Wild Whispers

Wild Tribes #3

by Cassie Edwards

After the fierce Kickapoo Chief Fire Thunder rescues his little sister from a circus sideshow, he retaliates by kidnapping the carnival owner's beautiful daughter, Kaylene. But instead of despising her as he does all enemies, Fire Thunder's heart burns with new and unexpected passion--a passion called desire.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Native American

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

Edwards began writing romances in 1982 and released her 100th novel, Savage Skies, on August 28, 2007. Although her earlier books were classic historical romances, the vast majority of her novels involve Native American tribes. Edwards's grandmother was a full-blooded Cheyenne. Her first 99 books sold a combined 10 million copies as of August 2007, with her more recent novels averaging sales of 250,000–350,000 copies.

Edwards has won the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, as well as being named one of Affaire de Coeur's top ten favorite romance writers. Edwards has a reputation for meticulously researching the proper anthropological backgrounds of each tribe she writes about.

Edwards and her husband Charles, a retired high school biology teacher, have been married for over 50 years. They have two sons, Charles and Brian, and three grandchildren. The family lived in St. Louis, Missouri for over thirty years, but now reside in Mattoon, Illinois.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice change of pace from some of the other historical romances out there. I liked Kaylene and Fire Thunder well enough to read to the end. Enjoyable story but nothing earth shattering here. I'm not too big on the whole falling in love with your captor scenario. That also depends on how the story is written and what is going on in the plot. However, I would definitely read this author again.

[Shauni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

Cassie Edwards is another author who it seems is getting a new lease on life. There were plenty of awesome ladies who wrote during the 80's. Their epic brand of romance is was fun and oh so ground breaking. The things is, not all of these stories have aged well. It seems to me what was fabulous in in the 80's and early 90's are missing something.

I will admit that Miss Edwards was not one of my go to authors back in the day but even some of my favorites, book I would swear by aren't books I would be interested in now. The romance genre has grown up it's just that simple. We are a more sophisticated audience these days.

All that being said, Wild Whispers wasn't a bad book. It was ok. A solid three star.

Kaylene Shelton lived the "glamorous" life of the carnval, where ever the circus set up, that's where she lived. Isolated from most of the world and even in some ways the rest of the carnival. Kaylene found her friendships where she could and in the most unlikely places, her black panther. Life wasn't perfect but it was her life, pretty mundane. That is until her father suddenly moved the carnivalto another town... Kaylene wasn't aware of it but her life was about to change.

Chief Fire Thunder has done everything he can to keep his people free. Even moved to Mexico to live. Life wasn't perfect but it was good. But when his sister goes missing he is on a mission to find her, discovering that she has been kidnapped by the circus he is on a hunt. Never realizing that he has found his destiny.

The thing is, this wasn't a bad book, it had a nice premise, good characters, decent connections it just seems out of date. It was missing something, something I can't quite put my finger on. What it does to is bring back a genre that we don't see to much anymore. The life of the Native American in the 1880's. For a while "captured by Indians" seemed to be the in things. We don't get that too much anymore. So this was a fun little blast from the past.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Wild Whispers, provided by netgalley.

[Jamie Arledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

No More Indian Romances For Me, Irritating, A Bit Dull, Unlikable Characters, 2 1/2 Stars...

I wasn't real big on this book. I think for the most part I just need to quit reading Indian romances altogether. The customs irritate me. I hate seeing the women have no say in what goes on and even though they may have an opinion about something they just shove it to the side and bow down to their man. I don't understand why it's okay for the men to find women outside their tribe but when a woman does this she is exiled. There's just too much that makes me want to rip my hair out when I read Indian romances so I think it's time to quit trying.

I didn't see anything in Fire Thunder worth liking. I didn't understand what it was Kaylene saw in this man. She didn't do much for me either. I cared more about the secondary characters than I did these two.

The story itself was pretty dull in my opinion. I kept wondering what the point in the book was and I didn't think there was much action or excitement. I read on in hopes that something great would happen but it never really did. The writing wasn't bad but the book just didn't do much for me.

I would give this book 2 1/2 stars and wouldn't recommend it.

This book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

[Estella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaylene Shelton's home had always been wherever her father's carnival pitched its tents across the wild frontier. It was a lonely upbringing save for the companionship of Midnight, the black panther she had raised from a cub. But she always knew in her heart that somewhere, someone was waiting to end her deep, unspoken longing--if she could only find the dark-haired warrior she had seen in her dreams. . .

Nothing could stop Chief Fire Thunder from freeing his sister from the carnival owner who had abducted her for his sideshow. But when he laid eyes on the beautiful Kaylene, he felt it only right to steal her back to his people's hideaway. Soon, the fierce warrior knew that he was the one who had been caught--by an irresistible passion. . .

This was a very good read. The reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 is because I hate when books do flashbacks but don't elude to the fact that that's what is about to happen. Other than that one thing it was great! I love Cassie Edwards books!

[Book Chatter-Cath · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously, one of THE worst things I have ever read! (25% was more than enough torture!)

Why the publisher wanted to re-release it I don't know - they should have left this back in 1996 where they found it!

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 18%

This book was so unbelievable that I could not continue.

Book provided by netgalley

[Chanel Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a interesting thing to watch a writer grow. The first to books in the series seemed like multiple little stories, put into one book. (Yes we know you could say that was what a book is, but honestly if felt like the first to books were written as cereals, before cereals were a romance thing, and than the author decided to sell the characters stories as one book, and than they were literally clumped together as one book.) This book was one of the first ones that felt like one book. One conjoined story that does not felt like multiple stories.
As for the characters, they relationship did not seem bad, but the hero and heroine seem a little silly sometimes saying people were forgivable and than not forgiving each other.
Over all we really liked this book and can not wait to read the last one in the series.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read and review this book. I loved reading this one the storyline and plot are amazing as well as the captivating characters. I loved the pain the joy adventure lust inside each chapter and interaction. I like reading her sweet cute erotic HEA romances can't wait to read the next one I recommend it

[Kimberly Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story line. well developed characters.

[Emmy Alexander · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t like the insta-love.

[Dikea Lindblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book absolutely loved it 🥰

[Cinzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassie Edwards unfolds a passionate tale of two souls destined to find forbidden love. . .

Kaylene Shelton's home had always been wherever her father's carnival pitched its tents across the wild frontier. It was a lonely upbringing save for the companionship of Midnight, the black panther she had raised from a cub. But she always knew in her heart that somewhere, someone was waiting to end her deep, unspoken longing--if she could only find the dark-haired warrior she had seen in her dreams. . .

Nothing could stop Chief Fire Thunder from freeing his sister from the carnival owner who had abducted her for his sideshow. But when he laid eyes on the beautiful Kaylene, he felt it only right to steal her back to his people's hideaway. Soon, the fierce warrior knew that he was the one who had been caught--by an irresistible passion. . .
A Note From the Publisher
Don't miss this wonderful reissue in the American Historical Classic Romance Wild Series by Cassie Edwards!


Books featuring Native Americans in this historical period have always fascinated me.
Wild Whispers is a nice book, well written, and I loved the story of Fire Thunder and Kaylene.
The connection between them it's from the very beginning, love at first sight, despite the cultural differences that exist between the two.
It must be said that Kaylene's life is not exactly similar to that of other white women, her family is always on the move with their caravan, to represent their shows and showcase their attractions around America, but not just only for that.
The passion they Feel for each other is unexplained, but both don't seem to have the will to object, even though the circumstances that made them meet in person are far from pleasant and romantic.
Thing that will create some obstacles between Kaylene, who is taken prisoner from Fire Thunder, who despite being attracted to the young woman, must put on the first place his responsibility as Chief of the tribe and his choices aren't always easy to make, even at times he must be tough and uncompromising, for the good of all.
Thanks to the story you can learn some aspects of native American culture and is one of the things I loved most in the book, you can read their traditions and beliefs and rules.
A nice book to read for fans of the genre, romantic and full of passion, written in a simple way, making the reading smooth, but the plot has various mysteries and secrets to solve concerning Kaylene's past while her bond with Fire Thunder is getting more intense.
Wild Whispers is actually a republication, and I must say they made a great choice with the new cover.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the book.



I libri che hanno per protagonisti i nativi americani in questo periodo storico mi hanno sempre affascinato.
Wild Whispers è un libro molto carino, ben scritto, e ho trovato la storia di Fire Thunder e Kaylene appassionante.
La connessione tra i due è immediata, un amore a prima vista, nonostante le profonde differenze culturali presenti tra i due.
Bisogna dire che la vita di Kaylene non è esattamente simile a quella delle altre donne bianche, la sua famiglia è sempre in movimento con la sua carovana, per rappresentare i suoi spettacoli e mostrare le sue attrazioni in giro per l'America, ma non solo per quello si scoprirà poi.
La passione che spinge l'uno verso l'altra i due è inspiegabile, ma entrambi non sembrano avere la volontà di opporsi, anche se le circostanze che li ha fatti incontrare di persona sono tutt'altro che piacevoli e romantiche.
Cosa che creerà un po' di ostacoli tra Kaylene, che viene fatta prigioniera, e Fire Thunder, che nonostante sia attratto dalla giovane, è costretto a mettere al primo posto le sue responsabilità di capo della tribù e non sempre le sue scelte sono facili da fare, anzi a volte deve mostrarsi duro e intransigente, per il bene di tutti.
Grazie al racconto si riescono a conoscere alcuni aspetti della cultura dei nativi americani ed è una delle cose che ho amato di più nel libro, poter leggere delle loro tradizioni e credenze e regole.
Un bel libro da leggere per gli amanti del genere, romantico e pieno di passione, scritto in modo semplice, rendendo la lettura scorrevole, mentre si svelano i vari misteri e segreti che riguardano il passato di Kaylene e il suo legame con Fire Thunder si fa sempre più intenso.
Questa di Wild Whispers in realtà è una ripubblicazione, e devo dire che è stata fatta un'ottima scelta per quanto riguarda la nuova cover.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Kensington Books per il libro.

[Carmella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

As the Carnival passed by in their wagons, Wild Thunder and Kaylene's eyes met briefly. Both knew deep in their hearts that the other was their true mate. But would they ever see one another again?

Little did they know that they would meet again, in San Carlos,Mexico. One man's cruelty ans greediness would bring them together again. The Carnival was set up and running.

Some of Fire Thunders tribe was also in town that day, selling some of their products. Little Sparrow, Fire Thunder's sister, was with those in town. She was deaf and mute but a very smart little girl. Her cousin Good Bear was in charge of keeping an eye on her. He was distracted by a very risque" attraction and she wandered away. She was abducted by a man who planned on exhibiting her in a cage.

This man was Kaylenes father and when she tries to stop him he threatened her as he had for many years. He told her the child was a runaway and asked for his protection. She hoped she could talk some sense into her father in the morning as she brought Little Sparrow a blanket to warm her.

When the others return home without Little Sparrow, Fire Thunder goes looking for her and finds her caged. His anger cannot be measured!He will make whoever did this suffer!

Kaylene comes out, as does her father and mother. She and Fire Thunder recognize each other, from their brief glimpse and the dreams they have had about one another. He is relieved when his sister tells him Kaylene tried to help her against her father.

He takes Kaylene's father because he must pay for what he has done and also takes Kaylene. What will happen to her father and her? How could this happen with the man she has dreamed of? Will she even live?

I really liked this story! I have read many books by this author and was not disappointed in any way. I just loved this couple, I felt like they were meant to be together, they just had to get through some issues as usual with any love story.
It becomes a time of awakening for Kaylene, she has many obstacles to face and to learn about herself and others around her.

Fire Thunder is such a good man. He is Chief of his tribe and cares about all of his people. At times, he must make decisions he doesn't want to. Kaylene and Fire Thunders journey was one worth following. It just happens that I had already read the prior book to this series and one of those couples made an appearance.

This story is love at it's best and I do recommend it!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Fire Thunder spots a beautiful woman that sparks his interst while on a cattle drive he wonders if he will ever see her again. That night she haunts his dreams and again he wonders if he will ever she her again. All he knows about her is she is traveling with a carnival. When his little sister is taken by a carnival he is angry to see that it the same one that he had spied the woman of his dreams traveling. But how could anyone treat his small sister the way these people have. When Little Sparrow defends Kaylene, Fire Thunder decides to take her captive as payment for the wrongs committed against his tribe. Little does everyone know that he plans on keeping Kaylene and making her his wife.

Kaylene remembers seeing the powerful Indian chief while traveling. She had fantasized about what it wold be like to be his woman and to finally have roots, but when he kidnaps her and leaves her father for dead she vows that she can never love some as cruel as him. As Kaylene settles into live at Fire Thunder village. She sees the proud and kind chief he really is. Slowly she realizes that he is her destiny and she never wants to leave. But first she must find out her true parentage, because she suspects that Little Sparrow was not the only child that John Shelton had stole.

Great addition to this series. There are several side stories that add to the novel as well as the main plot.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cassie Edwards and her books. They are always a good historical western read. I have been reading her books for years and know when I see her name I need that book. This book was previously published around 1996 and is a re-release.. I love when they give us readers a second chance at reading a book, as sometimes we missed them the first time around. Not to mention that I like when they give us a new updated look. Also this is the third book in the series "Wild Tribes". For me it was a stand alone book.. so don't worry if you are not reading them in order.
Our hero is Kickapoo Chief Fire Thunder, who is out to save his sister who was kidnapped and is now in a circus sideshow. Which leads him to in return for stealing his sister he decides to take the daughter of the carnival owner. Our heroine is Kaylene Shelton who has really only know traveling in the Carnival. Kaylene has lived a sad and lonely life. So she is taken some by living with the Chief and his people. Our hero finds that he has a hard time hating his "enemy" but does find he desire her more each day. I enjoyed having this book and hope that you do too!

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Cassie Edwards’ book about savage Indians and this one did not disappoint me. In Wild Whisper both Fire Thunder and Kaylene had spotted each other when he is on a cattle drive and had become instantly attracted to each other. Kaylene had been having dreams about an Indian lover s Fire Thunder fired her imagination. Kaylene’s father had kidnapped Fire Thunder’s little sister to add her to the carnival attractions and had her living in a cage. When Fire Thunder finds his sister he also kidnaps Kaylene from her father’s carnival show. At first Kaylene wants nothing to do with Fire Thunder, the man who killed her father, but she starts to wonder if he really her father? Could he have also kidnapped her? Fire Thunder is Chief of his tribe and cares about all of his people. Kaylene realizes after living amongst his people that he has a kind and fair heart and soon a passionate love develops between them. I’m sure you will enjoy their adventures and come to love them as much as I did.
I was given this book from NetGallery in return for an honest review.

[Katherine Yearwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to read Cassie Edwards books and really enjoyed reading her American Historical Classics. So when I got a chance to read another I was truly excited. However, I have to say with a sad heart that I didn’t truly like her latest offering Wild Whispers. I think it had more to do with not connecting with the characters Kaylene and Fire Thunder. I connected more with the minor characters and their dilemmas than in what every happen to Kaylene and Fire Thunder.

Wild Whispers was a sensitive story and will touch your heart. I know I cried several times during the course of reading this story. Will this be the last book of Cassie Edwards I will read? Course not. I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any Cassie Edwards book, you cannot go wrong with Wild Whispers. When Kickapoo Chief, Fire Thunder, rescues his sister from the carnival owner who kidnapped her for a side show, he in turn kidnaps the owner's daughter, Kaylene. Kaylene wants nothing to do with a cruel man like Fire Thunder, but after living amongst his people, she realizes that he has a kind and fair heart and soon a passionate love develops between them.

This is a satisfying story. The writing is easy and the word flow is smooth. It would be an enjoyable read for any fan of this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the pleasure of reading and reviewing Wild Whispers by Cassie Edwards.

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an alright read. The plot was ok, but I had so difficulty with parts of the story. The chief was always right not matter what and he made many mistakes in judgement and deed. Kaylene was a tad ridiculous. She felt instant chemistry with him, but he did odd things like put her in a cage to prove a point and she just forgave him and it made her fall in love with him? Not! The Indian part of the story was interesting. It wasn't a bad read but wasn't a great read either. I would not pay $6 for this book though and would not have if given the chance. I was glad I received the book for free for a honest review.

[Lori Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Whispers is a reprint of an older Edwards book. Known for her Native American romance titles, Edwards adds a small twist. Gone is the kidnapping savage who terrorizes the white settlers, Fire Thunder, the tribal chief, has moved his branch of the tribe to Mexico. There they live in relative quiet until Little Sparrow, Fire Thunder's deaf sister, disappears. Fire Thunder does kidnap Kaylene from the carnival where she has been forced to work, but Kaylene is not always an unwilling victim. Of course, love blossoms, but can it last?

Wild Whispers is a charming romance and a nice read.

[Kate Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the fierce Kickapoo Chief Fire Thunder rescues his little sister from a circus sideshow, he retaliates by kidnapping the carnival owner's beautiful daughter, Kaylene. But instead of despising her as he does all enemies, Fire Thunder's heart burns with new and unexpected passion--a passion called desire

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing. Kept me interested until the end. I couldn't understand why Running Fawn was being condemned for the same thing the Chief was doing. Was it because on her age? Was it because of her gender or her lower rank in the tribe? Or was it because of the nationality of her boyfriend?

[kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review Forthcoming at Romance and Smut

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book.

[Cherry-Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wonderful blurb. Thank gosh it was a library book and so can be returned. I struggled through the fancy, elaborate language from an Indian chief and carnival performer. So saccharine to be almost nauseating. NOT a good read.

[Denise Koopman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shew...Cassie Edwards makes you feel like you are right there in the book with the characters.