The River Nymph Leisure Historical Romance Horror Book Review

Been hankering for a wonderful Western romance? Shirl Henke (with help from her husband Jim) delivers nonstop action, adventure and sexual tension aboard THE RIVER NYMPH.

Set in post-Civil War St. Louis, this story serves up the historical detail readers crave while pitting professional gambler Delilah Raymond against sexy Southern hero Clint Daniels. Clint doesn’t stop at losing his shirt when Delilah bests him at cards: when he loses his riverboat, the Nymph, to Delilah and vows to win them both back, he loses his heart (and sometimes all rational thought!) as well.

All through this fast-paced tale, you’ll wonder if Delilah stands a chance: she wants to give up the gambling life; intends to run mining supplies up the treacherous Missouri River to Fort Benton and make a LOT of money. Plenty of dastardly men assume they can take advantage of her along the way—and they resent her savvy enough to kill her. And while Clint is the ultimate gentleman, saving her from those villains as well as from her own naiveté, Delilah never plays the dumb female. She and Clint are evenly matched competitors—and lovers—to the end.

A cast of colorful characters, constant give-and-take between the hero and heroine, and a lush blending of history and humor make THE RIVER NYMPH an enjoyable read from the first scene to the last. I’m looking forward to Shirl’s next one!—Reviewed by Charlotte Hubbard