Tanner crafts a family saga full of love, greed, betrayal, loyalty, and honor with "Wild Oats." The lives of Phillip Ashfield, Allison Waverly, and Tommy Calvert collide in this story with Allison in the middle. Can the Australian beauty find love as the world is poised for war?

The story is set in Australia in 1914 just before the start of World War I. Allison Waverly is a young girl on the brink of womanhood. Her father is a drunk, and her brother, Jim, is a crass youth. Jim's friend, Tommy, loves Allison, but is afraid to show her how he feels. English aristocrat, Phillip Ashfield, falls for Allison and while he gives her gifts, he's weak-willed in his convictions.

War breaks out and tests everyone's resolve. Allison must grow up too fast. Tommy finds his honor while Phillip loses his. Allison, Tommy, and Phillip are forced to make choices that will resonate for the rest of their lives. After the smoke from the last cannon is fired, will Allison ever be able to heal her wounded heart?

a person who enjoys the start of a family saga.

Tommy, but he grew on me. His characterization was really spot on. I loved watching Allison grow as a character as well.

Phillip Ashfield. I had to admit, I really, really, really wanted him to step up to the plate and be a descent human being but it wasn't in him. I understand what his character was about, but gosh, he just really made me mad. (in a good character way)

read the sequel, "The Trouble with Playboys."

It really tapped into my emotions. I felt happy, sadness, hope, and despair.

it's a good read. It does a lot of things right - the characterization is spot on, and it has a unique setting - Australia.

Tanner's writing is engaging and easy to read. I love traveling to different places and experiencing new things, and I found Tanner's Australia setting against the backdrop of World War I compelling.

What I enjoyed the most about the novel was how Tanner painted the Waverly family saga with broad strokes. Allison is a true heroine. Just when you think there's no hope left, she makes her own.

The characters are interesting. The readers meet Allison as a young, naïve girl who grows into a seasoned woman, but not without having her convictions and beliefs challenged. Phillip gives into the conventions of the times, while Tommy finds the hero within him.

The book's title is fitting as the characters have wild oats to sow before they settle down. The novel is "sophisticated" for romance readers as there are scenes involving sex and love. Wild Oats is a page turner with characters that will resonate long after the reader finishes.

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