"love in the colonial wilderness"

In 1757 Ohio Wilderness, the Wynadot Indians fighting for the French capture Nicholas Kenleigh who is an important member of General Washington's officer corps and two teenage soldiers. The tribe members torture the three men, but Nicholas refuses to give in to the pain. The Indian woman Lyda wants Nicholas to impregnate her as she realizes how strong he is. Since she gets what she wants from her father the chief, Nicholas has a chance to finally escape captivity, which he does.

By 1763 the war is winding down. An injured Nicholas reaches a homestead owned by pregnant widow Elspeth "Bethie" Stewart, who distrusts all males after physical abuse from her stepfather and stepbrother. She helps the fevered Nicholas but not before she ties him to her bedposts. As he heals, she sees a softer side to her prisoner who vowed never again when previously held; soon the fall in love, but can each one overcome their traumas to forge a future together?

Colonial America romance readers will take great delight in RIDE THE FIRE, a strong tale starring two liable walking wounded souls. The story line provides an intriguing look at life in the frontier as well as the impact of the Seven Year War known in the colonies as the French and Indian War. Nicholas is a heroic individual whether he tries to offer solace to the two teem military prisoners or help Bethie. She is a courageous person striking out on her own to liberate herself from two nasty step-relatives. Fans will appreciate this fine tale of love in the colonial wilderness.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 5, 2005

He was her only chance for survival. She was his only hope for redemption.

Ride the Fire concludes the Kenleigh/Blakewell family trilogy that started with Sweet Release and continued with Barnes and Noble bestseller Carnal Gift.

Summary

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 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... Ride the Fire.