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Sun God
He was a savage warrior determined to make her his slave of love.
Her beauty had spilled blood on Texas soil...
In a blaze of glory, ravishing young Amy Sullivan took him as her lover. In an agony of torment, she drove him away to save his life. She had tried to forget him by marrying another man. But now, ten years later, he had returned, a fierce stranger determined to make her his slave.
His pride demanded satisfaction—in flesh...
To his enemies he was El Capitán Luiz Quintano. The son of a Spanish grandee and an Aztec princess, Tonatiuh was now a military commander. He had learned to guard his heart even as he gave his body with a passion born of vegneance and hate. He thought he could destroy her. But the love she gave was real, a maelstrom of fury, remorse, and desire that would engulf them both in its tidal depths.
Her beauty had spilled blood on Texas soil...
In a blaze of glory, ravishing young Amy Sullivan took him as her lover. In an agony of torment, she drove him away to save his life. She had tried to forget him by marrying another man. But now, ten years later, he had returned, a fierce stranger determined to make her his slave.
His pride demanded satisfaction—in flesh...
To his enemies he was El Capitán Luiz Quintano. The son of a Spanish grandee and an Aztec princess, Tonatiuh was now a military commander. He had learned to guard his heart even as he gave his body with a passion born of vegneance and hate. He thought he could destroy her. But the love she gave was real, a maelstrom of fury, remorse, and desire that would engulf them both in its tidal depths.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
52 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Nan Ryan
43 books71 followersNancy Henderson is the middle daughter of a Texas rancher and postmaster. She's been married for many years to Joe Ryan, a television executive. Hisoccupation has taken them from border to border and coast to coast. Fortunately, writing is something that can be done anywhere - and Nan shouldknow. The Ryans have lived in Washington, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and their own home state of Texas. Nan says it was fun to move around the country and honestly believes that it has helped her writing. The library and the Internet offer a great deal of information on any given place, but there is nothing quite likeactually living in a locale where a book is set.
She began her writing career in 1981. She flirted with writing mysteries, but never finished any. Then, as fate would have it, she saw an article in Newsweek magazine entitled "From Bedroom to Boardroom." It was an interesting story on the women who were writing romance novels. Nan was intrigued. She had never read a romance. She bought a couple, read them, and knew she'd found her calling. She sat down at the Smith Corona typewriter and began her own romance. The first one never left her house. It is burieddeep in a trunk and Nan says it will never be shown to anyone. Her second book sold and she's been writing since. Twenty-two romance novels later, shestill enjoys writing and realizes she's been blessed to have found what she loves to do.
The winner of numerous awards, Nan Ryan says one of the nicest things ever written about her was printed in the St. Petersburg Times. Correspondent AnnV. Hull wrote: "Romance novelist Nan Ryan could step right into the pages of one of her paperbacks. Tall and slender, with smokey eyes and pearly skin,Nan Ryan looks like movie star Jessica Lange's older sister. Ryan writes the most imaginative and bold love scenes, some of which would surely shock herformer teachers at Abilene Christian University."
She began her writing career in 1981. She flirted with writing mysteries, but never finished any. Then, as fate would have it, she saw an article in Newsweek magazine entitled "From Bedroom to Boardroom." It was an interesting story on the women who were writing romance novels. Nan was intrigued. She had never read a romance. She bought a couple, read them, and knew she'd found her calling. She sat down at the Smith Corona typewriter and began her own romance. The first one never left her house. It is burieddeep in a trunk and Nan says it will never be shown to anyone. Her second book sold and she's been writing since. Twenty-two romance novels later, shestill enjoys writing and realizes she's been blessed to have found what she loves to do.
The winner of numerous awards, Nan Ryan says one of the nicest things ever written about her was printed in the St. Petersburg Times. Correspondent AnnV. Hull wrote: "Romance novelist Nan Ryan could step right into the pages of one of her paperbacks. Tall and slender, with smokey eyes and pearly skin,Nan Ryan looks like movie star Jessica Lange's older sister. Ryan writes the most imaginative and bold love scenes, some of which would surely shock herformer teachers at Abilene Christian University."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Want to read
September 7, 2021The synopsis: I wanna dip my toes into other cultures ... nvmnd I'm jumping in with no research FULL BODY SPLASH WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The reality of the book, probably: romance why u so white
The reality of the book, probably: romance why u so white
November 5, 2014
This has to be one of the best books I've ever read! I love this book!!
February 20, 2012
I want this as a ebook ugh. I've read this a long time ago and loved it. Another favorite of mine. But would be so happy to get it for my iPad.
January 7, 2024
4 - 4.5 stars. Pretty darn good book part two gets very angsty! Good secondary characters too. Only thing that kept me back from 4 1/2 stars was the ending. The last 25 pages or so secrets that were easily guessed at are revealed. The very end pages left me a little unsatisfied I wanted to see more of our couple. I will definitely be reading more of Nan Ryan’s books. I already have several of them and hope at least one is as good as Sun God.
May 29, 2015
Beautifully written. Sad. Sensuous. Tragic. It moved me...utterly moved me.
October 22, 2021
Re read 2021
February 6, 2014
Sun God. Nan Ryan
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect here, it's a book clearly released some time ago, and I expect its been updated, but I do like to read a sample of the story and there wasn't one available. Anyway, the description appealed enough for me to request – and I am So Glad I did, and didn't miss reading this incredible love story. Its an amazing story spanning several years, encompassing Aztec Gods and legends, racism, bigotry, Native Indians, violence, jealousy and revenge, young love and misunderstandings, all wrapped together in a story that's realistic, ( and still in many ways relevant today although its set back in historical times ) passionate and erotically sexy. Those pages steam...
I loved Luiz ( Tonatiuh) from the start. Brought up without his mother, but with a father who loves him deeply and teaches him to be proud of his ancestry. Luiz and his father live on a huge ranch, which his dad owns jointly with Amy's father. Though she's always worshipped Luiz, coming home after five years away at school Amy hopes he sees her as more than just a girl now..Then there's her two brothers, arrogant, racist and determined Luiz won't have any part of the property, and in a devastating move they force him away. He returns years later having vowed he'll take revenge on the family who killed his father, and tried to destroy him. He wrongly believes that Amy was a willing part of this, and as her brothers are not at the ranch he takes her captive, taking great pleasure in making her submit and enjoy his erotic, sexual pleasures.
Luiz, oh how I felt for him, a proud, proud man, forced away by Amy’s horrible, bullying brothers. I loved the connection to his Goddess mother, and the mysteries that resulted, they added an extra touch that made the story special. Amy, she was so sweet, so kind, and loved Luiz, but needed to do what she did to save him even though it broke her heart. I was so sad for her, she tried to do right and yet was punished over and over, even when Luiz was being really cruel to her she still couldn't set aside her true feelings, although she tried to convince herself that really she hated him. Her brothers, what a pair, cruel bullies, bigoted and greedy, they wanted the ranch for themselves, and wanted to control Amy's share by choosing a husband they could manipulate – they cared nothing for her happiness.
I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the ranch and surroundings, the day to day life as it went on, the tiny things that made Amy jealous despite herself, and of course those passionate and sensual erotic sex scenes. I really felt the emotions in this novel, and its one to savour and re read, enjoying each time. It made me cry at times, the atmosphere was so tender and loving one moment, and then harsh and cruel the next. I haven't price info at time of writing, but its a book I’d highly recommend for lovers of passionate historical romance.
Stars: five all the way!
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect here, it's a book clearly released some time ago, and I expect its been updated, but I do like to read a sample of the story and there wasn't one available. Anyway, the description appealed enough for me to request – and I am So Glad I did, and didn't miss reading this incredible love story. Its an amazing story spanning several years, encompassing Aztec Gods and legends, racism, bigotry, Native Indians, violence, jealousy and revenge, young love and misunderstandings, all wrapped together in a story that's realistic, ( and still in many ways relevant today although its set back in historical times ) passionate and erotically sexy. Those pages steam...
I loved Luiz ( Tonatiuh) from the start. Brought up without his mother, but with a father who loves him deeply and teaches him to be proud of his ancestry. Luiz and his father live on a huge ranch, which his dad owns jointly with Amy's father. Though she's always worshipped Luiz, coming home after five years away at school Amy hopes he sees her as more than just a girl now..Then there's her two brothers, arrogant, racist and determined Luiz won't have any part of the property, and in a devastating move they force him away. He returns years later having vowed he'll take revenge on the family who killed his father, and tried to destroy him. He wrongly believes that Amy was a willing part of this, and as her brothers are not at the ranch he takes her captive, taking great pleasure in making her submit and enjoy his erotic, sexual pleasures.
Luiz, oh how I felt for him, a proud, proud man, forced away by Amy’s horrible, bullying brothers. I loved the connection to his Goddess mother, and the mysteries that resulted, they added an extra touch that made the story special. Amy, she was so sweet, so kind, and loved Luiz, but needed to do what she did to save him even though it broke her heart. I was so sad for her, she tried to do right and yet was punished over and over, even when Luiz was being really cruel to her she still couldn't set aside her true feelings, although she tried to convince herself that really she hated him. Her brothers, what a pair, cruel bullies, bigoted and greedy, they wanted the ranch for themselves, and wanted to control Amy's share by choosing a husband they could manipulate – they cared nothing for her happiness.
I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the ranch and surroundings, the day to day life as it went on, the tiny things that made Amy jealous despite herself, and of course those passionate and sensual erotic sex scenes. I really felt the emotions in this novel, and its one to savour and re read, enjoying each time. It made me cry at times, the atmosphere was so tender and loving one moment, and then harsh and cruel the next. I haven't price info at time of writing, but its a book I’d highly recommend for lovers of passionate historical romance.
Stars: five all the way!
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
September 11, 2015
Sweeping Texas Saga, a Story of Betrayal and Revenge
They met when they were teenagers in 1856, Luiz Quintano the proud son of an Aztec princess, and Amy Sullivan the beautiful daughter of a successful rancher. His Spanish father supplied life-giving water to the ranch and, in return, her father gave Luiz’s father land. Together the two fathers shared a friendship and the sprawling Texas hacienda, Orilla, hoping their children would one day marry.
Amy Sullivan took Tonatiuh (Luiz Quintano’s Indian name) for her lover when she was sixteen. They planned to wed. But her brothers would not have it. When their own father died, they killed Luiz’ father and then whipped Luiz to near death and left him in the desert. In an effort to save his life and convince her brothers she didn’t care for him, Amy joined in the whipping.
Ten years later, Amy has married another man, now dead, and has a daughter. Luis, saved by his mother, returns, as El Capitán, an officer in the Mexican army—intending to reclaim all that is his. He moves into the hacienda with his army and takes Amy to his bed, no matter she is now betrothed to another man. Luiz wants only revenge and thinks he can remain indifferent to her.
This is a classic based on much research into the history of the time though the romance is definitely in the foreground. It’s a bit long in the middle and convoluted in the end, but nonetheless a great story. Luiz could be one of my favorite heroes but I have to say that Amy got a bit annoying with all her snipping at Luiz once he returned.
Ryan brings Old Texas to life… the desert, the dust and the heat. The Indians. The villains. It’s all here. A great cast of secondary characters, too.
They met when they were teenagers in 1856, Luiz Quintano the proud son of an Aztec princess, and Amy Sullivan the beautiful daughter of a successful rancher. His Spanish father supplied life-giving water to the ranch and, in return, her father gave Luiz’s father land. Together the two fathers shared a friendship and the sprawling Texas hacienda, Orilla, hoping their children would one day marry.
Amy Sullivan took Tonatiuh (Luiz Quintano’s Indian name) for her lover when she was sixteen. They planned to wed. But her brothers would not have it. When their own father died, they killed Luiz’ father and then whipped Luiz to near death and left him in the desert. In an effort to save his life and convince her brothers she didn’t care for him, Amy joined in the whipping.
Ten years later, Amy has married another man, now dead, and has a daughter. Luis, saved by his mother, returns, as El Capitán, an officer in the Mexican army—intending to reclaim all that is his. He moves into the hacienda with his army and takes Amy to his bed, no matter she is now betrothed to another man. Luiz wants only revenge and thinks he can remain indifferent to her.
This is a classic based on much research into the history of the time though the romance is definitely in the foreground. It’s a bit long in the middle and convoluted in the end, but nonetheless a great story. Luiz could be one of my favorite heroes but I have to say that Amy got a bit annoying with all her snipping at Luiz once he returned.
Ryan brings Old Texas to life… the desert, the dust and the heat. The Indians. The villains. It’s all here. A great cast of secondary characters, too.
April 1, 2013
Nan Ryan gave me my love of reading. This was the first Romance Novel i had ever read, and at the age of 14 (stole it from my mom) it was prob. way to steamy for me!
But i fell in love with Tonatiuh and Amy...
The orig. book i had was lost over the years but my Great husband bought me a copy several years ago.. and i still take it out every so often just to re-read and visit old friends.
I loved and still love this book.
thank you Nan Ryan for giving us such a great gift.
there are certain Authors that stick with us book junkies.. and Nan you are def. one of mine!
But i fell in love with Tonatiuh and Amy...
The orig. book i had was lost over the years but my Great husband bought me a copy several years ago.. and i still take it out every so often just to re-read and visit old friends.
I loved and still love this book.
thank you Nan Ryan for giving us such a great gift.
there are certain Authors that stick with us book junkies.. and Nan you are def. one of mine!
July 19, 2015
I read this a very long time ago, and I've never forgotten it. Few books stick in my mind like this one. This is 5 HOT, HOT stars! I remember the character's strength, and depth of feeling. This was just an amazing story, unforgettable.
January 22, 2009
This is a very good romance novel. THe first 50 pages are pretty boring, but you just have to keep reading it. WHen you do it one of the books that you don't want to put down.
April 4, 2009
My first romance novel I had read, absolutely loved it.
January 6, 2010
Nobody and I mean nobody can do a love scene like Nan. The master.
February 27, 2010
A beautiful love story.
December 28, 2011
i am speechless cos this book kept me wanting. i am so so pleased to count myself as one of those who have read such an entising book in the world and it was an adventure for me. so glad
July 20, 2014
This book was given to me and I loved it. I have to say my emotions were all over the place. I cried, hoped and even laughed. Reignited passion and deep love overcomes all.
October 10, 2016
The most intriguing romance novel of all time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
“Dio del Sole” di Nan Ryan è un romanzo che cattura l’essenza del romanticismo storico con una trama avvincente e personaggi indimenticabili. Ambientato nelle terre ardenti del Texas, il libro narra la storia di Amy e Tonatiuh, due anime destinate a incontrarsi in un vortice di passione e tragedia. La loro storia è una testimonianza della forza dei sentimenti, che supera le avversità e il tempo stesso.
Nan Ryan dipinge con maestria il paesaggio e le emozioni, trasportando il lettore in un’epoca di conflitti e desideri inconfessabili. Il ritorno di Tonatiuh, trasformato dalle guerre d’indipendenza messicane in El Capitan, introduce un nuovo livello di tensione e desiderio di vendetta che tiene il lettore incollato alle pagine.
Per chi ama i romanzi che esplorano la profondità dell’amore e il prezzo della libertà, “Dio del Sole” è un’opera che non delude, offrendo una lettura coinvolgente fino all’ultima pagina.
Nan Ryan dipinge con maestria il paesaggio e le emozioni, trasportando il lettore in un’epoca di conflitti e desideri inconfessabili. Il ritorno di Tonatiuh, trasformato dalle guerre d’indipendenza messicane in El Capitan, introduce un nuovo livello di tensione e desiderio di vendetta che tiene il lettore incollato alle pagine.
Per chi ama i romanzi che esplorano la profondità dell’amore e il prezzo della libertà, “Dio del Sole” è un’opera che non delude, offrendo una lettura coinvolgente fino all’ultima pagina.
May 23, 2018
It's been long since I read old-schooled cheesy Harlequin story and oh my, it doesn't aged well. Perhaps in 1990, it was good but reading it in 2018 it's not. The story feels like telenovela with lots of antagonists and so-called drama and tragedy. The characters are just as bad. I really really hate Amy and it's really annoying to read her inner thought. Luiz just meh. I almost sure that I'm gonna give one star but these lines alone successfully made me laugh and hence, two stars:
Amy winched in shock when the dark hand lying on her stomach began to move, to stroke gently. Her head snapped around. El Capitán was looking at her, those hot black eyes aglow.
"I-I thought you were asleep," she murmured.
"You're desire," he said in a low, soft voice, "awakened me".
Amy winched in shock when the dark hand lying on her stomach began to move, to stroke gently. Her head snapped around. El Capitán was looking at her, those hot black eyes aglow.
"I-I thought you were asleep," she murmured.
"You're desire," he said in a low, soft voice, "awakened me".
January 31, 2022
Ho letto per la prima volta questo libro tanti anni fa, ero una ragazzina, ma l'avevo adorato. Ero sempre una ragazzina quando per inesperienza prestai questo libro. Non l'ho più rivisto. Pochi mesi fa ho trovato la versione digitale e ovviamente l'ho subito scaricato, ma non l'ho letto subito. Nel corso degli anni mi sono resa conto che libri che da adolescente mi avevano fatto sognare, in età adulta mi avevano lasciato abbastanza tiepida, questo era il mio problema, avevo paura che rileggendo questo libro mi rendessi conto che poi non era tutto sto granchè. Invece no ! E' bellissimo, romantico e sensuale, meglio ancora di come lo ricordassi. Il mio consiglio è di leggere questo libro se vi capita, ne vale la pena.
September 15, 2021
Dear God. This is like the Kardashian of romance. It is so cringey and felt scripted in a bad way, like the author was trying to be as tawdry as possible. I think it offends just about everyone - Apaches, Aztecs, Mexicans, Southerners, women in general. Perhaps it's just me being raised with a "No means no" and "rape isn't sexy" mentality, but the heroine succumbing to the evil machinations of Luiz time and again because he's *hawt* and oh so sexily clad in black and goes by *fans herself* "El Capitan" just wasn't doing it for me. I found this repulsive and every single action taken by every single character was unnecessary and extreme. Honestly? Gross. You know what's really sexy? Respecting women!!!!! I'll take a sexless period piece full of pining any day over a hostage sex crisis.
September 14, 2023
Amy needed to get her shit together. She ruined it for me. She went into some weird trance whenever ol' el Capitan whipped out his saber (wink wink). She would literally go from bare knuckle fighting his ass to obediently following his orders with a snap of his fingers.
And since when is sex a punishment if you're both getting off and enjoying it? Listen, I'm no expert, but I kinda think that's the point of boning if you're not trying for kids.
And since when is sex a punishment if you're both getting off and enjoying it? Listen, I'm no expert, but I kinda think that's the point of boning if you're not trying for kids.
December 31, 2023
I thought it started off slow and almost put it down but alas, halfway through the book I got hooked and I am so glad I did. This is one of those weird stories that stick with you. It’s been 2 years since I’ve read it and I still think about it!
September 19, 2018
It was boring and uneventful
Read
July 9, 2019Great book.
June 18, 2023
Brutal 90’s smut, un-pc, entertaining af.
March 22, 2017
Though the heroine drove me nuts at times, this was an overall good read. For me, some of the early bedroom scenes bordered on rape, but the characters grew throughout the story and this mellowed out. Great story, loved the hero.
September 8, 2012
Luiz was definitely hot, even though at times I was hoping she gelded him. I read this a long time ago, and still, it is a book I can not bear to part with even while the rest of my ibrary goes digital.
March 29, 2015
Was five stars the first time I read it >7 years ago. Now it seems very culturally insensitive. His dark hands against my white skin etc. etc. Goes to show how my perspectives and world views have changed.
November 15, 2013
I wanted so badly Nan Ryan stories ... its so amazing.. it gives me a chance to read a lot of books:))
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews