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Secret Fires #4
The Loner
In the midst of the vast, windswept Texas plains stands a ranch wrested from the wilderness with blood, sweat and tears. It is the shining legacy of Thomas McBride to his five living heirs. But along with the fertile acres and herds of cattle, each will inherit a history of scandal, lies and hidden lust that threaten to burn out of control.
As first born, Stone had always tried to do the right thing, but that hadn't stopped his brother and sister from turning on him or the woman he loved from turning him down. In the years since, Stone has learned to go it alone. He returns to the Circle M for the money promised him, not for the family he once fought to protect, and certainly not for the woman his heart can't forget.
As first born, Stone had always tried to do the right thing, but that hadn't stopped his brother and sister from turning on him or the woman he loved from turning him down. In the years since, Stone has learned to go it alone. He returns to the Circle M for the money promised him, not for the family he once fought to protect, and certainly not for the woman his heart can't forget.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2004
58 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Rogers
46 books35 followersDon’t get me wrong...I love my husband...but I’ve spent a lifetime caught in a passionate affair. My lover taunts, teases, enrages, thrills, amuses, and ultimately satisfies. His name? Language. Readers, you know what I’m talking about. Whether written, spoken, or sung, words entice me as no other human invention could ever do. Okay, music is a close second; when you put the two together, the result is sublime.
Like most writers, I came to this devilish profession through a love of reading. I’ve worked as a crime reporter, teacher, librarian - challenges all. They culminated in the creation of stories of my own, both contemporary and historical. My wish is that you let them seduce you
I live in San Antonio with my husband, dote on five grandsons, and travel whenever and wherever I can. My photo was taken on the dock in Liverpool, England, in front of a modern sculpture of a “lamb-banana,” the artist’s whimsical cross between a lamb and a banana. This was shortly before an emotional trip to the boyhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Like most writers, I came to this devilish profession through a love of reading. I’ve worked as a crime reporter, teacher, librarian - challenges all. They culminated in the creation of stories of my own, both contemporary and historical. My wish is that you let them seduce you
I live in San Antonio with my husband, dote on five grandsons, and travel whenever and wherever I can. My photo was taken on the dock in Liverpool, England, in front of a modern sculpture of a “lamb-banana,” the artist’s whimsical cross between a lamb and a banana. This was shortly before an emotional trip to the boyhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 18, 2015
The Loner is the fourth and final book in the multi-author Secret Fires series (look at end of this review if you want list of books and authors). As another reviewer said, this was my favorite of the series. I'm not sure how this book would work as a stand alone read. I know the story would miss some of the depth that comes from getting to know the McBride family over the previous books. I would definitely recommend these books to others- especially those who enjoy historical western romances. The emotion the author portrayed in all of the books, particularly this one, was amazing. I often wanted to slap the "hero" for his very unhero-like behavior at times. In many ways, I felt this book was more realistic than many of the recent romances I've read. People aren't all black and white and it's unrealistic to think everyone knows their own motivation for behavior. I don't want to include any spoilers but I will say the "villain" got what they deserved, though with all the suffering caused....well maybe I'm alittle vindictive at times. Lol.
Heat level: there are sex scenes and lots of passion but also some fade to black. If hardcore Erotica was a 10 and Christan romance a 1, I'd put this at a 5-6. I like reading all genres and this book had the perfect amount of passion and spice.
I know many of us who've been reading western romances for a very long time (I think I was ten when I snuck my first Barbara Cartland and other Harlequin reads- I later found out my grandma had strategically censored any books that were too risqué) know the ladies who wrote this series and I've read many of there books before. I hope that them now being on kindle and on kindle unlimited, that a new group of readers who enjoy theses books and authors.
Book 1: Wild One by Elaine Barbieri
Book 2: the Half Breed by Bobbi Smith
Book 3: the Agreement by Constance O'Banyon
Book 4: The Loner by Evelyn Rogers
Heat level: there are sex scenes and lots of passion but also some fade to black. If hardcore Erotica was a 10 and Christan romance a 1, I'd put this at a 5-6. I like reading all genres and this book had the perfect amount of passion and spice.
I know many of us who've been reading western romances for a very long time (I think I was ten when I snuck my first Barbara Cartland and other Harlequin reads- I later found out my grandma had strategically censored any books that were too risqué) know the ladies who wrote this series and I've read many of there books before. I hope that them now being on kindle and on kindle unlimited, that a new group of readers who enjoy theses books and authors.
Book 1: Wild One by Elaine Barbieri
Book 2: the Half Breed by Bobbi Smith
Book 3: the Agreement by Constance O'Banyon
Book 4: The Loner by Evelyn Rogers
October 6, 2024
This is the final (4th book) in the series Secret Fires. Each book in the series is written by a different author. To follow the storyline best read in order although you can read as a stand-alone. The whole story revolves around three brothers and one sister, their losses and their loves. This book is about the final brother coming home with the reunion not really a happy one. An evil stepmother gets what she deserves as her conniving finally comes to a head. HEA for all.
July 23, 2024
Last in the series, this one started out kind of slow. Maybe it should have been called Stone. Because everyone seemed to be made like that. But then it started to get interesting. The love story is very good but shy of great. The hero and heroine are supposed to be reserved and private. But the came off as depressed and defensive at times. Still a good read for the end of the story series!
May 6, 2019
Loner
I loved this story, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
I loved this story, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
June 3, 2019
Great Series
This was a beautiful series. The ending caught me by surprise. Hope they write another series. Highly recommend. I would recommend reading in order.
This was a beautiful series. The ending caught me by surprise. Hope they write another series. Highly recommend. I would recommend reading in order.
November 25, 2023
Enjoyed the all four books. They were good. Clare was so mean. The other characters were like able.I would recommend it.
February 23, 2025
Importance of family
Great story well writtten.Great story of love and family.Some mystery and hate I recmend this book
You want to not put it down
Great story well writtten.Great story of love and family.Some mystery and hate I recmend this book
You want to not put it down
October 18, 2025
The Loner
Excellent. Again, I had trouble putting this book aside. Wonderful, heartfelt story. Thank You for this spellbouding story. Western Romances are my favorites.
Excellent. Again, I had trouble putting this book aside. Wonderful, heartfelt story. Thank You for this spellbouding story. Western Romances are my favorites.
August 18, 2016
Family Strength and Unity Against All Odds
The four book story of the McBride Family is brought to a surprising twist at the end of the last book. This book details Stone's saga. As the oldest brother, he was determined to never return to Sidewinder and the loving arms of the woman he could not forget. Until another little lady forced him to return to the Circle M at his dying father's last request.
The four book story of the McBride Family is brought to a surprising twist at the end of the last book. This book details Stone's saga. As the oldest brother, he was determined to never return to Sidewinder and the loving arms of the woman he could not forget. Until another little lady forced him to return to the Circle M at his dying father's last request.
March 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this romance novel. I love how the main character is hard shelled but has a soft side with a secret he keeped from his first love when he was younger. Annie is a sweet gal that has that rough edge she trys to keep up all the time but learns to let her guard down more.
May 17, 2016
Hard to read.
The story line seemed to be good but the method of presenting this book makes it very difficult. There are no spaces between the words. I wish I could have read more of the book. Hope it will revives and offered again .
The story line seemed to be good but the method of presenting this book makes it very difficult. There are no spaces between the words. I wish I could have read more of the book. Hope it will revives and offered again .
June 22, 2010
2.5 stars
August 3, 2012
More 2.5
June 26, 2016
Wonderful story
This book had all the McBrides in it. They went through a lot, but they made it through it all as a family. I loved this story.
This book had all the McBrides in it. They went through a lot, but they made it through it all as a family. I loved this story.
July 26, 2021
Not bad. I really liked it especially the ending.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews