The Amazons <title>The Amazons Book 1: Strong to Save A Tale of Forbidden Love

Kris Nordstrom knew now was the time to retire from the Coast Guard. Between the Oath-Takers and the New Republican Nation things weren't looking good; the political tide was against women on their own. Even though she is a Captain and the Oath-Takers patrol know they couldn't harass her, she is still having a hard time of it. She not only has to worry about herself, but also her nieces. With her brother being part of the Oath Takers, Kris knows it won't be long before she'll no longer be able to see them, especially if his wife, Cindy, had any say. She has to find a way to help them and herself.

Andrea, called Andy by her friends, left the Coast Guard so she could marry Lorraine, only to have it end in divorce. Andy has admired and wanted Kris since the Academy, but nothing could come of it with Kris still in the Coast Guard. Now that Kris is retired, Andy wants to see if there could be a relationship between them. She decides to be waiting for Kris aboard the Athena, Kris's boat, when Kris returns from vacation with her nieces. Andy wants Kris but she also wants to be able to help her figure out how to protect the girls and she hopes Kris will feel the same way towards her, that she'll want Andy as her partner.

The world Ms. Valent has made is one where the rights of women and gays are being destroyed. She offers us, the readers, insight into what it would be like if this came to pass. She eloquently portrays the love from an aunt for her nieces and how that love takes them on a journey they would never have considered if life wasn't taking away their privileges to remain in control of their own destiny. I found this book thought provoking to say the least and a great read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series "The Amazons Book 2 : Bound the Restless Wave - A Tale of Female Bonding", to see where Ms. Valent takes us.

Reviewed by: Donna