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Western Ladies #3
The Touch of Fire
Annie Parker came to Silver Mesa, Arizona, because it was the only place she'd found where folks thought a woman doctor was better than no doctor at all. Her lonely life became harder still on the winter night Rafe McCay broke into her office with a bullet in his side and a bounty hunter at his back. With a gun aimed at her heart, he led her deep into the Arizona mountains, and into a world of danger and passion, for Annie discovered in Rafe not only a wounded man, but a soul betrayed...and Rafe, healed by her skill and the magic in her hands, awakened in Annie a woman's tender longing and hungry desire. Pursued by dangerous secrets of the past, they are swept into a thrilling odyssey of the heart -- a bold, exhilarating journey that rekindles Rafe's lost hope and transforms Annie's healing gift into a deep, enduring love.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
About the author
Linda Howard
272 books6,968 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
November 27, 2021
Re-read: 11/25/21...continuing my classic paperback to kindle extravaganza...
Another classic romance favorite that I have read more times than I can count.
I adore this book and everything about it.
Love Annie.
LOVE Rafe.
Love their journey together.
Such a classic and I'll always love it.
Another classic romance favorite that I have read more times than I can count.
I adore this book and everything about it.
Love Annie.
LOVE Rafe.
Love their journey together.
Such a classic and I'll always love it.
August 29, 2014
5 stars!!
I think there’s truly something magical about a book if you can re-read it multiple times and still be enamored with the story, characters, and writing. Most, if not all, of Linda Howard’s books are like that for me but the one I’ve re-read the most is this book. Set in the wild & dangerous time period after the Civil War, The Touch of Fire is a captivating western romance about two individuals striving to belong and how they discover a love that is found in the most unexpected of places.
**************************
Well on her way in becoming a spinster, Annie Parker is a dedicated and meticulous doctor, a profession that most people believe to be unladylike so she is constantly looked down upon. Nevertheless, that doesn’t diminish her passion for her job or her innate love for healing. On a typical work night, she is shocked to see a hooded but wounded man stumbling into her clinic.
An outlaw only by name, Rafe McCay has been on the run for 4 years, evading bounty hunters and lawmakers after being at the wrong place at the wrong time. After being shot by one infamous bounty hunter, Rafe stops by Annie’s clinic and seeks medication, only to be told that his wound could fester and without proper care, can contaminate and lead to death. Thus, Rafe kidnaps and takes Annie with him to treat his wounds.
Due to extreme weather conditions, Annie and Rafe are temporarily stranded in an abandoned abode for days. Both are naturally wary of each other and don’t expect to develop feelings but it happens. With little outside interference, they both have the time to learn more about each other.
When it’s finally revealed what turned Rafe into a wanted man, both Annie and Rafe set out to try to clear his name, encountering Native Americans, unwanted bounty hunters, and one tough lawmaker along the way.
**************************
Just to clear out the air, this book is far from perfect and to top that, there is a very slight paranormal aspect (which I’m usually not too fond of). However, this book is perfect for me. I loved the setup of the story: kidnapping mixed with a strong, silent hero and an intelligent heroine. I think what made this really work for me – again and again – is that I knew there was nothing to fear from Rafe. He may be a kidnapper, an alleged murderer, but not purposely so. Life dished out a terrible plate for him and he did what he had to do to survive but he never hurt an innocent. Pairing him with a character that’s his complete opposite was just brilliant. It was very interesting to see this rough and rugged man fall for the sweet-tempered, warmhearted woman.
My favorite part about this book, however, wasn’t the romance (shocking right??). It was the rich & beautifully described historical setting. I’m a huge American history geek, and I thought it was a genius move to incorporate historical icons like Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and Jefferson Davis into the story. There’s a mix of everything in here – romance, history, and political intrigue that made for an entertaining and thrilling read.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance that aren’t bothered by extra details about the Civil War and enjoy a little dark & suspense in their stories.
I think there’s truly something magical about a book if you can re-read it multiple times and still be enamored with the story, characters, and writing. Most, if not all, of Linda Howard’s books are like that for me but the one I’ve re-read the most is this book. Set in the wild & dangerous time period after the Civil War, The Touch of Fire is a captivating western romance about two individuals striving to belong and how they discover a love that is found in the most unexpected of places.
**************************
Well on her way in becoming a spinster, Annie Parker is a dedicated and meticulous doctor, a profession that most people believe to be unladylike so she is constantly looked down upon. Nevertheless, that doesn’t diminish her passion for her job or her innate love for healing. On a typical work night, she is shocked to see a hooded but wounded man stumbling into her clinic.
An outlaw only by name, Rafe McCay has been on the run for 4 years, evading bounty hunters and lawmakers after being at the wrong place at the wrong time. After being shot by one infamous bounty hunter, Rafe stops by Annie’s clinic and seeks medication, only to be told that his wound could fester and without proper care, can contaminate and lead to death. Thus, Rafe kidnaps and takes Annie with him to treat his wounds.
Due to extreme weather conditions, Annie and Rafe are temporarily stranded in an abandoned abode for days. Both are naturally wary of each other and don’t expect to develop feelings but it happens. With little outside interference, they both have the time to learn more about each other.
When it’s finally revealed what turned Rafe into a wanted man, both Annie and Rafe set out to try to clear his name, encountering Native Americans, unwanted bounty hunters, and one tough lawmaker along the way.
**************************
Just to clear out the air, this book is far from perfect and to top that, there is a very slight paranormal aspect (which I’m usually not too fond of). However, this book is perfect for me. I loved the setup of the story: kidnapping mixed with a strong, silent hero and an intelligent heroine. I think what made this really work for me – again and again – is that I knew there was nothing to fear from Rafe. He may be a kidnapper, an alleged murderer, but not purposely so. Life dished out a terrible plate for him and he did what he had to do to survive but he never hurt an innocent. Pairing him with a character that’s his complete opposite was just brilliant. It was very interesting to see this rough and rugged man fall for the sweet-tempered, warmhearted woman.
My favorite part about this book, however, wasn’t the romance (shocking right??). It was the rich & beautifully described historical setting. I’m a huge American history geek, and I thought it was a genius move to incorporate historical icons like Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and Jefferson Davis into the story. There’s a mix of everything in here – romance, history, and political intrigue that made for an entertaining and thrilling read.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance that aren’t bothered by extra details about the Civil War and enjoy a little dark & suspense in their stories.
April 9, 2020
***First read: April 28th, 2019***
***Reread: April 9th, 2020***
Annies Theodora Parker (29) is a doctor who moved at a mining town in Arizona Territory because there was a scarce of doctors. In those days a woman doctor was frowned upon and considered unladylike but Annie was committed and chose to ignore criticisms and dedicates to heal people.
Annie was a soft, selfless and strong woman. One day in all her daily routine a hooded, injured man stumbles through her door. Rafferty Mclay (34) was an outlaw, accused of something he haven't done hence he is on run since past 4 years. Rafe was shot by a bounty hunter and needs medical attention. Annie patches him up and advices him to stay for a few days to rest the wound. But Rafe abducts her and takes her away so she can treat his wounds. Rafe and Annie spends time in an abandoned cabin, this part of the story was my favourite. Rafe falls for Annie's sweet and healing nature. He is considered to be having the patience of a stone but when it comes to Annie he becomes ruthless to passion. I love the time they spent together, taking care of each other and learning their background.
The story is set after the Civil War of 1871. It has all the western historical events which I enjoyed. There are lots of political and historical information that I'm not aware of but that doesn't hinder me from the story. I read this book a couple of times and each time it manages to capture me in it's essence that I want to read again someday.
***Reread: April 9th, 2020***
Annies Theodora Parker (29) is a doctor who moved at a mining town in Arizona Territory because there was a scarce of doctors. In those days a woman doctor was frowned upon and considered unladylike but Annie was committed and chose to ignore criticisms and dedicates to heal people.
Annie was a soft, selfless and strong woman. One day in all her daily routine a hooded, injured man stumbles through her door. Rafferty Mclay (34) was an outlaw, accused of something he haven't done hence he is on run since past 4 years. Rafe was shot by a bounty hunter and needs medical attention. Annie patches him up and advices him to stay for a few days to rest the wound. But Rafe abducts her and takes her away so she can treat his wounds. Rafe and Annie spends time in an abandoned cabin, this part of the story was my favourite. Rafe falls for Annie's sweet and healing nature. He is considered to be having the patience of a stone but when it comes to Annie he becomes ruthless to passion. I love the time they spent together, taking care of each other and learning their background.
The story is set after the Civil War of 1871. It has all the western historical events which I enjoyed. There are lots of political and historical information that I'm not aware of but that doesn't hinder me from the story. I read this book a couple of times and each time it manages to capture me in it's essence that I want to read again someday.
November 28, 2016
REREAD AS OF NOV 27, 2016.
Previous ratings: 4 stars
Current ratings: 1 star
Okay. I totally forgot this was a reread. I read the book without any idea that I'm already done with this. What I read (and I read them thoroughly) disgusts me. I have to find my notes to explain my review well, but (sorry Miss Howard) this will be the first L.H book that I'll rate as 1 star.
January 19, 2019
I love Linda Howard but this old western romance was not only not-so-engaging but was also off in quite a few ways and I couldn’t get past that. The whole premise of a hardened outlaw H on the run from law and bounty hunters, getting shot and abducting the doctor h to patch him up, had me happily intrigued and rubbing my hands in anticipation. But it didn't take long for that iffy feeling to settle in, and nothing happened to really alleviate it as I read on..
I was dissatisfied with the first part of the book but reading on, I realized that that was still the best part. The disappointment is more acute knowing it’s a LH. By any other author, this could have been a 4* book ... or not.
I was dissatisfied with the first part of the book but reading on, I realized that that was still the best part. The disappointment is more acute knowing it’s a LH. By any other author, this could have been a 4* book ... or not.
September 15, 2015
Overall rating: 5 stars!!!!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
Wow! This book was SO good! I can't even find the words. This is one of those books that hooks you right away and as I have come to know, Linda Howard does a great job of blending romance and suspense. This book also has LOTS of steam.
This is also a book that has a full circle story. I loved the glimpse we got into their future.
I have to say I also loved the premise of this story and how the hero had this strong reaction to the heroine right from the beginning. I also loved the addition of what the title of the book really means to the story. LOVED that.
I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
This book is right up there with Cry No More which is another favorite of mine and White Lies :)
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
HEA:
My review:
Wow! This book was SO good! I can't even find the words. This is one of those books that hooks you right away and as I have come to know, Linda Howard does a great job of blending romance and suspense. This book also has LOTS of steam.
This is also a book that has a full circle story. I loved the glimpse we got into their future.
I have to say I also loved the premise of this story and how the hero had this strong reaction to the heroine right from the beginning. I also loved the addition of what the title of the book really means to the story. LOVED that.
I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
This book is right up there with Cry No More which is another favorite of mine and White Lies :)
February 1, 2021
I'm surprised that I didn't like this. This is the second LH in a row that didn't impress me and I seriously hope this wouldn't continue.
What really bothered me here is their whole first sex together. I felt really slimy and uncomfortable after all that. It felt all wrong. Gosh darn it, I don't even know how to explain why I felt that way.
It just felt wrong.h
What really bothered me here is their whole first sex together. I felt really slimy and uncomfortable after all that. It felt all wrong. Gosh darn it, I don't even know how to explain why I felt that way.
It just felt wrong.h
August 3, 2013
4 Stars! Not sure that I liked the set-up in the beginning, but then it came around nicely, and was quite enjoyable!
Don't know how I missed this Linda Howard book, but I'm glad I finally got a chance to read it. I love her older stuff and although this wasn't one of her best, it was still a memorable read.
March 13, 2019
3.5 stars. Linda Howard has fast become one of my “go-to” authors. I’m shaving off half a star only because the story stalled at times. However, I think it was me and not necessarily the book, it had actual historical references that were quite enlightening. Nevertheless, a good read and entertain book.
May 21, 2017
Enjoyable western.
The story begins in 1871 with Rafe on the run from bounty hunters. He is shot and goes to a doctor’s home where Dr. Annie Parker treats his wounds. She tells him his wounds will need medical care for three days, so he kidnaps her to keep her with him while on the run.
Most of the story happens while they are on the run together. There are some neat things happening toward the end of the book. The ending was great.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Natalie Ross did a great job.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 312 pages. Swearing language: moderate plus s*** a few times. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: eleven. Setting: 1871 Arizona. Copyright: 1992. Genre: historical western romance.
The story begins in 1871 with Rafe on the run from bounty hunters. He is shot and goes to a doctor’s home where Dr. Annie Parker treats his wounds. She tells him his wounds will need medical care for three days, so he kidnaps her to keep her with him while on the run.
Most of the story happens while they are on the run together. There are some neat things happening toward the end of the book. The ending was great.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Natalie Ross did a great job.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 312 pages. Swearing language: moderate plus s*** a few times. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: eleven. Setting: 1871 Arizona. Copyright: 1992. Genre: historical western romance.
November 10, 2008
This is a historical western. It started out with a lot of potential. Outlaw being hunted and on the run. Bounty hunter hot on the trail. Shot. Goes to small mining town and finds doctor (Annie). Kidnaps her and takes her into the mountains to tend to him. Is mean and cruel, says very little to her and most dialogue is snappy and short or he curses at her. Humiliates her on more than one occasion, attempts to rape her in her sleep then gets mad at her for stopping him.
She decides to just get "it" over with and he acts like an animal.
That was all This Reader could take.
Too many other great books to read to mess with this one any longer.
She decides to just get "it" over with and he acts like an animal.
That was all This Reader could take.
Too many other great books to read to mess with this one any longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
A weak heroine marred this book, above all because she was totally lacking coherence. She survived medical school, at a time when women were considered a nothing, but here she's a blooming missus. Eww. Pity
An other coupe de grace was the absurd paranormal elements thrown in for no reason, and that had no reason within the text itself.
It's a real pity, as both the hero and plot are good. Not one of her best books, IMHO.
An other coupe de grace was the absurd paranormal elements thrown in for no reason, and that had no reason within the text itself.
It's a real pity, as both the hero and plot are good. Not one of her best books, IMHO.
June 14, 2016
Rafe an outlaw kidnaps a doctor, Annie to treat his wounds. They fall in love and together they set out to clear his name! It is always amazing reading about an alpha brooding male falling for a sweet intelligent woman! Romantic book with lovable characters!
January 5, 2013
Caution: minor spoilers ahead. Tread at your own peril.
I should have loved this book, since it contains a lot of the elements I enjoy in a romance:
• Historical + western + romance. As the saying goes, you had me at hello
• A well-liked author. The Mackenzie collection and Mr. Perfect are among my favorite reads from 2012
• A brooding hero, and an outlaw to boot.
• A lady doctor, from whom backbone and some maturity is expected. I loved Dr. Quinn TV show back in the 90s.
• An enemy-to-lovers storyline, always promising.
• A miner town, so Jack London, and I loved The Call of the Wild even more than Dr. Quinn.
And how did it go? Terribly disappointing, let me tell you.
He’s a dark, tall fugitive who kidnaps a woman doctor in a miner town. He’s on the run, has been shot and needs time to recover. So she’s forced to follow him to an isolated cabin/shack in the mountains with the promise of being taken back to the city as soon as he’s healed.
But from the first page, my cheesy-alert signal started bleeping. Never a good sign. Repetitive sentences, sappy undertones, out-of-character or out-of-situation inner dialogues and so on.
After 50 pages, it was obvious the cheesiness was there to stay. 30 pages more, and the allegedly courageous heroine was sounding more like a scatterbrained damsel in distress. Bear in mind we are told this woman has studied medicine in opposition to society rules and strictures, overcoming its rebukes and criticisms and finding her place in a miner town. She’s supposed to have come out of that ordeal, if not unscathed, at least knowledgeable. But what she does is not consistent with what we’re told about her. She’s supposed to be smart and independent, but acts rather foolishly. She’s clearly infatuated with the hero from the beginning and therefore forgives his rudeness, abruptness and cruelty. She starts doing stupid things. For example, at some point she attempts to escape (finally, some initiative), but does it all wrong, proving she’s not capable of fighting to save her own ass. He catches her immediately –there was no challenge there, really- and she’s so thankful with him for saving her life…
So far, this book had found its place in the cheesy bookshelf. Right there, it was awarded a place of honor among other TSTL heroines. Only by adding a jerk hero could it get worse. It does.
So now, the hero. Brooding heroes are expected to… well, brood. Fine with me. Brooding entails a dark past, personal struggles, issues to work out… all of which provide some flesh to an otherwise black-and-white character.
But this guy doesn’t just brood. He’s cold and rude and cruel and selfish and, according to what we’re told he can’t control his urges. There is something inconsistent with the character here too. While on one hand he’s portrayed as cold and inexpressive, on the other he can’t get hold of his temper or desires.
And then we come to the attempted rape scene. He wakes up in the middle of the night with a hard-on. She’s sleeping by his side, half dressed (to prevent her from escaping), and he removes his underwear to be closer to her. Closer as in inside her. She wakes up with an acute pain and fights her way out of the makeshift bed before his final thrust. When she confronts him, he claims he’s not a rapist and that he prefers his women conscious. But then, what would you call it, since she was asleep and therefore unaware of his actions?
I didn’t like this scene, and I didn’t like how it was resolved. The lady doctor seemed to be terminally stupid, and the hero insufferably mean.
I’ll put off this book as unfinished, because I refuse to keep reading it.
I should have loved this book, since it contains a lot of the elements I enjoy in a romance:
• Historical + western + romance. As the saying goes, you had me at hello
• A well-liked author. The Mackenzie collection and Mr. Perfect are among my favorite reads from 2012
• A brooding hero, and an outlaw to boot.
• A lady doctor, from whom backbone and some maturity is expected. I loved Dr. Quinn TV show back in the 90s.
• An enemy-to-lovers storyline, always promising.
• A miner town, so Jack London, and I loved The Call of the Wild even more than Dr. Quinn.
And how did it go? Terribly disappointing, let me tell you.
He’s a dark, tall fugitive who kidnaps a woman doctor in a miner town. He’s on the run, has been shot and needs time to recover. So she’s forced to follow him to an isolated cabin/shack in the mountains with the promise of being taken back to the city as soon as he’s healed.
But from the first page, my cheesy-alert signal started bleeping. Never a good sign. Repetitive sentences, sappy undertones, out-of-character or out-of-situation inner dialogues and so on.
After 50 pages, it was obvious the cheesiness was there to stay. 30 pages more, and the allegedly courageous heroine was sounding more like a scatterbrained damsel in distress. Bear in mind we are told this woman has studied medicine in opposition to society rules and strictures, overcoming its rebukes and criticisms and finding her place in a miner town. She’s supposed to have come out of that ordeal, if not unscathed, at least knowledgeable. But what she does is not consistent with what we’re told about her. She’s supposed to be smart and independent, but acts rather foolishly. She’s clearly infatuated with the hero from the beginning and therefore forgives his rudeness, abruptness and cruelty. She starts doing stupid things. For example, at some point she attempts to escape (finally, some initiative), but does it all wrong, proving she’s not capable of fighting to save her own ass. He catches her immediately –there was no challenge there, really- and she’s so thankful with him for saving her life…
So far, this book had found its place in the cheesy bookshelf. Right there, it was awarded a place of honor among other TSTL heroines. Only by adding a jerk hero could it get worse. It does.
So now, the hero. Brooding heroes are expected to… well, brood. Fine with me. Brooding entails a dark past, personal struggles, issues to work out… all of which provide some flesh to an otherwise black-and-white character.
But this guy doesn’t just brood. He’s cold and rude and cruel and selfish and, according to what we’re told he can’t control his urges. There is something inconsistent with the character here too. While on one hand he’s portrayed as cold and inexpressive, on the other he can’t get hold of his temper or desires.
And then we come to the attempted rape scene. He wakes up in the middle of the night with a hard-on. She’s sleeping by his side, half dressed (to prevent her from escaping), and he removes his underwear to be closer to her. Closer as in inside her. She wakes up with an acute pain and fights her way out of the makeshift bed before his final thrust. When she confronts him, he claims he’s not a rapist and that he prefers his women conscious. But then, what would you call it, since she was asleep and therefore unaware of his actions?
I didn’t like this scene, and I didn’t like how it was resolved. The lady doctor seemed to be terminally stupid, and the hero insufferably mean.
I’ll put off this book as unfinished, because I refuse to keep reading it.
September 13, 2020
2,5*
El principio me gustó bastante pero luego ha ido resultando en una historia lenta y sosa. Con rellenos q no aportan nada.
Esperaba otra cosa.
El principio me gustó bastante pero luego ha ido resultando en una historia lenta y sosa. Con rellenos q no aportan nada.
Esperaba otra cosa.
November 26, 2013
Updated today, because I listened to audio by Natalie Ross. Superb! A 5-star narration.
Compared to 1870, guess how much $100 grand would be worth today?
4.25 stars for this erotic historical suspense. It's fiction, but based on cited sources, Howard speculates on the missing Confederate gold (the Treasury was "misplaced" and never recovered after the Civil War). Her story involves several historical figures, including
Interesting and speculative look at US history. Also, fairly plausible. Lots of action and suspense, with good chemistry and numerous sex scenes. I am not crazy about Stockholm Syndrome tropes and did NOT care for the hero at first, but it came right in the end. One of Howard's better efforts, with a superb ending and some textured secondary characters.
It's got a paranormal edge. The heroine, Dr. Annie Parker, has "the touch of healing fire" in her hands. Set in about 1872, it's okay for women to serve as field nurses, but as doctors?? Nonetheless, Annie stubbornly goes for it.
I liked her. She's smart, brave, compassionate, hard-working, and gifted. For Rafe her hands offer not only a healing touch when he needs it most, but also a touch of erotic lightning. And he's hard from day one, lol.
Rafe is a wanted man. He's been running for four years, knowing his killers have bought off Lady Justice. He keeps a secret that could rock the nation, ruin reputations, and change history texts.
I felt sympathy for Rafe, eventually, but not at first -- at first he seemed harsh, cold, bitter, and cruel. Howard gradually exposed his heartache and deep loneliness, as well as his honor. The scenes in the Apache camp endeared me to Rafe. Well done!!
The ending was satisfying in terms of justice, followed by a sweet epilogue.
Secondary character Noah Atwater added a lot to the tale.
In another piece of speculative history, Son of the Morning, Howard addresses the historical Knights Templar and the gender of the divinity. I liked Son of the Morning, but it was not plausible, so I viewed it as pure fantasy, especially the formula for time travel. Also, I thought the tone changed too drastically from Part One (Grace on the run in contemporary America) to Part Two, set in historical Scotland. Still, it was good — it's a Howard!
Compared to 1870, guess how much $100 grand would be worth today?
4.25 stars for this erotic historical suspense. It's fiction, but based on cited sources, Howard speculates on the missing Confederate gold (the Treasury was "misplaced" and never recovered after the Civil War). Her story involves several historical figures, including
Interesting and speculative look at US history. Also, fairly plausible. Lots of action and suspense, with good chemistry and numerous sex scenes. I am not crazy about Stockholm Syndrome tropes and did NOT care for the hero at first, but it came right in the end. One of Howard's better efforts, with a superb ending and some textured secondary characters.
It's got a paranormal edge. The heroine, Dr. Annie Parker, has "the touch of healing fire" in her hands. Set in about 1872, it's okay for women to serve as field nurses, but as doctors?? Nonetheless, Annie stubbornly goes for it.
I liked her. She's smart, brave, compassionate, hard-working, and gifted. For Rafe her hands offer not only a healing touch when he needs it most, but also a touch of erotic lightning. And he's hard from day one, lol.
Rafe is a wanted man. He's been running for four years, knowing his killers have bought off Lady Justice. He keeps a secret that could rock the nation, ruin reputations, and change history texts.
I felt sympathy for Rafe, eventually, but not at first -- at first he seemed harsh, cold, bitter, and cruel. Howard gradually exposed his heartache and deep loneliness, as well as his honor. The scenes in the Apache camp endeared me to Rafe. Well done!!
The ending was satisfying in terms of justice, followed by a sweet epilogue.
Secondary character Noah Atwater added a lot to the tale.
In another piece of speculative history, Son of the Morning, Howard addresses the historical Knights Templar and the gender of the divinity. I liked Son of the Morning, but it was not plausible, so I viewed it as pure fantasy, especially the formula for time travel. Also, I thought the tone changed too drastically from Part One (Grace on the run in contemporary America) to Part Two, set in historical Scotland. Still, it was good — it's a Howard!
July 12, 2009
I think this is the first historical romance I've read by Linda Howard. It was okay for me. A pretty standard "falling for her kidnapper" story.
Annie Parker learned medicine at her father's knee. She loved helping people and wanted to go to school to be a doctor. But it was something a woman just did not do. She persevered, though, and went to medical school. Then she moved to a remote western town where people would actually let a woman treat them. One night outlaw Rafe McCay ends up in her office, needing treatment for a bullet wound.
Annie patches Rafe up and tells him he'll need some continuing treatment if he hopes to survive. Rafe needs to be on the move now...so he forces Annie to go with him, so she could look after his injuries. The two hole up in an abandoned cabin in the woods where Annie must treat his wounds and figure out how to get away from him. But as she gets to know him, she realizes he's not the man she first thought he was.
Pretty basic story in this book - man kidnaps woman, woman tries to escape, but eventually falls in love with him and helps him clear his name. The setting and bits and pieces of true history give the book a little originality.
I'm not a big fan of the whole "woman falling for her kidnapper" storyline. It just doesn't ring my bell. This one was okay. Not horrible, but not great. I thought the early-to-middle parts of the book got bogged down some because nothing was really happening in the story and all you keep reading is Annie and Rafe living in a rustic cabin. It was a bit boring. Then the later part of the book, where the "plot" gets resolved flies by. Howard did a lot of skipping around and summarizing in that section. It made the story feel kind of uneven.
And the whole thing with Annie having mystically healing hands...weird. That came across really out of place in this story, at least to me. And I didn't think it was needed at all.
Also...the first sex scene in the book. One word...yikes!
So...hmmm. I would necessarily say all Howard fans should read this book. But it wasn't horrible. Probably something worth reading if you find it used somewhere.
Annie Parker learned medicine at her father's knee. She loved helping people and wanted to go to school to be a doctor. But it was something a woman just did not do. She persevered, though, and went to medical school. Then she moved to a remote western town where people would actually let a woman treat them. One night outlaw Rafe McCay ends up in her office, needing treatment for a bullet wound.
Annie patches Rafe up and tells him he'll need some continuing treatment if he hopes to survive. Rafe needs to be on the move now...so he forces Annie to go with him, so she could look after his injuries. The two hole up in an abandoned cabin in the woods where Annie must treat his wounds and figure out how to get away from him. But as she gets to know him, she realizes he's not the man she first thought he was.
Pretty basic story in this book - man kidnaps woman, woman tries to escape, but eventually falls in love with him and helps him clear his name. The setting and bits and pieces of true history give the book a little originality.
I'm not a big fan of the whole "woman falling for her kidnapper" storyline. It just doesn't ring my bell. This one was okay. Not horrible, but not great. I thought the early-to-middle parts of the book got bogged down some because nothing was really happening in the story and all you keep reading is Annie and Rafe living in a rustic cabin. It was a bit boring. Then the later part of the book, where the "plot" gets resolved flies by. Howard did a lot of skipping around and summarizing in that section. It made the story feel kind of uneven.
And the whole thing with Annie having mystically healing hands...weird. That came across really out of place in this story, at least to me. And I didn't think it was needed at all.
Also...the first sex scene in the book. One word...yikes!
So...hmmm. I would necessarily say all Howard fans should read this book. But it wasn't horrible. Probably something worth reading if you find it used somewhere.
January 4, 2024
This story is about a female doctor who is kidnapped by an outlaw. It's a typical Linda Howard story with the alpha hero not being able to control his horniness towards the heroine. Although in real life, this may be problematic, it's fiction and anything is possible. The outlaw turns out to be falsely accused and the story drags slightly in the middle. I was hoping for more western shootout towards the end, but things were resolved peacefully. The touch of paranormal is well-done and it enriches the story. Nevertheless, the book was entertaining, and I enjoyed it tremendously. After all, isn't the whole point of reading for pleasure is to enjoy yourself? For those who like western historical romance and don't mind alpha heroes, this book is a treat.
April 14, 2023
I’m a big LH fan. I am surprised I hadn’t picked this up sooner. I’m a big fan of Civil War and reconstruction-era American history. There is a lot we don’t know that’s been obscured in the history books. I liked how Howard explained her interpretation and liberties that she took in the epilogue. The implication of Vanderbilt both confused and intrigued me, but I appreciated her creative liberties.
This book would’ve been a home run with me if only she had left the white saviorism episode with the Apaches out of the book. It was so implausible and did not age well at all. It reads as offensive nowadays.
I sure did love Annie and Rafe though! This was an epic and sweeping HR filled with intrigue and Wild West adventure that I couldn’t put down.
This book would’ve been a home run with me if only she had left the white saviorism episode with the Apaches out of the book. It was so implausible and did not age well at all. It reads as offensive nowadays.
I sure did love Annie and Rafe though! This was an epic and sweeping HR filled with intrigue and Wild West adventure that I couldn’t put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 30, 2024
Eh, this one was just okay. It takes a while to get interesting - I've even DNFed it before, this time I pushed through. The heroine, a 29-year-old doctor in 1870s America, is mildly interesting but somehow I was never particularly struck by her romance with the 34-year-old
I do like that he was a former Confederate soldier, though, because it introduces a bit more complexity. That's really something you won't see in books published nowadays, for obvious reasons, so if you want proper Southern heroes you have to go back to the 90s or beyond.
I do like that he was a former Confederate soldier, though, because it introduces a bit more complexity. That's really something you won't see in books published nowadays, for obvious reasons, so if you want proper Southern heroes you have to go back to the 90s or beyond.
December 16, 2020
I struggled to finish this book. I can't tell you why exactly which isn't helpful in a review. From the beginning you get pretty much nothing else but the relationship between the MC's as they are secluded (he kidnapped her) in a run down cabin in the mountains. He then makes a choice to let them get snowed in so he could sleep with the heroine uninterrupted for a couple of weeks lol
It just didn't stir anything in me and I should love a trope like this as you really get to see the hero and heroine develop feelings, and a relationship without a lot of different side stories or secondary characters taking away from it. It didn't have that affect though I just felt underwhelmed and slightly bored...the story just didn't rile up any real feelings about the characters. I felt at the very beginning that it reminded me a little of eyes of silver eyes of gold but sadly it fell well short of that type of story.
It was still a pleasant read and the hero was endearing once he started really falling for the heroine.
It just didn't stir anything in me and I should love a trope like this as you really get to see the hero and heroine develop feelings, and a relationship without a lot of different side stories or secondary characters taking away from it. It didn't have that affect though I just felt underwhelmed and slightly bored...the story just didn't rile up any real feelings about the characters. I felt at the very beginning that it reminded me a little of eyes of silver eyes of gold but sadly it fell well short of that type of story.
It was still a pleasant read and the hero was endearing once he started really falling for the heroine.
September 12, 2022
Ранен беглец извън закона в Дивия Запад, изчезнали конфедеративни пари от гражданската война, готина докторка в зимните планини, индианци, епидемия, няколко банди преследвачи и един шериф, много сняг, любов и кекс - това ретро любовно романче си има даже повече от нужното за жанра! Да, и щипка паранормалност за разкош - това вече е съвсем неочакван бонус. Тук баба Линда се е справила доста сръчно и приятно.
July 29, 2016
Wow just Wow . I will take a while before I start reading any new book or any book.
Linda Howard is the Queen, how can she make a strong sweet lovely plot ??? Love Oh Sweet Love yes that was how I felt while reading it and after I finished SIGH. I still feel good no great .
Highly Recommended.
Linda Howard is the Queen, how can she make a strong sweet lovely plot ??? Love Oh Sweet Love yes that was how I felt while reading it and after I finished SIGH. I still feel good no great .
Highly Recommended.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 6, 2023DNF @ 30% - meh. This is boring. 🤷🏼♀️ wrong kind of drama for me. Don’t care about the war and don’t care about her career. 😅
February 22, 2018
Loved it ❤️❤️❤️
December 19, 2014
It's actually more like 4.5*.
I absolutely loved the beginning and the days spent in the cabin. I was somewhat turned off by the slight supernatural element which I found completely uncalled for and didn't actually add anything in the story. Overall a great read and a keeper.
I absolutely loved the beginning and the days spent in the cabin. I was somewhat turned off by the slight supernatural element which I found completely uncalled for and didn't actually add anything in the story. Overall a great read and a keeper.
September 6, 2014
Not as captivating as her other stories. Full review to come.
November 3, 2019
H was very promising at first but turned out to be sweet. Anyway, the last chapter was so great, so I increased my rating to 3,5 stars.
July 22, 2017
#64 for 2017 RC
Genre : Historical Romance
At the start, I got bored with this book. Alur yang lamban dan hampir tidak ada kejutan sepanjang cerita.
Bercerita tentang buronan Rafe McCay yang terluka dan menyandra Annie Parker, seorang dokter yang dipaksa menyembuhkannya. Rafe terpaksa membawa serta Annie dalam pelariannya, dan berencana akan mengembalikannya setelah lukanya sembuh.
Tapi sejalan dengan waktu, Rafe tidak pernah membawa Annie kembali ke kotanya...
Genre : Historical Romance
At the start, I got bored with this book. Alur yang lamban dan hampir tidak ada kejutan sepanjang cerita.
Bercerita tentang buronan Rafe McCay yang terluka dan menyandra Annie Parker, seorang dokter yang dipaksa menyembuhkannya. Rafe terpaksa membawa serta Annie dalam pelariannya, dan berencana akan mengembalikannya setelah lukanya sembuh.
Tapi sejalan dengan waktu, Rafe tidak pernah membawa Annie kembali ke kotanya...
December 30, 2008
Poor writing (e.g. many instances of "..., for she frequently had to travel..." Overly formal and archaic in comparison to the tone of the rest of her text. Also many instances of the author obviously conveying historical and situational context using characters as mouthpieces, a little clumsy. E.g. a distraught, grieving character exclaiming, "He was only about seven-years-old!") Good physical descriptions though.
Solid, interesting hero. Heroine was a mite too perfect for my tastes. Hero was very convincing as a good, strong man on the run, driven, because of circumstances, to be ruthless. It was very interesting to learn more about him as the plot and their relationship progressed. Believed him as a skilled gunslinger. All around hot guy, LOL. (Even his name is cool: Rafe.) Much more developed than the heroine, who is just... perfect, that's all, a stand-in for the reader to place herself in the action.
-1000 points for her trite response ("pain on both sides") to the colonials' conflict with the Indians. Give your readers some credit, please. Don't dumb down history. The colonials were the aggressors, let's face it, and this is a modern, PC sugar coat and an amateurish approach to dealing with historical subjects. I don't think that has a place in literature (art imitating life and all that). Is this really what a colonial woman's reaction would have been? Almost certainly not. For those who expect novelists to have a responsibility to teach, here you are. Have some respect and gravity towards history. I'll grant that she did bother to consider the Indian perspective, at least, but spinning centuries-old history? One can educate without bending facts and trust a sensible audience to come to the right conclusion. At least she researched some, even if she didn't cover this subject respectably (in which case I prefer an author not to go into the subject at all). Pet peeve. At any rate, this is a small part of the plot.
Moving right along, secondary characters are a trifle stereotypical Western. A few provide some lighter notes to the story.
Good plot. Heroine's resistance to a physical relationship with the hero is rather contrived, but once that hurdle's passed, the real plot arc begins and that's very interesting, involving escape from pitiless bounty hunters, a political conspiracy and a setup, etc. Gradual development of relationship and trust between characters believable.
Bedroom scenes were more heated for the urgency and passion conveyed by the hero than the heroine (passive). He took the lead there. They are not very long, and after the first one or two, they are not detailed, although still heated. (Though I was struck by the fact that the hero often foregoes foreplay and still finds the heroine exceedingly receptive each time. Different strokes, I suppose.)
Not a big fan of the supernatural element tossed in, but the plot did need a little something more to power it another xx pages and the characters treated it in a believable fashion.
I'm between three stars and four. I'm assuming since this was one of her earlier books that the somewhat amateur mistakes seen here in her writing improve in later books.
Solid, interesting hero. Heroine was a mite too perfect for my tastes. Hero was very convincing as a good, strong man on the run, driven, because of circumstances, to be ruthless. It was very interesting to learn more about him as the plot and their relationship progressed. Believed him as a skilled gunslinger. All around hot guy, LOL. (Even his name is cool: Rafe.) Much more developed than the heroine, who is just... perfect, that's all, a stand-in for the reader to place herself in the action.
-1000 points for her trite response ("pain on both sides") to the colonials' conflict with the Indians. Give your readers some credit, please. Don't dumb down history. The colonials were the aggressors, let's face it, and this is a modern, PC sugar coat and an amateurish approach to dealing with historical subjects. I don't think that has a place in literature (art imitating life and all that). Is this really what a colonial woman's reaction would have been? Almost certainly not. For those who expect novelists to have a responsibility to teach, here you are. Have some respect and gravity towards history. I'll grant that she did bother to consider the Indian perspective, at least, but spinning centuries-old history? One can educate without bending facts and trust a sensible audience to come to the right conclusion. At least she researched some, even if she didn't cover this subject respectably (in which case I prefer an author not to go into the subject at all). Pet peeve. At any rate, this is a small part of the plot.
Moving right along, secondary characters are a trifle stereotypical Western. A few provide some lighter notes to the story.
Good plot. Heroine's resistance to a physical relationship with the hero is rather contrived, but once that hurdle's passed, the real plot arc begins and that's very interesting, involving escape from pitiless bounty hunters, a political conspiracy and a setup, etc. Gradual development of relationship and trust between characters believable.
Bedroom scenes were more heated for the urgency and passion conveyed by the hero than the heroine (passive). He took the lead there. They are not very long, and after the first one or two, they are not detailed, although still heated. (Though I was struck by the fact that the hero often foregoes foreplay and still finds the heroine exceedingly receptive each time. Different strokes, I suppose.)
Not a big fan of the supernatural element tossed in, but the plot did need a little something more to power it another xx pages and the characters treated it in a believable fashion.
I'm between three stars and four. I'm assuming since this was one of her earlier books that the somewhat amateur mistakes seen here in her writing improve in later books.
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