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Eclipse Heat #5
Five Card Stud: McCallister Bounty Hunters
Sam McCallister enjoys looking at Eden Pace across a poker table. She has to be the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, smart too, and the best card sharp he’s ever likely to meet. He has no doubt the lady gambler thinks she’ll win in their game of five card stud. He’s got a hole card that says she won’t–a Wanted for Murder poster with Eden’s picture on it.
Eden’s doing her own outlaw hunting. She’s on the trail of the man who killed her husband. Though she’d like to forget the past and let Sam McCallister give her a future, she won’t do it. She’ll bring her husband’s murderer to justice or die trying. When Sam gets in the way of her goal, she uses seduction to free herself. But the hard-headed bounty hunter keeps dogging her steps, blurring the line between pursuer and protector.
Eden’s got more trouble than Sam chasing her. She’s using herself as bait to unmask a master criminal. The monster knows who she is, and he wants her dead. But Sam’s not about to lose the woman he loves. He’s pushing all the limits in their high stakes game. With hearts are on the table and death on the line, nothing is certain until the last card’s played.
Eden’s doing her own outlaw hunting. She’s on the trail of the man who killed her husband. Though she’d like to forget the past and let Sam McCallister give her a future, she won’t do it. She’ll bring her husband’s murderer to justice or die trying. When Sam gets in the way of her goal, she uses seduction to free herself. But the hard-headed bounty hunter keeps dogging her steps, blurring the line between pursuer and protector.
Eden’s got more trouble than Sam chasing her. She’s using herself as bait to unmask a master criminal. The monster knows who she is, and he wants her dead. But Sam’s not about to lose the woman he loves. He’s pushing all the limits in their high stakes game. With hearts are on the table and death on the line, nothing is certain until the last card’s played.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
12 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 3, 2011
This was a really good book…..I bought it because I read a review that said it compared to the 1st 3 books in the Promise Series by EC….and those being my very favorite erotic western ‘novels’…..I gave it a try.
I wasn’t disappointed. Its length is novel plus, its characters are endearing, its story kept me turning the pages and I loved the ending.
Eden is a woman on a mission to find the man responsible for her husband’s murder. She loved him dearly and hasn’t come to grips with his death.
She gambles across Texas, making a name for herself, trying to flush out the man.
She meets up with a bounty hunter, Sam McCallister. She saves his life and he saves hers….and they are attracted/drawn to each other.
Eden is adamant about wanting to do her deed by herself without any help and doesn’t care if she dies (she’s a very strong willed woman)……But Sam likes her a lot and wants to help her and keep her alive. He won’t take no for an answer (he’s as determined as she is).
I don’t want to say more about the story because it would give too much away…..but I enjoyed the ride…..and I’m going to look for more of Gem Sivad’s books. (Just wanted to add, that although this is an EC pub….it’s not erotica imo, just a good old fashioned steamy historical).
I give it a B….although I think with a little proper editing this book could have maybe been an A???
I wasn’t disappointed. Its length is novel plus, its characters are endearing, its story kept me turning the pages and I loved the ending.
Eden is a woman on a mission to find the man responsible for her husband’s murder. She loved him dearly and hasn’t come to grips with his death.
She gambles across Texas, making a name for herself, trying to flush out the man.
She meets up with a bounty hunter, Sam McCallister. She saves his life and he saves hers….and they are attracted/drawn to each other.
Eden is adamant about wanting to do her deed by herself without any help and doesn’t care if she dies (she’s a very strong willed woman)……But Sam likes her a lot and wants to help her and keep her alive. He won’t take no for an answer (he’s as determined as she is).
I don’t want to say more about the story because it would give too much away…..but I enjoyed the ride…..and I’m going to look for more of Gem Sivad’s books. (Just wanted to add, that although this is an EC pub….it’s not erotica imo, just a good old fashioned steamy historical).
I give it a B….although I think with a little proper editing this book could have maybe been an A???
April 10, 2014
Eden caught his eye while she was playing cards in a roughneck bar. Eden is an educated classy woman. Sam the snake is a rough bounty hunter. Two unlikely people find passion in a rough world. After the murder of her 1st husband Eden was bent on revenge Sam just wanted to keep her safe and out of trouble.
This was a great story with smooth character development. The story begins with Sam seeing Eden at the tables and he just can't get her off his mind. When Sam's first attempts to get Eden to realize his rough but loyal charm fail he persists until their passion just took over. Eden fought it in honor of her dead husband but Sam earns her respect. The author did a great job showing the tough and vulnerable sides of each of these characters. We get an Idea of where they came from and why they are headed in the direction they are going.
The story is great I would recommend to anyone who likes spicy historical westerns and rough cowboys.
This was a great story with smooth character development. The story begins with Sam seeing Eden at the tables and he just can't get her off his mind. When Sam's first attempts to get Eden to realize his rough but loyal charm fail he persists until their passion just took over. Eden fought it in honor of her dead husband but Sam earns her respect. The author did a great job showing the tough and vulnerable sides of each of these characters. We get an Idea of where they came from and why they are headed in the direction they are going.
The story is great I would recommend to anyone who likes spicy historical westerns and rough cowboys.
September 14, 2013
This is the first books I've read of this author, I got it as a freebie, and it won't be my last. I was very impressed with how life was depicted in the old west. The heroine was no wilting flower. Widowed and having lost her baby, she sets out to enact her revenge on those who murdered her husband. She's smart and strong, and is undeterred in her quest. Enter Sam McCallister, trying to rescue her from herself, but she is determined to enact her revenge. The sex is smoking hot, and as their love grows, we have a great, emotional story of hard life in post Civil War Texas.
December 28, 2010
The game is on and neither knows who's holding all the cards, but this game is for keeps.
Eden Pace is a woman scorned in more ways than one and she's out for blood. She gambles her way across Texas saloon's to lure out her prey. She keeps a calm, level head while she plays all the while withholding the emotions that threaten to eat away at her. Her calm facade takes a backseat when she finds herself in the middle of a stage coach hold-up and ends up meeting the one man who is determined to unravel the mystery of Eden. Sam is an interesting character, but Eden can't afford to be thrown off her mark, so she decides to use whatever he's willing to offer... protection, reputation, and his body.
Sam McCallister is one-third of a profitable bounty hunting trio. He wants for nothing... whores and booze are plentiful when you've got money. The need for permanent female companionship is a hassle that will just cramp his lifestyle, Eden's reputation precedes her and when she ends up in the line of fire, Sam decides to step in and not just because it's the right thing to do. This time around though he's chasing the biggest bounty of his life. Eden gives him a run for his money with her quick wit and charm, but childhood trauma has made him an emotionally distant adult, so the feelings that Eden stirs are unexplainable.
Eden's got to be one of the strongest heroine's I've come across with everything she's gone through and the determination, patience, and intelligence she displays to finish what was started is magnificent. Sam's the ultimate man's man and is absolutely delicious in all his roughened godliness. He is Eden's perfect match in every way and the determination, patience, and intelligence he displays in wooing her is explosively passionate and undeniable.
Gem Sivad is a master with words and is able to bring forth every emotion she wants her readers to feel with absolute clarity. I am so excited about this story and the series! This book has to be the best historical western I've ever read! The pages really come to life in all of their red dusted glory. From the character dialogue and scenery descriptions, to the gun-slinging action and intense sexual gratification, this book is perfect! Ms. Sivad captured my imagination and effortlessly held it throughout the entire story and all I could think of after reading it was... “I want more!” I'll definitely be going back to see what other sorts of gems, Ms. Sivad has for me to discover.
Reader Advisory: This book could be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Wolf's Tender. This will help set up some of the other characters featured in this story and give you the background needed to familiarize with the setting. Besides after reading about the mysterious Charlie Wolf, you'll want to go back and read more about him.
Review also posted @ Happily Ever After Reviews:
http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/
Eden Pace is a woman scorned in more ways than one and she's out for blood. She gambles her way across Texas saloon's to lure out her prey. She keeps a calm, level head while she plays all the while withholding the emotions that threaten to eat away at her. Her calm facade takes a backseat when she finds herself in the middle of a stage coach hold-up and ends up meeting the one man who is determined to unravel the mystery of Eden. Sam is an interesting character, but Eden can't afford to be thrown off her mark, so she decides to use whatever he's willing to offer... protection, reputation, and his body.
Sam McCallister is one-third of a profitable bounty hunting trio. He wants for nothing... whores and booze are plentiful when you've got money. The need for permanent female companionship is a hassle that will just cramp his lifestyle, Eden's reputation precedes her and when she ends up in the line of fire, Sam decides to step in and not just because it's the right thing to do. This time around though he's chasing the biggest bounty of his life. Eden gives him a run for his money with her quick wit and charm, but childhood trauma has made him an emotionally distant adult, so the feelings that Eden stirs are unexplainable.
Eden's got to be one of the strongest heroine's I've come across with everything she's gone through and the determination, patience, and intelligence she displays to finish what was started is magnificent. Sam's the ultimate man's man and is absolutely delicious in all his roughened godliness. He is Eden's perfect match in every way and the determination, patience, and intelligence he displays in wooing her is explosively passionate and undeniable.
Gem Sivad is a master with words and is able to bring forth every emotion she wants her readers to feel with absolute clarity. I am so excited about this story and the series! This book has to be the best historical western I've ever read! The pages really come to life in all of their red dusted glory. From the character dialogue and scenery descriptions, to the gun-slinging action and intense sexual gratification, this book is perfect! Ms. Sivad captured my imagination and effortlessly held it throughout the entire story and all I could think of after reading it was... “I want more!” I'll definitely be going back to see what other sorts of gems, Ms. Sivad has for me to discover.
Reader Advisory: This book could be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Wolf's Tender. This will help set up some of the other characters featured in this story and give you the background needed to familiarize with the setting. Besides after reading about the mysterious Charlie Wolf, you'll want to go back and read more about him.
Review also posted @ Happily Ever After Reviews:
http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/
January 2, 2011
Yadkny's Review
The game is on and neither knows who's holding all the cards, but this game is for keeps.
Eden Pace is a woman scorned in more ways than one and she's out for blood. She gambles her way across Texas saloon's to lure out her prey. She keeps a calm, level head while she plays all the while withholding the emotions that threaten to eat away at her. Her calm facade takes a backseat when she finds herself in the middle of a stage coach hold-up and ends up meeting the one man who is determined to unravel the mystery of Eden. Sam is an interesting character, but Eden can't afford to be thrown off her mark, so she decides to use whatever he's willing to offer... protection, reputation, and his body.
Sam McCallister is one-third of a profitable bounty hunting trio. He wants for nothing... whores and booze are plentiful when you've got money. The need for permanent female companionship is a hassle that will just cramp his lifestyle, Eden's reputation precedes her and when she ends up in the line of fire, Sam decides to step in and not just because it's the right thing to do. This time around though he's chasing the biggest bounty of his life. Eden gives him a run for his money with her quick wit and charm, but childhood trauma has made him an emotionally distant adult, so the feelings that Eden stirs are unexplainable.
Eden's got to be one of the strongest heroine's I've come across with everything she's gone through and the determination, patience, and intelligence she displays to finish what was started is magnificent. Sam's the ultimate man's man and is absolutely delicious in all his roughened godliness. He is Eden's perfect match in every way and the determination, patience, and intelligence he displays in wooing her is explosively passionate and undeniable.
Gem Sivad is a master with words and is able to bring forth every emotion she wants her readers to feel with absolute clarity. I am so excited about this story and the series! This book has to be the best historical western I've ever read! The pages really come to life in all of their red dusted glory. From the character dialogue and scenery descriptions, to the gun-slinging action and intense sexual gratification, this book is perfect! Ms. Sivad captured my imagination and effortlessly held it throughout the entire story and all I could think of after reading it was... “I want more!” I'll definitely be going back to see what other sorts of gems, Ms. Sivad has for me to discover.
Reader Advisory: This book could be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Wolf's Tender. This will help set up some of the other characters featured in this story and give you the background needed to familiarize with the setting. Besides after reading about the mysterious Charlie Wolf, you'll want to go back and read more about him.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
The game is on and neither knows who's holding all the cards, but this game is for keeps.
Eden Pace is a woman scorned in more ways than one and she's out for blood. She gambles her way across Texas saloon's to lure out her prey. She keeps a calm, level head while she plays all the while withholding the emotions that threaten to eat away at her. Her calm facade takes a backseat when she finds herself in the middle of a stage coach hold-up and ends up meeting the one man who is determined to unravel the mystery of Eden. Sam is an interesting character, but Eden can't afford to be thrown off her mark, so she decides to use whatever he's willing to offer... protection, reputation, and his body.
Sam McCallister is one-third of a profitable bounty hunting trio. He wants for nothing... whores and booze are plentiful when you've got money. The need for permanent female companionship is a hassle that will just cramp his lifestyle, Eden's reputation precedes her and when she ends up in the line of fire, Sam decides to step in and not just because it's the right thing to do. This time around though he's chasing the biggest bounty of his life. Eden gives him a run for his money with her quick wit and charm, but childhood trauma has made him an emotionally distant adult, so the feelings that Eden stirs are unexplainable.
Eden's got to be one of the strongest heroine's I've come across with everything she's gone through and the determination, patience, and intelligence she displays to finish what was started is magnificent. Sam's the ultimate man's man and is absolutely delicious in all his roughened godliness. He is Eden's perfect match in every way and the determination, patience, and intelligence he displays in wooing her is explosively passionate and undeniable.
Gem Sivad is a master with words and is able to bring forth every emotion she wants her readers to feel with absolute clarity. I am so excited about this story and the series! This book has to be the best historical western I've ever read! The pages really come to life in all of their red dusted glory. From the character dialogue and scenery descriptions, to the gun-slinging action and intense sexual gratification, this book is perfect! Ms. Sivad captured my imagination and effortlessly held it throughout the entire story and all I could think of after reading it was... “I want more!” I'll definitely be going back to see what other sorts of gems, Ms. Sivad has for me to discover.
Reader Advisory: This book could be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Wolf's Tender. This will help set up some of the other characters featured in this story and give you the background needed to familiarize with the setting. Besides after reading about the mysterious Charlie Wolf, you'll want to go back and read more about him.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
May 17, 2011
Five Card Stud is an historical Western. As soon as I saw the cover for this one, I knew I wanted to read it. And man, I’m glad I did. Gem Sivad took me back to the days of gunfights and bounty hunters, where Sam and Eden are embroiled in something bigger than they’ve encountered before. Bigger in their love life, and bigger in life in general.
Eden is a shit-hot poker player—with a reason for going from town to town, fleecing male players of their cash. She has a score to settle—a very big score—and she won’t stop until it’s come to the conclusion she has in mind. Sam is quite taken by Eden and follows her from game to game, at the same time coming to terms with feelings he’s so far never felt. He’s used to taking whores for his pleasure and, due to something in his childhood, he has never allowed himself to fall in love.
Sam falls hard for Eden, and she for him, although at first she tries to deny it. I won’t mention why due to plot spoilers, but she is justified in keeping Sam at arm’s length—her recent past is a sad one, and I really felt for her. But she’s ballsy and has great spirit, and I enjoyed the play between the two as the book unfolded.
There are so many things to say about Five Card Stud that I would be here all day if I listed them all, but it’s gorgeous, very well written, grabs you and doesn’t let go, and you feel lost when it’s finished. The character growths are spot on, and if you enjoy a book with not only hot erotic scenes but massive sexual tension, Five card Stud has the tension throughout. It bleeds from the page.
Too many good bits to mention. I particularly liked the red dust, which gave me the feeling of really being in the Wild West. I loved Sam's "voice"; absolutely adorable. Rough and ready with a tender edge.
This novel is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I don’t usually read books twice, but this one? Oh yes. And it helps that in my mind I saw Josh Holloway playing Sam—and I thought several times while reading: Damn, this would make such a cool movie.
Yeah, it’s that good.
Eden is a shit-hot poker player—with a reason for going from town to town, fleecing male players of their cash. She has a score to settle—a very big score—and she won’t stop until it’s come to the conclusion she has in mind. Sam is quite taken by Eden and follows her from game to game, at the same time coming to terms with feelings he’s so far never felt. He’s used to taking whores for his pleasure and, due to something in his childhood, he has never allowed himself to fall in love.
Sam falls hard for Eden, and she for him, although at first she tries to deny it. I won’t mention why due to plot spoilers, but she is justified in keeping Sam at arm’s length—her recent past is a sad one, and I really felt for her. But she’s ballsy and has great spirit, and I enjoyed the play between the two as the book unfolded.
There are so many things to say about Five Card Stud that I would be here all day if I listed them all, but it’s gorgeous, very well written, grabs you and doesn’t let go, and you feel lost when it’s finished. The character growths are spot on, and if you enjoy a book with not only hot erotic scenes but massive sexual tension, Five card Stud has the tension throughout. It bleeds from the page.
Too many good bits to mention. I particularly liked the red dust, which gave me the feeling of really being in the Wild West. I loved Sam's "voice"; absolutely adorable. Rough and ready with a tender edge.
This novel is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I don’t usually read books twice, but this one? Oh yes. And it helps that in my mind I saw Josh Holloway playing Sam—and I thought several times while reading: Damn, this would make such a cool movie.
Yeah, it’s that good.
September 29, 2013
Nanee's Review:
Want me some Sam that's for sure. Sam's a Bounty Hunter and when he's not catching crooks he likes to relax with a fine women and play some cards and when Eden shows up at one of his tables he can't help but want her like no other women. Eden has debts to re pay and will not be distracted by this handsome bounty hunter so when Sam ups the anty and kisses her she wants more, but wont give into Sam's desires. Love their banter back and forth but also love their longing for each other. Eden needs Sam in her life protecting her even if she won't admit it and Sam needs to be loved. Love the action and intrigue and lust and love in this story. Very hot sex scenes with some sweet mixed in..great story and characters, love Sam's family too. 4.5 stars reviewed by upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
March 6, 2013
I Loved It! Just enough action to keep the pages turning and just enough sex to make you want more.
Eden is after the man that caused her husband's death. She'll do almost anything to get to him.
Sam is a man intrigued by a woman card sharp. He has to have her.
They have a conneciton. The sex is awesome. But she has an agenda. He doesn't fit into it. But his having her back does help.
Will there be a HEA?
Read this interesting historical western by Gem Sivad. I am coming to really like her style of writing.
Eden is after the man that caused her husband's death. She'll do almost anything to get to him.
Sam is a man intrigued by a woman card sharp. He has to have her.
They have a conneciton. The sex is awesome. But she has an agenda. He doesn't fit into it. But his having her back does help.
Will there be a HEA?
Read this interesting historical western by Gem Sivad. I am coming to really like her style of writing.
March 18, 2012
This is everything you'd expect from a Gem Sivad erotic historical: well-crafted characters, interesting plot and hot, hot sex. Who knew sweaty bounty hunters could be so sexy?
I liked this book a lot and highly recommend it. As good as it is, Gem Sivad's Quincy's Woman and Perfect Strangers are even better.
I liked this book a lot and highly recommend it. As good as it is, Gem Sivad's Quincy's Woman and Perfect Strangers are even better.
August 22, 2014
This is the first book i've read by this author and im glad ive found a new author i like . What a great western book.Eden is the kind of heroine i like to read about. Eden is a widow hunting down the men who murdered her husband.Sam McCallister is a bounty hunter in her way.
January 1, 2014
gave up at 30% maybe I'll get back to it later. hard to connect and a little confusing at times.
October 4, 2019
Erotic westerns are not my cup of tea.
January 27, 2011
Lena’s Review:
Sam McCallister has never seen a woman like Eden Pace. Instead of being dainty, fragile and faint of heart Eden is a fighter and a gambler. Being on the road like Eden has been is dangerous in his mind.
Gem Sivad did a great job with these two characters. This reviewer loved that Eden is determined to get her vengeance yet Sam just wants to protect and keep her safe of anything. Eden is definitely not a shy person and the things she does is hilarious especially when it comes to a gorgeous McCallister guy like Sam. These two are like oil and water both want something but the other plays hard to get. One thing for Eden is that she definitely keeps Sam up to his toes.
Once again Gem Sivad has written a wonderful story, especially when it involves a mixture of luck and love.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Lena!
Sam McCallister has never seen a woman like Eden Pace. Instead of being dainty, fragile and faint of heart Eden is a fighter and a gambler. Being on the road like Eden has been is dangerous in his mind.
Gem Sivad did a great job with these two characters. This reviewer loved that Eden is determined to get her vengeance yet Sam just wants to protect and keep her safe of anything. Eden is definitely not a shy person and the things she does is hilarious especially when it comes to a gorgeous McCallister guy like Sam. These two are like oil and water both want something but the other plays hard to get. One thing for Eden is that she definitely keeps Sam up to his toes.
Once again Gem Sivad has written a wonderful story, especially when it involves a mixture of luck and love.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Lena!
Want to read
October 12, 2011Gem Sivad and I are both western writers but the similarity ends there. Gem romance novels set in the old west. I write western fiction that has some romantic interludes. We met as co-participants on http://www.sixsunday.com/ and I've read several excerpts from her work. She has an extensive bookshelf of work and, if you like strong men (most without shirts)sweeping gorgeous women off their feet, you might find a favorite author in Gem. Admittedly, this genre is not one likely to end up on my nightstand but ladies, I think you will enjoy these books by an author that pursues her craft with dedication.
June 23, 2014
I liked this tale of a woman gambler in a time when the world was unfairly pitted against women. Gem Sivad weaves a story of determination and strength mixed with hot sex and a hotter hero that had me coming back for more, even when the hero pissed me off. One of the sweet details was Snake is a bad-ass bounty hunter and feared throughout Texas. But he can't read and is pretty convinced he's book stupid. It was a nice detail to make him human. I was there with the characters, in every trial and event, and it was worth the read.
July 23, 2014
This was too long. The book reminded me of Shakespear's "The Taming of the Shrew". Why Sam wanted to tame Eden makes no sense to me. He's obviously attracted to her fiery spirit so why does he want to snuff it out? This alpha male stuff gets on my nerves and it was overdone. I think if it was toned down more the book would have been better. Actually, the entire novel was over the top. No subtlety at all. I liked "Wolfe Tender" much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2018
I do like this author and the Eclipse Heat series. Eden was a great character and Sam played a blinder supporting her with her grief. Strong women all the way.
May 26, 2016
The Game
Samuel (Snake) McCallister felt it ignite he saw the lady poker player. Eden Pace sensed him the minute he came in the room. From the moment they met the fire was consuming. Now let's add to the mix the murder of her husband. This is one of the best Eclipse Heat. Enjoy!
Samuel (Snake) McCallister felt it ignite he saw the lady poker player. Eden Pace sensed him the minute he came in the room. From the moment they met the fire was consuming. Now let's add to the mix the murder of her husband. This is one of the best Eclipse Heat. Enjoy!
December 3, 2011
Gem sure knows how to write a fantastic historical western and Five Card Stud is perfect. The chemistry between Sam and Eden is electrifying and there are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep the reader fully engrossed in the book making it a definite must read!!!!!!!!!!
June 11, 2016
Awesome
Absolutely loved Five Card Stud. Alpha hero and strong heroine. Great story with lots of heat, oh my. It's a great read when you don't want to put it down and you don't want it to end. Totally wrapped me up in 1800's, I felt like I was right there.
Absolutely loved Five Card Stud. Alpha hero and strong heroine. Great story with lots of heat, oh my. It's a great read when you don't want to put it down and you don't want it to end. Totally wrapped me up in 1800's, I felt like I was right there.
January 4, 2011
I really loved Sam and Eden's story. Very nice!
October 8, 2011
This author has a great way with words. I was pulled into the 19th century. Love the strong heroine and even stronger hero.
July 10, 2012
It appears I've read these out of order some how, but I'm interested to go back and read the first ones.
September 12, 2013
Nice story line and everything works out in the end.
October 9, 2013
Was free at allromanceebooks.com. Exciting plot, well written characters, and the ending satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews