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Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC #1

Agony's Medicine Woman

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Agony may be a natural flirt, but that didn’t stop him from dreaming of having a woman of his own to love and have a family with. Years of watching his friends get their happily ever after lives has worn him down. He’s at the point of admitting it isn’t in the cards for him. He never expects that while confronting a woman he thinks is wronging his grandmother, he’ll find a woman he knows can be the one for him. If only she isn’t a fake, that is.

He leaves her with a warning and tries to move on. Only he can’t seem to forget about her. Later, when he discovers he was wrong about her and he goes to apologize, he’s left scared at the idea of losing her. His attempt to protect his grandmother and others, has backfired in ways he hasn’t expected.

As he scrambles to make things right and to show her that he wants more than to make amends or a few nights with her, she learns who he truly is.

Eliana never expects the sexy, handsome biker on her doorstep to ruin her world, but he does, in more than one way. She has no reason to trust him or any man. Her past showed her that ugly truth, or so she thought. Giving into Agony’s pleas and charm isn’t as easy as she thought, but it’s not as hard either.

She loves what she does and the people she helps. It’s given her life meaning. As they work through misunderstandings, Agony’s past, a hateful bunny, insecurities and an unknown threat, Eliana discovers that she’s found her one true love. Along with gaining Agony, she gains a family she’s never had or imagined. All due to saying yes and becoming Agony’s Medicine Woman.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2022

1011 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

Ciara St. James

107 books933 followers
An avid reader with a passion for romances that finally got the chance to write one of her own. The rest is history. Not what anyone thought for someone who has been a nurse and in healthcare management for years.

I sit writing as my two fur babies, my pugs Kujo and Khaos, impatiently wait for me to get done so they can lay on me as their human sofa!

My children are finally considered to be adults, so it's me, the hubby and the dogs.

I'm a iced tea drinking fiend who has insomnia, more ideas than I know what to do with, and a need to write them down.

Not too bad for a girl from rural Ohio in the foothills of Appalachia that grew up in a town of about 4000 people.

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5 stars
1,150 (62%)
4 stars
421 (22%)
3 stars
188 (10%)
2 stars
58 (3%)
1 star
26 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Alex(Books-In-A-Storm).
2,646 reviews69 followers
September 12, 2022
Finally Agony gets his woman. I loved Agony from the first time I met him and he just needed to find someone. I can't wait to read the next book whenever it comes out.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
August 28, 2022
I know this author's stories have a lot of insta love in them, but this one was fast. Maybe it seemed fast because at their first meeting Agony ripped Eliana up one side and down the other, then bad mouthed her all over town, to the point she lost her job. Then he apologizes and asks her to give him a couple of days to make her see different. Then wham...they are engaged, getting married in 4 months and knocked up. I'm still feeling the whiplash from the direction change. Once their relationship was settled there were little spats that blew over quickly, but more drama came from someone seemingly coming after Eliana. Once Agony and the guys got the bottom of that it was underwhelming who it was and why. Now with all of that said, I did like this book because I liked seeing a different MC set in this author's world where many of these are connected. I look forward to reading more about this MC.
2 reviews
February 4, 2023
disappointing

From the beginning I wasn’t a huge fan of this book the writing just felt a little off but I enjoyed the storyline so I kept going. That was until the author wrote some dialogue that compared the morning after pill to murder. Let’s be clear, that is not at all how plan b works publishing that misinformation is incredibly harmful. I’m just disappointed
Profile Image for Emily.
5,922 reviews554 followers
August 28, 2022
Agony finds out that his Grandmother, who he holds on a pedestal is being duped by a woman who is giving her salves and making her believe that she is getting better. What Agony fails to realize is that she is giving natural creams to help with the inflammation but she doesn't as for anything in return. Agony wants Eliana, but he has made a hot mess with her after his accusation and basically telling her to get the hell out of his town. Now Agony wants a second chance, but Eliana is getting out of Cherokee. Can Agony convince Eliana to give his a chance?

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Liked that Eliana was a woman who puts Agony in his place. I think this will be an exciting series to follow. Definitely had my interest peaked by several of the characters in the Pagan Souls of Cherokee Chapter. Another great read by this author.
1,546 reviews14 followers
March 9, 2023
Fantastic story😁

This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and just WOW!!!. But, I just gotta say this he needs to keep looking for the hit and run driver!!. Just sayin🤔. Ciara is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer😊😁.
395 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2023
Like one big summary

I read the reviews, but I didn't feel like this was a 5 star book. If the man I was attracted too verbally and professionally ruined me I would not be open to a relationship. So he convinces her to go to another club, talk to people and suddenly she is all in? Next they wreck on the bike, then later they are back one with no anxiety or nerves? So unrealistic. Just felt like this story was missing something.
Profile Image for Hart's Reader Group.
899 reviews42 followers
August 20, 2022
I really wanted to like it, but it is so much like Bear's Beloved...and ALL the other MC books by this author, that I just found myself disenchanted. It's another heroine who is all suspicious and insecure about the hero at first, but then after some sexing, she's gung-ho about getting with the hero, wants his babies, wants to marry him ASAP, but the SECOND he does or says something even the slightest bit dumb (as men do) she's all about cutting him off, calling in the guards, and leaving him cold.

I'm done with heroines who flip the bitch switch because they're insecure and want to lash out at the completely pussy-whipped hero. I felt bad for Agony because this book was painful.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,932 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2022
This MC alpha Hero got me right in the feels!
Agony’s Medicine Woman (Pagan Souls MC Book 1) by Ciara St. James is another MC full of alpha Heroes for this reader to fall head over words for! Agony’s story is just the beginning and it’s a truly wonderful and exciting start. Full of engaging characters, a new and unique small town setting as well as Native American Cherokee elements kept me riveted from word one! Agony is perfectly flawed, alpha, protective and secure enough to know when and how to grovel. The mistake he makes has unintended and catastrophic consequences for the woman who turns out to be his better half.
Eliana is about as sweet and kind-hearted as any Heroine can be. Agony’s assumptions create turmoil for her professionally and hurts her deeply. She’s brave to open herself up to Agony at all. Her bravery brings about Agony’s good fortune and opportunity to win his lady love.
The action in this book is weaved throughout the romance with Eliana as the suspected target, but without proof the MC is at a protective stand still. Between Agony’s major blunder and Eliana experiencing one kind of accident or another, Agony is nearly constantly panicked.
Overall, throughout all the ups and downs, Agony’s love for Eliana and hers for him is true, deep and abiding. The MC and danger elements make for another aspect of an exciting read. But the real shining moment for me, the beginning of this couple’s HEA features Agony and his Grandmother. So. Freaking. Sweet. Had me in happy tears.
I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,104 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2026
Agony & Eliana: triggers- sexual harassment, vandalism, homeopathic medicine, assault. first, I really liked this book. it was completely different right down to the Cherokee traditions. I loved that the author actually added a bibliography at the end of the book that shows where she got her information for all those traditions and the language as well. here's what's I had a bit of an issue.. there were some spelling and grammatical errors but that wasn't a bit issue. the main issue was that the main female character's name changed several times because of those spelling errors. it went from "Eliana" to "Elaina". it may not be a big deal to you but those two names are not the same and are not interchangeable. as far as the story.. loved it. Eliana is a nurse practitioner who works for the hospital by day but after hours she does house calls for the elderly using homeopathic methods to treat them with salves and ointments. one of her patients happens to be Agony's grandmother. Agony believes Eliana is scamming the elderly, including his grandmother and makes a big stink in town causing her to lose her job at the hospital. only it's not long before he regrets his decision as he knows she's the one for him. this is an instant romance, very steamy but also has moments that will rip your heart out. I think this is the first book from this author that I truly enjoyed front to back. but one star off for the name issue.
Profile Image for Branda.
132 reviews
June 18, 2024
So Happy Agony Finally Found his HEA!

I've been patiently waiting to get to this book in the reading order & get to know more about Agony the President of the Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC. He was always such a flirt in all the previous books he had made an appearance in & I couldn't wait to read this book and learn all about him & his brothers & especially the special lady that tamed his flirtatious ways lol.

But first kudos to author Ciara St James for writing another amazing book as you've done with all the others as well. You are truly a talented & creative author! And thank you for always having other previous MC members from other MCs make appearances & adding more new characters for us to all fall in love with too.

I just loved Agony's Cree) Enisi (Grandmother) and also the Grandmother to everyone in his MC. She was just the best! I hope to see more of her in future books in this series too.

And of course I also loved Eliana the amazing smart, compassionate women who cared for her others & brought Agony to his knees!

I can't wait to read more stories of the rest of the men In the Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC.

Profile Image for SunnySideUp.
109 reviews
January 11, 2023
Medicine Woman

I wanted to write a review for those that like myself read through reviews before and hesitated on reading this book. I’ve been reading through all the books in this series by the author and was at first disappointed in the reviews. It took me awhile before I decided to give Agony’s book a chance because I was afraid it was going to be a let down compared to the others and what we know of him. Agony’s book could have been a bit longer with more details, but I did enjoy his story. Without giving too much away I will say Medicine Woman’s reputation was restored within the community by word of mouth. In the medical community I can see she was backed by one doctor and with her own clinic development we can read between the lines. That said I do wish we had more input with people speaking up for her throughout the book. I hope others who enjoy Ciara’s books give Agony’s story a chance as well. I can’t wait to read Hulk, Dare, and Bones after this one.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,661 reviews76 followers
August 21, 2022
Agony's story has been wildly anticipated by all the fans of CSJ. He is a huge flirt, always has a smile and wink for the ladies. When he meets Eliana, his charming personality is nowhere to be found. He assumes to know what is going on and sets the woman straight. What he really does is put his foot in his mouth followed by his whole leg. He has to do some serious tap dancing to get back into her good graces. She makes him work for it and it is glorious. Eliana gives Agony a second chance and he is determined to win her heart and her forgiveness. I always loved Agony, he is just too charming, for his own good. Eliana is the perfect match for him, feisty and intelligent. I loved watching her give him a run for his money. This author's stories transport me, the characters become family. I already adore this new MC, cannot wait for more!!
1,244 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2024
Good Read

Agony’s Medicine Woman is the first book in the Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC series and follows Agony as he makes amends with Eliana after accusing her of trying to take advantage of his grandmother and other elderly residents of the town.

I’d really liked Agony when he appeared in the other MC series by Ciara St James, he always made me smile and I was excited to read his story. I enjoyed the story, it was well balanced and kept me engaged all the way through. The characters were great and as well as getting to know Agony and Eliana, I really liked getting to know the other members of the MC.

Overall, this was a really good read and a great start to the series. I would recommend giving it a read.
Profile Image for Lora Cimino.
827 reviews16 followers
May 24, 2025
I loved it!

Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. No one does romance like Ciara St. James. As always her heroine, Eliana is a strong independent and skilled woman. When she and Agony first meet it is with animosity and anger. He had the wrong idea about her and once he realizes it he is in hot pursuit of the woman of his dreams. This is an insta-love couple who share steamy intimate scenes in the book. There is also angst caused by misunderstandings and past trust issues for Eliana. There is drama and threat caused by an outside entity which the club must handle. I loved this story as I love all of Ciara's books. She always delivers a very satisfying happily ever after.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,375 reviews10 followers
July 18, 2025
Agony for Eliana

This is book one and poor Agony, the present of the MC, he immediately puts his foot in his mouth with Eliana. Agony assumed that Eliana, a nurse practitioner, was trying to pull one over on his enisi aka grandmother and her friends. Actually Eliana was using homeopathic remedies to treat the elder people in Cherokee. For goodness sakes, Eliana was not even accepting money. Agony learns from Wire that Eliana is indeed a nurse, with a medical degree, and good person. So he starts to help her instead of discredit Eliana. At this point Eliana wants nothing to do with him. This couple have quite a few issues to work through. There is a happy ending for Eliana and Agony. The characters Enisi, Sybil, and Dare are great supporting characters. Read On!
Profile Image for Trish.
1,115 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2025
Wonderful story!

This was different from any MC book I've read. The Cherokee parts made it extra meaningful. Eliana was such a great character. She made her own way in the world from a rough start, betrayal, then changing the way she practiced medicine. Cree/Agony was all about protecting his grandmother, and hearing that she was being treated by a doctor with no office made him suspicious. Through word of mouth she ends up losing her job, and he tells her to stay away from his grandmother, and her friends. As the story progressed, he has come to acceptance that not only was she a great healer, but he needed to make things right for her. This is a unusual love story, and even with the HEA ending, I can't wait to read part two next. Trish. A.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,226 reviews
August 21, 2022
Agony’s Medicine Woman is book 1 in the Pagan Souls MC written by the talented author Ciara St. James. I was looking forward to reading Agony's book and I have to say that Ciara didn't disappoint.
I had planned to read a couple of pages but I realized I couldn't put it down. Cree "Agony" Raven & Eliana "Medicine Woman" Grady story was the perfect introduction in to the Pagans Souls MC. Their chemistry was tense and sexy. I wasn't ready for it to end! I can’t wait for more!!
Profile Image for Rayvn Whyt.
621 reviews30 followers
November 14, 2023
Nov 2023
Overall I like the characters and the world. The writing is... This is one of the books that makes you understand show don't tell. There is often bouts of telling that jerk you right out of the story, that would have been much better and emotionally satisfying if instead they were shown. My only other complaint is how jarring and confusing it often gets not knowing which pov you're reading. It would be better suited to stay in one person's head if going for 1st.
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,146 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2024
could not recommend more

A new series from a new author to me.
I fell in love with the Pagan Souls, Eliana and Cree’s grandmother.
It’s action packed, with a sweet love story running through it. I laughed and cried, Eliana’s doubts and emotions were all familiar to any woman falling in love when you feel unsure and have trust issues. She needn’t worry Agony falls like a lead weight for his curvaceous medicine woman.
Profile Image for Patricia Howard.
658 reviews
December 30, 2024
His woman

Ciara St. James is a new to me author that I have heard a lot about from other readers. I finally took that leap to check out her books. I am happy that I did.

Agony and his Medicine Woman, was absolutely awesome. I loved the reference to herbal healing. I loved that the storyline and characters flowed smoothly. The story just draws you in and makes me not want to put the book down.
Profile Image for Delilah .
190 reviews
August 5, 2025
i was really enjoying it, then the author compared plan b to murder which is so so false--plan B stops ovulation so the egg and sperm can't even meet, it's literally a hormone that has nothing to do with abortion, murder or anything of the sort. Additionally, it just harmful rhetoric that is used to restrict reproductive rights around the world. Really disappointed to see included in an otherwise fun MC book.
703 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2025
Basically pretty good

Some things in the story between Cree and eliana Were drawn out unnecessarily but the story line was interesting. Definitely a lot of C hero eye nation references in the story line while Cree and his grandmother were of Native American descent it didn't seem like any of the other club members were.
Still debating whether I'm going to read the next book in the series
53 reviews
October 3, 2022
Best of the biker books

Ciaraa St.James rested a whole new world when she created Archangels Warriors. With it's two chapters it could have ended there but she added their friends and expanded their world. The first book of the Pagan Souls was a beautiful story and I can't wait for the next book to come out. I love reading about the biker world according to Costa St.James

Profile Image for Surrender2silk.
1,740 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2022
First book in the Pagan Souls of Cherokee Mc. Agony is the president of the Mc and he protects his family. When his grams tell him about Eliana. He hates her at the spot. When he confronts her and kicks her out of town. His grams him him hell. Now that he know his wrong he will stop at nothing to change her mind about him and accept the love he claim for her. Among new series.
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,975 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2022
love story ❤️

“Well, if that’s the case, I wanna watch. I might be able to give you boys some pointers,” she shot back. From there it was a game of one verbal arrow after another. I tried one more time to get her back to the house to lie down. She refused point blank unless I went and stayed with her.
1,124 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING ADVENTURE

A fast paced new MC series with very interesting and intriguing twist to this drama. This first story begins with the introduction to some of the main MC members. Agony is the Pagans Souls President and this story is about his woman, his family and the dangers they faced.
703 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2023
Disappointed

I was slightly disappointed at the tame plot; it didn't really live up to a biker club. The 'everybody loves each other' feeling slightly irritated me. I thought Eliana's character was contrived. Suddenly she grows a bad biker lady vibe. There are too many similar competing stories by other authors to make this one stand kut.
772 reviews
January 15, 2025
I knew I was going to love Agony’s book. When he was first introduced. I had my eye on him. He intrigued me. Then as I started reading all Ciara St James books in Reading Order. I looked forward to his book. It didn’t disappoint one bit.

Absolutely loved his book, also gave me insight into the other Pagan Soul guys. I look forward to reading their books.
3 reviews
December 27, 2025
The heroine was terrible. She’s ridiculously insecure to the point of being unbelievable. She’s also incredibly immature and petty. Lots of ridiculous drama. She was mad at him for not telling her about his ex-girlfriend and they literally knew each other for a few weeks at most. Most of those few weeks they were going at like rabbits. They hadn’t had time to talk.
Profile Image for Amanda Sherman.
122 reviews
August 19, 2022
I have loved Agony from the very beginning. I wasn't sure any woman could measure up to him but Eliana really makes him even better if it's possible! She's so sweet and wonderful I love everything about this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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