Forever Wyld

The Wylder West

by Laura Strickland

Newly retired, Earl Hanson wishes he felt happier about it. He's built a cabin up in the hills and has free time on his hands. He also has the most obnoxious widow in town eyeing him up as a possible husband. What's a beleaguered former sheriff to do?

Fleeing an ugly scandal, spinster Victoria Major takes a job playing piano at the Trail's End Saloon. But it's the roughest watering hole in Wylder, and when the customers turn rowdy, Earl Hanson steps in to protect her. In return, it seems only right she should shield him from the predatory widow, by pretending he's her beau. Of course, it's only make-believe…

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2021

About the author

Born and raised in Western New York, Laura Strickland has pursued lifelong interests in lore, legend, magic and music, all reflected in her writing. She has made pilgrimages to both Newfoundland and Scotland in the company of her daughter, but is usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario, with her husband and her "fur" child, a rescue dog. Author of Scottish romances Devil Black, His Wicked Highland Ways, Honor Bound: A Highland Adventure and The Hiring Fair as well as The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy consisting of Daughter of Sherwood, Champion of Sherwood and Lord of Sherwood, she has also published three Steampunk romances, Dead Handsome: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure, Off Kilter: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure and Sheer Madness: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure as well as two Christmas novellas: The Tenth Suitor and Mrs. Claus and the Viking Ship, and a Valentine’s novella: Ask me. Her Lobster Cove Historical Romances include The White Gull and the novella, Forged By Love, which won first place in the International Digital Awards. Her latest release, Awake on Garland Street, is her sixteenth book with The Wild Rose press.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific new addition to the Wylder series. Laura Strickland has a gift for creating a great atmosphere for the reader. The smells and sounds of the dingy barroom come through as you turn the pages. Casting the retired Sheriff and the spinster piano-playing woman is insightful. A quality seasoned romance that again shows the fact that people over 35 have both emotions and passion.

A very smooth read that simply flows from section to section. The secondary characters are fully developed and add a nice depth to the story. A cowboy story not filled with gun fights is also an interesting and refreshing take. It is nice to see an old west story that isn't carried on the end of a pistol. A fun read that will take your mind out of today and back into the past. Recommended to all fans of the Wylder series. Recommended to fans of movies that have a mark of a hall in them. Recommended to fans of seasoned romance.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired Sheriff Earl Hanson isn’t enjoying retirement like he thought he would. Loneliness and lack of anything to do has him coming to town from his cabin in the woods. Earl is also being pursued by the most annoying woman in Wylder who wants him for a husband. Spinster Victoria Major has just arrived in Wylder and about to start her new job playing piano at the rowdiest saloon in town. She’s running from a scandal at her last job. Victoria is looking to start over. When Earl Hanson meets Victoria Major sparks fly and danger lurks. When they make a pact it just may lead them to become Forever Wylder.

Forever Wylder is the ninth book in the Wylder, Wyoming series and the second book written for the Wylder West series by Laura Strickland. . Laura Strickland takes a the much beloved sheriff of Wylder, Wyoming and gives him his own story that will have the reader seeing a different side of this loved character and that he’ll get his happily ever after. If you’re a fan of older character that show heart, and a little humor then this is a wonderful read for any historical western fan. This series brings together authors from the Wild Rose Press family to write a Multi-author series. This series revolves around the citizens in the booming western town that has growing pains. Wylder, Wyoming. The books bring new people to town and brings them together with the local citizens. These western historical romances will take you to 1800’s Wyoming where these characters face danger, passion, the weather conditions, wild horses, all type of conditions imaginable and their pasts to try and find true love. These stories can be read as a stand-alone book. So, welcome to Wylder, Wyoming where anything may happen, and love abounds. I very much enjoyed these stories. Take a trip to Wylder, Wyoming to fall in love with these wonderful characters and a unique town in the wild west. I’m anxiously awaiting my return to Wylder, Wyoming and finding the next group of citizens and maybe newcomers to fall in love with and who will be next to find true love.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Wyld
The Wylder West
By: Laura Strickland
Narrated by: Dawson McBride

Just in time, Dawson McBride narrates Forever Wyld to finish out my crazy tax season! What a way to end it! Laura Strickland takes us back to the wonderful world of the Wylder West and this book really intrigued me. Not only does it visit a favorite time period of mine, but it also features Earl and Victoria. Not your typical main characters, these two are mature and ready to start a new path, though they don't even know it. Victoria needs a job ,and takes on piano playing in the local saloon. She is classically trained, so you can imagine the clientele does not appreciate her style of music. When things get rough, retired sheriff, Earl comes to her rescue and our fun begins. Both have some baggage, unseen obstacles and just enough suspense to keep the story fun and exciting. I absolutely loved their story and truly enjoy visiting Wylder!

Dawson McBride continues his amazing narration of this Wylder West world. His voice could not be better suited to this time period. He captures the essence of the town and the characters, adds his flare of danger and suspense and kept me enthralled. I was a great way to spend my Saturday! Pick up this series, it is so much fun!!!

[Marilyn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Wyld is the tale of Earl Hanson as he steps away from life as a Sheriff. I loved learning about his past. I had assumed every Old West Sheriff was a boy scout with an impeccable record. Earl was delightfully imperfect and swoon-worthy as a reformed bad boy. Victoria Major found a gem! I loved the scenes where they were in the Trailing End Saloon (the town’s dive bar). The subtle flirtations and stolen smiles were heart-melting. However, Louise stole the show. I had no idea and her presence caught me by surprise. Who is Louise? No spoilers here.

My favorite part of this book was the villain. Eulalia Culpepper is positively horrifying. She is a widow with her eyes on Earl. All the men in Wylder avoid her abrasive personality and cringe-worthy coat. The dead fox she wears is the perfect symbol of her plans for Earl. She will love Wylder’s Silver Fox to death. The lengths he goes to avoid her are hilarious as well as his attempts to let her down gently. I laughed out loud several times at the scenes where she flags him down in the street.

Overall, I highly recommend this newest installment to the Wylder West series to fans of historical romance, second chances, and finding love later in life. Strickland’s books are heartfelt and humorous, and Forever Wyld fits in the mold. I can’t wait to read what she does next.