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Savage Romance #1
Savage Forest
Alternate Cover Edition: B00CDG7CO6
Jenna Ulfsson is faced with one consuming quest: survival. Her darkest nightmares are realized when the young Swedish immigrant is taken by the Lenni Lenape Indians after a grave misunderstanding turns to bloodshed. Looking into the piercing black eyes of her bronze-skinned captor, Jenna prepares to endure a ghastly revenge for her father’s mortal mistake.
Running Wolf is a striking and virile Minsi brave who first discovers the golden-haired female hunting as a man deep within the forest. He is enthralled with the slender, green-eyed creature, so different from any white woman he has ever before encountered. Yet when his brother is needlessly murdered by the girl’s father, the course of his life is changed forever.
Running Wolf rashly takes the young woman captive, bearing her deep within the savagely beautiful mountain regions of the New World’s interior, his homeland known as the Dark Forest, steeped with mysticism and lore of a people little known by the Whites. Jenna slowly adapts to the native way of life, discovering her own talent as a natural healer among the native people.
Sexual tensions and clashes of will escalate as Jenna is thrown into the care and lodge of Running Wolf by decree of the chief. In close quarters, their mutual attraction can no longer be denied. Temper and passion entwine the couple until Running Wolf is stretched to the breaking point. Can he tame the young Swede's indomitable spirit?
Jenna Ulfsson is faced with one consuming quest: survival. Her darkest nightmares are realized when the young Swedish immigrant is taken by the Lenni Lenape Indians after a grave misunderstanding turns to bloodshed. Looking into the piercing black eyes of her bronze-skinned captor, Jenna prepares to endure a ghastly revenge for her father’s mortal mistake.
Running Wolf is a striking and virile Minsi brave who first discovers the golden-haired female hunting as a man deep within the forest. He is enthralled with the slender, green-eyed creature, so different from any white woman he has ever before encountered. Yet when his brother is needlessly murdered by the girl’s father, the course of his life is changed forever.
Running Wolf rashly takes the young woman captive, bearing her deep within the savagely beautiful mountain regions of the New World’s interior, his homeland known as the Dark Forest, steeped with mysticism and lore of a people little known by the Whites. Jenna slowly adapts to the native way of life, discovering her own talent as a natural healer among the native people.
Sexual tensions and clashes of will escalate as Jenna is thrown into the care and lodge of Running Wolf by decree of the chief. In close quarters, their mutual attraction can no longer be denied. Temper and passion entwine the couple until Running Wolf is stretched to the breaking point. Can he tame the young Swede's indomitable spirit?
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Jessica Leigh
16 books23 followersJessica Leigh writes historical romance and romantasy filled with imperfect heroes, resilient heroines, and the fierce, world-shifting love that binds them. Her stories are born from a lifelong fascination with the early American wilderness—and from countless hours spent deep in the archives of Penn State’s Old Main library, digging through century-old histories, ethnographies, and forgotten memoirs.
Before writing fiction, Jessica studied environmental science at Penn State, learning the language of the eastern forests, its native plants, and its wild secrets—knowledge that now breathes life into every page of her books. She brings the land itself into her storytelling: the river’s pulse, the hush of pines, the healing power of plants, and the whisper of wind carrying myth and memory.
Jessica is known for writing characters who are beautifully flawed, passionately loyal, and shaped by the savage frontier worlds that test them. Whether it’s a young woman navigating cultural boundaries or an accomplished warrior wrestling with myth and magic, her characters fight, love, heal, and always rise above.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wandering nature trails, crafting herbal skincare products, dreaming up fascinating for her next novel, or trying to keep her cat from sleeping on her keyboard.
She is currently at work on book #4 of Native American historical romance series.
Before writing fiction, Jessica studied environmental science at Penn State, learning the language of the eastern forests, its native plants, and its wild secrets—knowledge that now breathes life into every page of her books. She brings the land itself into her storytelling: the river’s pulse, the hush of pines, the healing power of plants, and the whisper of wind carrying myth and memory.
Jessica is known for writing characters who are beautifully flawed, passionately loyal, and shaped by the savage frontier worlds that test them. Whether it’s a young woman navigating cultural boundaries or an accomplished warrior wrestling with myth and magic, her characters fight, love, heal, and always rise above.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wandering nature trails, crafting herbal skincare products, dreaming up fascinating for her next novel, or trying to keep her cat from sleeping on her keyboard.
She is currently at work on book #4 of Native American historical romance series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 25, 2013
Wow very seldom does a story give so much vivid detail. There's romance, passion, adventure... just about anything a person could want in a book! The author done a great job with everything - the storyline, the setting, building the characters into believable people that you care deeply for and you find yourself completely wrapped up in the plot and where it's all going. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I was totally impressed. I enjoyed the excitement of this novel. It really kept one on their toes. Another book I read and couldn't put down. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2024
I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This book reminded me of the old-fashioned Indian romances of the 80's and early 90's. This is not meant as a criticism. It is meant as a complement.
The story: The heroine Jenna lives with her father in the New World Dutch settlement of New Amstel along the Delaware River. One day, Jenna is hunting and encounters some Indians and they surround her. Running Wolf, his brother Crow Beaver, and a couple of other warriors are traveling to the settlement for trade purposes. Up until this time, the Indians and Dutch have coexisted peacefully. Jenna's father (an Indian hater) enters the picture and promptly assumes the worst. He shoots Crow Beaver and then the Indians shoot him with an arrow. As a consequence, Running Wolf kidnaps Jenna and they then make the long journey to his village that lies deep in the dark forest. During the journey, Jenna is tied to Running Wolf, but otherwise is not harmed or abused.
Eventually, they arrive at his village. Running Wolf's tribe is the Minsi(Clan of the Wolves). Jenna is attacked when they arrive, but Running Wolf shields her from it. Jenna is put into the care of the Chief Soaring Eagle and his mate Willow Plume. Jenna is wary at first, but slowly realizes that Willow Plume is not going to hurt her. Willow Plume and Jenna begin a friendship. Willow Plume starts teaching her their ways so she can adjust to her new life. Soaring Eagle and Willow Plume do not blame her for their son's death and are very kind to her.
As time passes, Soaring Eagle realizes he must make a decision about Jenna's future. She cannot stay with them forever. He decides to give her as a gift to his son Running Wolf. He wants to test his ability to be a leader. As a gift, she cannot be abused in any way. Needless to say, both are not happy with the decision, but must abide by it. Jenna moves into his lodge and it is not a smooth transition.
Meanwhile, Running Wolf has been sleeping with Yellow Woman. Yellow Woman is a manipulate, conniving, mean, spiteful, jealous woman who hates Jenna with a passion. Jenna and Yellow Woman have many fights.
The rest of the book deals with Running Wolf and Jenna's eventual HEA. Along the way, there are many obstacles that they have to contend with.
Yellow Woman and the village's Medicine Man Strikes with Two Fists(who is a creep and wants Jenna for himself) give Running Wolf and Jenna many problems. .
Secondary Characters:
Brown Eagle - was a kind friend to Jenna when she most needed it.
Elk Walker - was hilarious. He loved to tease Running Wolf about his feelings for Jenna.
Wise Moon - Medicine woman for the tribe. She was an excellent mentor and friend to Jenna. She helped her find a purpose in her new life.
Overall, an original and engaging historical Indian romance.
This book reminded me of the old-fashioned Indian romances of the 80's and early 90's. This is not meant as a criticism. It is meant as a complement.
The story: The heroine Jenna lives with her father in the New World Dutch settlement of New Amstel along the Delaware River. One day, Jenna is hunting and encounters some Indians and they surround her. Running Wolf, his brother Crow Beaver, and a couple of other warriors are traveling to the settlement for trade purposes. Up until this time, the Indians and Dutch have coexisted peacefully. Jenna's father (an Indian hater) enters the picture and promptly assumes the worst. He shoots Crow Beaver and then the Indians shoot him with an arrow. As a consequence, Running Wolf kidnaps Jenna and they then make the long journey to his village that lies deep in the dark forest. During the journey, Jenna is tied to Running Wolf, but otherwise is not harmed or abused.
Eventually, they arrive at his village. Running Wolf's tribe is the Minsi(Clan of the Wolves). Jenna is attacked when they arrive, but Running Wolf shields her from it. Jenna is put into the care of the Chief Soaring Eagle and his mate Willow Plume. Jenna is wary at first, but slowly realizes that Willow Plume is not going to hurt her. Willow Plume and Jenna begin a friendship. Willow Plume starts teaching her their ways so she can adjust to her new life. Soaring Eagle and Willow Plume do not blame her for their son's death and are very kind to her.
As time passes, Soaring Eagle realizes he must make a decision about Jenna's future. She cannot stay with them forever. He decides to give her as a gift to his son Running Wolf. He wants to test his ability to be a leader. As a gift, she cannot be abused in any way. Needless to say, both are not happy with the decision, but must abide by it. Jenna moves into his lodge and it is not a smooth transition.
Meanwhile, Running Wolf has been sleeping with Yellow Woman. Yellow Woman is a manipulate, conniving, mean, spiteful, jealous woman who hates Jenna with a passion. Jenna and Yellow Woman have many fights.
The rest of the book deals with Running Wolf and Jenna's eventual HEA. Along the way, there are many obstacles that they have to contend with.
Yellow Woman and the village's Medicine Man Strikes with Two Fists(who is a creep and wants Jenna for himself) give Running Wolf and Jenna many problems. .
Secondary Characters:
Brown Eagle - was a kind friend to Jenna when she most needed it.
Elk Walker - was hilarious. He loved to tease Running Wolf about his feelings for Jenna.
Wise Moon - Medicine woman for the tribe. She was an excellent mentor and friend to Jenna. She helped her find a purpose in her new life.
Overall, an original and engaging historical Indian romance.
June 19, 2013
This story was very difficult to get through as it was written. It was tough due to the length of the story. If the storyline about Jenna and Running Wolf had been broken into two books with the first book being about her being taken captive and her life in his world and then the second book about her going back to her previous “white” world and being taken captive by another Indian group and her struggle to return to Running Wolf, I could have easily read them and appreciated them for how they were split up.
I don’t have problems with the heroine of the story jumping into the world that she has been forced to live in but in this case Jenna adapted a little too easily to her captive world which I was surprised by considering the era and her life in the “white” world. I liked Jenna and Running Wolf but the entire storyline got bogged down with too many other characters being introduced and leaving the scene and then returning. The antagonists of this couple were introduced in the beginning and then slightly forgotten about. Then thrust back into the readers world and, from my point of view, they lingered too long in the storyline.
I am not saying that descriptive storyline is a bad thing, but this book seemed to languish and stutter. There was heat and immediate attraction between Jenna and Running Wolf but it seemed to disappear within the monotony of the storyline.
-Reviewed by Khriste
I don’t have problems with the heroine of the story jumping into the world that she has been forced to live in but in this case Jenna adapted a little too easily to her captive world which I was surprised by considering the era and her life in the “white” world. I liked Jenna and Running Wolf but the entire storyline got bogged down with too many other characters being introduced and leaving the scene and then returning. The antagonists of this couple were introduced in the beginning and then slightly forgotten about. Then thrust back into the readers world and, from my point of view, they lingered too long in the storyline.
I am not saying that descriptive storyline is a bad thing, but this book seemed to languish and stutter. There was heat and immediate attraction between Jenna and Running Wolf but it seemed to disappear within the monotony of the storyline.
-Reviewed by Khriste
August 6, 2020
This was one long, never-ending car crash of a book. It was filled with so many sub-plots, secondary characters that appeared one moment and disappeared the next, and one-dimensional MCs that were poorly written.
We have the heroine of the book, Jenna, a shy, painfully timid and door-mat of a girl that throughout the entire book is hopelessly chasing after the so-called hero Running Wolf. Meanwhile, it is so obvious that he is only interested in Jenna simply because he feels nothing more than lust for her and wants to bed her.
To make matters worse, the OW, Yellow Woman, is actively present throughout the entire book - in the first third the H is sleeping with her even after he has met and feels attracted to the h (which I really cannot stand in a romance). In the second third, he stops sleeping with her, not for the h but because the author has contrived it to be so, and due to the psychotic OW’s machinations believes her baby is his. In the last third, the h is kidnapped by another tribe because of the OW. I have never read a book that revolves so completely around the OW, it might as well have been the OW’s and the H’s story. Usually, the OW/OM is used as a plot device to inspire jealousy, to bring the MCs closer together and to get them to admit their feelings for each other but in this book it was nothing like that, and clearly overdone.
I have no idea what the author was thinking when she made Running Wolf the hero of this book. He is supposed to be this gruff and brooding but silently honourable man (my favourite type of hero, hence why I gravitated to this book) yet his character possessed none of these qualities. There is nothing honourable about what he does to Jenna, drunkenly raping her and making her first time an awful experience.
The h, Jenna, wasn’t written any better. She was a typical doormat TSTL heroine that for God knows what reason was completely infatuated with the H. What on earth attracted her to him? Was it the fact that he treated her like garbage, verbally abused her at every turn and crushed her self-esteem and self-respect (not that she had much to begin with). She even acknowledges and is fully aware of his awful treatment of her and yet supposedly still manages to fall in love with him. Seriously?! Don’t forget this was on top of her very bad sexual experience with him and yet being a bad lay still makes him attractive to her? What was the author thinking?!!
He not only rejects her for the OW & her baby, he actively seeks to marry her to a repulsive OM, whom he suspects will not treat her well but still intends to force the h to go through with it. This was despite knowing that another man, Brown Eagle, was in love with Jenna and would treat her well. This is just one of many examples of how pitiful Running Wolf is and how little he cares for her. Another example is when Jenna runs away and far from feeling heartbroken and desperate to get her back because he loves her, he thinks only of saving his own ‘pride’ as reason to go after her - and this more than halfway through the book.
This is a continuing theme in this book of Running Wolf feeling nothing but inconvenienced, duty bound and lustful towards Jenna - none of which inspires love or made me think that he was even remotely in love with her. We never see any affection between them, no lighthearted conversations, not really even his inner thoughts about what he feels for her apart from lust of course. It came as such a shock and so out of the blue when he realises he loves her: ‘It was finally clear to him that he loved her completely’ - and then continues to treat her awfully, is still yo-yoing between her and the OW and has no intention of leaving her. Right until the end of the book it is the h that goes after and chooses the H, never do we see the H vulnerable and willing to sacrifice everything to be with her.
The synopsis of this book was very attractive and had so much potential but was so badly executed. The characters had no depth which meant I really didn’t connect with or care for them, the plot line was drawn out and became mind-numbingly boring, and it could not in any way be considered a romance. I do not recommend this book for all the above reasons and suggest you don’t waste your time and money on this.
We have the heroine of the book, Jenna, a shy, painfully timid and door-mat of a girl that throughout the entire book is hopelessly chasing after the so-called hero Running Wolf. Meanwhile, it is so obvious that he is only interested in Jenna simply because he feels nothing more than lust for her and wants to bed her.
To make matters worse, the OW, Yellow Woman, is actively present throughout the entire book - in the first third the H is sleeping with her even after he has met and feels attracted to the h (which I really cannot stand in a romance). In the second third, he stops sleeping with her, not for the h but because the author has contrived it to be so, and due to the psychotic OW’s machinations believes her baby is his. In the last third, the h is kidnapped by another tribe because of the OW. I have never read a book that revolves so completely around the OW, it might as well have been the OW’s and the H’s story. Usually, the OW/OM is used as a plot device to inspire jealousy, to bring the MCs closer together and to get them to admit their feelings for each other but in this book it was nothing like that, and clearly overdone.
I have no idea what the author was thinking when she made Running Wolf the hero of this book. He is supposed to be this gruff and brooding but silently honourable man (my favourite type of hero, hence why I gravitated to this book) yet his character possessed none of these qualities. There is nothing honourable about what he does to Jenna, drunkenly raping her and making her first time an awful experience.
The h, Jenna, wasn’t written any better. She was a typical doormat TSTL heroine that for God knows what reason was completely infatuated with the H. What on earth attracted her to him? Was it the fact that he treated her like garbage, verbally abused her at every turn and crushed her self-esteem and self-respect (not that she had much to begin with). She even acknowledges and is fully aware of his awful treatment of her and yet supposedly still manages to fall in love with him. Seriously?! Don’t forget this was on top of her very bad sexual experience with him and yet being a bad lay still makes him attractive to her? What was the author thinking?!!
He not only rejects her for the OW & her baby, he actively seeks to marry her to a repulsive OM, whom he suspects will not treat her well but still intends to force the h to go through with it. This was despite knowing that another man, Brown Eagle, was in love with Jenna and would treat her well. This is just one of many examples of how pitiful Running Wolf is and how little he cares for her. Another example is when Jenna runs away and far from feeling heartbroken and desperate to get her back because he loves her, he thinks only of saving his own ‘pride’ as reason to go after her - and this more than halfway through the book.
This is a continuing theme in this book of Running Wolf feeling nothing but inconvenienced, duty bound and lustful towards Jenna - none of which inspires love or made me think that he was even remotely in love with her. We never see any affection between them, no lighthearted conversations, not really even his inner thoughts about what he feels for her apart from lust of course. It came as such a shock and so out of the blue when he realises he loves her: ‘It was finally clear to him that he loved her completely’ - and then continues to treat her awfully, is still yo-yoing between her and the OW and has no intention of leaving her. Right until the end of the book it is the h that goes after and chooses the H, never do we see the H vulnerable and willing to sacrifice everything to be with her.
The synopsis of this book was very attractive and had so much potential but was so badly executed. The characters had no depth which meant I really didn’t connect with or care for them, the plot line was drawn out and became mind-numbingly boring, and it could not in any way be considered a romance. I do not recommend this book for all the above reasons and suggest you don’t waste your time and money on this.
August 13, 2016
Really wanted to like it, but early on the clumsy writing style kept throwing me out of the story. Run-on sentences, excessive adjectives, and a text littered with spelling and grammar errors made it very difficult to follow. Liked the heroine enough to be interested, but the hero's behavior was unforgivable in a very rapey sex scene. Some things are just not redeemable in a hero. I read a lot of NA romance and prefer a well researched story that is at least remotely historically accurate. Unfortunately this one is not. Overall disappointing and would not recommend it for those who are looking for NA historical romance.
June 4, 2013
I thought Savage Forest was a very descriptive and entertaining historical romance. The main story line is one of romance between two characters of different races and cultures, who must overcome a lot of challenges to be together. The lead and sub characters come to life in Savage Forest, and there is also much unexpected humor throughout. We are given a rare glimpse of early Native American culture and how the first colonists along the eastern coast perceived them as people. It's a really unique book and well worth the read!
August 1, 2013
Things i did not know before i read Savage Forest
-If a man rapes you, it's totally ok as long as it was done with zero control and lot's of love
-There are some books that never ever ever end, no matter how bad you want them to.
-Dirty looks are the best way to fall in love
-Big boobed women are winners.
- White people suck
February 12, 2016
This was a great book. Characters were really good and the settings were great too. Very exciting and romantic between very different cultures.
January 6, 2023
I tried to get into this book since the plot sounds pretty interesting, however, it was hard to stay immersed and I only got to 7%. The author was fairly good at scene building providing the sights, smells, sounds, ect. There a parts that seemed...odd or rushed though.
Pros:
- Unique meeting that brought the leads together within the first chapter.
- There is a healthy combination of feelings per actual plot/scene progression in the writing.
Cons:
- The journey to the tribal village is very short with no chance of character building or really any interaction between the leads (or the trade party) aside from him watching her and her being tired.
- I have no knowledge with Native American culture but it seems odd to me that the chief's wife is a doormat for everyone. In most of the books I've read, the tribes have a system where the men make the decisions and the women take care of the house, food, children, making clothes/pelts, ect. In these books the women have a sort of hierarchy as well, however, in this book the chief's wife is snapped at and she just takes it.
Neutral:
I'm not a fan of back and forth POV unless it's per chapter and makes sense. For me, giving the point of view repeatedly to minor/supporting characters didn't really capture my attention. So far we have Male Lead, Female Lead, Chief, and Chief's Wife. Just because I'm not a fan of this doesn't mean that it's a con, I'm sure there are other people who enjoy multiple POVs.
Pros:
- Unique meeting that brought the leads together within the first chapter.
- There is a healthy combination of feelings per actual plot/scene progression in the writing.
Cons:
- The journey to the tribal village is very short with no chance of character building or really any interaction between the leads (or the trade party) aside from him watching her and her being tired.
- I have no knowledge with Native American culture but it seems odd to me that the chief's wife is a doormat for everyone. In most of the books I've read, the tribes have a system where the men make the decisions and the women take care of the house, food, children, making clothes/pelts, ect. In these books the women have a sort of hierarchy as well, however, in this book the chief's wife is snapped at and she just takes it.
Neutral:
I'm not a fan of back and forth POV unless it's per chapter and makes sense. For me, giving the point of view repeatedly to minor/supporting characters didn't really capture my attention. So far we have Male Lead, Female Lead, Chief, and Chief's Wife. Just because I'm not a fan of this doesn't mean that it's a con, I'm sure there are other people who enjoy multiple POVs.
June 12, 2013
Savage Forest - Jessica Leigh
Jenna is a Swedish immigrant who was living with her father in the Dutch colony in New Amstel in what is now New York. An incident happened that lead to bloodshed due to the language barrier of the Lenni Lenape Indians and Jenna and her father.
Jenna is taken captive by the Lenni Lenape Indians of the Minisi tribe. Running Wolf takes her back to his people and she stays with his parents in their lodge until the council decides on her fate. In the meantime, Jenna is taught the ways of the Minsi Tribe by Willow Plume who is Running Wolf's mother. Jenna learns quickly and it was decided by Soaring Eagle that Jenna was to be given to Running Wolf as a gift. As Jenna stays with Running Wolf they both start to have feelings for each other, but yet they don't actually know how to show it to the other. They both are stubborn and will not realize they both need to grieve for the ones that they have lost before they can move on with their lives.
The storyline is great! However, I felt the romance between Running Wolf and Jenna was long winded. The story should have ended once both Yellow Woman and Stands with a fist have been banished by the tribe.
I'm rather surprised that Jenna was able to keep her white name. Once captives whether they are slaves or have been adopted by the natives would have been given an Indian name. This could have been reflected when Jenna went on that hunting party when they were tracking that cougar or when she was inducted as becoming a Medicine Woman.
Jenna is a Swedish immigrant who was living with her father in the Dutch colony in New Amstel in what is now New York. An incident happened that lead to bloodshed due to the language barrier of the Lenni Lenape Indians and Jenna and her father.
Jenna is taken captive by the Lenni Lenape Indians of the Minisi tribe. Running Wolf takes her back to his people and she stays with his parents in their lodge until the council decides on her fate. In the meantime, Jenna is taught the ways of the Minsi Tribe by Willow Plume who is Running Wolf's mother. Jenna learns quickly and it was decided by Soaring Eagle that Jenna was to be given to Running Wolf as a gift. As Jenna stays with Running Wolf they both start to have feelings for each other, but yet they don't actually know how to show it to the other. They both are stubborn and will not realize they both need to grieve for the ones that they have lost before they can move on with their lives.
The storyline is great! However, I felt the romance between Running Wolf and Jenna was long winded. The story should have ended once both Yellow Woman and Stands with a fist have been banished by the tribe.
I'm rather surprised that Jenna was able to keep her white name. Once captives whether they are slaves or have been adopted by the natives would have been given an Indian name. This could have been reflected when Jenna went on that hunting party when they were tracking that cougar or when she was inducted as becoming a Medicine Woman.
June 14, 2013
I think that this was a very good first novel. I felt drawn into the story from the first page.
The author is very descriptive and I could easily picture each character and where they were at. The story changes perspective often, but I had no trouble figuring out which character was doing the thinking at any given moment.
I really enjoyed Jenna's character. She struck me as brave, smart and caring. I did find that at time she acted in a childish and naive manner, but those instances made sense based on her age and experience. Her relationships with the various characters within the book, especially Wise Moon and Willow Plume, were fun. I loved seeing the way Jenna and so many other characters were able to overcome their own racism.
There are two things that caused me to give this four stars instead of five. First, I felt that the story was a little too long. I was ready for Jenna and Running Wolf to end up together when Yellow Moon was banished. I wanted Jenna to have some peace. The second reason is the first sex scene with Jenna and Running Wolf. I felt that even a little tipsy he should have behaved a lot better.
The author is very descriptive and I could easily picture each character and where they were at. The story changes perspective often, but I had no trouble figuring out which character was doing the thinking at any given moment.
I really enjoyed Jenna's character. She struck me as brave, smart and caring. I did find that at time she acted in a childish and naive manner, but those instances made sense based on her age and experience. Her relationships with the various characters within the book, especially Wise Moon and Willow Plume, were fun. I loved seeing the way Jenna and so many other characters were able to overcome their own racism.
There are two things that caused me to give this four stars instead of five. First, I felt that the story was a little too long. I was ready for Jenna and Running Wolf to end up together when Yellow Moon was banished. I wanted Jenna to have some peace. The second reason is the first sex scene with Jenna and Running Wolf. I felt that even a little tipsy he should have behaved a lot better.
November 15, 2016
Lots of angst. Started off ok, it is written in a time when women had little power or influence but the hero was so arrogant and stubborn he did get on my nerves in the end.
A jealous ex and a cruel prospective 'mate' all add up to a good story.
A jealous ex and a cruel prospective 'mate' all add up to a good story.
May 14, 2013
Great Story with many unexpected twists.
December 28, 2016
This book is beautiful in so many ways. I did not expect myself to fall in love so easily with this tale, but within the first few pages I was hooked. Jenna is a fierce young woman who is captured by the local natives after a brutal (read, fatal) misunderstanding. She causes the death of her captors dearest brother, which sets the man, Running Wolf, against her in his heart even as he brings her to his home.
Running Wolf is a fiery, hot blooded man with sometimes wild emotions. He feels things so keenly that he feels like a living, breathing character. This is what I love about this book; the characters are all so unique and have such personality and feeling behind them. There are no flat characters. Sure, there are some typical villains, but even they have some depth to them. Jenna is sent to live in Running Wolf's lodge, as he is named her protector going forward. This dismay's Jenna, for she fears what Running Wolf feels for her and he detests what he feels all in the same heartbeat.
The culture was wonderful. I was so happy to be fully immersed in the world of the Lenni Lenape Natives. Having Jenna try to adjust and become one with the village was great to read about. This book was a pleasure to read, especially with the ups and downs that happened continually throughout the book.
Truly, this book has set a blaze in me to find and read every Native American romance I can find.
Running Wolf is a fiery, hot blooded man with sometimes wild emotions. He feels things so keenly that he feels like a living, breathing character. This is what I love about this book; the characters are all so unique and have such personality and feeling behind them. There are no flat characters. Sure, there are some typical villains, but even they have some depth to them. Jenna is sent to live in Running Wolf's lodge, as he is named her protector going forward. This dismay's Jenna, for she fears what Running Wolf feels for her and he detests what he feels all in the same heartbeat.
The culture was wonderful. I was so happy to be fully immersed in the world of the Lenni Lenape Natives. Having Jenna try to adjust and become one with the village was great to read about. This book was a pleasure to read, especially with the ups and downs that happened continually throughout the book.
Truly, this book has set a blaze in me to find and read every Native American romance I can find.
December 31, 2025
A new way of life
A good book well written. Jenna is smart learn to live with the Indians.Becmes a medicine woman false in love.A bad indian woman tries to kill her.A lot going on in this story.Jessica great story teller
A good book well written. Jenna is smart learn to live with the Indians.Becmes a medicine woman false in love.A bad indian woman tries to kill her.A lot going on in this story.Jessica great story teller
October 5, 2016
There's definitely some help needed in editing that could greatly improve the quality of the story. The story had a lot of potential, that sometimes got stilted by the way things were phrased, making it difficult and confusing.
Regarding the content of the story, It was refreshing to read about a relationship with such distinctive cultures. The descriptions of the setting added depth to the storytelling, and made it easier to visualize the place were things took place.
Characters were pretty unique, and I found that the names they were given piqued my curiosity, which made me want to discover the meanings behind them. Aside from that, learning about tribe life, their customs and culture was a really interesting experience. I enjoyed the main characters, felt like they had a really good connection despite their differences, and that their personalities complemented each other.
Jenna is a lovely young woman that faces adversity with her head held high, but I found some trouble believing her perfect capability to adapt to the the new enviroment she's thrust into, since she had expeienced a great loss, and seemingly continued without much mourning or sadness. She's a very disciplined girl, and I admire that despite her feelings, she still made her best effort to adapt without ever losing hope. I did find her naivety irritating at some moments, because at times she felt like a woman who knows about the dangers she might be facing and at others she just threw caution to the wind and later expected me to believe she didn't knew the implications of whatever she tried to do.
Running Wolf is an equally likable and frustrating character. He is an honest man, but his hot-headedness sometimes made me want to slap him. His undecisiveness, behavior and excuses made everything longer that it had to be. He also made really poor decisions, which gladly he owned up to, though too late.
The side characters, aside from the most prominent ones like Soaring Eagle, Willow Plume and Wise Moon, were pretty bland. Including other characters which are introduced later and had a bigger relevance in the story, just appeared at specific times to make a point or to remember them, leaving them undeveloped. (a fact which sadden me because some of them, with a little more depth, could have made a better impact to the story)
Antagonistic characters are quite cliché, they did conveyed that ominous aura, and added enough drama and frustration, as well as some cringy and disturbing moments, but otherwise felt pretty simple.
I can certainly say that this story is not perfect, but all the little details accompanying the story made it an special book for me. One of the negative things I could mention is that the book could've ended much earlier than it did. There were moments that felt drawn out. especifically toward the end of the book, which brought a messy and hasty conclusion to the story,
WHat I really was mad about was the lack of an epilogue. After a climatic event, the last chapter ends hastily, followed by the end of the book. I didn't felt like the book ended and an epilogue, no matter how short, could've have given a little sneak peek at the immediate future of the couple and close it with a proper ending.
Seeing that there is another book, I'm very tempted to read it just to get a glimpse to what happened to the main characters and see how the next story unfolds. I hope it's even better than this book.
I really value the potential of a story, and even if this one had several flaws that needed editing as well as some tweaks, I really enjoyed it.
I give it 3.5 stars!
Regarding the content of the story, It was refreshing to read about a relationship with such distinctive cultures. The descriptions of the setting added depth to the storytelling, and made it easier to visualize the place were things took place.
Characters were pretty unique, and I found that the names they were given piqued my curiosity, which made me want to discover the meanings behind them. Aside from that, learning about tribe life, their customs and culture was a really interesting experience. I enjoyed the main characters, felt like they had a really good connection despite their differences, and that their personalities complemented each other.
Jenna is a lovely young woman that faces adversity with her head held high, but I found some trouble believing her perfect capability to adapt to the the new enviroment she's thrust into, since she had expeienced a great loss, and seemingly continued without much mourning or sadness. She's a very disciplined girl, and I admire that despite her feelings, she still made her best effort to adapt without ever losing hope. I did find her naivety irritating at some moments, because at times she felt like a woman who knows about the dangers she might be facing and at others she just threw caution to the wind and later expected me to believe she didn't knew the implications of whatever she tried to do.
Running Wolf is an equally likable and frustrating character. He is an honest man, but his hot-headedness sometimes made me want to slap him. His undecisiveness, behavior and excuses made everything longer that it had to be. He also made really poor decisions, which gladly he owned up to, though too late.
The side characters, aside from the most prominent ones like Soaring Eagle, Willow Plume and Wise Moon, were pretty bland. Including other characters which are introduced later and had a bigger relevance in the story, just appeared at specific times to make a point or to remember them, leaving them undeveloped. (a fact which sadden me because some of them, with a little more depth, could have made a better impact to the story)
Antagonistic characters are quite cliché, they did conveyed that ominous aura, and added enough drama and frustration, as well as some cringy and disturbing moments, but otherwise felt pretty simple.
I can certainly say that this story is not perfect, but all the little details accompanying the story made it an special book for me. One of the negative things I could mention is that the book could've ended much earlier than it did. There were moments that felt drawn out. especifically toward the end of the book, which brought a messy and hasty conclusion to the story,
WHat I really was mad about was the lack of an epilogue. After a climatic event, the last chapter ends hastily, followed by the end of the book. I didn't felt like the book ended and an epilogue, no matter how short, could've have given a little sneak peek at the immediate future of the couple and close it with a proper ending.
Seeing that there is another book, I'm very tempted to read it just to get a glimpse to what happened to the main characters and see how the next story unfolds. I hope it's even better than this book.
I really value the potential of a story, and even if this one had several flaws that needed editing as well as some tweaks, I really enjoyed it.
I give it 3.5 stars!
October 13, 2015
Love
Jenna, while hunting, is discovered by a small band of Minsi tribesmen. As they attempt to trade, a misunderstanding ensues, causing one of the Minsi to lose his life, and in retaliation, so does Jenna's father.
Being an impulsive, and deeply grieving warrior, Running Wolf decides to take the yellow haired girl captive, but he really can't explain why or what he expects to happen, even to himself.
Running Wolf, now the only son of the chief, will become Soaring Eagles Successor, but he has much to learn before he will find the wisdom of leadership.
Jenna is afraid and confused, but soon becomes like a daughter to Soaring Eagle and his wife. Sadly, they are not able to keep her in their home, but decide to make her on of the Minsi people by putting her in Running Wolf's care.
He treats her badly, still blaming her for his brother's death.
Jealousy and deceit run rampant, and many get hurt in the process.
I enjoyed the book. It was in depth without complexity, and I enjoyed learning something of the Native Indians other than them living in TeePees and the women cooking/making netting.
Some things were described once or twice without another reference, like the hidden watering hole, so it makes me wonder why it should have been mentioned to begin with.
Jenna fighting with Yellow Woman had small scenes that didn't go deeper than face value.
No major grammatical errors to speak of, I liked the writing style.
Jenna, while hunting, is discovered by a small band of Minsi tribesmen. As they attempt to trade, a misunderstanding ensues, causing one of the Minsi to lose his life, and in retaliation, so does Jenna's father.
Being an impulsive, and deeply grieving warrior, Running Wolf decides to take the yellow haired girl captive, but he really can't explain why or what he expects to happen, even to himself.
Running Wolf, now the only son of the chief, will become Soaring Eagles Successor, but he has much to learn before he will find the wisdom of leadership.
Jenna is afraid and confused, but soon becomes like a daughter to Soaring Eagle and his wife. Sadly, they are not able to keep her in their home, but decide to make her on of the Minsi people by putting her in Running Wolf's care.
He treats her badly, still blaming her for his brother's death.
Jealousy and deceit run rampant, and many get hurt in the process.
I enjoyed the book. It was in depth without complexity, and I enjoyed learning something of the Native Indians other than them living in TeePees and the women cooking/making netting.
Some things were described once or twice without another reference, like the hidden watering hole, so it makes me wonder why it should have been mentioned to begin with.
Jenna fighting with Yellow Woman had small scenes that didn't go deeper than face value.
No major grammatical errors to speak of, I liked the writing style.
May 20, 2013
The book I just finished reading is "Savage Forest" by Jessica Leigh. I thoroughly enjoying reading this novel. It is well written and the characters are people you care about. Lots of depth. Woven throughout the story is a great deal of interesting information about the Native Americans living in Pennsylvania, several centuries ago. Also, the author has spent a great deal of detail about the indeed 'savage' forest at that time. The main character of this book, Jenna, is someone you will truly grow to love and admire. I recommend this book to those who would enjoy an historical, fictional, and a somewhat different kind of 'love story'
June 23, 2013
I received this novel for free in exchange for a review.
I have not read historical romance in quite sometime, and after reading the Savage Forest I have no idea why not! This is a romance involving Jenna, a captured Swedish settler and Running Wolf, an Indian from the Minka tribe. I absolutely loved the story, Jessica Leigh does a wonderful job of making the characters relatable. The elements of the Forest and the rituals of the tribe were well researched and fascinating in the details. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves historical romances and am looking forward to reading more from this author!
I have not read historical romance in quite sometime, and after reading the Savage Forest I have no idea why not! This is a romance involving Jenna, a captured Swedish settler and Running Wolf, an Indian from the Minka tribe. I absolutely loved the story, Jessica Leigh does a wonderful job of making the characters relatable. The elements of the Forest and the rituals of the tribe were well researched and fascinating in the details. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves historical romances and am looking forward to reading more from this author!
November 25, 2013
I very much enjoyed reading this book.
Loved the story, and the characters! I am also impressed by the cover art (not a usual thing for me to say).
If this is your "break out book" as you put it, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!
The writing style is well done. Great use of interesting words that I had to look up on my kindle to verify the meaning based on what I thought they meant (which I did not mind one bit!). I also enjoyed peering into the personal thoughts and dilemmas of each character for brief moments throughout Savage Forest.
Nicely written.
Loved the story, and the characters! I am also impressed by the cover art (not a usual thing for me to say).
If this is your "break out book" as you put it, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!
The writing style is well done. Great use of interesting words that I had to look up on my kindle to verify the meaning based on what I thought they meant (which I did not mind one bit!). I also enjoyed peering into the personal thoughts and dilemmas of each character for brief moments throughout Savage Forest.
Nicely written.
June 1, 2015
*** Explicit sex scenes; recommended for adults only.
I loved the story. I liked how Jenna & Running Wolf fall in love, the issues they have, the set-backs. I was conflicted about how I felt when he raped her, but she still loved him, although it took her a long time to forgive him. I liked the supporting characters- Brown Eagle, Willow Plume, Soaring Eagle. The evil characters were all I could expect; they were great. I loved how they each got what they deserved. It's a story I'd definitely reread.
I loved the story. I liked how Jenna & Running Wolf fall in love, the issues they have, the set-backs. I was conflicted about how I felt when he raped her, but she still loved him, although it took her a long time to forgive him. I liked the supporting characters- Brown Eagle, Willow Plume, Soaring Eagle. The evil characters were all I could expect; they were great. I loved how they each got what they deserved. It's a story I'd definitely reread.
April 7, 2025
Good read. She is a European immigrant and he is a Native American. She ends up being taken by the natives when one of them is killed and in retaliation her father is also killed. She becomes part of the tribe and eventually becomes their medicine woman. He is attracted to her but to cover this up he tries to make things harder for her. He is hot headed and acts before he thinks causing more grieve for all concerned. When the time comes he is there for her.
December 10, 2015
This is my 3rd time reading this story but first time reviewing. It's one of my favorite historical romances stories and I love the Native American history written within the story. The angst between Running Wolf and Jenna keeps you on your toes and the supporting cast adds humor and light to the story. I just discovered a second book in this series and I'm excited to read it. 4 Stars!
Read
January 8, 2014Fiy "Jenna" as the name of a 19th Century immigrant. I dont think so,highly unlikely.
Jenny has historical backing so that could have worked but I think Johanna would have been the most plausible.
Jenny has historical backing so that could have worked but I think Johanna would have been the most plausible.
May 16, 2013
Cool time period!
November 27, 2013
loved it. I couldnt put this book down. What would happen next. So many twists and turns. It had a great story line. Jenna was awesome and believable.
March 23, 2014
Great story with lots of twists and turns that kept me interested the whole time! There were a few editing mistakes but it didn't take away from the story at all. Hope there's a sequel!
June 30, 2017
Excellent historical romance. I love anything with historical native-Americans.
April 1, 2016
Wow
This book is really good I like it a lot. I hated yellow women but I also liked the dude from the other village who wanted too be her mate.
This book is really good I like it a lot. I hated yellow women but I also liked the dude from the other village who wanted too be her mate.
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