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Dakota Dreams
The desperate convict… Wrongly convicted of murdering his wife, Nathan Chasing Elk has never lost hope of avenging her death and reclaiming his lost daughter. His only chance is to break free from prison—but with his escape comes a grave injury that threatens his life. The prisoner of love… Catharine Lyons is struggling to maintain the family ranch in the wake of her parents’ untimely deaths. When Nathan shows up on her property, badly wounded and close to death, Catharine provides him with sanctuary. Their Dakota dream… As they grow closer, Catharine offers Nathan more than the healing of his body and mind. She agrees to join him on his journey into Lakota territory to avenge his wife’s death. But as they trek through the dangerous West, they discover a passion just as untamed—one that will change their destinies forever.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
75 people are currently reading
268 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 7, 2023
Rating: 3.8 / 5
Despite the rather grim beginning with our hero rotting away in a prison for a crime he didn't commit, this is the feel-good romance I need and want from Madeline Baker!
We're introduced to Nathan Chasing Elk, who has spent over four years in prison for supposedly "murdering his wife", although we, the readers, know that he's 100% innocent. What sucks about this all is that he missed out on four years of his daughter's childhood, and so, when the opportunity first arises, of course he busts outta there!
He's wounded in the process though, and thus needs rely on the help of Catherine Lyons, a beautiful (and single *eyebrow wiggle*) woman who's left to run the farm on her own after her brother supposedly walked out on her. Catherine's got troubles of her own though, as there's a Apache warrior, Matten, who seems to want her for his own.
The solution: Why, let Chasing Elk stay on the farm to recoup, and have him pretend to be Catherine's husband so that Matten leaves her alone.
Except that with falling in love happening and all...suddenly a romance and an adventure is born!
This story read pretty much like what it is: a Madeline Baker novel. Not too much angst, just enough mushiness, heartwarming moments, and good cultural moments as well.
In my opinion, the epilogue was a bit fast and I would have preferred some more heartwarming moments, just to roll around in like afresh down comforter, but...that's just me. Good read, all in all!
Despite the rather grim beginning with our hero rotting away in a prison for a crime he didn't commit, this is the feel-good romance I need and want from Madeline Baker!
We're introduced to Nathan Chasing Elk, who has spent over four years in prison for supposedly "murdering his wife", although we, the readers, know that he's 100% innocent. What sucks about this all is that he missed out on four years of his daughter's childhood, and so, when the opportunity first arises, of course he busts outta there!
He's wounded in the process though, and thus needs rely on the help of Catherine Lyons, a beautiful (and single *eyebrow wiggle*) woman who's left to run the farm on her own after her brother supposedly walked out on her. Catherine's got troubles of her own though, as there's a Apache warrior, Matten, who seems to want her for his own.
The solution: Why, let Chasing Elk stay on the farm to recoup, and have him pretend to be Catherine's husband so that Matten leaves her alone.
Except that with falling in love happening and all...suddenly a romance and an adventure is born!
This story read pretty much like what it is: a Madeline Baker novel. Not too much angst, just enough mushiness, heartwarming moments, and good cultural moments as well.
In my opinion, the epilogue was a bit fast and I would have preferred some more heartwarming moments, just to roll around in like afresh down comforter, but...that's just me. Good read, all in all!
February 22, 2018
Dakota Dreams
Well I just finished another of your of books and on to another one. I have almost ever book that I can get my hands on, I just love your stories, I was born in So. Dakota over 80 years ago and have seen the Black Hills. I my so ashamed of the way my people treated the Indians it make me sick, they were here first, but enough about that. I just love your stories. Thank you again. Ada G.
Well I just finished another of your of books and on to another one. I have almost ever book that I can get my hands on, I just love your stories, I was born in So. Dakota over 80 years ago and have seen the Black Hills. I my so ashamed of the way my people treated the Indians it make me sick, they were here first, but enough about that. I just love your stories. Thank you again. Ada G.
September 17, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book! It intrigued me from the very beginning and held my attention all the way through the last page. I couldn't put this one down and read it in just a couple of days!
January 11, 2022
Love adventure heartache
Good story well written .some sadness heartache in the story About a Indian bred goes to prison for a crime. Escapes .Women finds him and. He is hurt and she helps him.Need to find his wife's killer so the woman travels with him.He running from the law .He needs to find his daughter and mother.I enjoyed thr book.I liked Madeline Baker she is a good author.
Good story well written .some sadness heartache in the story About a Indian bred goes to prison for a crime. Escapes .Women finds him and. He is hurt and she helps him.Need to find his wife's killer so the woman travels with him.He running from the law .He needs to find his daughter and mother.I enjoyed thr book.I liked Madeline Baker she is a good author.
July 31, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Nathan Chasing Elk is such a fantastic name, lol. Charismatic and charming. The story is perfect and their relationship becomes so sweet. I love the epilogue as well. Onto my next Madeline book!
February 7, 2026
Dakota Dreams by Madeline Baker.
Again no work was done. I kept reading for hours until I finished this book. Madeline's knowledge of Native Americans and the land is remarkable. I have to get my work done today. No reading Madeline's books for now.
Again no work was done. I kept reading for hours until I finished this book. Madeline's knowledge of Native Americans and the land is remarkable. I have to get my work done today. No reading Madeline's books for now.
December 23, 2017
Good story
March 14, 2018
Dakota Dreams
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
April 8, 2020
A wonderful break from reality.
I read this book when I was younger , I loved it then and still love it . Well written , a nice love story.
I read this book when I was younger , I loved it then and still love it . Well written , a nice love story.
May 16, 2021
Western love
This is a true love story. Escaped prisoner and a beautiful lady. Troubles and conflicts, yet they call in love .
This is a true love story. Escaped prisoner and a beautiful lady. Troubles and conflicts, yet they call in love .
March 4, 2017
A good read.
I have always enjoyed reading books by Madeline Baker. She is a very good author. I like that she stills writes about the days of the native american indians and the old west. These are the books i enjoy most.
I have always enjoyed reading books by Madeline Baker. She is a very good author. I like that she stills writes about the days of the native american indians and the old west. These are the books i enjoy most.
February 6, 2017
Free to ride again
Convicted of a crime, he didn't do. Wife dead, a small daughter. Stuck in Yuma Territorial Prison. Was hell on earth, one day Nathan. Has a opportunity to escape. He meets up with Cate, badly beaten a gun shot wound on his thigh. She gets back home and brings him back to health. A wanted man, he must leave. Determine to find his daughter. Sets off with Cate. The real killer confessed, in suicidal letter. Freeing Nathan of all charges. Rich in history, a story that's witty, funny, sorrowful and best family members reunited.
Convicted of a crime, he didn't do. Wife dead, a small daughter. Stuck in Yuma Territorial Prison. Was hell on earth, one day Nathan. Has a opportunity to escape. He meets up with Cate, badly beaten a gun shot wound on his thigh. She gets back home and brings him back to health. A wanted man, he must leave. Determine to find his daughter. Sets off with Cate. The real killer confessed, in suicidal letter. Freeing Nathan of all charges. Rich in history, a story that's witty, funny, sorrowful and best family members reunited.
May 15, 2011
This is not your typical romance novel. I love reading authors who aren't afraid to mess with the "formula"! It *is* a HEA, it just takes a different route to get there.
Read
September 22, 2014Another great read from Madeline Baker! Enjoyed this beautiful love story about overcoming obstacles, staying the course and finding true happiness in the end.
September 11, 2016
Typical romance novel. Not much to review, really. Just sometimes...you need something romantic.
April 13, 2017
Great book
This was another one of Madeline Baker's really good stories. Her stories are always exciting and have great characters in them.
This was another one of Madeline Baker's really good stories. Her stories are always exciting and have great characters in them.
April 28, 2017
Western historical romance is my favorite genre. There are lots of indie authors who have a strong following, but I always find the writing lacking in quality. I prefer to seek out established, traditionally published authors, and this is my first book by Madeline Baker.
The first few chapters are wonderful. I could really relate to the characters, Chasing Elk's anger and misery at the prison, Catharine's disappointment over how her new life in the West has turned out. Their feelings and circumstances are excellently portrayed, and the opening really drew me in.
The plot bears some resemblance to Louis L'Amour's Hondo: A woman is courted by an Apache brave, she holds him off by telling him that she is married, and then claims a stranger to be her husband.
I liked the way Catharine rescues Chasing Elk, and the initial friction between them. However, I could not relate to what happens between them next. Chasing Elk, who has grown up as an outcast due to his Indian blood, who lost his wife in a brutal murder, and who has spent the past four years in hellish conditions in prison, who is beaten and weak, suddenly turns into a cocky and confident ladies man. He flirts and teases, engages in sexy banter with his virginal rescuer, and grabs and kisses her, and is amused by the way she is uncomfortable about her physical response to his advances.
Although resenting her own reaction Catharine, the virginal spinster, gets instant hots for the handsome hero.
I didn't think this sudden shift full lust mode in their interactions made sense, either in relation to the morality of the era or the situation and background of the characters.
After they have a few occasions of lusting and kissing, they somehow pull back, behave as if it hadn't happened, until a few days later they do it again. The same pulling back is repeated a couple of times. Chasing Elk thinks he should not let any closeness develop between them as he has no room for a woman in his life. If this is what he thinks, why did he so blithely kiss her and do his best to awaken her sensuality to start with?
Considering his background, the fact that he must still be in mourning for his murdered wife, since his life has basically been on hold while he was in prison, I would have preferred to see a stronger emotional aspect to their falling in love. Now it is lust at 20% into the story, and then at 40% they are in love, but there is nothing to show the deepening of the emotional bond, the development of affection. It is as if the reader is left to rely on a basic equation: handsome hero/inexperienced heroine + lust = love.
About half way through I started skimming. Shame, because the opening chapters were really so very promising.
The first few chapters are wonderful. I could really relate to the characters, Chasing Elk's anger and misery at the prison, Catharine's disappointment over how her new life in the West has turned out. Their feelings and circumstances are excellently portrayed, and the opening really drew me in.
The plot bears some resemblance to Louis L'Amour's Hondo: A woman is courted by an Apache brave, she holds him off by telling him that she is married, and then claims a stranger to be her husband.
I liked the way Catharine rescues Chasing Elk, and the initial friction between them. However, I could not relate to what happens between them next. Chasing Elk, who has grown up as an outcast due to his Indian blood, who lost his wife in a brutal murder, and who has spent the past four years in hellish conditions in prison, who is beaten and weak, suddenly turns into a cocky and confident ladies man. He flirts and teases, engages in sexy banter with his virginal rescuer, and grabs and kisses her, and is amused by the way she is uncomfortable about her physical response to his advances.
Although resenting her own reaction Catharine, the virginal spinster, gets instant hots for the handsome hero.
I didn't think this sudden shift full lust mode in their interactions made sense, either in relation to the morality of the era or the situation and background of the characters.
After they have a few occasions of lusting and kissing, they somehow pull back, behave as if it hadn't happened, until a few days later they do it again. The same pulling back is repeated a couple of times. Chasing Elk thinks he should not let any closeness develop between them as he has no room for a woman in his life. If this is what he thinks, why did he so blithely kiss her and do his best to awaken her sensuality to start with?
Considering his background, the fact that he must still be in mourning for his murdered wife, since his life has basically been on hold while he was in prison, I would have preferred to see a stronger emotional aspect to their falling in love. Now it is lust at 20% into the story, and then at 40% they are in love, but there is nothing to show the deepening of the emotional bond, the development of affection. It is as if the reader is left to rely on a basic equation: handsome hero/inexperienced heroine + lust = love.
About half way through I started skimming. Shame, because the opening chapters were really so very promising.
April 29, 2017
OK
She's no Rosanne Bittner but she is OK all of her books are similar . Find a Rosanne Bittner book they are better.
She's no Rosanne Bittner but she is OK all of her books are similar . Find a Rosanne Bittner book they are better.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews