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NW Wind #2
Dance Within the Wind
A dying old man. A promise given. An unwanted wife. Sadie has spent her entire life around logging camps, safely hidden in plain sight and finding a measure of freedom and solace with her horse, Dancer. She always keep her distance away from the rough loggers until Jad Alenson arrives on the scene. He is different, with a quick sense of humor, friendly nature, and takes pride in being a man who keeps his promises. She knows exactly what kind of woman he wants, and unfortunately, she doesn’t fit the criteria. But, with two words Jad seals their lives together, starting a series of events that will either help them build a life together or tear them apart. They will both discover who they really are inside where it counts the most and what’s most important to them.Together they head for home and must traverse the wilds of 1846 Washington and Oregon and all the dangers that involves. But, the most dangerous thing of all could be not seeing what is right in front of you until you almost lose it.Charli West invites you to experience the dangers, adventure, hard work, courage, and fortitude it took to travel to and then settle in the Pacific Northwest. The “real” people in her stories invite you, also, to share with them all of their pain, tears, joys, heartbreak, and love that the “land of opportunity” afforded them. Come along with them on their travels, experience their personal losses and victories, their moments of defeat, but their rise to triumph. They are convinced that you will enjoy their company and friendship.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2021
84 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2022
Book Two of the NW Wind series is the story of Jad and Sadie. When they first encounter one another in a rough and isolated logging camp, Jad has no idea that the scrawny “grandson” of the cook is a young woman called Sadie. Disguised by her grandfather to keep her safe from the predatory actions of men deprived for too long of female company, Sadie longs to be able to live as a woman and find a home and a love of her own.
Fate has big plans for these two though, and I enjoyed the tale of their unusual courtship which was rich with descriptions of life on the frontier in America in the 1800s. Characters from the first book in the series were there and I was aware of seeds being planted for future books, which was fun.
There is a real sense of family and connection in these books, that idea of standing firm together and facing whatever hardships life throws at you. I would imagine in the Wild West knowing your family has your back would be crucial for survival.
There was so much I liked about this book, but, as a modern woman who has struggled with body image all her life, Jad’s obsession with how Sadie looked didn’t sit very comfortably with me. Telling myself it was indicative of the times, nevertheless, his resolution that he couldn’t love her because she wasn’t womanly enough and wasn’t curvaceous, left a nasty taste in my mouth.
But that is merely my personal opinion and doesn’t detract from the solid five stars I’m awarding the book. For lovers of historical, clean, romance everywhere, this is a delightful and engrossing read
Fate has big plans for these two though, and I enjoyed the tale of their unusual courtship which was rich with descriptions of life on the frontier in America in the 1800s. Characters from the first book in the series were there and I was aware of seeds being planted for future books, which was fun.
There is a real sense of family and connection in these books, that idea of standing firm together and facing whatever hardships life throws at you. I would imagine in the Wild West knowing your family has your back would be crucial for survival.
There was so much I liked about this book, but, as a modern woman who has struggled with body image all her life, Jad’s obsession with how Sadie looked didn’t sit very comfortably with me. Telling myself it was indicative of the times, nevertheless, his resolution that he couldn’t love her because she wasn’t womanly enough and wasn’t curvaceous, left a nasty taste in my mouth.
But that is merely my personal opinion and doesn’t detract from the solid five stars I’m awarding the book. For lovers of historical, clean, romance everywhere, this is a delightful and engrossing read
May 7, 2021
As promised, here’s my review for Dance Within the Wind by .
Sadie has spent most of her life masquerading as a boy and helping her grandfather, a cook, in the logging camps. When Jad Alenson comes to work in the camp she is drawn to him, admiring him from afar and dreaming about him but knowing she can never reveal that she is a woman. Before her grandfather succumbs to heart failure, he makes Jad promise to marry Sadie to protect her from the rough men in the lumber camp and Jad agrees. Instead of being elated that her dream is coming true, Sadie feels like an inconvenience, unwanted and a burden to Jad. Jad feels bound to keep his word and decides, reluctantly, to build a life with Sadie, even though she’s far from the type of woman he’s attracted to.
Dance Within the Wind is a sweet, clean read that immerses you in the comfortable world created by West. The reader is brought right along with Sadie and Jad to experience their relationship’s rocky start, its growth at different rates and in different directions, its disintegration and finally its transformation into a real relationship based on love not obligation. If it sounds like a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs, it is. So many times I wanted to yell at Jad for being so pig headed and tell Sadie to smarten up and ask Jad what he’s thinking instead of trying to guess.
One last point: I cringe a little (ok, A LOT) when I see the woman-has-to-change-for-a man storyline. I was worried that this story was headed down that path because when Jad finds out that Sadie is a woman he starts comparing her to other women. Pretty soon, Sadie starts talking about changing. However, LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR: Sadie does change throughout the story BUT it’s because SHE wants to change. She has always been forced to keep her identity as a woman hidden so she’s never been able to explore that side of herself. The reader is always assured that it’s Sadie who’s making changes to her outward appearance, not her core personality, because it’s something SHE wants to do and not something that she thinks will help get and keep Jad’s interest.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Sadie has spent most of her life masquerading as a boy and helping her grandfather, a cook, in the logging camps. When Jad Alenson comes to work in the camp she is drawn to him, admiring him from afar and dreaming about him but knowing she can never reveal that she is a woman. Before her grandfather succumbs to heart failure, he makes Jad promise to marry Sadie to protect her from the rough men in the lumber camp and Jad agrees. Instead of being elated that her dream is coming true, Sadie feels like an inconvenience, unwanted and a burden to Jad. Jad feels bound to keep his word and decides, reluctantly, to build a life with Sadie, even though she’s far from the type of woman he’s attracted to.
Dance Within the Wind is a sweet, clean read that immerses you in the comfortable world created by West. The reader is brought right along with Sadie and Jad to experience their relationship’s rocky start, its growth at different rates and in different directions, its disintegration and finally its transformation into a real relationship based on love not obligation. If it sounds like a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs, it is. So many times I wanted to yell at Jad for being so pig headed and tell Sadie to smarten up and ask Jad what he’s thinking instead of trying to guess.
One last point: I cringe a little (ok, A LOT) when I see the woman-has-to-change-for-a man storyline. I was worried that this story was headed down that path because when Jad finds out that Sadie is a woman he starts comparing her to other women. Pretty soon, Sadie starts talking about changing. However, LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR: Sadie does change throughout the story BUT it’s because SHE wants to change. She has always been forced to keep her identity as a woman hidden so she’s never been able to explore that side of herself. The reader is always assured that it’s Sadie who’s making changes to her outward appearance, not her core personality, because it’s something SHE wants to do and not something that she thinks will help get and keep Jad’s interest.
Thoroughly enjoyable
October 26, 2021
I fell head-over-heels for Jad in book 1, so I was very much looking forward to his love story in book 2. I absolutely loved his and Sadie’s story—even if Jad himself was a little hesitant due to his own foolish expectations. Sadie is exactly what Jad needs and I can’t wait to see the small glimpses of their chemistry unfold in book 3 now that they can both truly be themselves. I loved the balance of characters—especially the scenes showing how every aspect of Sadie’s life grew her into being a strong, capable woman (despite the boy clothes!). My only wish was to see a little more Jad humor, but at the same time, going through the immense shock of the storyline would be enough to sober even the funniest of the “class-clowns.” Hands down, cannot wait for book 3 after the little glimpse into Carrie’s life. Bring it on!!!
May 8, 2021
The environment is harsh, but the romance is sweet
Charli West transports us back to the mid 19th century, a harsh, more dangerous age, yet she skilfully connects us to living, breathing characters for whom we’re immediately rooting. Dance Within the Wind is very much not your average story of strong, silent men and helpless women. I love how the author’s women are brave and resilient and her men three dimensional, with cares and vulnerabilities.
These are good, decent people, living in tough times, but with the same needs and desires as we have today. Sadie and Jad have both gone through difficult times, and their story is a sweeping, stirring adventure.
Charli West transports us back to the mid 19th century, a harsh, more dangerous age, yet she skilfully connects us to living, breathing characters for whom we’re immediately rooting. Dance Within the Wind is very much not your average story of strong, silent men and helpless women. I love how the author’s women are brave and resilient and her men three dimensional, with cares and vulnerabilities.
These are good, decent people, living in tough times, but with the same needs and desires as we have today. Sadie and Jad have both gone through difficult times, and their story is a sweeping, stirring adventure.
June 8, 2021
Give me more!
This was such a wonderful continuation of the first book, the love story grows naturally and really pulled me in. Well written, clear descriptions that paint vivid pictures that allow the reader to immerse themselves in the story. I said I was a fan after reading the first book, even more so now! I am definitely looking forward to each book as the series continues.
This was such a wonderful continuation of the first book, the love story grows naturally and really pulled me in. Well written, clear descriptions that paint vivid pictures that allow the reader to immerse themselves in the story. I said I was a fan after reading the first book, even more so now! I am definitely looking forward to each book as the series continues.
September 11, 2024
Sooooo freaking good…
I already read the first and third book and loved them. One thing became clear to me rather quickly: Jad is as much of a charming stinker as Stanley. The way both tease their wives, knowing so well, the affect they have on their better half’s is mean, yet sizzling and with some serious zing. This book series is the bomb.
I already read the first and third book and loved them. One thing became clear to me rather quickly: Jad is as much of a charming stinker as Stanley. The way both tease their wives, knowing so well, the affect they have on their better half’s is mean, yet sizzling and with some serious zing. This book series is the bomb.
May 2, 2021
Easy to get into this book. Enjoyed it so much hard to put down. Wonderful characters throughout book. Some word hard to understand for me .
Can't wait for next book to come out so I can read it also.
Can't wait for next book to come out so I can read it also.
November 9, 2021
Book two loving promises
Can't say enough good things about this story! I couldn't stop reading or thinking about what they were going to do! Excellent story anxiously awaiting the arrival of book three!
Can't say enough good things about this story! I couldn't stop reading or thinking about what they were going to do! Excellent story anxiously awaiting the arrival of book three!
January 16, 2022
Throught this book, I was happy, sad, irritated, and downright angry. Both Sadie and Jad made decisions at times that made me want to shake some sense into them, but such is the plight of human emotion. We aren't always rational, and the author did a great job and showing characters with fears and flaws, but also showed how they grew. Both individually and as a couple.
I was so happy to see Ben and Lynn back in this book, and adore the rest of the family just as I did in the first book of the series. I loved the addition of Ellen and Patrick too.
Looking forward to reading Carrie's story of redemption (I hope) after her great loss.
I was so happy to see Ben and Lynn back in this book, and adore the rest of the family just as I did in the first book of the series. I loved the addition of Ellen and Patrick too.
Looking forward to reading Carrie's story of redemption (I hope) after her great loss.
May 11, 2021
A heartwarming story of self-discovery and the parallel discovery of love set in a challenging land in a classical era. The author does a wonderful job of making her readers fall in love with the two main characters, Sadie and Jad, both of them virtuous, decent, likable, and very much the right protagonists of the novel. The two of them have to come together in circumstances that they did not choose for themselves but they carry the story forward by deciding to be together and discover mutual love and appreciation. A feel-good, adventurous, thrilling in parts novel. Lovely!
December 30, 2021
Western Romance
Not as action packed as the first book in the series but full of twists and turns, some more believable than others. The historical context and details are very good.
Not as action packed as the first book in the series but full of twists and turns, some more believable than others. The historical context and details are very good.
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February 8, 2022Charlie West does a great job!
Loved this second book of the NW wind series. I am new to Charlie West but not disappointed at all! Fantastic book! On to book 3!
Loved this second book of the NW wind series. I am new to Charlie West but not disappointed at all! Fantastic book! On to book 3!
August 8, 2024
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Charli West has written another touching novel. The second installment of Charli’s NW Wind Series is even better than the first. While Sadie’s grandfather was dying he made Jad promise to marry his granddaughter. Jad had never met Sadie but he wanted to stand true to his promise. He wasn’t attracted to her but Sadie had been in love with Jad for a long time.
Once married they headed on a long trek to Oregon City to be with Jad’s family.
There are a few major incidents that happen along the way. Sadie shines through all of them and Jad is amazed by her courage. He starts to develop feelings for Sadie but is it enough to remain married?
Once Sadie is turned into a butterfly Jad realizes that he may be able to truly fall in love. This book reminds you to not judge a book by its cover. Looks may be deceiving but what counts most is the beauty within.
Charli’s books are beautifully written. Looking forward to reading the next two NW Wind books and her other series. is a fascinating author.
Charli West has written another touching novel. The second installment of Charli’s NW Wind Series is even better than the first. While Sadie’s grandfather was dying he made Jad promise to marry his granddaughter. Jad had never met Sadie but he wanted to stand true to his promise. He wasn’t attracted to her but Sadie had been in love with Jad for a long time.
Once married they headed on a long trek to Oregon City to be with Jad’s family.
There are a few major incidents that happen along the way. Sadie shines through all of them and Jad is amazed by her courage. He starts to develop feelings for Sadie but is it enough to remain married?
Once Sadie is turned into a butterfly Jad realizes that he may be able to truly fall in love. This book reminds you to not judge a book by its cover. Looks may be deceiving but what counts most is the beauty within.
Charli’s books are beautifully written. Looking forward to reading the next two NW Wind books and her other series. is a fascinating author.
January 23, 2023
Another great story!
Book 2 of the series is another winner. It’s nice reading a beautiful romance that doesn’t have an R rating. At one point it made me cry, then soon I was smiling again. There was just enough frustration at the way the main characters kept misreading each other, yet, the ending was very satisfying.
Book 2 of the series is another winner. It’s nice reading a beautiful romance that doesn’t have an R rating. At one point it made me cry, then soon I was smiling again. There was just enough frustration at the way the main characters kept misreading each other, yet, the ending was very satisfying.
November 13, 2022
Loved it!
Dance Within the Wind is my kind of love story! I always enjoy the gentle tension of a ���will they or won’t they”, but throw in some old west flair? I’m hooked! This is the second book of West’s NW Wind Series, but can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.
Dance Within the Wind is my kind of love story! I always enjoy the gentle tension of a ���will they or won’t they”, but throw in some old west flair? I’m hooked! This is the second book of West’s NW Wind Series, but can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.
January 7, 2024
Fall in love!
I absolutely loved this story. Jad and Sadie tugged at my heart and had me urging them to realize what was between them. I read this in one day and an starting the next immediately.
I absolutely loved this story. Jad and Sadie tugged at my heart and had me urging them to realize what was between them. I read this in one day and an starting the next immediately.
July 19, 2021
Another winner
I love how Charli West can draw a reader into the thick of the story so it seems that you are actually there with the characters.
I love how Charli West can draw a reader into the thick of the story so it seems that you are actually there with the characters.
September 10, 2022
A great story
I truly enjoyed this book. Excited to read more. I could not put the book down. A story of adventure and romance.
I truly enjoyed this book. Excited to read more. I could not put the book down. A story of adventure and romance.
August 6, 2021
Title: Dance within the Wind
Author: Charli West
Hero/Heroine: Sadie /Jad
Trope: slow burn/ forced proximity/ Wild West
Rating: 5/5
THE GOOD
I don’t know where to start… I loved everything about this book. It’s set in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of the 19th cent. and I felt I had time-traveled there. I could see the logging camp, the open trail, the little towns and the big open landscape as if I was watching it on TV.
I’m pretty sure this was heavily researched, as it felt historically accurate, down to the details of how people dressed, worked, ate, and all the dangers surrounding them.
At the beginning of the story Sadie and Jad work in the same loggers camp, where her grandfather is the cook. As the lone female among dozens of rough men longing for a wife, she dresses as a boy to avoid attention and she helps her grandfather with his work.
She has a crush on Jad, but he only knows her as Joey, the cook’s grandson.
I won’t spoil anything, but Jad has to promise to look after Sadie and keep her safe, and he is a man who keeps his word.
As they travel back to Oregon City, their relationship evolves, but will it be enough for their happy-ever-after?
I was rooting for them from page one, and their journey was so romantic and tender, I couldn’t put the book down.
The storytelling and the writing were confident and flowed beautifully.
THE BAD
The signposting was a little off. Some events were hinted at but didn’t materialise. Some characters who seemed important came and went.
There was also quite a bit of point of view switch (head hopping) between the main characters from one paragraph to the next, and at times it was a bit confusing.
It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story though!
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A gorgeous, swoon-worthy Wild West Romance in a beautifully rendered setting.
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Charli West
Hero/Heroine: Sadie /Jad
Trope: slow burn/ forced proximity/ Wild West
Rating: 5/5
THE GOOD
I don’t know where to start… I loved everything about this book. It’s set in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of the 19th cent. and I felt I had time-traveled there. I could see the logging camp, the open trail, the little towns and the big open landscape as if I was watching it on TV.
I’m pretty sure this was heavily researched, as it felt historically accurate, down to the details of how people dressed, worked, ate, and all the dangers surrounding them.
At the beginning of the story Sadie and Jad work in the same loggers camp, where her grandfather is the cook. As the lone female among dozens of rough men longing for a wife, she dresses as a boy to avoid attention and she helps her grandfather with his work.
She has a crush on Jad, but he only knows her as Joey, the cook’s grandson.
I won’t spoil anything, but Jad has to promise to look after Sadie and keep her safe, and he is a man who keeps his word.
As they travel back to Oregon City, their relationship evolves, but will it be enough for their happy-ever-after?
I was rooting for them from page one, and their journey was so romantic and tender, I couldn’t put the book down.
The storytelling and the writing were confident and flowed beautifully.
THE BAD
The signposting was a little off. Some events were hinted at but didn’t materialise. Some characters who seemed important came and went.
There was also quite a bit of point of view switch (head hopping) between the main characters from one paragraph to the next, and at times it was a bit confusing.
It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story though!
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A gorgeous, swoon-worthy Wild West Romance in a beautifully rendered setting.
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 21, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book! I live in Oregon and like stories about this area; however, I hadn’t thought about how in the mid 1800’s, in logging camps with no women around, and sex starved men it would be very dangerous for a woman. So, of course a loving grandfather would protect his granddaughter by disguising her as a boy! And that was where Sadie found herself. The author clearly revealed her emotions of not wanting Jad to feel saddled with her as an unwanted wife and not wanting to intrude on the family. This book is romantic with just enough excitement and danger to keep me good and interested.
April 29, 2022
Good book
About that girl that lived with her grandpa and had to
disguise herself as a boy for the most of her life.
About that girl that lived with her grandpa and had to
disguise herself as a boy for the most of her life.
March 22, 2025
If you like historical fiction this series is wonderful. Charli has a way of telling a great story about the people that settled the West.
June 8, 2025
Involve a horse & you have my attention immediately! The characters are well written & my only complaint was once Sadie & Jad arrived home you rarely hear about Dancer & Sadie. Even when Sadie ends up injured, as does Dancer you hear nothing about him. For a horse who only let's her handle him he gets ignored pretty fast. That aside, the love story was sweet & I enjoyed the characters. Read book 2 in one sitting! So good! Just needed more Dancer & Sadie when they got to Jad's mom's house. 😘 But, as usual the characters are fully fleshed out & comprise all real emotions. Was so good to "see" Ben & Lynne along with everyone else too. Was a book I literally couldn't put down, had to finish it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews