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Eclipse Heat #3
Rhythm
Smoke Inc. CEO Marty Jones, needs a partner for a charity dance-a-thon. So, he hires a Marilyn Monroe look-alike from his building tenant, Maxine’s Baby Doll Escort Service. All he wants is a warm body who can shuffle her feet. Underneath all her quirks, serial job-hopper, Holly Smith is a tough, no nonsense, kind of woman. She doesn’t date, has two friends, and concentrates most of her time and energy on restoring the old house she bought at auction. But boy, can she shuffle her feet—dancing. When her best friend asks her for help, she agrees to play partner to a local CEO at a charity dance-a-thon. What could go wrong?
286 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2009
13 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 13, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: Very good Western with a quick plot and surprisingly intimate romance in more ways than just the sexual.
The Set Up: Charlie Wolf is half-Kiowa and used to people’s prejudice so when schoolteacher Naomi approaches him for help, he braces himself. Naomi overhears that Charlie is the best tracker in the West and she intends to hire him to find her kidnapped students even though she doesn’t have any money. When Charlie offers a trade in eroticism for his tracking skills, it’s a bargain Naomi leaps at.
Why I Read this Book: Western historicals are my first romance loves and every once in a while I return to them.
What I Liked: This has all the elements of a traditional romance but being an Ellora’s Cave book, I knew it would be erotic, which I like. What I didn’t expect is the emotional intensity. Naomi and Charlie are both loners at heart and they slowly open up to each other and this elevated the romance for me. Charlie especially surprised me in his acceptance of his feelings for Naomi and willingness to embrace the changes she brings in his life. Naomi isn’t quite so ready to accept a relationship with Charlie but only because of her fear of him leaving her. I really enjoyed the intense romance with its balance of sexual and emotional. The charming thing too is the humor and gentle teasing between Charlie and Naomi. They share a love of teasing each other that added great levity to the entire book.
What I Also Liked: The plot involving the kidnapped students is an oldie in the genre but it has a good spin on it. The students are early teens and have a part in their own rescue that I really liked. This entire book has a gentle message of female empowerment that appealed to me greatly, especially since it was in a historical Western that normally features damsels in distress.
The plot itself is fast paced and kept my attention. This is the Old West so the badies are super bad and the good guys are good with big dicks—what’s not to like?
I liked the secondary characters as well in this book. Charlie’s cousins and fellow bounty hunters better have their own stories. Naomi’s students were a perfect mix of childish and mature, as is true of teenagers, and I liked their inclusion in the book a lot as well.
What I Didn’t Like: There was a small side story about Naomi and her sister that wrapped up too neatly. I wish the author hadn’t glossed over this relationship, especially since it played such a large role in defining who Naomi is and her fear of being left behind.
IMO: This is a good read with a well balance erotic romance that I enjoyed. This is a perfect example of why I return to the Western historical romance every once in a while.
In a Nutshell: Very good Western with a quick plot and surprisingly intimate romance in more ways than just the sexual.
The Set Up: Charlie Wolf is half-Kiowa and used to people’s prejudice so when schoolteacher Naomi approaches him for help, he braces himself. Naomi overhears that Charlie is the best tracker in the West and she intends to hire him to find her kidnapped students even though she doesn’t have any money. When Charlie offers a trade in eroticism for his tracking skills, it’s a bargain Naomi leaps at.
Why I Read this Book: Western historicals are my first romance loves and every once in a while I return to them.
What I Liked: This has all the elements of a traditional romance but being an Ellora’s Cave book, I knew it would be erotic, which I like. What I didn’t expect is the emotional intensity. Naomi and Charlie are both loners at heart and they slowly open up to each other and this elevated the romance for me. Charlie especially surprised me in his acceptance of his feelings for Naomi and willingness to embrace the changes she brings in his life. Naomi isn’t quite so ready to accept a relationship with Charlie but only because of her fear of him leaving her. I really enjoyed the intense romance with its balance of sexual and emotional. The charming thing too is the humor and gentle teasing between Charlie and Naomi. They share a love of teasing each other that added great levity to the entire book.
What I Also Liked: The plot involving the kidnapped students is an oldie in the genre but it has a good spin on it. The students are early teens and have a part in their own rescue that I really liked. This entire book has a gentle message of female empowerment that appealed to me greatly, especially since it was in a historical Western that normally features damsels in distress.
The plot itself is fast paced and kept my attention. This is the Old West so the badies are super bad and the good guys are good with big dicks—what’s not to like?
I liked the secondary characters as well in this book. Charlie’s cousins and fellow bounty hunters better have their own stories. Naomi’s students were a perfect mix of childish and mature, as is true of teenagers, and I liked their inclusion in the book a lot as well.
What I Didn’t Like: There was a small side story about Naomi and her sister that wrapped up too neatly. I wish the author hadn’t glossed over this relationship, especially since it played such a large role in defining who Naomi is and her fear of being left behind.
IMO: This is a good read with a well balance erotic romance that I enjoyed. This is a perfect example of why I return to the Western historical romance every once in a while.
April 4, 2013
Naomi Parker has come to Texas as a comportment teacher and to find her sister. When the school for young ladies she is teaching at gets attacked by outlaws, she hides under the porch while they make off with all the girls. Feeling like she didn’t do her job and keep the girls safe, she goes to the nearest town to get the sheriff’s help. When he refuses to do any more than wire the rangers requesting help, she decides to look for an alternative.
Charlie Wolf is half Indian, half white man and he lives his life with a foot in each world. He travels with his cousins as a bounty hunter and tracker. He meets Naomi when he is in town dropping off a bounty and she follows him to speak about helping track down her kidnapped students. He is initially uninterested in the spinster that seems to demand his attention but as he talks to her, he finds himself drawn to her and intrigued by the picture she presents. So he makes a bargain with her for his help but he is a little tricky and Naomi winds up with more than she asked for.
I loved the interaction of Naomi and Charlie. She is always being a little bit bossy and a smart a** but that is what made her great. Charlie has never had anyone stand up to him the way she does and treat him as an equal. When she looks at him she doesn’t let the color of his skin factor into her actions and he has no idea how to react to someone like that. Initially he is gruff and unmoving but as they get to know each other Naomi makes a point of saying that when she first met him she thought his face was immovable, that he didn’t show his emotions. But after they spend time together and she gets to know him, she can clearly see what he is thinking and feeling on his face.
There were moments in the story that seemed to drag a bit but others were nail biting and had me wondering how they were going to deal with the latest mess. I could have used a little more description of the landscape and towns as I am not all that familiar with Texas right after the Civil War but the characters were very well developed. The interactions with Charlie’s cousins were fun to read. Both were very distinct in their personalities and actions. I especially liked a few of Naomi’s students. When they are initially introduced they are a little whiny and annoying but as circumstances change they mature and become strong young women.
I don’t read a lot of stories from this time period because I never can find them but I do love the glimpse into early American life. This story reminded me of the Elizabeth Lowell Only series which I loved. The only thing that would make me happier was if the other cousins and maybe some of the girls got stories so I could go back and visit with Naomi and Charlie again once they settle down
Charlie Wolf is half Indian, half white man and he lives his life with a foot in each world. He travels with his cousins as a bounty hunter and tracker. He meets Naomi when he is in town dropping off a bounty and she follows him to speak about helping track down her kidnapped students. He is initially uninterested in the spinster that seems to demand his attention but as he talks to her, he finds himself drawn to her and intrigued by the picture she presents. So he makes a bargain with her for his help but he is a little tricky and Naomi winds up with more than she asked for.
I loved the interaction of Naomi and Charlie. She is always being a little bit bossy and a smart a** but that is what made her great. Charlie has never had anyone stand up to him the way she does and treat him as an equal. When she looks at him she doesn’t let the color of his skin factor into her actions and he has no idea how to react to someone like that. Initially he is gruff and unmoving but as they get to know each other Naomi makes a point of saying that when she first met him she thought his face was immovable, that he didn’t show his emotions. But after they spend time together and she gets to know him, she can clearly see what he is thinking and feeling on his face.
There were moments in the story that seemed to drag a bit but others were nail biting and had me wondering how they were going to deal with the latest mess. I could have used a little more description of the landscape and towns as I am not all that familiar with Texas right after the Civil War but the characters were very well developed. The interactions with Charlie’s cousins were fun to read. Both were very distinct in their personalities and actions. I especially liked a few of Naomi’s students. When they are initially introduced they are a little whiny and annoying but as circumstances change they mature and become strong young women.
I don’t read a lot of stories from this time period because I never can find them but I do love the glimpse into early American life. This story reminded me of the Elizabeth Lowell Only series which I loved. The only thing that would make me happier was if the other cousins and maybe some of the girls got stories so I could go back and visit with Naomi and Charlie again once they settle down
November 5, 2016
emotional, captivating entertaining read that was enjoyable fantastic one to read in the series. With the gruff man and witty come backs. This is one I did enjoy to read...
February 7, 2021
Wolf's Tender is a book that shows the prejudice of the Indian in the wild west. Especially half breeds.
Charlie Wolf travels with his cousins and they hunt men for money.
Naomi Parker is a school teacher who when the going got rough, hid.
Now her students have been captured by outlaws and she's looking for help to get them back. She see's Charlie and thinks he is the man to help her.
Charlie see's Naomi and he's thinking of a little mattress dancing.
Naomi is stronger then she looks, not a fragile schoolmarm, she has idea's on how to bring the captured girls back, but she needs muscle for help.
I really liked this book by Gem. There are a lot of things going on in this book at once, but the lust and chemistry between Charlie and Naomi is the strongest. Of course going through all the emotions makes the pages turn faster. I liked the way everything played out. Yes, it has a HEA.
Charlie Wolf travels with his cousins and they hunt men for money.
Naomi Parker is a school teacher who when the going got rough, hid.
Now her students have been captured by outlaws and she's looking for help to get them back. She see's Charlie and thinks he is the man to help her.
Charlie see's Naomi and he's thinking of a little mattress dancing.
Naomi is stronger then she looks, not a fragile schoolmarm, she has idea's on how to bring the captured girls back, but she needs muscle for help.
I really liked this book by Gem. There are a lot of things going on in this book at once, but the lust and chemistry between Charlie and Naomi is the strongest. Of course going through all the emotions makes the pages turn faster. I liked the way everything played out. Yes, it has a HEA.
April 7, 2015
3.75 stars, definitely a good western romance, i will read more by GS./b>
It took a while for me to get into this story. There was a lot of descriptive facts possibly related to the previous stories, that I found distracting. However the moment Naomi entered the story, things picked up and i liked the story from then on. There were some things I found odd about the story, such as a school for girls out in some lonely area with only an old crippled man as protector. Another part that was really odd was that although Naomi started her life as a tomboyish sort of child, then was raised on a farm by her neighbours, she suddenly was able to overcome this and become a teacher of deportment and manners. I did not understand this at all, someone had to have helped her but it was just left as an empty blank part for perhaps 10 years of her life. I liked the character of Charlie though, he was a very manly man and once he fell in love that was it as far as he was concerned. There was no exchange of I love you's in this book, but the emotion between the two of them was clear and touching. So, for a book that did not seem to be carefully written, turning a rich historical story into a passable one, i liked this book because of the characters and the love they had for each other.
It took a while for me to get into this story. There was a lot of descriptive facts possibly related to the previous stories, that I found distracting. However the moment Naomi entered the story, things picked up and i liked the story from then on. There were some things I found odd about the story, such as a school for girls out in some lonely area with only an old crippled man as protector. Another part that was really odd was that although Naomi started her life as a tomboyish sort of child, then was raised on a farm by her neighbours, she suddenly was able to overcome this and become a teacher of deportment and manners. I did not understand this at all, someone had to have helped her but it was just left as an empty blank part for perhaps 10 years of her life. I liked the character of Charlie though, he was a very manly man and once he fell in love that was it as far as he was concerned. There was no exchange of I love you's in this book, but the emotion between the two of them was clear and touching. So, for a book that did not seem to be carefully written, turning a rich historical story into a passable one, i liked this book because of the characters and the love they had for each other.
April 15, 2025
5 beautiful stars!!! 🙌
Finally, I found what I was searching for since I’m fairly certain this is my first 5-star review this year. ☺️
If you’re a fan of “Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold” then I feel like this is a must read for you. Not better than EOSEOG, but ranks up there with it. It’s emotionally intense, with a very fleshed out story, and the spice is omg 😱! Not only that, but the relationship between the two MC’s is so beautiful and charming to watch evolve. There’s banter, protectiveness (on BOTH sides), and it leaves you feeling very satisfied as you watch these two loner souls find a place where they feel like they belong in each other’s arms.
Hope to add more to this review, but wanted to make sure I got these initial thoughts out! 🫶❤️
*** Wanted to add that I’ve not read any other book in this series and I had no problem just jumping right in and following along. 👍
Finally, I found what I was searching for since I’m fairly certain this is my first 5-star review this year. ☺️
If you’re a fan of “Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold” then I feel like this is a must read for you. Not better than EOSEOG, but ranks up there with it. It’s emotionally intense, with a very fleshed out story, and the spice is omg 😱! Not only that, but the relationship between the two MC’s is so beautiful and charming to watch evolve. There’s banter, protectiveness (on BOTH sides), and it leaves you feeling very satisfied as you watch these two loner souls find a place where they feel like they belong in each other’s arms.
Hope to add more to this review, but wanted to make sure I got these initial thoughts out! 🫶❤️
*** Wanted to add that I’ve not read any other book in this series and I had no problem just jumping right in and following along. 👍
September 8, 2011
A great introduction to the series, this book was very hot, yet surprised me with the amount of romance. There was just enough angst to keep things interesting, with the heroine doubting Wolf's motives, and Wolf's knowledge that with the prejudices of the day, keeping her as his bride could prove dangerous to them both.
I was also interested in Wolf's brothers, and hope to read their stories someday soon.
The details of the rape of a minor character (not by one of the leads) could have been left out completely in my opinion, and the brutal nature of the enemies could've been illustrated well enough without it.
Other than that, however, I definitely enjoyed it, and it was wonderfully hot while still managing to have an interesting plot.
A solid 4/5 Stars
I was also interested in Wolf's brothers, and hope to read their stories someday soon.
The details of the rape of a minor character (not by one of the leads) could have been left out completely in my opinion, and the brutal nature of the enemies could've been illustrated well enough without it.
Other than that, however, I definitely enjoyed it, and it was wonderfully hot while still managing to have an interesting plot.
A solid 4/5 Stars
May 17, 2025
I was pretty surprised at how sweet this romance was!
Don't get me wrong, its pretty spicy and the story is a bit gritty. But the relationship between Charlie and Naomi is so sweet. They both are attracted and intrigued by each other immediately. Charlie is starved for acceptance and finds it with Naomi. Even though Naomi isn't described as beautiful, Charlie only sees her as beautiful. He never says she is beautiful despite of anything, he is just flat out enamored by her. I just adored them together. The story was also interesting with rescuing the girls and trying to get them back home. I do wish that Naomi listened to Charlie more in the beginning but it all worked out for the plot.
Overall, a great historic western romance! (Don't be fooled by the terrible cover)
Don't get me wrong, its pretty spicy and the story is a bit gritty. But the relationship between Charlie and Naomi is so sweet. They both are attracted and intrigued by each other immediately. Charlie is starved for acceptance and finds it with Naomi. Even though Naomi isn't described as beautiful, Charlie only sees her as beautiful. He never says she is beautiful despite of anything, he is just flat out enamored by her. I just adored them together. The story was also interesting with rescuing the girls and trying to get them back home. I do wish that Naomi listened to Charlie more in the beginning but it all worked out for the plot.
Overall, a great historic western romance! (Don't be fooled by the terrible cover)
March 18, 2013
I was a little worried when I first started reading this book because I had a difficult time getting into it, but by the time I reached the second chapter I was hooked. Gem Sivad did an amazing job creating damaged characters, putting them in a situation with high stakes, and allowing the story, and the characters passions, follow a nice organic course that led to fast paced, entertaining reading. Once I picked up the rhythm of Wolf's Tender I was hooked till the last page, and disappointed when the story concluded.
March 20, 2014
My numbero uno favoritest reading guilty pleasure is a NA romance. But most of these books are written by old bitty's back in the 80's meaning lameo sexo. NOT THIS ONE! This one rocked!
May 7, 2019
i loved the story of Charlie Wolf the half breed and his white cousins and of the schoolmarm Naoni who tries so hard to be the primper lady and who is plagued by guilt for abandoning her pupils to comancheros, trying to escape and save her life. I love the feiry teens and the humoristic dialogue/ I just wished the author would have developped more of his past within his tribe with his parents and after the massacre with his grandpa? how he came to be so scarred and some scenes with his mother but then again they are among other books/ I also loved tthe two cousins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2013
This is actually the first book that I have read by Gem Sivad and I can tell you now that it will not be the last. Gem Sivad is a wonderful storyteller who can make a historical western come to life with combustible erotic romance.
Wolf’s Tender is the first book in the “Eclipse Heat” series.
Half Kiowa, Charlie Wolf McCallister is a rough and tough bounty hunter who works with his two cousins. The prejudice of the era follows him continually as many during this time cannot accept a half Indian as a member of society. This has colored Charlie’s world making him seem ruthless and dangerous.
Naomi Parker oversees a girl-school that has been attacked by outlaws who have just run off with the girls. Naomi was spared being kidnapped also only because she hid during the invasion of the school. Loaded with guilt for hiding as well as many insecurities from the hard-knocks of life, Naomi is determined to find someone to help her rescue the girls.
When Naomi Parker sees Charlie Wolf McCallister she knows that he is the man to help her. Without money to pay, she ends up offering herself in exchange for his services. Charlie was already planning on going after the outlaws who took the girls but he cannot resist taking Naomi up on her sexy offer. Soon these two scarred and lonely hearts discover that it is each other that makes them strong.
I fell in love with this story and the written characters in it. It was a well choreographed love story that offered intrigue, romance and even pulled at the heart-strings. I found myself lured into the world that Gem Sivad has created, and I was so enthralled that I found it difficult to put this book down once I started reading it.
We have the hunky, tall, dark and handsome bounty hunter who is strong, protective, yet dangerous. And then we have the heroine who is scarred from life’s viscous attacks yet she comes back fighting. Two people completely different, searching for acceptance in the chaos of life; these main characters faced many challenges which showed their true strengths. Charlie and Naomi were passionate and sensual, yet vulnerable and humorous. I really enjoyed these two characters and found myself constantly pulling for their “happily-ever-after”.
As with all Ellora’s Cave books I found this story to be extremely heated as it sizzled with sensual content that made this reader want to continually fan herself.
The side characters were charmingly interesting and splendidly illustrated. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I am excited to see what unfolds in the remaining bounty hunter’s lives. There are a number of plot twist in this story adding mystery and thrills.
I did feel that some of the side stories were a bit rushed and needed further exploring, and perhaps a few too many details were added at times that distracted from the mail focus. This however did not make the story any less exciting, as I found myself continually anticipating the next page. This story had a good flow to it that made this reader enjoy it’s banters and quirks.
If you find yourself wanting a hot tale that shows the true historical western attitudes and
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
June 30, 2014
I really liked Wolf's Tender. The hero is a half Kiowa (Native American) bounty hunter.
It's an erotic Western set in the days of outlaws and gunfights.
The sex scenes were hot, the heroine stood up for herself and didn't take "no" for an answer.
There were moments of humor in the book. The hero thinks about her a lot and is thrilled she's not racist since he's half Native American.
It's just a hot read with a happy ending. I'm going to read the rest of the series about his brothers.
It's an erotic Western set in the days of outlaws and gunfights.
The sex scenes were hot, the heroine stood up for herself and didn't take "no" for an answer.
There were moments of humor in the book. The hero thinks about her a lot and is thrilled she's not racist since he's half Native American.
It's just a hot read with a happy ending. I'm going to read the rest of the series about his brothers.
Read
June 8, 2015Great Story
Wow what an adventure!!! This is a suspenseful and very entertaining book. Charlie and Naomi have quite the adventurous love story. So many twists and turns, you think they will get to safety and suddenly they are in danger. The chemistry between Charlie and Naomi is sizzling, makes for a great read!!
Wow what an adventure!!! This is a suspenseful and very entertaining book. Charlie and Naomi have quite the adventurous love story. So many twists and turns, you think they will get to safety and suddenly they are in danger. The chemistry between Charlie and Naomi is sizzling, makes for a great read!!
April 13, 2015
Different
I loved this book because it was a love story about two people with different cultures and regardless of what people thought about their love for one another they stayed together,I definitely recommend this book.
I loved this book because it was a love story about two people with different cultures and regardless of what people thought about their love for one another they stayed together,I definitely recommend this book.
July 7, 2015
Wolf's Tender
This story line was well written, the characters brought to life in vivid fashion.
I enjoyed Naomi and Charlie's story. The romantic scenes were not over the top.
Looking forward to Sam and Roberts book.
This story line was well written, the characters brought to life in vivid fashion.
I enjoyed Naomi and Charlie's story. The romantic scenes were not over the top.
Looking forward to Sam and Roberts book.
March 8, 2019
This is an exceptional book by an exceptional writer. If you love historical romance with heat and a riveting story line try this series. Gem is a fantastic writer. I have read all of her books. I have not been disappointed yet. I cannot wait for her next effort.
March 9, 2018
This has been a real slow burner for me. I wasn’t that enamoured when I first read it but I must have re-read it ten times since then and the whole McCallister trilogy and now I love it.
To be honest I’d move to Eclipse and try out for my own bounty hunter!
To be honest I’d move to Eclipse and try out for my own bounty hunter!
September 28, 2010
Great story - hot and poignant.
May 15, 2013
Great short story with a mix of action and romance included
April 25, 2025
Still one of my favorite westerns. I love how Naomi grows and evolves with Charlie Wolf. And I just love Charlie in general.
April 15, 2015
Good story
Loved the way this story evolved and the y it turned out. It showed that the pioneer women were strong and resourceful. Love this author's work.
Loved the way this story evolved and the y it turned out. It showed that the pioneer women were strong and resourceful. Love this author's work.
September 4, 2016
I love this series. An epilogue would have made this a 5 star read for me.
June 13, 2017
Loved this story. Third book I've read by this author and am fast becoming a huge fan.
November 16, 2019
Good book but not very long.
June 20, 2023
some action, some spiciness, and more action. I really enjoyed this book. will be reading book 2 soon
October 17, 2024
3.5⭐
RTC
RTC
September 3, 2013
Note to self: Not great, not terrible. I thought the plot was unbelievable, especially the beginning when no one would help her. After the H/h set out to find the bad guys, the story got better and I kept reading. Ended up okay, but won't reread. I bought this book hoping I'd find a new hot western like the first 3 books in the Promise Series (which I love), but no cigar....Don't know if I'll try another book from this author...maybe...but will proceed with caution before I spend the big dollars.
Want to read
December 28, 2010NOR
October 7, 2012
seemed very short...abrupt ending, but a good read;p
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews