Shelly Thacker is an auto-buy author for me. (I only wish she hadn't stopped writing!)As always, the historical detail is well done without being "textbook" or taking over the story. The intrigue / suspense / mystery storyline is interesting, but the main focus of the story is on the growing relationship between the hero and heroine. And that's just where it should be in a romance novel. Also, despite a rather scandalous back cover picture, this is not a lust-soaked book. Yes, the characters are physically attracted to one another, but it's not the sole thing drawing them together. Shelly Thacker is one of the best authors for strong character development, and her talent once again shows in this novel. Nicholas is much more than your cliched tortured hero, and Samantha is much more than the standard "lady of quality forced into crime by circumstance". By the end of the book, I really felt like I knew who these people were, and I was cheering for them. Many authors would have used the concept of the hero and heroine being shackled together as an excuse to have the hero force himself on the heroine, but the author never uses that disgusting theme. Though not as pure as driven snow, deep down, Nicholas is an honorable man. And Samantha is a strong woman, not the kind of weak, wailing female you find so often in historical romance. My only complaint with this story is that the declaration of their feelings is a long time in coming. I just didn't feel their emotions as deeply as I have in some of this author's other novels. Maybe I just expected too much, since this author has written some other outstanding works. Even so, I still recommend this book, as it is a very good read. I also recommend other books by this author, including the outstanding His Forbidden Touch, A Stranger's Kiss, or the very enjoyable Into the Sunset. All are great reads
I read the kindle edition of this book called: Run Wild (Escape with a Scoundrel)Nick is a brawny ex-pirate who is seeking a blackmailer. You see, he's been living in peace for the last six years. He's hiding a secret that has kept him from using a gun and it also made him quit his thirst for vengeance. He's going ashore to travel to York to meet his blackmailer. Too bad he gets captured and put in jail. Enter Samantha, our feisty heroine. She's on the run from her perverted uncle. She's resorted to thievery to make her way in the world. She's hoping to save up enough money to leave the country. However, she gets caught stealing silver and is put in jail. This is how our characters meet. As they are transported to London for trial, they are shackled to each other. The adventure begins once they escape from the marshalmen. There's a near drowning, a bullet wound, an abandoned cabin, a chase by dogs, etc. I liked seeing how Sam and Nick began to like each other. They were really vey hostile in the beginning. Eventually, they grow to love one another. I didn't really believe that they could love each other so deeply in such a short amount of time--two weeks probably. I also thought that the resolution of Nick and Sam's baggage was too quick. They both had some deep issues that I figure would take more time to resolve. The blackmail piece is eventually solved, but it's kind of weak. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
What do You think about Run Wild (2013)?
I read the revised e-book version, titled Run Wild. From what I gleaned from the author's note at the end of the book - she made a lot of changes to the book. So if you areConsidering reading the book based on reviews - make sure you know which version was reviewed before deciding!I found this book delightful! Both the Samantha AND Nick are scoundrels! I read a review where the reviewer said she quit reading at 4% - her loss, because at 11% I totally fell in love with this book! When the heroine calls for the guard - I was expecting a typical sweet virgin lady trying to right a horrible wrong and got totally blindsided by a scoundrel! Loved it! First I was shocked and then I started cracking up - I love it when an author goes rouge and surprises me!Definitely a must read book for those who love tortured heroes (& heroines) I am looking forward to the next one!
—Tracy
I really enjoyed this book - the hero and heroine were both really strong characters, and it was refreshing to have a 'damsel in distress' who wasn't such a damsel. Samantha has a mouth like a trucker and a fierce independence, for such a young character. I really loved seeing the relationship between her and Nicholas develop. I couldn't really keep track of their ages, but I kept thinking he was way older than she was - I don't think he was though, maybe just 8 or so years older. Anyway, this was a steamy romance that definitely kept me hooked. I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested in historical romances where the characters have a fair bit of substance.
—Trisha
Exciting adventure! I have just finished reading RUN WILD written by Shelly Thacker and found it a captivating adventure!I love the cover, a beautiful heroine shackled to her hero, it really reflects her captivating story!It's filled with action and two strong minded characters; Nicholas is an ex-pirate and Samantha a thief. This exciting adventure starts when Nicholas and Samantha are being shackled together and transported for trial to London. Will they try to escape? The runs starts.....he gets shot and she takes care of him for a full week, always shackled together. Trust will be of most importance for them to escape and be free. But for Samantha, it is difficult to trust any men. Will she trust him enough to share secrets with him? Will they fall in love while sparks flare all around them? Beautiful sexy chemistry between them! Steamy love scenes! Shelly Tacker is a very descriptive writer! The intrigue is very well written. It's fast paced! I like her style of writing. I could not put it down. I am looking forward to her next book! I highly recommend this book! Beware, her books are highly addictive! Ms. Thacker is an author to watch!
—Nicole Laverdure
