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Bold Women of the 20th Century #3
Intoxicating
A stand-alone novel from the bestselling author of the Bold Women Mist Windegaard, the 1920s is a world of elegant speakeasies, underworld empires, and international intrigue. Born into a family of brutal bootleggers, Mist has been told her whole life that she is ugly and worthless, but when her brothers decide to open a roadhouse on their family farm, Mist’s entrepreneurial skills soar. With her confidence growing, she changes not only her looks, but her attitude, and opens three elegant speakeasies in the Midwest. They are an immense success, and Mist becomes a master of balancing the perils with the prosperity of Prohibition America. But when a charming, wealthy playboy begins to pursue her, Mist is drawn into his life of intrigue and terror—the dangerous underworld of the Irish Republican Army.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2023
163 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 9, 2024
I love stories about people growing to become greater versions of themselves than they ever thought possible.
This is just that kind of story, -Mist Windegaard's story, told with real world eloquence by author Amanda Hughes.
In Gunflint Creek, Michigan in 1920 is where this story begins. When Prohibition was in full swing. That is how this story begins, in full swing.
Overworked and as skinny as a "chicken bone", belying her 23 years of age, Mist is the defacto women of the house, taking care of four brothers who don't have enough sense to know they have a good thing going. Even when the brothers decide to open a small roadhouse in an old cabin on their property so they can sell more of their home brew and expect their little sister to prepare all the food and supervise the needed help.
And she did, building a huge clientele while she put in more hours than she could count.Until a federal raid closed the roadhouse and her oldest brother Axel turned against her employees to save himself. Then she had enough.
It was time to leave. The big city of St. Paul was calling loudly.
She opened her first supper club with guidance from Uncle Viggo. The transition over the years was gradual but profound, as the author tells us. And I, the reader could feel it.
The site of her third club was in Chicago, where she also went into hiding for months while Uncle Viggo worked to make his operation and hers safe to go back to. It was, after all, the time of illicit booze and the violent men who peddled it.
On the night of the Grand Opening she met Tiernan Vane, who had visited her other clubs when she was there. Now he was here. Of course she knew he was trouble, even as she was drawn to him.
But as they pushed back the layers of what each was protecting from the rest of the world, new and exciting feelings began to emerge.....
Now it is up to you to discover where the story goes from here.
I have told you far to much already, but it just gets better.
This is just that kind of story, -Mist Windegaard's story, told with real world eloquence by author Amanda Hughes.
In Gunflint Creek, Michigan in 1920 is where this story begins. When Prohibition was in full swing. That is how this story begins, in full swing.
Overworked and as skinny as a "chicken bone", belying her 23 years of age, Mist is the defacto women of the house, taking care of four brothers who don't have enough sense to know they have a good thing going. Even when the brothers decide to open a small roadhouse in an old cabin on their property so they can sell more of their home brew and expect their little sister to prepare all the food and supervise the needed help.
And she did, building a huge clientele while she put in more hours than she could count.Until a federal raid closed the roadhouse and her oldest brother Axel turned against her employees to save himself. Then she had enough.
It was time to leave. The big city of St. Paul was calling loudly.
She opened her first supper club with guidance from Uncle Viggo. The transition over the years was gradual but profound, as the author tells us. And I, the reader could feel it.
The site of her third club was in Chicago, where she also went into hiding for months while Uncle Viggo worked to make his operation and hers safe to go back to. It was, after all, the time of illicit booze and the violent men who peddled it.
On the night of the Grand Opening she met Tiernan Vane, who had visited her other clubs when she was there. Now he was here. Of course she knew he was trouble, even as she was drawn to him.
But as they pushed back the layers of what each was protecting from the rest of the world, new and exciting feelings began to emerge.....
Now it is up to you to discover where the story goes from here.
I have told you far to much already, but it just gets better.
February 2, 2024
My nephew is learning about the 20s and Prohibition, so I thought this would be a cool read. Well, not so much.
When the book starts out, Mist is under the thumb of her booze running brothers. She has no self-esteem, and every part of her shows it.
As the book progresses, she gains more by her own talent.
After I guess tragedy (though I don't see it that way), Mist moves to a city to be near her Uncle Viggo. She runs very successful speakeasies.
That is where she meets Tiernan Vane.
When things start to go bad for her uncle, he moves her temporarily to another place where she starts more very successful straight restaurants. Eventually, though, she goes back to the speakeasies.
That is when she becomes involved romantically with Tiernan. This is also when this book becomes so convoluted that I wanted to just dnf. Tiernan is involved with the I.R.A. , and is supposed to marry some other chic involved in the cause.
Listen, I'm sure lots of readers would love to read a book with all of this underworld activity, violence, and death, but it isn't me. I only finished the book to be sure it had a happy ending because it sure didn't have any happy anywhere else.
When the book starts out, Mist is under the thumb of her booze running brothers. She has no self-esteem, and every part of her shows it.
As the book progresses, she gains more by her own talent.
After I guess tragedy (though I don't see it that way), Mist moves to a city to be near her Uncle Viggo. She runs very successful speakeasies.
That is where she meets Tiernan Vane.
When things start to go bad for her uncle, he moves her temporarily to another place where she starts more very successful straight restaurants. Eventually, though, she goes back to the speakeasies.
That is when she becomes involved romantically with Tiernan. This is also when this book becomes so convoluted that I wanted to just dnf. Tiernan is involved with the I.R.A. , and is supposed to marry some other chic involved in the cause.
Listen, I'm sure lots of readers would love to read a book with all of this underworld activity, violence, and death, but it isn't me. I only finished the book to be sure it had a happy ending because it sure didn't have any happy anywhere else.
January 23, 2024
I love reading about gutsy women who rise above their fears & insecurities to take charge of who they are and where they are going in life. As this story progresses you will witness just how determined Mist is to protect what she has worked so hard to create. This book has very strong charater development for a variety of personalities. It flows smoothly with the rhythm of life for the movers and shakers of the 1920's.
January 27, 2024
wonderful story
This is a great story A young women bullied as a child comes into her own, becomes successful. She finds herself working on r
The wrong side of the law but with a network of good friends . Life gets complicated as she find her one true love who is also involved in nefarious activities. The tale is intriguing although the writing is a bit plodding. It is well worth the read and I applaud the author for keeping up the interest and suspense till the end
This is a great story A young women bullied as a child comes into her own, becomes successful. She finds herself working on r
The wrong side of the law but with a network of good friends . Life gets complicated as she find her one true love who is also involved in nefarious activities. The tale is intriguing although the writing is a bit plodding. It is well worth the read and I applaud the author for keeping up the interest and suspense till the end
January 18, 2024
Exceptional
From speakeasies to the war in Ireland. The vast of characters is large. Amanda Hughes has done it again!
Mist is raised by boot leggers while Tiernan came from an affluent Irish family. Despite that they both battle hardship and trouble.
A really great read. Amanda has done it again!
From speakeasies to the war in Ireland. The vast of characters is large. Amanda Hughes has done it again!
Mist is raised by boot leggers while Tiernan came from an affluent Irish family. Despite that they both battle hardship and trouble.
A really great read. Amanda has done it again!
January 23, 2024
ANOTHER Riveting Book!
Amanda’s “Intoxicating” was another ‘can’t put this down until finished’ book! The great characters and intriguing story line kept me riveted until the very end!
Amanda’s “Intoxicating” was another ‘can’t put this down until finished’ book! The great characters and intriguing story line kept me riveted until the very end!
February 7, 2024
Back to the Roaring 20's
Takes one back in time to the Roaring 20's. Strong characters; an intriguing plot with twists and turns.
Amanda Hughes' writing style brings the characters and the rural and urban landscapes to life.
Takes one back in time to the Roaring 20's. Strong characters; an intriguing plot with twists and turns.
Amanda Hughes' writing style brings the characters and the rural and urban landscapes to life.
March 11, 2024
Love
Amanda Hughes is one of my favorite authors! I have read every single one of her bold series books. This one is my favorite because I love the story line. Prohibition and gangsters in the 1920' s , what more could you ask for a
Amanda Hughes is one of my favorite authors! I have read every single one of her bold series books. This one is my favorite because I love the story line. Prohibition and gangsters in the 1920' s , what more could you ask for a
April 23, 2024
Dangerous times
Really action packed with a touch of organised crime. Starts out with a booming business of classy speak easies . Then combines with the world of spies , espionage and lots of murder all for the cause of Irish revolution.
Really action packed with a touch of organised crime. Starts out with a booming business of classy speak easies . Then combines with the world of spies , espionage and lots of murder all for the cause of Irish revolution.
April 28, 2024
intoxicating
Amanda Hughes never fails with her stories. This one excellent: 1920s, bootlegging, probition and the I.R.A. Quite a combination. I have to admit some of the twists really surprised me! Thanks for a good read !! Get this one!
Amanda Hughes never fails with her stories. This one excellent: 1920s, bootlegging, probition and the I.R.A. Quite a combination. I have to admit some of the twists really surprised me! Thanks for a good read !! Get this one!
October 1, 2024
Joan813
Interesting plot built around prohibition, bootlegging and throw in dash of the Irish IRA. One can get weary with all the sub plots and the ending seems like the author ran out of ideas and finished the book in a rush however a decent read for a rainy day.
Interesting plot built around prohibition, bootlegging and throw in dash of the Irish IRA. One can get weary with all the sub plots and the ending seems like the author ran out of ideas and finished the book in a rush however a decent read for a rainy day.
December 8, 2025
Great Book
Really enjoyed reading about Mist and her incredible life,she experienced a life that had highs and lows and found love when she thought she never would. what an adventure she had. Highly recommend this book. Hope to read more from Amanda Hughes.
Really enjoyed reading about Mist and her incredible life,she experienced a life that had highs and lows and found love when she thought she never would. what an adventure she had. Highly recommend this book. Hope to read more from Amanda Hughes.
January 27, 2024
Bold
An interesting story about the underworld. Fast paced a story you can't get enough off. Will not disappoint. Tragic story with a happy ending.
An interesting story about the underworld. Fast paced a story you can't get enough off. Will not disappoint. Tragic story with a happy ending.
January 29, 2024
Did not finish
January 29, 2024
A cracking story about the wild west
Well written and engaging . One hundred years ago America was wild . Our heroes grapple with the law and lawlessness in equal measure
Well written and engaging . One hundred years ago America was wild . Our heroes grapple with the law and lawlessness in equal measure
February 16, 2024
This book was a nice change of pace, with some new topic matter. Easy, likable characters set in Minnesota. Skims the surface of the Organization, but included some brutal history.
March 20, 2024
Not as interesting as some of her others but still a good read.
July 29, 2024
2.75
I struggled but I did finish it. So many unusual and unbelievable situations. I also didn't connect with the characters. Maybe it was just me.
I struggled but I did finish it. So many unusual and unbelievable situations. I also didn't connect with the characters. Maybe it was just me.
November 28, 2023
This book had a great pace. Always wanting to see what was going to happen next. Engaging and realistic characters that you care about. Always some interesting history thrown in for fun.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews