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Louisiana History #1
Fierce Eden
A widow at twenty-five, beautiful Elise Laffont had been taught by her brutal husband to hate sex and men. She was quite content to manage her small Louisiana farm alone -- until a Natchez Indian uprising forced her to flee.
To secure safe passage for herself and her neighbors, Elise agreed to become the mistress of Reynaud Chavalier, son of a French nobleman and a Natchez princess.
But what began as sacrifice soon became pleasure, as his sensuous touch awakened her to the ecstasies of love . . .
From the Paperback edition.
To secure safe passage for herself and her neighbors, Elise agreed to become the mistress of Reynaud Chavalier, son of a French nobleman and a Natchez princess.
But what began as sacrifice soon became pleasure, as his sensuous touch awakened her to the ecstasies of love . . .
From the Paperback edition.
431 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
125 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
177 books542 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 28, 2018
3,5 Estrellas le pongo!!
Después del libro anterior que leí, me hacía falta leer algo que pudiera disfrutar y que no tuviera ganas de acabar de leer el libro cuanto antes, como me pasó con el otro libro.
Esta historia me ha parecido entretenida y bien escrita y los personajes me han gustado mucho, sobre todo Reynaud Chevalier. Cada vez que leía me venía a la mente a Tom Hardy jajajaja
También me ha gustado y disfrutado varios momentos que habido entre Raynaud y Elise, ese tira y afloja que han tenido en muchas ocasiones.
Últimamente en los libros que estado leyendo siempre hay algún personajes principal que no termina de hacerme gracia, pero en esta ocasión tanto él como ella, me han gustado mucho.
Hasta ahora no había leído nada de esta autora y seguramente leeré más de ella. :)
Después del libro anterior que leí, me hacía falta leer algo que pudiera disfrutar y que no tuviera ganas de acabar de leer el libro cuanto antes, como me pasó con el otro libro.
Esta historia me ha parecido entretenida y bien escrita y los personajes me han gustado mucho, sobre todo Reynaud Chevalier. Cada vez que leía me venía a la mente a Tom Hardy jajajaja
También me ha gustado y disfrutado varios momentos que habido entre Raynaud y Elise, ese tira y afloja que han tenido en muchas ocasiones.
Últimamente en los libros que estado leyendo siempre hay algún personajes principal que no termina de hacerme gracia, pero en esta ocasión tanto él como ella, me han gustado mucho.
Hasta ahora no había leído nada de esta autora y seguramente leeré más de ella. :)
July 22, 2020
4 Estrellitas para ésta sorpresa de libro que no esperaba para nada. Es lo primero que leo de Jennifer Blake y la experiencia ha sido muy positiva. Iba con algo de miedo por eso de que no comulgo mucho con las novelas ochenteras, y cuál ha sido mi sorpresa si no estar ante una novela ochentera increíblemente moderna.
La primera sorpresa fue que la sinopsis no cuenta nada de nada de lo que va a ocurrir en el libro, así que no sabía qué esperar.
"Paraíso violento" ocurre en la Louisiana de 1730, un lugar misterioso y pantanoso, con selvas vírgenes y aún poblado por la tribu india natchez. Elise Laffont es una mujer francesa que acabó casada con un hombre brutal y despiadado; su experiencia con los hombres no fue buena, aún los teme y no deja que ninguno la toque. Desde que enviudó se ha fraguado una fama de dama respetable y frígida. Su esposo le dejó unas tierras cerca del fuerte Rosalie, que ahora administra y con las cuales se siente satisfecha.
Nuestro protagonista es Reynaud Chavalier, la sinopsis nos dice que un caballero francés, pero Reynaud no es sólo eso, si no que es un mestizo; su padre era un conde francés y su madre una matriarca de la tribu natchez. Su hermano mellizo ahora es el jefe de la tribu, el Gran Sol, pero Reynaud fue parte de su vida educado en Francia, siendo de dos mundos, pero no perteneciendo a ninguno.
El problema de éste libro será la lucha por la posesión de las tierras, el colonialismo europeo y el exterminio de la cultura india. Jennifer Blake nos transporta a una época cruel y brutal, con un libro escrito con gran sencillez y mucho mimo, es una novela donde se nota el gran estudio antropológico que ha investigado su autora en lo referente a la tribu natchez.
La historia comienza en el fuerte Rosalie, cuando llega Reynaud avisando al comandante de que un contingente de varias tribus indias van a atacar al destacamento, pero el comandante subestima tales noticias, y el primer ataque llega antes de tiempo por parte de los indios natchez. Reynaud no estará entre ellos, se mantendrá neutral, pero durante ésa masacre, ayudará a Elise y a otros pocos colonos que han sobrevivido al ataque a llegar al siguiente fuerte militar francés.
Durante éste viaje por las selvas vírgenes de Louisiana, Elise y Reynaud se enamorarán, entre ellos existe cierta atracción, pero Elise teme a los hombres y a Reynaud no le será fácil acercarse a ella.
Si algo me ha gustado del libro es que pese a lo ochentero que pueda parecer y aún existiendo cierta violencia por la época que trata, no ha habido maltrato ni violaciones entre los protagonistas, Reynaud trata a Elise con mucha ternura y respeto durante toda la novela. Elise ha sido el personaje que más me ha gustado, su madurez, entereza e inteligencia, estoy harta de protagonistas ochenteras que son muñecas de trapo, Elise es una protagonista moderna, con todo lo que implica la palabra, no ha tenido una vida fácil y no buscaba el amor, estaba satisfecha con lo que tenía y no se deja avasallar por ningún hombre, es fuerte y valiente y sabe enfrentarse a un hombre.
También aplaudo una serie de giros que ha tenido el argumento que me han mantenido en tensión y expectante, pero si algo me ha gustado es la mitad del libro que se desarrolla en el poblado indio de los natchez, aprendiendo sobre su forma de vida y su cultura.
Si al libro no le doy las 5 estrellas es porque me ha faltado algo, y el romance no ha sido demasiado sobresaliente, pero en general "Paraíso violento" ha sido un gran descubrimiento y estoy segura de que no será lo único que lea de Jennifer Blake.
La primera sorpresa fue que la sinopsis no cuenta nada de nada de lo que va a ocurrir en el libro, así que no sabía qué esperar.
"Paraíso violento" ocurre en la Louisiana de 1730, un lugar misterioso y pantanoso, con selvas vírgenes y aún poblado por la tribu india natchez. Elise Laffont es una mujer francesa que acabó casada con un hombre brutal y despiadado; su experiencia con los hombres no fue buena, aún los teme y no deja que ninguno la toque. Desde que enviudó se ha fraguado una fama de dama respetable y frígida. Su esposo le dejó unas tierras cerca del fuerte Rosalie, que ahora administra y con las cuales se siente satisfecha.
Nuestro protagonista es Reynaud Chavalier, la sinopsis nos dice que un caballero francés, pero Reynaud no es sólo eso, si no que es un mestizo; su padre era un conde francés y su madre una matriarca de la tribu natchez. Su hermano mellizo ahora es el jefe de la tribu, el Gran Sol, pero Reynaud fue parte de su vida educado en Francia, siendo de dos mundos, pero no perteneciendo a ninguno.
El problema de éste libro será la lucha por la posesión de las tierras, el colonialismo europeo y el exterminio de la cultura india. Jennifer Blake nos transporta a una época cruel y brutal, con un libro escrito con gran sencillez y mucho mimo, es una novela donde se nota el gran estudio antropológico que ha investigado su autora en lo referente a la tribu natchez.
La historia comienza en el fuerte Rosalie, cuando llega Reynaud avisando al comandante de que un contingente de varias tribus indias van a atacar al destacamento, pero el comandante subestima tales noticias, y el primer ataque llega antes de tiempo por parte de los indios natchez. Reynaud no estará entre ellos, se mantendrá neutral, pero durante ésa masacre, ayudará a Elise y a otros pocos colonos que han sobrevivido al ataque a llegar al siguiente fuerte militar francés.
Durante éste viaje por las selvas vírgenes de Louisiana, Elise y Reynaud se enamorarán, entre ellos existe cierta atracción, pero Elise teme a los hombres y a Reynaud no le será fácil acercarse a ella.
Si algo me ha gustado del libro es que pese a lo ochentero que pueda parecer y aún existiendo cierta violencia por la época que trata, no ha habido maltrato ni violaciones entre los protagonistas, Reynaud trata a Elise con mucha ternura y respeto durante toda la novela. Elise ha sido el personaje que más me ha gustado, su madurez, entereza e inteligencia, estoy harta de protagonistas ochenteras que son muñecas de trapo, Elise es una protagonista moderna, con todo lo que implica la palabra, no ha tenido una vida fácil y no buscaba el amor, estaba satisfecha con lo que tenía y no se deja avasallar por ningún hombre, es fuerte y valiente y sabe enfrentarse a un hombre.
También aplaudo una serie de giros que ha tenido el argumento que me han mantenido en tensión y expectante, pero si algo me ha gustado es la mitad del libro que se desarrolla en el poblado indio de los natchez, aprendiendo sobre su forma de vida y su cultura.
Si al libro no le doy las 5 estrellas es porque me ha faltado algo, y el romance no ha sido demasiado sobresaliente, pero en general "Paraíso violento" ha sido un gran descubrimiento y estoy segura de que no será lo único que lea de Jennifer Blake.
could-not-finish
August 31, 2020I had to CNF this at 83%.
The author does a awe-inspiring portrayal of Indiginous American Natchez tribe in terms of how they live, what they believe, how they organize their society etc.—well before the Internet. The subplot with the indigenous American Natchez minor Natchez characters it “too” well-done. The minor Natchez characters were fully developed and vivid as was their lives and their culture. All were “too” well-done. As a credit to the author’s phenomenal skill in capturing them and their lives, I was fully invested in them and I can’t continue to read this. The Natchez people aren’t going to win and if they somehow wiggle out of this particular “pickle” they are in, ultimately, they won’t win. I can’t see how they will even get out of this situation for an HFN in this book. I can’t bear to read any more.
The the “romantic” couple, H/h fell a little flat, though the heroine met my “peculiar” criteria for a “strong” heroine.
NTS: Reason for a place on my “romantic hall of fame” shelf:
Le Sigh, sniff, sniff:
P 111 @28%
“If I were not forsworn,” he said, his voice deep, “I would wrap my hands in the wild silk of your hair and draw you to me, enclosing you in my arms, holding you to me until I could feel the beat of your heart. I would touch your lips with mine, holding their sweet warmth until they opened to me. I would taste the essence of your mouth and probe its source, inviting you with every wile at my command to do the same. I would kiss your forehead, your eyes, the softness of your cheeks, that small seductive hollow behind your ear. Gently I would slide your gown from your shoulders, following its fall with a trail of kisses.”
(Snip)
“Your breasts I would take in my hands, cupping their gentle shape that is both soft and firm, stroking the nipples with finger and tongue until they were tight buds of sweetness. I would press my face into the white flatness of your belly and breathe your scent before searching out those secret places that bring you joy. And when you were ready, when you yearned for me, only then, would I fill you, banishing thought of any other man. I would use the force at my command to your service, your good, bringing to us both that boundless pleasure that is our birthright, our solace, our only certain reward for living. These things I would do, if I were not forsworn.”
Yes, yes, this is all physical, but if the H did not yet realize he loves the h, I do. These sentiments are not inspired by animal lust alone.
The author does a awe-inspiring portrayal of Indiginous American Natchez tribe in terms of how they live, what they believe, how they organize their society etc.—well before the Internet. The subplot with the indigenous American Natchez minor Natchez characters it “too” well-done. The minor Natchez characters were fully developed and vivid as was their lives and their culture. All were “too” well-done. As a credit to the author’s phenomenal skill in capturing them and their lives, I was fully invested in them and I can’t continue to read this. The Natchez people aren’t going to win and if they somehow wiggle out of this particular “pickle” they are in, ultimately, they won’t win. I can’t see how they will even get out of this situation for an HFN in this book. I can’t bear to read any more.
The the “romantic” couple, H/h fell a little flat, though the heroine met my “peculiar” criteria for a “strong” heroine.
NTS: Reason for a place on my “romantic hall of fame” shelf:
Le Sigh, sniff, sniff:
P 111 @28%
“If I were not forsworn,” he said, his voice deep, “I would wrap my hands in the wild silk of your hair and draw you to me, enclosing you in my arms, holding you to me until I could feel the beat of your heart. I would touch your lips with mine, holding their sweet warmth until they opened to me. I would taste the essence of your mouth and probe its source, inviting you with every wile at my command to do the same. I would kiss your forehead, your eyes, the softness of your cheeks, that small seductive hollow behind your ear. Gently I would slide your gown from your shoulders, following its fall with a trail of kisses.”
(Snip)
“Your breasts I would take in my hands, cupping their gentle shape that is both soft and firm, stroking the nipples with finger and tongue until they were tight buds of sweetness. I would press my face into the white flatness of your belly and breathe your scent before searching out those secret places that bring you joy. And when you were ready, when you yearned for me, only then, would I fill you, banishing thought of any other man. I would use the force at my command to your service, your good, bringing to us both that boundless pleasure that is our birthright, our solace, our only certain reward for living. These things I would do, if I were not forsworn.”
Yes, yes, this is all physical, but if the H did not yet realize he loves the h, I do. These sentiments are not inspired by animal lust alone.
August 6, 2013
The girl: Elise Laffont, not one of the original casquette girls (she came on a later ship), and when she arrived in Louisiana she was married off to a brute of an older man (thankfully now dead). She's more than happy to work the land left by her husband and isn't interested in shopping for another spouse anytime soon (sex with hubby #1 was pretty bad).
The guy: Reynaud Chavalier. His mother was Natchez, his father a French Comte. Educated in France, he was sent home to Louisiana with a nice fat inheritance from his father. Reynaud's had an eye for the beautiful young widow for some time, and jumps at the opportunity to rescue Elise and a few other survivors after a brutal raid by the Natchez.
Let's just say Reynaud's conditions for getting everyone to safety are a wee bit unusual and raise a few eyebrows - especially Elise's. That's all I'll say - read it for your self.
This was a bit different from Blake's usual formula, with the heroine being widowed (usually they're virginal), and no forced seduction (a common trope for those older romances). I don't want to say how it comes about, but a goodly portion of the story takes place with the Natchez in their village, with Elise living with and interacting with Reynaud's family and fellow tribesmen. I thought that was a refreshing change - but be warned - there are a lot of details on the history of the Natchez and customs, as well as details of daily living, and that might not suit every read. YMMV.
While I did enjoy this, I didn't warm up to this couple like I have with other JB couples. I also found a lot of typos (conversion errors?), and for that I'm dropping the rating down to three stars. Thumbs up to the author for getting her old books out in digital format, but perhaps there's been too big of a rush and could use one or two more proof reads before putting them on the marketplace.
The guy: Reynaud Chavalier. His mother was Natchez, his father a French Comte. Educated in France, he was sent home to Louisiana with a nice fat inheritance from his father. Reynaud's had an eye for the beautiful young widow for some time, and jumps at the opportunity to rescue Elise and a few other survivors after a brutal raid by the Natchez.
Let's just say Reynaud's conditions for getting everyone to safety are a wee bit unusual and raise a few eyebrows - especially Elise's. That's all I'll say - read it for your self.
This was a bit different from Blake's usual formula, with the heroine being widowed (usually they're virginal), and no forced seduction (a common trope for those older romances). I don't want to say how it comes about, but a goodly portion of the story takes place with the Natchez in their village, with Elise living with and interacting with Reynaud's family and fellow tribesmen. I thought that was a refreshing change - but be warned - there are a lot of details on the history of the Natchez and customs, as well as details of daily living, and that might not suit every read. YMMV.
While I did enjoy this, I didn't warm up to this couple like I have with other JB couples. I also found a lot of typos (conversion errors?), and for that I'm dropping the rating down to three stars. Thumbs up to the author for getting her old books out in digital format, but perhaps there's been too big of a rush and could use one or two more proof reads before putting them on the marketplace.
August 16, 2020
2.5 stars
March 3, 2018
Terminado el primer libro del nuevo #RetoRita #RetoRita2 #RitaBlake, que pertenecía a febrero.
Me ha gustado. No me ha gustado un montonazo de me voy a morir, pero ha sido una lectura muy entretenida, una aventura y una historia que apetecía leer. Tiene más de novela histórica en lo que respecta a todo lo relacionado con los colonos franceses, las tribus indias y choque de culturas, que de historia de amor, que existe, aunque a mí no me ha parecido lo más importante.
Ambos protagonistas son personajes bastante normales (que no planos), con sus virtudes, pero sin defectos destacables. No son perfectos en todo, pero tampoco son tontos, y creo que destacan porque todo encaja con mucha naturalidad entre ellos.
La historia tiene sus sobresaltos, si bien el final se me ha hecho un poco pesado con dar vueltas sobre lo mismo una y otra vez. Y creo que esto es lo único malo que puedo decir de la novela, que ese final se ha alargado más de lo necesario.
En rasgos generales, buena narración, personajes interesantes y todo muy bien contextualizado. Es un buen trabajo el de documentación y escritura.
Me ha gustado. No me ha gustado un montonazo de me voy a morir, pero ha sido una lectura muy entretenida, una aventura y una historia que apetecía leer. Tiene más de novela histórica en lo que respecta a todo lo relacionado con los colonos franceses, las tribus indias y choque de culturas, que de historia de amor, que existe, aunque a mí no me ha parecido lo más importante.
Ambos protagonistas son personajes bastante normales (que no planos), con sus virtudes, pero sin defectos destacables. No son perfectos en todo, pero tampoco son tontos, y creo que destacan porque todo encaja con mucha naturalidad entre ellos.
La historia tiene sus sobresaltos, si bien el final se me ha hecho un poco pesado con dar vueltas sobre lo mismo una y otra vez. Y creo que esto es lo único malo que puedo decir de la novela, que ese final se ha alargado más de lo necesario.
En rasgos generales, buena narración, personajes interesantes y todo muy bien contextualizado. Es un buen trabajo el de documentación y escritura.
February 14, 2018
Finalizado el #RitaBlake! 2'5 estrellitas para un libro que empezó medianamente bien pero se acabó desinflando.
March 11, 2011
FIERCE EDEN by Jennifer Blake is a sweeping, vibrant historical tale of love, honor, betrayal and adventure.
In 1729 Louisiana, long-simmering tension erupts into violence as the beleaguered Natchez Indians attack the French Fort Rosalie, destroying the fort and the surrounding farms and slaughtering the settlers.
Widowed French landowner Elise, after suffering marriage with an abusive husband, has no wish to submit to any man. But in the chaos after the massacre, she must accept the attentions of the half-French Natchez prince, Reynaud, as the price for his protection of her and her little band of survivors.
And so begins a far-ranging tale of culture clash and divided loyalties. Rich in in-depth historical detail and fast-paced action, Ms. Blake's superb novel sweeps you away into a vastly different time and place. Never dull, she draws you into the story of Elise's and Reynaud's increasing love for each other against the background of a world in violent transition.
Fierce Eden immerses you in cultures far different from our own, but where human nature remains the same. Elise, while a woman of her time, is no passive victim. She fights against her fate, and fails and succeeds in turn. Reynaud, as both French and Natchez, is torn between two worlds and must make the wrenching decision of where to place his loyalties.
I love Jennifer Blake. Her novels are exactly the kind of meaty read I adore. Ms. Blake wrote FIERCE EDEN in 1985 and the good news is--she's still writing. Even better, she still writes the same wonderful type of story. May she write for a long time to come, so we fans can enjoy her new novels along with her treasures of the past.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
In 1729 Louisiana, long-simmering tension erupts into violence as the beleaguered Natchez Indians attack the French Fort Rosalie, destroying the fort and the surrounding farms and slaughtering the settlers.
Widowed French landowner Elise, after suffering marriage with an abusive husband, has no wish to submit to any man. But in the chaos after the massacre, she must accept the attentions of the half-French Natchez prince, Reynaud, as the price for his protection of her and her little band of survivors.
And so begins a far-ranging tale of culture clash and divided loyalties. Rich in in-depth historical detail and fast-paced action, Ms. Blake's superb novel sweeps you away into a vastly different time and place. Never dull, she draws you into the story of Elise's and Reynaud's increasing love for each other against the background of a world in violent transition.
Fierce Eden immerses you in cultures far different from our own, but where human nature remains the same. Elise, while a woman of her time, is no passive victim. She fights against her fate, and fails and succeeds in turn. Reynaud, as both French and Natchez, is torn between two worlds and must make the wrenching decision of where to place his loyalties.
I love Jennifer Blake. Her novels are exactly the kind of meaty read I adore. Ms. Blake wrote FIERCE EDEN in 1985 and the good news is--she's still writing. Even better, she still writes the same wonderful type of story. May she write for a long time to come, so we fans can enjoy her new novels along with her treasures of the past.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
July 30, 2011
I usually don't like Native-American romance novels but I love old Jennifer Blake books so I figured that I should just as well give it a try. Of course, I adored it. There is rarely an old Jennifer Blake book that I don't like.
September 7, 2022
Although I really enjoyed the historical background of this book I fear it overshadowed the relationship of the two main characters. I didn’t feel their love through the words. I didn’t feel that Reynaud’s POV was explored enough. It was a good read. But I don’t think I will read it again.
Read
May 18, 2016This was totally one of the romances I read when I was younger because I found it hidden in a box in my mom's closet.
January 24, 2011
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I must say that I am impressed. It's not a fast paced story but a much meatier one than your average fluffy light historical romance.
Sorry ladies but this one doesn't have a sexy legged Scotsman but does have a sexy bare chested half breed American Indian. It does leave me in a quandary as I am partial to kilted Scotsman but after the descriptions here in this story it's making me think I might have to broaden my horizons.
Our heroine Elise Laffont is a very attractive young widow living in Louisiana and trying to make a go of things on her own. Considering the time period it does make this very hard for her as women are still frowned upon as far as intelligence and anything other than being barefoot and pregnant. Elise however is quite happy in her current situation of striking out to make her own path due to having a cruel and abusive husband. Who can blame her really?
Our hero Reynaud Chevalier was born on the wrong side of the tracks. Half Indian and half French he is a man of no people. Upon seeing our heroine though he does make himself indispensable to a fleeing group of French after they have been attacked by the Indians in a brutal raid. But, why should he do something like this even though he is a half breed. He knows the Indians and the French will both despise him for who he is and what he's done so what could be worth the possible cost of his life to help these people.
We travel through the harsh back country of Louisiana striving to stay one step ahead of the Indians while praying with all our might that we make it to the French fort unscathed. Dangers and disagreements abound aplenty, trust is just a five letter word that is tossed around like juggling balls and tempers blaze when all is not as it seems and some find out they have been deceived.
The descriptions are vivid while the historical aspect is over the top intriguing. Throw some romance, sex, brutality, lies, passion and patience and you have one interesting storyline.
Sorry ladies but this one doesn't have a sexy legged Scotsman but does have a sexy bare chested half breed American Indian. It does leave me in a quandary as I am partial to kilted Scotsman but after the descriptions here in this story it's making me think I might have to broaden my horizons.
Our heroine Elise Laffont is a very attractive young widow living in Louisiana and trying to make a go of things on her own. Considering the time period it does make this very hard for her as women are still frowned upon as far as intelligence and anything other than being barefoot and pregnant. Elise however is quite happy in her current situation of striking out to make her own path due to having a cruel and abusive husband. Who can blame her really?
Our hero Reynaud Chevalier was born on the wrong side of the tracks. Half Indian and half French he is a man of no people. Upon seeing our heroine though he does make himself indispensable to a fleeing group of French after they have been attacked by the Indians in a brutal raid. But, why should he do something like this even though he is a half breed. He knows the Indians and the French will both despise him for who he is and what he's done so what could be worth the possible cost of his life to help these people.
We travel through the harsh back country of Louisiana striving to stay one step ahead of the Indians while praying with all our might that we make it to the French fort unscathed. Dangers and disagreements abound aplenty, trust is just a five letter word that is tossed around like juggling balls and tempers blaze when all is not as it seems and some find out they have been deceived.
The descriptions are vivid while the historical aspect is over the top intriguing. Throw some romance, sex, brutality, lies, passion and patience and you have one interesting storyline.
February 3, 2022
This was honestly pretty good. I’ve learned so much about historical facts that I had no idea about: life in the French colony of Louisiana during the 18th century and customs of the Natchez tribe.
July 10, 2024
Es un libro romántico, en el que se mezcla algo de historia de la Luisiana francesa, el final, según mi criterio, es un poco decepcionante.
August 21, 2025
This book was fire, love Elise down she wasn’t taking shit from nobody the entire time and both her and Reynaud stood on absolute business. Not the ending I wanted, but the ending that was deserved smh
April 25, 2011
Elise Laffont and Reynaud Chavalier’s trek through the forest to escape mayhem brings to mind the beginning of the Longfellow poem “Evangeline”:
“This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight…”
Fierce Eden is a vicarious trip back in history with strong, resourceful, and, of course, flawed characters that are memorable. Their will to live, their determination to hold on to the culture they know, and their resilience is mindboggling—awesome reading.
The Natchez Indian Uprising, after so many years of ill treatment by the French, sets in motion events that start gigantic changes in the social structure of Louisiana Territory in the early eighteenth century. Fierce Eden is spellbinding.
Elise Laffont is a widow who has managed her property well since the death of her abusive husband, but her independent ways go against the grain of the many men who want her and her property. She’s been able to meet and beat their challenges until the Natchez Indians attack, killing and burning. Hiding in the forest, with nothing but the clothes on her back, she makes necessary decisions to stay alive. Her back-story gives the reader revealing insight into her survival instincts, her intelligence, and her skill with people.
The French-educated Reynaud Chavalier, half Natchez and half French, drives a hard bargain before he agrees to take Elise and other “on-the-run” French to a safe post. His own agenda puts him in danger, but he knows what he wants and is willing to take the risk. He seems to embody the best of both cultures in which he was reared. He is unquestionably a hero-though a somewhat flawed one. Even flawed, he is a lover that makes the heart race. To Elise who has suffered at the hands of every man she’s ever known, Reynaud is unbelievable. The freedom of choice he gives her becomes an aphrodisiac to Elise—the love scenes sizzle.
Elise and Reynaud’s love story reaches far past the physical. It shows a love that is loyal, faithful, giving, and felt to the core. However, Fierce Eden is much more than just a love story. It plumbs the depth of the human condition, reveals every one of the Cardinal Sins, yet, shows the compassion and caring that some of the characters never lose even when all hope seems gone. It also showcases how history is made and cultures changed.
Jennifer Blake, a master story teller, transports the reader to another time and place as she weaves together incredible descriptions of the environment, historical information, cultural differences, and a fantastic love story to create a tale that will be remembered long after the last page is read. Marvelous reading!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
“This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight…”
Fierce Eden is a vicarious trip back in history with strong, resourceful, and, of course, flawed characters that are memorable. Their will to live, their determination to hold on to the culture they know, and their resilience is mindboggling—awesome reading.
The Natchez Indian Uprising, after so many years of ill treatment by the French, sets in motion events that start gigantic changes in the social structure of Louisiana Territory in the early eighteenth century. Fierce Eden is spellbinding.
Elise Laffont is a widow who has managed her property well since the death of her abusive husband, but her independent ways go against the grain of the many men who want her and her property. She’s been able to meet and beat their challenges until the Natchez Indians attack, killing and burning. Hiding in the forest, with nothing but the clothes on her back, she makes necessary decisions to stay alive. Her back-story gives the reader revealing insight into her survival instincts, her intelligence, and her skill with people.
The French-educated Reynaud Chavalier, half Natchez and half French, drives a hard bargain before he agrees to take Elise and other “on-the-run” French to a safe post. His own agenda puts him in danger, but he knows what he wants and is willing to take the risk. He seems to embody the best of both cultures in which he was reared. He is unquestionably a hero-though a somewhat flawed one. Even flawed, he is a lover that makes the heart race. To Elise who has suffered at the hands of every man she’s ever known, Reynaud is unbelievable. The freedom of choice he gives her becomes an aphrodisiac to Elise—the love scenes sizzle.
Elise and Reynaud’s love story reaches far past the physical. It shows a love that is loyal, faithful, giving, and felt to the core. However, Fierce Eden is much more than just a love story. It plumbs the depth of the human condition, reveals every one of the Cardinal Sins, yet, shows the compassion and caring that some of the characters never lose even when all hope seems gone. It also showcases how history is made and cultures changed.
Jennifer Blake, a master story teller, transports the reader to another time and place as she weaves together incredible descriptions of the environment, historical information, cultural differences, and a fantastic love story to create a tale that will be remembered long after the last page is read. Marvelous reading!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
February 11, 2016
Until recently women have held a precarious position in society. In a world dominated by men, woman’s powers were clandestine, covert, surreptitious, and often hidden behind closed door or under mussed bedclothes. Twenty-five-year-old Elise Laffont is released from an unwanted and unhappy union with her husband Vincent, upon his unexpected death. This sudden release didn’t mean that she was free as her vulnerable position in society made it almost impossible to keep what she had inherited from her late husband. An uprising by the Natchez Indian Tribe found her house burned to the ground and her very life in danger. She is forced to use her beauty and feminine charms to secure escape.
Reynaud Chavalier is a half-breed. His father was a French nobleman that had taken an Indian bride to his bed, resulting in Reynaud. He grew up in the strange and often adventitious position of being accepted by both the French and Indians. Reynaud is known under the name of Hawk-of-the-Night / Tattooed Serpent in the tribe of the Natchez Indians. The differences in the daily life of the relative luxuries of plantation life for the French and the hunter / gatherer existence of the Indians forms an almost unbridgeable void. This is a seldom told story of a time where cultures and peoples from different worlds collide and explode into violence. When the uprising occurs Reynaud offers his help to a small survivor contingent; for a price. An adventure / love story follows. I find it refreshing to read a gripping tale where the occasion coitus is preformed with tenderness and love, and without vulgarity in words and actions.
My knowledge of Indian history and customs is extremely limited but I found myself fascinated with the author’s descriptions. The Indian hierarchy seemed to employ a system, not so different from that of checks and balances in the United States of later days. Women were respected and esteemed by the tribe, as a whole, and would have been good if it was also transferred to later governments around the world.
This is the first book in the Louisiana History Collection. Until 1803 a vast area of land stretching from the Gulf of Mexico into Canada, encompassing fourteen or parts of future states belonged to France. The United States bought the area from the Republic of France in 1803 for $11,250,000, which would be recorded in the annals of history as the Louisiana Purchase. Really enjoying this story, I won’t hesitate to read every book in this series and for that matter everything written by this author. I warmly recommend this story to all those that enjoy historical romances; it will be a welcome addition to anyone’s library.
Reynaud Chavalier is a half-breed. His father was a French nobleman that had taken an Indian bride to his bed, resulting in Reynaud. He grew up in the strange and often adventitious position of being accepted by both the French and Indians. Reynaud is known under the name of Hawk-of-the-Night / Tattooed Serpent in the tribe of the Natchez Indians. The differences in the daily life of the relative luxuries of plantation life for the French and the hunter / gatherer existence of the Indians forms an almost unbridgeable void. This is a seldom told story of a time where cultures and peoples from different worlds collide and explode into violence. When the uprising occurs Reynaud offers his help to a small survivor contingent; for a price. An adventure / love story follows. I find it refreshing to read a gripping tale where the occasion coitus is preformed with tenderness and love, and without vulgarity in words and actions.
My knowledge of Indian history and customs is extremely limited but I found myself fascinated with the author’s descriptions. The Indian hierarchy seemed to employ a system, not so different from that of checks and balances in the United States of later days. Women were respected and esteemed by the tribe, as a whole, and would have been good if it was also transferred to later governments around the world.
This is the first book in the Louisiana History Collection. Until 1803 a vast area of land stretching from the Gulf of Mexico into Canada, encompassing fourteen or parts of future states belonged to France. The United States bought the area from the Republic of France in 1803 for $11,250,000, which would be recorded in the annals of history as the Louisiana Purchase. Really enjoying this story, I won’t hesitate to read every book in this series and for that matter everything written by this author. I warmly recommend this story to all those that enjoy historical romances; it will be a welcome addition to anyone’s library.
February 25, 2011
My thoughts:
I have to admit that I've really enjoyed reading Sourcebooks Casablanca Classics. I'm not usually one for romance books but 'My Love, My Enemy' and now 'Fierce Eden' have been great reads for me this month. Just goes to show you that covers can sometimes be misleading in regards to content. I thought this story was a great blend of romance, adventure, sexual tension, and historical information. I will own up to having fantasies (when I was younger and more naive) of wanting to be swept away by an Indian Chief who crackled with virility and smoldering hotness. Every time I watched 'Last of the Mohicans,' I would often catch myself sighing and dreaming of Unca (Daniel Day Lewis's Indian brother) coming to my rescue and saving me from the brutal British. But I digress....so anyway.....I found myself at many, many times with a huge grin on my face as I read the passionate love scenes between Elise and her half-breed Reynaurd. But the story isn't just about their romance, it's also about the history of Louisiana, the French, and the Indian tribes that lived there during the early 1700's. Jennifer Blake took a few historic occurrences and then wrote a story that firmly plants the reader into the past.
Recommend? Yes..I would recommend this one especially for those readers that enjoy some great historical fiction with a tastefully written love story intertwined within the pages. There honestly isn't one cheesy thing going on here, it's not a Harlequin romance, or a book with just sex. Actually, the sex is fairly minimal and like I wrote above it's very well done. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon...not at all.
Rating: 8/10 (I've decided to go to the 10 point scale as it gives me more room to judge a book rather than 1-5)
I have to admit that I've really enjoyed reading Sourcebooks Casablanca Classics. I'm not usually one for romance books but 'My Love, My Enemy' and now 'Fierce Eden' have been great reads for me this month. Just goes to show you that covers can sometimes be misleading in regards to content. I thought this story was a great blend of romance, adventure, sexual tension, and historical information. I will own up to having fantasies (when I was younger and more naive) of wanting to be swept away by an Indian Chief who crackled with virility and smoldering hotness. Every time I watched 'Last of the Mohicans,' I would often catch myself sighing and dreaming of Unca (Daniel Day Lewis's Indian brother) coming to my rescue and saving me from the brutal British. But I digress....so anyway.....I found myself at many, many times with a huge grin on my face as I read the passionate love scenes between Elise and her half-breed Reynaurd. But the story isn't just about their romance, it's also about the history of Louisiana, the French, and the Indian tribes that lived there during the early 1700's. Jennifer Blake took a few historic occurrences and then wrote a story that firmly plants the reader into the past.
Recommend? Yes..I would recommend this one especially for those readers that enjoy some great historical fiction with a tastefully written love story intertwined within the pages. There honestly isn't one cheesy thing going on here, it's not a Harlequin romance, or a book with just sex. Actually, the sex is fairly minimal and like I wrote above it's very well done. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon...not at all.
Rating: 8/10 (I've decided to go to the 10 point scale as it gives me more room to judge a book rather than 1-5)
January 18, 2016
I got this book as part of a Louisiana History bundle that was free on Kindle. I am glad that I did not pay for this book, because I was largely disappointed. To be clear, the history and culture of the native Americans in this book was painstakingly researched, and was presented without prejudice. It was a historically accurate picture of the relationships between the settlements in new France and I was really impressed with the work that was put into this book from an accuracy standpoint. The writing is detailed and thorough that can I expect from general romance writing. This was truly a historical romance, more than a romance set in a historical period.
However, I found that the romance part to be extremely illogical. The characters were extremely developed, and the female lead was so strong, so intelligent, and so capable. She was everything you hope for in a heroin, independent to a fault. The male character, though equally a strong a character and very well written, was dishonest, high-handed, and took pleasure in embarrassing those around him. I don't mind a black hat - that's not my issue. It's just that a woman like our heroin willingly staid with this kind of a person. He repeatedly treated her horribly, and made a pretense of giving her the choice to go or stay. He never expressed any regret, never apologized, just continually treated her badly -- and she made the decision to stay! It made no sense to me and I wasn't able to finish the story because women made out to be that strong and intelligent don't allow make a choice to live under that kind of oppression when given the choice. Not even for love.
Three stars because it was such a beautifully written account, but the story hurt my heart.
However, I found that the romance part to be extremely illogical. The characters were extremely developed, and the female lead was so strong, so intelligent, and so capable. She was everything you hope for in a heroin, independent to a fault. The male character, though equally a strong a character and very well written, was dishonest, high-handed, and took pleasure in embarrassing those around him. I don't mind a black hat - that's not my issue. It's just that a woman like our heroin willingly staid with this kind of a person. He repeatedly treated her horribly, and made a pretense of giving her the choice to go or stay. He never expressed any regret, never apologized, just continually treated her badly -- and she made the decision to stay! It made no sense to me and I wasn't able to finish the story because women made out to be that strong and intelligent don't allow make a choice to live under that kind of oppression when given the choice. Not even for love.
Three stars because it was such a beautifully written account, but the story hurt my heart.
June 2, 2013
Elise Laffont is a beautiful, yet cold young woman. Only twenty-five, she is a widow running her small farm. The farm gives her happiness, even though the men at Fort Rosalie ensure Elise she can't run it properly or successfully without a man by her side. But Elise has hardened her heart toward men. After her husband treated her badly, abusive and mocking, she has no wish for another to touch her or her them.
Reynaud Chevalier is half Natchez and half French, so he pretty much gets a bad rap, even though he is a fierce warrior and easy on the eyes. The moment his eyes alight on Elise he is curious and also instantly wants her. She raises her chin defiantly toward him and that is that.
But when Fort Rosalie and the surrounding areas are attacked by the Natchez, Elise manages to escape to the forest with a few other survivors. Reynaud offers to help the small party to a safe destination if Elise agrees to become his bed companion. Talk about caught between a rock and a hard place!!
Reynaud takes things slow as he realizes that Elise is skittish and afraid, but she eventually cannot contain the passion and desire she has for him. But the Reynaud is named the new war chief for the Natchez, he takes Elise with him to the camp and she tries valiantly to fit in. But with the French attacking the tribe, what sort of future can the two of them from two different lifes foresee?
Filled with passion, wonderful character development against a rich tapestry of history and a war, Fierce Eden is a delectable way to spend an afternoon. Well paced, compelling, and delightfully satisfying, romance lovers are sure to enjoy this one!
Reynaud Chevalier is half Natchez and half French, so he pretty much gets a bad rap, even though he is a fierce warrior and easy on the eyes. The moment his eyes alight on Elise he is curious and also instantly wants her. She raises her chin defiantly toward him and that is that.
But when Fort Rosalie and the surrounding areas are attacked by the Natchez, Elise manages to escape to the forest with a few other survivors. Reynaud offers to help the small party to a safe destination if Elise agrees to become his bed companion. Talk about caught between a rock and a hard place!!
Reynaud takes things slow as he realizes that Elise is skittish and afraid, but she eventually cannot contain the passion and desire she has for him. But the Reynaud is named the new war chief for the Natchez, he takes Elise with him to the camp and she tries valiantly to fit in. But with the French attacking the tribe, what sort of future can the two of them from two different lifes foresee?
Filled with passion, wonderful character development against a rich tapestry of history and a war, Fierce Eden is a delectable way to spend an afternoon. Well paced, compelling, and delightfully satisfying, romance lovers are sure to enjoy this one!
April 23, 2017
War and love
While reading this book I felt drawn towards the plight of the hero and heroine. She suffered at the hands of a husband and was scared of men and the hero gives her back the control she needed to overcome her fears. I'm glad at the end that they finally end up together. True love conquers all adversity.
While reading this book I felt drawn towards the plight of the hero and heroine. She suffered at the hands of a husband and was scared of men and the hero gives her back the control she needed to overcome her fears. I'm glad at the end that they finally end up together. True love conquers all adversity.
January 16, 2020
It could have been worse, and it could have been way, way better.
Look, I like a "bad boy" as much as anyone. But this book is both racist and sexist. I don't know, maybe the term "half-breed" wasn't considered to be offensive in the 1980s. Maybe they wanted to be historically accurate. But this awkward, constant usage of words like "savage" and "uncivilized" to describe the Natchez wore thin on my 21st-century ears. (Or eyes, I guess.)
I'm willing to endure a little bit of forcefulness, a little bit of creepiness, on the part of the love interest. I get it. The target audience of these books likes the idea of feeling desired, to the point where a man can barely control himself around her.
But this guy crosses the line and becomes abusive right from the get-go. Yeah, the woman is racist and rude. Ignore her, then. Tell her where to go. Honestly explain to her why her words were hurtful and how she'd better be more respectful if she's going to expect you to save her. Any of those three would have been better than what he actually did, which was say that she has to perform "wifely duties"--cooking, cleaning, and yes, sex--for him if she wants him to save her and her traveling companions. He only relents on the sex part because he learns she was abused and raped by her late husband. So...if she hadn't been, your behavior would have been acceptable? I'm sorry, you lost any sympathy I had for you.
He doesn't rape her in the classic definition of the word, but he does force her to touch him (non-sexually) and later kiss him. Then, after she finally has sex with him, he decides he's going to kidnap her and force her to be his wife. Yeah. She has no say in this--she even tries to escape from him. But of course, since this is that kind of book, she eventually grows to love him.
Look, I know this is how many people got together in those times. Stockholm syndrome aplenty, because life sucks, kidnapping, rape, and slavery are rampant, and you do what you have to in order to survive. Eventually, your psyche can't take the stress of constantly resisting the man who has forced you to warm his bed, and you convince yourself that he's a good, loving man. I might have succumbed even sooner than she did.
Now, why did I give this book two stars instead of one? Because...I kind of liked it. I loved the author's descriptions of everything happening, of every location, of the ways of life of the French and of the Natchez. I like flowery language. I like romantic settings, except for the stuff that isn't so romantic (like, slavery and rape). Jennifer Blake is a skilled author, and when I pretended that the creepy and stuff didn't exist, it was an enjoyable story.
So, if you're into that stuff, and you're willing to forgive the rest, go ahead and give this a read.
Look, I like a "bad boy" as much as anyone. But this book is both racist and sexist. I don't know, maybe the term "half-breed" wasn't considered to be offensive in the 1980s. Maybe they wanted to be historically accurate. But this awkward, constant usage of words like "savage" and "uncivilized" to describe the Natchez wore thin on my 21st-century ears. (Or eyes, I guess.)
I'm willing to endure a little bit of forcefulness, a little bit of creepiness, on the part of the love interest. I get it. The target audience of these books likes the idea of feeling desired, to the point where a man can barely control himself around her.
But this guy crosses the line and becomes abusive right from the get-go. Yeah, the woman is racist and rude. Ignore her, then. Tell her where to go. Honestly explain to her why her words were hurtful and how she'd better be more respectful if she's going to expect you to save her. Any of those three would have been better than what he actually did, which was say that she has to perform "wifely duties"--cooking, cleaning, and yes, sex--for him if she wants him to save her and her traveling companions. He only relents on the sex part because he learns she was abused and raped by her late husband. So...if she hadn't been, your behavior would have been acceptable? I'm sorry, you lost any sympathy I had for you.
He doesn't rape her in the classic definition of the word, but he does force her to touch him (non-sexually) and later kiss him. Then, after she finally has sex with him, he decides he's going to kidnap her and force her to be his wife. Yeah. She has no say in this--she even tries to escape from him. But of course, since this is that kind of book, she eventually grows to love him.
Look, I know this is how many people got together in those times. Stockholm syndrome aplenty, because life sucks, kidnapping, rape, and slavery are rampant, and you do what you have to in order to survive. Eventually, your psyche can't take the stress of constantly resisting the man who has forced you to warm his bed, and you convince yourself that he's a good, loving man. I might have succumbed even sooner than she did.
Now, why did I give this book two stars instead of one? Because...I kind of liked it. I loved the author's descriptions of everything happening, of every location, of the ways of life of the French and of the Natchez. I like flowery language. I like romantic settings, except for the stuff that isn't so romantic (like, slavery and rape). Jennifer Blake is a skilled author, and when I pretended that the creepy and stuff didn't exist, it was an enjoyable story.
So, if you're into that stuff, and you're willing to forgive the rest, go ahead and give this a read.
December 22, 2018
A French widow, Elise Lafont, is saved from massacre by the Natchez by not being home when they attacked. Later, she, two other Frenchmen, and an elderly French woman are traveling with Renault, a man who is both French and Natchez. He takes them to safety but later become the War Leader of the Natchez, according to his family's legacy.
While this is a fictionalized account of the settling of Louisiana, there is so much history steeped into the plot. I especially loved that! I liked the fictional love story, with the Indians not being neither good nor bad, and the French being neither good nor bad. Both nationalities were just human, and Blake did a fabulous job of showing their strengths and frailties.
I would most likely read this again!
While this is a fictionalized account of the settling of Louisiana, there is so much history steeped into the plot. I especially loved that! I liked the fictional love story, with the Indians not being neither good nor bad, and the French being neither good nor bad. Both nationalities were just human, and Blake did a fabulous job of showing their strengths and frailties.
I would most likely read this again!
June 27, 2020
A lengthy story, however I found it rather interesting for the historical and ethnographical details (also evident that the author did lengthy and thorough research)
I thought that the minor/ supporting characters were fleshed out and I found caring for them too, for they were after all just people caught up in the goings on of that time.
The romance... fell a bit for me. (It also did seem a bit Stockholm syndrome-y?) Perhaps with somehow so much going on for the couple, the romance part of the book seemed...an afterthought/something on the backburner for me? Or maybe I just did not see it for what it was.
All in all: As historical novel, I would say yes it is very good.
As a Romance, eehh.*so –so hand gesture*
I thought that the minor/ supporting characters were fleshed out and I found caring for them too, for they were after all just people caught up in the goings on of that time.
The romance... fell a bit for me. (It also did seem a bit Stockholm syndrome-y?) Perhaps with somehow so much going on for the couple, the romance part of the book seemed...an afterthought/something on the backburner for me? Or maybe I just did not see it for what it was.
All in all: As historical novel, I would say yes it is very good.
As a Romance, eehh.*so –so hand gesture*
July 5, 2023
This book has Blake’s usual formula of mixing history with fiction which she does so beautifully. She gives you more than a glimpse into the imperfect but sadly lost world of the Natchez tribe. Although It was a little overdone when Blake used the heroine to basically ask the reader the naïve question, “Can’t we all just get along?”. No, not as long as humans have egos and desires. At least she was honest about the evils that ALL men, including the tribes, inflicted upon each other.
The couple didn’t suffer from idiotic misunderstanding. I appreciated that we got into Reynaud’s mind right for the start to see how taken he was with Elise. Heads up: This book was definitely more graphic than her others.
The couple didn’t suffer from idiotic misunderstanding. I appreciated that we got into Reynaud’s mind right for the start to see how taken he was with Elise. Heads up: This book was definitely more graphic than her others.
August 25, 2023
In searching for a good historical, fictional read set in Louisiana - I found this gem/series. I loved the author's note at the end which included some of the references used, including an archaeological report, which was a nice addition to the historical texts. --The ending was lovely but wish there was a line or so about whether the main couple had a family together as I was a little uncertain if it was implied Elise was barren.
December 21, 2024
This is appallingly racist, even with old school romance goggles on. The MMC is referred to as half-breed for part of the book in an attempt to other him and give him growth. It features a strong white savior arc with the FMC. And yet, the book is also deeply romantic and I stuck it out the entire time. It's one of those books that loses points for content and I can't truly recommend, and yet I enjoyed the romantic arc itself and especially the final declarations of love.
May 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this book (actually the whole series). It blends love & lust - my guilty pleasure, with historical supposition (not sure if these are all facts, but certainly plausible).
This series weaves stories of how the various cultures that wound up in Louisiana (Spanish, French, Creole, Indian, etc.) interacted and in some cases intermarried.
This series weaves stories of how the various cultures that wound up in Louisiana (Spanish, French, Creole, Indian, etc.) interacted and in some cases intermarried.
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May 18, 2024Negaliu reitinguoti, nes nepabaigiau.
Iš esmės istorija visai nebloga, netgi butų buvusi tobula prieš kokia 30 metu, kai dar buvau paaugle ir dievinau indėnus.
Bet dabar jau labai jaučiasi senoviškas rašymo stilius (knyga parašyta 1985 m), ir per daug nuobodžiai skamba. Nusprendžiau nebesikankinti ir nešvaistyti laiko, kai aplink yra tiek daug kitu geru knygų.
Iš esmės istorija visai nebloga, netgi butų buvusi tobula prieš kokia 30 metu, kai dar buvau paaugle ir dievinau indėnus.
Bet dabar jau labai jaučiasi senoviškas rašymo stilius (knyga parašyta 1985 m), ir per daug nuobodžiai skamba. Nusprendžiau nebesikankinti ir nešvaistyti laiko, kai aplink yra tiek daug kitu geru knygų.
September 30, 2024
3 1/2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ - a lot better audible reader!!! I liked this story but hearing Renaud referred to as a “half breed” though rough the book when referring to his character and not by a character was grating on my ears. It was hard to listen to and disturbed me greatly. It was awful to hear his constantly referred to by that term when he proved to be so much more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews