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Comanche Flame
Half-Breed
He was a loner, a drifter, a fast gun whose aura of dangerous virility turned pretty heads all across the West. But if his reputation as an outlaw didn't warn decent women away, his Comanche blood did...
Heartbreaker
He saved Jessica's life out on the desolate plains, then made her a willing captive of his savage desire. But even when he had left her behind to rejoin his people, Jesse found she could not forget him. Safe and respectable once again, she longed for her once-in-a-lifetime love, knew she would give up everything for just one more night of ecstasy with the man called Dancer.
446 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1992
117 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Baker
88 books289 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 41 reviews
November 20, 2014
Well-written and I would have been inclined to give it 4 stars if the hero, Dancer, hadn't been such a douche. I was in no way convinced of his supposed love for Jesse at any time in the book. I'm pretty sure he mostly just liked that she was 15 years younger than him, beautiful, pathetically in love with him and always eager to please him in bed. Those are the things he was in love with.
SPOILERS!
I mean, at the end he sighs in resignation and takes her into his arms, basically telling her that he would never bend for the sake of their relationship (that he wouldn't settle down in one place for her sake).
And as for his indiscretion with Storm Woman? I don't care if he was thinking of Jesse while screwing Storm Woman. Jesse was so loyal to him and willing to do anything to be with him. Maybe his unfaithfulness would've been alright if Storm Woman had meant nothing to him, but he cared about her A LOT and bitched and moaned about her death A LOT. He never even apologized or in any way felt sorry or was concerned about Jesse's hurt over him screwing another woman. And as for Jesse, she became a doormat heroine. Even if Storm Woman died (carrying Dancer's baby!) she had a right to rage about it and smack him upside the head.
Seriously, I'm thinking Jesse should've chosen Tom, a guy who really loved her. Dancer can shove his detached, reluctant love up his gunslinger ass.
SPOILERS!
I mean, at the end he sighs in resignation and takes her into his arms, basically telling her that he would never bend for the sake of their relationship (that he wouldn't settle down in one place for her sake).
And as for his indiscretion with Storm Woman? I don't care if he was thinking of Jesse while screwing Storm Woman. Jesse was so loyal to him and willing to do anything to be with him. Maybe his unfaithfulness would've been alright if Storm Woman had meant nothing to him, but he cared about her A LOT and bitched and moaned about her death A LOT. He never even apologized or in any way felt sorry or was concerned about Jesse's hurt over him screwing another woman. And as for Jesse, she became a doormat heroine. Even if Storm Woman died (carrying Dancer's baby!) she had a right to rage about it and smack him upside the head.
Seriously, I'm thinking Jesse should've chosen Tom, a guy who really loved her. Dancer can shove his detached, reluctant love up his gunslinger ass.
November 14, 2010
Excellent first novel written by Madeline Baker.
Really liked the way the author portrayed Jessica Landry at the beginning of the story. Leaving the East behind, she is young, exuberant and sizzles with the excitement of her new life awaiting and all her dreams that will materialize in the American west. I could actually feel her excitement and joy. Very well written.
But a devastating situation occurs very early and everything changes in her life, again. Poor baby, she deals with it, actually she doesn't, when her world is thrown into frightening and unfamiliar chaos.
As the story progresses the immaturity and fears of this little Lady from the East gradually gives way as she evolves into a woman of substance, strength, bravery, and mature love. I admired her.
If you like your characters alpha, virile, dangerous, raw, untamed, yet tender and complex as well as uncompromising...he simply is who he is without excuse, this book has him, his name is Dancer. When that character is paired with his exact opposite, it makes for interesting reading.
This is the first book Ms. Baker wrote and it is outstanding. What an excellent job she did on it. Very, very minimal tired cliches and contrived situations in creating tension between the H/h. The ending is wonderfully uncompromising and stays true to the nature of both main characters Baker has created.
Really liked the way the author portrayed Jessica Landry at the beginning of the story. Leaving the East behind, she is young, exuberant and sizzles with the excitement of her new life awaiting and all her dreams that will materialize in the American west. I could actually feel her excitement and joy. Very well written.
But a devastating situation occurs very early and everything changes in her life, again. Poor baby, she deals with it, actually she doesn't, when her world is thrown into frightening and unfamiliar chaos.
As the story progresses the immaturity and fears of this little Lady from the East gradually gives way as she evolves into a woman of substance, strength, bravery, and mature love. I admired her.
If you like your characters alpha, virile, dangerous, raw, untamed, yet tender and complex as well as uncompromising...he simply is who he is without excuse, this book has him, his name is Dancer. When that character is paired with his exact opposite, it makes for interesting reading.
This is the first book Ms. Baker wrote and it is outstanding. What an excellent job she did on it. Very, very minimal tired cliches and contrived situations in creating tension between the H/h. The ending is wonderfully uncompromising and stays true to the nature of both main characters Baker has created.
October 1, 2022
This was my first book by Madeline Baker. Thought it was pretty good, liked the storyline/plot. I’ll definitely read others. Liked the H/h. Didn’t like some of the H’s actions as there is OW drama in this. That said the way it played out kind of fit with his character and the situation, he thought he had left the h behind. So not surprised in his mind he was telling himself he was moving on and thought she deserved better than the life she’d have with him. She on the other hand remained faithful to her love for him. Don’t usually care for that, but thought I’d mention it, (sorry if it’s a spoiler), for those who may see it as cheating.
September 2, 2021
Един от редките случаи, когато героят с цялата му безпардонност и откровено престъпен на моменти начин на живот, ми стана адски симпатичен. За разлика от героинята, човекът си имаше реални проблеми от сорта на кога точно ще го обесят. А глупавата гъска през цялото време премрежваше мигли да го съзерцава какъв бил хубавец, без да и мине мисълта да направи нещо по въпроса… Изневерил и бил! Ами да го беше набила! Абе трябваше направо да я зареже тази патка, ама няма как - романс…
April 19, 2014
Disclaimer: Snark and gifs.
This was loads better than Caress and Conquer, that is why it gets a three stars.
I noticed a pattern in romance novels, especially bodice rippers, the hero/heroine are always mixed. They are never pure black, persian, etc. The only exception is caucasian. Or they are raised in a minority race, but are actually genetically the oppressor ethnicity. Which is really interesting, and I will have to look further into this the more I read in this genre.
Why is it that aboriginals are viewed as almost savages, when really it's an intricate and complex culture? This book was not that bad as others.
The hero is an alpha womanizer, with an exception of Jesse and Storm Weather.
Jesse is not that dumb, and does have some character growth, but she does come off as helpless at first.
This was loads better than Caress and Conquer, that is why it gets a three stars.
I noticed a pattern in romance novels, especially bodice rippers, the hero/heroine are always mixed. They are never pure black, persian, etc. The only exception is caucasian. Or they are raised in a minority race, but are actually genetically the oppressor ethnicity. Which is really interesting, and I will have to look further into this the more I read in this genre.
Why is it that aboriginals are viewed as almost savages, when really it's an intricate and complex culture? This book was not that bad as others.
The hero is an alpha womanizer, with an exception of Jesse and Storm Weather.
Jesse is not that dumb, and does have some character growth, but she does come off as helpless at first.
September 19, 2023
Rating: 3.2 / 5
As is my wont, I am disappointed when a story is...well, not quite what I was hoping for. I think this is an earlier variant of Madeline Baker's work, in that the plot is fast-paced, the scenes of action and love moving swiftly from one to the next, and the characters...eh, somewhat developed.
Truth be told, for all that I didn't particularly understand why the hero and heroine got together (particularly the heroine liking the hero, as that seemed kind of out of nowhere, whereas with heroes this is fine cause it's insta-lust for a lot of them anyway), that wasn't my main problem. No, my main problem is that
That being said though, I do see myself re-reading this someday as, despite the above peeve I have, the story itself is pretty standard and not at all bad. You support Jesse and Dancer enough to follow along with their story, and, fast-paced or not, at least it's entertaining and never leaves you bored.
So...yeah, kind of middle ground on this, but I can see it being swayed towards either which way for good things moving forward as well. Definitely one to keep in mind for a re-read.
As is my wont, I am disappointed when a story is...well, not quite what I was hoping for. I think this is an earlier variant of Madeline Baker's work, in that the plot is fast-paced, the scenes of action and love moving swiftly from one to the next, and the characters...eh, somewhat developed.
Truth be told, for all that I didn't particularly understand why the hero and heroine got together (particularly the heroine liking the hero, as that seemed kind of out of nowhere, whereas with heroes this is fine cause it's insta-lust for a lot of them anyway), that wasn't my main problem. No, my main problem is that
That being said though, I do see myself re-reading this someday as, despite the above peeve I have, the story itself is pretty standard and not at all bad. You support Jesse and Dancer enough to follow along with their story, and, fast-paced or not, at least it's entertaining and never leaves you bored.
So...yeah, kind of middle ground on this, but I can see it being swayed towards either which way for good things moving forward as well. Definitely one to keep in mind for a re-read.
July 8, 2023
Can you tell I’ve been obsessed with Native American romances lately? I was looking for something similar to Heart’s Surrender because I absolutely fell in love with the relationship between those characters. Unfortunately, this wasn’t as good. The love was lacking, but the storyline was great. We follow Dancer, who is of mixed race. He leaves his people to try a different way of life, soon gaining the reputation of being a fast hand. On the run for murder, he meets a woman and saves her from a brutal attack. Soon after, feelings develop, and we follow their long journey across the harsh plains.
August 15, 2017
My Musings
I loved the story and the writing, but the heroine was not passive and the hero too hard. I'm sure if I had read this 30 years ago, I would have loved it. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I loved the story and the writing, but the heroine was not passive and the hero too hard. I'm sure if I had read this 30 years ago, I would have loved it. Happy ☺reading 📚!
September 2, 2022
I listened to the audiobook on Audible. Great narration and well acted. I enjoyed this story, originally written in 1992 about Dancer, a gunslinger who is half native American. His romance, with Jessie, a young woman he rescued, is lovely. There's action, murder and some heartbreak. 😮💨😍
April 26, 2025
En spännande bok, lite mycket instalove i början men de får en djupare relation senare som är mer naturlig senare. Men boken var för lång, hade kunnat halveras och ändå berätta samma bra berättelse. Därför får boken bara 3,5 stjärnor
December 18, 2017
She spent 10 years?
I gave this two stars because I finished it. Several times throughout I considered not doing so. The characters are so cliche and shallow and not very likeable. Timelines were off. The plot was all over the places. Dialogue was repetitive. Narrator makes everyone who uses a southern/western? accent sound retarded.
I gave this two stars because I finished it. Several times throughout I considered not doing so. The characters are so cliche and shallow and not very likeable. Timelines were off. The plot was all over the places. Dialogue was repetitive. Narrator makes everyone who uses a southern/western? accent sound retarded.
August 4, 2020
It was a decent enough read. I enjoyed the writing style but I'm not sure how much I enjoyed the actual characters. I struggle even now to really fathom Jesse's and Dancer's relationship to be based on more than lust (and don't get me started on Tom or that weird side relationship with Dancer and Storm Woman). Also, it felt way too long in places. But the action wasn't bad and like I said, it was well written so I'll probably read something from this author again.
December 22, 2024
I read this book as a bored 12 year old at a relatives house over a long thanksgiving visit. My first and last “bosom heaver”. I couldn’t stop giggling with my juvenile attitude, and my cousins and I got in trouble for dramatically reading passages and falling over laughing at how ridiculous it sounded.
Three start for fun memories. I don’t actually remember anything about the book itself.
Three start for fun memories. I don’t actually remember anything about the book itself.
August 15, 2017
Don't t pass this book up!!
This book was so wonderful written. Kept me coming back to see if the put some was what I was hoping for. Right down to the last page i still didn't know. Don't pass this book, or you will never know!!
This book was so wonderful written. Kept me coming back to see if the put some was what I was hoping for. Right down to the last page i still didn't know. Don't pass this book, or you will never know!!
September 12, 2018
I can't abide a cheating hero....sorry.
Cheating male lead......grrrrr! The writing is done well, however, the moment the hero kisses and makes love to another woman, I am soooo....done.
Cheating male lead......grrrrr! The writing is done well, however, the moment the hero kisses and makes love to another woman, I am soooo....done.
July 11, 2017
Comanche Flame a Leisure Historical. Romance
This was spell binding from the first page some times I wanted to read all Night to bet to k ow what would next happen.
This was spell binding from the first page some times I wanted to read all Night to bet to k ow what would next happen.
August 10, 2017
Love it
Love love loved turn pager didn't stop until it ended love the characters happy ending I enjoyed it very much
Love love loved turn pager didn't stop until it ended love the characters happy ending I enjoyed it very much
August 19, 2017
Loved it
I love a great love story and how a person can forgive someone who,has done teribble things to him and forgive
I love a great love story and how a person can forgive someone who,has done teribble things to him and forgive
October 4, 2017
Comanche Flame
All of Madeline Baker's books are great...this one was awesome...hope other people agree.. Wil
Be reading more as time allows
All of Madeline Baker's books are great...this one was awesome...hope other people agree.. Wil
Be reading more as time allows
February 26, 2018
Comanche Flame
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
December 21, 2018
4 stars
I could not give this book five stars to much of the old West in it. I was looking more story of the Comanche reservation but it just wasn't there
I could not give this book five stars to much of the old West in it. I was looking more story of the Comanche reservation but it just wasn't there
September 10, 2019
Great book
I have read this several times.A great love story.Not a dull moment .Dancer running from volunteer hunters.Saving Jesse from rape.
I have read this several times.A great love story.Not a dull moment .Dancer running from volunteer hunters.Saving Jesse from rape.
January 16, 2020
Entertaining
A lovely story of love, perseverence, loss and inner battles. Vivid descriptions of life, the towns and village take the reader through tortures and love.
A lovely story of love, perseverence, loss and inner battles. Vivid descriptions of life, the towns and village take the reader through tortures and love.
June 19, 2020
Mostly a romance but had an entertaining story to it hence the 3 stars.
December 2, 2022
Good light reading
December 20, 2024
Read in the 90's - must read historical romance!
May 24, 2014
A pretty good read. I liked the plot and mostly the characters. This was written well and pulled me in, but not completely. Jesse was a pretty good character and I liked her spunk (although it was just a tad amount) and determination. Dancer on the other had was a really good character when he was, but there were moments I really didn't care for him and definitely wanted to knock him upside the head, as if it would do any good. The side characters were good and I'd like to see Tom with a good woman. The ending was a little disappointing, cuz it didn't seem totally a Happily-Ever-After. That boy needs a swift kick in the hind end and get his act together and she needs to pull her knickers up and see if he really means it. Overall, written well and pretty good, but the characters didn't quite jive all that well with me and I was waiting for some emotional backbone. Good luck
November 2, 2011
Ceritanya sih menarik. Baru mulai cerita Jesse sudah kehilangan kakaknya John yang dibunuh perampok. Terus dia diselamatin ama Dancer dan dibawa ama dia karena Dancer tertarik dengannya secara seksual. Pertama sih senang bacanya tapi pas Dancer meninggalkan Jesse sesudah menidurinya dan dia kembali tuk sembunyi di tempat kelahirannya, bener2 benci banget dengan Dancer! Dia berselingkuh dengan Storm Woman meski dia hanya jatuh kasihan dan memikirkan Jesse saat menidurinya. Bahkan sampai hamil!! Oh my God! Jika Storm Woman tidak dibunuh musuhnya Dancer, apa mungkin dia akan memiliki 2 isteri??? Kasihan si Jesse sih tapi karakter dia makin lama menjadi sangat lemah, tidak berani marah setelah tahu Dancer mengkhianatinya meski mereka belum menikah. Sebel! Sebel! meski hanya membayangkan Jesse saat tidur dengan wanita lain tapi kan tetap saja namanya berselingkuh!!! Gak bakal gue baca lagi!
May 18, 2013
Just finished this one, again it was a second read, because I read it before I came to goodreads, and I wanted to be sure of what I put in my review. At the end of the book, Ms Baker said it was her first....all I can say is AWESOME!! Would that every author could write such a wonderful first novel!! I absolutely love this story, could read it again and again! One of the reviewers didn't care for Dancer's character much, but I thought he was the perfect hero to Jesse's heroine. He'd lived a very different life from her, his attitude a reflection of his life. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who loves a Native American story, or historical romance. This one will DEFINITELY remain on my bookshelf!
June 10, 2025
✨⭐️⭐️🌟⭐️⭐️✨
🦅 🇺🇸 Madeline Baker reigns supreme over Native American (Indian) romance. 🇺🇸🦅
A fast paced and addictive page turning read, filled with romance, action and revenge! A compelling conflicted and tortured hero meets a strong willed modern woman in post colonial America, they are
forced into the wild, forge an inescapable bond and find true love.
Fans of Baker know she brings her signature knowledge and reverence to her Western-Historical novels, helping us to escape to the “old west” with every page.
Comanche Flame 📖 Cheyenne surrender 📕 Lakota lovesong 📚 Apache runaway 📖 are some of Bakers best and the best in the genre~ Madeline Baker is required reading for any fan of “Indian” romances.
🦅 🇺🇸 Madeline Baker reigns supreme over Native American (Indian) romance. 🇺🇸🦅
A fast paced and addictive page turning read, filled with romance, action and revenge! A compelling conflicted and tortured hero meets a strong willed modern woman in post colonial America, they are
forced into the wild, forge an inescapable bond and find true love.
Fans of Baker know she brings her signature knowledge and reverence to her Western-Historical novels, helping us to escape to the “old west” with every page.
Comanche Flame 📖 Cheyenne surrender 📕 Lakota lovesong 📚 Apache runaway 📖 are some of Bakers best and the best in the genre~ Madeline Baker is required reading for any fan of “Indian” romances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews