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Devil #1
The Devil Between Us
In 1853, Jessica Pratt is only ten when her innocence is violently ripped away, revealing to her the cruelness of the real world. She flees, escaping the harrowing scene, finding herself lost and alone in the untamed Northern California wilderness. Fighting for survival in the unforgiving territory, each step puts her closer to peril, and further away from everything she has ever known. Jessica is drawn into the sacred world of a mentor who becomes her family-the mountain her home. But the nature of life is change, and happy endings don't last forever. When she loses everything again, she ventures off the mountain for the first time in years. Jessica becomes Jesse in an attempt to protect herself in ways she couldn't as a child. Soon, she finds herself at the mercy of emotions beyond her control in a world suddenly off kilter. Will Jesse maintain her new persona for her own protection, or will she let down her guard and confess her true identity to an unlikely new love? In the end, it is fate that will decide.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 23, 2021
4.25 stars. So, this book was actually recommended to me by two people (you know who you are) and I’m happy to say they were spot on! This was exactly to my liking. Books set in the 1800s have a certain appeal to me, the wild west were even the smallest mistakes (or just bad luck) can be fatal, the adventure, but also survival of the forces of nature and a romance to top it off. This book has it all and it is poured into a story with some nice twists.
As with so many stories set in this time period, one of the mains, Jessica (aka Jesse), disguises herself as a man. However, what I found very refreshing is that she actually doesn’t like it and felt uncomfortable posing as a man. She also struggles when she realizes she’s attracted to a woman. This is generally seen mainly for the other character, so it was nice to see this angle being used for the disguised party.
So why not give it five stars? I did not completely click with the writing style, it felt a bit distant and there is a lot of head hopping (told in third person). During the read it did get better, or I got used to it, I’m not sure, but I’m hopeful this will improve in the following books that I will definitely be reading! I easily recommend this if you like to read historical fiction, it needs a rape (on page) trigger warning though.
As with so many stories set in this time period, one of the mains, Jessica (aka Jesse), disguises herself as a man. However, what I found very refreshing is that she actually doesn’t like it and felt uncomfortable posing as a man. She also struggles when she realizes she’s attracted to a woman. This is generally seen mainly for the other character, so it was nice to see this angle being used for the disguised party.
So why not give it five stars? I did not completely click with the writing style, it felt a bit distant and there is a lot of head hopping (told in third person). During the read it did get better, or I got used to it, I’m not sure, but I’m hopeful this will improve in the following books that I will definitely be reading! I easily recommend this if you like to read historical fiction, it needs a rape (on page) trigger warning though.
February 6, 2021
4 Stars - slow burn, historical romance
I really enjoyed this super duper slooooow burn disguised-as-a-man historical romance that takes place in the California frontier towns of Granite Fall and Ely and the surrounding mountains in the 1860s.
The books starts off recounting a super horrific tragedy that befalls our heroine's family. Like I am not kidding - trigger warning for . I could have lived without so much detail, but it really lets you sympathize with Jessica and what she's had to deal with.
While this is the 'disguised as a man' trope it is a slightly different shade as Jessica does it as form of protection and a way to maintain her freedom and not necessarily because she likes or wants to. In fact, she hates having to cut her hair short and dreams of being able to wear pretty dresses occasionally.
I loved the slow burn build up and connection between Jesse/Jessica and Abby. I think some could find the pacing a bit slow but I enjoyed the journey. The book doesn't end on a cliff hanger but it does end in such a way that it will have you reaching for the next book immediately to find out what happens next.
I really enjoyed this super duper slooooow burn disguised-as-a-man historical romance that takes place in the California frontier towns of Granite Fall and Ely and the surrounding mountains in the 1860s.
The books starts off recounting a super horrific tragedy that befalls our heroine's family. Like I am not kidding - trigger warning for . I could have lived without so much detail, but it really lets you sympathize with Jessica and what she's had to deal with.
While this is the 'disguised as a man' trope it is a slightly different shade as Jessica does it as form of protection and a way to maintain her freedom and not necessarily because she likes or wants to. In fact, she hates having to cut her hair short and dreams of being able to wear pretty dresses occasionally.
I loved the slow burn build up and connection between Jesse/Jessica and Abby. I think some could find the pacing a bit slow but I enjoyed the journey. The book doesn't end on a cliff hanger but it does end in such a way that it will have you reaching for the next book immediately to find out what happens next.
December 3, 2018
Intense
I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through this. There was a point, fairly early on, where everything was so horrible and dark that it literally pained me. It was the very reason for Jessica's long journey, so I knew I had to press on.
Jessica learned how to survive on a mountain after a wonderful woman takes her in. Freida convinces her to go back to town. But as a man, so that she will not come to harm in a man's world.
Now as Jesse, she (he) begins to visit the town to make trades for goods needed on the mountain. But Jesse meets Abby, a beautiful singer at a bar. And so begins a deceptive sort of relationship.
I super loved this. The tragedy, the hope, the sweetness, the angst... It was all craftfully written for us to simply be an observer of something great.
I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through this. There was a point, fairly early on, where everything was so horrible and dark that it literally pained me. It was the very reason for Jessica's long journey, so I knew I had to press on.
Jessica learned how to survive on a mountain after a wonderful woman takes her in. Freida convinces her to go back to town. But as a man, so that she will not come to harm in a man's world.
Now as Jesse, she (he) begins to visit the town to make trades for goods needed on the mountain. But Jesse meets Abby, a beautiful singer at a bar. And so begins a deceptive sort of relationship.
I super loved this. The tragedy, the hope, the sweetness, the angst... It was all craftfully written for us to simply be an observer of something great.
March 19, 2019
Wow. I’m not sure what I expected but this book took me much further than I thought it would. The first chapters were difficult to listen to, as the beginning of the story is very violent and painful but it has to be for Jesse to become who she is. Nothing is gratuitous. I’m glad I kept going. Also, the narrator’s voices for the various characters were really great.
September 21, 2020
Not entirely sure how I feel about this one.
I liked the overall storyline, but sometimes I thought it got bogged down in the minutia of tiny details of day-to-day living that didn't necessarily add to the plot. Example: how many times did we need to see Jesse surviving the winter, and cutting grass, and making the trek across the bridge? etc...
Then there was the heavy details right at the beginning of what happened to Jessica's family, and I admit I ended up skimming because I really didn't need or want to know absolute specifics about those heinous acts. Or the re-description in her telling Abby about what happened.
I also felt like the discovery of
I also felt like there was a bit of an emotional disconnect for me in the romance department. I didn't really feel we got to know Abby all that well, and how her and Jesse connected wasn't entirely believable for me. The fact that it takes the entire book for certain things to be exposed and them to get together at all, didn't help.
I know there's a sequel - but I'm honestly side-eyeing it pretty badly, too. I can't help but feel I will be disappointed, since other reviews on that one mentioned a cliff-hanger and some angsty drama, which I really can't muster up the care-factor for with these characters.
Maybe I'm in a mood? A kindle unlimited read, so you might as well check it out.
I liked the overall storyline, but sometimes I thought it got bogged down in the minutia of tiny details of day-to-day living that didn't necessarily add to the plot. Example: how many times did we need to see Jesse surviving the winter, and cutting grass, and making the trek across the bridge? etc...
Then there was the heavy details right at the beginning of what happened to Jessica's family, and I admit I ended up skimming because I really didn't need or want to know absolute specifics about those heinous acts. Or the re-description in her telling Abby about what happened.
I also felt like the discovery of
I also felt like there was a bit of an emotional disconnect for me in the romance department. I didn't really feel we got to know Abby all that well, and how her and Jesse connected wasn't entirely believable for me. The fact that it takes the entire book for certain things to be exposed and them to get together at all, didn't help.
I know there's a sequel - but I'm honestly side-eyeing it pretty badly, too. I can't help but feel I will be disappointed, since other reviews on that one mentioned a cliff-hanger and some angsty drama, which I really can't muster up the care-factor for with these characters.
Maybe I'm in a mood? A kindle unlimited read, so you might as well check it out.
January 18, 2023
You can read a blurb and get what the book is about. I like to say how the book made me feel. This well told story left me breathless. The life of one girl in the 1800s American western frontier told so well I felt her pain, love, confusion and anger. S.C Wilson paints a vivid picture with her words that played like a classic western in my head. I recommend this book and I'm on to book 2 in this series. I'm so glad I'm not finished with Jessica and Abby.
August 23, 2019
This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride... it's exhilarating, frightening, surprising, fun and you'll love every minute. It's just that good.
September 22, 2018
This book pleasantly surprised me. From the cover and the title it didn’t give too much away about the story and what may happen, and I was surprised to find myself completely in awe of the characters and story told, to the point I just adored it.
Jesse has had a tough life, seen some horrendous things and despite growing up without her actual family finds out all was not as it seemed to be years ago and ends up not only on a journey of self-discovery, but in finding companionship and love, and things she thought forever lost.
A sweet romance and heart-warming read that I highly recommend.
Jesse has had a tough life, seen some horrendous things and despite growing up without her actual family finds out all was not as it seemed to be years ago and ends up not only on a journey of self-discovery, but in finding companionship and love, and things she thought forever lost.
A sweet romance and heart-warming read that I highly recommend.
February 13, 2019
3.5 stars. Getting there but I cannot help myself from comparing it to Jae’s Backwards to Oregon. There is some parts that stop me from immersing into the story...the story is told by a third person and some repeats of the details that irk me. Good effort for a debut novel though, and I will look out for other works from the author.
July 28, 2021
4,5. Wow. Just wow. I believe one of the other reviews described it as an "emotional rollercoaster" and I couldn't agree more. At least the beginning definitely resembled one. Afterwards it got a bit calmer. But damn it was a great ride...
And the cover looks awesome too.
And the cover looks awesome too.
February 10, 2024
Brilliant!
Wow! OMG...this book was awesome.
Historical drama set during America's gold rush in Oregon and California.
Jessica Pratt just experienced the best day of her 10 year old life. Suddenly it turns into the worst.
The story follows her journey from that day forward.
You'll weep because of her lost childhood. You'll also find yourself cheering her on.
It's an epic journey. One you'll walk side by side with her.
It's a great and well written story. I just couldn't put it down. I actually read it twice.
It's on kindle unlimited. But loved it so much I returned the book and bought it.
Enjoy!
Wow! OMG...this book was awesome.
Historical drama set during America's gold rush in Oregon and California.
Jessica Pratt just experienced the best day of her 10 year old life. Suddenly it turns into the worst.
The story follows her journey from that day forward.
You'll weep because of her lost childhood. You'll also find yourself cheering her on.
It's an epic journey. One you'll walk side by side with her.
It's a great and well written story. I just couldn't put it down. I actually read it twice.
It's on kindle unlimited. But loved it so much I returned the book and bought it.
Enjoy!
June 20, 2018
Good read
Very well written, engaging read. Trigger warning for sexual violence. If I had to nitpick (spoiler) it would be about the native american deus ex machina wrap up of the main conflict/ suspense.
Very well written, engaging read. Trigger warning for sexual violence. If I had to nitpick (spoiler) it would be about the native american deus ex machina wrap up of the main conflict/ suspense.
July 12, 2018
Loved this book. Great story. Characters I cared about. It kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t read fast enough. Very good book and well worth the time to read.
March 29, 2019
I DNF'd this because there is a really graphic rape scene of all of the heroine's family members that takes up the majority of chapter 2. I'm not here for it.
October 13, 2020
Jesse has lost so much in her young life! I cried. There is so much evil in the world l, but their is also good. I’m so happy Jesse and Abby found one another! I love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
What a rush!
I've come to love and appreciate stories that take place in the eighteenth century. I also admire an author who can write a story that takes place in that century.
The story started off with a sudden rush of adrenaline as we watched Jessica/Jesse fight for her life after learning she'd been shot. Soon after, the story jumped back a decade or so to a time when Jessica was just a child living with her parents and siblings. Instead of a flashback, Wilson retold the horrible and horrendous tale of how Jessica lost her family and came to be lost in the wilderness, alone. The young lady was soon rescued by a lone, independent, mountain woman who took Jessica in and cared for her like she was her own. The relationship between Jessica and Frieda was sweet. Frieda taught Jessica many things on how to survive on the mountain especially during the harsh winter months. Frieda's passing forced Jessica off the mountain to seek out towns where she could gather supplies for home. With Frieda's words still fresh in Jessica's mind to disguise herself as a man as to not upset anyone in the towns, Jessica transformed into Jesse in hopes that she could slip in and out of town without raising a ruckus throughout, but after meeting Abby, the local saloon singer, well hell, Jesse knew she was in trouble.
Wonderful story with high, high emotions throughout.
I've come to love and appreciate stories that take place in the eighteenth century. I also admire an author who can write a story that takes place in that century.
The story started off with a sudden rush of adrenaline as we watched Jessica/Jesse fight for her life after learning she'd been shot. Soon after, the story jumped back a decade or so to a time when Jessica was just a child living with her parents and siblings. Instead of a flashback, Wilson retold the horrible and horrendous tale of how Jessica lost her family and came to be lost in the wilderness, alone. The young lady was soon rescued by a lone, independent, mountain woman who took Jessica in and cared for her like she was her own. The relationship between Jessica and Frieda was sweet. Frieda taught Jessica many things on how to survive on the mountain especially during the harsh winter months. Frieda's passing forced Jessica off the mountain to seek out towns where she could gather supplies for home. With Frieda's words still fresh in Jessica's mind to disguise herself as a man as to not upset anyone in the towns, Jessica transformed into Jesse in hopes that she could slip in and out of town without raising a ruckus throughout, but after meeting Abby, the local saloon singer, well hell, Jesse knew she was in trouble.
Wonderful story with high, high emotions throughout.
July 14, 2020
Well-plotted narrative; but simplistic depiction of Native Americans
I selected this book because I was looking for a non-simplistic novel about a lesbian relationship. Most books about lesbians are no-brainer romances, and they bore me. This novel is a cut above. It is very well-plotted and keeps you reading up to the very end. However, the simplistic depiction of Native Americans as white saviors who speak Tonto-like English made me wince. The prose style of this novel is also a cut above most books by Lesbian writers and about lesbian relationships; however, there were some anachronisms in the author’s dialogue sections—her peculiar use of the modern word, “like.” Also, toward the end when a Native American says, “Love is love,” revealing a too-modern sentiment, in a too-modern way. Nevertheless, I still believe that most would find this book to be the kind that is impossible to put down. I think it would be a great lesbian-themed movie because of it’s totally engaging storyline.
I selected this book because I was looking for a non-simplistic novel about a lesbian relationship. Most books about lesbians are no-brainer romances, and they bore me. This novel is a cut above. It is very well-plotted and keeps you reading up to the very end. However, the simplistic depiction of Native Americans as white saviors who speak Tonto-like English made me wince. The prose style of this novel is also a cut above most books by Lesbian writers and about lesbian relationships; however, there were some anachronisms in the author’s dialogue sections—her peculiar use of the modern word, “like.” Also, toward the end when a Native American says, “Love is love,” revealing a too-modern sentiment, in a too-modern way. Nevertheless, I still believe that most would find this book to be the kind that is impossible to put down. I think it would be a great lesbian-themed movie because of it’s totally engaging storyline.
Read
February 22, 2019I’m feeling adventurous and I decided to grab this book without reading reviews. Since the rating is somewhat good, I didn’t hesitate.
It’s too dark for my taste. I don’t want to rate this low because I felt uncomfortable with some scenes.
I must admit the author writes well, for a debut book this is good. I hope her next book will be lighter. :))
This happened around 1800s and I kind of feel bad on how they treat women before, that’s why as much as possible I’m avoiding historical plots. (Oh well so much for being adventurous).
The ending is a bit rushed? Or maybe the author is planning a sequel?
Trigger warning ⚠️ : Rape and abuse.
It’s too dark for my taste. I don’t want to rate this low because I felt uncomfortable with some scenes.
I must admit the author writes well, for a debut book this is good. I hope her next book will be lighter. :))
This happened around 1800s and I kind of feel bad on how they treat women before, that’s why as much as possible I’m avoiding historical plots. (Oh well so much for being adventurous).
The ending is a bit rushed? Or maybe the author is planning a sequel?
Trigger warning ⚠️ : Rape and abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2020
"“It-it’s not m-m-mine. It’s Toby’s,” she stuttered between sobs. “They killed him!”
“Jamie, breathe.” Sarah’s tone was eerily calm."
This is an excerpt from the book, she just takes it and tells her daughter to just breathe after hearing her son has died. This book is trash, and it's so bad. The whole thing was just like that. There is no actual denial, there's no pause when something bad happens. It's like a bunch of robotic people who were imitating how a human would react if their children died.
Oh your son died, one robot says.
Mother robot answers, well that just sucks!
Do not read this trash!
“Jamie, breathe.” Sarah’s tone was eerily calm."
This is an excerpt from the book, she just takes it and tells her daughter to just breathe after hearing her son has died. This book is trash, and it's so bad. The whole thing was just like that. There is no actual denial, there's no pause when something bad happens. It's like a bunch of robotic people who were imitating how a human would react if their children died.
Oh your son died, one robot says.
Mother robot answers, well that just sucks!
Do not read this trash!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
If any book was dying for a sequel, it's this one.
Finding the courage that propels Jesse and Abby off the page and into your lap when you should be sleeping is as good as eating popcorn at the movies. Both women, incredibly facing horrific events from their pasts, each different but attempting to walk on with the sun setting behind them, meet one another. One from the pioneer city and the other a recluse living on top of a mountain. How could their paths ever cross? Or course there's a fairy tale ending but oh so sweet. Maybe it's actually a beginning.
Finding the courage that propels Jesse and Abby off the page and into your lap when you should be sleeping is as good as eating popcorn at the movies. Both women, incredibly facing horrific events from their pasts, each different but attempting to walk on with the sun setting behind them, meet one another. One from the pioneer city and the other a recluse living on top of a mountain. How could their paths ever cross? Or course there's a fairy tale ending but oh so sweet. Maybe it's actually a beginning.
April 7, 2023
I'll be honest: this was serviceable and leaned a bit heavy on the sexual assault for my enjoyment. I did appreciate the heavy emphasis on Jessica learning to survive by herself out on the mountain but would have enjoyed a bit more of the relationship between the main characters since the central premise means they only meet once a year for a few days.
August 4, 2018
Amazing
I read this book in an afternoon. The writer made me feel like I was part of the story . It is a great read . I look forward to this author releasing more books . Excellent.
I read this book in an afternoon. The writer made me feel like I was part of the story . It is a great read . I look forward to this author releasing more books . Excellent.
October 3, 2019
Obvious plot and amateurish writing.
November 13, 2020
I started the book knowing that Jessica had suffered violence as a child, but I got to chapter five and decided I just didn’t want to keep reading. I could be that the rest of the book is more uplifting, but I felt the author was revelling in the violence too much and this was more than enough for me.
December 28, 2023
(4,5/5)
April 14, 2019
Worth the read
It’s not every time you managed to find a book capable of taking you on a emotional roller coaster ride, thoroughly enjoyed it, do hope you make a sequel one day.
It’s not every time you managed to find a book capable of taking you on a emotional roller coaster ride, thoroughly enjoyed it, do hope you make a sequel one day.
March 3, 2022
I'm conflicted on my review, on one hand you have interesting characters, lush settings and a really great peek into an alternative love in another time, what brought this down to a 3 for me was a few things that I'll talk about below. At the end though I did like this book. I would consider reading the rest. I love western stories and overall liked that the book took place over many, many years. It was super slow burn but didn't feel that way (the story was a little long, but not boring) and the side characters where given depth and made to feel real. I really want to rate it higher, but POSSIBLE SPOILERS
The main problem being this would have worked better as a revenge tale, with a stronger lead. A horrible thing happens graphically in the first 44 pages, and that's the last time time the sorry really has a sense of passion. Until the end the story it is a sweet meandering slow burn. You as the reader are expected to move on and yet it's hard to. It's hard to find joy in a story that sweeps aside (until a cluttered ending) the graphic horrors that you started with.
Other issues I had were that the two leads had suffered horribly at the hands of rapey men, I dislike the trope that women are only together bc men have failed them. I also felt the lead was described constantly as both HYPER masculine and but also very feminine- which is fine but it made it hard to get a sense of the character herself. She's at odds with herself, as well. Abby describes her as very handsome etc, but the narrative makes her out as very slight and refined featured. From the readers view it made it hard to emphasize with her. She clearly so hated dressing as a man (which honestly was just wearing trousers and cutting her hair), that it was hard to imagine that she would want to stay in the cabin in the wilderness, or tolerate dressing as a man for a full month when Abby stays.
My last issue is with a few things that were so unbelievable that it took me out of the story -SPOILERS Jesse telling Abby in detail where her super secret mountain trail is, when they are just getting to know each other. Frieda never mentioning or them seeing an ENTIRE tribe of secret native Americans that just pop up when needed and Abby's utter confusion about women together (so much so the magical native americans have to explain it to her). Abby works in a brothel, even if she wasn't sleeping with men (it's unclear, but seemingly not), she would know about homosexual relationships, and lastly Jesse going from never touching another human being in that way, to in .5 seconds knowing exactly the where and how of going down on someone...I just was left like whaa?
The author often tells us how to feel, versus letting us feel it through description or actions and in the end the story lacks a level of passion and connection with the reader.
The main problem being this would have worked better as a revenge tale, with a stronger lead. A horrible thing happens graphically in the first 44 pages, and that's the last time time the sorry really has a sense of passion. Until the end the story it is a sweet meandering slow burn. You as the reader are expected to move on and yet it's hard to. It's hard to find joy in a story that sweeps aside (until a cluttered ending) the graphic horrors that you started with.
Other issues I had were that the two leads had suffered horribly at the hands of rapey men, I dislike the trope that women are only together bc men have failed them. I also felt the lead was described constantly as both HYPER masculine and but also very feminine- which is fine but it made it hard to get a sense of the character herself. She's at odds with herself, as well. Abby describes her as very handsome etc, but the narrative makes her out as very slight and refined featured. From the readers view it made it hard to emphasize with her. She clearly so hated dressing as a man (which honestly was just wearing trousers and cutting her hair), that it was hard to imagine that she would want to stay in the cabin in the wilderness, or tolerate dressing as a man for a full month when Abby stays.
My last issue is with a few things that were so unbelievable that it took me out of the story -SPOILERS Jesse telling Abby in detail where her super secret mountain trail is, when they are just getting to know each other. Frieda never mentioning or them seeing an ENTIRE tribe of secret native Americans that just pop up when needed and Abby's utter confusion about women together (so much so the magical native americans have to explain it to her). Abby works in a brothel, even if she wasn't sleeping with men (it's unclear, but seemingly not), she would know about homosexual relationships, and lastly Jesse going from never touching another human being in that way, to in .5 seconds knowing exactly the where and how of going down on someone...I just was left like whaa?
The author often tells us how to feel, versus letting us feel it through description or actions and in the end the story lacks a level of passion and connection with the reader.
September 12, 2018
Brilliant first read
Wonderful first read by this author,it has the whole mix of emotions,the descriptions of Jessie’s life changing experiences are well written and very emotional which some people may find a little disturbing.The emotional turmoil between Abby and Jessie as their friendship develops has you fighting in their corners.A beautifully well written book,hope there are more to follow
Wonderful first read by this author,it has the whole mix of emotions,the descriptions of Jessie’s life changing experiences are well written and very emotional which some people may find a little disturbing.The emotional turmoil between Abby and Jessie as their friendship develops has you fighting in their corners.A beautifully well written book,hope there are more to follow
September 28, 2018
LOVED IT!
I wanted this book to last forever because it's just that good! The story is wonderfully written and had me hooked right away. It definitely took me on an emotional journey making me feel connected to Jesse and Abby. I couldn't help but be moved by their courage to overcome each of their tragedies. Highly recommended this book. I would love to know more about Jesse and Abby's continuing story so a sequel would be amazing!
I wanted this book to last forever because it's just that good! The story is wonderfully written and had me hooked right away. It definitely took me on an emotional journey making me feel connected to Jesse and Abby. I couldn't help but be moved by their courage to overcome each of their tragedies. Highly recommended this book. I would love to know more about Jesse and Abby's continuing story so a sequel would be amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews