Book Review- A Kindled Flame

A Kindled Flame
Kirkland Chronicles (4)
Ana Leigh
Leisure Book s
E Digitized Paperback
Published March 1991
480 Pages
Colonial Historical Romance
ISBN:  9780843931266
Author's Website

Synopsis
1776

Headstrong and hauntingly beautiful, Patricia Fairchild had played for high stakes before, but never had she agreed to such an outlandish wager: Passage on Stephen Kirkland's ship if she won; a night in his bed if she lost. Yet one look in the captain's arrogant blue eyes made her accept his audacious challenge, and one touch of his searing lips made her long for the exquisite conclusion of their explosively sensual game

A KINDLED FLAME fouth in the lavishly romantic Kirkland Chronicles.

My Review
Summary 
Patricia Fairchild, after her husband was murdered two years previous, builds up a gambling hall, and surprisingly it has become very profitable. Patricia takes great pride is what her business has become. When Stephen Kirkland comes into her gambling hall, she sees nothing but him. As a captain of a ship, he is the answer since she needs passage up north to deliver a important document for a friend. So instead of politely asking Stephen for his help, they enter into a wicked wager, where if she wins the game he will take her wherever she needs to go, but if she loses she spends the night in his bed. Even the stakes are high Patricia is more than willing to be daring and bold and take his bet. Only she never thought that Stephen would take her on a adventure of a lifetime. Stephen has come to Boston to look for the woman spy that killed his friend, and he suspects Patricia of being a spy, but has yet to prove it. Even though he has doubts about her real identity, a flaming passion rises and he can't resist her body but when they are constantly thrown together, he can't deny that his passion for her runs deeper than just her body, he wants her heart and to be by her side for the rest of his life; but will his fears of the unpredictable future cause more harm than good and he just might lose her forever.

My Thoughts 
I have always been a huge fan of Ana Leigh, her books are charming and fun and full of adventure and steamy passion. Although its been quite some time since I have read anything from her, I was really excited to read this one. Now I was able to obtain a digital copy from Open Library. Now first off this copy was such fun to read. Because its basically a digital scanned copy of the paperback book, so its almost like having the real book with the color of real paper in my NOOK (which is kinda neat) and I just love older romances and its been a little while since I have read one that was such a stimulating read and reminded me why I miss the style of the older romances.

This story is set in the late 1770's, right before the revolutionary war begins. We see the stirrings of rebellion against the British, and as a avid history lover, this totally had me full on fascinated. It is very apparent that the author did some detailed research before writing this book. Personally I just love reading romances from the Colonial period, but it is happening less frequently (which is sad to me) since its one of my favorite sub genres in historical romance. It starts out with Stephen and Patricia first meeting and kissing right off the bat because the chemistry between them is sizzling hot! Even though in the beginning they really don't like each other all that much. Then we see them dare each other into this bet, which leads Patricia to be by Stephens side for quite some time. I don't want to spoil too much so I won't reveal too much information, however this read took me on one helluva ride. One adventure after another, and I enjoyed seeing another short romance that develops into two sub characters who totally won my heart. We have Thomas and Barbara. Thomas is Stephens second in command on his ship. And Barbara is a distant cousin, but more like a sister. Barbara is always getting into one scrape and taking Patricia along with her, and of course Patricia gets in trouble with Stephen right? Now those parts were so entertaining and scandalous and irresistibly fun to see. I definitely had no hardship delving into this story. There was quite a few conflicts to the story that only added more to it, a bit more deeper plot and drags you along (whether you like it or not LOL). From Boston, to Virginia, to the seas, and all the way down to Jamaica.

 Stephen is very ALPHA, very controlling at times, but there was also a vulnerability to him, and I enjoyed seeing the tender side of him as well as you progress into their relationship further. He can be very brooding at times, and beyond stubborn (it was almost a bit frustrating) He liked everything his way, and let nothing stand in his way. Patricia is the spitfire type, very strong willed, and independent and aches for adventure. She is always getting into trouble here and there, and Stephen always ends up rescuing her from her follies, and even though furious with her, doesn't stay mad for long.  

Overall a sensual and powerfully written story that takes you on a adventure of a lifetime. Sizzling chemistry, enticing characters, and a plot filled with conflict, adventure, danger, and above all an intense love story that will endear you forever. Well done Ana Leigh!!!SENSATIONAL!!!!!!!!

First Line 
It was a dark night, lit only by a thin glow of moonlight that cast mysterious shadows on the many streets and alleys of the town. 

Favorite Quote 
"A truce it will be. Shall we shake on it?"
At the sight of her outstretched hand his brow quirked with amusement. 
"Surely you jest, Tory. There is just one way to seal this bargain."
She stepped back to meet his eyes; his look was laden with desire. He drew her slowly into his arms and lowered his head to her, claiming her mouth with leisured sensuality. The kiss was long and lingering--and exquisitely gentle. 
When they parted, their eyes met in a message that was clear to both of them; this desire for each other was growing with a ferocity that neither of them would be able to resist for long. Causes be damned!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
These Hallowed Hills
A Question of Honor
Oh, Promised Destiny

Book Review-Petals On The River

Petals On The River
 Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Avon Romance
Paperback
Published Sep 1998
540 Pages
Colonial Historical Romance

Synopsis
A proud and spirited woman whose life was stolen from her ... A man of secrets accused of a terrible crime ... In a place of new beginnings their destinies are joined --- in a glorious romantic new work from the incomparable storyteller KATHLEEN E. WOODWISS

The fiery and outspoken adopted daughter of one of England's most formidable women, Shemaine O'Hearn has made powerful enemies. And now her adversaries have found a way to remove the hot-blooded beauty from her life of privilege: by falsely convicting Shemaine of thievery, and sending her in shackles to America, where she is to be sold in indentured servitude to the highest bidder.

In a bustling port city in the colony of Virginia, she becomes the servant of Gage Thornton --- a shipbuilder with a young child in need of a nanny. And despite whispered rumors condemning the handsome widower for the untimely death of his wife, Shemaine cannot ignore her desire for this caring, generous and enigmatic stranger who silently aches with his growing need for her --- even as grave peril reaches out from across a vast ocean to threaten their flowering love.

My Review
Summary 
When Shemaine O Hearn finds herself engaged, and falling in love with a wonderful man she thinks nothing could go wrong, everything is going right, but she has one person that doesn't approve of the match, his grandmother. So before Shemaine knows it, she has been falsely accused of thievery and is sent to America and sold into servitude for seven years. The ride on the ship was hard enough and she doesn't know what is in her future. Then she is surprised when she is sold to a Gage Thornton, who is a shipbuilder and in need of someone to care for his son and to cool and clean....Shemaine figures it couldn't get any worse now. Shemaine is surprised by how well Gage treats her, with courtesy and respect and kindness something no one has treated her since she was taken. So even though Shemaine misses her old life, she is prepared to start a new life with Gage and his son, and in Gage's arms finds "Home".

The Hero (Gage Thornton)
Gage, recently lost his wife and is alone in raising his son. Trying to build a ship, and working at his woodshop, doesn't have time to be with his son all of the time. So he decides he is in need of someone to take care of his home and his son during the day, and when he see's Shemaine on the docks, he has found his answer. Only he was never prepared for her sweet nature and innocence, or for the tender feelings he starts to have for her....and decides he wants her for all time...

The Heroine (Shemaine O'Hearn)
 Shemaine, grew up in a loving home and there learned everything she needed when she would have to take care of a household however none of what she was taught was how to deal with being captured and sold into servitude. But when she is sold to Gage Thornton, she knew her life would never be the same. Gage treats her with such gentleness and care, she is overcome and before she realizes it she starts to fall in love with him....

My Thoughts 
Petals On The River would have to be one of my all time favorite books from this author...one that I have probably read over and over....but its been a while since I have read it, and when I saw it in the library I just wanted to read this old favorite of mine. Petals On The River is such a sweet and charming story, and both Gage and Shemaine are such endearing characters you can't help but love them. Also one thing that I love about this story is how there is much more to this story than a mere love story, it has some difficult conflicts that both Shemaine and Gage have to go through, and there some suspenseful scenes that kept the story going...and I just loved the blossoming romance that developed between these two. And I just thought Gage's little boy Andrew was just charming and adorable.....Overall a loveable story filled with a charming characters, a exciting plot, and a love story that will make you cry, written by a Legend......A Sensational Romance!!!! 

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

 
 

Book Review-Ride The Fire

Ride The Fire
Blakewell/Kenleigh Family (3)
Pamela Clare
Leisure
Paperback
356 Pages
Published March 2005
Colonial Romance
ISBN: 0-8439-5487-6

 Synopsis
There was only one rule on the frontier -- survival. So when a wounded, buckskin-clad stranger appeared at the door of her isolated cabin, Elspeth Stewart felt no qualms about disarming him and then tying him to her bed. Newly widowed and expecting her first child, she had to protect herself at all costs. And Nicholas Kenleigh threatened not only her safety, but her peace of mind. The terrible scars on his body spoke of a tortured past, but his gentle touch and burning gaze awoke longings she had never expected to feel. Bethie had every reason in the world to distrust men; the cruelty she had suffered at their hands had marked her soul, though her blonde beauty showed no sign of it. But little by little she found herself believing in Nicholas, in his honor, his strength. As he brought her baby into the world, then took both mother and daughter into his care, she realized this scarred survivor could heal her wounded spirit, and together they would...

 MY REVIEW 


Summary:
Elspeth Stewart, pregnant and recently widowed, lives alone until a stranger comes to her door, and through a turn of events ends up tied up on her bed, and injured. Bethie knows that she is alone now and pregnant and must do whatever she can to protect herself, especially from a man that points a gun to her head. But Nicholas Kenleigh goes from a stranger, to the man that helps her birth her daughter, and a man that she falls in love with. Nicholas has suffered a painful past and finding Bethie and her daughter has revived him in ways that he never expected. Now as they journey together to escape danger that could put all of their lives in jeapordy, the strength from the newfound love with heal them both of past wounds....

The Hero (Nicholas Kenleigh)
Nicholas, once was close to his family, but now has estranged himself from them as means of protection, because he believes himself a cold and dangerous man after being tortured by indians and seeing things that torment him. Six years have past since he has suffered so, and his heart is like ice, until he comes across Bethie, whose strong spirit melts the ice around him, and makes him believe that he can heal from those tortured wounds.

The Heroine (Elspeth Stewart)
Bethie, has suffered a tormented past, and has learned not to believe in herself or anyone else. As a young girl she was violated by her step brother, and then forced to marry a man twice her age or more so, and one who died and left her alone and pregnant to fend for herself. But when Nicholas comes to her home and ends up tied to her bed she knows that he has made her believe again....

My Thoughts 
Ride The Fire is third in the Blakewell/Kenleigh family series, by Pamela Clare. Ride The Fire was filled with one adventure after another. I had such a fun time reading this one. This was the first book to read by this author, and I just fell in love from the first page. From the heroine tying up the hero...to them journeying together to escape dangerous indians who intent on killing them, and we see a tremendous change from Nicholas who is a renegade and cold inside, turns into a passionate and protective man and a tender love story where two people heal each other through the love they feel. A truly impressive story, one that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can read them!

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Carnal Gift
Sweet Release