The Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel

by Denise Devine

It's 1925 in St. Paul, Minnesota, a haven for hardened criminals - and the women who find themselves trapped in a dangerous game...

Charlotte LeDoux's nine-year marriage to bootlegging kingpin, Gus "Lucky" LeDoux is falling apart. The same day Char learns she is pregnant, she catches Gus in the act of adultery and it's clear he has no intention of ending the affair. Soon after, their night club is raided by Federal agents. As she flees from the chaos, Char is separated from Gus and faces a choice; search out her fugitive husband or change her identity and disappear. With her life in shambles and her future in doubt, she knows what she must do to protect her child.

Char alters her appearance and takes a job in domestic service for a private investigator. At first, living in Will Van Elsberg's home is quiet, comfortable and safe, but everything changes the day Gus seeks out Will to find his missing wife. As Will's investigation closes in on her, Char must once again make a decision. Should she run away again or face her violent husband and fight for her freedom? With her back to the wall, Char discovers she has more strength and determination than she ever thought possible.

Book One of the Moonshine Madness seriesGet your copy today!

Genres: Historical, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2019

About the author

Let's keep in touch! Join my newsletter today at: https://www.deniseannettedevine.com/n....

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of sweet romance, but I'll read anything if it's good. I live in Minnesota with my husband, Steve, who is a travel agent, and three naughty puddy-tats, Chip, Dale & Babygirl. I love to travel and have been to places like Central America, Europe and the Middle East, but at the end of the day, there is no place like home and my own bed--even if I do have to share it with my cats.

Do you like sweet romance? If so, I invite you to join my reader group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/10956...

See ya there!

Reviews

[Janell Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page-turner! The characters and plots had rich depth. There was enough action and plot twists to keep me wondering. The author immediately convinced the reader to love the protagonist and hate the antagonist early on. I also enjoyed reading the details of everything from the bootlegger era from the clothes to the appliances to the music.

I could have finished this in one day if I didn't limit my daily reading time. :) Thank you for the nice surprise you included at the end, Denise!

[Jill Piscitello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts off strong and will keep readers transfixed until the last page. The vivid details create an overwhelming sense of being transported back in time to 1925. There was never a dull moment. Every chapter will leave readers needing to know what will happen next. Throw your predictions out the window. Charlotte is full of surprises – right up until the end of the book. The pacing was excellent with twists and turns. This multi-faceted story offers a tale of heartbreak, hope, drive, and danger. As the story ends, Charlotte’s life is just beginning. Readers won’t be ready to say good-bye to her. Good storytelling is the art of creating characters the reader cares about. Denise Devine accomplished this beautifully. Thankfully, this is only the first in the Moonshine Madness Series.

[Kylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail’s Book Club- Bridget’s pick for March. It was a fun quick read! I was very entertained but had to knock a star off for believability. Once I got out of my own head and just went along with the story as it played out.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Denise Devine. It certainly will not be the last one. I really enjoyed this series. I loved the story line from the beginning to the end and the cast of characters. Gus was a businessman who did what he wanted including cheating on his wife. Char, his wife, decided that she had had enough and was leaving him one night after their business got raided. She went to work as a housekeeper for Will and you'll need to read the book I think you will enjoy it too.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I had not read anything by this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised. The Bootlegger’s Wife is a short but intriguing read. It is a multilayered story that vividly evokes the atmosphere of the roaring 1920s—a dangerous time marked by bootlegging and Prohibition.
This fast-paced work of historical fiction ends with a cliffhanger, leaving me curious about what happens next. The cast of characters is well-written and feels authentic.
Gus is not a nice man, while Charlotte is a strong woman with a compassionate heart, but she is tired of her perilous lifestyle. Being pregnant makes her reconsider her choices. During a raid, she seizes her chance to escape and takes a job, hiding in plain sight with a private detective. Ironically, he has been hired to find her.
As a bonus, there are a couple of recipes included at the back of the book. The action and unexpected twists kept the pages turning.

[Beth M James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters. Very easy read. I liked how Charlotte hid from her husband, right underneath the nose of the investigator who was looking for her! Being familiar with Summit Ave. and Swede Hollow in St. Paul, MN, the author did a great job describing the area.

[Stephanie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 15, 1925
The ritzy La Coquette nightclub was owned by the bootlegger kingpin. Gus dealt with business while his wife of nine years entertained guests. Charlotte was eating with a couple when Gus had disappeared. Sally was able to tell Charlotte was pregnant despite Charlotte keeping the pregnancy a secret. Charlotte went looking for Gus. She caught him having an affair with Adrienne. A spotter called out an alert about federal agents coming. Gus’s personal bodyguard, Alfred, took Charlotte to a hidden tunnel, and they escaped from the club. At Gus’s car dealership, Charlotte witnessed Alfred kill an agent. He forced her into a car. While driving, Albert was killed, and the car was wrecked. Charlotte fled the scene and remained hidden. She knew now she would need to change her identity so she could keep her baby safe.
June 19, 1925
Char changed her name to Esther Smith and changed her appearance. She applied to be a cook and housekeeper for a private investigator, Will Van Elsberg. His secretary, Louisa, immediately disliked Charlotte. She insisted that “Esther” follow all of her directions. Later that evening, she met Will’s sister, Madeline, who stated Louisa was in love with Will. The next morning, Esther created a cinnamon coffee cake for breakfast. Louisa berated her. Will confronted Louisa. Will told Esther that she only answered him.
Visiting her family, Charlotte learns Gus had been there looking for her. He had given them money and paid for a nurse to check in on her bedridden mother. Several weeks later, Charlotte saw Gus meeting to retain Will's service. When Louisa ordered her to make more coffee for Gus, she refused. Louisa fired her. Will’s groundskeeper, Daniel, found Charlotte in a nearby ice cream parlor and begged her to come back. Will had yelled at Louisa and wanted to talk to her. She confided in Daniel that she was pregnant. Returning to the house, Charlotte knew she was running out of time before she would need to find a new place to keep her baby safe.
The suspense in the story starts on the first page. Charlotte’s pregnancy was supposed to be a surprise for her husband. Finding him engaging in an affair in his office severed her tie with him. I admired her independent nature and intense determination to make the money she needed to provide for her unborn baby. Going from a lavish lifestyle to being a housekeeper would be difficult for most people. Charlotte took to the work as though she had never heard of La Coquette. The unpredictable plot became intense with Madeline claiming Charlotte appeared to someone familiar. I was captivated by the tense moments and the flirty moments between Will and Charlotte. Daniel’s friendship and devotion to keeping Charlotte from harm were touching. I rate this slow-burn romance five stars, and I look forward to the sequel.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Denise Devine’s The Bootlegger’s Wife is a gripping historical novel set in the lawless underworld of 1920s St. Paul, Minnesota. Blending romance, suspense, and a powerful story of resilience, the book follows Charlotte LeDoux as she fights to escape the dangerous life she once accepted as a bootlegger’s wife.

From the very start, Charlotte is a compelling protagonist. Her transformation—from a woman trapped in a loveless, dangerous marriage to someone who takes control of her own fate—is both heartbreaking and inspiring. When she learns she is pregnant and discovers her husband’s infidelity, the tension escalates further as their nightclub is raided. Faced with a life-altering decision, Char chooses to disappear, leaving behind the crime-ridden world she once called home.

Devine masterfully captures the atmosphere of Prohibition-era America, painting a vivid picture of both the glitzy, lawless speakeasies and the ever-present danger lurking beneath the surface. The historical details enrich the narrative, making the setting feel immersive and authentic. The suspense builds steadily as Char reinvents herself, finding unexpected safety with private investigator Will Van Elsberg—until her past catches up with her in a nail-biting twist.

Beyond the thrilling plot, the novel explores themes of survival, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to break free from an oppressive past. Char’s journey is not just about escaping her husband but about reclaiming her own identity and future.

Fast-paced and emotionally engaging, The Bootlegger’s Wife is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and stories of love, danger, and reinvention. Devine delivers a story that is both deeply personal and rich in historical intrigue, making this a standout novel in the genre.

[Jean Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The plot in brief: (no spoilers) Charlotte LeDoux, a young woman, helps her cheating husband Gus run a nightclub serving bootleg whiskey during Prohibition. Before she can tell him of her pregnancy the club is raided by Federal agents. It's just the chance she needs to breakaway and start over.

The Characters: The main character, Charlotte is a delight right from the get go. She tough but tender, loyal to those who deserve her respect. A forward thinking woman for her time, she wants the best for herself and her unborn child, and her husband, Gus, does not fall in that category. They have a complex relationship which we learn about over the course of the book, and I'm glad that in the end Charlotte had conflicting feelings about him.

Her employer, Will, is an intriguing guy, a private detective, who we don't know too much about. I'm hoping to learn more about his character in book two. All in all, I thought the characters were well drawn and believable.

The History: The year is 1925 and Prohibition is in full swing. Devine fills the pages with period details. From the flapper era clothing, the cars, the customs and norms of the day flesh out daily life in early 20th century America. I enjoyed reading about this era, one I'm not too familiar with. An added bonus are descriptions of the food and a few recipes tucked into the back of the book!

The Writing: I thought the writing was excellent with a zippy pace. The book is well edited.

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this book. It's on the short side at 165 pages and I finished it in a day. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good historical fiction story.

I give this book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte LeDoux was young and in love when she married Gus "Lucky" LeDoux. They were on top of the world and living the dream. However, the dream changed when bootlegging became more important to Gus than Charlotte. His criminal side began to tear them apart. Charlotte finds out she is expecting a baby the day a raid separates them. When she finds herself alone and terrified, she realizes this could be a second chance for her and her child; she could disappear and start over! And that is exactly what she does. The criminal life is not for her, and it is the LAST place she wants to raise her baby. As she adapts to being alone and in the family way, she finds a housekeeping job that is perfect for her. Yet, life can never be that easy... her employer is a private investigator who has a jealous secretary, and she has to keep her condition hidden. Can she keep up the charade long enough to get her through her pregnancy? Or will her husband hunt her down with the help of her employer?

This was a quick and fascinating read. I enjoyed reading about Charlotte and her spunkiness. She is a very smart woman who knows how to work hard. She is meek and seems timid but will only take so much before she is pushed to defend herself. And defend herself, she will without hesitation. I will say, she does a lot of cooking in this book, and I found myself wanting the recipes for the desserts she made! There were several times that reading this book made me hungry and influenced my dinner choices too! All in all, it was a fun read!

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bootlegger’s Wife is the beginning of a new series. One that looks to be rather interesting if you like historical fiction. The author brings us on the journey of a woman’s path to self discovery. Though that aspect didn’t develop till later in the story.
Charlotte, the one who got away. The wife of Gus LeDuex. Married to a man that turned to life in the underworld once prohibition destroyed his family’s brewery. Now a ruthless gangster he feels he can do what he wants, including stepping out on his wife. So when their club was raided it gave Charlotte the potential out she was looking for. The death of the man given the task of getting her to safety, helped her come to a decision.
On the run Charlotte thought it was the best decision for her and her unborn child. Trying to avoid Gus wasn’t easy, while trying to see her family. She lived in fear of her husband, but decided to hide in plan site as well. Getting a job as Mr. Van Elsberg’s housekeeper she thought she was safe. Especially since his residence felt like home. Little did she realize her past was about to come full circle.
When Gus enlisted Will to find her, she knew she had decisions to make.
What’s best for her?
What’s best for the people around her?
Will Mr. Van Elsberg figure out who she is?
Will Gus win and get her back?
Like stated previously this book gives a promising start to an interesting series. Historical fiction usually isn’t my thing, but this was pretty good!

[Tammy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bootlegger’s Wife by Denise Devine is the first book of the Moonshine Madness series. The book takes place in the Roaring 20s and follows a pregnant Charlotte LeDoux as she hides from her gangster husband. Char sees a chance to escape the criminal life that her husband created for them when there is a raid on their club. Gus LeDoux told his bodyguard to take Char and take her to a safe house. On the way there, the bodyguard is shot and killed while driving and the car goes into the creek. Char seizes the opportunity and disappears so she can make a better life for herself and her baby. She disguises herself and gets a job as a housekeeper for a private investigator – the same private investigator her husband hires to find her. As she goes about her new duties, she tries to sneak to visit her ailing mother, knowing that her husband will be watching their home and trying to find her. Unfortunately, she is spotted leaving her mother’s house but narrowly gets away. Now the heat is on to locate her. This is a great story with well-written distinctive characters that are extremely likeable. You find yourself rooting for Char as she goes through this phase of her life. Denise Devine is ingenious for ending this story with the lure of finishing and beginning the next phase of the story in the next book in the series, Guarding the Bootlegger’s Widow -- right where this book left off. It’s a great read and I want more!

[Susan Molloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly what I enjoyed about this novel are the references to landmarks in St. Paul, Minnesota, such as Summit Avenue – famous for its huge Victorian houses and for being one of the longest avenues of houses in the United States.* Then there is the reference to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which helps to give this story an extra touch of reality.

The slang from the 1920s era is correct and correctly used within these pages.

Otherwise, this is a tale of an expectant woman, Charlotte LeDoux, whose job is “to welcome special guests and impress them with . . . hospitality at a lounge she and her husband, Gus, call La Coquette.

But that’s not all.

This expectant woman gets down and dirty with criminals and solves a crime, which is barely believable – this is 1925, don’t you know – but in fiction, anything goes, and I took it all lightheartedly for a fun summertime story that I finished in an afternoon.

The story, told in the first person, was written well with clean language to boot.

Would I read more of Denise Devine's books? Yes.

“You’re the bee’s knees, Charlotte LeDoux.”

🏮Kindle Unlimited version.

* I have been to Summit Avenue, and it is almost as nice as Prairie Avenue in Chicago.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 – 3.5 Stars

The Bootlegger’s Wife is the first book in the Moonshine and Madness series by Denise Devine. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Devine, so I really wasn’t sure of what I might expect from one of her stories- but I love historical tales, and the blurb sounded intriguing, so I took a chance and set off to explore.
As the title suggests, this is a sweet historical story set in the roaring twenties (1925) with challenges, betrayal, action, drama, angst, suspense, tension, and interesting characters.
Charlotte LeDoux’s life is a bit of a mess, with her marriage under pressure, as well as catching her husband cheating, his ‘business’ raided by the police, and a baby on the way- forces her to make a desperate decision that sees her fleeing to try and protect her unborn baby… starting over with a new look and new identity. But with her husband searching for her, things are about to get tense…
While the story was intriguing, it was on the shorter side which made it feel a little rushed in places. I would have liked to have a slightly longer story where there is more information, detail, and backstory- a little more ‘meat’ to sink my teeth into.
Things are set to continue in the next instalment, so I am interested to see what happens there.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Denise Devine!

[Erin Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel by Denise Devine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was the first book written by Denise Devine that I have read. Typically this type of book wouldn't be something I would read. But after reading the synopsis a few things hooked me in; first the book is set in Minnesota in 1925. This just so happens to be where my grandmother was born, in fact in 1925. Coming out of my "proverbial box" I gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed the character growth of Charlotte (aka Esther). The ending did leave me hanging a bit and entices me to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.



View all my reviews

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The Bootlegger’s Wife (Moonshine Madness By Denise Devine

The Bootlegger's Wife is the first book in the Moonshine Madness Series and is a Historical Romance that had me turning the pages till the end. I’m a huge fan of Historical Romance and this definitely checks all the boxes for me. The author did a great job and their attention to detail along with fully developed, relatable yet creative complex characters made the story pop off the pages. I wasn’t real sure what to expect going in as this is a new to me author but I’m definitely making note to check out their other books. This story is fast paced and will have you on the edge of your seat turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. It’s packed with drama, action, betrayal, suspense, angst and so much more. This is set in 1925 and Charlotte’s life is a bit of a mess and she’s got to make a terribly hard decision to stay in her current situation where she just found out she’s pregnant and her husband is cheating. She decides her and the baby deserve better so she goes and changes her identity. But what will happen when her husband closes in on her ? I’ve already said to much and don’t want to give away anymore. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging historical story which kept me happily turning the pages. Set in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1925 the detailed historical details transported me back to the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition era. Charlotte has been married to bootlegging kingpin Gus ‘Lucky’ LeDoux for nine years however, the day she learns she’s pregnant she also discovers her husband having an affair. Following a raid by Federal agents at their night club Char gets separated from Gus and has a decision to make.

Char makes the decision not to search for her fugitive husband and instead changes her identity and disappears. Having altered her appearance she takes a job in domestic service for a private investigator. Char starts to lead a quiet, comfortable and safe life living and working for Will Van Elsberg, but Gus is actively searching for her. Char then has to decide whether to disappear again or stay and face her violent husband.

I loved Char and how she found real strength and determination as the story developed. The setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The storyline and plot twists kept me hooked throughout and I’m looking forward to book two.

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Roarin’ 20’s Romantic Suspense Must Read!

This is the first book that I have read by Denise Devine, and it won’t be the last. This is also not a book I would typically read, as historical fiction in my opinion is usually dry, boring, or overly descriptive, but not this one… Not by a long shot. This was an amazing, fun, easy, and quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The way Devine has written this book just completely drew me in from beginning to end. Her character development and world building is so on point that I felt like I was seeing, tasting, and feeling everything right there as it happened. Charlotte is a strong, intelligent woman with a spunky side. She isn’t afraid of hard work, and wants nothing more than to leave her old life behind and build a new life for her child. Gus is the villain, the character that everyone despises, and also Charlotte’s estranged husband. Will is her new employer, and a private eye. Can he figure out his newest case before everything goes sideways? I will definitely be recommending everyone I know read this book, but right now I’m off to read the rest of the series!!!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

1925 St. Paul, Minnesota: Charlotte LeDoux’s husband, Gus, has run a lucrative whiskey bootlegging business since the death of his father and the closure of the family’s whiskey distillery. He also has legitimate businesses involving car dealerships, hotels, and a very successful BYOB nightclub. Local authorities turn a blind eye, but local tensions escalate, and violence is becoming increasingly common. Exhausted and beaten down by her husband’s philandering, Charlotte wants out. That opportunity arises during a bloody raid by the Feds. Ms. Devine does a marvelous job of character building throughout this cozy mystery, her first in the series Moonshine Madness. You will fall in love with Charlotte as she does what is necessary to ensure the safety of her mother, teen sister, herself and her unborn child (Gus doesn’t know). The author captures the subtilties of dress, architecture, and general ambiance of life in the 1920’s. The novel takes a real turn in the last quarter which provides fodder for subsequent books but left me scratching my head at the protagonist’s intentions. Overall, a very satisfying read.

[Jessie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only a few pages in when I realized I was going to struggle putting this book down. What an amazing read! From beginning to end it was intriguing and I didn’t want to put it down.
Char has what many see as the perfect life, but they don’t know how difficult it’s been. Her husband just isn’t the man she married anymore, he has let money and power go to his head making him very hard to be married to. When they get separated in a federal raid, Char sees her chance at a new life, but she can’t go far because she doesn’t want to leave her Mom and sister.
Concealing her identity the best she can, she finds a job as a housekeeper. Her boss, Will, is very nice and appreciative. The secretary for her boss is rude and jealous, but the handyman, Daniel, is great. She stays and gets to cook things she always enjoyed making.
When she finds out her husband, Gus, is still searching for her, she had a decision to make. Does she stay in the house and job she is in and keep pretending to be Ester, does she leave and run away so that Gus can’t find out, or does she stand up to him and let him know why she left.
I can’t wait to read more of Char and Will’s story in Book 2!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bootlegger's Wife is the first book in the Moonshine Madness series. It is set in 1925 in St. Paul, Minnesota, a known haven for hardened criminals. The story centers around the MC, Charlotte, whose life has been upended and thrown into chaos. Her husband, Gus, is a ruthless kingpin and bootlegger who owns the La Coquette nightclub. When his “business” is raided by the police and she catches her husband cheating on her, Char has a difficult decision to make. She makes the difficult decision to flee to protect her unborn baby. She creates a new identity and new image for herself and starts over again as a housekeeper for a man named Will. Gus is used to getting his own way and getting what he wants so he will not let Char go that easily. The ensuing read is filled with drama, danger, action, suspense, tension, lies, betrayal, heartbreak, loss, hope, love, angst, and twists and turns. The story immediately transports you to the bootlegger era with vivid descriptions of the appliances used, music listened to, and the clothes worn during the year 1925. Looking forward to book two in this series.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

How beautiful is this cover !? Ladies were so glamours in those days , suppressed but bold and brave and don’t start me on those pretty red lips anyhoo before I started reading I had to make sure of the meaning of the term “ bootlegger “ and in essence they’re like the mafia 🤣🤷‍♀️

Charlotte is married to kingpin Gus and I can’t imagine it was an easy marriage or a love filled one but everyone had their cut off point and Charlotte reaches hers and goes on the run , a federal raid did aid in her escape and she has her baby to think of so when the opportunity arises for a fresh start I’m glad she took it and she’s brave going into the unknown ….

She changes her appearance and becomes a domestic to a PI of all people but it turns out to be the lions den when he husband hires him to find his missing wife and again she finds herself in the position of fight or flight ….

Things heat up for her but she’s a survivor and does what is needed to do just that and I must say dearest Charlotte I do admire you and your gumption 😉

A quick read that left me waiting on the next book

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books begin slowly as descriptions of the characters, their pasts, locations and other significant details unravel with time to transition to full action of the storyline. This story takes you right into the storyline into the 1920s and brings you with rapid speed into the action of Charlotte LeDoux, who is the slowly fading wife of a bootlegger for several years. After quite a few failed attempts, she is finally pregnant and dealing with the woes of morning sickness. As throws up and on her way home, she finds her husband with his French mistress. Annoyed and sick, she has no time to process when her husband’s business is being raided by the FBI and make their escape. After some twists and turns, she contemplates a life changing decision whether she should find her husband or make a new life for herself that she can have with her unborn child. The momentum of the story continues on with each page turning twist and turn. Very entertaining, historical period read with a relatable situation. I look forward to reading future books in series!

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bootlegger’s Wife is the first book in the Moonshine Madness series. I enjoy historical fiction and this book paints a vivid picture of the time and place.

I felt that the romance in this book was secondary to the plot, which is what I prefer! The focus was very much on Char’s efforts to survive in a dangerous world, so there was plenty of tension and action around that.

I particularly enjoyed the details of Char’s domestic work. It’s great that the author includes recipes at the end of the book, as the food she makes sounds delicious! It was a fun insight into the realities of daily life in that world and helped to balance out the darker parts of the story.

I’m interested in the character Daniel. There seems to be more to him than meets the eye, I hope we learn more about him in the coming books!

The Bootlegger’s Wife gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of the roaring twenties. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series!

[Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Char is unhappy with her marriage. With a baby on the way, she feels trapped. When an opportunity presents itself, she jumps on it. She catches her husband cheating on her, then his business gets raided by the FBI. They get separated and Char makes the decision to go into hiding from her husband. She changes her looks and starts working as a maid for a PI.

Things are going good until her husband hires the PI to look for her. Now she is back to the choice of either running and hiding again or facing her old life head on. With the PI getting close to discovering who she really is, she needs to make a choice and fast.

This book did not seem like the type of book I would be into. I am not very into historical books but I am happy I read this. The author did an amazing job portraying the characters. Although the author vividly described the 1920’s, it wasn’t over the top. It was a very well paced book with lots of twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat!

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was so incredible! I love to read but sometimes a book can take a little while to grasp your full attention-but not this book! Denise Devine crafted a very well written, in depth book that was very vivid. The book is set in the Prohibition Era, when it was illegal to drink alcohol, and Char finds out right away a truth that she chose to ignore, and was confronted with it at one of the many nights in the club she co owned with her husband. Then, the club was raided, and during a forced escape with one of her husband's goons she makes it out alive! Ultimately, however, Char ends up on the run on her own, with another not so well kept secret. Char begins a new life and is in hiding from her ruthless husband. As she navigates through her new life, she learns just as we do, that nothing is ever really easy. You will really enjoy this read and find great excitement for the next in the series!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel (Moonshine Madness Book 1) by Denise Devine. I loved this historical romance with lots of drama. Its a shorter story but it was so filled with drama, mystery, romance and so much more, it left me wanting more. Its the story of Charlotte, set in the 1920's, and her life is unraveling. She has just found out she is pregnant and her marriage is falling apart. Not only is he cheating on her but he's abusive as well. When Charlotte's husband's business is raided she takes this opportunity to just start over and become a new person. She wants to protect her unborn child and with her husband hot on her trail it will be a difficult job. Charlotte takes a new job with a private detective named Will and Will has a lot of skeletons in his closet. I can't wait to read more about the two of them. This is going to be such a fun series, I can't wait for the next book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's 1925 in St. Paul, Minnesota, a haven for hardened criminals - and the women who find themselves trapped in a dangerous game... Charlotte LeDoux's nine-year marriage to bootlegging kingpin, Gus "Lucky" LeDoux is falling apart. The same day Char learns she is pregnant, she catches Gus in the act of adultery and it's clear he has no intention of ending the affair. Soon after, their night club is raided by Federal agents. As she flees from the chaos, Char is separated from Gus and faces a choice; search out her fugitive husband or change her identity and disappear. With her life in shambles and her future in doubt, she knows what she must do to protect her child. Char alters her appearance and takes a job in domestic service for a private investigator. At first, living in Will Van Elsberg's home is quiet, comfortable and safe, but everything changes the day Gus seeks out Will to find his missing wife. As Will's investigation closes in on her, Char must once again make a decision. Should she run away again or face her violent husband and fight for her freedom? With her back to the wall, Char discovers she has more strength and determination than she ever thought possible."
Good historical book, about a woman fighting for herself. Good characters, nice storyline. I give this book 4 stars.

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel (Moonshine Madness Book 1) by Denise Devine is a great historical fantasy series.

Gus "Lucky" LeDoux, a bootlegging mogul, and Charlotte LeDoux's nine-year marriage is disintegrating. Char discovers she is pregnant the same day she witnesses Gus having an affair, and it is obvious he has no plans to stop it. Federal agents raid their nightclub shortly after. Char is separated from Gus as she runs away from the mayhem and must decide whether to go for her missing spouse or to assume a new name and vanish. She understands what she must do to safeguard her child, even though her life is in ruins and her future is uncertain. Char makes cosmetic changes and accepts a position as a domestic worker for a private investigator

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I can't wait to read more of the series.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really entertaining read. The author does an amazing job of transporting readers back to the time of prohibition and all the danger that was involved at that time. I loved Char's character. She was an incredibly strong women with a determined personality and I can't wait to see how her story develops. This is also fast paced with danger and action.

Char is well known woman. With her husband running a club and other illegal businesses she knows this life is dangerous. When the Feds raid his club Char manages to escape.
Now on her own and on the run she knows she needs to do whatever it takes to keep her baby and herself safe. So she takes a job as a housekeeper and hopes to blend into the background.
However her plan starts falling apart when it comes to light her employer is a detective and to make things worse he's the detective that her husband hires to find her.
Will Char remain safe from his clutches? What will happen when her true identity is revealed?