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Reckless #1
Reckless Heart
Hannah and Shadow had played together as children. He taught her to fish. She shared her mother’s cookies with him because he had no mother of his own. Then, abruptly, Shadow and his people left the valley. When he returns, Hannah is a beautiful young woman and Shadow is a full-fledged warrior of the Cheyenne Nation.
Their friendship quickly turns to something much deeper and Hannah finds herself falling in love with the handsome man who sweeps her into his arms, awakening a fierce longing she has never known.
But there is talk of war between the whites and the Cheyenne, and Hannah knows Shadow will be considered the enemy. When Hannah’s homestead is attacked, Shadow comes to her rescue. Though their love grows stronger, Hannah fears the day when she will be forced to choose between his world and hers.
Their friendship quickly turns to something much deeper and Hannah finds herself falling in love with the handsome man who sweeps her into his arms, awakening a fierce longing she has never known.
But there is talk of war between the whites and the Cheyenne, and Hannah knows Shadow will be considered the enemy. When Hannah’s homestead is attacked, Shadow comes to her rescue. Though their love grows stronger, Hannah fears the day when she will be forced to choose between his world and hers.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
52 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Baker
88 books288 followersMadeline Ruth was born on 1963 in California, where she raised. She married her high school sweetheart and they have three sons, all handsome enough to be cover models. Growing up, her favorite pastimes were going to the movies and going horseback riding on Saturday mornings at Griffith Park. Madeline has always been "horse happy." A horse was the one thing she asked for on every birthday and every Christmas. Many years later, that dream came true when she bought an Appaloosa mare named Candy—because she was so sweet. Madeline loves animals. Over the years, she's had numerous dogs, cats, fish, mice, hamsters, turtles and birds, and her horse, of course. The most exotic pet was a crocodile that belonged to one of her sons. Currently, she has a terribly spoiled Pomeranian named Teddi, six goldfish, a catfish, and a betta. When she's not writing, Madeline enjoys going to movies and the theater. Her favorite plays are The Phantom of the Opera, The Scarlet Pimpernel and her all-time fave, Beauty and the Beast. She also loves reading, going to lunch with her best friend, collecting Star Wars, The Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast memorabilia, and playing with the most beautiful, adorable, brilliant grandkids in the world.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 21, 2025
Rating: 3.3 / 5
I think this is one of, if not Madeline Baker's earliest work, and it really shows. A lot of what I recognize from this author's writing style is definitely present in the story, but the writing itself is what I can only describe as an author still finding her style in a new medium.
That being said, my heart is still chilled and indifferent when it comes to forgiving using just about every cliche in the book.
HOWEVER, since this may well be the first time, chronologically speaking, that Baker did ever use these cliches that would be associated both with her later books and with the genre, I'm willing to be lenient and give a fair rating.
I wouldn't say that overall I felt much one way or the other about the book though. Just consider it your typical Native American romance, with most if not ALL of the plot devices that that involves.
I think this is one of, if not Madeline Baker's earliest work, and it really shows. A lot of what I recognize from this author's writing style is definitely present in the story, but the writing itself is what I can only describe as an author still finding her style in a new medium.
That being said, my heart is still chilled and indifferent when it comes to forgiving using just about every cliche in the book.
HOWEVER, since this may well be the first time, chronologically speaking, that Baker did ever use these cliches that would be associated both with her later books and with the genre, I'm willing to be lenient and give a fair rating.
I wouldn't say that overall I felt much one way or the other about the book though. Just consider it your typical Native American romance, with most if not ALL of the plot devices that that involves.
January 17, 2022
I've been a fan of Madeline Baker for many years and for some reason I don't know, I stopped reading her books. I was out of my mind to not pick up a book written by her for so many years. Now that I've read this gem, I'm back.
I didn't just read this book; I devoured it. It's a complicated story about Shadow, a Cheyenne, and Hannah, a white woman. It started out sweet enough when they were kids and met by accident. She gave him some cookies her mother had made and sent with her for a snack. The next thing you know, she's taking him home and meeting her parents who don't have a problem with him. She teaches him how to read and write and even table manners. He's set up to live in both worlds.
The story progresses to where she is being courted by two brothers then another guy. They're all vying for her hand in marriage, but her heart is set on marrying Shadow. She had dreams of grandeur, putting him in a suit and tie and prancing in New York City on his arm, eating in fancy restaurants, and being real city folk. But reality set in when the Indians attacked the valley and the fort where she lived, killed most everyone, including her parents. Shadow had begged her father to take them all away before the war started. He warned them time and again. Her father was too stubborn and as he fought to the death, gave Hannah over to Shadow, knowing he would take care of her.
Shadow or Two Hawks Flying as he was known as he passed into manhood, was an amazing hero. He was tall, strong, handsome, fair, smart, and was totally dedicated to Hannah. He did everything he could to make her happy, to provide for her, and to keep her safe. His devotion knew no bounds.
Hannah was the same with him. She stayed with him through thick and thin and loved him more than herself. I don't want to throw any spoilers into this, but she did marry one of her suitors from Bear Valley where she lived before going with Shadow. Joshua Berdeen was consumed with hate for the Indians and wanted to kill them all, especially Shadow who'd been captured and was rotting away in a jail cell. He was just an ugly man, vowing revenge for the death of his family and then for the slaughter of Custer and his men at Little Big Horn. Hannah sacrificed her own freedom to get Shadow out of jail and let him be free.
The intent was there. He did escape, but ultimately ended up in a horrible position with two other white guys who made a spectacle of him in a traveling circus. The things he endured where so heinous, I cringed to see human beings treat another human being that way. But then, they didn't see him as a human being. That part was raw, gritty, and unsavory but an important part of the story.
There are some triggers that may affect some. There is rape and the loss of a child. There is also some blood and guts scenes. It was a time of war, after all.
This was a love-conquers-all story. I laughed, I cried more than once, I cheered for Shadow then for Hannah then for both of them. I wasn't sure how it was all going to end, especially with all the ups and downs, but I'm happy with how it ended.
This is book one of a series and it seems that the books should be read in order.
I didn't just read this book; I devoured it. It's a complicated story about Shadow, a Cheyenne, and Hannah, a white woman. It started out sweet enough when they were kids and met by accident. She gave him some cookies her mother had made and sent with her for a snack. The next thing you know, she's taking him home and meeting her parents who don't have a problem with him. She teaches him how to read and write and even table manners. He's set up to live in both worlds.
The story progresses to where she is being courted by two brothers then another guy. They're all vying for her hand in marriage, but her heart is set on marrying Shadow. She had dreams of grandeur, putting him in a suit and tie and prancing in New York City on his arm, eating in fancy restaurants, and being real city folk. But reality set in when the Indians attacked the valley and the fort where she lived, killed most everyone, including her parents. Shadow had begged her father to take them all away before the war started. He warned them time and again. Her father was too stubborn and as he fought to the death, gave Hannah over to Shadow, knowing he would take care of her.
Shadow or Two Hawks Flying as he was known as he passed into manhood, was an amazing hero. He was tall, strong, handsome, fair, smart, and was totally dedicated to Hannah. He did everything he could to make her happy, to provide for her, and to keep her safe. His devotion knew no bounds.
Hannah was the same with him. She stayed with him through thick and thin and loved him more than herself. I don't want to throw any spoilers into this, but she did marry one of her suitors from Bear Valley where she lived before going with Shadow. Joshua Berdeen was consumed with hate for the Indians and wanted to kill them all, especially Shadow who'd been captured and was rotting away in a jail cell. He was just an ugly man, vowing revenge for the death of his family and then for the slaughter of Custer and his men at Little Big Horn. Hannah sacrificed her own freedom to get Shadow out of jail and let him be free.
The intent was there. He did escape, but ultimately ended up in a horrible position with two other white guys who made a spectacle of him in a traveling circus. The things he endured where so heinous, I cringed to see human beings treat another human being that way. But then, they didn't see him as a human being. That part was raw, gritty, and unsavory but an important part of the story.
There are some triggers that may affect some. There is rape and the loss of a child. There is also some blood and guts scenes. It was a time of war, after all.
This was a love-conquers-all story. I laughed, I cried more than once, I cheered for Shadow then for Hannah then for both of them. I wasn't sure how it was all going to end, especially with all the ups and downs, but I'm happy with how it ended.
This is book one of a series and it seems that the books should be read in order.
November 10, 2020
I love this book🥰 it was my first Historical romance book that I read that was 18 years ago. and it's still one of my favorite books I fell in love with Shadow 💕 and the love he and Hannah had for each other 💖 and also I love part 2# 3# and 4# to this book how each part tells the story of there kids all grow up and falling love. And Shadow and Hannah are right there to help there kid's into any way they can. There family grows with each book. And even those I love the other books I've read them all 3 - times the first book Reckless Heart will always hold a special place in my heart 💖💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
I got this free on Amazon.
WOW was this an action packed book. Twists and turns everywhere...made my head spin. Baker really takes the readers emotions on a rollercoaster.
The heroine is a young adult woman whose parents are pioneers trying t settle a new town in a difficult area of the Midwest. There is local Indian tribe where the hero comes in.
During her growing up years she meets an Indian boy who the family takes in, teaches him English and other school subjects. When the Indian boy grows up her chooses his tribe and their ways.
But the two meet up again and there is an attraction.
The book continues with the settlement wars, where each side battle one another for the land. Baker also included some historical facts and likely occurrences throughout this time.
I really liked how Baker took the heroine and the reader has chance to follow through the Indian point of view.
When I was in High School my English class had just started a new program on teaching Indian history. I found the subject to be interesting but over the years my knowledge of this subject has grown but not my perception. It is one thing to study the history but living it is way different.
Baker does an excellent job in putting the reader right in the middle of the wars and other conflicts of the time.
There is obviously romance in this book but it is so much more. There is action, sorrow, history, and Baker adds in some interesting plot devices.
Overall, probably not a re-read for me anytime soon but it was a rather interesting find.
WOW was this an action packed book. Twists and turns everywhere...made my head spin. Baker really takes the readers emotions on a rollercoaster.
The heroine is a young adult woman whose parents are pioneers trying t settle a new town in a difficult area of the Midwest. There is local Indian tribe where the hero comes in.
During her growing up years she meets an Indian boy who the family takes in, teaches him English and other school subjects. When the Indian boy grows up her chooses his tribe and their ways.
But the two meet up again and there is an attraction.
The book continues with the settlement wars, where each side battle one another for the land. Baker also included some historical facts and likely occurrences throughout this time.
I really liked how Baker took the heroine and the reader has chance to follow through the Indian point of view.
When I was in High School my English class had just started a new program on teaching Indian history. I found the subject to be interesting but over the years my knowledge of this subject has grown but not my perception. It is one thing to study the history but living it is way different.
Baker does an excellent job in putting the reader right in the middle of the wars and other conflicts of the time.
There is obviously romance in this book but it is so much more. There is action, sorrow, history, and Baker adds in some interesting plot devices.
Overall, probably not a re-read for me anytime soon but it was a rather interesting find.
July 9, 2019
I feel bad that I didn’t like this book...but I just didn’t care for it. It’s a good story for those who want lots of drama or who might be interested in history, but not for a romance. I felt like this book focused on every horrible thing that happened to the characters, then elaborated. The heart-warming and romantic scenes were short and non-descriptive in relation. Since I tend to pick these romance novels to escape the stress everyday life, it just wasn’t the story for me.
I also thought it was cheesy that the main characters knew Crazy Horse, Geronimo and other famous people. It just made the story seem phony.
I also thought it was cheesy that the main characters knew Crazy Horse, Geronimo and other famous people. It just made the story seem phony.
January 1, 2013
I have to agree with the reviewer who said it was ridiculous how much I loved this book. I would have immediately read it again, except that I would know when the sad parts are coming, and I couldn't bear to go through them again. There were several things I found far-fetched, but I will forgive them because I loved the book that much. There is a whole lot of love, danger, adventure, nail-biting, grit, and tears stuffed into these exciting, fast-moving pages. This is the kind of book that makes it hard for me to move onto another author's book.
June 17, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
So much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil the best for you you just have to read this book it is so well written and so good so good I couldn’t put the book down I had to turn the page again to see what she was saying Hannah and shadow their love wow the life they lead their troubles their sadness their joy the babies my gosh this book is so wonderful and the history as well it’s all there Like I said there’s so much I wanna say but I don’t want to spoil the book so do you self a favor and just get it you won’t be disappointed
So much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil the best for you you just have to read this book it is so well written and so good so good I couldn’t put the book down I had to turn the page again to see what she was saying Hannah and shadow their love wow the life they lead their troubles their sadness their joy the babies my gosh this book is so wonderful and the history as well it’s all there Like I said there’s so much I wanna say but I don’t want to spoil the book so do you self a favor and just get it you won’t be disappointed
January 7, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, but rape of a heroine is a hard thing for me to move past. I gave up after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 25, 2012Free today on Kindle. :D
October 9, 2017
THIS STORY WAS MORE ON THE NARRATIVE AND LESS ON DIALOGUE COMPARED TO MOST HISTORICAL ROMANCES. ITS WRITTEN IN FIRST POV AND WAS QUITE A CLASSIC CATCH.
OUR HERO is called Shadow as a boy, but as a man he is called Two Hawks Flying. When he was younger and stumbles upon our young heroine, circumstances happened whereby they became playmates and even met her parents, despite her father's reluctance. The war between the Whites and Reds are getting stronger and hostile by the years, eventually causing an unspoken rift between the two children. At a ripe age of marrying, he was on the verge of offering for one of his own until a fateful day he caught sight of the all grown Hannah and decides that there is no one but her for him. Their romance was centered around the war and even after marrying Hannah and her making a life with his people, they are often on the run or killing the whites who are hunting them down. Eventually, the worse will come and its only a matter of WHEN they shall be reunited again. Shadow is a skilled warrior, but his pride as a Cheyenne is also strong yet he loves a white woman, someone he should loathe, yet he's not shallow minded to lump her good family with the rest.
OUR HEROINE, boy was I terrified for her, holding my breath so often to wait for the worse to happen! Hannah didn't find any sexual appeal in her playmate until he grew up, and then love comes into the picture. It was swift, passionate and utmost loyal. The story focuses on her determination and resilience to stand beside her Indian husband and the trials they are forced to endure. I like that Hannah was strong, even when she was in doubt, her love and relationship with Shadow was a true bond of mates that allows them to support each other.
OVERALL despite there not having graphic and vivid love scenes or little dialogue from Shadow....the story still worked and flowed rather splendidly. This kind of story just throws me back to old school writing, where narrative takes precedence over dialogue.
OUR HERO is called Shadow as a boy, but as a man he is called Two Hawks Flying. When he was younger and stumbles upon our young heroine, circumstances happened whereby they became playmates and even met her parents, despite her father's reluctance. The war between the Whites and Reds are getting stronger and hostile by the years, eventually causing an unspoken rift between the two children. At a ripe age of marrying, he was on the verge of offering for one of his own until a fateful day he caught sight of the all grown Hannah and decides that there is no one but her for him. Their romance was centered around the war and even after marrying Hannah and her making a life with his people, they are often on the run or killing the whites who are hunting them down. Eventually, the worse will come and its only a matter of WHEN they shall be reunited again. Shadow is a skilled warrior, but his pride as a Cheyenne is also strong yet he loves a white woman, someone he should loathe, yet he's not shallow minded to lump her good family with the rest.
OUR HEROINE, boy was I terrified for her, holding my breath so often to wait for the worse to happen! Hannah didn't find any sexual appeal in her playmate until he grew up, and then love comes into the picture. It was swift, passionate and utmost loyal. The story focuses on her determination and resilience to stand beside her Indian husband and the trials they are forced to endure. I like that Hannah was strong, even when she was in doubt, her love and relationship with Shadow was a true bond of mates that allows them to support each other.
OVERALL despite there not having graphic and vivid love scenes or little dialogue from Shadow....the story still worked and flowed rather splendidly. This kind of story just throws me back to old school writing, where narrative takes precedence over dialogue.
January 8, 2021
There is romantic fiction like: Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson and Dakota Dreams by Ilhle Sharon. Those stories you can enjoy because they are made up. But there are political propaganda disguised as romantic fiction like this latrine "story". From the book:
"It was a sad day for the Custer family, for riding with the General that fateful afternoon were his brothers, Tom and Boston, his nephew, Armstrong Reed, and his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Calhoun. Following the battle, many of the bodies were scalped, many more were savagely mutilated by the Indian women, but the body of General George Armstrong Custer was left untouched. There was a great deal of speculation about this. Some said Custer killed himself, an act considered cowardly by the Indians, and that they refused to touch his body because of it. But I believe, with others, that despite his other faults, Custer fought bravely to the end and that the Indians left him his scalp as a token of their respect."
Now imagine writing the same for Hitler, Stalin, Mao, the Zionist or Saud. But what can you expect from white people? The natives of North America describes the white man as a liar and people who one should never trust.
The author of this propaganda book is an idiot and a real witkowin! This book is an insult to the natives.
"It was a sad day for the Custer family, for riding with the General that fateful afternoon were his brothers, Tom and Boston, his nephew, Armstrong Reed, and his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Calhoun. Following the battle, many of the bodies were scalped, many more were savagely mutilated by the Indian women, but the body of General George Armstrong Custer was left untouched. There was a great deal of speculation about this. Some said Custer killed himself, an act considered cowardly by the Indians, and that they refused to touch his body because of it. But I believe, with others, that despite his other faults, Custer fought bravely to the end and that the Indians left him his scalp as a token of their respect."
Now imagine writing the same for Hitler, Stalin, Mao, the Zionist or Saud. But what can you expect from white people? The natives of North America describes the white man as a liar and people who one should never trust.
The author of this propaganda book is an idiot and a real witkowin! This book is an insult to the natives.
Currently reading
October 8, 2019I really love this book and the series. The first time I read Reckless Heart I was 14 years old, I'm now 47. It's a book that has always been one of those books that stuck in my mind because of the beautiful love story and I've wanted to read again and I could never find it at our local library. I was able to find the series for sale on Amazon as an e-book and now I'm enjoying reading it again.
October 31, 2017
Reckless Heat
I love your stories they are so much in history, that you can see it and believe it I'm sure that it true. I have many of your books and look forward to the next one. Thank you for the good work you do. Ada G.
I love your stories they are so much in history, that you can see it and believe it I'm sure that it true. I have many of your books and look forward to the next one. Thank you for the good work you do. Ada G.
May 19, 2019
Amazing
This is the third time around reading the reckless series and I truly love it and the other books as well. I thank my aunt who got me started to reading these it just brought great memories back to me.
This is the third time around reading the reckless series and I truly love it and the other books as well. I thank my aunt who got me started to reading these it just brought great memories back to me.
January 25, 2017
Great story!
I love how you keep a reader engaged with each of your main characters. Than you keep them turning in new ways. I could see this as a Hallmark movie.
I love how you keep a reader engaged with each of your main characters. Than you keep them turning in new ways. I could see this as a Hallmark movie.
June 19, 2019
Scarfice
Very good reading. It tells of the things the Indians had to do to survive . With romance also. Great author
Very good reading. It tells of the things the Indians had to do to survive . With romance also. Great author
November 28, 2019
More of a historical than a romance.
June 22, 2020
Good book
June 24, 2021
Wow, what a ride that book was. I was scpetical at the beginning, but it turned out beautiful and was getting better with every page. Epic romance.
August 16, 2022
I loved this book
January 15, 2013
It was a good book, no doubt about that. However, it dragged on enough that by the time I reached Chapter 10 I knew I couldn't finished the novel, so I stopped reading it altogether. =0/
To read a teaser from this novel click here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/01/teaser-tuesdays-reckless-heart.html
To read a teaser from this novel click here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/01/teaser-tuesdays-reckless-heart.html
November 20, 2014
3.5 stars
I liked some things and I didn't like others
LIKED:
when Hannah and Shadow first met as children
that the author didn't hold back with the hatred between whites and Indians
Shadow's period when he is held captive by greedy men, it was different
DIDN'T LIKE:
Shadow not putting Hannah's welfare first when the Indians has been defeated
that the author turned Joshua into an asshole
I liked some things and I didn't like others
LIKED:
when Hannah and Shadow first met as children
that the author didn't hold back with the hatred between whites and Indians
Shadow's period when he is held captive by greedy men, it was different
DIDN'T LIKE:
Shadow not putting Hannah's welfare first when the Indians has been defeated
that the author turned Joshua into an asshole
Read
August 9, 2014Stories set in the wild west are not my favorites, and this first in a series mooched with a number of other books (several of which were sent as random acts of bookmooching kindness), has yet to change my mind. The white girl falls in love with her Indian friend at a time when this is not acceptable in civilized society... but the reader is prodded to question who and what true civilization is. It lets itself be read, but not a keeper.
January 11, 2013
I have to start by saying OMG, I am totally hooked on Native American historical romance. I usually read Regency historical because it's one my favorite categories but now I may just change my mind after reading Shadow and Hannah's story. I was captivated from the begging of this story and I kept on reading until I was done. Give this book a chance you wont be disappointed.
January 3, 2013
I appreciate historical accuracy and detail in a novel, but I appreciate it so much more when it's not delivered in huge, frequent authorial intrusions reminiscent of school lectures or history texts. Nuff said.
January 4, 2013
I got this book free and was pleasantly surprised. It is the absolute best free book I have read. Madeline Baker's style of writing draws you in and keeps you. This is first in the series and Iambic looking forward to the next. Highly Recommended!!
December 15, 2015
This was my favorite book when I was 15. I can't say if it would still be a five star book to my adult self since I have not reread it since high school(I read it several times). Maybe I'll reread it soon for old times sake.
August 10, 2011
OMG!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!!! it brings out the spiritual wayz of life of the chyenne natives, and the wonderful pride of a true worrior. soooo inlove with shadow. touched my body and spirit
February 21, 2012
I love this series so much, it is ridiculous how much I love it.
February 9, 2013
It was a normal romance! I love Madeline's book, though this was not one of my favorites. I read it for a reading contest & it was a fast read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews