Kindled Flame

Kirkland Chronicles #4

by Ana Leigh

1776Headstrong and hauntingly beautiful, Patricia Fairchild had played for high stakes before, but never had she agreed to such an outlandish 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 gameA KINDLED FLAME fouth in the lavishly romantic Kirkland Chronicles.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

Wisconsin natives, Ana Leigh and her husband, Don, have three children and five grandchildren. From the time of the publication of her novel, LOVE'S LONG JOURNEY, by Leisure Books in 1981, Ana successfully juggled her time between her chosen career and her hobby of writing, until she officially retired in September of '94 to devote more time to her "hobby." In the past she has been a theater cashier (who married the boss,) the head of an accounting department, a corporate officer, and the only female on the Board of Directors of an engineering firm.

This best selling author (New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists) received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award nomination for Storyteller of the Year in 1991, the BOOKRAK 1995-1996 Best Selling Author Award for her May release, THE MACKENZIES: LUKE, the Romantic Times 1995-1996 Career Achievement Award for Western Historical Romance, and the Romantic Times 1996-1997 Career Achievement Award for Historical Storyteller of the Year. Ana still considers her proudest achievement as that of homemaker.

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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!!!!!!!!

[Draven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 1/2 half stars!

Much better...finally!! Leigh returned to form in the final instalment of her Kirkland chronicles. Stephen and Patricia had almost all of the same fiery passion between them that my beloved Robert and Elizabeth did in These Hallowed Hills. Their battle of wits and wills was a joy to read. Now what kept this from being a solid 4 to 5 star outing was a few inconsistencies: a little indecision over whether this subplot was about pirates or the American Revolution, the addition of another couple's storyline, Barbara and Tom, while sweet, was perhaps overly involved and most importantly, the lack of love scenes. it was over 300 pages in before Stephen and Patricia finally slept together and after that one, we only got another brief one. Insufficient, but hey, maybe that's just me!

I'm just glad to be ending the series on a happy note! :)

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read enjoyed it

[Catherine Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this book! This was quite a thick one for me for a romance novel. I truly enjoyed this book. Though it was a fourth or last book out of the 4 series, this could easily be a stand alone book and I liked the plot of the story. A number of adventures. I only wish this was more of the romantic and erotic in some scenes, I think I enjoyed the bed scene more of Barbara and Tom. Nonetheless, it's a great read!