Jezebel's Wish

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he’s completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.

Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

Jezzy stopped. “I thought I was having a riding lesson.”

“You are.” He nodded toward the empty paddock. “Go in.”

“Go in?” Jezzy propped a hand on her hip. “You sure you know what you’re doing? Because it was my understanding that an actual horse is needed for a riding lesson.”

“Don’t you think it would be wise at this juncture to leave the understanding up to the professionals?”

Jezzy rolled her eyes. “You’re making this way too easy. Professionals? Please. Don’t get me started.”

“Why not? Getting you started is exactly what I’m here for.”

Jezzy’s jaw dropped. She didn’t quite know how to interpret that remark.

He held out the rope. “Now go in. And take this lead line with you.” Steely blue determination glinted in his eyes. There was no way he was going to give in.

Jezzy snatched the lead line from his hand and stormed through the gate, then turned when he closed it behind her.

He put a foot on the bottom railing and rested against the gate, facing the horizon. “Take the chair to the center of the paddock and sit down.”

“And just exactly how is that supposed to teach me to ride?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “You want out of the deal?”

Jezzy’s fist clenched tight around the lead line. What she wanted was to march back to the fence and smack his face.

5 Stars from The Romance Reviews!

I was so drawn in by the story of Jezebel and Matthias that I laughed and cried throughout the whole book. I am not a great fan of Westerns as a rule, but JEZEBEL'S WISH is a truly wonderful story with two main characters so finely drawn, you feel every emotion they are experiencing. We only get to see Matthias through Jezebel's eyes, but A.J. Nuest's storytelling is so detailed that the reader understands exactly what he is feeling. Both his humor and even the occasional flash of frustration with Jezebel's antics come through loud and clear.

I can't speak highly enough about this novel or A.J. Nuest's talent to do either justice. If you love animals and know what it is like to be badly hurt by someone you cared for, this book will tug at your heartstrings in a way you will never forget.

4.5 Stars from Every Day is the Same!
This was one intense and emotional book, I spent the majority of the time reading it on the verge of tears, and one particular moment in floods of them. The grief and guilt that Jezzy is suffering from is written brilliantly with both depth and sensitivity, it really made me feel connected with the characters feelings.

What I loved most about this book was the bond built between Jezzy and The Reverend and how AJ Nuest explored the healing power of animals. The Reverend was the only one Jezzy felt she could open up to, which helped her heal enough to trust again and give Matty a chance. Speaking of Matty, he was an amazing male character! He was so caring and strong, who encouraged Jezzy to heal but never pushed her, I only wish that the narrative could have included some of his point of view as well.

AJ Nuest deals with some tough issues in this book (abuse, grief, depression etc) and they are all handled perfectly. A lighthearted read this is not, but amazing nonetheless.

5 Books from Long and Short Romance Reviews!

This author creates a main female character that is one of the walking wounded. I like the way the author works horses into the story and uses the power of a horse’s understanding to help Jezzy find her way back to the path of life. If you’ve ever mucked out a stable or combed and curried a horse, you’ll feel right at home in these book pages.

Both characters are honest, good people who haven’t found the right person in their life. The author successfully attracts your attention and pulls you into the tale. The story has a good pace, has some unexpected moments, and makes you care enough to root for the relationship to be successful.

I really enjoyed reading this story. Why not get a copy and try it for yourself?

Boy, did I bawl my eyes out on this one!
A very heart-wrenching story about a woman who is emotionally recovering from the death of her fiancée. To try and sort out her feelings and give herself some space, Jezebel (or Jezzy) stays with her mother and sister on their ranch in the country - quite a break and change of scenery from her city life in Chicago. Because of the dark secrets she holds about the accident that killed her fiancée, she puts up a wall of negativity and anger. However, the local vet Matthias (or Matty) is used to caring and healing those who hurt but can't talk about their pain. Enlisting the gentle nature of a stallion named The Reverend, Matty helps Jezzy recover from her ordeal and their relationship blossoms.

Matty is a strong and loving hero any woman would dream of having in her life, with a gentle nature who gives as good as he gets and deals with the heroine's caustic nature with good humor...just what she needs to bring those walls down.

Jezzy is a very much like a wounded animal that lashes out at anyone trying to help, but she's doing it to protect those she loves and it's less about protecting herself. The guilt she has weighing her spirit down is understandable and her transition toward healing is a joyful experience.

Highly recommended read!