Since you would be more comfortable and capable mountain biking on a true mountain bike, I would get a MTB that has lockout shocks.
You can lock the shocks on pavement and be more efficient.
BTW...
Most MTB's have better seat tube angles (73°). This gets your hips and thighs ( a woman's strong point) behind the bottom bracket. Being back lets your get your foot behind the pedal to push forward. This lets you use your thighs to push forward on the pedals, using the seat as your anchor. And pull the pedals toward you, again using the saddle as your anchor. Way more efficient. Instead of trying to use your upper body, to push down on the pedals.
Invision sitting on the leg press at the gym. The back of the seat is your anchor to push from, without it you would have to use your arms. The saddle is that anchor to push from.
This is why a lot of women feel stronger on a MTB over a road bike. (the seat tube angle).
All WSD means to most manufacturers is a shorter top tube. So called compact frames don't get you behind the BB! Check out the geometry! It does make a difference!
If you get a road bike get one with a 73° to 73.5° seat tube. Orbea, Lemand, Cervelo.
Cheers!