Wicked Desire by Tory Richards

Wicked Desire by Tory Richards
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press, Torrid
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (224 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Fern

Maggie’s on the run, leaving behind a marriage gone badly, a dangerous ex-husband, and one of the most crime infested neighborhoods in Maine. She isn’t looking to replace any of it, until she runs into Matt Dillon. A prime example of an alpha male, he’s big and tough with an attitude to match. The only problem is he’s determined to ignore the instant attraction between them.

Matt’s running away, too. He’s hoping a new beginning in a small town will help him get on with his life without the woman he loves. What he hadn’t counted on was meeting someone like Maggie Myers. He knows as soon as he runs into the curvaceous redhead that she’s nothing but trouble, and she proves it time and time again. Trying to ignore her is impossible, and before long passion explodes between them, sealing their fate.

Wicked Desire is a story that hits the ground running, and it doesn’t let up until the last word on the page. Tory Richards has crafted a wickedly delightful tale with a plot and characters you will simply adore. From the moment you meet Maggie, her ankle biting poodle, and the oh-so gorgeous Officer Matt Dillion, you’ll be hooked.

The plot here is excellent (as is the subplot involving an abusive ex-husband), especially as it's written so as not to focus on the tragedy that prevents Mathew from loving another woman, but rather his inability to place himself in a position of vulnerability. The journey takes us on an emotional roller coaster for the protagonists without that element of angst so many writers prefer. In choosing to present the story this way, it makes the experience all the more powerful. Though Matt is distant and pushes her away, Maggie is ultimately confident enough in who she is as a person and what she wants. You won’t find her stomping her foot, issuing ultimatums, or shedding tears for the cause. Instead you’ll see her acceptance and its ability to pull Matt from the cruel hands of loneliness.

Beautifully written and a pleasure to read, be sure to check out Wicked Desire.