What do you think?
Rate this book
Midnight Fire
MIDNIGHT FIRE
He was a hard-riding, hard-drinking drifter, a half-breed who had no use for a frightened white girl fleeing an unwanted wedding. He told himself he needed only the money she offered to guide her across the plains, but half-way between Galveston and Ogallala, where the burning prairie met the endless night sky, he made her his woman. Now she was his to protect, his to cherish, and he would allow no man --- white or Indian --- to come between them. There in the vast wilderness where his desire had ignited hers, he swore to change his life path, to fulfill the challenge of his vision quest, if only he could keep her love.
He was a hard-riding, hard-drinking drifter, a half-breed who had no use for a frightened white girl fleeing an unwanted wedding. He told himself he needed only the money she offered to guide her across the plains, but half-way between Galveston and Ogallala, where the burning prairie met the endless night sky, he made her his woman. Now she was his to protect, his to cherish, and he would allow no man --- white or Indian --- to come between them. There in the vast wilderness where his desire had ignited hers, he swore to change his life path, to fulfill the challenge of his vision quest, if only he could keep her love.
447 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
99 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Baker
89 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 18, 2020
Dopo tanti romanzi storici ad ambientazione "merletti e crinoline" avevo voglia di leggermi un ben western, uno di quelli con cavalcate, sparatorie, bivacchi sotto il fuoco e cowboy.
Sono stata accontentata con questo western romance, autoconclusivo e appassionante.
Seppure sia un romanzo del 1992, uscito poi in Italia 25 anni fa, sono lieta che abbia trovato uno spazio tra gli "Introvabili", perchè è una storia che non ha perduto il suo fascino e che conserva una certa piacevole freschezza.
Due mondi lontani si scontrano in un vicolo sporco e malfamato: Carolyn, una ragazza cresciuta con un buon tenore di vita ma in fuga da un matrimonio combinato con uomo vecchio e "basso" (ok, neppure lei è proprio una stangona, ma ritrovarsi con un tizio ancora più basso e pure un po' lumacone, proprio no), inciampa su un cadavere nel fango.
Anzi, no, il corpo è ancora caldo e appartiene a un mezzosangue indiano, un fascinoso ragazzone, per quanto ferito, impolverato e con una notevole dipendenza dall'alcol.
Morgan, oltretutto, una volta curato, è l'unico che possa portarla al sicuro, senza passare per treni e diligenze, e quindi l'accordo è fatto.
Tra pericoli e aggressioni, serate a confessarsi davanti al fuoco e una bellissima parentesi in un accampamento indiano, il legame tra i due si farà sempre più intenso, nonostante Morgan non voglia avere nulla a che fare con una ragazza bianca di un'altra classe sociale, per non ripetere lo stesso destino da cui proviene.
Un romanzo intenso, dicevo.
C'è azione, ci sono emozioni, ci sono interessanti scorci di vita tra le tende, tradizioni dei Lakota, l'aggressione barbara dai soldati per cacciare i nativi e trascinarli nelle riserve, la dura esistenza nel selvaggio west, i pregiudizi e le sofferenze familiari.
Lo stile è scorrevole e anche le descrizioni dei paesaggi ben rese.
Diciamo che rispetto ad altri western, qui ho trovato meno durezza, più famiglia e buoni sentimenti.
Sono stata accontentata con questo western romance, autoconclusivo e appassionante.
Seppure sia un romanzo del 1992, uscito poi in Italia 25 anni fa, sono lieta che abbia trovato uno spazio tra gli "Introvabili", perchè è una storia che non ha perduto il suo fascino e che conserva una certa piacevole freschezza.
Due mondi lontani si scontrano in un vicolo sporco e malfamato: Carolyn, una ragazza cresciuta con un buon tenore di vita ma in fuga da un matrimonio combinato con uomo vecchio e "basso" (ok, neppure lei è proprio una stangona, ma ritrovarsi con un tizio ancora più basso e pure un po' lumacone, proprio no), inciampa su un cadavere nel fango.
Anzi, no, il corpo è ancora caldo e appartiene a un mezzosangue indiano, un fascinoso ragazzone, per quanto ferito, impolverato e con una notevole dipendenza dall'alcol.
Morgan, oltretutto, una volta curato, è l'unico che possa portarla al sicuro, senza passare per treni e diligenze, e quindi l'accordo è fatto.
Tra pericoli e aggressioni, serate a confessarsi davanti al fuoco e una bellissima parentesi in un accampamento indiano, il legame tra i due si farà sempre più intenso, nonostante Morgan non voglia avere nulla a che fare con una ragazza bianca di un'altra classe sociale, per non ripetere lo stesso destino da cui proviene.
Un romanzo intenso, dicevo.
C'è azione, ci sono emozioni, ci sono interessanti scorci di vita tra le tende, tradizioni dei Lakota, l'aggressione barbara dai soldati per cacciare i nativi e trascinarli nelle riserve, la dura esistenza nel selvaggio west, i pregiudizi e le sofferenze familiari.
Lo stile è scorrevole e anche le descrizioni dei paesaggi ben rese.
Diciamo che rispetto ad altri western, qui ho trovato meno durezza, più famiglia e buoni sentimenti.
April 8, 2022
Rating: 2.9 / 3
The story starts off OK, with a lot of promise to its plot and especially regarding Morgan and his parentage and general background. When he meets Carolyn, he’s no prize package, and she can see that. They don’t fall in love instantly or anything like that, and in fact they’re not even properly attracted to one another until later on in the story when they get to know one another better.
However, once they have fallen in love and all of the major issues that should be solved seem like they have been, the author finds a way of extending the story until it is much longer than it has to be, and ultimately I just got bored with waiting for Morgan and Carolyn to be together and have good times.
The story starts off OK, with a lot of promise to its plot and especially regarding Morgan and his parentage and general background. When he meets Carolyn, he’s no prize package, and she can see that. They don’t fall in love instantly or anything like that, and in fact they’re not even properly attracted to one another until later on in the story when they get to know one another better.
However, once they have fallen in love and all of the major issues that should be solved seem like they have been, the author finds a way of extending the story until it is much longer than it has to be, and ultimately I just got bored with waiting for Morgan and Carolyn to be together and have good times.
March 23, 2009
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Midnight Fire is what I would call a cozy romance, the type of book that is nice to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. It was a very pleasant read, but the story lacked a certain depth in both characterizations and plot. It sort of just skims along, telling what is happening without digging deep or going into a lot of details. There were certain scenes where I thought that more details would have helped to shore up the plot, and there were also some minor inconsistencies in details peppered throughout the story. One of the main things that kept me reading though was the action. It made the narrative move along at a very fast pace. It seemed that some new event occurred every few chapters usually threatening Morgan and Carolyn's growing relationship. Admittedly, this type of writing style is not my favorite, because at times, it made me feel like they were being tortured, but at least they were together and happy for the better part of the story. It also made their happily-ever-after ending sweeter in some ways, because it was a very hard fought one. Still though, in my opinion, the story would have been stronger if the author had focused on just a few events in more detail instead of populating it with a large number of events that were simplistically rendered and already over before I had a chance to really get involved in what was happening. In spite of my opinion that this novel was overburdened with plot points, I can honestly say that each and every one of them was wrapped up satisfactorily with generally happy endings for all, and for me a happy ending is always a must.
I liked the hero and heroine, Morgan and Carolyn. I really enjoy tortured heroes and for the most part, Morgan falls into that category. He was basically a loner whose very difficult childhood and mother's harsh words on her deathbed, had left him a broken man, an alcoholic with virtually no self-esteem. I thought that the author painted a realistic picture of the struggles of a man who was half white and half Indian within a historical context. I enjoyed watching him grow and progress from a man who thought very little of himself into a man who was confident and self-possessed. It was also nice to see him forgive the hurts of the past to successfully reconcile with long-lost loved ones. Carolyn, for her part, began the story as the pampered heiress that she was, barely knowing how to take care of herself, but still she rarely complained and developed a certain willingness to work and learn. She also gained a lot of self-confidence from her experiences and progressed from a young woman who was somewhat timid and highly emotional at the start to a more mature woman who was able to take charge when the situation called for it. My only complaint about her character would be that she was a bit too melodramatic at times and cried quite a lot especially early on. While I love sensitive characters, both heroes and heroines, who aren't afraid to cry, I just thought that Carolyn turned on the water works a few too many times. Otherwise though, Morgan and Carolyn were two lovely characters who seemed made for each other.
I liked the way that the author built Morgan and Carolyn's relationship slowly over the weeks that they were alone on the trail, so that when they finally gave in to their attraction, it seemed believable. The book also contained a pretty extensive cast of secondary characters, some likable, some not, and some who grew on me, but all added to the story in some way. I particularly liked the time that Morgan and Carolyn spent with the Lakota, and wished that it might have been explored more fully. In fact, that would probably be my primary issue with the book, that I frequently found myself wishing there were more of everything. Overall, I thought that the story itself was good, it just needed a few more ingredients to give it more flavor. In my opinion, this was a truly romantic read that would have been better if there had been more focus on the internal workings of the hero and heroine's relationship and a bit less on external conflicts. Midnight Fire might not have been as compelling as some other romances that I've read, but in spite of it's weaknesses, was a sweet, warm, and gentle story that was a generally enjoyable and satisfying book which leaves me open to reading more of Madeline Baker's works in the future. There are no explicit love scenes or other particularly objectionable material, making it appropriate for any romance reader. Madeline Baker also writes paranormal romance under the name Amanda Ashley.
Midnight Fire is what I would call a cozy romance, the type of book that is nice to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. It was a very pleasant read, but the story lacked a certain depth in both characterizations and plot. It sort of just skims along, telling what is happening without digging deep or going into a lot of details. There were certain scenes where I thought that more details would have helped to shore up the plot, and there were also some minor inconsistencies in details peppered throughout the story. One of the main things that kept me reading though was the action. It made the narrative move along at a very fast pace. It seemed that some new event occurred every few chapters usually threatening Morgan and Carolyn's growing relationship. Admittedly, this type of writing style is not my favorite, because at times, it made me feel like they were being tortured, but at least they were together and happy for the better part of the story. It also made their happily-ever-after ending sweeter in some ways, because it was a very hard fought one. Still though, in my opinion, the story would have been stronger if the author had focused on just a few events in more detail instead of populating it with a large number of events that were simplistically rendered and already over before I had a chance to really get involved in what was happening. In spite of my opinion that this novel was overburdened with plot points, I can honestly say that each and every one of them was wrapped up satisfactorily with generally happy endings for all, and for me a happy ending is always a must.
I liked the hero and heroine, Morgan and Carolyn. I really enjoy tortured heroes and for the most part, Morgan falls into that category. He was basically a loner whose very difficult childhood and mother's harsh words on her deathbed, had left him a broken man, an alcoholic with virtually no self-esteem. I thought that the author painted a realistic picture of the struggles of a man who was half white and half Indian within a historical context. I enjoyed watching him grow and progress from a man who thought very little of himself into a man who was confident and self-possessed. It was also nice to see him forgive the hurts of the past to successfully reconcile with long-lost loved ones. Carolyn, for her part, began the story as the pampered heiress that she was, barely knowing how to take care of herself, but still she rarely complained and developed a certain willingness to work and learn. She also gained a lot of self-confidence from her experiences and progressed from a young woman who was somewhat timid and highly emotional at the start to a more mature woman who was able to take charge when the situation called for it. My only complaint about her character would be that she was a bit too melodramatic at times and cried quite a lot especially early on. While I love sensitive characters, both heroes and heroines, who aren't afraid to cry, I just thought that Carolyn turned on the water works a few too many times. Otherwise though, Morgan and Carolyn were two lovely characters who seemed made for each other.
I liked the way that the author built Morgan and Carolyn's relationship slowly over the weeks that they were alone on the trail, so that when they finally gave in to their attraction, it seemed believable. The book also contained a pretty extensive cast of secondary characters, some likable, some not, and some who grew on me, but all added to the story in some way. I particularly liked the time that Morgan and Carolyn spent with the Lakota, and wished that it might have been explored more fully. In fact, that would probably be my primary issue with the book, that I frequently found myself wishing there were more of everything. Overall, I thought that the story itself was good, it just needed a few more ingredients to give it more flavor. In my opinion, this was a truly romantic read that would have been better if there had been more focus on the internal workings of the hero and heroine's relationship and a bit less on external conflicts. Midnight Fire might not have been as compelling as some other romances that I've read, but in spite of it's weaknesses, was a sweet, warm, and gentle story that was a generally enjoyable and satisfying book which leaves me open to reading more of Madeline Baker's works in the future. There are no explicit love scenes or other particularly objectionable material, making it appropriate for any romance reader. Madeline Baker also writes paranormal romance under the name Amanda Ashley.
January 12, 2012
Madeline Baker is one of my favorite Romance writers. Her books are always quick, light hearted reads for me, that I find myself enjoying. Midnight Fire is no acception. I think I rather enjoyed the fact that the hero was so, as another reviewer put, anti hero. He has a lot of problems/issues. When I first started reading I found myself thinking "this can't be the hero in this book", but in the end I realize I rather liked the fact that it was in fact the hero.
November 24, 2015
Scovato tra gli scaffali impolverati della biblioteca, questo storico/western è stato una piacevole sorpresa.
La storia tra Carolyn, in fuga da un matrimonio non desiderato, e Morgan, mezzosangue indiano è coinvolgente e appassionante. La scrittura della Baker è fluida e scorrevole per un libro che non annoia mai e ti porta con sè nelle magiche terre del selvaggio West tra ranch, indiani, cacciatori di taglie e... infiniti strati di vestiti da indossare! Che caldo!
Per gli appassionati del genere, da non perdere.
La storia tra Carolyn, in fuga da un matrimonio non desiderato, e Morgan, mezzosangue indiano è coinvolgente e appassionante. La scrittura della Baker è fluida e scorrevole per un libro che non annoia mai e ti porta con sè nelle magiche terre del selvaggio West tra ranch, indiani, cacciatori di taglie e... infiniti strati di vestiti da indossare! Che caldo!
Per gli appassionati del genere, da non perdere.
March 29, 2018
Looking for an excellent book to read? Read MIDNIGHT FIRE by MADELINE BAKER.
Madeline Baker is one of the best Native American romance writers. I highly recommend this book to all readers that enjoy reading about Native American Indians -their way of life and the struggles and hardships they had to endure. Read the book and see how exciting and interesting it really is. You won't be able to put the book down. 👍
Madeline Baker is one of the best Native American romance writers. I highly recommend this book to all readers that enjoy reading about Native American Indians -their way of life and the struggles and hardships they had to endure. Read the book and see how exciting and interesting it really is. You won't be able to put the book down. 👍
March 16, 2025
I love reading books by Madeline Baker. She would have to be one of my favourite authors. This story does not disappoint. To find love, happiness and a loving family is the best thing a person could wish for. I have read this book a few times now and still can't get enough of it.
March 5, 2020
Best book ever
Best book ever I have read in a very long time I wish I could find love like this a must read
Best book ever I have read in a very long time I wish I could find love like this a must read
May 29, 2019
Finding love
A written story about a half bred and a rich girl who runs away from home .Adventure trouble.some history of how the Indian lived .Sadness death.Some mystery A good story.
A written story about a half bred and a rich girl who runs away from home .Adventure trouble.some history of how the Indian lived .Sadness death.Some mystery A good story.
not-finished
April 25, 2024DNF at 48%
The back and forth with this couple is getting frustrating. I am putting it aside for now. I might pick it up again later. I actually liked the couple together, especially since the MMC wasn't the typical western hero. He really was having to learn skills to be useful.
The back and forth with this couple is getting frustrating. I am putting it aside for now. I might pick it up again later. I actually liked the couple together, especially since the MMC wasn't the typical western hero. He really was having to learn skills to be useful.
February 1, 2026
Midnight Fire by Madeline Baker
I have to quit reading Madeline's books for a while. I can't put the book down and I am not getting anything done. Madeline is such a gifted writer and so knowledgeable of Native American History.
I have to quit reading Madeline's books for a while. I can't put the book down and I am not getting anything done. Madeline is such a gifted writer and so knowledgeable of Native American History.
March 13, 2018
Midnight Fire
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
January 6, 2019
Sad but worth the read
It's an easy read. Loved Carolyns spirit. Her and Morgan will melt your heart. Romance plus fighting it's a win
It's an easy read. Loved Carolyns spirit. Her and Morgan will melt your heart. Romance plus fighting it's a win
September 16, 2020
Good book.
March 31, 2024
Great Author
This book was a excellent read. The characters are interesting and the story keeps the reader engaged. This isn't the last book I'll be reading from the author.
This book was a excellent read. The characters are interesting and the story keeps the reader engaged. This isn't the last book I'll be reading from the author.
December 20, 2024
Read in the 90's - must read historical romance!
January 9, 2025
Madeline Baker is always a guarantee!
September 23, 2016
Magnificent Midnight Fire
Who would've thought that this story, Midnight Fire being so spectacularly beautiful love story as it was. But beyond magnificently written I was totally engulfed only with it being a real life Cinderella story. AHHHMAZED....Well done...
Who would've thought that this story, Midnight Fire being so spectacularly beautiful love story as it was. But beyond magnificently written I was totally engulfed only with it being a real life Cinderella story. AHHHMAZED....Well done...
April 11, 2011
The story started out very flat for me - the writing felt rushed and I didn't seem to care for any of the characters, as they just moved along with the barely sketched-out scenes. But somewhere along the way, Madeline Baker turned it around and I began to appreciate her writing and her characters, particularly Morgan Slade and Carolyn Baker.
Most unusual (for me anyway, since I don't typically read Native American romances), our hero is anti-heroic - he's a half-breed ex-con, alcoholic, depressive, and suicidal. Problems stem from Mummy, of course, and his horrible upbringing by a whoring mother who blames and rejects her half-Indian son for her lot in life. So yeah, Morgan's got issues with a captial "I". Along comes Carolyn, a snot-nosed, chubby, spoiled heiress who's running away from Daddy so she doesn't have to marry a man who's - gasp! - too short, fat, and old for her.
And as horrible and self-absorbed as these two people are, our hero and heroine are perfect for one another and make each other better people. Somewhere on the western plains they fall in love and join the human race.
I enjoyed this first reading of Madeline Baker and will definitely look forward to more from her.
Most unusual (for me anyway, since I don't typically read Native American romances), our hero is anti-heroic - he's a half-breed ex-con, alcoholic, depressive, and suicidal. Problems stem from Mummy, of course, and his horrible upbringing by a whoring mother who blames and rejects her half-Indian son for her lot in life. So yeah, Morgan's got issues with a captial "I". Along comes Carolyn, a snot-nosed, chubby, spoiled heiress who's running away from Daddy so she doesn't have to marry a man who's - gasp! - too short, fat, and old for her.
And as horrible and self-absorbed as these two people are, our hero and heroine are perfect for one another and make each other better people. Somewhere on the western plains they fall in love and join the human race.
I enjoyed this first reading of Madeline Baker and will definitely look forward to more from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2016
Carrie and Morgan
Worth reading strong characters. Starting at night in a back alley, Carrie stubbles over a body. With Red's help they nursed, Morgan back to health. Many struggles and adventures. Good story lines, ending by reuniting both families together. Finally, counting their blessings of lives they always wanted together.
Worth reading strong characters. Starting at night in a back alley, Carrie stubbles over a body. With Red's help they nursed, Morgan back to health. Many struggles and adventures. Good story lines, ending by reuniting both families together. Finally, counting their blessings of lives they always wanted together.
January 7, 2017
Had a a happy ending. Good weekend read.
November 7, 2016
Slow start but great ending
April 19, 2017
Absolutely Amazing
Yet another amazing book... Can't think of any other words. But I'm going to be sad when I read the last of her books. Such a great author. Couldn't ask for more or to change a thing. Highly recommended. Any/All of her books.
Yet another amazing book... Can't think of any other words. But I'm going to be sad when I read the last of her books. Such a great author. Couldn't ask for more or to change a thing. Highly recommended. Any/All of her books.
Read
May 20, 2018Romantic and lots of action! Forgiveness and unexpected blessings mark the beginning of life
That absent from Morgan Slade! Call destiny...
That absent from Morgan Slade! Call destiny...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews