Comanche Moon

by Anita Mills

Returning from her Boston finishing school to claim the Texas ranch her parents had died protecting from the Comanche, flame-haired Amanda Ross vows to hate ranger Clay McAlester as much as she does the Indians that raised him.

Genres: Historical Romance, Westerns, Romance

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

About the author

A former history and English teacher, Anita Mills turned to writing in the mid-1980's. After her regency romance SCANDAL BOUND was published followed by her highly acclaimed LADY OF FIRE, Anita Mills went on to enjoy an award filled career. Her historical novels and regency short stories are ranked among the best in their respective genres. The parents of four children, Anita and her husband Larry find peace on a small farm near Plattsburgh, Missouri. This former teacher has drawn upon her love for both history and English to enrich her novels.

Reviews

[Anna Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially passed up this book when it was first published, because westerns are a hard sell for me, but the Anita Mills factor won out, and I am very glad that it did. Bostonian heiress Amanda Ross travels to Texas to claim her inheritance, the Ybarra-Ross ranch, after her mother and stepfather are allegedly killed by Indians. When Amanda's guide, who has designs on her person and her ranch, leaves her in the desert to die, Texas Ranger Clint McAlester is the last person she wants to see, and she is definitely not up for him taking her back to his adoptive Comanche family to recover from her exposure to the elements, but she's not exactly in a position to protest, and the bond between the two grows.

Clint doesn't want anything Amanda represents either; he's left what she calls civilization far behind, and doesn't care to be reminded that he has a foot in that world, too, but Mills weaves these two reluctant lovers together with a deft hand, while at the same time bringing us the flavor of the time. The culture clash is strong here, on both sides, which leaves readers in suspense how these two are ever going to get over their differences, but that's the sign of a truly talented romance writer; we know how the story will end, but we believe in the doubt.

Extra points go to Mills's realistic depiction of heat stroke (I have had it myself) and its aftermath. I am very glad there are more western/US Civil War books by Mills to explore.

[Marie S HR Reader ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was captivating from the start. The dialogue was enjoyable. There was plenty of adventure and danger, just what I like. There were wonderfully depicted main characters and the supporting characters were just right. It was very easy to dive right it the scenes with everything and everyone. The romance tangled with the developing plot in just the right amount of balance. (The only thing that kept it from a 5 star is not being a blazing page turner or deeply emotional. But those criteria can hardly be held against it as those are just things I personally like.) All in all this was a really fun escapist western read without being too "fluffy."

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters started out neutral but interesting, and over the course of the plot became less and less likeable. By the end of the story I was flat out angry at Clay and somewhat disgusted by Amanda. I'm ok with characters making mistakes, but these two never learned from their missteps, and sometimes didn't even recognize how awful they were.

[Krissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So for a Smut Book it was great. Good smut book recomendation Amber. Scott thanks you to.

[Gemma]

DNF at the first sex scene. She says no and he keeps going. And while soon she wants it, the reader only knows that because we’re seeing the scene from her pov. There’s no way for the hero to know that she’s okay with continuing.

Now granted, this was published in 1995 unclear consent did happen in books published then, but 2018 me was completely turned off by him not stopping the instant she said no.