB: One of the main characters from the previous book, Honey From the Lion, play an important in this book, but the situation is explained completely in the text and it's not necessary to have read it, however having read this, I will be going back to read the previous book
February 26, 2019
This was superb... it's just on 12.30am and I've just finished and I am so, so enamored with this story. I thought I loved Honey From The Lion but this story just about beats it. Jackie North KNOWS how to weave a story that draws you in and has you on the edge of your seat with its slow-burn brilliance. If you haven't read this series yet, what the hell are you doing? Shoo, shoo... get yourself to Amazon & one click all three books (you need to read Honey From The Lion before Wild As The West Texas Wind because of linkages). 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 15, 2019
2.5 Stars. This book was, sadly, plain boring. This was the slowest burn to ever not really burn at all. I both liked and disliked both Zach and Layton but I didn't like them together at all. Truly, Layton loved his horse the most of all. To be fair, Tam was a good horse but still... the love story between Layton and Zach should have had as much emotion. It didn't. The plot was drawn out too long and left a lot out. There were big huge holes that had no answer and the boys don't really connect until well after the 60% mark. Part of the reason I went directly to this one was to catch up with Laurie and John and that doesn't even happen in a fulfilling way.
Additionally, while I kind of tried to let it go in the last book, the authors use of "for" drove me crazy. "for he did...", "for it was....", "for there was no..." for, for, for. Ugh. If it was made into a drinking game every reader would die of alcohol poisoning.
This one missed the mark widely for me.
Additionally, while I kind of tried to let it go in the last book, the authors use of "for" drove me crazy. "for he did...", "for it was....", "for there was no..." for, for, for. Ugh. If it was made into a drinking game every reader would die of alcohol poisoning.
This one missed the mark widely for me.
February 23, 2019
I love the notion of two soulmates coming together across time to find each other and the love they are destined to share.
Wild as the West Texas Wind is a lengthy, slow-burn historical romance. Zach and Layton’s connection simmers from their first meeting and builds gradually as they spend time together and get to know each other. Zach has to deal with the fact that he has slipped back in time and appears to now be in 1892. Layton is dealing with his feelings for a man in an age where such an attraction was not discussed or portrayed openly. I liked that the story is told from both Zach and Layton’s point of view and we get an insight into their thoughts and feelings.
The author’s world-building skilfully portrays the old wild west and what life might have been like for a gang of outlaws.
There’s an important connection with the main characters from the previous book, Honey From the Lion, which I hadn’t read, but was able to work out the main plot points.
Wild as the West Texas Wind is a lengthy, slow-burn historical romance. Zach and Layton’s connection simmers from their first meeting and builds gradually as they spend time together and get to know each other. Zach has to deal with the fact that he has slipped back in time and appears to now be in 1892. Layton is dealing with his feelings for a man in an age where such an attraction was not discussed or portrayed openly. I liked that the story is told from both Zach and Layton’s point of view and we get an insight into their thoughts and feelings.
The author’s world-building skilfully portrays the old wild west and what life might have been like for a gang of outlaws.
There’s an important connection with the main characters from the previous book, Honey From the Lion, which I hadn’t read, but was able to work out the main plot points.
April 25, 2021
A beautiful slow-burn romance that just made my heart melt. This is Zach's story, (Laurie's best friend from the second book) and picks up at the end of that. He meets Layton, a member of the Ketchum gang in the most unfortunate way. I don't want to post spoilers, just that the journey they embark on and realizations they had from the moment they meet until the very last page was so relatable and fitting during that time. I love Zach's indomitable spirit and Layton's warmhearted nature (at odds with his current profession), as evidenced by his love for his horse Tam.
The love they have required sacrifices and they were willing to make it. How Jackie made two stories come together from Laurie's story to mesh with Zach's was just brilliant.
The love they have required sacrifices and they were willing to make it. How Jackie made two stories come together from Laurie's story to mesh with Zach's was just brilliant.
December 1, 2020
I said the stakes were low in Laurie's and John's book, but in this one the stakes couldn't be higher. I appreciated the intrigue. I know the next book also follows a friend of Laurie, making it the third book to be related, which makes the first one feel very disconnected from the others, even if they share a theme.
November 30, 2021
The rainbow underdrawer was the mvp
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
A WOWmazing slow burn from Jackie North!
Jackie North did it again! *hands down*
First…she made me falling in love with Stanley and Devon from Heroes for Ghosts, then she made me also falling deeply in love with both Laurie and John from Honey from The Lion, and now…she did it again and succeed made me falling in love with Zach and Layton!
If you’d reading Honey from The Lion and familiar with Laurie’s two best friend, Zach and Maxton that he left behind. This book is about Zach and his amazing journey back through the time to find his fate at old Texas land in 1892.
This book come with a very good storyline and was beautifully written with the details that will amazed you and take you back to the old Texas where the cowboys and outlaws took actions. The believable slow burn this book had offer had made the emotional connections between the two main characters (and with Tam the horse!) feels standout and so intense.
Wild As The West Texas Wind was a bit more intense than the previous book, but have nearly same tensions as the first book of this series. I was completely ‘blind’ and have this constant worries for what will happen to Zach since the first day he fell under Tom’s outlaws gang.
Zach’s life suddenly changed when a storm and floods almost took his life and washed away his car and leave him stranded in a strange place alone. On his way to find his way back to the town he met with the outlaws gang that soon made his life upside down.
Then come Layton, one of the gang member who Zach found slightly different with the others. In his struggle to stay alive in the whole strange situation that hit him since the storm, Layton’s had made him feels safe when his life was in uncertainty under the gang mercy.
For a long time, Layton had a wished for a home, steady life and someone to share it with. When Zach suddenly stumbled to his life, the urge to protect the man from all the danger slowly build in him. Zach and his braveness had open his eyes from the 'invisible prison' Tom’s had build around him. Layton want to be free and lived the life he’d been dreaming of, a simply normal life with someone he love for the rest of his life, but now he pictured all of that with Zach in it.
Zach was the reason that Layton was brave enough to do anything to make him safe even it’s mean he would risk his own life.
And with all the uncertainty of their future together, will a wish upon a star sealed their fate?
This book had consume me so deep and made it hard to put it down!
Jackie North really know how to pleased the reader desires with her utterly beautiful story.
Wild As The West Texas Wind is another amazing time travel romance from Jackie North that will melt your heart. So don’t you dare to miss it!
Recommended!!
Jackie North did it again! *hands down*
First…she made me falling in love with Stanley and Devon from Heroes for Ghosts, then she made me also falling deeply in love with both Laurie and John from Honey from The Lion, and now…she did it again and succeed made me falling in love with Zach and Layton!
If you’d reading Honey from The Lion and familiar with Laurie’s two best friend, Zach and Maxton that he left behind. This book is about Zach and his amazing journey back through the time to find his fate at old Texas land in 1892.
This book come with a very good storyline and was beautifully written with the details that will amazed you and take you back to the old Texas where the cowboys and outlaws took actions. The believable slow burn this book had offer had made the emotional connections between the two main characters (and with Tam the horse!) feels standout and so intense.
Wild As The West Texas Wind was a bit more intense than the previous book, but have nearly same tensions as the first book of this series. I was completely ‘blind’ and have this constant worries for what will happen to Zach since the first day he fell under Tom’s outlaws gang.
Zach’s life suddenly changed when a storm and floods almost took his life and washed away his car and leave him stranded in a strange place alone. On his way to find his way back to the town he met with the outlaws gang that soon made his life upside down.
Then come Layton, one of the gang member who Zach found slightly different with the others. In his struggle to stay alive in the whole strange situation that hit him since the storm, Layton’s had made him feels safe when his life was in uncertainty under the gang mercy.
For a long time, Layton had a wished for a home, steady life and someone to share it with. When Zach suddenly stumbled to his life, the urge to protect the man from all the danger slowly build in him. Zach and his braveness had open his eyes from the 'invisible prison' Tom’s had build around him. Layton want to be free and lived the life he’d been dreaming of, a simply normal life with someone he love for the rest of his life, but now he pictured all of that with Zach in it.
Zach was the reason that Layton was brave enough to do anything to make him safe even it’s mean he would risk his own life.
And with all the uncertainty of their future together, will a wish upon a star sealed their fate?
This book had consume me so deep and made it hard to put it down!
Jackie North really know how to pleased the reader desires with her utterly beautiful story.
Wild As The West Texas Wind is another amazing time travel romance from Jackie North that will melt your heart. So don’t you dare to miss it!
"I'd do anything for you. I love you. If you want to leave and go roam the earth, we roam. If you want to stay and light kerosene lamps, then we light the lamps. I just want to be with you. I want to be your home."
"You are," said Layton as he closed his eyes, and let his body rest in Zach's arms. "You are my home."
Recommended!!
April 25, 2020
I don`t know why, but somehow I ended up reading part 4 before part 3, which means starting this I had a good guess that there might be a HEA for those guys -very unusual for gay romance as you all know ;-)
Still this story was quite angsty and sometimes depressing.
When Zach is thrown back in time he lands in the middle of the Ketchum gang and the boss of those outlaws decides to take him to a place where he will be sold as a slave.
(Okay, that setting is really quite unrealistic, much of this doesn`t make any sense, but that`s the way it is, believe it or find another story to read).
While Layton, one of the gang members who would like to leave his life as an outlaw behind, and Zach are bonding - and that really was the best part of the book, it was so sweet and slow and beautiful, I loved it - Tom Ketchum the vicious boss of the gang, was a constant threat to Zach, not only punishing him, but threatening to kill him several times, which made the story difficult to read at times.
Also, how a beautiful and kind soul like Layton would survive with these outlaws for 5 years is anyone's guess, I loved him dearly, but I didn`t believe it for 1 minute!
So, as you can see, there were a few things that bothered me and didn`t really fit the story,
but the love story of those 2 guys was so beautiful and pure and innocent (yeah that also means, almost no sex here, so don`t wait for the story to get steamy) it really was a love across time and absolutely epic and wonderful.
For me, this was the most important part, I didn`t really care for the before mentioned flaws and was easily able to forgive and forget because I just loved those guys!
And without spoiling too much I can tell you that yes, they do get their HEA and its not spectacular, but small and uneventful and absoluteley appropriate, I loved it, as I loved the whole story, once again easily 4 stars for me!
Still this story was quite angsty and sometimes depressing.
When Zach is thrown back in time he lands in the middle of the Ketchum gang and the boss of those outlaws decides to take him to a place where he will be sold as a slave.
(Okay, that setting is really quite unrealistic, much of this doesn`t make any sense, but that`s the way it is, believe it or find another story to read).
While Layton, one of the gang members who would like to leave his life as an outlaw behind, and Zach are bonding - and that really was the best part of the book, it was so sweet and slow and beautiful, I loved it - Tom Ketchum the vicious boss of the gang, was a constant threat to Zach, not only punishing him, but threatening to kill him several times, which made the story difficult to read at times.
Also, how a beautiful and kind soul like Layton would survive with these outlaws for 5 years is anyone's guess, I loved him dearly, but I didn`t believe it for 1 minute!
So, as you can see, there were a few things that bothered me and didn`t really fit the story,
but the love story of those 2 guys was so beautiful and pure and innocent (yeah that also means, almost no sex here, so don`t wait for the story to get steamy) it really was a love across time and absolutely epic and wonderful.
For me, this was the most important part, I didn`t really care for the before mentioned flaws and was easily able to forgive and forget because I just loved those guys!
And without spoiling too much I can tell you that yes, they do get their HEA and its not spectacular, but small and uneventful and absoluteley appropriate, I loved it, as I loved the whole story, once again easily 4 stars for me!
February 22, 2019
“Wild as the West Texas Wind” is my first book by Jackie North and is the third book in her Love Across Time Series. I didn’t find that I was lost even though this book contains characters from the second book in the series, “Honey From the Lion”. This book focuses on Layton and Zach finding one another after Zach finds himself thrown back in time to 1892. I found “Wild as the West Texas Wind” to be a slow burn and it left me wanting more from our two men. I felt there was a lot of filler and the book could have been shortened and it would have still given us the story of Layton and Zach finding their way together. I also really wanted an epilogue, the story just abruptly ended, which just really annoyed me. I like my epilogues. Although I had my quibbles with the book, I still found it to be well written and hopefully the typos will be fixed, since my copy was an ARC. I am uncertain if I will go back and read the other two in the series or continue on with the series, which she is continuing.
I give this story 3 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I give this story 3 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 12, 2019
Time travel, romance and the Old West--What more could you want?
The story opens with Zach in the small 21st century town of Trinidad, New Mexico, searching for his best friend Laurie. Since junior high school, he and Laurie were like brothers. Laurie disappeared last year, leaving Zach devastated, until he face a letter from Laurie delivered by Western Union. The letter is dated from 1892. Laurie tells Zach in the letter that he's found his true love and has gone back in time to be with him. On the trip home, Zach is trapped in a flash flood and, sure enough, ends up traveling back in time. Zach ends up meeting and eventually falling in love with Layton, an outlaw who wants nothing more than to have a home and be loved. The characters are nicely fleshed out. The plot moves at a brisk pace. North's style is quaint but refreshing. All in all this was a very good read.
The story opens with Zach in the small 21st century town of Trinidad, New Mexico, searching for his best friend Laurie. Since junior high school, he and Laurie were like brothers. Laurie disappeared last year, leaving Zach devastated, until he face a letter from Laurie delivered by Western Union. The letter is dated from 1892. Laurie tells Zach in the letter that he's found his true love and has gone back in time to be with him. On the trip home, Zach is trapped in a flash flood and, sure enough, ends up traveling back in time. Zach ends up meeting and eventually falling in love with Layton, an outlaw who wants nothing more than to have a home and be loved. The characters are nicely fleshed out. The plot moves at a brisk pace. North's style is quaint but refreshing. All in all this was a very good read.
March 24, 2019
2.5 stars.
Just okay - a little bit boring.
Just okay - a little bit boring.
April 26, 2021
3.5*
I didn't particularly like either character but this was still a really good read. Kudos to the author!
I didn't particularly like either character but this was still a really good read. Kudos to the author!
May 16, 2019
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book three in the Love Across Time series. You don’t NEED to have read the others before this one, but PERSONALLY, I think you should read book 2, Honey From The Lion before this one. There are things that happen in that book that lead up to this one. And you, know, they are really rather good!
This one, I think, is my favourite of the three!
Zach is looking for his friend, Laurie (Honey From The Lion) and gets caught in a freak rain storm. Waking up in 1892 and then crossing the Ketchum Gang, Zach finds himself on the way to be sold. Layton is part of the gang, but he doesn’t want to be anymore. When Zach comes along, those feelings intensify, to a point that Layton will go against the gang leader, Tom, and maybe cost him his life, along with Zach’s. But Zach makes Layton want other things, things that require them both to be alive. Can he get away, saving himself AND Zach?
Like I said, my favourite of the three!
What I particularly loved about this one, was the SLOW burn between Zach and Layton! I mean, I'm all for insta-love and masses of naughtiness but HERE?? I LOVED that it wasn’t like that! It creeps up on both Layton AND Zach, the feelings, the attraction (although Zach does have that instant attraction feeling) the wanting MORE than being on the run. It’s really fabulous reading, watching these two fall for each other. It’s on the less explicit side, but very proper for this book that it is.
Layton, especially, surprised me! Don’t ask me WHY he did, I can’t say exactly, but that’s' how I feel and you know I like to share those book feelings. He doesn’t really question what he starts to feel for Zach, at all, and being of a begone age, I would have thought that he might. I’m not complaining, . . . .oh! THIS is why he surprised me! The fact he doesn’t question, he just lets himself begin to fall, and fall hard.
I loved that, right from the start, Layton wanted away from the gang, from the leader, Tom. Tom has a vicious streak a mile wide, and both Zach and Layton fall foul of his wrath. Not nice reading, but I think, it really is needed. This is why I tagged it darker, cos Tom is not a very nice person, but then again, stagecoach hijackers and robbers don’t tend to be! He really is a nasty piece of work.
I love love LOVE the way Honey from The Lion melds itself into this one! Trying NOT for spoilers, so other than that, I’m not saying how, but very well played there, Ms North, VERY well played!
I want to tag this book warm and fuzzies and too stinking, but not sure how I can with the darker tag! Such decisions! Ah stuff it, tagging it as so!
Are there more? I don’t know, I want to read them, regardless. Loving them!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book three in the Love Across Time series. You don’t NEED to have read the others before this one, but PERSONALLY, I think you should read book 2, Honey From The Lion before this one. There are things that happen in that book that lead up to this one. And you, know, they are really rather good!
This one, I think, is my favourite of the three!
Zach is looking for his friend, Laurie (Honey From The Lion) and gets caught in a freak rain storm. Waking up in 1892 and then crossing the Ketchum Gang, Zach finds himself on the way to be sold. Layton is part of the gang, but he doesn’t want to be anymore. When Zach comes along, those feelings intensify, to a point that Layton will go against the gang leader, Tom, and maybe cost him his life, along with Zach’s. But Zach makes Layton want other things, things that require them both to be alive. Can he get away, saving himself AND Zach?
Like I said, my favourite of the three!
What I particularly loved about this one, was the SLOW burn between Zach and Layton! I mean, I'm all for insta-love and masses of naughtiness but HERE?? I LOVED that it wasn’t like that! It creeps up on both Layton AND Zach, the feelings, the attraction (although Zach does have that instant attraction feeling) the wanting MORE than being on the run. It’s really fabulous reading, watching these two fall for each other. It’s on the less explicit side, but very proper for this book that it is.
Layton, especially, surprised me! Don’t ask me WHY he did, I can’t say exactly, but that’s' how I feel and you know I like to share those book feelings. He doesn’t really question what he starts to feel for Zach, at all, and being of a begone age, I would have thought that he might. I’m not complaining, . . . .oh! THIS is why he surprised me! The fact he doesn’t question, he just lets himself begin to fall, and fall hard.
I loved that, right from the start, Layton wanted away from the gang, from the leader, Tom. Tom has a vicious streak a mile wide, and both Zach and Layton fall foul of his wrath. Not nice reading, but I think, it really is needed. This is why I tagged it darker, cos Tom is not a very nice person, but then again, stagecoach hijackers and robbers don’t tend to be! He really is a nasty piece of work.
I love love LOVE the way Honey from The Lion melds itself into this one! Trying NOT for spoilers, so other than that, I’m not saying how, but very well played there, Ms North, VERY well played!
I want to tag this book warm and fuzzies and too stinking, but not sure how I can with the darker tag! Such decisions! Ah stuff it, tagging it as so!
Are there more? I don’t know, I want to read them, regardless. Loving them!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
March 26, 2019
I love the descriptions in this story. They pulled me right in right from the beginning, and set the scene. I particularly love the historical details as it makes the setting feel very real. It’s obvious the author has researched the location in both times.
I also enjoyed how this story links to the previous one in the series, although I didn’t feel lost with not having read it. Honey From the Lamb is now sitting in my TBR queue. The time travel explanation is rather neat, and not obvious except for in hindsight. I thought Zach’s reaction to his predicament was realistic with his initial disbelief and trying to find a rational explanation, to his growing realisation that he was in a lot of trouble, and in the past. I thought the author captured the differences between his time and 1892 well especially in the details of him not sure how to use a straight razor or ride a horse, both things that Layton takes for granted. On the flip side, as an outsider to the time, and way of life, Zach provides insight into Layton’s situation. The scenes where Layton plays his harmonica are beautiful. I loved the description of his music and in particularly how it touched Zach’s emotions.
I also loved the difference between Zach and Layton and how Zach gives Layton hope for the future and the impetus to change his life. Their romance is a lovely slow burn as they develop feelings for each other, and build a friendship at the same time. Their first love scene is very sweet, sensual and emotional. I thought the difference between the two with Zach being more confident in his sexuality than Layton makes sense given their backgrounds and the societies they come from.
Tam, Layton’s horse, is a character in her own right, and steals every scene she is in. I thought Tom was also portrayed very well. He is a nasty piece of work, especially in the way he subtly convinces Layton to give him loyalty, and persuades him to basically exchange one cage for another.
The plot kept me reading, and sitting up far too late, as I became invested in Zach and Layton and their story very quickly and I needed to know what happened next. The showdown between them and Tom is exciting, and doesn’t go the way I expected. NB Tom Ketchum was a real person, and I liked how the author chose the year this story is set in so it fits with history.
I’d recommend Wild as the West Texas Wind to readers who enjoy time travel romance stories with the fish out of water element, interesting characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages.
I also enjoyed how this story links to the previous one in the series, although I didn’t feel lost with not having read it. Honey From the Lamb is now sitting in my TBR queue. The time travel explanation is rather neat, and not obvious except for in hindsight. I thought Zach’s reaction to his predicament was realistic with his initial disbelief and trying to find a rational explanation, to his growing realisation that he was in a lot of trouble, and in the past. I thought the author captured the differences between his time and 1892 well especially in the details of him not sure how to use a straight razor or ride a horse, both things that Layton takes for granted. On the flip side, as an outsider to the time, and way of life, Zach provides insight into Layton’s situation. The scenes where Layton plays his harmonica are beautiful. I loved the description of his music and in particularly how it touched Zach’s emotions.
I also loved the difference between Zach and Layton and how Zach gives Layton hope for the future and the impetus to change his life. Their romance is a lovely slow burn as they develop feelings for each other, and build a friendship at the same time. Their first love scene is very sweet, sensual and emotional. I thought the difference between the two with Zach being more confident in his sexuality than Layton makes sense given their backgrounds and the societies they come from.
Tam, Layton’s horse, is a character in her own right, and steals every scene she is in. I thought Tom was also portrayed very well. He is a nasty piece of work, especially in the way he subtly convinces Layton to give him loyalty, and persuades him to basically exchange one cage for another.
The plot kept me reading, and sitting up far too late, as I became invested in Zach and Layton and their story very quickly and I needed to know what happened next. The showdown between them and Tom is exciting, and doesn’t go the way I expected. NB Tom Ketchum was a real person, and I liked how the author chose the year this story is set in so it fits with history.
I’d recommend Wild as the West Texas Wind to readers who enjoy time travel romance stories with the fish out of water element, interesting characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages.
February 22, 2019
In the standalone Wild as the West Texas Wind Jackie North casts today’s problems against those of nineteenth century cowboys and outlaws. Her love story is as slow and perilous, yet as true and sweet, as the men she portrays.
When Zach receives a Western Union telegraph dated 1892 from his best friend, Laurie, who had been his only moral support, and whose disappearance was labelled suicide, he travels to the telegraph’s originating town. There he is swallowed by the same time warp, straight into the clutches of the evil Ketchum gang.
As a very young orphan, Layton Blue was sold to a cruel farmer. At 15, the Ketchum outlaws picked him up. Now Layton hungers for simple freedoms, like a bed with sheets and a saloon where he might become the piano player. He buries these dreams in a harmonica he plays nightly.
When Layton is forced to babysit Zach, who’s been kept alive to sell at auction, his tunes exude such longing Zach wonders if a human heart beats within Layton, the outlaw. But how can it matter while they’re both in Ketchum’s clutches? And who knows if Zach can find Laurie?
Forming a precarious truce, North demonstrates a deep wisdom of human nature as their trust is initialed, like when she writes that Layton had, “just indicated, quite clearly, that he knew Zach had something to hide, but that he, Layton, would be willing to cover it with a lie of his own making.”
Jackie North brings us two men trapped by circumstances beyond their control, whose desire for self-governance speaks equally today. In the haunting notes of a melody, blown from into a lonesome desert breeze, she writes of the courage it takes to claim our destinies. “The fire looked as it always did, trembling within the circle of stones, like a yellow and blue will-o-wisp of smoke that didn’t know which way to jump next. One spark could set the whole canyon ablaze.”
Exquisite language demonstrates the tentative nature of existence back then, as well as its single benefit. People came to appreciate their momentary blessings, a life fully embraced. Just as notes will blend and separate in harmonic melody, North’s words, plots, sentiments, and her men clash and flow, to wend their way into our souls.
Ms. North and her Wild as the West Texas Wind captured me in time. I cannot wait to read her other works, including previous titles in this Love Across Time series.
When Zach receives a Western Union telegraph dated 1892 from his best friend, Laurie, who had been his only moral support, and whose disappearance was labelled suicide, he travels to the telegraph’s originating town. There he is swallowed by the same time warp, straight into the clutches of the evil Ketchum gang.
As a very young orphan, Layton Blue was sold to a cruel farmer. At 15, the Ketchum outlaws picked him up. Now Layton hungers for simple freedoms, like a bed with sheets and a saloon where he might become the piano player. He buries these dreams in a harmonica he plays nightly.
When Layton is forced to babysit Zach, who’s been kept alive to sell at auction, his tunes exude such longing Zach wonders if a human heart beats within Layton, the outlaw. But how can it matter while they’re both in Ketchum’s clutches? And who knows if Zach can find Laurie?
Forming a precarious truce, North demonstrates a deep wisdom of human nature as their trust is initialed, like when she writes that Layton had, “just indicated, quite clearly, that he knew Zach had something to hide, but that he, Layton, would be willing to cover it with a lie of his own making.”
Jackie North brings us two men trapped by circumstances beyond their control, whose desire for self-governance speaks equally today. In the haunting notes of a melody, blown from into a lonesome desert breeze, she writes of the courage it takes to claim our destinies. “The fire looked as it always did, trembling within the circle of stones, like a yellow and blue will-o-wisp of smoke that didn’t know which way to jump next. One spark could set the whole canyon ablaze.”
Exquisite language demonstrates the tentative nature of existence back then, as well as its single benefit. People came to appreciate their momentary blessings, a life fully embraced. Just as notes will blend and separate in harmonic melody, North’s words, plots, sentiments, and her men clash and flow, to wend their way into our souls.
Ms. North and her Wild as the West Texas Wind captured me in time. I cannot wait to read her other works, including previous titles in this Love Across Time series.
March 20, 2019
Wow! I hardly know how to express how much I loved this "un-put-downable" book!
This is an adventure of epic proportions.
This book literally had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.
I absolutely love the easy, down to earth writing style of this author.
Though the book is quite lengthy... A solid 2.5 day read for me (including those pesky life interruptions) it is so easy to just get caught up in the flow and the dust and grit of the old wild west.
This is so much better than watching an old cowboy movie. I literally felt every nuance and for the most part I was there hiding in the bushes, choking on the dust in the wake of galloping horses, shivering in the chill of the cold desert night, gasping at the splendour of a black sky blanketed in stars... And despising the villain with a passion that made my heart beat out of my chest!
(in fact... This was to be my one complaint against this super book: that the author never gave me closure on the devil getting his due. Then Jackie personally clarified that the guy was a real life character/outlaw so she could hardly kill him off herself.. Now could she? LOL)
No, really, there's not much left to say, except that you'd be doing yourself a serious injustice passing this one by.
Buy the book. Read the book. It's worth every breath, every penny and every minute you'll spend on it.
You'll love the environment and the magic. You'll love the characters. You'll just simply love everything about this book... Even the ulcers you'll get from the totally unpredictable suspense.
Well done, Jackie. Thank you for the absolute honour of being gifted such a breathtaking experience. This story will stay with me forever in my heart and mind.
Pretty much a Standalone story with cameos from previous books.
No cliffhanger.
Heat level around 2 (no full out sexy times, but a couple of steamy scenes).
Limited, but fully justified Profanity.
This book was an ARC gifted to me by the author, and this is my honest, willing and voluntary review.
This is an adventure of epic proportions.
This book literally had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.
I absolutely love the easy, down to earth writing style of this author.
Though the book is quite lengthy... A solid 2.5 day read for me (including those pesky life interruptions) it is so easy to just get caught up in the flow and the dust and grit of the old wild west.
This is so much better than watching an old cowboy movie. I literally felt every nuance and for the most part I was there hiding in the bushes, choking on the dust in the wake of galloping horses, shivering in the chill of the cold desert night, gasping at the splendour of a black sky blanketed in stars... And despising the villain with a passion that made my heart beat out of my chest!
(in fact... This was to be my one complaint against this super book: that the author never gave me closure on the devil getting his due. Then Jackie personally clarified that the guy was a real life character/outlaw so she could hardly kill him off herself.. Now could she? LOL)
No, really, there's not much left to say, except that you'd be doing yourself a serious injustice passing this one by.
Buy the book. Read the book. It's worth every breath, every penny and every minute you'll spend on it.
You'll love the environment and the magic. You'll love the characters. You'll just simply love everything about this book... Even the ulcers you'll get from the totally unpredictable suspense.
Well done, Jackie. Thank you for the absolute honour of being gifted such a breathtaking experience. This story will stay with me forever in my heart and mind.
Pretty much a Standalone story with cameos from previous books.
No cliffhanger.
Heat level around 2 (no full out sexy times, but a couple of steamy scenes).
Limited, but fully justified Profanity.
This book was an ARC gifted to me by the author, and this is my honest, willing and voluntary review.
February 13, 2019
Jackie North has apparently decided that she is going to teach us exactly why the expression “slow burn” was coined. WILD AS THE WEST TEXAS WIND, like its antecedent HONEY FROM THE LION, is a story that builds ever so gently, wonderfully, with the most beautiful prose that often leaves you sighing, and frequently struck with admiration at her skill as a wordsmith. Jackie has the best words… anyone else who has claimed to have them must now be silent.
In the third installment of her Love Across Time series, Zach is pulled from the present day Southwest back into 1892. (I strongly suggest reading the previous novel, HONEY FROM THE LION (Laurie’s story), first; while not absolutely essential, Laurie’s story is very motivational for Zach (they were best friends), and knowing about Laurie gives one the best foundation to understanding more about Zach.) Once arrived in 1892, Zach crosses paths with outlaws and meets the handsome, blue-eyed Layton. An error in judgement finds Zach taken prisoner, and quickly thrown into close quarters with Layton. Intimacy grows by degrees, its sweetness and awareness a discovery in itself; a glance, a meeting of the eyes, an eagerness to know and be known are more powerful in this world where instant gratification is not commonplace. The most wonderful treasures are hard-won and as a result, more satisfying.
This story is rich and full. Zach, traumatized and afraid yet resolute, must navigate this strange, new existence; the only person who shows him any kindness is Layton, who is himself confronted with strong feelings for Zach that he doesn't fully understand, and due to the cultural norms in 1892 is not even able at first to articulate or own. As is its natural inclination, love will spill over, and Layton and Zach are vessels that eventually overflow. Caught up in an impossible situation, they must look to love for guidance, even if it may require the ultimate sacrifice. Highly recommended.
In the third installment of her Love Across Time series, Zach is pulled from the present day Southwest back into 1892. (I strongly suggest reading the previous novel, HONEY FROM THE LION (Laurie’s story), first; while not absolutely essential, Laurie’s story is very motivational for Zach (they were best friends), and knowing about Laurie gives one the best foundation to understanding more about Zach.) Once arrived in 1892, Zach crosses paths with outlaws and meets the handsome, blue-eyed Layton. An error in judgement finds Zach taken prisoner, and quickly thrown into close quarters with Layton. Intimacy grows by degrees, its sweetness and awareness a discovery in itself; a glance, a meeting of the eyes, an eagerness to know and be known are more powerful in this world where instant gratification is not commonplace. The most wonderful treasures are hard-won and as a result, more satisfying.
This story is rich and full. Zach, traumatized and afraid yet resolute, must navigate this strange, new existence; the only person who shows him any kindness is Layton, who is himself confronted with strong feelings for Zach that he doesn't fully understand, and due to the cultural norms in 1892 is not even able at first to articulate or own. As is its natural inclination, love will spill over, and Layton and Zach are vessels that eventually overflow. Caught up in an impossible situation, they must look to love for guidance, even if it may require the ultimate sacrifice. Highly recommended.
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